A Number, Not a Name

No Way Out

Present-day:

Liana sat on the edge of her bed, utterly exhausted. She placed her clutch on her nightstand and then reached down and slipped off her black heels. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It had been a very long and tiring evening. On nights like tonight, it was easy for doubt to try and take over her mind. The past five years had been long and exhausting but in a few more days it would all be worth it. At least that's what she told herself. She sat up from the bed and reached the closet. After sliding the closet door open, she started untying the bow in the back of her dress. She stopped as she eyed her bracelet, thinking back to a time nearly two decades before. Her eyes then landed on the jewelry box tucked in the corner of the closet shelf. Memories flooded her mind as she combed through its contents. Finally, she found it. Her mother's charm bracelet.

She let out a shaky breath as she held the piece of jewelry in her hand. She remembered her sister's gentle smile. The tender look in her eyes when she gave her the bracelet. To Neptune and Back. Forever. That's what they had promised each other. How easily promises could be broken. It had nearly killed her inside, seeing Milena these past few weeks yet not being able to talk to her face to face. Right now they were on opposing sides of the spectrum. For both their sakes it was best to stay out of each other's lives. The only thing they'd probably agree on would be their hatred for Dalmar. Beyond that, there wasn't anything to bind them together.

A tear escaped Liana's eye. She had hoped her and Milena's love for one another would be enough but in the end, tragedy had torn them apart.

.....

Tasha lay back in bed; she had to admit, it was rather nice to feel a soft mattress beneath her after all the hours she'd spent on her feet, never mind her argument with Jason.

Only one more day. Thank goodness. She turned over, sinking her head into the pillow.

She found himself thinking about home, not her place in D.C., but the home she shared with her mom and dad, who had died a couple of years ago. It had been the best of times growing up. Being an only child one could say her parents spoiled her. Dolls, dresses, coloring books. Every gift imaginable they had given their little girl. Yet they had instilled in her a sense of responsibility and hard work. Told her to never quit on a job or task but to see it through to the end. She supposed that was why she was always determined to make sure all her assignments were a success. If only her parents could see her now. Her life as an NSA agent. She severely doubted this was the life they had had in mind for their daughter, considering how protective they had been over her. Every fall or tumble they'd be there by her side. As a girl, she'd sometimes be a little annoyed by their constant babying of her. Being such a free independent spirit all she wanted was to spread her wings and fly. Now what she wouldn't give for them to fuss over her again. To talk to them just one more time.

Tasha turned on her side and wiped a tear streaming down her cheek. She wasn't one to dwell on or show her feelings. She'd push them to the side and keep on going, it was easier that way. To those on the outside, it seemed like she was unaffected or even cold and distant. Like nothing affected her. As if she didn't feel anything. But the truth was she did feel deeply. Love. Loss. Joy. Pain. Every emotion tugged at her heart. For her, especially in this line of work, it seemed better to try to forget them. It was easier not to open up. To stay closed off. Not many people could get past her walls. She'd supposed it'd stay that way.

Perhaps that's what makes me a good agent. My ability to not let my emotions impact my decisions...unlike other people. Tasha shut her eyes and shook her head. Just forget it. Soon enough he'll be someone else's headache. She chuckled and glanced at the clock on her nightstand. 4:30. I really need to get some sleep. Tasha closed her eyes and tried to block out the city noises in the distance.