Visible Ghosts

25

The week flew by. I didn't go to anymore hours, but Zane went to two more, on Tuesday and Thursday. My shift at the tackle shop was a welcome reprieve from the constant surveillance and reporting for the Walter Sky mission. Zane found how Nic was released from bail, the video was edited from a previous occasion but was made to look like it was the same day when in reality he was dealing in more nefarious affairs. What bothers us, is that we can't figure out who did the editing and how it ended up anonymously with Nic's lawyer. The type of work done is more along the lines of what Corey and Victor are capable of, rather than some joe schmoe off the streets.

Now that it's Friday, we're both in better spirits. With only have one class, a few hours of work, and the weekend free, today is looking up. I almost compliment Zane as we walk into the garage, my good mood bubbling out of me, but I bite my tongue. If he knew that I was checking our shared calendar without any prompting he would never let me hear the end of it. I was making sure it made sense for both of us to ride into school together, I have an afternoon shift at the hospital and the calendar says that Zane is going into the office for a few hours too. We both have enough time to come home, eat lunch, then go to our respective jobs.

Today is the first class that Owen is allocating the second half of class to group work. We are supposed to come up with our project and have the idea submitted by the end of the day. I slipped into class right as it was starting on Wednesday so I wouldn't have to deal with James antagonizing the academy guys. Marc sent me a wink when he saw me slide into an empty seat a row in front of him but other than that, my contact was limited.

There's no way I'm going to be able to avoid them today, it's getting harder to understand why Dad chose for all three of our teams to work this mission together. Based on what I can see they've barely made any progress, granted they did put up an extensive surveillance network that I have used on more than one occasion but it's yet to catch anything concrete. Why risk blowing our cover when Zane and I could have done the mission ourselves, it wouldn't be the first time that we've been in the trenches for more than a year, the way this mission is panning out I wouldn't be surprised if we're stuck going to college again for a couple more semesters.

"Morning cupcake," Luke's sugary voice floats by my ear, the waft of vanilla tickling my nose as he dances into my view. He dressed in what I would call business bum; he's wearing khaki slacks with a blue button down, the sleeves rolled to his elbows and the top three buttons undone to show a peek of his chest. His long blonde hair is tied up in a bun, a few locks framing his angular face. Brown flip flops bring the whole ensemble to a mix of business casual and surfer dude.

"Hi Luke," I respond kindly, my stride never breaking as I continue walking to the lecture hall. "How was your week?"

A devious glint takes hold for second but leaves just as quickly. "Nothing too boring, pulled a prank on my baby brother that he has yet to find." He winks as he throws an arm around my shoulder. "You look like you can keep a secret, so I'll let you in on the plan." I raise an eyebrow waiting on what he's cooked up. "I switched out all of his gym shorts for pink ones and mismatched all of his socks." He laughs joyfully, the sound causing a smile to form on my own lips. He's so carefree sometimes, it's hard to think of him being a seasoned and well-trained academy member.

"I'm sure he'll love that." I laugh with him, nudging him with my arm I bring myself into the fold. "Next time you'll have to let me in on a prank, it's no fun getting Zane anymore."

Without warning, Luke wraps both arms around me and spins me in a circle, his brown eyes shining with laughter. "You're the best cupcake!" He exclaims before setting me down gently and tugging my bookbag straps back into place. "I can't wait to see my baby brother."

"And why would that be Luke?" North's asks from behind. Spinning around, I see that North is dressed in his usual all black attire, matching the scowl he's giving his brother with both arms crossed over his chest.