Phantom ~ [Simon Ghost Riley]

XVIII. Stealth and snipers

"Stop lying," I'm quick to respond.

"Who says I'm lying?" He sighs loudly, though not annoyed, "Saw you enter our area alone. You never know what happens here.."

"What would happen here? We're in a secured area of the already secured base," I ask, confused as to what he's referring to.

He, ofcourse, doesn't respond. Instead, he turns around and stands next to the window that overlooks the atrium, "I was on the way to my office when I saw your light was on. That's all."

"What are you doing working this late?" I ask, genuinely curious.

He turns back to face me, "I had a meeting with Price a few hours ago. Stayed behind to do some digging into the company he mentioned."

I have to think twice about their name. Price did mention them earlier.

"That-... Spike company?" I ask, "You don't trust them?"

"I trust Price," he says in a serious tone.

I think about his words for a few seconds.

"Do you trust me?" The words leave my lips before I can think about them twice.

Why on earth would I ask that...

He steps closer to me and we're now only a few inches apart. I feel the edge of my desk dig into the back of my thighs as he gets closer and closer.

He lowers his head before speaking in his low voice, "No... I don't." Silence follows for a few seconds, "Just like you shouldn't trust me."

"-I don't," I say, "... I don't trust you."

"Good," His eyes glide across my face in the dimmed setting.

Memories of last night flood my brain and I once again bite the inside of my cheek, trying my absolute hardest not to give in to the thoughts. He squints for a split second and I can tell he's enjoying this far, far too much.

"What is it, Ace?" he says, "What is it you're thinking of?"

"-Nothing," I try my best to keep my voice as regular sounding as possible.

"Is that so?" he taunts as his eyes bounce back and forth between mine.

"-Stop it," I rasp, "lieutenant."

He hums in response to my choice of words.

"...Oh," a smile immediately forms on my lips, "You like that? Don't you, lieutenant?"

Now I've got him.

I squint back at him, leaning forward a little as he stands up straight again.

"You seem to have this little act going on about being able to handle yourself so well..." I say, "I'll tell you what... The first one to give in loses. "

He huffs sarcastically as his head rolls back.

"What, lieutenant? You don't think you can do that?"

"-The fuck I can't," he breathes, ducking down again, ".. Fine."

"Fine," I respond as I get off my desk and head toward the door.

He keeps his position and turns to me as I reach the exit.

"What's the hurry?" he asks.

I hesitate, "Nothing... I just wanted to give Keegan a call before midnight. To thank him for getting us out of that scary forest, you know?" I smile at him.