The Price We've Paid

Old Friends

6 Months Later

Screeeeeeeech!!!!!

You slammed on your breaks as the light in front of you turned red. You hadn't expected the car in front of you to stop, causing you to practically have to stand on the pedal to avoid hitting them. Your body jolted forward as your car skidded to a stop; and as your back finally relaxed back into the seat, your phone rang.

"What have you got for me Ty?" You asked, a hint of annoyance in your tone; though you didn't intend for it to be directed at him.

"Got a hit on your friend Booker; security camera caught him in Paris about 3 hours ago."

On your phone screen a photo of Booker suddenly popped up; he was walking into what looked like an apartment building.

"That's him alright," you said, as the light turned green and you began to move forward. "When's the next flight out?"

"Depends on how fast you can get to JFK." Ty responded sarcastically.

"Private or commercial?" You asked, as you quickly moved into a lane on the highway that would lead you toward the airport.

"Cargo," He answered.

You felt a smile crawl up your lips.

"Even better; I swear it's like you get me!"

You could hear him laugh on the other end of the phone. "I've gotten pretty used to your unique preferences Zo.

"Well, you know I appreciate it." You muttered while maneuvering around traffic. 

"I know you do. I just sent you the boarding info. I used Alias 14."

"Got it," you answered, instantly changing your accent from American to British. Alias 14 was one of your European identities.

"You need anything else?" He asked curiously.

"No, I think I'm good. I'll send you a shout if I need anything," you said, as you swerved into the lane that trailed off towards JFK.

"Alright boss, have a safe flight. Give him hell." Ty responded before hanging up the phone.

I certainly will. You thought as you heard the call end.

Half an hour later, you pulled into a parking space and quickly exited the driver's seat. You pushed your keys, phone, a charger, and a few other things you needed into a bag you found in your trunk, quickly changed clothes and grabbed Alias 14's passport.

"Stella McCourt," you announced, as you met the pilot of the cargo plane at the airfield. "I believe you spoke with my associate."

"Ahhh yes, Ms. McCourt, everything's all ready to go; shall we?" The pilot asked as he gestured toward his plane.

"Let's get on with it," you answered, stalking toward the air strip.

The flight was longer and bumpier than you would've preferred, especially since there was little room for you to spread out your equipment in the cargo hold. But it had to do.

You spent the flight digging into the photos Ty had found of Booker on your tablet. You hacked everything you could think of to get a full picture. In a matter of a few hours, you had figured out where he was living, how long he'd been there, and what he was doing in his free time.

Then you saw her...

"Fuck," you cussed aloud as you began frantically typing commands on your keyboard.

As you did, more and more pictures of Quynh appeared on your screen.

"Oh, holy shit!" You mumbled, as you ran your fingers through your hair.