Beyond What Meets The Eye

Chapter Twenty-One

Mira had never really craved social interaction until now. She rolled over in her bed and glanced down at her phone. She'd been spinning lies for the last week to her coach, her school, and Jada, excusing her absence and ultimately didn't really talk to anyone other than Leo when he occasionally felt like making a snarky remark to her or her father.

It was only nine, but she imagined Adrian was up. Hopefully he wouldn't think she was too needy for texting him about non spy related stuff.

She slipped into the bathroom and pulled out the phone he'd given her. He couldn't blame her for wanting to talk to someone given her situation right?

Mira: I never got a chance to ask before, but how's Pickles?

She was so caught up in everything yesterday she forgot to ask him the most important question of them all. She missed her chunky little pug and was convinced if he was there to snuggle with her things would be a lot easier. Adrian responded surprisingly quickly.

Unknown Number: Big guy has had no problem making himself at home. I'm worried he's beginning to think I'm his dad...

Mira giggled to herself. Who knew Adrian would have a such a soft spot for her dog.

Mira: Don't worry, I'll let you see him once we go back home so he won't think his dad abandoned him.

Unknown number: Thank god, he's already worried enough that one of his parents disappeared. Anyways, things must be pretty quiet for you to be texting me at nine in the morning.

Yes, very quiet. Too quiet.

Mira: Today my dad is having me accompany some of his men on an operation. I'm not really sure what to expect, but I have a feeling it's not exactly going to be a fun little field trip.

Unknown number: He's really going to send you out on a operation, huh? Well, I can only speak from my own experience, but operations can go south really fast. Be careful and text me afterwards.

She couldn't help the giddy smile that played across her lips. Be careful and text me afterwards. God, there was no way she was beginning to fall for the son of a mafia boss when her whole goal was to get as far away from the mafia as possible. Plus, she knew he was only doing this out of his own conscience obligation. Had he not pulled her out of that car wreck, she'd just be the barista at the local cafe and he'd just be the the hot mysterious guy who came in to get his plain black coffee.

Her hand found it's way to trace the scar on her forehead, remembering the racing emotions she l'd felt climbing out of her car after being held at gunpoint.

Her personal phone buzzed and Mira glanced down to see a text from a number she didn't recognize.

Unknown number: Hey, it's Leo. Your dad told me you'll be coming with us today. Meet down in the artillery at 10.

She frowned. Not only was she going on this operation, but it was with Leo of all people. Fantastic, just the bright little ray of sunshine she needed.

She went ahead and showered, pulling her hair up and picking out what she thought would be a practical outfit choice for whatever the day had in store for her. She grabbed a bagel from the kitchen and made her way down to the artillery.

Just the fact that she was meeting up with Leo in the artillery of all places left her uneasy.

There was a small group already gathered when Mira arrived, all shuffling about, passing along various weapons like they were suiting up to enter the battle field.

Her stomach twisted into a knot and she wondered if the bagel had been a good idea.

"Mira," Leo called out to her and motioned her over next to him. "Today's a fairly routine operation. We're delivering several cases of marijuana and cocaine to some of the local gangs."