The Secret Business

new job (prologue)

Darkness settled in throughout the cabin as Blake sat silently, taking in the darkness as he drowned in it. 

The sound of rain pounding against the tin roof is all he paid much mind to, aside from the thoughts circling through his mind continuously. It was always as if a record played on repeat every day at the same time inside his head. He often ponders how his life turned into such a mess filled with action and drama.

A noise interrupted the peaceful silence, kicking him from his thoughts just as it wandered toward the past. The small device to his left sat ringing and vibrating, adding light to the darkness he sat in. He grasped ahold of the phone, barely paying much mind to the name that glowed as he answered the call, putting it up to his ear.

"Blake," a deep hoarse voice spoke through the phone, giving Blake no time to say hello. He knew immediately who the caller was on the other end of the phone. "I have a job I need you to complete for me. All that is required is to be a spy of sorts. Just blend in with the crowd."

Blake sighed softly at the man's professional tone, knowing that whatever it is the man wants him to do, isn't going to be very pleasant. 

"Details," he demanded in a rude manner. He hadn't meant to sound so harsh, he was just ready to get this over with as soon as possible.

"Remember Good Vibes High?"

Blake rolled his eyes with a near smirk decorating his lips. Amusement sparked in his icy blue eyes. "I graduated only four years ago. Not five decades ago."

The man ignored the smart comment as it left his lips and continued without being the least bit phased. "A group of four pupils attend the school. Two male and two female. They tend to call themselves Sparks. I need you to act as a newcomer and merely spy on these four kids."

"What's the whole point of this mission? Why are these kids of interest?" Blake asked as he became curious. Kids were never the target that he imagined for any type of work. Made him feel immensely uncomfortable at the idea of spying on such younger people. Especially in their domain and with teachers that probably still remember him. "And there's going to be a teacher that will notice me from all those years ago."

"No need to stress. I do my research, kid." the man spoke with little to no hint of emotions. "I'll have everything prepared for your return."

Blake grasped ahold of the bridge of his nose, squeezing tightly in irritation. He sighed softly, barely loud enough for the man to hear. He cleared his throat as his hand dropped onto his lap.

He sat up straight from leaning against the headboard as he cleared his face of any emotions. He just sat and listened to the silence on the other end of the phone, waiting for any other details though he grew impatient. "And how long do you have in mind that this mission shall last?"

"For as long as I need you to. I'll email details later, son." the man spoke, sounding as though he was ready to just end the phone call without another word right then and there.

"Why did you choose me instead of the best on your team?" Blake questioned curiously, a sense of dread filling his bones. "You can get in serious trouble with TSB for giving me a task like this. Let alone a task at all. Especially if they find out you did so."

"You are the one fit for the task at hand," he spoke. He continued, giving Blake no time to speak for himself. "No one else. Details being sent soon."

Beep. Beep. Beep.