Spy School and the Dead Agent

Chapter 12: Vengence I

Chapter 12: Vengeance I

2200 Hours

Monday

Manhattan, New York.

The taxi came to a stop on Broadway, right in the heart of Lower Manhattan. As I stepped out, I felt the city's energy hit me like a wave. It was a beautiful afternoon—the sun was beginning to dip, casting long shadows that danced along the busy street. The buildings towered above us, their windows glinting in the fading light. People bustled by, caught up in their own worlds, completely unaware of the threat that could be lurking nearby. I took a deep breath, trying to focus, but I couldn't help but admire the scene.

New York always had this electric feel to it, this mix of chaos and elegance. Even in the midst of a mission, with the weight of what we were here to do pressing down on me, I found myself appreciating the city's charm. And then I glanced over at Erica.

I swear, she could've been a part of the scenery—a striking figure amidst the urban backdrop. Even now, on a mission to uncover a dangerous plot, she managed to look effortlessly stunning. Her disguise was a perfect blend of casual and elegant: a fitted leather jacket over a sleek black top, dark jeans that hugged her frame just right, and a pair of ankle boots that gave her an extra bit of height. She wore her hair loose, cascading over her shoulders, catching the light in a way that almost made it shimmer.

I found myself staring for a moment longer than I should have. She always looked beautiful to me, no matter what she wore. Whether she was decked out in tactical gear or something like this, she had this natural elegance about her. And then there was that familiar scent—an odd but intoxicating mix of gunpowder and lilacs. A scent that was uniquely hers, a scent that somehow made my heart beat just a little bit faster.

I smiled, trying to focus, but I couldn't help myself. "You know," I began, my voice low enough so only she could hear, "you look... beautiful."

Erica turned to me, her blue eyes sparkling with that fierce beauty I'd come to know so well. Her expression softened just a bit, and she tilted her head slightly. "Oh? Even now?" she asked with a hint of teasing in her voice.

"Even now," I replied, grinning. "Maybe especially now."

She rolled her eyes, but I caught the faint blush on her cheeks. "Focus, Ben," she whispered, though there was a warmth in her voice. "We've got a job to do."

Before I could say more, she reached out and took my hand, her grip firm but gentle. "Come on," she said, her smile turning into that beautiful, confident one that always made my heart flutter. "Let's get moving. We don't have much time."

I nodded, feeling a rush of adrenaline. Her touch was steady and grounding, and yet, somehow, it made me feel like I was floating. I couldn't help but smile back at her. "Right," I murmured, "Let's go."

We started walking down the street, hand in hand, blending into the crowd like just another couple enjoying an evening stroll in Manhattan. But beneath the surface, every sense was on high alert. We scanned the area, looking for any signs of unusual activity, any hint of the threat Murray and Warren had talked about.

Erica's hand tightened around mine as we moved through the throngs of people, her gaze sharp, focused. I could feel the tension in her grip, the readiness to spring into action at a moment's notice. And yet, there was a strange calmness to it all, as if, for just a second, we were more than agents on a mission, more than partners in some high-stakes game.

"Remember," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sounds of the city, "we're looking for anything out of place. Don't stare too long, but don't miss a thing."