A Beautiful Weapon

Chapter 6

"She could easily have been lying."

Halle insisted, which earned her a few scoffs from the others.

After Beatrice was sent back to her temporary room, Halle, Huxley the director, Graham the guard, and Dr. Evans were discussing how to proceed with Beatrice's stay in America.

"The bruises are real. And...I believe her."

Dr. Evans said reluctantly, obviously intimidated by Halle's aggressiveness.

"Which part? The sob story about her friend, or the 'two-month-training'?"

Halle responded, which was immediately followed by Graham.

"I don't understand why you don't trust her. I've been with her for a few hours now, and I think she's being sincere. Her friend, Hunt was being very protective about her, which means that her friends mean a lot to her. I believe her. And let's not forget that she's a kid."

Halle interjected,

"A kid with supernatural abilities. A kid who's been trained her whole life for something like this. I mean, it would be so easy for her to be a spy for them. I've dealt with people from the KGB, and they are ruthless. They would do anything to achieve their objective. I don't see how she can be any different."

Dr. Evans opened his mouth, slightly feeling uncomfortable as espionage was an alien field to him.

"But let's not forget that she had bruises that go back decades. It's obvious that she's been abused her whole life. And if we're the same with her, she will choose Russia. We have to take a risk by showing her mercy, by showing her that she is on the wrong side."

They all contemplated in silence.

"Why don't we take a vote?"

Huxley, the director finally chimed in and broke the silence.

"We don't have to take a fricking vote, We know what these two think. And it's obvious which side I'm on. Which only leaves you. And as the director of the CIA, you should be the one to decide."

Halle said, slightly aggressively.

"Yeah, you're right."

Huxley sighed.

"Well, I would be lying if I said I didn't share your concerns, Halle. But I'm also not eager on hurting a child. If Beatrice fears Russia because of the pain they've inflicted on her, we need to be a safe place. A safe place that she would think of running away to."

Halle looked like she was about to interrupt, so Huxley raised his voice to continue his argument.

"Of course, we will make use of her by having her participate in operations, and get our money's worth. But if her 'sob story' is true, Halle, it means that she places huge value on relationships. So if we manage to get close to her, we could become her weakness."

Halle reluctantly nodded, and said,

"I didn't think of it that way. I suppose you're right. We need to differentiate ourselves from Russia."

"I've been thinking, she should attend school. She's fifteen after all."

Huxley said.

"You're kidding, right?"

Halle said, letting out a nervous laugh.

"I agree, school seems a little too much. And it would be dangerous. Anyone could abduct her."

Graham joined in on the argument.

"No, being stuck here with us will not show her the true beauty of being free."