Mystery ~ MV1

009. Dont Be So Paranoid

[Agent A]

The Miami motel suite almost felt hotter than the summer heat outside the inside. It was stuffy and the dust was itching my nose.

But that's not what was bothering me.

I was rubbing my temples with my thumbs as I held my head in my hands, trying to see if I massaged enough- the growing migraine might fade. It didn't, in fact it was amplified by Raymond standing silently next to the far side of the room. He was naturally silent, very much the type that didn't say anything if he didn't have anything to add, but this silence was unnerving because I knew he had something to add.

He was holding back and it was making my migraine persist like a drumming beat at the bottom of my skull.

"You're holding something back," I mumbled loud enough for him to hear but quiet enough to not disturb the still air that made my simple white tank and jeans feel like a winter outfit.

I hated Florida, too humid with no redeeming qualities except for the ocean- which was barely a positive thing.

"Raymond." I lifted my head to see him standing tall with his arms crossed, looking deep in thought. I'd like to think I knew Raymond from the years of being around him, sorta a father figure that I never had to discuss emotions of any kinds with, it was almost offensive that he was holding back now when we made a point to always be straight forward with the other.

He finally looked up, studied me for a long moment before gesturing to the plush sofa. "This doesn't feel right." He finally said.

I furrowed my brows, posture ramrod straight as I sat up taller. "What's wrong?"

Raymond sighed, rubbing his temple the same way I was a few minutes ago. "I'm... concerned about this operation in Miami. About you being so close to Tavi again."

I bristled slightly, ignoring the ache that suddenly blossomed in the mark she left on my body. "I can handle Tavi. You know that."

"I do." He told me easily, but then I saw his posture stiffen as he added more. "But this adds to the already complicated equation. Vega's operation mixed with Jospin, the scope of it... it has me uneasy."

"We have solid intel," I argued. "More than enough to bring them down in Miami if we play this right."

"That's just it." Raymond's brow furrowed and he meet my solid stare. "The intel is too good. The patterns, the documentation – it's all a little too perfect."

I frowned and clasped my hands in front of me. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying..." He paused, searching for the right words. "I'm saying that when the puzzle pieces fit together too neatly, it's usually because someone wants us to see exactly what they want us to see."

The implication hung in the air, and I felt a chill run down my spine. I was already worried of what Tavi being there would mean, but Raymond being worried as well made me feel uneasy.

"You think Vega's leading us on."

"I think we need to approach this with extreme caution." Raymond's eyes held mine, serious and unwavering. "Tavi's presence changes everything. She doesn't just leave bodies in her wake, Sydney – she leaves messages. And if she's involved, that means Vega has a plan. One that likely doesn't end well for us."

Before I could respond, the door opened again, and Luke stepped inside, laptop bag in hand. "Miami traffic is a nightmare."

I stiffened slightly, i was upset at him. "Luke."