Rachel Shore's Answers

22: The B-Team

What Kallen suggested has been really helpful. I know he won't admit it, but that's okay. For the first time, I really mean that. I smiled softly, feeling relieved. There is nothing I need to do to move forward except follow the path as it unfolds. Wait, if it's that easy, why does it still feel like something's missing? I guess it takes time.

Is it crazy to ask yourself questions, then answer them? Probably. Or maybe it's just loneliness.

I counted the days on my hand. The guys should be getting back from their mission today.

In the last two weeks, we have stopped two of SHADY's crimes and have probably stopped a third. We're irritating them, but are we really stopping them? Are we actually making a difference? Where is this going?

I suppose one thing changed; I got the guard's name. It's Ian.

Since I was thinking about it already, I checked the Zanti. As usual, there were no new messages. I really don't know what to do with myself today. When I'm waiting for something specific, I often feel bored. Today I'm waiting for the guys to get back and share their stories.

Since I had nothing better to do with my time, I decided to go back to reading the Hardy Boys books. I can't believe that there are 190 of them. I don't think I'll ever finish the entire series. I picked up the 35th book. The Clue in the Embers is the name of the book. I hope it's good.

I found myself fully immersed in the story as I dove into the pages. I was so focused that when a sound came from the receiver, the book flew from my hands as I let out a small squeak-like noise.

I heard the boss's voice come in from the receiver and I started to laugh at myself.

"I need you to bring me all the guys on this list. I need to talk to them."

"Yes sir. Do I interrupt them if they are in training?"

"Yes. I told you to bring them to me!"

"Understood. I will bring them to you as soon as possible."

"They are so incompetent sometimes!"

"Why is their boss so grumpy all the time?" I asked the bookshelves as if they would answer.

I waited and waited for something to happen. What is this meeting all about? Time ticked by slowly on the clock. I started braiding and unbraiding my hair trying to pass the time. About fifteen minutes after the man left, I heard a door opening and feet shuffling in.

I waited anxiously, listening to what the boss was meeting them for. Instead of words, the sounds that met my ears for a while were the squeaking of chairs and people adjusting themselves to be more comfortable. The silence stretched on. Some people began clearing their throats; maybe they felt as uncomfortable as I felt impatient.

"I am sure you are all wondering why I called you in here."

There was silence for a few seconds. He was probably allowing them to nod in response to his statement. It felt like a question, but it really wasn't. Finally, he spoke again breaking the silence.

"We have been dealing with a reoccurring problem that I feel needs to be addressed." He paused again.

His pauses are a little annoying. I heard what sounded like the shuffling of papers. I think he's passing something around.

"These three individuals have been trying to destroy us. I need you guys to take them down before they succeed. We don't need prisoners, but if you see just one of them, don't kill them. I want them all to be gone, so you would follow them. They will probably lead you to the others. At that point kill them, whether or not you get caught. If you are caught, I will find a way to get you out." He paused and this time murmurs filled the silence.