Rachel Shore's Answers

23: One Step Forward, Three Steps Back

The next morning, when I got up, the guys were gone. I figured they would be. They probably left fairly early. They also take a long time to actually finish their mission. Kallen will be at the park in a little over an hour so I need to get ready and head out to meet her. I really hope her husband isn't there.

I got dressed and decided to cook myself something for breakfast. When I sat down to eat, I saw a note written for me.

I thought you would like to know what we decidid to say in our note, so we left it here for you. We said you will never catch us no matter how hard and long you look, we are always one step ahed. You can not keep a secrit from us we hear everything. Your freindly nieghberhood b team.

As I read it, I couldn't help but laugh. Will still can't spell to save his life. At least his grammar has gotten a little better.

I quickly shoveled down the rest of the food and left for the park. I sat on my usual bench and listened for Kallen's voice.

After a few minutes of waiting, I heard John and Kallen talking

"How did you ever find this path?" He asked.

"I'm not sure. I grew up here and I have been walking this path for as long as I can remember."

"Wow! Did your mom find it?"

"Probably."

"Oh, you're shivering. Are you cold?" He asked.

"Yeah, but I don't want to walk back to the truck."

"That's ok. I'll get it for you. I am a little chilly too."

"Awe thanks. There's a bench just around the corner and I can wait for you there."

He changed his voice so that it sounded formal and almost British. "But of course. Anything for you milady."

In response Kallen giggled. I heard the crunching of feet on the gravel continue. One pair of feet in my direction one in the opposite direction. I couldn't believe my luck. What are the chances that this would have been the exact moment that he would decide to leave for a moment. She rounded the corner and paused staring at me.

"Rachel!!!"

"Kallen!!"

We embraced each other smiling.

"I didn't know you would be here today!" Her grin grew even wider.

"I was missing you and wanted to chat. I was surprised when John turned around so we could talk."

"Yeah." She paused with a troubled look.

"Is everything ok?"

"Well, yeah."

"What's wrong?" I know there's something.

"It has been really hard for me to keep this a secret from John. He is often commenting on how proud he is of me for being so strong. He doesn't fully understand why I was able to move on. All he knows is that I was suddenly less sad about your death. I just want to tell him everything!"

How do I respond to something like that? I don't want to make her lie, but I can't have him know the truth. What if he started to talk and someone chose to target Kallen because of that.

"He wouldn't tell anyone. Ever. He often goes undercover. He knows how important it is to keep certain secrets."

I looked up at her. Her eyes seemed to be pleading me to say that he could know. Is it safe though?

"What if it puts you in danger?" I asked. This was my biggest concern. "If this slips out you would definitely be targeted because they are trying really hard to find me."