Without Silver Lining

Chapter 4

The rain soaked Daniel's thin jacket as he walked down the street. He tried to look like he belonged out in the daylight and in the street like a regular person. He stopped outside the nearby high school and watched casually from the gate. Daniel took out his phone, the time being 2:29. He stared at the grey building thinking about his time inside. His family was still around more or less; he had all the friends he wanted. Cassie was so nervous the first time she stepped into the school. It was actually kind of funny watching a trained assassin getting worried over a simple thing like school.

The bell broke his train of thought. Kids rushed from the doors. Some were talking to their friends; others were running for the bus. Daniel however, was looking for one kid in particular. A boy, gelled up hair, red hoodie flocked by his small gang of friends made his way to the gate where Daniel was waiting. On the surface Ethan seemed like the stereotypical teenager. But, behind the regular kid façade was a brain that absorbed information and discovered patterns like no other. Daniel was really lucky he found him first.

Daniel waved Ethan over. "I need your services again," he began.

"Look, I appreciate all your help but, whatever it is you need to find someone else," Ethan said to him frankly.

Daniel shook his head. "There is no one else. That's the whole point."

"Well you better find someone because I'm not getting caught up in this again."

"Would you rather go back to your depressing apartment?"

Ethan closed his mouth. His parents had died fighting in the war. Many soldiers had died and are still dying overseas. It was depressing to think that the country that was once a world power had fallen so harshly. After Ethan's mother died, his father snapped. He became obsessive over fighting the other side because of her death and got himself killed being reckless, leaving Ethan behind to fend for himself against the cruel world in his stupid gray apartment that he hated more than anything.

"You can come with us. You can leave," he offered.

Ethan looked into his friends eyes and sighed, admitting defeat. "What are you planning this time?"

"It's complicated." Daniel said vaguely.

Ethan scoffed. "When is it not?"

"Well, it's become a complicated world. I know that you don't like to do this but, I want you to trust me. You came back just fine with your hands clean every time before."

"What if it's different this time, Daniel? What if I can't leave this behind me? What if we get caught? You've been in other fights before and you've turned out just fine but this? They will torture and kill anyone who is even suspected to be involved! Do you know what the people in the wealthy sectors are capable of doing to you?" Ethan pointed out.

"I promise you will be just fine. You can't keep pondering on these 'what ifs' -"

"It's not me that I'm worried about." Ethan said sharply. "It's you. You're becoming just like him. Like my dad. You're becoming obsessive and overreacting and you won't understand or listen to me until you have something to lose!"

"I have something to lose! I... had something."

"And how did that end for you?" Ethan asked softly.

"I won't make that mistake again. I will be more careful next time."

An uneasy silence lingered through the tense conversation.

"Look. I know that you care for us, Daniel. I know that... that you trained me like your own but... admit it. You would never see us anything other than your partners."

"Ethan -"

"No, listen to me. I know that and I don't blame you for any of it."

Daniel closed his eyes and looked away.

"I know that you can't care like you once cared for your family and I understand that. Ricky and Karen have accepted -"

"No Ethan. You don't understand any of it. I can't afford to care about anyone like that. I can't afford to have anyone with me because of what I do. It's one thing I learned I have to give up. But you and Rick and Karen are all I got. So please... help me bring back this city to what it once was."