“Isabelle, I’ll be fine. I know the rules and I have Summer here to be a guard dog, well, guard cat in case anything happens. What could possibly happen anyways?” Emily says softly.
“All right,” Isabelle replies, “If you need anything at all, call me.”
“I definitely will,” Emily promises her friend, “Thank you for everything today. I had an amazing time.”
“Bye, Emily.” Isabelle waves as she exits the apartment.
“I thought she would never leave.” Emily laughs at her own remark. She begins to unpack her boxes and place the items around the plain apartment. It is her first day in Boston, so Isabelle and Clara insisted on showing her around the city. They took her shopping and dining at all the best places before taking her to the apartment.
“Now where would you like me to put your bed, Summer?” Emily calls to her calico cat as she puts the cat bed on the floor. Summer trots over when she hears her name and follows her owner. Emily wasn’t always a cat person, but when she met Summer, well Summer met her, things changed. Back in Pennsylvania, Emily went swimming one night with some friends when she felt a brush against her back. She turned to see a furry cat staring at her and she called her father outside. He picked up the friendly cat and she never left. Emily and Summer became inseparable since that day. So when Emily decided to move to Boston, Summer followed her.
The clock chimes 6 when Emily stops unpacking. Summer jumps on the perch near the window, which is overlooking the city below, and meows when the occasional pigeon flies by her spot.
“Dinner’s ready, Summer! Come and eat.” Emily fills Summer’s bowl and places it on the floor near the mahogany table. The pair eat in silence, simply enjoying each other’s company. Emily’s mind wanders to her big decision on moving to the city. She was born and raised in Pennsylvania and never travelled very far from her home. Her parents, however, always visited new places. From Los Angeles to London and all in between, they’ve seen it all. It was unusual for those frequent trips, since they didn’t have loads of money, but they always had an excuse. She assumed it was normal family business and let them be, even if she secretly was jealous of all their fun. She remembers the last conversation her family had before she left for Boston. Everyone was furious and called her decision rash and foolish. She is 21 years old, surely old enough to handle herself in a big city, but they all disagreed. Her thoughts are cut off by a persistent knocking at her door.
“Who is it?” Emily questions as she rushes to the door. Summer is asleep on the couch, so much for guard cat.
Opening the door slowly, Emily hesitantly peeks out. The man lunges for her before she has time to scream. The man grabs her as she thrashes in his arms, kicking and scratching against him. She whimpers as he drags her over to the couch. Summer wakes up when Emily falls next to her and the cat hisses at the man.
“Well, Emily. That was easy enough, despite the various bruises and marks I just have gotten from you. Thanks for that by the way. I’m Derek.” The man gives her a strange look as she stares at him.
“What do you want from me? How do you know my name? Why are you here?” Her voice shakes as she talks to Derek.
He smiles at her before replying, “You’ll find out soon enough. Now pack your things and let’s go to the agency.”
She glares at him as her fear fades, but he is too busy wandering around her apartment to notice her. She realizes the man wants her for something, yet she doesn’t understand why.
“No. I am not going anywhere with you. You could be a killer for all I know.” Emily replies sarcastically.
“If I wanted you dead, you would be. Now let’s go. I’m on a schedule here. Grab your cat as well.” Derek turns to her when he responds. She notices his features for the first time. He has stunning green eyes and messy black hair. His height is approximately 6 foot 2 inches and he looks to be about the same age as her.
“I deserve to know everything before you take me to this agency. I barely know you.” She tilts her head at him, as if she is trying to convince him to explain things.
It works. He sighs in frustration before he replies, “Your parents should’ve explained this to you already. You belong to an elite group of spies who work for the government against European activists. Your entire family has been in the business for generations and you are of age to begin your training with me as your mentor. I am helping you to prepare for your first mission in Europe next week. Like I said before, please pack your things and let's go. I need all the time I can get with you, especially after that reaction to my entrance, or lack thereof.”
She stands up in shock as he ushers her around the apartment. Her mind races to the past. All the family trips and secrets all came back to her. She could never ask any questions and her parents would never explain.
“I was never informed about this, mind you,” Emily says, “It makes sense now, yet how is this possible? I’m far from spy material and I won’t be ready in a week.”
“Fine. You don’t have to do this, after all it would save me a lot of time.” He rolls his eyes at her.
“What is your problem with me, Derek? I did nothing wrong, at least not yet,” Emily remarks at him, “I’ll go get my things then.”
She rushes out of the room before he has time to respond to her. She grabs various clothes and items to fill her bag. She passes the mirror in her bathroom and she suddenly stops.
“You can do this, Em. It will be fine.” She talks to her reflection.
That’s her lame attempt to encourage herself in this time of need and she remembers the one thing that her mother always told her. ‘Confidence is key’ and Emily realizes it is time to test that theory.
