Alpas

Chapter 17

"Tony, I'm trying ok? I cant just move in over night darling." I chuckle.

"But you're across an entire ocean from me and I'm stuck with all of your boxes. What's this one anyway? Wait, did you really bring dishes with you? You've seen the tower, right?" He laughs and I can hear him going through my stuff on the other end of the phone.

"Babe, I had an entire house full of stuff. I already compromised on half of it. If you'd open that box, you would want to keep those dishes too. Go ahead, tear it open." I smile. I can hear him ripping the tape off in the background. And then everything is silent.

"Are these avengers plates?!?!? And cups!?!? And you're not here to pinch me. Ok, so I'm showing these to the gang. Where did you get these?" He giggles like a child.

"Well I figured, if I can make clothes. Why not other stuff? And it's all environmentally safe. No harmful chemicals." I smile to myself.

"You're cute, you know that? Ok well, have a safe trip, I'm gonna call you like every other hour, because you know how I am. I love you."

"I love you too babe. I'm only here for a few days. I'll be home before you know it."

"I like that you already call it home." He chuckles and I end the call. I sigh as I make my way toward the front door of the SUS building in China.

"Well hello Dr. Barrett. It's good to see you again." Teresa states as she pulls me in for a hug. Her long brunette curls bounce as she pulls back, her bright, green eyes stare directly into mine as she smiles widely.

"It's great to see you as well! Ok, where are we today?"

"Well.." and she trails off with the politics of the job. The company's stats. The "fun stuff" I normally let Jessica handle. But I'm not really here on business. I'm here for something much more important. A chance. To be normal.

"And that concludes this months financial status. So, what are you interested in seeing?" She smiles as we walk around the building. I haven't been here in years. As I walk by, I can hear people whispering about the "big boss" being here today. It's actually kind of cool, knowing I'm the big boss they are referencing to.

"Well, I just haven't been by to see everyone in quite some time. I can tell everything here is going great. I'm glad I put you in charge of this place. How's production going?"

And with that another tour begins. Greeting the production crew, seeing the equipment, all of the good stuff.

"Wow, I'm really impressed with this place. You run a tight ship over here. I love it. Alright, I'm gonna be in town for a few days, so if you need me, give me a holler. Keep up the good work!" I smile and give Teresa a hug as I make my way toward the door.

"It was great seeing you again Dakota, maybe we can have lunch before you leave?" She side eyes me hopefully.

"Sounds fantastic!" I smile again, waving as I exit the building. Now, time to put my real plan into motion.

I get in my rental and drive to the hotel. Changing into Mac, I fix the mask and throw my hair into a bun.

This is it. No turning back now. I get in the car and drive over to where I need to go. Dr. Helen Cho is here. She was at the compound for a while, but she's since come back home. As I walk through the front door, everyone stops.

"Is that who I think it is?" Someone asks.

"Hey! Do you have clearance to be here?" A guard asks, stepping closer to me.

"Hold your fire. She's a friend." Helen states as she rounds the corner. "Good to see you again Mackenzie." She smiles.

"You know that's not why everyone calls me Mac." I chuckle.