Undercover Cops

Chapter 10

Justin guided Selena to their working office and opened the door with a key. It wasn't as big as she thought it would be, but it was filled with all sorts of cameras. The superficial light blinded her instantly and even her trained eyes couldn't follow the giant wave of passengers that come and go through the airport.

"You will get used to it," Justin said grumpily. "Our job is to ensure the safety of the airport, but since you're the best agent it, I don't doubt you know all of this."

Selena nodded automatically and sat on one of the chairs as a normal security agent would. 

Justin eyed her sternly, trying to figure out what's fishy about her. He finally threatened: "I don't know who you are, but don't fool yourself thinking that I'm as gullible as the chief. If you're hiding something, be aware that I will find your little secret. "

Deep down, Selena felt shivers of fear running down her whole body. She always tells others to stay positive, but that doesn't mean she respects her own words. There was something about Justin's face that was piercing but attractive, and for the first time of her entire career, Selena couldn't predict what would happen. She was on the verge of doubting her own skills.

"I don't know who you are, but who trained you to scare every new agent on your way? I'm your colleague, not a heartless assassin, so please treat me like I'm your equal."

Justin raised an eyebrow, impressed by her ability to stay calm. He expected her to explode and insult him the worst manner possible. He ran his hand through his wild trying, trying to find a weakness in that new girl, so he could find an excuse to complain. "As you wish. But I noticed you stiffened, so if you're planning some sort of scheme, just know that you won't get away easily."

Selena, feeling in control of the situation, nodded professionally and returned to her work. She observed the cameras skeptically, trying to find a way to get rid of Justin. She opened her laptop and pretended to work intensively, but was actually communicating with Nick.

A few hours later, Justin turned to her with a cold and serious expression. "Lunch break is right now. You can do whatever you want, but be back in an hour. If you lose yourself in the building, don't count on me to show you the way out."

He faked a smile, and immediately quit the room, without forgetting to slam the door. Selena let out a shaky breath, relieved that Justin finally left her alone. He was a complete mystery to her; so rigid and stern, lonely eyes, a well-built body and a beautiful face that left her with a bittersweet feeling.

"Creep," the special agent mumbled under her breath, not wasting any time to get in with her task.

She easily hacked the security site's computer with her outstanding informatics skills and entered the criminal's name. The result was none other than No results found, which she expected.

"Of course, he's using a pseudonym," she stated out loud. "I must figure it out in order to find him, but we don't have enough information. Maybe I could search for Zachary's latest activities."

She clicked on the kidnapper's profile and learned that the last place he went with his real name was in San Francisco, where Bea dwelled. Then, there were at least ten other cities that he visited one hour after the kidnap, which was purely impossible.

"That bastard!" growled Selena. "He's playing with us! How could he assign ten of his men to pretend to be him! One of them must be the real Zac..."

As a cop, Selena had to evaluate all possibilities. She patiently tracked down every fake Zachary, and by elimination, she finally found the real one.

"The last place Zachary was spotted is in the restaurant Sweet Heavens, Atlanta, March 2, somewhere in the afternoon. There, he changed himself and used a new pseudonym. That's a new step for the mission. Nick must go there and figure out which nickname he used and is still using."

The young lady noted down and recorded everything, before quickly sending it to Nick. She couldn't do anything more except waiting for his response.

___

"And from that day, I help my dad in our restaurant."

Joe wasn't sure if he heard everything Taylor said because he was too hypnotized by her beauty and grace. The womanizer promised himself to try his best to conquer her. She looked so much like an angel... His angel.

But what appealed the most to him wasn't her appearance; it was mostly her personality. She reflects such a different aura from normal people and this aura seemed so pure and innocent. He never thought that he'd meet anyone this wonderful.

"Why are you staring at me?" asked Taylor, her cheeks heating up instantly.

"You're just too beautiful," responded Joe, winking at her.

Taylor smiled shyly and looked down at her supper. No one ever complimented her after... Well... After Zac decided to be out of her life. "You're not bad yourself. I mean, you do have great eyes," she trailed off.

Joe smiled back, pleased with himself. He suddenly remembered the mission and asked some questions that could possibly help them. "And you? Do you have any friends?" He started, impatient and curious.

"No, not really. I prefer being alone. I usually only talk to my dad, and some customers," she openly replied.

"Well then, a gorgeous girl like you must be interested in some lucky guy. Were you close to any boyfriends?" He nervously questioned.

"Zachary," she mumbled to herself, but Joe heard every syllable.

"Who was he?" He encouraged, knowing that he might seem a little bit too pushy.

Taylor gulped with difficulty. Zac was a touchy subject for her, almost taboo. "My best friend," she finally said. "We were close like two fingers of a hand. I always listened to him and he always listened to me. We supported each other even if he didn't have the perfect childhood."

"But now, what happened?" insisted the special agent, greedy for some more information.

"Maybe you should go home. It's late," Taylor hurriedly dismissed him, ignoring his question on purpose.

Joe automatically nodded understanding and respecting her privacy. He soon stood up and waved her goodbye before driving back to the hotel.

___

Ooh, so who is Justin? Will he be an obstacle to Selena? And Taylor seems like a good girl, but Joe seems too interested in her. (Sigh... Player)

Nancy xox