Chapter 25: A Step Up

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Chapter dedication to @emiwwwie for voting on all my chapters! Thank you so much, it means a lot for this story to reach the big digits!! =D

|| Erin ||

It's been ten minutes and Theo still hasn't emerged from the room. Only when Jessie comes stomping moodily to my side do I remember that I'm still the 'It' and haven't even bothered chasing her. I smile apologetically and ruffle her hair. "Sorry, Jessie. Big Brother had an accident, but he won't tell me about it."

As I say this, I hear something crash on the floor and a lot of words that a six-year-old isn't supposed to hear. I clamp my hands over Jessie's ears and her eyes widen. "Mommy, what's happening in there?!"

"I don't know, but I'm gonna find out," I say firmly, gently shoving her away. "Go downstairs for a bit, okay? I don't want you to get hurt in any way."

"But this is Big Bro! And I want to help!" she whines, tears away from my weak grasp and tries to force the lock open. "Big Bro! Big Bro! Open up!"

That's when the paranormal happens. I hear another voice inside that room. Gently shushing her, I press my ear to the door and listen intently.

"...I don't want to do it anymore, you know!" Theo is shouting. Do what?

"You will do it. Or should I remind you what would happen if you don't? If you chicken out of this thing?" the voice asks. I try to flick through the images in my head and match them with the tone of speech. Don't do what? Chicken out of what?

"Mommy, what's happening?" Jessie asks, growing horrified. I notice her crouched below me, mimicking my position.

This time, I have no answer. "I... don't know, kiddo. Let me take care of this, okay? Go downstairs."

This time, she doesn't object, and dashes down the stairs. I sigh in relief and press my ear to the door again.

"...can't risk the health of Jessik, yes?" the voice continues.

"Y-yeah--"

"See? That's all the persuasion you need."

"But--"

"What now, man?"

"--there's someone else." Theo's tone sounds lower, almost as if he's regretful.

"Ah!" the voice gasps in mock surprise. "There is, is there?"

"Y-yeah..."

"Who is she? Is she hot?" 

"I--um---that's not the problem."

This time, I can hear Theo lowering his voice on purpose, almost as if he knows I'm eavesdropping and doesn't want me to hear what he's saying. But lovesick Erin is out, and Maroon Jacket Agent West is here. And she isn't going to move.

"Oh, what is the problem, then? Make it quick; I'm a busy guy."

"She--she's one of them."

Now, I have no idea who 'them' is, but I can make a guess. He's talking about me, somewhat. And 'them' could only mean the Maroon Jackets. What is this all about? Part of me wants to run away right now, so I won't need to hear whatever they're saying about me, but the practical side keeps me rooted on the spot. This is business, work. And now, they overrule everything.

"Oh." For once, the voice loses its taunting and mocking tone, and everything is silent for five whole seconds. And then it continues, but its tone has shifted; as if something dangerous is anew. "Well, get rid of her. We've come too far for our plan to get foiled by some childish crush!"

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