Disobey

Chapter 13- Stress

*Paige*

Leo had passed out on the couch an hour ago from telling truth from lies. Three lies. That was the most he could take. And only if he was trying to hear them. If he wasn't listening for lies, he'd never know. I suppose that was useful. This way, he wouldn't randomly pass out on the street.

I leaned away from my work table, groaning as my joints cracked. My eyes swerved over to the clock hanging on the wall. 

Three in the morning. 

Looks like I'd be pulling an all-nighter.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

I stood up, pulling a gun from the drawer on my right and hiding it in the back of my black pants. 

"Who is it?" I asked, hand still resting on the gun.

"A messenger, ma'am. From Samuel Jose. He said you should be awake and that he would like to speak with you."

I opened the door to see a small boy, definitely new, peering up at me with wide brown eyes. He couldn't be older than sixteen.

"What would he like to speak with me about?"

"Your package."

I nodded, went back to my desk to close my laptop and lock my drawers, and then let kid lead me to my fellow high commander's office.

When we reached the dark wooden doors, the boy opened them for me, and then turned away and left.

"It's been a while, Paige."

I turned to the man leaning against the black leather chair. Samuel Jose was a high commander, like me. He's had the postition for about fifteen years and was a bit spiteful of me for gaining popularity so quickly. It died out quickly and now, all that was left was the distrust between fellow high commanders. 

"It's good to see you too," I replied, keeping my tone cold. "But, let's skip the small talk. What is it you want from me?"

"Why wouldn't I just want to talk to you?"

"Because that's not what we do."

He laughed at that. "As usual, you're right. Take a seat."

I did as hea asked, pulling out the chair on the opposite end of his desk. Unlike me, his position dealt a lot with other soldiers and commanders. If you wanted information, he was usually the place to go.

"I wanted to talk about your... package. Leonardo Wyrick the magician. Apparently you've been treating him rather well, considering-"

"Considering he's a magician. I'm aware. He's rather free spirited, though. I'e had to put him in his place on occasion, but I find it best for him to be as relaxed as possible."

"I suppose that would be the appropriate route to take when there are no false threats around him. I'm more worried about you, though."

"Why would you worry about me?"

"Because I know you. When you're intrested in something you'll pour all your attention into it. It's a usueful skill, but I worry that you'll loose focus. He is a magician."

"I, more than anyone, am aware of that."

"Yes, and so long as you want to protect him, I'll trust your judgement. However, I can't say the same for the other's, specifically the lower leveled soldier and the new recruits. They don't always understand that there has to be a compromise. You treating that magician as something is close to an equal is inexcusable in their eyes."