Listen

18

18

The next morning was strange. I saw barely anyone as I prepped myself the day. Even Emily was gone when I roused myself. Shuffling towards Tate's office, I pulled my clothes tighter around myself. The chill of the old building was an expert at getting to you. As I reached the door, I raised my fist to knock on the door. The door was pulled open and Tate strode out.

"Ready?"

I agreed and let him lead me to the exit. Looking around, I asked, "Am I going alone?"

Pushing his hood up, he said, "No, that's too risky. I'll be going with you."

Tate doesn't go on missions. He didn't before I arrived either, according to the others.

Before I could say anything, he had already started on his way. A sour feeling simmered my chest. I've never done something like this without my friends. Tate glanced over to me and called, "Hurry up, second-in-command."

A grin jumped on to my face as I scurried to his side. 

The walk towards Science wasn't long. People milled around the park like usual. My eyes scanned the area, looking for the familiar head of hair. Not here. Tate clicked his lighter to life and lit his cigarette.

"We'll walk down towards Government," I murmured, "Might be on his way there."

He laughed loudly. "You've got balls girl, I'll give you that."

I trudged along, my head down. Tate walked behind, occasionally letting out a puff smoke. The street became more vacant as we moved along.

Then, ahead of us, I saw him. Signalling Tate, he halted as I scurried towards the lone figure.

"Hudson," I whispered. He paused and pivoted around. His pale eyes squinted at me before his mouth opened. He darted to stand close in front of me.

"Sine! What are you doing here? Are you okay?" he said, tripping over his words.

"Shh," I hushed, "I'm fine."

"You're supposed to be missing, Sine," he said, his voice soft. I didn't notice his face until then. He looked grey with his eyes surrounded by dark circles. It was as if he hadn't slept in weeks.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"I've been worried sick. I thought something had happened to you," he hissed. Despite his tone, I could still sense the emotions behind his words. I know he cares for me, truly.

Guilt seeping into me, I said, "I'm sorry."

"What are you doing here?" He repeated. My mind went blank. How will I get any information from him?

"How are things going in Science?" I asked carefully. His face perked up slightly.

"I'm working alongside our parents now. I've been invited to work in Government."

I have to admit, I was happy for him. Ever since we were children, he has been talking about getting a position in there.

"I'm really happy for you Hudson."

He paused as he watched me for a moment. "It would be better if you were still in Science."

I gave him a tight-lipped smile. We both knew that was never going to happen.

The tense pause passed and Hudson said lightly, "I would offer to show you inside-" Yes! "But you know I couldn't possibly."

I nodded in response. My eye caught hold of someone walking past the street with their head cocked in our direction.

"I better go," I said softly, returning my hood to its place. Before I could move, he grabbed onto my elbow.

"Sine, whatever you're up to, stop," he said pleadingly, "You don't know what you're going up against."

What? I scanned his face. He was certain of his words.

I slide back from his grasp as I shook my head.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

He forced me to look at him once more before sighing and turning on his heel.

Mimicking him, I wandered back to Tate's side. Stubbing out his cigarette, he commented, "Good job."

Giving him a look, I muttered, "I didn't get anything from him."

He raised his brow and chimed, "But I did."

His hand delved into his pocket and revealed a card. Is that what I think it is? Snatching it off him, I held it close to my face.

A photograph of Hudson was on the left with his name on the right. A series of numbers were printed underneath.

"His identification card," I said to myself.

Whipping my head up, I questioned, "How did you get this?"

He tapped a finger to his temple. "Don't forget these powers, girl."

Immediately after arriving back, Tate summoned Sam to his office. Handing him the card, Tate said, "Do what you can to find out any information about projects connected to this number."

Looking at the card, he started, "What-"

"Quickly."

His sudden tone made me jump involuntarily. Sam shut his mouth and sat down at the computer. I stood behind him to see what was going on. Sam's hands flew over the keyboard while words and letters appeared on the screen. As I watched him type, Tate excused himself and left the room. He mentioned about meeting again later. Sam stayed quiet after he was gone.

"How do you find stuff with just the number?" I probed.

He shrugged and said, "This programme should let me, with a bit of work, see anything related to it."

Handy. Sam glanced up at me and pursed his lips to the side.

"Emily wants to talk to you. That is if you have the time."