REDEMPTION (3rd Book of FEAR)

- chapter thirteen -

The cold metal from the butt of the magnum collided into the cobalt-armored soldier's temple in one quick movement. His body fell to the floor, limp. His light blue eyes fluttered close as a long exhale escaped his cracked lips.

Liz handed the pistol back to Locus, her glare boring down on Temple. As she took a deep breath, a feeling of calmness filled her body and sent her hatred and nerves away.

Warmth tingled her back when Locus placed a gentle hand there, making her turn around to face him. His helmet was off, thrown across the floor when Temple kicked him before.

They embraced, Locus pulling the girl close to him with shaky hands. His fingers racked through her curls, and his eyes squeezed shut as he nuzzled his face in the soft skin of her neck.

"I'm so proud of you," he whispered fiercely, making Liz tighten her grip around his waist. She smiled in relief to be in his arms again.

"But, what about Hargrove?" The mercenary abruptly pulls away from her, his hands cupping her face frantically. His voice was full of anxiety, and his eyes searched hers for answers, "A-and the bounties?"

She knew he was referring to her recognizable fiery curls. Her smile softened, and she placed her hand on top of his. Her fingers traced the roughness of his skin that laid on her cheek.

With a laugh, she shook her head. "Let 'em come searching. It'll help me rack up my body count." Locus chuckled at the girl, his heart fluttering at the sight of her lips forming a smile. He felt her hair between his fingers again, still in disbelief.

"Great," an orange armored soldier exclaimed behind them, "So, now we have another maniac to worry about killing us in our sleep!" Liz and Locus turned around to see the Reds and Blues staring at them, bewildered.

"Oh, no," Liz detached from Locus, a smirk lacing through her lips, "You don't have to worry about that. I like to kill you when you're awake, so I'm the last thing you see."

"Funny," an unfamiliar voice spoke up from behind the crew, "I was thinking the same thing." A cyan-armored soldier emerges from the crowd of rainbow simulation troopers, a hand placed on her hip.

Locus glanced at Liz uneasily, afraid of her reaction to the Freelancer. Liz stared at the woman quizzically. He knew that look in her eyes. The analyzing look. Her eyes scanned Carolina's body armor, identifying the skills and qualifications that went along with it. She had it all figured out in a matter of seconds. He couldn't help but admire her for that.

Maybe she didn't recognize her after all. But, once Washington appeared beside Carolina... Her green eyes lit up with familiarity. Locus felt a flare of jealousy spark within his bones. Was he the Freelancer that Connie tried to set her up with?

"How charming," Tucker rolled his eyes at Carolina. "So, you're wanted by the UNSC?" Carolina raised an eyebrow at the girl, looking her up and down as if she was sizing her up. Liz straightened her posture at this, suddenly feeling defensive, "You sound surprised."

"No, not at all," the cyan-armored soldier's eyes widen, and she shakes her head vigorously, "You just don't strike me as a professional criminal." Liz attempts to hide her growing scowl. "That's what makes me so good at it," the girl winks, bushing past the Freelancer to exit Temple's office.

Before she could leave, Washington steps in front of her. His face is stone cold, his light gray eyes scanning her face. After a silent moment, the man sticks his hand out in front of him with a gentle smile on his lips. Liz glanced at Carolina, and then back to Washington.

She wanted to ask them if they were the ones that killed Terrance. She wanted to see if they recognized her. She wanted to know if they missed Connie as much as she did. Something told her that Washington did. Maybe it was the hidden pain in his eyes that gave it away.

Yet, she smiled. She took Wash's hand in hers, shaking it firmly.

Learn to forgive, but not to forget.