CONFIDENTIAL.

Chapter 5.

3 months later...

"Hey Beth, we have a new testing assignment. We're grouping up against another squadron, not Elite yet but apparently the next best. This squadron has been trying to get into the Elite program so this is kinda the big test." Ze spoke quickly as we walked to the Elite training room.

"Yeah, like this squadron is supposed to be really tough and awesome because like they had an INCREDIBLE leader. But Stephen made her change crews and stuff because she was so good. But the new leader has been kinda a wreck since she left. I dunno for sure, but I'm really excited to meet this squadron. I really really hope they do well."

I rose an eyebrow at Sophie. She clapped her hands over her mouth, mumbling a quick 'sorry.'

I grabbed the small black object from my side.

I cocked it.

"Well let's go see how good they really are."

The squadron didn't pass...

Not even close.

They got through maybe 5 of Alpha S before they got caught.

I didn't get to meet them, but Sophie had mentioned that the leader of the squadron had a shot and didn't take it. No idea which man was targeted, but I know that they took it with a determined look to do better 'next time.'

I just shook my head and walked away.

I had an actual mission to complete.

A French ambassador was here in the US for a few meetings and celebrations to discuss and celebrate the Young Adult Division that the FBI and CIA funded. How it's been officially moved overseas so we can do our jobs with full support of European, South American, Asian, African and Oceanic governments.

Yeah, I work for them.

Two nights from now, the CIA will host a gala to celebrate how far the YAD has come.

Valencia Deveraux, Irene Wensworth, and Joseph Gareouch from Europe.

Selena Rodriguez from South America.

Lilith Zhang and Vincent Wu from Asia.

Nadia Callion and Malin Vindu from Africa.

Lastly, Callum Venth and Micheal Kent from Australia and New Zealand respectively.

The YAD's job is to keep them safe until they all head back to their own countries.

Each Elite squadron had two specific people they are responsible for taking care of. The Alpha Squadron had the pleasure to be responsible for both Valencia Deveraux and Irene Wensworth. The French and British ambassadors from Europe.

The only non-Elite squad was the Shadow Squadron. Protection for Joseph Gareouch, the Italian ambassador.

Also from Europe.

It's been 4 months since I last saw them in that training room.

I controlled my emotions as best as I could.

I had a job to do...

At the same time, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited to see my old friends.

...

Sophie, Ze and I stepped out of the black SUV that we arrived in at the private airplane hangar. My eyes flickered back and forth across the concrete.