G.U.A.R.D. Book #2: Aberrations

-9-

    I paced behind the van in anxiety. Millions of thoughts circled my mind: when would they be back? Was everything going to be okay? Oh, God, please let everything be okay.

The night seemed especially dark, though the stars and moon were all out. Slade, Max, and Anthony just left in their attempt to rescue Conner. Before they went on their way, though, we discussed all the possibilities of where Conner would be in the League's encampment. Everyone pretty much agreed he was in the center tent—but Slade seemed a little cautious when making the final decision. I wasn't clear on the why, but didn't question the agent. They already had enough weighing on their shoulders. I didn't want to add any more worry.

I also heard their plan before they left. The three strategized while Winter and I took our shifts, but they went through it one more time before they left. Anthony would cause a distraction. With his laser beams, it wouldn't be that much of a problem to create a ruckus. Slade gave him a bulletproof vest he got from my basement, as well as plenty of gadgets he could use in self-defense. While he was then blazing up the place, Slade and Max would sneak into the center tent and attempt their rescue. Then, while Max and Conner ran to the outside, Slade would run in Anthony's direction, firing every which way with his gun, and hopefully cause a temporary diversion in which Anthony could escape.

The whole thing was big on chance, but Slade said all good plans were. I didn't believe him. But we had no other choice.

Continuing to pace, I resorted to prayer, not knowing what else to do.

"Would you sit down already?"

I jumped at Cindy's voice, and sighed angrily at myself.

"You're making it impossible to sleep, and I'm on pain medicine."

"Sorry," I snapped back at her, continuing to pace anyway. "Juse use a sleeper of something."

She groaned and rolled her head a bit, shivering from the cold. Winter didn't say anything, just lay staring up at the ceiling. My footsteps hit the soft ground a little loudly, not to mention Cindy didn't want me to pace anyway, so I just stopped and sat down right in front of the van. I pulled my knees up and leaned my elbows on them. There were so many stars in the sky. I never really noticed them in North Carolina, but here, they were so bright, even if small. It gave me at least a little bit of peace.

I crossed my legs and let myself relax a little. I wondered if there was something to eat in all the stuff Slade gave me, so my hands started wandering in the various pockets of my black jeans. That's when I grabbed something that wasn't in there before. With a creased forehead, I slowly lifted it out and opened up the piece of paper. The night made it too dark to see, and I quickly fished out a mini flashlight.

It was a picture. The one I found at the very back of the book that that Jace guy had, the one in my basement. The photo with seven people. And... Slade. Something clicked in my head. I glanced at the back of the picture and read the words again: You'll always be a part of the Elite Squad. -Brody.

Then I glanced back to the picture. That League agent called Slade "Brody Talon," and he also mentioned that the Elite Squad disbanded twenty years ago. Slade must've been a part of it. But what was Brody? Was that an old name of his?

That's when another thing clicked.

These pictures were obviously in my basement for some reason. I hadn't had enough time to think about the likely cause since learning about G.U.A.R.D. and everything else, but now it hit me. Slade gave this picture to my mom. Which meant-

I looked to the girl in the picture. Then I dug in my pockets to find the other two photos were in there as well. There was also a note with them that read, Thought you might want these. :) -Lee.