The Agency: ICE (Book 1)

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"And with that, the defendant is hereby declared guilty."

Guilty...

The word rang through my head like a church bell.

The judge's gavel smacked the table with a loud thump. I sighed, my heart heavy, as I stood from my seat. I didn't even glance at the defendant, not able to withstand the fact he was once a good soldier. I could feel his pale blue eyes gaze into the side of my head as I walked down the aisle.

I walked through the wooden doors to the recess hall. I closed my pale blue eyes, attempting to conceal my true grief. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes once more. There was still sunlight outside despite it being nearly six in the evening. I was just about to take my leave, sliding through the crowd of people, when I was stopped by Private Franklin: a good friend of mine as well as a soldier within the Agency.

"Corporal Arnolds!" He said in Turkish, sweat shining his dark brown face. Possibly due to the heat all these people brought. "May I have a word?"

I looked around. There was still a large crowd, and if he had something to tell me that was of importance to the Agency, then we would need to be in near isolation. I looked back at Private Franklin and gestured him to follow me. 

We went out through the main doors and into the courtyard, and the immediate cool of the early autumnal wind was a relief to the cramped courthouse. There were very few people here, but it would be enough to cover our conversation if anyone tried to spy. I led Private Franklin to a bench a little ways from the building. I sat down with him next to me.

"Speak quickly," I said in German, acknowledging the need for secrecy. "Spies are bound to be everywhere during a court-marshal case. Especially when the judge rides the defendant guilty."

He nodded and spoke in German. "Although the true criminal was found guilty, I hope you realize that one vital witness broke down during his testimony."

"What does it matter?" I asked. "We got what was needed to be done. After the Lance Corporal was found guilty, nothing else mattered."

"But Corporal, the witness—"

"He is excused," I barked. A few civilians looked our way. I cleared my throat and spoke in a softer tone. "The man is ill with grief, Private. He just lost his sister to something he believes he could've prevented."

Private Franklin's expression softened with sympathy. "Corporal, no one could've prevented that surprise attack. It was an onslaught."

"I know. But a man's guilt stays with him forever." My throat tightened when I recaptured his stricken face. "And it haunts him until the very end of time..."

Private Franklin looked at me for a moment. "You care about him, don't you?"

I let out a deep breath. "I took him in after the bombings in London. I gave him a place to stay and to learn outside of his fears."

"So you do care for him."

"I cannot allow my affection towards the boy to get in the way of what I was meant to do: be the head of the Agency. Even if he is a part of it, it would be detrimental on my part and his."

Private Franklin shook his head and sighed as he stood up. "You've been keeping him in isolation, Corporal. He's bound to be a target due to his lack of exposure."

I glared at him. "May I remind you that the reason I keep him isolated is that I.C.E. has no chance of finding him." I huffed out a breath and looked at my hands. "Even if Javier Ivans is dead, that doesn't mean that his crazy plans don't live within the Enterprise itself." I pursed my lips. "I cannot bear to live with knowing I could've prevented the crying Agent's capture or death. I suppose it's good he distanced himself away from me at a young age..."

I didn't even need to look up to know Private Franklin was giving me a different look. He then let out a frustrated huff and nudged my shoulder. I looked up at his green eyes.

He sadly smiled. "Corporal, just this once, try to be there for him. Even if it's subtle, a little gesture can go a long way."

"Even if he is grieving for a loved one?"

"Yes..." He then furrowed his brows."We haven't heard anything from Agent García's family. I thought we'd be able to contact them to try and have a moment to grieve together, but there wasn't any sign of them. Including her spouse."

My eyes widened. "Not even her spouse?"

He nodded. "Spies say that they all went back to Russia. We have no right to be meddling in Russian territory without permission from the President."

"I thought her spouse..."

"Sir?"

A terrible thought seeped into my mind. I shook my head and stood up. "Nevermind that. I need to see the grieving Agent."

"Right sir. Would you like me to escort you?"

I snorted. "What do I look like? The General? I'll be on my way, Private." I patted his shoulder. "Thank you, old friend."

He saluted me with a smile. "Anytime, Graham." His smile widened when I glared at him. "Just please try to console the man. He's been through enough pain in his life."

I nodded as I walked away.

"Indeed he has, Alamini..." I mumbled under my breath. "A little too much..."