Caught.

Chapter 2

Bowen Spader

"Percy. Give me the keys, or we won't go to the park for a whole month. A month!" I stood in my apartment with both hands on my hip while I argued with my German Shepherd, Percy. He noticed that I was leaving and grabbed my keys.

Usually, I would have been okay with this, but today, I started my new job (hopefully) and if I was late, it would be goodnight Irene for me.

When Percy heard the word "park" his ears began to perk, and he titled his head. "Oh yeah buddy. No park. Whatsoever. Drop itttt. Drop itt!"

Percy dropped his ears, and I swore he could actually understand what I was saying. As he began to turn away, I pounced on him and we wrestled playfully for the keys.

Which ended up with my Ford Fusion car alarm blaring in the parking lot.

"Percy!" I laughed, and he finally let go of my keys, at the shrill sound of the alarm. I rubbed his favorite spot behind his ear, and just below his neck to show I still loved him while running out the door and flying down the flights of steps to my car.

"I am soooo late." I mumbled to myself. And as if my dog heard me, he barked in agreement.

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"Wait! Wait! I am coming!" I ran into the room I was directed into, unorderly, and I'm pretty sure I tripped in the process. All eyes were glued to me, so I cleared my throat to ease some stress and tension.

The girl in charge, who couldn't have been much older then I, began to speak, then handed things over to the Marine Corps officer who directed us on how the training day would work.

The whole place reminded me of the set up of "The Hunger Games" and a shudder passed through my body.

"Good luck, and may the best candidate....win."

See? Hunger Games.

The girl in charge kept her eyes glued to one particular guy as we all began to walk to our stations. He had slick, black hair, and a strong frame. I knew the only way to get her attention now, was to follow the guy, and she would notice me.

He went straight to the shooting range.

"Game on buddy." I muttered underneath my breath as I picked up a pistol and loaded the gun and magazine. "What's your name?" I asked him now in a loud, regular voice.

"Taylor." He didn't even bother to look up at me.

"Cool. I'm-"

"Look," Taylor looked at me. "I'm not here to chat, alright? We either make it today, or were cut and back to where we started. And I'm not gonna be that guy. So I really don't give a crap about your name."

And with that statement, he aimed and fired at the target, an inch shy from the bullseye.

I tried to contain my laughter.

I really did.

Taylor turned slowly in my direction only to see the huge smirk on my face. "Watch and learn." I took a deep breath and exhaled, then pointed my gun at the target, and shot.

"Bullseye."

The Marine Corps officer behind me stated, and I let a small smile slip to Taylor, who starred at the target like it grew legs and walked away.

"Great aim Ms. Spader. Just next time, try not to be late."

Next time, next time, next time.

There was hope for me.

"Yes sir. I won't be sir." He nodded in acceptance and walked away to check on the other recruits.