The Edge of Hope

Chapter Six: Tricked

Even though I was lying down on my bed, my breaths were coming in gasps as if I had just run 10 miles without stopping. I can normally run long distances without getting winded, but this was different. I was having another panic attack and this time there wasn’t anyone here who I trusted enough to help me. My arm throbbed and the buzz of the Agents in the control room kept me from relaxing.

I only had ten minutes left before I had to tell Silverbear my decision. And even though none of the Agents had bugged me during the last hour, I knew they were all wondering what I was going to do. It sucked being the one in charge. Agent Xavier made it look so easy, but it was really hard. I really wanted to bring him home, but if I could get a hold of myself first that wasn’t going to happen.

My eyes filled with tears again as I thought of what would happen if I failed. Nothing seemed to be going in the right direction. Everything was against me. Everything was pointing towards Silverbear winning no matter what I did. My bracelet beeped once and I pressed the green bead.

“Yes?”

“Michael and Kevin reporting back.” Michael said.

“Where have you guys been? That took you forever.” I asked my panic attack fading instantly.

“We were not allowed to go in with any of our spy gear. We thought that was weird at first until we saw all of the criminals and how bad it would be if any of them escaped. We talked to the leader and we found out something that might be of some use.” Michael explained.

“And what is that?” I prodded.

“The real name of Silverbear. And that he has a wife and kids. But get this, they weren’t allowed to leave the U.S. Silverbear made it, but his family wasn’t allowed.”

“What is his real name and is there anyway you can pull some quick strings?”

“Howard. And how quick are we talking?”

“Like in the next five minutes quick.”

“What do you need us to do?”

I headed to the Louvre alone and got there right as my hour was up. Inside I was having a breakdown, but outside I was composed looking as I could be. Silverbear was waiting for me when I walked inside. I ran the plan through my head one last time before I addressed Silverbear.

Kevin and Michael were able to convince the President of the U.S. to allow Howard’s family to come to Paris. They weren’t here yet, but they were on a plan. All I had to do was convince him that if he wanted to see his family again, he needed to let the Agents go and give the information he stole back. He also had to return the virus over to Agent Xavier.

“Well, well, well. Right on time. So have you come to accept my deal?” Silverbear asked.

“Not quite. I am here to offer a new deal. I want my Agents, the information you stole, and the virus. In exchange for your family.”

“My what?”

“Your family, Howard. I have them on a plane headed here right now.”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m not.” I pulled out my phone and held it up for him to see. On it was the security feed from the plane. It showed his wife and kids on board.

“How did you manage to get them over here?”

“It is a long story that I don’t think you want to hear right now. The longer you wait the closer the plane gets. And if it lands before I get what I asked for, they get sent back. Your choice. Let the Agents go. Give us back the virus and the information you stole. That is all I ask.” I told him.

“I know that there is a catch. I know that I will be going to jail. Where is the catch?” Howard asked. There was clear panic in his voice.

“You get to have 20 minutes with your family before you get taken to jail. They can visit you on the weekends for 10 minutes, but they can’t see you on the weekdays. Those are the terms.” I explained.

“I will give you the Agents and the information I stole back. But the virus stays where it is.” Howard offered.

I was silent for a few minutes. If he didn’t hand the virus over, we wouldn’t be able to stop someone else from finding it and using it. Especially since we had no idea where it was. And if he went to jail we could prod it out of him, but who knows how long that could take. “Fine. We have a deal. Once my Agents are safe and we have the information back, I will take you to your family.” I agreed.

Soon Howard and I were on our way to the airport to see his family. When we got there, Howard’s family was waiting for him along with Michael and Kevin. I had barely parked the car when Howard got out and ran to his family. His kids ran to meet him. I got out and made my way over to Kevin and Michael while keeping an eye on Howard.

“I guess you guys can leave. I will be taking him to jail after 20 minutes.”

“Only if you are sure.” Kevin said.

“Yeah. I am sure.” I assured him.

“Alright then see you later.” Michael said. They turned to leave and walked away.

I stayed off to the side watching the time as Howard and his family chatted happily. Something in the back of my mind said that something wasn’t right. That something was very wrong. However, even as I scanned the area around me I couldn’t place what could be making me feel like this was a bad idea. Howard’s wife walked over to me drawing me out of my thoughts.

“I had to thank you in person for reuniting me and my kids with my husband. This means the world to us.” she said.

“Why weren’t you allowed out of the U.S.” I asked curiosity getting the better of me.

“Well I haven’t had the cleanest record or the good life when I was younger. My lawyer thought it would be best if I was punished by not being allowed to travel outside of my home country. Which was my dream. I always wanted to travel the world. So I thank you for finally getting me here with my husband and kids.”

I heard the lie in her voice too late. She reeled back her arm and punched me right in the face. I stumbled and fell to the ground. Howard’s wife, or whoever she really is, turned and walked away. Howard and the kids joined her as they piled into a car and drove away.