Double Agent

Game On

The darkness crept into every corner, casting shadows around the deserted docks, the only light coming from the dull glow from the occasional lamppost, and the silvery colour of the full moon that had risen high above the ocean. It was almost eerily quiet at this hour, the only sound coming from the steady ebb and flow of the water behind me. It was the perfect place for a deal like this. I stood rooted to the spot, aware that there could well be other sets of eyes on me at this point, and not wanting to arouse suspicion. I had two armed men with me, Hayes and Fynne, standing in guard like positions on either side of me, a few steps back. They were doing a perfect impression of hired heavies, but of course, I knew better.

Blowing out a breath, I glanced down at my watch. They were running late, or maybe not even intending to come after all.

They'll be here. I convinced myself, adjusting my stance and tapping the toe of my stiletto boot against the ground.

Right on cue, I could hear the sound of an approaching car. As it began to get louder, I repeated to myself that I was no longer Special Agent Nikita Valance. Embodying the persona of my new identity, I knew that I had one shot at this, and I had to nail it if I wanted to survive.

The black four-by-four slowed to a halt a few feet away, the ice white headlights turning off with the engine. It's windows were blacked out, and there was no way of knowing how many people were inside, or just what they were carrying. I felt the cold metal of my gun against the small of my back, knowing that I was armed just in case this went wrong fast. I waited with baited breath as they continued to sit in the car, most probably checking around for cops considering the cover story that we'd spread. This was the time for the first move. I needed to show authority, and look strong or else they'd become suspicious. I'd already waited fifteen minutes, deals like these didn't work on patience.

Making sure that they saw my less than amused expression, I signalled to my hired muscle to pick up the large crate at my feet, and began to walk towards my own SUV. I'd barely made it three steps when the doors began opening, and two men, and a woman climbed out of the passenger, and rear doors. I stopped in my tracks, narrowing my eyes watching the three of them straighten up as the driver door opened, and the main man, Dashiel Calaway, emerged from inside.

"You're late." I announced, keeping my tone calm, but with just enough edge to tell them that I wasn't impressed.

"And you're new." One of the men replied firmly on approach.

Even the sharp bite of sarcasm in his tone, didn't hide the smoothness of his British accent. As they stepped into the light, I recognised him as the younger brother, Luke. The other two I'd seen in surveillance photos, but there hadn't been anything on them, which we suspected was due to them being foot soldiers for the firm.

"I'm also impatient." I growled.

There was a small laugh from the woman on Luke's right side, and I studied her on approach. She was beautiful, but in a way that suggested danger and strength. She wore black skinny jeans that made her legs look unbelievably long, helped even more by the high heeled ankle boots. A tailored black suit jacket added class to the otherwise casual style, with a plunging neckline, flashing a little cleavage and the edges of some serious ink work. Her short cherry black hair looked almost purple under the moonlight and had been french braided against her scalp, highlighting her flattering bone structure.

"I can sympathise with that." She laughed, stopping in front of me, her grey eyes shimmering as they caught the light and scanned over my body.

Luke and the other man stopped on her left, both dressed casually in black jeans and t-shirts, Luke's covered by a battered looking leather jacket. They each wore similar mistrustful looks as they eyed me like their prey. I caught myself thinking how handsome they were, with their short, slightly messy dark hair and strangely bright eyes. Both were equally athletic in physique, and with chiseled jaw lines covered by dark stubble. I wasn't sure, but if I had to guess, I'd definitely go with the idea that they were related.