Zodiac Agents : Guarded

CHAPTER 9

Snow didn't like the idea of going to the beach at night. Moonlight reflected off the waters and a board walk was lit up by fairy lights but it was still dark and the sound of the waves echoed in her ears. So many things hide in darkness. She had hesitantly taken off her shoes so the pale sand was squishy under her feet.

"Why are we here again?" She asked her friends when they finally sat down in the middle of the beach.

"I need to tell you something." Didi said. She looked pained. "I've kept it to myself for too long.."

Now struck with curiosity, Snow focused on Didi as did everyone else. Didi took a deep breath and stroked the sand with her fingers.

For a moment the only sound to be heard was the crashing of the waves.

"So, what is it?" Huntley asked.
"Do you... Do you remember the mission that Jasper went on before he...?" Didi was struggling to get her words out.

Ally put a hand on Didi's shoulder and nodded.

"Yeah, but what's wrong?" Elaine asked.
"He said I should stay behind when he went."

Didi remembered that night so clearly. It had been raining during the day so the air smelled fresh and earthy. Her boots were quiet on the ground, following closely behind Jasper in the Harbour. She hid behind containers, so badly wanting to reach him. Finally, he stopped moving and she heard voices. Arguing, impatient. Jasper had his gun ready. She saw him take a deep breath. She quickly made her way next to him behind the truck.

"Didi, what the hell are you doing here?!" He was angry and shocked.
"I came to help. What do you think I'm doing here?" Didi said and pulled out a blade.

"I told you to stay-"
"I know but I couldn't... I couldn't let you do this alone. You refused to call backup-"

"Because I have this covered!" he sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. His eyes softened slightly. "Babe, this isn't safe. I need you to go-"

The gun fire cut him off. Instinctively, Didi ducked lower and they leaned against the truck, stealing glances to fire every time.

"Still think this was a good idea?" Jasper asked, annoyed but he had a small smile on his face.

"Still think calling back up wasn't a good idea?" she retorted. They shared a glance, each worried about the other but also happy that they were together.
His hand was on her back, nudging her forward. "Go, I'll cover you!"

"But-"

"I'll be right behind you! Now go!"
Hesitant, she ran for it, slicing down anyone in her way. She was almost there. They would make it. Pain burst through her shoulder and she stumbled, falling to her knees. But she could still go on. Even if everything was getting blurry...

And then the final shot rung out and all was quiet. It felt like her whole world was crashing down on her. Jasper...

Snow knew the basics of the story but not all of this. It was the reason that they all moved to Miami.

Everyone kept quiet as she continued.
"I don't know how they knew we were there but..." Didi was struggling and Ally rubbed a hand on her back. "They shot him and he fell over and... I couldn't do anything to help him! "

Didi had let the flood gates open and the tears gushed out." If I had listened maybe he would've made it! Maybe he would still be here with me! I-"

"Enough!" Scarlett said, firm and gentle at the same time. "Didi, you couldn't have known. This isn't on you."

"Why didn't you tell us before? You've kept this to yourself for far too long." Felicity said.

"I... I was too scared. Ashamed. Guilty." Didi said while wiping her face.