When The Clock Strikes Twelve

Chapter 10

Jaye woke up early, courtesy of the alarm clock Zander let her borrow. She scribbled out a note in the darkness, placing it on the counter. After a hasty breakfast in the dark, she finally crept down the stairs into the lobby. Sabeer was already there, a shadow in the darkness. They nodded a greeting to each other and set off into the shadowy landscape.

By the time they reached the wall, the sun was just barely starting to become visible on the horizon, which meant they were right on time. The patrol at the gates was changing.

Jaye and Sabeer clung to the wall as the truck carrying the two police drove away. They had about a minute before their replacement showed up. They scaled the gate with ease, all the training finally becoming useful. As they walked into the streets, Jaye planted a device in the shrubs near the gate, but not too close.

When you are leaving, activate the device and run away. Zander had explained. It will simulate loud noises, and you can run away while the guards are distracted.

Jaye really hoped the device worked, considering it was the only way they would be able to get out of the city.

By the time they reached the Sunday market, the rest of the city was awake, making the center plaza a bustling hub of citizens. Jaye blinked, slightly overwhelmed at the amount of people there were. She knew that the cities were big, but wow. She had no idea that this many people even existed. She remembered the stories her mother used to tell about Sunday markets.

You see, Sunday is the only day we don't have to work, so everyone goes to the market on Sundays so they can get their food, and clothes, and anything else they might need. she explained.

Not everyone, Jaye protested. I never get to go to the Sunday market.

Her mother grew silent, and didn't talk about the market after that.

Jaye shook the memory away, reminding herself of her mission.

"Let's try there first." Sabeer whispered to her, pointing discreetly to a group of people chatting as they browsed. The group was large enough that Jaye and Sabeer could easily slip behind them and eavesdrop without seeming suspicious.

When they finally meandered their way to the group, a woman was addressing the entire group. "I don't think that she should even consider-"

"Yes," someone interrupted. "but no one cares what you think, Mira."

There were a few titters from the groups. The woman scowled darkly.

"And what do you think she should do, Deo?" she responded waspishly.

The person named Deo responded. "I think it's a great idea for both her and for us."

Jaye glanced at Sabeer. She had no idea who they were discussing and what they were doing, and it looked like Sabeer didn't have a clue either. They'd clearly arrived too late in the conversation.

Jaye and Sabeer turned to leave, already looking for another group to listen in on.

After a few false starts and many dull conversations about people and things Jaye had no clue about, Jaye and Sabeer finally hit gold.

"Have you heard about the Queens ball?" an excited young woman asked her mother.

The mother rolled her eyes. "I told you to stop listening to silly rumours. How many of these things that you hear are actually true?" she asked.

"Well, not many, but-"

"Exactly. Now help me find something in my size." she said, ending the conversation. The girl opened her mouth, but closed it quickly and started to help her mother sort through rows of work boots.