Not Just Another Number

Cracked The Code

Sarah's POV

I lean against the wall outside of the Scoops Ahoy, next to Christine. "So, I'm stuck looking for the evil Russians with Steve and Dustin. What are you doing?" I ask her. She shrugs and looks over to The Gap.

"Have to get back to work. Come get me when you got something?" She asks. I nod and she walks off. I sigh and wait for Steve and Dustin to get here. Where are those guys? As if my mind was read, both boys run up to me, Steve holding a pair of binoculars.

"Really?" I ask, rolling my eyes at the binoculars. Steve nods and Dustin rolls his eyes as well. "Well, how else are we going to spy on one from afar?" I shrug, not even bothering. I follow them to a fake plant and sit down on the chair next to it.

Like the weirdos they are, they crouch down behind it and begin to spy on people. I sigh and shake my head. At least they're spying. If only it looked less weird.

Steve looks around, but there's no pattern to it. It's like he doesn't know what to look for. Can't blame him, I mean, what does an 'evil Russian' look like? "What am I looking for?" He asks. Called it.

"Evil Russians." Dustin responds.

"Yeah, I don't know what an evil Russian looks like." Steve shrugs, still looking around.

"Tall, blond, no smiling." Steve and I hum and he goes back to looking. I look around at the people around us and find no one looking suspicious. "Also, look for ear pieces, camo, duffle bags. That sort of thing."

Steve continues to look around, humming every so often. I look up at the second story, watching people walk around, smiling and laughing. Wish I was like them. Blissfully unaware of the horrors of the world.

I sigh and jump at a sudden crash of lightning. Steve and Dustin look over at me because of the sudden movement. "You okay Sarah?" Steve asks, putting a hand on my shoulder.

I nod and cover his hand with mine. "Yeah, just didn't expect the thunder." He nods, but doesn't move his hand. He hands me the binoculars. "Your turn." I nod and take them.

I bring them up to my eyes and watch everyone closer. I see a few couples walk around, laughing and smiling together. Nothing out of the ordinary. I look to the side and notice A guy with sunglasses and long blond hair carrying a duffle bag. Maybe?

"Hey g-" I try to say, but a cough cuts through my words. I cover my mouth with my arm and drop the binoculars. The coughing starts to get worse, beginning to hurt. I fell the hand on my shoulder squeeze.

"Sarah? What's happening?" Dustin asks. I put my other hand out, trying to reassure him that I'm fine, but it's not that easy. Considering last year, the sight of me coughing violently brings up a lot of painful memories.

I cough again and try to clear my throat. The coughing stops, finally, leaving my throat feeling scratchy. I move my arm and freeze at the sight of fresh blood. Shit, again?! My hands shake a little as I let my arm drop.

"Sarah, are you okay?" Steve asks, moving me so I can look at him. I nod shallowly and look away from his eyes. "M'fine." I shove the binoculars into Dustin's hands. "I found a guy. Sunglasses and blond hair."

Dustin nods quickly and looks for the guy I described. Steve doesn't let my shoulder go, opting to rub it comfortingly. He pulls me into his side, and I melt. I sigh at his warmth.

"Are you sure you're okay? Did you have a vision?" He asks again. I shake my head and pat his hand reassuringly. "I'm fine Steve, no visions. I promise, I'm fine." I move my head and kiss his cheek, trying to get him to stop worrying.