The Lost Angel

Chapter 2

As I entered the training room the silence was deafening. Jason was sitting on the ground with his legs crossed. He was the newest member of my crew. His partner had been killed right before our mission was to start. John thought he would be a good addition to our group. He was right, but of course he always was. Jason is an amazing hacker, better than myself and that’s saying something. For something as simple as getting into a local database and out again undetected, would take him half the time it would me. Before him I held the record for the fastest time, he blew mine out of the water. On the contrary, his fighting skills were below par. He would never make it in the field, that’s why we keep him here and tried to hone his skills. He was good as decoy though and had enough skills to get away. He stood right at six feet with an athletic build and olive skin. For some reason he never liked to cut his dark hair and it was looking a bit shaggy. At the moment it was covering his dark haunting eyes.

The rest of the crew were standing, waiting on me to explain to them what this meeting was about. The one closest to Jason was Lee. His family was from Korea originally and most of them had died on the trip to the states. His mother was the only one who had made it. She was very ill when the tanker finally made it to the harbor in California. She was rushed to the nearest hospital. That’s where she eventually died but not before she gave birth to her son. The captain, who was the one that rushed her to the hospital, had fallen for the young woman and Lee was the result. He was premature by two months and the captain had a family already so he told his wife that he adopted Lee. He grew up knowing that his mother had died but nothing of his father until the captain was on his deathbed. Lee was fourteen when he found out that his adopted father was his actual father. That very day he ran away to live on the streets. It was tough for him but he fought to survive until the agency pulled him in.

Lee was my height and looked small but he was stronger than you would think. Unlike Jason, he hated having hair and always shaved his head, we didn’t know what color it was. He had the most beautiful light brown eyes that I had ever seen, almost the color of natural oak wood. But behind the beauty of his eyes there was pain.

Behind Jason and Lee stood Brooks. Brooks was the tallest out of our crew, topping out at six-four. He was from somewhere in the states, although he didn’t know where, his family moved around a lot. Every time I looked at him, I was amazed. He was of African descent; however, his skin was a caramel color and he had hazel eyes. He always changed the color of his hair to match the mission, at the moment his color of choice was red. He was like Jason in the sense that his partner had been killed before joining my crew.

Brooks was very agile and for a bigger man that was a feat. Every inch of Brooks was covered in muscle, at least the parts I could see. He was proud of that fact and insisted on working on those muscles everyday. Not that I was complaining, it made him a valuable asset. Women flocked to him in droves, not that I blamed them. He could have been a model and probably would have been if it weren’t for the accident. His father had a bad temper and an even nastier drinking habit. He decided one night that the family should go for a drive and he should drive them. Brooks was the only one that survived but not without physical scars on his face and hands from being thrown through the windshield. That’s what had saved him because the car flipped several times and burst into flames. He still had nightmares of a flaming car and would awaken drenched in sweat with the screams of his family in his ears.

The last part of my crew was standing with my partner Jake. Sara, she was about five-three and very petite. Don’t let her size fool you. She was just as deadly as the men in my crew. She and Lee were partners before they joined my crew and they had a habit of banding together. She was very beautiful with blonde hair and bright blue eyes the color of the sea on a calm day. She had a mean streak a mile long and was always jealous of something or someone. She could also be very vindictive at times and hated when I gave her orders. Think of the homecoming queen gone crazy and that was Sara, the word b***h didn’t even cover it. At the moment she was staring at me like I’d grown another head and I was the grossest thing in the freak show.

As I looked at each one of my crew, I realized why I had been saddled with them. In one-way or another my crew were the troublemakers. Blaine wanted to punish me. He really wasn’t used to the word no. Ever since John had brought me to the agency, Blaine had been obsessed with me.

“What’s this all about!? We have work to do.” Sara couldn’t handle silence very well. I had been silent since I arrived in the training room, for all of two minutes.

“I’ll thank you to shut your trap, Sara. Before I shut it for you.” She always rubbed me the wrong way. All of the men in the crew looked at her and then at me and stayed quiet. Smart choice. “I’ll explain in a moment why I called this meeting. But first, does anybody other than Sara has something to say.” Jason raised his hand. “Yes?”

“Well, I hacked into the local police mainframe and checked to see if there was a description of anything other than the car. The only thing I found was a description of a woman about six foot tall, no other details.” I was wearing my favorite black leather boots and they put me a little under six foot.

“Good work Jason. Anyone else?” Brooks shook his head and Lee just shrugged. I looked at Jake and he was staring at the floor. Sara was about ready to blow a gasket, I loved that look. Maybe it was a little bit childish of me but I enjoyed pissing her off.

“Well since no one has anything to say then let’s get started. I wonder if any of you have an idea of why I called this meeting. I…”

“Oh, I know why.” Sara had interrupted me. “You’re mad because Jake and I are together. Everyone knows you’re in love with him.”

You have got to be kidding me. The guys were looking at her in pure shock. She thinks I want Jake and that’s why I called this meeting. Well. Jake was handsome in a country boy kind of way. He had sandy blonde hair with emerald green eyes and a six-pack to die for. But Jake was like a brother to me and I would never want to be with him like that.

And then I smelled something, Fear. It was coming from everyone but Sara. I decided to teach her a lesson that she’d never forget. A slow, evil smile slid across my face and Jake’s eyes went wide. Like I said we knew each other so well, he knew what was coming. He looked at Sara and started to back away.

“Don’t make me choose between you and Angel, Sara. I won’t do it. I never had a family and Angel is like a sister to me. I love her and won’t turn my back on her. I like you and I enjoy our time together but I won’t leave Angel.” I knew that he believed every word he said. Just as I knew he would never choose a side and I didn’t expect him to.

“You what? After everything, you’re going to take her side in this? Why would you do that Jake? You know what she is!” What I am? Well, this is interesting, Sara thinks he’s taking my side. I’m sure I would find out sooner or later what I was.

Before Jake could answer, I decided to take her down a peg or two. I pulled out my sultry voice and called her name. “Sara.”

“What!”

“Jake isn’t taking my side, nor will he. I would never make him choose between me and anyone else. As he’s already stated, I’m like his sister and that’s all. If you think I’m jealous that you too are f*****g on a regular basis, then you are dead wrong.” At the word dead, Jake flinched. Probably because the last two words were infused with as much menace as I could muster. I was beyond angry; I was pissed off and it was wound into my words.

“Well, if it’s not about me and Jake then what the hell is this meeting about?”

“I called this meeting to remind everyone who was in charge here and why.”

“Whoa Angel, we know who’s in charge and have no doubt of why.” Brooks had his hands up and was backing away slowly. He was scared of me that much was sure, but for him to say something like that meant that he wasn’t scared for himself this time.

“I don’t think you do. As of late, I believe all of you have forgotten why I was chosen to lead this crew. Maybe I’m being paranoid but it seems like you boys are under the assumption that Sara is in charge.”

“Why would they think that. Maybe because you care nothing of what happens to them. Right boys?” She seemed so sure of what she was saying, she had no idea that she would be betrayed by someone she trusted. Neither did anyone else.

Lee, who had been silent through everything, spoke up, “This is about you Sara, don’t pull us into it. I may at one time have been you’re partner but we’re a crew now and Angel’s in charge. Whether I like her or not, she’s the best one to lead us. She has all the qualities of a great agent and doesn’t let praise go to her head.” With that statement he looked at me, “I’m proud to follow your orders and I won’t question your methods.”

To say I was surprised would be an understatement. Complete and total shock was closer but still wasn’t quite there. Being the agent that I am, my face showed nothing, but in my head, I could see me as a cartoon character with my jaw on the floor. All of the anger I had bled away and I gave him an answer of acknowledgement, which was automatic. “From everything that I am, I thank you Lee. I accept your loyalty and faith. I will try, with all that I have, to not abuse this gift.”

“You know my answer.” Indeed, I did. Jake had always trusted and believed in me. “I won’t question you now.”

“Nor I you Jake.”

Brooks looked as though he was trying to think of what to say. “I haven’t seen anything to tell me that you don’t know what you’re doing. I was the first to join you and Jake, but both of you treated me as though I had always been here. Since I signed on you have done nothing but help me to refine my talents and save my butt. If you want my seal of approval, then you have it, Angel. I’m yours until death take me.” At that I had to smile, Brooks always had to make a joke in tense situations. He always knew how to make me smile and sometimes laugh.

“I may be the newest member of your crew but I know you care about us. Why else would you teach us your secrets and training methods? I’ve learned more from you in the last three months than the last two years with the instructors at HQ. I like that you want to help and I won’t turn my back on you now.” This coming from Jason meant much to me. But again, I knew I must keep those feelings hidden, now was neither the time nor the place.

“You have to be kidding me. Grow some balls gentlemen. This b***h doesn’t know the first thing about leadership. I should be running this crew not her.”

“Sara.” Again, I used the very voice that could make men and women melt. She hated this voice and I used it when I had the chance, again, just to piss her off.

“What!”

“I may be a lot of things but I’m not invisible. If you want to lead this crew you need two things.”

“Oh really. And what would that be?” She sounded like a spoiled little rich princess, who was always used to getting her way.

“First you need their respect, and I don’t think that’s what they have for you. I cannot speak for them and I will not. They have their own minds and voice. But I speak for myself when I say I would never follow you into battle. You will never be a leader until you get over yourself and let your anger and jealousy go.”

She proved my point when she rolled her eyes and proceeded to cross her arms over her chest. “And what’s the second thing, oh great leader.”

I smiled and dropped my bag on the hardwood floor. “You would have to beat me in a fight. If you think you have the skills to do so then choose your weapon.”

“Fine, have it your way. I choose my sword.”

“Remember this, Sara. If you beat me then you can lead this crew and I will follow your orders. If you lose then you will accept my orders without complaint.”

She thought for a long moment, until I thought smoke would come out of her ears. I didn’t want to explain to John why the training room was ruined. “Deal.”

“Sara, Angel.” Jake sounded so sad; my heart began to break with the pain he now showed. “Please don’t do this.”

“What’s wrong Jake? Afraid I might kill your beloved sister?” As if to punctuate her question, she laughed.

“Jake. You and the rest of the men will stand aside. I don’t want anyone to interfere. This is between Sara and myself. No matter what happens you will stay out of it. Do I make myself clear?” Jake deflated like a balloon and just nodded. I looked at the others for confirmation. Brooks and Lee nodded and joined Jake against the wall.

Jason, however, looked like he might be sick. “You won’t kill her, will you?”

“It is not a fight to the death Jason. Whether I would like to admit it or not, she is a valuable member of my crew and I won’t lose her because of a silly argument. I give you my word that I won’t kill her. I am merely showing her why I was chosen to lead this crew.” That promise must have been enough for him because he nodded and joined the others. It’s a good thing he didn’t ask me if I was going to hurt her. True, I wasn’t going to kill her but I was going to cause her pain. I wanted to teach her a lesson and what better why to teach someone than through pain. That’s how I was taught.

“It’s ok Jake. Angel said she wouldn’t kill her.”

“I know Jason but Angel never said she wouldn’t hurt her.” Jake knew what was going to happen and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Sara wouldn’t listen to him, she had it in her head that she could beat me. He also knew that I was holding back when we trained with the others. He never asked me why because he was holding back too. Jason’s face turned white after that statement and looked like he might be sick. “When our instructors wanted to teach us a lesson, it was through sweat and pain. That is what we know Jason.”

Sara ignored them, “so what weapon will you choose.” She had already retrieved her sword from the wall. We always hung our weapons on the wall in our own custom-made cabinets. That was something else that was chosen when we moved in.

The cabinets were built into the walls with doors made of oak wood and they were lined in different colored velvet. Mine was lined in red, I looked good in red and it had become one of my favorite colors.

To answer her, I dropped my coat on the floor and pulled my sais out of their holsters. They were always securely strapped to my thighs; I only pulled them out for missions. No one had seen me use these in training or battle, save for Jake. They were my favorite weapons and my sensei taught me well. It was time they all learn a lesson before it costs them their freedom or their life. I couldn’t allow the crew to be divided, not with two more set to join us two weeks after we arrived home to the states. We must be united, otherwise we would parish. I was determined to unite this crew, even if it costs me my own well being or sanity.

Sara took my moment of thought as she should, she attacked. What she wasn’t expecting was that I knew what she would do and was ready for it. She swung her sword, aiming to take off my head. Her sword met my sai instead of my neck. Sara jumped back in shock; she never expected me to be ready for her. She didn’t let her surprise hold her back, though I could tell that she was reconsidering her choice. She was circling me now, preparing for another attack. I decided it was time to put on a show and distract her. I spun my sais around, just as one of those gunslingers had spun their six shooters in a cheesy western that Jake made me sit through. Everyone watched in awe, except Jake who was shaking his head. It was the perfect opening. She was close enough for me to knock her down with a leg sweep, but I decided to disarm her first. With one well placed roundhouse kick I knocked her sword out of her hand to go sliding across the floor. Before she could recover, I dropped down and swept her off her feet. She didn’t realize what was happening until she had almost hit the ground. She barely had enough time to put her hand back to break her fall. I was on top of her in the next second before she could move.

“That wasn’t so bad Jake. Why were you so worried? Angel really didn’t hurt her at all. I had never imagined she was that good though. Did you see that!”

“She’s not done yet Jason.”

Jake was right I wasn’t done yet. Sara had learned not to underestimate me but that wasn’t good enough. She had to follow me without question. I had already decided what to do before this so-called fight began. I had straddled her and now I moved to place my knee on her stomach, she didn’t fight back. I bent down so I was close enough that she alone could hear me.

“Just so you know I don’t want Jake like you do. I love him but not as you would a lover. He is my brother and the only family that I have had since John found me over three years ago. Don’t feel threatened because of that. If he is happy with you then I am happy for him.”

I rose up so they could all hear me now but my eyes never left her face. “Let this be a lesson to you Sara.”

I placed the tip of my sia over her left breast and pressed down until blood was drawn. She always wore a push up bra to make her C’s look like D’s, which made for easy access. I ran my blade from left to right across her breast, the scratch welled up and looked angry. But the look of pain was what I wanted from her. She didn’t make a sound because that’s what we were taught, no matter how much pain you’re in don’t make any noise.

“Let this be a lesson to all of you. I will not tolerate doubt in my ability to lead this crew.”

I stood without looking away from Sara’s face. “I would never willing put any of you in harms way, nor will I leave you stranded. My motives and actions are always for the good of the whole. You are my crew and as such that makes you mine. I will do everything in my power to protect you. Never doubt that.”

I transferred the blade in my right hand to my left and offered her my hand. Sara allowed me to pull her up from the ground and didn’t make a smartass remark. The blood from her wound trickled down to stain her white shirt in an odd pattern, I had gone deeper than was intended. It was going to scar, no doubt about it.

“I’m sorry Angel. I will never doubt your abilities again. John said you were the best and you would teach us to be better agents. He told us to follow you without question and you would never let us drown. I now believe him.”

“John has always had faith in me. He loves me as he would a daughter. If you trust me Sara, I will work with you to reign in your emotions and use them to your advantage. I swear to you that before I’m finished with you, you will be a better agent. Better than you ever dreamed you could be.” As I said this, I placed my blades back into their holsters.

She did something next that I would never have expected her capable of. She started to cry and threw her arms around my neck, she thanked me. Whatever I expected her to do, it wasn’t this. I could always tell when people were lying to me and she was truly grateful. I still didn’t trust her, but this was a good turn. I would just have to watch her and make sure she wouldn’t stab me in the back.

“Ok, that’s enough. Go clean your wound and afterwards get on the horn to HQ. Let them know the job will be completed ahead of schedule. And let the cleaners know that if they don’t come when I call them, I will have their heads. And I’m not talking about the ones on their shoulders.” For some reason all of the cleaners were men, I never quite understood the reason why.

“You got it Angel.”

“Brooks?”

“Yes Angel.”

“It’s your turn to cook tonight. If you don’t have everything you need, take Lee with you to the market. I don’t want anyone out alone.”

“We’ll leave as soon as we are armed.”

“Brooks, Lee. Take only those weapons that can be concealed. We don’t want to be noticed right away and the two of you at the market together will be enough to turn heads.”

“What do you mean?” Sometimes Lee could be so naive. I started to answer when Brooks cut it.

“She means a Black man and Korean man shopping together kind of stands out in a crowd. I don’t know if you noticed or not but there is a height difference between us.” He couldn’t help but be a smartass.

“Just be careful you two. I have no doubt that you will but I get a little paranoid when we are about to finish a mission.” Brooks rolled his eyes and went over to his cabinet to suit up. Lee did the same but without the eye rolling. Brooks had chosen the green velvet and Lee the black, as I watched they both choose two daggers and one holster full of throwing knives.

“How’s this?”

“Good Brooks, thank you. Now go and hurry back.” I turned to Jake and Jason. “Jake, take Sara into the infirmary and help her clean out her wound, stitch it if you have to. And Sara, you might want to change your shirt before talking to headquarters. Just incase they want to see you. Jason, I need you to get on the systems and find as much information as you can on our next target. As for me, I need a hot shower and a good meal.”

“As soon as Lee and I return, you’ll have your good meal. I’m making homemade mushroom and beef ravioli, you’re favorite. I just need the ingredients for the sauce.”

“You’re a good man Brooks. Be safe.” After I uttered those last two words Brooks, Lee, Jason, and Jake took off toward their assigned destinations.

Before she headed to the infirmary, Sara touched my arm. “I will follow you without question now. I’m sorry I doubted you; you do care about what happens to us even if we don’t see it. Go ahead and get cleaned up, try to relax some. When you’re done, I’ll fill you in on what’s been going on while you were away. I swear to you on everything that I hold dear that I will not withhold information from you again.” For the first time since we met, she gave me a true smile.

“I will hold you to it. And Sara…thank you.” She nodded and jogged to Jake’s side. Before they disappeared through the door leading to the other rooms, Jake turned to look at me. He gave me a grateful smile and mouthed, “Thank you”. I merely nodded.