Ma moitié

6. France

***Beau***

My brain stutters for a moment and my eyes get lighter than I expected, every part of me goes on pause while my thoughts catch up. Avery, unconscious, was sound asleep on my shoulder. I really felt sorry for what had happened. If it weren't for the circumstances, I would have treated him much better. I placed one hand on Avery's shoulder, "It'll be okay, it will."

From the window of the plane, the wing engine is semi-illuminated, the lower half shining around the rim, the upper half several shades darker. As the plane dips, the line between shadow and light moves, and all the while, my eyes were glued to Avery, fast asleep.

Light movements, jolts, squints, twitches, Avery has been through a lot I could say. I lightly tapped him to avert his twitching, and just as he felt it, he woke.

"W-what, happened?" He rose from my shoulder, holding on to his neck as he circled his gaze around the plane.

I went silent, I felt sorry for what I did. "You're safe now," I uttered softly.

His eyes met mine with a shocked expression as he mouthed, questioning: "Doc. Monteil?"

I averted my gaze away from his and scoffed, "You could just call me Beau, we're not in the hospital anymore," stealing a few glances towards him.

He then grabbed my wrist, roughly. Was he this tough? I looked at him, his other hand clenched over me as if he was about to punch my face. "Woah, hold your horses Avery, calm down." I raised one hand to let out a reassuring gesture.

"Calm down? How would I calm down? I don't know where I am, I don't know why we're inside a f*****g airplane," his voice cracked. "I don't even know where my mother is." His eyes illuminated over the dim light that surrounded most of the airplane's interior, face red, a tear fell from his eye. His grasp loosened as he sat down to ease himself from everything.

I placed my hand on his shoulder. "Come with me." I mouthed. "Mrs. Auclair is safe, trust me." I continued. Avery, color flushed from his skin, wiped off his tears and readied himself for what would happen next.

We stood up our chairs and headed over to the next cabin. There placed a stretcher with Mrs. Auclair on it, silently sleeping. Avery ran over to his mother, grabbing her hand as he crouched next to her, as if the world was forcing its gravity over him. "I thought I lost you," he wept.

I headed over to Chantal, sitting on the opposite side of the stretcher, "Beau," she greeted.

"Chantal," I replied. Chantal was one of my dear colleagues who I trusted dearly, and in this case, we were the best team.

"Have you told him?" Chantal asked.

"Not yet."

"You should. They are our assignment the moment 18th dawned on our calendars."

"I will. Just let the kid process things first, I don't want him weighing over what information he'll know next."

"As you wish. I've sent you the address of where both of you will be staying."

"Thanks Chantal."

"Are you sure keeping them separated will keep Avery from worrying about his mother? We could just keep a close eye on both of them."

"It's for the best, keeping them in two different places will keep Honorine busy." I checked my phone as it showed the location we were about to be deported to. It was a small house, located at France, Castellete Villa.

"You'll be staying there for three months, keep it as low as possible. I'll come visit the both of you after. Everything has already been taken care of, all you need to do is focus on your assignment. Beau." Chantal ordered.

"Here's a list for you to follow. These are rules from HQ, read them accordingly." She added.

Chantal handed over a comprehensive list over my phone. The contents were as follows:

"Règles à suivre"

1. Both of you should bear new identities once you land in France - your new passports and IDs will be handed over at the airport.

2. As per identification, you and your subject are lawfully married and are to be seen as a couple in public.

3. As per precaution, we will be providing new devices for both of you. The previous devices owned shall be deactivated and confiscated for the time period of your stay.

4. Once devices are received, should you notify your subject to never contact anyone, even Chantal's assignment, under any circumstances.

5. You are to keep all of your information confidential. Do not allow anyone inside your premises.

6. In case of dire situations, a directory from the master's bedroom will lead you to the weaponry that is hidden inside your villa.

7. Do notify your assignment about this list, as he is involved here all throughout the process.

-HQ-

The list ended there.

"Will you be able to follow the list, Monteil?" Chantal asked as she stared at me sternly.

I nodded. The list was simple, no harm in following. What I'm worried about is Avery. It may be too much for him.

I leaned back at my seat, relaxing myself, taking short increments of breathing in and breathing out. I stared at Avery, he cared for his mother deeply. He had fallen asleep, holding his mother's hand. I guess I'll have to explain what will happen next to him the moment he wakes up. He needs as much rest as possible before digesting all the new information that will change his life.

"This will be a rough ride," I muttered.

"It will." Chantal added.

I sighed in disbelief.

"Off to Paris."

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