Undercover Bride (ON HOLD)

TWO

"You ready?" Hudson asked me as I entered his car. Napagkasunduan namin kagabi na isang kotse na lang ang dalhin. Hindi naman na bago dahil sa airport naman ang punta namin at maiiwan naman ang sasakyan. El Carter will take care of our car and will also send someone to pick us up once we're done. That's our normal routine.

"You should be asking yourself," I said. "I am more than ready in every mission. Status?"

He chuckled. "That was fast, Skylar."

"I am asking about the mission's status, Hudson."

"Wait till we board the plane, hot-headed missy."

His car's engine roared. Nginisian niya pa ako ng nakakaloko kaya nairapan ko siya nang wala sa oras. Alam na alam ni Hudson na gusto ko ang kotse niya kaya alam niya rin na kaya niya akong asarin gamit 'yon. Too bad, nauna siyang kumuha kesa sa akin.

Tahimik lang ako buong byahe. Mas pinili ko na lang na basahin at usisain pa ang bawat profiles ng mga target namin pagdating namin sa India. I am still amazed that a priest is involved in this kind of doings. I always see them as someone who's too good for bad things and businesses like this but surprise, we are on our way to eradicate him off of this planet.

"I think he's using the church's money to deal with Lionel. Don't you think?" Hudson asked.

"That's not impossible. Money is and still is the root of all evil. Nobody in this world care less when it comes to money. That's people's instinct, you know."

"It's surprising."

"The fact that a priest is involve?" I asked.

He nodded. "I didn't expect that."

"Don't judge a book by its cover," I said. "Minsan kung sino pa ang akala natin ay mabubuti, sila pa talaga ang masasama at kung sino ang akala natin ay masama, sila naman talaga ang mabuti. World and its own standards."

"Now, it's not nice talking to you," reklamo nito matapos kong magsalita sa lenggwaheng natutunan ko no'ng bata pa ako.

I am half Russian and half Filipina. Even though I have semi foreign blood, my mom didn't let me to be unfamiliar to Filipino cultures, beliefs and language. I can't help but be thankful since my parents raised me to be familiar with both cultures and understanding how much they differ and how much they can be as one. She taught me how nationalities are like labels that people somehow use as a barrier to connect with other people but also, we can utilize it as an instrument to connect and learn about other's identity as well. It depends. In my case, I chose the latter.

El Carter requires us to enrich the language we know and to learn as well other languages that might make our mission's easier. Aside from Russian and Filipino language, I also mastered Chinese, Nihongo, Swedish and Korean. Hudson, on the other hand, knows German, French, Italian, and what I refer to as the jerk's language. Kidding aside, he's pretty handy when it comes to our European missions.

After few more time, we arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport. Hudson went in his car's trunk to unload our luggage while I fixed my mermaid tears colored hair. For the final touch, I wore my Versace's signature medusa pilot sunglasses.

"Let's go," said Hudson. I smirked at saka nauna nang maglakad sa kaniya. I heard the beeping sound of his car, indicating that he locked it. Hindi na rin ako nag-abalang kunin sa kaniya ang luggage ko dahil kahit papaano ay may dugong gentleman pa naman ang partner ko kaya gustong-gusto niya na siya ang nagdadala no'n. We easily passed the x-ray without them detecting our weapons. Denver is one hell smart man to create luggages that protects any metals present inside it.

We checked in our luggages. Napangiti naman ako nang ibalik na sa akin ang passport ko without any questions, gano'n din si Hudson. Since India only requires visa on arrival ay wala na rin kaming naging problema. I looked at my wrist watch as soon as my butt touches a chair. It's 10:00 am but since India's 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead of us, I am sure it's already night time in our destination. We'll be leaving after an hour which makes it 8:30pm in India.

According to our flight details, it will not be a direct flight, rather it will be a connecting flight. From Washington to Qatar and from Qatar to Chennai airport and that will take up to 17 hours and 15 minutes flight which means that we will arrive in India at exactly 4:15am EDT and 1:45pm IST. Lionel and his friends will meet up in the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health at 5:00pm IST and our time's more than enough to prepare for it.

We boarded the plane. Nilabas ko ang cellphone ko para tignan ang mga pictures na kuha ko sa profile na binigay sa amin ni Damira. Napako ang tingin ko sa pagmumukha ni Lionel. He was Priscilla's mission, an agent na kasamahan din namin ni Hudson sa El Carter. I don't have any idea about him nor about why he betrayed the organization but one thing's for sure, he has to go. We must eliminate him and his friends by hook or by crook.

"I'll sleep," sabi ko kay Hudson na nakapikit na rin sa tabi ko. He nodded lightly. Kinuha ko sa hand carry bag ko ang sleep mask na dala-dala ko at saka iyon inilagay sa mata ko.

"Skylar...Skylar..."

I opened my eyes when I felt a soft tap on my shoulder. Inalis ko ang sleep mask na nakatakip sa mata ko pero agad ding napapikit dahil sa bumungad na liwanag ng ilaw sa akin.

"Eat," said Hudson. Do'n ko lang narealize kung gaano kapuno ang tray table niya dahil natutulog pa ako. I fixed myself first before fixing my own tray table at saka kinuha ang mga pagkain na nakalaan para sa akin.

"Thanks," I said.

"You're welcome."

I looked at my watch as I started taking off the covers of my food. In almost six hours, we'll land in Qatar then we'll take another plane to Chennai.

"You fine?" tanong sa akin ni Hudson. I simply nodded as an answer.

Hindi na kami ulit nag-usap pagkatapos no'n. Wala na rin naman kaming sasabihin sa isa't isa. Pareho rin naman kami na hindi mahilig sa casual talks. Dumadaldal lang kami kapag nasa misyon na.

I looked at the airplane window. I put a finger in the bleed hole and I can feel the air sucking that certain part of my skin. The purpose of this tiny hole is to balance the pressure between the cabin and the air gap. Things like this makes me wanna think that everything in this world is created according to its own purpose. In my case, my only purpose is to build myself and take revenge.

Hindi ako magiging parte ng El Carter kung hindi nila sinira ang buhay ko. I was nine yet I lost my parents in front of my eyes. It was a sunny Sunday morning. Kakauwi lang namin galing sa simbahan then everything happened so fast. I heard gunshots and they're non-stop. Mom put me inside our wooden cabinet. Its original purpose were for storing dishwares, who would've thought that at that time, it'll be my hiding place?

Noong una, puro sigawan lang ang naririnig ko. They're talking about something golden and they're asking for it on my parents, saying that a certain Senator needs it as soon as possible. By peeking at a small hole in the cabinet, I saw how my parents begged for their lives and how gunshots ended them right in front of my eyes. Wala akong ibang nagawa no'n kundi ang umiyak nang umiyak at pigilan ang hikbi ko na gumawa ng ingay dahil baka ako ang isunod nila. I was young and I am too scared of them. Nakita ko pa no'n ang pagpasok ng isang pigura na nagsilbi na atang bangungot para sa akin. I can't even forget how he smirked and how he ordered his men to drag my parents bodies out of our house. Then, El Carter came. Hindi ko alam kung paano nalaman ni Damira ang tungkol sa akin but she encouraged me to be part of the organization, saying that they'll help me in terms of recovery and build a new life. At young age, natutunan ko kung paanong magtanim ng galit. Awtomatiko namang napakuyom ang kamay ko dahil sa memoryang iyon. Now that I am one of the top agents of the organization, it's pay back time.

"Do you know about our new visitor in El Carter?" tanong sa akin ni Hudson kaya napatingin ako sa kaniya.

"No. Who is it?"

He showed me his phone at mula roon ay nakita ko ang mukha ng taong kinamumuhian ko. It's the President...

"Good thing, you're here with me," sabi ni Hudson at saka inilayo sa akin ang cellphone niya. "You might do something really stupid if you two cross each other's paths."

"I might?" I chuckled. "I will, Hudson. For sure, I will."

Hindi na kami ulit nagdaldalan hanggang sa makarating kami ng Qatar. We had few casual talks and that’s it. Maikli naman kasi ang pasensya ko sa kaniya at ang isang ‘to, kahit ano atang sabihin ko ay tatawanan niya. When we landed on Chennai airport, it’s already afternoon. I fixed my wrist watch and set it up following IST’s time zone.

“We have exactly three hours and fifteen minutes to prepare before our mission. You want to grab some food or what?” Hudson asked me.

“We’re running out of time, Hudson. Calm your freaking stomach,” asik ko rito. “Chennai to our mission’s location takes up to six hours driving time. Can you get there in two?” I asked him.

He smirked. “We won’t go there by land.”

“What?”

“Damira arranged a special flight via copter for us. Expect to reach the place in one hour.”

“How come I didn’t know about that?”

“Maybe because you’re not checking your own email.” He smirked once again and I glared at him. I forgot to checked it since I was too focus on this mission. Hindi na rin siya umimik ulit and just like when we left Washington, he insisted on carrying my luggage.

Nang makalabas kami ng airport ay may kung sinong nakablack suit ang sumalubong sa amin. I am not familiar with them but since Hudson's accepting their handshakes, I did, too. Hinayaan ko na lang din na si Hudson ang makipag-usap sa kanila. After a while, they guided us paalis ng airport at pinasakay kami sa kotse na dala-dala nila. It was quite fascinating because they’re carrying BMW X5 Security Plus, the first vehicle specifically created to protect its passengers against the AK-47.

After few minutes, we arrived at a sandy location I am not familiar with. In the not-too-distant location, I found a helipad and a jaw dropping helicopter.

“Is that...” I can’t even find the right words to say. I can’t believe this!

“Yes, H155. Formerly known as EC155 B1 so you don’t even have to worry about safety,” Hudson said. I mouthed ‘wow’. “With its high set main rotor and a shrouded tail rotor plus the fact that it is proven to fly up to six thousand feet with a maximum speed of three hundred twenty four kilometers per hour, we’ll arrive at the Basilica in no time.”

It was jaw dropping. Hindi ko naitago ang excitement ko nang mauna pa akong bumaba ng sasakyan kesa sa kanila.

“Goodluck on your mission, agents,” said one of those men in black who escorted us. Hindi ko na sila pinansin at agad na lumulan ng helicopter na sasakyan namin papunta sa Basilica. I even let my fingers wander in the helicopter’s interior. Never in my life did I imagine to be flying for a mission with this vehicle. Yeah, bulletproof cars are great deals but this one’s insane!

“You’re that excited?” Hudson asked. Nangingiti pa ito at saka umiling-iling. “If you’re too sensitive to noise, they got ear plugs in here and fasten your seatbelt, lady. I don’t want you dead on this mission.”

“They don’t have any noise-cancelling headphones in here?” I asked.

He laughed. Again and as usual. “They do, you demanding brat,” he said before giving me the item I asked for.

After listening to some instructions, we set for take off. I can’t help but be amazed on India’s aerial view. It may not be as great as Washington but flying with this aircraft makes me feel like I wanted to stay in India and never go back to my country riding my Panamera but I know, everything on this mission’s temporary.

Just as expected, we arrived at the Basilica after an hour. Hindi rin kami masyadong lumapit sa site dahil na rin ayaw naming makalikha ng kahit na anong pwedeng makakuha ng atensyon ng mga naroon. I looked at my wrist watch and it’s thirty minutes before four.

“We still have plenty of time but you have to wear your disguise, Skylar,” Hudson commanded.

“Briefly explain to me why I have to go inside the Basilica as a nun.” I hissed.

“The number of nuns inside the church are much greater than the number of priests inside,” he said. “If I’ll go, this mission has a higher chance of getting compromised but if you go, they won’t notice you because who on Earth will memorize almost a hundred names? None.” He chuckled. “You get the joke? None and nun...”

I sighed as I rolled my eyes on him. Napakakorni!

“Besides, I can’t carry two guns at a time, Skylar.”

My brows furrowed. “One gun is enough, Hudson.”

He chuckled once again. “You’re really Filipina.”

“What’s your problem with my nationality, you jerk?!”

“Woah, all I’m saying is you’re too innocent for jokes like that. Don’t take it too hard,” he said. “What I mean by two guns is one gun on my hand and another gun down there...inside my pants.”

I gritted my teeth. “f*****g pervert!”

Kinuha ko na sa kaniya ang luggage kung nasaan ang weapons na kakailanganin ko and looked for an area where I can open my luggage up. Luckily, there’s a vacant lot a few meters away from the Basilica. I took off my shirt and my tube showed up underneath.

“Woah.” Awtomatiko kong natignan nang masama si Hudson kaya napaiwas ito ng tingin. Bumalik na ako sa ginagawa ko. I picked up the tunic I’ll be needing, the scapular, cowl and veil. I took off my pants and picked up my guns and daggers for back up. Inayos ko na rin ang leg holster ko at saka inilagay roon ang mga kakailanganin ko sa loob.

“You done?” asked Hudson.

“Yeah.”

He opened up his luggage, too and throw the other half of his wireless in-ear to my direction. Agad ko namang nasalo ‘yon at saka inilagay sa tenga ko. Since I am wearing a veil and due to the in-ear’s size, it would be impossible for someone to notice it right away.

“Let’s take him down,” Hudson said. “I’ll set up at fifty or a hundred meters away from here. Call me if you need back up inside.” I simply nodded on his command. “Take care, Skylar.”

Hindi ko na siya sinagot. We went in two different directions. Good thing, nobody’s out at this hour kaya mabilis akong nakapuslit sa loob ng simbahan.

“I’m in,” pasimpleng bulong ko na alam kong maririnig naman agad ni Hudson.

“Copy.”

I started planting a mini camera on area’s that aren’t that exposed to people. Pasimple ko ring inilagay sa kabilang tenga ko ang dala kong hearing amplifier. The Basilica’s huge at kung hindi ko alam kung saan ako kikilos ay mas mahihirapan lang ako.

“Status?” Hudson asked through my in-ear.

“Still at ground zero.”

Mabilis kong naayos ang tindig ko nang may kung sinong mga nakablack suit ang pumasok sa isang pinto. Nang maisara nila ang pinto ay doon lang ako lumapit do’n para makita kung anong kwarto ang pinasukan nila. It was a sacristy. Dahan-dahan kong idinikit ang attachable piece ng hearing amplifier ko sa pinto para makakuha ng kahit na anong impormasyon sa pag-uusapan sa loob.

“What are you doing?” I side-eyed the man who asked me. He’s wearing the same black suit as those men who entered the sacristy. Before he can even utter another word, I grabbed him by his collar and rotate him as I pulled him. I wrapped my right arm around his neck and yank him towards me. As expected, he raised his hands to protect his neck. I took that chance to put my left arm behind his neck and apply the needed pressure for him to sleep. I am blocking his airways and that will give me ample of time to deal with my real mission. After few seconds, I can feel him slightly losing his grip on my arms then later on, passed out.

Mabilis kong hinila ang katawan niya papunta sa kung saan na hindi siya makikita pero bago pa man ako makabalik sa sacristy ay lumabas na ang mga lalaking sinusundan ko roon at kasabay pa nila ang pari na parte ng misyon namin. s**t.

“First target found,” I reported to Hudson.

“Second and third target T.H.A,” he replied. That’s a status report, informing me that second and third target has arrived the perimeter.

“Estimated casualties?” I asked.

“Don’t worry, no other civilians in the first fifty meters. This will only be about Lionel, his friends, you and me.”

“Good. Code?”

“First target, Gemini. Second target, Capricorn and third target, Aries. All of them need to be eliminated as soon as possible.”

“Copy.”

Nang may dumating na naman sa pwesto ko na mukhang mga tauhan ni Lionel ay hindi na ako nagdalawang isip pa na hugutin ang baril na dala ko at saka sila pinaputukan. Agad akong napaiwas nang may bala na nagmula sa kung saan ang muntikang tumama sa direksyon ko. When the firing stopped, I went out to the other side na tila hindi naman inasahan no’ng bumabaril mula sa kabila kaya napatamaan ko siya kaagad.

“s**t,” I murmured. “Ang hirap tumakbo sa tunic na ‘to!”

“I can’t understand you, Skylar,” Hudson said. I hissed.

When another bullet hits the wall beside me, mabilis akong humugot ng isang dagger mula sa holster na suot ko at saka iyon ibinato sa direksyon niya. Bulls eye! I finished him with a gun shot.

Nang hindi ko na matiis ang suot ko, I grabbed a dagger at saka binawasan ang haba ng tunic na nakabalot sa akin. Mabilis ko ring nadampot ang baril ko matapos akong ialert ng wrist watch ko na konektado sa lahat ng camera na kinabit ko. I slide off the ground at saka magkasabay na pinaputok ang dalawang baril na hawak ko.

“I killed the third target while the second one managed to escape. Lionel’s inside the Basilica,” Hudson reported. “You need help? I’ll go in.”

“No. After ten minutes, if I am not still done in here, come in.”

“Noted, mi lady.”

I check my wrist watch once again. Group of men from west, approximately 17 meters away from me. Three men from east, approximately 12 meters away and 2 north, approximately 22 meters away but no status of the first and second target.

“Skylar, Lionel’s trying to call for back up. I got RX10, want me to jam his connection’s up?”

I hissed. “You have to, you dumbass!”

Agad kong pinaputukan ang tatlo na papalapit sana sa akin. I hid behind a wall when gunshots were fired on my direction from north. I loaded another magazine and slid on the floor once again para pataaman sila sa paa. Nang mapaluhod na sila ay mabilis ko na rin silang pinaputukan sa kanilang mga katawan. I have to deal with people on the west wing and I am done.

“I am going in. Follow me on the Basilica’s upper floor once you’re done,” sabi ni Hudson.

“Copy.”

I bit my Smith and Wesson by its trigger guard and I grabbed the nearest man to appear in front of me after meeting me in the corner. I forcibly made him lose a grip on his gun and rotate him in front of me, his back facing my direction. I put my guns inside his coat as I freed two gunshots which made holes in his coat and that startled him. I made him as my cover as I fired to the remaining men on western part of the Basilica. I can feel the impact of their bullets in the man in front of me but I didn’t mind that. Pinaulanan ko sila ng bala until none of them remained standing.

“Hudson, status?” I asked him on my in-ear.

“First target down but Lionel’s a real pain in the ass. Come here and help me.”

“On my way.”

I went up as fast as I can. Slowly, I opened the door that will take me in the rooftop of the Basilica. I signaled Hudson, who’s now kneeling on the ground as Lionel pointed a gun on his head, to shut his mouth up and to not make any eye movement.

“Do you really think you can outsmart someone like me, Hudson?” Lionel asked Hudson in a tone as if he’s a lunatic. “You can’t outsmart Lionel! Nobody in this world can outsmart me! Do you f*****g understand?!” he shouted in Hudson’s face. I checked on my magazine and there’s only one bullet left for my Smith and Wesson. One bullet’s enough. Just a head shot and we’re done here.

“I can’t, Lionel,” Hudson said. “But I know someone who can.”

Natigilan si Lionel sa sinabi nito. “Who?”

“Me.”

Before he can even face my direction, pinakawalan ko na ang natitirang bala ng baril na dala ko. I aimed on his head and gladly, the bullet landed on its right spot. Nilapitan ko ang katawan ni Lionel at saka iyon sinipa nang bahagya para masigurong wala na siyang buhay. Nang hindi na ito gumalaw ay napangisi ako. He’s dead.

“Turning on self destruct mode,” ani Hudson habang may kung anong tinitipa sa special smartphone na ipinadala ni Denver sa amin. Itinapon ko naman sa kung saan lahat ng dala-dala kong baril at dagger.

“10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...” Nagkatinginan kami ni Hudson when we heard a light phzt sound. “Our mission here is done. Let’s go home.”