Detective Angel - Lost Angel series

Chapter 4

A few hours later and we were on a plane over the ocean. Jeremy should have found my note by now. I left my phone at the agency since I wouldn’t need it. I didn’t want anyone to be able to distract me. Sara was sitting by Jake reading through the files on our mission. Jason was sleeping. I guess he had been up for a few days. Brooks and Lee were talking quietly behind me. Our new additions were sitting rigidly across from me. Both women were tense and I guess that would make sense. They really didn’t know us. They were partners so they stuck together while we got ready.

The one immediately across from me was Leona. She went by L since people had a hard time saying her name. She was drop dead gorgeous and my height. African decent with mocha skin and long curly black hair. Her eyes were a warm chocolate brown that put me at ease. Even though she was avidly looking around at any little movement. She was fit but curvy enough to look feminine. She reminded me of a lady I had met a while back. I still kept up with her after she helped me.

Olesia was sitting next to her with the same expression. I was surprised at how lovely she was. Olesia was about Sara’s height and looked so innocent. Her hair was a grayish color, Sara told me she just changed it. I guess it was blonde before. She had brown eyes that were a little too intense for her innocent look. She was petite but it would be difficult to tell due to her abondance of curves.

I was just observing them for now. I should maybe speak to them but I wanted them to speak first. I could wait as long as needed. Unless they loosened up then they wouldn’t be with us very long anyway. I would like to keep them with us. The report was detailed enough that you could tell both women were highly skilled. They apparently had issues with communication. That made me remember Malik and his brothers. I sighed and closed my eyes. Why did I have to deal with this?

“Angel. The pilot says we’ll be landing in an hour or so. Sara has set up transportation to the safe house.” I could hear the pride in Jake’s voice.

I merely nodded and smiled. I had no idea that Sara would become such an asset once she got her attitude under control. We still had some hiccups but she was getting better. Overall the entire team was becoming closer. That made me happy. When you are alone in this world, it helps to have people who understand you around. We had become a family in the short time that we were brought together.

“Angel?” I didn’t recognize the voice that spoke. Everyone was silent.

“Yes?” I opened my eyes and looked to both women.

“Are we going to be staying with you?” Olesia sound curious but scared.

“Olesia, right?” she nodded. “I would like for you both to stay with us and become a part of our family. That is entirely up to you and Leona, however. If you think you can incorporate into our team then we would be extremely blessed to have you both.”

“You mean that?” Leona looked at me skeptically.

“Yes L. I mean every word. I have read the report on you and Olesia. Your skills impressed me on paper. Even though you both have some issues with communication, that won’t be a problem. No one is hopeless. We can all help each other and grow as a family. Who knows, maybe you both need something like this.”

Leona looked at Olesia who nodded. “Alright. Olesia and I would like to be a part of your team. If we become a family in the process, so be it. We could use someone that will have our backs.”

I smiled at both of them in turn. “I give you my word that Olesia and Leona will have my allegiance. I will give you my knowledge and my loyalty. From now until death take me.”

Olesia’s eyes went wide and she covered her mouth with her hand. Leona looked completely shocked. I smiled again and closed my eyes to rest. I could hear everyone start talking again. Even Olesia and Leona were whispering to each other. I had given them my word that they would be with me. I had also pledged to be by their side if they ever needed me. Most agents wouldn’t do that. It meant that even if we grew apart, I would come to their aid when called. I took my responsibilities seriously and I wanted my people to know they had me with them. They were my family regardless of everything.

We unloaded the private plan into a moving van. It had been waiting at the airport for us. Sara had an agent driving it away once we unloaded it. For now, Brooks and Jason were in the truck as we loaded into a van. The agents driving the van would drop us off and take over the truck. I was paranoid to a fault so I liked to have my people drive the truck. We didn’t want to lose anything.

We drove outside the city to Claygate. On the end of a dirt road there was what looked to be an older farmhouse. There was even a barn. The van stopped just between the barn and home. We all piled out of the van and looked around. Brooks and Jason immediately started to unload the moving truck so that we could get settled. I grabbed one of my bags on my way into the home. It was cute in a cottage sort of way. When walking through the front door you would find yourself in a sitting area that looked pristine. I doubt if anyone spent time in here. Exploring my new surroundings, I found myself in the kitchen. There was a letter on the table. Apparently the main house wasn’t big enough for all of us so we would be housed in the barn which had been renovated. There was even a secret passage from the cellar over to the barn. I heard Jason come up behind me as I looked at the layout on the map provided.

“Jason, it looks like the house isn’t big enough for us. It has three bedrooms but according to this letter it’s all for show. We will be in the renovated barn. There is a passageway from the cellar into the barn. Would you please stay here and let the others know?”

“Sure thing Angel.”

I walked over to the cellar door to my left and opened it. Descending the stairs, I could see a tunnel leading out. Cautiously, I began walking towards our makeshift home. My mind began to wander as I made my way through the low light. I had thought of a plan on our way over here but I was hesitant to actually do it. I kept getting the feeling that this would be my last mission with the Agency. I didn’t want to believe it but the nagging feeling would not go away. I already knew Jake couldn’t handle being in charge. Sara was good with research and planning but her leadership skills left much to be desired. I couldn’t put either of them in charge. The rest of the crew were good agents but not leadership material. The only one that I could possibly leave this crew to would be Leona. She had scored the highest in training and she seemed to be more like me than I would care to admit.

When I started this life, John had told me that if I needed to leave then I could. I had a feeling that no one would be very happy about me leaving. I walked through an open door into what looked to be a garage. There was an old truck sitting by a big barn door. At least we could use that when we needed to get supplies. Brooks and Lee would be going to get vehicles once we were settled in. I wonder if Sara and Jake would want to go too. Normally it would be me with them but I needed to make them less dependent on me.

Crossing the room, I went through the only door available. This was the training room. Strange place to put it but it was completely ready for us. I could see a room off to the left so I peeked inside. It looked to me a supply closet. Each shelf contained things we would need, including first aid gear. There was another door inside marked armory. That’s where ammunition was stored and the equipment to make ammunition, just in case. While I had been investigating Sara walked in.

“Well this is weird.”

“Very. I guess they had to make due with what space they had. The supply closet has the first aid gear and the armory.”

“Ok. Let’s go see what our rooms are like I guess.”

“Lead the way Sara.”

I followed a curious looking Sara through the only door to the right. This door took us into the kitchen and dinning room. It was all open so you could sit at the table and those in the kitchen could still see and hear you. There was one other door so we went to it. Sara opened the door to find a staircase leading down. I was not liking where this was going. I don’t think Sara did either because she turned a nervous face to me.

“I hate when our rooms are underground. Makes me feel trapped.” I couldn’t help the whine in my voice.

Sara patted my arm and descended the stairs in front of me. It was only a few stairs to the bottom. We found the light switch since we were completely in the dark. The lights came on and almost blinded the both of us. There were six doors that I could see down the long hallway. That wasn’t going to work. Even if Sara and Jake bunked together we would still be short on rooms. Sara approached the first door on her right and opened it. It was a master bedroom as we thought. Sara tossed the bag she had been carrying inside.

“I hate being underground too.”

We went to the next door on the right and opened it. Same as the first room. We kept going and opening doors, finding much of the same. The last door was the one across from Sara. Sara looked at me and reached for the handle. This room didn’t have a key on the frame so I was curious. There were a flight of stairs leading down. So there was another floor of rooms.

“Well that solves the room issue. Why don’t you get settled into your room Sara and I’ll take the one next to the stairs.”

“Alright Angel. Jake and I can still bunk together if it makes it easier. I don’t know if anyone will be happy about being further underground.”

“If you and Jake want to bunk together then that’s fine. It would make it easier for you two to spend time together. I’m going to lay down for a while. I didn’t get much sleep. Sara if you and Jake can do me favor, I would appreciate it.”

“Of course Angel.”

“Will you both accompany Lee and Brooks to pick up the vehicles that we will need and any other supplies?”

Sara looked shocked but nodded. “Thank you Sara.”

I walked into my room and shut the door. I was glad for some alone time. I knew I wouldn’t sleep but I had to start allowing my crew to do the things that needed done. I wouldn’t always be around. I had to make sure that they would be able to handle everything when I was gone. I had barely set my bag down when there was a knock on the door. I sighed and went to the door. Jake was standing on the other side looking a little upset.

“Angel I think you need to come with me. We just heard some info and you need to tell us how to proceed.”

I sighed again and nodded. Jake turned on his heel and started toward the training room. I followed in silence. I would never be able to leave them. Why couldn’t they handle things without me? I know I was in charge but I wasn’t a tyrant. I was completely alright with them making decisions without me. I could hear arguing before we entered the room. It sounded as if Brooks was livid. When Jake and I entered everyone went silent but I could tell the men in the room were angry. Sara looked frustrated. Olesia and Leona stood off to the side watching everything that was happening.

“Well I see we already have issues.” I couldn’t help the sassy tone of my voice.

“Damn right we have issues! You’re f*****g pet wolf is overstepping his boundaries.”

I looked at Brooks curiously. What could Jeremy have done that would upset Brooks like this? Sara sighed and shot Brooks a dirty look. I suppressed a giggle.

When she spoke she just sounded tired. “Apparently Jeremy found your note and went back to HQ to meet you there. When he got there and you weren’t there he went ballistic. He had others with him so they didn’t allow them into the building so he threatened to kill every last one of the men there unless they produced you. John went out to speak with him and told him you requested a job. He then told him you were in London. Jeremy growled at John and said he was coming here. I guess the other men with him said they were coming too. John asked who they were and Jeremy said they were your fan club.”

I could not believe what I was hearing. I knew he would be mad that I left but I never realized the extent. It also seemed that his friends were coming with him. This would be interesting. I sighed and shook my head.

“Alright. I will have a discussion with Jeremy when he gets here. There was no reason for him to be rude to anyone because I chose to leave his company. In the meantime, Jake please accompany Brooks and Lee on a supply and vehicle run. Leona, why don’t you join them. Sara, If you and Jason could find the control room and track down Jeremy I would appreciate it. Olesia, why don’t you accompany them to get an idea of how things work from here. Sara please arrange transport for my fan club when you get their flight.”

Everyone nodded and took off towards their assigned tasks. I noticed one of my armored bags near the door to the supply closet. Scooping it up as I headed to the armory. Maybe I could work off some of my nerves and tension making rounds. The only thing is, how many rounds would I make before I relaxed.