{"id":365,"date":"2014-12-30T07:01:23","date_gmt":"2014-12-30T07:01:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dreamers-sanctuary.com\/00carter\/?page_id=365"},"modified":"2022-01-01T19:21:16","modified_gmt":"2022-01-02T01:21:16","slug":"part2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dreamers-sanctuary.com\/00carter\/episodes\/episode10\/part2\/","title":{"rendered":"Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

Episode 10: \u00a0Catch Her If You Can<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Part 2<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

Opal peered into the night as she and her accomplice hurried around the back of the store to a more secluded area further away from the building. Her eyes darted around, searching for a car, but saw nothing except for the southern countryside she so loved.<\/p>\n

\u201cNick\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He smirked. \u201cJust wait for it, Opal.\u201d<\/p>\n

In his hands was a small remote. It lit up as his fingers stroked it before pressing down a small, red button. Within minutes, she spied Nick\u2019s customized onyx 1953 Hudson Hornet, which Brian had described to her in detail. \u201cI thought you wrecked it in Canada,\u201d she said as it cruised to a stop before them, the engine rumbling almost impatiently. She smiled to herself, remembering in amusement how jealous Brian was of the car, although he would never admit it.<\/p>\n

Nick smiled with pride at his car as the doors opened for them. \u201cPearl\u2019s a genius and fixed it for me.\u201d He paused. \u201cAfter she yelled at me for damaging it. If it happens again, I think she might end up castrating me for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opal giggled nervously as she buckled her seatbelt. She and Nick tossed their disguises into the back seat, and he sped off towards the hotel. As she glanced back out the window, she swore she could see Brian\u2019s car driving away. She sighed sadly. How had everything gone wrong so fast? It felt like she had just gotten Brian back after nearly losing him in Canada. And now, just when things were finally back to normal for both of them, he had been forced away again by something she didn\u2019t even understand.<\/p>\n

Why did they think it was her? Just what had been stolen from the Library of Congress that warranted the FBI\u2019s involvement? Her mind scanned through what she knew for any clue as to what was going on. She had an idea that Brian did actually know what had been stolen but hadn\u2019t told Nick because he knew Nick would tell her, and he wouldn\u2019t want Opal to worry.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Opal\u2026 Ooooopal\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d She turned to see Nick staring at her with concern. \u201cSorry, I\u2019m just tired, Nick.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded, cutting off the engine. \u201cWe\u2019re here. It\u2019ll look weird to put those things back on\u2026\u201d His head motioned towards the backseat. \u201c\u2026so what we\u2019ll do, just in case they remember I\u2019m out here in DC working with Brian, is I\u2019ll block you from the camera\u2019s view. Just act like you\u2019re my girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAct like I\u2019m\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick paused when he saw the look on her face. \u201cNo, we won\u2019t do anything; I just don\u2019t want any of the cameras getting anything incriminating. I\u2019m banking on the fact that the FBI doesn\u2019t realize HimTak\u2019s out here to follow up on the Canada mess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick stepped out of the car and rushed over to her side, opening the door. \u201cKeep your head tucked towards me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He wrapped his arm around her, and they quickly hurried into the hotel. She kept her face alongside his neck as he held her close. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied Nick smirking at the people in the hotel lobby, who watched them coming in. \u201cCome on, baby\u2026 we don\u2019t want everyone to see what we\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opal giggled to play along with the ruse — and also at the furtive grin Nick shot her after saying that. He really was a better agent than Brian used to give him credit for. She shifted her head against his neck, simulating another action to throw people off as they hopped in the elevator. She turned to move, but Nick inched his head both ways to silently negate that thought. \u201cElevator cameras,\u201d he murmured as he nudged her over to the corner, keeping his back to the camera to block any solid view.<\/p>\n

They reached their floor, and she kept her face against him, her hand rubbing his back while he stroked her arm to keep up the image. Nick had started singing to himself yet again, which made her want to laugh. The man seemed to be a human jukebox.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeet me at the hotel room\u2026 You can bring your girlfriends and meet me at the hotel room,\u201d<\/em> he sang as he let them into the room he had booked. \u201cWe at the hotel, motel, Holiday Inn\u2026 We at the hotel, motel, Holiday Inn\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

They separated as soon as they went inside. She sat down on the bed, laughing despite the situation. \u201cYou have a song for everything, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick smirked as he pulled off his watch. \u201cPretty much. It\u2019s a handy skill, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cContacting K through Pearl\u2019s lab. I don\u2019t trust the phones. They probably have Brian\u2019s phone tapped and are getting his phone records.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opal nodded as she took off her shoes and tried to relax, something she found rather difficult, especially as she thought of Brian, whom she ached to see right then. He was risking everything for her, and it touched her in ways she would never be able to express. \u201cThey\u2019ll do the same to your cell phone once they remember you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. My watch is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026the one that can\u2019t tell time. Right.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stuck his tongue out at her as he pressed buttons on the normal-looking watch in a careful, methodical way. \u201cNo one ever forgets that, but yeah. The most important thing it does is communicate back to HimTak.\u201d Pearl\u2019s face appeared on the tiny screen. She was holding some sort of shoe in her hand. Why? Nick could only guess what idea she currently had in her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up, Blondie Boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need you to connect me to K.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Nick? Something\u2019s come up, I think, \u2019cause he\u2019s been in his office and called Jay up there about an hour ago–\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVital, Pearly. We\u2019ve got a problem here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, give it a sec.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAight. Hey, you still mad at me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Do I ever stay mad at you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled; she had a point. \u201cTrue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cConnecting you to K.\u201d In seconds, he was looking into K\u2019s agitated green eyes. Pearl hadn\u2019t been kidding when she\u2019d tried to tell him it was a bad time. A quick glance at Opal, who was now trying — and failing — to distract herself by watching TV, reminded him of how important it was.<\/p>\n

\u201c008, I swear, if you\u2019re on to complain about Brian–\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, someone\u2019s framed Opal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c–I\u2019ll make you work with him so — wait, say that again, Carter?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick waved Opal over. She sat next to him, peering into the screen. Leaning over Nick, she managed to put on a faint smile for K. \u201cHello, Kevin, nice to see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust what did you do, 008?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick rolled his eyes. It figured he\u2019d get blamed. \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything, K. The Feds showed up at Brian\u2019s place. Damn government. And because of that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say anything more. Not there, anyway; it\u2019s not secure enough. This must be what Brian phoned me about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick raised a brow, instantly curious as to how the Kentucky cousins were able to talk when it seemed obvious Brian\u2019s phones would have already been tapped. It was Opal who voiced the thought first, however. \u201cHow did he do that? I mean, any competent agent would\u2019ve hit the lines\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA pay phone around the back of the grocery store. He made sure to be cautious, of course. His exact words were, \u2018Hey, I missed you, cuz. Nick\u2019s anxious to see you. He\u2019s having family trouble.\u2019 So I knew something had gone down with you that involved him. I was hoping it wasn\u2019t serious. Damn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, what else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it might be mixed in with our latest mission. Get your rear here, 008, ASAP.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need transport. They\u2019ll probably connect it to me by morning and track my car.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll send one of the jets. Five o\u2019clock.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you gotta make it so early?\u201d He heard Opal chuckle at this, reminding him of the other thing K had said. \u201cAnd wait, what latest mission?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll find out once you get here. It\u2019s all connected. I know that now.\u201d With that, the connection ceased, leaving Nick staring at a blank screen. \u201cI hate when he does that,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

Opal glanced at Nick as he fiddled with his watch. \u201cSo he knows what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cK always does.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.<\/p>\n

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.<\/p>\n

Legs. Sexy. Sexy. Legs.<\/em><\/p>\n

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.<\/p>\n

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.<\/p>\n

Nick\u2019s eyes followed the pair of legs right across from him religiously. They were crossed and beautifully accessorized with a pair of black high heels. Their owner kept tapping one foot rhythmically to the ticking of the clock on the wall. He didn\u2019t give a damn about women\u2019s fashion, but he had to admit that this was the sexiest pair of legs he\u2019d ever seen. He could imagine his hand stroking her ankle and slowly making his way upwards, inch by inch. Up to the knee… to the thigh\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t they gorgeous?\u201d Diamond sighed dreamily as she stared at her feet. Nick nodded absent-mindedly, half-hearing what she\u2019d said. Gorgeous legs, for sure.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to get Pearl a good birthday present as a thank you,\u201d she chirped. \u201cThese are the best shoes ever! And the secret weapon she installed in them is just superb.\u201d She lifted her right foot towards Nick. \u201cSee the heel?\u201d she questioned, seeing Nick nodding absently from the corner of her eye. \u201cIt\u2019s a gun. All I need to do is take it off and hold it like a pistol, and then I can shoot with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAwesome,\u201d Nick mumbled, his blue eyes still fixed on Diamond\u2019s beautifully-shaped legs.<\/p>\n

Diamond lowered her foot and looked lovingly at her shoes. \u201cI\u2019ll wear these forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick nodded again, without taking his eyes off of Diamond\u2019s legs. Amen to that.<\/p>\n

Their boss cleared his throat loudly, which was enough to make Nick snap out of his dream world and come unwillingly down to Earth. He shook his head slowly as the image of the room changed from Diamond\u2019s bedroom to K\u2019s office. Nick groaned as he looked around, his eyes stopping on the newest Double-0 in the room, Leo DiCaprio, who wanted to be known as Vitruvian. Nick followed Leo\u2019s gaze, only to realize that his eyes were fixated on the same target: Diamond\u2019s sexy legs.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat,\u201d Nick muttered inwardly as he sat up straight in his seat. Why was 009 in this meeting anyway?<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I see everyone is ready for the briefing.\u201d K spoke sternly, looking directly at Nick. His expression said too much, and Nick could read it easily. This time around, his message was very clear: \u201cDon\u2019t mix business with pleasure. Period.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, I\u2019ll start,\u201d K continued. \u201cAs we all know, something was stolen from the National Library\u2019s restricted section in Washington just a night ago. We now have confirmation on what it was.\u201d K stopped for a second and eyed the agents. \u201cIt was the President\u2019s Book.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d Nick and Diamond replied in unison; their eyes widened with shock.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat. Just great. Like being accused of stealing something from the National Library wasn\u2019t bad enough, it HAD to be the President\u2019s Book. Unbelievable.\u201d Opal spoke from one corner of the office, her face flushed with anger. \u201cJust freaking unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n

K nodded knowingly. \u201cAnd as you have all noticed, we also have a guest here today. Ashavari Desai is being accused by the FBI of being behind the theft.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do we know that?\u201d Leo questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause the thief impersonated her. She made sure that her face was exposed to the security cams around the library, so the FBI would come after Ashavari, and she could get away easily.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo offense, honey\u2026\u201d Diamond eyed Opal sympathetically before she turned her attention back to K. \u201c\u2026but how do we know that it wasn\u2019t really her who stole the President\u2019s Book?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right to question that, 006. We know it wasn\u2019t her because she was with my cousin, Brian Littrell, the very same night of the theft.\u201d K cleared his throat; it was quite obvious that he wanted to explain more but didn\u2019t know how to. \u201cBut since Brian is the only witness, and he and Ashavari are, well, specially linked with each other, the FBI doesn\u2019t totally believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick eyed Diamond, who smiled innocently but with a devilish expression in her eyes. Her smile grew wider and matched the look in her eyes when she caught Nick\u2019s gaze. Nick could barely stifle his laugh — who other than K would have said \u201cspecially linked\u201d to refer to his cousin and his girlfriend? Their boss was endearing when it came to the subject of love.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack to the subject of the theft\u2026 I thought the President\u2019s Book was just a myth?\u201d Leo spoke, taking the others\u2019 attention back to the main conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s never been officially confirmed, but it\u2019s always been said that there\u2019s a book with all the juicy secrets of the government,\u201d Diamond replied, wiggling her eyebrows. \u201cAnd you know what they say about gossip\u2026 it always starts somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMan\u2026 the minute we have our hands on that book, I\u2019m so gonna read that bad boy, cover to cover. Alien cover-ups\u2026 the Kennedy assassination conspiracy\u2026 oh, and speaking of JFK — what about him and Marilyn Monroe?\u201d Nick grinned, wiggling his eyebrows just like Diamond had.<\/p>\n

K sent him a stern look, one of the many that he\u2019d been giving him since the start of the meeting. His eyes widened in disbelief when he heard Agent Jay snickering beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I ask something?\u201d It was Nick\u2019s trainee, Styx, who spoke up timidly. He had been observing and listening to the others through the briefing, but now he asked, \u201cWhat is the President\u2019s Book?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grateful that someone was actually still focused on the subject of the mission, K turned his attention to his new recruit.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe President\u2019s Book of Secrets is said to be a collection of documents prepared by the presidents, for presidents\u2019 eyes only. Allegedly, the book covers and contains many secrets about notorious events that occurred in the past.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch as?\u201d Styx probed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJFK and Marilyn.\u201d Nick grinned devilishly, only to receive another stern look from K.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo many to name. Basically, all the stuff about Watergate, 9\/11, the JFK assassination, Area 51…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we in it?\u201d Diamond questioned.<\/p>\n

K sighed. \u201cProbably we are. If it exists, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s pretty obvious it does exist if it\u2019s been stolen from the Library of Congress. You can\u2019t risk your life to steal something that\u2019s not real,\u201d Jay replied.<\/p>\n

K nodded in agreement. \u201cAnyhow, the FBI is investigating the theft as well, but all their evidence points to Ashavari. We have to be one step ahead of them and find the real thief as soon as possible. In the meantime, Ashavari is going to be our guest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to interrupt,\u201d Opal chimed in as she looked directly at K, \u201cbut I think it\u2019s important for me to be a part of this mission. I appreciate the hospitality, but I don\u2019t want to sit back, doing nothing while there\u2019s a person out there who\u2019s acting like me and stealing top-secret documents.\u201d<\/p>\n

K fidgeted uncomfortably in his seat. \u201cI don\u2019t really think that\u2019s a good idea, Ashavari. Brian would–\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what Brian thinks.\u201d Her voice was filled with determination. \u201cBut he knows me better than that. I just can\u2019t sit around, especially when your own agents are putting themselves out there for me. I have to be in the field. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brian had definitely been understating when he\u2019d complained about how stubborn his girlfriend was. K eyed Jay out of the corner of his eye.<\/p>\n

Getting the message through one simple look from his boss, Jay spoke for the first time. \u201cActually, I believe we could find a way to send you out in the field without the risk of getting caught.\u201d It was something he and K had discussed beforehand. \u201cYou can go in disguise.\u201d He smiled when Opal\u2019s face softened with hope. \u201cOf course, we\u2019ll need to change your appearance and get you a fake ID, but that won\u2019t be too much of a hassle. Right, K?\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed on his chest, K kept his silence. His eyes darted from Jay to Opal, who was looking directly into his eyes with the same fortitude. Jay\u2019s solution was logical and safe; they had used the same method for their own agents, and it had almost always worked out fine. But still, something didn\u2019t feel right. He blamed his own sense of responsibility. Brian had sent Opal to HimTak, to his<\/em> agency, knowing she\u2019d be in good hands. It was K\u2019s job to protect her, no matter what. Sending her out on a mission, one they couldn\u2019t begin to predict the course of, seemed downright dangerous. And it felt like he was betraying Brian\u2019s trust. His green eyes met Opal\u2019s again, noting their lack of hesitation or fear. As much as he hated to admit it, K knew he couldn\u2019t tie her down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like the sound of it.\u201d His voice was solemn when he finally spoke, looking directly at Opal. \u201cDisguises work most of the time, but I still think it could get dangerous for you. But I also know you won\u2019t take no for an answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opal smiled genuinely. \u201cThank you, Agent K.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking of which\u2026\u201d K raised his voice and turned his attention to Nick. \u201cJay and I both think you should go under some kind of disguise as well, 008.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Nick was surprised. \u201cWhy do I need that? Gorilla head worked out just fine!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe FBI knows you and Brian were working together on a case in DC when the book was stolen. Now, they didn\u2019t know you were with Brian when the Feds came to his house to take Opal into custody, but they may find out. You\u2019re not a suspect yet, but they have you on their radar; that\u2019s all we know. So it\u2019s safer for you to go in disguise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick scoffed. \u201cStupid FBI; they can\u2019t prove anything. And they can\u2019t take me into custody just because I happened to be in DC–\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can discharge you from the mission if that\u2019s what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick went silent and glared at K, who gave a brief nod in return.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Brian?\u201d Nick piped up, deciding not to prolong the disguise issue. \u201cHe\u2019ll be joining us once we hit DC, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

K eyed Opal at the mention of Brian\u2019s name and then glanced at his fellow agents before answering Nick. \u201cUnfortunately not. The FBI is still keeping him under surveillance. They believe Brian helped Opal to escape, and since they don\u2019t have any other leads other than the security cam images, they are sure Opal is the sole perpetrator of the theft, and Brian is guilty of harboring a fugitive of the law.\u201d He let out a sigh as he finished his sentence.<\/p>\n

\u201cBullshit,\u201d Nick muttered under his breath as the others kept their silence and avoided eye contact with Opal.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have time to discuss whether it\u2019s right or not. I don\u2019t like the idea of having my own family under suspicion, but we have to get going and find the real criminal before it gets worse. So\u2026\u201d He looked down at his papers. \u201c003, 006, 008, and 009: you\u2019re going to be working on this mission together. And 008, Styx will come as well — he\u2019s proven he\u2019s able to handle being in the field.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick nodded. A month ago, he\u2019d have groaned, but Styx had done as well as he could expect in Canada. No, he hadn\u2019t been able to take down Rough or Drums, either, but at least he\u2019d managed not to get himself killed. That was something in itself.<\/p>\n

K continued, \u201cYou\u2019ll be working in two teams: Carter, Diamond, and Styx will be in one team, and Jay, Vitruvian, and Opal on the other.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he caught this last part, Nick\u2019s face beamed. \u201cHa!\u201d He smirked back at Leo, who attempted to hide a pout. \u201cRight back at ya, 009!\u201d<\/p>\n

Diamond\u2019s soft giggle caught his attention, and when he turned to look at her, he noticed the small movement of her lips as she mouthed, \u201cLucky you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh, he was lucky indeed. This was going to be one hell of a mission.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part 3<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Episode 10: \u00a0Catch Her If You Can Part 2   Opal peered into the night as she and her accomplice hurried around the back of the store to a more secluded area further away from the building. Her eyes darted around, searching for a car, but saw nothing except for\u2026<\/p>\n

Read more<\/span><\/i><\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":145,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"templates\/template-onecolumn.php","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-365","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P5xaHX-5T","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dreamers-sanctuary.com\/00carter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dreamers-sanctuary.com\/00carter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dreamers-sanctuary.com\/00carter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dreamers-sanctuary.com\/00carter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dreamers-sanctuary.com\/00carter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=365"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/dreamers-sanctuary.com\/00carter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/365\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":987,"href":"https:\/\/dreamers-sanctuary.com\/00carter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/365\/revisions\/987"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dreamers-sanctuary.com\/00carter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/145"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dreamers-sanctuary.com\/00carter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}