Page 6 of Protect Thy Enemy

But those eyes? They’re the only thing that gives him away.

Tate hides a smirk behind a cough.

Harris doesn’t flinch. “Agent Park will join us shortly. For now, let’s begin.”

We take our seats. I don’t miss the way Grant sits across from me, hands still, gaze unbothered.

But I can feel it on me.

The silence drags for a moment before Harris speaks again, his voice harder now, professional, but with an edge that makes everything feel more serious. "I’m sure you’ve read the email,but I called this meeting to go over it with you again in person so there isn’t any confusion. You were selected for this opportunity because of your performance at the FLETC and Rowley. You and Agent Park were at the top of your class. You’ve been chosen for your high marks, skill sets, and ability to operate under pressure. But the real test begins now."

I press my tongue into my cheek, fighting the urge to ask the nagging question. Agent Park and I were at the top of our class with another woman. But she’s not here now.

She was good, right up there with me, and then, out of nowhere, she disappeared. Rumors started circulating. Whispers about her being exposed as some kind of spy. I didn’t believe them, of course. I was too busy trying to stay at the top of my own game. But I won’t lie, a part of me wonders.

No one’s said anything about her since, and I’m starting to think they never will.

But that question stays lodged in my throat. I can recognize now isn’t the time to ask about her, not when Harris’s eyes flick to me with expectation.

Harris lets his words hang in the air for a second before continuing. “However, this is not training you can just repeat if you fail. You’ll be evaluated based on how you perform in a series of real-life simulations in our training center. Your performance here will determine your readiness for what comes next.”

A brief flicker passes between Tate and Grant. I don’t have time to analyze it before Harris keeps going, delving into the specifics.

“You’ll be running through various scenarios that test your teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and most importantly, your ability to protect the president and the First Family behind the scenes. There are no second chances when it comes to lives on the line, so if you fail. You’re out.”

Harris’s gaze lands on me, colder now. “Your first simulation will start in a few days. You’ll be working with Agents Tate and Grant, but I’ll be in to oversee your progress. Keep up. Don’t disappoint me.”

I nod once, but the weight of the expectation settles on my chest. I can do this. I have to.

Before I can fully process what he just said, the door to the conference room opens again. A new man enters. He’s a little taller than I remember, with warm hazel eyes and features that give nothing away, but if my memory serves me right, I know there's something more. Something dangerous behind that stillness.

Agent Park.

“Agent Williams,” he says, nodding. “Good to see you again.”

“You too.”

He doesn’t offer a handshake. Neither do I.

Something unreadable passes between him and Grant. Not tension, exactly. Not warmth either.

Grant watches him closely, but his face stays neutral.

Harris speaks again. “This team is being built carefully. You’ll be tested, alone and together. We’re not looking for decent. We’re looking for exceptional. I expect you to act like it.”

Grant’s eyes land on me again. This time, they don’t move.

Challenge accepted.

“Dismissed,” Harris says, standing. “Schedules will be sent by end of day. And Agent Park, be on time next time.”

As we file out, Park falls in beside me.

“Well,” he says, voice light. “Should be fun.”

“Fun’s not the word I’d use.”

I glance back.

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