Page 45 of A Touch of Treachery
“But people talk, even Section agents who should know better, and I’ve had numerous conversations with people about the infamous Mexico mission.Why, Henrika Hyde even claimed to know something about my father’s death, if you can believe that.”
It was a wild, reckless jab on my part, but to my surprise, the blow landed.A shadow passed over Percy’s face, and he grimaced, as though he was worried about something.But what could that be?Jack Locke had been dead for fifteen years.My father couldn’t interfere with Percy’s plans anymore, and I was certainly no threat to someone so powerful inside Section 47.
But my first swing had connected, so I decided to keep punching.“Maybe I’ll ask Henrika what she knows about the Mexico mission.Maybe she’ll indulge me with a secret or two while she’s playing all her other games with Desmond and me this weekend.”
General Percy shrugged off my words.“As you said, Henrika loves to play games.I wouldn’t believe a word she says, especially about a years-old Section mission that had nothing to do with her.”
LIE, LIE, LIE!
My inner voice shrieked, and my entire vision exploded with red, as though I was drowning in a river of blood.The sensation was so strong it rocked me back on my heels, and I had to blindly clutch a locker to keep from falling on my ass.
Through the haze of red, I saw Percy frown.I gritted my teeth and blinked and blinked.Slowly, the red faded from my vision, although my head kept pounding from the sheer, raw force of Percy’s blatant lie.
The General’s eyes narrowed again.“What’s wrong with you?”he demanded in a sharp, suspicious voice.
“Nothing,” I muttered.“These stupid boots are just pinching my feet.”
Percy frowned again.He clearly didn’t believe my excuse.
The locker room door opened, and Desmond stepped inside, clutching a duffel bag.He stopped short when he saw me facing off with his father.
“Something wrong?”Desmond asked in a sharp, suspicious voice that was an eerie echo of his father’s tone.
“Of course not,” I lied, releasing my white-knuckle grip on the locker.“Your father was just wishing us good luck on the mission.Isn’t that right, General?”
“Of course,” Percy replied in a smooth voice.“A little luck never hurt anyone.”
Desmond arched a chiding eyebrow at his father.“You don’t believe inluck.Only information, preparation, and training.”
The General ran a hand down his suit jacket.“Yes, well, perhaps I’m mellowing in my old age.”
Desmond snorted in disbelief.Me too.If I had to use one word to describe General Jethro Percy, it would not bemellow.Controlling.Secretive.Dangerous.Duplicitous.But never, evermellow.
Desmond hefted the duffel bag in his hand.“I need to get changed so Charlotte and I can get on the road.”
The General’s left eye twitched at the curt dismissal in his son’s voice.“Very well.I need to check on a few final things.I’ll see you in the garage.”
Desmond turned his back to his father and moved over to one of the wooden benches between the rows of lockers.He placed his duffel bag on the bench, then sat down and tugged off his shoes.Desmond ignored Percy, who stared at his son with a strange mix of pride, wariness, and something I could have sworn was a touch of fear.
The General noticed me watching him watch Desmond, and his chin jutted up, even as he peered down his nose at me.
Danger-danger-danger, my synesthesia whispered.
General Percy wasn’t doing anything threatening, but the longer he looked at me, the more I could have sworn he was plotting the best way to get rid of me as soon as possible.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
DESMOND
Myfatherhoveredbehindme for a few more seconds, then wrenched open the door and strode away.
I waited until the door had shut behind him, then looked over at Charlotte.“What were you and my father really talking about?”
When I’d stepped into the locker room, the two of them had been glaring at each other, and anger had sparked, sizzled, and crackled like fireworks in their auras.A small part of me had hoped the General would set aside his animus toward Jack Locke, judge Charlotte on her own merits, and realize just how amazing she was.But no one could hold a grudge like Jethro Percy, even against someone he’d never met before for crimes she hadn’t even committed.
Charlotte stared at the closed door, a thoughtful look on her face.“He told me to ignore everything my father ever taught me, along with every single instinct I have as an analyst.In other words, be a good little spy, don’t ask questions, and follow his orders to the letter.”
I sighed.“The General always thinks he knows what’s best for everyone.I’m sorry he cornered you.”
