Page 61 of Unmasking Secrets
TABITHA
Idon’t like this. Ireallydon’t like this. I’m not part of the plan, I think. I honestly don’t even know what the plan is. It’s probably for the best. Only now, I’m trying to keep myself from hyperventilating while keeping a simple smile on my face. I can put on the act, I know I can. The issue is knowing something is about to happen. There is something big happening here, and I don’t know what THAT is.
I like action movies and superhero movies. I love comic books and stories where the hero saves the girl and the world. But this isn’t fantasy—this is the real world and I’m terrified.
Sure, Archie and his team are all former military with training and experience that I will never understand. It doesn’t mean I have to like it, though.
I bite back the groan as I see Ryan across the room. He hasn’t noticed my presence yet and I’d rather keep it that way. I hope he won’t try anything in a room full of people. He’s not even supposed to be within one hundred yards of me.
So why are we even here? Why am I here?
My eyes land on Julie. She offers me a soft, fleeting smile before retuning her attention elsewhere. What is going on?
“I need to step away for a bit.” Archie whispers in my ear. “You have eyes on you. Stay here with the crowd.”
“What?” I turn to face him. “Don’t leave me.”
“Promise me. Don’t let yourself get into a position where you’re by yourself. Stay in here with the crowd.”
“Where are you going?” I swallow.
“I’m going to take care of something.”
I grab hold of his arm and lean in to place a kiss to his cheek. “Whatever you’re about to do, please be careful. Promise that you’ll come back to me.”
He looks me in the eyes. “You’re going to be stuck with me for life, Tabitha.”
“Promise?” He is my whole heart and I haven’t even told him yet.
Archie smiles and leans in close to my ear. “Oh, baby. I plan on marrying you. I’ll be back, I promise.”
Nine YearsEarlier - Age 23
I pushthe door closed behind me. “Surprise!” I shout as I drop my weekend bag off near the hall and walk further into the house. “Hello? Mom? Dad?”
It’s been too long since I’ve been home. I don’t have an excuse. Ryan is away on business and I had this feeling that I should come home. I need to be with my family. It’s always nice to comehome, warm and welcoming. I didn’t want to be stuck in that big house all alone while Ryan was away. I’ve had to do it a few times and it always puts me in an off mood.
When I told him I was planning on coming home to visit my parents, he invited me to go with him. He’s never done that before. I declined, I haven’t seen my folks in months. It’s been too long.
“Anyone home?” I walk into the living room and round the corner towards the kitchen.
I assumed they would be home. They usually are at this time of day. My dad always comes home during his lunch break to spend it with my mom.
I freeze as I see my parents at the kitchen table. Dad’s eyes look a little red. “What’s going on?”
Mom repeatedly shakes her head and covers her mouth. She has her phone up to her ear and tears streaming down her face. What is wrong?
Dad stands and walks over to me. “It’s Arch,” he whispers. “Something happened.”
I shake my head. “But, he’s going to be okay. Right?” My mouth goes dry and heat floods me.
“They don’t know where he is,” he responds softly.
“I don’t understand.” I step back.
“He’s missing in action.”
No, that’s not right. “No, he’s supposed to be in a plane. How do you lose a whole fucking plane?” My voice rises.
