Chapter 1
Lena:
My eyes were glued to the wall.I was impatiently waiting for the guy to just do his job and stick the paper on the wall.
Because whatever is written on that paper is what determines whether I have worked hard enough or not.
Even though I have overworked myself to the fullest extent.
"Lena why have you've been waiting here for half an hour?"Ava asks me after finding me in the same spot as before.
"I'm waiting for the results."I don't bother turning around to look at her.My eyes are not going to budge until that paper gets stuck on the wall.
"Lena you're going to get the results anyway whether you go now or later."She places her hand on my shoulder. "Stop panicking. I know for a fact you did amazing." Her reassurance was helpful for a second. The second I think of failure I think of the lost opportunity of doing what my parents did. Helping people and keeping the country safe. And the result of this exam would be the only way for me to do that.
"Ava I appreciate the comfort.I really do.But I've worked way too hard for any of this to go to waste."
"I know you have. But please calm down.I don't like seeing you so anxious."I turn around and smile at Ava.
"I'm sorry.I just really need to have good grades."
"You have every reason to panic.But I have seen you work hard and I know it will pay off."
"What did you get on your medical exam?"She smiles.
"A 9!"My jaw drops.
"See I knew you would be able to do it. We so need to celebrate the success."
"Well we're only celebrating if you also pass.And you should probably go check that."I turn around and I see the paper on the wall my eyes were just staring at.I run to the paper and a huge crowd forms.I push through the bodies trying to get to the front.
After a good minute of struggling to get to the front I finally get there.
Physical exam:
Lena Mendoza: 9
Written exam:
Lena Mendoza:9
I almost pass out.I don't know whether to cry or scream in happiness.I didn't just pass.I made it to the top of the class.
I don't think I've ever felt so happy before.I rush through the crowd to find Ava to tell her the good news.She's still at the same spot I was.
"What happened?What did you get?"
"I got a 9."She squealed in happiness while she hugs me.
"You're kidding right?"She hugs me again."We have to celebrate."
"Yes of course.But later.I have to go home. I need to head work."She rolls her eyes.
"Today better be your last day of working at that cafe. You better be working at a law firm as soon as possible."I laugh.
"I don't know. Maybe soon.It won't be so easy to get a job."
"Well I know you will make it. By the way come home soon I'm going to order in a feast."
"In that case I won't waste a second."I laugh and wave goodbye.
I make my way to the bus stop and wait for the next bus.My surroundings are quiet. There aren't many people around here at this time.
I take my phone out to entertain myself until the bus comes.I hear some commotion in the distance but I ignore it.
There was tons of screaming and shouting.Odd. Usually this area is really quiet.
"Stop running Micheal.It will be easier for both of us if you do."The voice became less distant.I only pay attention when I hear gunshots.
Gunshots? In the middle of London?
I look around and a guy rushes past me almost stomping over me.He stops once he sees no one but me.He was probably in his early thirties.
He has short dark brown hair that's beginning to show hints of grey.He looked unpleasant.I had no clue what was going on.
But it seemed like people were after him for something he's committed.He's catching his breath and I'm trying not to stare and get on his bad side.
"Micheal get your ass here."Another guy appears from the corner. He was limping and seemed to have a bullet in his leg.
He was wearing some sort of uniform but it wasn't the usual uniform a policeman would wear. But I saw it somewhere. I saw it in that picture of my parents.
He had to be none other than a V.E.I.L officer.
He was a V.E.I.L officer.The other man pulls out a gun and points it at the injured man. Things were definitely clearer.
There was only one thing I could do which I probably shouldn't do.
I throw a punch straight to the guys nose.He groans in pain.Blood starts gushing out of his nose.He looks at me.Anger is painted across his face.
Before he could even react I throw another punch knocking him out. 6 years of training really did pay off.
Before I knew it I was surrounded by three huge guys. All with some sort of weapons.
One has a machete.One has a baseball bat. And the other a metal rod.
The metal rod comes swinging towards my head but I duck and punch a stomach.
One of them groans in pain.I kick one of them in the back causing him to face plant the floor.The last guy turns to face me.
Machete guy.He points it to my stomach.
I step to the side avoiding the sword to stab me.I pick up the baseball bat that the other guy had and hit his stomach.
He grunts in pain and before he can get over the pain I hit him in the same spot even harder.
He falls to his knees and I hit him one more time.On his head.
I feel a metal rod bang on my head.The back of my head erupts with pain.My vision blurs.But I don't let myself go.
I use the baseball bat and try to aim for his stomach.
But I hit his knee instead.I try again but he hits me again.I'm about to fall unconscious.Before I pass out I see him fall to the ground.
********
I wake up with a bright light in my face.It seems I'm in a hospital or some sort of first aid room.
"Miss Mendoza.Are you okay?"I flinch at the sound of the mans voice. "Is it too bright for you?"He pulls the light away from my face.
I sit up trying to recall everything.I finally get a glimpse of who was speaking to me.He's a slightly older dark skinned man who's probably in his early fifties. He's got slight grey hairs and wrinkles on his forehead.
"Who are you?" My head is splitting open from the pain.And the confusion.
"Darius King. Head of the Vigilant Enforcement and Intelligence League.Also known as V.E.I.L. We are a secret police agency." V.E.I.L? There is no way I'm talking to the head of V.E.I.L.
Am I even awake right now?
"Why am I here? Did I do something?"He chuckles.
"Of course not. In fact you helped us out. If it wasn't for you we would've lost our culprit."
And there it was. Now I remember.The bus stop. The weapons.
"Anyway I would like to offer you a job. I have discovered that you are a student who is getting the education for this job. Your skills are indeed incredible and I think you can be very useful here. I would like to interview you maybe tomorrow?"I couldn't believe my ears.Was I just being offered a job that I have been working for my whole life?
"Yes.Yes Of course.I'll be there."
*******
I went to the cafe where the interview was being held. I walk through the door and try to spot Mr King.
I see him at a corner looking at his laptop. I was so nervous. I couldn't mess this up. Even the tiniest mistake could ruin this opportunity.
After lots of contemplation,I approach his table.
"Good morning Sir."He looks up and gives a gentle smile.
"Good morning Miss Mendoza. Take a seat."I sit down on the chair in front of him.
"So I've looked at your resume and I have to say I'm impressed. 9s on both exams. I hardly come across these type of scores."
"Thank you sir."
"But I would like to know why you think you deserve this job."I swallow back hard.
"Well sir. I have worked extremely hard during college for this job. I have some experience in fieldwork and I've spent years gaining knowledge on how to gather information and how to act on it. I am also efficient and I know how to work under pressure."He nods his head slowly.
"I see that on your resume. But I want to know what you're willing to do for this job. If we were only looking for skill we wouldn't be having this interview.This job demands your loyalty, your morality and perhaps even your life.Can you live with that?" When did this cafe get so hot?
"I understand the risks sir. I am willing to do what it takes. I'm willing to sacrifice anything including myself for this job and for the country."
"I see. Well Miss Mendoza I'll contact you in a few days or so regarding the job. It was nice speaking with you."I fill my lungs with air.
"You too sir. Thank you for the interview."He gives a curt nod before leaving the cafe.
