Arena awoke on Sterling’s sofa, wrapped in a blanket. The room was empty. She got up, and went back to her own room to shower and change. Her stomach rumbled. She wasn’t even sure what day it was.

  The breakfast room was lit and stocked, but no one was in it. She picked up a bagel and a packet of cream cheese, but had to force herself to eat despite her hunger. The room seemed like a prison without Lorna and Nate, and she didn’t know where Sterling was. She managed to get most of the bagel down, and took a cup of coffee with her.

  She found Sterling in his office. He held up a finger. Red rimmed his eyes and he looked like he hadn’t slept at all. He typed a little bit, then sighed.

  “She was right,” he said, looking frustrated and sounding half dead. “She knew how to disable all our ways to track them. Everything I have tried has been a dead end.” He rubbed his forehead vehemently.

  He abruptly stopped and turned toward her. He opened his mouth several times before speaking. “Arena, I want you to know that if you ever want out of this, all you have to do is say when and I will make it happen. I don’t care what they say. I will make sure you’re free to do whatever you want.” He grew quieter. “Be free, if that’s what you want.” Spinning a flash drive on his desk, he continued, “I was going to tell you before Helsinki, but I don’t know why I didn’t. I want you to know now.”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Arena was speechless. “Sterling, you can’t get rid of me that easily.”

  “No, I could have stopped your entry into the CIA before all this or at least made the choice easier for you. I don’t want to see you hurt anymore.”

  She walked around the desk and wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you,” she whispered. “You don’t know how much that means to me.” He stiffened slightly, then sagged. She suddenly felt awkward and let go.

  Arena sat with him for a while as he continued to work. She didn’t know what she could do to help. He started to rub his face.

  “Sterling,” she said softly. “You need rest, too. You’re probably the only one that can find them, and you can’t if you can hardly stay upright.”

  “I just need one more hour…” He yawned, then grunted. “Maybe you are right.”

  “Is Anita here?” she asked. “Maybe I can help her while you get some sleep?”

  He nodded. “But she’s been here all night, too. However, I managed to pull in the assistance of another agent, but just temporarily. She should be here this morning. Maybe you could get her up to speed when she gets here. Also, give her a basic lesson on the hoverboard.”