Tag: amwriting

EIGHTEEN:

Your Briefing:

Hannah is undercover at her spy agency CGT and searching for her mother Evelyn, a traitor planning a terrorist attack. After he was missing for ten days, a raid on the CGT headquarters revealed her husband Zeke to be leading the charge informing her that he works for the real government. While giving him an update on their search for Evelyn, Stephanie discovers her secret and agrees to help her take CGT down. The team head to the location of a safe house Evelyn left in a letter to Hannah before she chose sides against her. They arrive and begin to walk to the small barn structure when Ian steps on a landmine. What will happen? Can they disarm the mine?

Beside Ian, Moroz crouched down and inspected the area under his foot.
“Are you sure?” Hannah asked. Ian rolled his eyes,
“I think I know what a click sounds like.” He said, crossing his arms and looking down. Stephanie scoffed,
“Landmines don’t just click like in the movies.” She said, moving closer a little. Ian didn’t notice her movement as he looked up and pursed his lips.
“Hey, I went through training too thank you very much.” He said, shaking his head slightly.
“Evelyn loves to engineer things to her own specifications. If there are landmines around here, he very well could have stood on one.” Hannah said, edging closer.
“Looks old and crude. Could be dormant.” Moroz said, turning to Ian. “Want to chance stepping off?” he asked. Ian squared his shoulders and motioned towards the barn.
“Why don’t I just wait here while you all go in?” His voice wobbled a little and Hannah crossed her arms.
“Ian don’t be ridiculous.” She glanced at Moroz, “What kind is it?” She asked, motioning towards Ian’s feet. Moroz rolled his eyes,
“Landmine’s don’t click and warn you. It’s dormant. Are you questioning my judgment?” He asked, setting his jaw. Stephanie moved closer to Moroz,
“Are you questioning the agent in charge?” She asked, sparking an argument as Stephanie and Moroz talked over each other. A high piercing whilst echoed across the farmland and Stephanie and Moroz looked over to Ian.
“There could be a timer attached to this thing ticking as we argue. This should be my decision.” Ian said, looking down. “It looks like an anti-tank mine. If it’s been here since Evelyn sent that letter, there is a chance Moroz is right.”
Moroz huffed and smiled. Hannah nodded to Ian.
“Ok Ian. If you want to step off, I won’t stop you. It’s your life.” She said, taking a small step backwards. Stephanie and Moroz followed suit and Ian took a few deep breaths. He looked up at Hannah and smiled.
“Just in case,-“
“No, no. There isn’t a just in case. If you say ‘I’ve always loved you’, I will shoot you myself.” Hannah interrupted, smiling. Ian nodded and as he jumped to his left. They all flinched.
Silence.
Ian laughed,
“Guess it’s my lucky day.”
They all chuckled and kept moving towards the barn. When they got to the large doors, Ian and Moroz pushed one back as Hannah and Stephanie pulled out their guns. Cautiously the four made their way inside, covering all angles for a possible ambush. When they called ‘all clear’, Hannah looked around the small barn. A few pieces of equipment, a work table and bales of hay were all that was inside.
“This is a safe house?” Moroz asked, scoffing. “Waste of time.” He said, kicking a hay bale. Hannah rolled her eyes,
“With Evelyn, nothing is what it seems.” She said, moving further inside. Ian pulled Moroz with him to inspect the farming equipment and Stephanie moved next to Hannah.
“Are you sure we’ll find something?” She asked quietly. Hannah nodded,
“I know we will.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out the wooden key from the puzzle box. “I know this will have a place to be inserted.” She smiled and moved over to the workbench. As she looked at the items on the bench Hannah sighed, nothing resembling the key. Ian and Moroz were bickering quietly behind them and Hannah felt her patience disappearing. She spun around,
“Moroz!”
They boys looked at her and frowned. She thought carefully about her next words and lowered her voice.
“Who exactly sent you to our little team?” She asked, folding her arms across her chest. Moroz matched her body language and narrowed his eyes.
“That’s classified,” he spat out. Hannah took a step closer,
“Well in this team, we work together.”
“And we don’t question the agent in charge.” Ian said, nodding towards Hannah.
Moroz moved to take a step towards her and Ian reached out for his arm, pulling him back. As Moroz glared at Ian, Stephanie cursed behind Hannah. She turned to where Stephanie had dropped a large paint can on her foot.
Hannah moved towards her and Stephanie put up her hand,
“I’m ok. Go back to insulting each other.” She said, dropping onto a nearby hay bale. Hannah began to say something when she spotted it. The paint can had been resting on the workbench in front of what looked like an electric socket.
“There wasn’t any electricity hooked up in here was there?” Hannah asked,
“None that I could see.” Ian said behind her. Hannah smiled and looked down at her key. She moved to the socket and inserted it into the left side socket. She tried to turn it and felt resistance. Frowning, she pulled the key out and took a deep breath, trying the right one. As she turned the key, Hannah felt a lock being released and heard a loud click.
Moroz jumped backwards as the floor underneath him started to move.

FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT ON THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2018 with HCC!

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See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Your Briefing:
Hannah is undercover at CGT agency, who appear as if they are working for good. She is chasing down her mother, Evelyn Carmichael, who is planning a terrorist attack that has something to do with plans on a USB drive which is currently in Hannah’s possession. Hannah and her fellow agents Stephanie, Ian and mysterious newcomer Moroz are headed towards Evelyn’s safe house armed with a wooden key from a puzzle box. While giving her first double agent briefing to her husband Zeke, a real agent of the government, Stephanie overhears her. What will Stephanie say and do? Will Hannah tell her the truth, or will she lie her way out of it? Find out NOW!

SEVENTEEN:

Stephanie’s usual playful tone had been replaced with the voice she only used during suspect interrogations as she aimed the gun at Hannah.
“Steph, it’s not-“
“Not what?” Stephanie spat, moving closer. Hannah sighed,
“That was Zeke.” She said simply, lowering her hands to her sides and letting her pain and anger show. Stephanie’s rage wavered but her hand remained steady.
“Why are you talking with Zeke about CGT? What Intel? Who does Zeke work for? Evelyn?”
Hannah furrowed her brows and tried to keep her tone neutral. The last thing she needed right now was for Stephanie to turn her in.
“Zeke works for the real government. They have information, solid information, that CGT is not what they told us.” Hannah took a step closer to Stephanie who squared her shoulders. “They lied to us Steph. CGT aren’t working for the government, they’re out for themselves.”
Stephanie shook her head,
“No. You’re just trying to squirm out of this. You’re a traitor! Just like your mother!” Stephanie’s eyes filled with tears and her hand began to shake. Hannah took a breath, then a step of faith. Moving closer to Stephanie, she reached her hands up again.
“They showed me the proof. When Zeke raided headquarters, they took me in for questioning and he asked me to come back here. To take CGT down.” Hannah reached forward as Stephanie’s arm fell and she released the gun. Hannah put the safety on then tucked the gun into her waistband as Stephanie moved to the deck chair, falling into it.
“All these years. All the things we did.” Stephanie tried to keep the tears at bay and Hannah sat next to her on the chair. They sat in silence for a moment and Hannah moved her hand onto Stephanie’s shoulder. The shock in her eyes turned to anger and she locked her jaw.
“I want to take them down.” She said, standing and walking towards the pool gate.
“It’s not that simple.” Hannah said, reaching out for her arm and pulling her back. “Zeke can’t know I told you anything. If he knows you’ve been compromised, he may pull us both out to question you and we’ll lose Evelyn.”
Stephanie shook her head, “You don’t know that.” She said, pulling her arm away and turning back towards the boy’s room. Hannah moved in front of Stephanie, blocking her path.
“You want to take them down? Then we have to be smart.” Hannah said. Stephanie stopped and thought for a moment.
“We have to work together. Without telling Zeke.” Hannah reached out her hand and Stephanie looked at it.
“They deceived us. All of us.” Her friend said, looking back at Hannah.
Hannah nodded and Stephanie reached out, shaking her hand.
Back in their room, Hannah stared up at the ceiling while Stephanie slept, a familiar snoring from their training days filling the small space. Trusting Steph with the truth was a risk, but she knew Steph, she couldn’t have known about CGT.
As they stumbled back into the car in the morning, armed with coffee and donuts, the team drove in silence as the beautiful countryside whipped by. They took a short break halfway for lunch then Hannah took over driving duties. She tried to keep her mind focused on the road as they got closer to the coordinates set in the GPS.
The navigator voice told them they had reached their destination and Hannah slowed the car, no buildings or structures had been seen for miles.
“I knew it. Nothing more than a wild goose chase.” Moroz said, slamming his foot against the front passenger seat. Stephanie jerked forward and spun,
“Hey! Cut it out you-“
“Steph.” Hannah said using her best ‘boss’ voice. Stephanie groaned and turned, crossing her arms in front of her. Hannah took a breath and looked at Moroz in the rear view mirror.
“Two year old tantrums aside,”
Moroz rolled his eyes and Hannah continued.
“Evelyn wouldn’t have given me the wrong coordinates.” Hannah looked around and saw a large hedge 100 metres ahead of them. She moved the car forward and spotted a narrow dirt road behind the leaves. She smiled and turned the car, driving slowly.
As they rounded a bend a few minutes later, Hannah exhaled as she spotted a small barn standing alone. Behind her, she saw Ian nudging Moroz and nodding. Moroz rolled his eyes and focused in on the structure. Hannah parked the car at the edge of the road and put it in park.
“Guess we have to walk a little.” She said, getting out. Stephanie came up beside her as they walked ahead of the boys.
“So what’s the plan when we find what Evelyn has here?” she asked.
“If there is still anything here,” Hannah said, looking behind them to Ian and Moroz moving in silence.
“Whatever we find either gets destroyed, or given to Anthony and a copy to Zeke.” Hannah said, her voice low.
“But what if-“ Stephanie’s question was halted as they heard Ian cuss behind them. They turned and saw him looking down at his left shoe.
“What is it?” Hannah asked, already walking back. Ian held out his hands and widened his eyes.
“Don’t come closer!” He said, shrugging a little, “I heard a click.”

---

Find out what Happens next week for HCC (EIGHTEEN)

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Your Briefing:
Hannah has been recruited by her husband, Zeke, to take down her own spy agency CGT.
After finding out they were only out for themselves and not working for the government at all, Hannah agreed. After Zeke’s raid, they have limited resources to stop Evelyn Carmichael, Hannah’s mother, from carrying out an attack using the drive Hannah now holds onto. Hannah, Stephanie, Ian and newcomer Moroz went to Hannah’s childhood home for clues where they found a letter from Hannah’s mother. The letter was written just after Evelyn was discovered and disappeared and gave Hannah coordinates to a place where she would be safe in the impending chaos. As Hannah was leaving, she remembered a small puzzle box with a mysterious item inside that may hold a key to Evelyn’s safe house. As they travel to the location, can Hannah open the box? Will it hold a key? What will Hannah tell Zeke on her first briefing?

SIXTEEN:

The dim street lights made it difficult as Hannah attempted another combination on the puzzle box.
A pot hole dipped the car again and she groaned. Ian looked in the rear view mirror and shrugged,
“Sorry.” He said, glancing at Moroz beside him. He had fallen asleep about an hour ago, just as the sun was going down and had maintained a steady snore since. Stephanie sighed and Hannah looked up,
“I can get it.” She said sharply. Stephanie raised her hands and shrunk back in her seat. Hannah exhaled,
“Sorry. I’ve been working on this for too long.” Hannah tossed the box onto the seat in between them and looked out the window at the passing towns.
“How far are we from Evelyn’s safe house?” Hannah asked, her eye lids drooping a little.
“Too far. We’re going to have to stop for the night.” Ian said, glancing back at her. Stephanie leaned forward,
“We can’t stop. We’ll just trade over drivers.” She said, nudging Hannah. “Hannah’s turn.” Stephanie grinned and Hannah yawned, emphasising her exhale. Stephanie rolled her eyes and sat back,
“Fine, we’ll stop.”
Hannah smiled and looked back down at the puzzle box.
“We could always just break it open.” Ian said from the driver’s seat. Hannah shook her head,
“Nope. We can’t risk what’s inside being destroyed in case we need it.” Hannah picked up the box and tried another combination.
As she slid panels in directions she had already tried and moved notches, she noticed a click she hadn’t heard before. Her eyebrows raised and Stephanie leaned closer. Hannah kept going until a moment later, she felt the bottom panel click out. Carefully Hannah slid the panel, revealing a small wooden key.
She smiled and reached up for the car light. The key was unusual and she looked up at a squinting Ian.
“Break the box.” She said with a mocking tone. “This is a wooden key, it definitely would have been destroyed.” She looked down to the key and handed it to Stephanie. As Stephanie looked the key over, the car pulled into a small motel with a Vacancy sign in neon out the front.
As they parked, Ian shoved the snoring Moroz and he snorted awake. The boys got a room for them and the girls got another, setting their watches to meet again at 0600 hours. As Stephanie settled into the bathroom for a shower, Hannah glanced at the clock on the wall. Almost ten o’clock.
She grabbed her phone and quietly made her way out of the room towards the pool area. Sitting on a deck chair, Hannah looked up at the stars and waited. Without city lights, the sky looked brighter and filled with glowing fireflies. Her phone buzzed and she looked down, rolling her eyes.
“Carmichael.” She answered, hearing their voice recognition software working in the background.
“Hannah.” Zeke said finally, his voice croaky.
“Zeke.”
He sighed at her curt response and cleared his throat.
“You know protocol so I’ll skip to the briefing.”
“I appreciate that little semblance of acknowledgement that I know what I’m doing.” Hannah said, unable to keep the irritation out of her tone.
“I was found by Stephanie, Ian and a new guy, Morozov. I’ve never met him before, but he says he was sent from Counterintelligence. They took me to the safe house where Anthony was waiting.” Hannah paused and looked at the reflection of the skyline in the pool.
“We went back to my childhood house to find something linking us to where Evelyn may be hiding.”
“What did you find?” He asked quietly.
“Besides a life full of lies and deceit?” She asked, rolling her eyes and standing. “A letter addressed to me one year after my mother was discovered to be a traitor.”
“What did it say?” Zeke’s voice was warm and she thought back to when she had told him who her mother really was. He had assured her that he didn’t care. That he knew she was trustworthy. Hannah sighed,
“That things were coming to put the world back into order through chaos, and when they did there was a place she wanted me to go to be safe.” Hannah heard Zeke shuffling papers and yelling to another agent. She gave him the coordinates and told him where they were staying, even though she was sure they had her GPS location.
“Zeke?” She asked before he got a chance to say goodbye.
“Yeah?” He asked quietly.
“Are you sure your Intel is solid? I’ve been with CGT for a long time, and I just don’t know-“
“Hannah,” Zeke cut her off and she sighed, dropping back onto the deck chair and putting her head in her hands.
“We’re sure. I showed you everything we had from our informants and the evidence they had collected. You know it’s true.” The voice that once comforted her at any turn, now filled her with resentment and she bolted up.
“Fine. I’ll give you another briefing tomorrow at ten. Goodbye.” She said, hanging up and throwing the phone onto the chair. She stood for a moment then reached for the phone when she heard a gun cocking behind her. Freezing, Hannah held her breath and slowly spun to see Stephanie, gun aimed at Hannah.
Lifting her hands in surrender Hannah’s heart dropped as she saw the rage in Stephanie’s eyes.
“Who was that Hannah?”

---

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

 

 

FIFTEEN:

Your Briefing:

Hannah is undercover at her former spy agency, CGT, and looking for her mother Evelyn Carmichael – a known traitor planning a terrorist attack. Her husband, Zeke, was not who she thought he was. Working for the real government, Zeke has recruited Hannah to help take them down and she now reports to him! What remains of her Agency after Zeke’s raid is still trying to find and stop Evelyn – aren’t they? Hannah’s boss, Anthony, has sent her along with Stephanie, Ian and the mysterious newcomer Moroz back to Hannah’s childhood home to search for clues. What will they find? Can they locate Evelyn before it’s too late? Does she still need the drive that Hannah now holds on to?

AND NOW

Hannah opened the door and stepped into what was once her childhood bedroom. Her mother had kept all of Hannah’s belongings exactly where she left them when she had left home at 18 years old. The posters on the wall were slowly peeling off and her bed was made without a single wrinkle.
It was unlikely that Evelyn had anything in here that would lead them to her now, but Hannah moved inside the room anyway and sat on the bed. Stephanie called her name from the hallway,
“In here!” Hannah replied, falling backwards on the bed and staring up at the poster on the ceiling. Stephanie chuckled,
“So this was your room, huh?” She asked, moving to the bed next to Hannah and looking up at the poster.
“Joshua Jackson?” Stephanie asked as they stared.
“Oh yeah. Team Pacey all the way.” Hannah said as the girls chuckled.
“I would have thought you’d be team Dawson.” Stephanie said, poking Hannah’s ribs. Hannah smiled and sighed.
“Wish I could go back to sitting on the couch, eating junk food and watching Dawson’s Creek. It was simpler.”
Stephanie took a deep breath then looked away from the roof.
“We’ve searched half the house so far and found nothing.” She said, standing and walking over to the desk. Hannah sat up and took a silent breath.
“Steph?” She asked. Her friend turned and tilted her head, smiling.
“What? Is it Zeke?” She asked, sitting on the desk chair.
“Do you ever regret joining CGT?” Hannah asked. Stephanie sighed,
“You don’t know that’s connected to Zeke disappearance.” She said, turning back to the desk, sorting through old letters that hadn’t been opened. Hannah stood and joined
her at the desk.
“Maybe.” She said, picking up another stack of unopened letters. She paused when she reached an envelope with a handwritten address. Turning it over, she looked at the return address and frowned.
“This one’s from my mother.” Hannah said, reaching for the letter opener. Stephanie dropped the last of her stack down onto the desk and turned.
“It’s dated one year after I left home.” Hannah said, pulling the letter out of the envelope.
“When did she disappear?” Stephanie asked, Hannah glanced up.
“Six months before she sent this.” She said, turning back to the letter and reading aloud.
“Dear Hannah, I’m sorry you had to find out this way but you’ve heard the news, I’m sure. What they’re saying about is true. The system is broken and in order to fix it, we need chaos.” Hannah paused and sighed. Stephanie leaned out the doorway and yelled for Ian and Moroz.
“Things will happen in the coming years and I want you to be safe. It was never my intention that my family would suffer. When the time comes, go to the following coordinates. There you will find a structure hidden on a stretch of farmland.”
Ian came into the room, Moroz trailing behind. Stephanie put her finger to her lips, nodding at Hannah to continue.
“I trust you are smart enough to remember our old games. I love you sweetheart and hope you will join me in the fight to restore order. Your loving mother, Evelyn.” Hannah looked up and shook her head.
“I don’t recognise these coordinates and I don’t remember ever being taken to a farm.” She said, handing the letter to Stephanie.
“Why would she share this place with you?” Moroz asked, leaning on the door frame and
folding his arms. Hannah exhaled sharply,
“This letter was sent before I joined CGT and before I picked the side against my mother.” She said, reaching for her phone. She dialled Anthony’s new number and filled him in over the phone. When she hung up, Stephanie was the only one still in the room.
“Ian and Moroz went to search the rest of the house for more tunnel entrances. What did Anthony say?” She asked, Hannah put her phone away,
“He thinks it’s unlikely that Evelyn was still planning on using that location after I joined CGT. I agree, but he still wants us to go there anyway and see what we can find.” Hannah moved out of the room and Stephanie trailed behind her, holding the letter, safely tucked in the envelope.
When they reached the Rumpus room Hannah paused. Stephanie ran into the back of her and grunted.
“What?” Stephanie asked,
“Games.” Hannah said, thinking out loud. Stephanie shrugged,
“What about games?” She asked. Hannah moved to the toy box in the corner and opened the lid.
“My mother was always playing games with me when I was a child. They were problem solving
and physical challenges.” Hannah said, rummaging through the box.
“So?” Stephanie moved next to Hannah and squatted.
“So, sometimes we used a-“ She saw what she was looking for and jumped up. “Aha!” She exclaimed, holding out the small puzzle box. Stephanie frowned and took it, turning it over.
“A puzzle box?” She asked, shaking it. When she heard an item shifting inside she raised her eyebrows. “What’s in it?” She asked, Hannah shrugged.
“I don’t know, I was never able to open it.” She said, smiling. “Maybe what’s inside, is something we need at Evelyn’s safe house.” Hannah said, taking the box back from Stephanie and moving towards the front door. Ian and Moroz were waiting for them and Ian frowned when he saw the puzzle box.
“What’s that?” he asked. Hannah smiled,
“Hopefully a key.”

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What will Happen with HCC next week? Find out Thursday 1 November 2018

FOURTEEN:

Your Briefing:

Last time on HCC, Hannah had found out her agency CGT was actually out for themselves and not with the government as she was led to believe. When her husband, Zeke, who had been missing, showed up in an attack against CGT, Hannah was shocked to learn that he was working for the real government to take CGT down. If that wasn’t enough, Hannah’s mother – a known traitor – is planning an attack with the contents of a drive that was in the possession of CGT. Zeke asks Hannah to go back to CGT undercover to stop Evelyn and bring the agency down. Near a CGT safe house, Hannah was found by agents Stephanie, Ian and a new face – Moroz. Will Hannah be able to take them down from the inside? Do they still have the drive? Can she work with them to stop Evelyn?

 

Hannah stared down at the USB drive that Anthony handed her and exhaled.
“This is one of the items we managed to take with us after the raid.” Anthony said, pointing to the drive. “It was being transferred to a secure vault when everything went sideways and Ian swiped it before they did.”
Hannah smiled. Evelyn hadn’t managed to get a hold of the drive. Her stomach dropped as she realised that CGT now had it. Clasping her hand tight around the drive she looked up and Anthony and straightened her shoulders.
“I want to be the one to secure the drive Sir.” Moroz jutted forward, “that was my orders Sir.” He said, a sharpness in his voice. Hannah sighed and shook her head.
“Who is this guy?” She asked Anthony, staring Moroz down. “I don’t know if you realise this Moroz, because you’ve only been here a short time.”
Moroz opened his mouth to reply but she raised her hand and continued.
“Aside from Anthony, I am the most senior agent in this room. Probably in the area amongst who is left.” Hannah looked Moroz up and down to assert her authority.
“I haven’t even heard of you, and I don’t appreciate being undermined in front of anyone.” She made sure to put as much edge in that last word as she could muster and slipped the drive onto a chain. Anthony nodded,
“Sorry Morozov, but she’s right.”
Moroz set his jaw and stood with his shoulders square.
“I understand you have been sent to help, but Hannah has seniority. Even over you.” Anthony turned to Hannah and winked, “Keep that drive on you at all times.” He said, turning and moving back to the desk in the corner. Hannah smiled and slipped the drive around her neck.
“So who breached headquarters?” Hannah asked, crossing her arms. Stephanie scoffed and rolled her eyes.
“No one will tell us.” She said, glaring at Anthony. He shrugged,
“Higher ups are dealing with the breach.” Anthony said as he faced them. “So for now, mission details for this team is to locate and stop the attack that Evelyn is planning.” Anthony smiled softly at Hannah,
“I know Zeke is still missing, but this has to take priority.” The warmth in his voice made Hannah catch her breath. He nodded silently and Hannah cleared her throat,
“Evelyn most likely took Zeke. If we find her, we find him.” She said reaching for Stephanie’s outstretched hand. Stephanie squeezed it and smiled, nodding and letting go.
“I’ve been briefed on the situation with Zeke Anderson. This Is the right call.” Moroz said, moving closer to Anthony’s desk. The three people Hannah had spent years serving with glared at Moroz and he shrunk back slightly.
“I don’t know what happens in your branch of CGT, but in this one we look after our own.” Stephanie said, turning to face Moroz and straightening her posture. He glanced at her, his eyes turning upwards. Anthony stood and cleared his throat,
“We’re getting off track.” He said, moving to a large wall with map print outs strung up. He moved to one that looked newer and pointed at a familiar house.
“This is Evelyn’s last known address. I want you all to go and see if she had any more of hidden tunnels like that surprise under the warehouse.” Anthony turned and led them towards the room which held their only source of weaponry.
“Take what you need but don’t be excessive.” He said, leaving them to collect their weapons. Hannah chose a handgun and Kevlar vest and waited outside the room for Stephanie, Ian and Moroz to select their more extravagant choices. She had always preferred the simpler approach.
Hannah felt for the drive around her neck, now settled underneath her vest and shirt. When Zeke called her for an update, would she tell him she had the drive? He would want to know what was on it.
It was against protocol for her to open the driver herself, and CGT had most likely tagged it electronically to send a signal whenever its contents were accessed. Stephanie and the boys came out and they made their way to the SUV. She would have to worry about the driver later.

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See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

THIRTEEN:

Summer. It had to be Summer. Hannah wiped her forehead again and exhaled sharply. They had dropped her on the side of the road near one of CGTs safe houses and left her to walk.
Hannah had already been walking for twenty minutes in the blazing sun and she had at least another twenty to go. Sounds of a car skidding on gravel behind her grew louder and Hannah jumped behind a large bush.
Peering through the gaps in the leaves, Hannah waited for the car to stop and several people stomped out.
Through the leaves Hannah couldn’t see how many there were, but she was guessing at least three.
“The drone picked up the figure heading in this direction. They have to be around here somewhere.” Stephanie’s voice was distinctive but something was different in her tone. Hannah took a deep breath and raised her arms above her head, moving from behind the bush.
“Steph,” she said as she came into view. Guns were aimed in her direction as Stephanie, Ian and another agent Hannah didn’t recognise stood before her.
Ian and Stephanie dropped their weapons and Stephanie raced to envelop Hannah in a bear hug. Behind them, Ian put his hand on the other agent’s weapon, lowering it and whispering.
Stephanie pulled back and smiled,
“I didn’t see what happened to you at the raid.” She turned and motioned towards Ian.
“I ran into Ian and we fought off as many as we could before some of us retreated. Temporarily.” The emphasis on Stephanie’s last word made Hannah nervous. Her new mission was just starting, and she already had to lie to her best friend.
“I got swept up and taken to some warehouse to be questioned,” Hannah said. Stephanie motioned for their car and pulled at Hannah’s arm.
“Let’s get to the safe house.”
Hannah got into the back seat with the agent she didn’t recognize.
“I’m Hannah Carmichael.” She said, stretching out her hand to shake his. He looked at her hand then back to her before clearing his throat.
“Agent Morozov.” His accent surprised her and she raised her eyebrows.
“Yes, I’m Russian.” He said, rolling his shoulders. “I was called in from our Counterintelligence Unit after the attack.” His eyes were cold and his voice monotone as he turned and looked out the window. Hannah sighed and turned to Stephanie in the driver’s seat.
“How did you escape?” Stephanie asked, looking at her through the rear view mirror.
“They were moving me to another location and there was an accident on the roads. We were stuck in traffic at a standstill and I reached across to a guard’s gun.” Hannah sighed. “What happened to everyone else?” She asked.
Stephanie’s eyes dropped and she moved her gaze back onto the road.
“As far as I know, half our agents were either killed or captured.” She looked back to Hannah in the mirror and shrugged.
“The rest have been scattered between our five remaining uncompromised briefing locations and safe houses.”
Ian turned from the front passenger seat and smiled at her.
“Lucky we were sent to this one.” He said, turning back to face forward.
“What happened to Anthony?” Hannah asked, looking out her window at the passing farmland.
“He’s with us at the safe house.” Stephanie said as they pulled into the discreet side road leading to their five bedroom safe house. As they parked, Ian and Agent Morozov got out of the car and Stephanie sighed.
Hannah moved over to the middle seat, leaning forward.
“Morozov seems like a bit of a dick.” Hannah said, getting a small chuckle from Stephanie. She turned to face Hannah and gave an unconvincing smile.
“We couldn’t go back, so I didn’t know…” Her voice tapered off and Hannah reached forward, putting a hand on Stephanie’s shoulder.
“Let’s go inside and get a game plan.” Hannah said, opening her door and stepping outside. As he got out of the car, Stephanie slapped Hannah’s back and smiled.
“Don’t mind Moroz.” Stephanie said. “Bosses sent him here to make sure any further attacks don’t happen.”
“Good,” Hannah said, hoping her false sincerity was convincing.

---

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

In The Last Instalment:

Hannah was shaken to find out her agency – CGT – is working for their own interests instead of the country. Her husband Zeke is working for the real government and wants Hannah to go back in undercover to take them down. Zeke revealed that Hannah’s mother, Evelyn, was the one who captured him, and she is still out there searching for the plans for her terrorist attack. Will Hannah be able to take down the agency? Was her relationship with Zeke real, or was that just a cover to get access?

TWELVE:

Hannah hovered the pen above the agreement and took a deep breath. Even though CGT wasn’t officially a part of the government, it still felt like she was betraying her country. The agent in front of her cleared her throat and Hannah looked up, attempting a smile.
The agent raised her eyebrows and looked down at the contract. Hannah rolled her eyes and signed it, emphatically putting a full stop at the end of her signature. The agent slipped the paper away and Hannah felt a hand on her shoulder.
She looked up and saw Zeke, smiling softly down at her. She rolled her shoulder and he dropped his hand away, sighing. Hannah stood and faced him and Zeke cleared his throat.
“Next step is to drop you nearby and-“
“Why did you disappear?” She interrupted, watching his face drop.
He exhaled and grabbed her arm, pulling her into a small break room.
“I know I kept things from you.” Zeke said, reaching up and putting his hand on Hannah’s cheek. She rolled her eyes and pulled away from him,
“Egregious understatement.” She said. Zeke rolled his eyes,
“You always go for the big words when you’re angry.” Zeke turned and walked three steps before spinning, his brows pulled together.
“Just with you,” Hannah said, her voice softer.
“Evelyn figured out who I worked for. I guess she knew all along.” Zeke sighed,
“She ambushed my team. When she saw that I was in the car, she took me and killed everyone else.” Zeke paused and looked down,
“You blame yourself?” Hannah asked, taking a small step forward. Zeke met her eyes and exhaled.
“She wanted to know the location of the drive. When I wouldn’t give it up, she used you as leverage.”
Hannah sighed,
“Damn it.” She said, moving to a small table and pulling out the chair. She sat and looked at the floor, minutes of silence passing.
“Were you ever going to tell me?” She asked, staring at the white tiles. She heard him shuffling and waited for his answer.
More silence.
Hannah looked up and saw Zeke staring at her. The door opened and a man twice Zeke’s size came into the room.
“Anderson,” he said as he opened the door wider. “Transport is here.” He raised his eyebrows and Zeke turned back to Hannah.
“Contact for updates on Evelyn will be ten o’clock in the evenings.” Zeke said, turning and walking out of the room.
“Mrs Carmichael, I’m Special Agent Todd. I’ll be lead in your transport.” Agent Todd motioned for her to walk through the door.
Hannah stood and followed him to an SUV, stepping inside. As the car drove away, Hannah sighed as Zeke watched them leave.

---

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

ELEVEN

In the Last Instalment:

Hannah was searching for her missing husband. Her mother, Evelyn Carmichael, seems to know his location if she would tell her where a mysterious drive was located. After being warned that Zeke is not who he appeared to be, Hannah spotted him before he disappeared again during a drive by. With her colleagues she has known since training at a mysterious spy agency, Hannah was close to finding Zeke and what Evelyn wanted with the drive containing some sort of plans, when her agency was attacked. In amongst the large firepower, was none other than her husband Zeke. What will happen next?

Hannah sat in the small white room and stared at the small camera in front of her. No two way mirror in the room meant it was a serious interrogation. She tapped her foot and tried to keep her breathing even.

Zeke was a traitor. Her husband.

First her mother, then her husband. Hannah took a deep breath and rolled her neck. By her count, she had been in the room for an hour without any contact. She hadn’t seen where Stephanie had ended up in the attack. Hopefully she had been captured and not the alternative.

The door to the room opened and Hannah didn’t move, maintaining her focus point. A familiar smell of cologne hit her instantly and her bottom lip trembled slightly.

“I would have thought spouses interrogating each other would be against protocol.” Hannah said, her voice calm and cold. As Zeke sat across from her, she saw his eyebrow twitch. She smiled slightly at his tell that he was irritated at her.

“Hannah,” his voice was soft and he glanced at the camera.

“Is your name Zeke Anderson? Because as far as I know everything has been a lie.” Hannah said, leaning back a little in her chair. Zeke sighed,

“My name is Special Agent Zeke Anderson with the Defence Strategic Policy and Intelligence Group.” He said, pulling out his credentials. Hannah scoffed,

“That’s quite a mouthful. Too bad they don’t have actual agents.” She said, frowning. “Just a bunch of politicians and lawyer types deciding policy.”

Zeke cleared his throat and stared at her, raising his left eyebrow. Hannah rolled her eyes and sighed.

“Fine. You work for the government.” She raised both hands and pursed her lips. “So do I. So what’s with the raid?” She glanced at the camera then back to her husband. He looked away briefly, returning her gaze with pity filling his eyes. She frowned and tilted her head.

“The agency you work for – CGT, it’s not,” he paused and she shrugged.

“Not what, Zeke?” She asked, resisting the urge to stand and pace. He reached out his hand and put it over hers. She looked down, swallowing hard and taking a breath before pulling her hand away.

They sat for a moment in silence until Zeke exhaled loudly.

“CGT recruits by claiming to be a secret branch of the ASIS, right?” He asked, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms across his chest. She looked back up and frowned,

“What if they do?” She asked, the cold edge in her voice returning. Zeke tilted his head and shook it slightly.

“CGT is a terrorist organization masking as a part of the government.” Zeke said, shrugging. “Pretty much like every spy movie or TV show you’ve ever seen.”

Hannah scoffed and rolled her eyes again.

“What evidence do you have of this claim?”

“We are the actual government.” He said, giving a small smile.

“Is that why you married me?” She asked, her voice softer. He sat motionless for a moment then looked at the camera.

“It’s why I started a relationship with you, in the beginning.” He said, clearing his throat. “When we realized you actually believed you were doing good…” his voice trailed off and she exhaled forcefully.

“What do you want from me?” She asked, avoiding his gaze and looking into the camera.

“We left doors open for CGT to continue because we want them to lead us to Evelyn.” Zeke stood and knocked on the door. It opened and David Donohue cautiously entered behind Zeke. Hannah chuckled and rolled her eyes,

“Of course he’s working with you.” She said, shaking her head.

“When we came across him in your interrogation room, we flipped him.” Zeke said, motioning for David to leave again.

“We want you to go back in.” Zeke said, sitting back down.

She raised her eyebrows then frowned.

“What makes you think I would help you?” She asked, leaning as far back in her chair as possible.

“You mean apart from having no choice?” Zeke asked, not hiding the irritation anymore. She scoffed,

“Nice persuasion technique. Where did you train?” She asked, smiling. Zeke took a deep breath and smiled back.

“You want to do the right thing. It’s why I,” he stopped and cleared his throat. She shook her head and squared her shoulders.

“Fine. I’ll help you take down CGT on one condition.”

Zeke shrugged and she stood,

“Anyone else who didn’t know about CGT goes free.” She said, standing as tall as she could. Zeke stayed seated and looked towards the door as someone outside opened it. Hannah looked over to the agent standing in the doorway.

“Deal.” Zeke said, looking down at his paperwork. She nodded and walked towards the door.

“It was real Hannah. Us I mean.” Zeke’s voice stopped her for a moment and she looked back, trying to keep any tears from escaping.

“How can I believe that?” She asked, turning and walking through the door.

---

Tune in for another instalment in two weeks!