Hide from 'Falling' || H.S

Chapter 1 - Ashley | Two calls

I cleared my throat.
"Yes, mother I will come. What time should I be there?"

"Perfect! We are very excited. Come at 8 o'clock. Put on something nice, okay? After all, you're presenting-"

"Presenting the family. Yes, I know."
This wasn't the first time I'd heard that phrase. Sometimes I would wake up and shout it out loud. Disturbed, I know.

"Is my stupid brother coming too?" It was my last question for tonight. Maybe if he came dinner wouldn't be so terrible after all.

He wasn't a complete asshole like my parents. His presence would make the whole thing more bearable.

"Your brother Jacob is unfortunately not in London because he is on a business trip next week. I'll let him know you're sad to miss him." The way she said his name made me roll my eyes. She always praises him for no reason.

He was the perfect son and of course worked in the family business. The way it should be.

I don't care. I am able to kill a full grown man in just a few minutes with my bare hands. Jacob can't.
The idiot is good at opening and answering letters. Wow. He really deserves a medal.

And no I'm not jealous.

"Don't even bother. I'll see him again soon enough." As I said this, I tried to make my put-on smile clearly audible.

"Darling, it's not a problem. I'll be glad to do it." She covered my fake friendliness by just continuing to speak.

Maybe it was better that way. A family argument this late in the evening is just exhausting.

"Good night, Mother." I try to end the conversation quickly now.

"Good night, sweetheart! Have a nice evening and I'll see you next week at the latest."

"Yep, see you then." Definitely see you next week. Before I allow us to see each other early. But I kept that to myself.

I ended the call before she could say anything else. Then I took a deep breath. Fuck, I don't feel like a 'little dinner' but now I have to go there.

Please, let something come in between. Anything at all.

My prayers were answered, because just as I was about to lie down on my bed again, my phone rang again. At first I thought it was my mother who had one last word to say, but it wasn't my mother who called. It was my boss.

The CIA only let the best of the best work for the red list. There are only 15 of us in total. All were carefully selected and checked.

"Scott here." I answered short and clear.

"Ms. Scott, it's time." These were the only words he said. His raspy voice was anxiety-provoking. But I knew immediately what he meant. He didn't need to explain any further.

My eyes grew wide as I realized I had finally been given permission to pursue the next name on the list.

Or rather, the five names.

"I unterstand. Thanks for telling me, sir." I tried to remain calm, but my excitement increased with each passing second.

But I just had to ask the question that had been buzzing around in my head ever since his words left his lips.
"Sir, may I ask why this is now? Have they been seen?"

"I have received the confidential message that one of them has been spotted here in London. We don't know why they are here or what exactly they want in the first place. But it certainly doesn't mean anything good. You already know that they have not been seen for almost 5 years and their return will bring terrible consequences. You know, their presence indicates that they are planning something big. No one is safe anymore. It's time to finally stop them!"