Her morning routine was just the usual but August rarely focused today.. Which got her teacher worried... She's one kid that really shows interest in learning anyway...
"August wait.." miss Patel said catching up with her after school.
"I need to speak with your mom".. August never bothered to ask why. She was going to use whatever the teacher was going to say to her advantage.
"miss Patel. Lovely to see you. Is everything okay" evelyne asked leaning down to look at August.
"was hoping to ask unfortunately. Well our girl here has been rather distracted today. She could hardly concentrate"
"ohhh. August sweetheart is everything okay"
"yes I'm okay. Im just nervous. Lilay invited me for a play date. I don't know how to behave at one"
"I'm a little confused..she's never been to a play date" miss Patel had to asked...
"umm yes. My daughter has been in and out of hospitals most of her childhood".. Evelyne could lie.. Just perfect
"ohh im so sorry. I guess this is a family issue. Hope you have fun.lovely day Ma'am"
_____
Evelyne looked up from the sink. "You didn't mention a playdate."
"She asked me today. Her mom said it's fine."
Mark stepped into the kitchen, keys in hand. "Do you want a lift?"
"No, it's just a few blocks. I'll walk."
Evelyne dried her hands. "Be back by six, okay?"
August nodded. "I will."
And don't stalk me.. I'm a baby yes but 6 blocks wont hurt" August said grabbing her hoodie from the leather couch.
"well dad will follow from a distance"
She kissed Evelyne's cheek--something she'd never done before --and walked out the door before they could ask more questions.
—
As soon as she got out of the house ahe ran so fast before her so called father can trail her.
She took the long road out of town, past the train tracks and the old mill, where the air turned dry and the trees grew close. Her hoodie was zipped to the neck. The burner phone was tucked in her boot. A folded map in her back pocket. A small blade taped to her thigh.
The camp hadn't changed much.
Same rusted gate. Same sagging tents. Same smell of smoke and sweat and something older-something that clung to the bones of the place.
She slipped through the fence like she used to, quiet as breath.
—
Rafel was in the main tent, hunched over a map, cigarette burning low.
"You're late," he said without looking up.
"I wasn't invited."
He turned. "You lied to me."
"You lied first."
He studied her. "You cost me three men."
"You trusted the wrong people."
He smiled, slow and sharp. "And you think I should trust you now?"
"I think I'm the only one who still knows how to win."
She stepped forward and dropped a folded paper on the table. "There's a shipment coming through the east corridor. No escort. High-value tech. Clean hit."
Rafael cc unfolded it, scanned the details. "Where'd this come from?"
"Mark talks in his sleep."
He laughed. "You're colder than I remember."
"I'm just better at hiding it."
He leaned in close. "You're still mine, you know."
August didn't blink. "Not anymore."
He grinned. "Then why are you here?"
"To remind you who I am."
And to check if Cianly had been returned back to the camp. Guess she has a heart too. She was the first person to smile at her even after seeing her cold side.
If she does not find her then she will use Mark's resources to find her. Infact she will use her grief as an excuse tomorrow to her new parents.
—
That night, she stayed in the old supply tent. The cot was still there. The blanket still smelled like dust and oil. She lay awake, listening to the low murmur of voices outside, the crackle of fire, the occasional cough or laugh.
She opened her notebook and wrote:
> "He took the bait.
> If he moves on it, I'll know by Friday.
> If he doesn't… I'll burn the whole thing down."
Her phone buzzed.
> RAFEL: "You're playing a dangerous game, little ghost.
> Just remember—games end.
> And I always collect."
She stared at the screen.
Then turned it off.
And slid it under her pillow.
Tomorrow, she'd go back to school.
But tonight, she was in the dark again.
And she wasn't afraid.
She had a mission at night. Her ghosts were having a night off spying. She will do everything on her own..
.... Meanwhile
Everyone else was worried sick looking for August while she was busy loving the risk.