May 2021
Through the cold night, the wind howled and I shivered. My eyes fixed on Gasper, who wore a white mask to make himself stand out as the leader surveyed his surroundings, assuring nobody was following him, weighing the odds. Around him, shuffled fifteen to twenty men dressed in black covering their face with black clothing carrying swords painted with a gray color symbol of a lion and guns. The rustling sound of leaves quieted and it was silent.
And it was dark and the faint moonlight didn't help much. My team and I were scattered everywhere hiding behind the bush, trees and lying on the dry leaves covering ourselves examining their every movement from far away. I peered around a thick tree and looked up the trail. A sword in his hand and a white dagger at his belt, he remained quiet. His weapons were believed to be thin enough to slip through his enemies' ribs, tearing them apart.
I was determined to put this criminal behind the bars. I was waiting for the right moment. It was now.
Pharmaceutical drugs made the victims unaware of their surroundings. They were made from the Gasper Medical Centre recently. They had been tested and banned, being notorious to humans. However, forensic reports showed that traces of these drugs were found in the victims' blood. The victims had damaged brain cells soon after consuming those drugs.
'Soothing' was the name of that particular drug against pain, cravings and anxiety. Soothing was detected in two of the victims blood along with three suicidal individuals.
Someone, an unknown informer left a letter at the FBI including a sample of the medicine along with Gasper's location. He wouldn't let his identity get revealed with the long hoodie he wore and knew exactly where the CCTV cameras were. He can be one of his enemies. I was not stupid to think that somebody may be a well wisher for the FBI. He called himself Viper.
No pharmacy was selling soothing. It was obvious that Gasper himself, the owner, was still supplying them illegally. We've been monitoring him since then. Eradicating those parasites from society was a noble deed. They relied on the life force of other humans for their insatiable lust for power and money. Some were drug dealers, rackets, murderers and others rapists. Those were not enough that they started competing for power among themselves. That benefitted us, cops at times, other times creating havoc everywhere, endangering lives.
Cutting through the thick silence, an owl screeched, flying past us. One of us snapped a twig with his boot.
Fuck. They heard us.
Gasper tossed his head, alarmed as if he sensed us. His men stiffened, gripping their weapons tighter. A gust of wind rushed through my hair and body.
"Now" I ordered, stepping forward.
Bullets from my people pounced on Gasper's men as they fired back. Some blocked the only escape routes to prevent the enemies from getting away.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
The next day
6.00 am
As I struck the punching bag continuously, I was dripping with sweat. My shoulder ached a bit. Exhausted because of my one hour intense home workout, I drank some water. Grabbing my towel, I dabbed my neck and collarbones and wiped the sweat off of my forehead. Plugging my earphones in, the music relaxed my muscles as I kept my eyes shut for a while.
Yesterday, I had barely escaped death. Two bullets hit my bulletproof jacket while one brushed against my shoulder. I never know when my last breath may be. But that would never stop me from doing my duty.
I am not fond of garbage. I lost three people in my department. They were heroes, giving up their lives for the nation. After getting undressed, my feet dragged me into my bathroom.
I entered the shower, turning on the water. I faced the shower, closing my eyes as the water splashed through the shower head, letting the warm water travel down my body. I combed my hair back with my hands as the water ran through it. It soothed my aching muscles from the workout. I examined the wound on my shoulder. It will heal in some time. It didn't hurt that much. A satisfying smile spread across my lips.
After a good breakfast, I quickly fitted my slim body into black jeans and wore a long sleeved dark plain shirt with a jacket. My light mousy brown hair is tied tightly in a high ponytail, revealing the soft curls down barely reaching my shoulder. I glanced at the figure appearing in front of me. I tucked my shirt into my jeans, contemplating my image in the mirror. I grabbed my suncream from the drawer, applying a generous amount on my face.
I slided my phone inside the pocket of my jeans.
"Almost forgot the mask"
I made a turn to catch up with the mask sitting on the kitchen table and bent down to wear my shoes.
My team, us being highly capable and flexible; Ian, Owen, Eliana, Kevin, Lara and John. Ian has been a good leader since then; bold, fierce, the bad cop whom nobody would dare to mess around with. The upright cop. Till then, I would stroll at the beach since it was Sunday, my day off duty. That wouldn't stop me from stressing over my work though. Despite all the bashings, some convicts still refuse to cooperate.
My phone vibrated. I answered the upcoming call from the unknown number.
Benjamin:
(Hey Sefff!)
(You there big sis?)
(You got shot!)
(Is it still hurting?)
Me:
(Not much...)
(It only brushed against my skin)
(Relax)
Benjamin:
(If you say so)
(Take care of yourself)
(I'm missing home you know)
Me:
(I will)
(I can't wait for Christmas)
Benjamin:
(Me too)
(So, how's my brother in law doing?)
(Can't get through his phone)
Me:
(He's fine)
(Don't worry)
Benjamin:
(Alright!)
Me:
(Just his tight schedules)
Benjamin:
(Crap)
(See you guys then)
Me:
(We'll catch up later...sending kisses)
(Eat well...Be good!)
Benjamin:
(Sending tight hugs)
(Oh wait. Remember to change the bandage everytime)
Me:
(Yes mom!)
Benjamin:
(Good girl)
Me:
(Did you get permission to call me or-)
Benjamin:
(I asked Mr Winston since I was worried about you)
Me:
(I'm fine)
(I love you)
Benjamin:
(I'm really missing you)
And he ended the call. I had missed his voice.
Some months to go until he would know about my break up. He looked up to Anse since he has known him as my boyfriend. They enjoyed each other's company. I can't wait to see my brother. He only could bring me back the warmth of life and he did. I could feel my body relaxed as I smiled.
And my phone was vibrating again.
"Agent Parrish, I need you in my cabin in ten" Hartley commanded.
"Yes sir-"
No hello, no bye, he was straight forward. Reminded me of Ian. He has been there these days. The image of him as a cold bachelor crumbled into a warm and caring friend. He had personally sent me to the hospital after the mission and stayed with me. Eliana was pretty much anxious on how differently Ian acted. I never knew he cared this much about me. Or maybe he just had a dramatic reaction.
Pulling out my car keys, I quickly got into my car.
"Call of duty" I muttered to myself putting on my black squared shaped sunglasses.
I glanced outside the window putting on my seat belt. I turned the key, the engine thrummed to life. I stomped on the gas pedal, the tyres of the car screeched slightly as the car moved forward. My body leaned a bit forward with the sudden acceleration. The swiftness of my car can beat any other car. My car sped up. I smirked while putting on some music.
I, Sefa Parrish, am 25 years old and also ex-soldier Sergeant Lisa who joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation to take care of an old account.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
I knocked at the door and waited.
"Come in Parrish"
The big leather chair turned around, a man in his late thirties, Hartley reached over to the cigarette on the table. He lit one and drew the smoke into his lungs, savoring it.
"Sir"
"By any means, Gasper should reveal his lab where he is still producing soothing" He ordered.
"Sir. I think my team would need more people in charge"
"I noted you've been literally staying here this year"
"Agent Parrish reporting on duty sir. I don't want to let you and my team down"
"Glad you are this dedicated agent!" he puffed out the smoke.
"Sir"
"I will recruit four more agents in your team. We already lost many of our men while getting to Gasper. I'm counting on you"
I nodded respectfully. I noticed how dark his lips actually were from heavy smoking. I did smoke a lot lately to bury my pain. An excuse. Would mine turn out this color? No.
"You may leave" He ordered in a high pitch note.
I snapped out of my thoughts.
"Or you need a smoke too?"
"No um, I stopped"
...at this moment.
"Aiiii. We can always smoke when you change your mind. Good luck on that young lady"he laughed amusingly.
...
Gasper, a manipulative convict, his dark arrogant eyes, furrowed eyebrows, he stared at me. A malicious aura hovered over him. His earlobes and neck were covered with thick silver rings. He was bald and dark skinned just as his soul. His black shirt showed those bare arms full of knotted muscles. Never judge a book by its cover. Who knew he was a lab researcher?
I brought him to my post to be interrogated. I never expected Hartley to be so eager to get Gasper to vomit the truth. My team watched me carrying out the interrogation through the security cameras installed in the room with Owen inside with me. Well, to be precise, I knew how to extort information from criminals.
"Where did you hide the drugs Mr?" I asked him through clenched teeth.
He curled his fingers at me signaling me to come closer. I leaned closer to him.
"Wench"He whispered, laughing evilly.
Criminals and their shitty attitude!
I took a deep breath, tension building up in my body, my fingers curled up in fists. I thumped the desk in front with my fists. My hands grabbed him by his collar as he continued grinning. I slammed my fist into his face, bursting his lips. It felt like I touched a block of granite. Blood oozed out of the small aperture from his lips.
I would never entertain them. He rolled his eyes. Damn this block of granite. My anger reached its peak. A slight smirk grew across his face. I couldn't help furrowing my eyebrows, my jaw clenched. Grabbing the back of his neck, I knocked his head on the table violently.
"Sefa take it easy" Owen attempted to calm me, slightly tapping on my shoulder.
"Alright, I'll ask you again"
I sat on the chair opposite to him, crossing my legs, placing my hands on the table. He laughed. It is going to be a long day at work. I didn't come to work on a bright Sunday so that a dickhead refused to open his mouth after weeks of sweat and hard work to catch this scumbag.