For a few moments, they simply glared at her and then they began to walk toward her.
From the corner of her eyes, Zara had already spotted the girls, recognizing them in an instant. She knew they were probably making some snarky comments regarding her, as per their routine, whenever they came in contact with her.
She was about to reach out her hands to grab a pair of tissues from a top shelf, when she heard the snarky voice right behind her.
"Hey, freak!"
Zara's hands stilled, hoping they would just go elsewhere and not bother her.
"Hey, I am talking to you. Are you suddenly deaf or what?" Tricia's obnoxious voice sounded.
Zara slowly retreated, casting a glance at them. She took a deep breath and decided to just ignore them. Talking back never ended well, which was why she felt the best thing to so was to act mature amd step out of their way.
As she walked past, Jessica gasped lowly, and she whispered to Tricia, "Oh my God. She totally snubbed you again, Tricia. Don't you think it is high time she is being taught a lesson?"
Tricia, whose eyes were on Zara as she walked past, clenched her fists in anger. After a few beats, she stomped her feet forward, catching up with Zara. She grabbed a fistful of her hair from the back, yelling at her.
"I told you before, didn't I? You do not get to walk away from me wule I am speaking. Do you think you are important? "
Zara's head was tilted back due to the force of Tricia's grip on her hair. She raised her arm to pull her hands away when a cold voice reached out to them.
"Get your filthy hands off her this instant!" It was Mike. He has just stepped into the aisle, looking for Zara, when he saw her being manhandled.
Quickly, he made his way towards them, glared at Tricia and pulled her hands from Zara's hair.
He said, "Don't you get tired of troubling her? Does your life revolve around her that you always have to trouble her? Get away from here, or I might be forced to take drastic actions. "
His voice was low and commanding, eliciting a gasp from Jessica and a shocked expression on Tricia. She could not believe he was siding with her.
Mike was her next door neighbor. The three lived in the same building, but she never would have guessed that the two of them are this close.
Jealousy burned in her and she glared at Zara, amd them at him, "Why? Why are you siding her? Do you even realize what a freak she is? Aren't you ashamed to be seen with her?"
Mike shook his head, "Not that it is any of your buisness. But you should know that you do not get to mess with her, ever again. Not when I am around."
Tricia couldn't believe her ears. Unable to say another word, she gritted her teeth and stormed out of their presence. Her friend, Jessica trailing behind her.
Zara felt like rolling her eyes at the dramatic display she had just encountered. But instead, she glanced at Mike, who was now looking at her, with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Thank you," Zara said.
Mike shook his head, "How long do you intend to let others walk over you. Ever since I knew you, this has been the daily occurrence. I know you do not like to make trouble, but you dont strike me as a lady who would just let others walk over her."
He released his arms, taking a step toward her. His eyes, searching hers for some kind of answer. But Zara's gaze was down. Instead, she said in a low voice. "Thanks for your help."
Mike sighed, "Zara," He made to speak, but at that moment, Zara felt a vibration on her hip, where she had placed her cell phone, and her eyes widened.
The vibration was followed by a low beep. Emily immediately knew this was no ordinary phone call.
She said, sharply, "Please excuse me. I need to leave. Thanks again."
Mike was stunned at her dismissal. It was not the first time though, but he still felt bad whenever she does this.
His shoulders hunched forward, "Alright. It is fine. Do what you have to do."
She quickly walked over to a different section of the mall, away from prying eyes, and she brought out the phone.
The screen displayed a single word, "Director."
Zara's eyes widened slightly and her pulse quickened as she answered, her voice low and even, "Nova Speaking,"
Nova was her code name, which she used, at the Central Intelligence Agency.
"I need you in the office right now. Be here as fast as you can." A deep gruff voice sounded at the other end of the line, followed by a double beep, signifying the end of the call.
Emily was stunned. The voice belonged to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency where she worked at day. He never called her at such an odd time.
The office? She wondered. She was off today, and he knows that as well. For a second, Zara could not help but think that her cover might have been blown.
The more she thought about it, the more she knew it was highly unlikely. However, If it ever comes to that, she had a plan ready.
Zara did not hesitate. She quickly placed her cell phone back into her bag and sauntered out of the mall.
She got to the office in no time, having changed into a corporate outfit, composing herself as she headed straight to the office.
The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency was a man in his early sixties, with a commanding presence and a stern expression. He has a piercing blue eyes that seem to bore holes into anyone he looks at.
His name was Lucas Webster, and he exuded an air of authority and experience.