“I think you need to talk to Markus again, Zack." she said gravely.
That told me enough. Something was going on and I needed to find out what. I didn't like being kept in the dark. I didn't understand why either, but I had felt it the last time I spoke to Markus when discussing Eliza's progress.
“Fucking great. I knew something was up." I thumped the table in frustration.
“Eliza's making fantastic progress and she learns quickly, but we haven't really touched upon using her senses to her advantage and we only just started on the fitness! She's nowhere near ready! Ideally she would need months, rather than weeks for her to be operational.”
I'll have to make my case with Markus and postpone whatever they had in mind. They would just have to observe the Rick situation from a distance for some time longer.
Zaphire sighed, her eyes seeking mine.
"Yes, you need to see him. But, please take a chill pill before you go! You'll be in trouble if you lose your rag. I've never seen you so protective over any of your trainees before.”
She gave me a playful punch on my arm and smiled.
“In all seriousness though, Zack. Don't forget Markus is our leader as well as our carer. I've not known him make the wrong decision yet, so keep that in mind when you think about challenging him. He won't take it kindly." she warned.
“Talking about him not taking things kindly....what was this about you showing your feelings for Eliza a little too openly the other day! I'm sure Markus wouldn't appreciate that either!" I teased Zaphire.
“You fucking like her, don't you?”
I was curious to find out what exactly she felt for Eliza. My sister was a little bit of a heart breaker, both for women and men. They all seem to fall in love with her so easily, but Zaphire got bored very quickly and nothing had lasted any longer than a couple of weeks at the most. She did manage to stay friends with most somehow. In that respect she was so different from me. I've had a few girlfriends, but I was far more intense and invested in my relationships than my sister ever was. Contrary to Zaphire, I didn't want to be friends with my exes. Once we'd broken up, it was done for me.
“Yes, I like her. Does it bother you?" she challenged. But carried on.
“She stirs something inside me. She's feisty and funny, she fascinates me and she has this vulnerability which is so alluring. On top of that she is beautiful. What's not to like!”
As she spoke about Eliza I could hear her pulse rising, and her pupils went huge. Yep, she was definitely falling for Eliza. Super.
“You just make sure you keep your fucking feelings in check, sis. Wouldn't want to compromise the mission now, would we." I said a bit too grumpily.
She jumped on that.
Aha, I see she doesn't leave you cold either then!" She guffawed.
“Don't worry, Z. She just took me by surprise that's all. I'm perfectly in control....for now.”
She winked at me, teasing.
“Must be hard for you. Being that close to her all the time," she carried on.
“For fuck sake, I'm fine Zaphire. Don't you worry about me. I'm warning you though, be careful with Eliza. I don't want you to use her and leave her hurt.”
I was absolutely serious now.
“Otherwise you'll have me to contend with." I threatened.
“Ah, pfff, Zack. Honestly." She waved my threat away light heartedly.
She never could take anything seriously. Apart from her work of course. I decided to leave it for now and we talked about her last mission which had been quite eventful. It made me long to do work in the field again, the adrenaline rush it afforded was great, but I had to be patient as Eliza had to be ready first. We would be wishing for quiet training days soon enough, once we were in the midst of our mission. It wasn't going to be an easy one.
Far too late, Zaphire decided to go to her room and I went to bed, after checking on Eliza, who was fast asleep.
CHAPTER 21
Sssssh, my little one, sssshh
Darkness around me
I'm moving, but not my legs,
they are suspended in the air,
gently swaying
I want to scream, but my mouth is covered
My head pushed against a warm body.
Then
I remembered.
I woke up with a gasp. Shit! I was starting to hyperventilate and could just manage a strangled cry for Zack, who thankfully was there seconds later. He put his hand in my neck and just that little touch calmed me down. I started to talk, but Zack put a finger on my lips and told me to concentrate on my breathing first. He wiped my brow with a soft cloth as I was drenched with sweat all over. I took a deep breath.
“I am calm now Zack but I need to talk." I urged him to let me.
His eyes searched my body and he felt my pulse. He seemed satisfied.
“All my life I've had nightmares, especially at stressful times. But tonight I've realised something about them." I paused.
I couldn't quite think how to explain it properly.
“My dreams... they're memories.”
I knew for sure now, I remembered what the dreams were about and it scared me.
“Can you tell me about them?" Zack pressed on to keep me talking.
“I was little, maybe three years old. The door opens in my room and the next minute I'm being carried. I feel the cold, I'm being taken outside. I can't scream because my face is held against someone's body. It smelled familiar and now I know why. It was my dad. He told me to be quiet but I was feeling scared. I remember it now. He took me to the beach; I heard the sound of the sea. He told me he missed me. I started crying but he wound his scarf around my face so I could hardly breathe. Next thing I
