Finally, after what had felt so much longer than four hours, I heard the door unlock. I breathed a sigh of relief and I could hear Eliza do the same.
“Turn around please, and follow me, Eliza first then you behind her." Samuel ordered.
He looked smug, probably enjoying the temporary position of power over me. I only caught a glimpse of Eliza's face, but what I saw, didn't disappoint me. She looked determined, not broken, distraught or angry. That was a good sign. Just before we arrived at Markus' office I managed to grab Eliza's hand and gave it a quick squeeze before letting go again in case Samuel noticed. I didn't want to risk being sent back to the cell. Markus hadn't specifically said anything about holding hands once we were out, but the fact we were told to walk one behind another gave me enough reason to be careful.
We entered the room and Markus was sat behind his desk, looking less than impressed.
“Zack, please step forward. You're allowed to talk now, so what do you have to say for yourself." he said expectantly.
I hoped my words would be enough for him to forgive me and move on. I lifted my face and looked Markus straight in the eyes.
“Sir, I sincerely apologise for my behaviour earlier. It was totally uncalled for and disrespectful and it won't happen again. I hope you can forgive me.”
I lowered my eyelids again, not to look defiant.
“Good, I'm glad you have realised your error, but what brought it on? It worries me. Maybe you are too invested in Eliza. Do I need to replace you as her trainer?”
He observed me very closely, and shocked though as I was with the prospect of being relieved from my responsibilities, I answered as calmly as I could. I knew he was testing me. If I lost it now, it would spell the end of this mission for me for sure.
“If Sir feels that's the right course of action, so be it. However, I would ask to get a second chance and continue my task as I think I can bring the best out of her, Sir.”
I hardly dared to breathe whilst he was considering his answer.
“Right well, luckily for you I do agree with that Zack. However, you must promise not to let your emotions take over like that again. It will cloud your judgement. Do not disappoint me again.”
His eyes fixed on mine, willing me to understand the consequences of another outburst.
“I won't Markus. Thank you. I won't let you down." I said relieved.
“Good, glad we have sorted that Zack. Let's move on to Eliza. Let's hope she has learned something from this too.”
Both of us turned towards her, Markus' eyes boring into hers. She shifted from one foot to another and looked so uncomfortable. I really felt for her. However, I needed to show Markus I could deal with her appropriately, so she just had to do this properly.
“Well? Eliza, is there anything you would like to say to me," I prompted her.
She hardly dared look me in the eyes, but she drew a breath and started to speak.
“Zack...”
I had to interrupt her straight away to correct her.
“You mean, Sir.”
I raised my eyebrows to underline I was expecting her to say it. Her eyes widened. She wasn't happy with that at all, but under Markus' stare, she complied.
“Sir, I'm really sorry if you were offended by my earlier outbursts..." she started.
That wasn't going to do. I couldn't believe I had to actually teach her to fucking apologise properly, but I needed to keep calm, reminding myself she was not brought up in our community. So I stopped her again.
“Eliza.... if I was offended?”
I looked at her sceptically.
“Please apologize properly. Think carefully how you're going to phrase this now.”
Her cheeks went a lovely shade of pink, to her own annoyance. Bless her. I hoped she would hurry up as I wasn't sure how much longer Markus' patience would hold out, though his posture gave nothing away but utter calmness. However, he was a master at cloaking.
Eliza took a deep sigh and looked as if she'd resigned herself to the situation she found herself in.
“Sir, I apologize for my behaviour. I will try my hardest not to treat you like that again." she eventually said, doing her utmost best to avoid eye contact.
I walked up to her and put my face inches away from her.
“Now, say that again and actually look at me, Eliza. I need to see you mean it." I said curtly.
She did, but what I saw in her eyes was annoyance not apology. I turned towards Markus disappointed, shrugging my shoulders.
“I'm sorry Markus, but this is what I meant when I told you she isn't ready yet. She needs to understand our way of life better, before she can be deployed on a mission, even if her skills are good. Her reluctance to accept orders and argumentative disposition can put other people and herself in danger. It's my mistake. You were right; I've been slow to discipline her. It's time to crack it, otherwise she'll be useless to us. We can't have a loose cannon amongst our midst.”
I had made up my mind, no more making excuses for her. It's got to be done.
“Hmmm," Markus mused.
“I understand; she needs to be taught more about what we do and the reasons why we operate the way we do. She needs to see what happens when people start going astray and think they know better. It's up to you Zack. Make it happen. I can't stall for much longer. We need to find out what is going on with Rick as soon as possible, before he or the organisation
