Page 77

“Really? One question.” How hard could that be?

Ms. Thompson placed her hands on the table and leaned forward. “I want to know why you want to become an operative. It’s a dangerous, complicated job that requires a lot of work and secrecy. It’s difficult and, at times, terrifying. Why do you want to do this kind of work instead of something else?”

It was an intriguing question. Had she asked me this at the beginning of the trials, I might have had a different answer. So, why had I accepted the nomination? Was it because my friends were here? Or had I been enticed by the free education and promise of a steady job after graduation? Maybe it was the lure of excitement and adventure—the challenge it presented.

Or perhaps was it something else entirely.

Given my skills behind the keyboard, the future was mine to command. I could work almost anywhere I wanted, request a salary that would leave me quite comfortable in life, and do all the things I loved to do. So, why was I stressing out about a government job that probably wouldn’t pay half of what I’d be worth in the commercial sector and be dangerous to boot?

I considered my thoughts, and when I had my answer ready, I spoke from the heart. “It’s pretty simple, Ms. Thompson. I want my work to matter to the world, even if no one else knows what I’m doing. That’s a really powerful thing.”

She smiled and stood. “It is, indeed. Thank you, Angel. You’re free to go.”

By Thursday night, my anxiety was sky-high. I went to the gaming room to blow off some steam. It was empty, thankfully, as I felt like being alone for a bit. I loaded up a game, cleared my head, and started playing. I’d been at it for about an hour when the door opened and Jax strolled in.

“Hey, Angel. Mind if I join you?”

My mood had improved, so I didn’t mind. “Sure.”

“What are you playing?” He plopped down on the couch next to me, stretching his long legs out in front of him.

“Black Salt Kingdom.It’s a fantasy role-playing game not unlike the one we played for the trial. I’m playing the computer.”

“You need some help?”

I glanced sideways at him, my fingers still moving rapidly. “You’ve played this before?”

“Not this game, but close enough.”

Remembering his performance when Mike, Wally, and I had all playedQuaver, I looked back at the game and tried to think of something he could do that wouldn’t ruin my score too badly. Then I saw him reviewing the general’s actions and sighed inwardly.

“Want to be my general?” There it was—my kind act for the day.

His eyes lit up. “I’d love to.”

We were immersed for another hour and a half when Jax starting killing it with a bunch of brilliant military maneuvers. After we handily won the kingdom, I put the controller down and leaned back on the cushions.

“You’re good,” I said. “Really good.”

“I can rise to the occasion when required.” He gave me a high five. “Way to go, Your Majesty.”

I wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easy. “You downplayed your ability when you played with me before. Why?”

“I wasn’t playing with just you.” He tossed his controller on the table and didn’t offer any more of an explanation.

It took me a second to process that. “So, why do you do that? Keep so much about yourself hidden?”

“Do I?”

“You do.”

“I’m not hiding the fact I like you.” He scooted closer and wound a strand of my hair around his finger. When he let go, he pulled a small piece of wrapped chocolate from the strands and presented it to me.

I took it and shook my head in disbelief. “How do you do that? I was looking at you the whole time and I didn’t see you reaching into your pocket.”

“I told you, it’s magic.”

“Intellectually, I know it’s just an illusion, but I’m still impressed. It’s a real talent. How did you learn that?”