Tina stood outside waiting with Valencia. Nervously she shifted, making Valencia glance at her again.
"You seem nervous," Valencia said, "they are fine and on their way out."
"I know," Tina nodded, "it's just ..." she shook her head, "here they come."
The first group of children stepped out into the world, displaying a setting sun. They gathered to the side where a teen seemed to be in charge. Tina breathed in before stepping forward. One of the children grabbed the teen's arm, getting his attention.
"We are not yours, Bounty Hunter," he said, turning his back on the children and flexing his hands to form a protective grid.
"I'm not that kind of bounty hunter," Tina said, looking over the group, "Gina and Devon sent me."
"She smells like Gina," another child murmured, "and the scent is strong and fresh."
Slowly the grid came down, yet the untrusting teen waited.
"I'm sure you heard of the man named Keme," Tina said; the teen nodded, "he is no longer a threat."
"What do you mean?" the teen frowned.
"I'm what you call a hunter of bounty hunters," Tina smiled, "I didn't know it until I met Devon, Gina and John."
"John is alive," a young girl whispered, tears gathering in her eyes, "where is he?"
"He is with the others at the safe house," Tina said, "is that everyone?"
The teen looked around before nodding, "Who is the man to you?"
"What, man?" Tina asked, frowning.
"That man," the teen pointed with his chin, "the Light Thrower."
Tina turned to see Craig coming from the entrance helping a young girl carrying two babies. She watched as he helped her toward the group, leaving her with an older girl. He turned toward her then. She could feel his anger from where she stood.
"You'll have to ask him," Tina said to the teen, "it's time to go."
Turning, she found the team staring at her with various expressions. Moving past them, she scooped up her gear bag and started walking toward the route they would take to freedom. Pulling a cracker from her pocket, she crunched into it.
Craig sighed heavily, noting the young teen watching him closely. Indicating they follow her with his head Craig moved to where his gear lay neatly packed and waiting. Glancing at Valencia, he nodded his thanks. She gave an unusually tight smile before moving to her own gear, hefting the giant bag over her shoulder, her slight frame taking the strain. Jesse appeared beside her, prying the bag from her stubborn fingers and handing her his weapon.
Craig joined the train heading for wherever Tina was taking them. Something had happened between the time they had left yesterday and now. He could sense a difference in her. Something was different. Very different.
Rose sat in the back of one of many large SUVs waiting at the hangar. John sat next to her, shifting once more.
"What is it?" Rose murmured, aware of the child's sensitive hearing, "you worried, excited, need the bathroom?"
John chuckled, "Nervous."
"They will be here any moment," Rose said, "the plane just landed. It has to taxi to this point."
"Did they get everyone?" John asked, apprehension in his voice.
"Apparently so," Rose smiled, "but you'll see for yourself in a few more moments."
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
John shifted forward on the seat as the plane appeared on the runway and turned toward the hanger, "They're here."
Rose watched the plane come to a stop just outside the hangar doors. The door folded out as the back end of the aircraft opened. After a few moments, a large group of people exited the back of the plane. John pushed the door open, stepping out to watch with disbelief as the mixed group of adults, teens, children, and babies emerged, moving toward the hangar. He smiled up at Rose, delight shining on his face.
Tina watched the group move toward the hangar, chatting among themselves. She felt this was the first time they had smiled or even seen daylight.
"Were you going to fill me in?" Craig asked, stopping next to her.
"Tell you what?" Tina frowned.
"You are a bounty hunter," he said, "Gina and Devon were kidnapped by another bounty hunter."
"Craig, it all happened suddenly last night," Tina said, shaking her head, "there was no point in telling you about something that had just happened, and you could do nothing about it. The Bounty Hunter thing I never knew about … I found out on the way."
"Tina," Cam called, "you ready?"
"Be there now," Tina nodded, "I have to go."
"Where are you going?" Craig frowned, looking between Tina and the watchful man, "do I know him?"
"They know you," she said, picking up her gear bag, "come on."
Tina moved off before Craig could say anything else. She felt his frustration and curiosity. Finally, she heard him move and follow her.
"Is he coming?' Cam asked.
Tina moved past him nodding, "Tread carefully."
She moved into the hangar that Todd and his team used, hefting her bag onto a nearby table. She began unpacking her gear laying out the guns, ammunition, rope and other items and felt Craig enter the space. Glancing at him, she noticed his confusion before he met her gaze and frowned at what she was doing.
"What are you doing?" Craig whispered, stopping next to her and looking around.
"Unpacking the gear in my bag," she answered, "that is what one does after a mission."
"Yes," he frowned as Todd came from the office area of the hangar, "but usually with your own team."
"That would be rude," Tina said, swallowing her smile, "since this is the team I left with."
"What?" Craig's gaze snapped to Tin, "you flew out with ..."
"Careful, Major," Todd said, stopping on the other side of Tina, "we took good care of her."
Craig frowned intensely, watching this man he knew put a bag of crisps and fruit juice in front of Tina.
"I've only seen you eat crackers," he said, "I'm sure you'd prefer a change and something to drink."
"Thank you," Tina smiled, "I'm grateful."
"Bring her a chair as well," Craig said, "she shouldn't be standing."
Todd nodded before moving away. He knew this man but from where? Tina moved the empty bag from the table top and began marking off the return chart. Something he knew well. He knew it well because he had implemented it into the last team he trained. The man returned with a padded chair indicating for Tina to sit down.
"Todd?" Craig said, staring at the man.
"Yes, Sir," Todd grinned, extending his hand and shaking Craig's slowly accepting grasp.
"How did you get involved with this?" Craig asked, bewilderment rippling over his facial expressions.
"We're Micheal's response team," Todd said, "it really is the best place for … people like us."
"Michael's response team, that sounds new. The decision being something I understand," Craig nodded, "thank you for the assist."
"We were happy to be the extraction," Todd nodded, "besides, I don't think we would want to miss Mr Control putting on a display like that."
"That is a new ability," Craig shrugged, "I'm just glad it worked as it should."
"New," Todd frowned, "I've never seen a new ability so fully formed. Perhaps you need to consider suppressed rather than new."
Craig frowned, "Perhaps."
"Tina, please leave the rest," Todd said quietly, "we will clean the equipment and weaponry. Spend some time with Craig. You'll both benefit from it."
"Thanks, Todd," Tina said, giving him a quick hug, "I'm sure the children are just as grateful."
"Anytime," Todd smiled, "let us know if you ever need a hand … with anything."
Tina nodded, "Thanks to all of you."
The group nodded and saluted as Tina moved toward the hangar door. Craig turned to leave with her but stilled as Todd's hand rested on his shoulder.
"Got a minute, Major?" Todd asked quietly, "we would all appreciate it."
Craig glanced around the group, watching and waiting. Looking back at Todd, he gave a curt nod before turning to watch Tina sipping on her drink leave without looking back.
"You have a minute," Craig said, "Iris, please tell your sister I'll be with her in a minute."
"On it," Iris said, stilling as she worked, then continued, "done."
"What is it, Todd?" Craig asked.