The seconds on his watch ticks steadily contrary to the uncontrollable beating of his heart. He closed his eyes and covered his ears to concentrate.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.

His eyes flashed open to see the first of the trucks pass by slowly.

Weapons...

Then the second, creeping by at the same terribly slow pace.

Soldiers...

The third.

Guards...I can do this.

The boy slipped out from his spot under a bush. He ran and rolled under the fourth truck. He continued trying to control his breathing. It had started coming in hard short gasps.

You can do this. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Two more trucks crossed overhead, the latter was much shorter, ripping a strip of skin off his left ear before rolling on.

Untapping the velcro of his right pocket, his fingers mechanically locked firmly onto a little round object despite his recent nervous bout. As the seventh truck rumbled above, he twisted and pulled out a small metal rod.

The rear of the truck came into view and the boy took a deep breath before sticking the device to the bottom of the truck. Two more passed in succession before the last vehicle came into sight. He'd have to duck back into safety before it got too close.

Thump...thump...thump...thump...

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.

His hands found the locket at his chest. He closed his eyes and felt the beating of his heart.

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Go!

The stars peaked into sight, and he skillfully, gracefully, rolled out from under the truck. The timing was perfect, as it always had been. Even the crackling of the leaves and snapping of branches resounded in time with the motorcade.

I did it! I did it!

He clung onto the locket and sighed with relief. The remaining vehicles passed by undisturbed

****.

Two hours after the sneaky procession had come and gone, the boy still lay panting, staring...thinking.

He opened the tear-drop-shaped locket and took out a crumpled note. He read it once before refolding it and fitting it back.

He staggered unsteadily to his feet. The events of the night hadn't quite passed from memory and his knees quivered in fear.

“Afton!” someone whispered, catching him by surprise.

He reflexively pulled out a silenced pistol and fired.

“Geez, Afton, it's just me.”

Afton put the pistol back inside its encasement and walked up to the newcomer.

“They were wondering how you were. Some thought you were dead. But, I didn't! That's why I'm here. I came to get you back. You know...you're my role model. You never failed a mission! Can you imagine that...?!”

They walked off together. The talkative little one with the mute observant other who perpetually kept his hand on his pistol.

****

Soon, they came upon an old, run-down, two-storey construction. They brown paint had worn off over the years and water stains appeared over what was left. There was a chimney, but it had already weathered a great deal and was presently in the state of crumbling. The two boys soon came upon a door, the only means of accessing the house. (Even that too was rusty at the hinges.)

The door flew open with a slam. The two boys made their entrance.

“What did I tell you?” the talkative boy asked proudly, nose in the air, hands crossed.

All in the dorm went silent, beholding the commanding presence of the mute.

The smaller boy walked to the middle of the wood-floored room and began a fictional narrative on his hero's adventures. Boards creaked under his feet as he illustrated the story with gusto.

Afton took off his vest and sat in a rather used chair, he crossed his arms and listened silently to the narrative. His dark brown locks were coated with black mud that concealed the original color. His face displayed not even a hint of emotion. His build wasn't heavy for strength, but light, for agility. Looks can deceive, for, even with his weak look, he could easily win a fight.

The whole bunk of spies held Afton in high respect, for he had accomplished much.

He never failed a mission. Though he worked much better alone, he was a good leader, well known for his quick-thinking, fast reflexes, and excellent estimation. The lesser-ranked boys stared at him in awe were he to honor them with his noiseless appearance, which was quite rare. They all looked up to their silent compatriot...for they never knew the thoughts of fear behind his expressionless face....