"Jason," Kelsie called, "are we low enough?"

"Yeah," Jason gasped, "we're going to have to jump."

"What?" Kelsie sank to the ledge, leaning against the mountain wall, "this is insane."

"Whatever you have the information on, I hope it's waterproof," Jason said, sitting next to her.

"Yeah, it is," Kelsie panted, "where does this river lead?"

"Away from here," Jason said, "did you hear that?"

They stilled. The sound came again. Looking up, the pair found five bodies abseiling down the side of the mountain.

"Jump," Jason said, edging to the side of the ledge, "we have to jump now."

Kelsie looked down and up again, "I don't think I can."

"You have to," Jason said, "you won't live through what they have planned."

"Jason, go," Kelsie sobbed, "I'm so tired I don't think..."

"You overthink," Jason shouted, "your parents knew you could do this, I believe you could do this ..." he glared at her, "choose."

Staring at him, Kelsie swallowed her exhaustion and jumped into the river. The icy cold closed around her, and the rushing current swept her away. Staying underwater as long as possible, she looked back to see Jason hit the water. She could only hope that they would live through this. How were they tracking her? Was the information itself bugged? Would she be giving away the location of Jezebel's House? It was a chance she needed to take.

Coming up for air Kelsie sought a place to get out, but the mountain ran up both sides. Instinct sang to ride the current for as long as was needed. The rushing river continued for what seemed forever until it fell over a steep waterfall. Kelsie could see the drop but no way out except over the edge. Bracing for the long descent, she pushed away as much as possible, folding her arms to her side. Keeping her head straight, she waited for the impact of the water. Once more, it whooshed around her, and the current continued to drag her downstream. The water was murkier, rocks scattered on the river's bed, grazing against her pants and sliced her hands.

Kelsie came up for air and took in her surroundings, trees, grass, but the banks were still too high to climb. A low hanging tree branch over the river caught her eye. She had one chance. She did not see Jason anywhere; perhaps he had gotten out. Timing it just right, Kelsie put all her strength into propelling herself out of the water. One hand caught, wrenching her arm as the river tugged at her body. A grunt of pain came from her, but she refused to let go. Getting her other hand onto the branch, she pulled herself out of the water. Taking a moment to catch her breath, she crawled on the limb toward the bank. Finally, green grass met her soaked, exhausted body; her refuge seemed concealed from everyone else. Pushing to her feet, she froze. A tall man stood in the tree line staring at her, a rifle over his shoulder. He moved toward her, fear sliced through her, looking around she found a place to exist her area and started running.

"Kelsie," he called, "wait."

Panting, petrified and with panic rising from the pit of her belly, Kelsie ran. She heard his slow and steady progress. There was nothing to crawl into or under, nowhere to hide. She turned a corner and came to a clearing with a steep hill surrounding it. Turning, she stopped as he entered the clearing.

"Kelsie," his voice felt like warm honey running over her skin, "don't run. Please, let me help you."

Mistrust hammered through her, "What makes you think I need your help?"

"You're running from the same people I am," he said, easing his rifle off his shoulder.

"I doubt that," she said, moving around him, "how do you know my name?"

"I read your file," he said, "the one your company gave my company."

"So you're the sniper," she said, continuing to move.

"Please stop circling for the exit," he said quietly, "I was the sniper until they sent my fellow assassins after me."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Why would they do that?" she asked.

"I refused to blindly obey orders and terminate you," he said. "Something is off about my directives," he pulled off his baseball cap, running his hands through his hair, "they tried to kill me because I was asking questions that may expose the truth. Your company doesn't want that."

"No, they don't," she said, "it would destroy them. Have we met?"

"No, I would remember," he said, "why do you ask?"

"No reason," she said, "I wish you well with staying alive but need to move."

She turned, running for the exit.

"Damn," he muttered.

Kelsie could feel the pounding pursuit vibrating through her feet and his hand wrapping around her arm, pulling her around. She frowned, watching her hand form a fist and punch toward him, barely missing him. The fight was quick. She landed a few punches, the slam of fist against flesh drawing a grunt from him. Most of his moves were defensive, then suddenly, she was flying through the air, landing on her back, his knee on her chest and his rifle aiming at her.

"Put it down," a voice called from the trees, "if you want to live."

Kelsie watched emotions clash on his face; the rifle wavered slightly before sliding to the floor.

Air rushed into her lungs when he removed his knee and stood, turning to the voice and the gun aimed at them.

"Zander? Is that you?" Jason asked, coming toward them.

"Jason," Zander moved toward Jason, pulling him into a hard hug, "I thought you were dead when you disappeared with Dad."

"I had to, but I've been around," Jason said, "has he surfaced yet?"

"No," Zander said, "but I'm still looking."

"Of course you are," Jason said, turning to Kelsie as she rose from the ground. "How do you know Zander?"

"I don't," she said, smacking at her soggy clothes, "he's my Assassin."

"What?" Jason frowned, turning to Zander, "Is this true?"

"It was," Zander said.

"How did you get away?" Jason frowned, "the company hunting Kelsie would have gone to a specialist team."

"They did," Zander nodded, "I was assigned the job, but something felt off, so they sent Assassins after me. If it were not for the young guy at the reception, I would never have gotten away."

Kelsie shook her head, "Of course," she said, walking toward the exit of the clearing, "you two catch up. I have somewhere to be."

"How are you getting there?" Zander asked.

"I'll find a way," she said as she kept walking.

Zander watched Kelsie leave. She was not what he expected. Why did she think she knew him?

"Have I met Kelsie before?" he asked Jason.

"Perhaps," Jason hedged, "are you really wanting to help her."

"Yes," Zander frowned, "why?"

"Then go," Jason said, "I'll be following shortly."

Zander left the clearing tracking Kelsie was going to be a challenge, and keeping her alive would be even more of a challenge. Using his skills, Zander followed Kelsie as she walked through the forest. It was clear she had no idea where she was going. Finally, he found her staring into the rushing depths on the river bank.

"Why are you following me?" she asked without looking at him.

"I want to help you," Zander said, "what is it that your company wishes to bury?"

"If I tell anyone, they can easily be picked off," Kelsie said, "I need to get to Jezebel's House."

"Jezebel's... no wonder they are frantic," Zander said, "no one wants you to get there."

"You know where it is?" Kelsie asked, turning to face him.

"I know the vicinity," Zander said, "much like you do."

"Great," Kelsie said, "nice to meet you. Thank you for not shooting me, and goodbye."

"Do you know where you're going?"

The questions stopped her from walking away, "I have no idea where I am, but I'll figure it out."

"How much time is left?" he asked.

Kelsie pulled a disc from her back pocket, "Seventy-two hours."

"Not much time," Zander said, "look, you have good fighting skills, and so far, your trade-craft has been solid. You'll need help if they catch up with you, and they will do everything possible to stop you from getting to that house."

"Skills ... trade-craft ..." Kelsie frowned, "what are you talking about?"

"Explanations will have to wait," Jason said, striding toward them, "we need to move."

"Why?' Kelsie asked, frowning.

"It would seem that the faction is also hunting both of you," Jason said, "we need to get moving. Now."

"How do you know?" Kelsie asked.

"I know somewhere we can find supplies, clothes and food," Zander said, "if you can trust me enough."

"No answers. Okay, whatever," Kelsie said, "where is this place?"

"Follow me." Zander said, moving in the direction Kelsie had seen him coming, "it's about an hour's walk."

"Wonderful," Kelsie sighed, slowly moving to follow the two men.