I feel as though I am being watched every hour of every day.

After taking the first few steps out my New York apartment, the feeling of being watched becomes stronger. I do not know who is watching me. Is it a man or a machine whose eyes I feel boring into my back? This is where the paranoia sets in, but I am used to the feeling now. It was a key factor in my job after all. I had to be constantly aware of my surroundings, subconsciously checking an area to make sure it was clear before I dared to enter.

I have always been an observer, a people watcher. This is how I was recruited in the first place. I am a CIA agent. Actually, I was a CIA agent until a tragic accident occurred during an operation.

I lost my partner; killed in action.

I was interrogated nonstop the days following the incident. The agency accused me of carrying out the execution. I denied having taken part, but they didn’t believe me… Just when I thought the hell I was put through would never end, the agency suddenly decided to give me one chance to prove my innocence. They offered me the chance to find the man I deemed responsible for my partner’s death. My mission was to get a confession and bring him to the agency alive. In return, I would be clear of all charges. I accepted instantly and left on the first plane.

Upon arriving at the designated location, there was no one in sight. It resembled a ghost town from the cartoons of the sixties. Unbeknownst to the pilot and me, it was all a setup… The last thing I remember is the sound of gun fire and a sharp pain in my right shoulder and abdomen. Then everything went dark.

I had heard that some of the higher-ups at the agency considered me a traitor. They wanted me dead and they got their wish.

Or so they believed.

My name is Madeline Simmons and this is my story.

June 2003
Barcelona

“Hey Maddie are you sure this is the correct spot?”

“It’s what was in the folder Justin. Unlike someone I actually read the information.” Madeline replied.

Madeline has shoulder length auburn hair and brown eyes sat across the small café table drinking coffee. She wore a white ¾ sleeve button up and dark blue jeans with black boots. The brown haired, blue eyed man across from her wore blue jeans, a polo shirt and sneakers.

“So who is this guy we’re looking for?” Justin asked, leaning back in his seat.

“Look over your shoulder and to the right. He’s the one with the laptop and Bluetooth.” Madeline pointed with her cup.

Justin turned around and looked at the disheveled man sitting a few tables away, and frantically typing on the laptop. He turned back around and lifted his coffee cup to his lips and tilting it back finishing it. Maddie set her cup down along with a few dollar bills before standing up. Justin stood up also and followed her as they walked toward the man and planted a bug. When they were a good distance away Maddie messed with the intercom in her right ear, tuning it to the bug under the table.

“Getting anything?” Justin asked.

“No, just his frantic typing which could only mean he’s talking to someone important.”

“I’m going to confront him.” Justin said turning back to the man.

“We were specifically told not to confront him.” Madeline glared.

Justin waved his hand ignoring her and walked over to the man. Madeline rolled her eyes and patiently waited, listening in on their conversation. Justin was asking the man for directions causing Madeline to chuckle. Justin was terrible with directions and became his designated GPS. Five minutes later Justin returned and grabbed her hand as the man was watching them.

“Have to keep up appearances, dear.” He whispered.

“So you tell him we’re on our honeymoon? Clever I’ll give you that.” Madeline teased.

Madeline stopped and ripped the intercom from her ear as it screeched. Justin too ripped his intercom out and held his right ear in pain.

“Dammit what the hell was that?” he asked, rubbing his ear.

“Simmons, Browe.” A female voice came from behind them.

Madeline and Justin turned around to come face to face with a woman with curly brown hair and a man. Madeline eyed the unknown man beside her colleague.

“What are we on last name basis now, Kara?” Madeline quirked an eyebrow, “Who is this?” she finished, turning to the attractive man.

“Not here.” Kara replied. Madeline nodded and led them to their hotel.

~J~

Madeline locked the hotel room door before walking to the center of the room. Justin disappeared to another room leaving Kara, Madeline and the unknown man. She walked over to the table and took a seat as Kara and her partner followed.

“Madeline, this is John Reese. John, this is Madeline Simmons. We won’t be staying long.” Kara introduced the two.

Madeline nodded her head in greeting as John did the same. The three into silence until Kara and John went on their way. Madeline followed them to the door and opened it for them. Right as she was about to close it Kara placed her foot in the way.

“Watch your back, Madeline.” She said with an edge.

“Always.”

Kara removed her foot and walked down the hall, John at her side. Madeline shut the door, locking it and leaning her back against it. She ran a hand through her hair and sighed. She and Kara never got along and that’s why they were never paired up to work together. Madeline walked back over to the table on the side Kara sat and reached under the table. Her hand brushed over something and she pulled it from the table.

‘Bingo. Interdepartmental investigations or they don’t trust us to get the job done.’ She thought dropping the bug in the trashcan.

Madeline made her way over to the sofa when a thud from the bedroom alerted her. She grabbed the glock-22 from the back of her jeans, cocking it and slowly made her way to the door. She gently turned the door knob and pushed the door open. Madeline cleared the corners and cautiously entered the room. The room was clean, nothing out of place except the bathroom door closed. She walked over and opened it.

“Justin!” Madeline shouted rushing to his side.

She rolled him onto his back and checked for a pulse. Nothing. Madeline searched the bathroom and found a silver flask by the shower. She crawled over and grabbed it; twisting the cap off she brought it to her nose, cringing at the strong alkaline smell.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

A smooth lightly tanned hand reached out and slapped the alarm clock off the bedside table. The lump curled up in the middle of the bed groaned and sat up. A woman with mid-back auburn hair and brown eyes appeared from the covers. She yawned into her hand and stood up to grab the beeping clock from the dark hardwood floor.

“Shit.” She muttered placing the clock back on the table.

She walked over to the closet and grabbed a pair of black jeans, black tank top and a white button up blouse. After she picked her outfit she went and took a quick shower, did her makeup and straightened her hair. Fifteen minutes later she was dressed and was slipping on a pair of ankle boots and finished her wardrobe with a watch, bracelet and rose earrings. A beeping from her bedside table had her rushing over. The black touch phone blinked as it beeped again.

“Hello?”

“Maddie, where are you? Is everything alright?” an elderly woman’s voice said.

“I’m fine, Millie. I’m on my way out the door now.”

“Be careful my dear. The books aren’t going anywhere.” Millie chuckled before hanging up.

Madeline placed her cellphone in her pocket as she grabbed her wallet and keys, and then headed out the door. She locked her apartment door and descended the stairs faster than the elevator. Once she reached the first floor she rushed out the door and into the daily grind of the busy New York sidewalks.

She worked at a local bookstore run by an elderly lady, Millie, and her granddaughter. Passing a nearby alley Madeline couldn’t help but feel eyes on her. She sneaked a glance over her shoulder and saw see two well-dressed guys exiting the alley she passed. She silently cursed and without alerting her followers she slowly picked up her pace. Madeline turned around slightly only to bump into someone.

“I am so sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going.” She paused turning to look at the person. Her eyes widened when she recognized him, “John?”

“Madeline?”

“I-I have to go…” she sidestepped him and continued walking down the sidewalk.

John watched Madeline leave before he turned his deadly gaze on the two men. He had seen them exit the alley and follow her. Thinking quickly he purposely had her run into him, but he wasn’t expecting it to be her. John approached the men and knocked them back into the alley. He took out the first man by hitting him on the back of the next, knocking him out. The second man was downed with a knee kick and a punch to the abdomen. John casually walked out of the alley as if nothing happened. They wouldn’t wake up for a while.

“Are you there Mister Reese?”

“Yes Finch.”

“May I ask as to what you were doing?”

“I ran into an old…friend.”

Madeline pushed open the dark green painted wooden door of the bookstore, the bell above ringing. Madeline shut the door behind her and then made her way to one of the back rows where the sound of books being shelved was. She walked around the corner and found the little aged woman with gray hair standing on a step stool.

“Millie you shouldn’t be up there.” Madeline smiled.

“I am perfectly fine my dear. I’m still the tireless librarian I used to be. Now be a dear and pass me the next pile of books please.” Millie replied with a bright smile.

Madeline shook her head and chuckled. She knelt down and picked up the stack of books and held while Millie arranged them on the shelves. The bookstore was a nice quiet and slow atmosphere which Madeline liked. She was glad to be away from the noisy streets of New York since they reminded her of her previous job. A book lightly hit the top of Madeline’s head bringing her from her reverie.

“I need the next stack, dear. Is everything alright?” Millie said tapping the top of Madeline’s head again with the book.

“Yeah, I was just daydreaming. Here you go.” Madeline held up the last stack of books while Millie finished up.

When Millie was done arranging the books Madeline helped her down from the foot stool. Millie swatted Madeline’s hand away telling her she was still capable of climbing down a stool. Madeline rolled her eyes teasingly.

“I know. You tell me that every day, but I can’t help it. I’m always watching over people in case something happens. Plus you’re the only living relative Lacey.”

Millie walked past Madeline toward the front when the bell above the door rang. Madeline silently followed, but veered to the right to the back room. She punched in the code to the room and pushed it open when it clicked. The pass-code was a security precaution Madeline had installed when she heard the store was broken into before she started working. She never intended to work in the old little store, but when Madeline helped Lacey with an ex-boyfriend Millie insisted she reward her.

“Maddie, you scared me!” Lacey exclaimed.

“Good my plan worked.” Madeline teased.

Madeline walked over to the round table Lacey sat at and took the seat beside her. Madeline leaned forward and looked at the papers spread out in front of Lacey. Lacey rested her elbows on the table while cradling her head in her hands as she looked over the papers. Madeline grabbed the closet paper and scanned over it.

“Algebra?” she asked quirking an eyebrow.

“I should already be done with all my math courses, but I hate math. I’m just glad it’s not Geometry. Then I’d be screwed.”

“If you ever need any help just ask me.” Madeline set the paper back on the table. Lacey turned and hugged the older woman. Madeline laughed and returned the hug with one arm. The door opened and Millie poked her head around it.

“Maddie, that gentleman with the glasses is here to see you.” She said.

“I’ll be right there.” Madeline responded. “After work you’re coming home with me. We’ll work on that math homework of yours. Sound good?”

“Dinner too?” Lacey added.

“I wasn’t just going to let you starve. Choose whatever you want and we’ll get it. Now come on those books aren’t going to shelve themselves.” Madeline smiled holding the door for Lacey.

Madeline approached the familiar man at the counter and smiled as he turned around.

“Miss Simmons, it’s nice to see you again.” He smiled.

“How many times do I have to tell you to call me Maddie, Harold?” she greeted.

“Too many it would seem. I stopped by to give you the book I told you about. I do think you will enjoy it.” Harold held out one of his many rare books. Ocho Comedias by Cervantes.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to ruin it…” she hesitated. It looked as if one touch and it would disintegrate.

“I trust you not to ruin it.” He replied staring into her eyes with a small smile.

Madeline gently took the book from his hand, clutching it to her chest and smiled in return.

“I’ll get it back to you soon. Now about that book you were looking for I’ve found it. If you’ll follow me.” She said turning around.

Madeline walked along the aisles searching for the one she needed. Harold limped behind her, easily keeping up. He watched as she scanned the back aisles of the store. He remembered Maddie telling him that all of the books in the back were rare and out of print. Most of them came from Millie’s own personal collection over the years. Harold stopped as Maddie turned down one of the aisles waiting for him. He followed her and stood to the side as she glided a finger along the spines of the books.

“Ah ha, here you are.” Madeline said, plucking a book from the shelf.

She turned toward Harold and held the book out. He took it from her hand and looked over the cover, Oscar Wilde’s Ravenna.

“Thank you Miss- Maddie. I’m glad you found it.” Harold said.

Madeline smiled and led him back to the front.
He set the book on the counter and Millie pushed it back to him with a smile.

“It’s on the house. You’ve paid enough money here to keep the store going while I’m gone, my dear.” Millie told him.

Madeline said a quick goodbye to Harold as Lacey called for her. Harold watched as she left before leaving the store.
Harold stepped out of the store letting the door close behind him. He looked across the top of his black Lincoln town car and saw Reese staring back at him from across the street. Harold limped around the car and slid into the driver’s seat when the passenger door opened.

“Finch.”

“Hello Mister Reese. Did we get a new number since I left?” Finch asked, looking into the review mirror.

“Yes and it’s someone we both know.” Reese replied looking at the bookstore.

Harold followed Reese’s gaze and found it settled on Madeline and Lacey. The two were laughing about something one of them said as they put books on the shelves. Madeline moved out of Lacey’s reach to avoid the book. Harold returned his gaze to Reese only to find him still staring with a faraway look.

“Simmons I want answers. Why did you kill Agent Browe?” Agent Snow interrogated.

“I didn’t kill him. He was poisoned.” Madeline replied with an edge.

“You were the one to last see him alive and the only one in the room when we arrived. Now why did you kill him?” Snow asked again.

Madeline exhaled sharply and glared at Agent Snow. They never got along and when she first joined the agency Agent Snow tried to intimidate her. She stood her ground and proved him wrong after her first mission was completed successfully and with not hiccups.

“I did not kill him. He was like a brother to me.” She answered. She glared daggers at Snow as he wrote something down on a notepad.

“The evidence tells a different story.” He commented folding his hands.

“Dammit Snow, why would I kill him? I had no reason to!” she exclaimed in frustration.

“Because he was being promoted when you were here longer.” Snow stated.

“He never told me that.” She muttered.

Snow stood from the metal table and exited the room, notepad in hand. John and Kara stood in the viewing room as Snow walked in.

“She didn’t do it.” Kara said, staring at Madeline through the two-way mirror.

“She’s a traitor. She wanted Browe’s job for herself.” Snow replied.

John remained silent as he stared at Madeline. The look in her eyes was pained and grief stricken. The short amount of time he had known her Madeline never let her emotions show, but when Browe was killed she changed. She was stuck working at a desk since the incident and the strain began to show.

“Mister Reese?” Finch asked.

“What is it Finch?”

“I asked how you know her.”

“We worked together five years ago.” He answered climbing out of the car.

Finch didn’t have time to find out more as John shut the door and walked away. Finch started the car and drove away from the curb.

Chinese take-out cartons, a math book and papers littered the top of Madeline’s black coffee table. Lacey and Madeline sat on the floor in front of the coffee table across from each other. Madeline watched as Lacey answered one of the multiple math equations. When Lacey was done she handed the paper over to Madeline who looked over her work.

“You’ve got it.” Madeline smiled handing the paper back.

“Finally after what…” Lacey checked the time on her phone, “Two hours, I understand what to do. Why can’t you be my professor?”

Madeline stood up, grabbing the empty pop cans from the table.

“Teaching isn't really my thing, especially if it’s school. Tutoring, well, that’s another thing. Would you like another?” she said indicating to the cans.

Lacey nodded and turned back to her homework as Madeline walked into the kitchen. Her apartment wasn’t big, but it wasn’t small. It had an open kitchen leading out to the living room with a hallway to the right. She had a laundry room, two bedrooms one with a full bath, two closets and a half bath. Madeline pulled out two more pop cans and closed the refrigerator door with her foot. When she walked back over to Lacey she found her scowling at the paper in front of her.

“Issues?” Madeline asked sitting down.

Lacey grabbed the new can and lifted the tab, opening it and taking a long drink. Madeline raised an eyebrow and smirked in amusement.

“You remind me of myself when I was your age.” Madeline commented.

Lacey paused mid-sip and slowly lowered the aluminum can. “Seriously?”

“Mhmm. I hated math and my professor wasn’t the best, but I managed. Not sure how, but I did. Then again I failed the class and had to take it again with the same professor.”

“That does sound like what would happen to me.”

~J~

“Have you found anything on the girl, Finch?” Reese asked looking through binoculars.

“Lacey Hammond, age 22, college student. Parents died when she was ten in a car accident and her only family is her grandmother Millie Hammond.”

Reese was looking through the binoculars while Finch spoke. He watched as Madeline and Lacey laughed and worked.

“Did you hear me, Mister Reese?”

“Hold on, Finch. It looks like they have a visitor.” Reese spotted a man entering the building of Madeline’s apartment. He swiftly made his way down the fire escape from the roof across the street and followed the man.

~J~

Madeline and Lacey were finishing up the last of the homework when a noise from outside made Madeline tense. Lacey looked up from collecting her papers when she noticed Madeline’s posture.

“What is it, Maddie?” Lacey asked.

Madeline shushed her, holding a finger to her lips. Lacey pursed her lips and looked around, scared.

“Wait here. I’ll go check it out.”

Lacey moved around the coffee table and hid behind the couch. She watched as Madeline grabbed something from the table drawer next to the door. Madeline flipped the light switch off before slipping out the door. The hallway was brightly lit and empty. Not many people lived on her floor and the ones who did were seniors. She liked the quiet floor and didn’t mind the occasional visit from one of her neighbors.

The item Madeline grabbed from the drawer was a pocket knife. She flipped it open as she slowly walked down the hall. Sneaking was one of her favorite past times. When Madeline was younger she would walk around the house without her parents knowing. Her mom always said she appeared out of thin air due to being light on her feet. Madeline reached the end of the hall where the stairs were and began to descend them when she heard a struggle. She flew down the stairs and turned the corner to the floor below only to stop.

A man dressed in blue jeans, boots, black t-shirt and light jacket lay on the floor, unconscious. Madeline turned her gaze on the man standing in front of the other; John. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him.

“I don’t appreciate being followed, John.”

“Tread carefully Mister Reese…” said Finch over the intercom in John’s ear.

“The girl, Lacey, is in trouble.” John replied ignoring Finch.

“That isn’t treading carefully…it’s the exact opposite.”

John watched Madeline closely. He hadn’t seen her fight when they were in the CIA, but from the stories he heard she wasn’t one to mess with. His eyes jumped to her right hand clenching around the knife. Madeline raised the knife getting ready to throw it. John slowly raised his hands in surrender when the knife flew past him. A groan sounded a few feet behind him followed by a thud. John turned around and saw a man on his knees; the knife embedded in his shoulder.

“Did you really think I was going to kill you? Give me a little more credit, John.” Madeline smirked.

John turned to his right to find her standing beside him.
“I didn’t want to take any chances.”

Madeline huffed and walked to the kneeling man. She knelt down in front of him causing the unknown man to look up.
“Who are you?” Madeline asked; her tone dark.
The man kept quiet and eyed John behind Madeline. He cursed as the knife was pushed further into his shoulder. He turned back to the auburn woman in front of him, her hand on the knife.

“I’ll ask you again, who the hell are you?”

Madeline’s eyes narrowed again and she pushed the knife further. If what John says about Lacey is true, then this man was with the other one. She made a promise to Millie to protect Lacey and she wouldn’t break this promise.

“Stop dammit! I’m just a hired gun. I was told to find this girl and take her out.”

“Who hired you?”

“I don’t know! I swear!” he exclaimed.

Madeline looked up at the sound of a door opening. A few people poked their heads out of their doors.

“NYPD, stay in your rooms.” Madeline quickly said.

The doors closed and locked as everyone disappeared back into their rooms. Madeline glanced back at John and gave him a smile. John smirked as Madeline turned back to the man.

“I hope you’re not lying to me. Now who were you sent to kill?”

“Some chick named Lacey Hammond. I wasn’t told anything else!”

Madeline pulled the knife from the man’s shoulder eliciting a shout and curse. She stood up and turned to face John. The man got to his feet and aimed a punch at Madeline’s head. Before Madeline could move John pushed her out of the way and blocked the punch with his arms. He countered with a punch of his own, hitting the man in the side. The sound of bones breaking reached Madeline’s ears as she watched John take the man down. When the man hit the floor, the intercom came to life with Finch’s voice.

“Mister Reese, is everything alright?”

John looked over at Madeline before responding. “Just taking out the trash.”

“You have some explaining to do, John.”

“Where’s Lacey?”

“Safe in my apartment, why?”

“Let’s go.”

John walked past Madeline toward the stairs. Madeline rolled her eyes, but followed closely behind. Madeline turned the doorknob only to find it locked. She knocked her knuckles against the white wood door. Footsteps could be heard on the other side followed by the locks turning. The door flew open to reveal a flustered Lacey.

“Oh thank god you’re alright! I was getting worried! Who is this?” Lacey asked turning to John.

“He’s a…uh…friend of mine.” Madeline replied.She chanced a look at John and found him smirking down at her.

Madeline walked into her apartment followed by John who closed the door behind him. She went over to the couch and sat down. Lacey took a seat beside her and crossed her legs while John remained standing. Madeline shared a look with John who nodded.

“Lacey, we need to talk.”

~J~