Half Truth

Justin nodded slowly and scribbled a note on his pad before he cocked his head. A new smile emerged. "Oh, I don't need to know anything - all I'm doing is helping dump out the box of puzzle pieces so we can figure out what the picture is together." 

He paused to simply read her for a moment before speaking again. "Alec, he um...could be a bit of a scoundrel from what I understand. But you saw past that, didn't you? What did you see in him?"


Nate's question set Garret on edge again, but this time he held his cool. He knew in his silence that followed, it was as good as admitting he'd been hiding something, but he had to form his words carefully. He was too far out of control to think too quickly on this one.

"Medridge...has favorites." Garret finally let his eyes rise once again to see Nate's face. He wanted to trust him. He was at the Elite's mercy whether he liked it or not. But there were just some things he refused to reveal until he was certain of the future. "I'm a favorite and so is Victoria. Her training goes a long way back, and she's one of the best. I was recruited when I was..." He paused. "...young. So I've had my fair share of training as well. We are both valuable to Medridge because of our skills and loyalty. I was his right hand man - you don't get that far without being good at what you do. Though her role has been different, Victoria's rank in the Agency is as high as mine. There are few operatives who know more than we do."

He leaned back in his chair, finally more at ease, although he knew good and well he was still holding back. "You're right - Medridge can easily replace agents. But he's spent many years grooming us for our jobs. Me, to take his place, though it's never been documented officially. And Victoria to eventually serve as an equal. She's special because of her knowledge and skills. Medridge would be a fool to simply try and replace her. He has too much invested in her and he takes his possessions seriously."

Everything he'd said was true. Those were all valid reasons as to why Medridge would want Victoria back. But if Reese found out she was the psychopath's flesh and blood, he'd never agree to trusting her, let alone protecting her. Garret had to convince them to trust her before he would be willing to give up this piece of information...even to Nate. And now the question was...did Nate believe what he'd just told him?

Garret glanced to the mirror then back at Nate. "If Victoria won't stay... I can't go back. So...my own offer to help in return for freedom still stands, regardless."