The End

They were plotting against me. Again. It was time for this to come to an end.

Watching from the edge of the platform, I could see the six of them standing there. His agents, dressed as they always were, in an innocuous melange. They were tall and small, all the same age, but blending in.

If I hadn't known they were after me, they would have looked like anyone else. I'd learned to interpret the signs, the seemingly casual gestures, the signals to the other Watchers and Plotters. They were after me; my cover was blown.

Adjusting my gloves, I prepared to make my move. They'd followed me in here, but I was sure they hadn't spotted me yet. My silver crucifix concealed me from their penetrating gaze.

I slid behind two of them as the train approached, swirling papers that had fallen to the tracks. The largest and the smallest, the brain and the brawn, the most dangerous of the six. If I could eliminate them, I'd be safe. The others would be too confused without their hive control to make a move.

Timing was to be crucial. I took a deep breath, adjusted my position. I am ready.

I shove the largest one, and he tumbles to the track. Quickly, I switch targets and shoulder the smallest onto the track. One of the other Watchers reaches out to catch the small one's elbow.

The train brakes screech. The Watchers scream. I push my way through the crowd, melting through as I've practiced so many times.

Panic erupts, and I ride the wave of passengers exiting the station. The route is plotted, and has been practiced many times. I run up the alley and across two yards, euphoria fueling me as my chest heaves.

Across the park, through the parking lot, and over the fence that separates the school from the street. Soon I will be safe. I throw my hat into a trash can behind the school.

Footfalls pound behind me. I'm being followed. I must shake this tail.

I don't dare glance behind. My lungs are burning. I can't breathe.

The world slants sideways. I crash to the ground. One of them is on top of me.

I am theirs. Undone. It is ended.