Chapter 256: Long Night XX
"The truth this time around, Athena. I want the truth. I think I deserve it after all this time in the dark." Susan continued when Athena remained silent.
She crossed her legs over each other and folded her arms across her chest, ready for the tale that had her heart racing.
Athena, backed into a corner now, nodded, feeling she had no choice. Retelling this event was unlike anything she had ever done; it was a type she never wanted to be caught dead speaking of because it tore open wounds she thought had healed and left her feeling raw.
But she had seen the plea in Susan’s eyes and knew there was no way around it this time. It was time to share the burden.
"Your mother was the best agent I loved working with. We did a lot of jobs together, accomplished many things. We never failed at a single task given to us by the agency—never had a mishap. We were the best in the field—until one fateful day..." A pause, during which Athena gathered her feelings, bunched them up, and set them aside.
She needed to remain stoic to recount this story without breaking down in tears. Susan deserved that much.
"We were instructed by the head of operations to retrieve an item from an antique auction. We were warned ahead of time that there would be opposition, as many other eyes were on the item too."
"What was the item?" Susan cut in, leaning forward slightly, her full attention focused on Athena and the story she was about to tell.
Meanwhile, Athena pursed her lips. "I’m not even sure. You know how wealthy people always go for the most abstract things..." She answered, almost as if she wasn’t in the same category as the rich.