"You all will be pleased to hear that none of this is a fantasy and that I fully intend on carrying out the mission myself. I have found myself in a position where I have valuable internal information about conflicts raging in the world of criminals. As it turns out, Anthony Murray is an active part of this feud and is on the path of curbing Darcy's powers. This is the weakest we will get Luke and I fully intend on exploiting the situation." They all nodded, seeming impressed by the peculiarity and practicality of the plan. I felt pride bubbling in my chest when I thought about how Michael had taught me to manipulate the situation to my advantage. It was a lesson that I had learned a lot from and used thoroughly.

"Then you have our permission to go forward with the mission," another of them spoke up. I bowed my head in curtsy and then turned to look at the Chief again. His eyes had hardened further and his schooled features had been abandoned.

"Agent Vincent, you might forfeit yourself from the mission, but we demand that you provide all the information that you have gained while you were invested in the mission." That stopped me for a moment. The members of the board conceded, much to my distaste.

"That would be no problem," I a.s.sured them. The lie slipped through my lips as easily as taking a breath. "The full information will be submitted with a detailed report about the events up until today," I announced firmly. It was their time to grumble.

"Thank you for your time, gentlemen." I tipped my head for one last time and hastily moved out of the room. Jacob stared at me as I pa.s.sed him in the hall. His silent gaze burned into me. I tried to ignore him and his words but felt them seeping into my bones. I shook it off and got in the car.

It was time to admit to myself.

Anthony loved me.

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