The Secret Behind Glass Walls

Chapter 4

The next few days at work was incredibly boring for Julie. She spent most of her day staring at the clear screen computer. She has not even found one hint of any secret business that the company might have. And it seemed that no one minded that she did not do her work. She spent most of her days following the mail guy around. “What’s your name?” she asked the next time she saw him pass by.

“What’s it to you?” he asked carelessly.

She shrugged her shoulders “I could call you Frumpy.”

He cracked a smile for the first time “I like that.”

“Okay Frumpy. What do you do here besides run people over with mail bins?” she said sarcastically.

He looked at her in the eye “It’s not a good idea to know too much.” He said with a hidden meaning that she understood.

She pretended not to comprehend his comment “What’s that suppose to mean?” she looked around and everyone was still working “Is there a deep dark secret that you know?” she asked nosily.

He copied her snoopiness as he looked around and waved a finger for her to come closer. She leaned in with a smile as he whispered into her ear “It means get back to work.” She leaned back, her face grim while he smiled and winked at her playfully before going back to work.

She was definitely suspicious, maybe he was a spy sent by the Fungs’ to make sure no one knows of their secret. She gave herself a mental note to make sure she question him some more. Julie was still staring at the odd guy when her sister whispered to her “Psst, Julie!”

Julie turned to see her waving her over “What is it?” she asked Cass.

“Don’t talk to that guy, he’s strange.” She warned.

“What?” Julie asked with a chuckle. “What did he do?”

Cass looked around before explaining “I found him the last time in the girls’ bathroom. He said he was cleaning because the janitor was off that day. But I think he’s really a woman.”

Julie let out a laugh so loud that Cass had to cover her mouth “Shhh!! You want us to get in trouble?”

Julie shook her head “I’m sure he’s a guy.” She said with confidence.

Cass frowned “Why would he grow his hair long then? And I don’t buy that excuse. I found him a month ago snooping by the girls’ bathroom again. How do you explain that?”

“Maybe he’s a pervert?” she shrugged carelessly but inside, she was already noting to find out his background. “What’s his name?”

Cass strained her face to remember the name she once heard “I think they called him Andy…or something like that.”

Julie nodded “Andy huh?”

The girls were so deep in conversation that they didn’t notice Leann walking out of her office “Ahem!” she cleared her throat. “Now that everyone is done with their breaks.” She eyed Cass carefully but smiled at Julie “I’d like you to meet William Lai. I’m sure you know him well.” She said specifically to Julie “Normally, we do not hire family but this is an exception on my part.” She looked around as everyone greeted William politely “William will be working in the development team on the 8th floor. Unfortunately, you two won’t be seeing each other much.”

“It’s okay, I see too much of him anyways.” Julie cracked.

Leann laughed with a few giggles from the group, she didn’t notice William’s scowled face “I’m glad someone has a sense of humor.” She clapped her hands “Alright, this is not a free day, get back to work.” She waved for Julie to come over “Why don’t you take your husband to the 8th floor and have him check in with his new boss, Mr. Chung.”

Julie frowned but instantly smiled when Leann turned to her “Sure.” She said brightly. She reached for Will’s hand as they walked awkwardly towards the elevators. As soon as they were out of Leann’s sight, she quickly let go of her hand, but to her surprise he held onto her hand. She looked up at him strangely.

He only smiled and gave a glance behind her, indicating that there were eyes on them. “Don’t be shy, sweetie. Leann said she didn’t mind that we were affectionate.” His words were carefully phrased.

She nodded as she stepped in closer to him. The floor stopped and the two walked out together. She took him to the receptionist desk and they forwarded him to Mr. Chung’s office. Inside stood a young looking man, he looked no older than 28 years old. His smile was friendly but the two undercover agents knew better than to trust a smile “How do you do, Mr. Chung. I’m William Lai, new here.”

The young man nodded with the same welcoming smile “I’m sure we will work just fine. So this is your wife.” He nodded to Julie.

“Yes. Leann wanted me to take him up here, Mr. Chung.” She explained.

“Please call me James. Or Jim if you prefer.” He pointed to the chair for Will to sit down on “He’ll be in good hands. You may leave now.” He said to Julie.

She smiled at Will “I’ll see you after work, sweetie.”

“Okay.” He watched her leave before turning back to his new boss.

“Beautiful girl you got there.” James complimented. “How did you two meet?”

“In London during our college years.” Will said like it was rehearsed but he quickly threw in “It was definitely love at first sight.” He said with much feeling this time obviously catching himself.

The two talked about his job description and where he was to go to deliver the finished products. Although, it caught his interest when James told him about a place he should not be in on the 3rd floor. A place that no employee should go. He wondered if it was a warning to him or a dare for him to go there. It was too soon and too hard to read his new boss, but he was sure of one thing. He could not trust anyone there.

**********************

Later that night when everyone was gone for the day, Julie waited for Will to come down and pick her up. She was surprised by the mail guy who voluntarily walked over to her “Hi….Julie, right?”

She nodded at him “Andy.”

He laughed “So you found out.”

“I have my ways.” She said teasingly “What are you still doing here?”

“I was going to ask you the same question.” She raised an eyebrow for him to explain “I close up here. I’m not just a mail guy.” He explained. “You do not want to be caught here working later than normal. The boss doesn’t like it.”

She ruffled her eyebrows with curiosity “Really? Well, that doesn’t make any sense.”

He shrugged his shoulders “Consider yourself warned. You don’t have to listen to me.”

Cass was working so diligently that she did not notice everyone was gone. She looked up and found her sister chatting with Andy “Julie!” she yelled. She turned to her clear screen computer “Shut down.” She commanded and grabbed her purse as she paced over to her sister “What are you talking to him for?”

Julie shrugged “Nothing. Ready to go home?” she changed the subject.

Cass nodded “Where’s William?”

Julie sighed “I don’t know, what am I? His wife?”

“Last time I heard, you were.” She cracked making Julie wince in pain.

“Yeah…what a drunken mistake.” She moaned. “Well, if he’s not coming, I’m leaving without him.” She warned.

Cass shook her head “You are so mean to him. Fine, if you don’t want to wait for him, I’ll go wait for him.”

Julie raised both eyebrows at her sister “What?” she smiled when her sister’s cheeks flamed up “Does my eyes deceive me? Cass Lam has a crush?” she teased openly.

Cass frowned “That’s not funny, Julie. He’s your husband…my bro…” she quickly stopped herself “You know what he is.”

She flicked her lip in a pout “Whatever. I don’t care if you like him, at least someone does.”

“Why don’t you like him? I mean, he’s handsome, caring…at times, polite, what more can you ask for in a guy?” she didn’t understand why her sister disliked the guy so much.

“You see all that?” she asked her sister. “I only see obnoxious, annoying, egotistical, rude and definitely not caring.” She saw Andy going down the elevator at the corner of her eyes “Well, you can wait for him, I’m leaving.” She said quickly and rushed off after the next moving elevator.

Cass watched with wide eyes as her sister ran off without waiting for Will. Julie knew something was definitely wrong about Andy and she wanted to find out. To her surprised he was waiting for her outside the bridge, she walked right passed him but her instincts told her to look back. She turned while he leaned on the glass bar of the bridge “Looking for me?”

She smiled slyly “Maybe.”

He cross his arms “Why?”

“No reason.” She began walking away as he quickly followed her. “So why are you following me?”

“I’m not, it’s a one way road.” He said with reason. She looked around and sure it was a one way road. They walked within three feet from each other, every time he stopped she would stop. Eventually he turned to her after a few blocks “What do you want to know?” he asked with a sigh.

She smiled “Whatever you can tell me.”

He seemed to ponder at the idea “I can’t tell you.” As he began walking while she quickened her pace to catch up to him. The swishing sound of the electric cars didn’t seem to bother them.

“Fine, I’ll just keep following you.” She said coolly.

He smiled as he quickened his pace, she did the same. After a while he began jogging and then he slowed down to a slow pace. She was catching on to his game and would not let him out of her sight. After 10 minutes, he turned to her with a smile “You’re quicker than I thought.”

She breathed evenly “You’re sneakier than I thought.”

His crooked smile was beginning to attract her attention “We’ll see.” He turned and sprint down the street catching her off guard. He dodged through the people carefully as if he’s done it before. She tried hard to catch up as she did not lose sight of him. But soon he began to merge in with all the people walking in all directions. He slowed his steps as he reached up and pulled off the wig, he continued to walk as he took off his jacket and flipped it inside out. The color changed from gray to black as he slipped it back on.

Julie wrinkled her forehead as she looked around trying to spot the frumpy haired guy but he was no where to be seen. When she reached a four way intersection she looked around but could not recognize anyone. She punched her own palm as she admit defeat and returned home.

She was still wondering how he got away and not paying attention to her sister’s scowling face when she walked through the door. “Julie!” she called to her when she automatically walked towards her room.

Julie looked up and knew she was in trouble with her sister “Yes, Mam!” she saluted her teasingly.

Cass shook her head “That’s not funny. How could you leave your husband like that? At least have the decency to wait for me too.” She placed her hands on her hips “Where did you go?”

“Yeah, where did you go?” Will asked with much interest. He was more amused at the fact that Cass was in charge.

“None of your business.” She said to Will. Cass arched her neck as she crossed her arms “I wasn’t talking to you.” Julie said quickly “I…I just saw an old friend.” She walked over and took a seat next to Will before hitting his leg which was sprawled out on the couch. “Move.” She ordered.

He moved aside forcefully “What old friend?” he asked suspiciously.

She gave him a look that he should know better to make the situation worse “What kind of friend is more important than your husband?” Cass asked.

Julie pouted as she turned to Will “You don’t trust me?”

“You followed him didn’t you?” Cass asked slowly.

“Who?” Will asked.

“Well??” Cass pressed on.

Julie flicked her head to the side not looking at both of them “I don’t have to answer anything.”

“Who is it?” Will asked again.

Cass shook her head “Julie, he’s bad news, listen to me for once.” She knew her sister could be a stubborn mule.

“Who?!” Will asked, getting frustrated.

Julie sighed “He’s not that bad.” She defended Andy.

“Oh really? And how have you known this guy? One week?” Julie asked.

Will stood up abruptly “If one of you don’t tell me who it is, I will…”

“What? What are you going to do?” Julie asked threateningly. “Sparky!” she cried and the mechanical puppy instantly responded as it galloped down the hallway to the living room, it’s metal tail wagging playfully.

Will instantly stepped back “Who, okay…fine, I won’t ask who the guy is. Happy?” he took a seat on the couch, his feet curled up.

Cass snickered as she gave a command “Go to sleep, Sparky.” The dog listened as he raced back down the hall.

“Thanks, CASS.” Will said with sarcasm.

“Anytime.” She smiled at him but frowned at her sister “Stop using that on him. You know he can’t stand that dog. Now are you going to tell me or what? I’m not asking you again, Julie Cheung/Lai/Lam.”

Will laughed loudly at the full name. Julie rolled her eyes at him “Shut up.” She muttered. She turned to her sister who was still waiting for an answer “It’s nothing.” She insisted “I promise, I don’t have a crush on him nor will I ever. Okay, are you happy?” she sighed and then remembered their earlier conversation “As I recalled, a certain person blushed at the name of another certain person.”

“Okay, now you lost me.” Will said flatly.

Cass turned to him “Just ignore her, she’s being childish. Anyways, it’s getting late, I’m going to sleep now. You two should too…on the same bed.” She widened her eyes at them.

Julie snorted “Sure, we sleep when YOU don’t want to talk about it.”

Will was smiling as he nudged her “Talk about what?”

She moved herself away from him “None of your business. We don’t know each other that well, don’t act all friendly with me.” She pushed herself from the sofa and returned to her room.

Chapter 5

The next few days at work, Julie concentrated most of her day on her suspicion of Andy. Her chin resting on her hand, which was propped up on her desk as she continued to stare at every little thing he did. Her brows wrinkling as she pondered who he was. Her thoughts were interrupted by her sister who tapped her on the shoulder “Why do you keep staring at him?” she asked after watching her sister looking at the odd guy without blinking.

“There something oddly suspicious about him.” Julie said without looking up.

Cass snickered “You mean the fact that he smells like the ladies room or that he looks like he hasn’t showered in ages?”

Julie shook her head “No, no, it’s not that. I just can’t put my finger on it.” She couldn’t tell her sister about her chase with him the other day. She wanted to keep her sister far away from her undercover work. The last thing she needed was to lose her last family member.

“You keep staring at him like that, Leann will surely see it and I won’t be able to cover your butt since she hates my guts.” Cass reasoned.

Julie practically pushed her sister away “I’ll be okay.” She insisted as she continued to stare at him.

Every so often Andy would turn back and find Julie staring at him intently. Although he found her cute, she was not someone he wanted to get involved in. When he had enough of her stares, he finally walked over “Can I help you with anything?” his frumpy wig covering half of his eyes.

“Tell me how you got away.” It was something she couldn’t answer herself.

He sighed “I ran away.”

She knew he was more experienced than he wanted her to believe “That’s impossible, even if your clothes could blend in with the crowd how could I miss that hair. No one has that style anymore.” Andy smiled the same mysterious smile that she soon recognized “What’s your real name?” she asked.

He laughed “Like I would ever tell you.”

“That’s fine, I’ll just ask Leann.” Julie shrugged. He only shook his head and walked away. Little did he know that nothing could stand in her way if she wanted to get anything. Later that day, she walked into Leann’s office “Sorry to bother you.”

The young female boss looked up with a small smile “Not a problem, what can I do for you?”

“I’ve been here for almost three weeks now and it’s embarrassing to say but I don’t know all of my co-workers. Is there a list of all the employees? It would help me remember names.” Julie suggested.

Leann smiled “Of course. I’m glad someone is into their work. It’s strange but in the past year, people have been a bit quieter and almost dull.” She reached into her desk and pulled out a tiny chip as she handed it to Julie “Here you go.”

Julie nodded thankfully “Thanks.” Her eyes wandered to one of the covered walls that she was using to look over a letter. Her vision darted back and forth as she read it.

Leann noticed as she got up and pointed to the letter “My brother is looking for a personal assistant.”

“I would think he already had one?” Julie asked.

She shook her head “No. Somehow he always manages to fire them within 1 month.” She snorted sarcastically “That’s his attention span.”

Julie had a sudden thought “Can I apply for it?”

Leann’s face clouded over “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“You don’t think I can do it?” Julie asked.

The girl shook her head “No, it’s not that. I think you’re a very nice person and you work very hard.” Julie almost blurted out with laughter at the last line “But I don’t want to see you go. He will fire you too.” She said surely.

“Well, maybe he won’t? If I have what it takes, should I have the opportunity to apply? Maybe I will be there longer than you think?” she was determined to talk her into it.

Leann was quiet as she thought about it, after a few minutes she nodded “Okay.” Julie beamed brightly at her response “But under one condition.” She held up her hand while Julie nodded in agreement “If he tries anything with you, I want you to come tell me personally.”

Julie nodded “Trust me, he won’t get the chance to try anything.”

Leann nodded “Okay, I’ll tell him. Go on up to the 10th floor.”

“Thank you!” Julie smiled as she left her office. Cass gave her sister a strange look when she saw her walking towards the elevators. Julie only shook her head slightly indicating that it was not a good time to ask.

Up on the 10th floor, Julie retraced her steps to the office where Leo was the first time she interviewed with him. Before she even knocked, the door opened and appeared a cool and collect Leo sitting on his leather chair. A remote control in his hands as he waited for her to enter “Ms. Cheung….I mean Mrs. Lai.” A smile crossed his face as he pressed the button closing the door behind her.

Her gaze relaxed on her soon to be boss, she was confident and that was what he liked about her “Mr. Fung.”

He waved his hand casually “Please, call me Leo.” He pressed another button and a chair rolled over to where she stood. She took a seat calmly awaiting his questions. “Should I have them bring your stuff up?”

Julie was a bit confused “Isn’t this an interview?”

He laughed loudly throwing his head back “I don’t believe in interviews. I hire people from my internal instincts.” He got up slowly and walked around his glass desk to where she sat. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as he reached down to graze her face with the back of his hand. She wanted to slap it off her face but remained cool. “Tsk, tsk, tsk such a shame…why would you get married so soon?” he asked.

“I didn’t want to.” She sighed. Julie saw his eyes widened as he snapped his finger and his chair came rolling behind him. Without looking back, he seated himself as he gave her his full attention.

“Did he make you? I can take care of it this minute.” She knew he meant it too.

She quickly shook her head “No, it’s not that. You see, I met him during my school years in London.” She played with her watch as she spoke “His mother really liked me, on her death bed, she requested that we get married. It really wasn’t my choice.” She insisted.

He nodded like a zombie, lost in her beauty. But even then, his suspicious nature crawled from under him “That sounded almost like a fairy tale.”

She smiled “You don’t believe me? Ask Will yourself.” She dared him.

Leo smiled crookedly as he took her dare “Sure.” Her face fell and his instincts told him she was lying. He reached over to his desk as he pressed a button on his phone “Mr. Lai, please report to my office. This is Leo Fung.” He let go of the button and turned his attention back to Julie. Her eyes had deceived her as she looked away, his eyes narrowed as he continued to stare at her, trying to read her very thoughts.

Julie was worried since they only made up that story for Cass, but they never planned a story for Leo. She hoped that he had heard her speak earlier when she played with her watch. She actually pressed an intercom button that connected to Will’s watch. Within minutes, her supposed husband stood before them “You called, Mr. Fung?” he asked while his gaze turned down to Julie. She did not look up.

“Your wife here told me an interesting story and I want to hear it from your end.” He asked carefully “Why did you two get married?”

Will looked down at Julie once again, she bit her lip while he spoke “I guess it’s useless to lie to you. It was my mother’s dying wish that we get married. She began to get really sick about a year ago and Julie was really my only friend that knew about my mother. Needless to say, my mother adored her to death. She wanted us to be happy. But…” he let his words fade slowly becoming incoherent, he too was playing with his watch.

Leo nodded unconvincingly “I see.” He returned to his desk as he pressed on his clear screen computer. He sat back with his hands clasped together “Julie Cheung.” He commanded the screen as it pulled up her background. His eyes wandered to the couple, it was hard to see if he was convinced or their cover was blown. “William Lai.” He spoke to the computer and it too pulled up Will’s background.

Will and Julie looked at each other, both knew if their cover was blown, it would only lead to death. They held onto their breaths to see his reaction. “Is something wrong?” Julie dared to ask.

Leo’s eyes turned to her as he let out a sigh “I guess I do owe you two an apology.” He did not see their sigh of relief “Our systems here are very much updated, there is absolutely nothing you could hide from us.” It sounded more like a warning than just advising them. His smiled returned as he stood up “You may go now Will.” He had nothing else to say to the guy “Julie, welcome to the 10th floor. Your desk will be right outside my office.” He nodded for the two of them to leave.

****************

Later that night when they returned to the house, Will received notice from Sergeant Liu. The clear picture appeared on the wall from Will’s watch. “Did he buy your story?” he wasted no time asking Julie.

She nodded “Yes, thank goodness we were quick to press the intercom button.”

“Why don’t you warn me about your plan before you do something?” Will lightly scolded her.

Julie knew she was at fault “I’m sorry. I did not mean for it to happen so quickly. It was my only chance to be closer to Leo Fung. I didn’t have time to warn you.”

Sergeant Liu nodded understandingly “I’ve always taught you two to work with your gut. You should not be blamed, but do be careful next time.”

“Yes, sir.” Julie nodded. “I’ll try to find out what’s lurking behind the no trespassing zone.”

The wise man nodded “Good, be careful. You should do it after hours. Agent Lai, do not let her out of your sight when the time comes to explore.”

“Yes, sir.” Will assured the man.

“Before I leave, I want to warn you two that there is a box of equipment and weapons for you two to use. By the rate this is going, their secret will be discovered within weeks. You will need the weapons, who knows what kind of monsters they have developed.” The man disappeared leaving the two to their own thoughts.

“Did he say when he sent the box?” Julie asked.

Will shook his head “I just hope Cass doesn’t see it.”

He spoke too soon as they heard her shrieking from the living room. The two raced outside and found her sitting on the ground with an open box of odd gadgets. She held up a triangular shaped object, there were tiny buttons running on one edge “These are cool toys!!” she exclaimed holding it up to Julie.

“NO!” she cried to her sister, hoping she would not press a button. Julie reached over and grabbed the object from her hand as she threw it in the box “These are tests that..uh…Mr. Fung gave me to try. No one can see them.” She pointed out.

Cass pouted “Why don’t I get to play with the cooler toys. All I get are talking barbies.” She wrinkled her face. “Anyways, he won’t know that I played with them.” She tried to reach for it but Will stood in the way.

“Come on Cass, don’t get her in trouble. It’s her first day on the job.” He pointed out as he reached down and pulled her up by the hand “Let’s go out to dinner.” He suggested.

“Yeah. It’ll be fun.” Julie insisted, trying to keep her sister’s mind off the ‘toys’. Cass nodded as the three headed out to the spinning restaurant located in the heart of the city. It was a tall tube that took you all the way up 50 stories while a circular restaurant spun in motion around the tube. It was one of the newer attractions that Hong Kong had just built.

Chapter 6

The three ate peacefully in the crowded restaurant. Julie became distracted after a moment when she saw a familiar face. Cass was beginning to get dizzy from the spinning. Will looked at her carefully “You okay, Cass?” he asked with genuine concern.

She nodded with a smile while her fingers pressed at her temples, her eyes closed. “Yeah.”

He laughed “You look like you’re about to hurl.” He shook his head “Okay, superwoman, let’s go home.”

“Thank God!” she breathed. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Will paid for dinner as he helped Cass out of her chair. He turned to help Julie but she was still staring at the oddly familiar male sitting by the bar. “You know someone?” Will asked.

Julie looked at him with a short nod “Yeah. An old friend.” She lied.

He shrugged “Okay, I’ll meet you at home.” He waved for Cass to walk out first while he walked behind her making sure that she wouldn’t faint.

Julie approached the person from behind, the guy looked up and she instantly pointed to him “Andy!” his hair was shorter and he was clean while his clothes looked neater than ever and there was no glasses. Although he looked different, she could still recognize him.

The guy snickered at her “You have the wrong guy, my name is not Andy.” He seemed a bit tipsy as he got up from his chair and almost tripped over his own foot.

“I don’t forget a face. Just because your hair, clothes, face is different. I can still recognize the voice.” She insisted.

He waved his hand drunkily “You mistaken.” He began walking towards the exit.

She was quick to follow him, determined not to lose him again. “You don’t have to lie to me, I know who you are.” Her footsteps close.

He only ignored her as he stumbled to the elevator and struggled to press the right button. Eventually, she reached over and pressed it for him “Thanks…” he mumbled politely.

Julie followed him without speaking. For a few blocks she kept her distance close making sure that he would not get away from her. He walked towards the harbor and stopped abruptly by the edge separating water from land. She stood behind him, her arms crossed as she analyzed the guy she thought she knew. She began to doubt her own thoughts “You’re really not Andy?” she asked after a long moment of silence.

He turned with a surprised expression on his face “You’re still following me?”

Julie smiled shortly “Not anymore. Sorry, I guess I did get the wrong guy.” She turned to leave. Within seconds of her turning to leave, she found him standing in front of her. Her brows wrinkled “What do you want?”

His face suddenly looked completely sober with a smile that told her he was indeed Andy “Want to play a game?”

Her eyes wandered to the ground and back at his face “What game?”

Andy smiled “If you can catch me, I’ll tell you exactly who I am.”

She smiled with obvious interest “Sure.”

He tilted his head “Ready?” she nodded as he turned and to her awe, he jumped over the ledge of the harbor and soared into the dark ocean. She raced to the edge and looked into the ocean but it was too dark to trace him. She brought out her watch and commanded “Light.” The beam of light was strong as it brightened up the whole area where he jumped into but she could not trace a wave anywhere. She pounded her fist into the metal rail “Damn! Lost him again.”

*******************

The next few weeks at work was stressful for Julie, Leo wanted her in his office every five minutes. Sometimes because he was just bored and wanted to see her face. She barely saw her sister or Will during working hours and it was almost impossible to find Andy. When she thought they would never find another clue to their mystery work, she caught Leo talking with James Chung, head of director on the 8th floor. What surprised her was that she did not see him walking into Leo’s office. “I’m sorry…” she nodded politely when she disturbed them.

Leo didn’t seem bothered while James had a scowl on his face “It’s okay, Julie. Just close the door, we’ll be in here for a few hours.”

Julie nodded but inside her little head, she was already analyzing how he got into the office without her knowing. She looked around for anyone else as she pressed the intercom button to talk to Will “Did you see James Chung leave?” she asked.

“No.” he replied after a one second delay. “I think he’s still in his office.”

Julie replied “He’s up here with Leo Fung. I didn’t see him come in. Maybe a trap door we don’t know about?” she asked shortly.

“Maybe. We’ll come back tonight to look.” He suggested.

“Okay.” She cleared the button and they were off the intercom.

That night they told Cass they wanted some time alone to talk. She seemed to be fine since she had her own plans with some old high school friends. Julie and Will changed into their black outfits designed to hold all the gadgets and weapons. A mask was fitted for each of them as it covered half of their top face. Both had black trench coats to cover their uniform while the mask sat peacefully in the right side of the coat. They stood by the bridge that would soon lead them to the glass building as they waited for the last light to turn off on the 10th floor before putting on their masks.

“Now.” Julie commanded as they raced down the bridge. They stood before the machine that would stop them from entering the building after hours. She reached into the side of her belt as she pulled out a tiny device shaped in a circle. Julie placed it over the machine as it beeped and opened the glass doors for the two to enter “This will only hold us for an hour before it deactivates.” She whispered to Will.

He nodded as he pointed to the elevators “We can’t use it.”

Julie looked around as she easily spotted the three corners on the 1st floor. “Come on.” She pointed to the cameras as they used a special spray that would block out their specially made uniforms. “We’ll take the stairs. Leann said the third one is always open just in case of an emergency.” She pointed the door that read ‘3’ which indeed was open.

They raced up the stairs to the third floor and again camouflaged the cameras. Will pointed down the end of the hall where the ‘No Trespassing’ zone was. They looked around for any signs of people as they tried the lock with their leather gloves. Julie placed her ear against the door as she twisted the knob “Three locks, brass door, probably 1 ton.” She analyzed carefully.

Will nodded as he took out a device shaped like a pen, with a push of a button a long sharp point appeared as he stuck it into the keyhole. The device did it’s magic as it worked to mold itself into the lock. Within seconds they were able to open the door. They nodded once indicating to continue. It took both of their strength combined to open the heavy door. What they saw behind the doors intrigued them. It was another brass door. Again Julie leaned into the door as she twisted the knob “Two locks this time.” She whispered.

Will used the same device and the door opened with ease. This one was 10 times lighter than the last. To their surprise, behind the door appeared a dark hallway leading downwards, the walls curved to the left. “Light.” Will commanded his watch as they walked down the hallway. It curved into a tiny maze. They both worked together to find the exit.

They came upon another door as they used their devices to get through. The door opened and inside was an elevator in a cylinder shape. “Where does this go?” Julie asked.

Will shined his light against the wall and it only read ‘UW’ “What do you suppose this stands for?” he asked curiously.

She shook her head “Only one way to find out.” She reached over and pressed it. The machine answered her command as it eased its way downward. She counted the seconds and looked up to Will “It just passed the 1st floor.” She looked around the elevator but it was dark as night “Do you think it’s going underwater?”

His face lit up from the light shining on his watch “Hence the initials UW.” It seemed like a whole minute before the machine stopped. When the doors opened, they didn’t know what to expect behind the elevator doors.

What they saw kept them in awe for a good long moment, the room looked like a huge corporation of it’s own. Three walls were made of pure glass. Julie pointed to the walls “It is underwater.” She saw the fishes swimming back and forth in the dimmed room.

Will quickly located 3 different doors “Let’s split up. Use the intercom if you need me.” He pointed to one of the doors “I’ll take that one.”

Julie nodded “Okay.”

“Be careful.” He warned. She smiled and went on her way.

She turned to see Will walking through the unlocked door as it closed before him. She took a deep breath bracing herself for anything she might be surprised to see. The door gave way as she felt a cold breeze attacked her face. Her coat blowing from the strong wind while she pushed on. She looked around in amazement as she saw huge tall human like machines, but they were scarier looking with red eyes. There must have been hundreds of them lined up in a row. Lucky for her they looked to be asleep. She walked down each row and noticed they all looked the same except for a different color of light that flashed on their chest.

She walked up another row and stopped abruptly when her instincts told her to turn around. To her worst fears, one of the machines was awaken as it noticed her presence; she reacted quickly as she raced down the row towards the door. She felt a strong hand on her shoulder as she looked back and found the human machine hovering over her, it must have been at least 7 foot tall. She twisted herself to get free. She backed up and it stepped towards her, it was not as quick as a human but it was 100 times stronger. She only feared that if she was caught, it would crunch her body in half.

Reaching to her side as she pulled out the triangular weapon that Cass was playing with earlier. She pressed one of the buttons as she aimed it to the machine’s clear red eyes. A laser blue beam shot out as it blinded the machine. It roared in pain as she felt her heart race, someone was bound to hear the horrid noise. While it was waving it’s arms frantically, she took no chance as she kicked it down. The machine crashed against the stone ground laying lifeless again.

Maybe it was wrong to do because when she turned to the rows of machines, the began to move towards her in a rhythmic tone. Clomping their heavy legs as it made a thundering sound. She pressed on her watch frantically “A little help!” she spoke into the device. She stood her stance as she paced herself back.

To her surprise, a dark shadow moved across the machines as it pressed on the colorful lights located on each of their chest, they instantly froze in place. Julie quickly caught up as she too carefully blocked herself from the swings and kicks. Together, they froze all the machines within minutes. She turned to the stranger “Thank you.” She breathed.

His masked covered everything but his eyes as it darted behind her “Watch out!” he quickly pushed her away before the machine’s arm came slashing down. But the stranger’s arm was cut deep as he held onto it breathing heavily in pain. He dodged another attacked while reaching to pressed the button on it’s chest.

Julie rushed to his side “Are you okay?” she asked as she saw his arm dripping with blood.

He held up his hand to shush her “Shhh, someone’s coming.” He pulled out a black cloth from his pant pocket as he wrapped it around his bleeding arm. Using his free hand, he grabbed onto her hand and took her behind a hidden hallway that she didn’t even see. She could only guess that he’s been there before.

Just as they were out of view, a voice called out “Julie!” it was Will.

Julie smiled at the familiar voice “It’s my partner.” She said brightly as she supported her life savor. They walked out together as she nodded to Will.

He turned to her and then the stranger she was holding on to “Who…” he began but was quickly cut off by Julie.

“There’s no time. They will see us if we don’t leave!” she hissed as they rushed out of the room. The door closed behind them as they reached the elevator. They were about to go in when she stopped the two guys “Wait, what if they use this to go down?”

“They use the glass elevators over there.” The stranger pointed across the rooms to another pole. The elevator opened letting the three intruders in as they sighed with relief when they heard sudden voices. “There are four poles holding up this building, two in which have elevators. One is from the 3rd floor and the other one can only be taken from the 10th floor.” The guy explained.

Will looked at him suspiciously “Why do you know so much? Who are you?”

Julie recognized his eyes before but she did not want to say anything. The guy only snickered “Its best if you don’t know.”

“You know too much, we can’t let him live.” Will reached into his side belt to pull out a weapon when Julie pushed his hand down.

“No.” she said firmly “At least get out of this building first.”

When they closed the second brass door of the third floor, Julie took off her coat as she placed it over the guy’s shoulder “Wear this, it’ll be harder to trace back with the cameras.” The three took the stairs as they exited the glass building in the nick of time before the device deactivated on the main entrance.

Like thieves in the night, they raced up the bridge and escaped safely. “You two were lucky this time.” The guy warned carefully.

Will turned to Julie “Now can we get rid of him?”

“Why?” Julie argued.

When they turned back to where the guy stood, he had disappeared into the night. She sighed with relief that he got away. “He got away!” Will cried. He turned to Julie “Who is he? I know you know.”

Julie shrugged her shoulders as she began walking briskly away “I don’t.” they did not turn back when the glass building suddenly brightened with lights on each floor.

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