Chapter Eleven: I Don't Hate You But If You Were On Fire, I Would Laugh

      "Nice to see you again, McKenna," says Arnold Stuart, my father's best friend and researcher. He handles anything and everything my father needs to know about. Arnold comes in handy one missions and assignments. Arnold was able to track down the guy who stole my wallet right out of my dad's truck. Let's just say that the guy had a punishment much worse then prison. 
      "Hello, Arnold," I greeted. "Is this important? You could have just called. I might be a spy but I do own a cell phone."
      "I didn't know if you would answer it," he replied. "This seemed like the most effective way. Excuse my decision."
      "It is alright but who is this why did you have the urge to contact me?" Was it my father? Could he possibly have information on my father?
      "We should be going," Darrell interrupted.
      "Yes about that," said Arnold. "We can't exactly let you go on this mission. Your father gave us stric instructions to make sure that you don't get yourself in trouble. Searching for your dad is begging for trouble."
      "Let us search for him," said the guy next to Arnold. "We are much more qualified and we know who took him."
      "Who are you?" I asked. 
      "Marlo Augusto," he said as if it was obvious.
      "Do you mean the same man who jailed more then 20 criminals in a few hours?" asked Courtney. "You are legendary!" He gave her a slight nod.
      "We are also qualified," I argued. 
      "Taking a couple of classes on Covert Operations doesn't make you qualified," mumbled Marlo.
      "It doesn't make you qualified either!" I nearly shouted at the guy. "He is my father and I should be looking for him and saving him. You are some random, cocky agent who thinks he can do almost everything!"
      "Calm down," Darrell whispered in my ear. Even his soothing voice couldn't calm me down. "You are both in the same side."
      "I don't think we are," I said.
      "McKenna please," begged Arnold. "I do need your help one finding your dad but you have to cooperate with use. Listen to your boyfriend."
      "He is not my boyfriend." My face turned redder then a tomato but I ignored it and pretended that nothing happened. Darrell's face was turning a pink hue also. "I trust you but your partner, not so much."
      "What do you care more about? Finding your father or arguing with Marlo?"
      "Fine, what do I have to do first?"
      "You and your friends will have to go back base with me until we can figure out a plan. Does that sound okay?" Arnold looked questioningly at Marlo and I. We both mumbled out plays. "Just follow us and we will show you the way." 
      Arnold and Marlo got back in their vans and so did I. We followed the until it was early in the morning. During the entire conversation Raven had some how been able to sleep. Courtney had also rested her eyelids. I was thinking too hard to go asleep. I hadn't seen Arnold since the last time my dad took me on one of his missions. That was such a long time go. It surprised me that I could remember Arnold after all these years. Then again, I do have a spy's memory.
      I wanted to so badly to trust Arnold and believe that he could help but I just couldn't do it. Arnold is much easier to trust then Marlo. I've known Arnold for quite a while and I know how he like. He doesn't take no for an answer, tries to solve every question or problem on earth, and an extreme daredevil. Those a just a few of the reasons why my dad even bothered to hire Arnold. My dad believed that Arnold showed great potential to actually be somebody in the government world. Instead Arnold chooses to waste his time serving others. Dad once said that Arnold was smart enough to become president. The only thing holding Arnold back from greatness was Arnold. He has no confidence in himself.
      I just met Marlo but already could tell he was an enemy. He is way to cocky for my liking and he has snake eyes. Eyes are the windows to the soul. His eyes said he was sneaky and untrustworthy. That is just my gut feeling and usually my gut is right about these things. Being a spy, you sometimes have to depend on your gut to lead you.
      "What are you thinking about?" Darrell asked.
      "My dad," I replied.
      "I know we are doing the right thing by looking for him."
      "That is what I keep telling myself but I know in my heart that it isn't," I explained. "My dad always believed that your heart and mind she be on accord when you make life changing decisions. My heart and mind aren't together. My mind says he is out there waiting for me while my heart says that risking my life over his want be doing anyone any good."
      "Well, I know whatever you choose to do, I will support you 100 percent." He smiled that wonderful smile. That pearly white smile. That smile that was holding the biggest secret of a lifetime.