Unwillingness To Part

After a while of inner debate, Priscilla cleared her throat and said, "I have something to tell you."

Richard looked at her. Her tone made him realise that whatever it was, was very important yet her expression made it appear as though it was just another common topic of discussion.

"What is it?"

"It's about the Zeros."

Priscilla studied his reaction and noticed that he had visibly tensed up and clenched his fist. His face was grim but he still held her gaze. 'He's reacting better than I expected.'

Priscilla continued. "It might not be much but I found out that a few people are beginning to show interest in the Zeros. They apparently obtained their uniform—the original one—and are using it to seek out which organisation is affiliated with the uniform."

"They don't know who the Zeros are or what they are capable of?"

"That's right," she nodded. "But it's also possible that they've found a clue about how to find them. However, their move puzzles me."

"How do you know of this?" Richard had paid highly credible information peddlers to find him clues regarding this elusive terrorist group and all he came up with was a dead end.

This and many more details made him suspicious of Priscilla. She simply knew too much. Another thing that bothered him was the fact that she had been digging into this matter. The Zeros didn't have anything to do with her so why would she start investigating them?

An idea came to him that she was doing it for him because of what he told her about his captivity but then again, logic told him that it was more than that. Most importantly, how did she come across this piece of information?

'Is she working for some sort of secret agency? The look on her face shows that she is calm and not on edge. She is telling the truth about this but I still can't take it at face value.'

Priscilla smiled and grabbed a handful of popcorn. "A doctor has her circle of friends who will willingly share information, you know."

Richard nodded thoughtfully. "This is dangerous for you."

"I know." She nodded with her eyes glancing at the floor. "I feel that they shouldn't get away with what they did to you."

'I was right. She is doing this because of what happened to me. But to what end?' Richard studied her expression and came to a conclusion that she wouldn't listen even if he wanted to talk her out of it. One thing still remained and that was his suspicions. He knew very well that she didn't obtain the information just by simply asking around in her circle of friends. There was more to it.

"Thank you…" he managed to say.

"Don't thank me yet." She smiled. "According to this source, the person who initiated the search left Crevania and went to Cruderia in search of the Zeros. This gives me an idea that they've probably found a reason to start looking there."

"A possible hideout?" Richard thought for a while then shook his head. "It's too easy. I'm convinced that they got the uniform by killing a member of the Zeros but that too is absurd. Those guys don't go solo. They come in waves."

Priscilla nodded. "That's right and it leaves the question about why they're searching. It means the person whom the uniform was found on probably hurt one of their own or was one of their own."

"Give me the details and I'll handle the rest." He finally said after pondering about her words. "Then stay out of the Zeros' business. It can get messy."

Priscilla smiled. Richard sighed at this and asked, "You will just disobey me, won't you?"

"Yes, Colonel Brad. This isn't the military HQ and while I'm here, you cease to be my team captain."

"Very well," he finally conceded. "But be careful."

"I promise!" she raised her palm with a smile.

"And don't play such a stupid prank on me again."

"Copy that, team leader."

Richard relaxed visibly after hearing that. His gentle expression returned and he reached for the popcorn. They chatted for a while before Richard asked. "Are you coming to the HQ tomorrow?"

"Sure, it's my job."

"It's not necessarily your job to join the training."

"I will be at the training and train along with the other team members." She smiled and tapped his shoulder playfully. "You yourself said that I was officially a member of the team."

Richard smiled and leaned back on the sofa. "I guess I did."

After a while, Priscilla asked, "How is Lily?"

Richard laughed and rubbed his neck a bit. This, Priscilla noticed, was the first laughter she heard from him that evening. "She's doing pretty good though she has gone to another level of paranoia."

Priscilla suppressed her laughter, seriously imagining Lily being bossier than usual. It was very comical how Richard could be very submissive—to a certain extent—to this sister of his who was meant to be her bodyguard and spy disguised as a cook.

"I really miss her enthusiasm." She said.

"Maybe I could make her stay with you for a few days. You won't get bored, ever."

They both burst out laughing. It was hilarious and it actually warmed Priscilla's heart that he could share her humour.

Sadly, the night had to end. She had thought of asking him to stay over but quickly abandoned the idea. She felt it would awkward to ask him that regardless of the fact that he had once asked her the same thing.

On the other hand, Richard wanted to ask for a hug but then he felt like a complete idiot. It was out of character for him and even more, they were team mates….at least that was what he used to strengthen his resolve.

Despite these thoughts, he hesitated a bit as if he didn't wish to part with her yet. In the end, he got into his car and sped away towards his house. It was already 11p.m.