“Agent Dusome, for this final test, we are putting you out into the field as the senior Agent to ensure that Francis here follows the script to the letter.”

“I’m going out? On an actual test?” He sounded breathless.

“Yes. This is your chance to prove that you are worthy of staying on with us in the Program, that you shouldn’t be pushed back down to resident status.” She made eye contact with him over the rims of her glasses. “Because given all the irregularities we’ve experienced with this candidate, we have some questions.”

He turned green beside me but never looked away from her.

“Lucky for you, we are willing to try to answer these questions. With the grand opportunity to take down a network of weasels that this student has offered us”—she nodded toward me—“we are willing to extend an opportunity your way as well.”

“Once more, I am so honored, truly.” Mitch was choked up.

“Make no mistake here, Agent Dusome, this is as much a test for you as it is for your brother. And”—she held up one finger, the nail filed sharp and painted red.

“Yes, ma’am. I won’t let you down.” He actually saluted her like a goddamn soldier.

We left her office and walked the halls in silence. The common room was empty when we passed through. Thank god—I wasn’t sure I could handle the accusing stares or whispered denouncements, not now. There was too much else going on. We parted ways at my door. We stood facing each other for a minute before Mitch broke character and grabbed me up in a hug.

“I’m so happy you’re here, French,” he whispered in my ear. “You’re the best thing that’s happened to me since…well, ever.”

I lifted my arms and put them around him. I didn’t correct him. It was an act of hope; I hoped that was who I was again: French. I realized then that I was holding my breath, and when I released it, my hands instinctively gripped him tight, pulling the fabric of his shirt into my fists. Oh god. Oh god. What did I do now? I wanted him back so bad, even still, even now.

When he pulled away, there were tears in his eyes. “So, tomorrow at seven thirty a.m. See you then.” He hurried away, straightening his tie as he made his way down the hall. I watched him turn the corner, then retreated into the room, closing the door behind me.

“Okay, first things first, French,” I said out loud, pacing beside my bed. “First things first.”

I had to get my thoughts organized or my heart would take over and I’d spend precious planning time being giddy over the fact that I was leaving.

The final test was tomorrow. I had no idea what it would entail except that I was being released into the woods. And as an added bonus, I’d have Mitch with me. Before the bigger mission was revealed, I had always thought this would be the moment I ran and that my only concerns would be that I had no good supplies to survive on and no idea how to get to the others. But now I knew that if I just passed this test, I would be brought right to them.