Gone Unnoticed: A Kate Reid Novel (The Kate Reid Series Book 3) (25 page)

Kate began walking back to the field where the other trainees who’d already run still waited. Will was among them. She threw her arms around him. “I passed.”

He picked her up and twirled her around. “Yes!” He laughed. “Was there ever any doubt?” Will lowered her back to the ground and the other trainees clapped for her, even Hewitt.

And with each classmate that approached, all had made it and all congratulated each other.

This is my family now.
Kate clapped along with the others, who were now more like brothers and sisters. They’d all been through hell and made it out the other side. But she tried hard not to be too confident. They still had to get the rest of their results.

» » »

It was late afternoon and the trainees waited inside the main classroom to meet with the instructor and it was Kate’s turn.

“Reid, come on in,” SSA Hawes said, holding the door open to his office. “Have a seat.”

This was probably not the first time he’d seen an apprehensive student, but Kate was downright terrified.

“So, NAT Reid, you had some struggles early on, but I’ve been particularly pleased as to how you’ve handled them. I’ve watched you grow a great deal and I know it’s because you’ve worked very hard to overcome a very troubling time in your past.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kate tried to hide her trembling hands and legs. In fact, her entire body was shaking.

“And with the work you did for SSA Scarborough, you’ve shown exceptional ability. He has given you an outstanding recommendation.”

Kate smiled and took a breath to steady herself.

“I suppose you’d like me to get to the point?”

A brief, awkward chuckle escaped her. “Yes,” She cleared her throat. “Yes, sir, please.”

“Okay. Well, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer.” Hawes stood up. “Congratulations, Agent Reid. Welcome to the Bureau.” He extended his hand.

Kate launched to her feet. A broad, irrepressible smile masked her face. “Thank you, sir. Thank you.” She returned his handshake.

He held the door open for her and it was all she could do not to scream the second she walked through it. Instead, she clenched her fists and pumped them just a little bit.

Kate arrived into the room where those who had already received their passing results waited. Will was already there and he began to smile and nod his head. As soon as she entered the room, classmates approached her, hugging, slapping her on the back, and shaking her hand.

Will waited for her in the back row. “Congratulations, Agent Reid.” He held out his hand.

“Congratulations, Agent Caison.” She reached for his hand and pulled him forward into a hug. “We did it.”

» » »

Kate arrived at the local bar near the edge of the base. Those who passed, which were all but three, were meeting there to celebrate. The graduation ceremony was on Monday and she’d phoned her parents to give them the news. She hadn’t been back to see them since moving to Virginia, but she’d gotten much better at calling and staying in touch with them. Both had been supportive of her decision, even if her mother was more than a little hesitant.

Kate spotted a few of her classmates, who immediately waved her over. “Agent Reid!” one of them shouted. He’d clearly already started on the festivities. She greeted them and sat down. Kate ordered a beer.

It wasn’t long before the rest of the group showed up and joined the party. In fact, Kate hadn’t realized almost two hours had already passed. She was feeling pretty tipsy.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Nick walking towards her. A little unsteady, she rose to her feet. “Agent Scarborough! Come and have a drink!”

Nick smiled. “Well, it looks like you all are having a good time.”

The others in the group called out his name and raised their glasses to him.

“Have a drink with us, Agent Scarborough!” Will said.

“Oh no. I’d better not. Still got work to do. Just wanted to have a quick word with Agent Reid.”

Nick was answered with drunken boos, but he laughed it off.

Kate tried to stand firm, but Nick had to grab her arm. “You all right?”

“Oh yeah. I’m fine.” Her rosy cheeks betrayed her.

“Uh-huh. Listen, I can’t stay long. I just wanted to congratulate you in person. You did a hell of a job, Kate, and I couldn’t be more proud of how far you’ve come. Marshall would be proud too.”

The smile faded from her face at the mention of his name. “I hope so. Thank you for everything Nick. I wouldn’t be here without you.” Kate wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. She had come a long way and it felt good. She felt good for the first time since Marshall died. “You guys are my family now.” Kate kissed his cheek.

Nick gently pulled her away. “Okay, okay, let’s not get all mushy here. You’re a federal agent now. We don’t do that sort of thing.”

Kate laughed as she wiped a tear from her cheek. “Oh yeah, that’s right. You’re coming to the ceremony, right?”

“Are you kidding? Of course I am. You go on back to your celebrating. You’ve earned it. I’ll see you at the ceremony on Monday. Will your folks be there?”

“They’re coming in tomorrow afternoon. It’ll be the first time they’ll have seen my place.”

“Good. See you Monday.” Nick started to leave, but not before announcing his departure with a wave. “Remember, you all are representing the Bureau now.” He looked to the bartender. “Hey, don’t let these guys go too overboard!”

The group booed him again. “I’m just kidding. Good night, everyone, and congratulations.”

Kate sat back down and watched Nick leave the bar, the wide smile still plastered on her face. She turned towards Will and noticed he’d been looking at her. “What?”

He grinned. “Nothing. Come on; how about another beer?” He raised the pitcher to her glass and poured.

» » »

The auditorium was filled with friends and family of the graduating class. Kate waited in the wings with the others, dressed in a suit. She’d spent the weekend with her parents, showing them around the base and taking them out to eat. There was never a time she could recall seeing as much pride in their eyes. So much had happened between the three of them and although their relationship had been on the mend for some time, especially when she’d stayed with them after Marshall died, this was different. She felt their pride and their love. Now, they waited in the seats with the other family members, ready to watch her receive her credentials.

Kate peeked around the curtain and finally spotted Nick. Dwight and Georgia were sitting next to him. She was glad they were there. They’d all been there for her.

The lights dimmed and the Director of the Academy stepped up to the podium and began to speak.

“You ready to do this?” Will whispered in Kate’s ear.

“You’re damn right I am.”

In only moments, the names would be announced and she would walk across that stage and her entire life would have transformed once again. She was getting a second chance at a new life, just as those women she’d helped to rescue would get. Conflicting feelings arose; pride and sorrow, happiness and fear, they all swirled in her head, creating a cocktail of emotion. But she was ready for this next chapter in her life to begin. She prayed it would see her through what remained of the pain and the memories, but had vowed not to expose them; not to let anyone use them against her. She had nothing else to lose.

The director began calling out the names.

The veteran agents waited for their friend’s name to be called. Agent Jameson, Agent Scarborough, and Agent Myers had helped to see her through one of the most difficult periods in Kate’s life and they were here for her now.

“Looks like your protégé did all right for herself,” Georgia said to Nick.

“I guess she did.”

“Agent Katherine Reid.”

Kate walked out across the stage and stood next to the director who handed her the badge and a certificate. “Congratulations, Agent Reid.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kate continued to the other side of the stage, but not before glancing into the darkened auditorium to smile. She couldn’t see her parents or her friends, but she knew they were there.

A few hoots and hollers erupted as they had for the other graduates and Nick put his fingers to his mouth and whistled.

The rest of the names were called and, by the end, the director introduced the newest members of the Bureau. “Congratulations, agents, and welcome to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

The auditorium exploded in applause. Nick took to his feet with the other two following. “She did it.” Nick looked to Georgia.

Dwight grabbed Nick’s shoulder. “Come on; let’s go see her.”

The newly minted agents were walking down the steps to find their families. Kate found her parents and they embraced her.

“We’re so proud of you, sweetheart,” Deborah said.

John could hardly keep from tearing up.

“It’s okay, Dad. I know you’re proud too.”

“You’re darn right, I am.”

Kate continued to talk to her parents until she spotted Nick. “I’ll be right back.” She began walking towards him.

His arms opened and he pulled her close. “Congratulations, Kate.”

“Thank you, Nick. For everything.” Kate turned to Dwight and tossed her arms around him, too.

Kate was soon pulled away by her parents, but a few minutes later, returned to the agents who had made the rounds to some of the other graduates.

“Nick.” It had been the second time Dwight called his name.

He was still talking to Kate and Georgia and again hadn’t heard him.

“Agent Scarborough.” Dwight called again, louder this time.

“What?” Nick was irritated by the disruption, but on turning back, he realized why Dwight had been calling on him.

“SSA Nicholas Scarborough?”

“Yes?”

“I’m afraid you need to come with me.” A man in a dark suit with a deadly stare reached for Nick’s arm.

Nick quickly realized what was happening and he glanced at Dwight.

“What’s going on?” Georgia asked.

“Nothing. It’s fine. I’ll catch up with you guys later,” he said, just as cool as ever.

This wasn’t right. “Where are you taking him? Nick, what’s going on?” Kate asked.

Neither Nick nor the man who had a grip on him would answer. Instead, he looked to Nick again. “Sir? We need to go now.”

“What the hell is going on?” Kate’s nerves spiked on end and her pulse elevated.

“Nothing. Everything’s fine. I just have some business to take care of. I’ll see you all later, okay?” Nick placed his hand on Georgia’s cheek and leaned in, lightly kissing her lips. “I’m sorry.”

“Wait. What’s happening here? Where are you going?” she asked.

Nick only looked at her and smiled. “I’ll be fine.” He turned to Kate a final time. “Congratulations, Kate.” He began to follow the man out of the auditorium, neither appearing to want to cause a scene.

Kate looked at Dwight. “Do you know what the hell is happening here?”

He watched the man lead Nick out, rubbing his hand over his short, spiked hair. He turned to the women, who looked to him for answers. “Some things went down that night during the operation.”

“What things? Dwight, you better tell me where they’re taking him,” Georgia demanded.

“We thought—Nick thought it would blow over. Jesus Christ.”

Dwight was clearly shaken and Kate had never seen him like this before. It made her feel all the more nervous and afraid. She watched him struggle to find the words. “Please. You have to tell us what’s going on, Dwight. What happened out there?”

He looked at them; their inquiring faces now demanding answers. “During the chaos, bullets were flying and—shit, I don’t know—but one of the suspects who went down.” He stopped and took a deep breath. “They think Nick might’ve…he’s in trouble.”

THE END

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robin Mahle
lives with her husband and two children in Arizona. She found her passion for writing, which later became her second career, after spending 20 years in the construction industry.

Having always been a lover of books, Robin attributes her creativity to the wonderful overseas adventures she has shared with her husband of 16 years. Traveling throughout Europe and having lived in England opened her mind and with that came a steady stream of story ideas inspired by her author-idols in the mystery/suspense genre.

If you enjoyed Ms. Mahle’s work, please share your experience by leaving a review on 
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OTHER WORKS

All the Shiny Things – A Kate Reid Novel (Book1)

Law of Five – A Kate Reid Novel (Book 2)

Blackwaters- A Kate Reid Novel (Book 4)

The Kate Reid Series Box Set (Books 1-3)

Inherent Clarity

Landslide

Beyond the Clearing

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