The sound of ambulances driving across the roads. People are panicking. Families of the victims weep. Few hours before the disaster, everyone prepared for the big day. Children dressed in their finest outfits. Political leaders attended the special occasion.

What was supposed to be an amazing day, a day of renewed hope for the citizens of the U.S.A. turned out to be wrong.

"Four thousand three hundred people were injured, two hundred and fifty three people were recorded dead and many others in critical condition. The president will release a press statement at 6pm on the matter at hand. This is Natalie Freeman and I remain your journalist at this hour." I sighed as I cleaned up the tables as we closed for the day.

"Alright people, round up, we close at 4pm", my boss, Clyde, says as we all get ready to close for the day. I changed out of my apron and went straight to my boss as I inquired, "Clyde? I need a favor from you." He looked at me expectantly before I replied, "My rent is due and if I don't pay I will get evicted. I can pay you later, or I could work extra hours, or you could even deduct it from -."

"Grace. How much do you need?", he asked, cutting me off. "550 dollars", I say in a whisper as he sighs, pulling money from his pocket. "Pay me when you can", he replied with a light smile as I thanked him fervently before leaving to catch the last bus.

As I looked out the window, the streets were filled with chaos and commotion. Just then tiny droplets of water began to fall and soon it began to rain.

I knocked on the door and said, "Peter, I'm Grace and I've got the rest of the money". He immediately opens the door and as he speaks, my nostrils are filled with the familiar stench of alcohol. "You better pay on time next month or I would be glad to evict you from the apartment." My landlord, Peter, slurred his words as he spoke in his thick Australian accent before shutting the door.

Stepping into my apartment, warmth filled me immediately as I sat on my sofa. Checking my watch, I immediately grabbed the remote and switched on the television.

"Dear fellow citizens. I know you must be concerned about the matter at hand. There's no need for distress. We've put the best of the best to work on this case. The person who did this will not go free. I will take this on as my first act of service as president. This has been declared a terrorist attack and I promise you all that we will find the criminal and they will pay for the grave offence they have committed. We will not rest until we find the culprit. Thank you.", President Nathan said as he stepped off the podium.

My attention was diverted by a knock on my door, as I looked through my peephole to find a man carrying a package.

"Miss Burkley, I have a package for you," the green-eyed man said. I had not ordered anything, so I ran to my room to get my gun. But as I reached for it, I observed the shadow of a large muscular figure behind me. This figure was pointing a gun at the back of my head instructing me to drop my weapon. "Drop your weapon. Hands in the air".

Turning around to face the man, he said, "I'm not here to hurt you, I just want to- ". I immediately elbowed him in the face and grabbed his gun as I pointed it at him. With the gun in my hand, I knocked him out as he fell to the floor.

I rummaged through his pockets to find an identity card and immediately knew who sent him. I tied the man up to my bed and sat on a chair as I called the person who sent him.

"Grace! So pleased to hear from you!"

"Why is one of your agents in my apartment?" I asked, getting straight to the point. "Oh, I see you've met Jacob. Jacob was sent to escort you to our operations base. The captain wants to talk to you.", Donald-an ex colleague of mine-said.

"I'm not an agent anymore, Donald.", I said as he continued, completely ignoring what I said. "Chief expects you to be here in an hour." And with that the call ended.

I look up to find Jacob standing and staring at me silently before saying, "Shall we leave now?"

My jaw dropped open. Of course, Donald would send one of his most talented men to come get me. I shouldn't be surprised if he got himself out of the worn out ropes I had tied him to.

I let out a sigh before following him into his car and driving off.

I look around to see that a lot has changed since I left. Stacks of papers are filled on each desk I pass by. There seem to be more youths around this place.

Suddenly I am greeted by a familiar scent and I could guess who it was from a mile away.

"Grace. God I miss you so much!", the familiar voice said, pulling me into a warm hug.

"So glad to see you again, Donald."