Cloak and Dagger – Sneak Peek

By: Emma Rose (winx1348)

ÞNote

I've been writing since I was 15, which was about when I found Wattpad five years ago. In that time, I've completed six full length novels, and I'd like to think that I've grown with every story I've written, though I've also found that I feel comfortable writing young adult and new adult contemporary stories.

However, over the past few months I've been wanting to write a more complex novel, and when the idea for a spy story popped into my head, I knew that's what my next novel would be. I've spent the last couple of months jotting down notes and gathering opinions on how to best craft a story of this caliber, and after an immense amount of planning, I'm finally ready to start writing it.

So, for my Wattpad Block Party post, I give you a sneak peek at my new story... Cloak and Dagger!

ÞPrologue – Twenty-One Years Previous

She held on to the new-born in her arms, her body weak and eyes filled with sadness knowing that it would be the last time she'd see her.

Her own daughter – and she would get no longer than ten minutes with her.

This wasn't how things were supposed to go, but there was no alternative.

This had to be done.

"I'm sorry," the nurse said, coming back into the hospital room after giving the young woman the allotted time allowed, "But the foster family would like to meet her."

As the woman laid in the hospital bed, wanting nothing more than to hold on to the bundle of joy in her arms, she sighed, knowing that this was for the best. She nodded reluctantly, kissing the crown of her daughter's head for the first and last time as she whispered, "I'm so sorry, but this is to keep you safe."

It was then that the nurse took the baby, and with one final glance at her daughter, the woman was left with tears running down her face, wishing that things could've been different.

ÞChapter 1 – Present Time

"Can I get another glass of water? Oh, and make sure there's lemon in it this time."

The pretentious undertone in her voice was one I'd fast become used to over the last year, working as a waitress at Crimson Oaks. The restaurant was one that drew in the richer residents in town, with a menu priced high and portions so incredibly small that they were considered worthy of five stars.

"Sure," I said politely, ignoring the snickers of the rest of the guests at the table as I grabbed the empty glasses, "I'll get that for you right away."

Making my way through the rows of tables and towards the kitchen, the soft murmur of the dining room was immediately drowned out as I pushed into the back room. The staff was hard at work – perfectly searing the meat, putting together the meals, and cleaning up as they went along. It was a well-orchestrated system back here, and with the chaos out front, I often found myself envying the people who didn't have to deal directly with the customers.

"Please tell me again why you decided not to book off the night of your birthday?" Lucia asked, sidling up to me with an exasperated look on her face as I leaned against the counter, grabbing a cold pitcher of water. She'd worked as a waitress for three years before being promoted to a kitchen manager, and once I'd started, she'd taken me under her wing – showing me the ropes and giving me a source of sanity during my daily shifts.

"It's not that big of a deal," I shrugged. "I didn't have any other plans, plus, I could use the extra tips from tonight if I want to start enrolling in classes come the fall. Every bit helps."

"At least tell me you're going home to relax once you're done," she pressed, her curiosity fading as a softer expression filled her eyes.

Lucia was all too familiar with my situation. Three years ago, on the day I'd turned eighteen, I'd been left to fend for myself when my time in the foster system had expired. I'd been prepared of course, already having found a cheap apartment on the edge of town and having been saving since I'd been allowed to legally hold down a job. From there on out I'd been on my own. I didn't have any family I knew of, and once I'd graduated high school, with no funds to start at university, I'd taken up a full-time job at retail market. It was only last winter that I'd applied as a waitress here at Crimson Oaks, quickly earning my serving certifications after I'd been offered the position.

I nodded. "There's a movie and a glass of wine waiting for me at home," I mused, leaning across the counter to grab two slices of lemon before dropping them into the water and placing it on a fresh tray. "But I've still got about an hour left of my shift before I can start thinking about that."

"It'll be over before you know it, and then you'll be able to enjoy what's left of your 21st." Pulling a small envelope out from behind the coffee maker, she slid it towards me with a smile on her face. "And in case you thought I forgot... happy birthday Aspen."

The smile on my face softened marginally as I saw my name scrawled across the front. "Thank you," I said appreciatively, tucking it into the front of my apron so I wouldn't leave it behind, "But I really should be getting back out there."

When she'd wished me a good night, I balanced the drink tray on my hand and headed back out to finish my shift. Now that Lucia had made me think of the relaxing night I had ahead, it was all that was on my mind as I jotted down orders, delivered food, and settled the bills for my designated section. The minutes seemed to fly by, and as the time on my watch began ticking closer to eight, I started giving away my tables to the other staff when new customers arrived.

It was five after eight when I returned to my last table, pocketing the tip they'd left me as I wiped off the surface and grabbed the last of the dirty dishes. When I reached the break room minutes later, I retrieved my bag from the cupboard I'd stored it in, yanking open the zipper to stuff my apron inside before I grabbed my jacket and headed for the back door.

Despite the early hour in the evening, the sun had long since set and the night sky did little to illuminate the sidewalk as I headed for the train station two blocks up. As I pulled my headphones out of my pocket and turned the volume of my music up loud, I drowned out the noise from the streets as the wind nipped at my cheeks. By the time I reached the station, my nose and the tips of my ears were coloured pink, and as the train pulled up, I managed to snag an open seat next to the window.

As the train began to gain speed - the buildings whizzing by - I tucked my bag underneath my seat and pulled out the envelope Lucia had given me. Opening it up, the edges of my lips tugged upwards at the sight of the card that had an overflow of balloons on the front.

Happy Birthday Aspen!

Make this year the best one yet, because you deserve it more than anyone ~Lucia

It was rare that I got any form of gift, and even though it was just a kind sentiment, I couldn't help but run my hand over the neatly scrawled words. Flipping it closed a moment later, I tucked it back safely inside the envelope and into my bag.

As the train neared the center of town, more passengers boarded and the narrow walkways were soon filled with people unable to find a seat. This didn't last long however, because once we begun venturing further towards the edges of the city – otherwise known as the run-down streets and poorer neighbourhoods, people began to step off when we pulled up at drop-off points.

When we reached the very last stop on the track – my stop – there were only a few people left to get off, including me, an elderly couple, and a man that had been seated a few rows behind me. I watched as the elderly couple headed towards the bus connection the small station had, but as I made a turn to head for the stairs and out towards the streets, I could feel a pair of eyes on me.

Normally I wasn't one to be paranoid, as growing up the way I did tended to toughen a girl up, but it also gave me an edge on how to sense danger. It was dark, my apartment was three blocks from the station, and these streets weren't all that populated. Glancing back over my shoulder as I turned the corner, it only took three steps before I saw the man from the train follow my path.

My heart spiked with fear, knowing that no matter how skilled I was at self-defence, it was unlikely that I would be able to take down someone who looked to be twice my age and built like a brick wall.

I quickened my pace, hoping that I had a chance at outrunning him, but when I looked over my shoulder again, all I saw was him speeding up as well.

He was tailing me – which meant I couldn't go home even if I wanted.

Cutting across the parking lot of a local mini mart, I sprinted down the next side street, thinking that my change in direction would throw him off course. Not risking a glance back, I pulled my dangling headphones off and tucked them into my pocket as I turned another corner and continued the long way home.

I thought I was safe. I thought I was in the clear.

Circling back around to my block however, it was evidently clear that I wasn't.

The man who'd been following me was standing just a few feet in front of me, and the sound of my boots trampling over the snow-covered road was loud enough for him to hear. I froze, my body flooding with fear as his head snapped upwards, his green eyes piercing and his grin slowly growing to put me on edge.

"There you are," he chuckled, taking a few slow steps towards me, "I thought you'd run off."

I quickly made a move to retreat, but my heart sank when I turned on my heel to see that he was no longer alone. There were three more of them now, all similar in size, but two of them looked closer to my age than the others.

I was surrounded with nowhere to go.

"What do you want?" I yelled, the words paining my throat as they fought to be heard over the howling winds.

My confidence faltered however when I was met with nothing but menacing laughs that tore me down, and feeling completely helpless, I couldn't decide whether to scream or attempt to run.

"What do we want?" one of the younger men said, stepping forward to tower over me. He immediately noticed the way that, while the air was cold, it wasn't the reason why I was shaking so persistently in my boots. "Well Aspen, I believe the answer to that question would be you."

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Þ Hope you all enjoyed a sneak peek at the "rough-draft" of the first chapter, and rest assured, there is still a few scenes that follow this one in the final version of this chapter! If you're interested in reading more about Aspen's story, head over to my profile – winx1348 – and add Cloak and Dagger to your library!

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