Eva Sterling's Arc

Chapter 3 of 3

Eva stood in the doorway of the Counter Intelligence and Security College, her notepad pressed against her chest. Inside those walls, she'd find the tools to become what Jacob needed. The instructors would teach her how to read threats, how to predict danger, how to stay invisible when it mattered most. Tongassia rewarded those who learned its secrets. Eva stepped through the door, ready to earn every skill that would keep her brother alive. The digital sign outside caught her attention as she left her first class. It displayed the college's full list of programs in bright, moving graphics. Espionage. Surveillance. Advanced security protocols. Each course was a weapon she could add to her kit. Eva memorized the schedule. She'd take every class that mattered, learn every skill the instructors offered. Other students wanted careers. She wanted Jacob to survive. Two blocks from campus, she found a cafe with tan and yellow walls and a red tile roof. Fresh Grounds Cafe, the sign read. Eva pushed through the door. The morning crowd filled most tables. She ordered coffee and sat near the window. Conversations floated past her ears. A woman complained about strangers in her building. A man mentioned unusual activity near the docks. Eva wrote it all in her notepad. Intelligence lived in ordinary places. People shared what they'd seen over coffee without knowing someone was listening. On her way back to the safe house, Eva passed through the town square. A small gold statue stood on a marble base in the center. The winged figure of Nike gleamed in the afternoon light. A plaque beneath honored those who'd sacrificed to protect others. Eva stopped and stared at the statue. Tongassia celebrated protectors. It gave them monuments, training, and respect. She adjusted her satchel and kept walking. One day, Jacob would never know how close danger came. That would be her victory.