Eva Sterling's Arc

Chapter 5 of 5

Eva's exam results arrived by encrypted message that morning. She'd scored in the top fifteen percent of her surveillance class. The instructor added a note about her observation skills being exceptional. She forwarded the message to a secure folder and allowed herself thirty seconds of satisfaction. Progress had a measurement now. Numbers proved she was getting better at the skills Jacob needed her to have. She walked to Fresh Grounds Cafe and ordered her usual coffee, then opened her notepad to review her growing list of contacts and safe routes through town. The barista set down her cup and Eva noticed something across the street. A stone fountain stood near the college entrance, a carved hawk perched on top with water flowing from its base. Moss covered the lower stones in thick green patches. She'd walked past it dozens of times without really seeing it. The hawk's eyes stared outward, watching everyone who approached. Eva understood the symbolism immediately. Vigilance never stopped. Protection required constant attention. She took a photo with her camera and added a note in her notepad about sight lines and observation posts. Two blocks further, she found another fountain she'd missed before. Bronze figures stood in a circle, water pouring from their raised hands into a shared pool below. A small plaque read "Courage Fountain" with names etched beneath it. Eva studied the names. Some were marked with dates from twenty years ago. Others were more recent. These people had protected someone and earned recognition for it. Tongassia remembered its defenders. She traced one name with her finger and made herself a promise. Jacob would never appear on a memorial. He'd stay safe because she'd learned every skill before danger found him. Eva returned to her apartment and opened her satchel. Inside sat a brochure she'd picked up that morning. Serenity Dojo offered classes in defensive techniques and practical combat training. The photo showed a wooden interior with stone foundations and lattice windows letting in natural light. She couldn't always be next to Jacob. He needed his own skills, his own ability to react if something went wrong. Eva marked the beginner class times and placed the brochure on her desk. She'd visit tomorrow and assess the instructors. If they were competent, Jacob would start training next week. Every layer of protection mattered. Today had shown her that progress was measurable, and she was building something that would work.