Call it What You Want

24 - Not Because He Owns Me

September 2017

Taylor's POV

Walking around the gardens with Mia by my side, I felt hopeful. I could finally start to imagine myself living a life outside of the agency. Maybe someday Joe and I would have kids of our own to take to the park. While there would still be the celebrity factor, I wouldn't have to be a slave to the government following orders all the time. Right now, that's all I wanted.

When I woke up this morning to an email from James with the subject line URGENT, I knew my day would not be pleasant. The agency received the new information that Natalie released, and to say they were concerned was an understatement. I was glad that Joe warned me about the information release last night. He gave me time to think about how I should respond should the agency reach out.

The notification of new information wasn't what bothered me. What bothered me was that James sent instructions for me assemble a team to bring in my targets within the next 72 hours. It was a non-negotiable point. The agency was forcing my hand. I had little time left to try and stall to protect Joe and now Natalie. At least the agency still didn't know my involvement with Natalie and Joe. They would not have had me lead point on the operation if they knew.

"I need to go potty," Mia said in an adorable British accent, interrupting my thoughts. I looked down to see her wiggling around, doing the toddler potty dance.

"Okay, let's find a restroom." I scanned the gardens for a sign that would direct us. Knowing that Mia couldn't walk quickly enough, I picked her up so that she rested on my hip and practically sprinted toward the restroom. I really hoped that she wouldn't relieve herself while clinging to me. Luckily, we made it without any accidents.

"Do you want me to help you?" I asked as I set her down. I wasn't sure how long she had been potty trained.

"I can do it," Mia replied confidently.

"Okay, I'll be out here if you need help," I told her as I closed the stall door.

While I waited for her to go, I messaged the team I had in place for the grab. I felt queasy sending the go ahead text. In precisely 20 minutes, a team of CIA agents would make contact with Joe and Natalie to bring them in for questioning. That meant I only had 20 minutes to get Mia somewhere safe. If there was anything I could do to make up for all my lies and betrayal, it had to be protecting Mia.

I sent a quick text to Joe. See you soon. I love you. - xoxo T

As I formulated my plan to bring in Joe and Natalie this morning, I did not expect Mia to come along. The moment I saw her walk up with Natalie, I quickly altered my plans. I promised Natalie that I would protect her daughter if anything were to go wrong. This was definitely all going wrong.

"Mia, are you almost done? We need to go now," I tried to keep my voice as calm as I could though I knew my time was running short.

She managed to open the stall door by herself and proudly flushed the toilet. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I lifted her up to the sink, so she could wash her hands.

"Good job," I praised her. "Now, your mommy made me promise to keep you safe. The only way I can do that right now is if I get you to your Daddy's house okay?" As the words came out of my mouth, I realized that given any other circumstances what I was about to do could be considered kidnapping. Mia remained surprisingly calm, though I could tell she knew what my words meant.

I picked her up once again to carry her to the car. Mia had her arms wrapped tightly around my neck and rested her head on my shoulder. I carefully chose a route through the garden that avoided crossing paths with my team. When I arrived at my car, I glanced around the area before setting Mia down.