Oh no, she saw me sh*t. I really wanted to approach her and talk to her, too bad this friend of hers showed up.
Agent Shawn tried to hide himself by lowering his head and feigning to be busy with his phone, but it was too late.
Claire and Anny frantically took their bag and belongings and left the diner. They were clearly scared off.
Ray shakes his head in a rhythmical manner. "For real, Shawn, you got made (meaning he was noticed).
I knew you wanted to go and meet her, Ray said with a plain face, that wasn't the plan. You were to wait until we did this officially.
Now you scared her away, are you happy now? Sarcasm in his voice. You opposed this whole thing earlier, but now you are acting differently.
Humm.. don't forget it, Just a Job, like the others you have done, so be focused".
Ray is part of the handful of people on earth who can really talk to him. Shawn also reciprocated by respecting and appreciating his counsel, sometimes at least.
*
*
*
Claire looked almost unreal in the soft white dress they'd chosen simple enough not to draw attention, yet elegant enough to honor the moment.
The gown fit her slim, subtly athletic frame with clean, modern lines, the fabric falling smoothly to her ankles like liquid light.
Against her smooth, warm olive skin, the white created a gentle glow, giving her an almost ethereal calm despite the tension surrounding her.
Her short, dark auburn hair was brushed neatly to one side, glossy and soft, framing her face and leaving her hazel-green eyes unobstructed.
Those eyes, radiant, alive, passionate, were the only truly unrestrained thing about her, betraying the storm of emotion beneath her composed exterior.
A thin satin ribbon cinched her waist, nothing extravagant, just enough to accentuate her natural elegance.
She wore no veil, no elaborate jewelry, just the simplest of make-up and the natural beauty radiating.
I, on the other hand, didn't look too bad either, clad in a suit that was crisp, dark, and sharply tailored black with a subtle matte finish, chosen as much for professionalism as for blending into shadows.
The jacket hugged broad on my shoulders and the white shirt beneath added a stark contrast that made me look even more formidable.
I wore no tie; the agency hadn't given me time for one, and I didn't care for unnecessary accessories anyway.
The agency wanted this as discreet and quiet as possible, but they also wanted it to be legitimate with some sense of normality.
Hence, the presence of a licensed priest who, of course, is under the agency, Claire's best friend Anny, who has been vetted and approved as a witness, and Raymond as my witness.
Two fellow agents, James and Louis they are on this case and are the ones responsible for briefing Claire, carrying her along, and making this all possible.
A senior supervising agent, a photographer, who, without doubt, is with the agency to take photos, all part of the operation, who will believe a wedding without photos?
The whole thing was staged but meant to look as real as possible. The licensed priest stood near the table.
Clearing his throat. "We are gathered here to solemnize the union of Claire Morgan and Shawn Klin, legally and with full consent of both parties." This is still a Job the agency didn't permit me to use my real name.
I could visibly see the anxiety, fear, and doubt all mixed up in her face, but despite that, I sensed an underlying inner strength through those Hazel green eyes. She lifted her chin, steady, and said "I do," clearly when prompted, her voice carrying across the room.
I replied quietly, but firmly "I do."
A brief pause followed, almost ceremonial. The priest gestured to the table where the license lay, and Claire went first, signing her name with deliberate precision.
I followed, my hand steady, almost mechanical, it was done.
The witnesses signed next, their pens scratching against the paper in quiet rhythm, and finally, the officiant added his signature, the act completing the legal bond.
"By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you legally married," the priest said, voice calm but resonant. There was no fanfare, no cheers, only the muted acknowledgment of the moment.
The photographer did his Job, we took pictures together, then with Ray and her friend Anny.
All the documents signed and the legal proceedings involved will be managed, controlled, and kept by the agency.
I talked with the senior supervising agent and the other 2 agents, including Ray, just a private meeting of our own.
Nothing surprising, details of the safe house where we are going, protocols, emergency protocols, and the like.
And other related matters, investigation is still ongoing concerning the murder of Claire's father, and any other person of interest who might be interested in this software program.
*
*
*
Oh! I can't believe this, I really can't believe this. Just happened, so I am now Mrs Claire Klin.
Is this how it's supposed to feel because I don't think, I feel anything right now. I just don't know..it happened like a dream. Claire covers her face with her hands in frustration.
When Anny called my attention to the diner to the 2 men discreetly taking an interest in our table, hence to us. I immediately lost it.
One of such reasons is based on the previous discussion I had with those agents about my father's murderer, how I am to be careful, and they are working on some protection arrangements according to my father's own plan.
Immediately, we left the diner, and it was tough convincing Anny to let me go home alone. She did what any good friend would do, but I insisted she go home and we would see each other later.
I was afraid, My dad had just died. I am literally alone in this world, I won't sacrifice the closest person, I have to a family as collateral damage.
Immediately, I got home. I called the number those agents gave me, and I explained everything to them. They calmed me down and gave me assurance that I was safe.
And within a few minutes, a police patrol car had arrived, stationed in front of the house. The Agents guaranteed that I was safe.
The police men had been instructed on what to do, and it seems somehow these particular ones have some connections with them.
Eh!! What do I care, as long as I'm safe? They later called me and briefed me about this marriage arrangement, for my safety and all that is required of me to do.
And it was happening the next 2 days. I was shocked but after everything that has happened, I guess I am getting to handle all these surprises well.
I called Anny, though they told me not to tell anyone about the whole arrangement, but at this point. I couldn't hide anything from Anny, I just can't bear all this alone.
I kept her informed from the beginning. "So, shall we go, Mrs. Klin?" I looked up to see who interrupted my thoughts.