Page 120 of Power
“ALPHA Ops have chips in their necks. It’s for our protection in case we’re taken. It became policy after Cooper got kidnapped.”
Slash brought her over to a locker. “Your gear.”
Simone’s locker was stocked with two pairs of camouflage shirts and fatigues, a three-pack of black socks, two black ski masks, an ankle holster, and a single shoulder holster. There was a go-bag and a duffle bag as well. She knelt to check the combat boots.
“How are these the right size?”
Slash waggled her eyebrows. “ALPHA knows all.”
Simone grew quiet as she changed into training gear. Minutes later, she pulled her hair into a ponytail, wound it into a neat bun, and secured it with clips.
With her boots in hand, she joined Slash on the bench.
“How are you doing?” Slash asked.
“I’m ready to get started.”
Providence walked in, the needle down by her side, but Simone spotted it right away. Her heart kicked up speed and the desire to bolt took hold, but she stayed seated on the bench.
Providence sat next to her, held up the needle. A microchip was floating in a tiny amount of fluid. “I insert this in the back of your neck, between the layers of skin. If you have sensitive skin, it might itch a little, but that’ll go away.”
Slash took her hand and Providence chuckled. “It’s an insertion, not an injection.”
“I don’t like needles,” Simone murmured.
“Let me tell you about training this morning,” Slash said.
As Slash chatted away, Providence stood behind Simone. With a tender touch, she inserted the chip. Simone felt the brief stick of the needle.
“All done,” Providence said. “You did great.” She handed her a small tube of cream. “Use this if you itch.” She stood. “I’m a phone call or a text away, for anything. What questions do you have for me?”
“Will I be assigned a laptop?”
“Great question. I was going to give you everything after training, but we can do it now.”
“I’m heading outside,” Slash said.
“I’ll bring Red out in a few,” Providence said.
Simone grabbed her go-bag, slung the duffle over her shoulder, and left the locker room with Providence. The hall was quiet, but when they turned the corner, the collection of voices grew louder, reaching a feverish pitch as they passed the break room. She glanced in. The group was still nestled in there, like a family at a holiday gathering.
But this was no holiday. This was Simone’s much-needed second chance. The woman once known as Red felt like she’d come home. A surge of confidence spurred her forward.
In the conference room, a laptop, a computer bag, two Kevlar vests, and a double shoulder holster waited on the table. After they sat, Providence opened the laptop, typed in a temporary password, then slid over the laptop so Simone could change it.
“You’ll have a partneranda mentor,” Providence explained. “They’re your first points of contact, but you can also reach out to me or Cooper. Since we don’t know if there’s a mole, keep your guard up.”
“Of course,” Simone replied.
“Slash wants to be your mentor. We think it’s a great fit, but you have the final say.”
“Slash is perfect.”
“You’ll meet your partner after training.” Providence gestured to the Kevlar vests. “One is kept at ALPHA, one at your home. Since ALPHA is closed for now, keep both with you.”
Simone nodded.
“And definitely wear one for training today.” Providence unearthed a black essentials pouch from the go-bag. She withdrew several badges—ATF, DEA, FBI, DHS, CIA, and State Department, all with her photo.
