The Skin Thief

Chapter 73

The weeks pass in a blur. The tests continue, but none of them are anywhere near as awful as the simulation one. The tests consist of more interviews, fitness, reaction and reflexes, problem-solving, observation, mathematics and critical thinking. It is almost like being back at the academy during final exams, except the academy was much, much harder.

Though I find them all easy, I make sure to make some errors here and there, not wanting my results to be too perfect that they draw suspicion.

With each test, more candidates are eliminated. I am so close I can practically taste it. That job will be mine.

There are five of us left now. Unfortunately, Serena is one of them.

I decided not to get any sort of revenge on her. It just isn't worth it. She's tried to sabotage me a few more times, but I've learnt from that first experience and each one has failed.

Today was the final interview and it was surprisingly easy. It was just like a normal job interview, similar to the one I did originally with the MOD.

I still can't believe that it's done and that in two days, a decision will be made. Every time I think about it, I feel a buzz of nervous excitement pulse through me.

"You need to calm down," Connor chuckles from my sofa as I pace across the living room.

"Sorry," I sigh and sit down next to him.

"Haven't you got work at the restaurant?" he asks.

"Yeah," I reply, leaning back. "In two hours."

"Another Mr Salt night?" he asks.

I nod my head and shudder at the thought of seeing Clarkie again.

"Another pointless fucking night," I grumble, knowing that whilst Clarkie is there, there isn't a chance I'll be able to place a listening device down. That man does nothing but watch me. Just thinking about the way his sickly, cloudy eyes bore into me in a hungry, predatory way, makes my stomach twist into knots.

"He wants to kill me. Well, I think he'd like to do more than that. He's a man who likes to make people suffer and, for some reason, it seems like I am the subject of his next twisted fantasy," I say.

"Who, Mr Salt?" Connor asks.

"No," I laugh, "Clarkie. I told you about him, remember?"

"Oh yeah. Him. You'll be fine, Ivy. Mr Salt is far too obsessed with you to let his rabid dog hurt you."

"I hope so," I mutter.

"Plus, even if he doesn't come after you, you are an expertly trained assassin. You'd kill him before he even got close."

I bite at my lips nervously. "Yeah and give away my identity in the process."

"You'll figure it out, Ivy. You always do," Connor assures me.

I sigh and lean on his shoulder.

"I hope so," I mutter, and shudder once more. Dread continues to pool in my stomach and Connor's words don't give me much comfort.

"Why don't I make us dinner before you go?" he asks.

I smile widely and sit up.

"Yeah, I thought that would cheer you up," he laughs, standing.

"I love you," I say to him.

"Yeah yeah, love you too. I especially love being your personal chef."

"Isn't that what being a guardian is about? Looking after me?"