Free Crossing the Line by Meghan Rogers

expression was even, but I noticed a small spark in his eye. “If you can figure out those locations, I’ll supply you with people to help with the infiltrations and provide a place for those agents to go.”
    I eyed him uncertainly. I could tell this was about more than justdamaging KATO. And taking on that many enemy agents was asking a lot. “What’s in it for you?”
    He gave me a small smile. “Don’t worry about it.” He read my uneasiness and tipped his head. “Jocelyn, you’re trusting me with your life. If you plan on making this happen, you’re going to have to trust me with this too.”
    I bit my lip and conceded a nod.
    â€œAll right, then,” he said after a moment. “You have a way you can get to a computer to make your contact?”
    â€œI’ll come up with something,” I said, smiling. “Got to pretend I’m a double agent, right?”
    Simmonds nodded gravely. “Be careful. If any of our agents catch you—”
    â€œThey’ll think I have a mystery game hobby,” I said, though even I didn’t believe myself. I dropped my smile. “I’ll be fine. I’ve been doing this a long time.”
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    I was more anxious than I was expecting to be the night before my first KATO contact and I couldn’t relax enough to fall asleep. My mind came floating back to my parents, which it did a lot when I didn’t have something else to distract me. I had so many questions. Some of which I didn’t think that much about until I’d gotten to the IDA. Were they good agents? What were their strengths? Did my dad ever try to find me? Was I like them at all?
    The later it got, the more questions I had and the more restless I felt. By one in the morning, I found myself pacing the room. I had to do something—anything. I couldn’t stay suffocated in this room all night. I was going to get answers.
    I had located the IDA’s archives room in the lower level of the Operations Building a few days earlier. It housed a copy of every mission and personnel file in the IDA’s system. I hadn’t considered investigating further until that moment.
    I crept across the courtyard. It was a new moon, which made it practically pitch-black out. I tugged on the door, and wasn’t surprised to find it was unlocked. With missions occurring all over the world, I had no doubt that the IDA had someone in this building at all times. I stood by the door, listening for anyone who might be coming down the hall. Simmonds didn’t tell me any place was off-limits, but I knew most people wouldn’t agree. When I was sure I was alone, I moved stealthily down the hallway pausing outside the archives door, which I was stunned to find open.
    Once I saw the setup of the room, I understood why it was so easy to get inside. The room itself didn’t have too much in it, with the exception of four computers that lined the back wall. Each computer required an agent security code for access. I was clearance level two, which got me access to the most basic files—past missions, basic personal details, employment records, and other trivial information. Most agents were level four, higher agents levels five or six, with seven and eight being reserved for the highest-ranking IDA members. I punched my security code into the closest computer and logged on.
    Once I was in I started combing through the files. I didn’t see any kind of easy search bar. These files were sorted as if this were a physical filing cabinet. I had to tab through the virtual drawers and folders to find what I was looking for. I slid closer to the screen, causing the chair to squeak slightly. I hadn’t gotten far when the light flicked on. I whirled around to find Nikki standing at the door, her eyes wide asshe took in the scene. “What are you doing?” Her voice was far too calm for the look of livid disbelief