Hazina's Revenge

Chapter 6 - Her New Identity

Nobody spoke a word while I made lists of everybody my parents were acquainted with. I’m sure there were more than I could think of, since I had been away at college for several years.

When I returned to our hometown, I returned with a fiance, who insisted we get our own place right away, so I honestly had no clue who their most recent acquaintances were. I could only recall a few first names of people my parents spoke of, but I had no knowledge of their last names.

As for my list, it was a lot easier to compile. I had always been selective about my closest friends, keeping everybody else at an arm’s length, so I knocked that list out in no time.

Once I was finished with both lists, I dropped the clipboard on Director Owen’s desk and mumbled, “That is everybody I can think of right now. If any more names come to mind, I’ll let Agent Wilson know.”

“Thank you, Hazina. If there is anything we can do to make this transition easier for you, don’t hesitate to let Agent Wilson know that as well.”

I nodded my head to acknowledge the Director, then I turned to Agent Wilson and asked, “Can we get the ball rolling again? I don’t want to be here any longer than necessary.”

It’s not that I had anything pressing to tend to. I simply just didn’t want to be there.

All I wanted was a dark, quiet room. Somewhere to cry in private. I had already shed enough tears in front of others the past few days.

I was led back to the 25th floor and taken to Shane’s office. He was still sitting behind his mahogany desk. Only now, the top of the desk was littered with different manila files.

After I sat down in front of his desk, he flashed a little smile my way and commented, “That was fast. I thought I would have a little more time. It’s a good thing I’m great at what I do.”

I couldn’t help but to chuckle in response to his comment, then I sheepishly replied, “I hope you do a better job than the person who gave my parents their identities.”

A frown appeared on his face for just a second before Shane went back to smiling. While scooting the folders together, he enthusiastically asked, “Are you ready to learn about the new you?”

“As ready as I’m gonna be,” I muttered with no excitement whatsoever.

“Cheer up, Hazina. Look at this as a new beginning. You can become whoever or whatever you want to be. The world is at your fingertips. Seize the moment and become the best you possible,” Shane advised.

“That’s easier said than done when you have nobody,” I glumly retorted.

“Hazina, you have all of us. We might not be your family, but we are the next best thing. We are here to help you in any way we can,” he insisted.

Out of nowhere, I felt a hand squeeze my shoulder and nearly jumped out of my skin, making all of the guys chuckle. When I glanced over and up, I saw Agent Wilson looking down at me with a sympathetic expression on his face.

As he squeezed my shoulder a second time, Dante calmly stated, “I don’t want you to ever feel like you are alone in this. Even if I get pulled off of your protection detail, you can always come to me for anything.”

“Thanks, guys. You’ll have to forgive me for my sour attitude. It’s not my norm,” I responded with a forced smile.

“You have nothing to apologize for, Hazina. Now, back to the details of your new identity,” Shane piped up.

“Lay it on me,” I mumbled.

“Your new name is Hazina Layla Veracruz. Your parents were Maria and Cesar Veracruz, and you once had a sister named Valerie Veracruz. Shortly after you left for college, they were killed by a drunk driver. Understand so far?” he rambled.

“Yes, I am Hazina Layla Veracruz. My parents and sister were all killed in a car accident. Their names were Maria, Cesar and Valerie. What else?” I responded.

“I have a two-bedroom apartment lined up for you. The first year of rent is already paid, but upon renewing the lease, you will be responsible for the rent. Also, I have a job lined up for you at Zoo Miami. You will be working as a veterinary assistant,” Shane continued to explain.

“Don’t I need advanced schooling for a job like that?” I cut in.

“Technically, yes, but desperate times call for desperate measures. They are well aware of your lack of schooling, and they are prepared to get you the proper training for the job. Jackie Mayburn is the veterinarian that you will be assisting, and she is expecting you to start a week from today,” he assured me.

“Why not start as soon as I get there?” I asked.

“This way, we can get you settled in and make sure nobody from the cartel was able to track your movements,” Agent Jacobs answered for Shane.

“I see. Is there any other important information I should know?” I curiously inquired.

“You should definitely think about changing your appearance. I wouldn’t do anything too drastic with the color, but I would get it cut and styled differently,” Shane advised.

“I will take that into consideration,” I sheepishly responded.

“Everything you need to know about your new identity is in this folder, and when I say everything… I mean everything. From family members to childhood friends to favorite foods and so on. If you have any questions, you can contact me at the phone number on the inside of the folder,” Shane explained, as he held the folder out for me.

After flipping through several pages of information, I focused my gaze on Shane and mumbled, “Thanks so much for taking the time to do this for me.”

“It’s my pleasure, Miss Veracruz. I hope this new beginning turns out to be just what you need,” he responded with a wink.