Chapter 2 Suspicions

Jason pushed his plate to the side of the table, having done with his breakfast. He tapped his fingers on the table, sighing in deep concentration.

"Just be careful who you talk to. As of now, we can't really trust anyone.'' David said.

"Of course, I will. Thanks for the advice.'' Jason smiled.

David nodded before rising up to his feet. He had other matters to attend to at the records department where he also worked.

"I'll be at the RD in case you need me.'' he said.

"Sure", Jason said.

David left soon, leaving Jason behind who was deep in thought. What David had just told him was the farthest thing on his mind. Though, it bothered him but not as much as what he was currently battling with.

Jason knew that he needed to find a way out of this place. He needed to do something that would take him out of here for a long time, permanently. Asides that, he constantly thought about his estranged father who didn't care if he was alive or not. All Jason ever knew was the love from his mother and now, she was dead which left him heartbroken and yearning for love.

He knew where his father lived, on the campus grounds at Harvard law school but Jason vowed not to go in search of him since he didn't bother to check up on him for a single day. He didn't understand why his father would suddenly part away from him knowing fully well that this was the time they needed each other the most, especially since his mother had passed on.

There was absolutely nothing he hadn't thought about as to why his father chose to abandon him but none could justify his father's actions.

"Just the man I was looking for", a voice said.

Jason looked up and immediately stood at attention when he discovered it was the squad leader, Sgt O'Neal smiling down at him. Jason saw him as a friend and a confidante and sometimes, they traded stories of old.

"At ease corporal", Sgt O'Neal said.

He took the seat David had just vacated, signaling one of the waiters to bring him a cup of tea since it was particularly cold that morning. Jason resumed his seat, a bit nervous as to why he was here.

Even though they were somewhat close, it still didn't change the fact that the Sergeant was his senior and could easily dismiss him if he was found guilty of a crime. But knowing who he was, Jason knew that he wouldn't do that to him.

"This is a pleasant surprise sir", Jason smiled.

Usually, he was the one to go see O'Neal in his office but this time, the reverse was the case as the senior officer sought him out. Jason knew that he wanted to pass information to him, hence his coming here.

"I know. I wanted to talk to you about something", Sgt O'Neal said.

The waiter brought a steaming cup of tea, placing it on the table. Jason watched as the vapor spiraled upwards. He was a bit entranced by the sequence and spent a good minute watching it.

"Anything else Sergeant?", the waiter asked.

"No, thank you Harold. And please, report to the record department as soon as you're done here. David needs a helping hand.'' he said.

"Roger that Sir", the waiter said before taking his leave.

"Sorry about that", Sgt O'Neal chuckled.

"Not a problem sir.'' Jason said.

He watched the Sergeant closely and discovered that he was a bit nervous, bordering on jittery and Jason had no idea why. This was unlike him and deep down, he really hoped that he wasn't a part of the conspiracy that was slowly brewing.

"I don't know if you've heard about the latest development", he began.

"No Sir.'' Jason said.

He decided to appear neutral and unaware of whatever was going on. David's warnings still rang in his ears and he wasn't about to make such a mistake knowing fully well the kind of person he was dealing with.

"Word has it that SSgt Rodriguez, the platoon Sergeant, would make an appearance soon", he said.

"Okay Sir but is this odd?" Jason asked.

"Well, on a normal level, it isn't. But considering what I've been hearing, I don't know if it's a good idea for him to come now.'' Sgt O'Neal said.

"What have you been hearing, Sir?" Jason pressed.

"That there are some miscreants, betrayers amongst us.'' he said.

Jason sat back because now, it had been confirmed to him that indeed what David said might be true after all.

"Has this been confirmed Sir?" Jason asked.

"Not yet. You know things like this take time before we can determine if it's true or not.'' Sgt O'Neal said.

"I understand Sir. So what's being done about it?" Jason asked.

"Corporal, that's where the problem lies. Nothing.'' he said.

"Alright Sir. I'll suggest we keep this under wraps, we shouldn't allow it to get to the ears of everyone because now, we really don't know who's our friend or foe.'' Jason said.

"Very correct. You'll help me with something too.'' he said.

"At your service Sir.'' Jason said.

"Inform everyone that SSgt Rodriguez might make an appearance pretty soon and I want everyone to be orderly. I really don't know when he's coming but I feel it's pretty soon.'' he said.

"Roger that Sir.'' Jason said.

"Good, thank you.'' Sgt O'Neal said before downing the rest of his tea.

He rose to his feet while Jason rose too as a sign of respect. Jason escorted him out of the cafeteria as he watched the senior officer make his way back to the block of offices that stood at the far corner of the ground.

Jason knew that he had work to do and it was up to him not to fail in the duties that were left in his care.

"I better get to work.'' he muttered.

There was so much for him to do and the earlier he begins with it, the better for him.