Hunted: The Zoe Dixon Saga, #2

By Poppy Williams

The Hunt is on for Zoe Dixon

 

The first assassin showed up during dinner. Now, sixteen-year-old Zoe Dixon is on the run. Someone's put a price on her head, and she's not sure why. 

 

It's been six months since her life changed forever, and she's still no closer to figuring out the truth about her family, or about the organization behind her training. The Hive is still out there, and Zoe wants answers. But all her questions take a backseat when "The Hunt" begins. 

 

Unexpected help comes in the form of her estranged sister Mia, who Zoe doesn't fully trust. Mia comes armed with information about The Hive, and a few family bombshells. Now, Zoe just has to stay alive long enough to figure out who wants her dead. 

 

Hunted is book two in the Zoe Dixon Saga. Fans of Marvel's Black Widow, Alex Rider, and Peggy Carter will love this Young Adult action packed suspense thriller.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Poppy Williams
• Release date: Feb 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215898789

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

It was a Saturday morning, but instead of sleeping in like a normal human being, Zoe Dixon found herself sitting in an FBI interrogation room. 

For most sixteen-year-olds, that would be unusual. But for Zoe, the Denver field office had become all too familiar. As she sat waiting on an uncomfortable metal chair, she silently counted how many times she’d visited in the past six months. The answer was forty-three times. The meetings had become almost routine, but today, something was different. 

Normally, Saturday started with her and Corey making the fifty-minute drive to Denver. Corey Park, her best friend, was pretty much her constant companion. The two had met last fall, just before Zoe’s family disappeared. 

All her life, Zoe had been told that her adoptive parents, Carl and Sofia Dixon, worked for U.S. intelligence. But that was a lie. Her parents really worked for a criminal organization known as The Hive. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Zoe learned that all the training her parents had given her was done under false pretenses. Everything Carl and Sofia had done was for The Hive. Including Zoe’s training. Zoe wanted nothing to do with The Hive, so saying yes to the FBI was an easy choice. 

On their third trip to Denver, they’d found a tiny Mexican restaurant with the best guacamole Zoe had ever eaten. Now it was a part of their weekly routine. Every Saturday, she and Corey climbed into the car and made their way north. They had lunch at Tortilla House and then headed to the FBI field office. There, Zoe would make her way inside to face whatever questions came her way. She realized she was now associating one of the largest intelligence agencies in the world with chips and guacamole. 

She felt the corner of her mouth curl up in a smirk just thinking about it. Glancing around the interrogation room, she realized she needed a good laugh. 

Normally, her interviews took place in Sully’s office. James Sullivan was the only FBI agent Zoe trusted. He was the reason she was here. She’d said yes to answering the FBI’s questions about her family because Sully said it would help. The interviews had started with him. They’d sit in his office and he’d ask her questions about her childhood. After a few weeks, new faces appeared. She went from just talking to Sully, to being interviewed by several agents within the bureau. 

Even before she met Sully, the FBI was already investigating The Hive. They had little evidence, but had opened an investigation based on the underground rumors they were hearing. Having Zoe agree to come in for interviews was a big win for them. Over the last six months, she’d helped them fill in a lot of holes. The investigation was growing. 

But now she was here. Not in Sully’s comfortable office, but in a sterile interrogation room. She’d only taken a few steps into the building that afternoon when she spotted Sully standing in the lobby. That was the first red flag. The look on his face was the second. 

His normally relaxed demeanor was tense as he stood staring into space. She could almost see the wheels in his head turning. He was so lost in thought; he didn’t notice them until they were standing directly in front of him. 

What’s wrong? Zoe asked. She’d never seen Sully with that expression on his face. He’d also never met them in the Lobby. They usually checked in at the front desk and then got led to his office by a receptionist. She watched as Sully gave a subtle shake of his head, causing the expression of deep thought to fall away. 

And what exactly makes you think there’s something wrong? he said in his slow drawl.

Even I can tell something’s up, Corey said. 

Sully released a deep breath and let a small smile escape. Clearly I’ve been out of the field too long. If you guys can read my expressions that easily, I’m out of practice. 

He turned to face Zoe.

Someone new has requested to interview you today.

Okay, Zoe said. She wasn’t sure why that called for the look of concern that was quickly creeping back on to Sully’s face. 

So far, the interviews have mostly been information gathering, Sully said. I’m not sure what to expect from this one. I got the request this morning, along with a request for my files on the case.

From who? Zoe asked.

From Donald Gibbs. He’s the S.A.C., the Special Agent in Charge. That means he oversees several departments within the agency. Over the last few years, he’s made a bit of a name for himself, which is a nice way of saying that he’s got a reputation. Corey, you won’t be able to sit in on the interview today. I’ll walk you back to my office. You’ll have to wait there.

Why do you sound worried? he asked Sully.

I’m not worried. Zoe can handle herself in an interview. Plus, she hasn’t done anything wrong. I’m just not a fan of the way Gibbs works, and I’m not exactly sure why he’s taken an interest in the case.

I’m sure everything will be fine, said Zoe. I’ll just be honest, like I have been. Whatever questions he wants to ask, I’ll answer. Will you be there with me?

Yes, I’ll be there, said Sully.

Although she didn’t need him to sit in on the interview, she still felt settled about the fact that he would be there.

What don’t you like about the way Special Agent Gibbs works? Corey asked. 

He has a reputation for being a micromanager, said Sully. Amongst other things.

Before he could elaborate, the group was interrupted.

Agent Sullivan, said the tall, beefy man with brown hair as he approached.

Agent Sampson, Sully said, acknowledging the man.

Special Agent Gibbs sent me to escort Ms. Dixon to the interview room.

I’m coming to the interview with her, said Sully. I could just escort her myself.

I’m aware of that, Agent Sampson responded. Just following orders. 

Fine, escort away. I’ll see you in a few minutes, he said to Zoe.

She nodded and gave Corey a quick glance. He gave her a wink before he turned to follow Sully towards his office. Zoe turned to follow Agent Sampson towards a doorway she’d never been through before.

Agent Sampson was silent the entire way there. He led her into the room, pointed towards a chair, and then turned to leave. Zoe sat and quickly took in the situation. She immediately noted the large mirror that nearly covered one of the walls. Without a doubt, she knew there was an observation room behind the mirror. There were people watching her. 

She glanced back towards the doorway as the door closed behind Agent Sampson. Her eyebrows raised as she heard the click of a lock turning. Not only had Special Agent Gibbs had her escorted to an interrogation room, but he’d also instructed that she be locked inside. Zoe could see the mind games a mile away. He was trying to shake her up. 

Instead of feeling unsettled, her lips spread in a small smile as she recalled the years of interrogation training she’d faced under Carl and Sofia Dixon. As the memories resurfaced, Zoe raised a hand to her mouth to hold in the chuckle. She hadn’t thought about the man in black in a long time. That’s what she and her sister Mia used to call the man that had done some of their interrogation training. He was a short man, with dark hair and a round face. And every time he showed up for a lesson, he wore the same black suit.

It wasn’t often that Carl and Sofia brought in outside help, but there were certain topics and techniques they wanted the girls to learn that they knew someone else could teach better. 

When any of those teachers showed up, the girls were always told they worked with their parents at the agency. Looking back at it now, Zoe would put money on the fact that those outside people probably worked for The Hive. 

Now, she recalled a specific lesson the man in black had taught them.

When interrogating a subject, it’s possible to get the information you need without ever touching them. Physical torture is for amateurs. Real interrogation begins with the mind.

She remembered his wild eyes as he jabbed an index finger into the side of his head as he spoke. He then spent the next five lessons teaching them how to respond to psychological interrogation. Remembering those techniques, Zoe closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. In the silence, she reminded herself why she was here. As those reasons surfaced, she breathed deep. And then, when she was ready, she opened her eyes. 

As if on cue, she heard the door unlock. 

Zoe turned her head and got her first glimpse of Special Agent Donald Gibbs. He was tall with dirty blonde hair that was cut short. The dark suit he wore was perfectly tailored for his wiry frame. As he entered the room, he turned towards her and smiled. Zoe could see the fake politeness as it radiated from him. 

Hello Zoe. I’m Special Agent Donald Gibbs, and I’ll be in charge of your interview today. 

Nice to meet you, Special Agent Gibbs.

He sat across from her, placing a large manilla folder on the table in front of him. He flipped through it, letting the silence in the room grow. They sat like that for several minutes. 

Unfazed, Zoe waited patiently, once again aware that Donald Gibbs was trying to rattle her. 

When he was ready, Special Agent Gibbs closed the folder and placed it on his lap. 

I’ve reviewed your file and have gotten up to speed on the investigation. It seems like you’ve been coming into the office to give interviews for the past six months.

Yes, that’s correct.

Why is that?

Why is what? Zoe asked, her eyes narrowing at the question.

This appears to be your forty-third visit. It looks like at one point, you were even coming in several times a week. I’m just wondering why you would do that?

I agreed to come because Agent Sullivan told me it would help.

Help with what, exactly? 

To help with the investigation into The Hive, Zoe said. If you’ve read the file, then you know about the things that happened to me last fall. If the FBI can help find other kids that are like me, then I’m happy to come every day, if that’s what you need. 

Just like she’d told Sully in the lobby, Zoe was ready to be honest. The reason she’d been happy to come week after week to be interviewed was because she believed she was helping. She hoped she could give the FBI the information they needed to take down The Hive. 

Before Special Agent Gibbs could respond, the door opened and in walked Sully. He glanced around the room, and Zoe could see he was not happy.

Sorry I’m late, said Sully. Is there a reason we’re having this meeting in an interrogation room?

He waited for an answer as he sat in the empty chair next to Zoe.

Yes, my apologies about that, said Special Agent Gibbs. My assistant must have mixed up the room reservation.

Zoe didn’t believe that for a minute. By holding the interview in this room, he was sending a message, and she heard it loud and clear.

We were just getting started, so you haven’t missed much, he said. Zoe was just explaining that she’s agreed to all of our interviews because she wants to help.

That’s right, said Sully. And she has helped. We’ve learned more about The Hive and their training program from her than we have since this investigation started.

As Sully spoke, Zoe kept her eyes on Donald Gibbs. The look on his face said he was unimpressed. 

I’m not sure if Agent Sullivan has told you, but there are several of us here at the agency who have a lot of questions about this supposed training program. What was it called again? he asked as he opened the file to search for the name. 

It’s called the family plan, Zoe answered.

Yes, that’s it, Special Agent Gibbs said, closing the folder again. As you know, there’s not much evidence to support its actual existence. In fact, the only real evidence the agency has ever gathered about the family plan has come from you. He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in.

I want to be clear about why I’ve stepped into this investigation. I’ve been at the agency for several years now. My current rank is Special Agent in Charge. Do you know what that means?

Yes, said Zoe. It means you’re the highest ranking person I’ve spoken to at the FBI.

That’s correct, he said. I take my job as a leader here very seriously. I think the best way I can help the agency do its job well is to make sure my departments are running wisely. That means I get final approval on all investigations that run within the departments I lead. We spend money only on investigations that are worthwhile. If a case is leading nowhere, we shut things down and re-route those resources someplace where they’ll be more effective.

Zoe was beginning to get a clear picture of why he was here. 

You don’t believe the family plan is real, Zoe said bluntly. And if you don’t believe that, I’m guessing you don’t believe that The Hive exists.

I believe you believe those things exist, said Special Agent Gibbs. I understand from reading your story that your family abandoned you six months ago. That would be tough for anyone to deal with. How old are you?

I’m sixteen.

Dealing with abandonment is difficult at any age, So I can only imagine what you’ve been through. He tried to soften his voice, but his fake compassion was just that, fake.

While he continued to talk, Zoe turned her head towards Sully, her wide eyes trying to convey the confusion she was feeling. Sully gave her a subtle ‘I don’t know’ shrug and Zoe turned back towards Donald Gibbs, who at this point was just ramping up. 

I mean, the whole idea behind the family plan is that two loving parents adopt two children, and then train them to be killing machines. It all seems a bit far-fetched, wouldn’t you agree?

I don’t know what to tell you, Special Agent Gibbs, said Zoe. All I can do is share my experience. You say it sounds far-fetched, but I lived it for sixteen years, and it all seemed normal to me. The day I learned the truth about my parents was devastating. Never in a million years would I have thought that something sinister was going on behind the scenes. So I get it. It sounds unbelievable, but I’m here in the flesh to tell you it’s real. It’s not far-fetched. In fact, it’s sitting right here in front of you.

The room was silent for a moment before Zoe heard a loud cough come from Sully’s direction. She glanced over at him to see his hand covering his mouth. She could see the twinkle in his eyes, which meant his cough was really a little nudge of encouragement just for her.

Interesting thoughts, said Special Agent Gibbs, as he pulled a notebook from underneath the file folder and began taking notes.

Like I mentioned, I’ve reviewed all of your interviews, which were enlightening. I’m wondering what you think about the fact that you’re the only piece of evidence we have about this supposed criminal organization. 

The Hive, Zoe said. They’re called The Hive. 

Yes, that’s right, said Gibbs. It’s an interesting name for a criminal organization, don’t you think? It sounds a bit like something from a James Bond movie. He studied her, waiting for a reaction. 

I suppose it does, Zoe said, as she calmly stared back at him.

Were you aware that the FBI searched through your family’s home extensively, and yet found no evidence of anyone other than you?

 Yes, I’m aware of that, Zoe said. But again, if you’ve read my interviews, then you understand that The Hive did its best to erase all evidence of Carl and Sofia. I left the house one morning and everything was fine. When I came home later that day, everything was gone.

That must’ve been tough, he said. Just to be clear, the only prints or DNA we found in the house belong to you.

I’m not sure what you were expecting to find, Zoe said. It’s not surprising to me that there was no evidence of my family. The Hive doesn’t want anyone to know they exist.

So you think this super secretive organization has enough resources to empty a house within a couple of hours, and remove any physical evidence they don’t want left behind?

Well, seeing as how they did it, I guess the answer to your question is yes, Zoe said. 

Special Agent Gibbs gave her an icy stare before he continued.

Your file also states that there was a video left behind by your parents.

Yes, there was. said Zoe.

And where is that video?

Zoe knew where this line of questioning was going. The video that Carl and Sofia had left behind was gone. The flash drive that had contained the file had also contained a virus. After she and Mia had watched the video, the virus corrupted the computer, erasing everything. 

Forgive me, Special Agent Gibbs, but if you’ve read the file, you already know what happened to the video, Sully said.

Gibbs gave another dry smile and then continued.

Supposedly destroyed, he said. Once again, no evidence. 

He turned his attention back to the folder in front of him, flipping the pages slowly, before he continued. 

Your file says that you speak over ten languages.

I speak twelve, Zoe said. Thirteen if you count English. 

Fluently? Gibbs asked.

Yes, she answered confidently.

And this language learning was a part of your training as well?

Correct, said Zoe. I learned my first language at five.

She watched as he scribbled away in his notebook. She could only imagine what notes he was taking.