“Bye.” I waved back to her Mel one last time. I was going to miss her but like she said, I’m sure I’ll see her again. I wish her all the best and I hope they truly do live happily ever after despite the odds for your average CIA agent and in this case two of them which had even less successful odds of working out in their favor.
“So, how about this test you promised me. I’ve been psyching myself up since someone who shall remain nameless won’t give me any hints.” Jennifer bounced or her toes in excitement.
“Alright, just head on over to McMullan’s.” I hinted as I turned back toward the CIA building.
“Okay, once I get there, then what?”
“Just go there and hang out. That’s your mission. Something may happen, something may not. An agent’s goal is to state alert at all times, 24/7, even when off duty.”
“That’s it? I was expecting something more elaborate than that.”
“You’ve been watching too much television. What we have to deal with on a day-to-day business is hardly exciting.”
“A snore fest, great…” Jennifer rolled her eyes again. “I better get to it then I guess. Wish me luck.”
“I don’t have to, I’ll be there to join you as soon as I can.”
Chapter Four
Jennifer
The situations that went on with Jack, Mel and Greyson over the past few weeks had gotten a little too heated for me and whenever something blew up or escalated, I always left the room as quickly as I could. I only took an interest in the letter in the first place because I thought it was just a secret admirer letter to Jack but it was so much more than that. It was a complicated situation that I was almost sorry to get myself involved in. I didn’t do heavy situations and I probably was the one that started the snowball effect by asking Greyson all about the letter. It was too sappy and it nearly broke me to read it. I never want to feel that way again.
I was twenty-two years old and my life shouldn’t be about adult relationships and adult problems, I was supposed to be out there making money at my first real job post-graduation and partying it up or traveling. Instead, I stupidly applied to my dream job earlier than I was ready for just because I wanted to get away from everything that plagued me months after my dad’s death.
They say that losing someone close to you changed the way you perceived the world and I wasn’t ready for things to change. I wasn’t used to funerals, death and losing people I cared about and it was an eye opening experience. I’ve spent the past year and a half wanting things to go back to the way they used to be. Most days I was alternated between being depressed, angry, in shock, anxious, worried or had minor panic attacks. I never told my mother about any of this because I didn’t want her to worry but I hated how things were now. I thought moving away from home would help me escape from these feelings but no matter where I went, they were there.
“Hey honey, can I buy you a drink?”
“Fuck off.” I replied as I took another sip from the bottle of beer I had been nursing for the past hour. I eyed the sleazebag as he retreated across the bar muttering the word bitch under his breath. I was sitting on a grimy barstool watching out for the sign Greyson said I’d receive at some point tonight.
He said he wanted to try something different this week and turns out that meant roleplaying. Not the good kind, unfortunately, but he wanted me to come to McMullan’s and look out for something. It took a while but I got Greyson to hint at it maybe was going to be a suspect of sorts I’m supposed to catch or maybe it was nothing at all. I wasn’t given any descriptors and I wasn’t told whether this was a real suspect with a real criminal record, some paid actor or an agent of ours. As far as I could tell whoever it was supposed to be still hadn’t shown. I was observant and tried hard to watch everyone and figure out who I was supposed to apprehend and why I was supposed to apprehend him (or her). So far, being an agent was boring. I was wasting time doing this mock scenario crap instead of apprehending real criminals.
God this was stupid.
Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do. I was the one who decided to apply to the CIA, I just didn’t know that I’d actually get in. It was a temporarily solution to an existing problem that I was going to pursue later in life, when I was ready. Apparently I had the kind of tenacity and “no bullshit wanted” kind of attitude they liked.
I could use a cigarette.
Unfortunately, I ran out yesterday and if it weren’t for my mom who wouldn’t leave me alone yesterday and stop calling, I would have remembered to buy a fresh pack. I wasn’t a cigarette or nicotine addict and I didn’t smoke recreationally but I did puff one or two every once in a while. They had a calming effect that dimmed the anxiety I felt during stressful situations and it kept my chaotic thoughts at bay.
I pulled out a pocket mirror from my oversized leather purse in order to do another check on my appearance and then a final one in the rectangular mirror behind the bartender. My brown hair was pulled into a pony tail, just the way I liked it. I managed to apply only the minimal amount of makeup necessary and I still looked presentable. My outfit was even worse but I didn’t know what to do about my wardrobe. It wasn’t as if I knew what to wear most days. I couldn’t dress conservatively because some days Greyson would want to train in the indoor gym and other days I was tied to the desk doing paperwork. He liked to surprise me instead of putting me on a somewhat predictable schedule. I couldn’t afford to get distracted, I needed to keep this job in order to keep the beautiful apartment I moved into recently with my two new friends I met at spin class. My phone rang and I checked the number, it was one of my roommates, Blake.
“How’s work going so far?” he asked.
I sighed heavily, “Boring.”
“Ouch. Sorry to hear that. How long do you think you’ll be there? You’ve been working long hours all week.”
“I don’t know, I shouldn’t be here too much longer. Why?”
“Jade and I were thinking of picking up a pizza, popping open a bottle of wine and watching a movie but it won’t be the same without you.”
For the past couple of weeks, the three of us had been living together but without a permanent job I wasn’t sure how I would even pay my share for the remaining time we had on our year-long lease. I was determined to survive on my own and I had to prove to myself that I could do it. Whatever I had to do to keep this job, I was going to do it. I should want to, it was the only dream I’ve had.
“Aww, sounds fun. I’ll be there soon, don’t start without me.” I whined.
“We wouldn’t dare, babe.”
“Do you promise?”
“I swear. I know you can’t see it but I’m swearing scout’s honor.”
“You are such a liar. You were never a boy scout.” I argued.
Blake was the antithesis to the Boy Scouts. Growing up he was far more interested in dressing up his sister’s Barbie dolls and giving them makeovers than playing with G.I. Joe’s or joining the Boy Scouts. Some days I was jealous that he was batting for the other team because he’d make a great boyfriend and he was so cute.
“Who’s on the phone?” I heard someone ask in the background.
Jade.
“Blake, let me talk to her for a minute then I have to go.” I asked.
“Hold on a sec, here she is. I’m going to pick up the food and wine.”
“Hey girl, where are you? You’re going to miss movie night.” Jade asked.
“Stuck at work but I should be home soon. I was surprised Blake said we were having a movie night, I thought you had a date with that Greek god you met a couple of weeks ago?”
“That Greek god’s name is Thor and it is from Norse Mythology, remember?”
“Yeah, okay.” I rolled my eyes even though she couldn’t see me.
“Anyway, we had to reschedule to next week. He sprained his ankle and the team doctor told him to stay off of it for a while. He didn’t want to risk it.” Jade explained.
Jade had an exciting dating life. She
loved men probably more than I loved running and I loved running a lot. Jade was into anyone and was up for mostly everything. Sometimes I worried about her and I’ve told her as much but that didn’t stop her from doing what she loved doing most.
“Ugh, I don’t have all night.” I muttered to myself as I surveyed the bar to see if my suspect had arrived yet.
“Who are you talking to?”
“I wasn’t talking to anyone, just to myself.” I sighed. “I think I’m ready to head home now, this was a fantastic (sarcasm) day. So, how are things going with Thor?”
I hadn’t met her flavor of the week yet and despite all of the good things she said about him, I trusted no one until I’ve met them and made my judgements about them. I refused to let anyone screw with good people.
Jade let go a heavy sigh, “Fine, I’m going to give you some juicy info but I don’t want you to freak out.”
“Who says I’m going to freak out? What’s going on? Tell me.”
“There’s been a whole lot of scheduling and rescheduling dates.” she confessed.
“My gut thinks maybe he’s just not serious enough about you to make the effort in seeing you. If there’s some degree of difficulty, then it’s a sign to move on.”
“I’ve never heard of that saying before but maybe you’re right. We’ve met for coffee a couple of times, went bowling, had dinner and a movie. Not sure what else it could be.”
“Have you guys slept together yet?” I asked bluntly.
“Yeah, not that it’s any of your business.”
“How soon after your first date did you sleep together?”
“I don’t know, I think right after the first date.” she answered.
“So, you slept with right away, huh? That’s not a good sign.” I shook my head in disappointment. That was definitely a red flag. “Yeah, you’re not seeing him again. If you fool around or sleep with a guy right away, nine times out of ten you’re never hearing from them again. He got what he wanted.” I said.
“Jennifer…”
“What?”
“I’m not looking for any relationship advice.”
“Hey, a little snooping never hurt anyone. What’s his last name and what does he look like.” I chuckled but Jade didn’t laugh with me. “Fine, I’ll stop.”
Right then, the doorway opened and a quirky looking man walked into the bar that gave me the gut feeling he was the person I was supposed to be watching out for. He had shifty brown eyes and I knew he was my guy.
“I hate to cut this gossip short but I’ve got to go.” I said.
“Sure thing, hon. I think I’m going to give Thor another call before you get here.”
“I’ll be home in about two hours max.” I said before I hung up and slipped my phone back into my purse.
The quirky man walked over to the bar area and sat on the stool to the right of me, “Can I buy you a drink?” he asked immediately.
I gave him my best smile because I figured if I’m being tested, I might as well go all out and earn some brownie points for showmanship, “I thought you’d never ask.”
“What is a little lady like yourself doing in parts like this? Damn, you are so hot.”
“Just taking it easy on a Friday night, how about yourself, handsome?” I said with the best southern accent I could pull off.
“Just looking for a good time, is all. Do you like having a good time?”
Fifteen minutes later, I was in the women’s restroom with the man who I found out earlier was named Max and it looked like he was raring to go. Max slobbered on my neck, groped my ass as firm as he could. Between Greyson and me, I was going to win this round. Question was how far did he tell Max to take things? Letting someone who I wasn’t into, grope me, was three limits ago. It was proving difficult to keep up this charade.
In the women’s restroom, he pressed me against the door after he locked it and began fumbling with my clothes. I managed to back Max towards one of the stalls, trying to take control of the situation and slow it down giving Max the much needed hint that he could confess who he really was already.
“You are going to be screaming so hard.” Max whispered.
“One of us will be at least.” I agreed and I took the opportunity to pull my mini-taser out of my pocket. It wasn’t as if Greyson gave me a real gun, just a rubber one that wouldn’t scare off a three year old.
“What in the hell was that for?” Max asked suspiciously.
“Max Smith, you are under arrest for lewd conduct and I’m here to take you in.” I yawned. This whole role playing thing was making me tired. I just wanted to go home and watch a movie with my roommates.
Max started to tense up and fidget as if he was getting ready to bolt, “If you try to run, I’ll tase you so hard you’ll be crying for your momma and trust me, I’ve been looking for any excuse to use this thing.”
“You can’t kill me with that thing.”
“Nah, I’m not allowed to anyway, unfortunately.”
“Good.” Max grinned and grabbed my wrist after my accidental confession and tried to snatch the taser away but I kicked him in the nuts, twice. Max groaned in pain but he still didn’t let it go and slammed me against the bathroom door harder than I expected causing me to fall to the tiled floor. That’s when I realized I mistook him for the actor I assumed Greyson must have hired.
This was a real bad guy. Fucking, shit. Was this normal for the CIA? Easy job, my ass.
“Just let me go, I don’t want any trouble. I already paid you for your services.”
“My services? I’m not a fucking prostitute buddy.” I said getting up from the floor. I grimaced from the pain. “Time to give up.”
“Fuck you.” he said before he went after me again.
“Why won’t you just give up?” I grunted as he wrapped his arms around me in a bear hug.
My upper body was stuck in his embrace and the only thing I could do was step on his toes but before I could he slammed me against the door again. Hard. I slid down to the floor again, moaning from the pain.
Now I was pissed.
As Max went to grab me by my feet, I managed to kick him in the face and in the groin, temporarily blinding him with pain. Once I gained my footing, I kicked him in the groin again before I tased him there for emphasis. That finally did it. Max finally slumped to the ground in defeat.
He wasn’t going to get up for a while. Someone needs to call him a taxi. Goodnight!
****
“Guys, you wouldn’t believe the kind of day I’ve had.” I said as I walked into the front door and kicked off my shoes. My feet and the rest of my body ached and I had a couple of war wounds from tonight’s brawl to comfort me at night knowing that I kicked a man’s ass and Greyson felt so bad about it.
Greyson and the Langley Police Department took their sweet time showing up to McMullan’s, so I was forced to babysit Max and make sure he didn’t leave by the time they arrived. I would have taken him to the local station myself but I didn’t have anything to restrain him with and I really didn’t feel like dragging him to my car let alone letting him in my car. I gave Greyson a huge guilt trip too. He felt so bad especially when he confessed that he got caught up at the office and wasn’t able to ask one of the guys to do him a favor. I pretty much waited there for nothing and what happened to me tonight was real. Before I left the scene, I made sure Greyson understood that it was his fault. It really wasn’t but he didn’t need to know that.
The lights in the apartment were dimmer than usual and there was a bottle of wine already open on the dining room table but Blake and Jade were nowhere to be found. Did they start without me? I went into the kitchen and saw the pizza boxes on the counter right next to the movie Blake had rented. I grabbed a beer form the fridge, opened up a bottle and took a few sips. The apartment was strangely silent and I didn’t know whether they were playing a prank on me and were going to jump out at any moment and spook me or if I should be worried.
“Jade? Blake?” I calle
d out.
There was no response. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Silently praying to myself, I walked down the hallway to check the bedrooms. When I opened up Jade’s door, I found the both of them lying on the floor, tied up and unconscious.
“Blake? Jade?” I whispered in fear but neither one of them answered nor stirred. I hoped this was some kind of joke. I’d take a bad joke than what I thought was actually happening. I put a hand to their pulses listening for something, even if it was faint and fortunately they were still alive and breathing. I needed help, I needed to call Greyson.
Chapter Five
Greyson
It was after midnight by the time the investigation about the break-in at Jennifer’s apartment wrapped up. I was already on my way to hockey practice when I got the frantic call from Jennifer about what happened to her. I was surprised she decided to call me instead of the police which I’d like to think that she was starting to trust me a little. When I initially saw her name pop up as an incoming call, I wasn’t going to answer it but something nagged at me. I thought it was just Jennifer gathering a second wind and planned on giving me another long lecture about misleading her earlier in the evening but unfortunately that wasn’t what it was about. I wish it was.
When I picked up the phone call, she was hysterically begging me to get over to her apartment as fast as I could because of a break-in, rambling alternatively between not knowing what to do and being afraid the intruders would come back. I hated seeing any woman fearing for their safety and I rushed over quickly. On my way there I reported the situation to both Jack and the Langley Police Department informing them of the more pertinent facts.
“I think we’re all done here, Agent Clarke. We’ve notified Ms. Rose that the victims were transported to Sibley Memorial Hospital.” the officer announced.
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