Agent M: Project Mabus (The Agent M Series Book 1)

by L. M. Vila

  “Excuse me Agent Lewis,” a voice called. Meryl snapped out of her self-inflicted psych analysis and stood up to greet the woman that had asked for her.

  “I'm Agent Lewis.”

  They shook hands. The first thing Meryl noticed was how sickeningly slender this woman was. Seeing her figure made Meryl question a few decisions she made previously related to food but it wasn't like she was overweight by any definition. Just not as skinny as the woman in the door.

  “Pleasure to meet you,” the woman began to introduce herself, “I'm Laura Robins, assistant to the A.D. Joshua McCrae. He asked to meet with you personally as soon as you arrived today.”

  “Thank you very much,” she replied. Meryl began to ponder what it could be about as they walked into the building. Thankfully, Laura cut in before her imagination ran wild.

  “You've been the talk of the office today,” she spoke.

  “Oh really?” Meryl retorted. She couldn't tell if Laura meant that in a good way or bad way.

  “Commander McCrae is excited to meet you. He is quite fond of your history and work record.”

  That’s a relief. At least it wasn't anything bad. Although bragging is not in her nature, Meryl wasn't in this profession for the praise. Her motives were quite different from her colleagues but not unfamiliar of women in her generation. Meeting the already established expectations of her new boss seemed to be one of the challenges today.

  Eight o'clock had barely set in and the place was flooded with the sounds of computer work and discussions between agents. Everything seemed so chaotic yet organized. Meryl remembered how many of her former L.A.P.D. officers aspired to work for the FBI. She was starting to understand why. Funny side note, Meryl never heard Michael ever express any interest in the FBI.

  “We're here Agent Lewis,” Laura stated, snapping her guest back to reality.

  “Thank you Ms. Robins.”

  The Assistant Director’s office was surrounded by mirrored glass making it impossible to see anything going on inside. A definite change of pace from her previous employer.

  Laura gently opened the door. “Go on in Agent Lewis.”

  Meryl nodded and proceeded inside and marveled at the size of McCrae's office. A few plants of various sizes were kept near the large window in the back with the outline of the great city of Los Angeles stretching for miles. An adornment of photographs nearly covered every square inch of his wall and desk. McCrae valued his wife and son more than anything in the world. His son was a frequent visitor of this office. He wasn't old enough to completely understand his father's work but he knew that he was doing something special to protect people of the city.

  “Come on in Agent Lewis,” McCrae spoke. He was a fairly well built individual. If anything a bit on the skinny side. His light brown hair was covered with short grey streaks. The colorful ties around his neck stood out the most. He only wore the ties his son picked out despite cries from his superiors about them. Today the Commander proudly sported a blue tie with cartoon penguins prancing about.

  “Please, have a seat.” McCrae directed. “Can I get you some something to drink? Perhaps coffee, water -”

  “No, no thank you sir,” Meryl said cutting in. She took a seat on one of the large guest chairs in front of McCrae's gorgeous desk. Maybe a couple of sips of liquid could help her rapidly drying throat but she really wasn't thirsty. However, McCrae had an aura of pleasantness that made her feel welcomed. He seemed like a very easy man to talk to.

  McCrae reached into his desk drawer and pulled out his reading glasses. He didn't wear them often for fear of, what his wife teases, looking his age. Nonetheless, he needed them to read even the large billboards shouting through his window let alone these important documents. Meryl's entire career had been laid out clear as crystal. Ripe for the plucking. He smiled as he started reading the documents.

  “I'm going to cut to the chase Agent Lewis, we are very impressed your background. You have an amazing track record with the L.A.P.D. Seven citations, three medals of heroism, and your former supervisor had nothing but extraordinary things to say about you.”

  Meryl felt her cheeks get warmer. She hadn't expected this amount of direct praise, albeit warranted. Calling Lieutenant Perkins to thank him for his kind words is the least Meryl could do.

  “Now more importantly,” stated McCrae, “Back at the academy you had an exemplary performance. Your test scores during the intelligence training were near perfect which tells me you got a good head on your shoulders. Your scores on the yellow brick road are what I'm really amazed at. Not many females do well, let alone finish first. That's why I'm not surprised you were at the top of your class.”

  His words forced Meryl to hold back smile. The yellow brick road McCrae was referring to was a grueling obstacle course designed by the marines. It was an intense physical challenge that not many students complete let alone choose to participate in. She was the only female student in her class to compete and the first one to finish. A lot of heads were turned that day.

  “We've had our fair share of agents that have done well in the academy. You'd be the second that was at the top of their class which leads me to my first question,” McCrae took his glasses off and placed them gently on his desk. “Why did you choose to work in Los Angeles?”

  A damn good question to start with. Meryl could have given the easy answer and said that it was because this place was well-known to her but that would only be half true. Her mother and father lived and worked in New York City so that place was more familiar than anywhere else. There were numerous reasons that filled her brain. However, most of them sounded like excuses. Meryl decided to go the safe route.

  “I just love this city. I'm familiar with the surroundings, the people. It,” she paused slightly, “feels like home to me.”

  A smirk formed on McCrae's lips. “That's what I like to hear. We'll be sure to make good use of your skills.”

  He tucked the papers back into his desk. McCrae was kind of surprised by her answer. Washington had expressed interest in keeping her but she insisted on working in Los Angeles. He had a feeling there was a more prominent reason but decided to leave that for another day.

  “Before we get you started allow me to introduce you to my second in command.” McCrae picked up his phone and pushed the second button on his speed dial. As soon as he heard that familiar feminine voice pick up on the other end he spoke.

  “Could you please come in my office? I'd like to introduce you to someone.”

  He didn't need to say anything more than that. McCrae put the phone back on the receiver. It wouldn't be a long wait. Her office was right next to his. Seconds passed. The door opened gently.

  “Ah, there she is now.”

  Meryl turned her head. In walked a painfully beautiful woman with long, silky red hair that seemed to dance as moved. Her body was near perfect; her power suit did justice to her figure. Meryl couldn't find a place for fat to hide. However, she couldn't help but think she’d seen her face somewhere else. Meryl pondered this as she stood up to greet this marvelous looking woman.

  “Agent Lewis, meet the Special Agent in Charge Nicole Wells.”

  Nicole extended her arm to a seemingly eager Meryl. “It's a pleasure to meet you Agent Lewis.” The words flowed through Nicole's lips so gracefully. Nearly faltering over her words, Meryl uttered the first thing that came to mind.

  “Likewise.”

  God that sounded horrible and the sad thing about first impressions is that you only get to make one. Thankfully McCrae cut in before the awkwardness could settle.

  “Please, have a seat you two,” said the Commander. “Oh Nicole, when is -”

  “I just called. He should be arriving shortly.”

  “Excellent!” He replied. McCrae tapped his finger in a playful manner towards Nicole. “This woman is the best at what she does Agent Lewis. Anything you can learn from her will only be to your benefit.”

  Meryl formed a large smile, nearly showing her tee
th. “I’ll keep that in mind. I'm looking forward to working with her as well as everyone else.”

  “I like the attitude. Your personality speaks much louder than your work history which is already mighty high.”

  It was hard to remain modest. Meryl had been assaulted with praise practically since she walked into the building.

  “Well, let's get down to business. The reason we called you in here today Agent Lewis is to let you know that because of your exceptional background and performance we are going to forego the formal orientation process and would like to put you straight to work.”

  Another curve ball. Meryl definitely believed she should expect the unexpected at all fronts and promised herself not to be surprised by another decision.

  “We'll be taking care of all of the inconsequential details here like getting your desk and computer set up,” Nicole chimed in. After all, she was responsible for all of the finer points in McCrae's career. And no one worked better than she did.

  “Our goal is to have you work in the field for the duration of your probationary period. You have all of the requirements on paper,” the last part came out with a bit of cattiness, “But the Federal Bureau of Investigation is a step beyond stakeouts and domestic disturbances.”

  Meryl didn't know whether or not to feel snubbed or worried. On one hand Nicole was correct. The FBI is a lot of brain work and analysis. Meryl didn't even reach the rank of detective in the L.A.P.D. She just took orders and did her job as close to the book as the situation would allow. Then again, Meryl didn't like her previous work to be besmirched. There was a lot of good done in this city by her and her fellow officers. Maybe there was something this experienced L.A.P.D. officer can do to change their minds.

  “You'll be happy to know that we're going to be pairing you up with the best agent in Los Angeles,” a more sensible voice broke in.

  Actually, best in the country thought Nicole. Nicole recruited him on a hospital bed a couple of years ago. Although a traumatic experience, she was surprised Meryl didn't remember. She was there after all.

  Someone knocked on the door with a calm and short double tap. This signaled the arrival of McCrae's favorite agent.

  “Come on in Big Guy.” McCrae had a beloved nickname for this particular person. He looked at Meryl and said “I believe you two are old friends.”

  Her heart dropped. A disgustingly sickening feeling set in. So much for not being surprised again. Meryl's head snapped as she turned to watch the door slowly open.

  An aura of silence washed over the office. The agent stepped inside. His shining black hair illuminated by the florescent lights. Standing at an impressive six foot three, his stature was one to behold. Especially in such well fitting attire. Like anyone who saw him for the first time, Meryl couldn't take her eyes off him. He looked so much more mature than she remembered. Gone was his cherub expressions and soft smile. In their place was a cold gaze and gloomy brow. His eyes screamed tales of darkness and tragedy. The incident must have changed him so much.

  “Agent Lewis, I'm sure you remember Special Agent Michael Madison,” McCrae spoke breaking the silence. Meryl’s eyes were lost over his calm stature. Truthfully, he was half right. But anyone would find it difficult trying to speak with someone you used to be so close with after their relationship ended so abruptly.

  She stood up to meet him. They each extended their arms outward in what would be to date their most formal greeting between each other.

  “Hello Michael,” she started.

  “Meryl,” he finished.

  The awkwardness levels in the room could shatter glass. For both of them. Each had something to ask the other but present company mandated professional conversation.

  “Isn’t this nice?” McCrae chimed in. “You two will make a great team.”

  Michael gave a short nod in agreement. Meryl was happy to see that he wasn’t completely against this arrangement. It was all she could hope for at this point. His emotions were impossible to read.

  “Mike, you’re going to check out the suicide case today, yes?” His supervisor asked.

  “Yes sir. Waiting on the autopsy report.” A short but stern reply. Meryl had never seen Michael behave so formally without feeling a bit of discomfort. This was very strange to watch but she couldn’t look away.

  “Excellent. Fill in Agent Lewis on the details. She’ll be working with you for the duration of her probationary period so make sure to take good care of her.”

  Again, Michael nodded. “Anything else sir?”

  Another typical response from his favorite agent. Sometimes McCrae wished Michael would loosen up more. Then again, that might be his one charming feature.

  “That’ll be all Agent Madison,” teased McCrae. He could sense Michael hated all of the nicknames. That’s why he always ended things formally. To make sure Michael knew it was all in good fun.

  Without saying a word, Michael moved to exit the room with Meryl following closely behind. Maybe when they were out of the room they would be free to speak candidly with one another. In private of course.

  “Thank you again for the opportunity sir,” Meryl stated as she left the office.

  “Take care you two,” said McCrae as he waved them off. The door slowly closed behind them. McCrae slumped in his chair and folded his arms over his chest. He looked at Nicole and asked, “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

  With the way Michael worked, McCrae was justified to have his reservations. He spent his entire probationary period AWOL of all things. Since then, Michael has worked on the majority of his cases alone.

  Nicole gave him a charming look. She’d been tracking both of their careers and knew that is was a sound decision. “Absolutely. They bring out the best in each other.”

  Patience is virtue. For a man who could end another's life without blinking, it became more of a bother. Kurtis tightened his fists as he waited for the familiar rapping at the door that would signal their new guest’s arrival. The tension in the room would ignite the entire building should one flame happen to spark. He silently hoped to see such a show.

  Three gentle knocks echoed into the room. Kurtis gave his undivided attention towards the doors and gritted his teeth, nearly breaking the enamel on each one as he waited for the old man to give the signal.

  “You may enter,” the General spoke in English. Kurtis didn't like her already. Then again, he had an ill favor towards anyone who wasn't Russian.

  A woman entered the room as soon as the doors opened. The first thing that caught Kurtis' attention was her hair. It gleamed like the darkest of nights with the moon hiding in silence. Her body was fit yet lean and her outfit didn't leave much to the imagination. It caressed her skin as if it were part of it. Thin red strips lightly adorned the leather jumpsuit, tracing out an intricate yet geometric pattern. Even her military-styled boots shared the same grim features. Clearly, she wasn't like any woman Kurtis had encountered in the past. That's the only thing she has going for her at this point.

  “Gentlemen, meet Ms. Kunimoto,” stated the General as she approached. “But she prefers the name Seika. She is a world class assassin. Like her brother before her. Unlike Seika, Seimon was a more of an artist. His seventeen listed kills were grossly underreported. The genuine numbers were in the hundreds.”

  “Enough already,” Kurtis interjected. “Tell us about her.”

  “Seika has a special investment in the target. Her brother was number two on the FBI's Most Wanted List.”

  This part of the story was particularly emotional to Seika. She promised herself not to show these men a single flinch as the General went on. “He met his ultimate demise at the hands of the target. During that time, Madison made a note to take things from the criminals on the list. Seimon was the only one that had nothing stolen from him. Except of course, his life.”

  She remained firm. That was a long time ago. No one in the room knew of the pain she went through when he passed. Nor did they deserve to hear it. Seika was a partne
r in her brother's business. And she did her job just as efficiently as he. Some would say even better.

  “So this little princess is out for revenge?” Teased Kurtis. He carefully chose each word. This would be a chance to goad her into doing something stupid. Just like the emotional creatures that women are. He searched her expression from top to bottom over her beautiful Japanese face. Nothing had changed. Not even her breathing pattern.

  “Mind your tongue Kurtis,” called Yegor. He started speaking Russian out of respect of both Kurtis and Seika. “She will be of particular use to us.”

  Kurtis spoke in the same tongue as the General. “How exactly?”

  “Because she no longer cares for her well-being when it concerns that man. She will do whatever it takes. Even take the fall. That is why you will be the support on this mission. Should a mishap present itself, she will appear to clean up the mess.”

  Finally, the General was making sense. Kurtis had a harder head than he liked to admit but he knew a good plan when he heard one. “Well then, shall we get started?” Kurtis looked over at Seika. She still refused to acknowledge his presence. That started to irritate him.

  “Seika, if you please.” Yegor extended his arm to her and gently moved it over towards Kurtis. Seika motioned to greet the young man.

  “She responds only to one thing Kurtis, money. The mark of a true professional,” the General answered. “But, since I am the one footing the bill, Kurtis she'll be in your command. And you will answer directly to me. Is that clear?”

  “Yes sir,” they both responded in unison.

  “Good. Then go,” Yegor waved them away. Before they were out of the room, the General spoke. His last words came out boldly and clear as day. “And for the sake of God, do not miss. I would not want to complicate matters. Especially with that devil of a man.”

  Yegor's warning wasn’t any proverb Kurtis heard but still held weight. He never knew any man the General was afraid of. Yet he sent his best and an expensive partner to take care of it. This made the man more and more interesting. It was a shame they would never have a chance to meet. He would have loved to hear the devil scream as he tore the soul out of his body.