Double Agent

Gearing Up

I pulled into the dark parking structure, choosing a spot as far away from the main cluster of cars as I could, sticking to the shadows as much as possible. Securing my ID and gun, I took a steadying breath, bracing myself for what I was about to do, then set off for the elevator entrance on the other side of the lot.

The building was as busy as ever, with agents hurrying about fulfilling their various duties. I did my best to blend into the background, not wanting to draw attention to my presence as I got out on the floor below my usual exit, slipping into a stairwell and dashing up the remaining stairs to where I needed to go. I could hear the sound of talking up ahead where I was going, and prepared myself for the conversation I was about to have. Rounding the corner, I stopped outside the armoury.

"Just check the box, it's bound to have been put on the wrong shelf when they were filing it." The agent behind the desk called out, looking into the room behind him and speaking to someone out of my range of vision.

Hearing my approach, he spun around and gave me a tired smile.

"What can I do for you?"

"I need to check out some extra gear." I replied, showing him my credentials.

He turned to the computer, whilst I gave him the list of what I needed, ensuring that I'd have enough ammo for the night, just in case anything cropped up.

"Gonna need a whole new intake after tonight." He joked with a small laugh. "Anyone would think they're preparing for an all out war on that op tonight. You in on it?"

"Yeah. Last minute addition, I needed to get kitted up before setting off."

"Well I got ya covered, gimme a sec." He nodded, disappearing into the room and returning a little while later with a kit bag equipped with everything that I'd asked for.

"Cheers."

Turning back the way that I came, I hurried back into the stairwell, almost crashing into a woman approaching from the floor above.

"I'm sorry-"

"I didn't mean to-"

We both began in unison backtracking a number of steps. It was only when I could see her properly, that I recognised her from occasional interactions in the lobby.

"Agent Valance, right?" She asked, poised on the edge of the step she was climbing and eyeing me curiously.

"Yeah, good to see you again." I blagged, already wishing she'd disappear and let me get on.

"You too. It's been a while since I've seen you around. I was talking to Henry the other morning and he said you were away for a while. Hope everything's okay?"

I fought against the urge to roll my eyes as she took her opportunity to invade my privacy, flicking her auburn hair over her shoulder and popping her hip to the side as she leant against the railing.

"Yeah all good, just a family event." I lied.

She appeared to be disappointed by the dullness of my answer, and pushed away from the wall, preparing to walk off again.

"I must get back..." She uttered, clutching the banister and pulling herself up another step.

"Sure." I smiled, taking a hurried step myself. "Oh, just quickly," I called after her, stopping her in her tracks, "You haven't seen Henry by any chance have you?"

"I think he's upstairs in the briefing room, they're preparing for tonight's raid.

"Right, gotcha." I nodded, waiting for her to leave, then diving down the corridor as fast as I could, and ducking into an empty office.