All Too Well

Chapter 8

He is missing.

Not in bed, not in the garage.

"Loki?" I shuffle towards the main gate, half expecting to see his motionless form standing idly with sneering eyes.

No.

Nothing.

I start to worry. His absence can only mean one thing--and it is definitely not something good.

"Loki?" the cry is almost desperate. I look around helplessly, denying the ominous feeling.

My lips can only mumble his name as I stand feebly at the curb with a concoction of tear and saliva blocking my throat, dread and anxiety overwhelming me.

Okay. I just call Maria and describe my condition...and I'll be safe in the Refuge and live happily ever after.

But no. We have a deal.

Cheryl...he would kill you.

I pull my phone out and stares at Maria's number.

Splendid choice. Loki hisses. You just chose a bunch of mortals over a god.

But where are you?

Agent McKelty...we need you in the Refuge, right now.

SHIELD is defenceless, but so am I.

I stoop and finally down on my knees.

Everyone is here, everyone is so close. But this time, for Odin's sake, I am truly afraid.

~·~·~·~

"Kelvin?" I swallow.

"Hey, Cheryl." Kelvin exclaims in a surprised tone.

"It's been forever since you called."

"Right. Can you come round? At my grandaddy's garage maybe?" I blurt out with a wildly throbbing heart.

"Yeah but our agent Hill would be so mad at me if I just leave the base like this."

"I need you to help track a...friend." I deny the will to dither.

"Please I...don't know who else to call-"

"It's Queen Cheryl that calls." Kelvin gives a lovely laugh.

"See you in ten min."

"Thank you."

I grab a fistful of hair in frustration.

Loki would be so so mad.

But why would I? I can run now, into Coulson's arms and live a safe life under the best protection.

Yet it is like we can do so much together, and he was there, looking as hot as salami, being the target of this whole thing I am studying.

He, is, dangerous, Cheryl.

"Cheryl!"

Kelvin lowers the car window and removes his sunglasses, revealing his amused expression.

"He-ey." I stutter and canter towards the curb, leaning into him as he secures me in a loose embrace.

"Let's get to work."

Kelvin falls onto the couch and turns on his computer.

"So, who is the friend of yours?"

"I, can't say." I falter.

"Well then how am I supposed to track him?" Kelvin stares at me through skeptical pupils.

I sigh. "Promise not to tell anyone?"

"Yeah?" he questions instead.

"He's an Asgardian." I move to sit beside Kelvin and throw a friendly arm around him unconsicously.

"We sort of...have a deal."

"That does narrow thing down, average Asgardians act strange." Kelvin's fingertips start to dance on the keyboard.

"Appearance?"

"Shoulder-length black hair, black hoodie, black pants-"

"Let me guess, black shoes?" Kelvin turns to look at me with the charming look he always possesses.

"Do whatever you can." I tell him.

"Facial recognition, cameras...everything."

"Cheryl." he frowns with a sneering smile.

"There are a hundred thousand something matches."

"We will go through all of them, then."I order staunchly.

"Can you at least grab me some lunch, boss?" Kelvin protests.

"Sushi from next door, maybe?"

"Of course my dear, that's your salary." I reach the safe to retreive some money, only to find the time stone missing.

A fleeting thought rushes across my mind and vanishes in a flash.

Wait.

Yes.

I let out a happy scream and grip Kelvin's shoulders in excitement.

"Look for highly concentrated, unusual radiation." I pant and intruct.

"Wow, wow, easy, kid." Kelvin momentarily closes the window and opens a new one.

"Now that's what I call 'efficient'."

My grip on him tightens.

"Quick quick quick." I mutter as he presses a button, showing a live scene on screen.

Kelvin creases his brows in atonishment at a middle-aged man that sings 'Night Fever' hysterically steering his car.

"Definitely not your type." he shakes his head lightly with mouth slightly widened.

"I know this guy. Andrew Cliff, he works for Hydra." I snatch the computer from Kelvin and examine his face thoroughly.

"But why would he give off...highly concentrated and unusual radiation?" Kelvin asks, lifting his eyes at me.

And then it clicks in my mind.

Oh God.

Hell no.

I flee to position myself on my motorcycle.

"Kelvin I need his location!"

"Heading west, a few miles away from here." Kelvin grabs the computer and leaps to sit behind me.

"Why?"

"Don't you get it?" I pinch his arms and utter in a sobbing tone.

"CLIFF HAS THE TIME STONE!"