Costa Crew: One More Shot

Chapter 16 - Goodbye

It was a somber moment as Becky and Hannah walked into the supermarket together. Becky was careful to take in every step down that dark corridor, and it was with a touch of sadness that she swiped her pass and the door to MI5 headquarters swung open.

They had both spent the whole week with Paul and Charlotte in the hospital waiting room, anxiously awaiting news of Ted. DI Drake had happily agreed to spend some more time running the squad, and although he wasn't so sure about his promotion now, he had thanked Becky profusely for not throwing up in his car. While still unconscious, the paramedics were confident that Ted would live. The bullet had missed his heart by an inch, they had said.

If seeing the reception to headquarters didn't change the girls' minds, nothing would, Becky thought as her and Hannah took the lift up to the top floor. As the doors opened, Goodman stood waiting.

"Come on in," he said. "Can I get you anything?"

Both shook their heads as they sat down. "First of all, I want to thank you both for your work in the mission which led to the Godfather's arrest," Goodman began. "You will both be receiving a commendation for service to the country, which will be presented in a ceremony on Friday."

In spite of the inevitable, they both grinned. Goodman allowed himself a smile too, but then frowned again almost immediately. "However, there is the matter of the trial. DCI Houston will be testifying as the leading detective on this mission, as will DCC Fleming and myself. Agent Hidgens, you would not normally be asked to testify however as one of Murphy's targets it is imperative that you give your story, which means you must also disclose your role in the mission. Agent Perkins, as an undercover agent your testimony could be the thing that brings down Murphy's organisation. However, in a case as public as this I'm afraid that if you do make a statement then sending you on another undercover operation is no longer an option."

"I understand, sir," said Hannah. "And I'll give my testimony. Murphy can't be allowed to walk free. She's ruined too many lives. Becky's included."

Goodman nodded. "I'll be sorry to lose you, Agent Perkins, but I think you're making a very noble decision. Thank you for your service, and I'll see you at the presentation on Friday?"

Hannah smiled. "Of course. Thank you sir."

Goodman shook her hand. "You can go now. If you want to go home, I'm no longer your boss so I can't stop you, but you will have to clear out your desk at some point, preferably before Friday. Agent Hidgens, I'd like to speak to you more."

Hannah nodded and left the office. Goodman turned to Becky. "Agent Hidgens, you've gone through a very traumatic experience so I'm offering you the same counselling services that we give to our undercover agents. I'd also like to promote you to Cyber Security Team Leader."

Becky shook her head. "Thank you for the offer Mr Goodman, but I'm resigning from MI5."

Goodman looked taken aback. "You're sure?"

Becky nodded slowly. "I've enjoyed my time here, but there's too many secrets. My best friends thought I was dead for two years, and my family probably still think that. I need to make amends, and I can't do that if I keep working here."

"All right," said Goodman, taking this in. "I suppose I should have seen this coming when you worked with your friends on the mission. But it was your friendship and trust in each other that got us to the Godfather. I hear DC Green is expected to make a full recovery?"

"That's right. The bullet missed his heart by an inch. He still hasn't woken up yet."

Goodman grimaced. "He may not have made that sacrifice for anyone else. And from what I hear, DCI Houston is something of a scatterbrain. But when he heard that you were in danger, he was working round the clock. I've never seen anyone so focused."

Becky grimaced. "And having Hannah there helped me keep calm when I was in trouble. Charlotte helped convince me that I was going to live and gave me the courage to face Murphy."

"Exactly," said Goodman. "Of course I accept your resignation, but I want you to know that both you and Agent Perkins will forever be remembered as the agents who brought the Godfather down. You will of course be refunded for the flat. I'll need you to move out as soon as possible, but not until you've made other housing arrangements."

"That's all right," said Becky. "I've already arranged a temporary solution."

Goodman nodded. "I see. Well then, I'll see you on Friday and then at the trial."

Becky stood up and shook his hand. "Thank you Mr Goodman."

She took one last look at his office before closing the door behind her and getting in the lift.  For the last time, she pressed the button for floor 10: Cyber Security.

If she had been expecting a round of applause as she walked out of the lift, she was wrong. Everybody simply continued working as Becky went to her desk and started packing everything away.

"Agent Hidgens," said Lopez, hurrying over. "What's going on?"

Becky looked up and sighed. "I've handed my resignation in to Mr Goodman."

Lopez's jaw dropped. "I thought you were being promoted?"

Becky shook her head. "I was offered a promotion, but I decided to leave. I've enjoyed my time here but staying isn't going to be good for me."

Lopez nodded. "All right. Just know that you were an excellent agent. I know I often pushed you very hard, but it was because you had the best chance of making major breakthroughs. Your next job will be lucky to have you."

Becky smiled, blushing slightly. "Thank you Ma'am. I'll see you on Friday."

She glanced around, giving herself a good last look at the floor that had become her life. Maybe she would be able to return one day, for a reunion of former agents. Until then, time to see what would come next.

Downstairs Hannah was waiting for her, also carrying a box of possessions. "Ready?" asked Hannah.

Becky nodded. "Ready."

Instead of leaving through the supermarket, they opted for the back exit, which was disguised as a small law firm. Together they turned back, taking in the majesty of it all one more time, before leaving and closing the door behind them.