Bloodborne: First Blood {1}

Chapter 𝟙𝟟 - Next Up

Finally, I had completed what I needed to do to get back in the field. S.H.I.E.L.D would be a brand new experience for me. The proud faces of Peggy and Howard were confirmation enough.

"I'll be sure to finish putting you in the database and getting your badge." Agent Maxwell stuck out his hand for me to shake it, which I did. "Welcome to S.H.I.E.L.D," Maxwell called for a few other agents to follow him before exiting the room.

Peggy stood closer to me with a folder in her hand. "Since you were so eager, I figured I'd already had your task on file. Just in case you did pass." She teased as she gave me the file.

I opened it. "Las Vegas? Sucks that I won't be there for a vacation."

"I know information is your specialty Tina that being said, I need you to contact an ally of ours. He calls himself the Middle Man but he learned quickly there isn't any use in hiding from us. His real name is Henry Laurent."

"Got it, what do you need from him?"

"There's this person of interest we've been watching for a while. Calls themselves "The Anchor". They are one of the heads of this group called Deep Sea, short story is they have a serious problem with us. Now, they have some of our higher-level weapons and we need you to help Henry talk them into "selling" them to him."

I chuckled. "I get it, he's a smooth talker right?"

"More like a smart mouth. So, are you up for it, or was that a stupid question?"

"When do I leave?"

"Next week ideally."

"You got it, Peg."

"Perfect, Agent Maxwell will inform you as soon as he's done with some other business. He gets very busy around times like these."

"Damn, I remember when it was like that at the S.S.R. I take it that everyone is working on taking down Deep Sea?"

"Yes, it is one of our main concerns." Peggy stopped speaking and looked over her shoulder, she looked at Howard who she caught staring. "And looks like someone wants to talk to you. I'll get out of your hair for a while if you need me I'll be in my office or training." Peggy turned around fully and started to walk out the door.

Once it was just me and Howard in the room, he spoke.

"Peggy told me she uh...gave you that case?"

"Yeah she did, I didn't get a chance to open it yet but I will once I head back home."

"Oh alright." He stuck his hands in his pockets, there was an awkward feeling in the room but, that was to be expected. After all, we were each other's only for a long while.

"I'll go and see if Maxwell needs anything—" I said.

"No, wait." Howard had walked closer to me. "I don't want things between us to be left like this Tina. I know everything is...strange to say the least right now but, do—do you think we could at least stay friends?"

I swallowed, knowing this was coming. "...Alright, Howard. Yeah, I think that we could be."

He nodded. "Just wanted to let you know in case you miss it, I put a letter in that case. I—I wrote it when you "died" and I think you should have it." He looked away from me, Howard was in a sensitive state, and I knew it was because he saw me alive and well again, thinking I was dead all this time. I knew how I was feeling about it but, I couldn't possibly imagine the pain he went through.

"I'll definitely read it, Howard." I smoothed out my clothing and held my mission file close to my body. "...I'll see you later." As I started to walk towards the door, Howard stopped me once more.