The Best Agent is who now?

Chapter Three

Still Archer’s POV:
“Thanks Ray. I appreciate you saying all that,” Mary said. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure Mary is always happy. And that her kids are taken care of as well,” Krieger said sincerely. “So, you’re place is safe?” I asked. “Yes, it is. Mallory and I ensured that.

“As it’s where the twins stayed with Woodhouse or Pam when I had to stay with Arnold’s son, Matrix. Who I had to date to keep my cover. I covered my tracks as well. Never kept the same path ever,” Mary replied. I knew there was more going on, but it was clear Mary didn’t want to talk about it.

“Ok good. Got any liquor?” I asked. “Seriously Archer?” Ray groaned. “Yup. Mallory kept it stalked up,” Mary replied. “Alright, here we are,” Krieger said, pulling into the driveway of an upscale three story place. He pulled into the garage when Mary used her opener. “Damn, that’s huge,” I said. “That’s what she said,” Krieger said and Mary giggled. “Oh ha ha ha,” I said, opening the sliding door.

“Holy shit is that a Challenger?” I asked. “Yup, yup, yup,” Mary said. “Is your weed business doing that well?” Ray asked. “Yes. Yes, it is,” Mary said. Krieger got Mary out of the van and into the house. “Ugh, I got to get out of these clothes. I’ve worn them for days,” Mary said, leading the way to her room. I helped Ray get the kids set up in the living room. “Can I hold Raylene?” I asked.

“Promise not to drop her?” he asked, looking at me. “Yes, I promise,” I said, and he placed Raylene into my arms. He adjusted them so I was holding her properly. “She’s so precious,” I said, blushing when Ray’s hand brushed my arm. “You guys wanna go swimming?” Mary asked as she and Krieger came down the stairs in matching bathing suits. Krieger was holding a mini swim suit. “Oh my gawd, Mary! You look like you’ve been through a meat grinder!” Ray exclaimed as the twins jumped up. Her stomach and chest had bruises scattered everywhere.

They raced up the steps past them, cheering happily. “Close hon. Meat tenderizer,” she said, walking down the stairs. Krieger followed close behind in case she fell. “And a bat, by the looks of it,” I said. “You would guess right. There’s extra swim trunks in the closet at the top of the stairs,” Mary said, slipping Raylene from my arms when she made it down the stairs. We got a good look at her back, which was covered in dark bruises and healing gashes.

I ran my fingers over a particular nasty gash causing her to shiver. “Sorry,” I said and she patted me on the arm. “No worries. I’ve had a shit ton worse since our Daddy liked to try and beat the gay out of me,” she said. “Those injuries look like they are healing. How long exactly have you been at HQ?” Ray asked. Mary looked at Krieger, blushing. “A week,” they said.

“A week?! You’ve been there a whole week and I wasn’t told?!” Ray yelled, startling Mary and the baby. “It was touch and go. Mallory said to wait to tell you. In case I… in case something happened,” Mary sighed, looking on the verge of tears. “Sorry Mare Bear,” Ray said, hugging her. “She was unconscious the first few days,” Krieger said. “Thank you so much for taking care of her,” Ray said. “I’m gonna go get into some trunks,” I said, heading up stairs to give them space.

The twins peeked out of their rooms. “Is momma ok?” Mikey asked. “Yes, she’s ok. Why don’t you two help me pick out some swim trunks for me and Uncle Ray,” I said and they took me to the closet. Which was chalk full of swim related stuff. “For Uncle Ray I think he should wear… these,” Melody said, holding up a pair of Bright Orange swirl trunks. “These for you!” Mikey said, thrusting a pair of bright neon green shorts with smiley faces all over them into my hands. “Ooh, I love them!” I exclaimed.

“You two staying out of trouble?” Ray asked, coming up the stairs. “Yup, yup, yup!” they exclaimed. “They were just picking out some swim trunks for us,” I said. “We picked these for you,” Melody said, thrusting the bright orange shorts into Ray’s hands. “Why don’t you two get towels for everyone while Archer and I get into these swimsuits,” Ray said. “Ok,” Mikey said and Ray led me into a spare room. “Thanks for helping with the twins,” he said, stripping.

“Mary’s ok, right?” I asked. “Yeah, apparently when she woke up, Krieger and her started talking. They are good for each other. He is the only one who knows the full extent of what happened, though,” he said. “I think so too. Krieger never has acted like with anyone. It’s like he understands her,” he said, sliding his trunks on. “Does she not trust easily?” I asked. “From what she’s experienced with our Daddy and the boys he forced her to date. She keeps her heart guarded,” he said.

“She’s really sweet. Krieger is a lucky man,” I said. “Now she’s on the team, we’re all lucky. She would not have worn that bathing suit if she didn’t trust you guys. She’s self-conscious about injuries. Just know that if she goes on missions with y’all she will always have your back,” I said, folding my clothes. “I understand. Is it weird that I don’t want to hit on her?” I asked, folding my stuff.

“Abit yeah,” he said, sitting on the bed. “She’s like a sister. It’s weird because I barely know her. I just met her today,” I said, flopping beside him. “I’m glad the twins like you. And Raylene too,” Ray said. “They are the greatest,” I said. “We should head out before the twins think we were kidnapped,” Ray said, getting up. The minute the door opened, the twins were on us. They leaped on us, and we caught them easily. Mikey jumped on Ray while Melody jumped on me.