The Best Agent is who now?

Chapter Eight

Still Ray’s POV:
“Come on,” he gently coaxed her out of the room. “I thought he was dead. His father told me one of his men… he was trying to get me out,” I heard her tell Krieger. “Hi, I’m Matrix Moss, but I don’t plan on keeping that last name. I know who outed Mary. Her father did,” the man said. “That actually makes sense. He’s always been jealous of Mary being more successful,” I said.

“Her dad knows where she lives,” Matrix said. “There’s nothing to worry about because as we speak, the FBI are arresting Arnold and his men. If your father does pay this place a visit, we’ll be prepared,” Mallory said. Mary re-entered with Krieger. She hugged Matrix tightly. “Are you Raylene’s dad?” I asked. “She’s not my type,” he replied and was smacked on the arm. He hissed in pain.

“Then what is your type?” Archer asked. “He’s gay and likes bottom bitches,” Mary snarked. “I need to sit do-“ he started, but face planted on the floor. Or would have if Archer hadn’t caught him. “What the fuck?!” I exclaimed. “There’s an extra room upstairs,” Archer said and we jumped into action.

Krieger went up with Mallory and Archer. “Mallory, I’m sure you know where the medical supplies are,” Mary said, looking on the verge of tears. “I know,” Mallory said. I herded Mary outside. Pam took Raylene. She immediately started crying into my shoulder. “Shhh, it’s gonna be ok. He’s in good hands, Mare Bear,” I said, rubbing her back soothingly.

“He really tried to get me out when I was outed. He disappeared and his father said he had him killed. He’s like a big brother. Someone who knew who I was and went out of his way to protect me,” she sniffled. “Krieger will help him get better,” I said, waving Lana away when she tried coming out. I rocked Mary and soothed her. “Mare, you sure about Krieger and getting pregnant?” I asked, changing the subject.

“He’s special, Ray. He really understands me. He adores the kids and treats them like his own. I really do like him. I know the others, especially Lana don’t understand. But there’s a part of him that he only shares with me. He’s really gentle with me,” she said, smiling. “There’s that Mary Jane smile I love,” I said, hugging her tight.

“He also dropped most of his nefarious projects. I didn’t ask him to. He told me what he did and he was like, ‘you know what? Fuck it.’ He still has his clones,” she said, yawning. “Food’s ready,” Pam said from the doorway. “Thanks Pam,” I said. “Also, Matrix is ok. He’s joining us for breakfast. Krieger said not to worry, it’s just some bruising. And minor concussion,” she said. “Thanks,” I said.

“See, he is fine,” I said, fully understanding now what Matrix meant to her. “Are you jealous that I see him as a brother? I mean I really love you, Ray, but he…” she said, sucking in a breath. “Honey, it’s ok. I understand, girl. I’m really glad you had someone looking out for you,” I said, kissing the top of her head. Then we headed inside where Krieger immediately hugged Mary.

“Love you,” he said into her hair. “I’ve been meaning to mention your hair. Why is it not blond?” Cheryl asked. “I had to dye it. To help with my identity,” Mary replied. “Red looks great on you,” Cheryl said. “Yeah, girl. It looks amazing,” I said. “Thanks,” Mary said. We sat down at the kitchen table where Matrix was sitting half naked. He had a bandage wrapped around his waist.

“I thought it was just bruising,” Mary said. “I’m fine, Mare. It’s just a shallow bullet wound,” Matrix said. “A bullet wound! Honey!” Mary said. “Mary Berry, he is fine. You trust me right?” Kreiger asked. “Yeah, I trust you,” she said and Krieger pulled her into a hug. The twins joined us, running to sit on either side of Pam. “You two must be Melody and Mikey,” Matrix said. “Yes, we are,” Melody said.

“My, your mom was wrong about you two,” he smiled. “Oh yeah?” Mikey asked. “You two are angels,” he grinned. “Oh they are far from angels. They are quite the pranksters,” Mary said. “Holy crap these are amazing,” Cheryl said. “Language,” Archer said. “That’s ok. Momma says we can’t say bad words until we are at least eighteen,” Mikey snarked. Mary laughed.

“Are you seriously ok with them hearing swearing?” Lana asked, condescendingly. “I’ve heard, seen and experienced worse than they have or will ever hear when I was their age,” Mary said. “Lana, stop while you’re ahead,” Mallory said, sternly. “She’s a bad mother,” Lana said and Mary quickly left the table. “You are a bitch,” I said, going after her. Krieger not far behind.

Everyone immediately started yelling at Lana. Krieger and I ushered Mary up to her room. She was shaking and hyperventilating. We got her on the bed and laid on either side of her. She curled up against Kreiger, who pressed her ear to his heart. I felt around for one of her soft blankets and wrapped it around her. After a short while of us soothing her, she calmed down.

“Ray, I think she fell asleep. If you wanna go finish breakfast I’ll stay with her,” Krieger whispered, stroking her cheek. “Mind if I stay?” I asked. “Of course,” he said. After a little while, Archer poked his head in. “Mind if I join  you?” he asked. “Sure, just don’t bounce on the bed. Mary’s napping,” I whispered and he crawled on beside me.