Killed in Action - A Spy School Story

Chapter 6: Improvisation

Laurel Rentals

McLean, VA

Northern Section

February 3rd, 2018

1700R

Chip POV

"This it?" I asked as we pulled the F-150 into Laurel Rentals, a series of three-story apartment buildings that reminded me of small houses more so than... well, apartments.

"Yeah, park right there," Jawa replied, pointing towards a parking spot on the right. The lot was about three-quarters full—a party of some sort going on, especially given the distant music from somewhere in the complex. "Well... this is gonna be awkward."

"Let's bite the bullet an' git 'er done."

"... lead the way, brother."

After a bit of searching, we found the right staircase to the right building, arriving at second deck. We made our way across the breezeway, stopping just before #252—not in front of it because of instinct, as doorways are fatal funnels. Taking one final breath and glance at my buddy, I gave the door three solid knocks and waited. But after sixty seconds of waiting, there was no response.

"She's home, right?" I asked.

"Uh... yeah. According to Alexander, that's her car down there in the lot," Jawa confirmed, pointing out the gray Honda compact. "Same plate number."

"You know that how?"

"Because there's four more like it, dumbass."

"Great. Now what?"

"Just let me do it," he sighed, stepping forward and pounding the door with more force. "Erica? Erica, it's Jawa and Chip! You okay?"

"Here, why don't I try the knob?" I suggested, reaching out.

"Dude, it's probably—" he argued as the door opened without any problem. "Wait... what?"

"See, I told you—"

"Chip, wait. Since when do you know Erica to leave her doors unlocked?"

"... uh-oh," I muttered as we quickly moved out of the doorway, with me reaching for my jackknife and Jawa for his phone. I really, really wished I had a concealed-carry at that moment. But we were rolling with whatever we had.

I know it sounds like we were overreacting—I'd just returned from deployment, he from several high-paced training exercises—but Erica, last I'd checked, was not one to leave her door unlocked. Something was up.

"Better announce, just in case," Jawa mumbled. "Erica! Erica, Chip and I are letting ourselves in!"

Taking a breath, I entered with Jawa close behind, knife at the ready. We immediately came into a small living room/kitchen area, with an offshoot towards the left that led to the bedroom and bathroom. I went left while Jawa went forward. After clearing the bathroom, my movement towards the bedroom was interrupted by a loud curse.

"HOLY—CHIP, SHE'S HERE!"

Dashing back to the living room/kitchen area, I went around the countertop to find Jawa kneeling by a horrific sight: an unconscious Erica sprawled on the ground face-up in a pool of blood, surrounded by broken glass and what appeared to be the remnants of some sort of bottle. She was in semi-formal attire, her white blouse and black pants stained with blood. There were no visible wounds save for some straight, bleeding lines on her forearms, visible thanks to her sleeves being rolled up.