Caught in the Riptide

Chapter 1

Luke Utah wasn't entirely sure how he got stationed in Oahu, Hawai'i for his first assignment with the FBI. Pure dumb luck possibly. But here he was, stepping off the plane with only his backpack and striding to baggage claim.

The humid Hawai'i air smelled of flowers and jet fuel. He made sure to tie back his dirty blonde hair into a bun, or at least what would fit. He had let it grow out since his extreme sports days, but neat enough to get him into the FBI without raising flags. He found his suitcase at the baggage claim carousel and followed the crowd to the car rental desk. Large families waited in line, growing more impatient by the second with the only woman behind the rental car desk. She hustled her way through each customer with a smile, despite how rude some tourists were. When it was his turn, he dropped his name, the agency and without hesitation, she gave him the keys to a Dodge Challenger. 

"Company has you all taken care of Mr. Utah." The woman behind the desk smiled at him, her lipstick the brightest shade of red he'd ever seen. She batted her long lashes at him, sending him a clear message of what she was interested in. He nodding his thanks, not trying to engage in any more conversation than he had to. He was used to women drooling over him in the past. If he was still an extreme athlete, he would have hit her up any day. But since those days were over, he didn't even give her the time of day. 

 He walked outside to the garage and was hit with the humidity again in the air. He clicked the car to life and loaded his suitcase and backpack into the trunk. He climbed into the low seats of the car, taking in it's new car smell and leather. He revved the car once, twice, then accelerated out of the garage onto the busy freeway of Oahu. 

He began driving to the headquarters to be given his next instructions. All he was told was that his next assignment was in Oahu. A few of his classmates rolled their eyes, most likely in disappointment, others stated they wanted a more serious task. He rolled the windows down as he drove by dozens of beaches and tourists. He hoped his assignment wasn't difficult, so he could enjoy some time here on the island. 

Ever since he lost his friend to a dirt bike accident, he wanted to make a difference in the world. Yes, he still loved extreme sports and wanted to continue them as a side hobby, but not for money anymore. Everyone at the training academy in Quantico knew him, the famous, extreme sports jock. He had to work a bit harder to earn their trust and respect to be here. 

He pulled into the drive of the new headquarters, no signs or directions in sight. Most likely for undercover purposes. He adjusted the collar to his white button up before going in. He traveled on the plane in his slacks and dress shirt but couldn't justify the jacket knowing the humidity would cling to him. He was able to sit in business class, the flight attendant behaving in the same manner the assistant behind the car rental counter was. It earned nothing but an eye roll from him when she wasn't looking. He was here on business, and wanted to keep it that way. 

The main entryway to the building had looked as if it was out of the seventies. The furniture and fake plants even had a stale smell. Up on one wall there was the Federal Bureau of Investigations logo. After signing in, the front desk assistant buzzed him in to two thick double doors which he assumed were bullet proof. He entered and immediately was met with the buzz of the bureau. Rows and rows of computers and offices around each corner.

"Special agent Luke Utah," a man in a full suit came around a corner with a file in one dark hand and he held out the other. "Special agent Hall, I'll be the one giving you orders." he said flatly. His handshake was as firm as Luke imagined, rough. He was tall and took long strides as he walked. Luke tried not to look like a lost puppy as he kept up with him. "Welcome to Oahu." They walked together into the rows of computers and around rushing agents.