Lesson One

18: Due For a Good Using

Birkhoff leaned back in his seat, massaging his temples with his fingers. He should have been in a good mood. For all intents and purposes he was- just deep down inside. Tonight he’d get to take Alicia out for the first time. They’d have to play it up for the cameras, sure, but once he brought her back to his apartment they’d be in the clear. Unless, he had considered, we go back to hers and hold out on my place. It’d give him a chance to take her out again considering how Amanda had practically salivated at the initial offer. A chance to snoop around his apartment was probably high on her to-do list.

First he’d have to finish work, and at Division it seemed like his work was never done. There was something going on in the head of Ops and he had the sinking feeling no matter how quickly he worked it wouldn’t matter; another problem was always around the corner. He wasn’t surprised when Michael came stalking in looking just as frustrated as Birkhoff felt. “Whatever it is count me out Mikey,” he was quick to warn as the man came to a stop near his station.

Michael looked down at him, the corners of his lips twitching in amusement. “In a hurry to get somewhere?” he asked, tone as smug as he looked.

“Don’t sound so surprised,” Birkhoff scoffed, looking for an energy drink. All he found was an empty can and he scowled as he sat it back down. He didn’t remember finishing it.

“New comic book out?”

“They’re graphic novels,” he corrected him promptly, giving his shoulders a half assed shrug, “and sticks and stones may break my bones words will never hurt me.”

Once more his lips twitched, tempted to move into a smirk amidst the dark stubble on Michael’s face. “You’ve been in a good mood lately,” he commented, eyes sweeping him in suspicion. It had been a while since Birkhoff had passed up cynical sarcasm and went straight for childish comebacks.  

“I’d be in a better mood if everyone didn’t come running to me with their problems,” Birkhoff grumbled. His eyes searched for a techie to bring him a new drink. The moment one met his eyes he pointed deftly to the empty can before turning his stare to Michael. “Birkhoff do that, Birkhoff solve this…” his eyes landed on the CD in Michael’s hand, “what’s that?”

“Not for you,” he dismissed the question easily. Before the computer genius could inquire further he silenced him with a piercing stare. One look and he had the man frozen in the computer chair and dreading what that expression might mean. Michael had something to talk to Birkhoff about and it was exactly this oblivious attitude that started the whole mess.

Clint stepped up with the cold beverage he’d just fetched, not that either of the men staring at him knew his name. He couldn’t decide if that bothered him or not. He’d been at Division for four years now and neither of his superiors had ever paid him any attention. The closest he’d gotten was whenever Alicia would sidle up to his side with something for him to do. Every time she did he prayed whatever had occupied the Head IT’s attention enough that she didn’t want to disturb him would continue to do so. The feeling of Birkhoff’s eyes on the back of his head was not a comfortable one. It was always worth the risk though; working with Alicia. She was on the fast track to an important standing at Division.

He felt like he’d interrupted something and tried to ignore the weight of their eyes as he handed forth the drink. It was easier said than done and Clint found himself meeting Birkhoff’s gaze. Behind the glasses he wore there was irritation lacing his navy blue eyes. It was without a doubt directed towards him, and Clint wasted no time in turning to leave only to be caught by Michael’s expression. “What’s your current assignment?’ he questioned without hesitation.

“Nothing sir,” Clint responded stiffly, straightening up the slightest bit. If the Head Agent was asking then it could only mean one thing.

“Clean up this footage,” Michael confirmed the techie’s suspicions, lifting his eyes from Birkhoff to turn them instead to him as he handed over the grunt work.