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Winter barely had time to start the car driving before a voice boomed from the shadows.
“Stop right there.”
Her hands froze on the wheel. That voice—she recognized it instantly. Agent Parrot.
Her head whipped around, scanning the area, but she saw nothing. “Show yourself!” she barked, adrenaline surging.
A rustling sound drew her attention to the edge of the road, and then… they appeared.
From behind an old crate, two figures emerged. One was wearing a ridiculous parrot costume, complete with oversized wings flapping as they stumbled forward. The other—Agent Owl—tried to step out gracefully but immediately tripped over the hem of their own feathered cloak.
“Careful!” Parrot hissed, steadying Owl, who wobbled precariously before straightening with an exaggerated flourish.
Winter started, dumbfounded. She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
The two men she had just beaten up scrambled to their feet, groaning loudly but somehow managing to stand at attention beside the costumed agents. One of them clutched his ribs while the other dabbed at his bleeding nose, their expressions a mix of pain and poorly-hidden embarrassment.
Winter opened her door, stepping out cautiously. Her instincts screamed at her to protect Karina, who immediately followed despite Winter’s raised hand to stop her.
“Stay behind me,” Winter murmured, holding Karina protectively against her side. Her eyes locked onto the agents, sharp and unwavering. “I’m not giving her to you.”
Agent Owl tilted their head, their voice still modulated by the voice changer. “And why is that?”
Agent Parrot folded their costume wings dramatically, stepping closer. “Yeah and what about the money, Winter? You’ve already been paid. You think you can just keep her?”
Winter hesitated, her grip on Karina tightening. She clenched her jaw, trying to suppress the rush of emotions threatening to break free. Her mind raced for a response, but her body betrayed her, heat rising to her cheeks.
“I’ll give it back,” she finally muttered.
Owl crossed their arms, their feathery costume making the gesture look utterly ridiculous. “Why?”
Winter avoided Karina’s gaze, her ears burning. “I…” She swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. “I can't give her. I need her.”
Agent Parrot perked up, leaning forward. “Oh? Need her? Care to elaborate?”
Winter’s face turned a deeper shade of red as she forced the words out. “Because I love her, okay?”
