Risk and Rebel's Guide Book

TEAM FOXTROT > EXCERPT

WASHINGTON D.C.

--

"Where are they?"

Exasperated words left Red's lips as he sat on a bench beside his partner. Crowds were milling about the area, all of them so painfully tourist in appearance that Red was starting to wonder if maybe they should get a patriotic t-shirt to try and blend in better. But he knew that Extra would be against that -- she's not into things that are itchy -- so he kept his mouth shut and his arm around the back of the bench, lingering just millimeters from her shoulders.

"Coming," Extra answered passively, watching the crowds as well. To one side the Lincoln Monument looms, and to the other, the rest of the Smithsonian buildings. "They'll show, Red," she said, looking over at her partner with dark hazel eyes. "They always do."

"Yeah, yeah," Red sighed, crossing one leg over the other, waving off her reminder with his free hand. "Don't even like D.C.," he grumbled to himself, going back to surveying the crowds.

Their partners for this assignment, however, do not emerge from the crowds of loud and brightly-colored tourists. No, they come from behind -- when neither of the counterparts of Team Foxtrot are expecting it. In fact, as they show up, Red's seconds away from getting to his feet and just going to look for them himself.

As he goes to rise, large hands firmly press down on his shoulders, keeping him securely on the bench. Words are quick to follow the gesture, in order to ensure Red does not respond violently. "Been waiting too long?" Rebel asked, making a point of massaging Red's shoulders for a moment before releasing him.

"Yes," Red retorted, twisting his head just enough to shoot Rebel an annoyed look.

Extra merely rolled her eyes, her own attention drifting to the other half of Team Alpha as she slipped around the bench and took a seat beside Red. Risk flashed Foxtrot one of her crooked and mischievous smiles, throwing one leg carelessly over the other. "Sorry we're late, then," she said, though the apology was far from heartfelt.

"Is the briefing we received accurate?" Extra asked immediately, choosing to bypass any further whining her partner might try to engage in. She arched a well-sculpted brow, leaning in just a little as her voice lowered; "We're supposed to steal from the archives?"

"Oh yeah," Rebel agreed, still standing behind the bench. "That's the plan, anyway."

"Doesn't make sense why we're here," Red muttered. "We're a strike team, not thieves."

"Yes, we're all very aware of your occupation, Red," Risk drawled, giving him a look.

"Extra's going to play face for us," Rebel offered, ignoring his partner's sarcasm. He turned toward the blonde immediately after; "Realistically, Risk is terrible at wooing, and we need to get close enough to these guards to get them off-camera before they're knocked out."

"Who's going to be in charge of taking out the security system once we're in?" Red asked sharply.

Risk flashed a predatory smile. "Me. Don't worry your pretty head about it."

Red rolled his eyes, "Because that doesn't give me a reason to worry--"

"Anyway," Rebel interrupted. "After the security system's down, we just have to get into the archives. From there it's a matter of accumulating the right box, which will be you and I's job, Red."

"Goodie," Red grumbled, earning a sharp smack to the arm from Extra.

"Shape up, Red," Extra sighed exasperatedly. She turned back to Team Alpha then. "What exactly are we stealing, anyway?"

"Funny you ask," Risk hummed, looking out across the crowds. "See, that's why we need Red . . . we're supposed to be getting a couple ancient Chinese swords. We need someone to verify they're authentic so we don't head back to HQ looking like idiots. Does that sound more like something your caliber, Red?" she asked in a sickly-sweet tone.

Though Red wanted to argue, he refrained. Because honestly, ancient Chinese swords would make any other activities absolutely worth it. He looked up at Rebel then, a new glimmer of determination in his eyes. "When do we start?"