The Lives of Two 19 Year Old S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents

Chapter 29 - The Airport

As we went through the familiar process of airport security, Chloe and I took another look at our passports.

"Elena Dominic and Anna Michelson," I said, "two friends off to travel the world together."

"I wish," replied Chloe, or should I say, Anna. "We're finally going to one of the cities on my bucket list and it's for work."

"I know," I responded, "but we will have time for sightseeing when we've finished our work."

We were booked on a flight back in 5 days time. If we succeeded on our mission there would be at least 3 days for us to explore the city before we returned home. Not that I planned on sightseeing if the mission was a success and I got my sister back.

Chloe and I reached the front of the queue and emptied our pockets into the designated trays. I had my fingers crossed that the suits would not look suspicious on the x-ray but I did have paperwork to explain if need be. I took off my watch and placed it in the tray. Then, I removed my necklace, dragging out the process before I stepped up to the archway.

I watched out of the corner of my eye as the suitcase travelled painfully slowly into the machine. A security guard motioned for me to walk forward and I stepped through the arch. It didn't beep so I walked over to the bag collection area. The dark grey suitcase had just entered the machine. I watched the security guard closely as she studied the monitor. Suddenly, a look of confusion came about her face. My heart hammered in my chest. Seconds passed. She clicked at the screen a few times as I held my breath. Then, as quickly as it had come about, the expression left her face and the suitcase exited the machine. I breathed a sigh of relief. The less explaining I had to do the better.

Chloe stood next to me as we waited for her suitcase to come through the machine. She gave me hand a small, private squeeze. I knew she longed to kiss me. She longed to relive last night, but our cover was as best friends, not as lovers. Her suitcase finally arrived and we set off.

While we were looking for somewhere to sit, I caught a glimpse of mum, dad and Talon across the busy room and dad nodded at me. I knew Natasha was in the room too but none of us could talk to each other. Travelling as a big group would attract more attention so we were even booked on different flights. After we landed, we would all get taxis to the same hotel where we would meet up and then travel to the local S.H.I.E.L.D. base together.

I was starting to panic about the mission again and Chloe sensed my mood.

"Why don't we grab a coffee?" she suggested as she steered me towards the Starbucks.

'I'm just getting paranoid,' I thought to myself. 'I've travelled safely many times. Everything will be fine.'

That's when I saw him across the room.

Hearing my sharp intake of breath, Chloe turned to me, concerned.

"What is it?" she asked, following my gaze.

"I recognise him," I replied. "He's a Hydra agent."