I tucked a piece of my light brown hair behind my ear and stepped into the secret elevator in the laundry mat. I closed my eyes and tried to keep my composure as the elevator jerked to a stop. I sighed softly and opened my eyes as the doors swung open. I stepped out with grace. I kept my head tilted back with confidence. I walked past all the desks with curious stares from other agents as I made my way towards Malory's office. I haven't seen her since in years. My thoughts raced at the memory of Sterling left town years ago. Malory was staring out the window with a cup of whiskey with ice in her hand. I looked down at my outfit instantly feeling rather over dressed.
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I shrugged the anxiety and nervous feelings away. I tilted my head back again trying to feel confident and cleared my throat. Announcing my presences to Malory.
"Not now Lana!" Snapped Malory, over her shoulder.
Her voice was filled with annoyance and disappointment. I placed my hands on my hips as my own tempter formed.
"I do not know who your talking about Malory but I am certainly not Lana. Im here about your call that you made to me," I stated, bluntly. "What do you want?"
Malory turned and looked at me in surprise. A small smile formed on my lips. Slowly a small smile formed on her lips.
"Oh! Alia," Malory says. "My apologies. Yes, please come in and have a seat.."
I walked over to her desk and took a seat at the front of her desk. She quickly sat down behind it and swirled her glass. She smells heavily of whiskey. Her office smelt a little awful too. I tried to push past the smells and looked Malory over. She hadn't aged a day since Archer left all those years ago. A small pain shot through my heart at the thought before I returned to the topic at hand.
"Why I called you is because I want you to join my team," Malory explained, slowly. "I know you don't want to but I've seen your results. You know what you're doing and I like that. I work with a bunch of idiots for crying out loud. So please. I need you to work for me. Be my professional agent.."
"Becoming a spy?" I whispered, doubtful. "I haven't worked like this in almost four years... Hell, why do you need me really Malory? I'm sure they are just as professional as I am."
"Yes, I've seen what you could and I know you can handle your assignments," Malory insisted. "I just need you to help me with far worse assignments. Or even getting stuff back for me."
Then you don't know me at all Malory... I thought dryly. Working for my ex boyfriend's mother... What have I gotten myself into? I sighed softly. It feels like just yesterday I refused the OBIN and now ISIS is asking for me! I pressed my lips into a thin line as I hardly listened to Malory ramble on and on about me joining. It is a job... And I do need the money.. I chewed my bottom lip as I tossed the thought around my mind.
"Alright. I'll join your team," I muttered. "I don't have any other choice do I?"
Malory smiles brightly and laughs softly. It was a dry laugh.
"I'm glad I talked you into it," Malory replied, she pulled a piece of paper out of her desk. "Just sign the dotted line and then we have the agreement."
I took the pen from her and leaned forward. I sucked in a deep breath. I read over the contract. The benefits seemed great and signed my name on the dotted line.
"Alia?" Came a male voice.
Malory looked up from the paper work on her desk. Her eyes went to the door with a surprised look on her features as if she wasn't expecting the person to show up. My body froze and tensed a little. I know that voice... I stood up from my seat and turned around slowly to see Sterling Archer. My heart thumped against my chest as my mouth ran dry. My stomach twisted into knots sending a wave nausea over me. Malory's voice rang out from behind me breaking me from my own trance as I tried to collect myself.
"Training starts tomorrow," she reminds, quickly trying to recover the mood.
"Yes, Miss. Archer," I replied, softly.
My body began to shake slightly as I try to tear my gaze away from Archer but I couldn't focus anymore on what Malory had to say.
"Someone will show you to your desk," Malory continued.
"I think I should go," I breathed. "I'll see you tomorrow. I have other plans this evening. So.. see you tomorrow."
I nodded to myself before leaving her office quickly. And so. My journey begins...
