Double Crossed: Marionette

Chapter 2

I stormed into a library filled with skulls, swords, and other ancient or magical objects. Books lined every wall, top to bottom. Their musty smell welcomed me, but I barely noticed.

Two researchers were sitting in the desks in the middle of the room. Each had a pile of books and their heads bent over another. Despite the well known fact that you're expected to be quiet in a library, I slammed my fists onto the desk of a young female researcher. There were two dents in the wood when I removed my hands to cross my arms. It was a fair warning not to cross me.

"I need information on the scepter of health. Where's the researchers on that?"

She stammered her answer, clearly still surprised by my entrance, "H-he's not here. It's his day off, but I-I'm his assistant. I can h-help you." She added the last sentence when she saw my eyes narrow in displeasure. She also hiccuped in her fear. Not something I do, probably cause I never get scared.

The assistant stumbled to close her book and stand out of her seat. Her chair tipped over in her jumbled movements and my hand snapped out to catch it. I didn't have to be 100% rude all of the time.

The young brunette lead me further into the library with her stack of books in her arms.

"We only have a few books that have info on this scepter." She became more confident when she wasn't looking at me. I looked at the corner where she had led me. The girl pointed to the almost cleared out corner of the bookcases. "These are the books we've already been through. The notes are in there," she pointed to a filing cabinet labeled Apollo's Scepter. "The very first book we read called it Apollo's Scepter. Which makes sense considering he's the god of medicine. Although, I don't know what we need it for..."

I cut her off there, "What we need it for is none of your business. Your job is to do our research and feed us the information."

My tone must of startled her because her eyes went wide as saucers and she went back to rambling. "I'm sorry miss, my curiosity got the best of me. I really need..." Her sentence trailed off while I ran my fingers over the bindings of the remaining books.

From the front of the library, a deep voice called, very loudly, might I add, "Anna? Anna? Where are you?" I was supposed to be the only loud one.

Anna, the young assistant next to me, answered, "I'm in the back with Ms. West!" That was the loudest I've heard her, and she made two to be loud in the silent library. I almost felt bad for the other researcher at the desks. Almost.

A couple seconds later, a tall, dark man walked into our secluded corner. I straightened, showing my full height. Though he easily towered over me, I could sense immediately his mood drop into a way of seeming pressured. I was very good at identifying emotions, humans were so easy to see through.

The man saluted me, a gesture Anna forgot. She realized this and her hand shot up to complete the greeting. My eyes flicked to her and back to the newcomer. "And you are...?"

"Agent Semmens. I was assigned to research Apollo's Scepter. Which I assume you're here for?"

My eyes narrowed. I don't like being read like a book. "Don't assume what I'm doing, but yes. I need everything you know about the healing stick."

Semmens pulled a manila folder and spiral notebook from the filing cabinet. The folder was labeled documents and I'm gonna take a random guess what was in the notebook: notes. We sat down at a nearby table and began reading over Semmens' findings. Most of it was boring, like why the name had Apollo instead of like Sol. However, the whole five pages of how men of ancient times saddled a horse, that was, well, irrelevant and a waste of time.

Hours later, I was finally done scanning documents and notes with my photographic memory and went to my room to pack. I literally threw my light-weight uniforms into a suitcase with the occasional pair of shorts and a tank top I didn't intend to use and forced myself into a pair of heeled boots. Even though I won't turn to ash, sun was still not my favorite light source.

I left the residential building and stepped into the courtyard. Across from where I stood, a break in the circle of buildings outlined an airfield with a jet black plane on the tarmac. Airport crews were rushing around, loading luggage and gassing up the plane. Towing my suitcase behind me, I walked over to the gate to the airfield.

A group of 3-4 darkly dressed men stood at the bottom of the stair entrance. My boots clicked the concrete as I approached. Every head turned in my direction, first a look of curiosity, then fear, then finally respect. Four salutes were sent my way as I stopped in front of the gathering. My eyes glanced over the men, none of which I recognized. Behind me, another newcomer jogged up the tarmac. This one I recognized as he gave me a smirk.

"Sorry I'm late," Agent Barnes said in between breaths, running a hand through his auburn hair.

"Again," I stated as I turned toward a plane attendant. I gave her my bag and whirled on my heel to step up the stairs and into the plane.

It wasn't the biggest plane I've ever been on, but it was decently sized. The interior was a cream with cream leather chairs and cream tables and cream rug. The only break in the color was the dark marble floor. I payed no heed to the on-flight maid dusting off a refrigerator. Instead I turned toward the tail of the plane where the bunks were located. The rooms on either side were marked with golden name plaques. Agent Gardner, Agent Shag, then my room. it was the tip of the hallway, closest to the back. On either side of me, Agent Shag and, sigh, Agent Barnes. I twisted the nob and swung the door open, revealing a hideously bright room.

I, being the most important person on this plane, had the biggest room. It stretched across the back of the plane and had windows on either side. Light filtered in the windows. Quickly, I closed the sheer yellow curtains in an attempt to block out some light. I was unsuccessful. In the center of the room stood a four post bed with yellow and black comforters. Sheer black curtains hung from the rods on the bed. Black and white modern paintings hung on the walls and a black dresser sat in front of the bed. On either side was a black end table complete with cream lamps and yellow shades.

I searched the room for more suitable curtains. They must have thought I needed color in my life so they mixed my soul with dandelion yellow. Or they thought they were transporting Marilyn Monroe.

With no curtains to be found, I came up with the brilliant idea to pull down the plane shade.

I realized I forgot to shut the door as I was working on taking off my boots. I glanced up, out of curiosity, I wasn't expecting anyone. Expected or not, Agent Barnes stood leaning against my doorframe with his signature smirk plastered across his face.

I rolled my eyes and spoke, "What is it with you and my door?" My voice had no emotion, a clear sign I didn't want him watching me 24/7.

"Just admiring the view." His smirk shifted to a pleased smile when I took off my jacket. "I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me tonight? Romantic candles, gourmet-" I cut him off with a door to the face. Quite satisfying, if I might say. A loud groan came from the hallway. "Do you know how to reject politely?"

"Nope!" Another groan, footsteps, very loud laughs and a faint shut up.

Man I loved when men get their pride shattered.