SHIELD Agent Eleanor Flint

Chapter 22

Henry and I did not hesitate to exit the Quinjet as soon as it landed. The pleasant cool air brought a smile to my face and the steady, secure ground below me made me feel safe. We stepped onto the landing strip and I was immediately met with Clint's arms around me. I stumbled back and returned the embrace after a quick delay. 

"Hi, I'm okay," I assured. 

"I'm glad." Clint pulled away and held my shoulders as he looked over my face. He glanced at Henry and made a double take at his wrapped hand. "What happened to you?" 

"Fist full of navigation screen," Henry answered. 

Clint laughed at Henry's joke for the first time and my lip twitched. I took Henry's hand and adjusted the gauze. Clint glanced back at HQ and sighed. I noticed his exasperated face and bit the inside of my lip. 

"Do you think we have time to slip away or does Fury wanna chat?" I asked. 

"Wanna guess?" Clint responded. 

I popped my gum and Henry popped his against his teeth. "No, I think I know." 

Clint nodded and gave me another hug. He must have really been worried. I returned the embrace and glanced at Natasha who stood not too far away. She nodded her head with a thin smile and I gave her the same look. 

~~~ 

Henry and I still had yet to shower from our mission in Afghanistan. Our clothes were gray with soot and our faces were ashen and I imagined that both of us had bags under our eyes. Yet, Fury dragged on our mission report, when he honestly could have gotten it from General Ross. Besides, Henry and I had just survived being inside of a falling Quinjet. Both of us wanted to go home, but Fury was pressing Henry with questions about Bell. 

"I don't have to pay for the navigation screen, right?" Henry asked Fury.

Fury did not find that funny, but he gave his definite answer. "No, that's on Bell." 

"Sir, I don't know much about Bell except for his time here and the debriefing packet you gave us," Henry said. "Ne- Flint and I are exhausted, we'd like to be dismissed-" 

"I have an opportunity to go to a Tony Stark Gala next month in Malibu," I spoke up. "Bell lived in Malibu with his mother, maybe we could find some leads." 

Fury looked at me. Henry pressed his lips together and glanced down. His knuckles were white again and I placed a hand on his knee. I paused, waiting for Fury to say something and hoped that Henry kept his mouth shut. Hoping wasn't enough. 

"I think that at this point Bell has become a safety threat," he commented. "You want to know what I think about Bell?" Fury didn't answer, but Henry continued. "I think that when we find him he should be executed on sight-" 

"Reed hit his head during the Quinjet fall," I blurted. "But, is it alright if we look for leads after the Stark Gala?" 

Fury and Henry eyed each other for a few seconds. I held my breath and my grip on Henry's knee got tighter. Fury finally broke eye contact and looked at me. 

"You may," he said. "Keep us updated on any finds, and enjoy the gala." 

"Thank you, sir," I replied. Henry's jaw tensed and he placed his hand on top of mine. "Have you gotten word from General Ross about the situation with the students?" 

Fury's expression softened and he adjusted in his seat. "The students were reunited with their families, if that is what you are asking." 

"Yes, sir," I nodded. "Thank you."