Out of Oblivion

Chapter 8

The next day I entered the office with a smile plastered on my face. Riley was there, as usual, typing away at his computer.

            “Good morning, Riley,” I said in greeting.

            He looked at me as if he thought I had died the night before. “Good morning, El! Feeling better?”

            “I’m doing great. How are you?”

            “So where were you?” he barked, ignoring my question.

            “I went back to my apartment. I wasn’t feeling well.”

            “Oh…ok.” He seemed to detect that I wasn’t going to explain anymore.

            As I entered my office, humming while I set up my work area, Riley came to the door.

            “I almost forgot, you have an interview with the Captain this afternoon.”

            “Ok, thanks, Riley.”

            With that he left me to begin my day’s work. After a quick edit of my latest article, I sent it to Riley and went through my emails. I was interrupted from my duties around lunchtime by a knock at my door.

            Without waiting for a reply, Agent Dashner stormed into the room, panting. He quickly pulled himself together, straightening his suit coat and tie.

            “Agent Stanton, I have something I’d like you to investigate.”

            “Yes, sir?”

            He slapped a folder on my desk. The words “classified” were stamped on the cover. I opened it, revealing Agent Phil Coulson’s file. I scanned the file, searching for something unusual. There didn’t seem to be anything.

            “Uh, Agent Dashner, what is it exactly that you’d like me to investigate. Everything seems intact.” I couldn’t understand why he’d want me to further investigate the deceased agent.

            “Agent Stanton…Agent Coulson’s body was found on the top floor of this building. He’s alive.”

            The words I wanted to say didn’t go past my throat. I opened my mouth, but all that came out was a squeak of disbelief.

            “Alive?” the words finally came.

            Agent Dashner eyes flickered with irritation. He wasn’t kidding. “I need you to go to him.”