"Now Elise, don't embarrass our lab." Professor Nikolav jokes for what must be the hundredth time today. I sigh into the phone.
"I won't, Dr. Nikolav, I'm a grown-up. I can handle myself here." I open the trunk of my car and pick up the box of personal items I'd brought to make my new workspace feel more… homely. If you can ever call Shield homely, that is.
"If you say so. I don't know when I'll talk to you next, but Alexander has assured me that you'll be taken care of." Am I wrong to think that there's a hint of uneasiness in his voice?
"I'm sure I'll be fine, professor," I nod at the valet as I toss him my keys, readjusting the phone's awkward placement between my shoulder and ear.
Another vehicle pulls up behind me and I'm aware of the sounds of men climbing out, doors slamming and heavy boots on the concrete. I turn my head a little to watch them ascend the stairs to the building, readjusting the phone again. It slips out of my hand and I panic, loosening my grip on the box. I watch in slow motion as it bounces down the steps, my possessions and folders scattering out with every impact. I mentally chastise myself as it finally comes to a stop on the penultimate step. Bidding my professor a quick goodbye, I slip my phone into my back pocket before I begin picking up my belongings.
To my surprise, someone's hands are joining mine in the clean-up effort.
"It's fine, you don't need to–" I look up expecting a valet or a bell boy, but find myself staring at a man dressed entirely in black combat gear.
His brown eyes meet mine, and I'm a little taken aback by his rugged good looks.
"It's my pleasure, Ms. Summers." He hands me my name tag with an amused smirk. When had that gotten in the box? I could've sworn–
"Rumlow, get over here."
His attention is drawn in the direction of the call.
"Have to go," He casts me an apologetic glance as he stands, then nods towards the box. "Might want to keep a tighter grip on that."
I watch him turn and walk away, rejoining the group of men in black as they enter the building.
STRIKE team. Damn.
Now Elise, don't embarrass our lab. Dr. Nikolav's words come back to me.
Sorry, Doctor. Too late for that.