I woke up the next day to the same buzz as before. This time I made sure not to hesitate picking up the phone. As I hoped, it was the secretary from Serpent Investment. Before I could even get a word out, the woman said in her usual dry tone "on behalf of Mr. Rumlow, I would like to extend a job offer to you here at Serpent Investment. Please come in to our office at 6:00 to go over the final job description and sign the contract". The call ended with the usual sharp click of the phone.
"Yes!" I shouted. Not only was I able to find a job, but a good one. I learned quickly that I had underestimated the expenses of living alone and was eager to be able to afford a dinner heartier than top-ramen.
Still in my pajamas, I danced my way out of bed, eager to start the day and prepare myself for the finalization of my application.
I busied myself for the day, taking some time to get to know the city. While most people would use the bus, I enjoyed the long walk through the different streets, learning the faces of the city.
It was nice to have the chance to take it all in. I hadn't realized how cooped up I felt until I was of the apartment. The weather was nice. The cool breeze caught me off guard, but the lack of rain was welcomed. As it became dark I stopped home one last time to gather my things before making my way to Serpent Investments.
The entrance was just as beautiful as the first time I saw it. I casually walked over to the front desk to check-in, but Mr. Rumlow was already waiting for me. We shook hands and he greeted me with a familiar, reassuring smile. The two of us took the same trip up the building to get to his office and quickly got to work settling the contract. Aside from small talk, the room remained quiet. It was a short and pleasant meeting, I was on my way out within half an hour of my arrival.
As I left, Mr. Rumlow asked "is there someone waiting for you at home? Can I call them to pick you up?" I shook my head. "No, it's just me, but I will be alright". "Are you sure I can't call a cab for you?" he continued. Attempting not to overstep my bounds so soon, I brushed off his offer. "It's really alright. I don't live too far and I can just take the bus if I feel the need". I thanked him for the offer, and continued out the door.
The walk was cold, but not unpleasant. It hadn't rained that day, but I was beginning to hear the soft patter of raindrops beginning to fall. I hurried my pace. While home wasn't too far away, I definitely didn't dress for the poor weather. As the rain began to fall harder and harder, I regretted not taking Mr. Rumlow's offer of a cab.
*Too late now* I thought. As if called by magic a black car slowed next to me.
My initial panic was soon relieved when the window rolled down and Mr. Rumlow poked his head out. "Are you sure you don't need that ride, Ms. Holloway?" he joked. I laughed with him, but fell quiet when I saw a figure shift in the seat behind him. "I could have used it a few minutes ago" I played along "but I've already made it back home" I said, gesturing to the building.
His face lost its usual charm. "Well" he began, "the reason came to find you was that there were a couple documents I failed to have you sign. Would you mind coming back to the office with me? I know it's late, but it would be much easier to get it out of the way now, don't you agree?". The usual friendliness in his voice was gone, and I could tell that it was more of an order than a request.
I tried to protest "I really do need to get back. Do you have them with you? I could drop them off in the morning?". It was apparent that my attempt to compromise aggravated him. He let out a groan and to my surprise the window rolled back up. With a roar of the engine I assumed he was preparing to leave, but as I turned my back I heard the click and slide of the side door.
A coldness gripped my hand and yanked me back. I felt my shoulder hit the side door while a gloved hand reached across my mouth to muffle a scream of shock. I did my best to push against the body that dragged me into the car, but was just pulled further inside. As the car began to move the door was shut. I felt my heart sink with fear and confusion.
I tried to identify the second man. Only from the light of a street lamp did I realize that is was the same nameless, blue eyed man from the interview. I tried to push away from him, but his grip kept me in place underneath him. Kicking, screaming, and crying I did my best to loosen his hold on me, but nothing worked.
He began to maneuver me further into the back seat. Further from the door. Pleas came pouring from my mouth; a repetition of "Stop", "what are you doing?", and "what's going on?" was all I could think to say. Nothing worked to sway the man holding me.
After a long drive we approached the Serpent building, it had a completely different look in the dark. All the beauty was gone, leaving me to question what kind of mess I had gotten myself into? Once deep inside the parking garage, the car door was opened and the man dragged me out, leading me towards the elevator. I continued to resist, but it was apparent to both of us that it was doing no good. Backed into a corner of the elevator, the man's grip on my arm was becoming increasingly painful with no sign of relief. "Asset" Mr. Rumlow spoke. "There is no need to rip her arm off", the asset loosened his grip and I felt blood rush back down my arm.
We went downwards several stories into a long, grey hallway. There were two doors on one side of the hall, Mr. Rumlow went through one and the Asset dragged me through the other. Once inside he released my arm, casting me towards the far side of the room.
I immediately massaged my arm. My whole body felt numb from the rough treatment. The man Mr. Rumlow called the Asset was impossibly strong. My father had tried to teach me to defend myself, but I couldn't help but feel that whatever skill I had would do no good.
Taking a moment to survey the room, it appeared completely empty except for a metal table in the center, blocking me from the Asset. Three of the walls were clear while the fourth was taken up by a large mirror beside me. *An interrogation chamber?* that didn't make any since, had I been arrested? There hadn't been any charges, no warrant.
The Asset stood at the door. It was locked. A complete redundancy, there was no way I could get past him. The silence was becoming too much for me to bear. My mind was racing with questions *say something. Do something*. Before I built up the courage to speak, I heard Mr. Rumlow voice across the intercom, "Ms. Holloway…"
I felt my body tense. Even though I had begged for something to break the silence, I dreaded what he was going to say. "Ms. Holloway" he repeated. "I am going to ask you a series of questions, and I want you to answer truthfully. We know why you applied to Serpent Investment". My head shot up from the floor immediately, *what is he talking about?*. "You are a poor agent, you can drop the false modesty" he continued. With a sudden burst of courage I choked out "an agent? F-for what? I don't know what you are talking about!"
"If you don't want to tell me, that's fine. I can guarantee that someone like yourself won't last long against his interrogation", my eyes moved from the window to the asset. As he took a step towards me, panic began to tug on my stomach. I tried to keep my distance, but there was only so far I could go before I felt my back brush against the wall. He was on me in an instant. Grabbing my wrist, he dragged me towards the table. Pushing me into the chair, he secured one of my hands in cuffs attached to the table, leaving the other hand free.
There was a moment when he looked away. For a moment he wasn't paying attention. I wished I had the courage to move, but fear kept me in place. The moment passed and I cursed myself for staying still. He looked back at me with a slight look of surprise, then to the window, waiting on Rumlow's order. *had he expected me to try something? What could I do against him?*. I had never felt so helpless.
"Follow procedure, soldier". That was all it took from Rumlow for the asset to begin working on his own. He turned to face me and asked, "which faction of Shield do you represent?", his voice was grim, but calm. I tucked my head lower, unable to look at him for fear of seeming more confident than I really was.
"Answer me". His command sounded like a growl. My mind was racing *what should I do? I don't know what he is asking me. Oh! Do they think I am a competitor?* the thought crossed my mind.
"D-do you think I work with another firm?" I managed to ask. "I r-really don't know what's going on. You must have me confused with som-" I was cut off by the sound of his fist hitting the table. I winced, closing my eyes. Rumlow's voice reappeared over the intercom, "Please, Ms. Holloway. My partner does have a temper. Your cover is blown, you can suffer through this interrogation or you can talk to us. Doesn't that seem like the better option to you?"
I believed him whole heartedly that the asset would really hurt me if given the order. All of a sudden my composure broke. I felt a fresh wave of tears bubble up and I couldn't help the sobs that followed. The Asset moved towards my side, I tried to distance myself, but my restraints prevented me from moving very far.
"I don't know what you want!" I cried, trying to push him back. He lifted me up out of the seat in a swift motion. Grabbing the back of my neck, he forced me face down onto the table. The chill of his hand sent shivers down my spine. "I'm going to give you some incentive. Start talking or you are going to lose some fingers". I saw a flash of silver in his right hand and watched as he maneuvered a small knife towards my bound wrist. Letting out another scream I struggled against his hold, fear and confusion were beginning to make me hysterical. "Please! Please! Stop, I really don't know anything!" I was a mess, coughing through my sobs. My heart sank as I watched the blade come down. I closed my eyes and let out a scream.
All I felt was a prick of pain in my arm, and then my vision faded into black.
I was in a state of dizziness. I could hear a mumble of voices around me, but there was nothing I could make out. I felt myself moving, but I wasn't in control of my body. I fought to open my eyes, but I was so exhausted. I wasn't sure why.
X
I woke up with a start only to find myself in my own bed. It was warm and safe, I looked around unsure of how I got there. Memories of the night before flooded into my mind, but looking down I couldn't find a single bruise. There was no sign of the trauma that I remembered so vividly. "That couldn't have been a dream" I said to myself, tears welling up again. Rubbing my wrists I made my way into the kitchen. Everything felt like it was covered in fog. It was all there, but I knew something was wrong.
After a big breakfast and a long shower, I felt my senses coming back. As the day went on I couldn't shake the feeling of the dream I had. Practicality finally gave way to the insane feelings I had and I was able to move along with my day. My weekend consisted of books and T.V. I had to prepare myself for the beginning of my new job as a secretary for Serpent Investment.
The weekend passed too quickly. Before I knew it I was getting dressed for my first day of work. Words cannot describe how excited I was for that first paycheck. By the time I was walking out the door, I had all but dismissed the insanity of my dreams.
The sky was still dark by the time I began my walk to the bus stop. The well-lit streets were already beginning to fill with people. It was amazing that so many people were already starting their days. I wondered how many of them were as captivated by the city as I was. I stood for a moment. Letting the moment calm my nerves.
After a short trip on the bus, I arrived down the street from Serpent Investments. I tried to dismiss the feeling of discomfort I felt entering the building. This early in the morning the lobby was quiet. It seemed that at least one part of the city was not quite awake yet. I made my way over to the front desk where the stoic secretary was already hard at work on her computer. Noticing the empty seat next to her, I assumed that this was the spot I was filling.
When I attempted to join her behind the counter, she raised her hand. "This is not where you will be working. You're going upstairs" her comment was followed by the usual request to take a seat.
After waiting for a few minutes I felt a flair of anxiety. I did my best to distract myself with another book. Settling into the soft cushions, I did my best to replicate the feeling of peace I found on the street. A ring of the elevator caught my attention. When I looked over I expected to be greeted by Mr. Rumlow, my eyes widened when the Asset stood in his place. I had talked myself down from the fear that dream had brought me, but looking at him brought every feeling back and more.
I sat there for a moment as he walked over to me. "Ms. Holloway, follow me upstairs. I will show you to your desk". It took a moment for me to comprehend what he said. His voice was not the same as the man in my dream. There was nothing about the way he is now that scared me. His posture was lazy and peaceful, like he had just gotten out of bed. The man from before was imposing, this man just seemed content.
Taking a deep breath, I followed him and entered the elevator. After a moment I looked up. My brown eyes met his for a moment before returning to the floor. His eyes were kind. I felt somewhat ashamed that I had let a dream tarnish my opinion of him.
Neither of us said a word until we reached my new desk. I wouldn't be alone. Already there was another girl typing away at her computer. Upon seeing the two of us make our way down the hall, she jumped out of her seat and rushed over to greet us. "Hello, you must be Marie!?" she started. "I'm Malory. Marie and Malory, we will make quite the team!" she joked. We laughed for a minute shaking hands.
"Let me help you get settled in" she said, reaching to help me with my things. "If there is anything you need don't hesitate to ask". I followed her behind the desk and we began to sort through the basics of the job. The Asset, (if that's what I should call him), had dismissed himself sometime during my introduction with Malory. She was so chatty, but that was a welcome relief from the stoic nature of the building. We spent the whole morning going over procedures, by lunchtime I felt like I had a good handle on the job. When we weren't busy taking calls or scheduling appointments, Malory loved to talk about office gossip. By the end of the day not only did I feel at home in the office, but I was on the way to making my first friend. It was a relief to have someone to talk to.
Together we finished our work for the day and began to make our way downstairs. "Oh, shoot!" I exclaimed, realizing that I had left my phone at the desk. "I need to head back upstairs for a minute, I will see you tomorrow morning". We exchanged goodbyes and she continued downstairs.
The view from my floor caught my attention every time. I had never been in the office during sunset, and the vast view from the building now donned a dark silhouette of the mountains across the sound, the sky was pink and orange behind them. I stood there for a moment, forgetting my reason for coming back.
I was startled from my daydream by a familiar chill on my shoulder. It was the asset's hand. The familiar pressure brought every piece of my memory back. The touch was proof enough, but not of what I had hoped for. "Ms. Hollo-" he started, I flinched from his hand and looked into his eyes with all the emotions I had from before. Taking a few steps back I clutched my bag to my chest, waiting for him to make a move. He held still, his eyes processing what had happened. He knew I remembered, and an all new fear replaced my uncertainty. He turned and walked away from me with a somewhat sad look on his face.
*I wasn't dreaming… What do I do now…?*