Hey everyone! Sorry for such a delay! We'll try not to make that happen again! Please enjoy and let us know what you think!
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Bullets flew overhead as Jake slid further down his cover. He quickly used the back of his hand to wipe the sweat off his forehead before reloading his gun. This definitely didn't go according to plan. He was originally going for a stealthier approach in order to get the files he needed then leave but obviously that went to shit once he tripped an alarm. He was so close to being done with stupid month and a half mission and now it just became an even bigger headache.
"Mr. Muller!" Keith Monroe's shrill voice cut through the silent and Jake rubbed his earbud trying to turn down the volume. Speaking of headaches. "According to the information you gathered the files we need should be in the room right across from you. Stop wasting time and get to it!"
Jake grunted as he pressed into his earpiece, "Yeah, well if you want me to get to the files in one piece you will give me some time!"
After taking a deep breath to calm down, he pushed himself up and fired at the gunmen. Once the the bodies hit the floor, Jake cautiously removed himself from cover. He slowly approached the downed men, making sure they were really dead before going through their pockets to take extra ammo from them. He stuck his hand into the last pocket and didn't feel ammo, but a piece of paper. Carefully, he took the paper out and examined it. It was a picture of him, along with some stats printed on the side of it. What the fuck? He quickly reached into the same pocket for all the other men, finding the same paper. Except the last one had something written on it.
Can anger bring out powers? Check for speed and strength.
Shaking his head, Jake folded up the paper and put it in pocket. He can figure out what that means later. Right now, he needed to get what he came for then get the hell out. Before moving, he felt a phone vibrate in his pocket. He removed the phone to see he had one unread text.
Chris: Everything seems okay. It should be safe.
Without responding, he placed the phone back in his pocket. He still couldn't believe him and Redfield were working together. Well, working together being used very loosely. It more or less meant Chris was working not to get Jake killed and Jake was letting him do so. Chris was very good on his word though, sending out messages when he could warning Jake.
"Watch out for spiders."
"At the fork, go right, going left will kill you."
Still didn't fully trust the guy though, since he technically needed his help getting Nivans back so his intentions may not be purely for Jake's benefit.
Readying himself, Jake checked the hall before moving the door on the opposite side. He twisted the handle only to find resistance. Fuck, I don't got time for this.
Aiming his gun at the handle, Jake shot three times until the door swung open. Inside was an office of sorts, much fancier than the other rooms he had come across in this building. Running behind the desk, Jake started to rummage through the papers at the top of it. Not seeing anything of interest, he started pulling out the desk drawers until one gave him resistence. With a smirk he gripped the handle and pulled back with all his strength, the drawer swiftly opening up. Inside the drawer was a thick folder which Jake grabbed. Carefully, he flipped through the contents of the folder. It showed pictures of what looked like an hibernation tank from the movies. Moving on, he kept flipping until another document caught his eye. It didn't look like anything official but the document discussed a project that would transfer a virus from one living host to another and alternating it. Could this be what they wanted?
The pounding of footsteps snapped him out of his reading. Closing the file, he held down his earpiece. "I have what you are looking for, now get me the fuck out of here."
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Sherry found herself standing in the same spot she stood a few weeks ago. Waiting for him, again. This time felt different, but it wasn't because she was nervous. Things had changed after the night he left - especially since he left in such strange circumstances. There wasn't much else she could do besides distract her from the moments they shared together. She had to focus on work, or anything really that wasn't involving Jake - or his reasoning for keeping his "secret". Staying at Claire's didn't bother her, but Jake's reasoning did. This was keeping her up some nights. What was he hiding? Why was he so persistent in convincing her to not be alone?
Immediately, her thoughts halted the moment she saw him walking towards her. Everything melted away, unable to hold back a smile as she gave a small wave in his direction. Jake reflected her, returning a smile and a wave. He picked up his pace until he was close enough to her. Dropping his bag, he scooped her up into a hug. Whispering, Jake chuckled, "Kinda feels like deja vu doesn't it?"
Sherry tightened her hug, barely feeling her feet on the ground. "Yeah, it kind of does." Slowing easing her head back to get a closer look at him, she noticed a few cuts and bruises around his face and arms but all in all, he didn't seem worse for wear. "You look like you're in one piece."
"Must be the Wesker in me. I'm almost impossible to kill, you know that." Jake softly laughed, as he placed her back down on the ground. They held each other's glances for a few moments before someone clearing their throat snapped their attention away.
"Well, well, long time no see, Muller. How's the big bad infected world treating you?" Claire Redfield smiled as she approached the two. Standing beside Sherry, she held her arms out, crying out playfully. "What? I don't get a warm welcome?"
Jake quickly tilted his head away from the women, feeling slightly embarassing from Claire watching his greet with Sherry. Holding his hand out to her, he quickly recovered. "Sorry, I didn't see you there, Claire."
After the two shook hands, Jake couldn't help but notice Claire's mischievous grin as she began to walk away. Jake wondered if there was any way she could have-? Reaching down to get his bag, he leaned in close to Sherry, whispering, "Uh, does she know?"
"Maybe?" Sherry bashfully shrugged, her cheeks quickly warming. Claire was her best friend, after all. Sherry wasn't embarrassed talking to Claire about her personal matters, after everything that happened between her and Jake it helped to get if off her chest. That was, until after Claire jokingly interrogated her question after question.
It was his smile that snapped her attention back into reality. Where he was reaching for her hand, gently intertwining his hand with hers. His gaze shifted from hers to Claire, "So, dinner on me?"
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Everything was normal. For Sherry, that meant everything. It didn't even phase her that this was the first time she and Jake went to dinner, that didn't involve fighting or being interviewed. While Claire continued to muse about the old days, she could tell Claire was enjoying his company. Once they finished, Claire dropped them off at Sherry's place.
"If Claire brought up one more embarrassing story about me from years ago I was gonna kill her!" Sherry teased, shaking her head as she closed the door to her apartment behind her, "I wanted to be just like them, so I would try and imitate them. Sometimes, it would lead to Claire and Leon fighting. Not bad ones, you know, just bickering like 'where did she learn that? Not me' kind of stuff. But, those were the best days I had in there…"
"Oh, it was nice to hear about when you were younger and that your childhood wasn't all bad despite being under lockdown all the time. And the pictures she showed me were great." Jake laughed as he sat down onto her couch, "Like that one where you wanted to be an astronaut so you taped all your pillows to yourself."
"First of all," Sherry exclaimed as she sat next to him, unable to mask her own laugh. "Leon was the one who said that it was cool, so I blame him. Second of all, that picture shouldn't even exist!"
Once their amusement ended, the two fell into a silence. Nothing uncomfortable, or uneasy, just a peaceful moment together - one where the two could never seem to get quite too often. Sherry felt guilty, her mind wandering off to what Jake could have been enduring for the weeks he was gone. It didn't get any easier. The uncertainty clouded her mind on a daily basis. Lifting her eyes to meet Jake, she softly spoke, "I'm sorry, I was worried you didn't wanted to come back to all of this."
"Believe me, this is the only thing I wanted to come back to. This exact moment." Cupping her face in his hand, Sherry could hear a short hitch in his voice. "I missed you."
The rush of his words sunk for Sherry. A sense of relief flooded her entirely. He didn't forget about the time they spent together, she knew he couldn't have. But it didn't make living with the hopes and memories of it any easier. She reached for his hand, clutching it as she sighed, "I missed you too, so much. I couldn't' stop thinking about you, what was happening, if you were okay. You were gone for a long time, Jake. I was so worried I didn't know what was happening…"
"It doesn't matter," Jake dismissed. "I'm here now."
It was worth the shot. He can't keep hiding about it forever, why hide it? I trust him, but what is he holding back? Sherry knew better than to begin an interrogation, after all he just returned - and with the way he left before, she had to hold her breath before he'd disappear again. She knew she shouldn't push. Cursing mentally, she quickly choked, "Right...But, are you done? For good?"
"No, not yet." Seizing the opportunity to escape her worrisome gaze, Jake paced over to the kitchen, eyeing the cabinets. "Where's your liquor? You don't have work early tomorrow right?"
"It's in the bottom pantry. No, I don't go in until a bit later in the afternoon." Slowly following behind, she watched as he crouched down to search through her bottles. Sherry felt incredibly naive for feeling so awkward. She didn't want to assume anything, of course. But she didn't want to be alone. Not again. "Do...Do you want to hang out or something…?"
Sherry felt her cheeks flush as Jake laughed, finally deciding on the bottle of rum. "As opposed to not hanging out like we are right now? My only plans tonight are you, so whatever you wanna do I'm down for."
"Right," Sherry nervously recovering, leaning over she smiled at him. "I see you found the bottle I had to restock from last time."
"Yeah, I figured it was good last time so might as well do it again. Unless you want to try something different?"
"No, this is perfect. It'll be nice to just sit and talk for a while," Reaching for glasses, she poured them both a drink. After taking a huge gulp, she fought the grimace on her face. "It was weird not having you around, I know we didn't spend much time together and work kept me busy but..."
"I was worried about you too," Jake took a sip, looking back at her. "Did you stay with Claire most of the time?"
"Yeah, for most of it. She was confused, but it was nice for me to spend time with her. Besides repacking my bag, I only started coming back to my apartment a couple of weeks ago." Sherry shrugged, "I totally forgot about Fish, so I had to get back to him a few days after you left."
"Thanks for staying with her…I really appreciate you doing that for me." A solemn look fell on Jake, as his gaze wandered over to her window. Before Sherry could address it, he quickly recovered with a smirk. "Wait...Fish?"
"Oh, Fish, it's Leon's pet fish." Sherry simply said, smiling and pointing to a small table by the window which held a fish tank with a goldfish swimming inside it. "He named it Fish, don't ask why. Anyway, usually when he's working a lot he couldn't take care of him so I usually did it, originally though he would give it to Claire. But after a few years back when Claire accidentally killed it, Leon started giving Fish to me. And, yeah, he names all his fish- Fish. So…" Sherry wandered over back to his side, "Am I allowed to live in my own home or must I be banished every time you leave?"
Jake didn't met her eyes. This time, they were looking at the bottom of his glass. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Did anything strange happen while I was gone? Like anything weird? And, I'm sorry for going back to this but - why does Leon keep getting a fish? Why not a plant?"
"I think he enjoys taking care of something. Well, since he and Claire officially got together I kind of adopted Fish. He's always bring Fish when I was little every time he visit. I think it comforted him in a way, low maintenance and alive and all. But…" Trailing back, Sherry's voice grew serious. "No, nothing happened. I worked, went back to Claire's, worked again- nothing out of the ordinary. Why would it be?"
"I was just asking, but you can stay here if you want. It is your apartment after all. But maybe-" Suddenly, Jake's phone began ringing off. Visibly wincing, he pulled out his phone. Noticing Keith Monroe's number, he groaned to himself. "I have take this. I'll be right back." With a short nod from Sherry, he rushed over to her bedroom, answering the call. "Yes?"
"The President needs to meet. Now."
"Right now?" Jake echoed, "I'm not-!"
"We're outside." With a click, Jake was left hanging. Rushing over to her window, he saw black limo parked across the street. "Fuck me."
Putting his phone back in his pocket, he grabbed his jacket off her bed and rushed to the living room. He paused for a moment, watching Sherry sit with her drink, watching Fish swim in circles. But he didn't have time to take her in, he had to leave. Forcing a small smile, he kissed the top her of her head as he rushed toward the door, "Hey, I'll be right back, okay?"
"Okay…?" Sherry helplessly watched as Jake was already out the door. Instinctively, she rushed over to her bedroom window, hoping to catch a glimpse of where he rushed to. Watching him jog to a black limo, she felt uneasy as she watched it drive off. Unable to shake the dreadful feeling that he may not return…
And so she waited. Aimlessly flipping through the pages of a novel she hoped to read. Repeatedly checking her phone, watching every minute tick by until more than two hours passed. She thought about calling him, but she knew better than to intrude especially with his new 'job'. She didn't know when she fell asleep, but it was a soft knock on the door, and his voice bringing her back, "Sherry?"
"Jake!" Jumping off the couch, shaking off the sleep as she rushed to open her door. He looked just as as he did when he left with the exception of a pair of duffle bags in each hand. Hesitantly, she questioned, "Bringing your work home with you? Uh, on second thought, I really hope that's not it."
"Ha, no it's just some of my stuff." Dropping the bags near the entrance, he closed the door behind him. Smirking, he shrugged, "I'm moving here it seems, so, I'm starting to move the little things I do own over here." Reaching for his pocket, Sherry's eyes widened as he pulled out a very delicate, beautiful necklace, the diamonds glistening in the light. He handed it to her, gently, "Like this."
"Jake," Sherry was speechless. She's never seen so many diamonds in one piece of jewelry, let alone how much it shined. Her mind, frantically began piecing everything together. "I-It's amazing but I can't accept this. Where did you even get it- Wait, did you say, move in? Wait-!"
Laughing, he held his hands up. "Slow down, I didn't mean move here." He gestured to her apartment, "I meant here, in D.C. And that," looking back at the necklace, "Was my mother's. I want you to have it."
"Jake, you don't have to give me something like this...If it was her's, I can't accept it. It's yours!"
"Well, it's a little dainty for me to wear, personally. Besides, she would want it being worn not collecting dust in some drawer. Here," Carefully putting the necklace around her, he smiled. "See? Way better on you."
"Thank you," Sherry quickly rushed into an embrace, feeling all of a sudden overwhelmed. Her mind couldn't wrap around the rush- but that's how she always found it to be with him. Always something new whether it be adventure or an impulse when they were together. Nothing her old life offered her, nothing she ever knew. Grounding herself back, she playfully shot up a disappointing look at him as she teased, "Don't think you're getting off the hook so easy. You practically ditched me! For hours! So not cool!"
"I know," Jake smiled, returning the hug. "I just figured if I gave that to you now, it would at least give me until tomorrow."
"Oh?" She playfully shoved him away, "What makes you think you'll get that long, hm?"
"Because," Smirking, Jake scooped her up throwing her over his shoulder. "It's way past your bedtime, ma'am. Time to escort you to bed!"
"Hey! Not fair!" The two laughed as he carried her off, allowing themselves to be lost within each other, even if was only for a few moments.
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Sherry awoke the next morning with the bright glare from her window shining through. With a low groan from the morning light, she turned over to her other side to find Jake still peacefully sleeping. Smiling at him, her mind couldn't help but wonder back to his own secrets. If it was important, she would know, right? Sherry felt uneasy as her eyes wandered over to his bags across the room. She briefly remembered him bringing them into the room as she fell asleep. Carefully slipping away from his hold, she hesitantly treaded over to his belongings. A part of her felt guilty for considering going through his things, but if he wants involved with something dangerous…. Before she lost her nerve, she quickly zipped open one of the bags, her eyes widening as she found it completely filled with cash. There has to be thousands in here alone! Jake, what are you getting yourself into?
"Sherry?"
Sherry jumped back, realizing she didn't zip the bag back closed. Knowing she was already caught red-handed, she gesture to the money. "Jake, care to explain why it looks like you robbed a bank?"
Rubbing his eyes, he struggled to sit up. Groggily, he stretched, "What?"
"The money, Jake!" Sherry exclaimed, "The thousands of dollars just piled up in the bag you got yesterday? Care to explain?"
"Not particularly, no." Sitting up, Jake shook his head. "And does it really matter how I got it? It wasn't stolen, so it's fine."
"I think it does matter," Sherry insisted, crossing her arms. "I mean, you don't just end up with hundreds of cash without some big reason behind it. Is this why you ran out before? For money?"
Jake was already rushing back on his feet, passing Sherry to zip up the duffle bag and stand in front of it. "Look, I said I don't want to talk about this. Just leave it alone. I don't want you involved."
Before he could run out, he felt a hand grab his arm. Sherry worryingly looked up at him, "Is this still involving why you left before? Look, Jake, I get it you don't want me to know- but if you're involved in something dangerous, without any one of us knowing, I don't want you to get hurt. And for what, money? Is that what this is all about?"
Jake shook off from her hold, quickly getting dressed and putting on a sweatshirt before swinging the one of the bags over his shoulder. Fuck, I have to lie. She won't get off my back about this. "It's money from my mercenary days, alright? After my mom died...I kept getting paid, but I didn't need any of it so since I'm moving here I figured I can use it to get a nice place. So I better go get to that."
Sherry reached him before he was out the door. Quick stepping in front of him, her eyes met his. Her voice softened, "Jake, I'm...I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. I'm happy you're trying to settle, honest. I didn't know I...I was just so worried. I shouldn't have-. Its just the all the secrecy of you leaving, I just let my imagination get the best of me."
"It's alright, I should have just told you." Giving her a small smile, he kissed her forehead. "Have a good day at work. Just call me when you're done."
Returning the smile, she hugged him close. "I will. Just let me know if you need me, okay?"
"Of course." With a small smirk, he turned around and walked out the door. He quietly closed the door and started down the hallway, pulling out the burner phone from his pocket as he walked. He clicked the only number on the contact list and held the phone to his ear as he clicked the elevator button. It only rang a few times before he heard the burly voice of Chris Redfield on the other line.
"Yeah?"
"Stars Diner. Fifteen minutes." Not waiting for a response, he swiftly hung up the phone and placed it back into his pocket just as the elevator doors opened in front of him and sliding in.
Sherry quietly closed the door, leaning against it once it was closed. I can't believe I actually spied on him. I have a bad feeling about this. This whole situation didn't sit right with Sherry. There was something off about this whole thing and she just couldn't let it go or ignore it. Secret calls, bags of money, limos and private planes? Something was way off. Before she could talk herself out of it, she grabbed her keys and walked out her door. I guess I'm going into work early
today.
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Jake kept his hood up and head down as he walked down the street, with the occasional glances back. He thought this paranoid streak would be over whenever he came here but it just seemed to get worse. He had a feeling that the dickweed of a President had people following him. Even on that solo mission he didn't truly feel alone. He was alone for months hunting B. before and that mission was just odd. He felt like he was being observed and scored but at the same time, he was looking for information the government didn't have. He made a quick left down an alley, hopping over a tall fence on the left into a closed parking lot. He wasn't sure if people were really following him, but he didn't want to be vulnerable because he dismissed his paranoia. It kept him alive this long.
After a few more back alley detours, Jake finally arrived at a grimy looking diner with neon lights in its front window. Stars Diner has definitely seen better days, or if he went by the lights on the window "STAR DIE".
Well, if that isn't fucking cute.
With a grimace, Jake grabbed the door and yanked it open. Stepping in, he felt like he just stepped back 6 decades. Black and white tiles were all throughout the diner with white tables and either red leather chairs or booths. He was halfway done with a scan of the diner when his eyes landed on a hulking figure with in sunglasses and a baseball hat on. Wow, real fucking inconspicuous Redfield. Rolling his eyes, he stalked over to the booth and slid into opposite seat.
"You know, the more you try and hide yourself, the more attention you bring." Jake snapped as he pulled back his hood.
Chris cocked his head, "What?"
Shaking his head, Jake pointed vaguely at Chris. "Pick either the hat or the sunglasses. Don't wear both."
With a sigh, Chris took off the sunglasses and placed them into his pocket. "Satisfied?" Without waiting for an answer, Chris leaned in closer. "Were you followed?"
"No, I walked through alleys and other buildings so if anyone was following me I definitely lost them." Jake quickly glanced around the rest of the diner. For being the middle of a weekday, it seemed pretty packed. At least it helped them blend in more. But there was one person he was looking for he didn't see. "Where's CoverGirl?"
"I won't tell Leon you called him that again, but he's on his way. He had to leave work so he should be here soon. But on that mission...did you see anything?"
"Wow that took a whole 30 seconds, Redfield. I was wondering if you were gonna explode in the seat." Chris gave Jake a hard stare before Jake smirked, "Relax, Redfield. Anyway, it was a mercenary group of sorts. Definitely an organized one. But what the strange thing was is that it seemed to me they had no idea what they were defending. It was like they were placed in these various locations and just told to guard it. Where I found the information I needed, there was no extra security at all. It's like they had no idea where anything was. They were just in the dark as I was."
Chris was nodding along with what Jake was saying, "That's the similar feeling that I got. Something definitely seemed off, more structured which is not how it works in combat."
"It's hard to explain, I mean it seemed too easy. But as I went to different places it got harder. Like the first few places were like a piece of cake, but as I went on, it was like they knew what to expect and knew what I would do. It was like they were watching me. And this too," Jake reached into his pocket and pulled out the written note he found from the guard and passed it to Chris. "What could this mean?"
The jingle of the bell on the door distracted Jake to stop talking. Slowly turning his head, he saw a well dressed blonde in a leather jacket and sunglasses walking quickly towards them.
A moment later, he was sliding into the booth next to Jake. "Move over." Without having much of a choice in the matter, Jake slid down giving Leon room to sit.
"Sorry I'm late, traffics a bitch." He took of his sunglasses and placed them on the table. "What did I miss?" Leon looked back and forth between Chris and Jake, waiting for an answer. "
You didn't miss much, Leon. Jake was just saying he thought this whole thing seemed off. And he had this."
Leon nodded his head slightly as he examined the note, "I wouldn't disagree with him. I looked into some of the coordinates that Jake was at, specifically the location Jake was last at. Apparently a few months ago, our brand new Security Advisor was there scooping out the place. Tried hard to keep it underwraps." With a sly confident grin, Leon leaned back into the booth, "You're lucky I'm really good at this undercover stuff."
Jake ignored what Leon had just said as he loudly scoffed and raking his hands through his short hair, "This is so fucking stupid. I'm like a puppet playing into their stupid game."
Chris looked deep in thought, pushing the salt shaker back and forth in front of him. "This is much more elaborate than I anticipated this being." Putting the salt shaker back, he looked between Jake and Leon, "What could their intentions even be with this? I thought they just wanted Jake but if that's the case then why all the bells and whistles?"
Leon leaned in closer motioning to the note in front of them, "Do you think they just want to see what Jake is capable of? See how much he can handle? For lack of a better metaphor, but like one of those lab rats in those mazes?"
"Oh, fucking thanks man." Jake seethed out, "Look, I can't stay here much longer so let me move on. The documents that Monroe wanted were of a containment chamber of sorts. The chamber would be capable of keeping someone in a coma for a long period of time without killing or doing harm to whomever was in there. It was some sort of hyper sleep but allow them to grow and mutate. It also could slowly mutate the virus so the different wouldn't be so apparent. Sounds like they wanted more mutations like me. You know, strength without the extra eye and shit."
Chris looked back down at the salt shaker. There are way too many puzzle pieces right now. He needed to think of a solution that would get everyone out alive. If that was even a viable option anymore.
"Did they contact you again?" Leon asked, "Say where they wanted you to go next and when?"
Jake solemnly nodded his head, "Yeah, I met with the President last night unfortunately. He paid me for the last mission and wants me to go where this chamber seems to be located. Its at some facility in Asia." Jake paused to look at Chris before continuing, "If Nivans is actually in the chamber, he said I should try and get a sample of whatever liquid they are holding him in. If I could safely get him out then I could do that but after a few minutes of trying to just give up and leave him there."
"No." Chris immediately responded, "We can't do that." Regret and guilt poured out from Chris. There wasn't a moment that went by that he didn't think about the poor fate of Piers Nivans and how there were a million and one ways he could have prevented what had happened. If there was any sort of chance to correct the mistakes he had made with Piers, he would gladly do it. With confidence, he met Jake's eyes, "We have to get him out."
Jake leaned in closer, "Oh yeah? Well, how am I supposed to do that genius? I don't know about you but my mercenary days didn't involve draining people from fucking test tubes."
"We'll figure something out."
Jake sat back and shook his head. Easy for you to say, especially since its not your fucking ass on the line.
"How long til you leave again?" Leon inquired.
Jake shrugged, "I don't know, he said like a week?" Looking down at his watch, he motioned for Leon to move, "I have to go now."
Leon got out of the booth then slid back in once Jake was out. Jake pulled his hood back up and swung his black duffel bag over his shoulder. "Call me when you two figure out this magical plan that doesn't get me killed in the process."
Without waiting for a response, he turned around walked towards the back of the diner, walking into the kitchen. They heard a few "You can't be back here"s before they heard another door close.
"Well then," Leon sighed, "that went swell."
Chris sighed as he took off his hat and scratched his head. There had to be some way everyone could make it out. But would risking Jake's life be worth trying to save Piers? Looking back up, he stared at Leon. "We are gonna have to get way more involved in this, aren't we?"
"Yep."
"That's what I was afraid of."
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The drive wasn't far to the DSO office, but the ride was enough to keep her mind racing. She knew she had to get answers. Ever since Jake's arrival, discussion with the President, and his haste and unanswered disappearance- she couldn't shake the terrifying feeling that something was wrong. If Jake was getting into something really bad, and deep, she was afraid she wouldn't be able to help him any further. Pulling into the parking lot, she quickly parked before she was about to step out. Suddenly, a familiar figure was walking out of the front door. Leon. I better stay here a bit longer. If he sees me, he'd just ask me what I'm doing here.
She waited a few moments before getting out of her own car. Carefully, she rushed passed the entrance way. Taking the stairs to avoid seeing anyone, she paced herself into the main lobby of her office. Instead of heading towards her desk, she quickly she ducked into an opened cubicle. Jumping on the computer, she quickly began using her passcodes to access files. Better here than my own computer. Maybe if I look close enough, I can access something. Dates, Names, Locations- anything? She was completely in the zone, flipping through various files when a familiar voice called out.
"Hey, Sherry! I didn't know you were coming in early. I guess I missed you coming in!"
Quickling minimizing her screen, she poked her head out of the cubicle. Hunnigan! Oh no, if she realizes what I'm doing she'll tell Leon in a heartbeat. Forcing a smile, she waved, "Hey! I was actually about to head back downstairs to grab a coffee. Totally forgot. But, I figured I'd come in a little early today!"
"Right," Raising her eyebrow, she slightly tilted over towards the screen. "How come you're not in your cubicle? Is your computer not working?"
Hunnigan's always a step ahead. Need to think fast. "Actually my internet was kind of slow and I really needed to check to make sure I payed my bill this month. Wouldn't want to miss that! I was just wrapping up! I'll be back in a bit!"
"Ah, alright." Suspiciously, she retreated back. "Well, I'll let you get to it then. I didn't see you clock in, so I'll have Leon do it for you, once he gets back. I'll see you later, Sherry."
Before Sherry could speak out, Hunnigan was already rushing toward her own office. Oh well, so much for keeping off Leon's radar. Better speed this up. Sherry entered her security clearance, beginning to sort through more classified documents and files. After sorting through all the normalized files, Sherry grew frustrated. Where else can there be- wait! Jake's file! Everything I wrote in it, maybe it got expanded on! Quickly she dug back in the database to read through his files, seeing a new entry in it. No one else should have access to these files except- wait a minute. 'New Subject'? There's not much else. Better quit before I get caught. Closing out of the program, she grabbed her things and began heading towards her office.
If Leon didn't change his passwords so often I'd be able to look through his- wait, what am I thinking? I can't sneak past Leon. But, would this be something he's involved in? Once she reached her office, she dialed Jake's number. She had to start somewhere, somehow. Maybe over time, he would tell her... "Hey, it's me. I know you're busy, but would you want to come to my place for dinner tonight?"
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By the time Sherry picked up groceries, she knew she didn't have much time before Jake would be coming. They agreed on a 6 o'clock dinner and she was already running late as it was. It was exhausting trying to get her work done while avoid Leon. She knew he would ask why she would come into work that early and she hadn't finish preparing what her excuse would be. Carrying the groceries in her larger bag, she reached in her pocket for her cell. A part of Sherry couldn't shake the nervousness she felt. Stop being so paranoid. I didn't do anything super wrong! Just looked up info! No big deal. By the time she reached her apartment, her heart skipped a beat when she noticed her front door slightly ajar. It's opened? I didn't forget to lock the door, did I? Carefully, Sherry slowly pushed her door open.
Standing in her living room, an all too familiar face was holding the framed photo of her, Leon, and Claire. Upon hearing the door open, Calvin Fisher turned to face her with a smile on his face. "Ms. Birkin! There you are! I hope you don't mind that I let myself in."
The President? Here? Why? Unable to find herself to move, her eyes widened as she quickly stuttered, "Sir? I...I don't understand...Why are you here?"
"Oh, I was hoping to have a little chat with you." Returning the picture back in it's place, he turned back to face her with an unnerving smile. "But, I was hoping it to be a private conversation so I decided to come here. I hope that's okay with you."
Finding her grounding, she quickly put the groceries on her kitchen table. Slowly approaching him, she felt enough to keep her distance. "Sir, why here? Couldn't this have- Wait, how did you get in?"
"I'm the President. I can get where I wanted to. Oh, I hope you'd understand that I wasn't actually asking you if it was okay." Calvin laughed softly to himself, as if amused by his own words.
I never liked him to begin with. The fact that he's here is concerning enough. Sherry stiffed her posture, crossing her arms as she quickly responded. "What exactly do you want from me that was so urgent?"
Placing his hands in his pockets, he gracefully strolled over to her. "I have to admit, you have more backbone than I originally thought for a 15 year science project. But I guess your adult influences growing up had some way of shaping that, I suppose. It also explains your utter lack of manners when it comes to guests." Shrugging, he simply began to walk past her. "I guess I'll just help myself to a drink, then."
Sherry felt her blood boil. Although Simmons was cruel at times, he was never directly insulting to her. Calvin took it to a whole new level. No use in telling this guy off, he is the President after all. Sherry knew better than to pick a fight with him. Instead she forced a wide smile, "I'm sorry, sir. Let me." She waited until her back was turned did she curse under her breath.
"Just give me the most expensive thing you have."
Giving a grimacing look to her fridge, she quickly reached for a wine glass. Like hell is he getting my best stuff. Deciding on one of her other bottles, she quickly poured him a glass. Handing it to him, she held her grin, "Here, sir. Now, can you tell me what I can assist you with?"
"Oh," Calvin's face turned sour as he sat himself at her kitchen table, as he pushed the glass further away from him. "I see you're trying to save money. Well then," Gesturing to the seat across from him his voice dropped lower, "sit."
Oh, man, this guy really needs to be punched. Reluctantly obeying, she sat and sighed. "Sir, you coming into my home like this is really-!"
Calvin's hand shot up, immediately silencing her. "Listen here. I'm not in the mood to be talked back to, so you are going to sit here and listen. I better not hear a word out of you unless I ask you a question. Understood? Great now that we have a mutual understanding, first question. What do you do for the DSO?"
What is this? Some interview? What right does he-? Sherry felt her anxiety began to slowly take over. She had to answer, quick and short. "I'm a field agent. When I'm not in the field, I'm usually assisting Leon or anyone else on the team collecting intel."
"That's what I thought. So, what business do you need with the information from Jake's file?"
He's trapping me. Sherry carefully chose her words, knowing she was sinking further and further in. "I was always allowed access to Jake's information. Most of what's in there is what I wrote in. Sometimes I need to refer back to his case file in order to access other data, or information."
"Hm, interesting. What kind of data did you need this time that wasn't already linked with your file?"
"I was looking more into the specifics about the studies conducted during our time in China. I was hoping, maybe, to find a better lead on the recent attacks lately. Since it was Jake's tests, I had to go in his file to reread the results. Why do you ask?" Sherry knew he was planning his strike. Watching him pause for a moment, she felt the silence beginning to suffocate her. What is he trying to get at?
"You see, this is what I think. I think you snooped into a restricted file." Lifting his hands up, he chuckled darkly. "Hey, it happens, sometimes your curiosity gets to you. Or you didn't know it was restricted, whatever the case may be. But's that's not certainly not the case with you, my dear. You were looking for something. And I'm here to nicely tell you to stop whatever it is you think you're doing."
"I apologize for coming across something I wasn't suppose to." Sherry couldn't fight it back any longer as her frustration finally trickled through. "You know, sir, Simmons kept a lot of secrets. And that didn't work out so well for him. I understand it's not my place, but keeping information from DSO agents like this doesn't seem right. After all, why else would you?"
"Who says anything about keeping it from the DSO?" Calvin smirked, "The proper agents have access to the files they need. And my dear," His voice lowered as he leaned in closer, "If I wanted something hidden. I wouldn't put it in a file. Just take my advice. This is the last time I'm going to tell you to stop. Next time, I'll make you stop."
Suddenly, her front door swung open. Standing with a bottle of wine, Jake quickly entered head down looking at his phone. "Hey, Sherry! Sorry I'm early but-." Looking up, he saw Calvin leaning close to Sherry. Gripping the bottle tighter, Jake resisted the urge to throw it at him. Once his dark gaze met Calvin's, Calvin quickly smiled and sat back.
"Ah, Mr. Muller. It's so nice to see you again. Lovely home Ms. Birkin has, doesn't she?"
Jake just clenched his jaw, not bothering a response knowing he should to bite his tongue.
"Well, I should get going. So nice to chat with you, Ms. Birkin. Please keep in mind what I said, if not then I'll be looking forward to seeing much, much, more of you." With a final, twisted smile, he stood up and walked toward the front door. Passing Jake on his way, he leaned in closer to whisper, "Feisty, that one, hm? I wonder how she is in action…"
Once Calvin left, Jake slammed the door behind him shut. Placing the bottle on the table, his hands pounded against the table. "What the fuck was that?"
"I have no idea," Sherry stumbled, rising from her seat. Her gaze unable to shake away from the doorway. "He was just talking to me about something I shouldn't have been doing. It's nothing."
"What was he here for?!" Jake exclaimed, irritably.
If I don't come clean, how can I expect him? Sighing, she walked over to him. Her voice lowering, she quickly spoke. "Look, Jake, I...I saw you leave in the limo last night so I was worried. I read a restricted file- your file. I know what's going on, Jake. You, the BSAA, the President- something about a 'new subject'? Just tell me the truth, please."
"Did you ever think that if I'm not telling you something, it's about something that doesn't concern you?"
"It doesn't matter. It's got you deep in something big. Big enough for the President to notice? I just-!"
"From the way it looked," Jake said slowly, trying to resist the urge to yell out, "the President wasn't here for me at all. He was here to see you. What did he want?"
"Nothing," Sherry insisted, "I looked and saw something I wasn't supposed to. He gave me a warning, to say the least. Like I said, nothing."
"Nothing? NOTHING?" Jake echoed, "He wouldn't come here for nothing. Maybe, that's a sign you should just back off."
"Or it's a sign that I'm onto something actually important!" Sherry exclaimed back, "There's something weird about him...The way he talked to me, the way he is, whatever's happening with you. He isn't right. Something is going on, bigger then this- I just know it!"
"Jesus, why won't you just let this go?!" Jake shook his head, throwing his hands up in the air. "I'm telling you to back off now, alright? Just do it!"
"Right, sure. Whatever you say. You want me to back off? Fine. You can keep doing whatever the hell it is you're doing, and I'll focus on what I'm doing."
Taking a deep breath, he sadly looked back at her. "And what are you doing?"
"I'm not going to stand here and say that I'm okay with all this sneaking around and lying, okay?" Turning her back away she sighed loudly, "Just go, okay? I was worried, and I'm sick of sitting back and letting all this happen. I'm not just going to watch it happen. Not anymore. If I get in trouble for it, that's my problem not yours. Whatever happens, I can take care of myself. Always have."
Slowly, Jake walked behind her and carefully wrapped his arms around her. Leaning down to place his head on her shoulder, he softly comforted, "I'm sorry...I'm being difficult. But, I need time to process this myself before I get you fully involved. Can you just let me think about it?"
Sherry smiled sadly as she moved away from his embrace, "That guy is such an asshole. Not even worth working for him." She hated arguing with him, but she wasn't just gonna roll over about this. "If we are together, then anything you do involves me whether you want it to or not." With that she walked pass him, gathering up the groceries she placed down before and walked into the kitchen.
"Yeah," Jake whispered to himself, "tell me about it." Before he could think about the situation, he felt his phone ring in his pocket. He looked at the caller ID and grimaced as he walked into Sherry's bedroom and closed the door. He took a steadying breath before answering the call.
"What?" Jake said in a hushed voice. Maybe if he concentrated hard enough to be quiet, his anger won't slip out.
"Mr. Muller." Calvin's smooth voice spoke, "my patience with you is running very, very thin. There are only so many chances I can give you before I have to prove to you that I'm a man of my word."
"I don't know what you want me to do, sir." Jake unconsciously added a bit of snark to that 'sir'. "I'm trying to get her off it. It's not my fault she's looking into it."
"Well, I'm sure you'll be singing a very different tune when she turns up dead because of it." Jake's spine straightened at the threat. He could tell that Calvin wasn't kidding. "Goodnight, Mr. Muller. This better be the last time I speak about this with you." With that, Jake heard the click of the line going dead.
Jake gripped his phone so tight he thought he was gonna break it. FUCK! Not being able to control himself, he threw the phone down onto Sherry's bed. He watched the phone bounce on the bed before crashing down onto the floor. He threatened Sherry before, but just sending her on the mission. Sherry was right. She was involved in this just as much as he was. "Fuck it."
Jake stormed out of Sherry's room and into the kitchen. She was in the middle of chopping an onion when Jake grabbed her by the wrist and starting to pull her. "H-hey! What are you doing?"
Not responding, he pulled her into the bathroom and locked the door behind him. Sherry stood in the middle of the room, giving him a wide eye look. Stepping past her, he turned the shower knob until a heavy stream of water was coming down. He took a deep breath before turning around to face her.
"I'm sorry for all this spy shit, but we need to talk."
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