CHAPTER 3:
"So, who's this?" Marcus asked, staring down at James. Marcus was even taller than James, standing at around 6' 5".
"This is James Holt, a co-worker of mine." Jen replied. 'A co-worker?' James thought, 'Is that what she's calling me now?' James stepped forward and held out his hand to shake Marcus'.
"Marcus Dane, a freelance mercenary." Marcus said with an air of arrogance. James let go of Marcus' hand. 'So that's how Jennifer knows him. Funny that he lives across the hall from her.' James looked at him again, trying to see what Jen saw in this man as 'attractive'. He was tall, had dark brown hair, and really blue eyes. He had a large, vertical scar running down his face and overall, he looked gruff.
"So, Jennifer, what happened?" Marcus asked. James felt like he was trying to interrogate her or something. James wanted to intervene and simply tell this guy off, but surprisingly, Jen started telling him.
"I was in the kitchen, having a glass of orange juice, when the doorbell rang. I went to go answer it, assuming it was James here. But when I opened the door, a heavy boot kicked me in the gut and sent me flying. The next thing I knew, I was tied and gagged and in the bathtub. The man had gone around, leaving the doors partially opened, to entice James into walking into the man's trap. And then James came in and kicked his ass and saved us both." Jen looked admiringly at James. James felt a bit of relief go through his mind as he smiled back at her. Jen stepped forward, leading the two of them out of the bathroom and bedroom, and out into the living room.
"As long as you're okay." Marcus said, taking a seat on one of the living chairs. James took a seat on the loveseat, hoping Jen would sit next to him. Jen however, didn't. She sat off to herself on another single seat chair. James felt the awkwardness take over the room like a flood of water.
"So…" James began nervously. "How do you two know each other?"
"Well, we…"
"We were partners once. Back before the whole thing with Song occurred. I believe we first met in school if I'm not mistaken."
"So you've known each other for a long time I take it then?" James felt his stomach creeping up into his throat. If this guy was romantically involved with Jen, he was screwed. This guy looked like he could eat average men for breakfast. He also knew Jen for a very long time. In fact, he probably knew more about her.
"Yes, since our graduating year. He was my date for prom, and then we both went and signed up to be in the army, and then I left for MI6. Eight years later, I bumped into him on a mission in Dakar as a mercenary and we decided to work together for a brief period of time. Funnily enough when I returned home from our recent mission in Korea, I found out he was my neighbour." Jen managed to explain.
"Indeed. Well, I believe we should perhaps get rid of your unwanted attacker?" Marcus asked, standing. Jen shrugged her shoulders. James and Jen followed him back into the bathroom.
"Bloody Hell!" Marcus shouted. James rushed in beside him. Where the man had been, lay the white corded rope in a pile, the gag beside it, and the window was open. The man had escaped.