"Hear that?" Grant said suddenly.
They were about half way through the shift. It had just gotten dark out. Half a week into this and the route was already fairly routine for the partners. Caleb cocked his head. There was a soft clicking sound from the side door, like metal on metal. They crept around the corner in the shadow of the other building.
"Come on get it open already." A guy was hissing.
"I'm trying." A girl, only a little older, bit back.
They looked to be in their mid-teens. They weren't even dressed the part of robbers. Grant readied himself to back up Caleb. Never underestimate your enemies. Caleb on the other hand stood right up and walked toward them. He grabbed them both before either could realize what was happening.
"Eek. Put me down!" The girl shrieked.
The boy just hung from his collar is stunned silence. The girl struggled then started crying like it would help her. Grant had to marvel at the blonde's strength though. He held both children straight out in front of him by their shirts. He started walking with them.
"I don't want to go jail." The boy whimpered.
The girl was more vocal. "Put me down. We weren't even going to take anything that valuable. We aren't old enough to die! They'll eat us alive in jail. Are you going to kill us? Why would you do that? I hate you! Put us down!"
He set them down at the back of the alley that the security house was in. They were both crying. Caleb sighed and sat down as well, just a few feet from them.
"Ruff time at home?" He more of said but also asked.
The two dark haired kids quieted. The boy nodded slightly. Caleb took out a pack of gum and offered it up. Both the kids cautiously took a piece but didn't open them. They looked like feral cats approaching some foreign object, ready to jump at any time.
"Suck doesn't it." Caleb opened a strip of gum and chewed it. "You kind of feel stuck eh?"
"I hate it." The girl whimpered.
"I feel you." He responded. "Haven't been in your situation so I'm not going to lie and say I know but." The blonde looked them over. "I can tell it's pretty bad."
The boy nodded with his wide eyes on Caleb.
Caleb just smiled. "Money problem are the worst. You two have a home?"
They nodded.
"And names?"
"I'm Kyle."
"Jessica."
"Nice to meet you." The blonde nodded and stood up. "I'm gonna let you two go ok?"
They looked at him blinking and hopeful.
"Just wait here a second though. I have something for you." He nodded to Grant to go in the office.
The agent glanced at him like he was crazy. He looked back at the kids. Caleb's eyes held a silent plea for trust. Grant shook his head and turned around to go in the offices.
"What are you doing?" Grant asked.
His partner grinned. "Trust test and a little help." He held up a little business card.
Grant didn't get a chance to look at it. Caleb exited the door. Oddly enough the two teens were still there, standing now, wiping their tear streaked faces.
"Here." He held out the paper.
The girl took it like it was going to bite her. "What is it?"
"A place that I send people who I trust." Caleb said. "A place to go when it feels like there's nowhere else to go. If you need it, use it. I've got a couple friends there who will look after you."
The two gazed at him bewildered. He looked them placidly in the eyes. The two groups studied each other. Grant looked between both sides in undecided emotion.
"You two should head home." Caleb finally whispered.
They inched their way around the two uniformed guards. The siblings walked away glancing back.
"What was that about?" Grant asked quietly as they disappeared.
Caleb chuckled going back in. Grant looked around with confusion.
"Guys?"
"Yes Agent Ward?" Coulson responded promptly.
Grant thought for a moment. "Nevermind."