"Good work today." Kenji, one of the supervisors, claps me on the shoulder as he passes.
"Thanks. Long day." I reply, stretching my arms as I glance at the clock. Six eleven.
"Are you staying?" He pauses in the doorway, his eyebrows rising in mixed surprise and concern. "You don't have to."
"It's fine, I'm waiting for someone." I smile, "Have a good night!"
"You too!" He waves, disappearing into the hall.
I lean back in my chair and sigh.
I want to go home too.
The subject's early arrival and Alexander Pierce's visit concurrently threw a wrench in the schedule, and we only had the time to do very basic brain scans.
I pick up the fMRI printouts. Nothing. No significant amounts of white or gray matter compared to average subjects, no enlargements of any areas, nothing unusual at all. I don't know what I expected.
Maybe the way he's using his brain is different?
Well, the comprehensive EEG scans will have to wait until tomorrow. Pierce didn't want us to tire out the subject… the asset, as he called him.
I turn in my chair and accidentally knock a folder off of the desk. As the papers flutter out, I notice that I haven't seen these files before. My eyes catch a peculiar phrase as I skim one of the sheets.
The arm was tested for temperature durability prior to the subject's cryostasis procedure.
Cryopreservation? Like, freezing people?
I'm about to read further into it when I hear Michael's voice in the hall. Sounds like he's talking with someone else, and I can't hear their conversation, but I don't want to be around when it's over.
I don't think I can be alone in the same room with Michael again, not after today.
I shove the folder into my bag and grab my phone from the desk before heading out of the room, keeping my eyes down as I start walking down the hall.
"Elise!" I cringe when I recognize Dr. Jones' voice.
I turn to look at her, feeling the heat of Michael's gaze on me. Normal. I have to act normally. I can't let him know that his threats unnerved me.
"I was just about to step out." I reply calmly, flashing them an innocent smile.
"Agent Rumlow told me to let you know he'd be in the training facility waiting for you." Dr. Jones raises a sly eyebrow as a knowing smile plays on her lips. I'm sure she was extremely amused to hear that I went back on my decision and asked Rumlow for his help.
I cast a furtive glance at Michael's face to gauge his reaction. His mouth is set in a firm line, his jaw clenched, eyes averted. He's clearly trying to pretend he isn't witnessing this conversation.
"Thanks, Dr. Jones." I plaster a smile on my face.
"You're welcome, hun! Have a good night." She winks at me slyly, and I have to restrain myself from making a comment.
I turn and continue walking, attempting to keep to a normal pace until I round the corner.
God, that was awkward. I try not to remember the look on Michael's face. So disapproving, like it's any of his business who I'm involved with. I'm off work, aren't I? I can do what I want.
The training facility is fairly dim when I enter, and it doesn't look like Rumlow's here.
I wait around for a few minutes, then head down to the attached shooting range and unlock a shotgun from the weapons storage. Couldn't hurt to practice my shot while I wait.
The first one is loud, and it always unnerves me. But, it's only a while before I get used to the rhythmic bang and tactile feedback as the gun recoils slightly in my hand after each shot.
Four of my six shots hit the mark. It's not dead-on accurate, but it'll do. I hope. I'm reloading the gun when I hear footsteps behind me. I turn around slowly. I have a gun in my hand, who's going to try to launch a surprise attack on me?
"Someone you wanna eliminate?" Rumlow crosses the floor and stands just a foot behind me. He smells faintly of sweat and shaving cream, and I struggle to remember why we're here. The question. Answer the question.
"Not particularly," I reply, turning to face the target again. "Just thought it wouldn't hurt to be ready if anything ever happens."
He watches me take the shot. I hit wide of the bull's-eye. The next one doesn't miss.
"Why the change of heart? About the training." He tilts his head slightly to one side, watching me carefully.
I put the gun down, looking into those deep brown eyes. Because I kinda wanted to meet you again?
Michael's disapproving face flashes through my mind.
"Just wanted to be prepared. Really." I smile faintly.
It's not a complete lie.