Chapter 14: Flare: Maggie and OA

The worst part of investigating this time of year has to be the snow. It covers everything which made gathering evidence difficult. It also made going to different locations problematic since the roads are slippery and could cause mechanical dysfunction.

Maggie and OA were going to the last known residence of their suspect when their SUV stopped. "What happened?" OA asked from the passenger seat.

"I don't know, it just stopped." Maggie tried to start the engine again. It made a short rumble sound before it died.

OA took out his phone to call for help but it has no signal. He shook his head. "Great, we're stuck here."

"Well, maybe we could look if someone could help us."

"Who? Maggie, we're in the middle of nowhere. Nothing but snow and trees and possibly wild animals."

She chuckled. "That's the real reason, isn't it? You're scared of wild animals?"

"Fine," he grumbled while taking off his seat belt. "Let's see if there's anyone out here in the wilderness."

They got out of the vehicle, locked it and went to search for the nearest house. It took half an hour before they found a cabin but no one was there.

"It seemed like it's been abandoned." Maggie looked around, putting her investigator skills to use.

OA raised his phone to see if the signal improved. "Damn it, still nothing."

Sensing her partner's frustration, she tried to provide a silver lining. "At least, we could still use the fireplace to keep us warm. And I found a kettle we could use to boil some water."

He followed her inside. "Why do you need to boil some water?"

"For these," she placed a couple of paper cup noodles on the table. She got the old kettle and went outside again. Wondering what she's up to this time, OA followed her again.

He saw her scoop out some of the snow from the branches into the kettle. "We're going to use snow?" he asked disbelievingly.

"You got a better idea?" she replied as she passed him at the door.

He sighed. He sat down as she placed the kettle over the fire. After a few minutes of waiting and casual conversation, the water boiled and poured over their noodles. They enjoyed their food in silence - their ordeal made them hungry.

After their meal, they decided to explore the rest of the cabin. The two agents blushed when they saw the single wooden bed. "I suppose we could share," Maggie suggested.

"It's alright, I could sleep outside." OA rushed out of the room to avoid further embarrassment.

Confused, she went after her partner. She found him at the front porch, looking up at the stars. "It's so beautiful, peaceful and quiet."

She sat beside him. "Yeah, makes you feel like it's just the two of us."

OA turned to her and their gazes locked in. Their heads slowly moved closer to each other. When their lips touched, their surroundings were bathed in a bright red light.

They quickly separated just in time as Tiff and Stuart came into view.

The two approached the cabin. "Sorry that it took hours to find you. There was a power interruption then the signal's weak..."

Stuart interrupted his partner's explanation. "Wow, you guys must be out in the cold for too long. I mean, your cheeks are pink now." Maggie and OA averted their eyes. Tiff and Stuart looked at each other, noticing their reaction.

Maggie recovered first. "Uh, yeah. Thanks for finding us."

"I'll just get our things." OA went inside and quickly returned. "Okay, let's go."

Deciding to discuss later, Tiff and Stuart led them to their vehicle and went back to 26Fed.


Notes:

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