%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
 |
Ariadne Shaw is an FBI agent sent to flush out a serial killer on a mountaineering trip. |
| Charlie stares at the two women sitting at his desk, both of them young, tall, and more physically fit than any fed he’s ever seen. The senior federal agent is of African-American descent, long dreadlocks dipping below her shoulders, probing dark eyes that are almost black. Sitting next to her is a contrast of skin tone, completely pale, with long black curls and bright blue eyes, the same intensity as her partner, but peppered with amusement. “So there is a possibility he would be in this training group heading out tomorrow?” The African-American woman meets his gaze, her spine rigid with stress. “It is more than likely he would be attending one farther into the mountains, but this is the first trip scheduled for his… season…and we want to cover all our bases. We have a small window to catch him. Once he’s completed this year’s hunt, he will go to ground until next year.” “And how do you propose to catch him…if he is signed on for this trip?” The other agent hands him a folder, a quirked smile playing on her lips as she answers, “My other credentials.” “Holy shit.” His wrinkled eyes pop up from the file in initial shock, then soften to understanding. “Sorry about the coarse language. I wasn’t expecting Dusty Shaw’s kid to walk into my office with a gun slung over her shoulder. Last time I saw you, you were a foot shorter, forty pounds lighter, and had braces. You grew into yourself, little lady.” “Yes.” Her fingers space an inch apart. “Just a bit. And you haven’t changed a bit. Just added a few more flies to that fishing hat hanging on the wall.” Charlie narrows his gaze as he thoroughly studies the woman in front of him. “How the hell did you end up in the Bureau, Ariadne Shaw?” “Look, Charlie, I’m good at my job. File more than says as much. Consider this a ride along. If the guy isn’t here…all good…everyone goes about their lives none-the-wiser. If he is here, I have the ability to protect the people you are sending out. Agent Lexing, Michelle, will be down here monitoring and running liaison. All she requires is coffee and access to waffles.” Michelle laughs and smiles, finally warming to the older man across the desk. “And I’m not particular about my waffles, they can be toaster variety.” Her expression reverts back to professional before she speaks again, “There will be three of us to monitor the radio around the clock. We will consult you and follow your expert advice, as well as offer extraction support if needed. It will be the safest group you send out.” “I’m in. Let’s start going over maps.” His eyes focus on the crystal clear blues meeting his. “You haven’t been in this area of the mountains for over a decade, but most of the landmarks should be familiar.” Michelle moves to allow two more agents into the room, introducing them to Charlie while thanking him for all his help. He finds this funny since he’s not actually doing anything other than agreeing to call little Ariadne Shaw by the cover name Adrienne. After studying maps and setting GPS coordinates, planning dialogue, going over weather patterns, the number of scenarios and responses begin to blur. Charlie’s next statement catches everyone off guard, “I was sorry to hear about your father.” Agent Shaw blinks and then smiles sadly. “His body is still up there. A Korean team moved him off the route, but…He died on the top of world, where he always wanted to be.” “He was a good man, and a good friend. How is your mom?” “Still struggling. Her work keeps her busy, but she hasn’t come to grips with the fact he’s not coming back.” “How about you? How are you dealing with his death?” Her nose scrunches as she focuses far away. “I miss him. I miss him all the time. Hopefully he’s looking down and smiling at me the way he did on Annapurna.” “He sent me that picture…come here.” Ariadne moves to Charlie’s side, her hair brushing against his cheek as he hugs her shoulders. He guides her to a large wall covered with framed moments in time. “Look at you. He was so proud.” As her eyes glance over the summit photo taken by her father when she had just turned eighteen, she laughs. “Dad told me I couldn’t drink champagne until we got down. Said he wanted me sharp on the descent. When we reached base camp I had half a glass of champagne and then fell asleep for twenty hours. Hardest month of my life.” “Going to clue you in on a secret, I am over the moon jealous you climbed in the Himalayas. And it now makes sense that your father told me you would be able to take me in a wrestling match.” “Yep. I will pin you in three.” One of the agents looks to Michelle, who shakes her head and scolds them with her eyes. “Ok, now that the family reunion is over, let’s focus back on the apprehension at hand.” Charlie glances at Ariadne. “She always like this?” “Yep, all work, no play. Don’t make her angry. You won’t like her when she’s angry.” |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
