THE VENOM WITHIN

1.

The Agent:

It kept ringing. And it was loud. Annoyingly loud! I was already between the realm of sleepiness and wakefulness. And it was its fault. In the end, I finally gave in. It was as though we were in a game and the winner was already decided because my opponent knew I would give in, in the end. I drew my eyes open and turned to my right, looking at my phone that was lying on the bedside table. I wasn't really mad at the phone, but at the bastard who couldn't take a hint. Like I wasn't picking up and can you just leave me the shit alone? I'm on leave for fucksake! My groan was in my throat as I stretched my hand and grabbed it, the capitalized letters, 'UNIT LEADER' glaring back at me. In that moment, it seemed to have formed a face, smirking at me in triumph because it knew I would finally have to haul my ass from my bed. And that I did. I picked it up immediately.

"Unit leader" I said. My tone, cold as always, one that matched my job. One that I have always had in the circle.

"The heck Cross, get your not-so-flat ass over here!"

My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. The fuck?! I arched my body sideways to look at my ass, my eyes slanting. They weren't so flat just as the Unit leader had said but, does that mean he always had his friggin eyes on my ass? More than the creepy missions I've been on, this was creepier.

"Yes sir!"

The call ended immediately. I glared at my phone and sighed. I felt a throbbing pain smack my forehead, which came without an ounce of mercy, getting a groan from me. I had a lot to drink last night, not for any particular reason, but the fact that...I just needed a drink. But the call seemed to have taken the hangover away in an instant but as soon as the call ended, it made its presence known.

I dragged myself to the kitchen and took the glass jug which had been sitting on the island throughout the night. I poured some water into the tumbler that was there and gulped it down. I don't have the time to make a hangover soup, so I might as well, just go to work like that. After I had drank three tumblers of the colorless liquid, I took my phone and set an alarm. Fifteen minutes. I need to be out of this house before fifteen minutes elapses.

I pulled my car to the parking lot, killing the engine hum with ease. I stepped out of it, and walked towards the entrance. People were going back and forth, just as always. It was normal at the FBI base. I arrived at the entrance, my eyeballs swinging left and right, taking note of everything that was going on. And ninety-nine point nine percent of it, I can remember. The zero point one was my choice. Whether I remember or not. I have quite the reputation here. Well, that's just within my circle. I'm an undercover agent and a strong one at that. Stealth, smart and a calculating Agent Cross with an IQ that capsizes a ship. Strong and fearless. And believe you me, all these qualities aren't lies.

I arrived at my team wing, beelining for my Unit leader's office.

"Agent Cross" I heard a voice from behind me. And I recognized it. Jordans. Blonde buzz cut and fierce grey eyes that sees beyond. Nice body too. Can't miss that. He's also in the undercover department and is one of the best as well, not minding the fact that he was brought in here two years ago. When I had my crisis, he was the one that filled in, and he did really well!

"Morning Jordans" I greeted with a small smile.

"You aren't due to return till next month. What are you doing here?"

I arched a brow. "Perhaps Mr Browns can answer to that" I replied, sparing a glance at the Unit leader's office. "See you later Jordans" I said and continued walking to the Unit leader's office.

I pushed open the door, poking my head in, with a smirk on my face. "Unit leader"

"You're already late Cross, come on in" he urged.

I shrugged and entered his office. I sat opposite him.

"Unit leader, you know my returning time is next month. Why call me out this early? You couldn't just wait for a week?"

He heaved a deep sigh and sipped from the tiny teacup in front of him. He still drinks tea. I wonder how people drink that. So bland!

"The director asked for you" he said.

Okay, now, this sounded a tad serious or maybe it wasn't. Am I going to get some kinda honor or what?

"Why?"

"He has a mission for you" he said.

My eyes slanted dangerously and I heard the man opposite me shift in his seat. And I loved it.

"You could have told him something Unit leader. Put in a word. What fucking mission couldn't wait till I get back?"

"It's quite the mission Cross. I tried telling him but he still ordered that you get here first thing today"

I bit the insides of my mouth, forcing a smile to my face. I wonder what kind of mission could've upset the director this much.

"What mission is that?"

"Let's go and see him. He knows better"

"But you know the headlines" I cut in. He didn't want to tell me.

"Let's go Cross" he rose from his seat and started walking to the door, avoiding my gaze. I heaved a deep sigh and followed him.

My Unit leader knocked lightly on the door and pushed it open. From the little opening I saw the director on a call and he looked very serious. He seemed to have sensed our presence and turned, ushering us in. He quickly hung up the call and turned to us.

"Director, she's here" My Unit leader said.

The director stopped his gaze on me for a while. "Agent Cross" he called me.

"Yes" I answered. I wasn't the least fidgety or anything as I stared back at him, not breaking our eye contact.

"Thank you Mr Browns, I will have a word with her" the director said.

"Yes director. I will be in my office" he said and walked out of the office. My gaze trailed after him.

Now, it was just me and the director. He drummed his fingers on the desk, gaining my attention.

"Good morning Agent Cross" he greeted.

"You too director" I replied.

"I know you shouldn't be here at the time but, this demanded an urgent tackling".

I arched a brow. "Urgent tackling? What's that?"

He pushed a file to me. "This"

I took the file, holding his gaze with mine for a few seconds before looking at the file.

"Draven Mondragon" he said.

My brows furrowed, my gaze turning serious. "The dangerous one?"

"Is there any other one you know?"

I sighed. Draven Mondragon... Quite the popular bastard. Everyone knew him. No one in Los Angeles was oblivious of his identity. He is the real definition of a devil. Even the devil himself will take damn notes when the bastard acts. Evil personified. The FBI has always made plans to catch his ass but always, and I mean always and everytime, the plan falls through. And the Draven guy makes them realize just how formidable he is. And how weak they are.

"This is going to be the uh... ninety-ninth time? Or, has it reached a hundred?" I asked, my voice a teasing menace.

The director clenched his fists, his face an ugly grimace as he stared dead at me.

"This is no time for jokes Agent Cross"

"You don't get him and now you think I can? What makes you think that?" Like what?! He gives me the friggin chills. No matter the amount of trainings I have undergone, this guy is a 'no' for me.

"You're the best there is Agent Cross. And you're the perfect one for this job"

"Do I have a choice? I do, don't I?" I forced a bitter smile

"You swore allegiance to this organization. We protect the citizens, the country from the likes of that bastard. And their lives depends on you right now Agent Cross. On the choice you will make".

"You sure have your ways with words" I said with disbelief.

"I'm just being logical. Think about it. I need an answer within twenty-four hours. And you know what this means if you accept it..." he trailed off and leaned back into his chair, as if studying my face.

Of course I knew what was in it for me. More money. More fame. And more power. However, despite all of this, I'm still a human being. And I value my life. Draven Mondragon is a very dangerous man. He's deadly. Cold and calculated. From what I've perceived, this is my conclusion.

And for the first time in my life, I felt scared.