The Immortal Spy

I hid behind the door in the dark office as I waited for him, Jason Arlo, to enter. Jason Arlo is a drug lord who has been convicted of multiple crimes five times but each time, the charges were dropped because of some random person admitting to the crime. I work for a secret organization called Monarch. We aren’t even acknowledged by the government and as far as they’re concerned, we don’t exist. We permanently take care of the criminals who get away with their crimes and by any means will find the evidence to prove that they’re guilty. Monarch has a lot of agents that you might call spies. We’re trained to search, infiltrate, kill, and leave no trace of us behind. We don’t dress fancy as you might see in spy movies, we dress how we need to in order to infiltrate. Sometimes in suits, other times like robbers you’ll see in cartoons. We do have spy equipment but no laser pens, glasses that can identify people just by looking at them, or drones the size of a fly. None of those things at all because it’s currently scientifically impossible. But we do have small communicators that can fit on any suit without being seen, small lightweight trackers, and hack cards. Hack cards are similar to keycards but the agents that stay at HQ use these cards to hack into lock systems that need a card or to trick security. All of the agents at Monarch have extremely high IQ’s and are sent on missions based on how difficult they are. I’m the best agent at Monarch so I’m sent to missions that can’t afford to have mistakes, any mistakes. The door opened and I drew my pistol with a silencer. Jason shut the door and turned on the light. I aimed my gun to the back of his head and said, “Don’t even think about calling security. Just walk to your desk and make this simple for me.” Jason put his hands in the air and said, “You’re making a big mistake boy. Put the gun down and let’s talk this out like men.” I asked, “The same way you talked to all those other people?” He said, “Someone is paying you to kill me huh. Well I can pay you triple to kill them.” I pressed the gun to the back of his head and said, “Walk to your desk.” He asked, “Do you know who I am?” I said, “Jason Arlo. Fifty seven year old man who lives in a condo with your eighth wife Tily Bammer. You have ten wives total, fifty children, ten of which are in the military and you’ve been charged five times with manslaughter, human trafficking, possession of drugs, smuggling drugs, and illegally selling illegal drugs. Each time you got off scot free because someone else took the blame but I know the truth so you’re going to walk to your desk and do as I say or else we’ll have a problem.” Jason growled and walked to his desk. I said, “Sit.” He sat down in his chair and I held the gun to the side of his head. knock knock I said, “Tell them to leave.” Jason yelled, “Get your snot filled self out of here before I feed you to my dogs!” The man outside the door said, “Right away sir.” I then heard him run off and I looked at Jason. I said, “Now, don’t try to hit the silent alarm because I disabled that as soon as I got in here.” Jason frowned and I said, “Open the file of each person you had killed.” Jason unlocked his computer and selected a file of each person he had killed. I was wearing gloves of course so my fingerprints wouldn’t get on anything so I handed him a thumb drive and said, “Put it into your computer and download everything onto it. Every drug deal, conversation, and assassination jobs. Don’t you dare leave a single thing out.” He began to do as I said and Tyler, an agent at HQ who is looking at everything on the thumb drive, said, “The kidnapped family’s information isn’t on here.” Jason said, “Done.” I asked, “Where is the mother and her child?” Jason said, “I don’t know who you’re talking about.” I said, “Get talking before today becomes your last day on earth.” Jason said, “Fine, a warehouse in the south port.” Tyler said, “Found them. I’m sending agents to get them right now.” I grabbed the thumb drive and put it into my pocket. I said, “That wasn’t so hard.” Jason frowned and said, “Damn you.” I shot him and said, “Rot in hell you filthy pig.” I cleaned my suppressor and then grabbed the bullet and casing. I deleted everything off of his computer by doing a full wipe with a tool I call the eraser. It’s another thumb drive but it destroys everything instead of taking anything. After a few seconds, I took it out of the computer and walked out the door. I looked around and didn’t see anyone. I walked down a fire escape and out the back door of this building. Tyler said, “The family is safe Agent Ghost. You can return to HQ.” I should also mention that no one at Monarch knows each other’s names, except for me of course. I know Tyler’s name because he didn’t join until I saved him five years ago. He doesn’t know my name though and it’s a good thing too. No one on this earth knows my actual name because I was born in an alley and left there for dead. I already know what you’re thinking, aww poor thing, what horrible people would do such a thing to a baby. But to answer that question, only a serial killer does that to a person but my parents hid me in a dumpster as they were brutally slaughtered. I then spent the first ten years of my life raised by a homeless man who kept me hidden. When I was ten, he gave me to Monarch and then was silenced or in your terms, killed. I’m the only one who knows my true name but I never tell anyone it, I don’t even call myself by my true name. Its been twelve years since the guy was murdered and I’m the only one who actually knows what happened. I didn’t care though. If my identity, my life, and feelings are kept a secret, then it’s like I don’t even exist and that’s the exact way I want it. I walked to a Walmart bus stop and spoke into my communicator. “Agent T. Send me a cab.” Tyler said, “Right away Agent Ghost.” I put my gun in the garbage and waited a few minutes. The cab got here and I got in. The driver was Agent Viper and he normally wore glasses and a mask so no one knows what his face looks like. He said, “Agent Ghost. Nice black suit.” I said, “Just take me to HQ.” He said, “Right away.” He began to drive and had the radio on. The news reporter on the radio said, “Kingpin Alexandra Carlos has been found dead in his office. He has been charged with many crimes too horrible to list but he always got off scott free. The police found no evidence of a break in or anyone else being in the room. No one saw anything and the murder weapon is no where to be found. Not even the bullet he was killed with. This is the tenth murder this month and people are beginning to call this vigilante the Phantom Hero for truly, they do save us and are a phantom.” They continued to speak but I couldn’t care less about it. I did kill Alexandra Carlos but he was just another rich person trying to use their money to get away with crimes. Of course, other people didn’t see it that way. What do I care? It isn’t like they’re risking their lives and freedom to protect everyone else. The news reporter then said, “Now remember that starting tomorrow is Family Week so-” “Turn off the radio.” I said, growing annoyed from listening to the news. Agent Viper said, “Alright.” He turned down the radio and grabbed a box of cigarettes. He asked, “Would you like one?” I said, “Those are more efficient killers than me. I’ll kindly deny your offer.” He shrugged and put one in his mouth. He lit it and said, “Suit yourself.” He put the box away and then grabbed a lighter. He lit the cigarette and put the lighter away. He took the cigarette out of his mouth and said, “I don’t know how you field agents do this. Killing, keeping your identity a secret, keeping your existence a secret, and moving on with your lives. Just seems like too much work.” I said, “Your job is to take me to the requested location, no questions asked. Best you abide by those rules.” Agent Viper said, “Yeesh. I was just saying. But why do they call you agent ghost?” I said, “Because I can kill and disappear, like a ghost. Now, drive and I don’t want to hear another word come out of your mouth.” Agent Viper put the cigarette back in his mouth and stopped at a red light. I glanced out the window and saw a girl in a limo trying to flirt with me. I grabbed the newspaper next to me and placed it on the window so she wouldn’t see me and I wouldn’t see her. I don’t have time for women like her and I especially don’t have respect for them. I’m seen as rude for ignoring them but that didn’t really affect me. After all, I’m the one saving them from the criminals. After a few minutes, we made it to an abandoned road and drove for at least an hour before stopping at what appeared to be an abandoned factory, to the untrained eye at least. All agents know this place as HQ and this is my home. I got out of the car and walked to the building. I stopped at the iron door and knocked three times. The door opened and I walked inside. I walked to the main room and everyone was celebrating the death of Alexandra Carlos. I walked to the bar in the back and the bartender asked, “What would you like Agent Ghost?” Tyler, drunk as a skunk, sat next to me and said, “I would like your number.” I said, “I’ll take a martini.” She nodded and walked away. Tyler placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “Come on. Celebrate, you’re the reason for all of this.” The bartender gave me my martini and I said, “Thank you.” She nodded and walked to the man at the otherside of the bar. I said, “Tyler, get your hand off of me.” Tyler did it and said, “Cheer up.” I took a sip of the martini and asked, “How much did you have to drink?” Tyler said, “Not enough.” He began to laugh and I said, “Your breath smells like vodka.” Tyler said, “That’s what that was. Agent Octoplaap. Said it was fancy water. *hick*” I could tell that he drank an entire bottle because his speech was slurred and hard to understand. I said, “You mean Agent Octopus.” He said, “*hick* Him.” I said, “This must be the first time you ever got this drunk.” Tyler began to chuckle and said, “You’re funny.” I said, “Tyler, go dance. I’ll talk to you later.” Tyler smiled and walked away. I watched as he waddled like a penguin and moved like Jack Sparrow when he’s drunk. I took a sip of my martini and a man in a white suit sat next to me. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. I looked at him and said, “Commissioner Hawk.” He said, “Agent Ghost. None of this wouldn’t be possible without your skills.” I said, “Well, if it wasn’t for Agent T. I most likely wouldn’t have completed the mission.” Commissioner Hawk looked at Tyler and said, “He’s drunk.” I said, “Extremely.” Commissioner Hawk looked at me and placed his hand on my shoulder. He said, “I never had a son. Actually, I never got married but if I did and I were to have a son. I would want him to be just like you.” I took a sip of my martini and said, “First, stop touching me. Second, tell it to someone who actually cares.” He took his hand off of my shoulder and said, “They did say that you were antisocial but I didn’t want that to get in between a relationship between a commissioner and the agent.” I said, “Look, you tell me the job and I do it. There is nothing more and nothing less.” He smiled and said, “Well, I won’t disturb you anymore. I just wanted to say good job.” I nodded and he walked away. I finished my martini and the bartender walked to me so she could grab my glass. She said, “Agent Ghost.” I looked at her and said, “Yes.” She said, “Well, I was wondering if you could do me a favor.” I asked, “What kind of favor?” She said, “You know that my daytime job is a Medical Receptionist but there is this one guy who makes me uncomfortable. He looks around your age and just comes into the waiting room, claiming that he has an appointment but no one ever calls his name and he just stares at me. I tried to tell the police about the man but they won’t do anything because it isn’t enough to charge him with harassment and I can’t get a restraining order.” I asked, “Do you have a picture of this man?” She gave me one and I looked at it. He did look around my age, fairly well built, and black hair. I put the picture in my pocket and asked, “How long has he been doing this?” She said, “Two months. I don’t want you to kill him, maybe just scare him off but I don’t know his intentions and it’s creepy how he does this.” I said, “Don’t worry. I’ll deal with him.” She said, “Thank you.” I nodded and said, “We’re almost like family in this job. It’s only right to help each other out.” I then heard a loud thud followed closely by shattering glass. I sighed and said, “I’ll deal with your issue tomorrow. I promise.” I stood up and walked to Tyler. As I thought, he was the one who fell and he’s out cold. I put his arm over my neck and said, “Come on big guy. Get up.” I helped him to his feet and said, “Let’s get you to bed.” I began to walk to the elevator, dragging Tyler’s drunk body with me, and everyone just stared at him. I said, “This is the last time I let you drink uncontrollably.” I stopped at the elevator and pressed the down button. Most of the agents, including me and Tyler, lived at HQ but the ones who actually lived in a house were either family agents or didn’t want to be unknown. The elevator doors opened and I walked inside. I pressed -3 and the elevator began to go down. This building has eight levels, -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, Main Level, 2, and 3. The agents lived in the negative levels which were underground and supplied their own electricity. The elevator stopped at -1 and the doors opened. Agent Shadow, the third best agent, walked in the elevator and said, “Agent T has seen better days.” He pressed the main level button, the doors closed and the elevator began to go down. Agent Shadow sniffed the air and asked, “How much did he have to drink?” I said, “From the way he was acting. I’d say a bottle and a half of vodka.” Agent Shadow said, “Wow, he is something else. Not even I would attempt that.” I said, “He had no idea what he was doing. Apparently Agent Octopus told him it was fancy water.” Agent Shadow said, “Wow, he must’ve been drunk before that.” I said, “Maybe. I got here a few minutes ago so I don’t know what happened.” The elevator stopped at -3 and the doors opened. I walked out of the elevator and to the door with the numbers 358 on it. I opened the door and walked inside. I laid Tyler on the bed and walked out of his apartment. I shut the door and walked back to the elevator. Agent Shadow had held the doors for me so I walked in. I said, “You didn’t have to hold the elevator for me.” He fixed his tie and said, “I know but you’re also heading to the party.” The doors shut and the elevator went up. Agent Shadow said, “I see that you like the new bartender.” I said, “If you’re talking about Jane then I’ll stop you right there. I don’t like her, I respect her.” Agent Shadow said, “Really. Well that doesn’t explain why you have five minute conversations with her but only have thirty second conversations with everyone else.” I said, “Two minutes if you guys are lucky.” Agent Shadow said, “Exactly, you have to be attracted to her.” I said, “She’s eighteen. I’m twenty two. Not only is that weird but it’s illegal in some countries.” Agent Shadow said, “Not in this country, or at least this state.” I said, “This is why I don’t like to talk to other people.” Agent Shadow said, “I’m sure she said some weird stuff.” I said, “Nope. Her conversations are straightforward and she usually has facts and stories to prove her point.” Agent Shadow said, “So she’s boring like you.” I said, “I’m pretty sure you have to focus more on your life than mine.” Agent Shadow said, “Yeah whatever.” I checked my watch and said, “They’ll be announcing Agent of the Month in a few minutes.” Agent Shadow said, “This month. I’m going to win.” I looked at the elevator doors and said, “I’m sure you will.” Agent Shadow said, “Of course I will. I’ve completed ten missions this month.” I said, “Wow, I’ve only completed five.” Agent Shadow said, “I have this in the bag.” The elevator stopped at -2 and the doors opened. Agent Poltergeist walked into the elevator and the doors shut. The elevator began to move up and Agent Poltergeist said, “The three best agents in the same elevator. This can’t be good.” Agent Poltergeist, the second best agent. The elevator stopped on the main level and the doors opened. A spotlight shined on the three of us and Commissioner Hawk said into a microphone, “Here they are. The three men who made this possible. Agent Ghost, Agent Shadow, and Agent Poltergeist. Now let’s give them a round of applause but don’t be intimidated by Agent Ghost’s and Agent Poltergeist’s sternness.” Everyone began to clap and cheer. Me and Agent Poltergeist had absolutely no reaction to this but Agent Shadow was absolutely eating it up. He loved to be the center of attention and he loved it even more when people praised him. Commissioner Hawk was on a stage and he said, “Come on up here.” We walked onto the stage and Agent Shadow was just waving his hands in the air loving the attention. We stood on stage and faced everyone. Commissioner Hawk said, “One more time!” Everyone began to cheer even louder but immediately went silent when he put up his finger. He said, “Now, you might recognize her. Our older agents definitely will. She’s the one who trained these three and took them in as orphans. Give a loud cheer for Lady Butterfly!” Everyone began to cheer as Lady Butterfly walked onto stage. She was a short woman, possibly 5’ 3”, and she had gray hair, making her look older than she actually is. She wore a black suit and had a butterfly pendant around her neck. It is true that she trained and technically raised and trained me, Agent Shadow, and Agent Poltergeist. We’re known as the butterfly brothers and her sons. She actually took the three of us in around the same time. I’m technically the youngest of us three but I’m also the most skilled. We even addressed her as mom or mother. Commissioner Hawk gave her the microphone and she said, “Hello all of my agents, old and new. I’m sure all of you guys have been wondering where I went and why I left Agent Hawk as acting Commissioner. Well, I’m afraid that I don’t have much time on this earth.” Everyone let out a gasp and me, Agent Shadow, and Agent Poltergeist looked at her concerned. She said, “It warms my heart to see how many people are worried about me but I can assure you that it’s just something that happens as you get older. I’m pleased to say that the crime rate in America has gone down by two percent which is a lot more than it sounds. Well, look at me rambling on. I want to say that Agent Hawk is now the new permanent Commissioner and we have the first three way tie between the best agents of the month. My sons are the best agents of the month.” Lady Butterfly gave the microphone to Commissioner Hawk and we looked at the crowd. Commissioner Hawk said, “Well, we will miss you Lady Butterfly and we’re grateful that you were the Commissioner. Now let’s give a loud applause to the butterfly family.” Everyone began to cheer and we got off the stage. Agent Shadow said, “Ma, we didn’t know that you were sick.” Lady Butterfly said, “I know. I didn’t want to distract you three from your jobs.” Agent Shadow said, “But you’re our mother. We have a right to know.” She smiled and said, “I know Shadow, I know. I’m sorry if I made you three worry.” Agent Shadow said, “I don’t know about these two but I’m definitely worried.” Lady Butterfly placed her hand on Agent Shadow’s cheek and said, “You always were the most energetic and most expressive between your brothers.” Agent Shadow grabbed her wrist and said, “That’s how you first greeted me when I was left at your doorstep.” A tear fell onto her hand and Lady Butterfly said, “I know my son. I know.” I gave Agent Shadow and tissue and said, “Fix yourself up.” He grabbed it and walked off. Lady Butterfly looked at me and said, “Ghost, I know you might not show it but you care about me and this company the most between your brothers.” She placed her hand on my chest and said, “I remember greeting you just like this when that man left you on my doorstep. Try not to be so serious around everyone and ask Jane out on a date. I think she’s into you.” I let out a small smile and said, “You know that it isn’t like that.” She nodded and said, “I know.” She walked to Agent Poltergeist and grabbed his right hand with both of her hands. She said, “Poltergeist, you were the first one that I adopted. You have a big heart and talk as much as Ghost. I need you to protect your little brothers while I’m gone and try not to let me hold you down because I know that you’re also as emotional as Shadow.” Agent Poltergeist let out a small smile and said, “I will Ma.” Our smiles disappeared and Agent Shadow walked back to us. Lady Butterfly hugged us at the same time and said, “Ghost, just call me mother once.” I said, “Alright Ma.” She smiled and said, “Thank you.” She let go of us and wiped her tears. She said, “Now my sons. Go enjoy yourselves. There is more to this world than just us.” We nodded and walked to the bar. We sat down and Jane, the bartender, walked to us and said, “I know that you want a martini. But what about you two men?” Agent Poltergeist said, “I’ll have a Bloody Mary.” Agent Shadow said, “I’ll take a Pina Colada.” She nodded and walked away. I asked, “Am I the only one who doesn’t like Commissioner Hawk?” Agent Poltergeist said, “Nope. I don’t like him either. He’s too touchy.” I said, “Exactly.” Agent Shadow said, “You two are only saying that because mom is dying.” Jane came back with our drinks and I said, “Maybe, but I still don’t like him.” I grabbed my martini and took a sip of it. Jane walked to the middle of the bar and began arguing with a drunk agent. Agent Poltergeist said, “You might be right but he isn’t my favorite.” He took a sip of his drink and I said, “Maybe it’s because we’re antisocial but he just gets too personal when he talks.” Agent Poltergeist said, “He’s so worried about his image that he doesn’t know when his agents are uncomfortable.” Agent Shadow said, “That isn’t true. He’s a very nice man.” Commissioner Hawk walked to us and asked, “What are we talking about?” I said, “Well before you came. We were having a very nice conversation.” Commissioner Hawk said, “Come on, don’t be like that. Poltergeist, help me out.” Agent Poltergeist said, “We…aren’t talking about anything. But the three of us were having a nice conversation.” Agent Shadow said, “They don’t have a high opinion about you.” Commissioner Hawk sat down and said, “Well, I expect that it’ll take some time but I’m sure that we’ll become great friends.” I finished my martini and said, “I’m not taking any missions tomorrow. I’m finally using one of my vacation days.” Agent Poltergeist said, “I’m busy tomorrow so don’t bother calling me.” Commissioner Hawk said, “Well, you two are using your vacation days so that won’t be a problem.” Commissioner Hawk then stood up and walked off. Agent Shadow said, “Hey Jane. I need you for something.” Jane walked over to us and asked, “How can I help you?” Agent Shadow said, “You should take my little brother out on a date some time. I can tell that he’s into you and you’re into him.” I said, “Shadow. If you don’t stop talking, I’ll be sure that you are buried next to mom at the very same funeral.” Jane chuckled a little bit and said, “You three are acting just like my three younger brothers. Agent Shadow, you’re like Timmy. Agent Poltergeist, you’re like Tommy. And Agent Ghost, you’re like James.” Agent Shadow asked, “Who?” I said, “Timmy is over energetic like you and tends to stick his nose into other people’s business. Tommy is quiet and watches as everything happens. Sometimes he’s so quiet that people forget he’s there. James is also quiet but he is also very serious. He tends to keep to himself or hang around Tommy.” Lane said, “You remembered.” I said, “I have a very good memory.” She gave me another martini and I said, “Thank you.” She smiled and asked, “Are you busy tomorrow?” I said, “Other than the thing I have to do for you, not at all.” I took a sip of the martini and she asked, “When should you be done?” I checked my watch and said, “Three in the afternoon.” She asked, “Would you like to go to dinner with me?” I asked, “Where?” She said, “At a family restaurant. Pastries and Fruit.” I said, “Well, you’ll have your answer tomorrow.” She said, “I’ll be expecting you there at six.” I said, “Yeah yeah.” She walked away and Agent Shadow asked, “Are you going?” I said, “I don’t know.” Agent Poltergeist said, “I suggest that you do go, Ghost.” I said, “Let’s make a deal. I’ll go if you take the blonde bartender too, as a double date.” Poltergeist said, “You were able to tell that I was staring at her.” I took a sip from my martini and said, “I also know that you two were talking to each other.” Shadow said, “I don’t get why you two are so attracted to bartenders.” I said, “I don’t get why you’re so attracted to drunks.” Shadow said, “I am not.” I said, “Cleo Bearing. Twenty five years old and an only child. She lives in the apartments on Clover Street and works at the local dairy market. Her neighbors would describe her as emotional and always drunk, which they aren’t wrong about. There is only one Tavern she goes to and if you head there any day of the week. There is an 88.889% chance you’ll find her there.” Shadow said, “You did a background check on my girlfriend.” Poltergeist said, “Let’s be honest, Shadow. You aren’t too responsible on your own. She could be an undercover agent and you wouldn’t know because you see her as harmless.” Shadow said, “Fine, I’ll do a background check on your girls.” I said, “Don’t bother. I did one as soon as Jane started working here as a bartender.” Poltergeist said, “I did one on Anna as soon as she started working here.” Shadow said, “You two have serious trust issues.” I took a sip of my martini and said, “Thanks Shadow.” Shadow said, “It wasn’t a compliment.” The news reporter on the tv said, “Just in. We have news that Jason Arlo has been murdered by the Phantom Hero. The police have found nothing and no one, once again, has seen anything.” Poltergeist said, “Phantom Hero.” I said, “Our job is just to kill them. Not hide the body.” Poltergeist laughed and said, “So you’re the Phantom Hero. I can’t believe it. People are actually grateful for our murders.” I said, “I hate the news.” Poltergeist asked, “Why?” I said, “Simple. It makes me feel like someone important and we all know that isn’t true.” Jane said, “Of course it’s true.” I looked at her and she blushed a little bit. Jane said, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to stick my nose into your conversation.” I said, “Relax. I’m not going to kill ya. But explain to me how I’m important.” Jane said, “Well, you think that you’re no one special and that not a soul in the world would care if you were to drop dead here and now. But that isn’t true because you’re important to me.” I saw Shadow’s face out of the corner of my eye and said, “If you say anything. I’ll kill you.” Jane looked at me surprised and I said, “I’m talking to my brother. You can continue.” Jane said, “That’s pretty much it.” Poltergeist asked, “Why is Ghost important to you?” Jane said, “Well, on my first day working here which was three months ago. He was really nice to me and made me feel like I belong here. After that, he would listen to my stories and talk to me about stuff that most people would call me a nerd for liking, but he made me feel special when I talked about it. Not only that but he would also give his opinion on the fact and made me feel like he actually listens. I guess, what I’m trying to say is, I’m pretty attached to him. He was my first friend here and he is the only one who treats me more than a bartender, except for you two of course.” Shadow said, “So you both are nerds.” Poltergeist punched Shadow out of his seat and I took a sip of my martini. Jane looked at me and said, “So you are important because you’re special to me.” I said, “Well, thank you. That has to be the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me.” Poltergeist said, “You wouldn’t mind going on a double date.” Jane asked, “What?” I said, “I told him our date would be guaranteed if he also brings a date.” Jane said, “Well, I don’t mind.” Poltergeist said, “Anna, I need you for a second.” Anna walked to him and he asked, “Would you like to go on a double date with me, my little brother, and Jane?” Anna said, “Sounds fun. But which brother are you talking about?” Poltergeist took a sip of his Blood Mary and said, “Ghost.” She said, “Great.” Shadow asked, “What’s so wrong about me?” We began to laugh but me and Poltergeist stopped and looked at one of the ‘agents’ acting weird. I finished my martini and got up. I walked to the agent and realized that I didn’t know who he was. I said, “You must be new, I don’t recognize you.” He looked at me surprised and said, “Y-yeah.” I placed my hand on his shoulder and said with a smile, “Relax. This is a party. Now, you mind introducing yourself to me.” He said, “Right, I’m…um…I’m A-agent…Monarch. Yeah Agent Monarch.” I said, “Wrong answer.” I kneed his gut and he fell to his knees. I then kicked the back of his head and fell to the ground, unconscious. Everyone looked at me and I put my hands in my pants pockets. I said, “He’s an intruder. Lock everything up and be on your highest guard.” Everyone nodded and began to clean up. Poltergeist walked to the man and I said, “He really needs to lie better. Agent Monarch.” Poltergeist said, “I thought an intruder would know that we never call our agents that.” I shrugged and asked, “Do you want to interrogate him or can I?” Poltergeist said, “Either way, he is not going to like what the council is going to do to him. But is he even alive?” I kicked him in the gut as hard as I could and he woke up. I said, “He’s fine.” I checked my watch and said, “Three…two…one. I’m officially off the clock. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Poltergeist said, “If you forget about the double, I will kill you.” I said, “I have an excellent memory. I won’t forget.” Jane ran to me and said, “I know I’ve already asked a lot from you but I need one last favor.” I turned to look at her and asked, “What is it?” Jane said, “I need a ride home.” I said, “Sorry but I can’t. My mission last week totaled my only car. My next car will be delivered here tomorrow morning.” Jane said, “Oh, um, when do you think you’ll have it?” I said, “Six.” Jane said, “Well, I need to use your phone. I guess I’ll be staying here for the night.” I grabbed my phone and gave it to her. She said, “Thanks. I just need to call my parents and my boss.” I said, “Do as you must. I’ll lead you to the guest apartments.” She nodded and began to call someone. Commissioner Hawk walked to me and pulled me to the side. I asked, “What is it?” He said, “I have a mission and it can’t be pushed back.” I said, “I’m not working tomorrow or right now.” He asked, “Why?” I said, “It’s eight o clock. I’m officially off the clock and I hate putting in overtime.” He said, “Well then. You don’t have a choice but to work tomorrow. It could be the deciding fate of this agency.” I said, “Then get Shadow to do it. I’m not working tomorrow.” He said, “Look, I’m the commissioner.” I gave him a death glare and said, “Don’t patronize me.” He backed up and Jane gave me my phone back. I calmed down and said, “Follow me.” Me and Jane walked to the elevators and I pressed -4. The elevator began to go down and Jane asked, “Is there a reason you never asked me out before?” I stopped the elevator and said, “Yes. I’m twenty two and you’re eighteen. Yes you are very mature for your age but you’re also still a kid in some eyes. Not only do I feel a little uncomfortable but in some countries, it’s illegal for us to date.” Jane said, “So if I was two years older. You would’ve asked me out.” I said, “I don’t know. But don’t blame your age on anything. Tomorrow’s date will be the deciding picture.” Jane sighed and I said, “But for the date tomorrow. Call me Marcus.” Jane looked at me and asked, “Is that your actual name?” I said, “No.” Jane said, “Oh.” I pressed a button and the elevator began moving again. Jane asked, “Is that suit new?” I said, “Yeah.” Jane said, “It looks good on you. The blue really does go great with your dark brown eyes.” I said, “Thanks.” Jane asked, “How do I become a field agent like you?” I said, “I don’t recommend it. You should stick to being a bartender.” Jane said, “That isn’t your choice.” I said, “Fine. I’ll give you a quick lesson tomorrow.” Jane said, “Thanks.” I nodded and the elevator stopped at -4 but the doors didn’t open. I slammed my fist on the doors but they weren’t opening. Could there be more than one intruder? One of the tiles from the roof was removed and a man with a mask jumped into the elevator. He said, “Hello Agent Ghost. I can’t wait to kill you.” I frowned and checked my watch. 08:34pm. I looked at the masked man and said, “You’re putting me into overtime. Don’t think I’ll let you win.” He grabbed a switchblade and charged after me. I moved to the side and kneed his elbow. He dropped the switchblade and I caught it. I then stabbed the man in the back of the head, severing his spinal cord. I left the knife in his body and let go of him. He fell and Jane backed up, terrified. She asked, “Is he dead?” I said, “Not yet. I severed his spinal cord so he will die very fast but as of now. He’s completely incapacitated. He can’t speak or move.” I looked at the elevators and tried to pry the doors open. I managed to open them enough that Jane was able to get out but I knew that I wouldn’t be able to get out that way. Jane said, “I’ll find something, just stay like that.” I nodded and she ran off. I waited a few minutes and she came back with a metal step stool. I put it in between the doors and I ran out. The doors shut and the step stool snapped. Jane asked, “Are you alright?” I said, “Yeah, I’m fine but this is just nuts.” Jane asked, “Was he another intruder?” I said, “Either that or Commissioner Hawk is doing an agent evaluation and didn’t tell us.” Jane looked at me concerned and I said, “Relax. I was joking.” Jane said, “We really need to work on your sense of humor.” I said, “Add it to the list.” We walked to the end of the hall and typed in a code into the door with the numbers 489. I opened the door and said, “Alright, there should be clothes in there and the last person who stayed in this room wore similar sizes to you. I’m in 478 so when you’re ready, just knock on my door.” Jane walked inside and said, “Thanks.” I nodded and walked to my apartment. I placed my thumb on the keypad and then looked into the peephole. The peephole scanned my fingerprint and my eye. The door unlocked and I walked inside. I shut the door and then walked to my drawer and put my watch with my other twenty watches. All of them were gifts from other agents and I wore each of them on different occasions. I took off my suit jacket and tie, and put them in a basket. I said, “Hanc. (Pronounced Hank)” H.AN.C, is an acronym for Helping Agents Network Connection. I wasn’t the one who made it but it’s very useful. It’s pretty much the same thing as an Alexa or Google Assistant except everything is private to only us and it’s in every room but not as a device. It’s just there. Hanc said, “Yes Agent Ghost.” I said, “Turn on the tv and play Fox News.” The tv turned on and Fox News was playing. I walked to my closet and began to look for a top to wear to bed. I said, “Hanc, turn up the tv to twelve.” The volume was raised and I grabbed a white tank top. *knock knock* I said, “Hanc, tell me who’s at the door.” Hanc said, “Lady Butterfly.” I said, “Unlock the door.” Lady Butterfly walked inside and said, “Ghost. I don’t mean to intrude.” I said, “You aren’t intruding, mother.” I placed the tank top on my bed and grabbed gray sweatpants. Lady Butterfly said, “As for your sudden use of your vacation day. I was just wondering if you could reconsider because we had three intruders.” I took off my black ring and placed it on the drawer. I looked at her and said, “Look, I already made up my mind. I won’t be working tomorrow and neither is Poltergeist. But Shadow said nothing about taking tomorrow off.” Lady Butterfly said, “But you’re our best agent.” I said, “Shadow’s skills are just as good as mine.” Lady Butterfly said, “Well, at least promise me that you’ll look into the break in.” I said, “I promise but I have something for you.” I turned around and opened my bottom drawer. I grabbed a ring case and gave it to her. I said, “Today is Mother’s Day so I got you this last week.” She opened the case and grabbed the ring with a blue butterfly on it. She said, “Thank you.” I nodded and said, “It’s the least I can do.” She sighed and sat on my bed. She said, “My great great grandfather created this agency after he was wrongly accused of murder.” I said, “I know mom. I know. You already told me this story.” She said, “At first, it was just him at the agency. He killed and incriminated every criminal that got away with a crime. After three years, he met my great great grandmother. They fell in love and she joined the agency. After that, more people. One by one, they started to join. Before my great great grandparents died, they created our motto. We help others and that’s just the cocoon but when we find love. That’s when we become butterflies.” I said, “I know mom. That was the first lesson you taught me.” She said, “I know it’s hard to love someone while in this work but I just want to say that, that shouldn’t stop you. If you need to leave this company to find love, then do it. But you should also leave this company when you find love. I don’t want you to end up like your father.” I asked, “Are you talking about the homeless guy or your husband?” She said, “I can’t believe you still remember him. You were only ten when he gave you to me.” I said, “He did raise me from an infant. Kind of hard to forget someone that important.” She said, “Well, I’m talking about my husband. You know how he died.” I nodded and said, “He went to kill the CEO of World Bank and succeeded. But the police came too fast and he didn’t have much of a choice. So he walked to a window, jumped out and shot himself in the head. Death was certain either way.” She said, “Yeah. I don’t want you to make that mistake.” I asked, “Why did the homeless guy have to die?” She said, “He used to be a rogue. He ignored orders and went off the radar. He did save your life but he also knew the punishment of coming back.” I said, “Right.” Lady Butterfly stood up and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her. I changed into the clothes I picked out and then the news reporter said, “As for tomorrow. Remember that it’s the start of Family Week so be sure to spend time with your family.” I turned off the tv and said, “Hanc. Give me a training quiz.” The tv turned on and revealed a police station with the target at the end of it all. I stared at it and the more I stared, the more it began to feel familiar to me. Hanc said, “Sir. Your answer.” I asked, “What?” Hanc asked, “Do you need a second overview?” I said, “No, I just spaced out for a second. Well, this building is full of officers and the chief is our target. I’ll use one of our jammers to temporarily take out the cameras. I have thirty seconds to get to the office. I’d run through the back and into an open window because it seems that one of the officers left it open from a brief smoke. Everyone will still be focused on the cameras and I still have fifteen seconds to get to the office. Run across the hallway and pick the lock to get into the office. I have five seconds when I get in. I’ll wait beside the door and the chief gets inside the office. Then I’ll assassinate him and escape out of the window. Thirty minutes will go by and that’s when they find his body. They’ll perform a lockdown within a ten mile perimeter but I’ll be long gone by then.” Hanc asked, “What will your weapon be?” I said, “Simple. M1911 with a silencer.” Hanc ran the program and said, “Mission success. You’ve successfully killed the target and didn’t get seen by anyone.” I said, “Great.” I took off my socks and shoes and asked, “Hanc, what’s on the menu for breakfast?” Hanc said, “Oatmeal and raisins.” I said, “Not my first choice but I’ll grab something on my way out.” *knock knock* I said, “Hanc.” Hanc said, “Commissioner Hawk.” I asked, “What does he want?” I walked to the door and opened it. Commissioner Hawk said, “You didn’t tell Hanc to open it.” I said, “That’s because I don’t want to talk to you.” Commissioner Hawk squeezed my bicep and said, “You’re pretty buff.” I said, “Don’t touch me.” Commissioner Hawk let go of my bicep and said, “I know you don’t want any missions tomorrow but someone does need to train the rookies.” I shut the door and walked to my bed. I laid down and turned off my light.