I was finally being discharged from the hospital. Well, I thought it was a hospital. It turns out it was a black site for Riley’s secret government agency. A tall black man in a black suit with black sunglasses on was standing outside of my room.

“Where is Mike?” I asked.

“Mr. Johnson was sent home.”

“Okay, then how am I getting home?”

“I will be driving you.”

“Well lead the way.”

The driver and I got into a large black GMC Yukon. He was a solemn man. I had so many questions, but knew this guy wouldn’t answer any of them. I would just wait until I could talk to Riley.

When we got to my apartment, the man walked up to the front door and stopped.

“Mr. Adams, your key please.”

I took my keys out of my left pocket and handed them to the man. He put the key in the door and pulled out a pistol. He stood in the ready position. I felt naked now that I realized I didn't have my sidearm. I was about to ask him for his backup, but then I remembered that I was a weapon. A powerful one.

The door glided open and the man stepped in. He methodically cleared the small two-bedroom apartment before returning to the living room where he had instructed me to wait.

I looked around our home and didn’t notice any changes. I thought maybe someone from Riley’s department might have ransacked the place after the attack.

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Our home was quiet. Not a sound inside our little apartment. No fiance checking to see where I had been. No greeting when I opened the door.

Shoulders slumped, I went to our room and stood outside of it looking in. I saw the makeup on the dresser and the overflowing pile of clean laundry on our bed. Isisdra was going to fold that when she got back. I saw two phone chargers plugged into the wall. I walked into the attached bathroom and saw the two towels hanging on the towel rack, and the two toothbrushes on the countertop.

For a long time, I stood there in silence, taking it all in. I could feel the man growing impatient as he stood close by at all times, but I didn’t care.

“Mr. Adams, I know you have had a shitty week, but I need you to collect your essentials and come with me.”

I tilted my head and raised one eyebrow as I stared at the agent. I was about to say something I’m sure I’d have regretted, but I was interrupted.

There was a knock at the door. I moved to answer it, but the man stopped me. He pulled out his weapon and moved to the front door. After checking through the peephole, he holstered his weapon and opened the door.

In stepped Mike. He took in the stranger and searched the room for me. When he saw me, he walked right over and embraced me. The two of us stood there in a hug for at least a minute before separating.

“Riley let me know that you had been released. How do you feel?”

“Like I woke up in my worst nightmare. Any new leads on Isidra?”

Mike didn’t say anything, he just stood there with his head hanging down.

“Gentlemen, I must insist that we leave now.”

Mike and I began packing my things. Having been friends so long meant I could trust that anything he packed was essential. I knew he would remember the things I had forgotten in my distracted state.

Once we had packed all of the things I thought I would need we made for the front door. I turned and took one last look at our apartment. A smile formed on my face as I thought of the times I had there with the woman I loved. That’s when I set my mind to the task. No matter what it took, I would bring her back. I would kill anyone who stood in my way.

“I know that look. What are you planning?” Mike said

“I’m getting her back and I’ll need your help.”

Mike said nothing, only nodding at his friend.