When Athena walked into the office followed by Aiden, Director Alvarez was on another call.
Seizing the opportunity, Athena took a mont to scan the upgrades that had transford this once-drab office into sothing impressive.
The large wooden oak table stood out, a far cry from the flimsy, non-quality pieces they had used before. Instead of a ceiling fan, a sleek air conditioning unit humd in the background, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.
Cabinets lined the walls, functional and neatly organized, while plush seats provided comfort for long etings. In one corner, a running mill and weights were stashed alongside freshly laundered towels, hinting at a more health-conscious atmosphere.
The organization is really seeing a lot of money now. Athena thought, genuinely happy for the progress. It surely made the work easier for everyone. Maybe if they had this upgrade years ago, they would have conquered their challenges much sooner.
Her eyes drifted over to the director, who stood near one of the glass walls, speaking politely into the phone. He looked like a submissive rat, a striking contrast to the assertive figure she rembered.
Athena’s brow furrowed. When did he start acting this way? The director had always been the epito of determination, eager to do justice and relentless in his pursuits. Now, he seed subdued, almost timid.
She would have said that perhaps old age had humbled him, but he was only about forty-five years old—not old at all.
"Should we take a seat?" She whispered to Aiden, who was still observing the director.
"I don’t know," Aiden replied, a hint of hesitation in his voice. "He could be in one of his moods and bark if we do that..."
Athena’s eyes widened slightly in disbelief, recalling when such worries had been nonexistent. They had laughed, danced, and even celebrated victories in this very room. Why the sudden strictness toward Aiden, one of the founders of the organization?
"Aiden, we are higher-ups! Did you forget?" She pressed.
He shook his head. "I didn’t forget, but things have changed around here—especially the director."
Was it because of the money entering? Athena pondered. Were external influences affecting their operations now?
If not, why wasn’t the director investing in stopping the artificially-created disease that threatened their city? She huffed and walked to the nearest plush seat, plopping down with annoyance and defiance.
Aiden’s lips pressed into a thin line as he noticed that Director Alvarez had instantly turned at the sound of fabric against the leather of the expensive chair; as he noticed that the director’s scowl deepened when he saw Athena sitting without his permission.
Seeking to provoke then, Aiden walked gallantly over to a seat beside Athena and sat down with purpose. Athena chuckled softly, amused by the budding tension.
"Did sothing crawl up your butt, old man?" She teased.
Aiden tsked, shaking his head. "I just hate whatever happened to the director. It’s like the money ca, and he forgot his roots."
Just then, Director Alvarez ended his call, setting the phone down on the table with a gentle thud. He glanced at the two of them, a mix of irritation and surprise evident on his face.
"Yeah, long ti no see, Athena," He said, a strange smile curling across his lips. He extended his hand to greet her. "You always make an entrance. I knew after seeing those criminals that I would be seeing you again. Will this beco a regular occurrence?"
Athena smiled and shook her head. "I hope not. You’ll tire of too easily, Director."
Alvarez laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "I don’t think you’ll ever bore , Athena. Welco back."
He then turned to Aiden and gave him a warm handshake. "Welco, old friend. Thank you for finally capturing those criminals. We haven’t had the privilege of keeping one alive while they talk, for quite so ti."
The three shared a laugh that montarily broke the tension in the room.
"My pleasure, Director Alvarez. Have they started speaking?" Aiden asked, leaning forward in his seat, his body tense with anticipation.
Alvarez sighed wearily as he settled into his own chair. "Not at all. They’re incredibly tight-lipped. But I’m sure that will change soon with you two here. After all, they are your catch."
"So, before we dive into the interrogation, is there anything we should know about the gang? With all these equipnt upgrades, surely sothing can be organized." Athena asked, clasping her hands on her thighs.
Alvarez paused, his lips pursed, as he weighed his response. "Sadly, that’s not the case. The intel you’ve received is the current status of things on the ground. This gang is slippery as a snake. With our upgrades ca their own advancents."
Athena nodded, a cold glint in her eyes. "Alright then. We’re ready to interrogate the criminals now."
Imdiately, Alvarez led them to Containnt Area Two—an austere and sterile room lined with reinforced glass walls and thick tal doors. A heavy guard stood watch outside as they approached the large entry.
"Heronica and Cole are in here," Alvarez explained, his voice firm. "Make sure they talk, by any ans necessary. I’ll see you two back at the office."
With those words, the two agents entered the interrogation room.
Athena smirked upon spotting the two criminals seated at a tal table, their hands and legs shackled with heavy tal bracelets.
Cole’s hard expression t her gaze, but a flicker of anxiety haunted the corner of his eyes. Next to him, Heronica sat defiantly, dark hair falling over one eye like a curtain shielding her from vulnerability.
"Do you really think you can make us talk?" Heronica challenged, noticing Athena’s almost playful smirk. "You’ll need more than threats to get anything out of us."
Athena shot Aiden a quick look, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
"Of course, Heronica. We’re not here to play gas," Athena said, stepping forward confidently.
Without hesitation, Aiden crossed the room, closing the distance in an instant. He delivered a sharp punch across Cole’s face, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet room.
Cole’s eyes widened in shock, and the pain montarily stole his breath, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Tell us what you know about the gang’s next move," Aiden demanded, his voice low and serious. "Or we can make things a lot more uncomfortable for you."
Heronica’s laugh was bitter, laced with bravado. "You think we’re scared of a little rough stuff? You don’t know who you’re dealing with." She turned to Cole, who maintained a strange smile. "How do you feel, lover boy?"
"Never better," He shot back with confidence.
Athena knew they needed a different approach. She turned to Aiden, a sly smile playing on her lips. "I think you should get the tools. We have so tough ones on our hands."
Aiden nodded with an agreeing smile and quickly left the room. He returned just three minutes later, holding two handheld devices. They resembled a small lie detector but were modified for a more sinister purpose.
Heronica and Cole exchanged mocking glances, clearly unimpressed by the technology.
"What nonsense is this? You must really not rate us at all!" Heronica scoffed.
Athena responded with icy confidence. "Of course I do, which is why I brought this. This device will tell us if you’re lying. And if you lie, you’ll feel about 80 jolts of electricity coursing through your body." She tsked for dramatic effect. "That’s quite deadly, don’t you think?"
Heronica’s bravado faltered montarily as the realization dawned on her. "You wouldn’t dare. You need us alive to make a bargain!"
"Try us," Aiden replied coldly, his expression unyielding. "We really don’t need you. You see..." He paused, walking toward them with the device. "The gang is not really sovereign. That’s just an illusion. You will understand soon."
Heronica and Cole exchange curious glances. What the hell?!
They gritted their teeth, when Aiden strapped the device to both of them, inhaling sharply once the device was activated—it humd with electricity, sending a wave of intimidation through the air.
Athena leaned forward, her voice steady and commanding. "Who sent you to kill years ago? Who sent you now?"
The two criminals stared back, unwilling to divulge any information.
"Your mother, bitch!" Heronica finally spoke, screaming in mighty pain the next second when the bolts of electricity zapped through her.
"Heronica!!" Cole shouted, when Heronica’s head fell loosely by the side.
"Heronica!!!" He scread the more, but Heronica gave no reply.
So, he turned to Athena and Aiden, who stood watching the spectacle, thoroughly amused.
Their nonchalant deanor grated on Cole’s nerves. "You’ve killed her!" He scread. "Well, you have to kill too, because I won’t talk!"
Athena chuckled softly. "All these talks about kill...." She shook her head. "I should probably do that, and send your body parts to Morgan in a box. Your innocent victims over the years deserve that sense of justice at least."
Cole shuddered before he could help it. Still... "No one is innocent."
"What is my cri then?" Athena asked, piquing an eyebrow.
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