Lost

Secret Agent Man

Chapter 14

Far off somewhere, but close enough to be annoying, Ana heard a rooster crowing. She quickly stuffed a pillow over her head, but there was no silencing the screeching. Exasperated Ana turned over and looked at her phone – it read 5 a.m.

"You've got to be kidding me!" she thought to herself. No longer feeling the pull of tiredness, she decided to check her emails.

At the top was a fresh message from Ambassador Russert. He reported that an agent had been identified that would be able to help with the search. She was to meet him in the center of Plaza Botero. Ana quickly looked up the subway route – this was bound to be interesting. Russert also noted that she should wear something red so that the agent would be able to identify her. Luckily she brought a red ball cap.

Quickly assembling an outfit and tucking her hair underneath the hat, Ana was out of the villa in record time. The other girls remained asleep.

The subway system wasn't hard to figure out and within a half hour Ana was at Plaza Botero. Outside the station, peddlers approached visitors with string bracelets and pieces of lulo. Ana's eyes scanned the crowd as she entered the center of the plaza, surrounding by large chubby statues. She decided to wait next to the plump cat sculpture.

"Hola senorita!" A man with ripped jeans and a dingy blue sweater approached her. He held before him a collection of bracelets.

"No, no gracias," Ana stumbled through her Spanish trying to remember what little she knew.

"Si, si. Compre por favor," the man got closer and continued to offer the jewelry.

"No, I really don't want anything," Ana said, realizing he couldn't understand her.

Suddenly, she felt a hand grip her shoulder and pull her close.

"Ah senor! No gracias! La proxima vez. Next time we'll buy something," the voice boomed above Ana. She died to see who it was but his grip forced her to stay facing forward. The seller slinked back and gave a knowing nod before retreating to the next vacationer.

The grip on Ana's shoulder was released. She quickly spun around and taking a few steps back she was able to fully see who it was. The man was about six-foot two with faded gray and hints of white on his temples. He wore aviator sunglass with darkened lenses, so she was unable to see his eyes. He clothes were casual – if a little too touristy. His shirt was a vintage Hawaiian floral pattern and his khakis were well worn, but still structured.

"Who are you?" Ana demanded.

"Are you Ana?" He asked in return.

"Why don't you tell me who you are first?" Ana remained firm.

"I see we are at a standoff," the man replied. A smirk crossed his face.

Ana glared at her opponent not sure if she should be the first to speak.

"Fine. I am Ana," she finally said.

"Nice to meet you. I assumed you were the person I was looking for," he pointed to her red hat.

Ana's heart quickened, "Are you the FBI agent?"

"Retired. But yes, I am here to help you," he said while taking a cigarette out of his front shirt pocket. He withdrew a lighter from his pants pocket. An eagle was engraved on the smoothest side of the lighter.

"I am sorry, what?" Ana's heart sank. Who was this guy? How long had he been retired? Was the embassy pulling a prank?

"Russert sent me. Said you need a little extra help with finding someone." He inhaled his cigarette and turned away to blow the smoke out.

"This has to be a joke!" Ana declared as she began to walk past him.

"Whoa! Slow down. Where are you going?" He asked as he flicked his cigarette into a steel trashcan.

"I can't believe they sent me some grandpa!" Ana exclaimed.

The man wrapped his hand around her arm and turned her towards him. "Can you tell me what you're all pissed about? I came down here to help you and you are upset?" His voice didn't raise, but it was stern.

"I need someone to help me!" Ana's voice bordered the line of yelling. She wasn't trying to get emotional, but the disappointment was too strong. Anger continued to rise up. "My friend is missing. I need an agent – someone who can help us find her. Not some retiree!"

The man quickly whipped off his glasses. A deep scar trailed from the top of his forehead and down across his left eye. She hadn't seen it before since he had the sunglasses on.

The man pointed at his scar. "Does this look like I am some sort of man who can't handle his shit!" This time he was yelling. People began to stare. Ana shifted, uncomfortable at the attention they were drawing. "I might be retired, but I've done my duty! We don't forget what we learn, so believe me when I tell you that you are in good hands." Calmly he slipped his glasses back on and walked past her.

Ana took a few deep breaths. To say she felt humbled was an understatement. She knew she had misjudged him.

"Wait!" Ana shouted as she ran after him. "I am sorry. Really I am. I shouldn't have said those things."

He turned to face her and stuck out his right hand. "It's Richard, by the way," he said shaking Ana's hand.

"I'll take you to the rest of the group," Ana offered.

Together they traveled back to the Villa. Only silence existed between them.

***********

Hi all! Gosh it has been far too long since I've post something. This month I signed up to participate in NaNoWriMo and am using LOST as my book to write. I figured this was a great opportunity to finally finish up this story so I can start sharing it with you all on a regular basis. 

Wish me luck! Also, best of luck to all of you who are also participating in the month of insanity...oops I mean NaNoWriMo. ;)  

Since I've been off Wattpad for a while, does anyone have any reading suggestions?? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

* Side Note: Wanted to dedicate this chapter to Gabby who won my raffle during the Block Party! She's got a great story called "Hey Mr. Player, Let's Play a Game" that is definitely worth checking out.   :)