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AS MARCUS CAME TO, shuffling could be heard all around him, along with hurried and nervous voices that few louder and louder. "They can't have just disappeared! There are cameras everywhere and a guard at every entrance!"

He recognized the voice. "...Lily," His voice was soft and his throat was painfully dry. "What...what happened?" He squinted in the bright lights of the infirmary.

She was at his side in an instant. "Marcus!" She breathed with relief. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"

He chuckled half-heartedly. "Apologies," He looked around and noticed Director Herald standing behind them, arms crossed and deep in thought. "Killian and Wyatt..." Marcus sighed. "They jumped me. Took the flash drive and Rosalie's innocence along with it."

"Did you see where they went?" Lily asked, leaning forward.

Marcus shook his head. "No. I was out cold before I could get anything useful," He hung his head in shame. "I'm so sorry I let this happen."

"It's not your fault, Beck," The Director stepped forward. "I see now the true natures of the Foster's and sadly, they have a lot of influence around here. Lily," He turned to the older woman. "They most likely got help from people on the inside. I need you to lock down all the facilities — they couldn't have gotten far. I have some calls to make." Lily nodded, rushing off to fulfil his request.

"Wait, Director!" Marcus called as he headed for the door. Director Herald turned around. "Please tell me — is Rosalie alright?"

The Director nodded softly. "Yes. We've moved her to a holding room where she'll be more comfortable while we track down Wyatt and Killian."

Marcus nodded slowly. "Good, good. Thank you, sir," He watched the Director leave in sadness, left to his hospital bed alone.

  The nap was glorious. Rosalie hadn't slept that good since they were at Melina's house. The temporary holding room Herald had placed her in was similar to her dorm in college — white bricked walls, a mini-fridge, a bed so uncomfortable it somehow was comfortable — everything she needed while still being considered a traitor to the country.

A knock at the door grabbed her attention. "Hello?" She called. The handles jiggled and unlocked, revealing a worried-looking Herald on the other side. "Director Herald! Is...everything alright?" She looked him up and down — his entire body was tense.

"Rosalie..." He began. "We can't seem to locate Killian or Wyatt and they left Agent Beck severely beaten in their wake."

Rosalie's heart sank. "Oh god..." She shook her head. "Did they escape the facility?"

"As far as we know, no," Herald shook his head. "But we have been hesitant to ask other agents for help because-"

"They might be in Foster's pockets?" She huffed.

Herald nodded. "Exactly. That's why we've called in people we know we can trust."

Rosalie raised a brow. "And who might they be?" She assumed the FBI, or maybe even the RCMP. But she was not expecting who barged in.

"It is I!" A loud booming voice cut through as Alexei burst past Herald. He was smiling wide, arms open as he rushed to Rosalie, scooping her up and squeezing her tight. She was in such a state of shock that she didn't notice the others that had walked in.

"Alexei?!" She gasped. "Y-You're here? Why?!" He set her down, hands still gripping her shoulders as he smiled down at her.

"Can you believe it?" He laughed. "What were they thinking of letting Soviets into the CIA? Their trust in us is honestly misplaced-"

"Alexei!" Melina's stern voice cut in. Rosalie's eye snapped to the small woman. Her harsh glare softened as she saw the look on Rosalie's face. "My dear," She smiled. As she opened her arms, Rosalie accepted the hug gratefully.

"Thank you, Melina," She breathed. "For the lawyers."

"It was no problem, Rosie," She rubbed small circles on Rosalie's back. Pulling away, she stepped aside with a small smirk. "There are a few others who want to see you."

"Who..?" Rosalie's question stopped as she caught sight of blonde hair and she rushed into the arms of Yelena. They both laughed happily. They had only been apart for not even a day but it felt like an eternity. "Am I happy to see you!" Yelena laughed, squeezing Rosalie as hard as she could. A few tears trickled down her face. "I'm sorry I worried you."

Yelena pulled back immediately, rapidly shaking her head. "Do not apologize! It is those scumbags Wyatt and Killian who should do so!" Something seemed to come over her as her head snapped to Herald. "Where was the last place they were seen? Irina and I will track them from there."

"Irina?!" Excitement buzzed through Rosalie. The dark-skinned woman popped out from behind Yelena, smiling widely. "Irina!" They hugged tightly. "I'm so glad you're here!"

Irina chuckled lightly. "I could not just leave you here to the wolves, could I?" They both laughed. "Yelena and I will do whatever we can to find those traitors."

Rosalie smiled wide. "Thank you so much, guys. Words can't even begin to express what this all means to me. I-It's...wonderful."

"It is nothing for The Red Guardian!" Alexei flexed with a smirk. "I will personally crush their skulls!"

Everyone froze. Rosalie quickly placed a hand on his flexing bicep and shook her head. "Too much, Alexei," He slowly lowered his arms and frowned. Rosalie rolled her eyes with a small smile. "But I appreciate the sentiment."

He perked back up. "Of course," He laughed, patting her back softly.

"I hate to intrude on this reunion but to answer your question, Ms. Belova, Wyatt and Killian were last seen in the break room. It's right down the hall to your left, so you shouldn't miss it."

Yelena nodded curtly, eyes narrowing in determination. She looked at Rosalie, softening for only a moment. "We will find them. I promise," She and Irina shared a nod before heading off and a small pit formed in Rosalie's stomach.

"You will show me to the security room, no?" Melina looked to Director Herald.

He nodded. "Of course. But I do have to warn you, you do not have the greatest track record when it comes to America, so you will be heavily guarded and watched."

"That is fine," Melina nodded. "I am not interested in your government secrets...this time," She smirked at Rosalie playfully. "My only wish is to help Rosie."

"Then follow me," Herald smiled softly. "Agent Mai. The Red Guardian will be your security while we track down the Fosters. If they try to get to you, they'll have a super soldier to get through."

Rosalie nodded, but the pit continued to grow. As Director Herald and Melina began to leave, Rosalie stopped them. "Director!" She called, rushing to the door. "I can't help but feel like...like I could be doing something more? Is there anything, and I mean anything I can do that doesn't involve sitting in this room for who knows how long?"

Director Herald stared at her for a moment, contemplating. "There might be...one thing," He concluded.

"Yes..?" Rosalie inched closer to him.

"Agent Beck is in the infirmary and is worried about you. Why don't you pay him a visit?" He suggested.

That was enough for her. Rosalie nodded. "Thank you, sir," He gave her one last smile before leaving with Melina. Rosalie held the door open and half-turned to look at Alexei. "Ready to go, bodyguard?"

Alexei laughed loudly. "Lead the way, moya ledi!"

Rosalie scoffed softly and rolled her eyes. "My lady? There's no need to be so formal!" She laughed as she and Alexei began down the hall to the infirmary.

"Oh, but there is!" Alexei placed his hand over his heart dramatically. "I am your personal guard now, and must treat you with respect!"

Rosalie laughed. "If you say so, big guy," She patted his arm lightly.

As they walked down the halls, a few agents gave Alexei strange looks. Rosalie couldn't blame them — he was taller than the average man, but they would also look at her with the same confusion. Isn't she supposed to be locked up? She knew what they were thinking by the looks in their eyes. She brushed off the icky feeling, the feeling that after she was accused of treason, they were so quick to believe it. She thought the CIA was her home, but maybe it never was to begin with.

An armed agent stood at attention at the infirmary door. As he saw Rosalie and Alexei approaching, he stiffened and tightened his gun. "No visitors." He coughed.

Rosalie tilted her head — the agent was twitchy and nervous. A feeling of dread overcame her as a thought entered her head, one she hoped wasn't true. "Director Bates personally sent us to check on Agent Beck." She puffed her chest and spoke with confidence.

The armed agent tilted his head. "R-Really?" He stuttered.

Rosalie noticed the sweat beginning to build upon his forehead. "Are you...nervous, agent?" She took a step towards him and he leaned away from her.

"N-No ma'am," He shook his head, gulping. "I-It's just that Agent Beck is asleep right now, recovering and all." He chuckled nervously.

Rosalie sucked in a breath. Had Wyatt and Killian really gone so far? "Agent," She began softly. "I know you're scared of Wyatt and Killian but they can't hurt you," She watched as the poor man began shaking at her words. "See him?" She pointed to Alexei, who stood behind her. "He's a super-soldier. With him here, Wyatt and Killian can do nothing to you. So please tell me — is Agent Beck dead in there?"

"Yes!" The agent cried, dropping his gun as she shakily cried into his hands. "I'm sorry, Agent Mai! They threatened me not to tell anyone. I didn't know they had done that to Marcus! H-He was my friend, I swear!"

"When did it happen?" She asked sadly.

"About half an h-hour ago," The agent sniffled.

Rosalie turned to Alexei. "Stay here. Watch him and make sure no one comes in. I'll contact my mother and Director Bates," She pushed the door to the infirmary, through to the private room where she could see Marcus lying there, eyes closed, as if he were peacefully sleeping. Rosalie swallowed as she entered the room, shutting the door behind her. She dropped her head, gripping the edge of his bed tightly. "I'm so sorry that this happened to you, Marcus," She quickly wiped away her falling tears.

She walked over to the side of the bed, checking his heart monitor. Something wasn't right. It was still attached to him and...he was alive? Rosalie's stomach dropped. Wyatt and Killian had lied to that poor boy but...why?

AUTHORS NOTE
Ooo I tricked you, hehehehe! I'm so glad you all are enjoying this book ahhh! Thanks for reading!!