33|| Return

                                    

                                          
A/N: Here's chapter 33. Enjoy, people. 
It was possible to say that there were some individuals who were tailored to take on certain jobs. 
For instance, the woman standing in the West-Brown kitchen— which was the only room large enough to accommodate everyone. She was made entirely of sharp, straight lines and her dark hair was slicked back into a tight bun with not a single strand out of place. Her posture was perfect and she wore her black suit like it had been made to fit her.  Initially, her upper lip was curled in a slight snarl when she saw Lisa and David, but relaxed a little when she saw Mia and Eun Woo. Iris knew she'd made the right call sending Alex out of the room— the greater the number of suspicious people, the less likely the opponent would trust you. 
"Chief Wright." David extended his hand. "Thank you for returning my call." 
Chief Wright stared at him like he was a piece of gum she'd scraped off her shoe. "Let's be clear, West-Brown. I'm not doing this for you. I am in no mood to engage in trivial politics and simply wish to collect the witnesses."
"Is everything okay?" Lisa asked, setting down her cup on the platform with a wary gaze. "I've heard there's been some... issues within the Agency." 
"Everything is fine," Chief Wright said with a firm nod. "I just had to bury a dear student of mine. Let's cut to the chase. Mi Cha and Eun Woo— Agent Charlotte and Trainee Jay have briefed us on the situation. We will be transferring you both to a separate location immediately." 
"Wait." Iris pushed herself off the counter and stood in front of Mia as if she was prepared to tackle the girl to the ground. "I would like to ask a few... favours from the Agency." 
Chief Wright sighed. "You're DeLano's kid, right?" 
A twinge of pride shot through Iris as she tilted her head up. "Yes, that's right." 
"You're lucky I owe him one. Ask away, kid, but I can't guarantee anything."
"First, I'd like Mia to write a statement about everything she saw the night my mother died. Second, I wish to know everything the Agency has on this Meredith woman from their archives. Third, I'd like to be able to see Mia and ask her questions about the case." Iris didn't expect Chief Wright to agree to all of her demands, but her mother used to say that if you threw in a few ridiculous requests, at least one would stick.
Chief Wright narrowed her eyes. "Two and three are out of the question. I cannot endorse vigilante behaviour, especially since I know what both families present are capable of. The first one... I suppose it cannot hurt. As long as Mi Cha leaves out any details pertaining to Meredith's identity and possible location. We have a case being built against her, and I will not let you ruin it."
Iris frowned. "But that's exactly what I want to know!"
A sardonic smile spread across her face. "Exactly. Let's go, Mi Cha and Eun Woo—"
"I know Meredith's connection to the Agency," Iris blurted out, clutching at desperate straws for one last chance. "A... An associate sent me the information." 
Chief Wright paused slowly turned, her face pinched as if viewing Iris in a new light. "I see. And I presume you're going to share this information with everyone?" 
"No." She ignored the eyebrow raises and frowns rippling across the room. "No, I'm not. I owe my life to one of you Agents. She rescued me from... well, it doesn't matter. Her name was Ada. Dark hair, green eyes I think. Out of respect for her, I will not make this information public. But I ask you give me what I want in return." 
Chief Wright paled and pressed her lips into a thin line. Tremors shook her body and her voice was shaky when she spoke, "Yes, I am... well aware of the Agent you speak of. Alright, young DeLano. I'll send some of what you want through Agent Charlotte. Now, if you'll excuse me." 
"We'll show you out." Lisa stood with David and gestures towards the door. "I have some questions I'd like to ask as well... in private."
"Goodbye, Iris!" Mia clasped Iris' hands, brown eyes wide. "I know we've only known each other for a short time, but I appreciate you not letting your... well, whoever he is, kill me."
"Don't mention it." Iris shrugged. "Stay safe, Mia. Maybe when all of this is over, we can catch up." 
"That would be nice." With a final, dazzling smile, she left with her brother. 
"You okay, Iris?" Brandon asked, resting a heavy hand on her shoulder. "That was... a lot to take in." 
"Yeah, I'm fine." Iris pushed him away with a tight grimace. "Actually, uh, I think I need some time alone. To process and grieve and... yeah." 
"Of course!" Elijah stepped in, steering Brandon out of the door. He jerked his head towards the other boys. "We'll wait in the other room with the arrogant kid. You can join us when you're ready. I'll order something to eat online— do you still like blueberry pancakes with maple syrup?" 
Iris tucked her right foot behind her left one. "I— yeah. Yeah I still do, thanks." Actually, she wasn't too hungry, and certainly not for something so sweet. However, she couldn't bring herself to say so to her eldest brother's kind eyes as he hurried the others out. He remembered. 
When she was finally alone, Iris unfolded the note Mia had pressed into her palms. 
Red Robin 
Woodland Street
Code: 5645 
"Sorry, boys," she whispered. "Pancakes are gonna have to wait."
*********************
I hope you guys liked it! 
Stay safe and thanks for reading :)