White smoke quickly filled the entire room. Holm, wearing a gas mask and holding a pistol, stepped inside cautiously.
The gas mask had been hidden in a toolbox under the distribution box by the door—something he had prepared well in advance.
Now, all he had to do was execute the plan he had laid out long ago.
As Holm took a few steps into the house with his weapon raised, his eyes fell on a figure seated on the sofa, also wearing a gas mask.
"Don't move. Just answer whatever I ask. If you lie or make any sudden moves, I'll blow your head off," Holm said, tightening his grip on the gun.
The figure on the sofa spoke in a deep, calm voice. "Cut off a head."
"Grow two more heads," Holm responded, his voice tinged with mild surprise.
"Hail Hydra," the man on the sofa continued.
"Hail Hydra," Holm echoed firmly.
"Your response is impressive, Agent Clint. You haven't let me down," the man said, his tone calm yet full of authority and approval.
As he spoke, Holm moved to one side of the living room and opened a window. The breeze began dispersing the lingering smoke quickly.
Once the air cleared, Holm removed his gas mask, revealing his face. He glanced at the man on the sofa and asked, "I'm sorry, but Agent Ward and I have always communicated unilaterally, so..."
"That was then. From now on, I will be directly responsible for you," the man interrupted as he removed his own gas mask, revealing a serious, dignified face.
The middle-aged man had neatly combed hair, a pristine suit, and an aura of authority. His sharp, penetrating eyes seemed to see through everything.
"Let me introduce myself. I'm John Garrett. You can call me Agent Garrett. From this point forward, all your orders will come directly from me," Garrett said, sitting upright on the sofa and locking eyes with Holm.
Holm hesitated before asking, "Did something happen to Agent Ward?" His tone carried traces of doubt and distrust.
Garrett noticed the skepticism in Holm's eyes. He knew that trust couldn't be built with mere words, so he continued.
"Holm Clint, born and raised in a church orphanage in Manhattan, was discovered at the age of 10 and brought to the Hydra base for training. Following his basic training, Grant Ward became his instructor, overseeing his advanced development.
"At 18, you joined S.H.I.E.L.D. and quickly rose through the ranks due to your exceptional performance. During that time, you successfully completed numerous confidential missions for our organization.
"After your most recent mission, your abilities earned you a promotion to Level 7 Agent within S.H.I.E.L.D."
Garrett recounted Holm's history in detail. As he spoke, he noticed the suspicion in Holm's gaze gradually fade, replaced by trust and a hint of shock.
Satisfied with Holm's reaction, Garrett continued in the same measured tone. "This should be enough to dispel any doubts you might have."
"I wasn't supposed to tell you about Agent Ward, but I'm impressed with your work, so I'll share some truths.
"Ward violated organizational rules repeatedly and used deception to further his own interests. We planned to eliminate him, but he caught on and fled before we could act."
"He's hiding well for now, but we'll find him. He's both a rogue agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and a wanted traitor to Hydra. His time is running out."
As Garrett recounted the story, Holm's expression alternated between disbelief and shock. Beneath the surface, however, he hid traces of satisfaction and resentment, alongside a brief flash of ambition.
Garrett, a seasoned agent, observed Holm's shifting expressions with approval.
This further cemented Garrett's confidence in his investigation and his growing satisfaction with Holm.
Garrett understood Holm's long-standing relationship with Ward. If Holm had been nothing more than a mindless, obedient servant, Garrett would have dismissed him as a disposable tool.
But Holm displayed all the qualities Garrett valued: sharp observation, formidable skills, ambition, and restraint.
Ward had wasted a valuable asset. That betrayal only deepened Garrett's resolve to see Ward pay for his treachery.
Thinking of Ward's crimes—both personal and professional—Garrett's anger flared. He wanted nothing more than to see Ward destroyed.
Holm noticed the brief flash of resentment in Garrett's eyes and quickly deduced the connection. Ward must have crossed Garrett at some point, likely more than once.
Amused, Holm thought to himself that Ward should consider himself lucky. Holm's own methods of dealing with Ward had been relatively merciful.
If Hydra knew the full extent of Ward's actions, he wouldn't just die; he'd wish for death long before the end came.
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Holm maintained his composure and responded to Garrett with sincerity. "I understand now. From this moment on, I'll follow your orders, sir."
Garrett, seeing Holm's demeanor shift, nodded in satisfaction.
Still, Garrett wasn't entirely convinced. Holm and Ward had worked together for years, and Garrett wanted to ensure there were no lingering loyalties.
Feigning nonchalance, Garrett said, "You truly don't know where he is? It seems strange that Ward wouldn't share anything before disappearing. After all, you were his most trusted subordinate for so many years."
Holm recognized the subtle test in Garrett's words.
Though Garrett's tone was calm, Holm understood that any slip in his response could raise suspicion. He had to project fear and uncertainty while simultaneously reassuring Garrett of his loyalty.
.
.
.
.
Please vote with power stones.
Hello all, for some reason, my fanfic "Good or bad, does it matter?" Got blocked, I have sent them an email to clear it, let's hope for the good.