It had been a few days since the team had returned from their failed retrieval. Their boss was out of the office, no one had seen him since the debrief and everyone was in a foul mood. The idea of failing a mission was a rare occurrence for the elite task force.
Archer lay on his bunk, staring at the ever-familiar crack above his head. His music blared through his speakers attempting to drown out his thoughts.
Blake and Johnson were in the common room playing video games, Archer could hear them shouting and yelling over his music as they shot down enemies one by one.
“Archer!” The door to his room cracked open.
“Sir!” Archer shot up from his bed to be greeted by his boss.
“Call it in.” He said regimented. Archer kicked himself off the bed as his boots hit the floor, switching his music off.
“Brief!” He shouted at his team, almost immediately footsteps drowned the corridor as one by one the men filed into the briefing room.
The
Archer had just returned from a run, he needed to calm down after seeing what had happened to Cara. Jogging around the base had been a breeze, he welcomed the freshness as it whipped past his body. Pulling his thoughts away from him on every deep exhale. He slowed down as he reached HQ, punching in the key code aggressively before heading towards his room. He collapsed onto his bunk, the air still escaping his lungs rapidly. Diesel had been sat waiting patiently and took the opportunity to jump onto Archer. His hand moved automatically, stroking the creature with adoration as he slowed his breaths. “I’ve been wondering who’s the dog was?” Johnson chuckled as he entered the room. “Hmm...” Archer responded absentmindedly. Johnson sat back on the chair against Archer’s desk. His arms folded as he swung side to side on the pedestal. “Look,” Johnson stood up from the chair, walking towards where Archer and Diesel were laying. “She needs you to focus.” His
The damp darkness of her cell enveloped Cara’s body like a rash, a chill ran up and down her spine repeatedly, draining her of energy. Her extremities were numb, the slight sensation of pins and needles left its evidence; the lack of movement causing the blood flow to decrease. She shivered on the floor, curling her body up to retain as much heat as possible. Voices could be heard outside the corridor to her cell, she strained to hear what was being said but her senses were dulled. The shadows were slowly claiming her for their own and she welcomed them. The slam of a door pierced her ears, if it weren’t for the lack of energy she would have most certainly jumped. Footsteps approached her, she could make out the same footsteps as the ones who had visited her days before, the ones that had brought her food. She recognised that as the last meal she had been provided with, the water from the cup had spilt over and the brick floor below her had absorbed it like a sponge,
Blake set up his equipment swiftly and expertly. His explosives lined the heavy door to the warehouse and everyone held their breath anticipating the next move. “Clear?” Blake called over the radio. “Affirmative.” The team confirmed simultaneously. The sound of mud and metal exploding, resonated over the street; smoke and dust clouded their vision briefly. Shouting could be heard from inside the warehouse, a surge of panicked footsteps rushing around in the darkness. “On me!” Archer ordered his team as he edged into the building. The team swiftly followed behind, crouching behind metal containers that assembled in the entrance. They were met immediately with gunfire. Flashes of light and sounds of gunfire filled the room. Johnson took out the first man, shooting him in the shoulder followed by the neck. He repositioned himself, lining his sights on his next target. Two men stood at the other side of a second entrance, Archer aimed, squ
Cara watched as each man took their seats and strapped themselves in. Cara fidgeted in her seat, she glanced over to see Archer on the phone, her gut twisted as she caught his eye again. He muttered something into the phone before turning his back to her. She lowered her eyes, focusing on her feet, her gaze travelling over the grazes and scrapes that decorated them. She hated how she felt around him, he could make her feel like a million dollars with one look, but his actions still haunted her. She felt battered and tormented by so many unwanted emotions that it exhausted her. Cara leant her head back against the wall of the aircraft, the vibrations soothed her aching body but did nothing for the throbbing in her head. The aircraft peeled away from the runway, jostling as it picked up speed. In minutes they were ascending the expanse above, exhaustion had consumed Cara once more and she found herself falling peacefully asleep. As the plane assaulted the skies, Archer
Tears overwhelmed Cara, her dad’s arms enveloped her as she cried into his chest. He rocked her gently allowing her the moment to release her emotions. The men in the common room all stopped and stared at the scene before them. Johnson turned around from the sofa, eyes widened in shock. His eyes flickered to Archer who also wore the same thunderstruck expression. ‘DAD?’ Johnson mouthed at Archer who shrugged in response. The embrace lasted a minute before their boss peeled himself away, guiding Cara into the room. “Gents, this is my daughter. I expect you all to treat her with respect and make her feel welcome.” “Yes sir,” they all called out in unison. Her dad pushed her towards a small table, pulling out a seat for her. “Archer, first aid kit.” He ordered. Archer immediately pbeyed the command, rushing out the room. “I’ll be down the corridor if you need me.” Her dad spoke softly to her. Everyone stood still, mouths agape and
Cara took a moment to collect her thoughts. The steam that had built up from the showers now threatenedu to suffocate her. She turned the faucet off, allowing the steam to settle around her. She picked up her drenched clothes from the floor and headed back out of the washroom. The corridor was eerily empty, she could hear talking from the far side as she made her way to her room. Pushing the door open she was met with Archer’s tattooed torso. He spun around, his now dry trousers loosely hung around his hips as he slung them on. Her eyes travelled over his chest and abs, adorned with a large eagle at the top with writing; a transcript on his ribs and a lion across his abs. She had never fully appreciated the artwork that stained his skin before and her breathing hitched slightly as she devoured the sight. Archer coughed, bringing her attention back to his face. Cara shifted on the spot, had he noticed her ogling? He shook his hair with his hand, droplets of water spra
Cara avoided Archer the remainder of the day. Unable to look at his judgemental eyes or feel his inescapable presence. Fortunately, she had managed to eat something, the apple that was left on her plate amongst the sandwiches had sated her hunger slightly. As nightfall came, her tiredness took over. She rested her head on the pillow, the dull throb still evident but bearable. Her eyes closed softly as she allowed the darkness to envelop her. The peaceful sounds outside the window pulled her in. The breeze gently wisping through the trees and the faint sounds of cars passing by. Cara tossed and turned in her bed, darkness surrounded her and familiar footsteps echoed around her senses. She was back in her cell, the sight of nothingness invaded her vision. Suddenly, hands were reaching for her, slashing and slapping at her face. She tried to block the blows but they kept coming. They were calling her name, mocking her. “Cara.” The voices repeated. “Cara.” She he
Cara woke up feeling refreshed, her body still ached from the bruises but the throbbing in her head had subsided. The conversation from the night before echoed in her mind, she needed to get out of here. Being around Archer was the last thing she needed, what she needed was her own space. She pulled herself up from the bed, glancing down at the body on the floor. Archer lay with his head on his folded up sleeping bag, his arms crossed over his bare chest and his boots had been kicked off in disarray. The sight caused her heart to skip a beat, the shift causing her breathing to rush. His ink-stained skin rose and fell hypnotically, his hair swept over his forehead. She shifted quietly, attempting not to make a sound, holding her breath as if her life depended on it. She was unsure of the time, but she could hear noise outside the room, meaning there were others awake. She ventured out of the room, heading down the corridor. She reached the door at the end, the sign on
“You look beautiful!” Jessica smiled at Cara through the mirror. “Let’s get this on.” She picked up the long ivory coloured dress from the hangar, draping it across the bed. She examined it closely, undoing each button and holding it open for Cara. She stepped into it, pulling the straps over her slender shoulders. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror, the deep V that plunged between her breasts, accentuating her bust. The tight corset that squeezed her insides but revealed her curvaceous figure. “Archer’s going to love this, not so sure about taking it off though. These buttons are a bugger!” Jessica squeezed and pulled, the force pinched at Cara’s stomach. “When did you last get this fitted?” “Jess, don’t.” She closed her eyes and sighed. “Oh babe!
*Six Months Later* It had been a quiet plan in the making and Archer was slightly nervous as he drove Cara and Ayla down the quiet streets. Ayla sat in her car seat mumbling and gurgling gibberish as Cara gazed wondrously out of the car window. Bright green bushes reflected emerald light, while dazzling flowers beamed under the intensity of the sunlight. It was early spring, the floral foliage danced in the light breeze and bees bumbled around gleefully. “Why have we come this way?” Cara asked him. They had been visiting Archer’s parents and he had taken this detour purposefully unbeknownst to her. “I want to show you something.” He answered simply, concentrating on the road in front. His sweaty palms gripped the steering wheel as his stomach churned anxiously.
The loud beeps of the monitor penetrated Cara’s eardrums. She winced at each piercing note causing her to open her eyelids. She groaned as her eyes fluttered open, attempting to figure out where she was. Her vision was blurred, grogginess enveloped her heavily and a dull ache radiated down every part of her body. While her body felt heavy and stiff, she could feel her extremities again and she was thankful that she wasn’t paralysed. “Cara.” Archer’s voice whispered to her. He stroked her supple cheeks, waiting for her to come around. He couldn’t hold onto his patience as she awoke, he had been waiting nervously for the last 24 hours for Cara, it had been a difficult time for everyone. He had been terrified of losing her and the baby, he was furious with himself that he was unable to protect them both. When she had told him she was having the baby, he felt physically sick. He had to control his anger and g
Max leaned forward, his teeth shone in her face. His breath was hot and Cara grimaced as she inhaled. He brought the needle to her neck, his other hand still grasped at her throat, firmly blocking her airways. She scratched and clawed, gasping for breaths. Cara had only one other option. She slid the gun out from her side, placing it between her chest and his. “Bottoms up, my love.” He sneered at her. She closed her eyes, she could feel the sharp pierce of the metal on her skin, her finger squeezed the trigger as the cold liquid began to trickle into her veins. A loud bang exploded through the room and Max slumped to the ground. The room fell silent, only the heaving breaths that came from Cara resonated with her. The loud ringing in her ears pierce
Cara awoke suddenly, bright lights impaired her vision and a foreboding headache had formed across her frontal lobe. She felt groggy, her throat was dry and the searing pain that radiated up her spine was incapacitating her by the minute. She turned her head, blinking heavily and groaning as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. Everything was still blurry, she could feel the open cut on her forehead, it stung in the cold air, making Cara wince. Cara tried to wipe her head, but her arms were instantaneously yanked back by restraints. “Not so fast.” Max taunted her with a smirk. The sudden realisation of what was happening shook her and she became more alert.She pulled and tugged but her restraints remained fi
The corridors blurred into one as Cara ran as fast as her feet would take her. The blood seeped down her leg and she clutched her stomach protectively. She needed to get out of the building, but on each turn of the corner, she found herself more confused than the last time. The excruciating pain gripped her spine, it felt like it was almost breaking but the adrenaline that coursed through her veins refused to let her stop moving. She needed to get to safety; she needed to find Agent Carter. Everything had happened so fast, one minute she was waiting for Agent Carter to return and the next she woke up on the top floor of the building. She was now wandering aimlessly across the seventh floor, unsure of how she got there and dazed and disoriented by her surroundings. *One Hour Earlier*
The rain was attacking from all sides unforgivingly as Cara walked the path. Almost like the puddles had a mind of their own, the droplets bounced up from the pavement, spraying around her feet and up her skirt. Her umbrella fought the wind valiantly but by the time she had reached the door to her work, it was a broken mess of material, wire and water. Her skirt and shoes were drenched and she silently cursed herself for not bringing spare clothes with her. It was strangely quiet in the building today, the deep echoes of Cara’s footsteps resonated through the corridors. Normally there would hustle and bustle around the labs, general chit chat about weekends and events. The only sounds were the wet pads of her feet slapping against the tiled floor below her. The lab was in her sight and she welcomed the warmth that she would receive from entering her office. S
The crisp coastal breeze felt refreshing as it circled their bodies. Cara didn’t mind the shiver it instilled in her, Archer’s arms around her was enough to settle the chill. They had sat for a while, mostly in silence and listening to the soft breeze and crash of the waves as they lapped on the shore. It was a break from the chaos around them, the months had been difficult and Cara inwardly hoped that things would settle down; get easier in a way. Archer was evidently excited as the due date neared, while Cara held onto the slice of anxiety that simmered beneath her skin. She still held onto the worry that would course through her veins at night, wondering what the next problem would be and how Archer would react. It can’t have been easy for him, she knew as much. Meeting your biological mother after decades of absences would cause you to harbour resentment but he had worked through it. The news of
The autumn weather had set in, leaves whipped and wove around the trunks of their trees. Branches swayed and swerved through the wind as it assaulted everything in its path. Cara clutched onto Archer’s arm while they followed the path to the Church of All Saints. She gazed up at the strong, stoic man beside her, it filled her with pride that he had remained determined to hold his composure. They had silently got ready that morning, she had opted for a loose fitting black dress and flat shoes, her movement was restricted enough without having to fight the constant battle of tight clothing. He was dressed in an all black suit with a silver tie over his white shirt. His tattooed hands peeked from his sleeves and wrapped around Cara’s slender fingers. She offered him a feeble smile which he returned. The deep emotions of sadness were evident as they entered the church, the organ played in the background