Chapter 40
Everything was quiet, not even a mouse stirred. Yet he was certain something was wrong. Sighing he strode into the living room, carrying a small bundle of blankets. Giving up the bed for Miss Lewis was the gentlemanly thing to do but it did nothing for his back. Too many years of going on Ops had left him with a permanent ache that only a bed would relax. Stepping on a toy of some kind and hoping around he reflected on how much easier it was to run an organisation than look after kids. No wonder he never married, looking after his agents was enough trouble. Certain groups were like corralling five year olds or so he thought. These kids were worse. How they’d grow up into a team of agents he would never know.
Dropping onto the sofa he nearly flew into the air again as a pitiful moan filled the air. Switching on a torch he found the puppy gazing up at him with such accusing eyes.
“You puppy move.”
“Her name’s Nala and you’re sleeping on her bed.” Miss Lewis’ voice from the door stopped his staring competition. Maybe he was losing his touch.
“I don’t care what her name is. She can’t sleep there.”
“Well you won’t get her to move. The kids told me she always sleeps on the couch, Skye won’t let her sleep in the bedroom.”
“Well she isn’t sleeping there tonight.”
“Whatever you say Pirate. I just hope you don’t mind company.”
If he didn’t need her so much he would of made more of an issue of her knowing grin. Sighing he lifted the puppy before lying down, muttering to himself. Once certain she’d gone he gently placed the puppy on his chest, where she snuggled down happily.
“Maybe it is time to retire?” He mussed. “Can’t cope with a group of five children.”
“Well?” The quiet whisper met Darcy as she reached the top of the stairs. Stood to one side of the stairs in the dark she could make out two small figures.
“Give him five minutes. He’ll be out like a light. Now remember watch the fifth stair it creaks.”
“We know.” Tripp’s voice acknowledged.
Sinking down slowly so she didn’t sit on him or Mel she found a seat on the stairs, smiling to herself when she felt Mel curl up beside her. Once enough time had passed that she was certain Fury would be asleep she crept to her feet.
“OK Tripp, be careful around the floor, some of your toys are there. Mel you’re the quietist so you get to sort your grandpa. Now let’s do this so we can all get some sleep. I think we’ll be woken early in the morning.”
As they snuck downstairs she was struck by how little noise they made. Was it that they remember some of their training? Or had they just been that good from childhood? Anyway it was the perfect skill to play a prank on an unsuspecting Pirate. Grabbing the supplies she’d stashed she supplied cans of silly string and paint to the children. As Mel set about decorating Fury with the paint and silly string, Tripp began rigging the camera for the morning. If they actually managed to pull this off they needed pictures for later. At Tripp’s nod, a small pocket of light from outside gleaming off his teeth, Darcy quietly stretched and attached the camera. Seeing Mel was nearly done they began laying the early warning system around the sofa consisting of cans and bells that anybody trying to cross the room wouldn’t fail to trigger. As the kids scampered upstairs Darcy found herself stifling giggles.
“Shush” Mel cautioned.
“I know. Now to bed both of you.”
Watching the doors close she headed for her computer, Maria needed to know about this and Tony would definitely want in. He would be so proud.
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Skye’s pacing wasn’t speeding up her computer but it made her feel better.
“You’re going to wear out the floor.” A quiet voice reached her. Spinning, she could help the flare of shame as she thought of how Grant would scold her for not being aware of her surroundings. “Here I brought you a drink.”
“Thanks.” Her voice sounded scratchy to her own ears and she wondered how long she’d been deliberately keeping quiet. It felt as if she spoke then her screams would escape her.
“We’ll get him back Skye.” Bobbi reassured as she opened her own drink. “He’s one of the best.”
“You worked with him?” Skye wondered. Grant had always kept his past so quiet.
“No. But his reputation precedes him. He’s a legend. Everyone knows he’s the best since Romanoff.”
“He’s good, couldn’t quiet beat my scores but I did have a few advantages on him.” A voice deadpanned.
“Nat!” Skye ran to her before even thinking about it, throwing her arms around the assassin.
“Hey. Maria thought you could do with some extra help. Plus I have a bone to pick with these guys.”
“You know them?” Bobbi inquired as she joined the pair.
“No but they kidnapped someone close to my nieces and nephews.”
“Didn’t know you had nieces and nephews.”
“They’re adopted.” Nat grinned as she gently separated Skye from her.
“See I’m not the only one who adopts people.”
As one Nat and Bobbi rolled their eyes at one of the duo that entered the room.
“At least Nat knows who’s appropriate to adopt unlike some people.” Bobbi snarked.
“I’m hurt.” Clint mocked.
“They know each other?” Skye wondered as the trio continued their conversation ignoring everyone else.
“Bobbi knew Clint when he brought Nat into Shield.” Lance supplied, sipping Bobbi’s drink. “Before my time but Bobbi likes to complain about him a lot. Never get on her bad side, she holds a grudge.”
“I heard that!”
“Sorry love. It’s the truth.”
“Anyway, we can catch up later.” Nat ordered. “Skye have you found us a way in?”
“The satellite has nearly finished rendering a complete blueprint but the only access point apart from the front door appears to be the roof but...”
“They’ll be expecting people from the roof.” Nat finished. Pausing for a second she glanced at Clint, with them seeming to hold a conversation with their eyes.
“So I guess we get to find out how your new arrows work, Clint.”
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Nose twitching Fury sleepily battered whatever was hitting his face. It wasn’t anything dangerous or he’d have woken earlier. Probably the dogs tail. Stretching tiredly he examined his watch, wondering if he had time to work before the terrors woke. Frowning at his arm in confusion it took a second for him to register what he was seeing.