CASE 1, REPORT 2

"Do me a favor."

“I said I’m suggesting you put him d-” “Do you even know how much he’s worth? If I bring back his head, I-”. “I’m completely aware,” the receptionist said, simultaneously raising her hand to interrupt the man while casting her gaze upon Diego, who was thrown over the man’s shoulder, completely unconscious. “Which is exactly why I cannot permit you to do such an act.”

The receptionist grabbed Diego with enough precision and swiftness that the mysterious man had no reaction time. As the receptionist gently landed a few feet from the man, she calmly asked. “Who do you work for?” She narrowed her eyes at the now nervous gaze of the winged man, “And please be honest with me; I won’t be upset.”

“Why the hell would I tell you that?” the man said with a slight tremble in his voice, putting on a face of bravery. “Do you seriously think that I would just tell you?” he said as he clenched his fist and took a few steps closer. “Hand him over,” the man said bluntly, with a sense of aggression coating his voice. “I don’t think I’ll be doing that,” the receptionist said as she met the man's gaze with eyes that could only be described as pure lunacy. In a flash, the receptionist suddenly stunned the man and disappeared in the shadows, leaving the man dizzy and disoriented.

Later, Diego regained consciousness and slowly adjusted to his surroundings. As he adjusted, he realized he didn’t recognize anything and started to panic right before hearing a soft “Hey.”

Diego perked up and looked around before his eyes settled on the two women standing before him, one being the receptionist from earlier. “Are you alright?” the receptionist asked softly. Diego attempted to get up from where he was, but he quickly realized the two women cuffed him to the chair. As his panicked state intensified, the receptionist spoke again.

“My apologies for the unconventional position you’re in at the moment, but it’s for a reason if you allow me to explain myself,” she calmly said as she looked into Diego’s eyes. Diego felt slightly put off by the wide-eyed, energetic gaze but gave the receptionist a slight nod to be compliant, hoping he’d be let go. “You’re being hunted down right now,” the receptionist said bluntly as she sat in the chair before Diego. “But, before you panic more, I would like to extend an offer to you, or a favor if you will,” she said as she leaned closer.

“HUNTED??” Diego thought as his mind began to spiral, ”IS THAT WHAT WAS HAPPENING EARLIER WITH THAT WEIRD ASS GUY IN THE PARKING LOT EARLIER I–.” The receptionist raised her hand slightly, noticing how Diego was caught in thought, “Calm down. I can tell you’re already panicking, but you have yet to allow me to extend my offer,” she said softly.

“Now, since we care about your utmost safety, we’ll protect you,” she said as she crossed her legs, “That is.. If you join our team, of course.” Diego seemed confused but already willing to comply. “We’re a group of serialized spies; however, we are not your typical conventional spies. We investigate strange disruptions that occur within the Dallas area, but we usually work during the night,” she said with thought.

“Contrary to our odd hours, we’re team Sunrise International.” The other woman gently tapped the receptionist’s shoulder and whispered something in her ear, causing the receptionist to perk up. “Oh my!” the receptionist said before standing up and subconsciously extending a hand, “Apologies for not introducing myself prior, but I’m Valentino, the founder and CEO.” Diego looked up into Valentino’s eyes, still slightly panicked but more annoyed with how Valentino didn’t consider his obvious situation.

Valentino quickly realized Diego’s hands were still cuffed and embarrassingly retracted her hand. “Again... Apologies... Didn’t realize you’re still cuffed to the chair..” she said sheepishly. “Now, I give you two choices: you can either join my team, and we’ll protect you as our lives depend on it.. Or you can decline, and you will more than likely be hunted and assassinated for your head.” “..Don’t you think that’s a bleak way of putting it, Val?” the other woman spoke up. “It’s the most blunt and direct way I can phrase it, Stephanie,” Valentino said nonchalantly. Diego started to tremble slightly from becoming increasingly panicked, and this didn’t go unphased by Stephanie.

“Dude, calm it. No pressure, but as long as you take us up on our offer, you should be fine,” she said as she gestured her hands, “Plus, we pay well, and there’s no rent if you live at headquarters, but we can discuss that whenever you say the word.” Diego sat silently, still panicked but considering the offer.

“On one hand.. I have the freedom to walk out but risk being murdered.. But, on the other hand, I get paid. And free rent… But I don't know what they’ll make me do. But wait.. Why am I being hunted? What do they mean by hunted for my head?” “They’re trying to hunt you down because of your ability,” Valentino bluntly interrupted, throwing off Diego’s train of thought. “You’re human, and you have a structure.”

MAYHEM’S HUSH-BUSH: Valentino walks in. “Unfortunately, I’m still covering for Mayhem. However, did you know that I’m extremely allergic to strawberries? While it doesn’t kill me, it can be so detrimental to my abilities to the point I can’t use them for a solid day! I like to stay far away from them for that reason!”

Wanna read more? Then go ahead! I won't judge.