The Storm - Chapter 1

Cars were pulling up outside of the headquarters. Tonight the annual get together of the FBI special forces so security surrounded the outside, covering every possible entrance and exit of the area.

The night was in full swing with all officers drinking and chatting, taking full advantage of the one night where they weren't thinking about everything that was going on around them. Chief Inspector Matthews stepped on to the small stage towards the back of the room. Tapping a spoon against his glass, soon all the officers turned to face him.

“Everyone,  tonight has been terrific but, as you all know, it's not just about having a good time. We're also here to give credit where it is due and there is one officer in this room who has put in incredible amounts of effort each and every day of this year. Ladies and gentlemen, Officer Dan Jacobson"

Dan stepped in front of the crowd, pulling a speech out of his jacket pocket. He had been waiting for this promotion for weeks.

As he began to read, the catering staff gradually collected any abandoned glasses and pages scattered around the room, taking them back to the kitchen. With all of the officers distracted, now was the perfect time to begin the plan. She walked through the crowd of FBI workers, plates in hand. Each person she walked past was completely unaware of her presence as she slowly waded through. Then she found what she was looking for. One of the agents still has an id card in their pocket. All it took was a small bump into him as she moved past, dropping the plates in an effort to distract him. Soon enough the card was in her hands before quickly moving away. As she reached the end of the corridor, she quickly darted to the right and made her way to the file room. One quick swipe of the id card and she was in.

Officer Jacobson's speech soon came to an end, he didn't want to drag it out for too long, and quickly the workers returned to their lively ways. Dan headed for the bathroom down the corridor for a quick leak. However, as he reached the end, he noticed something. One of the doors was slightly ajar. All of the doors should have been locked prior to the party, how could somebody have missed this one?

He eased slowly towards the door, preparing himself for any eventuality that could ensue. Lying up against the wall, Dan quietly pushed the door open. Inside was a woman kneeling in front of one of the large, metal filing cabinets, flicking through each file. It was difficult to work out anything about her build from her position, all he could tell was she had long, brunette hair and that she obviously was looking for something specific.

“Excuse me ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to stand with your hands on your head and face me," said Dan as he made his way towards her from the entrance.

Hearing the orders the woman got up and complied, still holding one of the files. Dan didn't recognise her from anywhere, this wasn't someone they were after. So who was she?

“Any particular reason why you're in here ma'am?" He asked.

“No, I just got lost on the way to the bathroom." The stranger replied sarcastically.

“That's very funny but this is a serious matter. Just tell me why you're in here and I may even be able to let you go."

“OK, you got me. All I wanted was this file but, since I'm putting it back, it's not technically stealing so I'm just going to leave now." She exclaimed confidently, making her way to the door.

“Not so fast," said Dan as he put his hand across the entrance, “What's your name?"

She leaned in close to his ear. “Wouldn't you like to know?" She whispered. After ducking beneath his arm, she made her way back down the corridor and into the party before quickly leaving through the front entrance.

Dan was left both confused and amazed by this woman. Looking to the file she had put back, he was shocked. Inside were his details but one thing was missing.