Coulson Comes Calling

2024-04-25

By: Pencil Dancing

Charlotte's office.

Charlotte Doyle had just finished giving Iruka Umino some instructions and was about to leave.

Just then, the bell on the door chimed, and a middle-aged man in a suit, with a faint smile on his face, pushed the door open and entered Charlotte's office.

Seeing someone enter, both Charlotte and Iruka turned their gazes towards the newcomer.

As the man's face came into view, Charlotte's pupils contracted slightly, and he thought to himself, Why is an agent from the Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement Logistics Directorate looking for me?

He recalled the massacre outside The Continental Hotel, which Winston had sealed off, and all nearby surveillance had been cut off that afternoon.

Furthermore, given the strength he had displayed, they shouldn't have sent someone to his doorstep, especially not someone known as the good guy, Phil Coulson.

Coulson walked up to the office's front desk, glanced at Charlotte, then at Iruka, before approaching Charlotte Doyle and slowly saying, "Mr. Charlotte Doyle, I need to discuss a few things with you."

"I'm FBI agent Phil Coulson, and this is my identification."

As he spoke, Coulson took out an FBI ID from his person and specifically showed it to Charlotte.

Looking at the FBI ID, Charlotte felt a wave of speechlessness. What kind of department uses the FBI to cover their tracks?

Charlotte maintained his composure and calmly asked, "FBI agent, what business do you have with me?"

Coulson glanced around the lobby and smiled, "Mr. Charlotte, this probably isn't the best place to talk."

Charlotte shrugged, indicating no objection, and then said, "We have a meeting room. Let's talk there."

"Iruka, get me a Blackjack." He then turned to Coulson and asked, "Agent, what can I get for you?"

"A cup of coffee, thank you."

After Coulson followed Charlotte to the meeting room and sat down, Iruka quickly brought the drinks. As he left, he thoughtfully closed the meeting room door.

Charlotte took a sip of the whiskey in his glass and looked at Coulson, saying, "Just tell me what's on your mind. Logically, departments like yours shouldn't be dealing with me."

Coulson stirred his coffee with a small spoon and then slowly said, "Mr. Charlotte, there's a child here named Rock Lee. May I see him?"

Upon hearing Coulson mention Rock Lee's name, Charlotte knew that S.H.I.E.L.D. wasn't after him, but after Little Lee.

He just didn't know why Little Lee had attracted S.H.I.E.L.D.'s attention.

Charlotte looked at him and slowly said, "Coulson, Rock Lee is still a child. What could have possibly attracted the FBI to my door?"

"I am Rock Lee's guardian. You can discuss it with me. I believe federal law wouldn't bypass the guardian to speak with a child."

Hearing Charlotte's subtle reference to federal law, Coulson knew the man in front of him wasn't just a simple, reckless killer.

"Charlotte, your identity and background, I don't think I need to spell it out."

"Rock Lee's identity was problematic upon registration. With your circumstances, you cannot be his guardian."

"Rock Lee is still a child. He shouldn't be involved in that kind of life. What he needs is a peaceful, healthy living environment."

Charlotte didn't answer immediately to Coulson's words. Instead, he picked up the Blackjack on the table and took another sip, just looking at him.

Coulson watched Charlotte without speaking and continued, "Mr. Charlotte, we were aware of your life story before coming here. You also followed the path you are on now because you were adopted."

"If, I mean, if you hadn't met that couple back then, your life wouldn't be like this now."

"Now, Rock Lee is you from back then. I hope you can hand him over to us, to the government, and give him a healthy, happy environment to grow up in."

Listening to Coulson's words, Charlotte inwardly chuckled. These S.H.I.E.L.D. guys had really done their homework on him, even finding out about his adoption. They were trying to evoke his empathy so he would let Rock Lee go with them.

Charlotte, looking at Coulson now, his expression was grave. "Why are you targeting Rock Lee?"

"The FBI isn't responsible for children, are they?"

"What do you want with Rock Lee? To train him into a special agent? An operative? Or someone like you?"

Seeing Charlotte's three consecutive questions, Coulson picked up his coffee and took a sip, then slowly said, "Charlotte, we are merely informing you and discussing this with you now."

"But you must understand, if we, the FBI, wanted to, your guardianship could be revoked at any time. Including this office, even you yourself, we have the right and ability to shut down the office and detain you."

"However, the fact that we are here communicating shows that I come with good intentions. So, Charlotte Doyle, can I meet this child named Rock Lee now?"

Although Coulson was a good guy, it depended on who he was dealing with. For a killer like Charlotte, not arresting him directly was already a testament to his good temper.

Hearing Coulson's words, Charlotte couldn't help but mock him inwardly. S.H.I.E.L.D. was still stirring up trouble.

Charlotte's expression changed. He slammed his hand on the table and said angrily, "Coulson, are you threatening me?"

"Threatening a law-abiding citizen who pays his taxes on time? Believe it or not, I can find a lawyer and sue you for those words you just said."

The smile on Coulson's face disappeared. He looked deeply at Charlotte and slowly said, "Charlotte Doyle, you know I'm not joking!"

Looking at the man before him, Charlotte's face still showed anger. "What good will it do if you meet him?"

"Rock Lee won't leave with you."

Coulson tapped his coffee cup with his spoon and slowly said, "Charlotte, that's a separate matter. I want to meet this child named Rock Lee. Is there a problem with that?"

"Do you need me to produce a summons and a search warrant?"

Looking at Coulson, Charlotte couldn't reconcile the good guy from the movies with this man. Indeed, movies were movies, and reality was reality.

Do you really have the ability to take Rock Lee away?

As long as he wishes, Rock Lee can be recalled to the system space from anywhere, simply by removing Rock Lee's character card from the battle roster.

He wanted to see what Coulson, the veteran agent, would say upon seeing Rock Lee.

After all, the initiative had always been in his hands.

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