The Hunt

Washington.

Annie stood before S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters and looked up.

The circular building rose dozens of meters into the air and was hardly a thing of beauty. At least, not to her.

"It looks like a giant smokestack, doesn't it?"

Natasha had hurried over as soon as she spotted Annie. Now she stood beside her, looking up with much the same expression. She turned and smiled.

"No, it's beautiful."

Annie's cheeks reddened as she said it, though she didn't mean a word.

Damn it. That was exactly what she had been thinking... Feeling as though she'd been seen through, Annie pulled a stern face.

Natasha chuckled and gently tucked a strand of Annie's hair behind her ear. "Don't be embarrassed. We call it that all the time."

She shrugged, then invited Annie in. "Want me to show you around? A girl your age must be curious about the headquarters of a spy organization."

"I'm an adult!" Annie said coldly. Then, a little sheepishly, she asked, "Would bringing me inside cause any trouble?"

Her temperament was nothing like that of an ordinary girl. If anything, that was why a secretive organization of agents held even more appeal for her.

Besides, this will help Ryan's plan go more smoothly... After reassuring herself of that for a while, Annie's expression gradually eased.

"Of course not. There are classified areas in headquarters that outsiders can't enter, but most of the building is open. And apart from the field agents, most of the people here are technicians or office staff. Their work isn't much different from what employees do at any other company."

Natasha was leading Annie inside by the hand when she looked back with a smile. "Well? Now that I've told you that, have agents lost all their mystery?"

Annie shook her head slightly.