"You heard Richie Hood plans to retire next year? Step down into a cushy advisory role?"
Lynn Hall's question came out casually as he watched Miller Field's expression.
"So you've heard too," Miller said, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course. Shame I'm only twenty-four—otherwise, I'd probably throw my hat in the ring for his position."
Miller didn't believe a word of it.
Too young? Please. If anyone believed Lynn Hall wasn't eyeing that chair already, they were either naïve or stupid.
But before Miller could respond, a cold-faced woman approached—Jessica Myers, Head of Internal Affairs.
Miller smirked. "Looks like the hounds from I.A. aren't done chasing you yet."
He shot Lynn a mock-sympathetic look, then strolled off toward another group, clearly enjoying the show.
Jessica stepped up beside Lynn, her face still as stone. To onlookers, it looked like she was there to grill him, maybe even reprimand him.
Especially to Miller, who glanced over with the glee of someone watching his rival squirm under pressure.
Still icy, Jessica said softly, "Worried about him? Don't be. We've already started a quiet investigation into Field. I'll have enough on him within two weeks."
Lynn's expression stayed serious as he murmured back, "You're wearing black stockings under your slacks, aren't you?"
Jessica didn't even flinch. "Of course. You said you liked that look, remember? Want to test them out in the restroom?"
They both spoke in low, sharp tones—but to any outsider watching, it looked like a tense and professional exchange. Especially to Miller, who was practically grinning now.
"I'd prefer to test them out at your engagement next month," Lynn replied dryly.
"In that case, I'll wear my wedding dress to the ceremony," Jessica said with a smirk. "But don't forget the engagement ring. Shame we won't have a wedding photo."
Lynn chuckled. "You could always take a few pre-ceremony pics with your fiancé. Might even convince him how much you love him."
The tension between them looked real. To anyone who didn't know the truth, it was real. In fact, most of the FBI staff assumed Lynn and Jessica genuinely despised each other. That rivalry had "started back in Yale," they whispered.
Miller certainly believed it.
He stared at them, smugly confident that Internal Affairs had Lynn in its sights. And if Lynn Hall fell out of the running for Hood's position?
That left the path wide open for him.
Meanwhile, Lynn leaned toward Jessica. "Don't move on him yet. The knife only works if you stab at the right time. Right now, I want him alive… he makes for a perfect scapegoat."
Jessica nodded. "I'll give you a copy of everything I find on him. Like I did back in college—with that ex-boyfriend of mine you got expelled."
"Come on," Lynn smirked. "You know I'm a pacifist. I always play nice."
"Oh sure. Like that time you made me take a call from my boyfriend while you were—"
"Still the best night of my life," Lynn cut in.
Jessica giggled, then stepped back. "Don't forget the engagement party next month."
With that, she turned and walked away, face cold again, playing her part to perfection.
---
Thirty Minutes Later – Press Conference Begins
The media had arrived in full force, cameras flashing as reporters rushed into the hall.
James Duke took the podium, delivering his carefully prepared statement. Lynn didn't listen.
He was too busy scanning the crowd, watching entrances, exits, and keeping tabs on the security.
But when Tony Stark stepped up to speak, notes in hand, Lynn suddenly had the urge to rub his temples.
Within the first few paragraphs, Tony had mentioned Lynn's name.
Once.
Then again.
Then again.
By the end of the speech, Tony Stark had referenced "Agent Lynn Hall" more than ten times.
So much for "minimal improvisation."
Lynn kept his face neutral, but mentally he was flipping Tony off.
If he didn't know that the speech had been written by the Director's own staff, he might've believed Tony was trying to set him up.
And of course, there was Miller Field off to the side, staring at Lynn with thinly veiled jealousy.
Perfect, Lynn thought. Absolutely perfect.
Still, Lynn knew Tony meant well.
He wasn't playing politics. He was showing gratitude, hoping to boost Lynn's standing in front of the Director.
Not a bad thing… just not helpful right now.
Suddenly, a soft voice chimed beside him.
"Agent Lynn Hall?"
Lynn turned, finding a balding, mild-looking man in a suit standing beside him, smiling politely.
"I'm Agent Phil Coulson, from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division."
S.H.I.E.L.D.
"I'd like a moment to speak with you about Tony Stark."
Lynn narrowed his eyes slightly. He knew who Coulson was—everyone in intelligence did. The friendly face of the most dangerous organization in the shadows.
"I don't think this is the right venue for that kind of conversation," Lynn replied calmly.
Coulson gave a small, apologetic smile. "Of course. My mistake. Would tonight work?"
"Sorry, I have plans. Director's calling me."
Without waiting for a reply, Lynn turned and walked off toward James Duke.
---
Across the room, Coulson tapped his earpiece.
"He's not cooperating?"
"No," Coulson replied smoothly, still smiling. "But then again, friction between the Bureau and us isn't new. If it weren't for Secretary Pierce constantly smoothing things over, we'd probably be stepping on each other's toes a lot more."
There was a pause.
"Still," Coulson added, "it's understandable. He's a rising star in their ranks. Refusing to play nice is just part of the territory."
S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ.
Agent Maria Hill sat at her desk, skimming through Lynn Hall's file.
She didn't look impressed—but she also didn't look dismissive.
"He's sharp," Hill said. "Exceptional performance record, strong psychological profile, and more field experience than most agents get in a decade. Twenty-four years old, already D2. That's no accident."
"I've already briefed Director Fury," she added. "When the time comes, we may want to show him a different side of the world."
"So," Coulson said, his voice echoing over the comms, "you think he's worth recruiting?"
Hill glanced at the monitor, where a picture of Lynn Hall was frozen mid-smile.
"I think," she said, "we need to keep a very close eye on him."
Coulson smiled, watching Lynn pose for photos beside Stark and Duke.
"I like this kid," he said. "He's going to be very interesting."
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