“You were careless today, Barton!” The captain screams at me as I stand alone in his office. “You disobeyed orders that nearly cost your life and a life of a hostage. What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I was doing what’s right. I wasn’t going to obey the hold, knowing the lives of twenty people were at stake.” I explain, calmly. “I was doing my job, Captain.”

“This is SWAT; special weapons and tactics. You weren’t showing any tactics, you were being careless and got your partner put into the hospital.” The Captain sighs, and I can feel the muscles in my stomach tighten as well as my heart beats skipping. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to let you go. We can’t afford another stunt like today’s to happen again. Please hand over your badge and gun.”

“I didn’t know saving lives was a goddamn stunt.” I mutter as I place my gun on his desk and toss my badge in front of him. “You’re making the biggest mistake of your life.” I calmly tell him before turning around and walking out of his office.

The events of today play though my mind like a broken record. I’m constantly reliving everything from the hostage to me getting fired. I down the rest of my Southern Comfort before tossing a twenty dollar bill onto the bar as I get up and slip my leather jacket on.

I walk out of the bar and head into my car. The parking lot was barely lit but I can see a figure standing by my car. A groan escapes my lips as I near the vehicle, getting a clear look at the person. He’s tall with a black trench coat hanging off his frame. One of his eyes is covered with an eye patch. He looks mean and scary; well to any other person anyways. I’ve seen scarier; I’ve dealt with scarier.

“I’ve had my eye on you Barton.” The man says as he finally notices me.

“And which eye would that be?” I smart off with a smirk.

“I’ve got a job for you.” He simply puts. “We could use an agent like yourself that’s quick with the guns.”

“I’m not joining another SWAT team if that’s what you’re asking.” I state. “I’m not doing that again.”

“Do I look like I work for SWAT?” He snaps. “It’s a better job where you don’t get a slap on the wrist every time you’re recklessly trying to save people. Come with me tonight and we’ll talk about your employment.”

“Is this job really worth it?” I ask, seriously thinking about taking him up on his offer. “Is it better than laying my neck on the line for the PD?”

“You’ll just have to see it for yourself.” He smirks, knowing he has me right where he wants me.

“I’m in.” I finally reply. I’m an adrenaline junkie, I can’t do anything else with my life but protect people. I’m just hoping his job is worth it.