Chapter 29-- Have We Met?

No one. Maybe a few dust bunnies, but no Shadow Fox clutching a retrieved sword. Agent Chaplen stood, and Long followed suit.
“Sir, if he was under the bed, how did he slip pass us?”
The agent shrugged. “He’s rather clever, you know. Perhaps while we were on the floor, he slipped out.”
“But sir—“
“He’s gone, Captain.” Chaplen sighed. “We might as well turn in.”
“Right, goodnight, sir.”
The door closed, and Chaplen kicked off his shoes. Blowing out the candle, he rolled into bed. He shifted around a lot until he found a comfortable spot. Soon, the hiding one could hear the soft breath of sleep flowing from his lungs.
Robyn shifted under the bed. In truth, she had rolled out onto the other side as they had checked under the bed. The long bed skirt had protected her until the men had returned to their feet. Then, as silently as possible, she had slid back under the bed. She was sure Agent Chaplen would not check under there again. After what seemed like eternity, she crawled out from under the bed. Bending over, she stretched her stiff back muscles.
There was the sound of a match striking, and light illuminated the room from behind her. Slowly, she turned to see Agent Chaplen sitting cross-legged on the bed. It was a most peculiar sight, she couldn’t help musing. He almost looked friendly.
“I thought you might still be in here.” He smiled. “However, I did not expect you to still be under the bed. I won’t ask you how you did it, because I highly doubt you will tell me.” The Shadow Fox simply stared at him, so the agent continued. “Shocked are we? Did you really think I would give up that fast? My boy, you are getting far too confident. Arrogant, too, I think. Do you know what happens when people like you become arrogant?” His smile widened. “Your neck becomes quite a bit longer than it was before.”
“I may have under estimated you, Chaplen, but I am not arrogant.”
He nodded and raised his eyebrows. “Oh yes, of course. However, people in your position cannot do to underestimate people in my condition. It could be fatal. You simply must do better, my boy.” Seeing she was about to argue, he raised his hand. “Enough of this banter. ‘R.R.’ are your initials. Tell me, what do they stand for?”
He watched as the Shadow Fox’s lips moved into a grim line. Oddly, the candle cast weird shadows, and the only part the light made visible was his mouth. “Ah, you noticed, then.”
“You won’t deny it?”
She shrugged. “What’s the point? You’ll only know I’m lying.”
The agent smiled. “Wise choice. Now, what is your name?”
“I don’t believe I’m going to tell you that.” She held up the sword. “I have what I came for, so I’ll be off.” She turned to leave.
“If you won’t tell me, then take off your hood.”
Turning back she smiled. Gesturing with the sword, she replied, “Guess my name and I’ll remove my hood.”
Chaplen smiled and arched an eyebrow. “Is that a promise?”
The Shadow Fox laughed. “You have my word, Agent Chaplen.”
She reached for the door knob.
“Hold on, now. You don’t think I’m just going to let you leave?”
She turned to see a pistol in his hand.
He smiled. “I’ll let you go, but first you must answer me a question.”
“And if I don’t?”
Smiling, the agent tilted his head. “I’ll shoot you.”
“So be it. What is the question? Mind you, if it’s too invasive, I won’t answer.”
The other nodded. “Fair enough. Something has been bothering me. Have we met before?”
“Meaning?”
“Without your cloak. And please be truthful. I can tell when people are lying.”
She turned from him, hand on the door knob. Wordlessly, she turned just her head to the side, so all he could see of her was the tip of her nose. “Aye, we have.”

----
I come to you a very shamed and very penitent little girl. I would say I have been very busy, but that is always true, and I still post. To be honest, I just kind of... forgot. College messes with your mind.
And I left you hanging for a very, very long time. Heh. Sorry.
I know I contemplated this before, but being found by an enemy when under their bed would be... weird.
When I was writing this, I almost had Chaplen flip on the lights... and then I realized that would be impossible. Benjamin Franklin was just figuring out electricity with his kite. My roommate suggested I try that...
Anyway, I hope you have a good week. It might be a while before I post again, sorry. I'm figuring out plot stuff.