No strings attached / Leon s. Kennedy

Chapter 6

Leon

It’s been a week, and I can feel myself slipping into the rhythm of this place, like I’ve finally convinced most people that I belong. The department Amber and I work in seems to have forgotten that I "used to be" a Stratcom agent. Now, to them, I’m just another Umbrella employee. No suspicious looks, no second-guessing my actions. It’s almost too easy. I’ve wrapped them around my finger, and they don’t even realize it.

Well, most of them. Of course, Amber is the exception. She keeps her distance, always watching me with that same suspicion she’s had since day one. Honestly, it’s probably better for my mental health that she doesn’t hover around me too much. But for the sake of the job, her keeping me at arm's length is a problem.

After finding out about her past and talking to the BSAA and Stratcom, they’ve tasked me with something that pisses me off more than I care to admit: I have to get close to her. Learn more about what really happened to her and unravel the connection she might have to Umbrella’s inner workings. It’s infuriating. I’ve never liked her—she’s just another employee working for Umbrella, a company that destroys lives for its own gain. She may seem like she’s just doing her job, but she’s supporting an evil corporation, and that’s enough to put her on my bad side.

But orders are orders, and I’ve got to play my part, even if I hate every second of it.

Tonight, Adams and Williams invited me out for drinks at the bar across the street. I took the invitation, though I don’t exactly enjoy the idea of socializing with these people. But I won’t say no to alcohol, even if it’s with them. Plus, it’s another opportunity to keep up the act, to blend in further.

I walk into the bar, taking in the scene. It's your typical city spot—dim lighting, polished wooden tables, and a long bar lined with stools. The kind of place where you can disappear into the noise of conversation and the clinking of glasses. A few groups are scattered around, most of them regulars by the looks of it. Nothing special, but it’ll do.

And then I see her.

Of course, she had to be here. Amber, sitting at a table with Richard Adams and Andrew Williams, laughing like it’s the best night of their lives. Fuck. The last thing I need is to deal with her right now, but I remind myself this is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. I run a hand through my hair, eyes scanning her. She hasn’t noticed me yet—her back is to me, her long blonde hair falling down in loose waves. She’s wearing a black dress, something simple but fitted. She must have gone home before coming here. That’s how I know this isn’t some casual after-work hangout. She actually wanted to be here.

If I could, I’d turn around and head straight back home. It’s bad enough having her constantly judging me at work, but now? In this setting? It’s almost unbearable. But I need to get closer to her, and maybe, with a little liquid courage, I can coax something useful out of her. Maybe she'll let something slip.

I take a deep breath and walk over to the table. “Mind if I join you?” I ask, my voice casual.

Amber glances back at me, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face before she schools her expression into something neutral. She doesn’t say a word, just turns back to the glass in front of her as if I don’t exist.

Richard, ever the friendly one, waves me over. “Yeah, sure, Leon! Take a seat.” He gestures to the empty chair across from him, which, of course, happens to be next to Amber.

I sit down, my body tensing slightly as I feel her presence beside me. She doesn’t acknowledge me, her eyes fixed on the drink in her hand, silently willing me to disappear. But I’m not going anywhere. Not tonight. I need to get something out of this interaction, whether she likes it or not.