Agent Lu paced back and forth the phone pressed tightly against his ear. Each unanswered ring heightened his anxiety. He bit his fingernails his mind veering in an unexpected direction. He wanted to know why she wasn't answering her phone. He couldn't help but imagine her pressed against the desk by that evil tyrant. Just that thought alone intensified his urge to go and find her.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the call connected. He had already called no less than ten times and she had finally answered.
Peng Xiu's voice crackled through the line, laced with irritation. "What is it? I have things to do," she snapped, exhaling a cloud of smoke and running her fingers through her hair. She was in the middle of preparing for an important meeting and had no time for his antics.