Chapter 5

Chris sat on the front porch of his sister's home. He watched the clouds slowly pass him by. He had now been home several months and his sister took his news of being an assassin well. Sense he had told Sarah of his travels they had become closer and she made efforts to give him space when needed. It was odd sitting idlely by for once in his life. For years training and completing missions was all he ever did. Now, his life was spent in leisure with his small niece and loving sister. It felt unreal that after all this time he finally had peace. He sighed, 'maybe I'll look for a job, I can't rely on my savings forever.' Just as the thought passed his mind his phone began to ring. He picked it up checking the number, however it was a private number. He hesitated at first but thought maybe it was Mikey checking up on him.

"Hello?"

"Is this Chris Mase?" The voice was unfamiliar.

"Yes. Who is this?" Chris clenched his jaw, he became nervous now.

"This is an agent from the American government. We-" before the man could continue, Chris hung up. He wanted nothing to do with the American government and just wanted a normal life. 'Nothing good can come from this' he thought as he stood and entered the house. He was about to place his phone on the table, when it rang again.

"Stop calling me, I want nothing to do with whatever scheme you are playing at." Chris was ferice with his words.

"Please sir, we know you are the phantom and you have went up against the Russian bear and won. We need your help."

Chris thought for a moment before replying.

"That man is gone. I no longer offer my services."

"We will pay handsomely Mr. Mase." Chris was annoyed now,

"I cannot be bought. I'm happy now. Don't call again." Chris hung up the phone once again. He ran his hand through his light brown hair. He wasn't sure how they found out about him but he knew he needed to get ahold of Mikey. He grabbed his phone and dialed a number, this was just an information number but he hoped he still had enough pull to get mikeys number from them.

"Hello, information guild, how may I assist you?" The woman's voice was sweet like honey.

"This is the phantom." The phone was silent for a moment.

"H-hello phantom, how can we be of service?" Her voice shook slightly. Chris had used this number a few times before but never on good matters.

"I need to get ahold of Mikey. Give me his personal number." Chris heard the clicking of a key board before the woman said anything.

"I'm sorry Mr. Phantom but we can no longer offer our services to you." The phone clicked and the call was dropped.

"Damnit." Chris said under his breath. He wasn't surprised, he knew they wouldn't offer their serives to just anyone. Even if he used to be at the top. He sat on the couch and sighed resting his head on the back of the couch. He was unsure what to do. He just wanted to protect his family, not be involved with the American government. He was sure Mikey knew something about this, but if he couldn't get ahold of him then he was powerless. His phone rang again, another private number.

Chris thought for a moment if he should answer or not before picking up his phone.

"What." Chris hissed into the phone more annoyed now then ever.

"Is that how you greet your mentor?" Mikeys voice rang through the phone. "Heard you were looking for me kid." Chris paused for a moment before replying,

"Why is the American government calling me, mike?" There was a long silence and Chris heard Mikey sigh deeply.

"Look kid, I didn't want to give them your information but it was an order from the higher ups." Chris noted that Mikey seemed defeated.

"I'm retired Mike, you know that."

"I know kid, I know. But my hands are tied. They offered a large sum of money for just your name alone." Chris gritted his teeth then sighed. He knew Mikey was married to the organization and that money meant everything to them.

"What do they want?"

"Well answer their call and find out kid. I didn't get any information on why they want you." Chris knew he was lying. Mikey could get any information he wanted.

"Tell me the truth Mike." The phone was silent.

"Look, all I know is they were interested in you because you fought the Russian bear. Other then that I know nothing." Chris knew he was still lying but he didn't want to put Mikey in a bad spot. Chris figured this call was being monitored as Mikey wouldn't willing lie to him.

"Alright fine. I'll see what they want, but I want you to spread the word that I am retired and not interested in taking anymore jobs. No matter the amount offered."

"Alright kid. I'll do my best." The phone went silent and hung up. Chris waited by his phone, he knew it wouldn't be long before the American government would call again and he was right. Within the hour he got another call.

"Hello."

"Mr. Mase please don't hang up."

The voice was desperate.

"What exactly do you want from me?"

The man cleared his throat.

"We need your help Mr. Mase. Your skill is renown and we think you are exactly what we need to win the dome war with Russia" Chris rubbed his temples.

"I'm not a solider. As I told you before, I am happy and have no interest in coming out of retirement."

"We understand, but this is a dire situation. Without your help we could lose this war Mr. Mase." Chris had heard enough. He wasn't interested in being some pawn for anyone anymore.

"My answer remains the same. No. Do not call again." And with that Chris hung up the phone. Just as he laid his phone down the door of the house opened and his niece came running to him.

"Uncle Chris!"

"There's my little bubble bee, how was school?"

"It was fun! I learned how to draw a horse!" Chris tussle her hair as she held up a poorly drawn horse picture.

"That is amazing Bella, I'm impressed with your skills." Chris smiled warmly at her.

"How was work sarah?"

"Oh, same Ole same Ole. Wasn't too busy today." Chris noticed Sarah looked tired and worn.

"Don't worry, I'll be getting a job soon so I'll be able to help more."

"Oh Chris, don't worry about that. You take all the time you need to adjust." Chris nodded but made it his mission to get a job as soon as possible.

"Did anything excited happen today?" Sarah asked. Chris thought for a moment if he should tell Sarah about the phone calls. Eventually he decided against it, thinking it would only cause her more stress.

"Nope, just a calm day." Sarah nodded before heading to the kitchen to start dinner. Chris watched in silence as Bella drew another horse with her crayons and Sarah was getting food out to be cooked.

"How can I protect this..." He mumbled.

"Did you say something uncle chris?" Bellas big brown eyes searched Chris's face for answers.

"Nope, just watching you draw bubble bee."