Marvel: Open Up, It’s the FBI

Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Lynn Hall’s “VIP Room #1”



Lynn had to admit—Hydra's manipulation techniques were impressive.

If he accepted the black card under the pretense of "compensation," that would be Hydra's opening move—an unspoken agreement, a handshake in the shadows. The true recruitment would come after.

And if he didn't accept it?

Well, Lynn had no doubt they'd try other methods. More subtle. More dangerous. The kind that crept in slowly and left you cornered.

Tch. Didn't expect Hydra to go all-in on me…

But then again, maybe it wasn't that surprising.

James Duke, his direct superior—and a confirmed Hydra member—had made it clear more than once: "Once I become Director of the FBI, I want you to replace me in New York."

So that's the plan, Lynn thought as he reached forward and slipped the sleek black card into his coat pocket. They're grooming me for leadership. Pulling me into their web one step at a time.

Why not take it?

He hadn't joined the "Brotherhood" just for fun. He was here for leverage, influence—and benefits.

So when those benefits showed up on a silver platter? Of course he'd take them.

Besides, when the time came, he wouldn't hesitate to sell Hydra out either.

Who knows—maybe one day, he'd be the one tipping off the government about Director James Duke's secret allegiance to Hydra.

As for his own reasons for joining?

Oh, Lynn had already crafted the perfect cover story.

"I'm deep undercover. The FBI needed someone to infiltrate Hydra. And with so many agents compromised, I was the only one they could trust."

Plausible. Noble. And unprovable.

He'd play the game, gather evidence, and when the moment was right? Flip the board.

Tucking the card deeper into his coat, Lynn turned to the vampire still recovering from sunburn.

"This isn't enough," he said flatly. "I brought thirty agents with me. You think one gift covers everyone?"

The vampire, to his credit, smiled. "Mr. Hall, please. That's not an issue."

He led Lynn out of the study—ignoring the smoking bat still twitching under the curtain—and brought him to another room.

Inside, a table was lined with gold bars, each weighing at least a kilogram. Dozens of them.

"For your team," the vampire said. "We know you take care of your people. This will make sure their efforts are rewarded."

He smiled again, fangs slightly exposed.

"And don't worry about the IRS or any other oversight bodies. We guarantee this compensation won't raise a single red flag."

That last sentence carried more meaning than he let on—implying that even federal oversight had Hydra's fingerprints on it.

---

Outside, the firefight had ended.

Adam Morris was now restrained, a suppressor collar locked around his neck. Phoenix Force energy flickered faintly around Jean Grey as she maintained her mental hold.

Adam thrashed and cursed violently, screaming at the X-Men as he was dragged to the center of the courtyard.

Coulson approached slowly, still buzzing with adrenaline. He watched the scene like someone leaving a theater halfway through the third act—curious if there was still more to see.

When Lynn returned, Jean walked over immediately.

"Mr. Hall," she said calmly. "Adam Morris is yours now."

Her tone was polite, almost hopeful. She was clearly looking for some kind of approval.

Lynn smiled warmly. "Excellent work. I knew teaming up with the X-Men would save the FBI a lot of trouble."

"If we get another chance, I'd be happy to collaborate again."

Jean's eyes lit up at that. She wasn't chasing accolades—she was chasing his favor. And now she had it.

To the X-Men, that was more valuable than any official commendation.

---

Nearby, Coulson stepped up, eyeing the case Sean was carrying behind Lynn.

"What about the Nathanael vampires?" he asked.

Lynn shrugged, spreading his hands. "Escaped. Turns out, they can transform into bats and flee through hidden tunnels. Who knew? Pretty remarkable creatures."

"Honestly," Coulson said with a sigh, "not surprised. That family's been around for centuries. Their estate probably has a dozen escape routes."

"We've tried capturing them before. Never get more than a few lower-rank grunts."

He paused. "So… how are we getting back?"

At that, everyone turned toward Barbara Kent.

She raised her hands defensively. "Don't look at me. I'm out of juice. My psionic reserves are empty—I'd need a full night's rest to open another gate."

"In that case," Coulson said, grinning, "I'll handle it."

He pulled out his phone and called in a S.H.I.E.L.D. Quinjet.

As Coulson made the call, Lynn turned to Alice. "Get the camera ready. Let's document this."

She pulled out the recorder and began filming Adam Morris—restrained, subdued, and still cursing.

Perfect PR material.

Lynn didn't need to keep Adam alive much longer. Once they got back to New York, he planned to end it himself.

---

Later — Inside the Vehicle

The team was en route, flying above the Hudson.

Adam Morris sat cuffed and gagged, still glaring at Lynn with eyes full of hatred.

Lynn turned to Alice. "Got what we need?"

"Plenty, Boss. This footage is more than enough to keep the higher-ups satisfied."

"Good."

He looked toward the front. "Sean—take us to VIP Room One."

"Copy that," Sean said, immediately changing course toward a restricted zone near the Hudson River.

In the backseat, Dennis leaned closer to Alice and whispered, "VIP Room One? What's that?"

"You'll see soon enough," Alice replied with a knowing smile. "Hey—didn't freak out back at the vampire manor, did you?"

"No," Dennis said honestly. "Boss had me hang back the whole time. I didn't even fire a shot."

"That was the point," she said. "He wanted you to see what real fieldwork is like. What we deal with on a regular basis. And to decide—do you really want to be part of this?"

She gave him a look. "Because if you hesitated… he would've reassigned you to desk work."

Dennis blinked. "Really?"

Alice nodded. "But even then, he'd still look after you. That's the kind of person he is."

Dennis looked across the car at Lynn, quiet and composed in his seat.

Then, finally, he answered. "I want in. I want to be part of this team."


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