[Quenelle]: 633.Corbin Branston Chptr 2

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“Ahh! Mr Branston! Welcome back, come in come in! You glad you could have it here. Please, take a seat.”
Corbin forced his features in to a mask of mock sincerity as the robust man in the doorway moved over just enough for his much more slender frame to slide by into the overwhelmingly ostentatious office. Corbin took a seat in the extravagant armchair set opposite the huge mahogany desk in the rooms center, trying with without much success, to prevent the copious cushions from swallowing him whole. Corbin never enjoyed his meetings with the Head of Intelligence, Elmer Pennyworth. He was beginning to remember why as the bulky man settled himself behind the desk before him.
“Your report please Mr. Branston”
“Yes Sir” Corbin answered with a tight nod and slid sealed folder across the expansive wood barrier between them. Elmer opened the envelope and began idly scanning through its content.
“I appreciate this you know. I know we don't always see eye to eye, but you know as well as I do that this was for the best. No hard feelings, you're still our top dog.”
“Thats not what I want Elmer” Corbin's tone became low and cutting.
“Oh I know that too Corbin. But seeing as there isn't anything I, or any mortal for that matter, can do for Jean-Perrier, I suggest you content yourself with you new position and consult Randolf next door. He'll brief you on your next mission.”
“Next mission!? Wait a second here Sir, you can't send me out again, I've just got back, its the policy-”
“Yes, I am well aware of the Corbin,” Elmer purred, enjoy his ability to rev Corbin's gears, “You see, Jean-Perrier left some unfinished business behind on his last mission. It has now become your responsibility to see the mission through. Jean-Perrier's incompetence has cost this firm a fortune in time and assets, you, being the only agent with enough experience and background, have better pull through for us. Otherwise...” Elmer looked at Corbin expectantly.
“Or else what,” Corbin challenged “You'll take matters into your own hands? I never thought you were one to do you're own dirty work.”
Elmer smiled, “I'm glad we understand each other. Your dismissed”
Corbin rose, determined not to let his composure slip, particularly while he was trying to extract himself form the voluminous chair cushions. He nodded to his superior curtly, and stalked out the door and across the hall.

Randolf met him at the door of his office, completely oblivious to what had transpired.
“G'day there Corbin. Elmer Sir wanted me to brief you on your latest assignment and-”
“Just give me my package and I'll be off” Corbin cut in, perhaps more curtly than intended. But Corbin was promptly handed his package and Randolf escorted him to the door, sending him off with a gracious farewell, obviously tinged with paranoia at potentially erupting one of Corbin's trademark rages.  
Corbin couldn't care. He stalked off down the hall and out of the building, into the bustling streets of Quebec City. Turning a corner, Corbin spotted a news boy and bought a paper. The headline read: “Hitler has Taken Paris” and further down: “Canadians and Italy - Last Ditch Effort”. Corbin cracked a smile as he remembered his own recent 'last ditch effort' and folded his paper over, catching a glimpse of an enlistment ad, “Join the 23rd Battalion...” the remaining caption was cut off by the fold.
“Go get'em boys” Corbin thought. “Cause if you don't, they're gonna get you, and then you're not coming back, isn't that right there Jean. Isn't that right...”
“Elliot Johnston! Turn around this instant or by Jove, I'll never speak to you again!”
Reverie broken, Corbin whirled around to find a vivacious, and albeit extremely annoyed, young red- head glaring holes into what was once his back, but was now boring through his skull.
“Ahh, my Peach! I was off thinking and I when I heard this angelic voice calling my name. I turn around and there you are!” He spread his arms wide and grinned
“Oh no mister” the young lady said with a scorn. “You might be able to charm eggs from their nest with a smile like that but not me. I've been hollering at you for the last five minutes! Thinking my left foot, you were ignoring me!” She finished with a huff. 
“Oh sugar, you can't resist me either, don't deny it” Corbin was certain that his grin was reaching both ears.
“Forgotten my real name too now?” Corbin stopped dead, his face frozen for a split second in shock “Does she...No.” He dismissed the thought and carried on as smoothly as he could.
“Never! Shannon, I'd never ever forget your name!”
“Good, lets keep it that way shall we?” and Shannon sauntered into step side him and the pair set off strolling down the street.

“So how was Chicago?” she ventured
“Chicago?” Corbin paused “Nothing spectacular, the Manor was nice, but nothing else worth mentioning”
“Did you seal the business deal you were working on?” Corbin stumbled mentally “Just what is she getting at?”
“Not sure yet” Corbin stalled “I need to go back down there tomorrow” It was as good an excuse as any he supposed
“But you just came back...”
“I know, I know I -”
“Have you heard anything form Jean?”
Corbin was silent and stared impassively off into the crowd.
“I'm sure he'll send word soon” Shannon said quickly. Corbin was still silent. She watched him carefully. Corbin seemed to have felt her gaze and smiled winningly up at her.
“I'm sure you're right Shannon.” he said, putting added bounced he didn't feel into his step. “Would you like some coffee? There is an excellent....”
Corbin nattered off with Shannon in tow and together they spent the afternoon in idle banter. It was how Corbin always spent his time after a missions, or ‘business trips’ as far as Shannon was concerned. She would surprise him sometimes. Her comments seemed to have double or deeper meanings, Corbin just shrugged it off as ignorant curiosity, and there wasn't any possible way she'd now about the firm. No one knew about it, except for its employees of course, and they didn't speak about it to anyone. There was still this nagging feeling that she knew much more than she let on. “Women, the word alone is explanation enough” Thought Corbin with amusement and they continued off down the street.