Tracing the Webs

Chapter 22

The place was appropriately decorated for such a name. It looked more like an old diner than a cute cafe.

There were many open seats, but Gwen strode right into the back and into the restroom.

She walked into one of the stalls and fell back against the door.

Ow.

The likely-to-be-forming large bruise on her back stung from the small impact.

I just need a minute.

Ignoring the aches and pains, Gwen breathed slowly. As though she were meditating, she tried to get back some of the energy she lost in the fight and chase.

A few minutes later, she stood up straight and walked out of the restroom, taking cover in the small hallway that led back to the dining area.

Now, to wait.

The minutes dragged on rather painfully. Gwen pretended to be fiddling with her phone while she waited, but the faintly receding pain made her too distracted to relax.

What was I expecting? Trying to fight Creel by myself...

Have my powers made me arrogant?

Or was I just overly eager to prevent any losses?

Regardless, I succeeded, even if I didn't win.

The minutes passed until a young waitress made her way across the cafe. Her destination was the lonesome man in the back who seemed a little unwell.

"You all good, hon? Are you still waiting on a friend?"

Creel glanced at the server. "Yeah, I'm still waiting."

"All right, then, no hurry. Here, let me clear - ah." Her arm that was about to reach out to the man's empty mug suddenly jerked to the other side of the table.

On instinct, Creel yanked his arms back near his body.

"Oh! I'm sorry. I must've slipped..." The server rubbed her arm and then returned to picking up his dishes.

He slightly shifted in his seat. "It's alright." Maybe he should be heading out after all.

She apologized again and left.

Meanwhile, May watched out front, waiting to see Creel's next move.

"He's been in there for over an hour. Either he's waiting for a drop or he's getting drunk off his ass- wait, someone's coming out."

"Creel?" Coulson asked over the comm.

"No." May sighed. "And I doubt he will. Gwen, what are you doing here?"

Gwen dropped the hood. "I had to do something."

To May, that sounded like Gwen was trying to make up for her earlier loss against Creel.

"You need to get back to the base. Where's Creel?"

"Gone. I was afraid that if he absorbed the obelisk's abilities he could be dangerous." Gwen put a worried look on her face. "And I was right. His arm... I saw something wrong with his arm."

Lie.

"It looked weird- like the obelisk was taking over."

"You're saying you don't think he can't control it?" Things just kept getting worse. They were lucky no one had died. Yet.

"Anyone near him is at risk." May shook her head in dismay. "I should've engaged when I had the chance."

"Then you'd be hurt too. If this is on anyone..."