Bloodbound

4. The Inventor

The door to Wanda's office flew open suddenly. In the entry stood Howard. Wanda jumped a bit by the sudden intruder. When she recognized who it was, she grew angry. Who the hell does he think to just barge into my office like this she thought. But the look on Howard's face reduced her anger. He looked worried and panicked. She had never seen him like this before

"Howard, what happened? Are you feeling well?"

"I misplaced a script in that stack. I just came to collect it" he said urgently.

"Anyway, I have to see all your plans so no problem" she shrugged.

"No, no, no. This is different... uh... hmm... I haven't finished it yet." He fiddled with the hem of his shirt.

Wanda narrowed her eyes at him trying to figure out the truthfulness behind his statement. She knew he was hiding something but she can't quite point of what. Certainly, he was worried about something. The Howard she knew wasn't like this. She collected the pile of papers in her desk and handed it to him. He combed through the papers and returned all the papers to her. "My mistake. It's not here... Anyway, thanks Wand" he muttered. He left as quickly as he had come in.

She thought to see him later and confirm whether he was alright. She resumed her work. The rest of the day was uneventful. She was almost done for the day when she noticed a small photo near the leg of the table. It was worn out photo of child. Maybe this belonged to Howard. Maybe this is what he was searching for she thought to herself. Why does he have to lie about a child's photo? He could have told the truth she thought. Wanda decided to return it to Howard. Since it was already late, she got her coat and bag and locked her office and went down to the lab.

She was waiting for the elevator to open when Steve's office door opened and he walked out. When his eyes met Wanda's, his face lit into a warm smile.

"Leaving for the night?"

"Yeah. Is there any work left?"

"Nah. Want to grab something to eat?" Steve said as he closed his office door and walked towards her.

"Sure, Steve. I have to see Howard. Can I meet you in the parking lot?"

"Sure"

Wanda got off in Research and Development floor while Steve rode to the basement. Wanda entered the lab. She saw Howard bent over the table. He rested his chin on his hands and was staring at his laptop. Wanda cleared her throat to get his attention. Seeing her, he jumped to his feet and closed his laptop. The man still seemed different. The confidence Howard persona was missing. He was fiddling his fingers and shifted from one foot to another. Wanda extended the photo towards him. He raised his eyebrows quizzically before registering what it was.

"I think it belong to you. It was near-"

As Howard's hand touched her fingers while getting the photo, the lab around Wanda blurred. She was unable to focus. It was like the lab was dissociating around her. The surrounding came into her focus but the place was new to her. She had never been there before. The walls were painted light yellow colour and the room was dimly lit. She was standing in a kitchen. Where am I? What is happening? Wanda panicked.

The house had a pleasant atmosphere but it seemed strange to Wanda. She had no idea how she got here. One minute, she was standing in Howard's lab and the next she was here. She searched the room to find Howard holding a small baby in his arm. He was singing softly lulling the baby to sleep. There was certainly something different about him.

"Howard" she called.

He looked up. For a second, she thought he heard her but he simply got up and walked towards the living room. She followed him. He put the baby in the cradle went to the next room. On the bed a very thin weak woman was lying. She looked fragile. Howard sat at the corner of the bed. He softly laid his hand on hers. She opened her eyes and looked at him. She gave a small strained smile as though she is in pain. He kissed her on the cheek.

"How are you feeling now, love?"

"Better" she smiled but her voice was strained.

"Is Tony asleep?"

"Just now"

"Look after him"

"Shhh. You need rest. Don't talk. Sleep now"

She nodded. Suddenly her face contorted as she had a fit of coughs. Howard panicked. He tried to comfort her. He looked around for her. He said he will be back with doctor and ran out. Wanda looked at the woman and then at Howard. She saw him take his coat from the coat hanger and run out of the house.

Wanda needed answers. He was the only one she knew. She wanted to know what is happening. She ran behind him. But before she could follow him outside, the door closed. The room vanished. She was back to the lab and so was Howard. She was still holding the photo in her hand. He quickly reclined from her without taking the photo. The look on his face was of horror and sadness. His eyes were red with tears. She wasn't sure whether he was angry or sad. He too might have seen what she saw. She started to panic not knowing what to do. As she apologised and got near him, he took a step back. She stopped and placed the photo on the table. She kept repeating she was sorry even though she had no idea why she was apologizing.

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