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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐟
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Joanna Shannon loved the holidays.
In a world where people could be cruel, holidays never failed to show the best that humanity had to offer. Love and joy were celebrated, relationships grew stronger, and wounds were healed.
Joanna best liked to spend her holidays at the bookshop she owned along the Washington Channel. She didn't have any relatives—at least, none that were alive.
No children. No partner.
No, she'd missed her chance at love a long, long time ago.
And, maybe that was sad. But Joanna liked to see the bright side to life, and she lived vicariously through the lives of her customers.
"Toby is going to absolutely love this," Joanna assured Eileen Levine as she wrapped the three Star Wars Funko Pop action figures the young woman had picked out for her boyfriend. "He's been talking about this franchise for weeks."
Eileen shook her head fondly.
"I'm just glad they weren't sold out this time. Really, though, it was my fault for the last minute Christmas shopping."
Joanna placed the gifts in a bold red bag with pink hearts and handed it over the counter to Eileen with a grin.
"Well, lucky you were the first this time. You'll have to tell me how the dinner went sometime this week."
The brunette playfully rolled her eyes.
"You know that you're always the first to know, Ms. Jo." On her way out, she shouted over her shoulder, "Thanks for your help!"
"Anytime, Eileen! And Happy Valentine's Day!"
For the next few minutes, Joanna checked in on her employees, praising them for a job well done. Most of them she'd met while running the store—teenagers looking for a way to make their own money, adults searching for a second source of income after a hard break. A lot of her friends liked to joke that she had a penchant for wayward people, and she wouldn't like it any other way.
She was just returning to restocking the shelves when someone called out to her.
And when she turned, she saw a face she hadn't seen for months.
"Lee? Oh my God!"
Her first instinct was to open her arms and insist a hug from the other woman, only for her to recall that Lee wasn't usually a touchy person.
However, Lee saved her from thinking too hard about it when she engulfed her in her own hug.
"Miss me?" Lee asked, and Joanna pulled back to give her a look.
"Oh, don't you pull that one on me, girl. What were you thinking, disappearing like that for half a year?!"
She looked good, though. The redness of her coat diverted from the black top and jeans she wore, a testament to the holiday, no doubt. Her dark hair was out today, thick curls falling over her shoulders, and her pretty dark eyes reflected the brightness of her smile, too contagious for Joanna to successfully be stern with her for longer than a moment.
And, she did look apologetic.
"Work," was her explanation, which was the usual answer. Joanna was used to her sporadic visits, but it became more noticeable with the continued sole appearance of her brother.
Which, speaking of...
"Is Miguel here with you?" Joanna questioned, looking around the taller woman in an attempt to spot her other half. "That's another one who hasn't had the gall to visit since Christmas!"
"Well, I can certainly berate him for you the next time I see him, but, no, Miguel isn't here. I did bring Heidi though! She was insistent that we stop by."
"Aw," Joanna cooed, spotting the large Savannah cat sitting patiently outside by the glass, ears perking up when she made eye contact with the older woman. "I missed my girls! In fact, I'm going to whip up a little treat for you both."
Lee gave her a chiding smile.
"You spoil her."
But then Joanna gestured to the bag in her hand labeled The Pet Shoppe Boys.
"You can't talk to me about spoiling. What's in there? A squeaky toy?"
Lee gave her a look and rolled her eyes.
"No. It's just essentials!"
Joanna peered closer.
"And...a little red heart box filled with treats."
"It's Valentine's Day!" she defended. "I always get her a gift."
Joanna smiled at her fondly.
"I know. I'm just saying that you're no better than me."
Lee sighed, though her own lips curving up betrayed her.
"Fine. You got me there."
"Exactly. Now, I'll let you do your browsing while I—"
"Actually," she interjected before the older woman could turn, threading her hands together nervously. "I could use your help with something."
Joanna raised a brow.
"You looking for a gift?"
Lee nodded, suddenly too shy to speak.
"But..." And, Joanna took a moment to study her to ensure her guess was correct. "Not for your brother."
She nodded once more.
Joanna was curious, but she refrained from asking the who question. Lee looked out of her depth as it was.
"Valentine's Day gift?"
"Not...exactly." Then, after a deep breath, she added, "I...made a promise to someone not too long ago, and I don't think I've done a great job of honoring it recently. I want to get them something as an apology, and I'm using the holiday as an excuse to do that without...pushing them away."
"Alright," Joanna said. "Tell me about them."
Lee didn't drop any names. They walked around the store as they talked, Joanna considering the options as Lee described this person to her, the words flowing from her mouth.
And, it was only because of a slip up that Joanna came to know that this person identified as a female.
At first glance, you'd probably never work up the courage to talk to her. On the outside, she's serious and doesn't put up with anyone's attitude but her own. You wouldn't miss her when she walks into a room, and you'd never forget about her once she leaves. It's like her presence alone demands attention. She's strong, smart, and independent, and I greatly admire her.
What a lot of people don't know is that she's a defender. She's one of those people who stands up to other people's bullies. She'd give you her jacket before you even asked for one. It's how she shows that she cares.
She's funny, too. Only, her humor is sometimes too subtle for people to know that she's joking. Oh, and she's criminally sarcastic. She's probably the poster child for sarcasm.
She always does what she thinks is right. She's always trying to do better, be better. She's so...good, yet she's always looking for a way to prove herself at her expense. Sometimes I just want shake some sense into her. I want her to know that my words aren't just words.
Joanna glanced up from where she was now crouched in front of the Literature section.
"Well, she sounds wonderful, Lee."
Lee sighed.
"She doesn't think so."
"What makes you say that?"
"If not because of him, then why are you doing this?" Natasha had once asked.
If Truth could've, she would've said: because you deserve it.
"She just...doesn't have a great history with kindness."
Before they'd left the apartment that morning, Natasha almost had another panic attack.
"Are you sure we shouldn't head back?" Natasha had asked, brows furrowed as she put on one of Truth's coats. It was especially cold that morning, and, for once, Truth had managed to convince her to wear something warmer than the leather jacket. "We could probably interrogate Borba again before they give him to the state."
Truth had glanced back at her from where she was securing Heidi's harness.
"I don't think it's necessary, but I'm willing to go back if you want more answers."
Natasha had given her a look.
"The most he told us was that some old Russian woman gave him a grainy picture of you in Brazil and told him where to find you. How did she get that info? Better yet, who is she and why did she want Lorenzo Borba to kill you?"
"I don't think she wanted him to kill me. More like she knew he'd never get the chance." Standing, Truth walked into the kitchen, rummaging through one of the miscellaneous drawers. "She never gave him her name—she let him think she was just some nobody with connections. But, this." She pulled out the tiny four-by-four picture she'd taken from Borba and held it out to Natasha. "This was taken in Nove Vidas territory, when I was meeting with the CEO of one of their corporations. I had checked the security beforehand, and their system was set to erase itself every five hours."
Natasha had studied the photo. It captured Truth's side profile—her hair was tied back in a tight bun, her jawline on display with the barest tilt of her lips. She was looking at something—or someone—off camera. The angle and quality of it would lead someone to think that it was captured by a security camera, only, whoever owned the system clearly didn't want any documentation of what happened in that building to exist.
"So, either someone hacked it," Natasha had summed, "or someone had planted another recording device."
"Someone who wasn't Nove Vidas," Truth had agreed. "Now, I don't think it was planted there specifically for me. The Nove Vidas had plenty of enemies who wanted to exploit them. However, upon viewing whatever footage they'd gleaned, someone must've recognized me as the Siren and put the dots together."
Truth had reached over to flip the photo. On the backside, written in black ink, were the words Siren Song.
Natasha's brows had furrowed.
"Borba never called you the Siren," she said. "He always said Mireia Escobedo."
Truth nodded.
"My alias. It's the name I used to work my way in. They didn't have a name for the hooded figure who tore down their system, but they did know the only woman who had access to all their secrets. It wouldn't have been too hard for them to put together."
Natasha had still stared at the words. It was something about the curve of the g and the dotted i that had her stuck.
"Don't you usually wear a mask as the Siren?"
"Yes," Truth had confirmed.
Natasha had flipped the photo again.
"Then, how did this Russian know who you were from this photo?"
Truth had smirked as though pleased Natasha knew all the right questions to ask.
"That is the question. I had all evidence of Mireia scraped from any mention of the Nove Vidas. While she does exist, she works as a mediocre scientist in the suburbs of Barra. There's also no physical evidence that the Siren was there, either. No one besides the Nove Vidas could have made the connection."
Natasha had stared at her, the implications daunting.
"Which means that this person knows you personally."
Truth had shrugged.
"Not too personally, otherwise I don't think they would've gone through all this effort just to get my attention. It would've been before my time at S.H.I.E.L.D."
Natasha hadn't wanted to ask the question, but it had been necessary.
"HYDRA?"
Truth had been expecting it.
"That was my first thought, too, but no—whoever this was, they waited for the opportunity to open contact. They knew I was in Salvador, but they didn't make a move until now. HYDRA can play the long game, but they wouldn't have put anything up to chance with me."
Natasha had nodded. Truth knew them far better than she did, so she wouldn't argue her logic.
"You have any other suspects?"
"Not particularly, but..."
Truth had moved toward the couch to pick up the sketchbook she'd been doodling in that morning. She had sifted through the pages as she spoke.
"I got...a little something more from Borba before he passed out. I caught a glimpse of this face, who I assume is the Russian he spoke of."
The sketch had Natasha stopping in her tracks.
It was an incredibly obscure drawing. A lot of shading alluded to the lack of light, framing the figure in an ominous focal point. The woman was sitting across a small table, something hat-like covering most of her face.
Only, like the handwriting, something about it seemed familiar. It had sent a chill through Natasha, and suddenly she was—
The drawing had disappeared. Blinking, Natasha had looked up into the concerned eyes of Truth Castello.
She hadn't said anything this time. Instead, she had watched, hoping to find some sign that Natasha wasn't lost again.
"I'm here," Natasha had assured her, though a little lightheaded.
Truth had believed her.
But, it hadn't lessened her concern.
"Alright," Joanna said. "So, you'd probably want to get her something lighthearted to stay away from any bad memories."
Lee smiled. Joanna always knew where her train of thought was going.
"Exactly that. Something fictional and wholesome. She likes Lord of the Rings, but I think it's still a little too out there. I want something that shows normalcy with problems that may seem trivial to most of us."
It was almost like a light bulb went off in Joanna's head.
Without another word, she walked past Lee to the Fiction aisle, smiling at another browsing customer as she did. Glancing at the spines, her dark eyes skimmed through the choices.
"Now, I know we had it in stock just a few days ago...," she muttered to herself. Lee waited behind her quietly, giving her space without making her feel rushed.
She had almost missed it once her gaze reached the second to last shelf.
"Aha!"
Gently so that she didn't ruin the cover, she pulled out a gray-green paperback. Lee took it with an outstretched hand and peered at the title.
A smile made its way to her lips.
"Anne of Green Gables?"
Like a true avid reader, Lee didn't hesitate to flip the book to read its synopsis.
"When I used to teach," Joanna began, "this was one of the summer reading books we'd assign to the older students. It's about a kid who is adopted by two siblings, and it follows her adjustment to her new life. A wholesome read, just like you asked, but it has a little humor and sadness sprinkled in the pages. Anne has a way of making us reflect about things we never thought of before."
"I'd heard of it," Lee shared, "but never got around to reading it." Then, she looked up at Joanna, her eyes conveying a great deal of gratitude. "Thank you. This means a lot to me."
Joanna smirked.
"Oh, don't act like that. You're the one buying it, and I wouldn't have known what to pick if you didn't know your girl so well. Give yourself some credit."
Lee felt butterflies at the assumption that the redheaded Russian was her girl. It wasn't true, but, for some reason, the thought of it had her heart beating faster, a faint blush brightening her cheeks.
"Joanna, what does it take for you to say a simple 'you're welcome'?"
"When I actually do something to earn it."
Joanna laughed when Lee rolled her eyes.
"Now, come on, let's get you checked out and that book wrapped."
Lee glanced over at her with hopeful eyes. Her refusal at the beginning had only been an attempt at kindness, but Joanna knew what she really wanted.
"And—?"
"Yes, and I'll get your treats ready for the road." With a hand against her back, Joanna led them back to the front of the store. "You know, for someone who likes to talk people out of giving you things, you sure are a sucker for gifts."
Lee left the store with her book and treats in hand, and a promise to make another visit before the next holiday. She had some time before that happened, so Joanna was rather satisfied with the likelihood of that promise being fulfilled.
As she returned to restocking, she couldn't help but think back to how Lee had talked about this girl. Despite being out of her depth, she had brightened considerably at the opportunity to share the best parts of this mysterious person with Joanna.
Well, she thought to herself, if she makes Lee that happy, I hope they end up working things out. Especially if she is putting this much energy into a relationship.
Miguel had always expressed his worry about his sister. She spent so much time alone, and he knew that she preferred it that way, but everyone needed to socialize at some point.
Joanna, at the time, had assured him that Lee always had her brother to be there for her. She still didn't quite understand his lack of satisfaction in that answer.
But, then again, there were a lot about the twins she didn't understand.
She didn't know what job demanded so much of their time to the point that they would disappear for months on end.
She didn't know anything about their lives before D.C., despite knowing them since they were brooding teenagers with a hell of a lot of anger toward a world they'd hardly lived in.
She didn't know why Lee didn't give hugs or why she could never remember the color of her eyes. Even now, after just seeing her, she couldn't decide if they were black, brown, blue, or some combination of all three in a unique hazel.
However, if there was one thing Joanna understood, it was that sometimes it was better not to ask questions.
As she wheeled out another cart of books, her eyes were drawn to a vibrant shade of red. A woman stood in the young adult fiction aisle, staring down the books with furrowed brows as if they were somehow insulting. Joanna had never seen her before, and she was sure she'd remember someone like her.
Joanna recalled Lee's words from earlier:
You wouldn't miss her when she walks into a room, and you'd never forget about her once she leaves. It's like her presence alone demands attention.
Maybe some people just had that affect.
Joanna stopped nearby the woman and flashed her a smile.
"Do you need help with anything?"
The redhead glanced up, her piercing green eyes studying the older woman before looking back at the shelf as though debating if she really did need help.
"It's okay if you don't," Joanna assured. "I'm just letting you know that I know this place inside out and, if you're looking for something particular, I can save you some time."
The other woman contemplated this.
"I don't know exactly what I'm looking for," she admitted, somehow apologetic.
"That's okay, too. Are you thinking of something for yourself or...?"
She shook her head.
"No, I...it's for someone else. I know she likes books, but I don't what she'll like."
Well, would you look at that. Joanna loved helping people pick out gifts, and getting three gift-givers back to back filled her with some excitement.
"Do you know what she's read before? Anything you've seen her read, on her bookshelf, or anything she's talked about?"
The woman smiled fondly, the action softening her sharp demeanor.
"Well, she likes Lord of the Rings."
Joanna tilted her head. Second time she's heard of that book today.
"Her bookshelf is all over the place," the woman continued, more forward with the information now that she wasn't talking about herself. "She's kind of a hoarder—she has technical, informative books, but I've seen mystery, fantasy, and sci-fi in there too. I don't know what her favorite is, though."
"She sounds a bit adventurous," Joanna commented. The woman's smile told her that she wasn't far off the mark. "Is this going to be a Valentine's Day gift?"
The woman's eyebrows furrowed again.
"No? It's more like a...an apology?"
"Alright. What are you trying to tell her?"
The woman considered the question.
"I...made a mistake. I hurt her, and I didn't mean to, but I did it anyway. I almost broke a promise, and I want to let her know that..."
Whatever she was planning to say, she changed her mind with a shake of her head.
"I just want to make it up to her," she finished.
Joanna didn't pay much attention to the slip up, too caught up by the woman's choice of words.
I...made a promise to someone not too long ago, and I don't think I've done a great job of honoring it recently. I want to get them something as an apology, and I'm using the holiday as an excuse to do that without....pushing them away.
Coincidences were possible, but considering the chances...
"Why don't you tell me a bit about her while we look around?" Joanna suggested.
The redhead appeared cautious at first, but agreed nonetheless.
I don't even know if I could justly describe her. She wears a lot of masks—it's like she changes who she is to fit into the image other people have of her, but, in a way, she's never not herself. She's great with people, but she's more comfortable when she's alone. She puts others first to the point that I sometimes wonder how she manages to make time for herself.
She's talented. I've never seen her not be able to do something. She constantly surprises me around every corner, and its a whirl to keep up with her.
She's very silly. And, I mean silly in the way that she can always find a bright side no matter the situation. She'll always find a reason to go do something fun or make you smile.
I admire her kindness. She teaches me something new everyday, and I want to try to do something for her for once instead of the other way around.
Joanna's smile couldn't stop growing. Every word had her going that sounds about right, and it only cemented what she had first dismissed earlier.
This was Lee's mysterious woman.
And, just as Lee had had the idea to buy a book as an apology, her girl had stopped by less than an hour later with a similar agenda, with neither aware of each other's actions.
Joanna wondered what they were really apologizing for. Because, the day's events made it apparent that the two women had already forgiven each other.
Though, maybe the gifts were necessary if it might work to convince them of that fact.
Joanna didn't confirm the identity of the woman beside her, however. As sure as she was, she still didn't want to be wrong. And, in the case that she was right, she worried that the woman would be more apprehensive of her.
So, instead she said, "Well, it looks like you're taking a step in the right direction. Any gift can mean a lot, and it's not because of what it is but the intention behind it."
Natasha sighed as she peered at another floor-to-ceiling bookshelf towing above her in a way that made her feel strangely incompetent.
"I hope so."
Because, last night, Natasha couldn't go back to sleep.
She couldn't turn off her brain. All she could think of was how much she'd screwed things up. She didn't even know exactly what she'd screwed over—she just knew that something wasn't right between her and the woman in the other bedroom, and it was her fault.
She'd paced through the living room dozens of times, unable to stop fidgeting. She'd gotten rid of the knife ages ago, despite the urge to twirl it between her fingers instead of digging her nails into her palm or rubbing her wrists. After last time, she didn't trust herself with it—no, the flashes of blood on the floor, in the sink, made it hard to forget about that.
She hadn't known how much time had passed when she heard a loud meow from the hall. Heidi had stood there in the shadows, appearing cautious and not very pleased.
After awhile, the only thing Natasha could think to say was,
"I'm sorry."
Heidi had let her stew for a bit longer.
Then she had walked closer and started yanking on her sleeve.
Natasha had been taken to the first unoccupied bedroom, closest to the opening of the hall. Heidi had been very demanding, managing to maneuver Natasha to lay flat on top of the comforter.
"Heidi," Natasha had complained, huffing as the large cat placed her entire weight on top of her stomach. "I can't...this won't work."
Yellow eyes had simply stared into green.
"Seriously. You should be with—"
Natasha had froze at the sound of her growl, feeling the rumble of it vibrating through her torso and her claws clenching on the material of her shirt. Breathing deeply to calm herself, she'd lowered the hand she'd intended to use to move the feline.
As though she hadn't almost tore through both fabric and skin, Heidi had yawned and rested her head on Natasha's stomach, her tail swishing contently behind her.
Natasha had glared at the ceiling.
How the fuck did this become her life?
As though cementing the reality, Heidi had reached up and licked Natasha's chin.
They had both settled in for a long night.
And, when they had woken up—because, yes, Natasha had been fighting sleep despite being too stubborn to admit it—, they woke up to all that was Truth Castello.
"Come on, sleepyheads!" she had yelled out, banging on a pot with a spoon. Natasha had groaned, only she couldn't roll over to hide behind a pillow because Heidi was still on top of her. "I didn't make breakfast just for it to get cold!"
At the word "breakfast," Heidi had been quick to jump to her paws, to which Natasha had complained with an oof.
When she'd eventually made her way out to the main room, she'd wondered if, for once, she'd been dreaming.
The apartment smelled absolutely delicious. Sitting on the kitchen island was a large platter of sliced french toast, complete with two additional plates of scrambled eggs and bacon. Soft music played from a speaker left on the counter, Truth's voice fitting with the melody.
you have my heart
we'll never be worlds apart
maybe in magazines
but you'll still be my star
Sun streamed through the window, casting out the shadows left behind from last night's events in a way that made Natasha wonder if it had even happened.
baby, 'cause in the dark
you can't see shiny cars
and that's when you need me there
with you i'll always share
Then, Heidi had run out, and Truth had turned to meet her, a radiant smile on her face as she took her paws in her hands, revealing the bandage from the night before over her left forearm, cementing the reality. They swayed as she sang along with the chorus.
when the sun shines, we'll shine together
told you i'll be here forever
said i'll always be your friend
took an oath, i'ma stick it out to the end
Truth had looked up, flicking her hair out her face when she made eye contact with Natasha.
Somehow, her smile grew bigger.
"Happy Valentine's Day!"
Natasha had blinked.
"Oh."
She'd almost forgotten it was February. She never did much to acknowledge the holiday before, and it was her first time celebrating it after defecting to S.H.I.E.L.D.
For the most part, she associated it as a day for couples to go out and show their love for each other. It wasn't something Natasha could or ever will be able to participate in.
So, she never would've considered that Truth may have been excited for it.
"Is this your...favorite holiday?" Natasha had questioned with a growing smile as Truth edged closer to grab her hand and pull her further into the kitchen.
"Not really," she had answered. "Halloween or Christmas might be my favorite, but Valentine's Day in D.C. is fun! They put up a bunch of decorations around the Wharf, and all the shops sell a variety of flowers and chocolates and other things."
Natasha had seen where this was headed, and Truth had easily recognized Natasha's concern after seeing it so much in the past few days.
She had narrowed her eyes at the redhead.
"Natasha," she'd said with a hint of her accent emerging, moving closer as her voice dropped to that of a whisper, "I appreciate the sentiment, but I swear to God if I have to say 'I'm fine' to you one more time, I might self-combust and then everyone, including you, would be very sad. Is that what you want?"
Natasha had felt properly chastised at first, an apology hanging at the tip of her tongue, but of course the other woman had caught her off-guard at the end. It didn't help that their hands were still interlocked, their bodies close enough that Natasha had to force herself to concentrate.
"To be fair," Natasha had managed in the same tone, "Michael had given me very clear instructions yesterday."
"Michael could kiss my ass."
Natasha had fought back a smile, only she wasn't very successful.
"Natasha," Truth had chided, forcing her own lips to stay put. "This is serious."
"I know."
"Then, why are you smiling?"
"Because you're being very silly today."
"No, I'm being very serious."
"You're trying to be, but it's not working."
"Natasha, you're being very difficult and the food is getting cold."
"I'll still eat it if it's cold."
That had made Truth smile. It had been a sweet comment, and neither could look away from each other.
when the sun shines, we'll shine together
told you i'll be here forever
said i'll always be your friend
took an oath, i'ma stick it out to the end
"Are we okay?" Natasha had asked.
Truth had smirked, stepping away to reach back and present a plate to the other woman.
"I'm not the kind of person who holds onto grudges."
Another light bulb flashed in Joanna's head.
"I think I've got it!"
It was easy now that she was somewhat sure of who she was picking a book for. Lee liked her fun reads to err on the side of worldbuilding and adventure. She was a sucker for mythology, a good sense of humor, and fully formatted maps.
She could've gone with the newest Rick Riordan book, as Lee was a big fan of Percy Jackson, but that was perhaps too on the nose, especially when she was picking out a gift for someone she was pretending not to know. She'd just make sure Lee picked it up on her next visit.
There was, however, another option that was perfect, regardless of if it was Lee or not.
The redhead took the paperback from her hand.
"Eragon?"
Joanna nodded.
"It's a book about a boy who finds a dragon egg in the woods and is soon thrust into a world of magic, elves, and adventure. It's a series, so if she likes that one, there's plenty more where it came from. A great read, in my opinion, and it's careful in that it introduces a completely foreign world to us with little confusion."
The woman appeared perplexed.
"How...you just—"
Joanna smiled at her.
"I happen to be very good at my job. Do you think it'll work?"
She glanced at the cover once more, a small smile working its way to her lips.
"Yeah. I think it will."
It had been close to three when Natasha left the bookstore, unable to shake the smile on her face as she walked toward their rendezvous spot by the pier. The day had been so much better than she'd imagined it could be. She'd messed up, but after breakfast this morning and her browsing at the Wharf, she felt, finally, that they were on their way to being okay again.
And, after last night, she hadn't been sure of that. And, somehow, that had hurt Natasha more than she'd expected it to.
Because, Truth Castello was her friend. And she didn't want that to change.
When she spotted Truth, carrying her own array of bags, her smile grew.
Heidi spotted her first, her ears perking up in greeting. Then Truth turned when Natasha was only a few feet away, her phone against her ear, and the redhead slowed, her smile fading.
"What is it?"
Truth had tried to foster a convincing smile when she'd noticed Natasha at her back, but hearing her brother on the other end of the line had only pushed aside any good feelings produced from their outing, leaving behind a determination that was set solidly on the task ahead of her.
Ahead of them both.
"It's Michael," she answered. "They need us back at the Triskelion immediately."
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