Author's Note: I haven't written fiction in years but now just felt the urge. :) As you may notice English in not my native language. Please excuse me for all of my mistake in advance. I hope the story is going to be enjoyable though. Let me know what you think and feel free to correct my mistakes in comments. :)

My intention is to create a realistic story with strong atmosphere and genuine characters. The story takes place after The Defenders season 1, but it might have some minor changes comperated to it, however I want my story to be coherent and whole within its own world.

Disclaimer: I don't own a thing, of course.

Chapter One: Trish Talk

"I think I'm going crazy."

For a long moment only the soft clicking of spoons and cups was heard. Trish Walker took a breath before sipping from her coffee.

„What do you mean?" she asked in a kind and sympathetic tone.

„It's just... I don't know."

The coffeeshop in the avenue nearby the radio station where they worked together was fully crowded. Everyone had there after-lunch coffee break, laughter and the smell of freshly ground coffee filled the air. It was a nice, sunny day, exceptionally warm April in New York City. Abigail Pond shifted uncomfortably on her seat. She had been irritated for a while in people's closeness. In order to break the silence, Trish smiled and started to talk.

„It's way too much stress these days. I know, I also feel it. The whole situation with Barker's leaving makes all of nervous. Of course you are effected. Wait... Abbie! do you want to be the next editor-in-chief?"

Abbie glared at her and sighed.

„Oh, God, no... Not at all. It's something else. But... nah, you wouldn't understand it anyway."

Her original intention was talking to Trish as the only one something-close-to-a-friend she was to her. Maybe it was a bad idea from the beginning. She probably should never tell such things to anyone, but what the hell should she do then? Sit down and wait for complete madness? She had thought of going to a shrink. It just couldn't work, she would be instantly drugged up.

„I understand much more than you would ever imagine", answered Trish with a little bitterness in her voice.

Abbie decided, she didn't have a thing to lose. What if Trish cuts off the relationship with her? It doesn't matter. It wouldn't effect work and that's the most important. If she doesn't tell this to anyone soon, Abbie will explode, though.

„Okay, listen. I know it sounds crazy, it feels like it too. But I cannot put it in another way" Abbie hesitated, but Trish didn't interrupt. So she had to go on... „I... sometimes I hear things. Like... like voices in my head. Okay, I know how it sounds... They don't tell me anything to do or something like that" she added quickly. „These are different voices... uhm, like people's voices. You know... like their thoughts."

Abbie looked at Trish in fear for what was about to happen. She hoped the well-known radio star would be wise enough not to make a scene. But Trish didn't do anything for a long time, only observed the other woman's face silently.

„Uhm, please say something. I scared you, right? I don't think I'm crazy, you know... just... this thing... it's not constant. Just sometimes it... never mind", she shrugged eventually. Yeah, telling her was definitely a wrong idea.

Trish sipped from her cup for one last time and with that she finished it off. Putting the cup back to the table she asked silently, leaning over Abbie.

„How long?"

Abbie looked up. Trish's expression was honest, stern and intense.

„Uh... once in a while it has happened before. I remember a thing when I was twelve. But it was so rare I could easily forget it. But since I moved to New York, it's been more frequent. And in the past few months... I don't know what's happening, Trish!" she was about to cry.

Trish stroked her hand on the table for a moment to comfort her.

„How does it work? Do you know what I'm thinking right now?" she asked.

Abbie looked at her surprised. Trish was not mocking her, even more she was genuinely curious.

„Well, no, it's not that easy. I usually hear these voices when someone touches me. Even accidentally. But it doesn't happen each and every time. Just... it strikes me sometimes, I don't know when and why. For instance, I already knew about Barker, long before he made the announcement."

„Really?", groaned Trish. „And you didn't tell me?"

„It happened when I went to him in January to sign the new time-table for this year" Abbie shivered in the creepy memory. „I asked for a pen. When he handed me his, it was like... like a lightning in my head, I heard his voice saying I fucking hate this, just counting the days until I get the money and leave you behind."

„Wow."

They fell in silence. Abbie didn't know what to say next. She wanted Trish to know she was not a madman or something. And Trish looked out of the window like nothing was more important than observing the pedestrians of New York City. She couldn't reveal her secrets to an almost stranger. Well, Abbie was certainly not a stranger, but still. This was not a joke, that's for sure. But what if it's a trap or something? Well, there's someone who can manage this kind of shit. Suddenly Trish turned back to Abbey and put her left hand on the coffee table.

„Tell me, what I'm thinking of."

Abbie glared at her. What does she want?

„Uhm, it's... not..."

Trish was determined.

„Try to do it. I need proof to believe you."

„Fair enough", Abbie held her hand and waited. Nothing. Nothing happened. Trish looked at her waiting so Abbie tried to concentrate even more. But to what? It never worked on purpose. Oh, hell... Too many people, the noise... She could've find a more quiet place.

And then it was a mere moment. A familiar voice.

"Who is Jessica?"

Trish shuddered a bit, not much but it was clearly visible. No answer came from her though.

"Who is this Jessica?" Abbie repeated "You thought exactly this: We need to go to Jessica."

Trish swallowed and tried to set up a calm voice.

"There's someone you need to meet. Tonight after the afternoon shift at work. Meet me in front of the radio station. I think I'm closer to your condition than you'd ever imagine."

Abbie started to have an unpleasant feeling. Trish probably misunderstood her, which was no miracle, to be honest. With this crazy stuff Abbie only can embarrass herself.

"What? No, no…" she shook her head. "I don't go to a shrink. I've already tried, it was a mistake. Please forget this entire madness, I…"

"Abigail" claimed Trish. "Meet me tonight, there's a way we can find out what is this. You are not alone in this, I know someone like you."