Matt Murdock shifts in his seat, gripping his walking stick tight. He was called into the office early today, an urgent Karen reporting that the man sitting before him wanted to see Nelson and Murdock immediately. Matt waits, knowing this far more than they're expecting. Foggy clears his throat, sitting beside him.
"So what exactly can we help you with, uh…sir?" Foggy begins, clearly uncomfortable. Matt can't blame him, the cold and calculating demeanor of their prospective client set even him on edge. And Foggy had arrived first.
"Agent Sean Billings, " the man replies. Matt could hear the cold smile in his voice.
Karen sits in the corner of the small room, a soft click launching a pen to life.
"I would like you to take our case," Billings explains. Matt focuses his blank stare on the man, feeling the crawling weight of the agent's gaze settling on him.
"Ours as in…, you and him?" Foggy gestures to the man standing by the window. A hiss of relief escapes Matt's lips. He had known about the silent man since he entered his office, the subtle scent of leather and the steady heartbeat from the window a constant reminder of his presence. Matt would have to thank Foggy later. After all, he couldn't address someone that he shouldn't have been able to notice.
"I'm a member of SHIELD," Billings continued, ignoring the acknowledgment of his companion. So did the man at the window, apparently.
Foggy's heartbeat quickens. He squirms beside Matt, nervous.
"So this is about the case between SHIELD and Hell's Kitchen," Matt surmises, cocking his head to the side.
"Precisely," Billings affirms with a smirk, "I'm sure you know of the ah, logistics."
It was common knowledge. A few months ago, Hell's Kitchen and a great other portion of New York City received heavy damage from a SHIELD-related incident. The former was, by no surprise, suing the organization for the costs of repairs and aggrieved inconveniences.
"We are," Foggy jumps in, fear and loyalty causing a friction within him, speeding up his heart and triggering hesitancy, "So why should we help you? And…and why us?"
"SHIELD is very well aware of your affinity for justice," Billings responds as if that's all they need to hear.
"Which brings me back to my earlier question: Then why should we help you?" Foggy accuses, feathers ruffling. All three of them have felt in some way, the repercussions of the event the case revolves around. Whether it be taking a detoured route to work, or mourning their favorite late night pizza place. Karen had even lost her home to the destruction.
"I'm sure if you did your research, Mr. Nelson, you would see it our way." Matt could sense the man by the window's calm ebbing away to a quiet fury. He could hear the man's heart beat, faster, faster, icy resolve bleeding through the outrage—
"I don't need research to see you've destroyed half our—"
"Foggy, it's okay," Matt rests a reassuring—but also restraining—hand on his partner's shoulder. The muscles in Matt's gut loosen slightly when the heartbeat begins to slow.
"Matt—" Foggy protests, but Matt silences him with a warm squeeze to his shoulder.
"You can understand my partner's unwillingness," Matt appeases.
"Of course," Billings agrees, "But I'm sure the both of you can understand the necessity to wrap this up. And quickly. No matter the cost."
Matt's stomach knots. A man who's willing to bribe, is a little too desperate to be searching for justice. Things weren't adding up. But there were too many questions to be ignored.
Foggy didn't seem to like the hint of foul play either. "Look, Agent Billings. The last time we teamed up with a big cooperation, it sucked. A lot. Before we're ever going to willingly put ourselves into a mess like that again, we're going to have to know what we're getting ourselves into, we're going to have to trust you. But like honestly what kind of good, trustworthy guy brings a moody henchman dude that's more willing to make eye contact with a window than the people trying to help you? Things aren't looking too good for you, man."
Matt feels the man by the window stir, unceremoniously summoned by the frustration of Foggy's words.
Agent Billings chuckles, "So you will help us."
"I never said that!"
Matt rises from his seat, using his cane to pull himself up. His unseeing gaze meets the man at the window. "Who are you anyway?"
"Oh him?" Agent Billings speaks up, smiling, "That's just Agent Clint Barton."
Matt can feel Barton's probing gaze trap him like a fly in a glass cup. He shivers.
"Don't be worried about trusting us, Mr. Murdock. I assure you, we want the same justice you so hopelessly seek," Billings explains with a heavy blow of his words.
There was something more to this.
There always was.
"Alright," Matt sighs, reluctant but nonetheless greedy for answers, "We're taking the case. Nelson and Murdock will represent you."
He ignores the shock swelling off of Karen and Foggy, he ignores Agent Billings in his talk of pulling up a contract, but keeps his attention and eyes locked on Barton, as he knows the agent does the same.