Supervixen: A Jessica Jones/Supergirl fan-fic
by: Sam Lincoln
Disclaimer: Jessica Jones, Supergirl and all the characters associated with them belong to their respective rights holders and no infringement is intended.
Summary: While on a stakeout Jessica Jones looks up to the sky, is it a bird? A plane? No, it's...
Spoilers: This story takes place after the second season of Jessica Jones, and sometimes during the third season of Supergirl, and there are spoilers for both shows mentioned.
Jessica Jones sat perched on the side of a Manhattan skyscraper with her camera in hand and a flask by her side. She was looking down at the office of a stock broker whose wife thought he was cheating on her. Boring work to be sure, but it paid well and Jessica was hardly in a position to say no to money days.
"The day these morons learn to close their windows is the day I'm out of a job," Jessica said to herself as she snapped photos of the stock broker and his secretary who was taking more than just dictation.
Jessica's photography was interrupted by a flash overhead. She looked up in time to see an object streak over her and crash into the ground a few blocks away.
"No, I'm not investigating, that's what the Avengers are for," Jessica said aloud to the empty air. "I've got my own shit to deal with." She growled, took a swig from her flask then shouldered her camera and leapt from her perch.
Jessica walked into the empty park she had seen the object fall into. In the center of the park Jessica found a large crater and in the bottom of it was an unconscious woman. Jessica skidded down the side of the crater to help the woman. She was dressed in a blue top, red skirt, red knee high boots, and to Jessica's consternation, a red cape. "What kind of messed up cheerleader are you?" Jessica asked the woman. She knelt down and checked to make sure the woman was still alive. Jessica breathed a sigh of relief when she felt a pulse.
The sound of sirens in the distance spurred Jessica to action. She picked up the woman and slung her over her shoulder. "Lady, I don't know who you are, but nobody deserves to be found by the cops dressed up like that."
Jessica opened the door to Alias Investigations then dragged the unconscious woman into the office then onto her couch. Jessica closed the office door and poured herself a drink before considering her new guest. She was about the same height as Jessica, but looked younger. She reminded Jessica slightly of Trish, but she quashed that comparison quickly. The woman's strange outfit had no pockets so Jessica couldn't find any id. She also couldn't see any cuts or bruises on the woman, which was odd since as best Jessica could tell, she had fallen out of the sky.
"You aren't the strangest thing I've ever seen," Jessica said. "But you're damn close." She took drink of whiskey as she waited for the woman to wake up. Jessica sat down in her office chair and continued to sip on her whiskey, eventually nodding off herself.
Jessica awoke with a start and knocked over the empty bottle of whiskey. She looked over at the mystery woman and saw that she was still asleep. Jessica stood up and stretched, working out the kinks in her neck. She walked over to the sleeping woman and stared at her. "Who the hell are you lady?"
The woman groaned and stared to stir. Jessica leaned over and put her hand on the woman's shoulders. "Hey, stay there. You were pretty well out of it."
"Who are you, where am?" The woman grabbed Jessica's arm and, to her amazement, pushed her backwards.
Jessica winced in pain. "What the Christ are you?" She tried to pull her arm out of the woman's grasp and found she was unable to free herself.
"I asked you first," the woman said.
Jessica continued to struggle to free herself. "My name is Jessica Jones, I'm a private investigator, and you're in my office."
"How did I get here?"
"You fell out of the sky. I brought you here so the police wouldn't arrest you from destroying the park you landed in." Jessica to shake her arm loose. "Now would you please let me go. I'd hate to have to put you through the wall."
"I'd like to see you try," the woman said. She sat up from the couch and lifted Jessica off of her feet. "You must be really uninformed if you think you can take Supergirl in a fight."
"What kind of a name is Supergirl?" Jessica asked.
"May I remind you I'm holding you in the air without breaking a sweat?" Kara said.
"Yeah well, I'm not entirely convinced this isn't some sort of bad dream eating bad Chinese," Jessica said.
"You think you're having a nightmare? I was supposed to be going home to National City, and the next thing I know I'm here, which is where exactly?"
"You're in New York of course. Could you maybe see your way to putting me down now?" Jessica asked. She pounded ineffectually on Kara's arm. "Seems to be there's something weird going on that we should talk through."
Kara lowered Jessica back to the ground. "Just don't try anything funny."
"I should be the now saying that," Jessica said. She sat down behind her desk. "Start from the top. No wait, start with why you're dressed like a cheerleader."
Kara pulled her cape around her to cover up her costume. "Like I said, I'm Supergirl."
Jessica's eyebrows shot up her forehead. "Supergirl, really? Isn't that a little infantilizing?"
Kara let out a deep sigh. "I know, look I didn't pick the name out. I wanted to be called Superwoman, but Ms. Grant liked Supergirl more, and she was the media in National City at the time so there wasn't much I could do about it, and now the name's stuck so I kind of have to roll with it."
Jessica held up her hands. "I'm not nearly drunk enough for this. Forget I said anything, though it does explain the big S on your chest."
Kara's face brightened. "Oh, it's not an S. This is my family's crest. In my native language it stands for…"
"Oh my god, lady I do not give a shit about the big S on your shirt." Jessica massaged her temples.
Kara cocked her head to one side. "You have a real potty mouth, do you know that?"
"A potty mouth? What are you, twelve?"
Kara blinked at Jessica's retort. "I just think that as a hero there's a duty to be a role model," she said.
Jessica reached for her both of whiskey, saw that it was empty, then stood up to get a fresh bottle off her shelf. "I hate to break it to you sister, but I ain't no role model."
Kara wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Isn't it a little early to have a drink?"
"Not when I have to deal with whatever your drama is." Jessica pulled the cork out and drank straight from the bottle. "Please, continue."
"There isn't much to say, I was visiting my friend Barry and his wife in their Central City. I used my teleport device to go home then something happened and the next thing I know I'm here." Kara flapped her arms up and down.
"So three questions. One, where is Central City? Two, what do you mean their? Three, where is National City? And four, what the hell do I call you, because it's sure as hell not going to be Supergirl."
"What do you mean where's Central City? Everyone knows where Central City is. That's like asking where Metropolis or Gotham are."
"The more you keep talking, the less I understand," Jessica said.
"So there's no Central City, Gotham, Metropolis, or National City on this Earth?" Kara asked. "What about Star City?"
"And there you go again with the this Earth nonsense," Jessica said.
Kara pressed her hands to her temples and started to pace. "Oh no, this is bad, this is really very bad." She pulled in a deep breath then faced Jessica. "Are you familiar with the theory of the Multiverse?"
"The multi-what now?"
"The Multiverse, the idea that there are many universes, each one just a little bit different from the next."
"And you are from one of these alternate universes, is that it?"
"Yes, that's it exactly. My friend Cisco gave me a device that lets me travel to his Earth, and well, something must have gone haywire because now I'm on an Earth where my home doesn't exist and I'm guessing you've never heard of the Flash, Green Arrow, or Superman."
"That last one your boyfriend?" Jessica asked.
"What, ew, no, ew, he's my baby cousin, ew. Well, I say baby cousin, but I spent several decades trapped in the Phantom Zone, so while I remember him from when he was a baby he's older than I am and has been a superhero longer."
Jessica held up her hand. "The more you talk, the worse my headache gets. I know I'll regret asking this, but what's the Phantom Zone?"
"An alternate dimension where time works differently," Kara said. "My people used it to imprison our worst criminals for hundred of years."
Jessica pinched the bridge of her nose. "So that means you think you are…"
"An alien? Yes, my home was the planet Krypton, but the planet was dying. So my father and his brother sent myself and my cousin to Earth. Only as I said, my pod got knocked off course and by the time arrived on Earth my cousin had already grown up and become Superman. My name is Kara Zor-El, daughter of a dead planet, and protector of National City." Kara rested her hands on her hips.
"Lady, I have heard some crazy shit in my time, but that is without a doubt the craziest I have ever heard," Jessica said. "And that includes the brat who claims he punched a dragon in the heart."
"But I'm telling you the truth," Kara said. Her hands dropped to her sides.
"I didn't say I don't believe you," Jessica said. "I've seen aliens get crapped out of a hole in the sky, and fought ninjas in the skeleton of a dragon. I'm used to weird shit. I'm just saying that even by my messed up standards your story is crazy."
"I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment," Kara said.
"Take it however you want," Jessica said. "So how are you getting home Supergirl?"
"I don't know." Kara produced a small disc-shaped device from a hidden pocket. She pushed the button on the center of the device, and nothing happened. "There goes my only idea. I have to hope that my friends will realize something went wrong and come looking for me."
"And what are you going to do in the meantime?"
Kara shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know that either. Do people still need saving in this world? I'll probably just do that to make myself feel useful."
Jessica held up her hand. "I'm just going to stop you right there. That is a spectacularly bad idea. Yo can't go run around and save people. There are laws about that."
"There are laws against saving people? What kind of horrible world is this?"
"Shockingly people have issued with superpowered freaks running around inserting themselves into the legal system," Jessica said. "If you go out there and start rescuing kittens out of trees dressed like that then you'll have the Avengers, SHIELD, the government, and who the hell else knows all up in your business and I don't think a literal illegal alien wants that."
Kara crossed her arms across her chest. "In that case what do you think I should do?"
"You said your friends are going to come looking for you right?"
Kara nodded her head. "Yeah, they will be."
"Then why don't you stay here until they show up," Jessica said. Before Kara could reply Jessica's phone started to ring. Jessica looked down at the phone then answered it. "This is Jessica. What? Yeah, I've got them. Where do you want to meet? Okay, just bring the money like we agreed." She hung up the phone then looked over at Kara. "Sorry Blondie, duty calls. I'll be back as soon as I hand over some incriminating photos of a cheating spouse to a client of mine."
Kara looked around the small office. "Do you have a computer I could use to read the Internet? I'd like to familiarize myself with your Earth. You do have the Internet right?"
"Regrettably we do." Jessica spun around her laptop and opened it up. "Just stay out of my browser history."
"Are you sure you don't want help with this meeting?" Kara asked. "I am very good muscle."
"I'm my own muscle. Besides cheerleader from space isn't exactly the most intimidating look."
"I can be very intimidating," Kara said.
"I'm sure you can, but I'll still take my chances flying solo." Jessica slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out of the office. She locked the door behind her.
Kara launched a web browser and started to type in search terms before sighing. She closed the laptop and looked out of the window. She watched Jessica flag down a cab. Kara quickly made up her mind and flew out the office window. She ascended into the clouds and followed the cab as it made its way through the city.
Jessica had the cab stop outside of an abandoned warehouse complex. She paid the driver then briefly surveyed her surroundings before entering the complex. If she had looked up she might have seen a speck in the sky hovering over her.
Inside the complex Jessica came to a stop in between two half-demolished warehouses when she saw a group of five men dressed in dark suits standing in front of an SUV. "You boys lost, the mob hit is the next block over," Jessica told the men.
"No, we're right where we want to be Ms. Jones," the lead man said.
"I'm here to meet Lucy Kilkany," Jessica said. She pulled her shoulder bag tighter to her body.
"A fact I am aware of. My associates and I are representing Mrs. Kilkany in this transaction."
"Why are members of the Golito family running errands for the wife of a stock broker?" Jessica asked. She kept her eyes firmly locked on the men in case they moved for a weapon.
"The Golito family? You have an over active imagination Ms. Jones."
Jessica started to slowly ease her way away from the men. "You're Tony Renzani, underboss for the Golito syndicate. What can I say, when I get bored I read up on the mob. Now I repeat, why do you care about one stock broker's divorce?" Jessica paused. "Unless he's not just a stock broker, but also laundering money for you on the side. You're afraid of what might come out in the divorce so you what, killed Lucy to make sure she wouldn't divorce her cheating douche of a husband?"
Renzani held up his hands to quiet Jessica. "Ms. Jones, let me assure you that Mrs. Kilkany is still among the living, and quite rankly, I'm a little insulted by your defamation of my character. I have nothing but the utmost respect for the holy sacrament of matrimony, and we were simply doing our part to make sure these two confused individuals reaffirm the vows they made to each other in front of the Lord."
Jessica crossed her arms. "You finished?"
"To that end Ms. Jones, if you could please hand over all the material you collected on Mr. Kilkany. We will happily pay you twice your rate and the Kilannys can get on with the business of living their lives like God intended."
"Not until I see Lucy. If she wants to reconcile with her husband that's her own shitty decision, but I sure as hell ain't gonna take your word for it."
Renzani smiled. "If you were smart Ms. Jones, you'd take the deal and walk away. This doesn't concern you."
Jessica raised her fists. "I think I'll be the judge of what does and doesn't concern men. Now where's Lucy?"
"I've heard about you Jones. Word on the street is that you're as strong as that freak in Harlem, but I wonder, are you as bulletproof as he is?" The four men accompanying Renzani all drew pistols and aimed them at Jessica.
Before Jessica could react Kara landed between her and the mobsters. "I don't know if Jessica is bulletproof, but I am." She set her hands on her hips. "This is the part where you surrender by the way."
Renzani stared at Kara. "Who the hell do you think you are, Super Stewardess?"
"I'm Supergirl," Kara said. "And drop your weapons, because I promise you that you won't like what happens next."
"Kill the both of them and get me those pictures," Renzani said to his henchmen who opened fire on Kara and Jessica.
Jessica started to duck, but stopped when she realized that Kara was standing stock still as the mobsters fired at her, completely unfazed by the bullets striking her. When the firing stopped Kara looked down at the spent bullets at her feet. "Okay, not to sound all cliche about this, but its my turn." Faster than the blink of an eye Kara closed the distance between her and the mobsters. She tossed them around with impunity and ignored any punches they did manage to land on her. Renzani tried to make a break for the SUV but Kara caught him by his collar.
"What the hell are you?" Renzani asked Kara after she spun him around and lifted him off the ground.
"I told you, I'm Supergirl," Kara replied. "Now are you going to stay here and wait for the police or am I going to have to tie you up?"
Renzani looked at his unconscious henchmen. "I'll stay, I'll stay."
Kara smiled at Renzani. "That's the first smart decision you've made all day. And just to make sure you keep your word." Kara fired her heat vision at the SUV's tires, causing them to burst. She then patted Renzani on the head. "I really do hope you reconsider your life choices in prison. I'm sure you have better things to offer the world than a life of crime." She dropped Renzani and faced Jessica. "We should go. The police are on their way, and you don't strike me as the sort of person who deals well with authority figures."
Jessica stared at Kara. "Holy shit, you're, all those, you're, holy shit."
"Okay, I can see this has been a little much for you, so I'll just fly us out of here." Before she picked up Jessica, Kara paused and looked at Renzani. "Before we go, one last question, where exactly is her client? It'd be a super big help if you told us."
"I don't care if you laser my brain out. I won't tell you anything you freaky bitch," Renzani said.
"Wow, really, freaky bitch is the best you've got? That's just sad, and lasering your brains out? First of all, it's heat vision, not lasers, so I'd cook your brain, and second of all, ew. That's just gross, you have issues. Come on Jessica, hold on tight." Kara picked up Jessica and flew them away from the warehouse.
Kara flew through the open window and deposited Jessica on the floor of her office. Before Jessica said anything she picked up a bottle of whiskey and took a long drink. "What the hell was that?" Jessica asked.
"That was me saving your life," Kara said. "You're welcome by the way."
"I told you to stay here."
Kara stroked her chin. "That is a funny way of saying thank-you."
"I could've handled those guys," Jessica said.
"Lucky for you, you'll never know for sure," Kara said.
Jessica let out a deep sigh. "Look, thank-you for saving my life or whatever, but my client is apparently a prisoner of the freaking mob, and my best lead to finding her is now in police custody so good luck to me in even getting close to him."
"If he wasn't going to talk to me why would he talk to you?" Kara asked.
"Maybe because I'm more intimidating," Jessica said.
"Let's agree to disagree about that," Kara said. She started to pace around the room. "So what are we going to do about your missing client?"
"What do you mean we? You've done enough. I'm going to shake some trees and see what falls loose."
Kara stamped her foot, causing the furniture in the office to jump. "There's a woman in danger. I'm going to help you find her whether you like it or not because I am a hero and that's what heroes do." She paused. "Have I mentioned I have x-ray vision?"
Jessica glared at Kara in disbelief. "You have what now?"
"X-ray vision I can see through just about everything, well except for lead," Kara said. She beamed at Jessica.
"We are going to have to make a full accounting of all your abilities," Jessica said. "You can't keep pulling them out of your ass like this."
"Okay, let's see. As you know, I can fly, I'm super strong — I don't exactly know my upper limit, but it's hundreds of tons at least. I have freeze breath and heat vision." Kara ticked off her abilities on her fingertips. "On top of the x-ray vision my eyesight is telescopic and microscopic. And I'm mostly impervious to damage. You know, more powerful than a locomotive, faster than a speeding bullet, etcetera etcetera that's me."
"Jesus Christ, you could beat up the Avengers all by yourself," Jessica said.
"I don't know who that is," Kara said.
"They're the big deal, save the planet heroes," Jessica said. "You'd fit right in with them."
"Thanks," Kara said.
"That wasn't a compliment," Jessica said. "Still, you're a walking wire tap. I'd have to be pretty stupid not to take advantage of you. Though we have to do something about what you're wearing."
Kara looked down at her costume. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"
"You look like Captain America's female assistant," Jessica said. "You don't exactly blend in," she added when she saw the blank expression on Kara's face.
"What are you suggesting? No offense, but I don't want to wear your dirty clothes."
"That assumes I don't have any clean clothes, which, okay safe assumption. There's a Goodwill down the street. We can put together an outfit or two for you there."
Kara clapped her hands together. "Oh boy, a shopping trip."
Jessica held up her hands. "Oh no, I'm not going to be seen in public with you dressed like that if I can help it. I have a reputation to uphold. You look to be about my size. Wait here, for real this time."
"But I," Kara started to say.
"No buts, stay here, you stick out like a sore thumb, and until we can get you into some less conspicuous clothes you'll be an easy mark for the Golitos to find."
"Fine, you've made your point," Kara said. She looked around the small office. "Is there anything I can do to help out around here?"
"There is precisely nothing for you to do, just wait for me to come back." Jessica pulled open the office door.
"Oh, I know you'll just reject any suggestions I might have for what I want to wear, but I do have one very small request." Kara held up her thumb and forefinger.
Jessica sighed. "I make no promises, but what is it?"
"A pair of fashion glasses, preferably with lenses and not too ugly."
"Why do you need glasses?"
"Because I lost mine crossing over into this dimension," Kara said.
Jessica raised her eyebrows. "I'll see what I can do."
"Oh thank-you so much, and I'll stay right here, provided I don't hear any cries for help. I'm not going to sit idly by and let people get hurt. I'm sure you understand."
Jessica shook her head. "No, I don't." She left the office, pulling the door shut behind her. Kara looked around the office again, sighed, then sat down behind the desk and started to browse the Internet.
A short while later Kara's reading was interrupted by the office phone ringing. She stared at the phone then bit her nails as it rang. Kara did her best to ignore the phone, but the ringing eventually got to her and she picked up the phone. "Alias Investigation," Kara said into the receiver, slipping back into her personal assistant persona. "How may I help you?"
"Who is this?" a clipped woman's voice said.
"Who is this?" Kara replied.
"Jeri Hoggarth, I am trying to get in touch with Jessica Jones, but she isn't answering her phone."
"Well Ms. Hoggarth, Ms Jones has stepped out for am moment. I'd be happy to take a message for you, and I'll be sure she gets it when she returned to the office." Kara fumbled around in the desk for a pen and paper.
"A message, okay fine, you tell her that I don't appreciate my calls being ducked."
"Ms. Jones is very busy, as I'm sure you are aware. I'm positive that she isn't intentionally avoiding you."
"I'm sure she isn't," Hoggarth said in a tone that told Kara she meant the opposite. "Whenever she does crawl out of whatever gutter she's hiding in have her call me. She knows my number." The line went dead, leaving Kara staring at the headset. Kara shrugged, wrote down the message, then wandered into the kitchen to clean it.
When Jessica came back to the office she found Kara sitting behind her desk. In front of her was a stack of Post-It Notes. "Yes Mrs. Alesky, Ms. Jones will be in touch with you at her earliest convenience," Kara said into the phone. "Thank-you so much for calling Alias Investigations, and have a nice day." Kara hung up the phone. "Oh Jessica, you're back." Kara stood up from the desk and handed the Post-Its to Jessica.
"What the hell is this?" Jessica asked.
"Your messages," Kara said. "I also organized your files, straightened out your calendar, and cleaned your kitchen, but I draw the line at cleaning bedrooms so you're on your own there."
"You did what?" Jessica dropped the bags she was holding.
"I was bored and wanted to help out. I worked for years as Cat Grant's personal assistant, so I know a thing or two about how to field phone calls. You should call Ms. Hoggarth first. She sounds like she has money." She tapped the top note.
"Maybe I was trying to avoid Jeri, did that ever occur to your blonde mind?"
Kara crossed her arms in front of her. "That's not how a successful business is run, and based on this office you could stand a few successes."
"Oh, you do jokes now?" Jessica asked. "Why don't you change your clothes and we can look for Mrs. Kilkany, or would you rather continue to play at being my secretary."
Kara picked up the bags. "Thank-you for the clothes, this means a lot to me. Were you also able to find a pair of glasses?"
Jessica reached into her jacket pocket, pulled out a pair of wire-rimmed glasses and handed them to Kara. "I don't get why you were so insistent about getting them, but here you go."
"Thank-you so much," Kara said as she took the glasses and ran into Jessica's bathroom to change. "Would you mind if I sterilize your bathroom while I'm in here?" Kara called out through the closed door.
"Don't set fire to my apartment with your freaky laser beam eyes please," Jessica replied.
"I already told you, they aren't lasers…is that blood?"
"You are an indestructible living god, stop being so squeamish," Jessica replied.
"I am not a god!" Kara said. "I'm just as fallible as the next person."
Jessica leaned against the door jamb. "Sounds like a touchy subject."
Kara pulled open the bathroom door. She was dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans, a vintage Captain America t-shirt, and a pair of Converse sneakers. She held a tan leather jacket in her hands. "There was a man on my Earth who started a religion in my name and it was just the freakiest thing. I strongly recommend against it."
"I'm not planning on inspiring a cult anytime soon," Jessica replied. "It helps that there are literal gods running around town to distract the simple minded."
"Where did you want to start first in our search for Mrs. Kilkany?" Kara asked.
"Mr. Kilkany I think," Jessica said. "He's the asshole who started this mess. Let's see what he has to say about the Golitos attempting to play marriage counsellor."
Kara nodded her head. "I like that plan."
"I thought you might."
"Do you want me to fly us to Mr. Kilkany's apartment?" Kara asked.
"No it's fine, we can take a cab," Jessica said.
"You didn't like it when I flew you back here did you," Kara said.
"It was a unique experience I'd rather not repeat," Jessica said.
Kara sighed. "One day I'll find someone who thinks flying is as neat as I do."
"The flying part is fine, it's the going squish on the ground part that's giving me pause. You don't have to worry about that since you're more a danger to the ground than vice versa."
Kara pulled her hair back into a hastily tied ponytail and put on her new pair of glasses. "I wouldn't drop you."
"Do you really expect those to disguise you?" Jessica pointed at the glasses.
"You'd be amazed," Kara said.
They walked out into the hallway where they were stopped by Oscar, who was changing a lightbulb in the hallway. "Hey Jessica, who's your friend?"
Jessica looked in between Kara and Oscar. "This is, ah, my, uh, intern, Kara. Kara, this is Oscar, the building super and my, uh, friend."
Kara held out her hand to Oscar. "Pleased to meet you Oscar."
Oscar shook Kara's hand. "Likewise. So, intern, how did that happen?"
"Well you know, I was taking a class on law enforcement, and I thought what the heck, might as well see how a real private investigator does her job."
"So naturally you go to Jessica. Are you sure that's a good idea? Seems to me the only things Jessica can teach you are bad habits."
"Oh no, Ms. Jones has taught me loads of interesting things about being a PI," Kara said. "In fact we're headed off to rescue one of her clients from some mobsters."
Oscar held up an index finger. "Excuse me, I need to talk to Jessica for a moment in private." He grabbed Jessica by the arm and dragged her down the hallway. "Are you crazy, taking that naive slip of a girl with you while you go chase down mobsters?"
Jessica wrenched her arm free of Oscar's grip. "Relax, that 'girl' is tougher than she looks." She looked back at Kara who was whistling tunelessly while swinging her arms back and forth as she did her best not to look like she could hear the conversation. "As strange as that might sound."
"You mean she's someone like you," Oscar said.
"Not like me. She's not like anybody."
Oscar folded his arms together and looked down at Jessica. "I suppose even if that wasn't true there's not much I could do to change your mind."
Jessica smiled at Oscar and patted him on the cheek. "Now you're getting it." She turned to look back at Kara. "Hey Kara, shake a leg, we've got a client to save."
"You've got it Ms. Jones," Kara said. She walked past Oscar on her way to the elevator. "It was really nice to meet you Oscar. I wish we could spend more time talking but." She pointed at Jessica who was already standing in the elevator waiting for Kara.
"Okay Zor-El, here's what I don't get about you," Jessica said as they stood on the side of the street waiting for a cab.
"Danvers," Kara said.
"What?"
"My last name, when I came to Earth I was adopted by a human family and I took their last name as my cover identity," Kara said. "Besides, Zor-El was my father's name."
"Hold up, so your secret identity is Kara Danvers?"
"Yes, what of it?"
Jessica shook her head. "Nothing, It just reminded me of someone, not important, totally doesn't matter." She cocked her head to one side. "And what do you mean Zor-El is your father's name?"
"I'd rather not get into the intricacies of Kryptonian society. What was your question anyway?"
"My question, oh right. How is it you're always so chipper?"
Kara scrubbed a foot along the ground. "I'm not always cheerful."
"In the entire time I've known you I've never once seen you despondent, despite being trapped in an alternate dimension."
"Oh I'm not trapped," Kara said. "I mean I am, but my friends are going to find away to get me home. They're smart like that."
A taxi pulled up next to them and Jessica opened the door. "That's a lot of faith to put on your friends," she said before stepping into the cab.
"They haven't let me down yet," Kara replied as she followed Jessica into the cab.
Jessica had the taxi drop them off a block away from the Kilkany's townhouse. "So what's the play?" Kara asked Jessica. "Knock on the door?"
"That's what I normally do unless you have a better idea."
Kara shook her head. "The direct approach is my favorite too."
"Just be sure to keep an eye out for any members of the Golito family lurking in the shadows," Jessica said.
"You have no idea how often that comes up in my normal day to day routine," Kara said.
Kara and Jessica approached the townhouse with Kara on the lookout for anyone suspicious. When none were forthcoming they walked up the front steps and Jessica knocked on the front door. Kara continued to look for trouble as they waited for the door to open.
When the door did open they were met by the slightly balding man Jessica had been surveilling when Kara arrived. "Brian Kilkany," Jessica said. "We need to talk about your wife."
Kilkany stepped away from the door. "Come in," he said. "Do you know where Lucy is?"
"You mean you don't?" Jessica replied. "I'm Jessica Jones, a private investigator your wife hired to see if you were cheating on her, which spoiler warning, you are."
Kilkany backed up into an end table loaded down with small tchotchkes. "You, she, what?"
"You're sleeping around and she's divorcing you dude, try to keep up," Jessica said.
"Why did the mob kidnap your wife?" Kara asked.
"The mob did what?" Kilkany asked. "I have no idea why…"
"Cut the bullshit," Jessica said. She grabbed Kilkany by the lapels and lifted him up off of his feet. "You handle money for the Golito family and they didn't like the idea of you going through discovery in a divorce proceeding. So they abducted Lucy and tried to force me into handing over the incriminating pictures I'd take of you and your secretary."
"I had nothing to do with this," Kilkany said. "You have to believe me."
Jessica looked over at Kara who wiggled her hands in a so-so motion. "Try again asshole." She tightened her grip on Kilkany.
"Okay, okay, I might've mentioned to Renzani that Lucy wanted a divorce, but I didn't ask him to do anything about it. Jesus Christ, what sort of a monster do you take me for?"
"You thought it was acceptable to cheat on your wife," Kara said. "Is it that big a leap?"
"That doesn't mean I'd call in a hit on her. Look our marriage was falling apart even before the affair. I was okay with the divorce, and even with the settlement. Anything she asked for I was going to give her."
Jessica set Kilkany down and took a step back from him. "If that's true then why keep the affair from her?"
"It was because I was keeping the affair from her. If I caved on everything then she'd have no reason to dig deeper into my affairs."
Kara snapped her fingers. "She didn't know about your mob ties."
"And all the money the Golitos' paid you. So your plan was to agree to all her demands, give her whatever she asked from your legitimate holdings, and you'd still have your blood money to fall back on," Jessica said.
"Yes, fine, she didn't know, and no I didn't want her to, because I didn't want to have to explain in court where I got the money from."
"Honestly you're just lucky Renzani didn't have you whacked on the spot," Jessica said.
Kilkany sucked in a deep breath. "The Golitos have too much of their money invested with me, not that I have any illusions about where I stand with them."
Jessica crossed her arms in front of her. "Wonderful, you know what working for the mob means. So do you have anything useful for us in finding where your wife is or am I going to have to make an anonymous phone call to the IRS?"
"No, no, I have no idea. They always come to me when they want to talk."
"So what if you have to talk to them about something. Like the market is on fire and their money is at risk?" Jessica asked.
"They gave me a number to call."
"There here's what I want you to do for me Brian," Jessica said. "Call up your buddies at the Golito family and set up a meeting at your office."
"Won't, won't that get me in trouble with the Golitos?"
Jessica cracked her knuckles. "Maybe, but I'm right here, and they aren't"
"After you set up the meeting turn yourself in to the police. Witness protection can keep you safe," Kara said.
"Yeah, forget that, I'm getting out of the country ASAP," Kilkany said.
Jessica rested a hand on Kilkany's arm. "Why don't you let me talk to the Golitos before you make things worse for yourself."
"What could you possibly say to them to get them to not kill me for talking?"
"As you've seen I can be very persuasive," Jessica said. "Now make the call."
That night Jessica leaned against the desk in Kilkany's office as she waited for the representative of the Golitos to arrive. She looked out the window and up at the perch she had used earlier to spy on Kilkany. Her cellphone buzzed with a new text. She checked the phone and saw a message that simply read "He's here." Jessica pocketed the phone and pushed herself away from the desk. The door opened and Renzani entered the office.
"I should have known it was you," Renzani said when he saw Jessica.
"I could say the same about you," Jessica said. "Aren't you supposed to be in a jail cell?"
Renzani shrugged. "What can I say, police stations don't agree with me. What do you want Jones?"
"You know what I want, let Lucy Kilkany go and stop meddling in their divorce. Shockingly your man Brian had everything under control until you stuck your nose in it."
"And why should I do that?"
"Because if you don't I'm going to tear your organization apart with my bare hands and you know I'm strong enough to do it," Jessica said.
Renzani worked his tongue against his teeth like he was trying to dislodge a piece of stuck food. "I'll make you a counter offer Jones. Give me what I want, and I'll give you what you want. How does that sound to you?"
Jessica frowned. "Why do you want those pictures so badly?"
"I just do. Give me the photos and this is all over."
Jessica shook her head. "You know what, no deal. Giving you what you want doesn't sit right with me."
"Even if it gets your client killed?"
"Oh Tony, even you aren't that stupid. You hurt Lucy and I really will wreck you." Jessica took a step towards Renzani.
"If you're so worried about your client's well-being then hand over the pictures," Renzani said. "You know how to reach me." Renzani walked out of the office.
As soon as the door closed Kara pulled out her phone and dialed a number. "Hey, no dice, onto Plan B."
"Copy that," Kara replied. "I have eyes on him." She hung up the phone as she watched Renzani get into a town car and drive off. Kara took off and followed the car as it drove through Manhattan. She made sure to stay high enough that she wouldn't be spotted, but close enough to the car so as not to lose it in the New York City traffic. The town car eventually pulled up next to a run down office building. Kara landed on the building across the street and examined the office building with her x-ray vision. She pulled out her phone and dialed Jessica's number.
"It's me. Renzani just entered a building, and when I look inside I see a couple of burly guys in a room with a woman tied to a chair. What? No, it's not a sex thing! I'm texting you my location, if I can figure out this phone. Whoever this Stark person is, he has a terrible sense for user interface." Kara took the phone away from her ear and fumbled with it for a moment. "I'll keep and eye on the building until you get here." Kara ended the call then hunkered down behind an HVAC unit so she could continue observing the building without being seen.
A while later Kara heard a thud and a muffled curse from behind her. She turned her head and saw Jessica picking herself up off the rooftop. Kara stood up from her hiding spot and ran over to Jessica. "You never told me you could fly."
Jessica dusted off her leather jacket. "I can't fly, but I can jump very well."
"Would you say you're able to leap over tall buildings in a single bound?" Kara asked.
"Depends on how high the building is," Jessica replied. "Now what do we have here?" She and Kara walked over to the edge of the roof.
"Renzani hasn't left since he got here," Kara said. "They also haven't done anything to the woman."
"I've been wondering, why aren't you telling me to hand over the pictures?" Jessica asked. "That is the easiest out."
Kara shrugged. "Lots of reasons: it's your Earth, so you know the people better. And I think you're right. There's more going on than just pictures. But mostly because I don't like kidnappers, and I don't want to see them get away with this. So what's the plan? I could go in there and get Mrs. Kilkany no problem."
"Why don't we stick with what's worked. I'll go make a distraction and you do the actual hero work," Jessica said.
"Grab Lucy Kilkany and get her out of the building, I can do that," Kara said.
"No time like the present, let's do this," Jessica stepped off the roof and dropped to the ground. Kara kicked herself up into the air and floated across the street. She watched as Jessica approached the front door of the office building. The two guards standing watch at the door tried to stop her, but she tossed them both down the street then kicked down the front door. Kara listened as Jessica smashed her way through the building. Kara counted to five then dove through the window of the room where Lucy Kilkany was being held. She knocked out the two guards in the room by smashing them into the walls. She then began to untie the kidnapped woman.
"Lucy Kilkany, don't worry. I work with Jessica Jones and we're here to rescue you," Kara told the woman.
"What on Earth is going on, why are these men holding me prisoner? Who are you? How did you do that?" Lucy asked.
"Those are all excellent questions, and I will gladly answer them." The door burst open and two more Golito soldiers entered the room with their guns drawn. Kara stepped in between Lucy and the mobsters as they opened fire. Their bullets bounced harmlessly off of Kara's back and when their guns ran out of ammo she turned and knocked them together.
"I really don't like guns and you ruined the nice clothes my new friend Jessica got me," Kara said. She tossed one of them back into the hallway and the other across the room.
Kara held her hand out to Lucy. "Come on, I'm going to get you to safety."
Lucy grabbed hold of Kara's hand. "How?"
"Like this." Kara wrapped her arms around Lucy and flew them across the street. Kara reached for her phone, but saw that in the firefight it had been destroyed by a stray bullet. "Oh fiddlesticks."
"How did you do that? Did you just say fiddlesticks?" Lucy said.
"Look, just stay right here, I need to go get Jessica," Kara said.
Lucy looked around the rooftop. "Where would I go?"
"Good point, don't worry, this won't take long." Kara leapt back across the street and started to search the office building for Jessica. She found the PI on the top floor pinned down outside the penthouse office.
"What are you doing here?" Jessica asked Kara. "Did you find Lucy?"
"I did and she's safe, but my phone got wrecked and I didn't have any other way to get in touch with you."
"Congratulations, you're in touch with me. Renzani is on the other side of that door, but I can't get by his guards to talk to him."
Kara glanced around the corner they were hiding behind and saw two more guards spraying down the hallway with machine-gun fire. "I can take care of this if you want me to."
"Jesus Christ yes, go do you bullet proof shit."
"Okay, just watch out for any ricochets." Kara looked down at her clothes and sighed. "I really did like this jacket." She paused then took off the jacket and her glasses and tossed them to Jessica. Kara then stepped around the corner and into the line of fire.
Kara rushed the two gunmen and was on top of them before they could react. She reached out with both hands and crushed the barrels of their rifles. "I think you boys are in the wrong line of work, don't you?" The two mobsters shared a look then ran past Kara and down the hall. Kara then sized up the door standing in front of her. She drew in a breath then punched the door with all of her might. The door exploded in a shower of wood and metal splinters and Kara walked into the office. She found Renzani cowering behind a desk holding an oversized revolver.
"Stay back," Renzani said as he aimed the gun at Kara. "I've got this loaded with Judas bullets. They're strong enough to take down even a freak like you."
"Are you sure of that?" Kara asked. She squared her shoulders and set her hands on her hips.
"The question girlie is are you?" Renzani asked.
Kara smiled. "Try me."
"Suit yourself." Renzani took aim at Kara, then fired a round at her. She twisted at the last moment and the Judas bullet embedded itself harmlessly into the wall. Then after a brief moment it exploded, carving out a large divot in the wall.
"That's not a very nice bullet," Kara said. Renzani fired another round at Kara. This time she reached out and caught the bullet with her thumb and forefinger. She held the bullet up and was staggered slightly by the explosion. She coughed and waved the smoke out of her face. "Seriously, you're going to keep at this even though you know it's not going to work?" Instead of responding Renzani took aim at Kara again. Kara rolled her eyes, sucked in a deep breath, then released a blast of cold air at Renzani's hands. The gun started to frost over and he dropped the super-chilled weapon. Kara reached down and crushed the gun in her hands.
Kara grabbed Renzani by his lapels and lifted him up in the air. "Now then, are you going to listen to what we have to say?" Renzani nodded his head. "It's safe, you can come in now," Kara called out to Jessica.
Jessica walked into the office and surveyed the damage. "I told you not to push me," she told Renzani. "But you could let this go, and for the life of me I couldn't figure out why. It wasn't at the request of Brian Kilkany. So why needlessly commit a federal crime? Then it occurred to me, what if it has nothing to do with the Kilkanys and their drama? There were two people in those pictures I took after all." Jessica reached into her jacket and withdrew a black and white three by five photo of a partially undressed woman bent over a desk by Brian Kilkany. "Who's the woman Tony?"
"How the hell should I know?" Renzani asked. "Kilkany's secretary maybe, why don't you ask him?"
Jessica nudged Kara to drop Renzani. "Oh I will, believe me, but this is your chance to make this right Tony. If you tell me then we can work something out. If I have to go back to Kilkany then who knows who else might hear the name?" Jessica tapped the photo against her hand. "Tick tock Tony, what's it going to be?"
Renzani glared at Jessica. "Okay fine, the woman is Maria Golito."
"The Don's oldest daughter? how did a loser like Kilkany manage to bang her?"
"Do you have to be so crude about it?" Kara asked.
"It's part of my charm," Jessica said.
"Her father asked Maria to work for Kilkany to keep an eye on him, she's got a head for money," Renzani said. "Apparently they hit if off and…" Renzani shrugged his shoulders. "Nature took its course."
"Fine, so the mob boss's daughter is sleeping with the stock broker, big deal," Kara said.
"It is a big deal when the stock broker is still married," Renzani said. "Don Golito takes the sanctity of marriage very seriously."
"Except for all those lap dances he's been photographed getting," Jessica said.
"The don has his code, who am I to question it?"
Jessica took a step towards Renzani. "I think it's just more patriarchal bullshit designed to keep women oppressed with bullshit double standards."
"An angry bitch like you would think that," Renzani said.
Jessica drew her arm back to punch Renzani but Kara grabbed her and held her back. "Look, we have no interest in spilling the beans to the Don about what his daughter's been up to," Kara said. "So why don't we all just go our separate ways and forget this ever happened."
"Just like that, I'm supposed to forget what you did to me, to my men?"
"What exactly about how tonight went down has you chomping at the bit for a rematch?" Jessica asked. "We kicked your ass once and we can do it again."
"You promise you won't say anything to anyone about Maria's indiscretion?"
Jessica rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, we won't say anything to sully her good name."
"Let the Kilkany's know that we aren't going to get involved with their divorce, but you tell Kilkany that we are taking our business elsewhere." Renzani jabbed a finger at Kara and Jessica then stormed out of the office.
Jessica and Kara shared a look. "Oh boy, we won, yay," Kara said.
"Let's get out of here," Jessica said. "I need a drink." She turned to leave the office but Kara stepped in front of her.
"But we aren't done yet. We still have to get Lucy Kilkany home."
"Where is she?"
"On the, er, roof of the building across the street," Kara said. "It seemed like the safest place to put her while I helped you."
Jessica rolled her eyes. "Fine, we take her home, hopefully get paid, then get drunk." Jessica shouldered Kara out of the way as she left the office.
"You know you really shouldn't do hero work for the money," Kara said as she followed Jessica out of the office.
Jessica and Kara lead Lucy Kilkany up the steps to her townhouse. They pushed open the door and let Lucy enter the house first. "I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me Ms. Jones," Lucy said.
"Don't thank me too much," Jessica said. "Since I'm the reason they kidnapped you."
They were met in the front hallway by Brian Kilkany and Maria Golito. "Lucy, you're safe, I'm so glad," Brian said as he hugged Lucy.
Lucy pushed herself away from Brian. "Brian, what is this, who is this?" Lucy asked as she pointed at Maria.
"This is Maria, she's, ah…"
"I'm the other woman," Maria said. She held her hand out to Lucy. "I know this must be awkward for you."
"Lucy, Maria and I met at work, and, well, we fell in love. Send me the papers and I'll sign anything you want. You can have all the money, the house, everything. You deserve it and then some."
"But what will you do?"
"Doin't worry about Brian, I'm sure he'll land on his feet, won't you Brian?" Jessica said.
Brian nodded his head. "Yes, of course, absolutely.' He put his hands on Lucy's shoulders. "I'm so sorry this all happened to you Lucy, both the divorce and the kidnapping."
Lucy shoved Brian away again. "I don't understand much of what happened to me today, but I know this, I want you out of the house now."
Brian's shoulders sagged. "That's fair. I'll get out of your way. Have your attorney send the papers to my office and I will get them back to you as soon as possible. Come on Maria." He placed a hand on Maria's elbow and lead her out of the townhouse.
Lucy dabbed at her eyes. "This was not how I saw today going."
"I'm so sorry you had to go through all this Mrs. Kilkany," Kara said. "My recommendation would be to make an appointment with a mental health professional sooner rather than later to talk through all this stuff." She reached out to Lucy and pulled her in for a hug. "Don't worry though, I'm sure you'll pull through this."
"I am still going to have to bill you for the surveillance work," Jessica said. "But the rescue is on the house."
"Of course, of course," Lucy said. "Do you take checks?"
Jessica smiled at Lucy. "I will take my payment however you want."
Later that night Kara and Jessica found themselves at Josies, where Jessica was knocking back shots of whiskey while Kara stared dubiously at the rocks glass in front of her. "What's the matter Kara, you don't like whiskey?" Jessica asked.
"It's more my sister's, my adoptive sister's, thing," Kara said. "I never developed much of a taste for it."
"Well too bad, because tonight you're drinking with me."
Kara held up a finger. "Okay but only on one condition. If I drink a shot you have to tell me something about yourself."
"And why would you want to know anything about me?" Jessica asked.
"Because I'm curious about you," Kara said. "Why are you so." Kara waved her arms in the air. "You."
"And you'll take a shot for everything about myself I tell you?"
Kara nodded her head. "I promise, and coming from me that means something."
Jessica picked up her glass and swirled it around before draining the whiskey in one swallow. "You're on." Jessica held up her finger. "Wait a sec, you've got to answer the same question too."
Kara shrugged. "That seems fair to me." She drank her whiskey and winced as the alcohol burned its way down her throat.
"So what do you want to know?"
"I thought that would be obvious. How did you get your powers?" Kara asked.
"Going right for the jugular is that it?" Jessica asked. She motioned for Josie to refill her glass. She then indicated to the bartender to leave the bottle. Josie rolled her eyes but did as Jessica asked. "It happened when I was sixteen. My family had all piled into the car and we were off of a trip. There was an accident and the next thing I know they're all dead and I have these powers in return, lucky me."
"That's awful, believe me I know what that feels like to survive a tragedy, only in my case it wasn't just my family, it was my entire planet."
"Oh is it going to be that sort of party is it?" Jessica asked.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You want to have a misery battle, see which one of us has had the shittier life."
"That's, no, I don't think my life is…what you said." The tips of Kara's ears turned pink. "I am empathizing with you through similar traumas."
"I once had to shoot an ex-boyfriend in the head with a shotgun," Jessica said before pouring herself another drink. "Oh relax, he has powers and was basically fine afterwards, basically."
Kara readjusted her glasses. "Well I was forced to launch my boyfriend into space to save him from dying from atmospheric lead poisoning. Lead I released to fight off an invasion of Earth lead by his mother."
Jessica's eyebrows climbed her forehead. "No shit, really? That's pretty messed up. But did you know my mother killed a boyfriend of mine, and I didn't even know she was the person responsible until very recently? Hell I didn't even know she was still alive until recently."
"That is rough. My aunt, who was my mother's twin, also survived the destruction of our homeward, along with her husband and her followers. They tried to take over the world, but she never killed anyone I loved." Kara drank down her refilled glass. "Also, my sister ran her through with a sword."
"My adoptive sister shot my mom in the head," Jessica said. "While I was sitting right next to her."
"Oh Rao, Jessica I'm so so sorry, that must have been awful for you." Kara leaned over and hugged Jessica.
"Get off me, I don't do hugs."
"Too bad, because I do," Kara said. "And because you need some positive human contact after all your trauma."
"What I need is another drink and for nosy aliens to butt out of my business," Jessica said. She shrugged out of Kara's grip, knocked back another shot of whiskey then poured herself another drink. "You think there's some kind of bond between us because w3e both have powers. Take it from me sister, you don't know shit about shit. Do you want to know how I got my powers? After they pulled me out of the burning wreckage that was my family, a company did experiments on me. I was dead and they brought me back, and as a side benefit I can now bench press a car. And on top of all that, they did the same thing to my mother, only in her case it turned her into a rage monster who had to be put down like a rabid dog."
Kara took a deep breath. "That is horrifying, and awful, but look at the bright side. At least you've never had a Nazi mad scientist try to cut out your heart."
"No shit, an honest to god Nazi, and not one of those lame Hydra knockoffs?"
"I don't know what Hydra is, but yes, they were honest to god Nazis, from an Earth where they won World War Two."
Jessica let out a low whistle. "That is impressively messed up. How did you not die?"
"Oh my friend Ray showed up in the nick of time and saved me," Kara said. "Then I fought my dying evil Nazi doppelgänger over Central City and had to fly her up into the stratosphere so when she went nova it wouldn't destroy the planet."
"That's a thing you do?"
"She was experimented on, voluntarily, and it went wrong."
"You've lived quite a life," Jessica said.
"It has had its moments," Kara said with a nod. "But that's the life of a superhero."
"Being a superhero is stupid," Jessica said.
"It is not," Kara replied. "I mean yes, it's hard work for minimal reward, but people like us with the capacity to help people have an obligation to do so."
Jessica made a look of disgust. "That bullshit might appeal to you, but I'm not sucker. I'll stick to PI work and leave the silly clothes you."
"You're a good person Jessica. Don't you want to bring good into the world?"
"All I want to do is live my life as quietly as possible," Jessica said. "Unfortunately for me, life doesn't want to leave me alone."
Kara reached for the bottle Josie had left in front of them. "What happened to you? I mean, beyond all the terrible things you have told me about, there's something else. Something that makes you so bitter about being a hero. If you don't mind me asking that is. If must have been awful if you're so open about everything else, but keep it to yourself. I'm sorry you went through it, whatever it is, and if there's anything I can do to help just ask."
"Can you go back in time and punt the asshole monster who took over my mind and used me as his toy for months into orbit?" Jessica asked.
Kara reached over and pulled Jessica in for a hug. "Oh Jessica, I am so, so sorry. I've been mind controlled too, and it was awful, but not for months, that's horrifying."
Jessica struggled against Kara to free herself. "The last thing I want is your sympathy."
"You aren't getting my sympathy. You're getting my understanding. There's a big difference."
Jessica drained her shot glass. "What if I don't want either?"
"Then I won't ask you anymore questions, but it also doesn't change anything. You still my support whether you like it or not."
Jessica tilted her head to one side. "You really mean that, don't you. It's not just some thoughts and prayers bullshit with you."
"Of course I mean it. If you want to talk to me about what you went through I'm here for you. If you'd rather crawl into a bottle and avoid your feelings." Kara stared at the rapidly emptying bottle of whiskey. "Well, I'll still be here for you, but I will be silently judging you on your poor decisions, full disclosure."
Jessica held up her glass for Kara to toast. "I'll drink to that."
"And to answer your question, yes, I can go back in time, but I'm not supposed to. My friend Barry did, and he completely screwed up everything. And then my other friends, Ray and Sara, and their crew, they changed time and broke everything. So time travel is bad."
Jessica rolled her eyes. "Now you really are shitting me."
Kara held up her hands. "I promise you I'm not. Time travel is real, and dangerous."
"We we've got to make the best with what we've got is that it?"
Kara nodded her head. "Something like that, yeah."
Many drinks later that night Kara guided a very drunk Jessica down the street towards her office. "I don't get it, you matched me shot for shot, how are you not drunk?" Jessica asked Kara.
"My metabolism is too robust to be affected by Earth alcohol," Kara said. "I can drink as much as I want and never get drunk."
Jessica pulled up to a stop and wagged a finger at Kara. "That is, by far the saddest thing I've ever heard."
Kara looked back at Jessica to make sure she wasn't about to tip over. "What's so sad about that?"
"You can't get drunk, that must be awful for you."
"Okay, number one, I didn't say I couldn't get drunk, just that alcohol from Earth isn't strong enough to do the job. Number two, I don't like the feeling of being drunk, so it works out well for me. Plus I don't want to accidentally knock over a building or something." Kara put her arm back around Jessica and lead her into the building.
"You are a strange duck Kara Danvers," Jessica said.
"I'm doing my best to help as many people as I can everyday," Kara replied.
As they approached Jessica's office Kara came to a stop causing Jessica to stumble. "What's that for?" Jessica asked.
"Someone is inside your office," Kara said.
"Stay behind me, we'll find out who is in there and kick their ass if they're looking to start trouble."
Kara raised an eyebrow. "Really, I should stay behind you?"
"Force of habit. I stay behind you while you open the door. Does that make you feel better?"
"Are you sure you're up to fending off an intruder?" Kara asked.
Jessica shook her head. "I'm getting there, you aren't the only one with an overactive metabolism. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."
"If you insist," Kara said. She crept forward and tried the door handle. When she found it unlocked she pushed the door open and entered the office with Jessica close behind her.
Standing in the center of the office they found a severe looking woman dressed in designer clothes. Jessica heaved a deep sigh and stepped out from behind Kara. "What the hell are you doing in my office Hoggarth?"
"I called and never heard back from you so I decided the best course of action would be to pay you a visit." Jeri Hoggarth ran a finger over Malcolm's empty desk. "I'm impressed that you've managed to keep this place clean."
"How did you get in?"
"Your friend Malcolm still had his key. He asked me to return it." Jeri set a key down on the desk.
"Wait, I know you. You're the mean lady who called today," Kara said as she snapped her fingers together. "You never returned her call? I told you to call her," she said to Jessica.
"I see Jessica didn't wait long to find a new blonde," Jeri said. "What's your name?"
"I'm Kara Danvers, I'm interning with Ms. Jones for a few days." Kara held her hand out to Jeri, who ignored it.
"Intern, a shame, and here I thought Jessica had finally hired a competent PA," Jeri said.
"Oh, no, I used to be a personal assistant, but I wanted to do something that matters with my life."
"And you chose PI?"
"Journalist, I'm getting tips on investigating from Ms. Jones. It's been very informative so far."
"I bet it has judging by the alcohol I can smell on your breath, and the tatty state of your clothes."
Kara looked down at her jacket, and the bullet holes in it. "It's, uh, distressed."
"Nevermind Kara," Jessica said. "What do you want Hoggarth?"
"I'm here to offer you a job Jessica. You still do that right? Your job I mean."
"Why aren't you asking your lapdogs at Chang?" Jessica replied.
Jeri placed her bag on the desk and pulled a folder out of it. "Because I believe in using the best tools for the job, and for this job you're the best tool available to me."
"So what's the job?" Jessica asked.
"Nothing dangerous, or unseemly I promise you," Jeri said. "I have a witness in a lawsuit I need sat on until he gives his testimony in court," Jeri said. "A cakewalk."
"Why does your witness need a babysitter?"
"A safety precaution, probably unnecessary, but I like to have a plan for every contingency," Jeri said. "Especially when large sums of money are at stake."
Jessica picked up the folder and tapped it against her hand. "When's the court date?"
"Two days, I already have him set up in a safehouse, but he's nervous and needs handholding. So will you do it? You know I pay well, and I know you need to keep your whiskey habit funded."
"All the details are in here?" Jessica waved the folder at Hoggarth.
"Yes."
"Then we'll be over in the morning, if that's okay with you."
Jeri shouldered her bag. "Good, in that case I will see you then." Jeri looked over at Kara. "And make sure it really is the morning as normal people define the term, and not according to Jessica's definition, which is more afternoon, or early evening."
Kara nodded her head. "We'll see you bright and early tomorrow Ms. Hoggarth."
Jeri smiled at Kara. "I'm sure you will." She then walked out of the office.
"Well she seems…horrifying," Kara said.
"Hoggarth is a bitch, but she knows how to do her job," Jessica said. "Definitely an acquired taste though."
"Sounds like someone else I know," Kara said.
"Enjoy the couch," Jessica said as she brushed past Kara and walked into her bedroom. She slammed the door shut behind her.
Kara pulled off her bullet-riddled jacket and sighed. "This really was a nice jacket." She said to herself.
To Be Continued
Author's Notes: It's a new thing, hooray! Not going to lie, this is one of the most self-indulgent things I've ever written, but what are you going to do? Jessica and Kara, especially their TV versions, make great foils for each other. This was originally intended to be a one and done, but the final word count topped out at over twenty thousand, so I split it into two pieces. The second half should go up in a week or so, I still have just over thirty pages of edits left to make. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed it, and look for the conclusion. Thanks, for reading.
-sam