I flinched as a thump echoed through the apartment. I swiveled around in my armchair. A single letter had fallen through the mail slot. Why is there mail? I never get mail. I made sure of that a long time ago.
I slowly walked to the door, kneeling by the letter. Pushing a golden strand of hair out of my face, I carefully lifted it. It was heavier than I expected, a bulge that I hadn't noticed before signified more than one paper. It probably wasn't explosives, though that wouldn't make it the first time.
In case there was a trigger, I used the edge of my nail to slit the bottom of the envelope open. My eyes widened as the contents spilled onto the floor. I smirked at my own anxiety. The only harm I could get from this envelope was a paper cut. There were two pages, glossy and new. The first was a flyer, announcing a museum gala, somewhere in Germany. The second was a one way ticket to Stuttgart. I narrowed my eyes, what had I become, some party entertainment!? That was the only reason I could think of that they'd want me around.
I unfolded the flyer, searching for a hidden motive. A bill floated to the ground. 500 euros. I quickly did the math in my head. In US currency, that was $675.65. No one would spend that much, plus the ticket, without good reason. I sighed and closed my eyes. What choice did I have? Declining would be rude and there was no return address to give the money back. The event was tomorrow, so I didn't have much time left to decide.
No return address…
The thought stuck with me, but not enough so to change my mind. I guess I was going to Germany. I wandered into my bedroom, flinging open the closet doors. I was like a hero in the sense of that I had a uniform, but not quite as spangly as Captain America's. Rows of black V-necks and jean shorts filled my vision. I absent mindedly caressed the fabric of one of the shirts. Pushing through the sea of black cloth, I found the only fancy thing I owned. Still fitting my dress code, the gown was gorgeous. It was a pure black A-line with no straps and a bodice that puffed out a bit. Perfection. The plane ticket declared I arrived the day of the event, so two days' worth of clothes seemed sufficient. I neatly folded the dress and placed it delicately in the small, black suit case. I then added the day wear, pajamas, and toiletries. The pajamas resembled my day wear, including a black camisole and equally colorless pajama pants. My clothes blended in, could be night camouflage, and were flexible if I got in a fight. What more could a girl ask for? I closed the suit case with a resounding click. I guess I did need a vacation. Keeping off S.H.I.E.L.D's radar was exhausting. Ever since the Electro incident….
I rubbed my temples. This week had been particularly trying. I found an agent staking out my apartment, so I had to abandon it for a few days until they left, sleeping on a park bench. After that I had to move again and now I'm here, 1456 First Avenue New York, NY 10021. Uncomfortably close to Stark Towers, but acceptable. At $13,500 a month it's pretty reasonable. I never stay over a month anyway.
I hopped into the shower and let the blissful warmth seep I into my bones. Suddenly a sharp tap sounded from outside the bathroom. I wrapped a towel around me and trudged out.
"Oh my god Logan, what the hell?!" I seethed.
He was perched on the window sill, looking at me expectantly. I lived on the fifth floor. I sighed and with one hand held my towel into place, with the other unlocked the window.
"Elevator was too slow," he grinned, climbing into my apartment.
He looked down at my outraged expression.
"What's wrong?"
"First of all, how did you find me?" I fumed.
"I saw you in the window, why?"
I was positive that wasn't the whole answer, but I let it go.
He took a step closer, towering over me, eyes smoldering, "Is there a problem?"
I continued to glare up fiercely, "Yeah, actually. You can't just decide to drop by every time I take a freaking shower!"
"Fine," he put his hands up in surrender, "I'll go!"
"Goodbye," I stared coldly.
"Just…" he hesitated as he climbed through the window, "Just be careful."
"You know I have a door!" I shouted as he leaped out the window.
I ran over to look but he was already gone. Painful memories dotted my mind. The fire, that sadistic clown…
I shivered at the memory of the Joker. Ever since my father died, criminals of all backgrounds had hunted me mercilessly. It wasn't because I was famous or anything. No, it was because an average, fifteen year old girl had the nerve to stand up to Doctor Octopus and lived to tell the tale. After publicly humiliating Doc Oc, he had tried to exact his revenge numerous times, all failing. Word got out that I was worth something, and after a long and twisted road I ended up here. It wasn't safe for my family to be anywhere near me, so I've kept my distance. Logan had been sent to kill me. He made a different call.
I gave up on the aspect of a shower, instead throwing on a t-shirt and climbing into bed. Tomorrow was a big day, and I needed to be well rested.
I was going to Germany.