Here is the next chapter! The "Showdown" between Iris and Colonel Reynolds.
I really hope you like how I wrote their confrontation.
Enjoy!
Ch. 7 I am My Mother's Daughter. You Do Not Want to Test that Theory.
Monday, 7:55 am
I am waiting for my ride to arrive by putting the finishing touches on my outfit for today. I stared into my blue-green eyes and smiled I looked determined, dangerous, and professional all at the same time. I know in my heart of hearts that my plan will work. I slide my hands up over my black leather pencil skirt, with the slit in the back to allow me to walk, and adjust the maroon silk peasant blouse to flow gracefully over the top of my skirt. I grab the black pearl studs out of my jewelry box sitting on my vanity and put them on. I tuck my rose gold locket with the silver rose inlay into my shirt so all you can see is the rose gold and platinum chain. On a normal day I would never consider the "killer spike" patent leather heels with maroon arches, because by the end of the day my feet would be bloody nubs. But today they were an advantage I needed and wanted on my side. I didn't care what the Colonel thought of my heels, I only cared that they gave me a confidence boost that after this morning I needed. I am of course going to grab another much lower pair of heels to wear after my meeting. I am not going to allow myself to suffer all day. I am putting the second pair in my sling bag when I hear my driver honk the horn letting me know he was there.
As I step out of my apartment, I make sure that I have my bag, keys and phone. I panic slightly when I cannot find the manila envelope, with all the original documents I had spent most of Sunday digging up, when I unzipped my bag and saw it nestled between my Stark pad and heels. I sigh heavily trying to calm my nerves, and look up to see Happy, Pepper, and Tony all waiting for me by a large black SUV.
"Pepper, Tony this wasn't necessary. Sending a car was over kill enough you didn't need to come and escort me to the Tower." I whine a little, tired of everyone treating me like a delicate flower. All of Sunday I had been pushing people out of my way as they tried to check that I had anything and everything that I needed.
Tony obviously hadn't heard me as he was still staring at my rather form fitting outfit, and replied "Yeah, your welcome. Pep, why don't you wear skirts like that?" I laugh as I continue down the stairs, while Pepper slaps Tony's arm fairly hard.
"It's the least we can do. Besides I figured you wouldn't have time this morning to make coffee so I brought you some." Pepper says smiling and holding out a rather large cup of coffee. I politely thank her and continue towards the car. Happy opens the door for Pepper and I, I slide across the leather interior with Pepper on my heels. Tony makes his way around the front of the SUV and hops into the passenger seat.
As Happy starts pulling away from my brownstone, he and Tony start talking about his workout or something along those lines, and once Pepper is sufficiently assured that they are ensconced in their conversation she turns her body to look at me.
"I'm sorry about this morning. I remembered you talking about a soldier named, Sam Wilson who you were close to once. Then I remembered Steve's new friend was a soldier with the same name. One thing led to another and we found out he was the same person and brought him in." Pepper says all of this barely taking time to breath and continues, "I was worried about you. Well really everybody was worried about you. Stress and exhaustion was settling in Sunday evening when you left, and we thought having an old friend nearby, would help. I didn't think that it would cause more stress. …" Pepper looks close to tears as I say,
"Pepper, you don't have to apologize. Was I annoyed and angry when I first saw him? Yes. Does that mean I am not grateful for his presence? No, I am really happy to have him nearby again. He knows a lot about me that is normally pretty difficult to explain. He also volunteered to join my security detail for the meeting this morning." I smile at Pepper and rub her arm reassuringly, letting her know I am not at all upset with her.
Tony had apparently started listening to our conversation when I had said Sam was joining up with my security detail and made the off-hand remark, "Bird-boy joined your team? Good might make Colonel Reynolds feel better seeing another military man at the meeting."
"I doubt Sam is going to be in his dress blues Tony. Colonel Reynolds will probably think he is just another security guard." I answer back, amused by his assumption that Sam would be in full military regalia.
"Oh well. Wilson's a good guy, one more person working security never hurt." Tony says as he returns to his previous conversation with Happy. It's only a few more minutes of conversation before we are pulling up outside of the tower. Happy opens Pepper's door at the same time Tony is opening mine. Tony opening my door for me was a bit of a shock, because I didn't know he knew how to be a gentleman. We walk towards the tower together, and once we are inside the first person I see is Sam.
I wolf whistle, then say, "You sure clean up nice Sam. Did JARVIS pick out your outfit today?" He laughs at my joke before replying with one of his own,
"Are you sure this is just a meeting? Or are we chaperoning your date with the Colonel?" He makes me laugh, it feels good to laugh and it relieves a little of the stress I feel with the meeting so close at hand. Sam really does look good, in his black suit and navy blue button up shirt. On the lapel of his suit jacket he has a flag pin, ever the patriot at heart.
As I finish taking in Sam's appearance I notice over his right shoulder Maria waiting patiently, and Clint watching with a rather calculating stare. I realize neither of them know that Sam will be joining them on security, as I send a small acknowledging wave in their direction. I can hear Sam talking to me as we approach them. I take in what Clint is wearing, a black suit that fit Clint very well, purple button up shirt, and black leather dress shoes. I realize I am admiring him I little too much, and look over at Maria. She is wearing a black business suit with a light blue pinstripe blouse. She had a pair of black low heels, similar to the ones I have in my bag.
"Well, you two ready? Today should be fairly interesting!" My question is only met by two silent nods. Clint looks rather angry. I can't figure out why until I feel Sam's hand fall from the small of my back, and see Clint's face revert back to his neutral expression. I turn and make my way to the elevator. Sam close on my heels and everyone else behind us.
"I'll take Tony and Happy in one elevator if you want to go with your security team?" I look at Pepper after she asks her question. I smile, nod, and step into the second elevator when the door opens. The ride to the floor where Pepper and I have our offices seems to take forever.
"So you and Sam are friends?" Maria asks without turning around to look at me.
"Yeah, I've known him for a long time. I met him before I graduated college. Why?" I was curious as to why she would ask such a random question.
"Oh no reason. Just trying to figure out why you invited him to help you." Maria was fishing for info, what information she wants I have no clue, but I can answer at least one question.
"He's not here to help me, Sam is here to help the two of you. He was Pararescue, and from what I heard had Romanoff and Captain Roger's back at the Triskelion." I look at Sam, hoping he will chime in now.
"I served two tours, and ended my military career with the 58th Rescue Squadron." Sam replied, keeping his cool even with people treating him like he wasn't there. I smirk when both Maria and Clint do double takes over their shoulders.
"You're the Falcon?" They ask at the same time, both of them have identical shocked expression on their face.
"Sam is fine." He says with a smile.
When we reach my floor, everyone is a little more at ease with each other. I exit the elevator after Clint and Maria step out, both moving out of the way to allow me to lead the way. I glance around and see that Joey is already here for the day. My darling Joey, he is one of my best friends. I would be able to spot Joey a mile away, because of his wine read hair. Also how many over 6ft tall, fit, gay men could keep up with my hectic work schedule, along with dealing with my crazy family calling. He keeps me grounded and sane. When Joey realizes I have arrived he smiles and says,
"Colonel Reynolds has already confirmed your meeting for ten this morning." He keeps smiling as he takes in my outfit, "That outfit is too good, for that meeting. Why can't you dress like this all the time?"
"Thank you honey! Let the departments know I won't be by to pick up their department briefings until after lunch." I say as I walk into my office.
I set my bag down on my desk, and briefly look out at the cityscape, before turning to my computer. My computer had automatically booted up, once I stepped onto the floor thanks to JARVIS. I sit down at my desk and notice that my three shadows are standing just inside the door to my office rather awkwardly.
"Might as well make yourself comfortable. We have awhile until the Colonel gets here." I say as I motion to the seating in my office. Wilson moves to my couch and stretches out taking up most of the space. Maria sits in one of the dark cheery wood and black leather chairs across from my desk. Barton moves to stand behind me and leans against the window watching what is going on outside my office.
I sit and check emails, calm down the head of Public Relations, and talk to Linda in HR. Before I know it I hear, "Miss Roberts, Mr. Stark asked me to inform you when Colonel Reynolds arrived. His motorcade has just pulled up in front of the tower."
I looked up from my computer and said, "Thank you JARVIS. I'll send someone down to escort him up."
Before I could ask one of my three bodyguards to perform this task, Maria was already out of her chair and on her way to meet him. I stand from my desk, and grab the manila envelope out of my sling bag, I am half way out my office door when I hear Clint clear his throat and then say,
"You forgetting this?" I look and see my cell phone in his hand. He is walking toward me and once he is close enough I reach out my hand hesitantly and take it. This is the closest I have allowed the two of us to be voluntarily, since Saturday evening. As I take my cell from him, I can feel the callouses on his hand from the use of his bow. The spot where our hands touched tingles slightly, in a pleasant way. The feeling makes me instantly pull my hand away and continue on my way.
"Joey" I call once I am outside my office, his head turns towards me as I speak again. "Did Linda send up all the files, I asked for?"
"Yeah. She did. The boxes are in the conference room. Thought you should know, Linda said if anything happens to those files, I'll wish I was dead. Linda is fairly terrifying when she is pissed. Please don't piss her off anymore than she is already." Joey is clearly amused and the slightest bit serious. He is worried that my plan won't work.
"Don't worry my love. I'll make sure Sam keeps the tiny little scary lady away from you." I point my thumb over my shoulder at Sam who looks slightly confused by our interaction. Sam is holding open the door to the conference room. I smile and head into the room. I nearly run into Clint's back. For a split second I am confused as to why he just stopped when I see what he is staring at.
"I didn't know we had hired that many former SHIELD employees." I state blankly.
"Neither did I." Clint murmured.
Sam came into the room behind us and let out a low whistle taking in the large number of boxes taking up a little over a quarter of the room.
"From what I understand, we hired a large number of their administrators and scientists. Very few of those files according to my snooping belong to anyone who was an active field agent." Joey said from behind us. I turn and look at him.
"Colonel Reynolds is worried about a bunch of scientists and paper-pushers." I ask with disbelief.
"They were agents of SHIELD. So they had to pass at least the basic levels of field competencies. But most weren't any better than your dime-a-dozen, fresh outta boot camp, army recruit. Sam over there is more dangerous than all of these people, combined." Clint snarked, but the truth was clear in his voice.
I move to the end of the table closest to the boxes. I want to make sure that I am between Colonel Reynolds and the file boxes behind me.
"Clint, I want you between Colonel Reynolds and those files at all times. He does not get any closer to those boxes than I allow him. We clear?" I demand, I arch my eyebrow and wait for a reply.
"Crystal, ma'am." Clint says with a nod.
"Sam, I want you between any security the Colonel brings with him, and the Colonel himself. But do it in a way that isn't noticeable. I don't want to scare him." After the second order is given, Sam just nods and leans against the wall.
"I noticed Maria's comm. device earlier. I'm going to assume that you have one as well Clint." He gives me the affirmative nod, and I continue. "Can she hear me right now?"
"Yep, she can. Loud and clear." Clint affirms.
"Maria, make sure any aids and/or guards are kept outside the room. The fewer witnesses to our conversation the better. Let us know when you are in the elevator." Once Clint signals that she has received the message. I turn to look at the clear glass separating the conference room and the rest of the floor.
"JARVIS, is there a way to fog the glass and soundproof the room?" I ask the question hoping that there is in fact away to do it.
"Of course Ms. Roberts." As soon as JARVIS has finished saying that, the glass fogs up and the room goes silent.
"JARVIS, make sure that anyone outside the room hears some sort of muffled talking track or sound effect. I also want muffled office sound played on low in here if at all possible." Once again hoping that my request isn't completely impossible.
"The tracks you requested will begin playing once the Colonel arrives on the floor, Ms. Roberts. Is there anything else ma'am?" the AI replies politely.
"No, thank you. JARVIS" I turn around and look at Clint, who is standing between me and the files. I reach behind me, to grab the large envelope I had been keeping very close.
"Keep this out of sight until the correct moment presents itself." I say as I hand the envelope to Clint. He tucks it inside his suit jacket, under his right arm and crosses his arms on his chest.
"Get ready." Clint says, letting us know that Maria is arriving on the floor with Colonel Reynolds and his entourage.
The door opens moments later and Colonel Reynolds enters the room. He has an arrogant swagger, which comes from years of being untouchable, because of his friends and connections. For a long time Colonel Reynolds had some of the best diplomatic connections in the game, and was on the fast track for becoming a General. But recently I had discovered most of those diplomatic contacts had dried up, and his military career was starting to stall out. I hope that would make this meeting easier.
"Is it really necessary for my security and aids to wait outside? You have two guards in here with you, surely you wouldn't mind letting me have just one man in here with me, would ya sugar?" I can practically feel the sliminess of his words on my skin.
"Colonel Reynolds Welcome." I say with a smile as I stand and shake his hand. "Unfortunately, it is necessary. Besides the man standing behind me, is here to guard those files. And the gentleman behind you is one of my assistants. If we need anything, we will be more than happy to fetch it for us." I say with a tight forced smile. "Please have a seat."
Colonel Reynolds now looks more than a little annoyed that his attempt at smooth talking me hasn't worked. "Well, I hope you understand that you have made a very big mistake trying to blackmail me Ms. Roberts. Your recklessness and hubris is going to be the down fall of this fine business. But Ms. Potts clearly has seen this, because she has sent you with the files as an olive branch." He says with a sneer. "I can't believe she would allow someone so incompetent to work for her. You are just some young nobody that is trying to make a name for yourself. You are going to regret ever trying to threaten me you little bitch!" The longer I allow him to rant the more violent and vulgar he becomes. I can almost visibly see Sam radiating angry tension. With Clint, I can feel him edging closer and closer to me, ready to protect me should he decide to make a move. I start tuning out his rant around the second time he calls me an "ignorant little bitch" and wait for him to finish.
Fifteen minutes after the beginning of his rant, I am sitting in my chair trying to suppress the giggle that once to force its way out of my body. I think I am succeeding until Colonel Reynolds stops mid thought and shouts,
"WHAT, IS SO FUCKING FUNNY TO YOU MS. ROBERTS?!" There is spit flying from his mouth as he yells this.
"The fact that you think that you are doing anything to further your cause, Colonel Reynolds. JARVIS can you play a small sampling of this rooms recordings so far?" I say with a serene smile plastered on my face. While inside I am about five seconds from asking Clint and Sam to hide a body.
"Of course Miss. '… I WILL RUIN YOUR FUCKING CAREER YOU STUPID GREEDY LITTLE CUNT! I WON'T TOLERATE GREEDY IGNORANT LITTLE BITCHES LIKE YOU TRYING TO GET ONE OVER ON ME. I KNOW PEOPLE WHO CAN GET YOU TAKEN CARE OF YOU …' " I interrupt the recording saying,
"That is enough JARVIS." I have not stopped smiling or making eye contact with Colonel Reynolds since the recording started playing.
"Now, Colonel Reynolds. I'm sure that your superiors would not be happy with you behavior or comments to me should this recording make its way onto their desks. Since this is one of many meetings released to the public on your official schedule, correct me if I am wrong, but you are expected to present yourself with a little professionalism. It would be even worse if the media were to hear how horribly you treated me." The threat I utter is hardly veiled at all, my intention is very clear.
The Colonel pales a little realizing I am not just a pretty face.
"Now are you done insulting my gender, job, and intelligence?" Colonel Reynolds nods his assent, too stunned to use his actual words. "Good now let's get down to business. I'm going to give you two choices, Colonel. The first choice is this, behind me are in fact the personnel files on any and all former SHIELD agents working for Stark Industries. You can walk out of here today with all of these files and our sincerest apologies for the political scandal caused by members of the Avengers, but what I have in this envelope and what I have just recorded will be released to the media. Or you can chose option two." Clint has pulled the envelope out of his jacket and set it onto the table in front of me. I sit and wait for the question I know is coming.
Colonel Reynolds had looked almost hopeful until I got to the downfall of the first choice. "What's the second option?"
"I'm glad you asked! Option two, you take what is in this envelope. The contents of this envelope are the only hard copies outside of the United Nations classified documents vault, of the investigation into you after the fall of SHIELD and the discovery of HYDRA agents in key positions of government and the military. I will keep the file boxes behind me, you walk out of here with your military career intact and apologize to the Stark Industries employees for the stress you have caused them, as well as to the Avengers for making them look like criminals. Option one you are happy for a short while, but then are miserable for a very long time. Option two you are miserable for a short while, but gain happiness in the long run. I end up happy with either option so it doesn't matter to me." My smile widens as I watch Colonel Reynolds realize either way he is screwed. Either way he loses all political weight with the Avengers and Stark Industries, and I end up coming out on top. I know that he will make one more last desperate attempt to gain back some ground so I sit and wait patiently for him to speak.
"Pepper Potts wouldn't let you endanger her company like this. I know she wouldn't, you've got nothing in that folder. This is all one big bluff, and I won't buy it for a second. Go fuck yourself Ms. Roberts." He is desperate and lashing out, I understand that, so I don't react. I can't say the same for Clint who jerks forward to try and grab the man in front of me.
"Clint, enough he is not worth the energy." I whisper quietly while placing my hand on his arm. I look into his eyes and allow him to see that I am not affected by his words. I open the envelope and slide the contents out. The black sealed folder has the UN symbol on it and a large embossed 'CLASSIFIED' stamp underneath. I break the seal on the folder and slide it across to Colonel Reynolds.
"One of the perks of my mother being who she is, is the fact I can enter the UN building without raising any alarm. And to the right people having Elizabeth Montgomery for a mother gains you a lot of favors." If Colonel Reynolds had been pale before, he was white as a sheet now.
"I can tell you are acquainted with my mother Colonel, so I have a few words of advice. If you still think that this is all a bluff, and that I don't have the authority to do this, keep this in mind." I stand up and lean across the short distance with my hands on the table to look the man in the eyes.
"I am my mother's daughter. You do not want to test that theory." I hiss out, holding eye contact. I refuse to be the first to look away and smile in victory as the Colonel looks down at the folder sitting in front of him, he knows he is beat. I look up and smile in victory, then I visibly relax.
"Well, it looks like my option is clear. I will take this folder with me and apologize ASAP." The defeated tone of his voice is pure music to my years.
"Should you change your mind Colonel, remember this," I say as I pull a flash drive from out of the bottom of the folder. "I do have an electronic back-up and am not at all afraid to use it." I smile as I tuck the small drive into my cleavage and stand to shake the Colonel's hand as he moves to leave.
"You have one thing correct Ms. Roberts. You are your mother's daughter, and she should be very proud." I am shocked by the Colonel's words.
"I didn't peg you for a graceful loser Colonel." I say having followed Colonel Reynolds out of the conference room and he turns to respond,
"I don't have much of a choice Ms. Roberts, do I?" I smile as he continues on to the elevator with Sam and Maria following to escort the Colonel and his entourage out of the building.
I stand grinning for a few minutes in silence, before I look over towards Pepper's office and see Pepper and Tony both practically plastered against the window of her office giving my questioning looks. I wave and give them a thumbs up. Tony bursts out of Pepper's office door saying,
"Okay time to celebrate, we are going out tonight. Tell everybody, we can meet on the communal level on the Avengers levels. You as payment to Birdman over there can start dating, fall in love with, and marry the man. And everything will be perfect. So I'm thinking like 5 o'clock-ish." As he finishes talking the elevator doors open and he steps inside and holds his hand out for Pepper. Pepper walks past with an apologetic look on her face and rubs my shoulder in an attempt to be comforting.
"I don't date Tony. But I will take you up on that drink, if I am still allowed up." I chirp back trying to keep my cheery attitude, that has deflated somewhat as Tony has remind me of the elephant in the room.
"Yep, 5 pm. Don't be late." Tony nearly yells as the elevator doors close on his words.
It's silent for a short while after the doors close before the one person I have dreaded speaking does in fact speak.
"Why don't you date?" Clint asks while staring intently at the side of my head. I turn and leave him standing in the middle of the reception area. I am almost to my office before I reply without looking at him.
"Because everybody dies." I enter my office and shut the door. Hoping to shut out the world and my demons for a little while.
Please Read and Review!
How else will I know what you like and don't like.
Also a special thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far you made my day when I saw the reviews!
Thank you so much!
