Chapter nine folks! Things seem to be rolling nicely. Been a very interesting month so far, and school is just around the corner for me. I do hope that when classes start I won't have my hands to full cause I would be sad if I had to put the story on hold or if my uploading of chapters be delayed. I am sure that I am not the only person returning to school; college or otherwise. And I am happy that I am getting continuous support from those who follow/favorite/review this story. I may not the the best, but I do try.
Thank you-
AkeraWriterOfTheNight: I am glad you seem so excited by this new turn of events! Cute Loki plushie btw *winks*
moonsword17: Squeal of excitement? MARVELOUS! Glad you enjoyed the brief but epic showdown between father and daughter! BUT FRET NOT! There shall be more in the future...maybe not in this story...but maybe the next? But never fear! Mr. Hawkins is not out of the race just yet! And neither is Mrs. Labelle~
inuxkag1000: Thank you very much for your insight on my story. I do agree that maybe my last chapter lacked a bit of...spark. But I did my best I hope that this one could enlighten you a bit more. I liked your theory though, it is very thoughtful!
But enough chatter for now, I'll just leave you all be to read so don't mind me.
Enjoy!
Chapter 9: Coulson
Irene had took Loki's advice to heart. She ran about her house, gathering great things of importance to her. Her violin, some photos, a small bag of clothes, a toothbrush. Irene spared a glance at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Her hair became a bit messy from her constantly being on the move, her cheeks being flushed as well. But she looked...alive almost. No. She felt alive. More so than she had in years. The only thing that made her feel such things was her music. But the simple thought of just leaving this house, that had been her home, her glamorous prison, behind her was just all to thrilling. So thrilling that she was also scared.
Scared of what she would find outside these walls.
She brushed the thoughts away and glanced about her bathroom.
What else would I need?
She snatched a hairbrush and placed it into one of the pockets of her bag. She would need that, everyone needed a hairbrush. She smiled a bit until her eyes flashed over to the four innocent orange pill bottles on the counter. The little smile that had worked it's way onto her face disappeared, the reminder of her illness stared back at her; almost tauntingly. She chewed on her lower lip, her brows furrowing as she stared at the four little bottles.
If she left with Loki how would she get her medicine?
With her mind made up she snatched the four pill bottles and placed them securely in the bag. Satisfied that she had everything she needed from the bathroom, she made off to find Shepard. She wouldn't leave him behind, and neither would she leave Joey...she would have to discuss that with the God of Mischief when she had the chance.
She found the small pup in the foyer, resting lazily by the fire place. Raising two fingers to her mouth she let out a sharp whistle. Shepard's head rose, his ears perked as he regarded her. With a excited yelp he shot up onto his legs and pranced over. Irene giggled as she ran her hand affectionately along the dog's silky fur. The animal certainly enjoyed it as it whined, his tail wagging side to side furiously. Having his undivided attention, Irene led her excited hound to the main entrance of her home where Loki was waiting for her.
She had seen him frown when his vivid green eyes spotted the dog.
She paid him no mind as she lowered her bag to the floor along with her violin case. This is about everything. she said, looking down at how very little she packed. He seemed surprised with this, but nodded his head in approval.
"Good." He said. "This is a delicate situation. So we must have care with how we execute this."
Irene rose one dark slim brow at him. Have you thought this through at all Loki? You make it sound like it was last minute...
The God's lips twitched slightly, most lightly trying to fight off a smile. "Maybe a bit of both." He admitted, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. "No need to fear though, I have this all sorted out...though I am afraid I need to ask you a bit of a favor if this is going to work."
It always astounded her with how quick Loki could turn from easygoing to dead seriousness in less than a second.
A favor? She asked, her eyes watching him a bit warily now. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously and licked her dry lips.
"A favor." He replied, sounding nearly incentive. "After all we wouldn't want them to grow suspicious to quickly. Because-" his lips curled up once more into a smile, Irene wasn't sure if she liked this smile or not. "-they happen to be your ticket out of the country!"
What!? She screeched, looking panicked Who!? she demanded, her eyes narrowing into slits. Her wrath didn't seem to thwart the God at all, she slapped his hands away when he started ruffling her hair, muttering to himself that she didn't look convincing enough. She snapped her fingers in front of his face, gaining his full attention and tried asking again. Who is my ticket out of the country?
Loki tsk'd, displeased with her questioning his decisions. His very last minute decisions.
His sneered at her as he returned to messing up her hair. "S.H.I.E.L.D. is." He answered grudgingly.
She gawked at him.
S...S.H.I.E.L.D.? Her hands fumbled as she tried to sign, shell-shocked when the name of the very organization that she had bothered to hide him from came up. Loki's slim fingers curled around her small wrists, stopping her horrible attempts of sign language. "Mrs. Labelle had said it herself. That the Son of Coul still remains here and that he would be returning the 'States' soon. I have no doubt that he would grant you aid." He released her wrists, bending down so he could grab her bag and violin case. He placed it right by the door so she could easily snatch it on her way out. He returned his full undivided attention to her so that he could see what she had to say, but the look in her eyes spoke for her.
Why would they help me? I don't have anything they want, I also doubt S.H.I.E.L.D. deals with runaways...
"No, they don't" he agreed, Loki clasped his hands behind his back. Standing much taller now as words flowed effortlessly from his mouth. "There is a small town not far from your home just down the dirt road called Stanbridge East. As much as I detest the Son of Coul and his petty organization I had come to the conclusion that if the need ever arises, if you were to be removed from your home if the plans involving your father failed, I had thought that you would do well under the protection of S.H.I.E.L.D. because they are second of those who are capable of protecting you aside from myself." Loki rolled his eyes, dismissing her astonished look. "Don't look at me like that, Irene." He placed his hand on his chest, just directly where his heart would be. "You had sworn to me, an oath. You had promised me, a God, your undying loyalty. And in return I have sworn that so long as you abide by your promise, that I will protect you. I protect what is mine. So, what you would need to do is go to the small village. There are many S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in the area, if they were to see you they would wonder why you left your home and it would come up to Son of Coul's attention. It is important, that you will remember everything I tell you, all this information is vital if this plan is going to work. He would approach you, ask you questions, you will have to lie, and when that is completed if everything is a success he would take you with him."
Loki- Irene started, but then paused. Her nose scrunched up a little, puzzled and then coming to realize something that he had just said. You keep saying that 'I' will do this instead of 'we'...aren't you coming with me?
"No," He replied, ignoring the hurt that flashed in her eyes. "I will remain here for a little while longer. There are things that still must be done, and I have to make sure S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't suspect a thing, or if your father wakes early I could at least throw him off your trail. In oth-" Irene shook her head and rushed forward, her arms encircling around the God's torso. Her face buried into his chest, her heart hammering against her ribs at frightening speed. No! She didn't want to go alone, she didn't want to be separated from her only friend. How could Loki plan such things and not bother to inform her? It hurt that he didn't share much with her, she could understand that he may not feel as attached as she was to him, but he was the first and only person in so long that she had interacted with.
What if I go with Coulson and I never see you again? What if your plan doesn't work? What if Father finds me? What if-!
Tears that were forming in her eyes fell, and her arms that wrapped themselves around the tall Asgardian pulled him closer. Irene stood there with him for what seemed like centuries. Awkwardly timid, Loki patted her back. "No need to become so distressed, Irene dear." She heard him clear his throat as one of his hands rubbed soothing circles in an attempt to comfort. Taking a chance Irene peered up at him, her gaze a bit blurry from her tears. Loki looked like he was uncomfortable, like he didn't know what to do. Which is odd, because to Irene she thought he knew everything. Catching her eyes the God smiled a little.
"I won't be to far behind you, I promise. Just need to take care of a few small things, you don't want to leave poor Joey behind do you?" He asked, Irene stared at him with her wide doe eyes and shook her head. Loki hummed with some amusement, his fingers trailing through her hair. "Now, will you listen to the information that I am willing to give you? The favor that I ask is great, but I have no doubt that you would accomplish it with ease..." his voice trailed off, as if he was considering something. Then, with the wave of his hand something appeared in midair. A necklace. It was nothing to fancy, but resting on the golden chain was a pendent. The symbol of two snakes were beautifully carved into the gold, circling one another to form an 'S' shape, and biting the tail of the other. Their eyes gleamed back at her, and she realized that they were in fact, little emeralds. Irene blinked, for something so simple she thought it was beautiful.
The Asgardian prince grabbed it tenderly and held it in his hand. His thumb ran slowly over the golden snakes, his eyes glazed, looking like he was suddenly far, far away from the present. His was like that for a few seconds until he blinked whatever memories from the past came up and unclasped the golden chain and worked on placing it around her neck. "This pendent will serve as a beacon. Where ever you are in Midgard-" finally getting the hook clasped Loki allowed the pendent to fall and hang from her neck, a look that Irene couldn't read flashed in his eyes. "-I would be able to find you. It is my symbol, it use to be an honor to your Midgardian ancestors to wear any symbols from the Aesir." Judging by the odd look he was giving her, Irene guessed that there was something else he was hiding but she didn't pressure him as her arms untangled themselves from his person. She felt too relieved to care, as long as she gets to see her friend again she was happy.
The tilted her head down so she could get a glance at the pretty golden pendent. How the light seemed to shimmer over it's golden surface was captivating. Even the emerald jeweled eyes of the snakes seemed to come to life when the light hit them. She ran a finger along it, feeling the cold metal. Once she was done with her inspection she took a deep breath and then exhaled loudly.
What do you need me to do? she relented.
"Well..." Loki started, he looked strangely apologetic.
She had a bad feeling about this.
\oooo/
Bad feeling was right.
Her cheek felt utterly swollen.
'Before we start, I hope you realize how deeply sorry I am for this. But, it's important if we want this to work...' Loki's voice rang out in her head.
He had given her just a split second detail of his plans. And once he was done, she grudgingly agreed since it seemed like a logically good plan. So here she was, walking along a bridge in the small town he mentioned with Shepard by her side on a leash, her bag over her shoulder, and her violin case in one hand. She ignored the looks she received from the locals. All of them were staring with either what was considered pity, sympathy, or just gawking for the heck of it. It made the hairs on the back of her neck stand. She wasn't use to such attention, ever.
And during her whole hike into Stanbridge East she has yet to bump into a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Loki had insisted that they would hide from her sights, but they would be watching her.
So did that mean the feeling that she felt crawling up and down her spine was a warning that she was being watched?
Hastily Irene turned down a street called North road. All of the little houses looked small, not as big as her own home. But she found every single one of them to be very charming, in a humbling way. Her thoughts were cut off when her stomach gave a low, and painful growl. She blushed and glared down at her offensive stomach.
That's right...father destroyed all the food before I could have any.
She continued to walk until she saw this giant white sign, her eyes scanned over it.
The Windsor Heritage café.
It was an adorable wooden house. With white tall pillars, and plenty of windows. It looked like it was perhaps once a comfortable little home until it became a restaurant. Walking up to it she climbed up the steps warily, she felt butterflies bloom in her stomach as she marched up to the front door. Peering inside through the window on the door she saw that there were plenty of people inside. She gulped, ready to turn and run until her stomach rumbled back at her angrily. She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. Darn, why couldn't she be like Loki? He could probably survive days without food.
She peeked down at Shepard, the small dog was looking up at her. Waiting patiently for something. Probably wonder what they were to do next. Irene offered him a smile and patted his head.
She made up her mind, she was going to eat something and work on finding Coulson later, or him finding her. Oh whatever.
Motioning to the small pup to follow her, she took him to the corner of the balcony and made 'down' gesture with her hand. The pup obediently obeyed and sat down, so when she did so again he went down on his belly. His head laying on top of his front paws.
'Stay' she willed him. And like the good dog that he was he stayed perfectly in place.
Returning to the front door she grasped the door and opened it. She took her few bashful steps inside. When she fully went inside the rich aromas of fresh coffee and baked goods invaded her senses. Stepping into the little restaurant she closed the door behind her, she locked the summer heat out behind her outside as the cool breeze of the AC met her.
Live plants were positioned around the room, their leaves casting shadows in the muted lighting. The dark blue ceiling appeared low enough to touch. Pine wood panels cover the bottom half of the walls. The tan color on the top half of the walls is a shade darker than the pine, tying the pine wood panels to the darker color of the ceiling. Various works of art hang on the wall. Irene felt as though she stepped into the den of a country home. Overstuffed chairs in shades of green, blue and maroon are arranged into mini-living rooms with matching pine end tables and coffee tables. Sets of dining tables are set comfortably apart with padded forest green chairs. The blue carpet has maroon running through it, tying the whole color scheme together into a nice country setting. The ceiling fans are on, moving just enough to keep the aroma of coffee and baked goods circulating throughout the room. The front of the counter was open, revealing an array of delicious-looking baked goods arranged in wicker baskets that made her mouth water with hunger.
There was a man seated in a corner of the room, his coffee cup in one hand and a newspaper in the other. A group of older women were chatting happily as they crochet, hooks flying skillfully through the yarn as they talk. Their smiles dropped as she walked slowly toward the counter, nodding politely their way while trying to hide the painfully obvious bruise.
Irene was at a lost for what do do.
Maybe this wasn't a good idea...
"Oh my goodness! What happened to your face lass!?"
Irene literally jumped about a good foot into the air as she regarded an old man who appeared behind the counter, a menu in his hands as he looked at her with wide eyes. It didn't take a genius to know that he was looking straight at the bruise Loki had to left on her face.
Irene slowly raised her hand, her fingers brushing against her swollen flesh and winced.
Did it really look as bad as it felt?
The old man shuffled around the counter hurriedly. His arm wrapping around her shoulders as he started to guide her to one of the many tables by a window that overlooked a small garden. "You poor thing, what on earth happen to you?" he questioned.
Irene's mouth opened, desperately wishing she could answer him back. And as expected not a sound went past her lips.
The old man's brows furrowed as he sat her down, placing the menu right in front of her and then taking her bag and violin case, placing them in the chair next to her. "Parlez-vous français?"
Irene gave him a helpless look.
"Anglais?" he pressed.
I speak both languages. She signed. The old man's cheeks colored to a stunning shade of red, becoming immediately embarrassed with himself. "Oh..ah, I'm sorry I didn't realize you couldn't speak." He cleared his throat and patted the menu lightly. "I'm afraid I don't know any sign language, but by God that looks horrible." The old man lightly touched her face. Irene's eyes prickled with tears as she leaned back away from the older man. She wasn't sure how to react to this stranger who was expressing such concern for her. All these new people were admittedly overwhelming.
He took her slight fright for pain.
"Let me get you some ice for that, look at the menu darling. Anything you'd like, it's on the house."
He ran off before she could even try to thank him.
Waiting a few awkward moments, Irene turned her attention to the menu in front of her and opened it up. A glance at the clock told her that it was well past noon now, so she focused on their lunch selections. There wasn't much, she noticed. But she decided that she wouldn't be picky.
The old man returned with an ice pack as soon as she placed the menu down. "Sorry for the wait," he said, passing her the ice. Irene smiled a bit at him and pressed the pack to her cheek. She gave out a silent sigh of relief.
"So what would you like to order miss?" He smiled back jovially, he looked so kind.
Irene leaned over to the menu and pointed at the 'Panni' dish and then at the smoked ham. "Good choice!" He praised, "Would you like that with water, or any soda? Tea or coffee, perhaps?"
Irene settled on just water. Her lips tilting up when the cute little old man shuffled away.
She waited for her food to come.
Leaning back in her chair she decided she would pass the time to stare out the window. The God of Mischief flickered to life in her mind. She wondered how he was doing. If he was safe. When would he seek her out? Will he come back for her? Was it to dangerous to go to S.H.I.E.L.D?
She was so lost in her thoughts of Loki she never noticed a man taking a seat just across from her.
She heard someone clear their throat. She assumed it was the old man returning with her food but she was surprised to see that it was the very person she was suppose to find.
She gave a muted squeal. Her chair fell back when she stood, dropping her ice pack, her eyes stayed focused on the amused face of one Agent Coulson.
His smile faded when his eyes settled on the bruise.
"Miss. Hawkins." he greeted. His he clasped his hands together when he rested them on the table. "I can say that I am quite surprised to see you so far from home."
A few beats seemed to pass between them. One sizing up the other.
"Here is your food! I hope you enjoy it, lass!" Irene and Coulson turned their head to the old man who interrupted their moment. With the food set on the table, the old gentleman gave her a smile. He was about to leave but stopped, giving Coulson a rather suspicious glare. "He's not bothering ya is he?" He looked ready to pounce at a moments notice on Coulson if she said otherwise.
Irene shook her head quickly.
The old man glanced between the two of them for a moment before backing off "Alright, call me if ya need anything dear." With that he scampered off to deal with the other costumers.
"You should eat your food before it gets cold." Irene grabbed her chair and sat back down slowly. The smell of the smoked ham filled made her stomach rumble in response, and slowly she dug in. Savoring each bite, and luckily Coulson was kind enough to wait for her to finish. Dabbing her mouth with a napkin she tried her best not to look so nervous.
Remember what Loki said, remember and stay calm. She repeated mentally.
I am sure you have questions...She started to chew on her lip. Anxious. She couldn't hide her anxiety from the agent before her. It would be foolish to try. He was probably very good at reading people, Loki said never underestimate someone.
"Yes, I do. For starters what happen to your face?" he questioned.
That bad? Irene grimaced.
"It's hard to not notice a mark the size of Texas on your face." Coulson handed her back the ice pack. She took it from him gratefully and pressed it once more to her cheek. She needed to see Loki's handiwork sometime.
"Was it your father?" Coulson implored.
Irene faltered for a brief moment, staring at the seemingly harmless agent warily. She nodded her head, sticking to the story in which Loki had given her.
With the nod of his head Coulson continued. "I see, I am sure just about anyone would run from domestic abuse. But you're not just anyone. You're father holds most political power in Canada, if you were to ever be discovered you'd be a potential target of his enemies. And the discovery of your existence would send the Canadian politicians into an uproar. "
Irene rose a brow at him, she wondered how he was trying to go about this odd meeting. She decided to try a different approach. She glanced down in what she hoped looked like shame. Her cheeks flushing, she stole a few glances at Coulson from under her long lashes. His expression seemed to remain in that of indifference, but she could see the slight curiosity in them.
I am afraid I haven't been very truthful with you, She started meekly. when you came to interrogate me.
Both of Coulson's brows shot up as he visibly sat straighter. "Oh? And what weren't you exactly truthful about Miss. Hawkins?"
She waited for a few minutes to pass, hoping that it would be a more dramatic effect. Making it seem to him that she was hesitating before answering him. When you came to my home. Questioning me, if I saw anything unusual...
"So you are admitting that you had lied."
Yes.
"Why?" Coulson leaned forward. She had his full undivided attention.
Irene's heart hammered in her chest. Her anxiety starting to get the best of her. What if she couldn't lie effectively enough? Would Coulson return her home? Her eyes prickled with unshed tears as she gave the agent a look of pure desperation. Could you truly blame me Agent Coulson? You and your men came to my home unannounced, asking questions, my father who had shown up after so long. She ran her fingers briefly along the bruise Loki had given her. I suffered his wrath for something I had no control over. I was to scared to say anything!
"So why run from home now? What did you hope to gain?"
She took a deep steady breath. I was hoping...that you would help me. You said to my father that I would be much better in your care once, did you mean it?
Coulson glanced over her thoughtfully. "I did." He relented.
Her spirits started to rise just a little. She leaned forward, her eyes burning into his grey ones. If I give you the information. Could you hide me from my father? Could you take me away?
"Offer him a deal that he can't refuse. He came here for the sole purpose of gathering information, it is what men of his work do. Information is power, if used properly it could work to anyone's advantage. Offer it in exchange for protection, he would not refuse. He may step out for a moment, drag it out needlessly to watch you squirm for just awhile, and then agree. You Midgardians have an expression, if I recall correctly it's 'hook, line, and sinker.'" Loki's voice said in her head.
She had placed the hook, she had the line, but now she just needed him to take the bait.
The S.H.I.E.L.D. agent smiled at her kindly before pushing away from the table and standing "I will think about your offer, I'll be back in a moment." He left before she could even acknowledge his choice. He did not go far, just only exiting out of the restaurant itself to stand out on the front porch. His hand fishing into his pocket and producing a phone.
When the agent made his exit, the kind old man from the front counter returned. He grabbed her dirty dishes, humming a small tune under his breath.
He paused in mid-hum. "Did you enjoy your lunch lass? Would you like some dessert?"
Irene politely declined his offer.
"Alright, if you need anything else let me know. Feel free to stay until your ready to leave." With that the old man left her.
Alone with just nothing but her glass of water Irene quenched her sudden thirst to get rid of the dryness in her mouth. The old clock that hanged on the wall told her it was now three hours past noon. It has been nearly two hours since she had separated from Loki, she noted. She wondered if her father and her doctor woke up from their spell induced sleep.
She peeked at the door just in time to see Coulson return.
He came back to her table, not even bothering to reclaim his seat when he tucked his cell back into his pocket.
Please say yes. Irene begged inwardly.
"We will accept your offer." He answered "We will take you to our headquarters in New York where you will be detained and questioned, if your information proves good and true we will provide you proper accommodations. But If you are just pulling our legs, we will immediately deport you and give you back to your father. So are we clear?"
She nodded her head quickly.
Coulson smirked. "Good, now lets get out of here."
The relief was so great Irene was scared that she would just turn into a puddle of putty in her seat. Even when the man said her meal was free she left a handsome tip on the table and gathered her things before following the agent outside. She snatched Shepard, ignoring the look Coulson was giving her and proceeded to tail him to a black SUV with dark tinted windows.
She had to thank him once more when he held the rear door open for her so that she could climb in, Shepard following after her after a few attempts of trying to climb in but he managed. There was already another agent sitting in the drivers seat, watching her curiously through the rear view mirror. Coulson climbed into the passenger seat.
"Where to, sir?" The driver asked.
"Montreal, we have a flight to catch."
"A flight? Where are you going?" The driver steered the car out of the parking lot and onto the road.
"Back to Manhattan." Coulson replied bluntly.
Irene watched the younger agent sputter unintelligibly "W-what!? What about the search!?"
"Agent Becker has been given the command to continue the investigation in my stead. I was bound to leave soon anyways, returning to Manhattan now wouldn't cause much of a stir."
"Of course..." The young agent trailed off.
The rest of the ride was spent in silence.
\oooo/
Loki moved back a few steps so he could examine his work.
A perfect replication of the Bifrost mark laid before him. Not a detail was missed, rather expected since he had seen it so many times. If it was up to Thor, the giant oaf would had missed most of the crucial details. The dark prince always prided himself to be a perfectionist.
This could be one of his greatest tricks on the mortals of S.H.I.E.L.D. yet.
He had taken deliberate care to place it in the car corners of the border of Irene's land. He made haste, using Joey as his steed to take him through the woods quickly without the use of his magic to get him places. He could have dared to say that Irene's steed was almost nearly as fast as his beloved Léttfeti.
The large horse's muzzle brushed up against the back of his head, a giant snort making some of his hair fall out of place.
Chuckling the Norse God turned and ran a smooth pale hand along the underside of Joey's jaw. "There, there...no need to be impatient my friend. We are just bout finished."
The steed's large eyes stared back at him owlishly, but with the swish of his tail and the flick of his ears Loki had sensed that his horse perhaps understood him in some sense. It pleased him greatly.
"Now for the last touch." With the wave, he left the faint essence of magic behind. He had no doubt S.H.I.E.L.D. scanners would pick up the slight activity with their odd machines.
Grasping the horn of the saddle he had borrowed, Loki hauled himself into the leather seat and placed his feet through the stirrups. Grasping the reigns he urged the horse to turn and back track.
He blinked at the sudden feeling of tugging. As if a rope coiled around his heart and pulled painfully.
He winced.
So she had succeeded.
So long as she kept his necklace he would be able to find her just about anywhere. The tug the magic would induce would never fail in leading him back to her no matter where she went.
He spurred Joey on.
Taking a moments solace as they traveled through the woods together, Loki grinned.
He had returned to Irene's now abandoned home. Mr. Hawkins and Mrs. Labelle left already, both in panic frenzy. It brought him such great joy to cause such distress for both those despicable mortals. They had scoured the manor, every nook and cranny for his young accomplice. He was certain that Mr. Hawkins' was going to go into what mortals' called 'cardiac arrest'.
He was displeased though when they raided Irene's studio, taking every single composition, finished or otherwise, for themselves.
"IF SHE RUNS OUT OF THOSE FUCKING PILLS SHE WILL IMPROVE! IF WORD GETS OUT OF HER EXISTENCE, MY CAREER IS OVER!" Mr. Hawkins shouted, stuffing some arias into a folder.
Labelle glared at him, her eyes narrowing into slits "Mind your manners." She scolded, "She took the bottles with her, she wouldn't get far if she takes any of it. The girl hasn't been out of this house in a little over a decade. She would't know what to do. She is like a child, she will come back one way or another."
The man was clearly unconvinced by her claim. "How can you be certain that she would come back?" he asked as he drew himself to his full height.
Neither of them had noticed the tall figure of Loki hiding in the shadows. Watching and listening.
Mrs. Labelle tucked a strand of her vermilion hair behind her ear, a look of cold confidence gracing her features. "Who else would she turn to? Technically, I am the only Doctor who makes her medicine, so as long as she believes that she will have no choice but to return for more. The longest she will be gone will maybe be a few weeks." Labelle sauntered up to the man, her hips moving side to side in a more suggestive style. She leaned closer to him, moving in such a way so that it would give a man as tall as Mr. Hawkins' a view of her cleavage. Large, round, and surprisingly perky. She certainly had no qualms of playing the temptress, much to Loki's disgust.
Briefly her actions reminded him of another woman, an Asgardian, that went by the title of The Enchantress.
The two personalities of these women were certainly uncanny.
"I suppose..." Mr. Hawkins' grumbled, his anger dying down just a bit as some flashes of uncertainty appeared in his brown eyes.
Labelle shot him a disarming smile, patting his arm lightly. "We should leave now, you been gone from office for to long and I have a dimwitted husband to return to."
Mr. Hawkins' agreed, taking the last papers with him. Quickly following the woman out and not bothering to close the secret door of Irene's studio behind him. Loki quietly tip-toed after them.
"Doctor, I wish for you to remain close to the area. Or to at least come here every Friday per-usual, to see if she comes back."
Labelle clicked her tongue, rolling her icy eyes. "Of course, as long at our deal runs strong and I get the percentage promised to me from that work you just stole." She pointed briefly at the file containing Irene's compositions.
"Indeed," Hawkins concurred. "You held your end of the bargain thus far and remained loyal with your secrecy." His hand shot out and grasped the woman's arm tightly, pulling her closer to himself so that he may tower over her. His teeth becoming bare as he glowered down at the tiny woman. "But know this, if Irene isn't back soon consider this partnership done! Do not think of me as a fool, I know that you didn't come here as often as you said you've done. There were times where I had to intervene to keep her from passing. And do not think for one second that attempting to seduce me will work. I am still very much in love with my dead wife!"
Labelle hissed in pain when the man's grip tightened briefly before reclaiming her arm back from Hawkins' bruising hold.
"Oh, you honestly think it will be that easy to rid of me? You HIRED me to poison your own child!" Labelle's flirty part of being the temptress changed, she took a menacing step closer to the man who so rudely handled her. "Over what? A petty excuse to blame her for the life of one dead woman?" She ignored how dangerously red Hawkins' face was getting. "I don't really particularly care what kind of 'family drama' you have, I am in this for the money YOU offered. I will expect it soon, if not my tongue my slip one of these days and you might find yourself in a fancy prison."
"SHUT UP!" Hawkins bellowed, his anger finally reaching the melting point. "That poison was of your design! It would make her sick, not outright kill the bitch! It is a challenge within itself to introduce lye poisoning without killing a person, and you succeeded. She no longer has a 'voice' thanks to you, so do not worry about not getting your moneys worth from this! Now let's go Liera is waiting!"
With that the man stomped away, forcing Labelle to run after him.
When the slamming of the front door reached his ears Loki emerged from the shadows. His eyes were wide and thoughtful with this new information.
"To think I would never had thought humans couldn't get any lower." He leered, feeling sickened by what he had just learned.
He hoped that Irene had forgotten her medicine, the poor girl was poisoning herself and she didn't even know it! Anger bubbled in his chest, he moved swiftly to Irene's quarters. He slammed the closed doors open, nearly knocking the them off it's hinges and scurried to the adjoining bathroom. His eyes settled where he last saw the pills and it felt like his stomach dropped when he did not see them.
Returning to the room, his nostrils flared. Shakily he ran his hands through his hair, trying to calm himself but to no avail. Loki with a savage yell kicked a nearby table, sending it, and everything on top, flying.
Loki blinked as the memory faded away, noting that he had gone quite the distance away from Irene's land.
The clues that he had left for S.H.I.E.L.D. should be good enough. Now he just needed to find a place for the steed to be kept before returning to find his accomplice. Joey nickered softly as he trotted along. Seemingly happy to be out of his pen for so long. Loki chuckled quietly and patted the side of the horse's neck fondly.
"Let's go find you a place to stay." He murmured.
With that, Loki kicked his heels into Joey's side. Sending the horse into a full sprint through the woods.
I think I am just going to end this here for now.
Sorry for the long wait, I was soooooooo busy and school just started so my hands just happened to be a little tied! I promise the story will get better, and such! So, Irene is going to NYC with Coulson! Yaaaaay, though I don't think she expected to be separated from Loki. And to be detained by S.H.I.E.L.D.
So I'm going to keep this short.
The windsor cafe is an actual restaurant in Standbridge East. I never been to it but I got a nice look at their menu. It's nothing to grand for a small town place xD
And yes! Irene knows french! It's common that most people in Quebec do but not everyone per say. Like myself for example, I'm in the process of learning it *sniffles*
Anyways I can't really give much of an A/N at this moment...so...MY LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!
Love, review, fav, follow, or hug loki.
-Shizu