It was already 6am, and her daytime job starts in a four hours, so she took a quick hot shower and climbed into bed. She was exhausted and her body was aching. Still felt the bullet wound, the burning and sharp feeling when it punctured his skin, just to make it impossible to breathe. He died, and almost didn't make it. A cold grip squeezed her heart so tight it hurt more than anything else. After tossing and turning in bed for a long time, finally fell asleep, just to wake up to her alarm, feeling even more tired, but forced herself up and left for work.
The weekend passed uneventful, but she had this guilt and unsettling feeling all the time. Finally Monday came and she looked around her place determined. She needs to find a better solution to get out of this situation, something what doesn't involve him getting killed. But what?
She got dressed grabbed her backpack and headed down the stairs. While walking, she put her hands in her front pockets, just to realize something is in the right one. She pulled it out to find a piece of paper with the name of a law firm written on it by Lucy. Nelson, Murdock and Page. She hasn't gone to the laundromat in a way too long time, this paper must have been sitting in there since she gave it to her. There was a phone number and an address on it, actually very close to the bakery she works at. Maybe it's time to try bringing in some lawyers to this mess.
Mondays were usually busy at the bakery, not that much in the early afternoon, so she decided it's a perfect time to sneak out.
"Hey, Lucy, would you cover for me for an hour?"
Lucy looked up from the register. "Sure, what's going on?"
"Don't get too excited please, but I would like to talk to those lawyers you suggested a few weeks ago."
"Finally!" She yelped, excitement all over her face.
"It's nothing concrete yet, just want to talk to them first."
"Of course! Go! And take your time, I'll got you all covered. Just come back by 4pm when the craziness starts."
"Thank you!" She mouthed it while sneaking out through the back door.
She didn't call ahead, wasn't even sure about their working hours, but figured first just walk there and see how their office looks like and maybe go in if she feels brave enough. Or not, and just walk back to the bakery. The building was very general looking, same old as the others this part of town. She noticed a small engraved sign on the wall, stating this is Nelson, Murdock and Page, Attorneys at law. That's what's on her paper as well, so she's at the right place. She expected a newer building with more glass windows. This one looked more welcoming to her, so she pushed the front door open and walked up on the old concrete stairs. There was a door with a paper sign on it stating that's their office, so she nervously knocked on the glass. While standing there she thought how idiot she was, expecting lawyers to see her without appointment. A blonde girl, about her age opened the door, smiling at her, but not with those fake smiles. "Good afternoon, I'm Karen. Please, come in." She stepped aside for Anna to walk in to a small lobby which also functioned as her office.
Anna nervously looked around the old, little worn out but welcoming place. She definitely didn't expect anything like this for a law office to look like. There was one door to her left, and two on the right side of the reception area. A big window facing at the cranes and construction sites. She realized she was standing there without a sound. "I'm sorry, I'm hoping to get some legal help. Wasn't sure if I find anyone here on a Monday."
"Of course, that's why we're here. Let me get Foggy and Matt, just a second. Please have a seat. Would you like anything to drink? Coffee? Tea? Water?"
She lowered herself onto a wooden chair, something what was used in the elementary schools. "I'm good, thank you."
Karen nodded and walked into the other office. Anna's mind was racing. It's weird that they see me right away, maybe they're bad and don't have any clients? Their office definitely doesn't look expensive or fancy. But they are the ones who took down Wilson Fisk, so they can't be bad. Plus Lucy vouched for them.
Soon a blonde guy in suit appeared at the door with Karen, smiling wide. "I'm Franklin Nelson, but call me Foggy, and this is my partner Matthew Murdock." He pointed toward the man arriving behind him with a white cane and red round glasses. He's blind? She did not see that coming.
Matt tensed up in the doorway as soon as he recognized her, but kept a poker face. "Nice to meet you, miss..."
Anna realized she hasn't even introduced herself. "Anna Sanders." He reached his hand out. Anna hesitated for a second and gave it a shake. She wasn't sure how to act in front of a blind man, and didn't want to do anything inappropriate. "Nice to meet you, Miss Sanders." Matt said with a warm and pleasant tone.
The blonde man motioned towards the other room. "Let's sit down, so you can tell us how can we help you."
Anna had no clue how this works, does she need to pay just for them to listen to her case? Or she'll pay later? What is their rate?
"I... I'm not sure if this was a good idea, to come here." She started backing up slowly.
The blind guy gave her a reassuring smile. "No commitment, just a talk. We would like to help you, Miss Sanders, but you need to tell us what's going on."
She let out a breath and nodded. "Ok." And walked into the room. It had a table and four chairs around it, a big window with a view to the Hudson. She sat down, and soon Karen showed up with glasses of water, and a notebook under her armpit. When everybody sat down, the guy named Foggy spoke up first.
"Miss Sanders, tell us what's going on with you, and how can we help."
Her eyes scanned through all three of them, then finally started talking. "Two years ago my Dad showed up at my doorstep with two men pointing guns at him. They threatened me and my Dad if I won't work off or pay off his debts, they're gonna torture him and kill him in front of me, then do the same with me. I didn't have other choice, so I started working for them as a drug dealer, and I'm still working for them. Turned out they're the Russian Drug Cartel, as they call themselves." Karen was writing notes, then exchanged eye contact with Foggy, then he nodded at Anna to keep going.
"I thought I already worked off half of the money, and I will be free in two more years, but turned out the boss thinking differently, and doesn't want to let me go, ever. I want out, want my life back, and making sure my Dad is safe." She looked down at her hands. "Selling drugs is just one of their income source. They hurt people, they smuggle and sell children as well. I have a lot of information, details about them and their operation, and want to see them get what they deserve. I read that you guys put Wilson Fisk behind bars, I want these people to be there as well." She finally looked up at them. "Is this something you think you can help me with?" She asked nervously, expecting to hear a "hell, no!" or "sure for one million dollars", but instead Matt replied her.
"Yes, Miss Sanders. If I understand right, you're working at the same drug cartel we've been investigating for a while. We would be happy to see them go down as well. And definitely can help you, but we will need more details."
Anna looked at his dark glasses, wishing she would see his eyes to read his expression better.
"These bastards hurt several of our clients, and we're building a case against them." Foggy added. "Seems like you know a lot more about them than any others."
"Most likely, and I can find out even more if I keep my ears open. I also have some documents copied, I mean I took pictures of them with my phone." She got excited. "I can share all those with you as well."
"Wonderful! I can't wait seeing them get what they deserve!" Foggy hit his fist on the table, then shook it in pain.
Anna hesitated a little, then spit it out. "I don't have much money though. So not sure how much this will cost me, and how can I pay you guys."
"Don't worry about that, you're helping us and our other clients as well." Matt smiled at her.
She nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Thank you." She said then stood up.
"I need to go back to work now, but I can meet you tomorrow before my shift if you're available."
"Would 9am work for you?" Matt asked.
"That's perfect. I only start at noon."
Karen wrote down Anna's cell number in case they need to contact her, and she gave her theirs as well, where she can reach them faster than on the office landline phone.
With that she rushed back to work, finding her friend juggling with a long line of customers. She jumped in right away, helping out the next one in line.
"So, how did it go?" Lucy asked while they were cleaning up the place before closing.
"Actually, went much better than I expected. They looked pretty normal, not some fancy expensive lawyers, and seems like they genuinely care about their clients. I will meet them tomorrow morning again."
Lucy hugged her tight. "See! What did I tell you? You're gonna be all right, free from those Russians in no time. With the help of your PI and these lawyers, I'm sure you're in good hands. "
She dropped down on the couch exhausted after her night shift. With this new shipment, there were plenty of product to sell, and Boss kept her busy tonight. Her feet were aching from the several miles she walked and stood around tonight, so she propped them up on the pillows.
"It's really dangerous leaving your window wide open this late night." The familiar voice broke the silence of the room, and she jumped up from her comfortable position.
"Jeez, and it's also dangerous to startle a girl like this. Maybe she will kick your ass in return."
"I want to see that." He made a cocky smile, and Anna squeezed her eyes a bit. "Is that a challenge?" She asked teasingly.
"Can be. I saw you fight, you're actually pretty good."
"That's because I practice a lot on all the men trying to climb through my window."
"Oh, I see." He still had that cocky expression on his face.
"All right, I can show you some moves after we finished with the Russians." Anna smiled, lost the fight to keep an angry face.
"It's a date then." He smirked.
Anna blushed red, and couldn't come up with anything as a reply.
"So, how was your day?" He changed the topic to give her some break, leaning on the windowsill.
"Well, you might want to sit down for this." She patted the spot next to her on the couch. She was too tired to move to the table this time.
He pushed himself off and walked next to her. "That bad, huh?"
She scanned him for injuries, but seemed like he's walking normal, and she didn't see any blood on his clothes this time, so relaxed a bit.
He sat down next to her, leaving only a few inches between them. Her couch was small. She pulled her legs up and hugged them.
"After that night at the docks, I realized that we might be not enough to take down a big crime organization like these Russians. So, I asked for more help." She nervously looked at him, cursing that he's wearing that stupid mask. It makes it impossible to read him, and she wasn't sure how he's gonna react to the mention of lawyers. His mouth was neutral, no sign of anger. Yet. So she continued. "My friend suggested these lawyers..." she kept her eyes on him, watching carefully. "They're very good as I heard, and they're actually investigating the Russians for a while. They can help us putting these guys behind bars, same way they did with Fisk."
"Let me guess. Nelson and Murdock?"
Her eyes widened. "How did you know? Were you following me?"
"No, I just worked with them before, on the Fisk case actually. They're really trustworthy, and I'm glad you found them."
Her eyes got even bigger in surprise if that's possible. "What? I expected you to be angry about this."
"You need help, Anna. And I do the best I can, but I can't protect you from the police, or the law. You need their help too to stay safe." He touched her arm gently. "I'm only angry if you do reckless things."
"Is that so? Sometimes we have a different measure for recklessness." She poked him with her finger by his side, suddenly all her tension disappeared.
"Ouch!" They both laughed.
"So, how was your night? Am I your last stop, or you planning on going back out?"
"I'm done for tonight. Visited one of the warehouses on your list, found out they kept the people they smuggled into the country there."
"Oh my God! Are they ok?"
"Yes, the police is helping them now, they also have all the Russians from the warehouse in custody, though they might need casts and stitches."
"Did you get hurt?"
"I'm good, nothing serious this time."
She relived. There was a short silence, and Anna bit her lower lip. "Can I ask you something?"
He nodded. "So when you were on the ship, I saw you. I was on Pier 89 with heat sensor binoculars they gave me. I saw you stopping for a minute before entering the room, then you knew exactly where the enemy was. Like you would really have laser vision. I also felt strange things when we were connected, when I was healing you. Like, like I could hear everything, from miles and miles away, I heard your heartbeat loud thundering in my ears, and the smells were so intense, I smelled a guy from down the street, how creepy is that?" Anna carefully looked up at his face. "I've never felt these while healing others."
"That's because you felt exactly what I feel. Yes, I can hear your heartbeat, even right now. I can tell you are nervous. I can hear things from miles away, even a conversation if I focus on it. Otherwise it's just a bunch of noise. I knew exactly how many people were on the ship before I entered, because I counted their heartbeats."
Anna watched him amazed. She always thought she's the only one who's different, but now she knows she's not alone. He has abilities as well.
Matt didn't mind sharing details about his abilities, he knew that she felt them when they were connected, so no meaning to lie about it.
"And yes, I heard you talking to me on the pier." He added. "But no, I don't have x-ray vision."
"Well, that's a bummer." She laughed. "It would make it easy to tell if you broke any bones after a fight."
"Oh, I can tell that without the X-ray. I can hear the bones shifting."
Her eyes widened. "Hearing the bones shifting in a body?"
"Yes, they sound different if they're broken, or just cracked, I can tell the difference. And with smells, I get a pretty good picture of a person."
"Wow. Alright then." She turned to face him on the couch, very excited to find out more about him. "Tell me, what can you see about me?"
"I know that you woke up this morning to take a shower, but you ran out of body wash, so used dish soap instead."
Anna covered her mouth and blushed. He continued. "You met the lawyers, and I know Karen, their assistant was there, because she wears this nice perfume I can still smell on you. You accidentally drop a little ketchup on you pants, but probably haven't noticed, I'm guessing you had fries for lunch. And I know you've been worried about telling me about the lawyers since I arrived, because your heart rate was higher than usual, and your palms were sweating. I also know, that you never lied to me, but you wanted to."
Anna sat there mouth parted. "I had no idea you knew all these things about me. Every time we met." Does this mean he knew when her heart wanted to jump out of her chest when he touched her hand a couple nights ago? Or when she was laying on top of him under the dock last night? Oh, no, this is very very embarrassing, she started regretting asking him about this.
"You don't need to be embarrassed. You didn't do anything wrong."
"Ok, ok, please stop reading me now. Is it possible to stop it?" She asked, feeling very hot in the room.
He just smiled. "I can stop listening to your heartbeat, yes. But I like it, it's very calming actually."
She blushed velvet now, so covered her face in her palms. She needs to learn how to take compliments, but she was never good at it. Instead she usually ruins the moments like this with something awkward.
She suddenly felt his bare hands touching both of her wrists, and slowly moving her hands away from her face. She thought her heart can't beat any faster, oh, she was wrong. He was so close to her, she was feeling his breath on her cheeks. What he's gonna do? What she is supposed to do in situations like this? She never had a real romantic relationship in her life, but this moment, she felt like she's in a movie. He slowly released her left wrist, and moved his right hand to her cheek. She leaned into it, felt so gentle and pleasant, and felt her abdomen is heating up, bringing out hidden pleasures. She stayed very still, didn't want to do anything to ruin this, and slowly closed her eyes.
Matt was hesitating, he just couldn't stop himself from touching her, she was so beautiful, her body was literally screaming at him to touch her. He felt her breathing increased, and her heart is beating so fast and loud the second he touched her skin. She was so soft, sensitive, so responsive to every little touch. Wonder how she would react if he moved his hand from her cheek to her mouth, he desperately wanted to feel how she looks like. He only had images in his head from that weird dream he had when he died, and wanted to know if that's true. But if he does that, what's gonna happen? He can't do this to her, tease her and then do nothing. He can't be this selfish, she needs to find someone, someone better than him, less dangerous. Like a normal guy, who can give her a nice happy normal life after she's free from the Russians. So instead touching her lips, he pulled his hand back. "I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, I know this is a lot to take in."
She opened her eyes, shivering a little from the loss of his touch. Did she do anything wrong, that's why he stopped? Or maybe he wasn't even planning to do anything, at least not with her, not with someone who used dish soap this morning? She was never the type of girl who got chased by hot guys, they usually picked the other girls, girls who were more fun, wearing sexy dresses and makeup. Yep, why would this be different? He has all the fan club on the internet, and even possibly married to a hot girl. She realized she doesn't know anything about his personal life, and felt stupid all of a sudden.
"Yeah, it's quite a bit of an information. But I'm glad you told me, feels like... I'm not alone, if you know what I mean." She didn't want to end this night with feeling awkward again and also wanted to learn a bit more about him. "So, are you heading home after me? Do you live in a cave, or in an apartment?"
"I live in an apartment, not too far away actually."
"Oh, that doesn't sound too mysterious. So no bat cave, or secret hideout? How disappointing."
"Nope, I'm just a regular guy, sorry."
"Regular, huh? Well, I like it." She smiled at him. "How can I reach you if I have new information?"
He reached in the side pocket of his cargo pants and handed her a flip phone. "Put your number in there, then call yourself. This way you will have my number, and I will have yours. But only for emergencies."
She did as she was told, and she knew she's gonna memorize his number right after he's gone.
Next morning she woke up early, ready to meet the lawyers, also made sure she has time to stop at the grocery store on the way for a new bottle of body wash. She arrived at their office a good 15 minutes early. Figured she just wait outside of the building, when heard some knocking noise approaching from her back. Turned around to see the blind lawyer walking toward her. She didn't want him to ran into her, so let him know she's there.
"Good morning, Mr Murdock!"
"Good morning Miss Sanders!" He gave her a big smile.
"Is that coffee I smell?" She looked at his other hand not holding the cane with a tray of 4 coffees.
"Coffee indeed, figured we could use some this early in the morning."
Anna laughed. "So that means you're not an early morning person?"
"Not in a bit." He laughed and nodded somewhere toward the door.
"Oh, of course." She pushed it in and let him walk through. "There are the stairs in about five steps in front of you." She said to help him out. "Here." She put her hand on his right arm holding the cane and helped him navigate up to the third floor.
"Thank you." They walked into the same room they sat yesterday, and he placed the coffees on the table. "The others should be here soon, please sit down."
They seated next to each other, and Anna realized she's been staring him. How rude is staring a blind man? But she just couldn't stop. He looked quite handsome, even with those dark glasses on. Perfect hight, very manly. He looked like he didn't shave this morning, maybe because he didn't have time, said he's not a morning person. Ok, Anna, stop staring.
"Can I ask you something?" She asked nervously.
"I wasn't always being blind, if that's what you're thinking."
"I guess everyone wants to know that. Can I ask how it happened?"
"Car accident." He answered shortly.
Anna got lost in thoughts. She never imagined how it would feel to lose her sight, what would she do? Matt seemed like fought through it, navigating through the busy streets, being a lawyer. She admired his strength, she would probably just turn into a miserable cry baby.
"Was it recent?"
"Oh, no. I was 9."
"Oh, I'm sorry, that must be rough."
"Well, I survived." He placed one of the coffees in front of her. "Now, can I ask some questions, Miss Sanders?"
"For a real coffee like this? You can ask whatever you please." She smiled at him, then realized he can't see that, so took a quick sip, the coffee tasted delicious. She never had anything better in years than the ones her old plastic-tasting machine can make from the cheapest ground beans you can find.
"You mentioned yesterday that you're working off you Dad's debt. What is your relationship look like with your father? Do you know why he owes them money?"
"Right on the sensitive topic." She took a deep breath. "He was a drug addict, working for the cartel. Except he abused their deal and started stealing their product to get high, and probably sell it by himself. I guess over the years he piled up a decent amount of debt, so they decided to make him pay. Obviously he didn't own anything, so they found out about me - I assume from him - and thought they have better chance to get their money through me."
"Why would your dad give you up like that? He's your Dad." He looked seriously disgusted by the fact someone could do something like this.
"I guess you need some back story on our relationship." She scratched her palm under the table, being uncomfortable telling this, but didn't want to skip anything important that might help. "I grew up in an orphanage, and didn't know my dad is alive until I turned 8. He came to pick me up, I remember it was the happiest day of my life. Until I realized where he's taking me. We went to this facility in Austin, Texas, and he left me there with those people. I didn't know then, but he basically sold me to them, so he would have money for drugs." She kept this part of the story short, definitely didn't want to share details on it. "After a long time I was able to escape, lived on the streets for a while, until ended up in another orphanage, where I stayed until 18. I moved a couple times, all around the country, Arkansas, North Carolina, West Virginia, then finally moved here to New York 3 years ago. I haven't heard from him since I was 8, but he found me here somehow. I had no idea he lived in New York. He's at a care facility now, his mind isn't clear anymore, he barely can remember to things, but so far he still recognizes me at least. So yeah, you know now that my Dad indeed capable of involving me in this. I don't think he's a horrible person, just all those drugs changed him, even when he sold me at that young age."
Matt was squeezing his cane so strong his knuckles started turning white, he was angry. How could someone do such things to a little girl? What did those people do to her in that facility? She was only 8 years old! He started grinding his teeth. Luckily Foggy peaked in to the office with Karen by his side. "Sorry guys, we're a little late. Traffic was brutal."
Matt rolled his eyes, knowing they didn't drive to get here.
"Ah, coffee! Life saver!"
They sat down on the chair opposite side of the table.
"We were just talking about her father. I will fill you in later." Matt said. "So tell us Miss Sanders please who do you know at the cartel"?
"Please, just call me Anna."
Matt nodded.
"We, the dealers are working under the man called "Boss". I don't know his real name, but know how can I find it out. There are 18 dealers working for him, 2 are very new after we lost the previous two in a gunfight. May I?" She pointed at Karen's notepad, who handed it to her with a pen. "These are their names." And she started writing the long list, circling three names at the end. "These three are the main dealers, they get more responsibility, including myself. We got to sent to places which require more brain to deal with, or to buyers who're getting bigger amounts." She pushed the notepad back to Karen. "He has several hunch men, bodyguards, drivers, and one assistant. I can give their names to you as well. He operates from his office which is on 43rd Street, close to 11th Avenue, in a single wide dumped on an empty lot. He torn down the old building what was there last year, planning on building a new bigger one in the future."
"Does he have any documents on that property?" Karen asked.
"Not that I know of, but I know where he keeps his documents, so I can take a look."
"That's too dangerous." Matt said immediately. "He can catch you, you don't need to do anything like that. This, what you've already told us is more what we had on them. No need to take any risks."
She nodded, then slapped herself in the face mentally. He can't see that. "I understood." She replied.
She gave them the addresses of the warehouses, so they can check the owner's records. Then she showed a couple of pictures on her phone what she took of the map on the board and a few other documents.
"Thank you for taking the time helping me, and the others involved."
"Of course, that's why we're here." Foggy smiled at her. They said their goodbyes and she hurried to work.
A full week passed, she only saw Daredevil for a minute when he stopped by the next night to give her her notepad back to hand it over to the lawyers. What she did the next morning. They were busy going through all the names and addresses to find out more details about them, and Anna was able to stop herself not to sneak back in to the office for more documents. She visited her dad on her quiet day, who as usual didn't say a word. She talked with the nurses making sure everything is ok and his condition didn't get worse.
It was Saturday night, and Saturdays usually the busiest in the drug business. Lots of people out partying and needing their drugs. So she headed out for tonight's job expecting it to be a long night. She noticed the first bad sign right at the beginning, when she met the delivery guy. He got out from the car with two others, she recognized them as Bobby and Duke.
"Boss decided it's time to expand our territory, so you three going to meet a guy on 66th and Columbus." The driver guy said.
Anna panicked. "That's not even Hell's Kitchen! Way out of our territory."
"Oh we know that sweetheart. That's why you three are going there, need to show those Uptown people that we're taking over the whole city."
This doesn't make any sense. She knew exactly how bad interfering with other drug cartels could be, this sounded like a very bad idea.
"This is way too dangerous." Anna protested.
"Hahaha! I told you the little girl is gonna cry!" Duke laughed, which would look hilarious with two of his front teeth are missing, except Anna wasn't in the mood to laugh at it.
"What, you're gonna call Boss and tell him you're a pussy?"
Anna almost nodded that she would rather be called a pussy than being beat up or dead, but before she could reply Bobby spoke up. At least he had all his front teeth. "This, or we will visit daddy instead."
Anna froze. No, she doesn't want her dad to get involved. "66th is a long walk from here." She said.
"Get in, I drop you three off there."
She was considering to call Daredevil, but they're all watching her, so she couldn't call or text without being noticed. So instead just got in the back seat. "Why do you need me there anyways? Shouldn't he send his strongest men instead?" She asked while they were driving up on 11th Avenue.
"Your job is to make sure these two won't shoot up any of the product, and smile nicely at our new customer. He loves women." He chuckled.
"Great." Anna made a face and crossed her arms in front of her body.
They got dropped off and the car left immediately. "Hey! How are we supposed to get back?" Anna yelled after the driver.
"So..." Duke started. "You're gonna deal with the buyer and we will be the bodyguards."
"Right." She smirked, but didn't really care, just wanted this to be over, scanning the dark street with her eyes. This neighborhood was so much nicer than any in Hell's Kitchen, and Anna wondered why someone would buy drugs here. She shrugged inside, well sometimes millionaires do that too. She stood close to the curb next to a now closed small newspaper stand, leaning on it a little to give her legs some relief. The other two were standing a couple feet away from her on the sidewalk, checking the window of the store. Bodyguards, huh? They don't even pay attention to the street and to that car approaching. The car pulled over next to her, and the driver lowered the passenger window. "Hello, honey! I was hoping they would send someone better dressed."
"I'm not here for your entertainment..."
"All right, all right... I have the money, give me the bag." He directed her. Well, no messing around finally, she liked that. Took the money and handed him the big paper-bag. He barely looked into it, when another car arrived on screaming tires. She didn't even blink, everything happened so fast. She heard automatic rifles firing at Duke and Bobby, both getting several bullets in their backs, jerking for a second then going down. They didn't even have a chance to realize why they died. She heard the car of the buyer next to her taking off in high speed, exposing her to the shooters. Suddenly felt something heavy hitting her body like a train and taking her down behind the newspaper stand, feeling the heavy weight on herself, just to realize it's Daredevil saving her and covering her from the flying bullets. She was on her back and his arms were next to her head on both sides, his head next to hers on the pavement. The car drove by slowly but they couldn't get a good aim at them because of the newspaper box and because they were flat on the ground, so the driver hit the brake in an attempt to back up. Daredevil hopped on his feet and finally she was able to breathe as his heavy weight moved off of her, he reached down to grab her hands. She didn't hesitate, took it and they were running toward the alley to take cover. She heard the car stopped where they just were and the doors opened. They gonna follow us! She looked at him, he nodded knowingly and reached up to pull down the fire escape ladder for her, she grabbed it and felt him giving her a push to start climbing faster, then pushed the ladder up. She stopped waiting for him. No, no, no, she can't just leave him down there! He noticed her hesitating, so yelled seriously. "Go! I will be fine!"
"Shit!" She cursed and continued her way up, looking back down at the dark alley time to time. She lost him, probably he's taking cover to surprise the men by jumping on them. She reached the roof and pried her eyes to see anything. But it was too dark. She heard noises finally, punches, gun falling to the ground, more punches, bones breaking, yelling in pain, another gun got dropped on the ground and she heard fast footsteps leaving the alley. The second guy most likely ran away after seeing his buddy's bones cracked in multiple places. It got quiet, so she kept looking downward hoping to see the masked man climbing up on the fire escape. But instead she heard his voice behind her. "Are you ok?"
She jumped so high in surprise, almost tipped over the edge of the building, so he reached out and grabbed her hand. "Jeez, you're really good at sneaking up on people."
He smirked, but then made a serious face. "Sorry, didn't want to startle..." he didn't have time to finish his sentence, because she jumped in his arms, hugging him tight. He embraced her with his arms after waking up from the sudden shock. He didn't expect this. She buried her face into his chest, breathing his scent in. It calmed her down, she felt safe here. After a few minutes she pulled back slowly. "How did you know I was here? We're not even in Hell's Kitchen."
"I heard you arguing with Duke and Bobby about coming to sell in this territory, you sounded scared about it, so figured I just keep an eye on you. Just in case."
"You heard me? How come you were there when we talked?"
"I wasn't, I have a very long range of hearing." He smiled and Anna gaped.
"So, after that you followed me?" She lifted her eyebrows.
"Basically, yes. From the distance."
Anna looked at him as he lowered his head, maybe thinking she's gonna be upset about being followed. But she wasn't upset, it was the opposite actually. Nobody cared about her this much before.
"Thank you. For saving my life."
"I promised you to keep you safe. I intend to keep it."
She hugged him again, just for a few seconds this time. "I need to go to see the boss. I have the money from the buyer in my backpack and don't like keeping it with me any longer than needed. Plus he needs to know what a stupid idea this was and costed two of his men's lives."
"Can I walk you there? Or at least close by?"
"I would love that." She blushed and started walking, but he pulled her to the other direction. "This way is shorter, if we take the rooftops."
She wasn't excited about the idea of the height, but wanted to get back to her place as soon as possible, so didn't argue.
"Right..."
They parted just a block away from the office. She took a deep breath to calm down, because she really felt like handing his ass to him how stupid this plan was.
"Well, well, well. Look who made it back alive." He walked out clapping his hands, his hair was all styled with gel, freshly bleached.
Anna's anger started boiling up even more. She forcefully pushed the bag of money into his chest, wanting to punch him with it instead.
"Bobby and Duke are dead! What were you thinking sending us there! It wasn't our territory and this is not how you expand yours!"
He laughed hard and Anna had to concentrate really hard not to punch him in the face.
"This was a payback, they came to Hell's Kitchen first. Plus, this was also your test, and congratulations, you passed."
She looked at him confused, so he continued. "You know, my assistant... let's say I had to let him go..." he laughed and Anna felt disgusted. He killed him basically. "I need a new one, and better to pick someone who's already working for me and I know well. You're clean, don't use drugs, mostly on time and now I know that you would do as you were told, no matter how dangerous it is, and wouldn't involve the police in it. Wish you would dress prettier, but oh well, nobody's perfect." He reached his hand out. "So congratulations, you just got promoted."
Anna stood there frozen, not sure what to say. It's not like she can say no to something like this, she would get killed if she refused this so called promotion. "Bobby and Duke, they are dead. Just because some test and stupid payback?"
"They were junkies, nobody will miss them. And you shouldn't be upset about this." His face turned serious. "Also watch out who you're lecturing. Now, go home and I want to see you here tomorrow at 8pm. Don't be late." With that he turned on his heels and shut the door behind him.
Anna was cursing on the way home, repeating his words out loud in high pitched voice. "You shouldn't be upset about this... Nobody will miss them... Asshole!" She kicked an empty beer bottle hard, "Congratulations... My ass!"
She didn't have any idea what an assistant job meant to him. Is she gonna be pushing papers in his office from now on? Or she needs to take care of the dirty job, like cleaning up his mess every time?
She tossed and turned in her bed the rest of the night, didn't get any sleep, so eventually around 9am she decided to get up and call the lawyers.
First she wanted to dial their office, but then remembered last time nobody was there at 9am, except one. So she called Matt's cell number.
"Hello Anna."
His voice was deep and hoarse from sleep, and for a second she thought she accidentally dialed Daredevil's phone, so looked down on the screen to confirm it's indeed Matt Murdock's number.
"I'm so sorry for waking you up."
"It's ok, what happened?"
She told him all the details of last night. Being sent to a new territory to sell, the shootings and killing of two of their guys, being saved by Daredevil, then her promotion as an assistant. She heard rustling in the background, probably him getting out of bed and getting dressed for work.
"Are you home now?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Do you know anything about the gang who's territory you were selling?"
"Uhm, not much. I know they're not Russians, maybe Italians? Not sure. I heard about their leader from the Boss before, mentioning they have no mercy, so me and everyone else are avoiding any confrontation with them. Until now."
"Ok, we'll look into them. Make sure to have your door locked and walk to the bakery on the busiest streets, even if that means extra distance."
Anna got surprised. "Wait? What? Why?"
"You survived. But they might be able to find out who you are. Just a precaution, be very careful please."
She didn't even think about this, was way too occupied with the thought of her promotion. "O-ok. I'll be careful."
"I will call you when we found out more about that gang." He hung up, and she was listening to the beeps of the line until it went quiet.
She walked to her door and checked the deadbolt. This old thing won't even keep a cat out. She thought.
She was right at the door of the office at 8pm sharp. "Come on in." The boss greeted her with a happy smile, which was never good. "So as a start I want you to go over that pile of documents, and file them in order in the cabinet. After you finished you need to find me my missing 10 million dollars." Anna looked at him with confusion on her face. "How am I supposed to do that?"
"Well, it's somewhere here in these documents, but that bastard Tony didn't do a very good job with the books, and I'm pretty sure he stole that money from me. But I need to know how."
"I'm not an accountant, have no idea how this works."
"You will learn. Fast!" He made a slicing motion with his index finger across his throat. "Or else..."
She swallowed, and sat down at the desk. At least she's not out on the streets, she thought, so could be worse.
At least organizing papers she can do. Around 3am her eyes were hurting from the lots of reading, so she was happy when the boss said she can leave now. "Why don't you take that first pile with you home, so you can work on them. Maybe that way you'll finish by the end of the year." He laughed sarcastically.
"Sure." She figured it's better not to argue with him tonight, and she slid the heavy pile in her backpack.
Anna was exhausted by the time she carried that heavy weight home, but woke up immediately as she saw her door ajar. She lowered the backpack next to the door jam, and quietly pushed the door wide open. She stepped on broken glass in the dark, crunching under her shoes. "I guess I was right about that deadbolt." She said to herself, and lifting up the umbrella by the door to use it as a weapon. She quietly sneaked through the living room, the lights from the street eliminating the apartment just enough to see shapes. She checked behind the kitchen cabinet. All sorts of objects were scattered around the floor everywhere, most of them broken. She stepped in something wet on the carpet, maybe they spilled water on it? Then she took a deep breath to push the bathroom door open. Empty, nobody behind the shower curtain either. Ok, only one room left. She tiptoed toward her bedroom, where the door was already open. As she stepped in she turned to both sides fast in case someone was waiting behind the walls, but to her relief there wasn't anyone. Same with under the bed. Her clothes were all torn and piled on the floor. After she calmed down a little that she's all alone now, turned the switch on in her bedroom, just to froze in place. What she didn't see in the dark, but now it was there clear as daylight. Big red words covering her white wall behind her bed. She stepped closer to realize it's not paint, but blood, which is dripping down the wall to her headboard, and collecting in a big pile on her bed and on both sides of it.
"We found you, you'll get what you deserve."
She covered her mouth with her hands, feeling her stomach is turning upside down.Who's blood is this? As she rushed out to her living room she saw they poured blood over the pile of clothes on the floor and on the carpet as well. Anna curled up in a ball on her couch in an attempt to avoid throwing up. She was rocking slowly back and forth, trying to calm herself down. After a few minutes, she let the air out what she's been holding in, shook her head and pulled out her phone. Without thinking she dialed the last called number in her phone.