A/N~

Dodges rotten tomatoes thrown at her.

Yes, yes I know I took too long on this and yet again wrote a uber-ly long chapter –you wouldn't believe how many times I rewrote this monster and I'd love to give you all my real world excuses but I'm sure they'd just bore you to tears. I'm a very visual person and these types of things play out more like a movie in my mind…easy to watch very hard to write.

I have taken an awful lot of liberties w/the character of Dr. Strange some of you might even catch the references I make to his comic book self while others will prob not even notice. Thor, The Avengers, Dr. Strange and his Sanctum Santorum all belong to Marvel, I take no credit, unless its six college credits of course. ;)

The Haunted

Chapter 3

"There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it."

~Alfred Hitchcock

"I'm getting too old for this shit." Muttered Matthews, now getting quite the workout hauling Jane's equipment as well as their belongings. Well mostly her belongings.

Hidden away in a wooded valley carved out by the river Avon, they had finally reached the small village by the same name and their new headquarters, Sanctum Manor.

"Stuff it, Matthews, we don't have that far to go," Darcy scoffed at her companion as she hustled on only to think over what he had said, "Just how old are you, anyways?" She asked.

"Uh, uh, uh Miss. Lewis that's top secret." Matthews huffed, taking off his aviators to honor the intern with a brown-eyed wink. It was enough to make her cheeks burn red. Lately she'd been collecting information on her agent seeing as how he always had to know her business. Apparently his real name was Jacob and he hated her using it. Unsurprisingly Agents preferred to keep their identities a secret. So Darcy had filed that juicy tidbit under her "to use against him later" cabinet. They were getting closer to their finish line, which thankfully, wasn't that far off as a swarm of agents flittered past them with equipment.

Huh, a house full of agents, Darcy thought with some disdain, now all they needed was a camera crew, some horny twenty somethings and they could call it "Big Brother."

Although she hated the constant surveillance Darcy grudgingly knew why they had to tag along. With all the wild light shows, the onslaught of prehistoric oddities, and the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics their operation was in constant jeopardy. And right now anonymity meant everything. They needed all the help they could get to steer clear of the public eye and not end up like the scandal rocking Europe right now over Mutants found participating in the Olympics. The last thing they needed was to have to explain to the British tabloids all the overt supernatural elements in their universe.

Dropping what he was carrying to the ground, Jacob groaned. "Did you honestly have to pack so frick'n much, Darcers?"

"Yeah, well maybe if you knew how to drive and hadn't gotten us lost we would've been unpacked by now Jacob," Darcy muttered back in her usual sass,"that certainly wasn't the British peace sign they were giving us back there!"

The conversation had suddenly turned argumentative, and choosing to ignore Matthews man-trum, Darcy turned her attention instead towards Sanctum Manor to find herself privy to a spectacle between two men who weren't agents. And it looked to be quite the heated conversation. Whatever it was they were arguing about intense as their voices rose and fell in unison. Darcy had to squint her eyes through the glare of her glasses to get a better look at them. There amongst the sea of black suited activity stood a tall waspish gentleman bickering with some type of a construction worker. The worker was so upset, he up and left the fellow mid-conversation to rush past them.

What the heck had that been all about? Darcy wondered. That worker looks spooked, like he's shaken up about something.

Prestigious in terms of appearance, the more dapper looking Englishman didn't seem to acknowledge their presence; glaring past them to where the worker had wandered off. With his mustache-goatee combination and graying hairs wrapped around his temple he looked as though he had just climbed out of the dated pages of a harlequin romance novel. And looking rather aghast from the other man's outburst it wasn't until they had finally reached the front door with their luggage that he greeted them.

"Oh, uh Dr. Foster I take it?" He asked, clearly still trying to gather his bearings as he made to shake her hand while holding a rather large folder in the other.

"Actuall-" Darcy began only to be interrupted.

"Allow me the pleasure of introducing myself, my name is Dr. Carl Strange and on behalf of our team at the University of Greenwich I'd like to welcome you to my family's estate," Strange declared with an evident lackluster of focus, "please, forgive me my lack of manners we weren't expecting you so soon as you can see we are still in the process of renovating," He gestured towards the peeling paint on the towering walls above them.

"The man you saw with me was one of our very ill-informed contractors." He derisively muttered, evidently still bitter, "Well than, enough of that did you receive the itinerary I sent you?" Strange pointed to the giant folder he'd been carrying, "I was rather hoping you'd read my hypothesis on the atom diffraction of crystalline surfaces."

Darcy stared at their host vacantly; still trying to register what he was saying to her through that impeccable British accent of his. Did she really come off as her doctorate holding friend? Well she had certainly dressed formally enough for the occasion today, hence her sweating of bullets, but it had never occurred to her hat someone could confuse her with Jane. Matthews, of course, was of no help leaning against the double doors with a huge shit eating grin on his face.

"Well, actually, sir I am not Jane Foster," Strange blinked taken aback by that admission and Darcy nervously continued, "I am however assisting her for my internship at S.H.I.E.L.D. through Culver University."

After getting over his shock he hurriedly responded with a, "oh, well terribly sorry about that." But Darcy could just tell he seemed genuinely confused by her presence there. Not to mention her having a placement with such a suspicious organization like S.H.I.E.L.D. She saw it in the way it was sketched across that highly-esteemed face of his, "and how are you… enjoying your studies out in the field? That must be quite the prestigious internship working alongside Dr. Foster for a-a?" He glanced curiously at her and then to the field agent next to her for a little help but Darcy had gone stiff as a rod.

"She's a Political Science Undergrad." Jacob coughed and in her mind Darcy glared daggers at her security blanket turned double agent.

You pathetic wuss Matthews, she thought, angry for being placed in such an awkward situation.

"Tell me however did you manage that?" The Doctor exclaimed loudly enough to cause the intern to feel faint, "ah, forgive me this must be something new that Universities do these days with the Liberal Arts. I fail to see how well you will be able to translate what you've learned towards your degree. Exactly how does one apply political science to astrophysics?"

Darcy went blank. It wasn't that she didn't know how to reply. She knew exactly what she hoped to do with all that she had learned. Having now worked for S.H.I.E.L.D she hoped to find something to fall back upon besides the law schools her parents kept pushing her towards. But, for some reason or another, it was hard for her to articulate all this into a conversation. It wasn't the first time some nosey person had asked her this question or the first time she'd asked it of herself.

Perhaps it was because a small part of her still doubted her reasons for being there as well.

"Like in astrophysics, political science consists of two elements: the study of systems and the elements thereof. Granted, they're investigations mainly rely upon normative assessments, but their procedures are still similar to that of scientific method-" Darcy's heart skipped a bit at the sudden recognition of whose voice it was behind her.

"Miss Lewis has under seen my project's development from the very beginning. Where most people would think my work controversial, even frightening she has stood by me just as excited as I was to see what was out there." Darcy was grinning from ear to ear when she turned around to see her scientist friend, but of course, Jane Foster, rambling lecturer, didn't stop there. "Any hiring committee, whether academic or federal government, would be mad not to want her and if they do ever question her validity…well she'll certainly still have me for a reference."

Jane really knew how to make her feel like a million bucks.

"All important traits in an assistant I'm sure...," muttered Strange rather foggily causing Darcy's dislike for the Doctor to rise.

"Jane Foster than I take it?" He asked a second time, as he shot out a hand for her to shake. Quick like a whip Jane took his hand nodding her head enthusiastically.

The spotlight no longer on her Darcy could finally breathe a little easier and take some time to observe her travel worn friend's mousy appearance. With her hair done up in a bun Jane appeared smaller than usual, in fact, she seemed a lot frailer, like she hadn't been getting sleep. Shadows had appeared to wrap themselves around her eyes.

And here after getting the chance to visit an alive and well Erik Darcy had expected to see a happier, livelier Jane.

What had that visit with Erik done to her?

"-your earlier research on finding shorter de Broglie wavelengths to reanimate the human atom is simply fascinating. I never imagined there were texts out there arguing for human reanimation through bi-photon interferometry." Jane gushed.

Dr. Strange frowned at Jane's recognition of his work. "You've really done your research on me. I must admit I am a bit astounded. I didn't know they had most of that still in print," Strange wrung his hands as his frown deepened, "I'm afraid those days are far behind me Miss Foster, my research veered too much on science fiction for the scientific community's liking." Strange was swift to change topics, "Speaking of the stuff of fiction have you met this mysterious financial benefactor of ours yet?"

"He is quite the mystery, isn't he?" Jane exclaimed, "Agent Sitwell has been very quiet on the subject of him over at S.H.I.E.L.D."

Just as Jane and Strange were gushing like little school girls Darcy's eardrums began to twitch, there was some kind of a humming noise coming from somewhere above them other than the drilling of construction inside the manor and it was driving her nuts. That noise…was it really just her or was it now getting louder? It wasn't. Darcy could tell Matthews heard it too.

"Well, he was supposed to meet with the University's team about a week ago to debrief us and keep us updated on your coming arrival. I've been trying to get S.H.I.E.L.D. to give me his contact information, but to no avail. On numerous occasions I've given them the documents of our project's financial budget and needs and, well…nothing. It makes me wonder what type of a businessman he is," Strange muttered, now perturbed and red in the face with displeasure.

It became rather unmistakable now as to where the humming noise was coming from and turning her attention away from the scientists Darcy's jaw dropped as she looked out towards the expanse of Strange's estate. What on earth were those agents doing over there? They'd been leaving some type of markers on the grass like one would when setting up a landing pad.

"Uh, guys…" Darcy gulped.

Everyone stared in their shock, well everyone except for Matthews that was, he was too busy talking into his iphone and giving a "Roger that." The rhythmic "wop-wop" of a large helicopter's tail rotor had now made conversation close to impossible as it hovered over Sanctum Manor; with its red, black metallic paint and sharp logo of a giant "A" making its way past them to idle on the ground.

"Who?" Dr. Carl Strange barked as his entire body shook. His rage very evident and fully on the field agent next to him, but Matthews simply cocked his head to smirk and say, "your benefactor."

Well there goes the neighborhood, Darcy thought wincing from all of Strange's shouting. As the cool and collected sir scientist raised his arms up and down towards the copter in outcry only to drift menacingly closer to Jacob's personal bubble, "he doesn't have authorization for that! He doesn't have-Why were we not informed of this?"

Ducking out of the still copter hopped out the figures of two men; one suave and thin the other square and built.

"Wow," Darcy gasped at the familiar faces. There stood the eccentric billionaire Tony Stark, in his expensive Armani suit with suitcase in hand, and the American hero Steve Rogers in nothing but jeans and a t-shirt with what looked like a logo for the American Olympic team.

"Hee~y!" Came the smooth sing-song voice of their benefactor as he waved a puzzled Captain America following suit behind him. Unable to speak the group remained star struck, all except Strange who, still red in the face, came across as looking less than pleased.

"So, look I'm gonna make this real quick cause I'm kinda running short on time, gotta meet with the US Olympic committee over our choice of a mascot here-," Stark sighed placing his hands on top of Captain America's broad shoulders.

"Tony," The Captain gave off a warning growl clearly not liking being touched by Stark.

"Which one of you is Jane Foster?" Stark piped up eyeing the both of them; there was a bit of silent staring until Jane shyly raised her hand.

"Ah, huh great met your boyfriend by the way, swell guy," Jane's entire face changed from serious to pink in a matter of seconds as Stark continued, "well Jane kinda need this," from his pocket he handed Jane crumpled sheets of blueprints, "made into a reality think you could do that for me there, sweetheart?"

"Those are the designs for my-are my-how on earth did you get this? I mean…why?" Jane, so thoroughly overwhelmed, could barely speak.

"Well, say evil decides to invade us again, right? As you already know we've got Selvig working for us in Norway but he's only one man. And astrophysicists, believe it or not, are kinda hard to come by, especially ones like you. You do see where I'm going with this, right Jane?" It appeared Tony Stark suffered from an intense case of motor mouth and here Darcy thought she had it bad.

"The creation of an inter-dimensional portal though is-this is just theory I mean it's not even past any prototype stages yet. How on earth do you expect me to build one without any of the materials or, or-" Jane looked like she was going to faint.

It was around this time that Strange, whose face was now contorted into a giant red balloon, interjected, "You've decided this just now then, hmmm? And what of Miss Foster's obligation to the expedition? Or are you simply going to have your teleporter on my property like you have your helicopter and not inform me of that as well?" The scientist bristled.

"This whole place is yours, huh?" Tony whistled not in the least bit worried by Strange's harsh tone or expression, "Woof- talk about spooksville Transylvania over here! How much for the ghost in the window? Ha, I'm just pulling your leg, uh Mr-?"

"Sir Carl Strange," The Doctor snarled, "the man in charge of the "BlueHenge" expedition, the one you were supposed to be funding. In fact, I have all the documentation right here on the matter-" Strange muttered as he pulled out form after form from his giant folder, "Now that you've finally arrived your signature is needed on a vast majority of things that I have organiz-"

"Yeah, I don't like to be handed things-," Tony winced at the mere mention of it, "I have this peeve."

"You have a what?" Strange sputtered completely taken aback.

"Maybe you should take the forms Tony," Rogers butted in clearly sympathetic to Strange's plight.

"Steve please let me handle this," Stark reciprocated, "Now, don't get me wrong Strange-Love she'll be taking part in your Stonehenge dig-a-roo too, but to an extent. And it's not like we're making a doomsday device or anything here it's just that some things have to take precedence over others. Think of it as her side project if you will-" As Stark continued to talk Darcy wasn't sure if he meant the expedition or the teleporter as being "on the side." It was like he had become a divorced father discussing play dates with an ex-wife.

"But-" Strange sputtered once again.

Handing his suitcase to a startled Captain America Tony popped it open to grab what looked to be a cheque book. And in a flash he began signing it.

"Will this cover your costs?" Stark innocently asked.

From the way Strange kept ogling the flimsy piece of paper Darcy could only assume that Stark had transformed into some type of a financial fairy godmother.

"This is-this is more than enough, in fact it's brilliant!"

"Smashing!" Stark exclaimed rather mockingly elicitating a loud groan from the Captain.

"Aren't you going to visit the site and weigh in on our discoveries, Mr. Stark?" Inquired Jane finally coming out of her shell shock.

"Nyah, I've seen the place from up above-looks pretty-" Tony glanced at the Doctor giving his cheque a once-over to turn to Jane, "-strange."

"If anything, focus on that research thesis of yours and find out why the place gives off the same low level radiation as the Tesseract any other pretty baubles you find will just be an added bonus."

Suddenly examining his fingernails Stark began to fidget, "as much as I'd love to stay and chit- chat over tea and biscuits I'm a very busy man with a public image to maintain. Gotta get the logos for Team USA's uniforms out what with their largest cash sponsor gone belly-up. But I trust you'll keep everything in order for me." Stark winked at Jane and then at Darcy causing both their faces to turn red, "I'll even make it up to you all and order everyone some t-shirts," He stated as he waggled his eyebrow at them, "who wants some Olympic swag, hmm?"

"Oooh, ooh me!" Darcy chirped in, immediately raising her hand only to instantly shoot it down at the looks she received from the scientists,"what?" She muttered glaring at the ground.

It all felt so surreal.

"Very well than…,"Strange stuttered, the first of them to speak once the ringing noise from Stark's copter had left their ears, "If you could all wait here I'll only be a moment. Once I arrange for my staff to leave I will give you a bit of a tour before I go." Darcy could hear him muttering to himself as he left, and though she couldn't catch all of it, she was pretty sure he had muttered something along the lines of "Americans!"

Once alone Darcy turned to her friend for a giant bear hug, "Oh, Jane I could simply kiss you for that save back there from Dr. Strange, you are seriously like my science angel!" Matthews snorted at Darcy's choice of flattery.

"I don't even want to get into the logistics of how those two words don't fit together, Darcy." Jane stated as she wrinkled her nose in her friend's direction, "and don't let this go to your head, either… just remember you owe me one."

Now with the funding to have her project pushed into the prototype stages Jane looked absolutely ecstatic, as did her intern. The excitement hitting the young assistant like a big bag of bricks, so much so, that when Strange had finally come to beckon them in Darcy had dropped her belongings by the double doors and rushed past Jane and Matthews full force.

With little regard for what awaited them inside.