Enthralled, the small party of four explorers stumbled forward. Suddenly, they had to stop their advancement, for the carved-out corridor opened onto a tall ledge. Below them was a deep maw of darkness.
Standing at the brink of the enormous pit, they gazed across at the magnificent giant statue of the seated God Zeus. It was a massive, awe-inspiring sculpture of shining white and gold. A marvel of artistry and craftsmanship, and Peggy could not believe that it was right there before them.
The bright beams from their flashlights seemed to make the God's ivory skin glow while the gold inlays bounced the light back at them brilliantly.
Looking down, Peggy noticed that Zeus was no longer seated on his ornate chair but was perched on a makeshift wooden scaffold. She had seen the rendering of how amazing the throne had looked, and she bet it was a Wonder in itself. Still, the statue alone was breathtaking in design and scope of size.
Grinning, Howard stated, "I would say those Zeus followers did more than just hide their church here, Professor. They hid their God, too."
Spencer got even closer to the edge than what Peggy thought was wise. It was a long way down, no doubt over five stories at least. He breathed out in astonishment, "What an incredible feat of engineering. How could anyone move the entire statue here? It must have taken them a very long time to do so, let alone carve out part of Mt. Kronos to be able to fit it all in."
Peggy supplied, "They had to move their effigy to a safer place. Fearful of further retribution by the Romans could have been their motivator. "
Howard suggested, "Or maybe it was moved by those adapting the Wonders."
Jarvis was too astounded to reply with anything pithy.
Leaning over the cliff, Spencer studied the visage before him, "Remarkable. And it is in better shape than I thought it would be."
Peggy nodded. Then upon closer inspection, she could make out some cracks in the ivory. Honestly, after all the centuries of being left unattended, they were lucky the statue wasn't in worse condition.
Unaware of her inner musings, the Professor gushed, "The followers used to keep the statue coated with olive oil to counter the harmful effects that the dampness of the region would do to the ivory. But it seems much drier around here, so maybe that is why it is still in great shape." He pointed down into the darkness, "In the Temple, they had a reservoir filled with oil at his feet. Not only was it handy for use, but the reflection helped make the statue appear even bigger."
Shining their lights far below, they dimly saw the raised marble-rimmed pool that now only contained flakes of dried olive oil.
Jarvis asked, "So now what?"
His words snapped Howard out of his enthrallment, and he aimed the scanner at the God Zeus. While he used the device, Peggy studied what was before them. At this level, she could easily make out the intricate detail of the massive statue's curly beard and flowing toga. Alas, it only proved to be a masterpiece of craftsmanship, for nothing could be discerned with the naked eye.
Looking at the golden crown, Peggy saw that it was a wreath of sculpted entwined olive branches. Squinting, there appeared to be something etched along the surface of it. Unfortunately, she could not see what it was due to the lack of adequate lighting. Hopefully, it was more of those curious markings that they had found at the last two sites.
"Try the crown, Howard," Peggy suggested, and he targeted the scanner at the decorative wreath.
Unfortunately, it was too far away for the device to pick up anything of worth. The inventor fumed, "Sorry, it looks like you will need to get closer to scan it."
Having already come to the same conclusion, Peggy nodded absentmindedly. Frankly, she was not at all surprised that this would be a difficult situation. After all, this was a test to see if they were worthy of whatever prize awaited them at the end.
While the obstinate Howard tried again to get a reading, Peggy began to figure out how they would reach the crown. Shining her light to the left of the ledge they were on, she spied some wooden stairs leading to the base of the massive statue. Unfortunately, they are very old and dilapidated, and she did not trust them to hold any weight. Still, she tentatively nudged the top step with her foot, and it creaked dangerously.
"Well, there goes taking that route," she said with a wry grin.
Howard boasted, "Don't worry, pal, I packed climbing gear."
Though pleased that her friend had brought the essentials, she still teased, "Climbing gear, Howard? My, you have thought of everything."
The millionaire inventor shrugged, "Well, I just figured you might need to scale up a giant statue, is all."
Nodding her gratitude, Peggy glanced over her shoulder at Jarvis, "Well, we either rappel down this ledge and climb back up the statue, or we somehow get over to it from here." Though the first way would be time-consuming, it would certainly be safer than scrambling across the slippery ivory.
Jarvis groaned, "I wish these things were on level ground for once as opposed to us always having to go up or down. My arms are still sore from the other day."
Peggy smirked, "I agree. So our best option is to make our way across the statue to reach the crown."
Nodding, Spencer piped in, "Since you insist on taking that route, there will be some obstacles. May I?" He asked Peggy, and she handed him the wrist light.
The bright beam glanced along the shining gilded robe draped over the statue's left shoulder. Unlike the ivory, the surface gleamed as if it was wet. "See, you will have to navigate over that glassy surface. Taking the beard and hair to reach the crown might be a tad easier because of handholds, but since it is ivory, it will also be very slick."
Finally realizing what he had gotten into, Jarvis groaned, "Oh, lord."
Lightly patting him on the shoulder as a sign of solidarity, Peggy smiled understandingly. After borrowing the flashlight back from the Professor, she mapped out a way to reach the statue.
Directly across the chasm from them was Zeus' left forearm and wrist. Above, the God's curled fingers would have normally held the jeweled scepter, but they were empty. Peggy surmised that that would be the best starting point. And once there, repelling the almost 90-degree angled forearm could be done easily enough.
Now the tricky part was getting across the bicep unaided to the toga-covered shoulder. Thankfully, it was not at much of an angle. She would have suggested swinging over to that flat surface to save time, but the ivory would be too slippery to grab onto.
"Hum, now how do we get over," Peggy murmured.
She aimed her light higher and studied the ceiling. Pleased, she saw that thick tree roots had broken through in spots and, over the centuries, had ensnarled part of the upraised thumb that had once helped hold the golden scepter. That would aid in anchoring what she wanted to swing across to.
She asked Howard, "I don't suppose you brought something to secure the rope up there among those roots."
Smirking, the inventor replied, mock offended, "What do you take me for, pal, of course. Jarvis, besides the climbing gear, grab the harpoon gun and additional rope."
An intrigued Peggy inquired, "Harpoon gun?"
Howard grinned cockily, "Its diamond tip can pierce anything. They aren't just made for rings, you know."
She chuckled, "Most impressive, Howard."
Jarvis dutifully stated, "Anything else you want from the car, Mr. Stark?"
Peggy was tempted to ask what else they had brought when Spencer instantly volunteered, "I can go get it."
When her surprised gaze snapped to him, he amended quickly, "I need to grab some of my things as well."
She exchanged a look with Jarvis, and he surreptitiously nodded. Quickly he chimed in, "You will need my help carrying everything. Allow me to assist you." With no choice, Spencer nodded. He seemed a bit put out by it, but there was no way he could grab all their climbing gear and his stuff anyway. Gamely he led them out, leaving Peggy and Howard alone.
Once Jarvis and the Professor had disappeared from view, Howard used the scanner to snap a few pictures.
Ignoring the flashes of bright light, Peggy continued checking out the statue.
Shining her flashlight to the opposite side of it, she saw what rested on Zeus' right hand. Unlike his left, it was not empty. Upon his palm rested a large statue of Nike. Light bounced brilliantly off the gold-covered torso of the winged Goddess of Victory.
Peggy was intrigued that this heavy object had not been left behind like the scepter. Grimacing, she instantly surmised that it must be part of the test.
Tracking a possible path to reach Nike, she realized it would be quite a dangerous trek. The right shoulder of Zeus was bare, thus no handholds. Even more problematic was that the Nike statue was much lower, and the gap between it and the shoulder was vast.
Peggy truly hoped that she was wrong and that it wasn't where the next clue was.
Howard sounded smug as he snapped another picture, "See Peg, only people with superior intellect could have found the entrance for this clue. Not everyone could invent a scanner of such quality as I."
She snorted regarding his obnoxious tone, "Don't tell me that you are still upset that I figured out the Giza puzzle instead of you and your technology."
He harrumphed. Howard then pulled a battery out from his ubiquitous fanny pack and replaced the one in the scanner with it.
She could not help but take a slight dig at his pride, "All the skeletal evidence that we have come across proves that it is more than just special devices needed to find the clues to this elusive treasure."
"That might be the case, pal, but if my scanner keeps us from also becoming said bones, then I will keep using it," he snapped back.
Realizing that his nose was out of joint, Peggy relented, "And I would not have it any other way, Howard."
"Well, good, then," he sniped petulantly.
Peggy sighed, "Oh, please, Howard. Don't be such a baby."
Before he could retort, they heard footsteps approaching from behind them. Though Peggy kept her gun hidden at her side, she was always at the ready.
Jarvis emerged carrying most of the gear and turned a sour glance onto Spencer. The Professor only had a large notebook, pencils, and a coil of rope.
Jerking her chin to indicate where they had just come from, Peggy asked, "Anyone out there?"
After handing her the crowbar and a climbing harness, Jarvis shrugged, "Surprisingly, no, not even any tourists."
Peggy nodded absently as she thrusted the small crowbar into one of the loops on the side of her military vest.
Quickly she and Jarvis suited up into their climbing gear. Wanting Jarvis to know what dangers they faced, Peggy warned him, "Besides Zeus's crown, we might need to check out that Nike statue also."
Jarvis was either too intent on what he was doing or just chose not to comment on such a potential perilous route. Peggy quirked a grin regarding his attitude. She could not blame him for his reticence.
Surprisingly, Spencer concurred, "Yes, I think you might be right, my dear."
Relieved that there was no challenge to her suggestion, Peggy nodded pleased. Still, she thought it odd that the normally argumentative Professor had so readily agreed with her. Maybe pigs do fly, she thought with a smirk.
Soon Peggy and Jarvis had finished buckling and cinching their harnesses. Both wore goggles and rawhide gloves. Peggy had even swapped out her pith helmet for a hard hat with a light perched on the top. Then, after making sure that the chin strap wasn't too tight, she said to Jarvis, "Ready?"
He nodded slowly in return. Positioning the scanner's strap across one shoulder, he had the additional coil of rope resting on the other.
Peggy pointed to the statue's massive raised hand that had once held the ornate scepter. "Alright, I think our best bet is to swing over to the left hand. From there, we can loop the lead rope around the thumb and rappel our way down to the bicep."
Though stoic, Jarvis gulped when Peggy added, "I cannot reiterate how careful we must be when going across it. Even with the tree roots and rope anchoring the arm, the whole thing could crumble apart due to our combined weight."
After quickly jerking his head, a determined Jarvis targeted the harpoon gun at the thickest roots that poked through the dirt ceiling above. A thin cord was wound through the circular end of the sharp-tipped spear. Firing the weapon, the diamond tip lanced the largest root easily.
Howard tested the anchor's strength. Satisfied, he then attached a thicker rope to the thinner one and pulled it through until he grasped the stronger line. Once he had handed this end to Peggy, she secured it to her harness.
Signaling that she was ready, all three men crowded around the other half of the rope and held tight.
After a calming exhale, Peggy then swung across. As she began to pendulum back, the men quickly pulled her up so she could reach the curled ivory fist on the next pass.
Now hoisted high enough, the SSR Agent grabbed onto the immense index finger, and she hugged it tightly. Hooking one of her legs over it, she seized the raised thumb and pulled herself upright. Carefully, she scooted out of the way and then tried to ignore the sound of the statue creaking under her.
Once she unfastened the rope, she pitched it back over to Jarvis, and he snatched it midair. After he was clipped to it, he closed his eyes and prayed.
Now resolute, he swung over. Quickly he was pulled up, and Jarvis was just able to latch onto the index finger on the first pass. His lean form made climbing onto it look easy. Thankfully the massive hand held both of them, and they shared a sigh of relief.
Since they were now safe, Howard and the Professor loosed their grip on the rope, which enabled Jarvis to pull most of it towards him. He then tossed the majority of the line over to Peggy.
Grinning thanks to the apprehensive Jarvis, Peggy looped the slack rope over the large thumb multiple times. Tugging on it to check that it was secured, she slowly began to rappel down the 90-degree angled forearm. Lowering hand over hand had her soon remembering her sore back and ribs, and the muscles began to twitch from use.
In moments, she was standing on the level surface of the bicep. Warily, she stretched her shoulders to loosen the tightness. Once she double-checked that she was still firmly tethered to the thumb, she cautiously walked along the wide ivory arm. The smooth limb only vibrated a little under her deliberate steps. Thankfully she reached the gilded toga slung over the seated God's left shoulder without incident.
Once she was safely nestled between the golden pleats, she then unhooked the rope.
With a quick bob of his head, Jarvis pulled the line back up and attached it to his harness. As he slowly made his way down to the bent elbow, Peggy grabbed onto the Thunder God's robe. Carefully she began to make her way across it.
Though the gilded toga was made of slippery glass, carved animals and etched lilies adorned this exquisite attire. They made perfect handholds for her to use. While she went along it gingerly, she took in the robe's intricate splendor and could see why the statue had been chosen as a Seven Wonder.
But she also knew not to be lulled in by its beauty. She had to watch what she grabbed for though the toga appeared in good shape, she knew that looks could be deceiving.
At one point, she had to take off her rawhide gloves to grip the glassy surface better. Alas, the tradeoff was that her hands became slick from sweat. She often had to stop and rub one of her palms on her pants leg to wick it dry.
By now, her back muscles were cramping worse. Ignoring the feel of fists clenching the skin between her shoulder blades, she cautiously moved along the statue much like a crab. Finally, she arrived at Zeus' ivory bearded chin. Staring up at the giant head, she noted the route to reach the crown that was perched on top of his curly locks.
Glancing back over to Jarvis, Peggy was relieved to see that her friend had made it successfully to the gilded shoulder without a problem. Leaving the shorter rope dangling from the statue's thumb, Jarvis then used the same technique she had and was soon beside her. Other than being as pale as the ivory above them, he appeared to be holding up rather well.
Nodding calmly to him, she stated pragmatically, "Right, now the tricky part."
Licking his lips, Jarvis asked, "Do you want me to give it a go, Miss Carter?" Though his voice hardly quivered, his eyes were as wide as saucers.
Shaking her head, she smiled in gratitude, "No, I got this."
Jarvis pulled the scanner's strap over his head and handed the device to her. She looped the belt across her shoulder and easily repositioned the lighter compact device upon her back.
Uncoiling the additional rope, Jarvis secured one end to his harness. He then expertly tossed the rope up and over one of the golden olive branches that peaked out from on top of the God's crown. Peggy hooked the dangling rope to her climbing gear, and Jarvis held onto his end tightly.
Indicating that he was ready, Peggy began to climb Zeus's curly beard. She found that the many nooks and crannies sculpted for aesthetic purposes helped her find purchase. Regardless, her previous injuries continued to remind her more and more of their presence. Finally, she had made it to Zeus's coiled hair.
Luckily, the sculptor had given Zeus a long mane of ringlets, and she used a strand to reach an ear. Circumventing that, she made it to the base of the golden crown. Pursing her lips, she saw that the circlet's intertwined surface was too smooth to climb. With nothing to grasp onto, it would be a jump to grab the top of the crown.
After a stuttering exhale, Peggy leapt.
She just barely made it. Holding onto the top border of the ornate circlet, her feet dangled in midair.
Sore muscles straining, she swung her foot up so that it rested on the edge of the crown. Grimacing, she then leveraged herself up and over to rest on top of Zeus' head.
As she lay there panting, she counted seven crests along Zeus' crown absently. Smirking, she wondered if there was something to Spencer's Seven Virtues theory after all. Unhooking the scanner, she aimed the device at each of the pinnacles so they would have a visual recording of all this.
The throbbing ache of her back brought her to the present, and she gingerly rubbed her spasming muscles. Only gaining some minor relief, she sighed tiredly. The prospect of a relaxing jet spa gave her the energy to lean over the crown to see if anything had been carved into the centerpiece. To her delight, she saw that indeed something was there, so she targeted the scanner at the faded image.
She yelled over, hopeful, "Anything, Howard?"
Howard's excited voice bounced back at her, "It looks amazing, Peg! I think it's an image of the sun."
Relieved, she called out, "Professor, do you recognize this?"
Spencer sounded wistful, "Yes, that is the sigil for the Greek islands in the Dodecanese. So our next stop is in Rhodes for the Wonder of Colossus."
Peggy then pointed the scanner at the engraving etched along the base of the crown. Unfortunately, it did not look like the usual hen scratches of that mysterious language she was used to seeing.
"What about this?" She asked, wondering if her voice was as shaky as she felt. She kept reminding herself not to look down.
She heard the curiosity in the Professor's tone, "Yes, it appears to be archaic Greek. From what I can decipher, it is something about 'clue in hand.' Perhaps that means the Nike statue located on Zeus' palm after all."
Wanting Spencer to be wrong, she inquired, "Do any of those odd symbols show up if you enhance the image?"
Howard called back frustrated, "No, afraid not, Peg."
Peggy grimaced, discouraged. She was afraid of that. Weary, she glanced over at the Nike statue. Sure enough, she could faintly see those familiar hatch-like markings from her vantage point. They seemed to be encircling the Goddess' smaller crown. But the agent could not read it from such a distance, so she focused the scanner on it and wished for the best.
"Please tell me you can make it out, Howard?" Peggy hoped she did not sound like she was pleading.
"No can do, pal. It is too far to get an accurate reading," he called back, sounding resigned. "Besides, half of it is obscured around the other side of the crown."
She sighed tiredly, "Just as I thought. Alright, we best get this over with." She wouldn't have attempted such a dangerous crossing if she wasn't so positive that these hatch marks were the key to all this.
Howard warned, "Be careful, Peg, this looks dangerous."
"Of course," she mumbled, and then she called down to Jarvis, "Meet me over at Zeus' bare shoulder."
Jarvis only hesitated a moment before replying, "Affirmative." Though reluctant, he would do as he was asked.
After Peggy had flung the middle part of the rope off the crown, Jarvis pulled the line taut between them.
As Jarvis made his way across Zeus' neck via his curly beard, Peggy began to climb down the opposite side of the mane of hair. This time she had no choice but to look below. Thankfully, unless she shined her helmet light straight down, it was too dark to see the bottom.
Once she met Jarvis at the exposed shoulder, they shared a grin. Then tracking her next route, Peggy realized they had been very lucky to have the beard and hair for handholds. Unfortunately, the slick shoulder in front of her offered no purchase.
"Well, shall we?" It was not so much a question to her friend but an inquiry to see if he was up for it. Jarvis nodded more resolute than ever. He would not fail his friend or his duty.
Peggy smiled, pleased to be able to count on her stalwart companion.
Deciding that her best option was to lie flat and then slide her body along the naked shoulder, Peggy crouched and then lay down. In moments she began her journey across the slick ivory surface and imagined that she probably looked like a swimming frog. Regardless of appearances, so far, it was working. During this, there were still a few times when she had to wipe off her damp hands.
Behind her, Jarvis used his long legs to straddle the wide shoulder and used that position to start his way across.
Though the statue held, Peggy could see the formation of hairline cracks forming with each forward movement she took. Now and then, she would hear a creak, pop, or groan from their combined weight, but thankfully the statue did not break apart under them.
As they slowly made their way across the slick facade, Professor Spencer was beside himself in glee. He had been drawing rough sketches of the statue, 'oohing' the entire time.
Peggy was grateful that he was too busy to hear the statue's protesting noises to give her any grief over it. It would not be helpful for her to lose a shoe if she chucked it at him.
Finally reaching the shoulder's end, they looked at one another and exhaled in relief. Glancing below, they saw that from Zeus' outstretched hand, the Nike statue rested in the center of it. If only they could scan the other side of the crown, they would be spared the remainder of this harrowing journey.
Fleetingly, Peggy thought of leaping the gap to the smaller statue, but that seemed rather foolhardy, especially with the concern that the ivory could disintegrate under them at any moment.
By the look of things, she would have to carefully slide down the steeply angled bicep to reach the forearm. At least that later part should be easier since the rest of the arm was at a lesser slant. Unfortunately since there was no place for her to loop the rope around, Jarvis would have to continue being the supportive anchor.
She grimaced and mentioned reluctantly, "Alright, then, if you would be so kind as to hang onto my rope, please." Once Jarvis was settled in his straddle position and held on as tightly as possible, he signaled that he was ready.
After a brisk nod back in reply, Peggy hugged Zeus' thick arm and then slowly slid down the ivory appendage feet first.
Peggy's tactic was working until her sweating hands suddenly lost their grip. As she began to slide, she frantically pawed the slick, shiny surface. But there was nothing to grab and she continued to slip further. With no way to stop, she glided down the arm at an increasing clip.
Jarvis braced and stoically hung on to the rope but was nearly yanked down with her. He lost his hold, and more slack was let out.
Her speed of descent had her skimming along faster and faster. At any moment, Peggy knew she would hit the crook of the elbow. The SSR Agent prayed she would not bounce off and then fall to her death. And quite possibly pull the tethered Jarvis with her.
With an oof, Peggy abruptly slammed into the bend of the arm. Miraculously, she was not pitched over the side. Instead, her lower half crashed through the brittle ivory. Then just as quick, her feet punched out the other side of the hollow forearm.
Her dangling legs kicked ineffectually in the open air as Peggy fought not to fall through as her lower body began to slip out of the bottom.
Just in time, she pulled up one leg and rested her knee within the statue's hollow interior.
Everyone had yelled in concern, except for Professor Spencer, who hollered, "You're destroying the statue!"
Trying to calm her racing heart, Peggy ignored him and slowly dragged her other leg out of the jagged hole. Wide-eyed, she looked over the side of the arm. With nothing to stop her, she would have fallen at least three stories, no doubt dying from the impact or wishing she had.
Panting, she swallowed her fear. As she got her wits about her, the most peculiar thing happened. The statue moved. It was very subtle, but Peggy swore that it quaked under her. Shaking her head, she knew it must be her nerves, but still—
She heard a remorseful Jarvis ask, "Are you alright, Miss Carter?"
Forcing a calming breath, she replied, "Yes, thank you, Mr. Jarvis." Peggy then nodded that she was ready. As steady as she could be, she crawled along the extended forearm to reach Zeus' outstretched palm.
Safely making it to the Nike statue's base, she joined the others in letting out a long sigh of relief.
Now calm enough, Peggy got to work. Scrutinizing the gilded statue, she saw that the effigy was at least three times taller than she was. After tracking the best way to climb up, she carefully scaled it until she reached Nike's spiked golden crown. Sure enough, the specialized hatch marks went around the entire circumference.
While the SSR Agent used the scanner, her excited voice rang through the chamber, "Yes, this looks like the same pattern of markings that we saw at Pharos and Giza."
Sounding hopeful, Peggy continued, "Since we have more of it, perhaps you can decipher them now, Professor. Then we can finally find out what their purpose was. Perhaps that will explain why the clues must be found in a specific order."
"Quite right, my dear," the Professor's excited voice echoed back to her.
After scanning the carvings, she asked, "Did you get all that, Howard?"
"It's coming through now, Peg!" Grinning, Howard was most pleased with what was being recorded and could not wait to enhance the images better once they were back on his yacht. But then the sound of someone approaching from behind forced the brilliant inventor's attention away from the small screen.
A flawless American accent boomed from the entry, "That is great to hear, Mr. Stark. Now all of you put your hands up!"
Surprised by this sudden intrusion, Peggy automatically ducked behind the Nike statue. As quietly as possible, she pulled out her gun. Sneering, she easily recognized the voice of the CIA provocateur, Agent Smith. From her precarious spot, she aimed her weapon at the CIA leader. Peeved, she realized that she was too far out of range for any of the bullets to hit him if she had to fire.
"Smith, what is the meaning of this?" Howard protested as more men in dark suits surrounded him on the ledge. Incongruent to their surroundings, Smith's people still insisted on wearing their nice suits. Already dust spots smudged their usual impeccable attire.
Peggy recognized Hodge among the group of ridiculously dressed individuals.
An outraged Howard struggled when two men grabbed him and Spencer' eeped' when a gun was pressed into his side.
Smith drawled, "Calm down, Mr. Stark. This shouldn't take long to tie up loose ends, and then we can all be off."
Quickly figuring the situation out, Peggy internally groaned that yet another group was seeking out the treasure. This particular field was getting rather crowded, and Peggy did not like to play with others.
As Smith's men fanned out behind their leader, Peggy counted a total of four, plus Hodge crowding the ledge. All were heavily armed with tommy machine guns. She grimaced at the amount of potential damage those weapons could do.
Thankfully she seemed safe enough. And by judging the way Smith was glancing about in her general direction, Peggy wasn't too sure that he had actually spotted her yet.
Unfortunately, by straddling the statue's bare shoulder, Jarvis stuck out like a sore thumb, and she knew he was an easy target. She reminded herself that she had to be careful since she was still tethered to him. Any sudden movements could pull them both off and to their deaths.
Smith's sneering voice rang out, "Agent Carter, I know you are here. Reveal yourself, or we will shoot your lanky friend."
Jarvis sputtered at the description, "I have you know I am perfectly proportioned."
Peggy could hear the amused chuckle in Smith's tone, "Come now, Agent Carter. By now, you should know that I mean it."
She heard the distinctive click of the hammer being pulled back on a revolver. And since Jarvis was closer to Smith, the CIA leader's shots could easily strike her friend dead.
With no choice, Peggy cautiously poked her head out from behind the tall Nike statue and prepared for the worse.
