An Assassin Never Tells

T E N

 April 23rd, 2010

"Lilith," I heard Uncle Nick say.

I stopped mid-punch and turned my head around. I absolutely loathed the name Lilith, it was the name my birth mother gave me, but I don't like it, it sounds old. Whoever used the name was about to get a smackdown, but there stood Nick Fury and a man I would later find out to be Happy Hogan, so there was no smackdown I ripped off my boxing gloves and marched over to the pair. "What's going on," I asked.

"Mr. Stark has been found and is being aired to Los Angeles at the moment," Fury spoke.

"Okay," I paused, "and...what does that have to do with me?"

"You will be riding down there with Mr. Hogan to serve and Stark's lookout. Keep him safe from more threatening things that Mr. Hogan may not be able to take care of, shall we say."

"I see," I turned my attention to Mr. Hogan, "Nice to meet you, sir."

"Likewise Ms. Williams."

I turn my focus back to Uncle Nick, "When will we be leaving?"

"A.S.A.P.," Said Uncle Nick, "You two need to beat the plane there. Williams, you have to look professional, go put on some nice clothes. You have 10 minutes. Mr. Hogan will meet you in the garage."

"Sir, yes sir," I said as I sprinted out the door and down the hallway. I flew into my mess of a room and shut the door behind me. On the door, there was a not from Uncle Nick, 'No powers unless completely necessary.' I scoffed at it. I had moved into a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility at the start of the year, and I was yet to get my shit together. I frantically looked through my closet for an outfit that seemed appropriate. Eventually, I stumbled upon a light grey skirt suit. I paired that with a white blouse and black pumps and walked back out of my room, tripping a bit on the way. On my way to the garage, I pulled my curly, black hair, which now reached my tailbone, into a high bun. Once I arrived, Mr. Hogan wordlessly opened the passenger side door for me.

Just as Mr. Hogan sped off, I heard a polite voice speak from behind me, "Hello."

I turned around to see a strawberry blonde sitting in the back seat. She wore a brown skirt suit with a black blouse. "Hi," I said, "I'm Lilith Williams." I cringed internally at the name.

"I'm Pepper Potts, Mr. Starks assistant. Very happy to have found your ad with all that's happened."

"My- it's very nice to meet you, Ms. Potts. I'm very happy I'm able to be of some assistance. You must've been stressed the past few months with what's happened."

"Yes, well, in all honesty, I'm more stressed with him here," she giggled.

We were in the car for about thirty to forty-five minutes before we arrived at the airport. Ms. Potts got out of the car and walked towards a line of men. Mr. Hogan also got out, but he just stood outside the car. I remained in the car. It was another five minutes before the plane landed, with Mr. Stark inside. He and Ms. Potts shared a few words before walking back to the car. I felt my heart start to race, anxious thoughts flooded my brain. 'Do I introduce myself, or wait for him to ask who I am? What if he doesn't like me?'

My thoughts were interrupted by a couple of car doors opening and closing. Once Mr. Hogan was situated in his seat, he asked, "Where to sir?"

"Take us to the hospital please, Happy," Ms. Potts said.

Tony, obviously not having it said, "No."

"No," questioned Ms. Potts.

I was had seen Mr. Stark's state as he walked to the car. Some real damage had been done. I agreed with Ms. Potts that he should go to the hospital, but I decided not to make myself known.

"Tony, you have to go to the hospital."

"No is the complete answer."

"The doctor has to look at you," Ms. Potts continued.

"I don't have to do anything. I've been in captivity for three months. There are two things I want to do. I want an American cheeseburger and the other-"

"That's enough of that."

"-is not what you think. I want you to call for a press conference now."

"Call for a press conference?"

A/N: Hello, darlings! I'm sorry for not updating for a couple of days, I waited until the last minutes to wrap Christmas presents, so I had to take care of that. I will, unfortunately, be taking the next few days off of writing to focus on my family and the Christmas festivities. I should be back by the 28th, but I'm not completely sure yet. I'm so thankful for all of the votes, reads, and those of you who are adding this book to your reading lists! I love y'all so very much! <3