A New York Secret

Chapter 37

Emily and Mary told Loki they would be back soon, then made their way to the commons room two floors up. When they got there, Clint and Nat greeted them with smiles. "Hey guys, long time no see."

Mary gave a nervous wave. "Hi... I'm Mary..." she hesitantly introduced herself.

Clint stood and shook Mary's hand. "Tony's told us about you. We look forward to working with you."

"It's good to have a fresh face on the team," Nat agreed.

"Thank you both. I was shocked when he offered me the job, but I will do my best." Mary said humbly.

Emily smiled. "I'm sure all of you guys will love working with Mary. She's great. Are you guys ready for the party?"

"I'm not sure I will be there, but I will send a gift for the secret exchange." Clint answered.

"I'm bringing a date this year. I just hope he will be well received. At least try to be anyway."

Clint and Nat both tensed at Emily's statement. "We have heard about your new charge... but Stark has said he won't be at the party." Clint said, wording things carefully to avoid an argument.

"He is coming with me as my guest. He works for me as my assistant, which is under Tony, so he is allowed to go," Emily explained. "Did Tony brief you of all of our findings?"

"All we know at this point is that he is here in the tower under a peaceful treaty of protection. He said he will properly brief us once the entire group is here." Nat replied.

Emily nodded. "When will everyone be here?"

"Everyone should be here by tonight. Bruce is supposed to arrive late tonight, so we will most likely brief in the morning." Nat told Emily.

"That should work out perfectly." Emily smiled and placed her hands behind her back. "All of us are looking forward to the party. Plus, once you're briefed, I will be excited to share more information about my date."

"What's the harm in sharing information now?" Nat asked curiously.

Emily shrugged. "There's nothing wrong. I can share if you'd like, but I want you to believe what I say. Although Jarvis can confirm if needed."

"We are willing to listen with an open mind. We may have questions though or ask for additional proof. Until told otherwise, we will honor the protection agreement." Clint assured Emily.

"That means a lot Clint. I know what you went through." Emily led them to a nearby couch before she took a deep breath. "The most shocking thing to tell you is, New York was not Loki's fault. He was being controlled."

Nat and Clint both gave Emily a look of disbelief, but they remained calm and took seats on the couch. "That is something we will definitely need proof of." Clint replied.

"Jarvis?" Emily called, "Could you show them please?"

"Yes, Miss Emily." Jarvis said, then presented all of the known information on the television screen.

"We found out, due to Loki's symptoms while he recovered from his injury, that he was being mind controlled the entire time," Emily explained. "That is until Bruce tossed him around."

Nat and Clint both stayed quiet for a minute, processing the information. "This is a lot to swallow." Clint admitted. "If this is true, who exactly was controlling me?"

Emily pondered Clint's question. "Loki might have had a little control, but he did not have any free will. He actually doesn't even remember New York at all. The last he remembers, is fighting with Thor and falling from The Bifrost in Asgard. As for who was controlling Loki and possibly you, we only know him as The Titan."