Bee to my Barnes

part 37

TW- stalking

Taking the pale blue sweater off the hanger you tuck it into your matching tartan plaid skirt. This morning you were heading over to the office where you were meeting Pepper, Happy would be taking you both to the event showcase to mark out your plans.

You stop by the coffee house on your way to the subway, the aromas and warmth a welcoming contrast to the cooling morning breeze. As usual the morning commuters shuffling through, zombies to their own routine. As the Batista calls out your name you reach for the cup, a strong western American accent calls out from behind you. ‘Trixie...Trixie Miller is that you?’

Spinning on the spot, taken by surprise your rooted to the ground as you try to take in the woman stood before you. Her long red hair voluminous against her pale skin and small frame. Vicky. Paul’s cousin. ‘N.No, Sorry you have me mistaken.’ The panic gushing through your body burning into your chest is making it harder to breathe. Watching helplessly as she stands from her seat, heading towards you, you bolt.

Leaving your coffee still on the countertop desperate to get away. Your mind races as your feet follow no instruction. Looking back over your shoulder as you dart into an alley, she hasn’t followed.

Placing your hands on your knees as you crouch...’Breathe...’

Arriving at the office, your quick pace meaning you were earlier than planned, you greet the doormen by name you scoot through the familiar hallways and press the button to open the elevator. Taking advantage of the spare time, needing James arms to calm your nerves, you press the button for his office. Just as the doors close a small thin hand cuts into the large metal slabs triggering them to reopen.

‘Miss Trixie.’ Peter panted as he stepped into the lift with you. ‘ I saw you coming in and wanted to show you this really cool invention me and Ned finished. It will blow your mind!’ speaking so fast his voice bounced of the cool metal surfaces.

‘I’d love too’ enjoying seeing his wide eyed enthusiasm for everything he does, it truly is his passion. You and Peter have become close friends over the last few weeks, he never failed to overwhelm you with science and statistics, his mind was truly a genius place to live. Most of all you enjoyed the carefree and relaxed atmosphere, it reminded you so much of Tyler and Bonnie – Paul’s siblings, you still miss them so much. The sting of fear momentarily coursing through you as you regain composure.

Diverting to the lab Peter pushes open the large glass doorway, your deafened by the blasting music roaring from the speakers as Ned taps away at the keyboards and devices around him. ‘Ned. NED!’ shouting out over the music is useless. Heading over to the speaker you pull the wire from the back of the unit startled as the world falls silent.
‘If your going to play music so loud at least pick a good song.’

Giving Peter a high five you fling your bags and scroll through the music choices. The speakers came to life with the strums of electric guitar, jumping onto the sofa cushion you mimic air guitar as Peter roars... ‘ OMG! I LOVE LED ZEPPELIN!’

Flopping down on the cushions you throw your hands in the air about to educate Peter on the legends of rock before being disturbed by someone unexpectedly entering the lab. 

Once more the heart wrenching feeling drops to your stomach, you instantly recognised the worn face of the man standing before you. Instead of donning a baseball cap to hide under he stood in a dark suit, how did he get in here? Had he been with Vicky? Did he follow you?

Racing to stand in front of the boys, as you had done many times before you reach out grabbing a wrench off the countertop. Your stance ready fight but your voice cracks as you try to stay strong. Demanding answers as you wield your weapon ‘Who are you. Why are you following me.’

Not moving a muscle, his posture calm and steady, Clint’s deep voice responds. ‘Hello Beatrix.’