A Deal With the Devil

10

Three knocks. If this bitch doesn't open the door.

"Hey-"

I immediately pulled her into a hug.

"Thank fuck you're okay! I saw the news, I'm so sorry." 

Even her embrace felt weak now. What happened to you, Phoebe?

"Here, let me make you tea!" I offered sheepishly in an attempt to make her feel better.

"Shouldn't I be making you tea?" She deadpanned as I rummaged through her pantry like a raccoon.

"Shut up."

Thank God I'm Asian, and know how to brew a solid cup of tea under stress.

She sat down on the couch with such fragility, like something had been ripped from her heart and she couldn't live any longer without it. 

It hurt to see her suffer like this. I quickly brought the steaming mugs over and sat down with her.

There was an uncomfortable silence. Things felt different now.

"So," I hesitated, "Did you know? Did you suspect anything?

"No, I didn't." She mumbled. I knew it was a lie.

I wanted to yell at her so badly. I wanted her to tell her to stop fucking lying to me. I wanted her to tell me why she'd keep something from me, from her best fucking friend. But I didn't. I held my tongue. She didn't need that right now.

"There are so many police officers out there." I said in an attempt to cool my temper. I should just ramble so that she doesn't have to talk.

"Anyway, Karen got us all coffee this morning, and…"

—
She was not there mentally. I had to stop in fear of her passing out or something.

"Phoebe, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, sorry." She replied, a vacant look in 
her eyes.

"Okay," I sighed. "Do you need anything? I need to leave to go back to work soon, but I can come back tonight if you want."

"No, it's okay. I promise. I just need some time alone." She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

My heart broke looking at her like this. He must have been special to her, regardless of what the media said he was.

"Well, see you later then. I'll keep in touch."

I grabbed my things and left, a sour taste in my mouth. 
I didn't know what to think or believe. I hope she won't do anything too rash.

—
I went back to the office feeling dejected. My best friend was keeping secrets from me. What did I do to deserve this?
I stepped into the office, and was greeted with busy people.

"Ah! You're back." Foggy greeted me. 

"A change of events, we met with the Punisher's public defender earlier today and a certain blind man decided that he wasn't good enough. So, now we are defending the Punisher." He gave me a tight-lipped smile. Obviously, he wasn't the one who made that decision.

"Well shit." I smiled wearily. "Let's take a trip to the hospital then."

—
I sat next to Karen by Frank's bed, taking notes on his decisions for the lawyers to keep in mind. 

Matt had been acting strange today, talking about some new client who was rich and high-maintenance. It was so unlike him, we usually focused on smaller people who needed real help. I wasn't focused on what Frank was saying, and I hoped Karen would get the rest. She seemed into the conversation anyway. 

And like clockwork, all of a sudden Matt had to go. 
What the hell, man. I'd had enough.

"Sorry Karen, you mind if I step out for a minute?" I grumbled.

"Go ahead." She responded, eyes still fixated on Frank. Something was off about her, but I couldn’t place my finger on it.

I power walked outside with Foggy, demanding answers.
“Matt, you can’t be leaving right now! This case could cost us our firm.” Foggy exclaimed.

“I- listen, Foggy. This client, she’s really demanding you know, but I mean look at that deposit. We can’t just leave her hanging, right?” 

He was lying, I could tell in his voice. 

“Matt, how about I come with you to see this client.” I proposed. “If she’s all that important, she’ll need some paperwork filled out, don’t you think?”

    Matt froze and slowly turned his head towards me.
    “I don’t think that will be necessary, Sasha.” He grinned sheepishly.

    “I do.” I refuted, staring him dead on.

    “Fine, you two go figure that out. I’ll stay behind with Karen and try to convince this guy to plead guilty.” Poor Foggy looked exasperated. 

    “Thank you, Foggy.” I smiled at him before running after Matt.

    “What the hell is going on, Matt.” I hissed.

    “You really shouldn’t be following me right now.” 

    “There’s nothing you can do to stop me.” 

    “Your asthma can stop you.” He joked.

“Fuck you, I stay strapped.” I still got my inhaler out of my purse to be safe. This man should not be able to walk this fast.
He started laughing and walked a little slower, allowing me to catch up with him.

“Matthew.” I grabbed his hand. “I am coming with you. Don’t try to stop me. I’ve had enough people lie to me recently. I need to know what’s going on.”

He sighed.

“There are some things you don’t need to know about, Sasha.”
“Well, this isn’t one of those things.”

We stepped outside and Matt walked towards a black car. He opened the door and stepped in, and then I saw her. I froze.
“Elektra.” I breathed.

“Hello, Sasha.” She smiled at me, and it was full of malice, just as I’d remembered. “Come in, would you? We have some business to attend to.”

---
So we meet her hehe 🤤🙏 I hope yawl like how it goes, there is more of her to come 👁