•Night Angel•

CHAPTER XXXVII - SHUTTING DOWN

May 2008. Stark Industries. Los Angeles, California.

Sophia's POV

As soon as Happy came through the entrance of the facility, we saw a lot of reporters waiting outside for Tony to arrive. I turned my head and saw Obadiah standing right there, in front of everyone else.

After Tony went missing, I started to like him even less than I did. I don't trust him. I know people like him, only looking for the success and the money and to have the power. He still wants the power that Tony took away from him as he became CEO once again and Obadiah was left on the side.

Everytime he introduces himself, she says "former CEO of Stark Industries", and tries to sound happy and cheerful about that, when the truth is, you can feel and listen to the envy and anger dripping from his voice. At least I always notice it, Michael did too. But everyone else is fooled by him. Well I'm not. And he better not try anything with Tony because I'll kill him myself.

Happy parked the car and was about to go and open Tony's door, but Obadiah beat him to it, shouting at the reporters things like "He's here! Hey" Yeah, no shit, Sherlock. I rolled my eyes. That idiot is just trying to look nice. I opened my door on the other side and got out, walking around the car to stand beside my brother. Pepper made her way inside. When I reached Tony, Obadiah was already all over him, giving him a hug that was not real at all and then greeting him, then putting his arm around him and asking him questions about his captivity.

Subtle. Note the sarcasm. Then, trying to be funny, he asked for his cheeseburger. What an idiot, I thought as I rolled my eyes and started walking beside Tony towards the entrance of his company. Pepper and Happy following suit.

When we got inside the lobby, I saw the wave of reporters trying to get an answer or picture from Tony, so I stood beside Pepper in the back. I watched as Tony walked through the crowd, waving and even high fiving a few people around. I smiled and shook my head.

As I was watching and looking around, my eyes caught sight of someone walking towards us. My eyes widened a little but I quickly composed myself.

You have got to be kidding me. I thought as I turned back around, like I didn't notice. I was going to say something to Pepper, when someone beat me to it.

-Miss Potts?.- The person beside her said. I was looking at Tony still, not turning around to see the owner of a voice I knew perfectly.

-Yes?.- Pepper said also,turning around to meet the stranger.

-Can I speak to you for a moment?.- The owner of the voice said in a sweet polite tone. I smiled a little.

Classic. Pepper hesitated a little to answer, thinking he was some sort of reporter as well.

-I-I am not part of the press conference, but it's about to begin right now.- She said as she turned back to see Tony. The man turned back to Pepper, still with a small smile on his face.

-I'm not a reporter. I'm Agent Phil Coulson, with the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.- He said as he extended a presentation card for Pepper to take.

Seriously? The whole name? Why not just S.H.I.E.L.D, Phil? The name is way too long. I thought as I shifted in my place, not looking away from Tony, trying to make it seem like I was not paying attention to the people beside me. Apparently Pepper thought the same about the name.

-That's quite a mouthful.- She said, turning to Phil and taking the card. I had to stifle a laugh, pursing my lips.

-I know, we're working on it.- Phil said with a little smile.