The Black Knightress (Back up for fulls)

{9}

September 18 1946
L & L Laundromat Diner
Peggy's POV

While I sit at the counter, I hold a newspaper in my grasp as I skim and search through the pages for living locations. I'm looking for somewhere that can hold the kids and myself without risking safety or having to bother anyone for help.

"You moving?" Angie checks as she leans over the counter

"I uh..lost my roommate."

"Ahuh, my first place, I lived with this girl from Queens. It was okay for maybe six months, and than BAM she's engaged, next day she's married and living in Armonk."

"Gah, you think you know people." I fake scoff

"Cozy studio apartment-that means it's a broom closet. Convenient to public transportation-you'll be living under the third avenue well."

"What would you suggest?" I worry

"Girl down the hall from me just moved out-couldn't back it I guess. She was always crying to her mother on the hall phone."

"Aww, poor thing."

"Yeah, maybe the first couple times. Anyway, it's over on sixty-third, it's real safe, lots of great girls. Plus, I'd be your neighbor, so that's not nothin." she explains happily

"That's a lovely idea, but I'd hate for you to grow tired of me."

"You don't strike me as the crying-on-the-hall-phone type, English."

I stare deep into her eyes before passing my gaze onto the newspaper obituary below the apartment openings. I find my old roommate's name and picture, horrified of the thought that I could cause Angie to have the same ending as Colleen did.

"I appreciate it, truly, but um-hmm, i'm actually on my way to see an apartment now." I fib

"At his hour, you sure your readin the right kinda want ads." she suggests

"Comes recommended through a friend." I play off

"If you say so." she shrugs before walking away and taking the coffee pot with her

Twenty Minutes Later-Peggy's POV

"You've presumably already noticed the North German Renaissance influences, but the lay out is decidedly French." Jarvis explains as he guides me down the vast hall

I look at him then around, amazed at the place my friend ever-so-casually calls his New York home.

"Ooh." I emit

"Fresh fruit and scones served every morning, the chef likes a challenge so you may order anything you like." he adds as I grab a scone from a tray

"I can't stay." I deny

"Mr. Stark insisted-"

"He also wants me to clear his name from multiple charges of treason, if anyone finds out I'm living in his house, I'll be fitted for the n**se."

"Well if it puts you at your ease, this isn't one of his primary residences. Mr. Stark uses this more for..private entertaining." Mr. Jarvis explains vaguely