Law Beyond Shadows

Shane

Isa lay in bed, surrounded by the comfort of solitude and a giant pot of ice cream. The night, once filled with the promise of a budding romance, had turned into a swirl of confusion and unanswered questions. Frank's kiss lingered in her mind, a bittersweet memory that left her heartache in its wake. She cried a bit, wondering why he had left her alone in that moment of vulnerability. Had he kissed her back out of obligation to the situation, or did he truly share the same feelings?

Sleep eluded her, and she found herself tossing and turning, wrestling with the turmoil of emotions. The moon cast a soft glow through her curtains as she lay awake, contemplating the enigma that was Frank Castle. Was he still mourning his late wife, or was there a deeper reason behind his actions?

The following day, Isa called in sick, unable to face the world beyond the cocoon of her thoughts. She drowned her sorrows in Netflix and ice cream, with Athena, her ever-faithful cat, offering silent companionship.

Matt, sensing something amiss, discovered her absence at work and decided to check in on her. He called, concern evident in his voice, as he asked if everything was okay. Isa, appreciative of his kindness, apologized for dodging him on their date. She expressed genuine admiration for him but confessed that, at that moment, her feelings didn't align with romance. The call ended, leaving Isa to return to her solitude with Netflix and ice cream.

Days blurred into a cycle of melancholy, but life had other plans for Isa. A high-profile case awaited her in court, defending a wanted criminal. Her legal prowess shone as she expertly navigated the proceedings, ultimately reducing the charges against her client. Her impassioned speech drew attention, and fragments of it found their way into the local news.

However, the newfound fame carried a double-edged sword. Reporters, quick to tie her to Frank Castle, noted, "Let's not forget, she once represented Frank Castle in court. A stroke of luck, perhaps, that the infamous vigilante's trial took an unexpected turn, sparing her the chance to further reduce his jail time." As the public eye turned its gaze on her, Isa grappled with the complexities of her personal and professional life, a tumultuous storm that showed no signs of abating.

—-------

Isa wandered through a jewellery store, seeking a small distraction from the tumultuous thoughts racing through her mind. As she delicately fingered a pair of earrings, a voice interrupted her contemplation. Shane, a charming doctor with a warm smile, approached her. "Those earrings are exquisite, but I must say, they pale in comparison to your beauty." Isa, slightly taken aback, couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, that's very kind of you." Shane leaned against the glass display, striking up a conversation. "I can't help but notice you seem a bit lost in thought. Mind if I join you on this quest for distraction?" Isa chuckled, appreciating the offer of company. "Sure, why not? It's one of those days."

They continued to discuss life, aspirations, and the significance of choosing the perfect pair of earrings. As the conversation flowed, Shane became genuinely intrigued by Isa. "You know, it's rare to meet someone with such a captivating aura. I'd love to get to know you better. Can I have your number?" Shane asked, his eyes reflecting genuine interest. Isa hesitated, glancing at the earrings in her hand, a silent reminder of the complications in her life. "I appreciate the offer, Shane, but I'm a bit confused about someone else at the moment." Shane nodded understandingly. "No pressure. Here's my number. If that someone doesn't call you, maybe consider giving me a ring. I promise, no confusion, just good company." Isa accepted the slip of paper with Shane's number, appreciating the unexpected encounter and the simplicity of a stranger's kindness. They exchanged farewells, and as Isa left the jewellery store, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of intrigue about the possibilities that the future might hold.

—-------

Isa sat at her desk, engrossed in her legal textbooks, the weight of the chapters competing with the heaviness in her heart. The knock on the door shattered the stillness of her thoughts, and she hesitated for a moment, wondering who could be calling at this hour.

Opening the door revealed Frank Castle, his conduct as stoic as ever, despite the weight of unspoken words lingering between them. "Frank," she greeted, her voice betraying none of the turmoil swirling within her.

"Isa," he acknowledged, his tone neutral as he stepped into her home, a silent invitation for her counsel.

Isa observed him closely, noting the subtle tension in his posture, the lines etched with a quiet resolve. "What can I do for you?" she inquired, masking the ache in her heart with professional composure.

Frank's gaze met hers, a silent plea veiled behind steely resolve. "I need some advice on extracting a bullet," he admitted, his words weighted with the gravity of his world.

As they delved into the intricacies of his query, Isa couldn't help but notice the absence of acknowledgement regarding their shared moment, the kiss that lingered between them. Despite the ache in her heart, she played along, offering her expertise with a detached professionalism.

Once the bullet matter was addressed, Frank's eyes subtly wandered and caught the glint of new earrings adorning Isa's ears.

F: "New addition?"

I: "Oh, yes. I got them at a jewellery store. A guy there found them beautiful, so I bought them." Frank's expression tightened ever so slightly.

F: "The guy? Anyone I know?"

I: "His name's Shane. He's a doctor and seems like a nice guy." Frank's eyes narrowed, a hint of curiosity mixed with something deeper.

F: "Doctor, huh? What's his deal?"

I: "Well, he's new in town, works at the hospital. Seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me." She said, trying to get a reaction from him.

Frank continued to probe, his questions reflecting a subtle undercurrent of concern.

F: "So, what's the story there, Isa? You two hitting it off?"

I: "Just casual conversation, Frank. Nothing more." Frank's gaze lingered, a complex tapestry of emotions woven into his stoic expression.

F: "You sure about this, Isa? Don't want you getting into something you might regret."

I: "It's just a movie, Frank. No harm in that."

F: "Yeah, well... just be careful."

As they bid their farewells, Isa watched him leave, the echo of his footsteps fading into the silence of her home. Alone once more, she made a decision – if Frank wanted nothing to do with her, then she would embrace the possibilities that lay beyond his enigmatic presence. With newfound resolve, she picked up her phone and dialled Shane's number, the prospect of a movie night offering a glimmer of solace amidst the tumult of her emotions.

The phone rang, and Shane's warm voice greeted her on the other end. "Hey, Isa, what's up?"

Isa hesitated for a moment before diving into the conversation. "I was wondering if you'd be up for a movie night. Need company."

Shane chuckled, "Movie night it is. Any preferences?"