WALKING DISASTERS | Jack Thompson

35.

JANE SCOTT'S BODY never made it to the SSR. In fact, Daniel, Sera and Peggy were called to the scene when authorities found the van that was supposed to transport Jane's body in the river, the drivers dead at the scene. When a gentleman walked up to them with a piece of paper, he called out to Daniel.

"Chief Sousa," he said. "New York wanted you to get this ASAP."

He handed Daniel the paper and he showed Peggy and Sera. "Thompson got us the Isodyne search warrant. Want to kick that nest again?"

"Let's stomp it to the ground," Peggy replied.

Upon arriving at Isodyne, which Peggy and Daniel had visited earlier in the week and had little luck getting inside, the woman at the desk looked up from her papers with a cheerful grin on her face.

"Hello, welcome to Isodyne," she greeted. "Is there anything-"

"We have a warrant too search the premises," Peggy snapped. "You can help me by opening the door or we will open it by force."

"Peggy," Daniel said.

Looking behind the woman, Sera saw the warning sign on the door reading 'RADIATION' in big letters, followed by the word 'DANGER'.

"There was a small containment leak, and the lab is currently under isolation," the woman said.

"Well, isn't that convenient," Sera said.

"Dr Wilkes!" Peggy called to the gentleman who was passing by.

"Uh, A-Agent Carter," he greeted. "Good... Good afternoon."

"What is this nonsense about a containment leak?" Peggy asked.

"Oh, yes, th-there was... there was a leak and I'm afraid that the lab is..."

"Under isolation," Daniel finished. "We heard."

"And when might the lab be safe enough to enter again?" Peggy asked.

"I don't... Um," Wilkes cleared his throat. "Um, these things sometimes take some time."

"Isodyne is up to something, and I'm going to find out what," Peggy said. "Be careful you don't get caught up in the crossfire."

"I'm sorry, I'm needed elsewhere," Wilkes said. "Thank you for coming."

As Wilkes walked away, Peggy, Daniel and Sera headed out of the building. As they walked down the steps, Daniel said, "He knows something. We should've arrested him last night."

"I don't think that would have been our best option," Peggy said.

"Don't tell me you believe that garbage about radiation," Daniel scoffed.

"No, but I do think that Dr Wilkes is interested in cooperating with us," Peggy replied, holding up a piece of paper. "We may find some answers after all."

Sera laughed. "Wow."

Daniel made some calls when they got back to the office, and when he got off the phone he turned to Peggy and Sera. "The Dunbar Hotel downtown."

"What do you know about it?" Sera asked.

"I've been before," Daniel replied. "It's a great time. Real hot spot for the coloured crowd. Violet and I watched Ella Fitzgerald sing there. Still, you're gonna need backup. I'll cancel my dinner."

"The note says 'come alone'," Peggy pointed out.

"Oh, right, whenever I'm planning to ambush somebody, I always ask them to bring along some friends," Daniel said sarcastically.

"Even if that is the case, and I don't think it is, I can handle myself, Daniel," Peggy said.

"Well, this time, you don't need to," he said. "I got a change of clothes in my locker. It's a pretty swanky place. You might want to get yourself dolled up a little bit."

"I'm perfectly dolled up, thank you."

"Just don't want you to embarrass me."

Sera rolled her eyes. "You two are unbelievable."

She left the office and waited for Peggy to emerge, and when she did, Sera immediately noticed that something was wrong. Despite her smile, Peggy's eyes were sad, and Sera narrowed her eyes as Peggy gathered her things and made for the exit.

"What just happened in there?" Sera asked. "I was only gone five minutes."

"Daniel's going to propose to Violet," Peggy replied. "That's what the dinner was for tonight."

Sera's eyes widened. "No way?"

"I saw the ring myself," Peggy sighed. "I am happy for him."

"I don't believe you," Sera said. "Peg, it was so obvious that Daniel liked you. Me and Jack could see it from a mile away. Why do you think he sent you out here in the first place?"

"Because he's an arrogant prick that likes interrupting my interrogations?" Peggy replied.

"Well, yes, but let's face it," Sera said. "You and Daniel would have made a great couple."

"But now he's getting married," Peggy said.

"And now he's getting married," Sera said softly. "Peg, I'm so sorry."

"It's okay," Peggy replied, shaking her head. "I'm completely fine."

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you tonight?" Sera asked.

Peggy smiled. "I'm sure. I promise you, Sera, I can handle myself."

"That doesn't mean you should have to," she said.

Peggy placed a hand on Sera's arm. "I promise you, I'll be fine."

-

While Peggy went out for the evening to meet with Dr Wilkes, Sera remained at Howard's house with Jarvis and Ana. The two of them were good company, albeit not as exciting as investigating leads, and it wasn't until Jarvis requested Sera's help in catching Bernard the flamingo that the evening took a slight turn.

Chasing a pink-feathered bird around the front lawn was not how Sera pictured herself spending her evening, and yet it was rather amusing. Bernard seemed to have a fixation with attacking Jarvis, and the more he chased the bird, the more Bernard fought back. Sera tripped over her own feet at one point while trying to catch the flamingo and landed in the grass, laughing loudly as she looked up at the night sky.

Jarvis dove for Bernard and hit the ground, "Oh, you beast!"

Sera rolled onto her front and got onto her hands and knees, eyeing the bird. "I could shoot it and then the problem would be solved."

"I don't not think Mr Stark would be pleased if you shot his pet," Jarvis replied. "As much as it is a pain in the arse."

Sera got to her feet as she and Jarvis attempted to corner the flamingo, which squawked at them and made the two of them jump. Ana's voice called from the house, "Darling, come in please. Right now."

"I had that pink atrocity exactly where I wanted him," Jarvis said. "What could possibly be so important?"

"There's a sock on the doorknob," Ana replied.

"Sock on the doorknob?" Sera asked. "What does that mean."

"I do believe it means that we have to go now, Miss Stark," Jarvis said.

"Wait, why?" Sera asked.

"Miss Carter took Mr Stark's leisure car, which is equipped with a tracking device for the times when he abandons the car after finding a companion for the evening," Jarvis explained.

Sera made a 'yeugh' sound. "Every time I think Howard couldn't stoop any lower, you amaze me, Mr Jarvis."