Hell's Angel: Devil's Backbone (BK 2)

The Docks

Dani's POV
(Nightwing27th)

"Depends on who you talk to," I said. She smiled a nod, returning to painting. She'd called off her men, but Daredevil wasn't taking any chances. He locked the two side doors. I just stood there, not too sure where I fit into this. Clearly, some words had been said before I came down. And, Matt seems annoyed about the phone thing. Like I knew he was going to call me.

"Trust me," Gao said, "my men won't disturb us."

"Yeah, I don't take much on faith, these days," Daredevil said, standing next to me. I couldn't help but notice the gap between us. Part of me wished it wasn't there...but the other reminded me why it was. I sighed on the inside, looking at Gao.

"So, tell me. To what do I owe this pleasure?" she looked at us, her brush frozen inches from the paper. I remained quiet, and the silence dragged on. I wasn't going to reply because I'm sure he'd like to reply. But it appears he's doing the same thing. I rolled my eyes, looking to the right. I hear Daredevil take a breath, preparing to speak, when Gao's voice fills my ears. "I've heard enough from you. I want to hear from the lady."

I looked at her, then glanced next to me. We were both shocked. Why me? What does it matter? I cleared my throat, putting on my game face. "We're looking for someone. You're top competitor in the heroin business. Though, you're a problem in this city, tonight we just want the information." I took a step forward. "Tells us everything you know about the Blacksmith."

She smiled and then went back to painting. "You do not hold anything back, do you?"

"Oh, I'm holding plenty back. Like, my fists from hitting you face," I crossed my arms. She calmly put the paint brush down and then turned to face us saying, "What makes you think I can help you?"

"Because the Blacksmith is taking things over in Hell's Kitchen, and New York is next. I'm sure some of your customers will stay to what they know, but once they see what he's selling, they won't. He'll run you out of town, Madam Gao. And from the look on your face, you know it, too."

She stood and poured a cup of tea. "The heroin imported by the Blacksmith is the purest I've seen."

"Me, too. Which is why he's bad for business," I said.

"He's also ruthless. His crew has been systematically eliminating my chemists and street dealers." She looked at me, taking a drink.

"We can end it tonight," Daredevil said. "But we need a place to start." She looked at him.

"My sources tell me, his product come in by ship," she said. I sighed.

"Well," I nodded. "That narrows it down a bit. Thank you." I turned to leave, Daredevil following.

"But," she said and we both stopped at the base of the stairs. "I fear the path you have chosen, isn't going to be an easy one."

"Yeah, it never is." Daredevil continued, headed up the stairs. I followed, my phone buzzing in my pocket. I slipped my phone out and saw that it was Coulson. I sighed, sliding it away as Daredevil opened the hatch. "You're popular, tonight." He climbed out of the semi hole the stair case was in, and then bent down to give me a hand.

"Unfortunately." I took his hand and climbed out. "Thanks." He nodded as I walked away. I clicked on my ear piece, "Hey, what up?"

"My sources tell me you're looking for someone, code name: Blacksmith." I stopped walking, making sure I heard him right.

"Why, do you have something?"

"Information on his whereabouts."

"What about an ID?"