Viper : Enemy of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Chapter 3: Bookstores and Iron Man T-Shirts

Chapter 3: Bookstores and Iron Man T-Shirts

            I wake up around 9 the next morning and look over at my closet.

            “Don’t look at me like that.” I say to my mask that happens to be looking right at me.

            “Coffee first.” I say sleepily, out loud as I walk to the kitchen.

            I realize that being an international criminal and leaving all my gear out in the open isn’t the greatest idea. But in my defense, no one other than me has been here in over a year. Sitting on my kitchen counter, sipping my coffee, my mind wonders to some of the more normal things in my life. I should really go grocery shopping. I’m actually surprised I had enough coffee this morning and didn’t have to run to Starbucks. After coffee, I go back to my room.

 I crouch down to my bag and pull out the diamond. I wonder what this is for? The guy who hired me didn’t really go into detail why he needed it and I learned a long time ago not to ask questions. I guess I’ll learn tonight when I deliver it to him. 117 S. Emerson St., Queens. 10:00 pm. He said his name was Simon Decker and that he was in charge of a very important organization. He also said he’d pay me the cost of the diamond plus 50,000 dollars. I couldn’t pass it up, considering the diamond was about 6 carats. Easy rob plus 8 and a half million dollars you do the math. For now I would hold the diamond with the rest of my gear, but in a secret compartment in the chest, that’s in another secret compartment… What, I do have to take my precautions.

Putting on one of my claws, I run my finger across the left wall of the chest. My nail slips into a crack and I push it in farther to pop out the wooden plank. I place the diamond there and quickly put away everything else. Standing up I ponder over what I want to wear today.

I don’t really need to be anywhere until later tonight, but I do want to head to the bookstore. They just got a new shipment and I want to see what books they have. I walk to the window and look outside. It’s a nice day, not too hot, and that’s saying something when it’s August.

 Walking back to the closet, I grab a blue tank top with a black Union Jack on it, black skinny jeans and head to the bathroom to get ready. Brushing my blond, wavy hair out and applying minimal makeup, I groan to myself, never really enjoying my appearance. Sure I have a good body, but only because I run around on rooftops and am forced to work out. I have pale skin that burns way too easily, a crooked smile, and button nose. I did, however, love my eyes. Because I was wearing blue, they were a dark stormy blue-grey, but when I’m not, they are a bright, vibrant blue. Grabbing my bag and a pair of black vans I walk downstairs and out onto the street.

            I pushed the door to the bookshop open and heard the familiar ding of the bell above the door, notifying the employees of my presence. I walked to the section that said ‘New’ above it. Wow, there really isn’t that much. I guess the shipment was mostly Divergent and Hunger Games replacements. Ugh! I already own those! I pick up a book titled ‘The Book Without Words’ and read the summary.

            “Excuse me” a voice behind me says. I whip around and find myself in front of Hawkeye. Well Clint Barton. I almost choke on the air breathing alone at his presence.

            “Ah, yeah sorry.” I manage to say as I get out of his way. What is he doing here? Could he know I’m Viper? Of course not, that’s kind of the whole reason behind me wearing a mask. But still, what is Hawkeye doing in a bookstore? Shouldn’t he be trying to beat Katniss’ personal record or something?

            “Pretty dull selection this week, huh?” he says.

            “Um, yeah, but this one seems pretty good.” I say while handing him the book in my hands. He reads the back and then flips through the pages before handing it to back me.