The Stark Internship

Part 11

TONY

I waste hours walking around Queens, desperate for some form of lead - something to hint as to where these weapons came from.
But, of course, I find nothing.
I walk the two hours it takes me to get to where I know Pepper will be; she had a meeting today with some Save The Planet activists. Always trying to make the Stark business better.
I enter the lobby and there's an instant atmosphere of panic. I've become used to it.
'Sir, Hi, How May I help?' One of the workers asks, approaching me.
'My wife's in a meeting right now, I just want to wait.' I say, 'if that's okay?'
'Of course, Mr.Stark.' He says, 'I can send her a message if you'd like?'
'No, thank you, I'll just wait.' I say.
I sit in one of the free armchairs and ignore the young man staring at me. The silence lasts about three seconds.
'Are you like...Ironman?' He asks.
'No, captain America.' I say, holding out a hand for him to shake, 'god bless America.'
'God bless.' He repeats, confused, as he shakes my hand.
He continuous to stare, as do others, but I last the next half an hour without speaking. Pepper comes out in her suit, her heels clicking as two others follow behind her.
She turns just before the exit and shakes both of their hands - clearly in control of the situation.
'I'll see to it that the changes are made. I'll speak to Mr.Stark about ironman's appearance at your rally. You'll hear back from us shortly.' She says.
I approach from behind, 'what rally's this?' I ask, sliding in next to Pepper, 'hey honey.'
'Tony.' She says in greeting, kissing me on the lips. She's become so used to my sporadic behaviour that she half expects me to be anywhere, say anything. I've lost my element of surprise.
'These men were just asking whether an Ironman appearance could be scheduled at one of their rallies. Using the suit you just made - the one that runs on solar energy?' She asks, 'can you do it?'
'I don't know, can I do it?' I ask her.
'You're free.' She says to me, then turns to the two men, 'he'll do it.'
'Thank you, Mrs.Stark.' He says.
'Ms.Potts.' I correct him instantly.
'Sorry, Ms.Potts.' He says.
'We'll be in contact.' She says, nodding to them both and walking out of the building, dragging me along with her. 'Well that was a nice surprise.' She says, 'to what do I owe the pleasure.'
'Oh just the usual. Missed you, got bored. Peter's in the middle of surgery.' I say.
'Oh, Tony. He'll be okay. Shuri's the best at what she does.' She says.
'I know. I know.' I say, 'I told May what was going on. She's as panicked as I am. I said I'd keep her updated.'
'How'd you even get here?' She asks.
'I walked.' I say.
'Well, get that Ironman suit out. It's rush hour and I'm not walking.'