The Jotun's Daughter

Chapter 4

"Where did you say you hid it?"

     "I didn't." 

 Coulson had given me back my coms earrings, and was speaking to me through them as I neared the spot where I had dropped off my mother's black bag.

   "You don't believe she's dead." He stated. I rounded a corner and walked down the small space between two buildings.

        "It wouldn't be the first time she's trialed a scenarios like that with me; of course she's not dead. She wouldn't be so sloppy, so vulnerable. If she does ever die, I doubt she would ever let anyone find the body." I hoped my voice sounded more convincing that I felt. 

        "No, I don't think she would." 

I pulled out a large dumpster from the wall and started moving the bricks behind it, where I knew a small hollow space rested in-between the walls. 

        "You are agreeing with me."

        "I am."

        "That's right, you apparently worked with my mom for-what was it? Three years? Forgive me if I still find that a bit hard to believe." I pulled out the duffle bag and swung it over my shoulder, replacing the bricks.

        "Look," I said, standing. "Whatever she is going to do next, she doesn't want me involved, Coulson, she wants me safe. I never asked for much from her, but this is one of very few times when she has voluntarily gave me something. If you know her like you say you do, you understand the significance of that."

        "I thought you could take care of yourself."

        I rolled my eyes, knowing fully well that he couldn't see me. Iraq didn't have street cameras back here.         

        "I have it." Was my only reply.

        "Good. Meet us back at the jet."

        I reached up and scratched the back of my ear, discretely turning off the coms units. I looked around the deserted street, and exhaled. All my life I had been wondering what my mother did when I wasn't around. Maybe I should ask Coulson- I shook my head. No, I thought as I took a trip between buildings, mother didn't tell me because I didn't need to know. She could have been saving me from things that would have truly ruined me; running would have taken over my life forever. Still, she brought me to them. Clearly she always intended for me to meet this part of her past. Just then I stopped short, looking at the man at the end of the alleyway I was traveling along. He stood, facing me, blocking my path in the small space. 

        "Can I help you?"

        "I sure hope so." The voice came from behind me, and I turned to see an unfamiliar face. Brown eyes, blonde hair-he fit right in with the tourist in the getup he was wearing. Well, that is, until he pulled out the gun.

        "Coulson," I said, touching the coms unit.  No response. I didn't know what I was going to say, but just for kicks, I guess I'd let the man think I was afraid.

       "Coulson." I demanded, straining to hear something-anything. Although I wasn't concerned about the strangers stuck in the alley with me, I could tell something was wrong on SHIELD's side. I had just been talking to him, and now there wasn't even static, just ringing silence. The line has been cut.

        "No backup is coming for you, girl." The man with the gun sneered, a gloating smile spreading across his face. I raised my head and met the man's gaze. 

        "Just tell us where it is, and we'll leave you in one piece," He said flatly.

        "What are you looking for?" I said in the same tone. "Because I know a lovely café down the street if you have an inkling for black coffee. They have great carving knifes for the bread, did you know that?" The man just shook his head, and took a step forward. I mirrored his step, except I was going away from him.