[2] FAR FROM HIM // t.stark

Chapter Eleven

I don't think I should be surprised with what I've been told. After all, I do not have anymore purpose of being held captive in the hospital, but I stared at Rhodey and Peter as if they make a joke about Dad being alive. Did I hear Rhodey right?

     'You're not safe here, Terri,' Rhodey said. 'I know you know it, too.'

     'Y-Yeah, but . . . . what makes you say that? What happened?' I asked as I watched Rhodey going back and forth in the room, looking for something. 'My bag's in the cupboard. Just put them in the toilet. I'll get changed.'

     Like that's a cue, Peter grabbed Harley's bag and it onto Harley's lap, indicating him to get changed. But what is he kidding? Harley has both of his hands still bandaged and with his limited energy, he cannot do it alone. Just as quickly as all these happened, I heard Harley quarelling with Peter.

     Rhodey nodded his head once, understood. We, in fact, had gone through this thousands of times, like we're running in circles. Troubles always find us back even when we avoided them with all our will. But, I guess, that's what happen when you're a Stark or a part of Stark.

     Rhodey helped me off the bed and enter the toilet. I changed into my outfit as fast as my muscles could do for me. 'You know what, sometimes, I wish I never got involved with you Starks.'

     'Are you being serious right now?'

     'How in the hell people are never tired of you guys?' Rhodey laughed as if that's even a joke. 'It's like you're cursed for generations like- Seriously. How am I never tired of fixing your problems.' Rhodey seems to talk to himself on the last part.

     I know I shouldn't take that seriously. Rhodey's exhausted and have had enough on his hands. But I really wish we had more time to talk because I want to know what he knows. One moment, the world is mourning over the lost of Iron Man. Meanwhile, another moment and so suddenly, without warning, they're ambushing us. What did they do that for?

     'They're here!' I heard Peter said just as soon as I opened the door and ready to leave.

     'Shit. Quick, Ter- Oh, good you're done. Look, we don't have time. They're going to move you for another negotiation. Those thieves. They were Shield.'

     'What the hell are you talking about?!' I raised my voice.

     Rhodey stopped in front of me. Looking at me directly into my eye, he said, 'Terri, listen to me. Shield we knew is not Shield now. Since your father died, everyone's obsessed with Tony's time machine. It was Shield's attempt to steal that broke the news. But good thing, they barely succeeded. And your dad's garage? I'm happy that Tony put specific access. And you're lucky that you're safe.'

     I heard Peter argued with Harley that they don't need the wheelchair somewhere around the room. Peter could ask Edith to bring the wheelchair for him once we're safe, but Harley didn't agree. He needs the wheelchair because he cannot walk properly yet.

     'I'll help you,' Peter said hesitatingly.

     'Are you dumb?!'

     'What choice do we have?!'

     I ignored them and got back to Rhodey. 'But, why?' I sobbed. 'Dad died for them. How could they–'

     'Rhodey. They'll be here in any minutes,' Peter said after arguing with Harley. He doesn't have to look at his virtual CCTV footage. His spider senses is enough for him. 'Gosh, you're– so– heavy!'

     Harley snickered. 'It's because my body half dead, you idiot!'

     'Shut up! You're heavier when you're talking!'