Chapter Text
New York City, early 2018:
She rolled her eyes as she spotted the man on the hotel room couch, placing the gun back into her purse. As much as she wanted to, she wasn’t going to shoot her nephew.
“You know, I’m a little upset – my favorite aunt’s in town and…”
“I’m your only aunt, Anthony, and I was pretty sure you didn’t want me in your life if I didn’t fall in line with you when it came to the Accords. So…what are you doing here?”
“You’re getting him lawyers, defending him?”
“Yes.” She answered quickly, easily.
“He killed…”
“I know what he did. I know why he did it. It wasn’t his choice Anthony, and you should understand that. He was a weapon, nothing more.”
“Well, I should have known you’d pick your WW2 boyfriends over …”
“Over what Tony? I’m not the one who cut you out of my life. You are. You made the decision. So do me a favor, get out.”
“You know, I think I liked you better when you were Darcy Lewis and only a note in Thor’s file. When you weren’t…”
“Evelyn Stark. When I wasn’t my actual self – a woman out of time, just like her husband. Good to know. Now get out of my room before I taze you and call the cops.” He got up, passing by her then turning as he reached the doorway.
“Where did it go wrong?”
“You got into bed with Secretary Ross because you felt guilty over something you couldn’t control. When you didn’t listen to your friends because of it. When you didn’t show up for your godmother’s funeral. Take your pick.” He stood there for a few moments, just watching her. There was a glimpse of the boy she never got to know in that look and it broke her heart.
“He’s got eyes on you.”
“I know.”
“Watch your back.” He lingered for a moment. “I know you’re mad but…”
“I don’t hate you. We’ll get over it. Eventually. You need to watch your back as well.”
“Always do.” He grinned at her and she felt a wave of melancholy wash over her. He was so much like Howard. “If you talk to him – tell him I’m getting there.”
“I will. Be safe.”