003 || [video]

[agentx13]

Hello, again. For those who may not know me, my name is Sharon Carter. Back home, I was a government agent. I know everyone's busy with the cold and the disappearances, so I'll try not to take as little of your time as possible.

In short, if you know anything about the killings in recent months, I'd like to speak with you.

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[agentx13]

Evidently, the victims were shaken up enough by the events that they don't want everyone to know. Obviously, the killer isn't interested in telling his story. [ Whoever it is is clever, intelligent, and has an incredible amount of self-control. Which clears some of the people who have disappeared since the killings.

She frowns as she thinks of her suspect list and toys with the flame on the table. It doesn't burn, and it gives her something to do while she waits for their- Ah.

She leans back as the waiter arrives and orders a beer. She's not a connoisseur of beer by any stretch. Give her something with alcohol, and she'll manage. But she's heard that this place has excellent beer, and she's more than happy to test that opinion.

Once Bruce has placed his order and the waiter has left them alone again, she leans forward again and glides her fingers back through the flame. ]

I don't suppose anyone could confirm what happened to you during that little misstep?

[ Sorry, Bruce, but Lois hasn't yet given her the information that clears you. She has to ask. ]

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[cowled]

[He gives her a rather curious look, one eyebrow arched, and drums his hand on the table.]

I wasn't aware this was going to be an interrogation, Sharon. I'd have worn a different shirt.

[His tone is mild, and his expression doesn't change beyond amused curiosity, but almost without his consent his emotions are suddenly sharp and filthy, a riotous mess boiling just beneath the substrata of his public persona. Oh, she means it innocently, and Bruce doesn't begrudge her her investigation, but it's too much like coming home and finding Vesper's body on the floor of his mother's dining room, and the time he spent afterwards in prison. The accusation of being a murderer is the only one he can't stomach, worse than almost any other. Gunshots echo in the back of his mind, and he leans forward on the table. Something changes just slightly in his posture, as if he suddenly occupies a different scope of space.]

If you'd like confirmation of my state as an octogenarian, you may speak with Clark Kent or Lois Lane, Harold Jordan, Avatar Korra, Una Persson and Bart or Barry Allen.

[He glances down at his water glass, and adjusts it until it's straight on its coaster.]

I appreciate what you're doing, and I have no qualms about cooperating, but in the future, do not make vague insinuations that I would be involved in a murder. Ever.

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[agentx13]

[ She watches him closely, searching for any sign of guilt, of falsehood. There's something, but it isn't enough to press him harder, especially after he provides so many names that can alibi him out. She hasn't met all of them, but she knows Lois. She thinks she can trust Lois.

Her eyebrows quirk at the emphasis about insinuating he might be involved in a murder. He's more adamant than she'd expected.

But then, most people tend to get defensive when accused of murder.

She lets the silence stretch for a moment, then smiles softly. ]

Thank you. For what it's worth, I was hoping I could take you off the suspects list. And your shirt is good for many occasions.

[ She leans forward and rests her chin in her hand. ]

Before you walk out - and I'm really glad you don't have a drink to throw in my face yet - can I ask if you can clear anyone else for me?

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[cowled]

[He adjusts his cuffs with the calm and easy elegance of a man who's used to the idea of grace under fire.]

On the contrary, Agent Carter, that outburst should have put me somewhere near the top of your list. Believe nothing until you've confirmed it. Isn't that some old Detective adage?