tushanshu | 004 || video

As some of you may know, I was hired to find the person responsible for multiple killings in September, along with an attempted homicide. That person has now killed the Emperor. [ There's a flash of something like remorse, but it only lasts a second before her jaw tightens. There's no time to feel guilty for not catching the person sooner. She has to stop him now, before he kills again. ]

I have a list of suspects. I've narrowed it down significantly. If you were one of the people I talked to about it, please see me immediately.

[ The message is simple, one she can essentially cut-and-paste to each person. It's short, but far from sweet. She doubts they'll appreciate it. If the killer is killing again, then they have to move to catch him, and quickly. So screw pleasantries. ]

Get in touch with me as soon as possible.

[ Sharon looks tired. She doesn't want to have this conversation, but it's part of the job. The horrible thing is, Barry seems like a nice guy. A good guy. But that doesn't mean he can't be a killer. ]

Barry, I hate to ask this, but do you have an alibi for the time when the Emperor was killed, and is there anyone who can verify it?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Victor frowns at the mention of Superman's powers. He doesn't know them all but what he has heard reminded him a lot of Gladiator and Sentry. Some murderer having that kind of power isn't a pleasant thought even if it was temporary.]

I could check out the shops, sure. A sample would probably be the most helpful in that case.

You may have to talk to the police for that, since it's in evidence right now. Or their equivalent of it. I'm afraid that since this is a private investigation, you'll have to take whatever you can get.

Do me a favor and take Santo with you, though. So far, the killer doesn't seem to be bothered by the investigation at all, but I don't want to lose anyone because he might feel we're getting too close or just wants to murder someone to get rid of some boredom or something.

[That gets a small frown out of Victor.] You'd probably have better luck getting anything from them than me then. I haven't had much interaction with the police here but experience says they'll take the adult SHIELD agent more seriously than the green guy who looks like he's about to become a mutant-cicle. [He's not happy about that at all. Or the cold.] Unless you want me to actually try taking it from them.

Are you sure? Santo's not exactly quiet or subtle.

We don't need quiet or subtle. We need Avengers.

[ Part of her is proud that Steve managed to come so far from telling the Young Avengers to stand down. Most of her is extremely worried. At least X-Men tend to have their shit together better than Thunderstrike. ]

It may take me some time to get the sample from the police... [ She taps her fingers against her chin. ] Give me until tonight to see what I can do. I have a couple ideas. Until then, tell Santo about the situation and get a plan in place. If I can get the sample, I'd like you two to start first thing in the morning.

[ Since the killer tends to strike at night, that might be the safest time for them to be out. Good. ]

[Victor will be embarrassed to admit it later but he can't help but feel a little bit of fanboy thrill at those three simple words. It's like when he got assigned his codename or his first X-men mission. He nods though, hiding his smile a bit.]

Got it. I'll let him know as soon as I leave here.

And if you need someone tailed or watched for this...[Victor pauses a moment and fades right out of sight. After a moment, he reappears...upside down and standing on the ceiling.] even Wolverine can't find me when I do that. [He'll just drop down to the floor again now with a quick flip.]

[ Sharon arches an eyebrow, her lips twisting into a slow smile. ]

You know, it's utter crap that so many people don't trust mutants. If SHIELD were more open to hiring people who could do what you do, most of our cases would be a breeze.

[ And this, coming from the woman who, as Director, had a program in place designed to find out how to permanently disable or kill specific mutants. What can she say? She's come a long way. And she still thinks the program wasn't without it's uses, given how many times Wolverine has been brainwashed. ]

I'll keep it in mind. The more I talk to people, the shorter this list gets.

Most of us would rather not hook up with SHIELD or any government organization though. No offense meant.

[Vic doesn't have much trust or love for SHIELD or similar organizations.]

Hopefully this will help narrow the list down further. Or even lure the killer out of hiding.

[Vic doesn't doubt he and Santo could take down whoever it is.]

I'll get going.

Oh, right. I'm offended because I can't imagine any reason why.

[ She rolls her eyes, but it's good-natured. She gets where he's coming from.

She gets up to see him out. ]

And I'll be in touch as soon as I know something.

Hey, you never know.

[Vic offers a smile. He nods as he's shown the door.]

Right. I'll make sure I'm available. See you then.

[He'll just tighten his coat a little before heading back out into the snow.]

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