Kidnapping part II

Jennifer Walters/Attorney-At-Law

Across the country, in Los Angeles California, a woman was speaking to a jury as the rest of the courtroom watching. She was a short woman, with brown hair, a cute button nose, and a voice with a high pitch. Yet, when she spoke, it was with a confidence that drew the room in. She strode on sensible heels, wearing a white blouse with a black business skirt and jacket, her hair pulled into a high ponytail and a pair of glasses that were thick enough to give her a slightly bug-eyed appearance.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury," she said, looking into the eyes of each member of the jury in question. "We've discussed the events of September 13th for a full week. I know you're all tired. You probably want to go home. But we can't leave," she shook her head, and several of the jurors actually did so as well. "Not until we know, for certain, that justice has had it's day. My client, Beatrice Trask," the woman at the prosecutor's table, a pretty blonde with sad eyes and a cast on her left arm, stood a little straighter. "Was beaten in her home, by the one person who was supposed to protect her."

She eyed the defendant, a large overweight man with black hair perfectly groomed, and eyes that were hard as they glared at the woman currently speaking. "Nicholas Trask. A man who has been accused of domestic abuse before. A man who, according to witness testimony, often used violence to intimidate and control others. When Beatrice spoke, when she told us of how the person she loved became a monster, we all knew what had to be done."

Nicolas Trask's fists clenched under the desk.

"Please," she entreated. "Show Beatrice, and the other women who faced the same horrors inflicted by Nicholas Trask, that justice does exist. Thank you."

With that, Jennifer Walters took her seat with a quiet dignity. Later that day, as a screaming Nicolas Trask was placed in cuffs and dragged away, she allowed herself a smile.

"Jennifer, I really wish you hadn't taken that case," an older man said later as he entered Jennifer Walters' office.

Jennifer Walters looked up from her paperwork, noting the man who was walking forward. "Hi dad, how are you?"

"Dreaming of a daughter who doesn't get herself into crap," Morris Walters was tall, well built if with a bit of beer belly under the sheriff's uniform he was wearing. His hair was the same color as his daughters, cut short and brushed back. He sat down in the chair in front of his daughter's desk with a groan. "Sweetie, you know Trask. His guys are going to retaliate somehow."

"His 'guys'," Jennifer said. "Know full well that Trask isn't worth protecting anymore. He's burned too many bridges, dad. Besides, did you see how much evidence was piled up? I get killed, he's the first on the suspect list."

"But you'll still be dead," Morris said firmly. "Look, just let me set up some deputies to protect you. At least until things cool off a bit."

Jennifer sighed, pretending to be annoyed, rather than grateful. Damnit, she was supposed to be the hardboiled lawyer, but at heart, she was always happy to see that her father loved her. The product of being a single child of a single parent. "Fine... dinner tomorrow?"

Morris smiled. He got up and walked around the deck, kissing his daughter on her head as she gave him a mock-glare, though she was clearly pleased. "I never miss it, do I?"

"Not so far," Jennifer sighed. "Anyways, I have some more paperwork to do right now. I'm guessing you already have the deputies outside?"

Morris barked a laugh. "Of course! I wasn't going to wait for you to say yes!"

Jennifer smiled at her father and looked at the photo on her desk. As she looked at it, her smile faded. Morris noticed, and looked at the photo as well. On the picture were four people. Two older women, desperately holding onto laughing children as all of them smiled at the camera. A young girl, Jennifer wearing a pink dress with a dinosaur toy in her hand. And a young boy, laughing as he held Jennifer's hand.

"...I miss him," Jennifer admitted. "I miss them."

Her father said nothing. He simply put a hand on his daughter's shoulder.

Late that night, Jennifer Walters entered her house carrying a box filled with files. She locked the door behind her and removed her shoes, sighing in relief as she clenched her toes against the carpet for a moment, feeling her sore feet slowly relax from a long day of standing in trial. She put the box of files on her kitchen table and walked over to the sink to grab some water, drinking it with relish. She contemplated going to sleep, but decided to make some coffee instead, and quickly set up her machine.

"I hope I'm not interrupting?" A voice she'd never heard before spoke up behind her.

"Jesus!" Jennifer spun around in shock and gaped at the man sitting at her counter.

He was odd, to say the least. His skin was green, and his head was massive. He eyed her with fascination, as though she had some secret she had to give him.

"Not him, I'm afraid, though I'm sure my contributions to society will be seen in the same light in the not so distant future," he said with a smug smile. "I am Samuel Sterns. A friend of your cousin."

Jennifer stared at him, her thoughts feeling cloudy. "You're... an Avenger?"

"Ha!" Sterns shook his head. "No. Only a friend, as I said. I simply wished to greet you, Miss Walters."

Still feeling off-kilter, she took a step forward, almost losing her balance. "What... What do you want?"

"To bring you to your full potential," Sterns said with a smile. "I have some... concentrations of Bruce's blood, from an earlier experiment. I believe you'll be most helpful in making them of use to me and advancing my studies more than anyone else."

Jennifer stumbled, landing on the floor as her eyes drifted aimlessly. "What-"

"I put a narcotic in your water," Sterns idly informed her. "It won't last long and there are no harmful side effects, but it will serve its purpose. Don't worry my dear. Soon, I'll give you a gift beyond imagining. Though I admit, it's mostly a gift for Bruce," Sterns chuckled. "He'll be so happy when he sees what you've become."

That was the last thing Jennifer heard before her world became darkness.