Breakfast with Hetty
The soft crying woke Jen up. She sat up in confusion trying to figure out who was crying.
“Think you better go see who’s crying?” Mike Franks said leaning against the doorframe of her closet cigarette hanging out of his mouth.
Jen swung her head around staring at him “Why are you standing in my closet?” she asked amused.
Mike chuckled “Go check on him please-can’t stand to hear that boy crying” he demanded.
“Boy? Who is it?” She asked turning her attention to her bedroom door. “Mike?” She asked when she was met by silence-he was gone. “Of course” she muttered sighing as she flung her sheets off and headed for the door.
She paused outside the bed room door in slight confusion- she was in another house. The crying was coming down the hallway so she slowly headed toward the sound. She stopped outside a bedroom door where she determined the sound was coming from. She held her breath blowing it out slowly as she slowly turned the door knob. A curly head boy was crying on his bed then gasped and scrambled under his it as the sound of a man stomping up the stairs. Jen whirled around but the man-which was older than she expected-went through her into the room.
“Robert where are you- you freak!” he man snarled. “I’ll find you-you can’t hide from me. I’ll always find you” he man snarled.
“He’s coming Jen” a women whispered in her ear.
“Jen-wake up” Bruce said gently touching her making her gasp, flinch and roll out of bed-something she always seemed to do after these dreams.
Bruce crouched down “Jen-honey it’s ok -you’re in LA-you’re fine” he said softly reaching down and brushing hair from her eye.
Jen blinked up at Bruce her mind still reeling from her dream/premonition. She couldn’t stop the few tears to slip out.
“Honey-shh. I am going to touch you ok?” Bruce asked just before he leaned down to brush her tears away.
Jen nodded as Bruce slowly gathered her in his arms. “Let’s get you back in bed hmm” he said softly lifting her and placing her back in the bed. He laid down and gathered her back in his arms rubbing her back trying to comfort her. He didn’t ask any questions- knowing from experience Jen will talk when she wants to. He hates talking about his nightmares so he wasn’t about to force someone to talk about their own. “How about I go make us some tea” Bruce suggested after he was sure Jen had calmed down.
“Thank you” she whispered softly.
He smiled leaning down to kiss her forehead then climbed out of bed and headed to the kitchen.
Once he was gone Jen sighed and sat up leaning against the headboard. She couldn’t stop her mind from going back to her dream trying to figure out what it was trying to tell her. It’s obvious to her the little boy was Bruce and the man yelling was Brian Banner. The voice said he was coming-he who? Brian? He’s in jail-well-he’s supposed to be in jail. Did he get out somehow? She tried to breath slowly to stay calm. She knew she needed to figure out what this dream meant which meant she needed to do some research whenever she had a free moment tomorrow.
Hetty smiled as she walked in the house using her key. She paused listening-she had expected them to be awake by the time she got there but figured they needed their sleep. She decided to help herself to the pantry and starting making a breakfast fit for a king.
Bruce smiled when he heard Jen in the kitchen-until he felt Jen stir next to him. That got his attention waking him up.
“Hon who’s in the kitchen?” he asked.
“Hmm-Wasn’t Hetty supposed to come here for breakfast” she mumbled.
“I guess we’d better get down there” Bruce said as he slowly climbed out of bed.
Jen nodded and got up as well as Bruce passed her on the way to the door she grabbed his hand and reeled him in for a kiss.
“Sorry about earlier” she whispered when she pulled away slightly embarrassed.
Bruce smiled as he cupped her face “You never have to apologize to me for a bad dream-in whatever form” he said.
Jen smiled “I’ll remind you of that when you apologize for yours” she said.
Bruce smiled “You might have to” he said with a chuckle.
Jen smiled grabbing his hand “come on” she said tugging him out of the room.
Hetty was sitting down sipping tea when they entered the kitchen.
“Good morning Genevieve, Bruce” Hetty said with a smile. “I was beginning to think you would sleep all morning” she teased.
Jen glanced at the clock “It’s only 6:30 Hetty” she replied.
Hetty just stared back at her “I am usually am up at 5:00AM” she replied.
Jen laughed as she sat down “I remember” she said.
Hetty motioned to the kettle “I have a pot ready for you Bruce-I wasn’t sure what kind you liked in the morning so I left a selection” she replied.
Bruce smiled as he walked to the kettle “Thank you Hetty” he said selecting a tea and poring himself a mug of hot water.
“Are you eating?” Jen asked looking at Hetty as she sat down.
Hetty smiled “I was nibbling as I cooked” she said.
“So What’s going to happen with the guy from last night?” Jen asked after they had sat down.
Hetty shrugged her shoulders “Not sure-Mr. Callen said he hasn’t spoken all night-just staring at him” she said.
“I am sure that’s how he was trained. I am surprised he didn’t have a hidden cyanide pill or something” Jen replied.
Hetty chuckled “I had Mr. Callen look for one before we put him in the cell” she commented. “Incidentally when Mr. Callen interrogated the man last night-I felt like I have seen someone like that before. Unfortunately I couldn’t find any mention of anyone named the asset in my research” She said.
Jen and Bruce glanced at one another “Might want to look up the Winter Solider” Jen said slowly.
Hetty looked up sharply “The winter Solider?” she asked.
Jen stared at her “I would have thought the name would ring some bells” she replied vaguely.
Hetty smirked “It does but it’s a myth that the KGB created” she said.
“You sure about that?” Jen asked, when Hetty remained quiet she continued. “The Winter Solider is a real person” she added.
Hetty huffed in annoyance “Are you telling me the KGB created an assassin 60 years ago and no one knew about it?” She asked.
Jen raised an eyebrow “I don’t understand why you seem surprised? You know the inside workings of the KGB better than anyone I know” she said.
“Except Nat” Bruce interjected casually.
“Right except Natasha” Jen agreed. “I can’t believe you didn’t see or hear anything when you were there- about a man with a metal arm-someone they kept on ice until he was needed?” Jen asked.
Hetty straightened at the last part making Jen smile.
“You saw him didn’t you?” She asked knowing she didn’t have to elaborate.
Hetty nodded “I did” she stated.
“They must have already had him on ice when you got there” Jen said pausing when Bruce snorted into his tea.
“Put him on ice hon really-what are they the mob?” he asked laughing at her choice of words.
Jen chuckled “How am I supposed to ask that? Was he already in the cryogenic freezer when you saw him?” she said staring at Bruce with a smirk.
Bruce cocked his head in thought “Yeah I guess there’s no great way in asking that question-my apologies-carry on” he said with a wave of his hand that looked more like Tony.
Hetty smiled at their exchange “Yes Genevieve when I was in the KGB I saw him and he was in the chamber. The rumor was that it was a dead American that was found and they were going to try new experiments on him. I had another mission at the time by the time I got back-which was almost a year later the chamber was empty” she replied slowly. Then a thought occurred to her. “You act like you know him” she added.
Jen was about to open her mouth when Hetty’s phone rang. Hetty checked it then rolled her eyes.”Buggar I need to answer this-excuse me” she said as she left the kitchen and walked out the kitchen for some privacy.
Bruce chuckled “wow hon-saved by the bell-right” he chided.
Jen jokingly glared at him sticking out her tongue for good measure.
“Are you going to tell her about Barnes?” He asked.
Jen shrugged “I guess? I will have to eventually. Especially now with this new one” she said looking down at her coffee cup. “But I am worried” she admitted quietly.
“About what?” he asked concerned.
“I wonder does SHIELD know. Is THAT why they’ve kept James alive?” she asked.
“That’s something you need to ask Fury” Bruce said then he glanced at the clock. “Is that the time! I need to get ready- Happy should be here any minute to pick me up” Bruce exclaimed as he jumped up and ran upstairs to throw on some clothes.
Hetty walked in the doorway with a raised eyebrow “Everything ok” she asked.
Jen just nodded her head “lost track of time” she answered.
Hetty sighed “That was Mr. Hanna-Owen says we legally cannot keep the Russian in our custody any longer if we don’t have proof” she replied.
“I seriously doubt they have lawyers waiting in the wings for them” Jen replied.
“That might be true but we can’t just bend the rules when need be” Hetty replied.
Jen chuckled “Since when?” she only half joked.
Hetty chuckled “I am trying to turn over a new leaf” she said.
“Do you have any connections anymore with anyone connected with the KGB?” Jen asked as she got up to put the dirty dishes away.
Hetty chuckled “They are all older than me-I seriously doubt they have any knowledge of this man” she replied. “But you do” Hetty added looking at Genevieve.
Jen turned and looked at Hetty with a laugh “Hetty you have a better chance of getting Natasha to talk to you than you do to have her talk to me” she said leaning against the counter.
“Would you try?” Hetty asked.
“I can’t make any promises-but you know I’ll try” Jen said with a sigh.
Hetty smiled “Thank you” she replied.
“I guess I should go get dressed too-since Pepper wants to meet me and have me fill out hiring paperwork. Do you want me to come to NCIS first to give me a rundown on what I am supposed to look for-or do you want me to come after I sign my soul away?” Jen said pushing off the counter and looking at Hetty.
Hetty rolled her eyes “Oh please you already signed your soul away when you signed up to for your first mission” she said with a smile making Jen laugh. “Come to NCIS after. That way you will have an idea of what you will be doing and we can make a plan from that” she decided.
Jen nodded in agreement “That makes sense. I am going to go change real quick. Can you let Tony in when he shows?” she asked as she left the room.
“Of course” Hetty replied.
“Would you mind if I hitch a ride with you?” Jen asked as she walked into the bedroom already pulling off her pajamas.
Bruce spent a few seconds enjoying the show before he shook himself and continued to dress.
“I don’t mind-you know that. The only issue would be getting you back-if you needed to that is” he said.
“Let me worry about that” she teased as she leaned over and pecked him on the lips.
He groaned then lightly pushed her away from him “we need to get ready-stop distracting me’ he said with a smile.
She just flashed a smile to him and started pulling on clothes.
Hetty frowned when she heard the door fling open and Tony yelled “Hey big guy-you ready?”
“Mr. Stark you know it’s rude to just bust into someone’s home? AND bad for your health” Hetty said as she walked around the corner.
“Geez Hetty you scared me! Big guy is ok with it don’t worry-so it’s not bad for my health” Stark replied.
“I wasn’t even talking about him Hulking out-although that should be reason enough. I was speaking more of walking unannounced into a house that has high security protocols as well as the fact the Jen is always armed and the fact that if I didn’t already know you were coming you’d probably have a bullet hole in your forehead right now” Hetty replied calmly.
Tony froze “You both are always armed?” he asked as he watched her pistols slide back into her sleeve.
“Yes” was all Hetty said. “Now come sit down-they should be right down” she added walking into the kitchen.
“They?” Tony asked confused.
“Oh I am sorry I assumed Jen was riding in with you since she needed to meet with Ms. Potts today. If you have other plans I can always let her borrow one of my cars” Hetty said.
Hetty chuckled as Bruce came rushing in trying to put on his loafers and walk at the same time.
“Hey Tony we should be ready in a second. Thanks for waiting-Is it alright if Jen rides with us? It’d be easier since we are all headed to the same place” he asked looking at his friend.
“My offer still stands as well” Hetty replied.
“What offer?” Bruce asked confused.
“No offer big guy. The more the merrier-I probably should call Pep so she will be expecting Jen and won’t be in some meeting” he replied reaching for his phone.
“Tony, Pepper was the one who told Jen to come in today. She wouldn’t be hiding in some meeting-you are confusing her with yourself” Bruce replied with a smirk.
Tony smirked back “Wow Big guy you’ve got a lot of sass since Jen’s been around. She’s a bad influence on you” He replied.
“I disagree” Bruce said.
“I actually agree with Tony on that one” Jen said as she walked into the room smiling.
Bruce smiled and nodded “You ready?” he asked.
“Yes-sorry for making you wait Tony-Hetty distracted us with breakfast” she replied.
Hetty rolled her eyes “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” she replied.
“Says the women who has tea for breakfast” Jen said.
“Thank you for breakfast Hetty” Bruce interrupted.
“My pleasure Bruce” Hetty replied with a nod.
There was a discreet knock on the door “Boss we need to get going” Happy called from the porch.
Tony checked his watch “Yeah Hap-we’re coming” Tony called as he turned and opened the door.
“Go-Go” Hetty said shooing them out the door. “I’ll lock up” she replied.
“Thanks” Jen said as she followed Bruce and Tony out the door.
STARK INDUSTRIES
Jen sat in the chair in front of Pepper’s desk when she was ushered inside after she signed the hiring paperwork. The secretary told her Pepper was on the way and to “make herself comfortable.” Jen glanced at her reflection in the mirror on the wall-she looked like she was going to face a firing squad-she needed to calm down. She hated lying to them about this undercover assignment-but she knew if they knew the whole building would find out and she would never get the information she needed.
The door opened and Pepper strolled in “Genevieve I am so sorry to keep you waiting” Pepper said as rounded the corner of her desk to sit down.
“I know you’re a busy women” Jen replied. “Thank you for the opportunity” she added.
“Well I will be honest I was surprised. But I get that you might be bored and not have anything to do with your free time. Well let me retract that-I get the IDEA of boredom-I don’t think I have had an ounce of free time since I first came to work here” Pepper replied with a smile. “Besides this will help us out. One of our assistant head of the grants department is going out on maternity leave-earlier than expected. You can fill in for her and when she comes back when can move you around if need be” She added.
Jen looked thoughtful for a second before she spoke “Do you feel I am qualified to work in the grants department?” Jen asked.
“I feel like you are-from what I remember you are a fast learner. Despite our history I trust you here instead of hiring an outsider” Pepper replied staring at her.
Jen nodded “Thank you” she said.
“It might be a bit more hours than part time in the beginning-is that ok?” Pepper replied.
“That’s fine” Jen answered.
Pepper nodded “Great-I would walk you up to the department myself and show you around-but I have a video conference I need to be on in 10 minutes” Pepper said as she rose signaling the meeting was over. “You have your employee badge-Cassandra is waiting for you. Go up to the 5th floor and she can walk you around” Pepper added as she walked her to the door.
“Sure thing Pe-um Ms. Potts thank you again” Jen said as she walked out into the hallway.
Pepper chuckled “It’s only Ms. Potts in front of HR” Pepper said turning to leave. “Oh and Genevieve in case you didn’t know when you are done with your tour the R&D labs start on the 10th floor-might want to try the 15th floor” She called as she walked away.
NCIS
Owen came and sat down staring at Hetty without saying anything-she could feel his eyes boring into the top of her head.
“Can I help you with something Owen?” Hetty asked not looking up from her paperwork.
“Have you heard from Genevieve yet?” he asked impatiently.
“If I had you would know by now” Hetty replied. “We probably won’t hear from her for another couple of hours-she had to sign paper work-talk with Ms. Potts-I am sure they are giving her a tour” she surmised.
“How do you know that?” Owen asked.
“Ms. Potts is thorough” Hetty replied.
“Or you have Genevieve bugged” Owen replied causally.
Hetty looked up and stared at her boss over the rim of her glasses “That is wrong and immoral-why would I do anything like that?” she asked.
“Because I know you Henrietta” Owen said.
Hetty barely contained her smile “I’ll be sure to call you when I hear from her” she said.
Owen sighed and got up to leave knowing he wasn’t going to get any more information from Hetty.
“Quick question Owen-do you remember hearing anything about the Winter Solider?” Hetty asked.
Owen paused and looked down at Hetty thinking for a minute.
“I remember it as a project name from some old KGB file-why?” he asked.
“I have reason to believe it has something to do with our young Russian friend from yesterday” Hetty replied.
"Did some research did you?" Owen asked with a smirk.
"I do have a life Owen" Hetty replied with a smirk.
“If I remember it was something to do with a man made killing machine. How does that connect with the guy from yesterday?” Owen asked ignoring her comment.
"I am not sure yet but we might have a whole new set of worries coming” Hetty replied.
Owen shook his head “Don’t we always” he shot back with a smirk.
Hetty gave a slow smile “I guess we do” she replied.