Chapter 116
Calliope’s POV-
“Hank Mills… lives in Texas. Mid arm field amputation… Compromised immune system… denied.” I mumbled.
I had gone through about fifty of the applications and none of them met the criteria but they were all sad and reminded me why I didn’t want to be a doctor. It was too heartbreaking.
“How’s it going?” Bruce said putting a cup of coffee next to me.
I smiled but it probably looked like a grimace. “I’ve gone through about fifty applications and not one of them makes the cut.” I said.
“It isn’t easy to read is it?” Bruce said.
“Not really.” I admitted. “But it’s for the greater good.”
“Sunshine, you staying for dinner?” Tony asked.
“Dinner?” I asked.
“Yeah it’s almost seven.” Tony said.
“Oh crap, I totally lost track of time.” I said.
“That happens a lot here.” Bruce said.
“I’m not even half way done with those files.” I said.
“Then leave them for tomorrow. It’s late. Want me to get someone to drive you home?” Tony offered.
“Thanks but it’s still early and it’s not far. Also it’s my turn to get the pizza.” I said. “See you guys tomorrow.”
“Night.” Bruce and Tony said at the same time.
I walked into the elevator and Jarvis moved the elevator down to the lobby. I walked out of the building and headed straight home. The pizza place was on the way home so I was a quick stop. I walked into my apartment without even reaching for the keys knowing the door would be open.
“Sorry I’m late, got caught up with something at work.” I said.
“No you’re good I only got here ten minutes ago.” Clint said. “Long day?”
“No I had a great day.” I said.
“Then why are you frowning?” Clint said.
“There’s this project I got assigned. It’s really cool and it could help a lot of people but it’s still in the trial phase, well its about to begin. I’m in charge of reading through all the applications and picking out who actually gets to be a part of it. They’re all veterans with amputations and… I guess it got to me.” I said with a shrug.
“This have anything to do with that brother you never talk about?” Clint asked.
“Hadrian? No I was a kid when he died, hardly remember him.” I said.
“But he was in the army, died in battle.” He said.
“Like I said I was a kid and I don’t even remember him. Only thing I remember about him was how he ignored me and couldn’t stand to be in the same room as me. Then one day he was gone.” I said.
“Then it’s probably just cause you feel for them. You care Cal.” Clint said.
“Sometimes I wish I didn’t. I feel… guilty.” I said with a groan.
“You can’t save them all Cal, besides you said it yourself it can help a lot of people but not without the trial.” Clint said.
“Still sucks but enough about me, what the electrician screw up this time?” I asked making Clint chuckle.
“Surprisingly nothing. I closed the deal on that new site development in Brooklyn and I got a signing bonus.” Clint said.
“That’s awesome.” I said.
“Yeah, Bobbi also stopped by apparently Hunter popped the question so I’m a few short months away from being alimony free.” Clint said.
“That’s good right?” I asked.
“That’s great. She was really happy actually especially when she told me she was pregnant.” Clint said.
“What? You’re…” I asked surprised. I remember the biggest issue towards the end of Clint and Bobbi’s marriage was that he wanted to settle down and have kids and she didn’t want any.
“Oh no… Her and Hunter are having a kid.” Clint said taking a drink of his beer. I took his hand and gave him a gentle squeeze.
“I’m sorry.” I said.
“Don’t be. I’m happy for them.” Clint said.
“Still doesn’t make it easy to hear.” I said.
“She asked about you.” Clint said.
“Did she ask for me specifically or the bitch next door?” I said making him chuckle.
“She said Callie this time.” Clint said. “Never really understood why she hated you.”
“She thought we were sleeping together.” I said making Clint spit out his beer and cough.
“What?!” Clint shouted.
“She never told you?” I asked.
“Told me what?” Clint asked.
“About how she confronted me, flat out asked me of we were sleeping together then told me to stay away from you?” I said.
“She did what?!” Clint shouted.
“You really didn’t know?” I asked.
“No I didn’t. She mentioned you when we were fighting once or twice but was mostly annoyed with how much time we spent together.” Clint said. “She really did that?”
“She did, it was a bit of a threat to but she moved out a week later so not a big deal.” I said with a shrug.
“She threatened you to stay away from me?” Clint said laughing. “I knew she was controlling but I never thought she’d do that. Did you ever…”
“Did I ever what?” I asked.
“Did you ever stay away from me because of that?” Clint asked.
“I considered it for a while. Avoided you for a few days. I thought if it would help ease some of the tension between you two but Josh and Will went on that cruise and weren’t here for that big final screaming match between the two of you. When you knocked on the door and looked at me like a kicked puppy I didn’t care. You needed a friend and I missed my best friend.” I said.
“I think I’m gonna take Will up on his offer to set me up.” Clint said.
“You sure you’re not jumping into things?” I asked.
“Cal I’m forty two, divorced, with no living relatives, I bought a huge farmhouse upstate for a family I’m probably never going to have…” Clint started.
“Clint…” I said.
“I’m not getting any younger.” He said.
“I’m going to stop you right there. We’re not in the middle ages, people live a lot longer and you happen to be one of those people that age like a fine wine. You get better with age and I’m not just saying that because you’re my best friend or because if we’re both still single when I’m forty we’re getting hitched.” I said. “And if you’re that worried about not having a family why don’t you look into alternatives.”
“Alternatives?” Clint said.
“Well for one there’s adoption.” I said.
“I doubt they’re going to give a single guy a kid.” Clint said.
“Then freeze your sperm.” I said. “Keep it on the side as a back up for when you meet the right person.”
“I don’t know growing up the system I always thought I’d have a family the normal way. A big house with a yard for the kids to run around. A dog…” Clint said.
“Well you have the house and the dog. As for the rest of it, no family’s the same Clint. I mean my dad was adopted. He adopted me. I adopted Will.” I said making him laugh. “You’ll get there.” I said leaning my head on his shoulder.
“I hope you’re right.” Clint said.
“I’m always right.” I said.
A Few Weeks Later-
“Okay, I think I got it.” I said walking into the lab where Bruce and Tony were looking over some specs.
“Got what?” Tony asked.
“The right candidate for the trial.” I said.
“Kid we already have the ten guys we need.” Tony said.
“I know Tony I picked them out myself.” I said as Pour Some Sugar on me by Def Leppard started playing on the speakers.
“Then you know there isn’t any more room in the trial.” Tony said.
“I know that but you need to make an exception.” I said as the music started playing louder.
“Callie if we make one exception then we’d have to do the same for everyone else.” Bruce said.
“What’s the trial’s biggest problem?” I said.
“Adding one more person won’t fix that problem instead we’ll have more, like thirty thousand more because that’s how over budget we would be.” Tony said.
“If money’s what you’re worried about I’ll cover it.” I said.
“You have thirty thousand dollars just laying around?” Tony asked.
“I’ve made some good investments.” I said with a shrug. “Money isn’t the trial’s main issue. The procedure to implant the neuro sensors is. I’ve read the reports. It doesn’t work half the time because of nerve damage at the site of the incision and when it does work the phantom limb pain patients exhibit when placing the first sensors makes them give up half way.” I said.
“I still don’t see how one more participant can make a difference.” Bruce said.
“It’ll make sense once you read his file.” I said handing it to Bruce. He gave me a skeptical look but took the file anyway. Bruce read through it and Tony read over his shoulder.
“Was held prisoner for eight months in Afghanistan… last one alive… he lost his arm…” Tony started and grimaced. “We can’t do it.” Tony deadpanned as the music got louder.
“Can you please turn off the stripper song, we’re having a serious conversation.” I said.
“Stripper song?” Tony said. “It’s a classic.”
“I know it is but it’s a stripper song. You can walk into any strip club in the city and this song will be playing within ten minutes.” I said.
“How can you be so sure?” Tony said.
“Listen to the lyrics.” I said.
“Okay sunshine, you willing to bet on it?” Tony said.
“What’d you have in mind?” I said.
“If we walk into the closest strip club to the tower and within ten minutes of us sitting down this song starts playing Sergeant…” Tony started before picking up the file. “Barnes is in the trial, whatever extra costs and the heat I’ll get from my wife and CEO I’ll handle but if this song doesn’t come on you have to be at my beck and call twenty four seven during my yearly trip to Vegas.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad.” I said.
“Oh Hayley.” Bruce said and I shot him a look. “Last year I woke up ten minutes before checkout on a pool floatie. I can’t swim and I still don’t remember how I got there.”
“I got arrested for drunk and disorderly behavior.” Tony said. “Lawyers covered it up so no one found out, my wife included.”
“And both of your wives are okay with you two leaving on your own to a place nicknamed sin city?” I asked.
“Do we have a deal?” Tony asked offering his hand for us to shake on it.
“You’re on.” I said taking his hand.
“Jarvis find the closest strip club.” Tony said.
“The Lusty Leopard is less than a half mile away and they validate parking sir.” Jarvis answered.
“Let’s go.” Tony said.
“Lead the way boss.” I said.
“Big guy you coming?” Tony said.
“Yeah I think I’ll just sit this one out.” Bruce said.
“You sure? It’s not every day Tony loses a bet.” I said.
“Keep talking kid.” Tony said as we got into the elevator. “Past assistants have had mental breakdowns over Vegas.”
“And your wife still married you?” I retorted.
“Oh you’re going to vegas either way now.” Tony said.
“Jokes on you I’m over two years away from being twenty one.” I said.
“Guess you get to be designated driver the entire weekend.” Tony said as we walked into the garage.
“Is that…” I said looking at his car collection.
“Yeah, bought it straight from the car show. Want to take it out for a spin?” He offered.
“I think I’m too afraid I’d scratch it. How’s it handle?” I asked.
“Like a dream, but you’ll see for yourself.” He said opening the driver’s side door.
“No, Tony I can’t.” I said.
“Kid it’s okay. It’s not like I can’t afford another one.” He said.
“Yeah but I can’t, if anything happens to it I’ll be paying it off until I’m forty.” I said.
“It’s insured.” Tony said.
“As it should be.” I said.
“Sunshine, I had a drink upstairs and I shouldn’t be driving.” Tony finally admitted.
“You’re not just saying this so I’ll drive right?” I said.
“Jarvis?” Tony said.
“Sir has imbibed four point five ounces of his favorite scotch in the past two hours making his blood alcohol levels above the legal limit. As such the safety protocols are currently active and no automobiles will start if Sir is in the driver’s seat.” Jarvis said.
“Okay, I’ll drive but only because it’s the responsible thing to do.” I said getting in.
“You know most people would jump at the chance to be able to drive some of these. It’s the first time I had to convince someone to drive.” Tony said getting in.
“Seatbelt.” I said.
“Just saying. I did a background check on you so I know your family owns…” Tony started.
“My family owns the company. I don’t.” I said starting the car.
“You’re well off is what I’m trying to say. Private school education, you go to an Ivy League college. But not only that your posture and the way you present yourself in meetings it’s almost the same as the way I do it meaning you were taught to do that early on, I dare say even groomed to take over the family business.” Tony said.
“I went to a private catholic school. The nuns were very strict with manners and etiquette.” I said.
“So you’re catholic?” he asked.
“What’s with the twenty questions?” I asked.
“We’ve spent a lot of time together the past few weeks and I don’t really know anything about you. You’re professional when you need to be but you’re not afraid to sass me which is nice most people are to afraid I’ll fire them or just care about getting on my good side.” Tony said.
“I’m not catholic and as for religious preferences I don’t have any. As for the rest of it my resume and back ground check says it all.” I said.
“You’re no fun.” Tony said.
“I’m driving you to a strip club, how am I not fun?” I said as I pulled up to the Lusty Leopard.
“You by chance have a fake ID?” Tony asked.
“I don’t get carded.” I said getting out of the car. And walking straight to the entrance. The bouncer took one look at me and let me right through. We walked into the dimmed lit room with red lights and a disco ball in the middle of the room.
“Ten minutes.” Tony said pulling out my chair before going to sit down across from me. “Starts now.” He said putting his phone on the table.
“You know I thought strip clubs were supposed to be super sleazy but this isn’t so bad.” I said.
“It’s still early.” Tony said waving a waitress over to order a drink. “Kid you want anything?”
“I’m good thanks.” I said. “So I wasn’t going to say anything but I have to ask, is everything okay?”
“Yeah why wouldn’t it be?” Tony said
“Because it’s barely five and you’re already on your third drink.” I said.
“It’s nothing that isn’t going to work itself out on its own.” Tony said dropping the subject. “You know how these trials work right? It’s not a guarantee that anything will come out of it.”
“I know.” I said listening to the song that was starting to play.
“Then why are you trying so hard to get this guy in? You don’t even know him.” Tony said.
“It’s not about that.” I said.
“Then what is it because not everyone is willing to pitch in thirty grand of their own money to help out a complete stranger?” Tony said.
“Maybe that’s what’s wrong with the world.” I said and Tony just rolled his eyes. “Sergeant James Buchannan Barnes of the 107th, one of the best marksmen the army had. He did three tours, one in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. He and half of his squadron got ambushed while out on patrol and got captured. They had him for three months when they offered to release him but he said not until everyone else was free too. Five months later the rest of his guys were dead and they had no leverage left so they started bringing in civilians. They put a kid on an active landmine in front of him and cut him loose. Instead of running he put his hand on the pressure plate so the kid could get away. He stayed like that for hours. Just when they found him he passed out from exhaustion and the landmine went off. That’s how he lost his arm.”
“You can’t save everyone kid.” Tony said taking a drink.
“I’m not trying to save everyone, Sergeant Barnes could have taken the easy way out but he didn’t. You don’t have to do something huge and revolutionary to change the world sometimes its just about having a little consideration for someone other than yourself.” I said as one of the dancers came out holding out a bottle of champagne. The lights started spinning and Pour Some Sugar on me started playing.
“With thirty seconds to spare.” Tony said. “Well, deals a deal kid. Sergeant Barnes is in.”
“Thank you thank you thank you!” I said jumping out of my seat to hug him.
“Oh...” He said uncomfortably before just patting my back awkwardly. “Okay kid let’s get out of here, people are starting to look.”
“Oh right, sorry.” I said stepping away.
“We should head back, tons of paperwork for me to ignore and give you to handle.” Tony said.
“You sure you’re okay?” I asked.
“Besides being out thirty grand, I’m fine.” Tony said and I gave him a look.
“What I’m about to say could probably get me fired but how about we call it an early day and go out for a snack?” I said.
“You want to ditch the job I pay you a very generous salary to do?” he said in mock shock.
“Do you really want to go home?” I asked I said giving him a knowing look.
“Fine but can you quit it with the looks, it makes me feel like I’m about to be lectured.” He said.
“Nah I’m off the clock, you like Cajun food?” I asked.
“It’s okay I guess.” Tony said.
“Good, I’ve been craving some beignets.” I said getting in the car and driving off. The food truck was parked close to the waterfront and the weather wasn’t too cold to be out after dark. After we got our order we went to sit at one of the benches close to the waterfront away from the crowd. “Mh…” I moaned.
“That good huh?” he asked.
“I grew up in Chicago but my dad’s originally from New Orleans. We’d spend a few weeks in the summer down there. I have a huge sweet tooth and would go to this little shop down the street every morning for some of these. Guilty pleasure.” I said.
“My dad wasn’t a fan of sweets. Jarvis would have to sneak them in if it wasn’t my birthday.” Tony said.
“Jarvis your AI?” I asked.
“Uh no, we had a butler named Jarvis. He pretty much raised me.” Tony said.
“Just a rather very intelligent system?” I asked.
“Acronym I came up with to tell people makes everything cooler.” He said with a smirk.
“No I think the talking ceiling that’s almost always watching you does that for you.” I said. “So part of that confidentiality agreement is that anything that is said in confidence between us stays between us.”
“I know.” he said staying quiet for a minute before sighing. “There’s something no one else knows about my time in Afghanistan. I wasn’t completely alone in that cave. There was a doctor, Yinsen. When I broke out he died to buy me some more time. And it’s the anniversary of that day.”
“Oh, shit. So when I brought up…” I started. “I’m so sorry.”
“No, don’t be. I’m glad you brought it up. That was a big turning point for me. It was when I started being accountable for my actions and you reminded me of that today.” He said. “What was it you said, sometimes changing the world can just be taking the time to have some consideration for someone other than yourself? I’ve been so caught up in everything going on I lost sight of that.”
“Are you kidding me? Tony you pretend to be this self absorbed ego centric…” I started.
“Still your boss kid.” Tony reminded me.
“Point is what you show to the world isn’t who you really are. You’re a little misguided but everyone loses their way at some point. You’re a good guy and anyone who knows the real you will say the same thing.” I said.
“Are you sure you’re eighteen? You’re a lot wiser than teenagers I’ve met.” He said.
“How many teenagers do you know?” I asked.
“Uh…” He started.
“Not counting me.” I said.
“Uh… there’s… no wait he’s twenty.” Tony said.
“Come on, you need to get home for your skype date with your wife.” I said standing up.
“Crap where is she again?” Tony said.
“Uh… not sure Tokyo again?” I said with a shrug.
“Sounds about right.” Tony said getting up just as my phone dinged. “Work?”
“Uh no it’s just a guy.” I said reading the message from Nate before locking my phone.
“Boyfriend?” Tony asked making me laugh.
“No I’m like chronically single.” I answered.
“I’m fairly sure it’s by choice.” Tony said. “It’s that Nate guy right? The one that walked you to work last week?”
“We’re just friends.” I said.
“There’s a difference between being friends and being in the friend zone.” Tony said.
“Not you too.” I whined.
“It’s just an observation. Just like I’m just noticing that you blushed when I brought him up or that you keep debating whether or not to reply to whatever text he sent you.” Tony said.
“He’s a good friend.” I said.
“That’s it?” he asked.
“Yes.” I said. “We meet up a few times a week, grab coffee in between classes, text. Normal friend stuff.”
“If you say so.” Tony said.
“We’re just friends.” I reiterate.
“Is he the one you go on food dates on the weekends?” Tony asked.
“No that’s Clint. He’s also my neighbor. Also those are food outings. Best part of living in New York is that there’s always something new to try.” I said.
“And Will is your roommate who’s practically an older brother and he’s engaged to his boyfriend Josh, the chef.” Tony said.
“And you said you didn’t know anything about me.” I said.
“This is just stuff I pieced together from comments you make occasionally.” Tony said.
“I’m not really that interesting Tony.” I said. “Pretty boring actually.”
“Boring is that last word I’d ever use to describe you sunshine.” He said.
We got to the tower and after a good twenty minute debate over how there was no way I would borrow a car that could pay my tuition for all four years even if it was just for a night I headed home in the subway.
I decided to cut some time and take a shortcut through an alley Will and I used all the time. I just forgot that the first rule of living in New York is to never go through an alley at night.
I was walking in when this man came out of nowhere and pushed me against a wall.
“Ah!!!” I shouted.
“Shut up bitch. Give me your money.” They said pressing a gun to my head. I dropped my bag to the ground. He pushed me away before grabbing my bag and running off.
I stood there for a minute frozen before I started walking. It didn’t even feel like I was moving but more like everything around me was.
“Hello fair maiden.” Thor greeted cheerfully. He had a bright smile on his face that faltered when he saw me. “What happened?” He said coming over and touching m forehead making me wince.
“I-I got mugged.” I choked out.
“What?!” Thor shouted. “Are you alright?”
“I think so…” I said.
“Let’s head upstairs.” Thor said.
“I can’t move.” I said my legs feeling really wobbly.
“You sure?” he asked and I nodded. “Would it be alright if I carried you?”
“Uhuh.” I said not being able to get anything else out. Thor slowly put his arm around my back and the other behind my knees and scooped me up. Thor walked up the stairs carrying me like I weighed nothing. Next thing I remember I was being put down on my couch. Will, Josh and Clint were talking but I couldn’t hear them it was like my head was under water.
“Why the hell didn’t you say anything!?” Someone shouted.
“Because I had it handled!” Someone answered. They sounded just like me.
“You call this handling it!?”
“I’m still here aren’t I?”
“Cal?” Someone called out to me.
“How could you be so damn selfish?!”
“Selfish? It was my business I’m not dragging anyone else into my mess.”
“You were walking in there ready to be….”
“CAL!!!” Will shouted snapping me out of my daze.
“Ah!” I gasped starting to realize where I was. “Uh, s-sorry just zoned out.”
“Are you okay?” Clint asked handing me a glass of orange juice.
“Yeah, think so.” I said trying to take a sip but my hands were shaking.
“Cops are on their way.” Josh said as Will pressed something onto my head and it stung.
“Need to clean that.” Will said. “What were you thinking going into an alley at night on your own?!”
“That I really wanted to get home.” I retorted. “Ow.”
“Hold still.” Will grumbled.
“Guys I’m fine okay.” I said swatting Will’s hand away. I stood up and wobbled a bit before falling back down to the couch. “You know on second thought I’m just gonna sit here for a bit.” I said before everything went dark.