3 days later
Nikki's straight blonde hair covered one side of her face,
much like the way her guest’s red hair rested.
Her face was stern, showing both anger and disappointment. “I thought you would be better than that.” She looked away from the Scarlet Scorpion and
tapped on her desk with an index finger.
Scarlet just kept looking out the window. She was being chastised by the cops again. It had been a few years since she was in this
position last, but this time it seemed truly personal. “She is better than me. How can I apologize for that?” It really wasn’t a question.
“I’m not talking about Nyxen.” Nikki had lifted a pen and used it to point at
Scarlet’s belt. The hero took notice and
looked down herself. The pistol handle
was reflecting the rooms pale light as the holster cradled her leg.
“Ah, yes. As I
said, Nyxen is good. This is insurance.”
Nikki rolled her eyes. “Look, Scarlet, I can’t have a
gun-toting superhero working for bounty and getting it from my precinct.”
Several moments passed.
Scarlet bowed her head to let her red hair fall
forward. She reached to remove her
tactical visor, and then covered her scarred eye with the eye patch.
“Nikki- “
“Lieutenant.”
“Nikki, let me assure you that this is loaded for one
purpose: to kill Nyxen. I’m simply
following orders.”
The Lieutenant smiled softly. “Belay those orders, soldier. I was lost in a moment. I apologize if I lead you astray.”
Scarlet softened her own gaze and sighed heavily. “Admittedly, I’m still pissed Nyxen got to me
like she has.”
“Can you beat her?”
The black leather of Scarlet’s jacket creaked as she shrugged
her shoulders. “Maybe, I don’t
know. Pushing around the Hellions gang
or members of the Family has its challenges.
But Nyxen is … like me.”
“But with weapons and a murderous streak.”
Scarlet smiled and paused. “Right.”
