Night had fallen deep. Guided by its two high-beam headlights, the black Lincoln sedan moved with familiar agility along the shortest route back to the Long Island estate.
".Yes, the meeting went very well, dear. Mr. Howlett... well, how should I put it? He was completely different from what I imagined. Yes, just as the rumors said—far too young and handsome. Dear, he's a mutant, not someone relying on drugs or magic."
After meeting James, Mr. Howard Stark hurriedly spent a long time on the phone with Dr. Wendy Lawson at Edwards Air Force Base, then busied himself with work for both the company and S.H.I.E.L.D. It was not until late at night that he finally returned home.
The driver in the front seat was an elderly gentleman close in age to Howard. His blond hair, streaked with gray, was neatly combed back around his ears and temples. His chin and frame were lean, but his shoulders and hands were exceptionally broad.
Even at such a late hour, the man's eyes remained bright. His hands smoothly turned the steering wheel as he rounded the bend and passed through the woods outside the Stark family's Long Island villa.
".If you run into anyone preaching or peddling magical rituals again, report them directly to the Order Whip! Yes. I know Tony is an excellent boy. Hey, you know what, Maria? Yesterday, even Dr. Lawson and Mr. Howlett mentioned Tony to me."
".Mm, I know. Don't worry, I'll speak to him patiently. It's so late—go get some rest. Edwin will pick you up and bring you home in a couple of days. That's all. Good night, dear. I love you."
Mr. Stark finally hung up the call with his wife, Maria, and rubbed hard at the bridge of his nose.
Once a man