"Are you sure you don't need me to send people after her? If we issue a nationwide warrant now, she shouldn't be able to leave the United States so easily."
Howard looked at Fury, whose entire body was wrapped in bandages, and asked again.
He planned to dispatch a team to track down Valentina, even notify the military and have them assist. No one could assassinate a high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and still leave the United States unharmed.
Fury wanted to shake his head, but Jarvis had not only shaved his head with startling speed, he had also bandaged him too thoroughly. His neck could not move, so he could only roll his eyes as he spoke.
"No, Howard. I can handle it myself. What you should do now is launch an internal purge within S.H.I.E.L.D. At the very least, everyone who had contact with Valentina needs to have their loyalty verified."
Howard crossed his arms. Even at home, he instinctively lowered his voice.
"Do you know that among everyone who had contact with her, you're the most suspicious? Not only did you survive, you deliberately let her go. Nick, if you weren't my friend, if we hadn't been through so much together, I would definitely suspect you."
Fury remained unmoved, merely staring blankly out the window. A little bird hopped about atop a tree in the courtyard.
Today was like a carnival for them. A massive amount of filth had surged into the streets, attracting all kinds of insects, and birds fed on those insects.
"I am willing to accept an investigation as well, but let me emphasize one thing. I didn't let her escape. My injuries were simply too severe for me to fight back."
Howard shrugged and shook his head with a smile. "I suppose, since there were