A Piece of News

The most obvious sign of America's postwar economic recovery was that there were more vehicles on the streets than before.

The roar of engines, the honking caused by traffic jams, and the shouted curses forced him to roll up the window.

Perhaps New York City would begin building overpasses or underground tunnels in a few years, but traffic was indeed a major problem these days.

Howard's Stark Industries headquarters was in Manhattan, a truly awful place. During the morning rush hour, cars crawled along the roads at a snail's pace.

Su Ming could barely remember the last time he had driven himself, but Gin had other business to handle today, and Howard was being mysterious, so it was better to drive on his own.

But looking at it now, riding a bicycle might have been better. Or he could have had the Adjutant knock together a helicopter.

Su Ming held the steering wheel, smoking as he thought things over. The luxurious black sedan inched forward with the traffic. He had not gone out for a stroll in a long time, and the streets had changed quite a bit.

Just then, he saw Howard actually walking over from the sidewalk. Apparently, he had guessed Su Ming's route and was waiting at a spot he had to pass.

Howard first looked around like a thief, even pulling up his coat collar to hide his face and mustache. He looked especially guilty.

Only after checking several times did he pull open the passenger door and get in.

It was not because he felt safe. Quite the opposite—the drivers stuck behind him were laying on their horns as if they were about to get out and beat him up.

"You should've had someone pick me up on Long Island. Manhattan in the morning is