Hunter

Sunlight fell quietly across the desk. Su Ming watched the dust motes drifting endlessly through the air, while the Adjutant still stood like a statue in the corner, only his eyes glowing blue.

Su Ming set the Newton's Cradle he had swiped from the Colonel on his desk, gently lifted one of the balls, and let it fall on its own. The crisp, faint clicks brought a little life into the office.

He picked up the crystal decanter from one corner of the desk, poured himself a drink, and raised it to his lips.

"Boss, Dr. Holloway's report is out." Gin entered from outside. She was still dressed in a black trench coat and masculine attire, but her lovely face and neat short hair gave her a uniquely heroic air.

The glass was set down, and a stack of documents was handed to him.

The report was in Holloway's standard style—thorough in every respect. He had conducted a full examination of the two gunmen's bodies overnight.

Su Ming had once wanted to invite him to work at Loyalty Academy, but Holloway had ultimately refused—not as a doctor, but as Avenging Angel. He did not want to leave the neighborhood.

Su Ming had taken a step back. He invested in Holloway's sanatorium and promised to develop it into a chain of eldercare facilities.

Holloway's refusal was understandable. Once you put on a mask, you could never take it off again.

Running through the streets at night, leaping across the gaps between skyscrapers, fighting crime and dispensing justice—some people found it more addictive than drugs.

Avenging Angel had been Captain America's teammate and had earned merit in World War II. That identity won him even greater respect.

In New York's superhero community, most people were willing to do Avenging Angel a favor.