Let me carry your story in my heart

Karen was far too used to the sound of gunfire at this point. Taking a deep breath, she started to reach for her purse, but the man pointed his weapon at her. “Ah, ah. None of that.”

“Okay,” she said, raising her hands above the table. “I won’t. Just— tell me why you’re here. You don’t have to hurt anyone.”

She could all but hear the rest of the coffee shop holding their breaths as the man let out a scoff. “I don’t, huh? Unfortunately for you, that is why I’m here. You’ve been a thorn in my boss's side for too long, Karen Page, and that’s about to end.”

Lifting the gun, he pointed it directly at her head and cocked it.

Before he could pull the trigger, something— or someone, Karen realized— smashed into him, knocking the gun flying and tackling him to the floor. In a heartbeat or two, it was over. The man was on the floor, spitting curses, and the person— another man, this one wearing a black jacket— who’d tackled him had him efficiently pinned.

He turned to Karen, and she caught an impression of a crooked nose, a military short hair cut, and dark eyes that held her gaze calmly. “If someone could call the cops, I’d appreciate that.”

“I’ll do it,” the barista at the front immediately as the rest of the coffee shop burst into applause. The man didn’t seem particularly affected by the applause, just gave Karen a nod. “Ma’am. You okay?”

“Fine,” Karen said, curiosity tugging at the inside of her chest. “I appreciate the help— who are you, exactly?”

A look of brief surprise flashed across the man’s face, but only for a moment. “Frank Castle, ma’am. Your editor hired me as your bodyguard. Said I should meet you here.”

Karen’s jaw dropped. “Ellison did what?”

“I take it you didn’t know about this?”

Dragging a hand through her hair, Karen let out an irritated sigh. “He said he’d do it if I got into much more trouble in my latest stories, but I didn’t actually think he was serious.”

“Apparently, he was,” Frank said gravely. Glancing down at the assailant, a foot still planted in his back, he added, “I can see why.”

“I appreciate it, but I take care of myself,” Karen told him, making a mental note to go straight to the office and give Ellison a piece of her mind. If he thought she was going to agree under duress like this, he had another thing coming. 

As the wail of police sirens started to approach, Frank said, “Understandable, ma’am, but I’m not about to walk out in the middle of a job. Until your boss fires me or I quit, you’re stuck with me.”

“Fantastic,” Karen muttered. Despite herself, however, she couldn’t help but think, On the other hand, this could be helpful— but I’m definitely not giving Ellison the satisfaction, let alone Matt and Foggy. I can take care of myself. I’ll just have to put up with this guy until I can get him to quit.

Looking over at the man, she had a feeling it wouldn’t be easy.