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If not for Nick Fury assigning the task to Link, he wouldn't have taken such a direct approach with Bruce Banner. But with the responsibility placed on him, Link knew he had to keep control of the situation. If something went wrong and the Hulk emerged, it would take all of his strength to manage.
"Hurry up and eat. We'll leave as soon as we get the signal," Link said, taking large bites of pizza.
Bruce ate quickly as well. Soon enough, Coulson sent over the location. Having finished their meal, Link and Bruce got into the car, and Link drove straight to the destination.
"Hey, Coulson," Link called out as they arrived at a small private airfield. A private jet sat waiting on the runway.
"Great work, Link. The Director has already taken action. The blood samples will be destroyed soon," Coulson said as he turned to Bruce, extending his hand. "Hello, Doctor. I've read up on your work. You're a genius."
"I'm nothing now," Bruce replied, his mood dark.
"Don't worry. Link is an expert in psychology. He's never lost a poker game because he's so good at reading people," Coulson said confidently.
"We'll be flying out under a private alias, so your movements will be hard to track."
"The cabin in the jungle is ready. We've also stationed agents nearby to prevent anyone from looking for you. There's no one within fifty miles of the place—you'll be completely isolated," Coulson explained as they walked.
"We've also provided you with a hunting rifle for protection against bears. You'll have three months' worth of food and water, but there's no phone or internet. I hope you understand. If you need anything else, let us know."
"Books. I'd like some books," Bruce said.
"Of course. There are plenty of classics there. If you don't like them, we can send more," Coulson replied. "There are also enough clothes, and we'll check once we arrive to make sure everything is set."
The three boarded the plane, and soon it took off, heading for Canada.
Before the flight, Link had informed Jessica that he'd be away for a few days, explaining it as a poker trip outside of New York so she wouldn't worry.
…
After landing, they took a car deep into the forest. Link had no idea where they were exactly, but it was remote enough to be perfect for their needs.
After hours of driving, they finally reached a cabin. It was modest in size, but well-prepared, with everything set in place for Bruce's stay.
Inside, they found a fireplace. Coulson grabbed some wood and lit a fire, as Canada's climate was notoriously cold. The cabin was well-stocked with new items.
"The people who set this up weren't informed of Dr. Banner's situation. They just know it's part of a protection program," Coulson explained.
"Supplies will be dropped off two miles from here. We're leaving you a car and enough fuel."
"You'll have to chop your own firewood, and there's no electricity or running water. However, there is a sewage system, with a septic tank buried underground," Coulson continued. "You'll fetch water from a nearby well. If it freezes, use hot water to thaw it."
"We're still here now, so let's help out a bit," Link suggested. "At least until Bruce gets settled in."
"Good idea," Coulson agreed.
The three got to work. Coulson and Bruce chopped wood, while Link fetched water, filling the cabin's tank to ensure the basic systems were functional. They made sure to inspect the water tank regularly to prevent any small animals from contaminating it.
The day flew by as they worked. By noon, they stopped to prepare a meal, and after eating, Link and Coulson bid farewell.
Bruce was left alone. At first, he felt anxious, but as the days passed, he grew accustomed to the solitude. It was true—no one was around. At night, he'd read by the fireplace before going to bed, and in the morning, he'd exercise outside.
Gradually, he began to try communicating with the Hulk. At first, there was no response, but Bruce had nothing but time and a peaceful environment. Without the constant fear of the military chasing him, his mind was calm.
After two weeks, he finally managed to connect with the Hulk. It was a strange experience—he realized that the Hulk was a reflection of his own childhood anger.
…
Link didn't head home right away. Instead, he took a detour to Las Vegas, where he won $1.5 million at a poker game. He needed to bring back some money, after all, or Jessica might start worrying about his "poker trip."
In the days that followed, Link found himself without any specific missions. Instead, he continued gathering intelligence, mingling at various poker tables, networking with New York's elite, and expanding his web of connections.
Information gathering, though, was often like waiting for lightning to strike—a game of patience. Hell's Kitchen had been unusually quiet.
Had Coulson's team already made their move?
Why was Kingpin still strutting around, dating as if nothing had happened?
Why were Daredevil and Kingpin still locked in their endless feud?
And as for the Punisher, he seemed to be lying low—probably spooked after Link had confiscated his sniper rifle.
Meanwhile, the police were still investigating the Purple Man's assassination. They had found the sniper rifle but no other clues. Their only lead was to trace the weapon's origins.
The Punisher must have figured it out by now.
Link wasn't concerned. He knew that finding him would be nearly impossible.
One day, Link received a call from Karen Page, asking for a meeting. After dropping Jessica off at school, he headed to the Murdock & Nelson law office.
Inside, he was greeted by Matt Murdock, Foggy Nelson, and Karen Page.
"Mr. Link, welcome back," Foggy greeted warmly, while Matt's demeanor remained neutral.
"No need for formalities. Have you made a decision?" Link asked.
"We've thought it over, and I agree to the buyout," Foggy replied with a smile. "What are the details?"
"We can discuss that. This firm isn't worth much, but I'm willing to invest," Link said. "You two will get some shares, but not many. Most of your income will come from your salaries."
"That's fine," Foggy said quickly. "But we'd like to stay in Hell's Kitchen. The people here need us the most."
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(End of Chapter)