Chapter 40: Chapter 36: Smash Bros!!!
Just as they were about to enter, Jessica's attitude shifted dramatically. She clung to Grim's arm, adopting a lovey-dovey act.
Grim, caught off guard, went along with it, puzzling over her sudden change.
Inside the shop, Grim immediately noticed Luke Cage, Power Man, with his fiancée, Megan.
He knew it was Jessica's ex-husband because he had seen the man's pictures dotted around Jessica's apartment.
The air became thick with unspoken tension as Luke and Jessica exchanged looks.
"Jessica! Didn't expect to see you here," Luke said, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and unease.
"Luke, Megan, what a surprise! Congratulations on the engagement!" Jessica replied, her tone overly cheerful.
Megan, oblivious to the undercurrents, was all smiles. "Thank you! So, you must be the famous ex-wife Luke told me about."
Her tone was cheary but both Grim and Luke could feel the tension between the two women.
Before Jessica could respond, Megan whisked her away. "I need a woman's opinion on these candles for our wedding. Come on, let's chat!"
Left behind, Grim and Luke shared an awkward silence. "So, you're Jessica's new guy?" Luke asked.
"Partner on a case, not her guy," Grim quickly clarified.
Luke nodded, understanding. "I see. I know Jess well enough to tell when she's putting on an act. She was nervous, whenever she'd like that she rubs her thumb and index finger?"
Grim observed Jessica and Megan in the distance. "Is that so..."
"..."
Luke's eyes followed his. "Just... keep her safe, okay? Make sure she's not doing anything that could get her killed...She and Danielle haven't been on the best terms, and I worry about her."
Grim assured him, "I'll do my best."
Meanwhile, Megan chatted animatedly with Jessica about wedding plans. "So, what do you think of these scents for the wedding? I want something unique."
Jessica, maintaining her facade, responded. "They're lovely, really sets a mood. But, uh, don't you think lavender is a bit too common?"
"Oh, you're right! What about something more exotic? You must know a lot about these things," Megan said, looking at the array of incense sticks.
Jessica gave a noncommittal smile. "Exotic could work. Maybe something with a hint of jasmine or sandalwood?"
As their conversation continued, Jessica's strained smile never wavered, though her eyes occasionally flicked back to Grim and Luke.
Eventually, Megan remembered another appointment. "Oh, we have to run. Luke, we should get going!"
As they prepared to leave, Luke turned to Jessica. "Danielle's science fair is next week. She'd love it if you could make it."
Jessica hesitated. "I'll see if I can make some time."
With that, Luke and Megan left, leaving Jessica and Grim in the shop.
Jessica sighed deeply, the tension visibly draining from her.
"Thanks for playing along," she said to Grim.
Grim shrugged. "Partners, right?"
Jessica let out a small chuckle. "Temporary partners."
Jessica's attention was then drawn to the cashier, who had been discreetly observing their interaction.
Jessica and Grim made their purchase and left the shop.
...
As they walked away from the incense shop, their conversation resumed, though more subdued than before.
"Luke's seems like a good guy," Grim asked, breaking the silence.
Jessica nodded. "One of the best. He's been through a lot with me. I owe him more than I can ever repay."
"And your daughter, Danielle, she's important to you," Grim observed.
Jessica's expression softened. "Danielle is my world. But I've made a lot of mistakes, hurt her more than I care to admit."
Grim listened, understanding that the wounds of the past were still raw for Jessica.
"I think you should go to that science fair," he suggested gently. "Might be a good step towards... you know, fixing things."
Jessica looked at him, a mix of gratitude and apprehension in her eyes. "Maybe. It's just... not easy, facing what I've lost."
Grim nodded. "I get that. But sometimes, facing the past is the only way to move forward."
"..."
Jessica replied she would think about it before she paused and dialled a familiar number.
"Paul, it's Jess. I sent you all the records and transactions. See what you can find," she said into the phone.
"Will do, boss lady. Oh, and if Grim's there, tell him I just got the new Smash Bros. We should—" Paul began, but Jessica cut the call short.
Jessica then knelt, and a metallic creature, resembling a high-tech drone, scurried from an alleyway into her jacket. Grim raised an eyebrow inquisitively.
"It's a mini spy bot," Jessica explained, "A gift from a billionaire playboy I helped out a while back. It's got a camera, see-through vision, all sorts of tech. Handy for sneaky operations like the one we just pulled."
Grim looked impressed by the gadget's capabilities. They were now waiting for Paul to sift through the data and find any leads.
With time to kill, Jessica asked Grim if he had any plans. He shook his head, and she suggested an activity to unwind after the day's events.
They walked through the streets of the city, enjoying churros on the way, until they arrived at a run-down-looking bar.
Inside, the bartender, a gruff-looking man with a no-nonsense demeanour, glanced up as they approached.
"Hey, Mick. Three drinks, room 201," Jessica said, her tone casual but commanding.
Mick raised an eyebrow. "Who's the new guy?"
"This is Grim. He's... helping me with a case," Jessica replied.
"Grim, huh? You look like you've seen some things," Mick remarked, eyeing Grim curiously."
Grim just nodded, taking in the bar's atmosphere.
"I'm putting this on your tab Jess..." Mick said preparing Jessica's drinks.
"Your the best, come on let's go," Jessica said dragging him inside the back rooms of the bar. Jessica led Grim downstairs to room 201.
Upon entering, Grim was greeted by a lavish setup complete with a pool table.
"Ever played pool before?" Jessica asked, her demeanour shifting to something more relaxed.
"No," Grim replied, curious about what was to come.
Jessica smiled. "Good. Let me show you how it's done. Then we'll have a friendly competition... let's say, the winner can ask the loser to do any one thing."
"Anything?" Grim asked.
"A-ny-thing," Jessica replied back.
As Jessica prepared for the game, tying her hair back and taking off her jacket, Grim couldn't help but notice how her actions seemed unexpectedly alluring.
She handed him a pool cue and began to set up the game.
"First, I'll teach you the basics," she said, positioning the white ball. "Then, let's see if you can beat me."
Grim removed his jacket, accepting the challenge. "Sounds like fun," he responded, intrigued by this new, more lighthearted side of Jessica.
They spent the next hour with Jessica teaching Grim the rules and techniques of pool.
Despite his initial lack of experience, Grim quickly got the hang of it, thanks to his keen observation skills and Jessica's guidance.
And with basics out of the way, it was time for the real fun to begin.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone