Ch. 32: Homecoming.
"I'm afraid I don't recognize him," Jon declared, shaking his head emphatically.
Coulson, with a discerning gaze, studied Jon's face before responding with a sly half-smile, "Are you certain?"
Jon reaffirmed, "Absolutely, I'm certain. It's just that...he appears somewhat intimidating."
Coulson chuckled lightly, flipping the photograph to face him, and agreed, "Indeed, he does have a rather menacing countenance."
Having said that, he methodically collected all the documents, neatly tucking them away. Rising from his seat, he extended a hand towards Jon.
"Your cooperation is much appreciated, Mr. Vinson," Coulson said, his laughter echoing in the room.
'Is that it? The end of the questioning?' Jon pondered, 'Merely two photographs to check?'
Without hesitation, Jon reciprocated the handshake. Just as he was about to retract his hand, he realized Coulson's grip remained firm, showing no signs of release.
"Mr. Coulson?" Jon queried, his eyes reflecting his confusion.
Coulson merely responded with his enigmatic smile, his thoughts remaining a mystery.
"One final query, Mr. Vinson!"
Jon swallowed hard, "What is it?"
"How did you manage to survive the accident?" Coulson's tone shifted, becoming stern.
Jon's heart pounded in his chest, and despite Coulson's smile, Jon felt as if his gaze was piercing through to his very soul.
"Perhaps... I was just fortunate," Jon managed to respond.
"Is that so?" Coulson retorted, his half-smile returning.
Jon remained silent, and finally, Coulson released his hand.
"I believe our conversation has reached its conclusion. I hope you have a restful night, Mr. Vinson," Coulson announced, gathering his suitcase and making his exit.
***
As darkness enveloped the city, they exited the hospital. In Chris's van, Jon found himself in the back seat, with Ayla engrossed in a mobile game beside him.
"Jon, I'm stuck on this level!" Ayla exclaimed, handing over the phone to Jon, who promptly took it and began navigating through the game.
"What did that man say to you?" Annie, seated in the front, inquired.
"Nothing much, he was just seeking information about the attack," Jon responded, "Given that I'm the sole survivor, I suppose I'm the only one they could question."
"My goodness!" Annie's voice trembled slightly, the reality of the situation still sinking in. The thought of her cousin being the only survivor of the car crash was a mix of relief and worry.
"Jon, you should stay home and rest for a few days. No more outings," Annie advised, concern lacing her voice.
"Annie, there's no need for that!" Chris interjected from the driver's seat, "Jon's a tough guy!"
"I'm okay, Annie, really. I just need a good night's sleep," Jon reassured her, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
"Exactly!" Chris agreed, flashing a grin at Jon, "And hey, if you're up for some fun, just let me know. I can show you a good time!"
"Chris, just drive us home!" Annie retorted, "And have you forgotten what the doctor said? He needs rest!"
"Jon, you lost!" Ayla's voice cut through the conversation, her eyes accusing as she looked at Jon.
"Sorry, I got distracted," Jon apologized.
"Jon, put the phone away. Ayla, stop bothering your brother," Annie chided from the front seat.
Suddenly, Chris, who was driving, exclaimed, "Guys, guess what I spotted? A fast-food joint!"
With that, he pulled over and announced, "Just realized we haven't had dinner yet! I'll grab us something to eat. What's everyone in the mood for?"
"I'm not hungry," Annie responded, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I want pizza!" Ayla chimed in.
"Alright, pizza for Ayla. What about you, Jon?" Chris turned to Jon.
"Uh, I'll have a hamburger," Jon decided.
"No problem, just hang tight!" Chris responded, stepping out of the van and heading towards the fast-food restaurant.
***
Once Chris had departed, Jon found himself lost in thought.
From Coulson's demeanor, it was clear he knew something, yet he seemed to be holding back, perhaps merely speculating and observing Jon for the time being.
However, Jon didn't dwell on it too much. He was aware that SHIELD would eventually find him; it was just a matter of when. The imminent Battle of New York, the first assembly of the Avengers, was a likely occasion. As Ghost Rider, Jon would probably be involved, and Nick Fury would undoubtedly extend an invitation.
What troubled him more was the attack. Based on his conversation with Coulson, it seemed likely that Eric the Leopard was behind the terrorist act.
If Jon's hunch was correct, and the international metal smuggling operation linked to Eric had caught S.H.I.E.L.D.'s attention, then it was highly probable that the smuggled metal was African gold.
Jon had pieced together a plausible scenario in his mind. This could be a case straight out of a Black Panther movie. Ulysses Klaue, the smuggler, had sent his assistant to track down the thief who had stolen his gold. The suited thug in Coulson's photo was likely the thief, who happened to be on Jon's subway. Eric had simply decided to blow up the subway.
In essence, Jon and the other subway passengers were innocent victims. If it weren't for the intervention of the Ghost Rider, Jon would likely have perished.
Of course, this was all conjecture on Jon's part. The truth could be far more complex.
"What's on your mind, Jon?" Annie's soft voice broke his train of thought.
"Nothing much," Jon replied.
"Don't overthink things. Just rest when we get home," Annie advised, her voice filled with concern.
"Hey! I'm back, guys!" Chris announced, entering with a pizza box and two large bags of food.
"Didn't we just order a pizza and hamburgers? Did you get all this for yourself?" Annie questioned, her eyebrows furrowing.
"Are you kidding, Annie?" Chris retorted nonchalantly, "Just pizza and burgers won't cut it, especially with Ayla still growing!"
"How is she supposed to grow healthily eating this junk?" Annie sighed in exasperation.
Unfazed, Chris began distributing the food, passing one bag to the back seat, "Here, your burgers and pizza!"
Once back in the driver's seat, he handed out two bottles of soda to Ayla and Jon, followed by a large bucket of fried chicken.
"Here, have some of this, man!"
Annie watched as Chris continued to feed her family junk food, shaking her head in resignation, "I will talk with you later, Chris!"
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