James glanced at a separate box of electronics — a secure phone, radio, and encrypted laptop. Probably SHIELD-issue.
The rest? He couldn't even name. Weird devices with no obvious function. Cortana popped up a text box in his HUD:
[Unknown tech. No match found in the database. Possibly classified. Recommend proper guidance.]
James sighed. "Yeah… figures. We're entering the deep end now."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
James and Carlos finished sorting out the armory. James carried out the radio, the encrypted phone, and the SHIELD-issued laptop. The moment he powered on the encrypted phone, it rang.
"Looks like you got the equipment," Phil's voice came through. "You're on 24-hour standby now. Keep the essentials in the car — we might need you for rapid support. There won't be time to load up then."
"That would've been nice to know before I hauled everything inside," James replied, dry. "Anything else?"
"The radio's an ear-worn set. Main unit clips to your belt, headset on the band, mic in the cuff — you've seen it in the movies. Channel's 06. Keep it on you at all times. And remember, the laptop's secured, don't go online with anything else. Everything's encrypted, but still—keep your usage clean."
"Got it. This phone's staying on," James said, and ended the call. He had zero intention of going back downstairs again that night after hauling them all up to their penthouse.
"Let's take the rest of the day off," he told Carlos. "We'll go out tomorrow. Figure out what you want to do now that you're retired."
The night passed quietly. No sirens, no gunfire, no late-night alarms. It was almost unsettling.
The next morning, Carlos made breakfast — eggs, toasted bread, warm milk. It was weird seeing a legendary assassin frying eggs in slippers, but James rolled with it. Kinda like itachi in an apron cooking breakfast.
After they ate, they got back to work. They loaded up the Chevy Suburban with a Barrett sniper rifle, the AWP, one HK416 carbine, and plenty of ammo. The radio went in too — clipped to the console.
They hit the road, driving through Manhattan, watching the city blur past. Crowds, honking horns, flashing lights, and way too many taxis.
"City's fast paced, yet traffic is so slow," Carlos said from the passenger seat.
"Yeah. It's how all international hubs are. Cutthroat, always moving. Good place to stay unnoticed — and get things done." James smiled. He had a mission. He didn't need a salary. But being close to the Tesseract? That made everything worth it.
Carlos glanced out the window. "I'm not looking to live fast anymore. I'm thinking… maybe a flower shop."
James nearly swerved. The car jolted once as he righted it. A cab next to him honked.
"Hey! Learn how to drive, ya mook!" the driver shouted out.
James gave him the finger and focused back on Carlos. "Wait. A flower shop?"
"Yeah. Surprised?"
"Little bit. You're a retired assassin. I figured you would say a security firm, but not a bouquet stand."
"I know my flowers," Carlos said, in a calm tone. "Your mom loved them. Taught me a lot about it."
James went quiet. He hadn't thought about her much since he reunited with Carlos. He probably should have visited her grave even though he's not the original Wesley anymore.
After a moment, he said, "Alright. Let's find a spot."
"I was thinking somewhere close to the Penthouse," Carlos added. "We walk around a lot, but I haven't seen a flower shop nearby. It should work."
James nodded. "Makes sense. Let's take a look around."
They circled around south of Central Park. Prime real estate — expensive, but a solid investment. After a bit of driving, they spotted a small estate agency less than a block from home. James parked, and they walked in.
"Welcome! How may I be of service to you today gentlemen?" the agent said as they entered.
"We're looking to open a shop nearby," James said. "Size doesn't matter much. As long as it's for sale, we'll consider it."
The agent perked up. "You're in luck. A client recently listed a ground-level unit not far from here. About a hundred square meters. Not ideal for large businesses, but more than enough for small shops. Would you like to take a look?"
"Lead the way," James said.
The manager drove ahead in a company car, while James and Carlos followed behind. A few minutes later, they pulled up outside an office building just 300 meters from their apartment.
The first floor had a row of street-facing storefronts. One side had a movie theater, and the unit in question used to be a fast-food joint — compact, but in a high-traffic area.
"This one here," the agent said. "It has excellent foot traffic. Small? yes, but well-positioned for people to find."
James scanned the spot. "Looks nice with good potential. Why's it for sale?"
"Personal reasons. The owner's European — made his money, and is now heading back to retirement."
James smirked. "Guy figured it out early."
"How much?" he asked.
"Eight million if you're paying cash. Nine and a half with financing."
James didn't hesitate to say. "Bring a lawyer. We're buying it. No bargaining."
The agent looked like he won the lottery. He whipped out his phone to call the seller while James called Philip the one he met during his property viewings to handle the paperwork.
The deal was sealed in a matter of hours. The shop officially became Carlos's property by sunset. James set up a bank account for his father and transferred ten million dollars into it — some independence, in case Carlos ever remarried or wanted a new life.
James still had funds left over. He made a mental note to invest more in stocks… and start boat shopping soon. Something basic. Something he and Carlos could use to fish on the weekends.
Philip, ever-efficient, got the legal side sorted while Carlos and James started planning the shop's renovation.
"Should we use the same guys from last time?" James asked.
"Yeah. Their work on the apartment was top notched. We'll have them tear out the fast-food layout. Replace the front with floor-to-ceiling glass and install a motorized shutter door. Inside, we keep it clean. Flower racks, and some storage in the back. No need for anything fancy."
"Get rid of the old exhaust systems too," Carlos added. "We'll need coolers in the back for flower storage."
Carlos dove headfirst into planning. For the first time in years, he looked genuinely excited. James, meanwhile, had SHIELD duties to prepare for. Otherwise, he would've been browsing boat dealerships or mapping out fishing trips already.
But for now? He was just glad his dad had something to look forward to.