Ethan drove the few blocks to the high-end clothing store. He parked his BMW, the aches from the twelve bullet impacts a constant, throbbing reminder of his 'Harder Than Steel' power. He needed new clothes immediately.
He walked into the brightly lit shop. Behind the counter, organizing silk scarves, was the girl he remembered.
"Ashley Collins," Ethan said, his voice smooth and carrying the confidence of his new physique.
Ashley looked up, her expression shifting instantly from polite customer service to shock. "Mr... Mr. Blake? Oh my God, is that you?"
Then she saw his clothing: the tailored shirt ripped and peppered with small, dark holes, the fabric stained with what was unequivocally dried blood.
"Are you okay?! What happened? You look like you just walked out of a war zone!" she rushed around the counter, her eyes wide with fear and concern.
