"By the way, General," Daniel added offhand, taking a sip of his tea, "you might not know, but Chief Stacy from the 67th Precinct lives right next door. If Dr. Banner ever drops by, I can always ask the Chief for a little backup. Banner's still wanted, after all."
Daniel's gaze drifted to the house next door as he spoke, his words carefully chosen, heavy with suggestion. General Ross caught his meaning right away.
When Daniel name-dropped Chief Stacy, Ross knew this wasn't an empty threat. A quick check could prove the chief really did live next door, and that fact alone made Daniel's words hard to ignore. But even more, Daniel wasn't talking about the Hulk. He was talking about Bruce Banner.
Ross's expression tightened. Daniel clearly knew Banner's secret, and he'd made it clear without saying one direct word. If Banner ever did come by, and if Stacy picked up anything unusual, the whole classified operation around the Hulk could erupt into a mess. Military secrets didn't survive long once cops got involved.
Ross didn't even bother asking how Daniel had learned about Hulk's true identity. There were too many ways. Most likely, Betty had told him—again.
'Damn it, Betty. Why is it always you with these kids?'
Truth be told, the image of the Hulk pounding on Daniel's front door was ridiculous. If Hulk ever turned up, the whole neighborhood would end up on the news before he took two steps. SWAT, military, everyone would swarm the block.
But if anyone showed up, it would be Bruce. And Bruce Banner was something Ross couldn't afford going public.
Daniel had just returned Ross's implied threat—calmly, without raising his voice. And for once, it got under Ross's skin.
He'd already started an in-depth background check on Daniel. His team combed through finances, school records, contacts—trying to find even a whiff of a hidden agenda, a powerful magical group, or any political link to use as leverage. Bribery wouldn't work: Daniel's family, though quiet, had deep roots in the Netherlands and were well connected across European finance and government. Reparation money from the war had made them discreetly wealthy; their Jewish heritage had only expanded their silent influence.
So threats wouldn't work. Money couldn't buy him. Ross knew where that left him.
He'd have to settle for cooperation. As much as he hated it.
He softened, just a fraction. "Glad you're thinking about your safety," Ross said. "But… about Betty…"
He hesitated, then let some real worry slip in. "Even if Hulk keeps his distance, I'm afraid Betty might go looking for him. I hoped—"
Daniel cut in, direct and cool. "General, you might not know this, but nothing's going on between me and Betty. We're friends. That's all."
He said it clean and flat, no emotion.
Ross blinked, a little surprised. "But yesterday—?"
"A coincidence," Daniel interrupted, firmer. "I just happened to be there."
Ross saw there was no angle here. Daniel wasn't using Betty for access, wasn't trying to play on Ross's feelings. Oddly enough, that won Ross's respect.
"Friend or not, you go to school together," Ross said, shifting tack. "She might even be your professor someday. I'm only asking you keep an eye on her for a bit. That's not unreasonable, right?"
Daniel hesitated, then nodded. "Classes start soon. I'll watch out for her until then."
Ross stood, straightening the crease in his uniform. "That's all I can ask." He placed a card—just a number, no name—on the table. "If you need anything, call."
Daniel stood too, bowing respectfully. "Anytime, General."
Ross walked out into the late sun, still thinking things through. He'd come in thinking Daniel might be a weapon. He left realizing Daniel was something else entirely—an unpredictable force who could be a friend, a threat, or something in between.
Daniel lingered by the door and watched the armored convoy pull away. He didn't need magic to know this was just an intermission.
The Hulk would return. Not in weeks—maybe not even days—but hours. Whatever understanding he and Ross had come to, it wouldn't last.
Before Daniel could turn away, he spotted Gwen Stacy peeking from next door. She froze, caught in the act, but Daniel just smiled gently and nodded before heading back inside.
Gwen quickly ducked away, mind spinning. She'd heard her new neighbor was a Dutch transfer student, but now three military vehicles had shown up at his house. Who exactly was Daniel?
Inside his car, General Ross sat in uneasy silence, replaying the whole conversation—every word, every pause. On the surface, he and Daniel had an understanding, but really it was just a fragile truce built on mutual caution.
Daniel never revealed his plans, his limits, or his connections. That—Ross realized—was what made him dangerous.
If Daniel and Blonsky ever shared notes, and with a few tech upgrades from Stark Industries, maybe—just maybe—they'd finally stand a chance against the Hulk. Not today. But soon.
Pressure from the White House, the Pentagon, and yesterday's chaos at the university only made things worse—especially with Betty swept up in it all.
Ross clenched his jaw. His phone rang. He almost ignored it—until he saw who was calling.
He sighed and answered, "Ross."
"General Ross, it's Nick Fury."
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