12 Plot Points Of Christmas: A Writer's Challenge

Chapter 9: An Unsuspected Ally

Finishing making their lists, the members of the Initiative congregated back into the living room. Thor took their lists then looked over each one carefully. Most of the suggestions seemed doable.

"What are latkes?" Thor asked, looking at Minerva's list.

"Potato pancakes. They are a traditional dish made for Hanukkah," Minerva said. "I'm not Jewish, but I have friends that are and they turned me on to many of their foods. I... also have a friend who owns a kosher restaurant. I can make a call..?"

"Do it," Thor said, looking at Loki, who smiled back at him.

"Thank you, Minerva," Loki said. "Beverlee will appreciate it."

"Could you get him to also bring bagels?" Jamal asked.

"I'll see what I can do," Minerva winked.

"With all that we are planning," Thor said, "this is to be considered a gift for ourselves, so there's no need for any of you to go shopping for anything extra."

"Well that's a relief," Blitz said. "It's so hard to find the perfect gift."

The rest of the group nodded in agreement.

"We're lucky that we enjoy each other's company," Sasha said. "It helps to make us a better team, and that really is a gift."

The group also nodded to this.

"Well, then at ease everyone," Thor said. "I'm going to call Coulson and tell him what we need." Standing from his chair, he left the living room to find a phone.

As the other Initiative members got up to find a comfortable spot to relax and wait for Thor to return, Loki walked down the hall to reach the study. He needed some time alone to figure out a very puzzling question.

He muttered, "I don't care what Thor said, I have to find a gift for Beverlee. Something that doesn't cost money, but will be priceless to her..."

Engrossed in his thoughts, Loki almost ran into Hector, the hotel manager. He noticed Hector was holding a large package in his hand.

"Excuse me, sir. Where can I find Mr. Odinson?" Hector asked Loki. "I called a few moments ago letting him know a package had arrived. He told me to send it up to the room."

"Thor is in the living room but is currently engaged in a phone call. Perhaps I can help you, yes?"

Hector held up the package he had been holding. "I received this from a courier, it's from SHIELD for someone named 'Beverlee.'"

"Oh, I'll take that," Loki said. "I'm her, umm... caregiver."

Hector handed the package to Loki, "You certainly are," he said with a knowing smile. "I'll show myself out."

Loki nodded, then continued walking. Only to stop again, when he saw Hector turn around to face him.

"Sir? My apologies, but I couldn't help but overhear you and your conundrum," Hector said.

"Yes?"

"If I may ask, how close are you with Miss Beverlee?"

"Very," Loki said, looking forlorn. "No disrespect, but I just want to give her something that means more than all this... opulence."

"None taken. Are you sure she isn't already aware of such things?"

"Even if she is, I simply want to... reinforce... the message."

Hector pulled out a smartphone from his pocket and made a call, "Elinor? Yes, it's me. May I bring someone over for you to instruct? Thank you." Putting the smartphone back in his pocket, he said, "Sir, if you'll please follow me, I believe I may have the gift you seek."

With a brief detour to Beverlee's room to drop off the package, Loki followed Hector to the private elevator with a spring in his step.