The Last Avengers Story, Part 2

Avengers Forever aka Die Hardest

Chapter 2: Enter Emma Peel

Emma Knight (Emma Peel that was) finished stuffing her auburn hair (which owed something to Art at this stage in her life) under her bright blue bathing cap, that matched her bright blue swimming costume. She glanced at herself in the floor to ceiling mirror - very briefly, for Emma had never been a vain woman or one obsessed with her looks. She hadn't lost the tan she'd acquired after spending a fortnight's vacation in the Florida Keys, and while she was 65 years old her skin was as firm and toned as a much younger woman. She didn't work hard at keeping fit, but she worked hard at having fun and the one took care of the other.

Emma stepped under the shower for a few moments, then left the locker room and went out onto the pool deck. It was her pool, or at least as Knight Industries she had contributed the funds to get it built in the west London suburb near her home. The pool was Olympic-size, with three diving boards of varying heights on the far end. Tthere were only a few people in the pool. Emma dove in without preamble, and swam a couple of laps to warm up a bit. Then she side-stroked to the ladder, climbed out, and then made her way up the 60m diving board ladder. She walked out to the tip of the board and looked down at the silvery blue water far below. She took a deep breath, stayed very still, as she reran in her mind the procedures for a front pike dive. Then she flexed her legs and soared into the air.

An hour later, Emma walked out of the Knight Diving Center with a long stride and a cheerful smile. Her swimsuit had been stuffed into a large brocade carpet bag which she swung against her thigh with insouciance. Emma moved with purpose - she had a lot to do. She strode briskly down the street toward the first of two stops she had to make before returning home.

Her first stop was at the Quantum Computer store, where she picked up a Quantum notebook computer - their deluxe, big screen model. In length and breadth it was four inches bigger than a typical notebook, but extremely light and thin. Emma browsed through the software aisles and chose some software and games which she felt would appeal to a very old friend.

The clerk at the counter totted up her purchases and smiled at her broadly. ''Looks like you're going to be set for everything,'' he commented. Emma smiled at him and handed over her credit card.

Next she went into Teddy's Theatrical Costumiers. ''Hi,'' she told the clerk cheerily. ''I need a nurse's costume, please.''

The clerk ran an eye over Emma's measurements, in a quite respectful manner. ''Size 6?'' he suggested, and made as if to turn.

''Um, no,'' Emma said with a smile. ''I'd like a size 20. And padding to go with it.''

''Oh, yes?'' said the clerk.

''Yes, plus a gray wig, and some cheek pads. And the appropriate make-up necessities.''

The clerk smiled. ''The Mrs. Doubtfire look, eh?'' he commented.

Emma grinned. ''It's a friend's birthday in a couple of days. I'm going to give him a gift he'll never forget.''

As Emma walked back to her car, which she had left at the carport at the Dive Center, a reminiscent smile played around her lips. Her old friend had delighted in impersonations, and outrageous characters, while sticking her in dull and boring spots like hotel clerk, store clerk, teacher and nurse. Well, this time she was going to give him a nurse that he would never forget.

Emma stowed her parcels in the boot, and accelerated towards home.