![](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125540556/734956571.jpeg)
Chapter 3
Toni Stark: Woman of Letters
Buy Aquarian Star Tie Pin Supernatural Unicursal Hexagram: Shop top fashion brands Everything Else at Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY and Returns. Signs Most Compatible With Aquarius As a Star Sign ruled by the element of Air, the safest bet for an Aquarius is probably one of the other two Air signs, i.e. GEMINI or LIBRA.The favorable 120° – or 4 signs – spacing between Zodiac signs in the same element makes for an especially harmonious relationship and a level of compatibility well above the norm.
Toni sat at the vanity dresser, puffy red eyes staring back at her in the mirror. Hints of lavender filled the air as Toni eyed the half-empty perfume bottle. She grasped at her necklace, the aquarian star clutched in her hand.
Toni grabbed the red lipstick from the makeup box, hands shaking as she removed the lid.
'Here sweetheart, let me do that for you.'
Peggy gently pried the lipstick from Toni's hands, tilting her face as she applied the rouge lipstick. 'There, all done.'
Picking up a brush, Peggy carefully brushed through the tangles in Toni's hair.
![Wikipedia Wikipedia](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125540556/710785751.jpg)
'It wasn't an accident.'
Peggy paused and stared back at Toni in the mirror. Toni's hands were clenched, firmly tucked in her lap as she stared back.
'I talked to her on the phone that day, she wasn't planning on heading up that day at all. She was supposed to meet with one of her contacts that day.' Toni's eyes narrowed as she focused on Peggy's unsurprised face. 'You know that something is off.'
Peggy sighed internally. Of course Toni noticed. The final police reports claimed that Maria swerved and crashed the car into a tree. However, while there were claims that the investigation was 'rushed due to the high profile nature of the case', Peggy was certain that the words 'cover up' were not too far off.
Peggy set down the brush, placing both of her hands on Toni's shoulders.
'Toni, I want you to listen to me very carefully alright?'
At Toni's nod, Peggy let out a breath. 'I looked into the investigation, and something does seem off. The case was closed too cleanly and too quickly, and I have a feeling it has to do with what your mother was investigating.'
Toni opened her mouth as Peggy held up her hand. 'Please, let me handle it. Let STAKE handle the case, and I promise we will do everything we can and find out what happened. I want you to promise me that you will not go poking around.'
'But-'
'Your mother was a full fledged member of the Men of Letters Toni. Even with her training and experience, something happened to her. Maria would not want you going off for revenge when we don't even know what is going on-'
'I can help-'
Peggy pulled Toni into a tight hug as she stroked the younger girl's hair, 'I know you can darling, but please let me try for now. Let STAKE handle this - that's what they were made to do after all.'
Toni slumped in her seat as Peggy continued.
'Your mother would not want you going after this darling. Not for revenge, no. She was so excited that you got accepted into MIT and that you are going there in the fall. You are still so young Toni, and you have the world of possibilities in front of you.'
Peggy's eyes softened as she grasped Toni's face in her hands. 'Continue to study and train. Once you're 18 and still interested, then we can have this conversation again. But in the meantime, go to school, make some new friends, try some new classes and have some fun. Live your life sweet girl, and don't stop living your life for vengeance. Okay? Promise me you'll try.'
'I'll give it a shot.'
'Good.'
A knock on the door surprised them, as Jarvis entered handing Toni a glasses case.
'Apologies Miss Toni, Miss Peggy. The car is prepared for when you are both ready.'
Toni slipped on the sunglasses straightening out her dress.
'Thanks J, let's go.'
Cameras flashed as the procession pulled up in front of the large cathedral. Toni let out a shaky breath as Jarvis went around to open the door. Peggy squeezed her hand as she helped Toni out of the car, her steely stare silencing any questions that would have been yelled their way.
As the procession made their way into the cathedral, Toni held her head high as she made her way past the mob of reporters and security into the entrance of the church. Peggy squeezed Toni's hand as they made their way into the main hall, falling beside Howard. While he was perfectly coifed, Toni could tell that his eyes were red rimmed as he settled stiffly beside her.
The hall was packed with people, standing to face the procession as they made their way down the aisle. Toni vaguely recognised the faces as she walked by. She straightened her posture as she continued down the aisle, fingers tightening around the wax candle, avoiding all eye contact as she made her way to the front row.
Candles were placed around the casket and the music quietly faded away as the priest started the service.
Toni sat there, numb as the priest continued on,
'…for everything has a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…'
Toni stared at the flickering candles. There were only two times a year that Maria had insisted on attending mass, on Easter and Christmas Eve.
Hushed prayers echoed throughout the room as Maria ushered Toni inside. The hall was lit in a soft glow from the hundreds of candles lit for Christmas eve. The murmurs washed over Toni in a gentle comfort as Maria helped Toni light her candle.
'…a time for war, and a time for peace…'
Peggy gently nudged Toni as they stood alone in front of the gravestone. Everyone else had left for the reception, Jarvis stood in the distance waiting with the car.
'I'll give you a moment love. Take all the time you need.'
Toni stood alone, eyes tracing the freshly engraved name. Snow gently filled the air as the sun filtered through the clouds. A large puff of air escaped as Toni exhaled slowly. A crunch in the snow behind startled her as Toni whirled around, eyes wild, arms raised. The man cleared his throat before a clear British voice echoed throughout the gravesite.
'My apologies, we're sorry to have startled you.'
Toni slowly lowered her arms as her eyes focused on the man behind her. He held up his gloved hand in surrender, while the other held onto a bouquet of white and yellow chrysanthemums.
Toni could hear Ana's lessons whispering in the back of her mind.
Sorrow. Loyalty. Honour.
The man shifted from foot to foot before Toni nodded slightly, moving slightly to the side as he lay the bouquet down. A glint caught Toni's gaze as she looked to the woman standing further back. She wore a black coat stood a bit further back, black cloche hat covering her eyes as her hands were clasped in front of her. An Aquarian star necklace hung from her neck barely visible. Toni stiffened.
They're from the Men of Letters.
The woman approached as the man straightened up before extending a hand. He waited until Toni took his hand before speaking again. 'I am Mick and this is Gwen. We both worked with your mother in the past. Your mother was a wonderful person and we've come to give our condolences for your loss.'
Toni pulled her hand back, eyes narrowing slightly. 'Thank you. I don't think she's ever mentioned you before.'
While the man smiled warmly, his eyes were still and cold as he laughed. 'Ah I doubt you would have heard of us; we haven't worked together since before you were born.'
'How long are you both in town for?'
The man replied politely, 'We'll be here for a week to see the sights and then we're back to London.'
A week to investigate then.
'Well, it was a pleasure to meet you Miss Stark, but we should be going-'
'It wasn't an accident was it?'
'I'm sorry?'
'My mother was working a case before she died. It was no accident. You're both here to investigate to see if there are any loose ends.'
Both the man and woman stared at her in stunned silence as Toni pulled her necklace to wave at them. 'You are from the Men of Letters right? Tell me what you know.'
A full bellied laugh escaped as Mick wiped tears from his eyes. The woman, Gwen, raised an unimpressed eyebrow at him as he turned back to Toni. 'Well, Maria always did have a few extra tricks up her sleeve. Even now she continues to surprise us.'
He straightened himself up before turning his gaze to Toni. 'Miss Stark, all I can say is that the Men of Letters take care of our own, and we are doing everything to ensure that is matter is resolved. We don't take initiates until after you've become of legal age, and even then it's a long process.'
'Now, because I know Maria, I'm sure that she's already started training with you. But, listen to me very carefully.'
His eyes hardened as Toni retrained from shivering. 'You've seen what happened to your mother. Whatever this was that killed her had the power and the influence to cover it up well. A fully trained member was killed, and your mother was one of the best there was. Don't go investigating on your own.'
He held up his hand as the protest died on Toni's lips, 'I know that it's difficult to not do anything, but leave it to us. Otherwise, you put not only yourself in danger, but everyone else around you, and you wouldn't want that would you?'
![Aquarian star symbol Aquarian star symbol](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e4/1d/37/e41d37456945ce69022900875640ebf3.jpg)
Toni's mouth snapped shut as she bit back the retort on the tip of her tongue. She glanced over at Jarvis and Aunt Peggy waiting in the distance in the car. She nodded stiffly. Mick nodded approvingly
'Lovely. Please, take this.'
The man slipped a small business card in her hand. It had a small Aquarian star on the front with only a phone number printed in the back.
'You seem to be as spirited as your mother, so while I know that I can only warn you against looking for trouble on your own, if you are ever in a situation where you feel like everything is dire, call me and I will do my best to assist you. Contact me as well if you are still looking to learn after you've come of age.'
Mick nodded as he and Gwen turned to leave. 'Stay safe Miss Stark, and take care.'
Toni turned back once more to look at the bouquet of flowers on the gravestone. She pulled the small candle from her pocket, the scent of lavender filling the air as she set it down next to the flowers.
I'll find out what really happened, I promise.
Toni slipped the card into her pocket as she walked back to the car.
The reception was hushed but packed with people. Toni squeezed into a chair by an empty table in the far corner with a tired sigh.
It had taken a good half-hour to get to this corner; well-wishers and condolences were given as Toni was passed from handshake to handshake across the room. After a pleading look to Aunt Peggy, who charmingly and distractingly stepped into her conversation with a group of high society ladies, Toni took the offered escape and fled to the side of the room.
And now thankfully, she was mostly hidden in the corner behind a group of Howard's business partners, engaged deep in conversation about the market. Best of all they would be unlikely to disturb her as she leaned back in the shadows.
A throat cleared and Toni jumped in her seat.
'Oh, ah…I'm sorry ta scare ya. Is this seat taken?'
A polite but reluctant acceptance was on the tip of her tongue, but Toni stopped once she looked up at the man in front of her. He was an older bearded man, clearly out of place as he fidgeted eyes darting around the room. He wasn't wearing the thousand dollar suits that she was used to seeing, but a more practical business suit.
It was average, almost like he wanted to be unnoticed. Which unfortunately for him, made him stand out that much more in this crowd.
Toni watched as the man scanned the exits and windows, always watching for invisible threats ready to jump out of a corner. Not from the Men of Letters, so definitely a hunter then.
How interesting.
Toni let out a small laugh as she gestured for him to sit. She carefully scooped a glass of punch before setting it in front of him. She held out her right hand. 'Toni Stark. How did you know my mother?'
He quickly reached out to shake her hand, his hand dwarfing hers. He took her hand carefully and shook it much more gently than expected.
'Bobby Singer. She was…an old friend.'
Toni glanced up at him before nodding. 'Ah, one of those old friends. So you're a hunter then?'
Bobby looked at her sharply, eyes quickly checking that no one was listening in. Satisfied, he studied her more closely, eyes stopping noticeably on the necklace she wore around her neck. 'I didn't know that she shared with you her other former uh, occupation.'
'She didn't. Voluntarily tell me that is. It was…more of a necessity. I don't think she would have told me otherwise.'
Bobby's eyes grew large, then narrowed in understanding. 'How did you know?'
'That you're a hunter?'
Bobby nodded. Toni took a sip of her punch before replying.
'No offence, but you don't fit the high society or hot shot executive type. You also checked all the entrances and windows before you sat down. Not to mention you recognized my necklace. I ran into the other Men of Letters yesterday, so that leaves you as a hunter.'
A deep exhale escaped the man as he took a long swig of his punch, a wistful smile filling his face as he swirled the punch around in the glass. 'Well I'll be damned. You really are your mother's daughter.'
They sat in a comfortable silence, eyes drifting over the crowd. Bobby placed his hand gently over hers before squeezing. 'I'm sorry about Maria. She was a good friend of mine.'
He reached into his jacket pocket, sliding a folded picture across to her. Toni gently unfolded the creased photo. It was a photograph of her mother, grinning widely as her arm was casually thrown over Bobby's and another man. They looked like they were dragged through the mud. Maria's lip was cut and looked like it was dripping blood while Bobby had a black eye forming. Even though it looked like they were about to collapse, all of them were grinning from ear to ear.
There was a scribbled inscription on the back, but Toni could only make out the names, Maria, Rufus and Bobby.
'That was after one of our hunts. Maria was helping me and my partner Rufus with a Baku. I thought that you might want to keep this…'
Toni clutched the worn photo to her chest, nodding in thanks.
Bobby straightened in his seat, studying her before leaning in. He pulled out a pen from his pocket before scribbling out a phone number on a napkin. 'I'm guessing that the chances of you staying away is slim to none, so I'll just say this. If you ever find yerself in any kind of trouble, call me. I mean it.'
Bobby grasped her arm, forcing Toni to look up. 'Promise me. Don't get yourself hurt out there kid.'
Toni nodded. 'I promise.'
She quickly wrapped him in a quick hug before letting go. 'Thanks.'
Bobby nodded, extending his arm before retracting it again. He settled on a quick pat on the arm before sliding the napkin towards her. 'Remember, anytime. I'll be there.'
Toni fidgeted as she stared down at Howard's desk in front of her. Howard sipped his tea before turning back to his papers in front of him. Even from where she stood, Toni could smell the strong stench of whiskey. Ever since the funeral, it wasn't uncommon to see Howard with a drink in hand.
'So, you start MIT in a week. If you want to be treated like an adult, I expect that you act like one. None of the foolishness that happened at school before will be tolerated anymore, is that clear? Maria may have coddled you, but that type of behaviour will not be happening again. The press will be watching your every move, and I will not have you tarnishing the Stark name. Am I clear?'
Toni bit down on her lip to stop the retort on the tip of her tongue from spilling out. 'Yes.'
'Speak up girl, don't mumble. Am I clear?'
Toni spit out, 'Yes.'
Toni let out a sharp gasp, Howard's fingers tightening as they grasped her shoulder. 'Don't sass me girl, I can pull you out of school faster than you can blink.'
He let go just as quickly as Toni stumbled back in shock. Howard turned back to the papers on his desk, dismissing her as he picked up his cup of tea.
Toni fled as quickly as she could, slamming her room door shut. She slid onto the floor, heart pounding as she closed her eyes trying to breathe. Her hands shook as she clutched at her sweater, pulling it off her shoulder. Angry finger shaped marks stared back at her as hot tears streamed down her face. Toni clenched her fists as she shook into her knees.
One week. One week. I'll be gone in one week.
Red eyes chased her as Howard's laughter rang out from all directions. Howard's red eyes converged on her as Toni stood trapped, unable to move. Howard drew closer and closer as Toni screamed.
Toni's eyes flew open as ripped the covers off. Drenched in sweat, she fumbled towards her nightstand grasping for the matchbox. It took three tries before the match stayed lit, the candle flickering before lighting the room in a soft glow.
The scent of lavender filled the air as Toni wrapped herself in her blankets, clutching at the bears beside her. She watched as the wick slowly burned, eyes drifting shut hours later.
A/N: Sorry this chapter took a while - I threw away at least 3 different drafts and I'm not entirely sure I'm happy with this one. I'm also not Catholic, so I apologize if there is anything there I got wrong. As always, please let me know what you thought! Next up will be MIT!
Aquarius Sign:Traits, Personality & CharacteristicsHarmony and understandingSympathy and trust aboundingThen peace will guide the planetsAnd love will steer the stars– The 5th DimensionAquarians are the true star children of the Zodiac. Those born under the Aquarius sign are the consummate forward thinking dreamers and doers.If you’re looking for a cause and a rebel to lead it – you’ll find both in this zodiac sign.
Aquarius Sign Table of Contents.Aquarius Traits, Personality, & Characteristics. Once the dawning of an opinion forms it remains firm F.O.R.E.V.E.R.They test the water of that outlook with both feet and rarely look back. The Water Bearer manages to do this without spilling a drop on other’s dogmas and beliefs.Friendly, benevolent, loyal and smart, the Aquarius sign has no problem making friends but sometimes their gentle soul gets stomped on by less scrupulous game players. The Aquarian does keep their head above water in the end, but it takes a long time for those wounds to heal.The best summary of the Water Bearer’s spirit is eccentric, followed by eclectic. Even the best of psychics can’t predict their often radical movements or moods.Emotion rules the proverbial roost as does a rock-hard sense of independence.
Freedom comes at a cost though. This star sign often stays to themselves and, because of this, comes off as aloof.Aquarius Physical Traits & Characteristics.
Many born under the Aquarius sign are tall and lean. Often they sport a thick head of lovely dark hair. No matter where they sit or stand they have piercing eyes that constantly seek out something new and unusual.Because food isn’t a focus for the Water Bearer they rarely put on too much weight. When you do eat enthusiastically its rare and unusual foods.The most vulnerable part of the Aquarian body is your ankles.Aquarius Symbol and Its MeaningAquarius comes from Latin, and literally means Water Bearer.It may have received that designation because the constellation rose in Western Asia just as the sun went down. When the full moon joined the Water Bearer, the rainy season began.Art depictions of Aquarius shows a man pouring water down from the heavens. This man was originally the sky God Ouranos who controlled the weather using the winds. In terms of compatibility appreciates the Aquarian unpredictable, adventurous soul.knows when to come close and when to let the Water Bearer have privacy.is an outrageously sensual match that tempts both people to stay in bed all day long, but they won’t because they both want to get out and boogie.Want to know more?
Read the full.The Aquarius ChildWhen it comes to “marching to a different drummer” the Aquarian will join the Piscean in their merry tune. This sometimes lands the youthful and exuberant Water Bearer in a bit of hot water. So keep a protective eye on your child.You’ll never know what they’re up to but you can trust it won’t be dull as dish water or lack for ingenuity.Your child will have all manner of friends and don’t be surprised if some of them are adults.
They are curious about the whole world and all the unusual things in it. This is not the kid who turns up a sour nose at trying calamari, snails or other odd foods.Advice: give your Aquarius child as much mind candy as possible, and where feasible a healthy dose of autonomy. Without that you may end up with a sad, unruly water bearer ready to rain on your parade.Hint: The Aquarius child’s body language speaks louder than their words.Want to know more? Read the full. Aquarius GirlYour Aquarius girl is a curious soul.She takes to new ideas and activities with little need for explanations. In fact, figuring stuff out alone holds a great deal of fascination.This child is constantly on the move exploring and adventuring (be ready to catch your breath).They also have a strong attraction to social interaction and responsibility.
Your house will become a revolving door to all manner of proverbial strays.Want to know more? Read the full. Aquarius BoyAn Aquarius boy is electricity personified. This child has energy plus!Combine that with charm and a sense of humor and he is bound to have other children circling him like protons around an atom.Stay on your toes because when he’s not leading the pack, he’ll head off on his own with a head filled with whims and contrariness.Want to know more? Read the full.Aquarius Career, Pets & Pastimes Aquarius CareerAvoid jobs where you have to work in tight places. Positions in the travel industry are great for the Aquarius’ gypsy soul too.If you can be on the move, you won’t job hop so much.
9-5 drudgery isn’t really in your cards either.Freelancing is more apt (pajamas and coffee while telecommuting – here you come).About the only time a regimented schedule works for Water Bearers is when you get involved in cutting edge fields where your curiosity soars. Aquarius PetsBecause of this star sign’s propensity to constantly flow from location to location, they may avoid pets. Should they settle down and finally get an animal companion it’s has to be as unusual, intelligent and interesting as possible.As an air sign a talking bird might prove to be a great match. Aquarius HobbiesThe Aquarius personality loves participating in mental games that really challenge their intellect.Chess is one example as well as certain video games like Minecraft and Civilization.They also like getting out in the wind where they really feel their freedom so don’t be surprised by a skydiving or ballooning hobby.Best Gifts for a AquariusOne of the more recognizable Aquarius traits is that they love to laugh. Give them tickets to a comedy club and they will think you just handed them a winning lotto ticket.Or look to something really unique like an antique coin from a country to which they hope to travel. Innovative clothing and accessories appeals too.
Think esoteric and you can’t go too far off field.
![](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125540556/734956571.jpeg)