MARVEL: THOSE YEARS I WAS UNDERCOVER IN S.H.I.E.LD

New York, S.H.I.E.L.D. Branch – Inside the Highest-Level Office

"I've reviewed all the information. So, you're telling me that, as of now, there are no suspects you consider particularly suspicious?"

Grimclaw skimmed through the report on Tony Stark, which had been submitted by Agent Phil Coulson. It detailed Stark's abduction and the events that followed.

Looking up from the file, Grimclaw fixed his gaze on Coulson and asked with a faint smile.

"Sir, it's not that I have no doubts," Coulson replied seriously. "It's just that there's no concrete evidence tying Stark's kidnapping to a larger scheme."

"While it certainly seems premeditated, I can't pinpoint any logical reason why someone would specifically target Tony Stark."

Coulson's expression remained firm as he continued, "During the time Stark was held captive, I closely monitored the situation. If this was a calculated move against him, then the perpetrators must have had a clear objective."

"Typically, kidnappings occur for either financial gain or personal vendettas. Yet, strangely, Stark's abductors never demanded a ransom after seizing him and later fleeing."

"More importantly, while Tony Stark is an arrogant, abrasive, egotistical, and cynical playboy, he hasn't exactly made enemies to the extent that would justify such an extreme retaliation."

"Which leads me to believe personal grudges can also be ruled out."

Coulson spread his hands slightly, emphasizing his point. "So, you see—no ransom, no vendetta. That leaves us with a real puzzle."

"Additionally, Mr. Stark has refused to cooperate with our investigation, making it even harder for my team to uncover any meaningful leads."

Grimclaw absorbed Coulson's words, nodding slightly before shifting his gaze to Natasha Romanoff.

"What's your take on this?"

The Black Widow, casually sipping her coffee with her legs crossed, barely glanced at him before replying in an indifferent tone.

"Oh, come on. Out of the three of us—you, me, and Barton—you've always been the smartest."

"I'd bet anything you already had a plan before you even stepped foot in New York."

"Just tell me what you need, and I'll back you up all the way."

Grimclaw smirked. "Alright."

Then, his tone turned sharp and direct.

"Nat, I need you to infiltrate Stark Industries tonight. Your target—Obadiah Stane, Stark Industries' Executive Director."

"Access his computer files and check for any relevant information."

Romanoff nodded without hesitation. "No problem."

Coulson, on the other hand, hesitated slightly before speaking up.

"I've interacted with Obadiah Stane ever since Stark's abduction," he muttered, as if choosing his words carefully.

"Personally, I find the man extremely two-faced, but he's a textbook businessman."

"After Howard Stark and Maria Stark passed away, he was essentially the backbone of Stark Industries."

"He's even played a significant role in looking after Tony Stark—so much so that Stark treats him like family."

"So, I don't know…" Coulson trailed off, uncertainty in his voice.

Before he could finish, Grimclaw raised a hand, cutting him off.

"Coulson, sometimes you put too much faith in human nature."

"You need to understand—people are willing to sacrifice everything when power and wealth are on the line."

"Since we have no direct leads on Stark's kidnapping, we have to take a different approach."

"Instead of asking who took him, ask who benefits the most from the situation."

In the original timeline, Grimclaw recalled that Coulson had overlooked this very detail, which allowed Stane to make a second attempt on Stark's life later.

Had it not been for Tony's emergency backup AI assistant that time, Stark might not have survived. And if he hadn't, there wouldn't have been an Iron Man at all.

Grimclaw closed the report Coulson had handed him and glanced out the window, noticing that the sky had darkened.

He turned back to Coulson, offering a subtle but knowing smile.

"You'll be returning to Triskelion soon, right? Almost forgot to congratulate you."

"When you get back, you'll be promoted to Level Eight."

"I didn't expect that, but let's be honest—there's still a big gap between one Level Eight agent and another."

"On the bright side, though, your fieldwork allowance is about to double."

Coulson chuckled, his usual calm and collected demeanor unfazed. "I'll take whatever perks I can get."

"Alright then," Grimclaw said, standing up from behind his desk. "We'll catch up once we wrap this up. For now, let's focus on resolving this matter."

Then, his expression turned serious as he looked back at Natasha.

"Nat, I'm counting on you for the Stane operation at Stark Industries."

"This time, I want to see firsthand just how much of a snake that so-called trusted advisor really is."

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