Years later, when historians write the biography of Jennifer Martinez-Woo, they would inevitably say that her life changed the day she told the world the name of her father. They would not be wrong; unless you spoke to the person in question. If anyone had bothered to ask Jennifer, she would had told them her life really changed the day after.

The day started badly. Jennifer woke up, made breakfast for the kids, and tried to engage a seething husband in small talk. Jason Woo had no problem being the son-in-law of a supervillain, but he was not happy when he found out his father-in-law was still alive. His wife had told him the man was dead, and Jason was not a man who took kindly to lies. During breakfast, Jennifer’s mother called. Emilia Martinez was not a happy woman.

Emilia Martinez considered Victor Volkov to be her biggest mistake and was less than pleased to hear on the news that her daughter had acknowledged him. Mother and daughter had another one of their arguments, though Jennifer had to admit this one was on her. She never told her mother The Sweet Fist had come back into her life.

After breakfast was done, Jason drove Zachery to school while Jennifer dropped Xavier at the childcare center. She was never friends with the other parents, but it did not escape her notice that the other parents were being extremely polite to her. Even the smile on the face of the teacher were wider than usual as she assured Jennifer her baby would be well taken care of.

When she arrived at the diner, Jennifer found that three of her staff hadn’t showed up for work. Jennifer wasn’t terribly put out as she had expected something like this. She opened as usual and business was slow. Jennifer’s Place had a regular morning crowd, but they were missing today. Jennifer didn’t know if it was because her father, or if word had spread that her diner was being targeted. That was now open knowledge. Jennifer just hoped her customers return soon.

Then, the biker gang landed.

Jennifer was in the kitchen when she heard a loud thumping sound. She came out to the front and was shocked to see a convey of flying motorbikes landing right in front of her diner. The gang of bikers looked around the street before entering the diner. As the bikers walked in, Jennifer noticed that the bikers were wearing similar colors. She wasn’t surprised that the bikers were in the same gang, but what were they doing in her diner?

Jennifer was still wondering that when a rough-looking man walked up to the counter. He ordered a cup of coffee and some waffles. The rest of the bikers took their seats and began ordering. Her staff stood rooted to the spot. It wasn’t everyday a convey of flying motorbikes land in front of your workplace, but bad service was bad service. Jennifer shouted to get people moving.

As the food was served, Jennifer stood close to the rough-looking man at the counter. Jennifer guessed he was the leader and was waiting for him to start talking. Jennifer never continued her studies after high school, but she wasn’t an idiot. She knew this wasn’t a social call.

However, the bikers surprised her. After finishing their breakfast, the bikers paid their bills and then began leaving. Jennifer was wondering if that was it when the leader turned around and said in a loud voice.

“Tell the Sweet Fist that the ‘Righteous Sons’ came to pay their respect.”

He then turned and left. Within seconds, the motorbikes flew off and the diner turned silent. Everyone was still in shock.

‘What the hell was that?”

The question came from one of her waitresses and Jennifer no answer for her. She was wondering the same thing. However, the bikers turned out to be good customers. They ate a lot and tipped well. This continued for the rest of the morning. Occasionally, a customer or two would walk in. They would order something, tipped well, and leave after leaving their names with Jennifer. A few even left their name cards! Jennifer felt like Alice in Wonderland. She had no idea what was going on. Then, a man walked in. Jennifer was almost glad to meet him. Anthony Brown owned the local ‘Bang Bang Gym’ and was a fixture in the neighborhood. He was also the father of Bradley Brown.

“Anthony!”

The old man gave her a smirk and sat down at the counter. “You sound glad to see me.”

“I am. It has been a strange day.”

“Just one? I heard you had a few interesting days.”

“No thanks to your son.”

“Yes, that idiot! Taking jobs in the neighborhood? A man doesn’t shit where he sleeps; not that he ever bothered to ask for my advice.”

“Is that what this is about? And here I thought it was because of the food.”

“Have you actually tasted Andy’s cooking?”

Jennifer’s cook heard that and answered Anthony’s criticism with a few choice words of his own. Jennifer smiled as Anthony chuckled at the response.

“Give me the casserole, and a cup of coffee.”

As one of the waitresses went to fulfil his order, Jennifer stayed with the man.

“Why are you here Anthony?”

“For my stupid son. Him and your father. Girl, you really caught us out with that one.” Jennifer had no response to that, so she just smiled. The food came and as he dug in, Anthony asked.

“What’s your father’s thought on Bradley?”

“Bradley? What do you mean? I don’t understand.”

“A man attacked his daughter. Some men take exception to that. They may want to ‘escalate’ things. Take revenge, for example.”

Jennifer knew enough neighborhood gossip to know that Anthony and Bradley didn’t really get along, but Bradley was in trouble, and his father was here to try to smooth thing out. She couldn’t help but respect that.

“Bradley said this was just a job, so I am sure my father understands the business side of thing.”

“As a professional, I have no doubt. But as a father? What does he really think Jennifer?”

“I don’t know,” Jennifer admitted. “We haven’t really talk about Bradley. We haven’t had a lot of time to speak about anything really. He only just came out a week ago. We are … we are trying to get used to one another.”

Anthony nodded and took a bite of the casserole. His face twisted in disapproval.

“Wow, is it actually possible that Andy’s cooking had gotten worse? This is terrible!”

The cook answered that with another series of swear words that Anthony just chuckled at. After Andy had exhausted his limited vocabulary, Anthony turned to Jennifer.

“Let’s get down to business Jennifer. I heard your old man is making a move on the King’s. Makes sense. The territory is empty, his daughter is in town, and Velocity City is a Named City. Having a territory here can do a lot for a villain’s reputation.”

“I have no idea what he intends to do.” Jennifer told him truthfully. “He doesn’t talk to me about business.”

“I think he does. Why else would everyone be leaving their names with you? Aren’t you his assistant?”