Lying to Captain America takes both a certain amount of skill and a degree of audacity. I possess both in spades, but I can still feel myself hesitating. I've known him for years, much as I've known a lot of these people, but I've been hesitant to breathe a word of Ellen's pregnancy to anyone. I had a moment of weakness with Natalya last month, but beyond her and our doctor...

"Fine," I say, managing a smile. "And you? I imagine you've been busy these past couple of months. What are the chances you'll get some rest soon?"