Witness

Chapter 6

Brock was silent as the asset stared him down, dark "war paint" smeared around his bright and empty eyes. Annie looked over at him and her eyes widened and she held tight to Brock. She blanched and whispered,

"That's him."

Cautiously, and without taking his eyes off of the Soldier, he asked,

"Who?"

"He's been trying to kill me." She whispered back.

Brock then looked down at her, utterly confused and genuinely frightened. Why would Hydra protect Annie as S.H.I.E L.D. but send the asset after her as Hydra? He looked back up to see the Soldier gone, and he at once felt relieved and tense .

"Can you walk?" He asked Annie. "Are you wounded badly?"

"I think I can walk." She replied, "It seems like a flesh wound."

Brock hesitantly set her on her feet as she tied his stained suit jacket around her waist wound.

"What are you doing?" Annie asked him when he removed a pistol from a hidden calf holster.

"Keeping you safe." He replied, " I want you to make a run for the main door while I keep this guy busy."

"The Winter Soldier." Annie said, fear making her voice tremble.

Brock just cocked his head then put a hand on her shoulder saying,

"Go, now."

She gave him a look of despair then started off as he turned forward. She stopped, then came back and pushed him against the wall, pressing her lips on his. He was shocked at first, but was internally glad, because he was right; she really did like him. She pulled away, breathing heavily and said,

"Thank you."

Brock smiled and made a nod of his head before she ran down the hall, kicking off her heals in the process. He watched her another moment before turning around and walking around the corner. The ballroom was empty and some of the tables were overturned and food with wine was spilled on the floor. He looked around, confused as to where the Soldier was. This made no sense.

A weapon cocked behind him and he spun around.

"What are you doing here?!" Brock said.

"Orders." Was the muffled reply from beneath his mask.

"From whom? What is your mission?" Brock asked angrily.

"Pierce." The Soldier replied mechanically. "The girl."

"He ordered me to keep her safe." Brock said.

"Then it appears we are at an impass ." The soldier said, his metal arm glinting with the overhead lighting.

"You will not. Abandon your mission."

The Soldier was silent.

"That's an order!" Brock shouted, his hands getting sweaty. He honestly didn't know if the asset would obey, but he took his chances.

There was silence then the Soldier pointed his weapon and fired. Brock stared forward, unaware as to what just happened. He turned to the side and saw a security guard on the floor.

The Soldier silently stode over to the balcony and looked down as Brock followed.

"She is my mission. Make no mistake about that." The Soldier said, before disappearing over the rail. Brock let out a breath then heard men rushing in the ballroom . He turned and saw his Tack team dragging the guard's body off. They gave him a nod and he made his way down the hall.

What the hell was going on?