Code Name: Untraceable

Chapter Nine: The Name They Shouldn't Know

The mission was a mess from the start.

Hostile facility. Bad intel. Traps they didn't see coming. The Thunderbolts were deep in the belly of a place that wasn't supposed to be on the map-surrounded, split off, down to half ammo.

Then the smoke cleared.
And there she was again.

Frankie Vale.

Storming through the side corridor like she belonged there, dual pistols in hand, wiping the floor with guards like it was a training exercise.

Yelena saw her first. "She's back."

Ava took the high ground beside her. "She always shows up when we're losing."

Bob grinned just a little too brightly. "I'm starting to think she likes us."

Frankie didn't speak. Didn't look back. She moved with intention-cutting through a hallway, securing their exit, blowing open the final door.

Then she turned. Tossed a single nod toward the group like, your turn, and started walking away into the smoke.

Just like always.

But this time-this time-Bucky stepped forward.

His voice was calm, but sharp enough to cut glass.

"Frankie Vale."

She froze.

Only for a second.

But it was long enough.

Everyone turned toward her.

Even the smoke stopped moving.

Frankie stood with her back to them-shoulders stiff, fingers twitching like they weren't sure whether to fight or run.

She didn't turn.

Not yet.

Bucky took another step. "That's your name, isn't it?"

Yelena blinked. "Wait. What?"

John frowned. "We're on a last-name basis now?!"

Frankie exhaled slowly, then finally turned.

Her expression was unreadable-but her eyes were fire.

"Where did you hear that?"

Bucky didn't flinch. "Your file said you were dead."

Frankie gave a dry, humorless laugh. "Yeah. Funny how that didn't stick."

Ava stepped forward. "Who the hell are you?"

Bob looked between them. "And why do you keep helping us?"

Frankie looked at all of them-one by one.

She didn't move. Didn't speak.

But something in her eyes said: I didn't plan to stay this long.

And now, it was too late.