Heartless

Chapter 38

We got to Vienna and spotted Nat. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number.

"Yeah?" She answered.

"Hey, it's us. You alright?" I asked.

"Ah, yeah, thanks. I got lucky. Steve, I know how much Barnes mean to you. I really do. Stay at home. All of you. You'll only make this worse for all of us. Please."

"Nat, when have you known me to just sit at home and do nothing?"

"Okay, okay, yeah, I see your point, Monica. But still."

"Wait, wait, wait, are you saying you'll arrest me?"

"No. Someone will, if you interfere. That's how it works now. If he's gone this far gone, then..."

"I should be the one to bring him in," Steve said. Kate and I rolled our eyes.

"Look, we'll be careful and discrete, okay?" I said.

She sighed. "Alright, okay, fine. Just... be careful."

"We will!" Kate said. "Promise!"

- - -

We were meeting Sharon at some diner thing Steve and Sam had decided. When we got there, Sam tossed me and Kate baseball caps.

I smiled. "Thanks, man." I put the cap on. "So, what are we doing?" I sat next to Sam, resting my head on the table.

"Well, we're waiting for Sharon," he said. "So, she tell you to stay out of it?" he asked us. "Might have a point."

"He'd do it for me," Steve said, shrugging.

I sighed. "Yeah, maybe in 1945. But now? Now I'm not so sure, Steve," I said. "Remember the last encounter with him? That was what, two years ago? He almost killed you. Remember? You were in the hospital for like a month."

"Yeah, I know, but he's Bucky, you know? He's my best friend. You would do the same for Kate."

I chewed my lip before sighing. "You're right. You know what? whatever you need, I'll be there to help. Promise. No more complaining."

"Monica, don't lie," Kate said.

"You're right. Only mild complaining."

Steve laughed. "Alright, Capello."

Sharon walked up next to us, discretely carrying a folder. "Tips have been pouring in since the footage went public. Everybody thinks the Winter soldier goes to their gym. Most of it is noise, except for this. My boss expects a briefing and he pretty much knows, so..." she slid Steve the folder, "that's all the answer you're going to get."

I took the folder from him. "I'll hold on to this. Thank you."

"But you guys will have to hurry. We have orders to shoot on sight."

"Thanks for that," I said. "And for all your help."

"You're welcome. Now, get going."

We got up and walked to the door. I read the file as we walked out.

"Monica, be careful," Kate warned. "You'll walk into the door."

I laughed and walked around it. "I used to do this at school all the time. So, Bucharest. That's where we're going."