Wasting My Young Years || Bucky Barnes (Book 1)

Chapter 6

SATURDAY, JULY 16th, 1989. 0030 HOURS

"Soldat!" the heavily accented voice echoes through the corridor, his boots trudging viciously in their direction.

Clara watches as the scary man backs away from her swiftly, towering over the tiny body, never once taking his eyes off her as if she was the prey and he was the hunter. She ignores his stares as best as she can and observes as Karpov comes nearer and nearer with two agents following close behind.

She remembers what Lizzy's rules were, repeating them over and over: Don't walk away. Don't walk away. Listen carefully. Listen carefully.

"What has happened?" Karpov asks brutally. His eyes make a quick glance at the two agents dead on the floor just behind the corner. A trail of blood which he assumes came from Barnes has followed from the scene all the way to the new Winter Soldier, her back pressed against the wall. "I asked a ques-"

"Mr. Karpov," a female voice begins from down the hall, one Clara recognizes. She turns to the sound of heels speedily clanking along the concrete floor. "Please let me take them from here. I didn't realize that our new asset would leave the locker room." Her voice sounds scared for the two soldiers.

"Well, our new asset is understandable. But do you have a reason for him-" he points harshly to James, "-for killing, yet again, two more agents who were simply doing their job?"

Elizabeth stays quiet, tightening her jaw.

"Exactly. And as for the little one, watch her more carefully before I give you a reason to not be able to." His threatening words cut through Clara, James, and Elizabeth all in one swift motion.

"Yes, sir. I'll take her with me and finish-" she tries to reach out for Clara, only to be cut off when Karpov steps in front of Elizabeth.

"No, no, no. That won't be necessary now. The asset was curious about the things we do, were you not?" Karpov turns to look at Clara. She nods very small, pursing her lips as she digs the ball of her foot into the ground. "Perfect. Then let her come with us to see the things we do. If she's curious, then let her."

Clara sees as Elizabeth swallows dryly. Karpov only wants to help the young girl's questioning and curious mind. He doesn't find anything wrong with that. He rather enjoys the little girl wanting to know more about this place. The less he forces her, the more he'll see progress in her wanting to be one of their best weapons.

Elizabeth glances at James who now has a look of agony on his face when nothing has even happened to him. Clara has no idea why he looks so in distress.

"You two," Karpov gestures to the agents, "bring him to the room and do what you have to do. Dr. Blanchet, help escort your new patient with them, and wait outside of the room once she has entered. I don't believe she will do anything to step out of line as he did. I don't need you being in there because there's no reason for that. Go on now."

The two agents bump James with the butt of their guns on the back of his shoulder as they try to avoid the blood on the floor, yet manage to fail when James trails it along the path as it drips from his pants and arm.

"Come on now, dear." Elizabeth places her hands on Clara's shoulders and guides her through the halls once Karpov has stepped out of the way and walked down the opposite corridor.

Clara stays quiet, knowing it's best to not ask too many questions. At least that's what one of the rules is. Don't ask a question unless it's actually beneficial.

After multiple turns in the halls, the agents escorting James follow through a door, Elizabeth only guiding Clara to the entrance. "I have to wait out here. Remember, listen to the agents if they tell you something, okay? Don't be afraid." She gives her a little push of encouragement to go through the door and she does.