INFERNO │ Marvel

7.4 allies and enemies

Amelia had walked back into the building soaking wet. She was handed a towel and escorted back to the same office space where Tony and Nat now were again. Everyone was frantic, already working to relocate Bucky and Steve. She kept her mouth shut. When she received the news that Secretary Ross was on the way, she knew things weren't going to end well.

"I don't suppose you have any idea where they are?" Ross asked Tony. He had yet to look at Amelia.

"We will," Tony reassured. "GSG 9's got the borders covered. Recon's flying 24/7. They'll get a hit. We'll handle it."

"You don't get it, Stark," he replied. "It's not yours to handle. It's clear you can't be objective. I'm putting Special Ops on this."

"What happens when the shooting starts?" Nat asked. "What, do you kill Steve Rogers?"

"If we're provoked," he answered. "Barnes would've been eliminated in Romania if it wasn't for Rogers. There are dead people who would be alive now. Feel free to check my math."

"All due respect, you're not gonna solve this with boys and bullets, Ross," Tony reasoned. "You gotta let us bring them in."

"How would that end any differently than last time?"

"Because this time, I won't be wearing loafers and a silk shirt," he retorted. "72 hours, guaranteed."

Ross looked from Tony to Amelia then, narrowing his eyes at the woman before turning back to her brother. It was clear to her at that moment. He knew.

"You know, your sister helped them escape," Ross announced. All eyes were on her now. "Should I trust her with this too?"

"I'm sorry, what?" Tony asked, his face confused. Amelia looked at him, trying to figure out if he was mad or just disappointed. Maybe both.

"Just because I was outside with them doesn't mean I helped them. He bested me," Amelia defended. "I was thrown into the water and by the time I got out, they were gone."

"There were witnesses," Ross explained. "They saw you let them go."

"And if I did?" she questioned.

"Then you'd be a criminal too, Miss Stark," he threatened. The man began to walk out of the room. "Consider this a warning. You and your brother find the men you let go, or so help me, I will lock you up with them. 36 hours. Barnes. Rogers. Wilson."

"Thank you, sir," Tony said, but his face was horrified.

"Tony, I-"

"No, Ames," he cut her off. He took a deep breath and put his head in his hands for a moment. She was surprised when his anger seemed to dissipate. "I don't like that you did it, but you've always been a team player. Help me bring him in, and we don't have to talk about this again. I'm not mad."

"Why are you clutching your chest like you're about to die, then?" Nat asked.

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry," Amelia whispered. She moved to take her brother's hand. Thankfully, he took hers back and squeezed. "I told Steve that if he doesn't prove Barnes innocent, I'll drag their asses right back here myself."

"Well, that's good to know. 36 hours," he sighed. "Or Ames is locked up. Jeez."

"We're seriously understaffed," Nat remarked.

"Oh, yeah. It'd be great if we had a Hulk right about now," Tony said, looking up at Nat from his chair. "Any shot?"

"You really think he'd be on our side?" she questioned with a pained smile.

"No."

"I have an idea," Nat said.

"Me, too," Tony replied. "Where's yours?"