A Little Calm...

Ticking Clock

Preach - John Legend

*Bucky's POV*

We've been staying in a nearby safe house, not far away from the base whilst we try to figure out why someone would need that much fire power from a US source. Standing in the kitchen, we're trying to figure out what we're dealing with in terms of the Power Broker.

Sam
"It just doesn't make any sense how someone could pull it off. There's too many connections to cover whilst being this covert."

Bucky
"I get it, but we don't even know whether this is part of a bigger system yet. If Hydra is up and running again, it would be more than possible."

Sam
"No, no. They'd need a front, like last time. Shield was their protection but I don't think they could infiltrate something as public as the CIA or the FBI. Besides, the power broker was known to work exclusively through the streets until recently."

Bucky
"So maybe it's not just one person, maybe there are multiple Power Brokers working as a network. A government mole, connection to underground markets, overseas trading, weapons manufacturing..."

Sam
"No, like I said, it's too much ground to cover to be this secretive without a charade up front."

Just then, I notice a change in his expression. It goes from one of frustration to deep thought.

Sam
"Maybe it is just one person."

Bucky
"What?"

Sam
"Think about it. Who do we know that works for the FBI, has connections to underground markets, connections to some of the largest criminal groups around the world, and knows ex Shield/Hydra weaponry back to front?"

Bucky
"And has enough emotional baggage for it not to weigh on their conscience."

Sam
"It's possible."

Suddenly, all the lights in the house shut off at once.

Lion - Saint Mesa

One by one, the lights switch on in each room. Hidden speakers echo the sound of slow clapping through the walls. Instinctively, Sam and I both ready our guns that were stashed safely in the back of our waistbands, fingers poised on the trigger.

Sharon
"Now that I have your attention, well done boys. Very clever detective work. I can't say I wasn't hurt just a little by the emotional baggage comment, but."

Walking round the house, we each check the rooms for any hidden intruders.

Sam
"Do I even wanna know why you're doing this."

Sharon
"Probably not, the reason's a little underwhelming I'll be honest. Don't worry, there's nobody in there with you. My team and I are nowhere near the house."

Bucky
"Why admit it? You could have denied it, we might have believed you."

Sharon
"Maybe, but I was genuinely impressed that you managed to figure it out. Besides, I want something."

Sam
"And what's that?"

Sharon
"My shipment back."

After checking both floors, Sam and I meet back in the kitchen and put our guns down.

Sam
"And why would we do that?"

Bucky
"Because she'll kill us if we don't."

Sharon
"Ugh, no. I couldn't kill you even if I wanted to. Captain America and The Winter Soldier found dead after investigating The Power Broker, way too much attention. But there are some things I can do."

Sam and I look at each other with the same worried expression.

Sharon
"See the way I run things, I make sure everything is fair. You scratch my back, I scratch yours. You mess with me, I mess with you. Tit for tat. In this case, you take my toys, and I play with yours."

Bucky
"You really did go nuts in exile."

Sharon
"Rude..."

Sam
"What toys, what are you talking about."

Sharon
"If I can reach you at a safe house that's supposed to be known only to a select group of people, imagine where else I can reach. Who else I can reach."

Sam looks over at me, desperately.

Sam
"Sarah."

Sharon
"Oh god no! She's got kids, I'm not that evil. No I'm talking about a certain British lass who should be getting home from a wedding shoot right aboooout... now."

Realising what's about to happen, I look to Sam for an answer of what to do.

Sam
"Go."

*Sam's POV*

He rushes out the front door, pulling his phone out, presumably to call her as he does.

Sharon
"He won't make it."

Sam
"What do you want?"

Sharon
"I already told you what I want. I want compensation for the cargo I lost, and the trouble you caused in taking it."

Sam
"And if we say no?"

Sharon
"Well I'm gonna keep her until you do, but I already told you. You take my things, and I play with yours. If you take too long for my liking, then I might just have to start playing a little rough."

I stand watching Bucky pace on the phone out the window, hoping to see him take a breath of relief.

Sharon
"Clocks ticking Sam. Oh and uh, don't rat me out. If there's even a hint of you contacting the authorities, I'll kill her on the spot. I imagine that wouldn't go down well with Buckaroo over there... Good luck!"