Working Title : Loki & Annie

110 Truth in Black and White

It didn't take Steve long to arrange to meet with Nick Fury because the man was still in New York. The fact that he was in New York and not Washington D.C. gave weight to Stark's accusation. Not that Stark would lie to Steve but this was just more proof Fury had been involved. Then there was the question of what he was still doing here. Fury could get from one city to the other in less than 30 minutes using a Quinjet, an hour by a regular jet. 

Entering the office located in a nondescript building Steve forced himself not to come to attention, he didn't have to do that anymore. He did accept Fury's gaze with a nod and a polite, "Director."

"Rogers." Standing with his back to the window that made up a glass wall overlooking the city Fury knew that in the far distance Stark Tower could be seen. He knew Roger's vision was good enough to pick it out if he knew where to look. Fury also knew exactly why the super soldier was here, he had been expecting the visit. Waving towards one of the chairs Fury took a seat at the desk that was bare of anything. The entire office was empty except for the desk and two chairs, not even cheap office bookshelves to take up space on the bare walls. No one used this office which was why Fury was using it. He once more waved a hand inviting Rogers to sit in one of the uncomfortable chairs.

Steve frowned and didn't sit. "Director, did you attempt to kidnap a civilian, two civilians today?" 

Fury wore an intentionally neutral expression, "No, Rogers. I did not attempt to kidnap two civilians today." True, all true. He had nothing to do with the actual hands-on part of the plan, he simply was going to accept delivery of one of the targets.

Steve knew that Fury had just told him a lie but he also knew that it would take some work to determine which part of that statement was a lie. "You had no part in the abduction? Or you have no knowledge of the attempt?"

Fury looked skyward, "Rogers, sit down." Fury's tone gave the impression that he felt he was going to educate Steve on something he should already know. 

Steve didn't appreciate the tone. "Thanks but I think I'll stand."

Now Fury was annoyed, by sitting first he had given up the high ground. He had no choice but to remain sitting unless he wanted to look foolish. So he found himself looking up while Rogers was looking down on him.  Annoyance made his tone sharp and condescending, "I'll explain what occurred today to save us both your painful attempt to ask." It was petty but he enjoyed Roger's look of irritation at the insult, "Early this morning I was contacted by General Ross who brought to my attention that an unknown asset was residing in a residential location. Being that there was no previous contact with this asset it was determined that in the interest of national security we needed to bring It in for an evaluation." 

"It?" Steve raised an eyebrow, "Evaluation? Is that what it's called now?"

"There was no hostile intent on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s part." Fury leaned back in his chair, "Everyone could have been home by tomorrow if Stark hadn't interfered."

Steve pursed his lips to keep from calling Fury out on this obvious lie. Actually on several lies because Steve knew that abducting someone can only be done with hostile intent. No one would have been home tomorrow. Loki certainly wouldn't have been released.

Fury allowed the silence to stretch, he knew people didn't like the sound of silence. They needed to fill the void. 

"What made you agree with Ross to abduct the woman?" Steve remembered the woman's name was Annie but he wasn't going to reveal he knew it. He needed to remember what he knew and what he wasn't supposed to know. It didn't come easy, this subterfuge.

"I told you I had nothing to do with how the targets were taken into custody." Fury decided answering the question wouldn't hurt and might possibly appease the soldier's sensibilities, "She was going to be taken by Ross no matter what. I made the decision to claim her." At the look of disapproval that came over Roger's face, Fury said with no apology, "Trust me, you would not like what Ross had planned for her if he had the option to keep both of them together." He raised an eyebrow suggestively.