Unforgettable

Part 45 - Numb

Willow hasn't spoken much since the phone call. If Jeremy was looking to get inside her head, he was doing a good job of it. Bucky had rallied some of the others around to discuss a plan, happy to leave Willow out of the conversations, knowing that she needed time to process everything Jeremy had told her.

Pacing back and fourth, Steve looked like he had the world on his shoulders and Willow wondered what was going on with him. He always seemed unhappy, miserable even. Before her thoughts lingered much further, Steve wanted answers "So you're saying that Jeremy called here just to talk. How did he even get this number? Does he know where you guys are staying?"

Rolling her eyes at the line of questioning, Willow pinched the top of her nose slightly, releasing some tension "I don't think so, at least he didn't let on in our conversation that he knew where I was"

Nat remaining quiet so far didn't want to take any chances. Not when it came to Willow and the suffering she'd already had to endure at the hands of her ex "I think it will be better to get you and Willow back in the compound. It's safer with all of us there and you wouldn't have to feel like you're constantly looking over your soldier"

Bucky let out a deep sigh "I had a feeling you guys would say that and I think it's a good idea. The guy is clearly unhinged and who knows just what he is prepared to do in order to get to Willow"

Wincing at the thought of what Jeremy was actually capable of, Willow tuned back into the conversation, listening as Bucky steered the discussion "If he can let Willow's dad die in front of him, the way that he did. Well who knows what he could do to her given the chance. Staying at the compound feels like the best solution"

Steve nodded in agreement "It is much safer. None of us will let anything happen to her there. We won't let him anywhere near her"

Listening to everyone talking about what was best for her without actually asking caused Willow to bubble in frustration "Jesus Christ. Can you all stop talking about me as if I'm not here. I should also get a say in whatever plan you guys are cooking up"

Patting her shoulder gently, Nat turned Willow towards her "You're right. We should involve you. We're just trying to protect you"

Knowing that her heart was in the right place, Willow sent a meek smile Nat's way "I get that and I love you all for it, but I'm not a child and it's not the first time I've had to deal with him. So from now on, I want to be included on any plans that are made"

Dropping a file in her lap, Willow looked up to see Sam "Ok, in that case you need to look through this. In there you will find information on all of the money transfers and shady dealings that Jeremy has had over the last year and a half. Just so you're prepared, it's not an easy read"

Slowly flicking through the pages, Willow was shocked to find lists of bank accounts, his spending receipts and money the company had shipped out illegally. And then it dawned on her "Wait a minute. Have you guys been keeping tabs on him for all this time. Why?"

Dragging his fingers through his hair, a sign that Bucky was frustrated, he shifted closer "We had to know what he was hiding. I didn't want you getting hurt and I know the guy was up to something. And looking at that file, you can see that we were right"

Laughing in disbelief, Willow chucked the file down on the table before standing front and centre glaring at them all "You've been keeping tabs on him for all this time. You could see early on that he was up to no good and yet still you all kept me in the dark"

Standing to move closer to her, Bucky reached out his hand "Honey, it was for the best. You and I both know that you wouldn't have even listened at that point. We did what needed to be done"

Willow took a step backwards, watching as Bucky's outstretched hand fell back to his side "Ok sticking with being completely transparent and honest, Jeremy told me that you guys were blackmailing him. I don't know the details or how true that information is but I know you went to visit him Steve. So what happened?"

As all eyes went on Steve, he stuttered before looking up "You're right, I did see him. There isn't anything really to say about it. We had a disagreement which turned into a bit of a physical altercation and when his security arrived, I left. Nothing more to it"

Looking at him suspiciously, Willow watched as he twitched. A sure sigh that he was hiding something "And that's it. You had some bizarre fight about who knows what because according to you it's not important and you want me to believe that he's lying about you guys trying to bribe him. Is that what happened?"

Watching as the others fidgeted nervously, trying to avoid her, Willow sent a piercing glare Steve's way "Yes Willow, that is what you're to believe, because that's the truth. Nothing else happened"

"Really because your body language is practically yelling out that you're lying. Are you sure there isn't anything you want to tell me"

Glaring back defiantly, Steve knew he had to shut down the conversation "Nope. There's nothing else. Now if that is all, you'll have to excuse me"

No one said anything as they watched Steve's retreating back. But Willow knew they were all hiding something, especially Steve and if she was good at anything, it was digging until she found the truth and this would be no exception. Willow followed Steve out of the common room already formulating her plan.

Authors Note: Hope you enjoyed this one. What could Steve be hiding? Thank you for all your support. Please do continue to like and comment if you're enjoying the story. I read every single one ❤️