Resilient

Chapter 42

A shot ringing out made the couple pull apart and look in the direction of the Doctor.

"Jac..Jacob," Evelyn said staring at the man with his gun still aimed at the Doctor's lifeless body.

"This is all my fault - you being taken - Gracie being taken - your parents death. All because I lost sight of what was real and was right," Jacob said slowly looking at Evelyn.

"Jacob," she said taking a step towards him. She was stopped after a couple of steps when Bucky grabbed her hand gently still trying to assess the situation. "Please drop the gun, Jacob."

"He hurt you and I let him. For years I let him hurt you and Gracie. He's dead now - he can't hurt you again," Jacob said letting the gun fall to the ground.

Evelyn pulled against Bucky's and when he didn't release her wrist she turned to him urgently, "I need his memories Bucky - I need to see if there's still brain function. It's our only chance to get the information we need."

He gave her a nod and aimed his gun at Jacob. "I need you to step away from the body. She can't do what she needs to do if you are there Jacob."

Jacob took a step back as Evelyn ran up to the Doctor's body and put her hand on his head praying she could access his memories. The memories were fading quickly as his body fully died and panic raked Evelyn. She pushed through the memories taking note of anything she could. Memorizing faces and locations that floated past her. Finally, his mind went black and there was nothing.

Looking up into Bucky's eyes she shook her head and looked disappointed. She wanted this man dead - had even tried to do it just moments ago. Bucky was right they had needed him to end this.

"Why did they need Evelyn? Why take girls?" Bucky said looking at Jacob.

"They were the new Super Soldiers brides. Girls with empathic skills that would help regulate and control the soldiers. The serum isn't perfect; the dosage hasn't been properly dialed in. Too little and it doesn't work and too much leads to excessive rage. They are given shots periodically to increase their powers."

Evelyn let out a small gasp. "How many are there?"

"You were the first chosen but according to the file, your mind and Gracie's fought it. There was a failed pairing and then a girl was sent away just before I brought you here." Jacob said looking crestfallen. "Before the Doctor got to Grace's cell she got into my head and showed me how wrong I was - what was in the Doctor's mind from meetings. I went straight to his office and got these." Jacob held files towards Bucky who took them and handed them over to Evelyn.

She stood and grabbed his hand. She knew she should hate him and never forgive him. Jacob was already a double agent and a good one at that. S.H.I.E.L.D. had no clue of his deceit. "Thank you for trying to do the right thing, Jacob. We will let Fury know you tried to fix your wrongs and help you." She said looking at Bucky who simply nodded. "But if you cross us or cause any more harm to come to Grace - I will kill you myself."