Her Hidden Past

- Chapter Fourteen -

The announcement came that the train was pulling into their stop in Seattle. Natasha leaned forward to slip her book into her bag. She bumped Clint's elbow gently as she moved, waking him.

"Are you headed for the ferry next, Viktória?" Clint asked, yawning as he stretched. At her nod he continued, "Do you want to stick with us?"

"That would be great, thank you," Natasha nodded. "My fiance was so worried about me travelling alone."

"I can imagine," Clint frowned. "Especially with all the stories you hear these days."

"Sometimes you don't have a choice," Natasha shrugged as if it didn't worry her. She had to look away to hide a smirk as she caught the glance Steve and Maria were sharing.

"Come on then," He stood as the train doors opened. "We'd better hurry so we don't miss the ferry."

The four of them walked quickly to the stop and caught a bus for several blocks before walking the last block to the pier. They boarded quickly, finding a place to sit inside the cabin.

"Are you ok?" Maria asked, as she noticed Natasha suddenly seemed tense.

"Yeah, I just... I think I'm going to head outside for a bit," Natasha replied. "It takes a bit for me to get used to being on a boat."

"Did you want someone to go with you?" Clint offered quietly.

"Thank you, but I'll be ok. All I need is some fresh air," Natasha waved them off. "I should use the opportunity to call my dad too, could you watch my bag?"

"Of course," Clint nodded.

"Thank you," Natasha retrieved her latest burner phone and stood to head outside. As soon as she was out of sight of them, she relaxed a little. It was too easy to fool Steve who had finally decided she wasn't a threat. Maria remained suspicious but neither had recognised her behind the wig, blue contacts and glasses. She headed for the stern leaning backwards on the rail so she could see anyone who might approach her. The crew called the last chance for boarding before casting off as the boat began to move forward. Dialling Fury's number she waited for him to answer.

"Hello," Fury answered the phone.

"Hi Dad," Natasha had to hide the laughter in her tone as she greeted him using the cover she had given the others. "I got on the ferry alright. It's about an eight hour trip to Vancouver from here.

"Romanoff," Fury greeted her.

"I picked up some travelling companions," Natasha told him softly, checking no one was around. "One of them is awfully suspicious of me."

"You haven't told them it's you?" The frown carried in his tone.

"Nikolai knows," Natasha replied. "It's not safe to tell Aaliya and Lincoln yet."

"I trust them, Romanoff," Fury reminded her.

"It's not that, Sir," Natasha denied, in a whisper. "They have a possible two man tail. If it's Medvedev's men he won't get them to move in until he knows where I am."

"That must be one hell of a disguise," Fury commented.

"It's simple enough, Sir, just unexpected. Even Nikolai didn't recognise me initially." She shrugged to herself.

"The meeting point is Burnaby Lake Rugby Club at midnight. It's about a 30-minute drive from the Ferry Terminal, and the nearest place a quinjet can land without too many prying eyes," Fury informed her. "I'm sending Agent May to meet you four. I'd suggest you all travel together from the ferry to the quinjet."