Mastermind (Steve Rogers)

22

Steve's POV

2 days his wife has been missing and he's not slept  at all in those long gruelling 48hrs.
Bucky has managed to get him to eat a couple of things and he's just got out the shower after practically being dragged inside by Buck.

His private investigator gave him as much information he could find on Brock Rumlow, the deranged ex who has taken Lottie without so much as a word or a trace.

Tony wondered if he would ask for a ransom to be paid as he's in serious debt with a drug dealer. He can't even let himself think about what the possible danger she's in especially if he blames her for everything that's happened to him.

As he steps out of his bedroom dresses in grey sweatpants and a black sweatshirt, he suddenly hears Tony shouting they need to leave now, before other voices he can't quite make out reply.
Running into the lounge where they set up base to try and track Lottie, he sees Tony is on the phone pacing the floor.

"Is it really you?" He hears Tony say down the phone before letting out a huge sigh of relief.
A guy gives him a thumbs up and Tony and Happy bolt for the door.

"What's going on?" Steve shouts following them.
"We found Lottie" Happy replies while they wait for the elevator.
Bucky throws Steve's shoes at him before they all pile into the elevator.

"You really found her?" Steve can't help but ask not quite believing what has developed since he had a quicker shower.
"Yeah" Happy smiles.
"Sweetheart we are on our way" Tony says down the phone.
"Wait he's on the phone to Charlotte?" Steve's voice comes out shocked and Happy nods.

"Let me talk to her" Steve begs Tony.
"The phone just disconnected" Tony gives him a sympathetic look.
"Is she okay?" He asks as they run to the car but doesn't get an answer as they pile into two cars.

Tony, Happy and Wanda in one, Steve and Bucky in another.
"Is this really happening" Steve's still in shock that they've actually found her, that he will soon be able to hold her in his arms again.
"She's coming home buddy" Bucky smiles back at him as he puts his foot down to keep up with Happy.

That was the longest hour drive of his life!
Wanda had text to say that local police officers had raided the house and that she was now safe, but he couldn't truly believe it until he saw her with his own eyes.

He doesn't wait for the car to fully stop before he's out and sprinting over to the ambulance and his heart drops when he sees her.

She's still in her wedding dress which is now covered in dirt and blood. Her face is bruised and she doesn't look like she's slept a wink either in the last two days.
Her face pale and eyes dark, but yet he could still see her beauty shining through that.
He sees an unconscious Brock being taken away and he suddenly wonders if she's killed him, which would be helpful because he wants nothing more than to kill him.

"I'm here, you're safe now" Steve hears Tony say to Charlotte as he wraps her into a hug.
"Took you long enough" she quips back "Also it was your insistence that I learn how to defend myself that saved my life in the end, I got him in a good headlock you would be proud" she smiles the best she can with a split lip and bruised cheek and jaw. Tony kissed her forehead in response.

"I just wish you killed the bastard" Wanda moves so she can hug her best friend, tears in her eyes from happiness of having Lottie safe.
"Yeah well I rather he rot in some high security prison on the middle of the ocean for the rest of his life, than have the easy way out for his sins" she shrugs.

So he's not dead, shame!

Steve can't help but stand and stare at her, guilt racking his entire body.
"Hey" he steps closer to her.
She doesn't look at him, but whispers something to Wanda who just nods and gives Steve a sympathetic look.
"Right let's get you to the hospital" Tony announces breaking the awkward silence.

"That's what I was just saying to Wanda I don't need the hospital, I'm fine. I just really want a nice hot bath, a stiff drink then sleep in a comfy bed" Charlotte stands up, while un-attaching whatever wires the ambulance crew attached to her.
"You're going to the hospital" Tony tries to insist.

"No I'm going back to Wanda's" her voice is angry and she storms off towards a car.
"Wait you're coming home with me if you don't want to go hospital" Steve runs to follow her.

"As I just said I'm going to Wanda's! Happy can you drive me" she turns and gives Happy her best puppy dog eyes.
"Of course, it's good to have you safe" he gently kisses her cheek.

Steve struggles to process what's happening as she climbs into the car and is then being whisked away, leaving him Tony and Bucky standing there speechless.

Once his brain has registered everything he turns to Tony.
"Where does Wanda live?" He realises he doesn't even know where his wife's best friend lives.
"Drop me home so I can let Pepper know everything and I will tell you. But Steve don't push her she's stubborn and pushing her right now won't help" Tony gives him a sympathetic look.

"I won't push her, I just want to make sure she's okay and safe" Steve nods and Tony nods back in approval. He looks tired and deflated as well.

After dropping Tony back and trying to reassure Buck he isn't going to do something stupid, he heads for Wanda's address.

The thought of storming in and dragging her back home to be in his arms had crossed his mind, but that won't help anyone right now. He doesn't want to push her further away, so he decides just to sit in the car outside the apartment.
He knows Brock's been escorted back to one of the highest security prisons but he doesn't know if he told everyone Lottie was to blame and now possibly others are after her.

Looking up at the apartment he sees lights on which is a good sign that they are actually here. But he wants to he certain so he texts Wanda.

Is she okay? Does she need anything? Are you actually at your apartment?

10 minutes later a response comes in.

She's seems to be fine. Yes we are at the apartment, I just noticed your car outside, Steve go home and get some rest.

He text back straight away.

I'm fine. I'm staying put I can't risk anything else happening to her. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help, but I'm glad she has you.

No response.

He sighs placing his phone on the passenger seat and settles in for a long night ahead, keeping watch of the apartment. Despite his tiredness he fights to stay awake guarding the apartment.

About a hour later there's a knock on the window which startles him, he winds the window down to see Wanda stood there with a flask and some food.

"If you're staying you need to eat and drink" she hands him over the food and flask.
"Thank you. How is she?" He asks.

"Honestly I'm not sure, she's putting on a brave front. She's sleeping right now after having a bath and some food. I will keep a close eye on her" Wanda's voice is full of concern.

"I should never have had said what I did" his voice full of regret.
"You can't change the past but you can work on the future. There will be a time when you can try and mend things. But Steve you need you think seriously about this, she can't go through any more heartbreak. She may act like she's tough but underneath all that she still a person who yearns to be loved, cherished and be someone's number one priority"

"I know" he nods "I don't want to break her heart."
"I can see that now" Wanda nods.
The two of them have talked a lot in the last two days, she's helped him realise just how strong his feelings for Lottie are.

Now all he needs to do is prove that to Lottie herself, if she lets him.