The Fall - Book 2

246. I can't wait to find out, doll.

OCTOBER 25, 2020 — MISSION DAY 2 — BUCKY

The ringing of my five-o'clock alarm wakes me. I shut it off then stretch, realizing that I feel surprisingly refreshed and alert for only getting about ninety minutes of sleep.

"Good morning, handsome," my wife's dulcet voice fills my mind.

"Good morning, gorgeous," I reply. "Actually, I should say 'good night', because it's eleven there...bedtime for you."

"I know." There's a long pause. "Okay. I'm going to hang up now. Be safe. I love you."

"I will. I love you, too, sweetheart. Get some rest."

"I'll do my best. Bye, Bucky."

"Bye, Réa."

I feel the connection close, and I rise from the couch, stretching again before making my way to the small kitchenette and turning on the coffee pot. As the aromatic beverage begins to brew, I knock on the bedroom door.

"Mornin', Bucky," Bruce says as he opens it. "Nat's brushing her teeth, then the bathroom's all yours."

"Thanks. Coffee's on."

"Oh, great! Nat, Bucky made coffee," he calls over his shoulder.

Nat's 'thank you' is garbled, and I know she's talking around a mouthful of toothpaste. While I wait for her to finish up in the bathroom, I return to the couch and send Pepper a text.

***I know it's almost midnight, and
you're probably asleep, but I have a
favor to ask you. If everything goes
well, we'll have this wrapped up and
be in the air by nine, which means
we'll get home at six-thirty. I'd like
to surprise Réa by being there when
she wakes up***
***Would you be alright with me
coming up there when we land?***

Almost immediately, Pepper texts back.

***Of course! I think that's very sweet.
I'll tell F.R.I.D.A.Y. to let you in
whenever you get here***
***Thanks, Pepper***