Monster [Book One]

Chapter 2

Hey, so Captain America saved the world twice, and it only cost him two Bucks.

I’m sorry.

I don’t know what came over me to make that joked.

Read on.

Chapter Quote:

“I thought the punishment usually came after the crime.”

~Steve Rogers in Captain America: The Winter Soldier

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Chapter 2

Steve 

The maximum-security prison definitely lived up to its name as Sam and I received permission to go visit Annabeth Drew.  Security gave us multiple screenings to make sure we had no weapons on us.  They reluctantly allowed me to keep my shield with me.  I didn’t like to part with it.  It had saved my life, and others, too many times.

Four guards led us to an isolation bay that was in the center of the prison, in the most guarded section.  I learned, surprisingly enough, Annabeth, despite being imprisoned here, was treated rather nicely.  I mean, all the guards thought she’d “lost her marbles” (I still didn’t know why), but overall the girl was apparently respectful and quiet.  They didn’t deem her as a threat herself; they deemed her HYDRA affiliates as the threat, therefore keeping her here in a max-security prison to prevent her old employer from bailing her out or killing her.

“Miss Drew, you have visitors,” the guard announced.  I peered into the cell.  It was very drab and plain, which was to be expected; however, the occupant had made use of most of the space by putting books on almost every available surface.  I raised my eyebrows at the sight.

“The books are my only form of entertainment,” Annabeth said.  She must’ve seen my face.  She stood up, smoothed out her uniform, and introduced herself. “I’m Annabeth Drew.  You’re Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson.  It’s a pleasure to meet you.  I’d shake your hand, but there’s a door blocking my way.”

The guards opened the door and escorted her out.  Annabeth was tall, curvy, blonde-haired, and had sparkling hazel eyes that told me her brain was working a mile a minute about… well, everything.  Her face seemed haggard though, like she’d been spending countless, sleepless nights.

She offered her hand out for me and Sam to shake.  We did, not wanting to be rude.  This girl hardly seemed like someone who would work for HYDRA, making me wonder if she’d worked for them willingly or against her will.  I was certainly going to find out.

“I have an idea about why you’re here, but would please enlighten me on your reason?” Annabeth asked politely, seeming actually nervous.  I didn’t want her to be.  I wasn’t here to make fun of her like the others did; I was here to find out information.  That was it.

“Is there a place we can sit down?” I questioned the guards politely.  They nodded and led us to a small room.  The guards stood outside on my orders.  I worried Annabeth wouldn’t want to say anything in front of them seeing as how she knew what they thought of her sanity.

“We were told you could give us information on the Winter Soldier.  I’m searching for him and-” I began.

Annabeth interrupted me. “His name is James Buchanan Barnes.  He was your best friend growing up.  You’re searching for him because he’s your best friend.  Am I right?”  When I simply stared at her in relative shock that she knew so much already, she blushed and added, “I did some reading when I was in HYDRA.  I was your friend’s doctor, nurse, technician, whatever you want to call me.  I’m the one who made sure he was in top condition for the past ten years.  HYDRA used him a lot in the past decade.”