The Girl Out of Time

Chapter 26

After Nat left the church Steve, Sam, and I went on to our hotel suite. I was quick to fall onto the couch. I felt so drained. Sam lifted my feet so he could sit down then placed my feet on his lap. Steve started pacing the length of the room. We had only been there for a few short minutes when a knock sounded on the door. Steve was quick to open it. In walked Sharon Carter looking completely frazzled.

"Steve. There's something you gotta see." She said quickly.

She grabbed the TV remote from the table then turned on the TV. It was already on the news channel. I bolted upright as I saw the building in Vienna with a giant hole blown in it. Many were injured in the blast. I pulled my phone out instantly texting Nat. Please let her be okay.

Me: Are you okay? Please be okay.

I bounced my knee nervously as I continued to watch the TV.

"Authorities have identified the suspect as James Buchanan Barnes. The winter soldier." The news castor stated.

I shot to my feet turning to face Steve. He looked surprised but suddenly determined.

Nat: I'm a little banged up but alive.

I sighed in relief at Nat's text.

"Nat's okay. Why would he do this?" I asked Steve.

"I don't think he did." Steve said simply.

Sharon gave of what details she knew then the three of us set out for Vienna. When we arrived the place was still in total chaos. Steve sent Sam and I ahead into the hotel bar to wait for him.

"He's calling Nat." Sam said as we both sat at the bar.

We ordered drinks then waited on Steve to reappear. It wasn't long before he was standing next to Sam leaning on the bar.

"She tell you to stay out of it? Might have a point." Sam asked then took a sip of his drink.

"He'd do it for me." Steve said simply.

"1945, maybe. I just want to make sure we consider all our options. The people that shoot at you usually wind up shooting at us." Sam told him.

"I have no worries." I said simply then downed the rest of my drink.

Sharon suddenly appeared next to Steve. She kept her face forward as she spoke.

"Tips have been pouring in since the footage went public. Everybody thinks the Winter Soldier goes to their gym. Most of it's noise. Except for this." She slid a folder to Steve.

"My boss expects a briefing, pretty much now so that's all the head start you're gonna get." She added quickly.

"Thank you" Steve told her as he opened the folder.

"You're gonna have to hurry. We have orders to shoot on sight." Sharon said then walked away.

Sam finished his drink quickly then the two of us followed Steve back outside.

"Where to Cap?" I asked as we walked quickly down the crowded sidewalk.

Steve gave me the folder. I opened it to scan the page quickly. Romania. He's in Romania?

"What's the plan?" Sam asked as we climbed in the car.

"Looks like an apartment building. A bit run down. Sam you'll take the roof. Willow, I need you on top an adjacent building. You two are my eyes for any company." Steve ordered as he drove quickly.

"So you're gonna face him alone?" I asked softly.

Both men sitting in the two front seats knew I had all my memories of James back. They knew I understood the feelings I once had for him. Those feelings felt like a memory too but I still actually cared about him now. Steve looked at me through the rear view mirror.