Chapter Two.
Steve Rogers stood up from his seat, hand clasped around the shield, which he kept at his feet throughout the duration of the meeting. He was obviously tense about the matter.
Clint scrambled to his feet, shuffling away from the group, "What do you mean one of us is Hydra? Here right now?" He wished he had brought his bow and arrows. At least he had his fists. Those would have to do for now.
"Who is it?" Steve demanded, looking straight at Hill and no one else. Hill remained calm, composed as ever with her arms crossed, faced the captain directly. "Our intelligence doesn't know, so whoever it is, he or she is in the clear for now."
That was not the answer Steve was looking for. He was unsettled.
Tony spoke up, his voice was casual but threaded with a deep resentment toward the new subject, "Is there any evidence that led you to this conclusion?" He had history with Hydra regarding his parents' deaths. Everyone was standing by this point.
"Trust me, Stark. We have our evidence." And to his disappointment that was all Hill was going to give him. He did not look satisfied.
"I don't understand, why would you tell us this and not do anything about it?" Bruce asked, trying to reason with her because her logic did not make sense.
"I thought it'd be appropriate for you to know that the Avengers aren't untouchable, and because you're your own team, you get to deal with your own problems as well."
Natasha was the only one still sitting. She was looking over the portfolio Hill had left on the table.
Steve was obviously the most uncomfortable in the group. And it made sense why. "Anyone want to 'fess up?" He asked as Captain America.
Silence.
"You're not going to get an answer that easy, Cap." Natasha finally spoke up, closed the portfolio, stood and handed it to Hill. "You know Hydra won't show its face in your presence." She said as she made her way over to him. The Captain didn't move. This situation was unnerving.
"Coward." He said finally. "Whoever you are."
"You're forgetting one thing, Captain," Bruce hated himself for saying it. "That includes you too."
Steve looked astonished at the accusation. Hurt by idea the no doubt. His surprise quickly turned to anger. "I would die fighting Hydra before ever considering to join them." He said in dead seriousness.
"I'm afraid Dr. Banner is right," Hill spoke up, "You're a suspect too, Rogers."
Steve's jaw clenched tightly. But he did not fight it. After all, it was only fair. Tony and Clint shared "oh snap" looks with each other. Steve on the other hand, was more concerned with how they were to handle this newfound information, and what was to become of the team.
"Now what then?"
"We go about our daily lives until the rascal turns himself in," Natasha answered in Hill's place.
Everyone shifted.
"So… meeting adjourned?" Clint joked hesitantly.
