CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE – Can't Be Saved

The three-storied townhouse in Georgetown was chosen for its proximity to Peggy's house, and the Triskelion. Of all the properties I'd owned over the years, this one always possessed a special place in my heart. With a light breeze airing out the space, a box of Michael's toys remained tucked away beside a leather couch in the family room, his prized stuffed tiger tucked within the pile of G.I Joes and army vehicles.

Reaching for the stuffed tiger, I hugged it against my chest, heading upstairs to the main floor where the kitchen and dining room were located, pausing on the threshold as a shiver ran down my spine. The tiny hairs on the back of my rose in anticipation, alerting me to something not quite right.

Setting the stuffed tiger on the kitchen counter I headed out onto the terrace, gazing around the enclosed garden, resembling something close to a contained jungle. The back gate remained locked and nothing else appeared out of place, yet I couldn't shake the feeling I wasn't completely alone. I rubbed my arms for an instant burst of heat and went back inside, endeavoring to convince myself the stress of a long day had worn me out. Stealing a glass from the cupboard and a wine bottle from the freshly stocked fridge I headed back downstairs to distract myself with some trashy television.

-x-

The harsh shrill of my cellphone abruptly woke me. Cursing, my hands fumbled over my body, locating the vibrating object in a pant pocket while late night commercials played in the background.

"Hello?" I drew myself from being awkwardly draped across the leather couch, surprised to hear a familiar female voice deliver a message I never expected to hear. "I'm on my way."

Jumping up from the couch, I grabbed a jacket and my keys running from the house.

A frantic pace controlled my steps, rushing me pass a navy and black blur of S.H.I.E.L.D agents and local cops. The fear of the unknown tore at my insides until Steve emerged in the distance. My leather jacket flapped behind me as I raced to reach him, throwing myself into his arms.

"I heard someone shot up your apartment, and a man was injured…" my heated breath pulsed against his neck as he held me tightly. For a moment everything felt right in the world, my worries fading as I clung almost desperately to my best friend. "I thought –" I broke off as he abruptly pulled away.

"I'm okay, but Fury isn't."

"Fury? What was he doing at your place?"

He shrugged, casting a sideways glance at a passing agent. "The shot went straight through a brick wall into him. Didn't see it coming."

"None of this makes any sense. I only saw Fury this morning," I murmured grasping his muscular arms, fighting through the disbelief to obtain some logic or motive. "Was the shooter after you or him?"

"He wanted Fury and didn't care who got in the way," he heavily sighed. "I chased him but he got away."

Having witnessed Steve in action I couldn't comprehend the thought of a target escaping his hold. My confused stare lifted to his melancholy features. "What do you mean he got away?"

"He was fast, strong. He caught my shield easily with one hand."

The torment of losing the shooter was all too visible and I decided not to press the matter.

"Where is Fury? I need to see him."

"It's too late, they couldn't save him." Steve's somber words hit me hard, pounding against my already brittle resolve.

"Gin!"

Pulling away from Steve, I hastily brushed my hands across my damp cheeks, facing Natasha who walked rapidly towards us. Her beautiful features shaped into measured misery collapsed as she reached for me, our arms enfolding each other.

"Did he tell you?" Her lips moved swiftly against my ear.

"Just now about Fury."

"Not the shooter?"

I released her, frowning. "Only that he got away, what else is there?"

She looked over at Steve, lowering her voice as she spoke in Russian. "It was a soviet slug; no rifle link and he had a metal arm."

"Are you sure?" Natasha's nod confirmed my worst fears. The lingering ache in my soul I'd been feeling for weeks finally had a cause. "Shit. I should've known…I should've seen this coming."

"You're going after him, aren't you?"

I couldn't bring myself to answer, Steve's eyes burning into my back made it difficult to process my next move despite knowing I'd already run every scenario through my head only to discover the answer the same.

"I want to see Fury." I announced loudly, waiting for Steve to approach before giving Natasha's hand a quick squeeze. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

Her jaw tightened as she stepped aside, and I followed Steve. An absolute calm overcame me the moment I walked into the morgue. The footsteps behind me faded as I allowed my mind to take a short trip down memory lane. I'd spent the better part of Fury's career working at his side, and half expected never to witness this moment – he always seemed invincible, and like me an unbreakable force.

I paused beside the gurney, exhaling a long breath as I stared down at one of the greatest men I'd ever known. I couldn't help a small smile, thinking Fury finally looked at peace.

"I'll see you soon, old friend." I bent down to kiss his cool forehead, and then went back to stand beside Steve.

"You okay?"

My damp gaze lifted his face, the concern merely adding to the burden of guilt already weighing heavily upon my shoulders. "Do you trust me?"

"Yeah," he replied unsurely.

"Steve, do you trust me?" I faced him, placing a hand to his chest where his heart thumped strong and true. "Right here, deep in your soul, do you trust I have your best intentions in mind?"

"Yes." His second reply came with no hesitation.

"Then you have to let me go –"

"- Go where?"

"There's something I have to do –"

"- C'mon, Gin," he groaned. "Don't run off on some secret mission again. Let me in, you obviously know something I don't, let me help you."

"I can't. I've got another path I have to follow, and I didn't see it till now that everything in my life has been building towards this moment." I thought of the weapon Bucky had been turned into and blinked back tears. "I just hope one day you'll understand and forgive the part I've played."

"What do you mean?" He quietly begged for knowledge and truth, confused beyond belief that I persistently kept him outside my circle of knowledge.

No matter how it pained me, I felt justified in keeping him in the dark. I could've reasoned with myself all I wanted that my secrets protected my loved ones, that somehow, I was saving Steve from the terrible truth I didn't think he was ready to hear. But I knew when he finally learnt the truth about Bucky, a part of him would never forgive me. That reality scared me.

"I just need you to know that you're my family, and I love you."

"Gin…"

I reached up and sweetly kissed him before hastily departing for what could be my final mission. I had to save Bucky, no matter the cost.

REVIEWS ALWAYS WELCOMED.