Laura's cell rang only once. It was on the arm of the couch where she was sitting with the baby. She'd been waiting for Clint's call.
"Hey babe." He said, trying to sound positive.
"What's that voice?" She sounded so tired. Clint smirked to himself despite the guilt he felt. She knew him. He blew out a sigh. Cooper fussed in the background and he wished he could be home.
"I... Well I wouldn't call it screwing up, but SHIELD definitely would."
"How long?"
"At least a week."
There was silence on the other end. He hoped she wasn't crying.
"...Want me to tell you what I did?" he ventureed gently.
"No, let's just get through it." Her voice stayed steady. "We'll talk when you're home."
"I'm really sorry, Laura."
"I know. Talk to Coop." He heard her move the phone. "He can hear you."
"Hey buddy. I love you and I'll see you as soon as I can." Clint could picture his little son's sweet chubby face. Missing his newborn while on mission had really thrown him. He never expected the constant ache.
The phone shifted again and Laura was back. "I'm not mad, I was just really ready to have you back. This was a long one."
"I know, but I did the right thing."
"Then I'm happy." She said and she meant it.
"Thanks, babe. I'll make it up to you. I love you."
"I love you too."
The call ended and Clint's shoulders fell. He knew he wouldn't be going home right after this mission. He knew it as soon as he'd lowered his bow in that alleyway. But he couldn't kill Romanoff. Trailing her for weeks, he'd seen too much of who she was and could be. He saw better from a distance and those SHIELD files on her had been too close range.
"Barton?"
"Yeah?" Clint looked up to see Coulson in the doorway.
"We need you for the first interrogation. We've gotta weigh everything she says against what you know. Come on."
Clint pocketed his phone and got up. "Let's go."