AN: Ridiculously short chapter, I know, but I have my reasons for it. Cheers, guys.
~Private Residence, Washington, D.C.~
The curtains in his office were always drawn, even if it was daylight outside. Even the slightest chance of being discovered would ruin everything he'd already worked so hard for. Behind his desk, the man was still holding up the x-ray to the lamp, taking his time as he studied every intricate detail that his eyes could discern. Lifting his other hand, he brought a second x-ray up for inspection, taking just as much time to examine it.
Structures are remarkably similar, he thought. Good. Very good.
Returning the images to their respective folders, he closed the cover of the first one, resting his hand upon it briefly. Тема № 2, it's green label read. I'm working on it, he silently promised.
Glancing at the other folder on his desk, he lifted a page of notes to reveal one of the photographs hidden underneath: a still shot of James Buchanan Barnes training Kim Proctor in the backyard of her residence, who was little more than an indiscernible blur as she evaded his attack. This particular photo had been taken three months ago.
The Winter Soldier. All this time eluding those who sought him only to wind up in practically the same vicinity all over again. The fact that Barnes had ended up at his great-niece's doorstep had been an interesting development, though, and despite the setback it had ultimately caused…he was a patient man. He would bide his time until the moment was right. So long as events continued to quietly progress—and so long as it didn't draw the attention of some of Proctor's more high-profile friends—that was where his focus would remain.
There was no other option, after all. One way or another, he would have the enhanced being for the purposes he'd set into motion so long ago, regardless of whatever price he would have to pay.
Setting the paper back down, the man reached out to stroke the gilded frame of one of the photographs he had displayed on his desk. No matter how many times he looked at it, it made his heart heavy with sorrow. Soon, his mind whispered.
Тема № 2 = Subject #2