Part Seven

"Carly Richards." Carly took Bruce's hand. "I mean, Wild Flower."

They climbed up into the cabin of their truck, Bruce driving. "Is your head okay?"

"My head?"

"Yeah. I heard the Big Guy gave you a thump."

"Oh, that? It was nothing. He thought I was amusing for some reason. He was just messing."

"Ah. He's usually pretty humorless." Bruce started the truck and they followed the others.

"Well, it wasn't exactly flattering. Being laughed at by a monster. Again. It's not like I can turn this off like he can."

"Would you like to?"

"Right."

Bruce eyed her. "I can take a few samples. Least I can do for the support you gave today. Send you an analysis in a few weeks. If not a cure, at least you'll know what you're facing."

"Thanks, but no. I can't just hand S.H.I.E.L.D. my secrets. But I really appreciate the offer."

"Well, if I were to receive some samples by private post, I might be able to analyze them without sharing. Doctor-patient confidentiality and all that. I just want to help, not steal your secrets. I have plenty of my own to worry about. That's why we're down here, off-grid. Easier to keep what we find to ourselves."

He looked sincere. Carly nodded. "I'll consider it. But I'll have to leave as soon as we unload the supplies."

They all sounded so helpful, but S.H.I.E.L.D. was just as much a trap as where she was now, if not more so. They'd poke and prod her to death. And people died on their missions, too. How many soldiers did they leave lying in the dirt back there? Their hands were just as dirty as anyone's.

They arrived back in the village. The escapees had tearful reunions with their relatives. The supplies more than stocked the shelves of Bruce's clinic.

Jennifer approached, back as herself, in a new business suit. "Well, thanks for everything. Your heart's in the right place. Just keep working on it, and I think you'll find your path."

They hugged.

"But Carly. If I ever see you again, I will turn you in. And I won't go easy on you next time."

Carly nodded. "If you ever see me again, it will either be because I'm going to kill you, or that I'm in desperate need of help."

"How will I know the difference?"

"Because you really won't like me when I'm angry."

Jennifer laughed. Carly checked on the children one last time, letting them play with the stray mutt she'd found in the forest, but then left the clinic, her heart heavy and uncertain.

José caught up with Carly. "Come. Let's talk." He led her down the street to a nondescript shed but pulled back a piece of plywood to reveal a trap door. He led her down, and she stood squarely in the center of a tiny Hydra base.

"You did very well, Chica," he said. "It was a great pleasure working with you, and you handled those Hulk cousins brilliantly. Now they trust me fully, and they think you're halfway to defecting to S.H.I.E.L.D. Go ahead and give those samples to Banner, we'd love to see his analysis. It will ingratiate you with them even further. And Chica."

He strode forward, took her hands. "If you ever do want to take it slow, we'll find a hotel, somewhere remote and discreet, and take all the time you need."

Carly nodded, then planted a kiss on his lips. They embraced.

He whispered in her ear, "Hail Hydra."

"Hail Hydra," she responded, her heart screaming.

She was never going find a way out.

The End


The Wild Flower Saga will continue! Any comments help immensely!