Rumlow was escorted into the large meeting room. Josef Kreutz greeted him.
"Heir Kruetz. It's a pleasure to meet you. I appreciate your time." said Rumlow.
"It is my pleasure. Please sit." said Kruetz gesturing to the chair next to him at the large oak table. "What business did you need to discuss."
"I've been assigned to bring in the former experiment K348, Ella Macoy." he said as he watched the man's expression change from pleasant to irritation. "It seems my job may be easier than expected with your cooperation."
Kruetz took a deep breath, "How so?" he asked through gritted teeth.
"She is currently in the protective custody of Steve Rogers and Jamed Barnes formerly known as the Winter Soldier." said Rumlow. "I personally have some unfinished business with Rogers." he said speaking of his near death experience yet again at the indirect hands of Rogers.
"And you want from me?" he asked.
"They key to flipping the switch for Barnes. If we can control him, you get Ella back, and I get Rogers. You'll have both your prized experiments back. I assume that will go far with your superiors in rebuilding Hydra and what Rogers has taken from you." said Rumlow persuading him.
Kruetz looked to Rumlow studying him. Kruetz had lost everything as Hyrda crumbled within S.H.I. . Ella had left the experiment prematurely. If he had her back to finish what was started and also had control of Barnes, the Winter Soldier it could mean the resurgence of Hydra especially if Rogers could be eliminated.
"Ada, could you please bring our guest some coffee." he said smiling at Rumlow. "We have much to discuss."
Ella showered. It felt good. She could hear Steve and Bucky talking but she did not hear specifically what they were taking about. She didn't care. She wrapped herself in a towel and stepped from the tub. She caught sight of her bloodied t-shirt on the floor. What was going on, she wondered. She dressed in a tank top, pajama pants, and wrapped herself in her robe. She nornally would not bother with the robe but she wanted to be modest since this was her first time sharing living space with men. This was all so odd. She walked out to the living area. Bucky sat on the couch and Steve was setting plates on their small table.
"Eggs and bacon ok?" he asked. "We don't have a lot of groceries right now."
She chcukled, "Yes. How can I help?"
Bucky stood up, "By hopefully not using all my hot water." he said smiling and walking into the bathroom she had just left.
"Ignore him." said Steve cracking the eggs. Ella came alongside him.
"I can do that." she said smiling at Bucky as he looked back at her. "I can crack eggs if you need to start the bacon?" she said,
He looked at her, "Sure." as he passed the carton of eggs to her as he grabbed the bacon from the fridge.
She heard the water running in the bathroom so she felt safe to speak to Steve without him hearing. "What if I can't help him?" she asked.
Steve looked at her realizing her fear, "Ella, we're only asking you to try. There is no pressure or expectations. Our primary goal is to keep you safe. That's all."
She shook her head, "Ok." she said turning her back her back to him as she grabbed an egg. He gently placed his hands on her arms to turn her to look at him.
"Ella, there are no expectations." he said looking her in the eye. "We realize this is a hard situation for you so I hope you don'-t feel oressured to do something you aren't ready for." She thought it was a sweet gesture.
"Thanks." she said turning back to her task. "You know I do recognize you. You're Cap-" he cut her off.
"I was." he said with a deep sadness filling his eyes. "Sorry. It's just, that's not who I am anymore." .
"I recognize James too. He was a fugitive. " she said nervously. "Can I trust he won't hurt," she paused, "anyone?"
Steve looked at her, "There are safeguards in place. You saw for yourself how he protected you earlier."
She shook her head.
"Stark installed a fail-safe device in me. If you feel threatened, you just hit the switch and I recieve a shock to incapacitate me." said Bucky appearing from the bathroom door. Ella felt embarrassed. She hadn't meant for him to hear that.
"I'm sorry." she said.
"Is that your hesitance?" asked Bucky.
Ella looked at Steve then to Bucky, "Yes."
Bucky dropped his head looking disappointed. "Steve can give you the tech to carry. I can even shock myself if I feel it necessary." Ella saw the sadness in his eyes. It went beyond what she saw in Steve's. "If you don't believe it you can test it on me so you can feel safe."
"I'm not sure that's necesaary." she said.
"I want you to trust how safe you are around me." he said looking at her. Steve placed a watch on her wrist that automatically wrapped itself onto her arm.
"Press and hold the lower left corner." said Bucky. "We already programmed your fingerprint in the system." Ella looked at Steve. He nodded to her. Bucky braced himself. She looked at the device staring at it. She looked up at Bucky. His eyes cold and empty as he stood readied for the shock.
"No. No, you've been through enough. I trust you." she said feeling a wave of sadness for him hit her. "I need a minute." she said hurrying into the bedroom.
"Did I upset you?" asked Bucky standing in the doorway. "I have that effect." he attempted to joke. She looked up at him attempting a half smile. "No. I trust you." she said taking a deep breath.
"No you don't." he said as she looked at him in surprise. He walked over to the bed she sat on. "Can I sit?" he asked. She nodded yes. He took a seat next to her.
"I want to help you. I'm just not sure I can." she said wiping a small tear from her eye.
He took notice. "I'm only asking you to try. The fact that you aren't sure gives me hope. Frankly, anyone saying they can help me is not someone I want to deal with. You being honest and saying you aren't sure tells me you already have an understanding they don't."
She looked at him amazed. "Like I said," she smiled, "you sure know how to flatter a girl."
He chuckled and rested his hand on her back, "You make it easy." he said smiling back at her. "Now, an old fashioned girl like you shouldn't be sitting here on her bed with a strange man like this." he joked getting up and walking towards the kitchen. "It ain't proper." he called out teasing.
She smiled shaking her head as she got up. She walked into the kitchen.