Chapter 10. Regret
Shuri contacted Lacey after Bucky returned to cryostasis to learn more about the play set. When the Princess described the toys that were actually sent on Bucky's behalf Lacey didn't know what to think. It was suggested that Lacey take a closer look at the play set and see if there were any marks on it of any kind that could identify it. When she brought it up later to Clint and Laura they both looked concerned.
"If it wasn't the Wakandans that sent it then who?" asked Clint. "No one except Fury knows we're here and I can't see him sending this without making an appearance or at least an acknowledgement."
"Could it be one of the Avengers that came here after that mission to hide out?" asked Laura.
"Steve sent a present, so did Natasha," said Lacey. "Thor and Bruce are still missing, right? That leaves Tony and he wouldn't, not after finding out about Bucky."
"What do you mean?" asked Clint. "He's known about Bucky most of the time. What haven't you told us?"
Lacey covered her mouth, angry at herself. "One of the things that Zemo did was to reveal to Tony Stark who killed his parents," she said, not wanting to say anything further but Clint still looked blankly at her. "He revealed it in Siberia, when he followed Steve and Bucky there. It's why he shot Bucky's arm off."
"Shit, the Winter Soldier," said Clint. "It was always thought to be a traffic accident but it was a hit?"
Lacey nodded. "There was traffic cam footage and Zemo showed Stark," she said. "Sent him into a rage and he tried to kill Bucky. He and Steve had to team up and fight him together to stop him. It's why Steve and Sam went underground."
"Damn," said Clint. "But why would Tony send a play set, an expensive one at that, to the son of the man who killed his parents? Unless, the decryption of the HYDRA files has made him realize Bucky was never in control."
Lacey went over to the play set and began to inspect it for any sign it came from Tony, knowing that his ego was big enough for him to put something on it but she found nothing and although she agreed with Clint's speculation there was no actual proof he sent it.
The matter would have been considered unresolved if Lacey hadn't received a visit from the man himself soon after. Clint applied to have his restrictions relaxed. He had to attend a hearing outside of his 10 mile radius so Agent Jones came to pick him up and Laura went with them. The older two children, Cooper and Lila, were at school, leaving Lacey to look after Nathaniel and now 20 month old Tommy. While they were outside playing a sound from the sky attracted their attention. Gathering the two boys close to her Lacey watched as Iron Man descended into the yard. The two little boys were awestruck as the suit opened and Tony Stark stepped out. Lacey said nothing when she saw him, unsure of why he was there but to his credit he came right over, smiling in a friendly manner.
"It looks good," he said, waving his hand at the structure. "Tommy likes it?"
"He loves it," she replied. "Why didn't the installers say it was from you? And how do you know his name?"
"I wasn't sure you would accept it, given the circumstances," he said, frowning slightly, then looking closer at Tommy. "He is definitely Barnes' son. Those eyes ..." Lacey didn't respond. "Look, here's the thing. Yes, I did try to kill Barnes but I was in a rage at the time due to that Sokovian madman showing me something no child, even one as old as me, should ever see. I'm still working on forgiveness but I have acquired understanding of what HYDRA did to him to make him into what he was. He needs treatment and I'm glad he's getting it."
"It might be years before he's well enough to join us," said Lacey. "Are you going to come after him then?"
Tony paused, giving her a sad but understanding look that said it all. It was probably the only time Lacey would see Tony Stark looking humbled.
"No, there's been too much hate and violence already because of HYDRA. He won't be in danger from me. I know I'm not the easiest man to deal with. God knows my father and I were at each other's throats often enough. I would give up all my money to tell him face to face that I loved him, just once. Barnes has a chance at a normal life with you and Tommy. I'm willing to let him have it."
Lacey nodded, realizing this was as close to an apology that anyone would ever receive from Tony Stark.
"You still haven't said how you know my son's name," she stated.
"Being a billionaire has its advantages," replied Stark, grinning wickedly once more. "I just put Friday on it. Now, can I see how this little guy moves? I'm guessing he is showing signs of inheriting the super soldier abilities? We'll have to keep what's left of HYDRA and the CIA from finding out. The lawyer said the decrypted HYDRA files will go a long way to exonerating Barnes but it will be a while until he can return to protect his family himself."
"You're paying for the lawyer, aren't you?" asked Lacey.
"I refuse to answer on the grounds it may make me seem like a better man," smiled Stark, then turned back to the two little boys. "Come on, Tommy, Nathaniel. Show your Uncle Tony how you use this thing."
He stayed and played with the boys for almost an hour, climbing up the structure with them, sliding down on the slide portion then encouraging them to use the rope swing, even helping Nathaniel get down when he panicked after being up too high. As Lacey watched she could tell Tony was assessing Tommy's capabilities as he played. Her son didn't disappoint as he jumped up from the ground to grab hold of the monkey bars portion and pulled himself across them. Then he climbed to the top several times and jumped off with a joyous yell. His strength, dexterity and bravery were all on full display and when Tony finally stopped playing, claiming he was too old for this, he came and sat on the grass next to Lacey, still watching the pair.
"He's impressive," he stated. "Just a toddler and he's doing things that much older kids would do. Does he know about his dad?"
"We've had a couple of video calls with him," she replied. "They've restored Bucky's early memories and found other HYDRA memories that set him back a little. They're working on the activation words right now."
"His arm?"
"They haven't really said other than they're working on a replacement," she admitted. "I'm guessing it won't be the heavy burden the first one was. Why do you care, Tony?"
He sighed. "I told you." Lacey looked unconvinced. "I guess what it comes down to is that if the CIA had told my dad after the war that Bucky Barnes was still alive and being tortured to turn him into an assassin my dad would have flown the plane to rescue him. He would have probably bankrolled the rescue himself. He talked a lot about Steve Rogers when I was growing up but he also told me about Sergeant Barnes, Captain America's protector since childhood. Dad and Barnes competed for the same women but also had some good conversations about science and technology. Barnes must have impressed him with his knowledge and understanding because my dad talked about how the differences in their upbringing made Barnes an ordinary soldier instead of an engineer. He thought that was as great a loss as Barnes dying. I'm just trying to honour my dad by trying to help Barnes now, I guess."
"It's true then," said Lacey, grinning. "Tony Stark does have a heart."
"Now you're just insulting me," he said, standing up and brushing off his backside. "Time to go before you say I probably feel guilty about breaking up the Avengers."
He stopped in his tracks, realizing he had spoken that last part out loud. Then he turned to her with a regretful smile before walking over to his Iron Man suit. The boys both stopped what they were doing and watched in fascination as the suit opened up, enclosed Stark inside, and then with a wave lifted off into the sky. Both boys waved back watching him until he was no longer visible. When Clint and Laura arrived back an hour later with the news that Clint's radius had been extended to 50 miles she told them of Tony's visit.
"Good thing I wasn't here," said Clint. "I'm still angry at him. But at least it sounds like he's slowly coming around. He actually played with the boys?"
"For an hour at least," she said. "He was assessing Tommy while he was doing it. He's paying Bucky's lawyer as well."
"Now I have heard everything," grinned Clint.
It remained a source of conversation between the three for much of the day. Two days after Tony's visit a FedEx truck delivered some boxes addressed to Nathaniel Barton and Tommy Chapman. Inside were several sets and varieties of toddler friendly building blocks. Clint didn't want to accept them but both Laura and Lacey convinced him that the boys would both enjoy the toys.
Later that week Lacey received word via a Nick Fury phone call that her mother had died. He left it to her whether she wanted to go to the funeral but did say he would provide transportation, accommodation, and security for her, if that was a concern. She discussed it with Clint and Laura, who advised her to go. After sleeping on it she agreed and informed Fury she would. The day came soon enough and she waited for what she thought would be a limousine to pick her and Tommy up. Instead it was a quinjet and a rather straight laced man in a suit stepped out. Clint immediately stepped forward offering his hand.
"Phil, it's been a long time," he said. "I'm sorry I was on the wrong side at the time."
"Clint," the man politely accepted his hand. "It's all water under the bridge. Miss Chapman, I'm Phil Coulson, SHIELD. If you and your son would follow me I'll strap you in."
Clint waved goodbye and stepped back as the quinjet took off. Coulson sat next Lacey on the aircraft and smiled kindly at her. Right away, she felt at ease with the man.
"We have a safe house in Philadelphia for you and your son to stay," he advised her. "We will transport you to the funeral in Wilmington. Myself and another agent will provide security for you, with a third agent driving. Afterwards we will return to the safe house then return you to Barton's farm the following morning." He looked at Tommy in a friendly way. "He seems to be a happy child. Is he aware of his father?"
"You know?" asked Lacey, surprised.
"I was read in," he said calmly. "This child is unique and mustn't be raised by anyone other than yourself. He must grow up without interference."
"May I ask what your connection to Clint is?" asked Lacey.
"We were colleagues at SHIELD," replied Coulson. "Barton was compromised, his mind taken over by a demi god with delusions of grandeur. He helped attack the location where we were holding the individual. I was killed in the process." Lacey looked horrified as Coulson smiled grimly. "Fury used alien technology to resurrect me but there was a cost. Clint still feels guilt for his part in my death and I'm still angry at Fury for not letting me die. I still trust him as part of SHIELD which is why I still work for him but we're no longer friends."
"I'm sorry," said Lacey. "Clint and Laura have become like family to me. He never mentioned it."
"He wouldn't," said Coulson. "He still wears his guilt inside."
They didn't speak for the remainder of the flight. When they landed a limousine was waiting for them and she was taken to a high rise apartment building. Their "safe house" turned out to be the four bedroom penthouse with a 360 degree view. Two other agents were already there, a young woman named Daisy Johnson, and a rather stern faced man by the name of Alphonso Mackenzie.
"Just call me Mack," he said on their introduction. "I'm sorry for your loss. I'll be your driver while Coulson and Johnson will accompany you to the funeral."
"Is there really a possibility that HYDRA or the CIA will come after us?" she asked.
"Hard to say," said Coulson. "You've done very well staying off the radar, except for allowing your own picture to go with your pseudonym for your second book. If they know of your first book written under your real name they can make the connection pretty easily as you were listed on your mother's obituary as next-of-kin. Someone may be watching for you and could wonder how you got pregnant with this little guy."
"He is pretty adorable," said Daisy, smiling at Tommy and getting a shy smile in return. "I'll make sure no one touches him."
"Except for my family," said Lacey, quickly. "Although if my brother is still an asshole I'll rethink that."
"Come on, I'll show you to your room," said Daisy. "We don't have a crib for Tommy but it is a king-sized bed so there should be enough room for both of you to share."
She opened the door to a fairly large room with a king-sized bed. There was a bathtub in the bathroom which Lacey was glad for Tommy's sake as she brought some bath toys in her suitcase. Daisy kept her eyes out the window as Lacey unpacked which drew the latter's attention.
"Is everything alright?" she asked.
"Force of habit," replied Daisy before turning her attention to Lacey. "May I ask if Tommy has his father's abilities?"
"It appears so," said Lacey. "Tony Stark gave us a big play set for Christmas and this guy is all over it, even jumping off the top ... a distance of about 12 feet. When I was still nursing him it was pretty tiring. Every four hours until he was a year old, even though I started him on solids at about 5 months. Bucky said it's because super soldiers need more calories than regular humans. Tommy can eat as much as a normal adult now."
"That's incredible," said Daisy. "I'll make sure we have lots of food available for him for dinner and breakfast. Can't have this little guy go hungry."
She smiled at him again and this time he climbed on the bed and began jumping on it, making a show of it, as he touched the high ceiling several times. He entertained both of them for as long as they were willing to watch. After dinner and a bath he tired himself enough to sleep and Lacey joined him soon after. In the morning it didn't take long to get ready for the 11 am funeral. While Mack drove, Coulson sat in the front, as Daisy sat in the back with Lacey and Tommy. They arrived at the funeral about 15 minutes before its start time and both SHIELD agents stepped out of the car first, checking the area before giving Lacey the okay. Other funeral goers were confused to what was going on but several family members recognized Lacey and waved.
"It's okay, I know these people," said Lacey to Coulson, when her aunt and uncle approached her.
"What's going on?" asked her Uncle Bert. "Why do you have a bodyguard?"
"It's a long story but in a way it's related to Tom's death," said Lacey. "Some unsavoury people kept looking for me for a long time after Tom died. I'm still a little paranoid so I have a security detail."
"Who is this little angel?" asked her Aunt Mavis, reaching out to touch Tommy's cheeks. "Look at those beautiful eyes."
"The result of a brief affair," said Lacey. "His name is Tommy."
"Miss Chapman, we are exposed," said Coulson in a low voice. "I would suggest we go inside."
They entered the funeral chapel and were escorted to the family reflection room where her sister and brother were already seated. Her sister Nancy got up right away and tearfully embraced Lacey, then asked about Tommy, making a fuss over him. Her brother Terry was less friendly.
"So, after what, two and a half years you finally show your face?" he said, angrily. "Could you ever have told us where you were? How did you even know Mom had died?"
Coulson looked at her and shrugged slightly indicating it was her choice what she wanted to tell her family.
"You know Terry, if you had been a bit nicer to me and didn't have your entourage hanging around at Tom's funeral I could have told you what I was facing," she said. "But you had to play the big man and told me to stop being a selfish brat."
"So it's my fault you took off?" he snarled. "You always were immature, weren't you?"
Lacey took a deep breath. "The day after Tom died four Russian mobsters broke into the house looking for a flash drive that he had hidden," she said. "The flash drive contained the location of laundered money that a co-worker of Tommy's tricked him into setting up an investment account for. Instead, he hid the money in a secret account and came to see me. He went to tell the FBI but as you know the Russians got to him first. The four that came to my house ..." Terry made a face. "...Grandpa's house that he left to me because I was the only one who was there for him the last two years before he died, were not in a mood to be polite. They were armed and willing to hurt me. I wasn't alone. Bucky Barnes, yes that Bucky Barnes, spent the night and he took on all four men, subduing them and tying them up. He told me to call the FBI and sell the house because they would come looking for me again. Tommy is Bucky's son and if HYDRA or the CIA find out about him they'll come for him. So I've been in hiding ever since, Terry. Not because I didn't want to contact you but because it was safer for me, for Tommy and for you both if I didn't. I don't even know why I came to the funeral, to be honest. Especially since it's obvious you haven't changed. You're still the asshole you always were."
She glared at her brother, daring him to make a smart ass comment again, like he usually did. Her body was shaking as she struggled to keep herself from crying. Instead he stepped forward and enveloped her in his arms, which did made her cry which made Tommy cry. After several long moments, Terry stepped back and looked at his nephew then at his sister.
"You don't have to be scared of me, Tommy," he said emotionally. "I'm your Uncle Terry and I will protect you as much I can." He stroked Lacey's hair. "I'm so sorry. I was such an asshole then. As you can see there is no more entourage. I blew my knee out last year and the team released me this year. Officially, I'm an unemployed ex-football player with no actual skills to work in the real world. I had no right to treat you the way I did."
Nancy came forward and hugged Lacey again. "I'm sorry I didn't stand up for you at Tommy's funeral," she said. "We were all hurting so much and with you being the last one to see him alive it was easy to blame you even though you had nothing to do with it. It's our fault you left without a word. I'm just glad you're okay and that you have someone that means the world to you. He's beautiful, Lacey."
Nancy touched Tommy's cheek and he shyly smiled before laying his head onto Lacey's shoulder. The funeral director came in, advising that it was time to enter the chapel. Coulson and Daisy stood to the side, keeping their eyes on all entrances, while Lacey and her family took their places. It wasn't a long ceremony and when the siblings followed the coffin outside to enter the limousine Coulson advised Daisy to accompany the family while he and Mack followed in their car. The drive to the cemetery was quick and without incident. After the interment a line of people waited to hug the siblings. Coulson, Mack and Daisy all kept their eyes open when they noticed a vehicle enter the cemetery. It stopped some distance away but the driver's side window lowered and Daisy saw a telephoto lens appear. Immediately she went to Lacey, blocking the view to her, while Coulson and Mack approached the vehicle with their weapons drawn.
"Get in the car," she said urgently while she kept scanning the area for any more threats.
Lacey immediately complied, followed by her brother and sister. They all sat in the limousine wondering what to do next until Daisy looked inside to update them.
"Mack and Coulson are checking the guy out," she said. "They're holding his camera and Mack has pressed some buttons. Now they're coming back."
Coulson returned to the limousine and looked inside at the others.
"He was paid to get a picture of you and the baby, for an unknown client," he informed them. "Mack deleted the images. I think it's time you and the baby return to the safe house. I'm sorry to cut your reunion short. He's bringing our car up alongside this one."
Lacey turned to the other two apologetically. "I better go," she said. "I don't know when I'll see you again."
Nancy pulled out a card, wrote her phone number and email address down on it, then handed it to Terry for him to do the same. "If you find a safe way to contact me here's our information," she said. "I wish we had more time. I bought your book and I loved it. I hear it's doing really well and I'm so proud of you."
They hugged affectionately. Terry kneeled on the floor of the limousine and took Lacey's hand into his own.
"I meant what I said about protecting you two," he said emotionally. "If you ever need extra muscle wherever you're hiding let me know. Don't wait so long for the next visit. Take care little sister. I'll see you again little man."
He hugged Lacey hard and ruffled Tommy's hair. Mack pulled their car close and Lacey quickly transferred over. She looked out the rear window as the car pulled away from the limousine trying not to cry. Daisy held her hand the entire time.
"We're being followed," said Mack, just minutes later as he looked out his rear view mirror. "Two vehicles, tinted windows."
Coulson and Daisy both looked back. "Can you get on the expressway?" asked Coulson.
"Only if I double back," said Mack. "That could put them before and after us. I could try to shotgun a left turn up ahead."
"Do it," said Coulson. "Daisy, if we have to ..."
"I understand," she replied. "I'll be ready."
Mack pulled up to a stoplight with a regular left turn. As the traffic lined up in the opposite direction he kept his eye on the traffic light for the cross traffic. Just before that light turned red he spoke.
"Hold on," he warned, then he gunned the accelerator making the turn just as their light turned green.
The oncoming traffic beeped their horns but let him pass. They didn't let the next two vehicles turn and Mack accelerated turning onto another busy road that led to the expressway. He got on it, watching carefully behind him before leaving it several exits later and taking a roundabout way back to the safe house. They entered the underground parkade where Mack backed into a stall then stepped out with his gun drawn and checked the immediate area before giving the okay.
"Who were they?" asked Lacey as they exited the vehicle.
"Don't know," replied Mack tersely, "but I wasn't going to take any chances. They tried to shotgun with us so they were definitely following us."
Back safely in the penthouse Coulson made a phone call, presumably to Fury, to report about the photographer and the two cars following them. After hanging up he looked grimly at Lacey.
"Fury isn't happy about the two incidents," he said. "He's concerned whoever is trying to find you already knows about Tommy. It will delay any chance you have of living elsewhere."
"So back to the farm?" Lacey asked. "I'm okay with that. My family aren't in danger are they?"
"Probably not," replied Coulson, "but you won't be able to contact them through normal channels. They are going to put the photographer under surveillance and see if that leads them to who paid him. We'll also try to locate images of those two vehicles through traffic cam footage."
"Will it always be like this?" asked Lacey, as she watched Tommy approach Mack, who just looked sternly down at the boy.
"I would like to say no," replied Coulson, as he watched with her. "But he is unique, born a super soldier. That is worth a lot to the wrong people. HYDRA had their own aspirations to breed Winter Soldiers that failed miserably because their scientists didn't understand how fragile the reproductive system really is. The fact that Bucky Barnes was eventually able to father a child may have them scrambling, I think."
The next morning they made it to the airport without incident and Coulson accompanied Lacey on the quinjet flight back to the farm. Clint came out of the house as the aircraft landed and nodded at Coulson as he escorted Lacey and Tommy off.
"We had to leave the funeral at the interment," said Coulson. "A photographer tried to get a picture. Then we were followed by two vehicles."
"Well, she'll just have to stay with us," replied Clint, putting his arm around Lacey briefly. "She and Tommy are like family now so it's no hardship for us."
"You're a good man, Clint," said Coulson with a smile. "Miss Chapman, it has been a pleasure. You look after Tommy and yourself."
Lacey hugged him, which he accepted somewhat bashfully, then they watched the quinjet leave before going inside. There were worse places to raise a child but there weren't many that were better. Clint had done a good job keeping the existence of this farm a secret. Right from the time she arrived there Lacey had felt safe. The prospect of living there indefinitely wasn't a problem.