"No... I Don't think I Will"
A Captain America Story
CHAPTER 1 - After the Game REVISION (5/9/23)
by Steve A. Rowell
JUNE 18, 2016
Steve Rogers was numb. He was consumed with thought. Steve had dreaded this day ever since he made the decision to return to Peggy after he replaced the stones… and now it was here. She dies today. His thoughts turned to her, alone in bed taking her last breath. Steve wanted desperately to be there-but he didn't trust himself. He knew he would call for an ambulance or lose it in some way and draw attention.
He had been able to pull it off to this point with only a few close calls. Steve Rogers PRIME was out there living his pre-ordained life. Making decisions that had already been made. He will find out tomorrow at the meeting with the secretary. Taking it hard. That was the moment he made the decision. He didn't know it at the time, but when he stepped on the platform with the stones. The decision was finalized. He knew what he was going to do.
…and here he is now, with the exact same feelings, and no way to change anything.
"You okay Grandpa" Buchanan said recognizing the look in his face.
"Shure, I'm okay" Steve put on a new face.
"Thought they might have had us in the eighth."
"No way, bullpen's too strong this year. They're not going to let one get away." Steve tried to say something relevant about the game, but it was only a blur. He couldn't remember a single play.
Steve Rogers, his grandson Bucky, and his great grandson Tony walk down a deserted city street at night. Tony tosses a baseball in the air and catches it as he walks. He stops to admire the autograph "Hector Rondon". He hurries to catch up to the other two.
The three turn the corner into an ally. A figure stands at the far end, holding a lead pipe and blocking their way. The three stop in their tracks and start to back up. As they do another man holding a baseball bat blocks their retreat. Bucky pulls Tony close to him. They turn back forward to see the figure flanked by two more man who work their way down the sides of the ally surrounding them.
Steve begins to empty his pockets and place the contents on the ground in front of him.
"Buck" Steve says to Bucky. Bucky begins to do the same. Tony looks down at the ball then up to his Great Grandfather. He sees the look in Tony's eyes and stiffens up a bit.
"It'll be okay Tony" he nods. Tony adds the ball to the top of the pile of valuables.
"Now, you have everything. There is no reason for anyone to get hurt." Steve says to the lead hoodlum.
"What about a little recreation? I been cooped up all day!" The others laugh.
"Okay, let them go… I'd like to play." Steve offers. They all laugh a bit harder.
"All right old man. I bet your bones will crack real loud." The leader readied himself.
Bucky gathers his son in his arms and runs down the alleyway the way they came in. Steve listens to the footsteps to make sure they are clear. He looks down at the pile of valuables. They sit on top of a manhole cover that reads "Star Sewer Company", with the logo of a star. Steve smiles wryly...
Down the street a few blocks Bucky collapses from exhaustion. Tony looks back. He can see the shadow of his Great Grandfather on the building across the street from the ally. He hears a loud CLANG. The shadow of a round object pops up in the hands of his Great Grandfather's shadow. The shadow lunges forward. The sounds of breaking, slamming, and snapping follow as the shadows from the ally reflect the frenzy...
Steve, bleeding slightly from the corner of his mouth, is holding the manhole cover. He looks around to see 3 of the men writhing in pain clutching various parts of their anatomy. The leader stands before him badly beaten and weaving back and forth.
"We done here?" Steve asks.
The leader takes a deep breath... Raises his fists up to a fighting stance... "I can do-" Steve delivers two quick punches and levels the man before he can finish his sentence...
Down the street Bucky stands, still with his arm around his son, and turns to the alleyway which is now quiet. They watch as Steve emerges and walks toward them holding their valuables. Bucky and Tony hug him as he arrives.
"Are you okay Greagramp?" Tony asks. Steve nods and begins to return the items. As he does Bucky's cellphone rings.
"Here" Steve returns the baseball. Tony looks down at the signature, there is a thumbprint in blood beside the signature. Bucky returns
"Grandpa. She's gone." Bucky's tone is concerned. He looks at Steve as tears form in his eyes. "You knew this was going to happen. You came out here to be with us..to…protect us, to protect our family."
"Yes, It's okay." Bucky buries his head into Steve's shoulder and cries. Tony wraps his arms around his legs.