Chapter 10. Moving Day

There was a bit of a breeze in the late August air as Bucky went out for the newspaper. His eye was taken by a cigarette stub on the sidewalk a few feet away and he grimaced slightly. That man was still around, still watching the house and him. At least his stealth skills were better although his littering skills weren't. He came back inside only this time Sam was awake, sitting up on the couch, blinking his eyes sleepily.

"Sorry," said Bucky. "Just went for the paper. Go back to sleep. It's a couple of hours before we can pick up the truck."

"No, I'm awake," replied his friend. "Wouldn't mind a coffee."

Bucky poured one for Sam, placing it on the table in the kitchen as he poured one for himself. The two friends sat there sipping quietly, each lost in their own thoughts.

"Tracey is a lovely woman," said Sam. "I think she's exactly what you were looking for."

"Yeah, she is. We're so in tune with each other it's uncanny. I keep waiting for something to pull us apart." He grimaced slightly. "You know me, the pessimist comes out when things are going good."

"You two have the real thing," said Sam comfortingly. "I'm sure she'll stick with you through thick and thin." He took another sip of coffee. "You thinking of making it permanent someday?"

"We've talked about it." Bucky's face was tinged pink. "Rebecca had our mother's engagement ring. I got it assessed and cleaned up."

"I hope it happens, really," said Sam then he sighed. "I didn't want to say anything last night but I did go to Madripoor. Clint came with me. He was there during the Blip when he was on his vengeance thing so he knows it well. Didn't find Sharon but before we left someone dropped off some pictures of CIA Director Fontaine arriving in Madripoor in a private jet before you and I ever set foot in that place. That was before she was named director."

Bucky looked at Sam with surprise. "Does my lawyer know?"

Sam nodded. "I dropped copies off with him yesterday before I got here. Rhodes has the originals in a safe place. Have there been any more problems?"

"Rebecca's ramp is still being held up. Should have been installed weeks ago. There's also been a guy watching the place. Smokes Japanese cigarettes, leaves the butts on the sidewalk. Saw one out there this morning. Still no settlement for me, but I never did have much hope of that happening."

Sam shook his head in sympathy. "It's all so cloak and dagger and for what?"

"They want to be in the shadows," replied Bucky. "No oversight, no scrutiny, no one telling them they're hypocrites for insisting the Avengers sign on to the Accords but they get an exemption."

"Someone sounds cynical this morning," said a female voice as Tracey came out the bedroom door in her robe.

Bucky extended his arm and she came to his side, allowing him to encircle her. She bent over and kissed him on the lips.

"I'm with him on this one," said Sam, "and I'm not a cynical person. They're up to no good."

"Was there another cigarette out there this morning?" she asked Bucky. He looked up at her surprised. "I've noticed them. Our neighbours smoke in their yard and these are always stubbed out on the same spot on the sidewalk, just beyond the property line where they can see the house but you can't see them unless you leave the house."

Bucky smiled. "I'm going to have be more careful around you if I ever get you a secret present. You're sneakier than you look."

Tracey smiled and kissed Bucky again as Sam watched. He really did like Tracey. Her quiet nature was exactly what Bucky needed and she seemed to have a good understanding of PTSD, anxiety disorder and whatever other personality issues Bucky suffered from on occasion. Being a nurse probably helped. So did being very attractive.

"I'm going to have my shower," she said, rubbing Bucky's shoulder. "I won't be long then I'll make us all breakfast."

Both men watched as she walked down to the hallway. After she closed the bathroom door Bucky looked at Sam and smiled. "I'm a lucky man."

They shared the newspaper while they drank their coffee. By the time Tracey was done Rebecca was awake and Bucky went into the bedroom to carry her into the bathroom. Tracey returned from dressing to help Rebecca shower then wrapped her up in a terry towel robe so she could walk to the bedroom with her walker, an exercise recommended by the physiotherapist. Bucky began preparing breakfast then Rebecca came out of her room, walking, followed by Tracey who helped Bucky with breakfast. They kissed again at the stove and Rebecca smiled at them.

"They have it down to a system, Sam," she said. "They know what the other has to do and it's like a dance between them."

Tracey chuckled. "She makes it sound complicated but it's just doing what comes next."

"I just like seeing the two of you together," said Sam. "You bring out the best in Bucky. He's a good man and with you it shows. Rebecca, what will you be doing while we move Tracey in today?"

"Amina is coming for me," she said brightly. "There's an information fair at the newcomer centre. I'm a volunteer for it."

"No kidding?" exclaimed Sam. "That's amazing. What are your duties?"

"Helping to promote their volunteer program for senior outreach and care," said Rebecca proudly. "I'm their poster girl for the good things that newcomers can offer to the community. They even took my picture and are making a promotion from it. It was Samira's idea. I cherish the day Tracey got in touch with them. So many have become dear friends."

Bucky and Tracey both looked fondly at Rebecca, knowing it was also her engaging personality that endeared her to the newcomers. Her accepting attitude and calm frankness had benefitted everyone as she shared her life experiences with the individuals who cared for her. It helped immensely with their own adjustment into American society. Bucky knew that she also helped the three women who looked after her to improve their English as Amina had informed him of how much she had learned from his sister. It's why he offered his time as well; knowing so many different languages allowed him to help several newcomer men overcome difficulties in their transitions. He was able to assist several in applying for work, an important step in their own emotional wellbeing to be able to provide for their families.

While the couple finished making breakfast Sam and Rebecca set the table, laughing and teasing each other gently. Sam hovered over the older woman as she transferred from her walker to a chair. She waved him away with an exaggerated pout.

"I'm fully capable of stepping from my walker to the chair, Sam Wilson," she declared. "You're such a mother hen for a man."

"Just making sure that my favourite girl is seated properly. What kind of gentleman would I be if you fell on my watch?"

"Bucky, tell him how strong I am now," said Rebecca.

"She is stronger," said Bucky. "I had to buy a set of hand weights for her. She was using cans of food and needed something heavier. She's lifting a five pound weight in each hand now, doing bicep and tricep curls as part of her physiotherapy."

"We have those big elastic bands as well," she said proudly. "I do my leg exercises with those. I'm strong enough to get down the stairs at the front door and then my ladies can take me for a walk around the neighbourhood in the wheelchair. We've been thinking of me using the walker on my walks as well, get used to going over bumps on the sidewalk."

"I'm glad to hear it," said Sam. "Maybe someday you'll actually be strong enough to visit one of the blues clubs with me. Now that Bucky is working days maybe he can come out with us as well."

"I'd like that, too," piped up Tracey. "I've never been. How about next time you're here we plan to do that?"

Bucky pretended to scowl but he actually liked the idea, especially if Tracey was on his arm. They had experienced several date nights in the back yard but he was feeling more confident out in public and wanted to treat her to a real night out. Once she was moved in it would be easier. He pulled Tracey's chair out for her as they brought the food to the table. Then they all served themselves and enjoyed breakfast immensely. Just before they were finished Amina was at the door to pick up Rebecca. She came in with Kafeel who smiled broadly when he saw Sam.

"Captain, you're here! Are you coming to the newcomer centre again?"

"Well ..." Sam looked at Bucky who shrugged. "We're moving Tracey into the house. If we get done early enough I might be able to drop by, in the suit. That's what you want, isn't it?"

"Please?" pleaded the boy. "Mr. Bucky is there often but we've only seen you once."

Sam assured him he would make time to come over, even if it was just a quick visit. The boy's eyes sparkled at the commitment. Bucky carried Rebecca out to Amina's car, while Amina took her wheelchair. He kissed her goodbye, wishing her a fun day then watched as the car disappeared in the distance. When he returned to the house Sam was putting the dishes away in the dishwasher.

"Tracey is removing the bedding from your room so we can move the bedroom furniture down to the basement," said Sam. "It will be nice to sleep in a bed down there as a guest instead of the couch."

"Once we get her moved in I'm going to submit plans to build an actual bedroom and bathroom down there," said Bucky. "There's room and it will add to the value of the house. There's a few guys at the dock who have done it and said they would help. Jack from the garden centre knows some electricians and a plumber. They'll help me with the plans."

Sam smiled broadly. "Look at you making more friends. I'm happy to see it."

"I realized part of my problem with people was I kept myself isolated too much, afraid they would judge me, I guess," replied Bucky. "Instead, I found most of them were curious about me and my experiences. They've all been pretty understanding."

It didn't take them long to move all of that bedroom furniture down and set it up while Tracey vacuumed Bucky's room to prepare it to receive her bedroom furniture. When they were done, and she had placed the bedding in the washer she drove them to the truck rental outlet to pick up the moving truck. She went on ahead to her apartment to get the key to the elevator from the building supervisor. It would allow them to keep the door open so they could load up the elevator with furniture without it being used by tenants. When Tracey got up to her floor, she unlocked her apartment and heard her neighbour, Walter, open his door.

"Hey, moving day, today?" said Walter. "Do you need some help?"

"No, thanks Walter," said Tracey, politely. "Bucky and Sam will be here with the truck any moment. I'm just getting ready for them."

The thin blond man nodded his head self-consciously. "I'm ... I'm sorry to see you move. I always thought we had a connection, you know?"

Tracey sighed, dreading this moment. "You were a friend, Walter, a good friend I thought. I appreciated you feeding Alley Cat and watching my place while I was in Belize."

"You never even gave me a chance to be more," he frowned. "I deserved that much, didn't I?" She didn't answer and he stepped forward, making her back up into her apartment. "You shouldn't be afraid of me."

She tried to close and lock the door but Walter pushed into it and came towards her with his hands open. With a sickening feeling Tracey saw the door close behind him. He turned and locked the deadbolt. "Walter, please," said Tracey as she looked for something to defend herself with. The buzzer for the building entry went off and she tried to let Bucky in but Walter pushed her away from the controls. "Walter, please stop. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Me get hurt?" he sputtered as her cell phone rang several times. "That's all you've done is hurt me, ignore me, treat me like I don't matter. Then you fall for that ... killer. I bet you let him fuck you, like the whore you are."

Tracey shook her head at finally seeing the true nature of her neighbour. "You're an incel," she said with disgust. "You're as bad as my ex-husband, just seeing what you want to see."

"I see a woman I worshipped treating me like shit," said Walter, his face becoming ugly. "I would have been so good to you, giving you lots of babies, taking care of you, making sure you never had to work."

"Is that what you think women want, Walter?" asked Tracey, hearing a sound at the apartment door and trying to distract him from noticing. "You think we want to be kept captive in our homes, always pregnant, having a man control us?"

Before Walter could say anything more a dark shape quickly came through the door from the hallway and an arm circled Walter's shoulder pulling him away from Tracey.

"I wouldn't say anything more, Walter," said Bucky, calmly but firmly holding the man from behind.

Sam entered from the hallway and stood in front of the man then looked back at Tracey. "We buzzed the building supervisor when you didn't answer the door buzzer or your phone. He gave us the master key to get in. Said he had been getting bad vibes from this guy ever since you gave your notice. Police are on the way if you want to lay charges for unlawful confinement."

Walter began to whine as Bucky pulled him back into the hallway. "I wouldn't have hurt you, Tracey. I love you. I worship you."

Only when Walter was out of her sight did Tracey let loose and begin to cry. Sam put his arms around her and held her, stroking her back. "Buck will hold him until the police get here. The building supervisor said he made several uncomfortable comments about you. That should interest the police."

"How did I never see it before?" she asked. "I just thought he was awkward. Then when he cornered me in here he began saying terrible things about me and Bucky. That's when I realized ... Thank God, you two were here."

They could hear the police out in the hallway and the sound of handcuffs being placed on Walter's wrists as his whines grew into shouts, begging her not to do this, not to turn her back on him. The police must have taken Walter back into his suite as Bucky came to the door and took Tracey in his arms. He looked at Sam and nodded knowingly.

"I saw inside his apartment," he said quietly to his friend. "He had a shrine, was obsessed with her. They'll be taking him for a psychiatric assessment. One of the officers will come see her first, to swear out the official charges." Softly he spoke to her as he caressed her hair. "It's okay, baby. You're alright. You did good. I could hear what you were saying to him and you gave me the time to get in here."

Quietly she wept and Bucky just kept whispering to her, while Sam watched sympathetically. A knock at the open door brought an officer in to take Tracey's statement and she told him everything Walter said to her.

"Can I see it, his shrine?" she asked.

The officer looked at Bucky and Sam, then at her and shook his head. "I don't think that's wise. We'll have a crew in to fully document it before they take it down. To be honest, I'm surprised he didn't try anything before today. It appears he may have installed cameras here in your apartment to watch you."

That set her off on another round of crying which he apologized for. He looked at Bucky. "You and Miss Harris weren't intimate here?"

"No, she always came over to my house," he replied. "I've only been here a couple of times and we never ..."

"Well, it's pretty clear he has major issues which will require a psychiatric assessment. Unfortunately, we'll need to get a crew in here to find the evidence of the cameras he installed. I know you were here to move Miss Harris out but that will have to be put on hold while we search for evidence. Just for a few days."

"Can I take my clothes at least?" she asked plaintively.

The officer took a big breath. "Let me make a call and see if we can get a forensics crew in to start there, with your closet so that you can at least have clothes to wear. Anything else you would like to take with you?"

"Jewelry, toiletries, makeup," she answered. "Although we were moving my bedroom suite over as it's bigger than Bucky's."

"Okay, let me see what I can arrange," he replied and he left to radio in.

The three of them sat on her living room couch, her and Bucky holding hands, waiting to see if this day would be a total bust. Twenty minutes later the officer returned.

"A crew is on the way and they'll start on the bedroom," he said. "If you have the moving boxes for your clothes they'll even load them for you, once they examine them to make sure he hasn't hidden anything harmful in them. They'll try to get the bedroom suite done so you can take that back with you. You just won't be able to be here while they're doing it. If you give me a contact phone number they'll call when they've cleared the bedroom and the bathroom. It's possible they could finish it tonight. Walter's place will take longer but he'll be in custody for some time."

Bucky stood up and shook the officer's hand. "Thank you for doing what you could," he said. "It's been a tough day for Tracey."

"I appreciate your team coming in early," she said, trying to smile as the police officer nodded his head and returned to Walter's suite.

"Well, I guess we could always go over to the newcomer centre," said Sam. "Looks like some time has opened up in my schedule. Kafeel will be happy."

"We have the truck for the weekend," said Bucky. "Perhaps the cameras will be found quickly and we can get some more help from the newcomer centre to move everything."

After returning the elevator and master key to the building supervisor, who promised to let the forensics team into Tracey's unit they drove both vehicles back to the house. Sam geared up and took off while they took his travelling case and a change of clothes for him with them to the newcomer centre. There were many cries of hello when the couple entered the hall, which was set up with multiple displays of all the services offered by the center. When they finally arrived at the display for services to seniors Rebecca looked at them in surprise then she noticed that Tracey looked shaken.

"What's happened?" she asked, patting the chair next to her for Tracey to sit.

"My neighbour," began Tracey, then she choked up and buried her face in Rebecca's shoulder.

The older woman looked up at Bucky for an explanation as she put her arm around the younger woman. "Tracey arrived at the apartment before us and her neighbour cornered her, wouldn't let her leave or answer the door. Turns out he's been obsessed with her for some time, may have even planted cameras in her apartment to keep her under surveillance. The police have to find them first for evidence. Until they do we can't move her things out. They're trying to get it done today but they can't promise anything."

"That's terrible," said Amina, placing her hand in Tracey's. "I'm sure my husband and brother-in-law would help you move if they can. Where is Mr. Sam?"

"He's on his way," smiled Bucky. "Are the kids outside?"

Amina nodded then told Bucky to tell the organizers that Captain America would be making an appearance soon and they would announce it so everyone could go outside to see him. He went off to find them while Rebecca and Amina comforted Tracey. When the announcement was made Bucky wasn't surprised to see several of the women stay behind with Tracey. He came close but Rebecca looked up at her brother.

"It's okay, we've got her," she smiled. "There are some things that all women understand. Go outside and be there for the kids and the others."

Self-consciously he smiled and backed away, knowing that Rebecca and the others could offer Tracey support that she needed. Out behind the centre they watched Sam fly near and do more aerobatics in his flying suit for several minutes before landing gracefully in the middle of everyone. Kafeel came up with his soccer ball and grinned at the winged super hero.

"How was that?" asked Sam.

"Perfect," replied the boy. "Do you think someday I could be Captain America?"

"I don't see why not," replied Sam. "Just because you were born in Sudan doesn't mean you can't choose to be American. As long as you uphold all the good things that the country stands for you can be just about anything."

Kafeel's face beamed. As Sam posed for selfies with people who had watched his display Irshad appeared at Bucky's side along with his brother Farid. Bucky shook hands with both men.

"My wife says you may need our assistance to move Miss Harris's belongings from her apartment," he said. "The man who violated her privacy, he has been charged?"

"Yes, he will be," said Bucky, then he shook his head. "It's upset her greatly as she never gave him any encouragement or indication that she was interested in him."

"Some people do not respect boundaries," said Irshad. "It has happened in our culture as well. The sooner she is out of that place the better but you must keep an eye on her, support her, be kind to her. You will marry her soon?"

Bucky looked at him, surprised. "I wish to marry her, yes," he said. "When the time is right."

Irshad nodded. "Good, she is a good woman, a kind woman," he said. "Many here speak well of her. Her willingness to include many of us as valued members of the community has been noted. Helping her move is the least we can do to repay her."

Bucky and Sam stayed for the rest of day, mingling with the visitors to the center until it was time to shut things down. They helped fold up the tables and stacked chairs, putting them back into the storage rooms. As they finished Bucky checked his phone but didn't find any messages from the police. Tracey had nothing on her phone either and they prepared to leave for the house. Rebecca was ready for a nap so Sam said he would stay in the house while she slept, answering some emails on his phone. Bucky accompanied Tracey to a department store to buy some things for her to wear, in case her clothes were not released. As they pulled into the parking lot Bucky's phone rang, with the call display indicating was the police officer from the apartment. As soon as he answered it the officer asked him to take it off speaker and Bucky spoke with him, his face getting darker and darker in temperament. When he hung up he looked straight ahead for a moment, his jaw set firmly. Tracey noticed he was swallowing as if he was trying to find the best way to tell her something.

"Bucky," she said finally, "just spit it out. It can't be any worse than finding out your creepy neighbour has been watching you through hidden cameras."

"Yeah, it is," he said quietly, then he took her hand in his. "A preliminary examination of your clothing has found ejaculate residue on several articles of clothing, mostly your under garments so far. He was masturbating and coming on your things then rinsing them off before drying them, with your blow dryer, they think. They have to examine every piece of clothing you own. The guy was a real sick bastard."

Tears welled up in Tracey's eyes as he gazed at her. Holding his arms out she slid over the console and sat in his lap in the front seat of the car, bawling her eyes out. They sat like that for some time while he held her, rubbing her back and arms. Without comment he listened to her alternate between crying and ranting about the gross invasion of her privacy.

"I'm not moving this weekend, am I?" she finally asked.

"Your things aren't moving," clarified Bucky, kissing her on the side of her head. "But you are definitely moving in. We'll buy you several days worth of clothing. Officer Jackson said those pieces of clothing that have been identified with his biological evidence will be kept but they will release the others as they clear them. Sam and I will move my furniture back into the bedroom and when they've finished processing your apartment I already have volunteers willing to help move your things in. It will get done, just not this weekend. You don't have to go back to the apartment, ever."

Tracey gave out a big sigh then smiled at him. "Thank you for just letting me work it out. I was upset, and afraid that you would do something physical to him."

"I'll admit the thought crossed my mind," replied Bucky. "But I care about you too much to add to your distress. Right now, I just want to see to the practical side of things, get you set up to have enough clothing and toiletries to have for the week. I'm always here for you, always."

He rubbed his thumb along her jaw line then kissed her softly. A short time later they shopped together for underwear, clothing, and toiletries for Tracey. She found herself feeling better about the decision to move in with Bucky, realizing what a caring man he was, even more than she had witnessed already. A text message from Sam said that supper was well under way courtesy of him and Rebecca, if they could just pick up some beer and wine on the way home. By the time they arrived Tracey felt much better about her life.

The following weekend several men from the dock and the newcomer centre helped Bucky move her furniture to the house. As an apology, the building supervisor gave her a gift certificate to go out for dinner at a nice restaurant, feeling guilty about not sharing his suspicions about Walter with her. Her former neighbour was committed to psychiatric custody for some time before all the charges were officially laid. When he did come to trial Tracey knew there would be a core of supportive people with her in body and spirit, with Bucky leading the way.