Chapter 13
Celia sat huddled in the back of the taxi, trying to calm her trembling body. This was not good. She naively thought her luck had changed when she got back to her apartment and Kathy was still asleep. She hadn’t been looking forward to the freak out Kathy would’ve had if she’d woken up in the middle of the night to an empty apartment. Celia spent the rest of the night packing up what she could and getting things ready for today.
The talk with Kathy also hadn’t been the shitshow she was expecting, the woman able to relax and listen to Celia’s reasoning for her early departure and accepting that it was for the best. Luckily, Deb had been able to talk to her a little on the phone, so she wasn’t going to be stuck with a complete stranger. She got Kathy to pack up her few possessions in the apartment, making a quick breakfast for them before leaving to do her last minute errands. Celia should’ve known it wouldn’t be that easy.
Her first three stops went well, nothing holding her up, but she should’ve known Tony wouldn’t just let her roam freely after their last encounter. Her situational awareness skills were pretty honed, but she was more focused on getting her job done than she was on what was going on around her. When Natasha walked up, coming out of nowhere, she silently panicked. Why did she have to go to the tower last night? Celia should’ve ignored her impulses and gotten Kathy out safely before she put herself squarely back into the Avengers radar. But now she was in the back of a cab with the Black Widow, on her way to her doom. She had to get out of this and back to her apartment in time to get Kathy her stuff, she just didn’t know how yet.
The cab pulled up to the tower, much quicker than Celia wanted it to. She made no move to get out, not planning on making this easy for anyone. Natasha paid the driver and opened the door on her side, motioning for Celia to follow. She thought about trying to get Natasha out of the car and asking the cabbie to drive away, but she knew that would only put Kathy in danger. They would definitely send someone straight to her apartment and she would never beat them there. Celia might be able to escape if she ran, but Kathy wouldn’t and she couldn’t do that to her. Celia reluctantly slid out of the car, standing beside Natasha on the sidewalk. She briefly thought again about alerting one of the people on the street, but that also left her in the same predicament. It was times like this she wished she had even less ties than she had now.
Celia followed Natasha into the building, keeping a death grip on her two duffle bags. There were a lot more people wandering around the lobby this time, but none of them seemed to be paying attention to the two of them walking to the private elevator. Celia groaned, not wanting to be stuck in the metal box with the computer man again. They entered as soon as the doors opened, Celia standing in the corner away from Natasha.
“Take us to Tony please Jarvis,” Natasha directed. Celia spent the short trip psyching herself up. She did not know the right way to play this to get herself free in time to meet Deb. She cursed the man from yesterday in her head, and cursed Steve’s enhanced blood. They were the reason she was in this mess. The elevator doors opened to reveal a smug looking Tony, standing on the penthouse floor of the tower. Great, that eliminated the option of jumping out the window to escape. Celia didn’t move from her spot, anger making her petty and defiant.
“Ms. Burke, if you could join us in the seating area, we have a few questions to ask you,” Tony said gleefully. Celia wanted nothing more than to slap that look off of his face. Maybe she’d try later, super healing should have some perks. She stayed where she was, keeping her face blank. Celia perfected the dead eye stare as a teen and didn’t pull it out often, but she felt it was appropriate now. Natasha walked off, gesturing back to her, making her Tony’s problem now. Tony impatiently tapped his foot, waiting for Celia to make a move. She was not giving him anything.
“I can’t deal with this,” Tony grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Rogers!” Steve peeked his head around the corner, looking completely apologetic and that made Celia even angrier. This team’s lack of cohesiveness was atrocious. How did they get anything accomplished when they couldn’t even agree on what to do with her?
“Hey Steve, long time, no see,” Celia ground out, breaking her silence. Steve walked onto the elevator with her, pushing Tony out of the way a little. He gestured vaguely to her duffle bags.
“Going somewhere?” he asked with a grimace.
“Was it not allowed? Am I under arrest?” she shot back annoyed.
“You have to admit, it doesn’t look good,” Steve sighed. Celia shrugged, not admitting or denying. She knew she looked shady as hell, but if they had left her alone for one day, they wouldn’t have seen all this and would’ve gotten what they wanted without a fight. Now, they were gonna have to beat it out of her.
“Is this the part where you lock me in a cell and hand me off to the Men in Black?” Celia joked, suppressing a smile at Steve’s confused face.
“Shield wears more of a dark navy,” Steve said, shaking his head a little.
“It’s a movie reference, Cap!” Tony yelled, frustrated with this standoff. “Maybe you’d know by now if you watched something other than Wizard of freaking Oz!” Steve cocked his uninjured hand on his hip, scowling at Tony. These were the guys that saved the world? The guys heckling each other about movies?
“Jarvis, initiate code jiffy pop,” Tony commanded, stepping away from the elevator. Celia glanced around nervously, waiting for the computer to murder her. The elevator car started to shake suddenly, the wall she was leaning against heating up.
“What the fuck!” she gasped out, startled. Steve grabbed her arm and pulled her off the elevator, into the safety of the penthouse.
“What was that?” Steve shouted, shoving Tony a little once he saw she was okay. Celia caught her breath, vowing again to only use elevators when absolutely necessary.
“A little something I worked on last night,” Tony answered, laughing. Celia sank down to the floor against the wall next to the elevator, clutching her bags to her chest. She was so damn tired, not getting any sleep after her few minutes last night. Tony and Steve were arguing to her right, but she couldn’t be bothered to listen. Celia finally had a moment of peace, so she rested her head down on her bags, closing her eyes to try to clear her mind. She vaguely noticed someone sitting next to her, ignoring them until she felt a gentle hand on her wrist. She turned her head, face to face with a sheepish Bruce who was checking her pulse.
“Sorry, but the scientist in me couldn’t wait anymore,” Bruce apologized, removing his hand when he got the information he wanted.
“I wasn’t running,” she said quietly, laying her head down again while still facing Bruce. “I was getting my affairs in order, just in case.”
“In case of what?” Bruce asked.
“In case it was my last chance.”
Bruce glanced away, looking like he wanted to argue that she would be completely safe with Shield, but knowing he couldn’t make that promise. As soon as word got out about what happened to her, her life would never go back to the way it was.
“Up and at ‘em!” Tony yelled, clapping his hands loudly above her. She jumped, not noticing him walk over to her.
“Tony, you don’t have to be a jerk!” Steve reprimanded, smacking him on the arm. Celia stayed where she was, not willing to give Tony anything.
“Then tell your girlfriend to stop being so stubborn,” Tony shot back, rubbing at his arm at Steve’s not so playful slap.
“She’s not my girlfriend, Tony. Why would you even say something like that?” Steve said, looking embarrassed. Tony rolled his eyes, looking to the rest of the team for help. Clint and Natasha were standing away from them all, observing like usual. Bruce was still sitting next to her, not saying anything in favor of Tony’s cause.
“Jarvis, x-ray the bags and tell me what’s inside,” Tony commanded, making Celia groan. This was not gonna help her standing in their eyes.
“One bag appears to hold clothes. The other has clothes and what looks like money, sir,” Jarvis answered, the snitch. Tony snickered at Steve’s crestfallen face.
“It’s over, Celia,” Tony said with mock seriousness, holding his hand out for her bags. She looked to both Steve and Bruce, who wouldn’t meet her gaze, and knew she had lost her only possible allies. Celia dropped her bags to the floor, kicking them so they slid to rest in front of Tony.
“Knock yourself out,” she spat out, glaring at the man.
“You’re sure there are no bombs in here Jarvis?” Tony asked, toeing the bags a little before he opened them. At Jarvis’ assurances that they were safe, he bent down and opened the first one. This one was full of clothes, mostly shirts and pants. He pushed it aside when nothing seemed too interesting and opened the second. Celia felt a small stab of satisfaction when Tony had to wade through bras and panties to get to the money underneath. It wasn’t much, but it was all she could spare for Kathy, who would appreciate it more than words could say.
“Care to explain?” Tony asked, holding up a few bundles of money. The small bundles of five dollar bills in Tony’s hand made Celia snort a little, looking so depressing on the billionaire’s palm. They were saved from waiting long for the answer Celia wasn’t going to give by Natasha walking over and eyeballing the clothes.
“These clothes aren’t for you,” she said, holding up a shirt and bra.
“How could you possibly know that?” Tony scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Did you guys have some nice fashion girl talk while you were in the taxi?”
“They’re extra small. There’s no way she could fit in them,” Natasha said, ignoring Tony’s jab.
“That’s rude, Natasha. We don’t body shame,” Tony said, shaking his head.
“She’s your height, Tony. These clothes would be ridiculously short on her,” Natasha shot back, dropping the clothes in the bag.
“Well, maybe she had a post serum growth spurt like Cap and these are the only clothes she has?” Tony suggested, looking to Steve for confirmation.
“No, nothing like that happened,” Steve said, ruining Tony’s theory. Celia stayed quiet, still not willing to aid them in their quest for answers.
“I don’t think it really matters at this point,” Tony declared, standing back up. “She isn’t answering any questions, so I think it’s time to call in Shield.”
“What did you buy?” Natasha asked. “From that man on the street.”
Shit.
Celia didn’t know if Natasha had seen that and had been closer to believing she hadn’t when the subject hadn’t been brought up yet. Her precious parcel was nestled up in the inner pocket of her jacket, safe from prying eyes, but she knew not for long. This was gonna expose her secret. It was over. Celia crossed her arms over her chest, giving one last attempt to block them from finding her out.
“How could I forget?” Tony gasped in mock horror.
“Was it drugs?” Steve whispered, looking down at her. He looked so disappointed, like a parent scolding a child. Like, of all the things so far, the possibility of her buying drugs was the thing to focus on. For him to finally pipe up and become an active member of the conversation. She wished it was drugs right now, anything to dull her from this reality.
“Hand it over, or I’ll just have to take it,” Tony threatened. “No, I’ll have Natasha take it.”
“Get your notepad out, Bruce. I think you’re about to see how my super healing works,” Celia piped up, grinning evilly at Tony. Steve quickly stepped in the space between them, not letting anyone get close to the other. He squatted down to face her, puppy dog eyes in full gear.
“I know there is a perfectly good explanation for all of this. You’re a good person, I can feel it in my bones. Please, just answer some of Tony’s questions to show him you can be trusted. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you, but it will be out of my hands if Tony calls in Shield,” Steve pleaded, setting a hesitant hand on her knee.
Celia felt her resolve cracking, looking into Steve’s soulful blue eyes. How could a man who looked like he could snap you in half, also look so endearing? Why couldn’t Steve have approached her for information first, instead of a heavy handed Tony? Flies and honey and all that must not be a concept with these people. She bit her lip, thoughts of giving up the info and Kathy warring in her mind. Steve’s hand on her knee was heavy and warm. She looked for any signs of manipulation in his eyes and found none. Celia took a deep breath, apologizing to Kathy in her head.
“If I tell you, can you promise me it doesn’t leave this room?” she whispered.
“I will do everything in my power to see that it doesn’t,” Steve answered firmly. Celia grabbed the package out of her pocket, sliding it to Tony before she changed her mind. He picked it up, taking the item out of it’s sleeve.
“Martha Henderson, age 35. Five feet tall, 100 pounds, lives in Jersey,” Tony read off, squinting at the little card. “Looks expertly made, but the picture looks nothing like you. And the details… you should ask for your money back.”
“Who’s that for?” Steve asked, still staring at her.
“I’m a part of something like an underground railroad of sorts, rescuing women from domestic violence situations. Martha Henderson is waiting for me to bring these things to help her start her new life.”
“That,” Tony started, “was not what I was expecting.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Steve asked softly.
“It’s not my information to give out,” Celia answered quietly, glaring at Tony. “And with the way private information is treated around here, it didn’t really feel safe to share.”
“What’s your real name?” Tony asked, not fully satisfied with her explanation so far.
“Celia Burke is my legal name. It was changed through the courts and sealed in accordance with domestic violence laws,” Celia answered, dispassionately. It was easier for her to talk about her past in a matter of fact way, instead of with emotion.
“What was your birth name?” Tony asked.
“Nope, that’s none of your business,” Celia stated, not budging on this one at all. She left all that behind her and no one in her life now knew that information.
“How do we know you’re telling the truth if we can’t check?” Tony questioned.
“You don’t.” Everyone was silent, not knowing what to say next. Celia just stared at Steve’s hand that was still on her knee. He was looking at the floor, like he had forgotten he had put it there, or it was just a normal thing for him to do.
“I believe you,” Steve said, giving her knee one last squeeze before standing up. He offered her a hand up, pulling her to her feet. Bruce stood up slowly too, stretching out his back. “What do you need to do?”
“I need to go back to my apartment to drop this stuff off. Maybe make a phone call,” she answered, scrubbing a hand over her face.
“I can take you,” Steve suggested.
“With one arm and no car,” Tony snorted, earning himself a glare from Steve. “I can get one of my drivers to take you.” Every head in the room swiveled toward Tony, not expecting him to offer her
anything, except maybe a ride to Shield.
“No thanks,” Celia declined, not signing herself up to get stuck in one of Tony’s cars. “I can get there on my own.” Tony looked like he wanted to object, but stayed quiet after a sharp elbow to the ribs from Natasha. Celia walked in front of Tony, stooping down to close and pick up her bags. She held out her hand, waiting for Tony to give her back the ID. He begrudgingly handed it over, gripping her wrist before she could pull away.
“I, maybe, could’ve handled this a little better,” he said with a wince, sounding sincere. “But I’m glad you aren’t the evil villain I thought you might be.” Celia pulled her hand away, considering Tony’s words.
“I understand. I know what it’s like to go to unconventional lengths to protect the people I care about,” she said, shaking the ID a little before putting it back into her jacket pocket. She understood from the beginning where Tony was coming from with his suspicion, but she could tell he was not in charge of getting answers from people, because he seriously lacked finesse.
“Damn, I’m not that forgiving,” Clint said, finally joining in the conversation. “I would’ve at least hit him.” He quickly dodged a swipe from Natasha, scampering away further into the room with her on his heels.
“Bruce, get your children before they break my tower,” Tony groaned, stalking off to the bar.
“Since when are they my responsibility?” Bruce asked, trailing after Tony. Celia and Steve stood alone in the room now, not knowing what to do.
“Is it always so chaotic around here?” Celia asked, turning back to face him.
“Surprisingly no. It can get a little boring when there aren’t any missions going on,” Steve chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
“I’ll have to take your word for it,” Celia said, walking toward the door to the staircase.
“What are you doing?” Steve asked, confused.
“Leaving…” she said, gesturing toward the door.
“Even I don’t take the stairs from this floor,” Steve laughed, walking toward the elevator. “I promise Jarvis won’t do anything weird. I’ll protect you.”
“Our track record in elevators isn’t the best,” Celia pointed out, feeling immediately regretful at the guilty look on Steve’s face. “Too soon? Laugh through the pain and all that.” She took a deep breath and stepped onto the elevator with Steve, wanting to make up for her poorly timed joke. Celia stayed away from the walls, remembering the last time she was in there.
“What is Jiffy Pop anyways?” Steve asked, whispering in her ear to try to keep Jarvis from hearing and turning it on.
“It’s shitty popcorn you cook on the stove,” Celia muttered, eyeballing the roof to glare at the computer.
“Ohhh, I get it,” Steve said, shaking his head. “That Tony can be a real rascal.”
“A rascal indeed. Although, nowadays we’d just call him a dick,” Celia pointed out. Steve barked out a laugh, holding his stomach.
“You remind me of someone. She would always speak her mind,” Steve said, sobering a little when he mentioned his past. Celia didn’t pry, letting the rest of the ride pass in silence. What right did she have to ask personal questions when she kept her own history off limits? They stepped off the elevator and walked to the exit of the tower, Steve hovering uncertainly behind her. Celia glanced back at him, edging her way further out of the building.
“I’ll see you later, I guess,” she said, trying to get rid of him. It wasn’t like he was terrible company, but she needed to get Kathy set up and then she was really looking forward to some alone time.
“Can I join you?” he asked, shooting her a small smile.
“Afraid I’ll disappear?”
“Of course not! I just… I don’t know,” he said, shrugging. Celia sighed, not wanting to brush him off, but really not wanting company either.
“You have to stay out of sight until after my friend leaves,” Celia acquiesced, giving him the okay to follow. He held open the door for her with a smile. She started walking in the direction of the subway stop when Steve’s hand stopped her.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“The subway,” she answered, gesturing in the direction of the stop.
“I thought we could take a cab,” Steve suggested, looking hopeful.
“What’s wrong with the subway?”
“Nothing, it’s just a cab would be so much faster and you have those heavy bags,” Steve said, rubbing the back of his neck.
“The bags aren’t that heavy, it’s fine,” she brushed off, tilting her head in the direction of the subway, trying to urge him along.
“Then let me carry them,” Steve said, reaching out with his uninjured arm.
“No, you haven’t healed all the way, I’m not gonna let you carry my bags!” Celia scoffed, shaking her head.
“See, I knew you’d say that! I can’t walk around with you carrying all that stuff and me carrying nothing. How would that make me look?” Steve blurted out, looking embarrassed. Celia rolled her eyes, not believing she was in an argument with Captain America about his gentlemanly image.
“It’s the 21st century, Steve. No one cares that much,” Celia groaned, more than ready to be on her way.
“Well, I care. It would be impolite,” Steve stated, crossing his arms with finality. “I’ll pay.” Celia huffed out an annoyed breath, staring down the stubborn man. When she saw he wasn’t budging, she begrudgingly nodded her head toward the street, giving him permission to hail a cab. Steve smiled brightly at her, getting a taxi for them with quick ease. He opened her door and waved her in, dropping down beside her after she slid over. As soon as they were on their way, Celia rooted around in her bag again, looking for her phone. She found it easier this time, having done a late night purge of its contents after she got home from the tower the second time. She dialed Deb, hoping to bump up her arrival time.
“Hello?”
“Hey Deb, it’s Celia.”
“Are you alright?” Deb asked, worry clear in her voice.
“Yeah, everything is good. I was wondering if there’s any chance for you to come sooner?” Celia asked. “It’s fine if you can’t, but I’m on my way back with all the stuff she needs.”
“I can be there in an hour. Where do you want to meet?” Deb agreed.
“My apartment is fine. See you then,” Celia said, hanging up after they said their goodbyes. She glanced over at Steve, who was watching the scenery as they rode along.
“I never really got up to this part of the city that often,” Steve said casually, turning back to face her. “I grew up in Brooklyn.”
“I have a few clients in Brooklyn. Or had. I don’t really know at this point,” Celia mumbled, frowning a little when she thought about what she said. What was she going to do now? Was she really going to be able to go back to her old life like nothing happened? Would she even be allowed? Did the government own her body now? Celia wrapped her arms around herself, staring out the window away from Steve. She couldn’t talk to him now with the driver in the car and she needed to get through getting Kathy sent off before she could worry about herself.
“Have you eaten yet? I could go for a big, juicy burger,” Steve suggested, trying to pull her out of her thoughts.
“You should go eat while I’m seeing my friend off, instead of just waiting around.”
“You don’t want to join me?” Steve asked, sounding slightly disappointed. She was saved from answering when the cabbie pulled up to their stop. Steve paid with a generous tip and they stepped out of the car.
“I should head in, make sure my friend is ready,” Celia said, slowly stepping away from Steve. “Have a good lunch and I’ll call you when she’s gone in like an hour.” She quickly walked off, not waiting for his answer. She turned back for one last look at him before she entered the building, seeing him give her a little wave. Celia nodded back, making her way to the staircase. Thank goodness her apartment was only on the third floor and she could avoid another elevator ride. She wouldn’t be so lucky when she came back down with Kathy.