Wanted

The rain was teeming down that night, water flowing down the gutter like a raging river, before disappearing down the grate of a storm water drain. It was late, so there weren't many cars passing under the bridge, and there was just enough light from the nearby buildings that it didn't matter that the lamp globes were in pieces on the bitumen.
Anna opened up the text message on her phone for the hundredth time, anxiously reading and re-reading it as she thought about ditching. There was something so unsettling about the whole thing; meeting up below an underpass, in the dark, on a cold and rainy night... If she hadn't been so desperate for a definite escape from her life she might not have considered it at all, but being backed into a corner will do that to a person...

The memory of running away as a sixteen year old lit up in her mind, followed by more memories of running and running for the next four years... Up until now.
There were always cars with blacked out windows, men with dark glasses and ear pieces, and as of late it seemed that everyone from shop owners to taxi drivers had been on the lookout for her.
Having a well known, and well-off family hadn't helped her keep herself hidden, especially when her face had been plastered all over the papers, television and social media. Even now, years later, there were pictures up in newspaper booths, bus shelters and anywhere that frequented a lot of foot traffic.
Her I.D had been flagged, which meant her name would light up on the system if she tried to get on a plane, buy a phone, get a bank account or a driver's licence. Trying to get a new identity was possible, but it came at a price she couldn't afford, and trying to get an honest job in the city no matter how small without proof of who she was, was just hopeless.

Too afraid to hitch-hike, she'd managed to stow away in the back of a truck and gotten as far as Pittsburgh, managing to live off what little cash she had for a while and keep a low profile... But, as inevitability would have it, there was only so far you could stretch your means out without being able to keep gainful employment. So here she stood... The promise of money and a new identity awaiting her if she could do someone a favor, and not ask questions... All it was going to cost was a little DNA, and a whole lot of trust.

Easy, right? ...Right!?

She shook her head at herself again, going over the pros and cons of the arrangement they'd made... It sounded suspect as hell, but on paper it made sense. It'd save someone from the marriage from hell, and it'd give Anna the new identity she so desperately needed. It'd pay for her to move, it'd pay for a house, and it'd come with all the legal documents she needed to become someone else.
Anna let out a breath, her cheeks puffing out as she did. She hoped like hell that the months of correspondence and careful planning was going to come out in her favour. If it all went to plan, it'd be a win-win scenario, but that meant trusting the one person who'd let her down the most. The person who'd gotten her into this mess to begin with.

Just go. Go now... Ugh, too late...

A set of headlights lit up the curtain of water pouring from the top of the bridge, the nose of an expensive black car poking through as it slowed to a stop in front of her. The back window opened revealing the familiar face of Caroline Pierce, her expression serious and businesslike.
"Annabelle..."
"Mother..."

She got into the car and was ordered to stay quiet amid fears the it'd been bugged. Caroline wasn't how Anna had remembered her, the woman looked frail and defeated. She wasn't the beautiful, confident trophy wife of Alexander Pierce that she had once been. It was almost hard not to feel somewhat sorry for her, Anna swallowing hard and maintaining her steely composure, despite herself.

The two women awkwardly exchanged glances now and then during the car ride, both of them feeling awkward and obliged to speak up.
"You're looking well, Annabelle-" Caroline started, Anna cutting her off with a 'pfft' and an eye roll, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'm sorry, I don't know what you expect me to say-"
"Say nothing. I've been living on the fucking streets because of you. This isn't a social meeting, it's a business transaction. Nothing more" Anna snarled, trying to keep her composure.

She'd rehearsed in her head a hundred times what she'd say to her mother the day they came face... Now none of it seemed appropriate, and all the clever things she'd thought to say escaped her.
"I saw you on the news... Enjoying life as a divorcee?" She taunted, trying to sound as condescending as possible.
"No-"
"Good. I hope it sucks."
"Annabelle..." Caroline sighed, exasperated.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry..."
"Oh what-EVER! I don't know how you slept in your luxury penthouse, in your king sized bed every night... I don't know how you lived with yourself knowing I was out there alone"
"Anna..."
"No! Don't you dare 'Anna' me! ...I was just a kid... I've literally been running for my life ever since that night, and you just let it happen. If you had any idea of what I've been through, of what he's capable of..."
"I was married to Alex for nearly twenty years, and I know all too well what he's capable of... I know you saw things, which is why you had to run..." She started, her voice feeble and shaky, "I should've done something... But I didn't, and I've regretted it ever since"
"Sure you have..." Anna said, over the conversation now, "I just wanted you to know that while you were laying on a satin pillow, I was laying on a wet floor... I was just a kid..."

Caroline sniffed as a single tear rolled down her cheek, not wanting to utter another word as guilt consumed her. She looked out the window as the city whizzed by, the sound of a motorbike catching her attention.

A loud crash snapped both women back into reality as the car swerved violently to the right. The sound of the tyres screeching reverberated through the air, interrupted by a second shuddering crash as they hit the concrete guardrail with such intense force, the car flipped over it.
Before either of them had the time to scream, the car was flying through the air and plunged into the icy cold water below. Anna's eyes opened enough to see water rapidly filling the car before closing again, the taste of blood in her mouth as the cold enveloped her. When her eyes opened again, she realized they were underwater already and sinking fast. Anna's hands went for her seat-belt buckle, which was of course unreachable where the impact of the guardrail had crushed the side of her door in. She frantically yanked at the belt as the car was cloaked in darkness, Anna's chest tightening as she was overwhelmed with the numbing cold and the inevitability of certain death...



FOUR YEARS LATER



The warmth inside the bar came as a stark contrast to the bitter coldness outside. It was a typical January night in Minnesota with a good twelve inches of snow on the street out front, the barred windows frosted up. There were only a few patrons dotted around, the usual Friday evening bunch - mostly middle aged truckers and sawmill workers. There was a young couple resigned to making out in a dark booth in the corner, and a couple of new faces Anna didn't recognise.
Things had been good for her here, no drama, nobody following her, and she'd even let herself relax and be happy. She dried the last couple of glasses, tucking her towel into the string of her low slung apron before pouring another beer from the tap for one of her regulars, politely laughing at yet another one of his terrible jokes. She pulled a bag of pretzels out, opening it and tipping the contents into a bowl as requested, making her way over to the table of parka-clad men who sang her praises when she sat it down for them.
"On the house, guys" She said with a smile, looking up briefly to see the flirty, long haired guy from the night before waiting at the bar.

Him again...

He turned and made eye contact with her, Anna letting out a hesitant breath and giving him a nod of acknowledgement. She made her way back to the bar, slowing down cautiously when she noticed the solitary young man at one of the tables had finished his beer. He sat with his back to everyone, the glass in his hand empty, save for a few suds. Anna let out a weary sigh, putting her friendly 'customer service' smile on as she approached him.
"Can I take those for you?" She asked, nodding to the other empty glasses in front of him, waiting for a response that never came. She bit her lip guardedly as she counted back in her head how many beers she'd given him that night, coming to the conclusion that she was definitely still under the maximum recommended by her boss.
"Here, let me clear those off for you..."  She tried again, reaching over and picking up a glass.
Without warning, he reached out and slapped a hand around her wrist, Anna letting out an involuntary gasp. Panicked, she gave him a shove with her other hand as his grip tightened, her attacker grabbing that one too, and knocking the glass out of her grasp. It hit the floor and smashed as he rose up from his stool, towering over her.

In seconds the long haired guy from the bar was on his feet and had a hand clamped around the neck of her attacker. Anna gasped again as a punch was delivered, the handsy drunk now on the floor, two of her regulars rushing to pick him up and drag him away. She stood shaking and out of breath as she took a moment to compose herself, recoiling back when the long haired guy went to place a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"You okay?"

The drunk guy got up off the floor, staggering as he stood. He shoved the older guys out of the way easily enough, using his height and heavy build to his advantage. He headed back over to the long haired guy who was now standing protectively in front of Anna, his hand out as if guarding her.
"You wanna start a fight, you don't know who you're dealing with" Came his drunk slur before he wobbled on his feet and stumbled again. Anna's saviour stepped in and delivered another punch, this time meaning it, her attacker hitting the ground hard, and not getting back up.
"Oh my god..." She breathed, looking down at him, "Someone call an ambulance"
"He'll be fine" Came the voice of the long haired guy as he crouched down and rolled the drunk over, inspecting him. "He needs a cab, not an ambulance."
"He's hurt" Anna said, concerned now, "I have a duty of care-"
"-He's fine. Probably didn't even feel it... Look, he's waking up - call a cab, I'll stand here and watch him.

She backed away from the long haired guy and made a beeline for the bar, picking the phone up and calling 911. Sure enough the drunk guy let out a moan and sat up, Anna sighing with relief as she cancelled the call, ordering him a cab instead and then getting the bar owner on the phone.

The cab arrived quicker than she thought it would, the bar patrons helping to get him into the back seat, much to her relief. The driver was another local, Anna thanking him and apologising at the same time as she paid the fair in advance with her own money.

"He's gone, Rach" Came the voice from one of the men watching the door, "no need to worry anymore"

"Thanks Barry, appreciate it" She said with a wave as she made her way back behind the bar to fetch a dustpan, hurrying to sweep the broken glass up before the owner arrived.
Anna's heart hammered away furiously in her chest as her mind raced, followed by panic as she went through endless scenarios in her head of what could have been and what still might...
"Are you okay?" A voice interrupted, snapping her back into reality with a jump as she tipped the last of the glass from the pan into the bin.
"What?" She snapped, realizing suddenly that she'd come off curt, "Sorry... What did you say? I was in a world of my own" She corrected herself, her tone apologetic this time around as she locked eyes with the long haired guy who'd come to her aid earlier. She let out a breath, something about the blue of his eyes both calming and unnerving at the same time.
"I thought as much... I asked if you were okay..."
"Oh... Right... Yeah, I'm fine. Happens all the time" She lied with a nonchalant wave and a chuckle, turning her head away for a moment when she realized she was staring "Another Jack and coke?"
"Sure"

She poured the drink, leaving the ice out as requested and pushed it towards him, taking the money to the till and bringing back a couple of dollars change which he dropped into the tips jar.
"So... Rachael, is it?" He asked, a curious expression on his face, Anna turning to face him with apprehension.
"Huh?"
"I overheard one of the guys over there call you Rachael, is that your name?"
"Depends who's asking"
"Bucky" He smiled, putting his hand out to shake hers. She glanced down at it, her eyes darting over to the table full of sawmill guys for a moment before meeting his again.
"Nice to meet you, Bucky" She said with a smile, stepping away to pick up a fresh towel without taking his hand. He let out a breathy chuckle, dropping his head, his hair flopping down over his face. He took the hint, pulling his hand away and raising his palms to her as if surrendering.
He looked back up at her, pushing his hair back with a reassuring smile on his face, Anna's cheeks dusting pink a little as she absent-mindedly bit her lip.
"Sorry..." She eventually said, letting out a nervous breath as she shyly turned away from him, picking up a clean glass and cleaning it again in an effort to look busy.
"Totally fine" He said, his expression still one of kindness as he cocked his head, studying her.

Her eyes darted to the clock, wondering where the hell Adam was. It was bad enough he'd left her on her own tonight, never mind the fact that he said he'd be there in ten minutes and it had already been fifteen, almost twenty...

"So..." She said after an awkward silence, realizing Bucky was staring at her... A shadow of amusement crossed his face, Anna not sure whether to be creeped out or not.
"I haven't seen you around town..." She started, fishing for information, "You've been here three nights in a row..."
"I'm here for work" He answered, watching her carefully, taking in every expression or change in body language.
"Oh, okay." She answered uncomfortably, her eyes darting to the clock again before meeting his.
"I like it here" He said, giving her a flirtatious smile that set her at ease a little.

She was a petite girl, standing around 5'3 and 105lbs soaking wet. She had long brown hair which was half falling out of a now very messy bun, and pretty, dark brown eyes that were almost too big for her face. There was an endearing clumsiness to her, which Bucky wasn't 100% convinced was a genuine trait... But the anxiousness behind that smile she always had plastered on certainly was, and he was determined to get to the bottom of that and try to find a way in. Nobody looked over their shoulders that much - either she was in some kind of serious trouble, or she'd been through something terrible.
In the few nights he'd been at the bar, not much had gotten through to her, despite her friendly demeanor she was a closed book. A bit of old-school charm usually worked a treat, but this girl had one hell of a wall up - even getting a simple name out of her had been a challenge in itself.
She dodged questions like a pro, and the more he'd tried to speak to her, the more she'd avoided him... If she hadn't have been obliged to serve him, he'd probably have had no way in at all. It was only that she'd been flustered after her run in with the creep that she'd dropped the ball and given in, offering him the most conversation he'd had in days.

She went on and kept herself busy, checking the clock discretely every few minutes, her eyes nervously darting up to the front door whenever they weren't occupied with wiping the bar down for the umpteenth time, or cleaning glasses that were already clean.
Bucky narrowed his eyes as he watched her, trying to figure out his next approach. He'd tried being friendly, trying to engage her with questions, even a careful flirt here and there to test the waters, but nothing. There was no sign of a boyfriend or a home life to speak of. From the information he'd gathered, she was single, lived alone and never, ever spoke of her past.

"How long are you in town for?" She asked unexpectedly, realizing she was being psychologically picked apart.
"Not sure at this stage, just depends how long the job is. Might be longer than originally planned for..." He said, pursing his lips a little as his thoughts went back to his life at Shield.

Anna nodded thoughtfully, her eyes darting to the clock again for a moment before Bucky spoke up again.
"So I guess we'll be seeing more of each other..." He said, giving her a flirty wink, followed by a chuckle which had lightened the mood, Anna joining in and letting out a little laugh as well. She still felt tense as hell, but a damn sight better than she had earlier.
"Thanks, by the way..." She said, letting her guard down a little, "For helping me out before"
"Oh, don't mention it. Any respectable guy would have done the same"
"I appreciate it."

A gust of icy wind blew in when the door opened, Anna almost crying with relief as the owner finally walked in, pulling thick gloves off one by one as he approached the bar. Bucky watched as he baled her up into the corner, demanding to know what had happened. He couldn't tell if she was being reprimanded or not, the urge to jump in and defend her rising up in him. The man reached forward, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, Anna fighting back the urge to cry as she nodded, faking a smile as she removed her apron.
She approached the bar, reaching under it to pull a warm coat on over the top of her fitted long sleeve black top and low slung skinny jeans.

"Finishing up for the night?" Bucky inquired when she was near enough to him, Anna giving him a big, fake smile and nodding without saying anything. She pulled her bag out - an old canvas satchel with a long strap which she put over her head so it sat at her hip, across her body.
"Here" Came the voice of the owner as he pulled the cash register open, handing her a few notes.
"What's this?" She asked,
"Tonight's tips - you don't want to take a bag of coins home do you?"
"Oh" She nodded, "Thanks..."
"Sure you're gonna be okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine" She lied, clearing her throat and putting her tough girl face on, "See you tomorrow"

Anna turned on her heel and made her way out, slowing to a stop with a thoughtful look on her face as she turned around.
"Actually, Adam?" She started, making her way back towards the owner "This is gonna be my last night..."
"Rachael, please don't do this... I need you"
"I'm sorry, I've... I mean... Ugh..." She struggled to get the words out, feeling she had to justify her decision but at the same time not being able to...
"Tonight was just a bad night, I won't leave you on your own again... I couldn't help it with Denise being sick, and the kids-"
"It's not your fault, I swear. You've been great, but I've gotta go. I've got some stuff I gotta go take care of" She said, Adam blowing out a breath as he begrudgingly opened the cash register again, handing her another wad of cash.
"Noooo, that's way too-"
"Just take it... Are you sure you won't stay?"

Anna sighed, looking down at her feet for a moment before back up at him, a regretful expression on her face.
"Thanks for everything, Adam. I mean it, you saved my life"

She gave him a smile which he didn't return, as she backed away before turning to head out through the back of the bar. Bucky's heart started racing as she disappeared into the darkness, worry gripping him as he thought he may lose her for good.

He growled under his breath in frustration as he snuck out of the bar without drawing attention to himself. He crept around the building, staying hidden in the shadows until he had a good view of the car park. Isolated, and lit with a street lamp that'd seen better days. He was suddenly annoyed at her carelessness - out in the dark alone behind a bar was no place for a young woman to be. Especially a jittery one that was constantly looking over her shoulder. She was just begging for trouble being out here like this, and little did she know, but that's exactly what she was about to get...

It'd taken Bucky weeks to track her down, and only minutes to realise he wasn't the only one on the hunt. From what he gathered, she was blissfully unaware that she was being perused by anyone. She'd changed her name and set herself up in an isolated mountain town, living a quiet, albeit lonely life.
Bucky was here with a job to do, he wasn't here to make friends with her - although that would have certainly made things a whole lot easier. He'd certainly tried over the course of the last few days, but now that time had run out, he had no choice but to go with option number two.
It'd been a while since he'd taken someone against their will, and he resented the hell out of himself for having to do it. He wasn't that guy anymore... In his head, he'd  planned to use his wit and charm to get friendly with the girl, and hope that she'd willingly go with him... Clearly this was not going to happen.

Oh what the hell, give it one more try... Please...

"Hey Rachael!" He called out, regretting the words the second they left his lips, "Need a ride home?"  

She gasped and wheeled around, taking in her surroundings, her expression lighting up as if she just realized that she'd been followed, and may in trouble.
"No thanks" She answered, backing towards a car, holding eye contact. Bucky smirked a little, the girl redeeming herself a little in his mind in regards to her self-preservation instinct.

Not turning your back to the threat, and keeping your movements slow and deliberate... Good girl...

"Are you gonna be okay?" He tried, again not knowing what the hell to say.
"Yep"

He stepped closer, the girl fumbling with her keys to open the car door, only to drop them.

Aaaaand If I was a murderer...Well... If I was STILL a murderer... You'd be dead.

Bucky stopped a few feet away under the circle of light cast by the lamp post, watching as she clumsily picked up her keys as quick as she could and thrust them into the lock of the car door.

"Rachael..." He purred, making her body stiffen. With a click, the door unlocked and with relief, Anna pulled at the handle. She spared a second to peer back over where Bucky had just been, sucking in a breath when she realized he'd disappeared without a sound. Her heart suddenly started racing at a million miles an hour as she frantically looked over both shoulders, wondering where he was lurking. She yanked the door open, her flight response well and truly kicking in before a hand was slapped over her mouth from a large figure behind her. She struggled hopelessly as he retrained her, shocked and terrified at how incredibly strong he was.

"I didn't want to do this the hard way, Rachael..." He whispered in her ear, the girl desperately sobbing now, trembling in his grasp.

"...Or is it Annabelle?"