The Fall - Book 1

142. I don't know if that was the right call.

NOVEMBER 1, 2019 — AVENGERS COMPOUND— BUCKY

I must have dozed off, because I wake to Réa climbing—well, attempting to climb—out of my lap.

"Hi, Réa."

"I'm sorry I woke you," she quietly replies.

"It's fine, sweetheart." I pause. "Are you...do you need anything?"

"Bathroom."

I help her up, and she pads into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Several minutes later, she emerges, then makes her way into her closet. When she returns, I see that she's swapped my shirt for a giant hoodie and a pair of sweatpants, and my chest tightens as both sadness and rage fill me: sadness at the fact that she feels like she needs to hide, and rage at the monster who made her feel that way to begin with.

"Réa, I have something to tell you—it's...it's a bit unsavory—and I need Wanda's help. Is it okay if she comes here?"

"I...yes," she quietly replies.

"Okay. I'll text her in a minute." I pause. "Is...is there anything I can do for you?"

She moves to her dresser, picking up the white wolf I gave her for Christmas, holding it tightly to her chest.

"Can we sit on the couch? And watch Parks and Recreation?"

I nod. "Yeah, doll. We can do that."

She pads into the living room and I follow; once we're settled on the couch—me at my end and Réa at hers—I text Wanda and let her know she can come up.

About ten minutes later, there's a knock on Réa's door.

"It's me," Wanda says.

"Come in," Réa calls.

The door opens and Wanda enters; she moves to where Réa and I are seated, settling into one of the armchairs.

"Okay. I'll start." I inhale deeply. "I guess the best way to say this is to just say it."

I hesitate briefly, then speak, my gaze locked on Réa's.

"Rumlow is dead."

Réa's quiet for a minute.

"Are...are you sure? Be-because...i-in L-Lagos...h-he..."

"Yes, I'm sure."

"B-b-but h-how do y-you kn—"

"Because I killed him," Wanda says.

I see Réa's eyes widen, but she doesn't speak.

"Trust me—trust us—he's gone."

Réa nods slowly.

"Okay. Th-thank you f-for t-t-telling me." She pauses. "I-I'm, u-um...I'm g-going to l-li-lie d-down."

She stands, and returns to her bedroom, closing the door behind her.

Wanda and I are quiet for several minutes, until I eventually speak.

"I don't know if that was the right call."

"It was," Wanda replies. "Just give her a little time. I'm sure she's just overwhelmed."

I nod.

"Yeah..." I reply, but I can't quite shake the sinking feeling that's settled in my gut.

'I hope I didn't make the wrong decision,' I think.