Battle Scars

Chapter 10

It was three days later and the team was still gone on their mission. You hadn't heard from any of them other than a quick text from Tony to tell you that he wasn't going to make it back in time for Saturday. In fact, they had no idea when they would be back. So, you busied yourself with rearranging schedules as needed and checking in on Bucky and the twins.

They'd all taken to spending more time on your floor with the others gone, which you appreciated. You'd never been one to prefer your own company. You glanced at the time and frowned. Wanda was supposed to have met you half an hour ago so you could take her shopping for some new clothes. It wasn't like her to be late.

"Jarvis, can you give me a location on the team in residence, please?"

"Sergeant Barnes and Mr. Maximoff are in the training facilities and Ms. Maximoff is in her residence. Shall I summon them for you?"

You thought for a moment. "No, thank you anyway." You had to go by Wanda's floor on the way down, so you might as well stop and pick her up. After grabbing your purse, you made your way to the elevator and asked for twins' floor.

The silence made you frown when you stepped out of the elevator. Wanda almost always had some sort of music playing. You started to call out for her but stopped, an uneasy feeling settling in your gut. You stepped carefully, trying to stay quiet. When you arrived at the point you could see into the kitchenette, you stilled. Wanda was pressed against the wall, the look on her face full of fear and defeat. The new psychiatrist was towering over her, leaving barely any space between them.

"Dr. Bradford, I wasn't aware you were still here." Your voice cracked through the silence like a whip. The man turned to look at you. His movements were casual as if you hadn't just caught him preying on one of his patients. Wanda's gaze darted over to you as the doctor took a step back and relief flooded her features.

His smile was wide and friendly. "Wanda and I were just finishing up our session."

You arched a brow. "Is that what you're calling this? Step away from my friend."

His gaze narrowed as he tilted his head. Taking a step in your direction, he held out his hands in a gesture of innocence you weren't buying for a minute. "I'm not sure what you think you walked in on here, but I can assure you that I did nothing wrong."

"You can stop right there," you told him. If he thought you wouldn't notice him creeping closer to you, he was even stupider than you'd already pegged him. You shifted your gaze to Wanda. "Go to your room. Lock the door."

She hesitated, looking between you and the doctor and you gave her a soft smile. "It's fine. Jarvis will keep an eye on me." And you were far less likely to be distracted if you didn't have anyone to worry about besides yourself.

Bradford laughed and crossed his arms over his chest. "You're making entirely too big of a deal over this. I didn't do anything she didn't welcome."

You just continued to watch him. Wanda's questions of how to determine if someone is a good man made sense now. "Jarvis, is Happy here today?"

"Yes, Miss."

"Fantastic. Tell him his presence is required here ASAP. Also tell Buck and Pietro to return to the living quarters." You waited for him to verify the order before turning all of your attention back to the asshole in front of you. "Since you seem to not be as intelligent as your resume suggested, perhaps I should take the opportunity to advise you that you are fired. You will receive no further pay and you are no longer permitted on any Stark or Avenger properties."

He straightened his spine as he closed some of the distance between you. It was a tactic you were more than used to from bullies as he tried to make himself appear larger than he actually was. You weren't that easily intimidated. "I told you that nothing happened. I was simply talking to my patient. You can't prove otherwise. If you fire me, I'll take you to court."