Chapter 73

"I lost her, Ward. There's a powered person—a man. He got to her before I could come back to get her." Coulson spoke though I already knew about that but I tried to look as surprised and angry as I could.

"Who is he? Where was she and why did you leave her in the first place?"

Coulson doesn't answer for a minute. "She doesn't have control of her powers. Andrew wanted me to remove her from duty altogether. This was the only thing I could think of. We'll get her back, Ward. I need you to tell me what you have on List and Strucker. They're still out there and they're gathering people with powers. Maybe one of them can get us to this powered man who took Skye. He also took her father and Raina."

I took deep breaths. "I'll get what I can from Bakshi. I'll send my location." I hang up before I really laugh in front of Coulson, it's hard to act sometimes anyway I still have to talk to Kara even though I don't want her to do anymore of this type of work but right now it's all hands on deck moreover I am still contemplating which power should I show my rubber body or my telekenisis.

Kara?" I call. She comes out of the kitchen.

"Yea?"

"I'm going to tell you something and I hope you take it well." I motion to the couch and she comes to sit next to me.

"What's going on? Is everything ok?" She looks concerned. She looks at me through narrow eyes.

"Can I help with something?" Bakshi stands at the foot of the couch. He's got a smile on his face and he reminds me of a damn lap dog.

"This doesn't concern you Bakshi." I say through my teeth. "I need to speak to Kara."

"My apologies, Sir." He turns and disappears down the hall.

"Grant?" Kara is waiting.

"Look, I've been lying to you."

She gulps and looks frightened, like I'm going to attack her.

"I'm sorry, Kara. But I won't hurt you. I've been working for SHIELD for a while now—before John died. Coulson needs our help. I want to know if you'll join us. We want to end Hydra once and for all."

Kara sighed and said "It's Okay, I talked with Andrew and he informed me about it after making sure that I won't flip on you. Though from what Andrew told me most of the SHIELD still doesn't know about you being reformed right!?"

I nodded my head "They don't know. Only a few know I betrayed Hydra and rejoined SHIELD. Will you help me—us, Kara? They were your family once. They can help you Kara, FitzSimmons are the best scientist Inkjow and the two of them would definitely be able to help you with your face and maybe even your memory you can even start a new life away from all this agent business after all this is done"

She looks at me for a long time. We're both quiet and before I can say something, she breaks the silence. "I'll help you bring down SHIELD. In return, I want my file and want to be left alone. I don't want part of this world anymore, Grant. I want out." She gives me a small smile, "that's who you've been talking to?"

I nod my head "That's what I want for you as well Kara but at least talk with Fitz and Simmons before you get out. I am sure they will be able to help you anyway you want "

Her smile broadens. "I'm not surprised you know. I always knew you were a good guy." She stands and places her hand on my cheek. "I'm gonna finish lunch. I assume I should be ready to go." She raises an eyebrow and I nod. "I'll finish quickly and pack."

"I'll tell Bakshi." I feel awkward since her hand is still on my face.

She steps back and starts walking towards the kitchen again. "You still love her, don't you?" she turns back to ask me.

"We had moments when I was getting my therapy and I am sure that I still like her but I won't wallow in pity if she doesn't return my feelings " I explained to her.

"I care about you, you know?" She's trying not to cry and it breaks my heart because I love Kara but not the way she wants me to love her.

I will never be in love with her. She's quickly become one of my favorite people and my best friend. In this world where I didn't even have the time for myself and was getting thrown from one situation to another she became someone I could rely upon that's why I don't want her to be in this Agent business because only then will I not ask for her help if I am ever in a pinch and needed someone trustworthy."I know."

"So don't ever think about not calling when you need my help Grant I will always be there if you are the one asking for it." she said with a smile on her face.

To which I couldn't help but nod with a smile on my face.

I ask Bakshi to tell me everything he knows about Strucker and List, how they work, who they keep around, their ideas, their beliefs, do they have any weaknesses, or families.

Coulson arrives that night with Hunter, Fitz and Mike Peterson.

Mike gives me a once over and I roll my eyes. We don't have the best of history but we'll have to work together so I'm going to behave myself.

A smile appears on my face when I meet the others faces. All have smiles for me. Fitz is the first to come forward.

"Ward." He hugs me. He's become a hugger. "So glad to see you."

"Hello, mate. What've you been up to?" Hunter shakes my hand.

"Ward. Glad to see you're looking good."

"Sir, thank you."

I turn to introduce Kara, she's been quiet and looks shy. "Everyone, this is Kara. Kara, this is Fitz, Director Coulson, Hunter and Mike." She nods a hello.

Bakshi is standing to the side of Kara and waves. I roll my eyes. "Everyone ignore Bakshi." I look over my shoulder, "Bakshi, get our bangs and bring them onto the quinjet."