“Nothing much. Old factory near Chicago. Big on implants a few years ago, but had to close down due to money reasons - or because of legal issues, as some say. Then it was empty for years and now the current owners are trying to sell cheap, but no one has been interested in buying and they don’t want to spend money on destroying the whole thing, so it’s just standing there. Sounds like Hydra either needed new hideouts after yours and Steve’s stunt or they are there for other reasons.”
He held the door open for her on their way out and though he was obviously tense he still took the chance to give her a small smile, almost too tired to seem genuine. Almost. “Thanks, Nat.” He could have done it on his own he told himself, but it was good to have the person with him he knew would always have his back, no matter how dangerous the situation. And should he be the one failing he trusted her to save Toni anyway.
“So, I booked us a flight. And by booked I mean I got one of the few jets that are still around because sleeping with the director of SHIELD has it perks - but also we might get in trouble if we get out of there alive.”
At the smile, exhausted and strained, on his face as she stepped past him out the door, Nat’s expression softened. “You don’t need to thank me, Clint. This is what we do.” Save people, yes, but more importantly—help each other. And after everything he’d done for her in the past she couldn’t him do this alone.
She waved off his remark about getting in trouble as she started walking, trusting him to lead the way; it would be far fro the first time either of them had gotten the other in trouble, and a fellow Avenger was worth it. “So how far away is this jet that might get us a slap on the wrist, then? Flying to Chicago, that’s—two, three hours? We’ll have time to work out a plan on the way.”
