Years with my new family were blended.  Let me just say that I earned Crimson Night's respect very quickly, by doing very regretful things.  No, I didn't kill anyone, but I would use my years of hiding in places as a way to steal back money from our enemies.  I learnt that Tobias was the executioner of the group, but Trish prevented me from ever seeing stuff like that.  Tobias and I didn't like each other, but when I completed my first job and managed to bring in five hundred thousand dollars of stolen money, we had a new-found respect for each other.  Only respect.  I was twelve.

I became quite attached to the TV, especially captivated in watching the news.  The freedom to learn what was going on in the world was a luxury, I was grateful and craved every new broadcast.  But, one night there was something shocking that shook the foundation of my new home:  "Tonight we have breaking news:  S.H.I.E.L.D., the organization entrusted with world security, has collapsed after the discovery that it has been taken over by Hydra, the Nazi cult supposedly destroyed by Captain America in World War II.  Captain America was found on the shore of the Potomac River and is now in critical condition.  Please note that this story is still developing, we will keep you updated as we receive more information."

"Fuck," I said loudly, which Trish heard.

Coming over to me, she asked, "What is it?"

"S.H.I.E.L.D. fell apart,"

"They deserved it!"

"But now the world knows that Hydra was taking S.H.I.E.L.D. over," I explained.

Trish questioned, "So?  If S.H.I.E.L.D. dies that means Hydra dies, which is what you want, right?"

I replied, "And that's what I'm afraid of.  If Hydra dies then that means the Winter Soldier can do his own thing, and it won't take long before he realizes that I'm not dead."  With my heart pounding faster against my ribs, I continued, "And nobody'll stop him!  Nobody will stop him from killing me."  That's when I did something stupid.  Merely a couple weeks after the collapse of S.H.I.E.L.D., Crimson Night received a call from someone in my former life.  

Brock Rumlow.

He was asking Criz.  That's the drug that Crimson Night creates, and it works like a charm for a variety of purposes.  It's helped me cope with mental and physical trauma, so I no longer get phantom pain at night.  The beginning symptoms can be quite drastic, but I learned to get used to it.  Anyway, wind howled and thunder rumbled outside.  Trish had unofficially given me a room in her apartment, which was quite larger than expected, but we were all in the living room watching TV and eating candy.  Trish, Tobias, Matt, and I.  Matt was the kid who defended me from Tobias' remarks in Russia, he was an awkward and quiet fellow the same age as Oliver would've been.  Matt was always polite and docile with me.  Suddenly, Tobias got a call.  "Hey," he said, smiling, "Looks like we've got a new client."  

Trish smacked her lips together on a jawbreaker.  "Mmf," she replied, "We get new clients everyday.  Tons of kids want Criz, have one of our street dealers give it to this buyer."

Tobias shook his head and explained, "No, Trish.  This guy is a man with power and lots of dough.  Remember the S.H.I.E.L.D. collapse?  This guy was a part of it, and worked his way up S.H.I.E.L.D.'s power chain.  He managed to grab ahold of a large portion of their money in the downfall."

"Why does he want Criz, anyways?"

"To relieve pain,"

Throughout the conversation I listened attentively.  The whole time I thought, who is this strange person?  I wanted to know what position he had in S.H.I.E.L.D., perhaps he could give me information regarding Hydra's status, more specifically the Winter Soldier's status.  I piped up, "What's this guy's name?"

Tobias rolled his eyes and answered, "The grown-ups are talking,"

"Tobias!" Trish scolded and swatted his arm teasingly.  She said, "I want to know this guy's name, too.  Spill."

"Brock Rumlow,"

That's when I spat a Jolly Rancher across the room.  "Manners, Elissa." Trish scoffed and Tobias grimaced.  Sheepishly, I picked up my half-chewed candy and threw it in the trash.  For the first time that night, Matt spoke up.  He said quietly to me, "I'm assuming you know this guy,"

Nodding, I said, "He's not actually S.H.I.E.L.D., he's Hydra.  He's mean, too."

"Mean or not, he's offering a lot of money." said Tobias, "Your father agrees with me, Trish.  I think we oughta take this deal."

A pause, then Trish replied, "Sure.  I mean, why the hell not?  We can meet up, find how much Criz he wants.  And more importantly, how much he is willing to pay."

At that moment I got a brilliant and crazy idea.  "Can I come?" I asked.

"Why on Earth would you want to do that?" sneered Tobias.

I replied, "Maybe I could help, I know how Hydra thinks."

"And what if he recognizes you?" Tobias questioned, "No offence, you look very recognizable."  He gestured to his left cheek, and I felt a stab of pain in mine.  The real reason why I wanted to get to see Rumlow was unbeknownst to everyone except me.  What I wanted was to make sure any remnants of Hydra weren't looking for me because we all know Hydra never dies.  If you cut off one head, two more shall take its place.

Luckily, I got my chance to meet Rumlow.  "I think it'd be good for Elissa to come," said Trish, "Matt as well.  The two could use some experience."

Tobias couldn't argue with Trish.  After all, her father was in charge.  He could contradict in that cautious and patronizing tone all he wants, but the final decision would be Trish's.  Matt and I looked at each other, and I flashed my crooked but excited grin.

Of course we wouldn't be going as ourselves because police would arrest us if caught.  Only Trish would go as herself, because in a city of corrupt police she's too important to arrest.  Alas, my newest identity was created.  When with Oliver, I would go as Olivia and he would go as Elias, but Trish said I had "blown that cover."  She created my new name:  Sarah Callaughan.  And with that name came a new look, a long, light brown wig and glasses.  Nothing much could be done for my scar except extreme dabs of concealer.

The meeting was arranged at a formal restaurant, at twelve noon exact.  Crimson Night had arranged with the restaurant's owner to leave the place closed except for those involved in the deal.  I wore a black dress with red petals along one side, a pair of black boots, and a long red coat.  I hid Ollie's necklace beneath my shirt.  Matt wore jeans and a red collared shirt.  It was Trish who went crazy (in my opinion) wearing a cherry red jumpsuit with a black business blazer over top, and a pair of high heels.  She drove us in a black car, chattering about how one day Matt and I would be doing this for her.  I thought briefly of how Oliver and I's plan to stay with Crimson Night would only be temporary, and how we'd live in the woods together.  That plan was history, as I've said before, Crimson Night was my family.  Matt and I stayed silent.

Smells of delicious food enveloped me when we entered; I was still getting used to the fact that food was almost limitless when you're in a gang.  But, I suppose when you're making a drug deal you're not supposed to order pasta.  Or anything, for that matter.  Behind a red curtain was a secluded round table.  One side had a cushioned bench attached to the wall and the other side had three mahagony chairs.  Sitting in the centre of the bench was a horribly mangled man I did not recognize at all.  A line straight as a ruler divided his face between bandaged and simply weary.  Where his left eye should've been there was just a hole in the bindings, revealing a swelled patch of skin.  However, as I looked closer I could see charred facial hair in a familiar pattern, and jet black hair underneath what looked like a permanent dust of smoke.  And all of a sudden, I knew who this man was-

"Brock Rumlow," said he, offering Trish his right hand.

"Trish," replied Trish, shaking it.  "This is Sarah, and this is Alec."

Rumlow stared into my eyes, I was worried that he had seen through my cover.  But, with a taunting smile he said to Trish, "Sarah... That means 'princess,' right?"

"You could say Sarah's our princess.  She has learned to love luxury." Trish answered, winking at me.

"That's sweet,"

With a wave of her hand, Trish said, "Let's get down to business, shall we?"

To be honest, I did not pay that much attention to the deal.  Rumlow offered six figures in return for a year's worth of drugs.  He wanted enough Criz to last two years, but Trish argued so much that he was forced to settle for one.  My stomach rumbled with hunger and my heart raced with nervousness.  All I wanted to do was to gather intel regarding S.H.I.E.L.D., and Hydra of course.  It was as if Rumlow read my mind because when the deal was closed he simply said, "I'd like a word with Sarah, please."

"Why?" asked Trish accusingly.

He replied, "Because she reminds me of someone, I'd like to get acquainted with her."

"I'm fine, Trish," I said quickly, trying not to cause a scene.  Nodding slowly, she ushered Matt and herself out of the restaurant.  "I'll be in the car, sweetie," she told me.  And there I was- alone with Rumlow.  The silence was almost unbearable.  I could feel his one good eye looking me up and down, judging me.  He laughed, followed by a series of coarse coughs.  I concentrated my gaze to his face; in Hydra I was scared to look anyone in the eye, but now I had more power than Rumlow.  He had nothing but his deformed face, and inside it made me smile.  Fucking finally!  I opened my mouth to speak, but Rumlow cut me off.  "I'm surprised you made it out, Elissa, especially because the odds were so stacked against you."

"My name is not Elissa," I said dumbly.

"With that ugly line across your face anyone from Hydra'd know it's you," snapped Rumlow.  "Don't worry, I won't tell.  Now, what is it that you want?"

I said, "Intel.  What happened?"

"Oh lord, where to begin?" Rumlow laughed before choking and hacking again.  "Have a seat, Fleur."

I sat across from him, arms folded.

"I was working with Hydra in the takeover of S.H.I.E.L.D., I had built trust with many of the higher up S.H.I.EL.D. workers." Rumlow explained, "We were so close to bringing order to the world, with our Project Insight.  But, that damned Captain America found us out, destroying our plan and taking down S.H.I.E.L.D. with him.  I fought with one of his posse, but unfortunately Cap dropped a fucking building on my face.  So, here we are."

"And Hydra?  What the hell happened to Hydra?" I questioned, voice cracking.

He grinned a deformed grin.  "You know Hydra never dies, Elissa."

Do not cry, I urged.  I swallowed and spoke slowly, "You heard me."

Rumlow told me, "They scattered.  We have multiple bases, you know.  I'm retired now; they don't want me no more."

A pause.

"I feel like there's more you want to ask me," said Rumlow.

This was my chance- I was going to get the intel I needed!  I was worried that Rumlow was going to give me false information, perhaps drive me back into the hands of Hydra.  Squashing that worry, I remembered that Rumlow had no purpose in lying to me.  Hydra wouldn't want an imperfect soldier.  My questions tumbled out of my mouth, faster than I would've liked, but once they were out there an eery calm fell over me.

"Does Hydra think I'm dead?"

"Does S.H.I.E.L.D. know about me?"

"Where is the Winter Soldier?"

He chuckled at the last question.  "Elissa, you're terrified of the Winter Soldier." said Rumlow mockingly.

Emotions were running high that day.  My anxiousness turned to anger, a fire lit inside me.  I could hear Papa in my ear, "Elissa, you are strong."  With a swift motion, I grabbed the table knife and thrust it upon Rumlow's good hand.  He clutched his wound, blood spurting out from his knuckles.  "Why the fuck did you do that for?" Rumlow half-shouted, "Bitch!"

Unreadable as a brick wall, I spat, "He took everything I loved.  He is terrifying.  Where did he go?"

"He managed to leave Hydra," grunted Rumlow, "No one knows where the hell he is."

I collapsed onto my chair, my fire had gone out.  If the Winter Soldier is running loose, he'll find me and kill me.  Tears streamed down my cheeks, I trembled in fear.  Rumlow's hand suddenly met mine, red blood staining my fingers.  Almost sympathetically he told me, "He barely knows his own name anymore, Fleur.  Odds are he'll probably end up in the hands of the government before he starts digging up his past."

"Are you sure?" 

"Sure,"

Slowly, I stood up.  "Thank you," I whispered.  "The Criz will be ready for you as soon as possible,"

"I'm not done yet, Elissa."

"What do you want?" I choked.

He slid a small square of paper across the table.  In shaky handwriting a phone number was inscribed.  I picked up the card, "What's this?"

Rumlow responded, "My number,"

I asked, "Why do I need your number?"

"You'll see.  Don't worry, I'll find you."