This story is part of the 'An Avenger's...' series and takes place post-Civil War and prior to Avenger's Infinity War.
...
Striding purposefully along the busy sidewalk Sharon Carter dodged between indifferent strangers, determined to reach her destination.
The former CIA agent felt vulnerable in a crowd, no backup or sidearm to defend her. Then again an unsanctioned rendezvous with a known fugitive would make anyone nervous; she had far more enemies than friends these days. A bundle of files tucked under her arm, Sharon was glad when she made it to her liaison: Perhaps she could still get ahead of the endgame.
Entering the diner cautiously Sharon's dark brown eyes searched the dreary open space, training kicking in as she assessed this new environment: 6 members of staff, 25 patrons, a dog and only one exit. So much for a quiet rendezvous, whoever chose this location was not thinking strategically.
Unable to spot her informant Sharon blithely ignored a nearby waitress, taking a seat at an empty table whilst making sure she had clear lines of sight.
Dressed in casual clothing Sharon was reasonably inconspicuous amongst ordinary civilians, her sleeveless blue gilet and tight grey leggings neither emphasising nor taking away from the dark blonde's natural beauty. Nevertheless Sharon eyed her neighbours with suspicion, thumbing through the folders she had laid out in front of her as she waited impatiently.
"You look tired Agent Carter."
Hearing that pronounced Sokovian accent waft over her shoulder Sharon flinched. Twisting in her seat, Sharon only realised the former Avenger was present when she finally decided to announce herself. Sat at the table behind her the brunette looked up from her coffee, the brim of a baseball cap revealing the ethereal green eyes of the beautiful girl underneath.
Surprised to discover Wanda Maximoff, Sharon responded curtly:
"Nice disguise."
"When on the run looking over your shoulder becomes second nature," Wanda purred through a dark smile:
"Not dat I need to hide."
Sliding out from her own booth Sharon quickly set herself opposite the foreign girl, placing her files in her lap to keep them out of reach; all too aware of the dangerous opponent she was now facing.
Pouring a packet of sugar into her cup Wanda stirred the dark liquid before finally taking a long luxurious sip, Sharon clearing her throat:
"Where's Romanoff?"
Tilting her head Wanda answered slowly:
"She is... unavailable."
Nodding Sharon held her nerve in-spite of this latest setback. She knew Natasha, knew how to get her to play ball; this Avenger would not be so easily leveraged.
Watching the Sokovian beauty raise her hand and snap her fingers Sharon wasn't surprised when the girl behind the counter responded by immediately refilling the brunette's mug. Sharon was well aware that the Scarlet Witch had a way of enchanting people. Knowing she had to somehow convince this master-manipulator to give her what she wanted the dark blonde took her time, waiting for the girl to continue:
"So tell me Agent Carter; how ah things on the task-force these days?"
Receiving an icy stare, Wanda smirked:
"That bad huh?? Is dat why you summon me here??"
The girl's sharp tones cutting through the noise all around them Sharon shook her head, leaning forward to whisper tersely back at the confounding brunette:
"It's Ms. Carter now. If you could be bothered to read my mind you'd realise I got fired from the CIA thanks to your repeated screw ups: I'm under investigation!"
Wanda clinked her teaspoon against the saucer, smirking:
"So much for lucky Agent 13..."
Restraining her exasperation Sharon sniped back: "Not all of us can just disappear Maximoff; someone has to keep an eye on things while the Avengers are away."
Wanda rolled her eyes dismissively; from what Natasha had told her of this woman Sharon was an opportunist, far more interested in promotion and personal validation than actually helping people. Ever protective of her muse Wanda had elected to go in the redhead's place:
"What do you want Carter?"
Stroking loose, dirty-blonde locks behind her ear Sharon lifted the papers from her knee, spreading them across the table before the waiting Witch:
"The CIA have been looking into SHIELD's off the book programs, anything affiliated with HYDRA to discredit us."
Wanda scoffed:
"So?? We ah already wanted for breaching the Accords."
"Yeah, except you all escaped so now I'm taking the fall," Sharon continued bitterly:
"They offered a trade. A pardon in exchange for family secrets; the Sexual Espionage program."
Wanda's eyes widened minutely, the cup in her hand not reaching her lips. Seeing she had the brunette's attention, Sharon slid a file across the table as she continued:
"I have evidence of sexual method's being used in everything going back all the way to the SSR. Hill, Morse... Romanoff. And I know I'm just scratching the surface."
Flipping through the first few pages of the binder Wanda landed on a photograph of Peggy Carter, chuckling dryly:
"She's cute. You have her eyes."
Sharon grimaced; reading the blonde's scowl Wanda noted her change in demeanour. Shaking her head, the Sokovian continued sarcastically:
"So what? You are jealous you weren't one of Margaret Carter's chosen few so you want to destroy her legacy??"
Sharon shook her head:
"I am the Carter legacy. But she kept so many secrets, even from me. That's why I want to talk to Romanoff-"
Seeing Wanda visibly bristle Sharon continued on hurriedly:
"If Romanoff were to testify she carried out her... assignments as part of the program I could make a case to the Taskforce and reduce all of our sentences!"
Wanda shook her head in disbelief: