So, Clint's read the medical reports. Or the SHIELD rumor mill is still going full force. "It was only eight seconds. I'm sure someone's exaggerated the number but it wasn't that long."

He lets out a heavy breath. He's dismissing Clint's concerns and deflecting like Clint's doing to his. Aren't they a pair? "Every time we go into the field we could die. I've gotten comfortable with that knowledge. I came close. For a time I was gone but the man responsible is beyond our justice. I need to do what I can to fix what he tried to destroy. The best justice is to keep going and show that bastard he didn't win."