There was a brief nod of acknowledgement at the mention of his wife, but Rumlow was focused more on the topic of their past involvement rather than the small talk. Thankfully, Pierce seemed to be on the same page. He remembered. And the more he talked, the more Rumlow realized he did know more than he did -- vague, certainly, but it spoke of a relationship far deeper than someone who simply worked beneath Pierce.

Rumlow nodded, as if convincing himself of Pierce's words as absolute truth. Then he voiced the exact words that Rumlow felt encroaching upon his thoughts at night. His eyes lit up and he felt himself tense in anticipation, though for what, he didn't know.

"Your memories," Rumlow said softly. "Your power."

Not that Pierce should be preoccupied with the latter, this was the man that denied a Nobel Peace Prize. And yet, Rumlow got a very distinct impression that Pierce being away from SHIELD was Bad with a capital B. Of course though, he corrected himself. He was a councilman. He held an important seat. But still, the word rang through his head. Power.