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Chapter 10
Her shock was so profound that Nikita sat in the chair speechless. Her silence infuriated Operations. He came around the table and spun the chair around so she faced him. He held onto the arms of it so she couldn't spin back around.
"Did you hear me?" he demanded.
Slowly Nikita raised her eyes to meet his. He'd never seen them colder. She emphasized each word as she said it. "I heard exactly what you said. I'm not doing it."
"You don't have any choice in the matter."
"Go to hell. I refuse to do it." Nikita looked at him in disgust. The urge to grab him around the throat and then rip his heart out was almost too much for her to stop. "You know what I want to do to you right now?"
"Probably not kiss me." Operations replied with a mocking smile.
Her response was a slap across his face. He grabbed the hand as if became a fist and was about to start another pass. "Do the job or I make sure he's cancelled. I'll make it up close and personal, Nikita. You'll get to see it and I'll make sure his last thought and sight is you pulling the trigger."
He tightened the grip on her hand forcing her arm backwards at a wrong angle. Her other hand came up like a claw and dug into the front of his throat. He didn't react, he remained calm and steady, still pushing back on her fist.
"You've used that threat before. I don't believe it."
There had to be a way for him to convince her to go. Nikita had to be there. They stayed safe and so did the child. And Michael needed a little help to keep from losing his head completely. The intercom provided his ammo.
"Operations, Red team in egress." Birkhoff's voice echoed in the briefing room. Silently Operations and Nikita maintained their positions. A slow crooked smile curved his lips. "Do you know where they just came from? It was an event you weren't invited to."
"So?" She was having a hard time reading his intentions. They weren't good and she was getting a distinctively uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"They just completed the next step in the profile I was describing to you. They went to see Michael. It was their responsibility to make sure he got a good way in with Greg. I asked them not to hurt him too much. But as you know in the heat of things...orders can be forgotten. Not saying that they were but you never know."
Nikita was silent. Knowing Michael and the mood he had been in lately, Lord knew how it had gone. But she knew he would have fought like hell. No matter how hurt he was. Self preservation would not have been an issue. He would die trying to.... That was where her heart skipped a beat and panic started to cramp her insides. She shifted her eyes up to Operations. More and more she was hating the man. More and more she wanted to put him out of all their miseries. She saw Michael before her eyes the way he was the other night. He was unstable and he was dangerous, not just to others but mostly to himself.
Operations stood up and glared down at her. "I trust I made my point LOUD and CLEAR! I expect complete compliance from you or I will make good on my offer." The change in Nikita's eyes caught him off guard. The hardness and hate was instantaneously gone. They became almost panicked. The look he saw on her face was now one of absolute terror. It was almost as if she had seen her worst nightmare unfold before her eyes.
"NO!!!!" With a burst of adrenalin powered by the turmoil inside that suddenly overcame her, she shoved Operations backwards and burst from the chair. She was gone in seconds.
Operations watch her run through Ops and out of sight. *Lousy bastard* he thought to himself.
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The van entrance seemed too far away for her. She couldn't get there fast enough. Operations' words combined with the memories of her nightmare that matched his threat and her knowledge of how Michael was proved to be too much. Panic had overcome her like a flash flood. Why, this was not a normal reaction for her. Had it been something they had placed in her head so they could trigger it when they needed to? God what else had they hidden in her so that if they had to they could control her? Images from the nightmare kept flashing in front of her eyes.
As she hit the hallway to it she could hear them off loading. She could hear Simon's voice but it didn't sound right. Neither did Mullin's. Then she could hear Christine. She rounded the corner and saw them standing in a group. On a dead run she barreled into Simon and threw him into the wall.
She had hold of the material of his black mission suit. Her eyes burned up into his. She ignored the obvious wounds on his face and the yellowish grey tone to his skin. He tried to push her away but she was so pumped with her emotions that he wasn't able to budge her. Shock was starting to set in. Things hurt inside too and he knew that was where it was coming from. Yerlie and Mullin came forward but he warned them off with his hand.
Simon didn't know what had set her off but by the look in her eyes he knew she was absolutely terrified. There was only one thing that could do that. Something was going on with Michael.
"Is he......"
"Tell me right now that he's still alive. Tell me you didn't kill him."
He brought his hand up to rub his forehead. His face ached terribly, he was feeling lightheaded and he felt weariness seeping in deep. "I only knocked him out....I think."
"YOU THINK? YOU DIDN'T CHECK?!??"
"Do I look like I was thinking of checking at the time? My damn nose is broke. My head is ready to split in two. Mullin's got a busted jaw plus we've got two dead and two wounded team members. He's fine, don't get so god damn worked up. He did a hell of a lot more damage than we did."
"He killed two of you?" Nikita let go of Simon and backed away. The look of panic was still in her eyes but was now mixed with anxiety and fear.
Yerlie spoke up. "It wasn't him 'Kita. It was the other guy. But he did the damage to the rest of us."
"For some of us, it was their own damn fault." Simon said in an nasal accusatory tone as he glared at Mullin. Mullin pushed forward. Christine pushed back. She looked over at Nikita. The look from Nikita towards him was one of daring and warning. The tension in the hallway was high. Christine was not interested in breaking up a fight between Mullin and Nikita. She had to defuse the situation.
Returning to Mullin's direction, Christine said sternly, "Do it and I'll leave your jaw wired shut for more than 6 weeks. Medlab, all of you." The group started to move but Simon held back. Nikita was staring at the floor.
"I need to talk to you for a minute. Something weird is going on you should know about." He watched as Nikita's head and guard came up.
"What are you talking about? Go with Christine." Suspicions and worry which she was already heady with got worse. But Simon needed medical attention. She couldn't deny that. She couldn't help but note the yellowish- grey color to his normally light brown skin.
"No, listen to me. He said stuff and did stuff that was out of character for him. But he wasn't acting. He was dead serious when he told me. He said that he wasn't going to let me hurt his son. Nikita, he thinks that little boy is Merle. And the way he was fighting...." Simon walked away and slowly turned in a circle before he faced her again. "Princess...he was scared and he was desperate. That's not the Michael I know. I saw the kid too and damn...he could be Merle's twin."
Nikita's head was swimming. No wonder Michael was losing it. It wasn't the fact that this child was just the right age or that Michael was projecting on to the child. Reese did look like Merle. Michael saw a chance to prove himself. The entire reasoning of it she had not yet figured out.
She leaned her head against the wall. "Oh God, Michael," she moaned. She could feel him slipping away through her fingers. Nikita leaned her cheek against it instead, so she could look at Simon.
Suddenly he sagged against the wall. Nikita immediately put her shoulder under his armpit and stood up straight. He smiled at her but it was a weak one. "You've got to get to him Princess. This isn't good."
"Yeah...I know." Nikita took a deep breath. She had no choice now. He was in deep trouble and she had to get him out. She'd have to do the mission, all of it. She was not going to be able to get around this. She stifled the terror that threatened as images from the nightmare and the sight of him the other night mixed in her head. For the first time in along time, Nikita dreaded the little saying about dreams coming true.
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The shoulders were bare and the neckline plummeted lower than she thought was safe. And the back dipped to the bottom point of her spine. She had never had on so much clothing and felt so naked before. She hitched it up a bit and he tapped her hip again. Nikita sighed and went back to the reflection. The black silk fell straight to the floor, gracefully spilling down from her hips. The skirt of the gown was straight and the rest of it hugged in just the right places. *It's too revealing. I've seen less of me naked! Well, maybe not. That purple dress Madeline has is pretty bad but.... Still I look like an expensive Vegas call girl. All I need is a nice rich old man.* She frowned again. Nikita moved her leg slightly and the slit on the side opened to reveal it from the point of her hip down to the black heels she wore. Her hair was piled and styled sophisticatedly on top of her head. A few tendrils had escaped even Madeline's attention and so they hung.
Nikita stood in front of the mirror still stewing over the reflection and nervously smoothing down the black silk over her thighs, when Darcie came in. She leaned against the frame and grinned at her. "If you keep fidgeting, Avery won't not be able to get it straight."
"Then why don't you put it on? I feel like a high priced whore." She frowned at the reflection in the mirror again. There was a sick feeling in her stomach. Nikita felt intensely like a lamb getting ready to be led to slaughter.
Madeline appeared behind her and placed hands on both shoulders. "You are a very elegant woman. I feel jealous. If you do not turn every head at that party then they are either blind or dead." Nikita rolled her eyes at Madeline's reflection. Madeline smiled warmly as Darcie started to giggle. The change in Nikita's trainee had been amazing. She wondered how it had been achieved. Whatever had been done, it had worked like a charm. The girl would be a very good operative. Even at this early a stage it was evident.
For Nikita though, the only head she was worried about turning was Michael's. She tilted her head to the side as she looked over the fit of the gown again. In a way it was cut like the nightgown he had given her just..... With a sigh, Nikita put her head straight again. That only brought up things she didn't want to think about or even remember right now. The idea of what she might have to do in the next couple of weeks made her skin crawl. And there was that sick feeling to her stomach she had every time she thought about it too.
And Darcie was not helping her self confidence in the least. She was only helping the self loathing. Nikita shot a look to kill her way. "You forget I can make your life miserable." She started to form a face. Looking very much like she had just swallowed sour milk.
Trying to smother her giggle, Darcie tried to compose her own face but failed. "Madeline if she goes in with that expression..."
Madeline repressed her own laughter as she watched Nikita's continued self loathing in the mirror. "Remember Nikita....your femininity and strength are your weapons. Linsdon has lost his wife. He is lonely and vulnerable. Use those weaknesses. Make them work for you. I know you can, I've seen you do it. I know you understand the power of it too because you're teaching the same things to Darcie. She finally looks comfortable in her own skin. She feels good about herself. That is because of you. She sees how you have developed and I think she wishes to emulate you. Am I right, Darcie?"
Darcie made a little face but nodded yes. She gave Nikita a little smile. "Yeah, I even smile now."
Nikita shook her head, hiding a little smile of her own. She felt guilty for being able to do that considering the way her world was spinning. And the way Michael's was crashlanding without her. " Be careful of what you imitate...you can become it." She paused waiting for a reply but a quick glance and a dropped set of eyes was all she got. Softly she asked, "What about how using those 'weapons' could wound Michael?"
"You're done." The man who had been kneeling on the floor stood up. "Don't stick your heel in the hem of that dress again or you will go on this mission naked." He walked away.
Leaning back so she could see him, she said loudly, "I appreciate your nimble fingers, Avery!"
"Remember what I said!" was all he said.
"Turn around, I want to look at you." Taking a deep breath, Nikita did as Madeline told her. As she did their eyes met. The two woman watched each other. "I want you to know I requested that he use other operatives. He denied the request. This did not have my approval. I will find some way to mitigate the consequences. I will help Michael anyway I can. That's a promise. But I require a promise of you."
"What?"
"Do your best to follow the profile. Do what Operations requests. Make the necessary sacrifices to make the mission work. I will be able to make good on my promise that much easier."
"I don't know about that, Madeline."
"If you care for him, you will. You've got about 10 minutes before you go. Darcie, give her your pep talk." Madeline turned and left the room.
"Did you get what I asked you to from Christine?" Darcie walked around to the front of Nikita and handed her 2 small vials.
"There. She said two drops on food, one on liquid. Liquid is preferable, especially alcohol. The memory blackout is more effective and he'll sleep longer. Ah, can I ask you something?"
"What?"
"Just how much are you willing to sacrifice for Michael?"
Nikita sighed grimly. "I don't know. Probably everything. He has for me."
"But you're sure? Can you do this? Are you worth it?" Darcie stressed the 'you'. She had the idea that something was bothering Nikita. And it was this mission. There had been rumours about what Bauer had done to Nikita and that was why Michael had gone off on him down in one of the white rooms. She heard it had taken a while to clean things up. But she knew one thing. Nikita was not considering herself, she was too concerned about Michael and the direction of the profile to be followed. If what they said was true, sooner or later her 'mentor' was going to fall apart. That was not something you pushed away or kept inside for long.
"He's worth it! As has been quite strongly pointed out to me, we don't live in a normal world nor will we ever get the chance. But I don't see that as written in stone. I'm going to make my own way. I just have to find it. And I want him with me..... Want to walk me up? Watch my heels?"
"Yeah, don't want you going into a roomful of men naked." They started to leave the room. Nikita grabbed a black wrap, a small tote and an overnight bag. Darcie hoisted up a larger duffle bag on her shoulder and then a garment bag.
"A room full of naked men.....I think I like the way that looks......are they all old geezers or nice young cute guys?" Darcie's giggle sounded loud in the hallway. Nikita only wished she could laugh with her. Her nerves were too tense now to allow it so all she did was roll her eyes and shake her head. Slowly she pulled at the ring on her finger. It came off after several tries. She slipped it into the pocket on the side of the small tote and gave it a light pat. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders. *Let's get this over with.*
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*Somehow he was back there. Returned to that place where Elouette had tried to rob him of what little feeling and hope inside he still had. The coldness of the concrete had finally sunk deep into him. It made everything ache. He tried to get up but he couldn't make his body respond. It was like it had been before. He could see out and hear. He could even feel when he was touched. But he couldn't interact with the outside world.
Then he heard it. That damn tape she'd had; the one with the baby crying in such a terrified way. He wanted so much to just wrap his arms around his head and hopefully he could block out the sounds that way. Then he heard her voice and strangely it was impetus enough to propel him to his feet. He turned in a circle, trying to figure out where she was going to come from.
"I've been thinking about you Michael." Her accent was even fainter than he remembered. He felt a hand caress his cheek, a hand that was as cold as ice. He jerked his head back. "Remember me, my darling? I've had a lot of time since they tore us apart so abruptly. We didn't have the chance we needed to complete things, did we?"
Michael swallowed hard. He tried to focus on her instead of the tape. It had to be the lesser of two devils....fight her instead of insanity, right? "You're dead. You're just a dream. Just another nightmare"
Elouette laugh sweetly. "Didn't you think the same thing about my dear daddy all these years? He turned out to be real, right?" She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. He pulled back and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Then he rubbed the back of his hand on his pants. She paused for a moment and tilted her head, listening. A hand reached out and she slipped a finger down his chest in a lazy meandering way.
"Listen Michael, do you hear that?" She grabbed a hand and placed it around her waist, drawing in close to him. "They're playing our song. Would you like to dance? Would you like something more perhaps?"
With a look of disgust, he pushed himself out of her grasp. He could feel himself breaking out into a sweat. There was no air in the room. The coldness was gone, it was now as hot as an oven. He could feel what little connection he still had with control crumbling away. "Go back to hell, Elouette. That's where you came from and that's where you belong."
"Hell, my darling? Oh, far from it!" She clapped her hands in delight "I'm in paradise! Can you guess who's there with me? Come on guess?" She pouted at the blank stare he gave her. "You really are no fun. Never were when we were kids either. Remember being a child Michael? Well, anyway....I've got some special company. The WHOLE family is with me. Mom and Dad and Simone and even little Merle. He's such a handsome boy. He's kinda sad though. He thinks you're mad at him. That you don't love him, that you never did."
Michael groaned and leaned against the wall. Both hands palm first to it and his fingers digging into the stone. He wasn't strong enough for this. "I'm...not...mad....at him. I love him so much it still hurts that he's gone....Please God, make this stop." He balled up a hand as his voice trailed to a whisper and rapped it against the rough stone.
"Au contraire, Michel. That's not what you're showing him. If you loved him why are you trying to replace him?"
"Stop it! Stop telling these lies! I could never replace him! Leave me alone." He turned to the wall, pressing his forehead against it. He didn't want to hear this.
"He thinks you didn't love him because you weren't there when he needed you. You let him slip through your fingers like sand. Like he was dust on your shoes. Come to think of it, that was just how your father treated you wasn't it. Work always came first. He wasn't there for you either. Sins of the father....I guess dear old dad was right. Seems you're the spitting image of your father. Except your father never tried to take somebody else's child and put him in your place."
Michael felt his knees get weak. He spoke through gritted teeth. "Stop it. You're not real. It isn't true . I can love him, too. There is nothing wrong with that. "
"Can you turn around Michael? Someone wants to talk to you."
Reluctantly he turned. Elouette stood there, Merle in her arms. Eyes that were so much like his own stared back at him, only they were dull and lifeless. "OH GOD...UGHHH!!!!." The cry tore out of his throat as he started to slide down the wall. Suddenly he sprang forward. "I WANT MY SON!!!!" Desperation strong in his voice.
Elouette spun away and started to run away. The room grew longer. Michael was after her. Suddenly she stopped and whirled around to face him. Her eyes glittered maliciously and an evil smile curved her mouth. "You let him slip away again. Good luck on finding him. Maybe your replacement idea is a good one. Maybe you can make it work this time. Don't get this one killed. With your reputation, I'm surprised the bitch lets you near her little whelp. Got her fooled don't you? You're good. My father taught you so well. Can't understand why you hate him so much. He did so much for you. Got rid of all those familial problems for you, didn't he? Be grateful! Maybe we can arrange the same present for the bitch and both of the brats. Come on Michael...what do you think? Are you game? "
"NO!!!" he screamed at her and dropped to his knees. He reached into his pocket and pulled his gun. He aimed at her and started to squeeze off shot after shot. The shots blended with his screams.
The sound of shattering glass filled the room. It woke him. He was on the floor, on his knees, the blankets twisted around him. He was slick with sweat. The nightstand laid on its side; the lamp in pieces on the floor. His arms were straight out, as if he was holding a gun. He fell back on his heels, head hanging down. Breathing heavily, he struggled out of the sheets and to his feet. "He's not going to slip away again. I'm not going to lose my chance this time. I'm not going to lose the only things that are right in my world, " he murmured.
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Chapter 11
The main entrance glittered with lights and the jewels that dripped from the women. Nikita adjusted the holster on her inner thigh through the slit of the dress. Taking a deep breath, she took ahold of the hand that was reaching in the door. Slowly she emerged from the car to come face to face with Operations. He smiled benignly at her, but it was not returned to him. He laid her arm over his as they started in.
As they descended into the main ballroom, men began to give appreciative glances and women cool appraisals. Operations leaned in so she could hear his whisper. "You are a hit my dear. I must say you do look magnificent."
She ignored the comment, focusing on the dance floor below instead and trying to look like she was looking assessing the situation for possible trouble. He watched as her eyes swept the room below them. He knew she was looking for Michael. And he was sure that his second in command had already spotted her. As her gaze shifted away, Operations let his eyes travel over her. There was no denying she was a beautiful woman and as much as he hated to admit it, Michael was indeed a lucky man. He looked away as he remembered how he had once felt lucky because of Madeline. It seemed to be further in the past than ever before.
Greg heard the murmurs among the gathered and turned to look up the stairs. "Oh my Lord... Michael, look what's floating down the staircase. I think I'm looking at an angel. And look who she's with"
Michael turned to look where Greg has said. The air caught in his throat as he saw her. The sight of her floored him. She looked beautiful. He knew every man in the room was having the same reaction as he was. It should have bothered him but it didn't. He knew where her heart laid and where her head did too, every chance they could find, next to his. The look he saw Operations give her as she looked away from him pricked at Michael. That man had no right at all to look at her that way. Slowly he rubbed his fingers together. It would feel so good to unleash on him a little and see him fall to the floor. He ground his teeth together in frustration. That would be a wish that would never come to realization. With a sigh, he stood in place instead, gazing intensely at her, hoping she could sense his stare. Almost inaudibly he whispered, "mon coeur". As if she heard him, Nikita looked up from watching the steps and her eyes swept the room.
Nikita still couldn't see him. Maybe they hadn't gotten there yet, but she could feel him as well as a pair of eyes staring at her. As she looked past a set of open glass doors, she saw him. He stood like a statue, eyes locked on her. In those eyes, she saw that same pain from the other night and a deep sadness, something she had not seen in them in such strength before.
There was also that unmistakable glimmer. *I guess I did turn his head. I just wish I could get rid of that sadness. I wish you would tell me how.*
The tux he wore looked just right on him. Obviously Madeline had it especially tailored to fit him. It only emphasized his build and the natural grace he had. And as always the black of the material, silk by the way the light reflected from it, made his eyes seem to be silver and green at the same time. The tint of the lighting drew out the auburn in his hair, giving it a deep russet tone. The results of the fight were still plain on his face. He was probably giving the standard excuse for them....a car accident. He stood too stiffly as well, leaning to the left. *His ribs again.*
Regardless of the injuries he was still the only one in the room she wanted to look at. He only looked better one way. She quickly repressed the feeling that rose up. Neither the time or the situation was appropriate for that kind of thinking. *My handsome prince.....how many heads have turned in your direction tonight......Just keep looking at me....I need you to get through this.* She smiled and leaned slightly towards Operations. Softly she said, still smiling, "He's by the third set of open doors."
Operations glanced sideways quickly as he greeted a couple on the stairs. " Ah, yes..I see. Good. Shall we mingle? He was alone. Do you see Linsdon near him?" Nikita shook her head yes. Greg was behind and to the right of him. He stared at her also. They had reached the bottom and the crowds swallowed them up. Operations grabbed two glasses from a waiter who maneuvered by and offered on to Nikita. "A drink, Josephine?" And he raised it to her almost triumphantly. A satisfied smile on his face. She regarded him impassively.
He didn't deserve a reaction from her. Not that he expected one. He had seen the look that had passed between the two operatives. This mission would keep them tied up with each other for a while, he hoped.
Greg craned his neck trying to see where into the crowd they had melted. He nudged Michael with his shoulder. "Well?"
Michael looked over the same shoulder at him. "What?" And he turned back around, smiling at the waitress who had stopped in front of him. "No thank you, I'm fine."
"Would you care for a drink, sir?"
Distractedly Greg answered, "Beer's good." She inclined her head and moved away. "What did you think of that? I wonder how much your friend had to pay for that?"
"Don't be fooled Greg. She's not what she seems."
"You know her?"
Michael took a deep breath and turned towards Greg. "Yeah, I've had dealings with her before. That's his personal protection. She must be setting up a security team for him. Don't let her looks deceive you. She is one dangerous woman. And she doesn't sell herself either. So put that thought out of your head. "
Greg gave a low throaty laugh. " Sure, no problem. Yeah, I can tell she's dangerous. Like a well curved road in fog at night.... That kind of danger I like. She caught sight of you, pal. I think she likes the way you look. Wonder if she was asking permission to come see you?"
"I saw that but she was telling him I'm here. Not if she can come mingle over here. She doesn't ask for anything. She takes what she wants and gives only what she feels is necessary. And that is never very much. Maybe it's time to go. I don't feel like dealing with his crap tonight." He moved away from the doorjamb, his intent to leave clear. Greg grabbed his arm.
"Oh no you don't. I want an intro."
"Give it up. She's not in either of our leagues. You don't want to tangle with her. It's not fun. Besides, she's here working for him. She doesn't mix business with pleasure. One reason why she's as good as she is." He tried to remove the hand but Greg held tight.
"I'll decide that. But I do appreciate the warning." He grinned at Michael, then got serious. "Personal protection...in other words his body guard. Think she could help us out?"
"Yes but she does not come cheap. She shouldn't. She commands the price because she can do the job. She's good. Jo sets up the security, hires the additional personnel needed and stays until she thinks the job is done. She hasn't lost a client yet." Greg watched as Michael stiffened and he saw the emotions in him shut off. Then he heard the voice.
"And I don't intend to, ever. Thank you for the words of praise, I'm impressed." Nikita just about purred the words out. Greg twisted around at her voice. She smiled warmly at him, then brought icy eyes back to Michael. "You've never had those kind of words for me before."
"Must of had too much to drink then." Greg resisted the temptation to shiver as he felt the hair rise up on the back of his neck. There was a definite antagonism between Michael and this woman he called Jo. The tension was almost a physical thing.
"Come Michael...I know you rarely drink. You must just be getting soft in your old age." Nikita looked at him coyly. Underneath the look, she tried to gauge how he was. His face and voice were void of emotion. She looked up at Greg and smiled warmly. "And your friend is...?" she asked pushing him into introducing her.
"Greg, this is Josephine Myrsine. Josephine, this is my friend, Greg Linsdon." Michael regarded the interaction between Greg and Nikita. Greg was definitely attracted. For a moment he had been unsure whether or not Nikita's interest had been real. He felt like kicking himself for that doubt as he saw the flicker of dislike and trepidation in her eyes as she flashed a glance at him and then back at Greg. Michael felt her discomfort but he did only because he knew how to read her. It was transparent to Greg.
Nikita stuck out her hand which Greg took and lightly kissed. A devilish twinkle in his eye. "Josephine, it is nice to meet you."
"Please, call me Jo. A kiss on the hand. My, what cloth are you cut from? So gallant." she smiled brightly at him. A smile that was warm teasing and inviting.
Greg laughed. "If I must call you Jo then you have to call me Greg. As for my cloth, depends on my mood. It could be silk, cotton or Kevlar."
She laugh lightly. "Oh I do love a man with a sense of humour. It just adds..."
Interrupting her, Michael asked brusquely, "Speaking of age, where is the old cur? I thought you were suppose to be making sure his hair stayed in place."
Coldness replaced the light hearted look on her face. In a low voice and leaning towards him slightly, Nikita said slowly. "Do you really want to start something with me, Louis? Remember the last time? You lost, didn't you?" As if dismissing him, she focused her attention back to Greg. "As I was saying, a sense of humour just adds to a man, makes him that much more attractive."
Michael rolled his eyes and gave a loud snort of disgust. He shot a quick look at Greg. "As I said before, I'm leaving. Call me whenever."
"Leaving this grand soiree so soon, Mr. Louis?" Operations came up behind Nikita. She possessively linked her arms through the crook of his elbow.
"You aren't still sore at Jo for the last time you two locked horns are you?" he asked of Michael. Greg watched carefully. He remembered what had happened last time between Michael and the older man .
Michael sneered at him. "Why are you here?"
Operations smiled. "I was invited. Probably unlike you."
Greg could see the stance that Michael took. Obviously this could get out of hand very quickly. Glancing at Jo, he saw that she was seeing the same signs. He watched as she reached out and curled her fingers into the lapel of Michael's tux.
"Come on handsome. Let's dance." she said as she pulled him to the dance floor. Greg watched as she locked eyes momentarily with Michael. There was an invitation in those eyes. He was just unsure as to whether it was for the dance or something else.
He could see his friend's reluctance to go. Michael's attention had shifted from the woman to focus on the older man. The blank look had been replaced by one of strong anger. Greg wondered what the man could have done to earned that. He watched as the blonde guided Michael to the dance floor and they disappeared into the crowd.
The older man turned to Greg. He held out a hand "Let me introduce myself. Name's Oscar Lauer."
Greg took Oscar's hand and shook it. "I'm Greg Linsdon. Nice to meet you."
"Is Michael working for you?"
*Michael working for me....ok friend....how does this fit into your jigsaw puzzle.* Ever since the attack at the house, he had been probing Michael to tell him more about himself. Michael had remained closed, saying that it didn't matter. Obviously Michael's previous line of work had not been in the art world. No his friend was a jigsaw puzzle, only problem was he couldn't get the pieces to fit together. There was no doubt as to the strong connection and feelings the two men shared. By the looks of things, Michael also shared something with the woman. "No, just good friends. And Jo?"
Operations smiled. "Very good working relationship, I'd say. Yes, a very good one. Unfortunately tonight is the last night. My security team is all set up and as is her way, she leaves. I will miss that woman." He sighed and took a sip of the drink in his hand. "So Mr. Linsdon, what do you do for a living?"
Nikita remained stiff in Michael's arms until she was sure they were well hidden from Greg's line of sight. Then she relaxed and he pulled her in closer. The angry look fell from his face and was replaced by an emotionless expression. Only his eyes were alive and filled with worry. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern strong in his voice.
She smiled softly at him. "I'll survive. It's you we should be worried about."
She sensed his defenses going up by watching his eyes darken and begin to flit amongst the other dancing couples. "What do you mean?"
Knowing time was limited, she went right into it. "Don't push me out Michael. I talked to Simon. He told me what you said and how you acted. That and the way you came and went from my apartment....you're scaring me."
Michael kept his eyes from focusing on her face. He looked everywhere but at her. They needed to talk but there wasn't enough time. Suddenly he pulled her out a set of doors, he needed to know if she was going to be able to get through this. That and he wanted to know what game Operations was up to. This mission was not one she would have gone along with willingly. There had to be some kind of threat pushing her along. With her in tow, he headed down the stone stairs to the formal gardens below. She tried to stop but he was moving quickly. "Michael... slow down!" she hissed. *Damn the dress....it is going to get ripped. And with my luck lately fall the hell off!*
He yanked her around a row of dense high hedge bushes. Her wrist was painfully gripped in his hand. "What did Simon tell you? What is Operations up to?" His voice was low and she could hear the stress in it.
"That you freaked out, Michael! That you think Reese is your son!"
With a growl, he let her go and turned around. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets. "So I lost it a little. When the team hit, I was holding Reese and it was just Robin and myself there. It was nothing. Over and done."
"I know what Simon told me. And you've seem to have forgotten the condition you came to my apartment in. The things you said to me. You've got a major problem when it comes to your son. You think you're somehow to blame. Or you're somehow comparing your actions with those of your father. I..."
He faced her. His eyes narrowed and his voice hard. "My father?" Hearing her say things so close to what Elouette had implied in his earlier nightmare. And what he felt in a way already was like getting punched in the face. He could feel the pain like a physical thing.
"There's a lot of similarities in the situations. You obviously spent a lot of time in the past 4 years or so drawing them out. I'm not in your head so I can't entirely figure out how you think. I'm not sure if I really want to. But I know that there are other fact you deny the existence of so you can take all the blame. Well it's not all yours Michael. Give it up!"
He pointed a finger at her. "You've had too much time to think lately! Stop trying to analyze me!" She could hear the anger in his voice and saw it flare up in his eyes.
"What else has there been to do the past 6 weeks while I've been alone? Yes I sit on that deck, stare at the water and think. Or maybe I sit home and watch over the city. Maybe while Darcie trains, I zone out. But it is always the same thing I think about lately. I've been able to put my worry about Katie aside. You got her safe for me. There's no way for me to express how grateful I am for that. But for you, I can't. I can't push my concern aside. You! That's all I think about, trying to figure you and us out! Sorry if you don't like it either. You don't, do you? No, because I'm hitting too damn close to the truth that you don't want to be confronted with. Cause you're scared of it!"" Nikita inhaled deeply. She didn't want to fight with him. She tightened her grip on her temper. He had the innate to make her lose it with just a few words or glances.
Rubbing her forehead with her eyes closed, she decided that a plea based on conclusions and assumptions was not going to work. It would only cause more of an argument because he would deny or sidestep them. She went instead with what she was feeling. His continued silence and glare allowed her space to talk again. She had to, the tension between them made her feel very uncomfortable. And God knew she already was in this get-up. *God blessed $1000 a night hooker!*
"I can feel you slipping. Like you're in quicksand and I can't pull you out. I love you and I'm scared I'm going to lose you. Please don't let that happen. I want there to be a 'someday' for us. They find out what's going on with you and it could be abeyance or maybe even cancellation if you make Operations mad enough." She opened her eyes to look at his reaction. There was none. * So you stand there with that damn Section like look on your face. Thank you. I appreciate you showing me how much you care. Not only for me and Katie but for yourself.* Tears started to choke her voice.
Nikita felt like she had been catapulted back in time. Her emotions and the stress of the situation got the best of her. Bitterly she lashed out at him. "So that's how it's going to be. The automaton is back. Then let things play out! I don't give a damn! I'm not going to tear myself up with caring. Not this time. I don't think it's worth it. Is it?" Still no response. *God this hurts.* Stifling tears, she shoved him out of the way with her hand. She wasn't about to start crying in front of him. Later in private, maybe.
As she went passed him, his hand shot out and closed around her upraised fingers. Michael interlaced his own through hers. His voice was raw. "Don't go. Don't leave me."
"Why not? Haven't you already left me? Because it certainly feels that way."
Suddenly he was kissing her. She responded to the emotion in it with her own. He broke the kiss but held her face between his hands. He leaned his forehead against hers. Silently they stood there for a moment. He let go and pulled her into an embrace. Whispering in her ear, he said "I'm right here. I'm fighting to stay here."
Michael pulled back. Nikita lifted a hand and caressed his cheek. He moved his head so he could kiss her palm. Looking directly into her eyes, he said softly, "I love you. Don't forget it." He kissed her hard again and then quickly left.
She pressed the palm to her face. Nikita could just catch a wisp of his cologne. She fought back up from the feelings it stirred. It was time to go back in. They shouldn't have been out here in the first place. But she didn't think they had been seen. It had also given Operations enough time to plant seeds about her. Preparing herself, she slipped the character back on and strode back into the ballroom. It was easy to find her way back to Operations and Greg. She draped herself over Operations' shoulder, pouting.
"I don't know why you want him back. He's such a hard ass."
Operations planted a kiss on her cheek. "Because you won't stay, I have to choose the next best. That's him."
"He says to forget it. He's not interested in anything you have to offer. But I told him what you wanted. As you can see, he followed his usual pattern. Walk away so it will go away."
Operations watched the varying reflections in her eyes. Obviously they had some kind of squabble as they had danced. It didn't make him happy. The next event of the evening had been planned with both of them present. *Well my dear, it's time to see how good you are.*
He put out his hand to Greg. "Greg, it was nice to meet and talk with you. Perhaps the next time I am in town, we can have dinner. Perhaps talk about how we can benefit each other, I think we could work well together."
Greg nodded. "Do you mind if I tender an offer to Jo now? Or should I wait? Since she is still working for you." Operations shook his head negatively.
"Thanks. Jo, I know you're done with Oscar. I was wondering if you'd be willing to do the same job for me. Set me up. My son and I need your expertise, your help."
Nikita acted as if she was mulling over the offer. "Give me your number. I'll let you know." She took the card Greg held out to her. "Thank you. It was nice to meet you as well." She smiled at him and he returned the gesture. His interest plain for all to see in his eyes. *He's not going to be hard to hook. Lucky me* she thought blandly.
Propelling her by the small of her back, Operations pushed her forward and around. "Well Jo I think we've gotten what we came for, shall we go?" Nodding her assent, they started to leave.
Greg spoke up. "Since Michael hasn't come back and we came in the same car, I'll walk out with you. He's probably waiting there for me since he drove."
------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------
Michael leaned against the white Porsche towards the middle of the circular driveway. The limo which had brought Nikita and Operations stood waiting just behind. He watched as they leisurely walked to the cars, talking quietly. He could hear Nikita laugh as something that was said. It only made him frown. The trio stopped in front of him. Casually Nikita laid a hand against his chest while he regarded her stoically.
"Remember what I told you." she said before she turned from him to go to the limo.
"And keep in mind what I said to you." He replied tonelessly. Casting a withering glance at Operations, he quickly went around the car and got in.
He gunned the engine, his intention to leave obvious and loud. Greg inclined his head at Nikita as she got in the limo. She smiled softly at him. He got in the car and slammed the door.
"Do you want to tell me what the story is? I didn't think you could be this rude." He didn't really expect Michael to say anything but he figured it was worth the try anyway. The look he got was a little more than he had anticipated. The plain anger in Michael's eyes bothered him. "What did I do?"
"Stay away from her, Greg. I warn you. She's trouble. And he's not a person you want to be on the bad side of. He's not afraid to get rid of what bugs him. Neither is she." He couldn't keep the warning tone out of his voice either. Michael didn't want this to go any further. But his wants weren't a concern here. Things were completely out of his control and it irked him to no end.
Greg shook his head as they pulled away. "As I said before, I think I can decide that for myself."
"Fine." was Michael's only reply. The groundwork was laid. There was nothing to do now but wait for Section's next move.
Slowly the cars went down the long lane to the main road and then pulled out. Michael immediately floored the Porsche and outdistanced the other vehicle in seconds. In the limo, Operations lowered the glass that separated him from the driver. "Paul, it's time."
"Yes, sir." Paul said as he picked up a walkie talkie and started to give quiet instructions into it.
Nikita flashed a look over at Operations. "What are you up to now?"
"Just insuring your good name, my dear. I want to make you look like the consummate professional." He continued to stare ahead out the windshield. A police car flashed by them, lights and siren going. He frowned as it went by but Nikita missed the look. Operations was puzzled, this was not in the profile. The road was supposed to be closed to other traffic.
Several miles passed till Nikita could make out the flashing lights ahead. It looked like they had pulled over a white car. She leaned forward, trying to determine.... The two police officers had pulled Michael and Greg from the car. One had Greg face first on the ground with a gun at the back of his head. Michael had his back to the open door of the car. He held both hands up as the other cop held a gun to his forehead. His expression revealed his displeasure and annoyance over the situation. He seemed to be helpless but Nikita knew better. He was just looking for an opening.
"God damn you! Paul, stop the car!!!" Paul glided the limo to a stop behind the police car. The sirens were still screaming, their arrival was unnoticed except for Michael. As she stepped out, pulling the gun from the holster on her thigh, she heard Operations' warning.
"Nikita, they're not ours!" Her only thought as she slipped along the side of the limo was how big a liar he was.
The swirling lights from the police car gave the scene a surreal feeling. Michael saw her rising up from the side of the car. Once he saw her aim where was directed, he went into action. His hands came down on the 'officer's' two shoulders, driving him to his knees. The gun dropped to the pavement as Nikita took out the other 'officer'. Michael grabbed either side of the man's head and brought his knee up to the face. He crumbled to the ground. Scooping up the firearm, Michael went for Nikita.
Nikita's target had fallen over and she was helping Greg to his feet. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the movement in the brush along the road. Placing herself between Greg and the shooter, she shoved him backwards into the car. He grabbed at her as he lost his balance, pulling her back with him. Nikita struggled for her balance and accuracy as she fired. Her position made it impossible. She felt a burning across her stomach and knew she'd been grazed. She struggled for purchase in the gravel with her heels, pushing back on Greg. She keep a cover of fire going in spite of her position. Greg's actions had gotten them in a spot where there was no way for her to get him out of it alone. Then she felt the dress rip as she put her heel through the side of it. *Shit!* was the only thing she could think.
In the next instant, Michael was standing in front of her, back to the car, covering her as she got her aim down. She hadn't missed either of her targets but they hadn't stopped either. For the moment, there was silence except for the sirens which Michael quieted with one bullet. As the whine ended, he turned to her, grabbing her elbow and pulling her to her feet. Nikita came even with him, she looked over his shoulder. Slowly she raised the gun one more time. Michael watched her movements, feeling the tension and the upcoming motion of her body. At the last second dropped to his knee as he saw the movement behind her just as she had seen behind him. In unison they reacted. Both targets fell. He stood and cast her an inquiring look at her as he saw her holding a hand to her stomach. She shrugged and shook her head.
Just then a Land Rover squealed to a stop next to them. He hauled Greg to his feet, as Greg stared in wonderment around them, giving wide eyed looks to both Michael and Nikita. They both moved so fast and precisely that he wasn't sure entirely what had happened.
"Do you believe me now? Will you do something about this Greg?!?!?" He was furious at the surprise attack this time. He had not been informed of anything like this. He whirled at Nikita ready to unload on her too when Operations came up to them. Michael picked him as a target instead. "Was this your doing you....?"
Operations held up a hand. "I wouldn't deliberately endanger Jo like that or you, Michael. They're not mine!" Michael's face said that he didn't believe him and he knew that Nikita was thinking the same thing.
Nikita took charge, acting as if the Land Rover occupants were part of the security detail. "You're late! When you get that signal you move!" One spoke up. "We were..."
"No excuses. Clean this mess up. I'll discuss this with you later." She flashed a look at Operations and then looked over at Greg. "I'll be at your house by 8am. We'll start then." She stalked back to the limo and got it. Paul closed the door after her and then Operations. After getting in, he looked over at Nikita. She leaned against the seat back, eyes fixed straight up at the roof of the car. She was pressing her hand to her stomach. He could see the blood starting to leak out between her fingers.
He leaned to her only to hear her hissed words. "Touch me and you'll be bleeding too. It's just a flesh wound. Get back to the hotel so I can take care of it." Operations nodded at Paul and he put the car into vehicle into motion.
"If they're not ours, who do they belong to, Operations? What have Michael and I been shoved into the middle of?" They'd been, fortunately, lousy shots or all three of them would have been dead. They had all gotten hit of that she was sure but she didn't know who was the worst. None of them had seemed badly hurt.
Operations frowned. He glanced over at Nikita who had her eyes closed at this point and a grimace on her face. She shifted uncomfortably in the seat, reaching down to rub her left knee. "Are you hurt anywhere else?" He was concerned, any serious injury could endanger the mission. But it could also endanger her, Michael and the rest of the mess that was already going on.
The danger was closer than he had wanted to admit. Maybe they were not as far out of the loop as he had hoped.
She sighed. "Just twisted my knee because of the damn heels and dress. Not your concern."
Michael and Greg both watched the limo's rapid departure. Greg let out a low whistle as he watched the operatives work at cleaning the scene. "Wow! I'm in awe. She was fantastic!" He turned his bemused expression on Michael. "You two have worked together before! I can tell. You must have made quite the pair!"
Suspiciously Michael asked, "What makes you think that?" He had a sinking feeling in his stomach that one of them had made a wrong move during the volley of shoots and revealed themselves.
"It was just the way you two moved together. A familiarity with what the other was going to do. I know he was your boss......" Greg paused, considering something. "You trained her." There was no question posed, he had already decided it was a fact. He waved his hand around and Michael could see the flesh wound on it.
Michael sighed as he grabbed Greg's hand. He reached up and pulled off his tux tie and wrapped it around the injury. "Was a long time ago. I don't want to go into it."
"Is she the one?"
He looked up at Greg, studying him. Greg was noticeably pale but his cheeks were bright red and his pupils were wide. "Get in the car and sit down. You're ready to pass out. And if you've got to know...the answer is no." He looked down at his thigh, inspecting the ripped fabric of his pants leg.
"You got shot!"
"It lightly grazed me. Hurt the pants more. All of us got hit. We were lucky. A piece of advice, Greg. If somebody is covering you the way Jo was trying, keep your hands off of them. You almost got all of us killed! Next time they may not all be lousy shots!" Greg slumped sideways down on the seat, staring at the ground and pulling his hand through his hair. The gravity of events finally hitting him. Michael rubbed his forehead with his hand. Something else was going on here. And damn it, he was going to figure out what.
End of Part 5
continue on to Bitter Refrain, Part 6
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