Part of her wanted to race after Doggett and tell him all but the greater part told her to give him time to reflect. If they were indeed to share their lives together then there would be other situations that would test their mutual devotion. They both needed to draw on the strength of their own resilience.
In a way she had just countered her own doubts about Doggett going off with Rita. Knowing him for as long as she did there must have been a good reason why he played along and she should trust him. After all it had taken him long enough to act on his feelings for her, he wouldn�t just go and blow it all by doing something senseless with another woman, no matter how attractive she was.
�So what�s wrong with John?� Tilly asked again clearly curious.
�Maybe it was something Rita said to him.� Reyes looked across to a puzzled Follmer just hoping he would understand that the kiss between them need not be brought up again. It was in the past.
�Aren�t you going to find out?� Keith logically questioned as he took the final sip from his martini glass.
�He looked as though he needs some alone time. I�ll go find and speak to him after another drink.� The way Reyes was calm rubbed off onto the couple. They nodded understanding. �It�s my turn for drinks.� Reyes stood with a smile trying to look as though she was not concerned.
�Okay, same again for us,� Tilly smiled back.
Follmer followed Reyes to the bar clearly needing some questions answered. She chuckled at the way she could read him like a book.
�Rita?� Follmer slipped beside her as they leaned against the counter.
�She and Tilly are in John�s diving class.� Reyes ordered the drinks from the bar tender as Follmer extracted his wallet. �She turned up tonight and must have had something important to say to John.�
Follmer nodded acceptance and added,
�Tall, long blond hair, Pamela Anderson type?�
�Yes Brad, how did you know?� In her voice Reyes displayed her surprise. At that moment the drinks came and Follmer took some bills out of his wallet.
�On the Bureau,� the assistant director calmly explained. �This is now officially FBI business.�
�Brad? You�re not making any sense.�
�This afternoon, the meeting with Ted Fellows over the sale of his business, guess what blond was dangling on his arm one moment and the next flirting with me when he was out of the room.� Follmer collected the change from the barkeep and replaced his wallet.
�You mean she�s mixed up in all this?� Reyes couldn�t understand why she hadn�t seen it before. �You think she was spying on us? So what do we do now?�
�The deal is going down tomorrow morning at ten,� Follmer disclosed. �Monica, you have to promise me that if you hear anything at all you will contact me first.�
She knew what he meant, that maybe Doggett had some information that was then pertinent to the case.
The following day looked as though it would be eventful in more ways than one.
Until then she would need to find her partner and hopefully patch up the rift between them.
��������.
Chapter Five
There was no answer after knocking on Doggett�s hotel room door. He was clearly not in. It wouldn�t be like him to sulk so much that he would not open the door to her. Also he wasn�t that much of a deep sleeper that he couldn�t have heard the knocking. The people three doors down would have heard it. Most people would have been out parting anyway.
She peered at her watch, ten o�clock, still too early for the night owl that was her partner.
Freshening up in her room she slipped on clean clothes, beige chino shorts a white tank top and her flip flops. It was still very warm outside and if she could find him she wanted to approach her partner in different clothes to signify a fresh start.
He was not in the pool, neither was he in the hotel�s bar or restaurant. She meandered to the nearby beach that was strewn with groups of people all having a good time. That�s what she had hoped for the night, to be having a laugh and fun with her partner. She had hoped for a night of dancing and then back to either of their rooms to continue their entertainment in a carnal way.
Unless she was successful at closing the rift, her dreams seemed far from real.
She would have walked a mile each way along the beach checking for his familiar face. There was no sign of him. Where would he go? Could he be back at the nightclub looking for her? Just as she decided to go back and check she had an idea of another place to look.
A lone figure stood at the end of the long peer looking out to the dark sea. His back was towards her so he didn�t see her coming. He seemed so reflective standing there leaning his hands on the railing, the gentle wind moving lightly over his short hair. The jacket he had worn was draped over the barrier suggesting that he hadn�t returned to his room that evening.
At that instance she felt deep love and yearning for him. There had been too much pain in his life for her to add to it. She felt remorse that it was her actions that had led him to this melancholy.
�John, I�m sorry,� she mentioned quietly for fear of startling him but to her surprise he didn�t move. Somehow he knew she was there. He remained silent. Either he wanted her to talk or he had nothing to say. �I am in deeply in love with you and I�m sorry if I hurt you.�
He hung his head a little but remained wordless. What else could she say? She really didn�t want to justify her kiss with Follmer and bring his name into it. If he wanted to know then he could ask her and she would respond truthfully.
All she could do was converse with actions. Slowly she moved so that she was beside him also looking out to sea. Her hand went to his back and lightly rested there before it moved around him drawing herself closer.
�I�m okay with it Monica,� the admission surprised her. �Just don�t expect me to be friends with that man.�
�Okay.� He was talking, that was a good sign.
�I�ll work with him and that�s where the line is drawn.� His gaze was still out to sea. �I�m sure you have your reasons. How can I stand here and doubt that.�
�John, let�s not talk about him.� Reyes rotated so that she was on angle close to his body wanting his to face hers. �Let�s talk about us.�
�What about us Monica?� It was the first time he had gazed at her since the previous scowl hours earlier. �The us that has me wondering how many other men you will kiss behind my back? I really don�t need that in my life.�
�You have every right to feel that way and I can�t promise it won�t happen again.� It was the truth but not necessarily one her partner wanted to hear. �I can promise you though that if I ever kiss anyone other than you it will not be out of romantic love. You�re the only one I want in my heart and my bed John.�
Those words seemed to reassure him. Like she, he�d also had time of reflection and must have worked out that there would be hurdles to any relationship no matter how much love one felt for the other.
�And I want you too Monica.� His voice showed the passion she had missed since early evening as he looked into her eyes. �I know this is right. �Us� is right. More right than I�ve ever felt in my life before now.�
That was a significant statement coming from Doggett and she knew that once more it was an admission of his that he did return her love even if he still wasn�t saying it directly.
That was when it was time for the make-up kiss. The sea seemed to swirl around them as their lips connected. The briny breeze fluttered against their faces as they held each other close really feeling the love flow between them. All conflict was swept away with the dark eddying current. All that was left were two beings longing to be one.
Their kiss was a declaration of how much they cared for each other. Each giving the other what they perceived was true passion. If anyone was watching they would have been inspired by such acts of true love and devotion.
�Come back to the hotel?� Reyes caught her breath but not letting go of him for one instance. Likewise he held her firmly. �I have other places on your body I�d like to kiss.�
With shared anticipated lust they headed for the hotel for what promised to be another night of passion but this time reassured that each collective moment was one step closer to demonstrating pure trust between them no matter any setback to come.
��
The night did not need to be hurried. Both agents understood that they could make love whenever they wanted and that they could take it all naturally. Reyes also knew they would need some sleep if the following day was to be as significant as she believed. Each agent would possibly need to be on their toes.
Stripped down to their underwear the newly formed couple lay on Doggett�s bed underneath the cool covers, Reyes cuddled up in his arms. Even the way they were spooned together was enough at that time to satisfy their need to be close.
�What did Rita want tonight?� Reyes didn�t wish to spoil the mood but before they slept they needed a certain shared conversation.
Was it the way he hesitated before he spoke or maybe how his arm went rigid then relaxed around her? Reyes just knew that what he was going to say was a little difficult.
�She told me that she�s not doing any more of my classes.� Doggett moved his head on an angle to kiss her head.
�Oh?� What else could she say? He wriggled his body somewhat with admission there was more to it.
�She�s going away sometime in the next few days and asked if I�d go with her.�
Immediately Reyes went rigid and then propped herself on one elbow to look into his gaze.
�She�s going away? Where?� It was all starting to make some sense particularly added to what Follmer had told her about Rita and her connections with Ted Fellows.
�She said she wasn�t sure and that she�d let me know as soon as she knew.� Doggett�s confused frown was induced by his lover�s bright eyes even though sleep should be upon them.
�You �did� say you�d go with her!� Reyes� expression showed hope.
�You wouldn�t be mad with me?� He couldn�t understand why she wasn�t hurt by his admission.
�Mad with you? You did the right thing in leading her on. I know when she will contact you and you need to keep to her plan if we�re going to help solve this case and catch the bad guys.� Reyes smiled at how confused her partner still was. �Brad told me that tomorrow morning is when he�s going to officially buy the business from Fellows. I think he and his associates, including Rita are going to make their escape soon after that.�
�Including Rita?� He was still baffled.
�Brad saw Ted and Rita together yesterday. I think she�s part of the group.� Reyes showed her excitement at their new discovery. �John, you need to pack a bag tomorrow morning as though you are willing to go with her. I�ll contact Brad and we�ll follow you, I assume, to the airport.�
�So why me?� He still had questions. �If she has Fellows why ask me to run away with her?�
�Maybe Fellows and Rita are not romantically linked. For all we know she could have been part of the armed robbery team. They all wore masks remember? Perhaps he doesn�t even know you�ve been invited along.�
Slowly Doggett nodded as he began to fit the pieces together.
�Should we make some calls? See if anyone familiar has made some flight reservations recently?� Doggett didn�t want to move from his lover�s arms but knew there would be much more time for quenching his own desires after the felons were put behind bars where they belonged.
�I�m sure the FBI has looked into that.� Reyes began to settle again leaning her head on her lover�s bare chest and running her fingers over his pecs, just far enough further down to edge his thinking to a different topic.
�..
They had done all the preparation and thinking that was possible for that point of time. Anything would happen from the following day onwards, just the timing was out of their hands.
Reyes leaned over and switched off the bedside light throwing the room into semi darkness. A few faint sounds could be heard from the pool area below, splashing, people laughing. It all showed the couple how silent their lives had been living alone. It was very soothing being in the arms of someone each loved, on a romantic island, in that same someone�s comfortable bed and the muffled sounds outside a reminder of their location.
�John?� Reyes rolled her head to kiss his chest as a rogue hand began smoothing over his abdomen just beneath the rim of his briefs.
�What are you thinking Monica?� Doggett smiled just knowing her thoughts were going wayward as were his.
�Just say we both agreed to perform one act of sexual pleasure on each other�s body. What would it be?� She slowly lifted herself up so they were face to face. �I say we try to guess each other�s wish.�
For a few moments they just looked at each other both thinking about what they would like have done to them.
�I think all women know what any man would choose.� Doggett chuckled but still wondered whether she would go that far for him. �But I wouldn�t want you to do anything that made you feel uncomfortable.�
�And likewise John,� Reyes� smile was cryptic making Doggett more determined to not be so transparent. �I would do anything you want.�
�So who will the other woman be?� The corner of his mouth curled immediately letting Reyes know he was mocking.
�You want Rita in a threesome?� Reyes called his bluff. �I�ll go call her. No really John�,� her hand travelled to his briefs and slid her fingertips just under the band. Doggett gave a gasp as her sure fingers started bringing to life again what had been quite active recently. �I want to do something for you.�
Lifting her body so she was astride him she began kissing his chest and sucking his nipples. Breathing hot air first then cool she wrestled a nipple in her teeth and then sucked again before making her way to the other side.
Draping his arms above his head he lay back enjoying what Reyes had promised would be her treat. It would be her turn later. She slid up to give him a deep kiss on the mouth as her groin moved on his sending his body into exquisite frenzy.
�I love you,� she mouthed as she made her way down again, pressing kisses over his chest and abdomen charting a path to where both of them knew she would end up.
Running a line of kisses over his lower abdomen she began peeling off his briefs. As each part of skin was revealed she licked and kissed until the briefs travelled down his legs and were off.
�You don�t have to do this Monica,� he breathed heavily. His eyes were closed and his chest rose and fell like an ocean swell as he guiltily enjoyed her warm breath getting closer to his then rigid staff.
�I want to taste you,� she whispered as she gently kissed up his erection and then ran a wet tongue around the head. That was when she felt his fingers wandering through her hair and gurgles coming from his throat that she hadn�t heard before. No wonder it was difficult for men to talk when they were being given head.
Just as she had sucked on his nipples she took the head in her mouth and swirled her tongue around tasting the salty pre cum. As her mouth moved down further, one hand pressured his balls just lightly sending him into further rapture.
Their eyes met briefly and Reyes gave him a devilish look as if she was eating a sweet dessert. His head fell back as though he had passed out from the amazing sensations. Her fingers put pressure on his tain�t knowing that was just about the most sensitive area of a man�s body as her tongue flicked the underside of the head then went down on him again and again varying her position each time.
His fingers wandered aimlessly through her hair as she felt he was ready for release. It surprised her how long he took enjoying her hot mouth on him.
�Monica,� he wheezed out as she felt the first throbs and knew he was going to let loose in a big way. Also holding the base of his shaft, both hands and mouth were working on him at once showing her complete devotion to the act.
As he ejaculated she took it all in and then sucked for a few seconds before letting him calm from the experience. It had been a long time since she had done that with anyone but she had to love the man totally for it to be so pleasurable. Reyes had wanted to devour him all over. Trusting him explicitly she knew she would do anything asked of her.
Finally taking off her bra and panties she nestled up next to him and rested her head on his chest until she deemed he was back in the land of the living.
�Thirsty?� Reyes lifted her head to see the biggest grin on Doggett�s face. �I gather you liked that.� She got out of bed and padded to the mini fridge.
�You�d become a millionaire if you got paid to do that.� He followed her naked body with his hungry eyes.
�Well that�s a compliment!� she giggled as she surveyed the beverage prospects. �Soda, mineral water, beer?�
�Soda,� he decided. Reyes chose a mineral water for herself and began sipping as she ventured back to the bed. �So now I have to guess what you want me to do with you?�
�You�ll be guessing and trying things all night.� She knelt on the bed to give him his drink then lifted a leg to sit over his hips and took another sip.
�Now that�s a challenge!� He looked at her quizzically but with a smile as he took a few sips of his soda. �Just remember we need our wits about us tomorrow.�
�Oh I know and that�s why I�m going to give you a hint.� With a lustful grin she took his free hand and trailed it over her breasts and down to between her legs.
*****
Doggett was usually an early riser choosing to get out of bed just after sunrise but that morning was different. He�d had an unforgettable night sleeping in the arms of his lover. It felt too good to leave the bed.
He�d dozed on and off since first waking. Looking over to the clock it displayed a nine. That was truly sleeping in for him.
Reyes shifted in his arms reminding him how good she felt against his skin. There was a rumble on his chest as his partner began to wake. He kissed her hair as she roused further. Her lips could be felt on his chest and a few more before her head lifted and also looked at the time then to her lover.
�Good Morning.� Her heart warming smile revealed her returned pleasure at waking in his arms.
�Morning,� he grinned and placed a kiss to her lips. �I�m off for a shower. Join me?�
�Hold me a moment longer?� She nuzzled into his chest then moved up further for more morning kisses. �Mmm, that was so good last night.�
�Yes it was.� Fingertips felt down her side as they kissed further. �You were good.�
�John Doggett you bring out the best in me.� She smiled on his lips and then looked into his eyes, telling him also how fine he was.
�Shower?� Doggett asked again after a few minutes of luxuriating. There would be a little preparation for the day that would eventuate. He was still to pack a bag to appear as though he was going to run away with Rita.
�You start and I�ll join you.� Reyes stretched her creaky muscles. �Let me lie here a while.�
With one last kiss he shifted out of bed and made his way to the bathroom.
It would have been about five minutes before he heard his voice being urgently called from the bathroom door.
�John, someone�s knocking,� Reyes revealed.
�Rita?� Doggett wondered with a scowl as he grabbed a towel and headed out. �If so she�s early.�
Just as well Reyes hid because as soon as the door opened, without an invitation, in flew an excited blond.
�John.� She flung herself at the man who was still wet and dripping from the shower, and gave him a kiss on the lips. Making sure Reyes wasn�t watching he looked towards the bathroom where she was staying out of sight. The complication of playing along with Rita and her crush on him was not something he wanted Reyes to know in detail even though he had tried to keep it simple so far.
�I was just in the shower,� he explained as he held the towel closed at his waist while she clung to his neck and gave him another kiss. Little did she know that the same lips had kissed another woman minutes earlier.
�You�re looking good,� she growled as she gave him the once over, then quickly changed her tune as she made for the door again. �We have to go. There�s not much time.�
�Where are we going again?� The question was for Reyes who was probably listening into the conversation.
�I told you, we�ll find out when we get to the airport.� She was clearly in a hurry. �Meet me in my room in ten minutes?�
Doggett nodded and she was gone.
�You know where her room is?� Reyes peered out from behind the door a little concerned.
��
�That�s where she took me last night to talk.� Doggett began drying his body and towelling his hair before finding some clean clothes for the day.
�Anything else I should know about?� She edged closer, peering into his eyes for an answer.
�Monica, you�re a little jealous?� He smiled with smug superiority and moved closer, collecting her in his arms. �You know you�re the only one for me. This is an act remember, for the sake of the job?�
�I do trust you John.� Her arms also held him close as though they were willing him to stay. �Just be careful. I don�t want you ending up in some exotic unknown country because something went horribly wrong.�
�I won�t let that happen.� His voice was soft and reassuring as he gave her one last lingering kiss. Finally parting, they still held each other, neither wanting to let the other leave.
�You should get going. I need to have a quick shower and then ring Brad.� Reyes saw the torment in his eyes at the mention of his rival�s name but it was soon wiped away with his lover�s sweet smile and words. �I love you John and I always will.�
�Always?� Doggett still couldn�t bring himself to reciprocate the words. It had been a long time since he had uttered the small, important phrase to anyone. He was definitely in love with her too and would find the right time to tell her and with that admission there would need to be further discussion about the long term implications.
�Just don�t go anywhere until we get there,� she reminded and reluctantly broke free of his arms and headed for the shower.
Her body looked so sleek and beautiful as she moved away from him. Monica Reyes� beauty went much further than her perfect skin. She had a good heart and that heart also was connected to him. For the life of him he knew not why. Perhaps there was such a thing as fate after all. Destiny had brought two unlikely souls together. He knew deep down it felt right. Reyes was the precise person to fill the holes in his life. What did he do for her? He must have been doing something right to be rewarded by the mystical influence of the universe.
In about ten minutes he was dressed, packed and ready to go. It would take him about two minutes to reach Rita�s hotel room but before he left he had to have one last look at his partner and to say goodbye.
*****
�I thought you�d changed your mind.� Rita was looking as attractive as ever in low riding faded jeans and a scoop neck tank that gave no doubt that she wanted to show off her ample breasts.
�I�m only a few minutes late.� Doggett took Rita�s suitcase and loaded the luggage into the trunk of his rental vehicle as she scooped her arms around his waist from behind.
�Were you saying goodbye to Monica?� she tested as she felt over his chest through his T-shirt and then down the front of his thighs just negligibly from his jewels. Apart from a few kisses that was further than she had ventured before. He would have to play it cool about her touches if he was going to be convincing.
�You could say that.� He closed the trunk and headed for the passenger door to open it like the gentleman he was and to get out of her grasp in case she grasped things that were off limits to anyone other than his partner and new found lover.
�How did she take it?� Rita waited until Doggett was in the driver�s seat for the response. �You didn�t tell her where we were going, did you?�
�How could I tell her if I don�t even know?� He chuckled as he avoided the question about her feelings. �Where are we going Rita?�
�I was just told to meet Ted at the airport and he has all our tickets.� Her hand snaked to his thigh, feeling his leg through his jeans. It felt good but he needed to keep his brain in check if they were going to catch this group. �All I know is that it�s warm and sunny and we�ll have plenty of money to spend. No work, just fun.�
�Rita, I don�t have much money of my own.� He tried to guide the conversation to find out as many of the financial details as possible.
�No problems, Ted has set up a bank account for us where we�re going. He said we�d never have to work again.� The hand was running circles on his right thigh edging higher. Doggett swallowed hard as she reached his groin. He didn�t want to discourage her and give the deception away but he didn�t want to egg her on her either.
�How can he afford all this Rita?� She began feeling between his legs and he gulped at the amazing sensation. �If you keep doing that then we�re going to have an accident.�
The smile on her face was huge as she tried to undo the button on his jeans.
�Pull over here then,� she teased. �I�ve been told I give great head.�
�Rita, I�ll make it all up to you when we get to wherever we�re going, just not now.� He let her off as gently as possible. �So where is all the money coming from?�
�No questions John. Just enjoy the fact that you�re going to be with me in paradise.� Rita�s comment sealed it for Doggett. He then knew that by her comment and her demeanor she was mixed up in the robbery and would need to meet her justice. �Just imagine, lying in bed all day one day then sunbaking and swimming the next.� She sat back in the seat and sighed happily. �Okay, I�ll take a raincheck on that head job.� Still smiling she left her hand dangerously close to his inner thigh. �But as soon as we�re there John I�m going to ravish you like no-one has done before.�
At that comment Doggett had the biggest internal grin but had to keep the emotion away from his face. No-one could put a match on how he and Reyes shone in the bedroom.
�Does Ted know that it�s me coming with you?� Doggett did not really know very much about the arrangements. How could any man just up and leave like that? For her not to be suspicious was a puzzle.
�Of course, I told him we�re getting married. That won him over right away.� Rita turned on an angle to see his face that was looking suitably surprised.
�So do I have any say in this? Marriage is a big step.� He smiled nervously. �As far as I�m concerned it�s forever.�
�There�s no rush honey. There�s lots of loving we need to do between then and now.� Her fingers were doing a little polka on his thigh as assurane of what was to come. �You didn�t tell me about Monica. I saw you in the pool the night before last and you were with her at The Bull and Whistle.�
�You were watching me?� So they had been noticed and it had been Rita hiding in the bushes. Had it also been her watching them on stakeout?
�Enough to see you two passionately kissing. Have you slept with her?� How could he get out of that one without lying?
�Does any of that really matter? I�m with you now and am committed to seeing this relationship work.� He kept looking towards the road, for fear his face would give away more than he wanted, as he drove closer to the airport and the unknown. Rita was quietly musing for the rest of the journey. Was she thinking about his true intentions? Did she really think it would all work between them?
*****
Every so often throughout the trip to the airport Doggett looked in the rear view mirror to see if they were being followed. He wanted to apprehend the culprits but not without backup. So it was all coming to a head. As soon as there was proof that they were absconding and to where then that was the final reason for arrest. Since Saturday both he and Reyes had wondered when the case would end but secretly wanted it to last longer. The place was paradise, a far cry from the unimpressive halls of the Hoover building back in DC.
The airport was abuzz with myriads of excited people either arriving or departing to and from who knew where. Doggett carried both their bags as he followed Rita to their perceived meeting point.
Both he and Reyes had agreed that he would not carry his weapon. Being stopped prematurely by airport security was not an option. For all intents and purposes Doggett was someone who was a traveller just like the majority of the others there.
�This way John.� It looked as though they were headed for the American Airlines check in area. That was when something occurred that took him totally by surprise. He had assumed all along that Rita was an associate of Ted Fellows but what happened then dispelled all that. �Daddy!� Rita called as she saw her father who was flanked by two bulky men.
�Rita darling.� They hugged briefly and then gave each other a returned smile before looking across to Doggett. �So you finally snagged a man who will treat you right. A bit older than you but fit and healthy.�
Deep down Doggett was feeling uncomfortable but he had been undercover before and knew the protocol. No matter how he felt about the situation he was there to do his job. He justified his actions of deceiving Rita by telling himself there were other men out there much more suited to her. It also occurred to him that Keith hadn�t told them that Rita was his cousin. Perhaps the topic hadn�t had the chance to surface. They would certainly be quizzing the pair when they returned.
�Twice her age,� Doggett thought to himself and wondered why it didn�t seem to matter in Rita�s father�s eyes. He still would have had well over ten years to catch up to Ted though.
�John Dowling I�d like you to meet two associates of mine, they�re coming with us.� Ted introduced. �Brewster and Bevans.�
There were hand shakes all round as Doggett wondered when he�d finally have the proof they needed that the group were in fact skipping the country.
What was keeping Reyes and Follmer? Had they managed to follow the two? When he had the chance he looked around to see not too many security men. That was not a good sign. If he had to do the arrests himself without backup it could get a little messy.
All he needed was to see that proof.
�So where are we headed?� Doggett tried to remain high spirited.
�Somewhere exotic and quiet.� He waved the tickets in the air and continued, �The flight leaves in twenty minutes. We need to get on that plane.
Quickly darting his eyes around to see a departures board he found one and quickly looked down the list for an 11:15am leaving time. The small group were all picking up their bags ready to head to the boarding bay.
�American Airlines flight 586 to Grand Cayman Island is it?� Doggett mentioned but was ignored as the men headed off leaving him and Rita to catch up.
Once they were at the boarding bay he would have the proof he needed for an arrest but still there were no other FBI agents present.
Minutes passed that seemed like hours as they walked their way to boarding the plane to the Caymans. If Reyes wasn�t there soon then he would have to detain the group himself. No way was he getting on that plane.
�Flight 586 to Grand Cayman now boarding,� came the announcement.
�John, we�re finally on our way,� Rita looked genuinely excited and he felt a little uneasy that he was soon to shatter her illusion of them being together in paradise.
�..
�John!� There was a voice from behind and just the right timing. �John, you can�t leave!�
�What�s this?� Rita looked suitably pissed. �What are you doing here Monica?�
�John,� she was breathless and worried. �What are you doing?� She held onto both his elbows pleadingly. �I thought we had something together.�
�Monica, I�.I�,� Doggett played along just knowing the pair had the attention of more than just Rita, Ted and his henchmen. �I�m going to the Cayman�s with Rita.� That was the chance to impart the information without having to suspiciously take her to the side.
�Get your hands off him!� Rita was irritated. �He�s made his decision between us.�
�But I love you and thought you loved me.� Reyes was doing a good job of acting. �Please stay.� Her eyes looked so puppydoglike that he just wanted to kiss her but also behind those eyes was another message.
�Hey you two,� boomed Ted�s voice. �John�s going to marry Rita. He�s made his choice!� He looked crossly at Reyes who was stopping them all from boarding the getaway plane.
�Oh, I�m going to get married alright but not to Rita,� the announcement shocked the group, especially Rita who looked the most pained of all.
�John?� she quietly queried with tears already forming in her eyes.
�Oh for Chissakes, let�s get going!� Fellows irately looked at the clock on the wall.
That was when Reyes stepped in. �I�m afraid we can�t let you do that.�
�And why not?� The large man retorted.
Immediately both Doggett and Reyes produced their FBI identification.
�So you�re FBI agents! I thought something was up.� Fellows was suitably agitated. �Come on Rita, boys, we�re going on a trip.�
�Not so fast Fellows. You�re going to have to answer a few questions first.� Doggett declared as he put his badge away and moved closer. �You�re going to have to come with us.�
�Oh no we�re not!� Brewster had hardly been noticed making his way closer to the female agent. Suddenly she was in his grip, a gun swaying in the air at nothing in particular. The crowd could be heard scattering and shouting.
�Monica!� In a fit of uncertainty Doggett lunged to try and knock the piece out of his hand but it let out a deafening shot.
Keeling painfully over in two, blood began collecting on the sleeve of Doggett�s shirt and he doubled over slowly falling to the floor.
�John!� Reyes called in a panic as she was being dragged away from the scene. All she could see was him lying on the floor in a pool of red that was slowly becoming larger.
�...
Just as suddenly there was a rushing sound and shouting voices telling Brewster to drop his weapon and let go of the woman.
�I�ll shoot her!� He yelled almost deafening his hostage. That was when there was a loud explosion and Reyes felt herself being pushed to the floor. Looking back she realized that Brewster�s shooting shoulder had been targeted and he lay on the ground with three armed men around him, weapons trained at his pinned body. Other security had Fellows and Bevans in hand cuffs. Follmer had clearly been longer in coming while he had organized some airport security but was there then, the smoking gun still in his hand.
�Hold them!� Reyes ordered, shouting to the guards. �They�re wanted by the FBI.� When she saw that the three men were closely under watch she turned her attention to her partner. �John!� Running towards where he was sprawled on the ground sent wild images through her mind of having just found him to losing him again. She couldn�t live without him. �Someone call the medics!� she urgently called to the gathering crowd after they felt the situation had abated.
�Monica, I�m okay,� Doggett gradually tried to sit, his shirt sleeve soaked with blood. I think the bullet just grazed my arm.� To Reyes it looked much worse than he let on but he was alive and that was consolation.
Reyes looked visibly relieved, a few tears welling in her eyes.
�John, you had me worried for a moment. That was a silly thing to do,� she admonished. �He wouldn�t have been able to get away with it, not with all the security here.�
�I know and I won�t do it again.� He tried to chuckle but the pain shot down his arm and he winced.
�Take it easy John, we�ll get help soon,� Reyes eased as she held him close, not caring if his blood transferred to her clothing.
�They�re coming!� Someone from the crowd called.
�Did you mean it about getting married?� Reyes had to ask before the medics took over.
�As soon as you want.� Through the hurting she could see that he was genuine and held him even closer. "I want to make an honest woman of you Ms. Reyes."
�That�ll mean a few changes back in DC.� That familiar voice happened to break up the party once more.
�Brad, no more jokes.� Reyes looked up to see Follmer�s smiling face above them.
�No joke intended. Monica, I�m happy for you,� he conceded. �In fact so happy that I�m willing to let you stay here for the weekend. You two did good to catch these guys. Well done!�
All Doggett could do was huff at how generous their boss was after the way he had treated them since the start of the case.
Just then the medics arrived.
�Ma�am, could you stay back for a moment?� One of the two men requested.
Reyes stood and watched as they took off one side of his shirt to inspect the wound.
�Looks like the bullet went clean through his shoulder,� the other medic offered as he began cleaning the gash. �We�ll need to get him to a hospital.�
Even though the pain was throbbing to the point of almost passing out Doggett still had the strength to ask the begging question.
�Monica?� He looked up with his brow wrinkled from the pain but intent on asking the question he had no doubt would be answered the way they both knew.
�Yes John?� Just the fact he was talking when in such acute throbbing she could almost sense what he was going to say.
�Marry me today?�
If the couple were bothered to look, the expression on Follmer�s face was one of deep shock. Doggett had clearly proffered the question in Follmer�s presence in retaliation for the scene by the pool with his woman.
So now they were even. Well not really, Doggett was one of the two men who came out the clear winner. He had the best prize in the universe that any man could have. Even though Follmer had contested, Doggett had won Reyes.
�Yes!� Reyes�s smile filled the whole area as one medic gave way to let her be by his side. �I�ll marry you today John Doggett.� There were tears in her eyes as they kissed to seal the deal. Two happy souls were then linked forever. The crowd around them sighed and clapped.
Engulfed in their own world they didn�t notice behind them that Rita had latched herself onto Assistant Director Follmer�s arm and was doing some serious flirting. With a big grin spread across his face Follmer wasn�t resisting.
The End