| "Circle of Trust" | |||
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22nd May 2008 19.40hrs The doorbell rang; she answered it to find Paige on her doorstep. A large bag containing bottles of beer in her hands, "Let me in Saf, please, this is heavy." She held it open wider and Paige walked past her holding herself slightly awkwardly, but then again the bag case of beer was heavy. She shrugged and shut the door behind them and walked back into the kitchen while Paige took a seat on the couch. "You're early," she stated, as she stirred the sauce on the stove. "That's so I can have a few beers, before the others arrive." Paige held up the already opened bottle to prove she was already making progress. "Go ahead. You want me to chill those?" she asked, knowing the answers to her questions. "yep, you can put the others in the cooler," Paige finished the first bottle and was already opening her second, "apart from these two." She laughed, play hard, drink hard. That was Paige's motto in life, and to a certain extent she envied Paige's ability to do just that, rolling with the punches; unlike herself, always fighting against what fate dished out. She picked up the bag, compensating for the weight, and carried it back into the kitchen and emptied the bottles into the fridge then returned to the sauce, tasting it and adding more pepper until it was just right. A few minutes after 8, the door rang again, but this time she left Paige to answer the door and greet the other two. Despite her promises, she felt really uncomfortable having Baz near her, and she wished the evening was done and over with. Luckily she could excuse herself with finishing off the sauce and baking the sun dried tomato and onion foccaccia bread as well as putting a pot of water on to boil for the ravioli. "Saf. Hi" His voice, close behind her startled her and she was hard put not to flinch. Instead she turned around slowly and faced him off. He wasn't close to her, at least an arms length away, and he wasn't imposing himself into her space. She bit back the words she was about to spit out, and he sniffed, "something smells really good," he said. Nothing could have got to her as much as that small compliment and she found herself involuntarily smiling, "Let's hope it tastes as good as it smells." He smiled in return, "I have no doubt it will do, your cooking is worth travelling a long way for," he nodded to the kitchen, "if you need a hand, just shout." She shook her head, "No it's under control, just need to put the ravioli into cook, and I can do that now you guys have arrived." "Have you got room in the fridge for more beer?" he asked. She pointed to the back of the kitchen, and he picked up a full case easily, put it on the counter next to the fridge and proceeded to empty it onto the shelves. "Do you want one?" he asked as he took one himself. She shook her head, "No thanks, I have some soda. Is Jordan ok for a drink?" Jordan was busy sitting near Paige, they were deep in conversation and for one moment, she thought that she was the topic of conversation, but then she heard Paige say, "How's the new girl working out?" Saf gathered that Jordan had just taken on someone new at the bookshop; it was a relief to find that she was not being discussed. She had even taken off the neck collar and put on a high neck silk polo shirt to ensure that the evidence of her recent surgery was covered up, it wasn't something she wanted anyone else to know about. She turned and nearly bumped into Baz, who stepped back quickly, giving her more space, and she knew Jordan had probably spoken to him. It was good of her, and him, she thought suddenly feeling a lot more comfortable with him being around. She put the plates out to warm up and served up a starter of Caesar salad with herb and garlic croutons. They were eating out on the patio, she had put the heater on earlier and the breeze was blowing out to sea so it was warm enough. Conversation was slow to start with, but when they turned it to discussing the facilities at Edison, it got a lot easier. She cleared the plates away and threw the ravioli into the boiling water and set the timer, it was crucial to ensure they didn't overcook. She took out the bread from the stove, and put it onto a serving platter, cutting it into rough segments and put it back on top of the stove to keep warm. Paige came through for some more beer, "You ok?" she asked. "Yes, its ok, No better than ok, it's good." She responded, just as the timer rang to signal the ravioli was cooked. Automatically she removed it from the heat and drained it, put into a large bowl and dressed it with the Alfredo sauce and topping it with finely chopped tomatoes and parsley. Paige helped her to carry it out to the others, and it was satisfying to see them enjoy eating it. If she wasn't employed by the SIA she would have liked to open a caf�, but it was never likely to come true; it was a hobby though and something she was reasonably good at, well as long as you didn't like omelettes. After dinner they moved back inside and she loaded the dishes into the dishwasher together with Jordan, while Paige and Baz discussed the relative merits of baseball. "Thanks Jordy, you were right to insist on Baz coming tonight. I do feel a lot more comfortable around him." She patted Jordan on the shoulder, "I have a present for you." She took the bag out of the cupboard and took out the tea and jam and gave it to Jordan. "You didn't need to.." Jordan started to say. "I know, but I like buying my friends gifts." Saf smiled. She put on some coffee and they rejoined the others, and she gave Paige the coffee and candle and to Baz she gave the chocolates intended for Gray, but she couldn't exclude Baz it wouldn't have been right; she would find something else for Gray. Paige flipped through the TV channels, until she found something to watch. Saf was happy just to sit and rest, and watch the others enjoying themselves. She and Paige were due to go to a baseball game on Saturday, and she was looking forward to spending time doing things like a normal person. 22.55hrs Jordan and Baz made their excuses and left, Saf didn't try and encourage them to stay overnight and Jordan hadn't drunk that much so she offered to drive Baz home. While she hugged Jordan goodnight, she settled for just giving Baz a soft kiss on his cheek, though he had to bend down so she could do it and even then she felt her neck complaining. Paige had remained on the couch, while she said goodbye to the others and when she returned she saw Paige start to stand, and it was clear that she was in some discomfort. She was moving stiffly as though she had abused her muscles somehow, she wondered if it was the result of a heavy workout session at the Edison facility, though she knew better than to ask. Paige would only say what she wanted to and when she wanted to, she couldn't be pushed into doing anything except with a lot of persuasion and right timing. She went to the cupboard in the hallway and got out the box she had placed there earlier in the day. It was slightly awkward sized and she had to change her grip before she could carry it through to the lounge. She put it down on the coffee table in front of Paige and spoke "This is for you.." "That's not necessary.." Paige started to say, but Saf interrupted her, "actually it is, you need this for the game on Saturday." Paige took off the top of the box, and moving the tissue paper she removed a pair of burgundy leather pants, and looked up at Saf as though confused. "I thought we would take the bike to the game, easier in traffic and parking etc." she smiled a touch of wickedness in her words. "No way Saf. I don't like those things." Paige was shaking her head. "I'll be really careful. No wheelies, no racing. Just safe, I promise." She was encouraging, she couldn't say why she just knew it was important to her that Paige came out on the bike. Paige looked at her suspiciously, and she returned the glance with a steady look, finally Paige muttered something, which she didn't catch, "C'mon Paige, it will be fun. I have a helmet for you, and a jacket. Trust me, I don't take chances on the bike and I will be extra careful for you." That little speech got her another hard stare, and then finally Paige capitulated, "You'd better be careful." She smiled, it wasn't often she could persuade her to do something she didn't want to do, but after the time and effort Paige had put in to the pool sessions, this was one thing she could do for her, though she doubted Paige thought the same way about it. "Want another beer?" she asked, rubbing the back of her neck feeling the tension dissipate under her fingers. "I'll get it," Paige stood up, "how's the neck?" "Just a bit sore," she replied, noting how tensely Paige appeared to move when she walked to the fridge. She debated on asking her outright whether she could help, but something about the way Paige held herself made her bite the words back. ***** Paige returned with her beer. The information Joshua had provided still lay enclosed in its envelope and hidden in her bag next to the sofa. A debate in the back of her mind had been present a majority of the evening as to when and how she would present the information to Saf. Baz and Jordan had left leaving just the two of them and plenty of time, it was just a matter of when. Saf interrupted her thoughts, "You seem a bit stiff, you want to use the hot tub? It might do you some good." Paige had seen the way Saf's eyes looked over her. It was no secret she was moving gingerly, even Baz had commented with a sly grin and a little elbow nudge. But that was just Baz. The two of them, Baz & Paige, had clicked from the moment they had met. Maybe it was because they were so much alike: work hard and play harder, but Paige wasn't sure. Whatever it was, they had clicked anyway and he knew she was sore from sex�not a workout. He also knew better than to ask whom and she was grateful because she knew he would guess Joshua if only given a chance. It seemed Baz and Paige weren't the only two that had clicked, Joshua seemed to have taken a liking to Baz as well. And just how dangerous was that? She dismissed that question returning to the present one. Hot tub? Yeah, even Saf would have to ask about the tiny bruises that littered her shoulders. There would be no hot tubbing but an excuse, at least, was born out of the decision. Paige shrugged. "Nah, got something for ya." Saf arched an eyebrow, "you have?" Paige fetched the envelope then stood before Saf studying it. She tried to work out the implications of what she was handing over. She wondered if Joshua had pondered the same questions before he had handed it over to her. Either way, and as much as she was bitter about it, she would protect him, and herself, and their relationship. It was the only way. "Please, Saf," she said quietly, "please do not ask me where or how I got this intel." Paige hoped Saf wouldn't ask then, she trusted Saf to respect her request. Paige had to bank everything on trusting Saf not to question her, because quite frankly, she wasn't so sure that if Saf asked�that she wouldn't lie. Integrity was one thing to preach, but it was a whole other thing to practice. Swearing on everything under the sun, and some things that weren't, that you would not and could not lie to your friend, you saviour, and your only lifeline to an otherwise dead world � didn't mean a damn thing when it came to self-preservation, not a goddamned thing. And if Paige knew anything about anything � she knew about self-preservation. She knew the lines and she knew how to cross them because lord knew she had seen them up close and personal enough times when they had been thrown in her face. She took a small breath and handed the envelope to Saf, who held her gaze on Paige, those grey eyes burned with as much respect as curiosity. "Just don't ask," Paige said quietly. Don't ask Saf because I might not be able to stop myself. She pleaded to Saf with her eyes, letting the breath she had been holding out when Saf finally nodded her head in agreement. She might though � she might ask when she sees what it is. Paige watched as Saf undid the red string carefully. I have to trust her � I have to � because I know I can't trust myself. That thought was enough for Paige and she sat down wearily across from Saf. She watched as Saf's eyes widened a bit. Yeah, me too, she thought bitterly and chugged on her beer. Someday, she hoped she might find happiness at the bottom of a bottle, because there was certainly no one around here handing any out. Paige sat silently, studying the label on her bottle, her finger tracing circles around the opening. At least her mind was quiet. Well, after the breaking of the primers everything seemed quiet in her mind. "I want to�" Saf said. "I want to ask who and why�or what price you had to pay." GOING to pay Saf, haven't started that penance yet, but I will, believe you me, I will. Made a deal with the Devil � and you never make a deal with the devil without a little penance. Paige saw the worry in Saf's eyes. Don't worry, darling, don't worry about me � I'm already dead � I'm just waiting on the funeral. "�but I won't. Thank you," Saf said, her voice quiet. Paige nodded her head. At least she was safe for now. "It's not much," Paige said quietly, "I haven't even figure it all out myself." Saf nodded still looking through the papers. "You're in there," Paige said. "So I see," Saf's reply was tinged with sadness. ***** She had read the words on the paper, not understanding what was written down, it was a jumble of information, it was in no particular order; and then she had read her name, Michael, I cannot be certain that the effects could be reversed, even with the treatment suggested. The subject (Safara) may become unstable, and dangerously out of control during withdrawal; if she does, I recommend that she be restrained and cancelled at the earliest opportunity. Gideon She felt the old pains of betrayal, deep within her, and she bit down on her lip to stop herself saying anything. Although she had originally set out to force Michael to kill her, she had not been aware that events might have taken a different course if the treatment had failed. It was a sobering thought, and not one she had even considered, but seeing it like this in black and white showed her how close she had come to death at Michael's hands. She was deep in her thoughts, when Paige nudged her, "You ok? You're a little quiet." "I was just thinking," she started to say. "Dangerous hobby that," Paige interrupted, "thinking." Saf smiled, but there was no warmth or depth to it, "I hadn't realised," the words stuck in her throat, "that I nearly .." "Don't," Paige said softly, "don't think that�" "How can I not? He would have done it, without a seconds hesitation." Her words were raw, "and all because of this," she shook the stapled papers in her hand. "I need to know all of it Paige, I don't understand these notes," she gestured at the first page, "help me to work it out, so that I can understand how she made it work the way it did. Please." She turned her gaze on Paige, her need clear in her eyes. **** Paige groaned inwardly at the request. "I don't even know myself. I need some time to sit on it, to think it through. I can only tell you what I do know�after that�it's just speculation." Saf nodded eagerly, "fine, whatever you know." Paige proceeded to go through the papers slowly pointing out the areas of interest, what she thought of them, and where she hadn't a clue. It was a long process and lasted a pot of coffee (drank by Paige) and multiple classes of juice (drank by Saf). In the end there were only a few things worthy of accepting as fact, the rest lied in probability with a coating of maybes and a sprinkling of probablys It was small, capable of being injected, capable of passing unhindered through the blood brain barrier. The systemic effect was apparently not that noticeable, more gradual as evidence by Saf's own reaction to it, but how this was accomplished completely escaped Paige. It was a structure she had never come across and she had to access vast and deep neuro banks in her head still to try to shed some light on it. She did know that alcohol and caffeine acted as antagonists with caffeine (or any other stimulant for that matter) enhancing the effects. Paige wasn't sure why Gideon considered alcohol a no-no, but Paige did not voice her opinion on this matter. Gideon's aggressive handling of continuously maxing out systemic adrenaline seemed to have done the trick, seemed to have broken the chemical down into a more harmless form. But again, the chemistry behind it eluded Paige. All in all the details were there though they presented only sketchy hard facts to Paige. It would take time, something Saf seemed destined to endure. When Paige had finally been exhausted to the point of a headache Saf had let up. "Alright, I get the hint," she said softly brushing Paige's hair from her face. "Couch, spare bedroom?" "Bedroom," Paige breathed out quietly. "Though I'm amazed I'm even tired after all the coffee." "Yes, well, even caffeine can not break through to exhausted people. C'mon, up with you." Paige allowed Saf to drag her unwilling body broodingly upstairs. She believed she was sleep before her head even hit the pillow� Return |
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