MISSION:

Establish connections as a body broker in the business of white slavery. Since Adam Chandler was lost, they must make contacts into this underworld arena. From here, there are links to terrorist groups on both sides of the planet.

PLACE:

Hong Kong. Major doorway into Asia. Home of 3 brokerage houses.

COVERS:

Walter is ‘Walter Thornton’, who specializes in white, blond women. He is a broker trying to enlarge his territory, which currently includes North Africa and the Middle East.

Birkoff is Walter’s assistant and monitors their inventory around the world. He uses a D.O.D. satellite to track the girls using a microchip implanted underneath their skin. Birkoff, finally, completed weapons training prior to this mission.

Nikita is Walter’s property. A sample of his inventory demonstrating the quality of his shipments. Also, pay back from Operations for killing Adam Chandler (the child slaver).

Michael is Nikita’s bodyguard just in case someone gets greedy. He is to be with her at all times and has special instructions from Madeline.

72hrs before departure, Nikita is in Madeline’s office for a private briefing.

Madeline is gathering clothes and accessories for Nikita to wear on the trip. "Up until now your training has been 30% femininity and 70% warrior. Now is the time to even things out. Over the next 3 days, we will fine-tune the skills you have as well as add to your arsenal. Believe me, you will need them on this mission. Do you know anything about Asian men?" "No." Nikita was watching her move around the room dressing the various forms in elegant evening and dinner gowns. She never felt comfortable with this part of her training. She preferred the physical training, the warrior stuff. She never thought much about herself as a seductress. Her body was just, well, her body. Madeline had taught her to dress and how to display it when the mission called for such a thing, but this seemed different. Nikita felt as if she was about to get an entire semester’s worth of information in 3 days. The butterflies in her stomach were waking up. Sitting on Madeline’s couch, she started to fidget.

"They are quite sophisticated with their lovemaking. Very open to creative and unusual situations."

Nikita’s butterflies just went ballistic.

"I’m not saying you will be asked to perform for them, however, they do love to watch. So, you are about to get your Ph.D. in seduction. It has been my experience, if you can stimulate their imaginations with some warm up activities, the sex will take care of itself." Madeline paused and turned around. "Nikita, have you ever been fishing?"

Nikita shakes her head ‘no’ giving Madeline a suspicious look.

"When you know who you’re fishing for, you prepare the hook in such a way that it appears inviting yet the danger remains hidden. A plan within a plan within a plan."

"This sounds familiar. I already know this part Madeline."

"I know you know. You will be fishing for a marlin in order to land a shark. What I want you to learn is how to maximize your potential taking the advantage to a much deeper level. Hooking the marlin is the first step. While the marlin is on the line you play with him. Make him behave in a way that gets the attention of the shark. When the shark eats the marlin, you reel him in taking up the line landing him in the boat without the line breaking. Then you keep him alive and ignorant until the time is right to maximize your advantage.

As Madeline completes her first ensemble she continues her instructions. "Starting now, I want you to practice your new skills on different men. Go out these next few nights and practice. I want you to become comfortable with several scenarios. I have prepared a list of private clubs for you to visit. Walter will escort you. I want you two to begin assuming your covers."

"Sure Madeline, whatever you say."

Reacting to Nikita’s casual tone Madeline hissed "Do NOT patronize me. You underestimate the seriousness of your situation. Let me enlighten you so you understand what awaits you if you fail to catch the shark."

Madeline pressed a button on the wall and a mans voice answered "Yes Madeline?"

"Jack, send in Mai Ling and queue up video ML1 to my office." Madeline motioned for Nikita to move around behind the desk to watch the video on the laptop.

A night vision camera was in use so everything in the small room was green. The room was about 4ft wide and 10 feet long. There was a single bed on one side of the room with a toilet bowl and sink located at the foot of the bed. There was one bare light bulb hanging from the 10-ft. ceiling. The room looked like a cell. It was filthy. Sitting on the bed was a young girl who looked to be about 17 years old. A man entered carrying a case and began hitting her. As the beating escalated he began to rape her with multiple objects from his case. It was extremely sadistic and Nikita found it difficult to watch. Madeline moved to press the F button and fast-forwarded to the end. Mai Ling was lifeless on the bed. As the man was dressing she took one of the objects and used it to kill him. She then dressed in his clothes and escaped.

Nikita looked at the blank screen then over at Madeline. She didn’t know what to say.

"Mai Ling’s escape was not her first attempt. There are men and women assigned to watch the cells 24 hours a day. It just so happened that her ‘customer’ was the man assigned to watch her cell. Sheer luck. She had 3 years of this abuse in the hands of a slaver who you will meet in Hong Kong.

Madeline locked eyes with Nikita. "If you do not land the shark, this is where you will end up. The world you are about to enter is more dangerous than anything you have ever experienced. Their network is so extensive and employees so loyal, that if they take you, we will never see you again."

Nikita held Madeline’s gaze. The implication of Madeline’s words sent a shiver down Nikita’s spine. "I understand now" she said soberly.

Mai Ling entered the room and stood quietly until Madeline acknowledged her. "Mai Ling was recruited from that house in Singapore where she was held as a slave for 3 years. When Red Cell hit our Hong Kong sub station, she and 1 other were the only operatives to survive. She will be going in with you as covert counter surveillance. She already knows the players."

The young women were introduced. Madeline continued. "Mai Ling, I just demonstrated to Nikita ONE of the dangers in your old neighborhood using your video tape."

Mai Ling looked at Nikita with an icy stare. Her voice was flat, "That was an average incident. Are you a natural blond?"

Nikita blushed, "Uh…well, Yes, I am".

Mai Ling nodded her head. "You will be a rare delicacy for these men and they will kill to own you. Being average in looks and common in nationality, I was given a light ‘schedule’ during my time in Singapore. I was fortunate, you will not be."

Madeline continued. "I have placed a tracker into each garment that you will have with you. Mai Ling’s only responsibility is to follow you and provide information about the players you will meet. Do not wear or purchase any clothing while in Hong Kong nor leave the hotel without escort, prior to 10 am. Michael and Walter will be her contacts. Michael is to be with you at all times. Is that clear?"

"Crystal."

The flight over was uneventful. Michael was more attentive and that seemed odd at first. Walter was as well. She hadn’t had so much attention since she first arrived in the Section. The time spent with Walter in the clubs had not been what she had expected. Without Michael hovering, she found she could relax and try her new skills without fear of making mistakes. Walter was very supportive and made wonderful suggestions. Nikita’s confidence in herself as a woman was at an all time high. She felt wonderful, like she was the queen bee.

This was their fourth night at the New Word Hotel in Kowloon. Everyone was at the dinner table waiting for the contacts to arrive. Soon, two well dressed, handsome Chinese men arrived. Mr. Lok Min and Mr. Liu Tak had contacted them that morning and arranged this dinner meeting. Formal introductions were made in the traditional way and everyone took their seats. Mr. Lok and Mr. Liu had been following the westerners since their arrival. Background reports on all four had been completed for weeks. They were very interested in meeting Walter Thornton. His reputation had preceded him.

Nikita had caught a cold on the flight over and her runny nose was both helping to facilitate the illusion of a drug user and driving her nuts. She was fed up with blowing her nose 20 times a day so had taken some antihistamines before dinner. Mr. Liu ordered wine. Nikita had learned from Madeline, to decline his offer of a drink would be offensive and he would lose face. So she accepted and sipped it slowly. Within 15 minutes she was light headed and her speech was beginning to slur. Walter, Birkoff, and Michael all noticed at the same time. Walter’s mind raced trying to avoid the coming disaster. The buyers had had 15 minutes to look over the merchandise and that was all they were going to get.

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Walter indicated that Michael was to leave and take Nikita with him. Michael stood and at the same time firmly brought Nikita to her feet. Pleasantries were exchanged and they left the restaurant. He guided her out onto the promenade for some fresh air. The view of Hong Kong was spectacular.

After about ten minutes of this he noticed she was getting worse. She was definitely high on something. Michael led her to the elevator marked P8 and pressed the button for the penthouse. There were eight penthouses crowning this hotel. The number eight is considered the luckiest number in Hong Kong. Each suite has its’ own elevator. During the somewhat short ride to the top, Nikita became drowsy and leaned into Michael. He watched her in the mirrored reflection of the elevator doors. It was rare that Nikita allowed this to happen. He was sure, had the situation not called for wine, this would not have happened. Michael recalled his briefing with Madeline just prior to their flight. He had known something was up by the way she smiled at him.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Yes, Madeline?"

"Michael, please sit. I have a secondary mission I want you to work on." She paused for effect. "We know what voyeurs the Chinese can be. They love to watch. Nikita is her most charming when she is relaxed and ignorant of the situation. I want you to lavish her with attention starting now. In effect, you are ordered to relax and entertain her. Reestablish some trust. I am aware of the depth of betrayal she experienced after her capture by Red Cell 3 months ago. We have been discussing that mission in our weekly sessions and I believe she has calmed ……… somewhat."

"I promise you, we have no motive, other than for her to put her most charming, sensual self on display. She needs encouragement regarding her skill with men. She remains unsure of herself in that area. However, I believe she underestimates her talents."

Michael’s first thought was *I agree* but he maintained eye contact with Madeline, his face like stone. "What does that mean,…… exactly." He knew not to take this at face value. Where Nikita was involved, he needed CLEAR instructions and boundaries. Otherwise it would be very difficult for him. "I give you my word on this. It benefits the Section as well as this mission for you to be close with her. I want you to repair the damage to your relationship. And that means I want you to accept any and all affections Nikita offers you."

Michael’s jaw tensed, "Fine. Is that all?"

"I know you two have feelings for one another. Normally, we do not approve of this, as you are aware. However, on this occasion, and THIS occasion only, I am giving you permission to explore that part of your relationship should the opportunity present itself. It will validate Walter’s cover and wet the appetite of those watching. Not only are cameras in the penthouse suites, but they are in every room of that hotel. Is that clear enough for you?"

"Yes"

"Good. Dismissed." After he made his exit, Madeline smiled. She knew this secondary mission would be hard for him. Any mission involving Nikita and Michael always had an edge to it. Oh how she would dearly love to be a fly on that wall.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The elevator opened on the north side of the suite. The city was laid out before them in all its’ glory to the south. Michael guided Nikita towards her room on the southwest side. Walter figured since Nikita was the bait, she should have the best view. She appreciated that.

As they entered the room, Michael closes the door and at that moment, Nikita missteps and falls into him. Michael is pinned between Nikita and the wall. He leans against the wall and waits for her to regain her balance. Instead, he gets a soft, warm kiss.

Michael resists briefly and then accepts her affections, as ordered. But he just stands there like a statue. He had been working very hard these past several days to reestablish her trust in him. This had become as important to him as it was to the mission. Three months of hatred and disgust had taken a toll on him. He missed her.

Nikita placed her hands on his waist and began to move them toward his shoulders feeling the texture of his silk shirt. When there, she applied pressure directing him to turn around and face the wall. Michael’s training takes over and he begins to resist. "Nikita, … don’t."

She whispered into his ear, "Shhhhhhh, be still."

Michael’s brain starts in, * I am assigned to her. It’s all right this time. Why can’t I follow instructions? I should stop this but it’s so……. nice…... *

Nikita removed his jacket, then his shirt. She placed her hands again on his waist exploring her way up his chest while sprinkling baby kisses across his shoulders. Now she prompts him to lift his arms and place them against the wall. Michael stiffens slightly not trusting himself.

Feeling him tense, Nikita’s hands slow and she again whispers as if calming a startled animal. "Shhhhh, Calme toi."

Michael knew this was not like her. This was the wine. She was doing things she normally wouldn’t. Ignoring his better judgment, he decided to let the scene unfold without interference, as ordered. Having Nikita this close was going to be more difficult than he had anticipated.

Nikita’s hands continued down his back and around his waist touching him ever so lightly. Her fingers moved farther down across his pelvis and between his legs, feeling their way. Michael caught his breath at the power of emotion that shot through his body when she touched him. Her fingers moving down one leg and up the other, tracing his outline. He let his breath out in one…. long………... sigh. Michael leaned into the wall, closed his eyes, and widened his stance.

Michael’s breathing quickened as she lingered several long moments before returning to caress his stomach. Nikita quietly slipped the straps of her dress off her shoulders and let it fall into a heap at her feet.

The next sensation he felt was Nikita’s soft warm breasts pressing into his bare back. Michael let go with a long…..deep……moan. He was struggling to maintain control of himself but he was losing. Attempting to turn around, Nikita blocked him with her body. He then tried to lower his arms to touch her. Again she blocked him. Returning his hands to the wall with authority, Nikita then pressed her body closer to his. Hot skin against hot skin. They were breathing in unison now, faster and faster.

Nikita let her hands and fingers again move slowly down his arms and onto his chest. Pulling and squeezing, she teased his nipples. When her fingers moved lower still, she found him hard and straining tightly against his silk slacks. Michael’s hands became fists as they pressed against the wall. His eyes shut tightly, he could tolerate this NO MORE. "ENOUGH!" he spat and turned suddenly to see a lovely sight. He looked long and hard at her nakedness. Wrapping his arms around her waist he pulled her into him tightly. The kiss was deep and passionate.

With one graceful move, he placed her on the bed and joined her. He touched and kissed every body part he could find. Reason had left him. For 3 years he had suppressed his feelings for her and now they washed over him like a storm. His passion ignited her own and their long restrained love for each other was consummated in a fiery explosion of energy.

Afterward, as they lay in bed, Nikita pulled away from him and curled up on her side. She fell into a deep sleep. Michael watched for a long time thinking about her. He could not figure out how she kept getting through his defenses. He had not figured out why his attraction to her was so strong. Of course, he never allowed himself much time to dwell on such things. She always managed to surprise him in some way. Michael didn’t much like surprises. Sleep eluded him as usual. He never slept more than 4 nightmare filled hours a night.

Michael checked his watch, 3:15 am. He untangled himself from the linens and redressed. He removed any evidence of his presence, even hanging Nikita’s dress in the closet. He sat and watched her sleep another 15 minutes before quietly leaving. Moving through the suite he checked their security one last time. Opening Birkoff’s door, all he could see was a pile of blankets with a foot sticking out near the headboard. Walter sat bolt upright when Michael peeked in. "It’s just me." Michael whispered but Walter was already asleep before his head hit the pillow. Walter was on autopilot. That man could sense danger in a split second. Sensing none, he returned to sleep without missing a heart beat. Michael smiled at that. As long as he had been with Section, Walter had remained a mystery to him.

Michael slept his four hours. However, on this night there were no nightmares, no bad dreams, just a peacefully deep and satisfying sleep. The only reason he woke up at all was Birkoff walked straight into the doorframe of the bathroom they shared. Still half asleep, he had not allowed enough clearance for his shoulder. The resulting KATHUMP and expletives completed the wake up call.

Michael dozed, waiting for his turn in the bathroom when there was a knock on his door. "Breakfast." A smile almost formed on Michael’s face. Since arriving, Walter had taken pleasure in having breakfast for everyone delivered to the suite daily. His own personal luxury while on the mission and he spared no expense.

Walter was holding court over the 4 breakfast carts placed before him. He knew how few and far between these types of missions were, even if the ‘kids’ didn’t.

Nikita was the last one up after Walter had to wake her 3 times. Finally, she exits her bedroom wrapped in one of those terry cloth robes the hotel provides. Sleepily, she stumbled in the general direction of the coffee cart. She curled her toes into the thick carpet for balance. Her hair looked as if birds had nested. The guys watched her.

"Sugar, whatever you took last night must have really kicked your butt. You look like hell."

Nikita stopped in front of the coffee pot, looked each man in the eye and decided a retort just wasn’t worth the effort. She poured a jumbo cup and plopped into a nearby chair.

Michael was watching closely and noticed no ‘special’ recognition for him in her eyes. So, he just waited and continued watching her while reading the paper.

Birkoff couldn’t help but laugh as she held her head in her hands with elbows on the table. She did look like hell. Like she’d been hit by a Mack truck. Smiling, he returned his attention to the SIMMs he was running on the this afternoons meeting.

Walter gave her a few minutes to pull it together before he spoke again. " Umm, Nikita, what exactly did you take last night?"

Nikita sat back in her chair and stared at the muffin in front of her. "Well,……. It must have been the wine mixed with the antihistamines that did it." She looked over at Walter, "Please tell me I didn’t embarrass myself."

"Well, almost. Michael escorted you out of the restaurant and back up here. What do you remember?" Walter was smiling. He remembered plenty of times when he had been in her shape.

"I….. Uh….. really don’t remember much. (long pause) I remember leaving the restaurant and walking outside somewhere but that’s about it." She put her head back into her hands. "Man, that stuff really knocked me on my ass. I dreamed all night but can’t remember ‘bout what." She began picking at the muffin and realized she was starving. Having missed dinner, she began harvesting the food in front of her.

Michael remained impassive. * So, she doesn’t remember. It’s probably for the best.*

Nikita moved through the food carts eating some of everything. She completely ignored the men watching her. They had sparkles in their eyes and smiles on their faces. This girl could eat. They knew it was a rare sight to see a grown woman abandon herself so completely and dive into a buffet like this. The loved it.

When Nikita was satisfied, she stood and left the room never noticing their faces. The guys looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed.

Nikita returned to her room and showered. She took a long look at herself in the mirror. Her thoughts returned to the previous night. "Ohhh yes, Michael, I remember everything. Granted, the wine gave me the courage or I would have chickened out of this little experiment." Seducing Michael was the acid test, a machine that’s always in control never deviating from the path. He was to be her Mt. Everest of seductions. Everything went exceedingly well. And, she had a wonderful time in the process. She loved having the power to push him over the edge. It was doubtful that opportunity would ever present itself again. She was very, very pleased with herself. Flipping through the wardrobe Madeline had sent, "I wonder just how far I can take this."

By 10 O’clock, everyone had gathered for their daily briefing in the smaller sitting room on the west wall. Nikita was still wearing her robe. Walter nodded to Birkoff who activated the Halo system. This filled the room with white noise and effectively prevented eavesdropping.

Walter passed out pictures of last night’s guests, which he had received from Mai Ling that morning. "As soon as you left the table, these guys went nuts. They must have asked me 50 questions about you. They want you badly and have proposed advancing the next meeting to today at 1pm. This meeting will be with the leader of Eagle Claw house, Pao Li. He is the current Tai Pan, which means he’s at the top of the food chain in this business. Here’s his photo and bio." Walter paused.

"We have a scheduled dinner meeting with representatives from Tiger Claw house for this evening. Tiger Claw has been trying to unseat Pao Li for years. They have come close several times. Leo Chen leads Tiger Claw house and he wants desperately to become Tai Pan. Mai Ling says there are spies everywhere and they report on who meets with whom. She believes, as do I, that Mr. Leo will meet with us personally to expedite the negotiations."

Birkoff spoke as he passed out more pictures. "Chan Pui is leader of Dragon house and is low man on the totem pole around here. His organization is a distant third and he’s losing ground. Chan has lost 3 houses this month to Leo. One in Singapore a few weeks ago and 2 in Macao this week. Leo is on the move and that makes him very dangerous. After analyzing this new information, we have selected Chan Pui of Dragon house to be our end game."

Walter shifted in his chair and continued, "All the houses know the details of the meeting last night and they smell blood. When we close our meeting with Pao Li today, he must believe he’s favored to win. Nikita, you remember what we did in the clubs back home? Well, I want you to pour it on thick today. I want both Pao Li and Leo Chen foaming at the mouth." Walter winked at her, "Take no prisoners Sugar. Got that?"

Nikita stretched long, extending her arms and legs to their full length before settling back down into the chaise lounge. Smiling at Walter, she gave him that oh so satisfied look a leopard gets when her prey is cornered and she has all… the…. time… in… the… world.

Michael and Birkoff were watching her and thinking what those two could have been doing in a club. They got caught short when Walter continued with the briefing. They snapped their eyes back to the pictures in front of them. Walter smiled. "The dinner meeting tonight with Leo will be full of land mines. Based on Birkoff’s SIMMs, and this new information, the danger to us will be greatest tonight, so be prepared."

Walter to Birkoff, "Set up a meet with Chan Pui of Dragon house for tomorrow night, 10:30. Contact Section and coordinate tonight’s take down of the target houses belonging to both Li and Chen. By tomorrow we will have the cards we need."

"Michael, contact Mai Ling and notify her of the schedule changes. I want her here at 8pm, and her net to go active at 6 o’clock."

Nikita asked, "How many houses are we taking?"

Birkoff answered "Li has 110 houses and Chen has 90. We plan to take control of 40% of each group. That will give us a big card to play with Dragon House. If Chan agrees to our deal, we put his men in place leaving undercover operatives to monitor. By the time the other two houses have finished fighting, they’ll be out of the game."

Walter dismissed the group, "Nikita please stay a moment."

Everyone left to complete their assignments. Walter moved closer. "Sugar, it has been my experience that when Houses go to war, everyone involved loses. Sometimes they lose their freedom and sometimes their life. The only protection we have is their greed and that isn’t too comforting. You’re the door prize, which brings me to my next point. The reality of this situation is that one of these houses will take you. All the odds are in their favor and we are out manned."

Nikita looked hard at Walter. She didn’t like the sound of this. "What are you not telling me Walter? How is it you know so much about this?"

"I would prefer not to say. However, I need your complete trust in order for you to be as safe as possible." Walter shifted in his seat trying to decide how much to tell her. "From 1957 until 1968 I lived here. The last 4 of those years I worked for Pao Tahn. He was Tai Pan of Eagle house and Pao Li’s grandfather." Walter paused watching her expression.

Nikita’s jaw dropped. She recovered and asked the next logical question. "How and why were you here of all places?"

Walter thought a couple of seconds. "At that time, I was working for the government and the mission was to infiltrate and bring down Eagle house. That happened in ’68. Afterward, it wasn’t safe for me to stay here so I was transferred. Other than Operations, no one else knows my background. I want your word it stays that way. It won’t be healthy for you if Operations discovers what I’ve told you."

Nikita was quiet. "Why would knowing be unhealthy for me?"

Walter sighed and rubbed his face with his hand. He was going to have to tell her the next part so she would appreciate the sensitivity of his situation. He couldn’t figure out how to do that without pissing her off, so he bailed. "Let’s just say that my responsibilities in Section are… broader than working with weapons."

He held up his hands to stop the stream of questions about to be unleashed. "Sugar, you’ve got to be satisfied with that for now. It’s unrelated to this mission. I believe its important that you know some of my background here in Hong Kong for what’s about to go down. I know these people and they will kill each other to own you. Especially after you do your stuff today. Why do you think I chose you for this mission? Next time you’re on the street, look around and tell me how many tall, natural blondes you see." Nikita blushed at that.

Walter continued. "The next 18 hours will likely be very dicey. You’re the best operative I’ve seen in years and that gives you the best chance of surviving this mission. Now, back to the main topic here. Madeline shared with you the risks if you are taken. You would become their center showcase. But there is another level to this danger. Soon after we install Chan Pui of Dragon house as Tai Pan, the others will learn of our involvement. You’ll become a target. I know you’re strong, I’ve seen you in action and read the reports. However, knowing their methods as I do, I can say with confidence that they will break you. Everyone is broken. They have studied the body under duress for thousands of years and have more patience than any other culture. If it takes years to break you, they’ll wait. The Section would eventually be exposed and can’t afford that."

Nikita was quiet, staring down at the floor.

"When they take you, we’ll only have hours to recover you. If we can’t, you’ll disappear off this earth and into their hell. You already know about the trackers we have on you. They’ll search you several times finding the units layer by layer removing them all. Even the one imbedded in your shoulder. I contacted an old friend of mine and had something made for you. Mai Ling delivered it this morning." He held out a beautiful silver bracelet with jade inlay.

"Walter it’s lovely."

"When they have found all the trackers, take this jade piece out and swallow it."

Nikita looked at him and repeated, "Swallow it?"

"Yes. The tracker is coated with a special substance that blocks the signal. When you ingest it, your stomach acid will remove the coating and we can then receive the signal. It transmits on one of my ‘special’ frequencies so they won’t detect it. We can track you up to 20 miles. The downside is, it’s only active for 6 or 7 hours. After that, the acid will have dissolved the entire thing."

"I see." Nikita was getting butterflies again. She placed the bracelet on her left wrist.

An hour later, Nikita emerged from her room ready for the meeting and joined the others. When she rounded the corner, the guys were waiting in the elevator. She entered and turned around to face the doors. She felt the tension rise sharply in the small enclosed space. They couldn’t keep their eyes off of her.

Her dress was a simple, fitted, sleeveless shift in bright red with a conservative round neckline and accessories. The back however, had a plunging V that extended down well below her panty line. She had no panty line. She had no panties. Her tan, sculpted back had never been more attractively displayed. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail and wrapped in black leather. She had selected 3 inch, taupe heels to complete the ensemble.

Walter started fussing with his tie while Michael was trying very hard NOT to look at her. Birkoff stared openly. She could see the three of them fidgeting in the reflection of the doors. That elevator seemed to be getting smaller and warmer by the minute.

Birkoff spoke up and voiced what they were all thinking. "Nikita, Umm… you look… different today."

"Do I? I hadn’t noticed." Smiling to herself, *Let the games begin.*

The drive over to the island was uneventful. Members of Eagle Claw house greeted them warmly as they arrived under a large blue canopy of the white stone building. In the lobby, they were introduced to Pao Li. There were a couple of conversations going on at the same time. Walter and Pao Li held one conversation while the 4 escorts were in a discussion of there own. When the elevator doors opened, everyone allowed Nikita to enter first followed by Michael. When they got a look at her dress from behind, all conversation stopped. Absolute silence filled the elevator.

Inside, Nikita positioned herself to the left of Michael against the south wall. She was directly across from Li and his 4 escorts. Walter and Birkoff were on the east wall. The elevator began it’s climb to the private dining room on 35, stopping along the way as people got on and off.

Nikita locked eyes with Li and as he watched her, she began looking him over. Her eyes traveled slowly across his body and lingered several places along the way. A smile appeared on his face. Moving her right hand to rest on Michael’s left thigh, Nikita felt him tense immediately.

In that instant, a thought flashed through him, *Uh Oh *.

Nikita’s eyes never wavered from Li’s face. However, he couldn’t keep his eyes off of her hand. He watched as she massaged Michael’s thigh using some creative hand movements. Li was completely transfixed, as was everyone else. Nikita kept her focus on Li and continued.

Her next move caused Michael to square his shoulders and stand up a little straighter. Much to Michael’s discomfort, all eyes seemed to be on his crotch. Nikita moved her hand out of sight and stroked Michael’s behind. The look on Michael’s face was evidence to Li that the man was about to embarrass himself. Michael reached around firmly grasping Nikita’s hand and with a sharp tug, returned it to her with a warning look. Nikita flashed Li a mischievous look and smiled sweetly as she folded her arms in front of her.

Walter was also watching Li and knew by the look on his face that it was all over. *Li, you haven’t got a chance in Hell.*

The meeting had progressed as expected and things were winding down. Walter had agreed to deliver 2 girls every 6 to 8 weeks to Eagle Claw house. In exchange, he would receive $300,000 US for each pair of girls. After a period of one year, he would be allowed to open and maintain houses on the Asian continent for a period of 5 years. At which time they would re-negotiate for further options. That was the proposal. Walter stated that he would be in touch soon with his answer.

During the meeting, Nikita was on display at the end of the table. Every pair of eyes in the room watched her. Using long chopsticks, they watched her eat her salmon. She put on quite a show as she ate with her chopsticks as well as her fingers. Soon, every man present was squirming in his seat.

Walter motioned that it was time to go. He watched Nikita stand to leave, *Madeline, we’ve created a monster.*

One of Li’s lieutenants escorted them to the car. The rest of the lunch party broke up and returned to their offices. Each man lost in his own fantasy with the stunning blond. Hidden, one of the waiters phoned Leo Chen at Tiger Claw and reported on the meeting.

As soon as they walked into the suite, Birkoff activated the Halo system. Michael asked Nikita "Why did you do that"? He was not happy.

Walter came to her defense. "Now Michael, leave her alone. She’s doing great. Li’s hooked, but good and from what I could see, you’d better prepare for an encore performance this evening."

Michael set his jaw, turned and left the room passing Nikita on the way.

Nikita smiled sweetly. Then she looked over at Birkoff who quickly got busy on his computer. Whatever was going on, it was over his head and he knew it.

"Walter, why do you refer to Pao Li using his last name?" Nikita moved to the window to look at the city.

"In this culture, your given name is written second. My name would be written and referred to as Thornton Walter. Pao is his last name, his family name."

"Oh." As the stress of the meeting wore off, Nikita began to feel tired.

"You really did a great job today Sugar. Tonight we’ll be meeting on a boat like that one." He pointed towards the water, "It’s called a Junk. Those smaller ones are called sampans. Do more of what you did in the elevator today. That was perfect for Li. Chen’s tastes are a little more exotic. You’ll see."

"I think I need a nap." Nikita moved to her room, shutting the door behind her. Falling into bed she observed, "This is exhausting work. Give me the warrior stuff over this any day." She quickly fell asleep.

Within an hour the suite became very quiet. Walter had decided that a nap sounded pretty darn good. Michael was in his room on the computer and Birkoff was on his in the main room. From where he sat, Birkoff could see into the entertainment area and was watching TV with the sound off. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement. Looking closer, he could see the reflection of the opposite wall on the entertainment center. The wall was not in his direct line of sight. A panel was opening. Quickly he moved to Michael’s room and stepped inside.

Michael raised his head and saw the look on Birkoff’s face. Birkoff gave a hand signal indicating someone was inside the suite. Michael got his gun and gave Birkoff one as well. He motioned for Birkoff to go and wake Walter while he moved towards Nikita’s room.

Birkoff opened Walter’s door and found him already up and getting his weapon. Reflexively, Walter aimed at the sound and Birkoff froze. Walter passed Birkoff and was out into the main room in two seconds only to be cold cocked. He fell to the floor with a thud.

Birkoff never heard the man behind him until there was a foul smelling cloth shoved over his nose and mouth. He was on the floor with another thud. Two more men entered through the ceiling vent and stepped over him.

Michael opened Nikita’s door and was met with gunfire. He stood beside the door and was about to fire when he saw the 3 men coming from Walter’s room. Flipping over a table he took cover and dodged a string of bullets. The men kept him pinned down 4 long minutes during which he got off a few rounds and wounded 2 of the shooters. The shooting stopped and he cautiously looked around the tables’ edge. The suite was empty. He made his way to Nikita’s room to discover it empty as well. Her shoes were on the floor partially kicked under the bed.

It didn’t take him long to see how they got in and out. There was a tunnel behind the panel. He entered and followed it to the adjacent penthouse. They were long gone. He returned and helped Walter and Birkoff recover.

As soon as Walter was awake, he walked straight (well, sort of straight) to Nikita’s room. He motioned for them to stay back. He scanned the tunnel then the room with an experienced eye obviously looking for something. Michael watched him intently.

Thirty seconds later Walter saw it. "Son of a Bitch, I knew it."