Madelaine squinted at the harsh sunlight as she stepped out of the back of the taxi. It had been a long time since she had been out during daylight hours. She sighed and slipped on a pair of very concealing sunglasses. She looked around inspecting the campus of the University in Paris, ever careful of her surroundings.

Madelaine smiled cryptically to herself and wondered for at least the hundredth time today "what on earth could I have possibly done to be sent out on missions again? Hmph. Must be in abeyance again!!" Madelaine smiled to herself again as she paid her fare and accepted her briefcase from the driver. "Well, let's get this over with so I can return to what I really enjoy," she mused to herself.

Madelaine entered the administration building in front of her. Her walk exuded confidence in herself and her mission. She quickly found the personnel office and introduced herself, producing the required identification and paperwork. She was quickly escorted from the administration building to another building in the heart of the University campus. Looking up Madelaine noticed the building name "Dumarier Hall", her supposed namesake. She smiled languidly as she entered the hall.

The smells from the various laboratories assaulted her nose as she walked the entire length of the hallway. A chemistry lab... home to her for the next several months... her mission... gather intel on a new terrorist grouped based at the University. Its name... "L'heure Sanguine".

************

Madelaine had been in deep cover for the last two weeks. She had repeatedly surprised herself with ho easily she was adjusting to what she considered a "normal" life. Having had absolutely no contact with Section One had not been the torture she had expected. She secretly admitted to herself that it was actually sort of fun. She could at least pretend to be a "normal" human being for a while.

Madelaine had met several professors and students in her work whom she suspected might be a part of "L'heure Sanguine" but she was not quite ready to give up her "freedom" to return the intel to Section. Operations could just wait until she was good and ready to return.

Madelaine had become fairly close to one of the professors at the University. She suspected he was a leader and a co„conspirator of "L'heure Sanguine". His name was Charles Sand and he and Madelaine had worked long hours together in the labs. They had even shared late night take out pizza or Chinese on several occasions over the last two weeks.

Another person Madelaine had gotten close to was Charles Sand's graduate assistant. A very quiet, shy, and rather handsome young man by the name of Michael Samuelle. Michael was a very studious and concentrated young man who spent all of his time with various beakers and formulas when he was not creating Dr. Sand's notes for class. Michael was an enigma to Madelaine. She could not decide if he was actually a part of "L'heure Sanguine" or just a pawn in Charles Sand's game.

Madelaine had questioned Michael extensively about his work with Dr. Sand, usually over cafe au lait at a local coffee shop on campus. They had spoken several times about life outside of the lab and Madelaine decided she genuinely liked the enigmatic young man.

Michael had always seemed to enjoy science. It had always been a given that he would attend University as a chemistry major. Michael had worked hard in school and actually entered University at an early age - 2 years before most others.

Michael and Dr. Sand were working on a project to revolutionize the cancer research world. They were chemically altering genes of cancer patients which would allow their bodies to form leukocytes to counteract the carcinogens in their bodies. Madelaine secretly thought this was a wonderful endeavor for University professors to work on. She often questioned herself as to why she believed these people were involved in "L'Heure Sanguine". Call it a hunch or intuition but she just couldn't get rid of the eerie feeling. No matter how much she genuinely liked these people.

************

Madelaine, Michael and Charles Sand were all enjoying a cup of coffee and discussing such mundane topics as the weather and local sports. The waiter walked over and placed a hand on Michael's shoulder, bending to whisper in his ear. Michael wiped his mouth with his napkin and asked Madelaine and Charles to excuse him for a moment. Madelaine squeezed his hand and gave him a smile. She secretly watched him walk to a smallish young man and give him a typical French greeting. "I wonder who that is," she mused to herself, before turning back to her conversation with Charles.

Michael walked back to the table dragging his friend with him. Michael introduced Madelaine and Charles Sand to his friend Rene Dion. Madelaine smiled and invited him to take a seat. Rene, clearly uncomfortable, sat and stared furtively at Madelaine and Dr. Sand.

Madelaine noticed that while Michael and Dr. Sand continued their conversation from before, Rene sat at the table sipping his coffee. He did not join in the conversation nor did he move. He seemed to be deep in thought. "Hmm, interesting turn of events." Madelaine had begun analyzing this new element of her research. A new face to add to the puzzle of "L'heure Sanguine". She almost wished she could contact Section to see if Operations knew anything about the new person. Madelaine watched Rene become more and more agitated as he sat and finished his coffee. Rene looked at Madelaine and abruptly stood up and excused himself. He turned to Michael and said "I'll see you tonight" and walked away.

Michael was clearly upset with the rudeness of Rene and all three companions fell into an uneasy silence. "This is becoming more and more intriguing," Madelaine mused as she gave both men her best Mona Lisa smile.

************

Michael was becoming quieter and quieter around the lab. He was keeping to himself no matter how much Madelaine tried to draw him out. It scared Madelaine that she had became so attached and concerned about Michael so quickly. One Friday afternoon the two of them were alone in the lab. Madelaine was about fed up with the silence so she decided to corner Michael. She had already invited him out for coffee and had been refused.

Madelaine had finally had enough. "Michael, what's wrong with you lately?"

Michael smiled faintly at her and replied, "I'm fine."

Madelaine sighed, "Don't give me that cryptic answer of yours, answer me!"

Michael stood tight-lipped in front of Madelaine.

Madelaine gently took Michael's hand and led him to the office. She sat on the sofa and pulled him to sit next to her. "Talk to me Michael, tell me what is wrong!"

Michael took a deep breath and the bared his soul to Madelaine. Michael was worried about his friend Rene Dion. Rene, according to Michael was involved in a group of radical students and professors who were protesting government and university policies.

Michael was worried because Rene was becoming somewhat fanatical about his affairs with this group. Michael did not wish to lose his friendship but Rene was pressuring him to join the group also. Madelaine smoothed a lock of Michael's hair away from his face and asked, "Do you really think Rene could be in trouble?"

"Yes," came the soft reply, "What should I do?"

Madelaine smiled at Michael, "Maybe you could join and kind of watch out for him if you are so worried about him."

Michael's face lit up with a smile, "I could do that!!"

Madelaine smiled back as she realized how genuinely worried Michael had been.

Michael sighed saying "there is a meeting scheduled for tonight. Maybe I will go and check it out."

Madelaine took Michael's hand gently between hers. "Michael, I will go with you this evening if you want."

"Thanks, I would really like that."

"Now we'd better get back to work."

As Madelaine left the lab a few hours later to go home and change her clothes, she decided she just might be in over her head. Time to check in with Operations.

Madelaine walked into her small apartment and went to find her special cell phone to call Operations.

" Where have you been? I was about to send a team after you," growled Operations.

"I am fine and do not need any backup, keep them at Section," Madelaine snapped back at Operations. She took a deep breath and outlined her plan for Operations.

************

Michael arrived at Madelaine's apartment just as she had hung up with Operations. She quickly put away the cell phone and invited Michael in. Madelaine had lost track of time while speaking with Operations so she quickly went and changed clothes. She was concerned that her affection for Michael would interfere with her mission. She knew that many lives were at stake if "L'Heure Sanguine" was allowed to continue its terrorist activities. But Madelaine also had an overwhelming desire to protect Michael from harm. She knew she would have to use Michael in order to infiltrate "L'Heure Sanguine" and she was distinctly disturbed by that fact. Would Michael understand why she would do this to him?

Madelaine put her best smile on and went into the living area to meet Michael. "Oh well," she thought, "it's either now or never!"as they left the apartment. Madelaine was glad she had chosen comfortable clothes as she realized Michael had come via motorcycle. They were quickly on their way and Madelaine suddenly realized that she had no clue where they were going. "I'm in way over my head," she thought.

Michael expertly maneuvered the motorcycle through the city of Paris and soon they were out on the open road. Michael turned off the road and her and Madelaine bumped along a rutted road. At the end of the road was what looked like an abandoned barn. When Michael and Madelaine entered they realized that it was definitely not abandoned. There were about four dozen people inside the barn. A very loud, raucous meeting was taking place. People were shouting and waving their fists against the conspiracies of the French government . To their surprise, leading the group in the uproar was Charles Sand. Madelaine watched as Charles worked himself into a frenzy. She suddenly realized who Charles had always reminded her of and her heart froze toward him. His tirade eerily reminded her of tapes she had seen of Adolf Hitler.

Madelaine grabbed Michael's arm and tried to lead him out of the barn. Just as they were leaving, Charles saw them and ordered them taken. Michael and Madelaine suddenly hound themselves surrounded by ten men, all with guns drawn. Michael reached out and grabbed one man's gun but Madelaine begged him not to fight. They meekly surrendered to the men.

Madelaine and Michael soon found themselves tied up in a back room of the barn. Michael was clearly agitated and Madelaine was talking to him trying to calm him down. Michael could not understand how they had arrived in this situation. He was scared for both himself and Madelaine. He was continuously apologizing to Madelaine for bringing her into this danger. If only he knew what "danger" really was.

Charles Sand entered the room and began demanding to know how they had found the barn. Michael was agitated and demanding that they be released. Madelaine sat calmly and quietly while the two men squared off. This was going to be the tricky part to her plan. Madelaine waited until the two men had stopped yelling and were staring at each other. Madelaine cleared her throat and stated, "Charles, you have overlooked one possibility." "And what would that be?" replied Charles. "Maybe we could both help you in your endeavor." Michael's mouth dropped open as he shook his head in disbelief.

Charles' eyes lit up at Madelaine's suggestion, but he was no fool, he realized he would never have Michael's cooperation. Charles slowly untied Madelaine and told her she had to prove her allegiance to him. "And how would you like me to do that?" she purred. "Go out and bring Rene Dion to me," replied Charles. Madelaine knew she needed to be extremely careful, she could still see the fanatical light in Charles Sand's eyes. She decided to play along for now. She knew if she refused then both she and Michael would be harmed. She knew she could not allow that to happen. She nodded and left the room to find Rene.

Madelaine was visibly shaken as she walked through the barn searching for Rene. She had to act quickly in order to protect Michael. At this point he was the important commodity in this affair. She must protect him at all costs even her own life. Operations would pay big time for this if she could pull it off and survive as well.

Madelaine quickly found Rene and brought him to the back room. As she entered she took a gun from one of the guards and pressed it to Rene's temple as she shoved him through the door.

She prayed this would work. Charles turned quickly and saw that Madelaine was armed. He began cursing himself for a fool. "What do you think you will accomplish with brandishing a gun?" "Well, Michael hee really cherishes his friendship with Rene, so I thought I might just get him to cooperate with us if I keep his little friend company," sneered Madelaine. She almost lost her nerve as she saw Michael's face drop with grief. She swallowed hard and hardened her heart toward him. She silently thought to herself, "I am truly sorry Michael." The things she sacrificed for missions. She truly felt bereft at the thought of losing Michael's friendship. She mused for what must have been the millionth time since being recruited "Our ends are just but our means are ruthless."

As Charles was contemplating how to handle the situation, Madelaine stared at Michael as a plethora of emotions crossed his face. She saw fear, panic, anger, depression, surprise, awe, and finally resignation. She laughed inwardly, "If I can get him out of here, I will definitely have to teach him to school those emotions." As Madelaine was reflecting, Charles concluded his thoughts. He turned to Michael and said "your job in this endeavor will be to design a chemical explosion for me. I need an explosion to level a five„story building. We must get the attention of our government." Michael's eyes had turned to a dark shade of green as Charles spoke. "I will never cooperate with you, you maniac." He was visibly trembling. Madelaine wondered curiously if it was with his fear or his anger. She knew she must act quickly and carefully if she were to ensure both of their safety.

Madelaine took a deep breath. "I will personally flay Rene alive and make you watch if you do not complete your assignment." Madelaine's voice had turned ice„cold. Rene whimpered in fear as he heard her words. Michael's eyes went wide with shock and he swallowed hard. A lone tear ran down his cheek. He knew he must follow orders to protect Rene. After all, they had been friends since childhood. "Fine, I will do as you ask." Madelaine's heart broke a little more in that instant as she heard the resignation in Michael's voice. "If only I could have saved your soul from this torture," she thought.

A few hours later Madelaine, Rene and Michael were hard at work in the lab. Strangely enough Michael never questioned Madelaine about her part in this affair. It was as if he had already turned off his heart. Surprisingly he was acting as if he were a machine. No emotions whatsoever. "Hmm this could be interesting."

It did not take long for Michael to accomplish the goal of "L'Heure Sanguine". It was actually child's play. He wondered why Charles Sand had not just designed the bomb himself. Within three hours the bomb was complete. Rene was sent in to plant the bomb in the building. The area seemed deserted. Madelaine held Michael at gunpoint and made him watch as the timer wound down. He begged her to let him go but she knew she could not. Just as the chemicals were released into the building, Michael realized that there were people in the building. Women and children were pressed up against the windows screaming for help. He began running toward the building screaming. Madelaine bowed her head and prayed that she was doing the right thing. She looked up and shot Michael in the leg as he ran. She turned and calmly walked away.

************

Madelaine remained in Paris for another two months. Every day she attended the trial of Michael Samuelle. He was the only one who had been caught at the scene. A total of 67 people had been inside the building when the chemicals swept through. None had survived. Madelaine's heart broke into smaller and smaller pieces as she watched the evidence against Michael unfold. Through it all Michael sat stoic, no emotions crossed his face. Not even as he watched a video of the bodies being removed from the building. As the verdict of guilty was read, Michael turned toward the back of the courtroom to catch Madelaine's eye. A single tear slipped down his face. Madelaine shivered, turned and walked out of the courtroom.

Madelaine contacted Operations and gave him the information she had gathered on "l'Heure Sanguine". Operations sent teams out to eliminate the remnants of the group. When he reported to Madelaine that the mission was accomplished, she asked for one favor, a week off and would he please send Walter to Paris to pick her up. Her favor was granted. Walter arrived in Paris the next morning and they spent a wonderful week exploring the city.

The night they were to return to Section, Madelaine and Walter arrived at the high-security prison in Paris. They had one package to retrieve. A very recalcitrant Michael. As they led him out blindfolded, Madelaine's and Walter's eyes met, wondering if they were doing the right thing. They walked into Section leading Michael between them. As they entered van access Madelaine removed Michael's hood.

A voice from above eerily stated "Welcome Home!" Madelaine and Walter smiled to each other as father and son's eyes met for the first time.

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