Chapter 16

Adam now paced in his room after having gone to check on his mother all night long. Sleep came for him around 4 AM when his body could no longer take the stress and he had actually passed out in a chair by the window. Nikita had bolted up around 5:00 AM and looked around to see where she was. She quickly realized she was still in her mission clothes and that she was at home in her own bed. She threw the blankets aside and went into her bathroom to shower. She looked at her naked body in the mirror before stepping into the spray and examined her bruises. She thought the bruises on the outside will heal, but the worst of her injuries were on the inside and there was no hope of them ever healing. She turned and stepped into the spray and began to replay the events of yesterday in her mind. She had felt so righteous when she smacked the smile off of that bitch's face, but she felt a little unsettled as she remembered that Keith had to pull her off of Olivia because Keith knew what she cou ldn't possibly comprehend at that moment. Nikita had lost control.

This thought sent chills up her spine. She was emotional, impulsive and uncooperative at times, but she had never been out of control to that degree. She thought maybe each person loses control at least once in his or her life and maybe this had been her time. The rage she felt at those moments was so very foreign to her. These were emotions she had never considered, choking the life out of another person, taking someone's soul and destroying it for no other reason than self-gratification.

Her eyes opened wide as she heard the bathroom door open. She peeked out the door and saw MJ rubbing his eyes. She smiled and said, "Good morning my love, did you miss Momma?"

MJ shook his head up and down and said, "Hug."

Nikita smiled and said, "Momma is almost done sweetie, why don't you go rest in Momma's bed and I'll be right out ok?"

MJ turned and ran to her bed and hopped in. She quickly finished her cleansing and wrapped a towel around herself and walked out into her room. MJ had fallen back to sleep and she kissed his forehead and decided to let him sleep.

She on the other hand would not be so lucky. Sleep was not an option any longer. She dressed in sweats and pulled her hair back and then went to check on Shelly. She smiled when she entered the room when she saw her little girl was still sound asleep in her bed. Nikita pulled the covers up to her little chin and then quietly left her room.

She wanted to check on Adam but didn't want to wake him. She remembered him standing vigil in her room most of the night, and since he was a very light sleeper and would hear the door open if she peeked in, she decided against it and went downstairs. Brian had heard her shower running and got up and went down to make her some tea. She strolled into the kitchen and saw he too was in his sweats and gave him a small smile as he pushed a cup of tea in her direction.

He returned her smile and said, "Thought we might have a run this morning, it's not too cold out today."

She thanked him for the offer but declined. She wanted to be alone a little while longer with her thoughts. She opted for a walk to the dock and watched the sunrise alone. She sat and watched the sun crest one of the hills across from her house and hoped that with the new day, she would be able to find a little peace in knowing that she had faced the one who had taken her beloved, and lived to fight another day. The tears fell like a spring rain, and she looked up into the sky and said, "Michael....... I miss you so much."

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

Chapter 17

Michael arrived at Center and went straight into see Mr. Jones. They discussed his new role as he was slated to move to Oversight and take control of the Sections. He had a lot of catching up to do for being out in the field for almost four years and would remain at Center for a month or so before finally moving to Oversight. Michael broached the subject of his extraction team and Jones shut him down fast, and quickly changed the direction of the conversation. Michael's anger was slowly reaching a boiling point and his patience was nearly gone when one of Jones's staff entered and whispered into his ear. Jones nodded and rose and told Michael they would have to continue this another time and left the room.

Michael sat in the chair a few minutes more trying to assimilate the events of the past few days. He needed answers and wasn't willing to wait for the "some other time" Jones had mentioned. He needed to find Walter.

He waited a few days as to not look too suspicious and then approached the older man. Walter welcomed him with a hug, which Michael reciprocated. Walter thought this strange for Michael wasn't a man to show any sort of outward emotion or gestures.

They made small talk and Michael asked, "When did you move to Center; how did that come about?"

Walter felt uneasy and it showed in his body language. Michael was on to something and inwardly smiled. Walter told him that Jones had made him an offer and anything was better than Section One, so he took it.

Michael took a small breath and said, "Tell me what happened to Nikita. I read she had been cancelled, why?"

Walter looked away and then said, "She was in an awful place Michael, she wouldn't listen to reason. Mowen tried, I tried and then she hit him, and I mean she really hit him, knocking him down on his you know what. Part of me was proud of her but only for a split second because I knew what had to happen next. Operations was beyond livid and Madeline, well for the first time in her life, I saw genuine surprise on her face. In the end, she did nothing to stop it, I didn't really think she would."

Michael asked, "Where are Paul and Madeline now?"

Walter pulled him into a corner of the room and spoke softly, "Paul was cancelled the same night, no one knows why, and Madeline was transferred to who knows where, no one ever heard from her again."

Michael asked, "Did you see Nikita get cancelled? I read the report and you were there when they brought her into the interrogation room."

Walter looked away and began to fidget. Michael had struck a chord with Walter and knew that the older man had some of the answers he was so desperately seeking. Michael gave him a stern glare, as if to say "well?"

Walter looked around and quietly said, "I buried that painful night a long time ago amigo, I have no intentions of exhuming it again, it's just...it's just too much."

Michael's lips curled up ever so slightly as he was pleased with Walter's apparent uneasiness to discuss the subject. He took a step back and unclasped his hands and turned to walk away.

Walter shouted, "Michael!" causing Michael to pause in his stride.

Walter approached him, leaned in and whispered, "Leave it alone amigo, let sleeping dogs lie."

Michael resumed his stride and left the room in search of more answers. He knew Walter knew something, and he also knew that deep down Walter wanted to tell him, so he wouldn't report the questioning to Mr. Jones. Jones had mentioned Nikita's death in passing on more than one occasion today. Michael assumed it was Jone's way to drive his point home, but now, he knew better.

He made his way to his new office and logged onto the system. He began to search for anomalies. If Nikita was alive, which he knew she was, and still in the organization, it wasn't Section One's bidding she now performed, it was something for Center and the answers he sought had to be there in Center.

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

Chapter 18

Every free moment he had, Michael searched file after file looking for something to lead him to his true love. He came across a name "Adam." It wasn't his Adam but it brought him back to his beloved son. He decided to check and see his progress and found the file was encrypted. It took some doing but he was able to access the file and saw that Elena had died two days after Michael's supposed death. He swallowed hard; what had happened to his son? Who was caring for him, where was he? He feverishly scanned the file and saw Adam was adopted by a paternal cousin. The name listed was N. Samms. Michael had no such cousin and began to panic.

Would Jones hold his son over his head as a failsafe for doing his bidding? He searched more and found a passport photo with the date of the day after Elena had died with his picture. Michael touched the screen and a chill ran down his spine. He decided to look up the name Adam Samms and found a pretty extensive file. There were what seemed to be monthly progress reports, four years worth of them.

Adam was doing well. He was well-adjusted, had a good home environment, athletic, intelligent, and inventive. Michael felt a sense of pride in what he was reading. His son was alive, safe and well cared for, but by whom??? There was no mention of parents in the file, it was just about Adam. He queried another name N. Samms. No file found. He took a deep breath and prayed this would be it. He typed in Nikita Samms and the file was encrypted. He leaned back and exhaled and looked up to the ceiling. He was right, she was alive, and more importantly, she was with Adam. His heart grew tenfold knowing this woman, the love of his life; the keeper of his heart had taken his son and cared for him when she had no reason to.

He leaned back to the screen and read her evaluations. She was adjusting to Nine, good leadership, good intuition, a great communicator. Home life was excellent, great mother, nurturer. Has made friends quite easily and Michael smiled 'Of course she would, how could anyone not want to be around the light she emits?' At the end of the report it stated that she was scheduled for routine follow-up as scheduled after every mission. The follow-up would be in three days. Michael knew he had to be there for that follow-up. He scanned around to see who was assigned to see her and formulated a plan.

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

Chapter 19

The next day Nikita noticably more quiet than usual. Because of her demeanor, Adam was extremely attentive and protective of her, more so than usual. He helped out more with his siblings and took less time for himself and spent more time with his mom. She hadn't spoken to him about what happened, but he knew she eventually would. She knew that he was already aware of what happened just by his actions. She appreciated his need to be there for her physically and emotionally, but she wished he would take some time for himself, be with his friends, go riding, to the movies, something, anything. After all, she knew he had to be affected with the news of the last mission. They both had assumed that everyone had been killed in that explosion, and to find out the person responsible for his father's death had made it out alive must have felt to him, as it had felt to her, like they had lost Michael all over again.

The call came for the follow up and the appointment was set. It was business as usual on that end. They would sit with Adam, monitor the twins for a while, and then it would be her turn. She hated this part, hated to be under the microscope even if it was in her best interest to do so. Keith, Lori and Bill had called to check in on her, and not wanting to worry them, she lied and told them everything was "fine".

They knew better, but they also knew Gina, she would say that she was fine no matter what. The next day, Walter had called out of the blue. She figured he must have heard what had happened because he suddenly found he had some downtime and wanted to spend it with her. Truth be told, he had heard about Olivia through Jones, and wanted to see for himself that she was ok. She felt a bit relieved with the thought of him coming to visit; it had been almost a year and she truly had missed him.

At Center, Michael met with Nikita's evaluator under false pretenses to get a feel about him. After only a few minutes, realized it would be easy to manipulate this man and felt a grin crawl across his face. Now for Jones. He had to find a way to get away from Center to join this evaluation. He decided that he would simulate a Y Directive in Section Six and assure Jones he would see to it personally. Section Six was in Toronto. Michael knew Joseph, operations at Six, and Joseph owed him. From there he would make his way to Nikita making sure the tag he would place on Wilson, Nikita's evaluator, would lead him to his beloved.

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

Chapter 20

The next day his plan was in action. He approached Jones about the directive and received his permission. He met Wilson in the jetport and informed him he would be traveling with him to the States on other business. The two men made small talk as Michael pried for more insight on what Wilson would be doing. The flight was long, but seemed to pass more quickly than it should have, and Michael's heart swelled with the anticipation of seeing the two people he loved dearly. As they departed the plane in Toronto, they companionably shook hands and Michael patted Wilsons' shoulder and planted the tracker with ease.

Michael then met another transport and left for Section Six. After arriving and meeting with operations, Michael stayed for thirty minutes enough time to be seen by other and establish a cover and then quickly left. He knew Joseph, Operations for Six, very well and Joseph agreed to Michael's request of covering for him for twenty-four hours and knew how to get in touch with him if a situation arose. Michael boarded a private jet he had standing by, got a fix on the tracker and gave the pilot the coordinates to follow.

He met Wilson at the airport and surprised him with another pat on the back. Wilson was shocked and Michael pulled him aside into an alcove. He held him up against the wall and informed him that if he wanted to live he would do everything he was told. Wilson had heard stories about Michael and knew that his fear was validated. Michael freed him from his grip and the two men walked together out of the airport.

Michael enlightened Wilson as to what was expected of him on this particular visit. He was to make sure that Michael's presence was not questioned by anyone under any circumstances. They had to believe he was part of Wilson's team and Wilson's life depended on it! He then proceeded to reach into his briefcase, and removed and put on a latex mask, contact lenses, and attach a voice synthesizer to his throat to disguise his features and voice during the ride to Nikita's house.

After assuring his disguise was sufficient, Michael sat back and watched the scenery as the vehicle traveled down the highway. His mouth felt like a barron desert and his heart was racing in anticipation. It would be less than an hour before he would see his love, his light again and right now, an hour seemed like eternity.

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

Chapter 21

Nikita, knowing that the evaluation was imminent, dealt with it the way she always did. She got the twins settled with Ms. Smith, made sure Adam was settled and left with Brian to work out. They went to her private hidden gym and went at it. Nikita had a lot of pent up energy she needed to get out before the shrinks got there and this was the best way she knew how. They had been simulating assaults for two hours when they were alerted by the survellance camera's, that a car had pulled up the drive.

Michael reassured Wilson that he was there to observe and he should act normal. Wilson took a deep breath and the two exited the car. Michael looked around at the home Nikita and son had been living in and smiled. It was like a huge cottage. Nikita must have fallen in love with it instantly. Granted the size was mammoth in proportions to the cottages they had shared together, but he thought it suited her tastes nicely.

He followed Wilson to the door and was shocked to see Adam open the door before Wilson had a chance to knock.

Wilson greeted the young man. "Hello Adam".

Adam rolled his eyes and said, "Whatever Wilson" and opened the door for him to gain entrance.

Michael inwardly smiled at his son, who answered the door like Nikita would have.

Wilson spoke, "This is Mr. Jenkins, he will be observing us today to make sure I am doing my job", as he motioned to Michael.

Adam stuck out his hand and said, "Nice to meet you".

Michael paused, his heart racing at the thought of embracing his son after all these years, and then accepted Adam's hand and said in a shaky breath "Likewise".

What a young man he had grown up to be. God I've missed so much. Michael mused.

Wilson took off his coat and asked Adam, "How long has she been in there this time?"

Adam replied non-chalantly, "Two hours; she hasn't been feeling like herself lately since the last mission".

Michael questioned, "In where?"

Adam smiled and replied, "I forgot, you're new. Mom doesn't like these things and hides until the last moment if she can".

Stunned by his son's word Mom, Michael quickly regained his focus and asked, "Hides where?"

Adam smiled wider and opened the TV cabinet and clicked some buttons on the remote, and a picture of Nikita and Brian doing battle in the secret gym came on the screen. Michael walked over to the TV and asked, "What are they doing, where are they?"

Adam chuckled and answered, "Mom likes to work out, she says it releases tension. Poor Brian, he's her human punching bag. Oh, and they are in the gym out back."

Michael asked if there was an audio feed as well and Adam replied, "Sure" and pressed another button.

Wilson stated, "I'll get started upstairs, Adam I'll be back for you in a few minutes".

Adam shrugged his shoulders and said, "Can't wait" in a really sarcastic tone.

Michael snapped a look at Adam and shyly smiled. Adam smiled back and then looked at the TV.

They watched and listened to the noises they made as the fights progressed and Nikita held a hand up and motioned for Brian to stop. He smiled and leaned over to catch his breath and said, "Had enough yet?"

Nikita swigged a bottle of water and reached over for a remote. Adam laughed out loud at the TV and Michael asked, "What is so amusing?"

Adam replied "She's just getting started, watch this" and he turned the volume up a bit.

Music started to play. Soft at first, slow and sweet. Then all of a sudden it changed as she engaged him like a caged animal.

Adam said, "This is mom's favorite work out song, she listens to it all the time."

Michael said, "What is it, I've never heard anything like it".

Adam looking at the man and answered, "It's by a band called Evanescence. The song is called "Bring Me to Life".

Michael watched as Nikita didn't let Brian up for air and smiled. He turned to Adam and said, "Your mother is an amazing woman."

Adam smiled and said, "No she's not. She's more than amazing", and smiled lovingly at the screen.

Both men gazed adoringly at the woman they both loved. The song ended, as did the battle and Brian dropped to his knees. Nikita began to laugh and toweled her face off.

Brian jokingly yelled, "MERCY!!!!!!" which caused her to laugh harder.

The two men watching heard her say, "I'm sure Wilson is here by now, why don't you go and make sure Adam hasn't locked him in a closet again for me ok?"

Adam smiled as Michael turned to him and Adam blurted out, "What?? He got on my nerves that day, it happens sometimes."

Michael could not help but break into a full smile. He turned back to Nikita and watched her lay down on the mats and click the remote again and a slow song came on.

Adam told Michael, "She'll be in soon, she's unwinding now." and then walked away from the screen.

Michael focused in on the lovely creature on the screen. There she was, alive and well. She was as beautiful as he remebered her to be, if not more and he lovingly touched the screen to trace her outline. He heard someone approaching and dropped his hand backed away from the screen.

Brian walked in longwinded and said, "Hey squirt. Where's shithead?"

Adam walked into the livingroom at the same time and replied, "Upstairs", and plopped on the couch.

Brian looked over and pointed at Michael and said, "Who's he?"

Adam said, "Jenkins, he's with shithead, but he seems cool."

Brian walked over and shook his hand and said, "Nice to meet you."

Michael sized up the man before him trying to ascertain his role with his love and child and said "And you."

Brian went over and sat next to Adam and flicked his head and smiled at the boy. Michael stood before them hands clasped behind his back and asked, "What is it you do here, if I may ask?"

Brian answered, "I'm security, butler, driver, health instructor, groundskeeper", he nudged Adam's leg, "and baby sitter"

"Take your pick" he finished looking up at the stranger.

Michael nodded his head and said, "Surely the boy doesn't need a sitter?"

Brian said, "No he's a good kid. A pain in my ass sometimes, but a good kid" and he smiled at Adam.

Michael now even more curious asked, "Then I don't understand your meaning?"

With that being said, two screaming banshees came running down the staircase and jumped on Adam yelling "Hide us, hide us Adam!"

Michael was stunned. He asked, "There are other children???"

Adam smiled at his siblings and looked up and nodded to the man. With both children firmly ensconsed in his lap, he replied, "This is Michael, but we call him MJ and this is Michelle, we call her Shelly." Looking authoritatively at his siblings he said, "Guys say hello to Jenkins".

They both said, "Hi Jenkins" at the same time.

Michael crouched down head swimming and smiled as he said, "Hello MJ, hello Shelly".

He looked at Brian and said, "How old are they?"

Brian replied, "Three and a half."

Michael saw the reflection of his emerald eyes as he looked at his other son and Nikita's eyes in her daughter. These were his children! His breath escaped his lungs and he felt it hard to regain the air his lungs needed. Never in his wildest dreams had he ever entertained what he was now seeing with his own eyes. He had no way of knowing she was pregnant before he left. The age, the timing, these were his children!!! They discussed having them someday, but decided it would only be when they were both free from Section.

Things were getting more complicated every minute for him. He wondered if Jones knew, and if he knew why didn't he tell Michael before the mission? Why let him believe that she was free while he was undercover, only to tell him she had been cancelled upon his return?

He looked into the loving eyes of his three children and felt his heart grow almost to the point of leaping out of his chest. All he had hoped for, to see Adam and Nikita and to make sure they were safe and happy, took on a new meaning after the revelation of his other children. He knew just seeing them would never be enough; he had to be with them, with them all. His heart and soul now demanded it, damn the consequences.

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

Chapter 22

Michael was broken out of his reverie when Brian spoke up and said, "Ok munchkins, Uncle Brian has some ice cream pops for you two. Let's leave Adam alone for a few minutes." And then finished making a silly face and using a low and scary tone said, " It's his turn to visit with the evil troll!" and the twins jumped up and screamed and then ran towards the kitchen.

Brian patted Adam on the head and left the room to follow the children. Michael was still crouched in shock, eyes in awe, and was looking at the spot where the twins had run off to.

Adam was curious and asked, "Are you alright?"

Michael snapped back into reality and stood up gracefully. Feeling a bit light headed he opted for the overstuffed chair behind him and quickly sat down never answering his son's question.

Adam asked, "Didn't you know I had a brother and a sister?"

Michael replied in a flat tone, "No." Trying to catch his breath and regain some composure, he finished, "I'm sorry I'm new at this."

Adam nodded and said, "They are good babies. Mom had a tough delivery, we were in that room for like 10 hours. It was scary for a while to see her in so much pain."

Michael looked over at his son and aked in awe, "You were there? In the room with her?"

Adam nodded affirmatively. "Mom and I made a deal, no secrets, no lying, only the truth. It's all or nothing. I was one of her coaches. I mean I didn't actually look at the birth, please, yuck!! I stood up by Mom's head and held her hand and helped her focus, that's all. We agreed a long time ago that the only way we could survive what we had both been through was to be truthful and trust each other. How do you think I know about all this Section stuff? Mom told me all about it."

Michael's body tightened in anticipation. "She told you about it?"

"Yeah, everything about her and my real mom and my dad, and Uncle Walter. It's ok, I know I can talk to you about it, Mr. Jones knows and he's cool with it."

Michael swallowed and tried to find his voice and said, "Like I said I'm new at this. How do you feel knowing all that information about your birth parents? Does it bother you at all?"

Adam smiled and said, "Not really. I mean people do things in order to survive. I know that my father loved my mom in some way, he had to.... I'm here. Just like he loved my other mom, because the twins are here, it's pretty simple."

"Mom told me that I shouldn't always judge people by what they say or do, but what's in their hearts and what's in my heart. In my heart I know I'm loved and cared for and have a great role model to follow."

He didn't think it possible, but Michael's heart was about to burst out of his chest with love. His love and amdiration and gratitude for Nikita just reached infinity. He then asked, "How does your mother deal with all of this, twins, a grown son, and the work that she does?"

Adam said, "Beats me. She's driven. She never misses one of my games; and she comes with the twins to most practices too. She makes all this time for me when she could just spend more time with the twins. She tells me, you go, I go, we're a family. I feel it in my heart as much as I feel the air in my lungs and it works somehow for all of us. Brian helps out too, and we are on our fourth nanny in three years, but we manage."

Michael asked, " Does she have a personal life? Does she have many friends?"

Adam laughed loudly and said, "Are you kidding me? I've tried to set her up on dates; she won't go. She says there is only room for three men in her heart, Dad, MJ and me. She says she's not interested, but I wish she would find someone, because I know she's lonely." Adam looked away from the man and then said in almost a whisper, " I hear her crying at night because she misses my dad so much, and I just want her to be happy."

Michael was almost on overload with emotions. Not only was his beloved alive and gave him two beautiful children, raised his son proper, but she refused all others and held him closest to her heart. He closed his eyes to will back the tears that were threatening to fall.

He heard Wilson coming down the stairs and looked up to see him wiping some sort of goop off his jacket. Adam turned and smiled as he said, "You'll never learn Wilson".

Wilson was muttering under his breath and walked over and asked Adam if he was ready. Adam again rolled his eyes and replied, "Whatever" as Wilson sat down next to him.

Michael got up and asked if it was all right if he looked around. Adam smiled and said, "Sure. It's fine".

Michael stopped in his tracks and thought of the reply he just heard. "IT'S FINE." He smiled and continued out of the room.

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

Chapter 23

Michael walked up the stairs and began to look at each room. He walked into the twins' room and touched the pillows and smelled the blankets drinking in their scent. He touched their toys and smiled. He spent a few minutes looking around and taking in the scenery and then exited the room quietly.

The next room was Adam's. It was a typical teenager's room. Adam was almost fifteen and his room looked the part, a mess. He looked at some of the video equipment and games and smiled. He walked over to the window and saw some pictures on the shelf. He saw the picture of Adam on his shoulders, the picture Elena had taken when he was young and he smiled and ran his fingers across Adam's face.

Next to that picture was a picture of Nikita standing behind Adam holding his shoulders. They were both smiling and looked happy. There were some more pictures of Nikita and the twins and Adam. He placed the pictures back, took a deep breath and moved towards a bookshelf and looked at what books were around and sat down to glance through one.

His thoughts were sad; he had missed so much, and had been gone too long. He felt terrible pain at this moment; his heart was aching for all he had lost. He closed his eyes and willed himself to not let the emotions overcome him. He took a few long deep breaths as a lone tear trickled down his cheek. His eyes shot open, Jones would pay for this loss; Michael would accept no other alternative now. He was going to reclaim what was, what IS his, and there would be no turning back now.

Fifteen minutes later he heard the door across the hall close and stood up and placed the book back and went to see whom it was. He walked into the hall and was greeted by a beautiful sight..... Nikita.

She looked surprised and said, "Hello?"

He smiled and extended his hand and said, "Hello. My name is Jenkins, I'm here observing with Mr. Wilson".

She smiled and accepted his hand and said, "Ah, Shithead; I'll feel much better when he's gone, no offense."

She felt a tingle through her hand and looked down at the embrace, then looked into the man's eyes. Michael smiled and let go of her hand and said, "None taken".

She smiled again and walked towards the stairs and turned and said, "Are you coming?" He returned the smile and followed behind her.

She felt the hair on the back of her neck rising, as she knew this stranger was gazing at her from behind. She raised her hand and caressed the back of her neck to soothe the feeling she had encountered. She wasn't sure why after all this time, she hadn't felt these sensations since ......Michael. The mere thought of him made her soul ache with despair. She shook her head slightly continuing down the stairs as to wipe the visions of her beloved from her mind.

He basked in her beauty as he followed her down the stairs. They walked into the living room and she plopped down on Adam's lap and said, "Hello shithead" in a condescending tone that made Adam smile.

Shaking his head at her use of a nickname they bestowed upon him, and one that he hated, Wilson said, "Adam I think we're done for now".

Nikita kissed Adam's forehead and asked, "Can you rescue Brian and my kitchen from the popsicle war I hear waging in there sweetie?"

Adam smiled and said, "If you'll get off of me, I might think about it!"

He slipped her legs to the side and stood up and left the room. Nikita watched him lovingly as he left the room, then her smile faded quickly as she turned to look at Wilson and said sternly, "Can we get this over with now?"

Wilson smiled and said, "As charming as ever I see", and opened his notebook.

Michael sat down not too far away from them but definitely had not planned on participating in the session, he just wanted to listen and watch for now.

Wilson began his questioning. "On your last mission, you caused unnecessary bodily harm to a target."

An evil smile overtook Nikita's face as she said, "Oh poor baby, like I care Wilson. You know who she was and who she was to me. Are you that stupid?"

Wilson tried to smile and continued on, "Nikita, her injuries are too numerous for me to mention. If I did, we'd be here all day".

Nikita eerily smiled and said, "What a shame Wilson. I was hoping you would stay and help feed the twins later".

Michael couldn't help but grin as Wilson trudged on. "Keith told me he had to forcibly remove you from the target. To say that we find unsettling, would be an understatement. It's not in your personality to be this aggressive Nikita. Are there some issues you feel we should discuss about this? Who's to say that this could become a reoccurring problem. I really think we should look into what happened."

Nikita dropped her head and said, "What's done is done. It's over and I'm moving on, satisfied?"

Wilson said firmly, "No, I'm not. Adam has informed me that you haven't been yourself since the mission. You've withdrawn a little, you're sleeping less, eating less. This leads me to believe it is in fact an issue, and we should discuss it."

Nikita changed her position and took the offense. "Wilson, so help me God, if you don't leave this alone, I'll drop you before you know what hit you!"

Michael felt proud of her. "Good tactic, make him take the defense".

Wilson cleared his throat and said, "Ok, moving on", and Nikita sat back and smiled.

He stated that the children were progressing quite well, no anomalies, but this isn't something new. He almost smiled when he stated, "Frankly, I still to this day don't know how you manage this."

Nikita looked down and said, "I do it because I want to, I owe..." and then she stopped and closed her eyes and paused before speaking again.

"I made a promise to someone special".

Wilson asked, "Michael?"

She smiled slightly and replied, "This is nothing you don't already know Wilson. Don't play stupid. It makes you look even more foolish than you already do, and it bores me."

Michael spoke up and said, "I would like to hear it if you don't mind".

Nikita looked over at him and for some reason, she smiled back and continued.

" After Michael was killed and I was almost cancelled. I got a call from the hospital. Adam's mother was in an accident and she insisted that they call me. She thought I was Michael's only living relative and wanted me to care for Adam."

Michael asked, "She wanted you to care for him?"

Nikita nodded. "She was holding on for me to get to the hospital. I spoke with her before she died. She entrusted me with Adam's life, his well-being. This is Michael's child; I couldn't turn away from him. I was so lost without Michael and consumed by my grief, it was a blessing to have this little part of Michael back in my arms. We packed his things that night and flew here. The funny part is Adam is so much like Michael. He pushed aside his pain when he saw I was in pain. It so amazing that he and I can communicate on a totally different level with such ease. It took us a while to get used to each other, then I found out I was pregnant, with twins no less."

She rose and walked over to the window and assumed Michael's position of hands clasped behind the back and looking straight ahead. She started to speak again. "Mr. Jones said something to me in the White Room. He said, "Don't throw away the chance that Michael has given you. He gave you freedom don't let his death be for nothing." He told me to make something of myself, use the chance that Michael had given me."

Her voice began to crack and she took a deep breath and wiped her eyes. She turned to Michael and said confidently, "So I do not do this for myself for I am only a half of something that will never be whole again. I do this for my children, for his children. Because if Adam had not come into my life, I surely would have died. He gave me a purpose, as did the twins. It's like having little pieces of him around me, that's the only reason I can give you."

She wiped her eyes again and sat back down and said, "Are we done now?"

Michael was aloof. He wanted to reach out and take her into his arms and make love to her until all the pain she had endured was a bad memory. He couldn't love her any more than he did at this very moment.

Wilson replied, "Almost. I need to check your injuries first."

Nikita stood up and the doorbell rang. She said, "Excuse me a minute" and looked at Wilson and Michael before she left the room.

Michael let out a huge sigh and loosened his tie a bit. Wilson said, "We'll be out of here soon", and Michael snapped his head over and said in a tone that brooked no argument, "No we won't, you will!"

Surpirised, Wilson asked, "How can I leave here without you?"

Michael stood up and began to pace back and forth. He couldn't leave, not now, he was so close, she was so close.

He heard Nikita laughing and then yelling, "Oh no, no way!" and heard her footsteps coming back towards the room. He froze and heard the other voice of her visitor begging for forgiveness, WALTER!

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

Chapter 24

Adam came in to see who was there and saw Walter standing with Nikita, and then saw he was holding something and said "Hey Uncle Walt. What ya got there?"

Nikita said in a serious tone, "Never mind what he's got because it's not staying!" Adam moved to the side and saw what Walter was holding..... a puppy.

"Hey cool" Adam said as he walked over to pet the puppy.

Nikita tried to plead her case. "Adam, we can't have a dog, no way".

The twins came running up to Walter and he knelt down with the puppy still in his hands and showed him to the twins. Nikita threw her arms up in the air and said, "Great, I'll never be able to take it away now".

Everyone laughed as the kids devoured the puppy with love. Walter stood up and put his hand on Nikita's shoulder and said, "Awww Sugar, don't be mad. I saw him and I knew the twins would love him."

She was fighting the urge to smile as she watched the children play with the cute puppy. Walter saw her plight and smiled, he got her!

She sighed loudly. "I have no food and he'll require training and he'll make a mess!"

Adam stood up holding the puppy and whined, "Moooomm" and tilted his head to the side and slightly curled up his top lip.

She messed up his hair as she said, "Don't give me that look; it may have worked when you were younger, but this is different. Who's going to take responsibility here?"

Adam smiled, "Me of course".

Her heart softened but she kept a strong face as she said "One thing, he chews one thing and you're in trouble mister".

Adam smiled and hugged her as he promised, "He'll be a good dog Mom, I swear".

Nikita shook her head in resignation. "Well then, what shall we name him? If I'm going to yell at him, I at least have to have a name to scream when he's bad?"

Adam leaned down to his siblings. "MJ, Shelly, what should we name the puppy?"

MJ shouted "Oscar" and Shelly shouted "Louie".

Nikita folded her arms and raised an eyebrow to Adam. He smiled and dead panned, "I like Wilson for a name".

Nikita smiled widely and looked over at Wilson as Adam turned to the man trying but failing to look apologetic. "No offense Wilson. Just kidding".

Everyone laughed except Wilson. Nikita picked up the puppy and said, "I think he looks like a Buddy".

MJ shouted, "BUDDY!!"

Walter patted the dog's head and reaffirmed, "Then Buddy it shall be".

Adam took the dog and walked up the stairs as the twins followed closely behind him.

Nikita told Walter to grab a drink in the kitchen; she had company but would be in soon for him. He kissed her forehead and walked with Brian to the kitchen. Nikita walked back into the living room and sat back down.

Wilson checked her ribs; there were a few bruises, but not bad ones. He asked her to turn so he could see her back and there were a few small purple welts, nothing major. She fixed her shirt and Wilson asked if she had any other ailments.

She deadpanned, "Besides you?"

Michael chuckled slightly and Nikita turned to see his face. His amusement made her smile. Michael's phone rang, breaking their mutual gaze. He looked and saw the call was from Joseph and excused himself from the room to go outside to take the call.

Joseph asked how things where going and Michael asked him for further help. He needed more time. They devised a plan to keep Michael out of Center's sight for another forty-eight hours and to keep him at Nikita's house. They reached a resolution and Joseph agreed to keep him informed of any changes. Michael closed the phone and thought, "Joseph is a good man".

He heard a female voice in his head respond words from long ago, "Yes he is, and good men are hard to find".

He composed himself and went back inside. Wilson was standing with his coat in his hand and said, "Are we ready?"

Michael responded, "There has been a slight change in protocol. Mr. Jones would like me to stay here with the family for the next couple of days. He was concerned about the events from the last mission and wants me to observe in further detail. You are free to return now Wilson."

Wilson was relieved he was leaving, and replied, "Fine then" and turned and said good-bye and quickly walked out the door.

Nikita looked a bit unsettled and asked, "What does that mean, 'further detail'?"

Michael reassured her and replied, "I'm not here to intrude, just to observe. If anyone asks, I'm an old friend from out of town".

Nikita rolled her eyes and said, "You'll have to share a room with Walter, do you have any clothes to change into?"

He smiled shyly, "This was unexpected so I didn't bring anything with me."

"Come on then, I've got some things you can change into." Nikita offered as she began to walk away.

He smiled and said, "I'm fine really."

Nikita refuted him. "No you're not. If you're going to be here with us, you need to get out of those clothes and into something comfortable. Those clothes reek of Center and I will not have them smelling up my home."

Michael nodded obediantly and followed her upstairs.

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

Chapter 25

Michael followed Nikita up the stairs, and into her bedroom. He sighed as he thought

This is where she sleeps. He surveyed the room taking in all the sights and smells. Scented candles everywhere, it was like a little piece of heaven. She walked over to her closet and pulled out some casual pants and a t-shirt. Michael recognized the clothes right away; they were his!

He casually asked, "Why do you have men's clothing in your closet if I may ask?"

She closed the door and kept her back to him and said, "When Center packed up my apartment, these were in my closet. They shipped them with all my other stuff and I didn't have the heart to throw them away."

She looked down at the floor and leaned her head against the closet door and took a deep breath. She composed herself and turned to see his curious gaze and she tried to smile.

"This way to the guest room" she stated as she walked past him.

She took his breath away. He didn't know if it was possible to love her any more than he did at this very moment. He had to find a way, he had to touch her, hold her, love her. He followed her into a room down the hall. It was a simple room with two beds and dressers, a TV on a table and a small bathroom off to the side.

She said, "Pick whichever bed you prefer. Walter doesn't care so you can have first choice."

He smiled and said, "Thank you."

She turned to leave the room and said, "Dinner will be ready in an hour or so if you want to relax until then."

He nodded and she smiled and left the room.

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

After he changed and went back downstairs, Michael heard voices coming from the kitchen and then headed in that direction. He found the twins covering the puppy with hugs and kisses to Walter's amusement. Brian was intently cooking and Adam and Nikita were out on the deck staring off into the woods. She was standing behind him with her arms around his neck and he could see her head tilt to the side to see Adam's face as she talked with him.

She looks so natural with him.

Michael had forty-eight hours to figure out a way to take his life back and join his family. With his appointment to Oversight this would prove to be the biggest challenge he had ever faced. He turned his gaze to the twins on the floor and walked over to stand near them. His children. He let his gaze drift between Adam and Nikita and then back to the twins. There was so much information to absorb and he couldn't decide where to start.

Walter stood up and approached him. Michael had to think fast.

Walter said, "They tell me you're from Center. I don;t recall seeing you there before. How long have you been working there?"

Michael replied "Only a brief time."

Walter shrugged and said, "That's strange, what did you say your name was again?"

Michael smiled and said, "Let's go into the other room and talk", as he pointed to the twins and motioned for Walter to exit with him.

Walter nodded and followed him into the foyer. Michael opened the door and walked outside and Walter followed. After Walter closed the door, Michael grabbed him and slammed him up against the wall and asked angrily, "Why didn't you tell me?!"

Walter said, " Hey, hold on there pal. I don't know who you think you are", and Michael tightened his grip on Walter and reached below his shirt and pulled off the synthesizer and said in his own voice, "I want the truth Walter. Why didn't you tell me she was alive?"

Walter was stunned and gasped, "Michael???"

Michael let him go and again asked, "Why Walter? You knew how I felt about her, how could you not tell me?"

Walter began to panic. He said, "If Jones finds out you're here and not at Six, we'll all be cancelled; are you crazy coming here?!"

Michael replaced the synthesizer and said, "I have to be with her Walter, I need her, I need them and they need me", then he stood nose to nose with the older man and said in a menacing tone, "And you're going to help me."

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

Chapter 26

Flustered from Michael's declaration, Walter replied to the younger man, "I don't know what I can do to help you Michael. I wanted to tell you, hell I was with her for the three weeks after she thought you were dead. I knew Jones made a deal with you. It killed me to let her think you were dead Michael but I had to or she would have been cancelled too! And then Elena died and she took in Adam and then she found out she was pregnant. I did what I could to keep her sane, she was close to losing it more times than I care to remember man. It's a lot for one person to have to deal with in such a short time, never mind a lifetime."

Michael keeping his voice stern and steady said, "We have two days to make this work Walter; I will not lose her" as he felt his control about to slip, he choked back a bit of emotion and finished "Or my family."

Brian opened the door and said, "There you are, dinner's ready. Come on in and get it."

Michael smiled and patted Walter on the shoulder as he walked back inside. Walter shook his head and looked up to the sky with gritted teeth. He then let out a huge breath he hadn't realized he was holding, and walked back inside.

They went into the dining room and the twins were causing chaos at the table. Michael inwardly smiled and took a seat at the table next to Adam. Nikita brought the twins to some semblance of order and began to eat her dinner.

She looked over at Walter and said, "Everything alright Walter? You're usually more talkative than this, especially because you're only here for such a short visit."

Walter took a huge sip of his wine and said, "Just a little tired Sugar. Everything's fine." and he forced himself to smile.

Adam reminded Nikita he was staying over at his friend Jeremy's house the next night and she nodded that yes she had remembered. Brian made small talk with Walter and Michael sat back and watched his family interact. The twins had this silent communication going on, and Nikita, without looking, would grab things or fix the things the twins were trying to play with.

A few minutes later her private phone rang. Everyone got extremely silent and Adam piped up and said, "Mom it's too soon."

She smiled and touched his cheek and rose to answer the phone. All eyes were on her as she said, "Hello".

Michael leaned over to Adam and said, "What's going on?"

Adam replied in an uneven voice, "That's her work phone."

Michael now understood the tension at the table as everyone remained silent. She stood there with her back to the table and answered, "Yes, yes..... Shit....... Ok, Ok calm down. .... I said I got it jeeze!" and she hung the phone up.

She let out a deep breath and turned to the table and half smiled. Adam asked wondering what had happened, "Mom?"

She smiled wider and said, "Looks like it's my turn for dinner and 'special company', and I forgot."

Adam let out a sigh of relief and said "You had me going for a minute, don't do that to me again."

She walked back to her seat past him and kissed the top of his head. Michael asked, "Dinner for whom?"

She smiled and said, "Once a month my team gets together and just meets to hang out; it keeps us tight and more relaxed with each other. It's my month, so I have to cook."

Brian cleared his throat, "Ah hum correction, I have to cook."

She smiled wider and said, "Gee I think you're right Brian", and winked at him.

Adam asked, "Is it tomorrow night?"

She nodded yes, and Adam replied, "Thank God I won't be here then. You guys are crazy!"

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

Chapter 27

While having dessert, Adam asked Walter if he would stay for his game tomorrow and Walter swallowed his food and said, "Of course kid, I wouldn't miss it!"

Michael casually asked, "What sport do you play?"

Adam replied, "Soccer, it's my first varsity game and the first game of the season."

Michael tilted his head slightly and thought "Soccer, he never liked soccer as a child, he couldn't grasp the concept too well back then, then he asked, "What position do you play?"

Adam smiled proudly as he replied, "Center mostly."

Michael was impressed. Trying to learn more about his son and his life he then asked, "You made the varsity team, you're only what, a sophomore?"

Adam's smile grew. "Yeah, I couldn't believe I made it either."

Nikita chimed in, "Oh please Adam. I knew you would make it with no problems. And after checking out the competition, I definitely knew you were a shoe in."

Brian chuckled softly and added, "Doesn't hurt that coach Sullivan has the hots for your mom either kid".

Nikita shot Brian an evil eye and said in a sickeningly sweet voice, "Let's keep the comments in the peanut gallery to a minimum shall we?"

Michael looked at Nikita and she offered, "I help out with practices once and a while."

Michael smiled and nodded to her response. They all made small talk through dessert and then Ms. Smith took the twins up for their bath as Nikita and Adam cleared the table.

Walter, Brian and Michael retreated to the living room and left Adam and Nikita to clean up. Nikita and Adam chatted in the kitchen and the house phone rang. Nikita answered it and began to talk with one of her girlfriends. She clicked the radio on and chatted while washing the dishes. Adam was teasing and taunting her because he wanted to call his friend Jeremy before it got too late and she finally relented and gave the phone to him. She then went upstairs to check on the twins and change into some more comfortable clothes. She came back downstairs with MJ and Shelly in tow and they settled into the living room to watch a movie.

Adam had gone to his room to talk on the phone and Brian decided to show Walter some new toys he had picked up from a friend. Nikita looked at Michael and said, "I guess it's just the four of us" as she popped a DVD in.

Michael silently thanked God for this chance to be alone with his family. They sat on the big couch together, but at separate ends. MJ settled into his mother's lap and Shelly curled up next to Michael. Nikita smiled and said, "Michelle, why don't you come sit with Mommy. I'm sure Mr. Jenkins doesn't need to disturbed throughout the movie sweetie."

Shelly latched onto Michael's shirt and snuggled in in defiance. Michael smiled and said, "She's fine, really."

Nikita smiled feeling the little hairs on her neck stand at attention yet again and brushed them down with her hand. She thought, what is it about this man, what's happening to me? She smiled back at the stranger and then grabbed the remote and started the movie.

They watched 'Aladdin' and not too far into the movie, the children fell fast asleep. Nikita picked up MJ and whispered to Michael, "I'll get him settled and come back down for her" and smiled.

Michael adjusted himself and picked Shelly up carefully and smiled and said, "I'll take her, it's not a problem" and returned her smile.

Nikita thought There is something so sweet about this strange man, he seems, I

don't know, familiar maybe? and nodded her head and headed for the stairs. They got the twins tucked in and both stayed for a few minutes watching the two cherubs settle heavily in to dreamland. A feeling of bliss and contentment ran over Michael, as his soul felt blessed to have shared this small task with the woman who held his heart and the children who filled it. Nikita looked over at Michael and smiled and nodded for him to follow her as they quietly slid out of the room.

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

Chapter 28

They went back downstairs and found Adam and Walter yapping away on the couch. Nikita excused herself to make some calls about tomorrow night and left the men to talk. Adam watched intently as his mother left the room and turned back to Walter and said, "Will you help me Uncle Walt?"

Michael looked curious and said, "Do you need help with something?" as to offer his services as well.

Walter tried to interject but Adam spilled out. "That terrible mission Mom was on, if that lady survived, then maybe my Dad did too!!!!"

Michael's heart skipped a quick beat, and his breathing became a little faster as he registered the statements Adam made.

Adam continued, "I don't want Mom to know what I suspect, and I asked Uncle Walt to help me".

Walter turned to Michael and gave him a Oh Boy. Hold on to your shorts look. Michael swallowed, regulated his breathing and calmly asked, "What make's you think that he survived Adam?"

Adam looked at the floor and said, "I can't explain it, I never even gave it a second thought until Mom came home that night all bloodied and bruised. She could barely speak and looked like she wasn't even there. After we got her to sleep and Keith told me what had happened, it just clicked in my head, my dad is alive."

Walter alarmingly asked, "You didn't say anything to Sugar right?"

Adam quickly replied, "Hell no Uncle Walt! I love my mother, and if I'm wrong and I have gotten her hopes up only to have them crash down again, na uh. No way. I couldn't bear that for her" then he whispered "or for me."

Michael asked the young man, "What can we do to help?"

Walter shot him a glance as if saying, Are you out of your mind!!!!????

Adam looked up at the two men, "There has to be a way to find out."

Nikita walked into the room and non-chalantly asked, "Find out what sweetie?"

The men gathered their thoughts and Adam quickly covered, "Ah...when your next mission is. Jeremy asked me to invite the family to his beach house and I didn't want to tell you until I found a way to get around your missions. Are you mad?"

She kissed his forehead and said sarcastically, "Livid." Then winked and said, "Just kidding" as she smiled and sat down next to him.

Walter looked at his watch and said, "Well, I'm spent. I think I'll turn in for the night."

He stood up and Nikita stood back up and embraced him kissing his cheek.

"I'll see you in the morning Walter, goodnight."

He kissed her forehead and said, "Goodnight all" and walked up to his room.

He glanced back at Michael and gestured for him to come along.

Michael rose and said, "I guess it's a good time to turn in".

He smiled at Nikita and said, "Thank you for your hospitality".

She smiled back and said, "You're welcome, goodnight."

Michael winked at Adam and walked past the boy, as a signal that this conversation wasn't over, and Adam smiled in appreciation.

***********

Chapter 29

Nikita tidied up a bit and then headed to bed herself. Stopping by to check on the twins one last time before slumber, she bumped into Michael as she turned to exit the room.

He braced her arms and she smiled and said “Oh, I'm sorry”.

She felt that tingling feeling in her arms where he touched her again. The same feeling she felt when she had shook his hand earlier. It sent little jolts through her whole body and she took a careful step backwards.

He smiled back and said, “It’s not a problem” as he slowly let go of her arms.

She smiled at him shyly then headed to her room saying ‘goodnight’ again as she retreated. Michael stood there for a moment reeling from the effects of touching her skin with his hands, then turned and went to his room.

Walter was pacing when Michael came into their room and the older man snapped at him once Micahel closed the door. “What the hell do we do now?”

The two men talked late into the night and decided the best way to let his identity be known was to approach Adam. Michael would try to do this tomorrow in the morning. They would get Adam alone and explain everything to him. Walter would bring credibility and Michael would offer the truth.

Nikita had changed and was lying in bed staring at the ceiling. She felt a connection with this stranger sleeping down the hall. Her body reacted to his touch with a longing she was trying to put behind her. She replayed the day’s events in her mind, trying to remember where she may have met this strange man before. She kept drawing a blank, which stirred her frustrations more. She rolled onto her side and snuggled into her pillows and closed her eyes.

The last words she spoke before sleep claimed her were “Michael, I miss you”.

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

Chapter 30

The next morning Nikita awoke around 6 AM, and Adam being the light sleeper he was heard her stirring so he rose immediately. She was getting ready for a morning run and Adam decided to join her. He waited for her downstairs and she smiled as she rounded the corner to see him lacing up his shoes.

“Nervous about today kiddo?” she teasingly asked him.

He smirked and shrugged his shoulders. “Not really, just wanted to get the adrenaline flowing, you know keep up the mojo.”

She covered her mouth and laughed and said, “Well, we wouldn't want to interrupt the 'mojo' now would we?” as they walked out the door together.

The pair ran for two hours taking the occasional breaks. Looking at her watch, Nikita realized the twin would be just getting up, and decided it was time to head back to the house. They were almost near the front porch when a man jumped out from the bushes and grabbed Nikita around her waist. Adam spun around hearing her groan, just as she was being picked up by the waist and hoisted over someone’s shoulder.

He yelled, “HEY, what are you doing!!!!" and moved to see who the intruder was.

The intruder was running with Nikita over his shoulder and Adam started yelling for the person to stop and began to chase after them. Nikita realized who it was and began to laugh loudly. Adam still gave chase yelling to stop, which brought the attention of everyone inside who came running out to see what the commotion was all about. Brian off like a shot, leapt off the porch and dashed down towards the dock.

As he arrived at the beginning of the long dock he saw Nikita fly through the air and land in the water with her attacker standing on the edge of the dock hunched over laughing loudly. Adam reached the intruder and was also flung into the water near his mother.

The man began to laugh even louder and Brian slowed his pace and said, “Fucking Keith, man don‘t do that anymore. You‘re killing me!”

Keith extended a hand and Brian shook it. Walter and Michael had also arrived and Brian introduced them to Keith. Nikita and Adam were swimming towards the ladder and to say Nikita looked pissed was a huge understatement.

She climbed the ladder amd her now sopping clothes stuck to her body so bad that anyone in plain sight could see the outlines of what she wasn‘t wearing underneath her shirt. She walked up to Keith who was laughing hysterically at this point and smiled at him and leaned forward to give him a hug. As he reached for her shoulders, she pushed him backwards into the lake and then victoriously walked away. Adam, who had climbed up the ladder behind his mother, looked down at Keith in the water and chuckled. With a smug grin on his face, Adam sprinted to catch up to Nikita who was now swearing and talking to herself as she made her way back up to the house.

Brian shook his head and patted Michael and Walter on their shoulders and said, “Give her at least an hour before you speak to her, trust me.”

He gave the men a quick wink, then he too made his way back up towards the house.

Ms. Smith was already on the porch with some towels after witnessing the hi-jinks, and offered her boss a dry fluffy towel. Nikita stopped and took off her shoes and peeled off her wet socks and began to strip down right there while Ms. Smith quickly held up a towel as to block the men’s gaze. Satisfied that the offending garmets were gone, Nikita took the proferred towel and wrapped it around herself and walked into the house.

Ms. Smith waited for Adam, gave him a towel as well, then placed another for Keith on the railing and went back inside. All the men converged on the porch and chuckled amongst themselves.

Adam spoke up and asked, “Why did you do that? You know how it makes me crazy when you do stupid things like that Keith.” and gave Keith an evil look.

Keith smiled and replied, “Adam, buddy!! It’s just my little reminder to the boss, who’s the boss, no big deal. She‘ll forgive me, she always does!” and he grinned from ear to ear.

Adam leered at the man and said, “She’s gonna get you, you know that, and one of these days you might not be easily forgiven, ever think of that?”

Keith toweled off his face some more and replied confidently, “Gina could never stay mad at me kid and as far as my punishment is concerned, I‘m counting on it”, and he winked.

Brian patted Keith on the back and said, “You are either extremely brave or extremely stupid my friend.” and walked into the house as Keith followed. Michael inwardly thought, He’s not brave, he is stupid.

Michael, Walter and Adam were alone now and Michael took a chance. Turning to his son, he asked, “Adam, we would like to discuss some things with you, do you have a minute?”

Full of hope, Adam asked, “Is this about last night, what we talked about?”

Walter nodded and said, “We need to talk some place private. Why don’t we take a walk” and motioned towards the woods.

Adam smiled thinking; They found something already? That was fast!

Little did he know what that something might be!!!!!!!

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

Chapter 31

They walked about fifteen minutes into the woods. Each of them deeply in their own thoughts swimming in anticipation of where the impending conversation was headed.

Adam suddenly stopped and said, “This is a good spot” and sat on a boulder.

Walter looked to Michael as if to say Here’s your chance.

Michael turned to face Adam and then said, “Adam, what we are about to tell you is extremely classified. Only a handful of people are aware of this, and if this information got into the wrong hands it would be devastating for a lot of people. Do you understand?”

“Yeah, I’m used to this cloak and dagger shit. What‘s this about?” Adam said impatiently.

“You were right when you assumed that your father survived the explosion."

After drawing in a long deep breath and slowly exhaling he finished, "He is alive Adam.”

Adam’s eyes lit up and he said, “I KNEW IT!!”

Adam grabbed Walter by his arms and excitedly asked, “Where is he? Can I see him? Can we tell Mom now???”

Walter looked sadly at the young man and said, “It’s a bit complicated Adam.”

Adam let go of Walters arms and began pacing back and forth and said, “I don’t care. God, I have so many questions. Where is he, is he alright, does he want to see me and Mom, what about the twins, does he even know about them?"

Adam stopped pacing and stared hard at the two men and asked, " Why hasn’t he come to see us?”

Michael slowly approached Adam and said, “He came to see you as soon as he was able to.”

Adam tilted his head a bit confused and asked, “Came to see me? When??”

Michael looked over at Walter and Walter nodded his head approvingly. Michael reached under his shirt and removed the synthesizer and then carefully pulled off his mask to reveal his true identity.

Adam’s eyes widened and he pointed to Michael and said, “It's...it's....It’s you!!!”

Michael reached out and braced his hand on his son's shoulder and said, “Yes son, it’s me.”

Adam reached out and pulled his father into a hug and began to cry openly.

Through his tears he whispered, “ I can’t believe it’s you!”

Michael willed back the tears threatening to fall from his own eyes, as he held his eldest son in his arms. He said in a low voice laced with emotion, “I cannot tell you how proud I am of the man you are growing to be Adam. How I longed to tell you so much about my life and my love for you. Not a day passed that you weren’t in my thoughts son.”

Adam loosened the embrace and pulled back to look upon his father’s face and asked, “Where have you been all these years dad?"

Walter said, “He was held captive in a way Adam. Working undercover for the lady your mother beat the snot out of the other day.”

Adam smiled, moved to head towards the house and said, “Mom is going to be so happy when she hears you’re back”.

Michael braced Adam’s arm and said, “Adam no, not yet.”

Adam looked confused at the men and spat out, “Why not?”

“We have to protect Sugar. See your Dad isn’t supposed to be here son. He’s not supposed to know she’s alive as much as she is not supposed to know he’s alive. This is where we have a problem.”

Adam said, “But we have to let her know. She’s been so lost without you Dad." Losing his temper quickly he almost yelled as he spoke, "It’s not fair, we have to tell her!”

Michael touched his son’s shoulder and said, “Now is not the right time Adam. A lot of things have to happen before I can let her know, and I’m sorry son, you can’t tell her either. It wouldn’t be safe for her, for any of us, if she knew. Not yet.”

Adam angrily replied, “I told you before, we don’t lie to each other. We tell each other everything.”

“I understand; and this is not a lie, she doesn’t suspect anything and will not ask questions, so there is no need to lie.” Michael said trying to get his son to understand.

Adam looked down at the ground and mumbled, “I just can’t tell her the truth?”

Michael squeezing the boy’s shoulder in a reassuring manner said, “In time, I promise this is for the best.”

Adam leaned into his father and embraced him again. He said, “I’m so glad you are alive. I've dreamed about you for so long.”

Walter touched Adam’s shoulder and said, “I’m going to give you two a chance to talk. I’ll head back and let everyone know things are cool so no one will bother you.”

Adam turned away from his father to hug Walter and said, “Thanks Uncle Walt.”

Walter patted the boy on his back and said, “No problemo kid” and nodded to Michael and then walked away.

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Chapter 32

Michael and Adam talked for almost two hours about the past four years Michael had been undercover and about Adam’s new life with Nikita and his brother and sister. Michael had put his mask back on with Adam’s help and had replaced the voive synthesizer as well. The love flowed freely between father and son, as did their conversations. Michael’s soul was flying with the simple knowledge that his son now knew who he was and accepted him with out prejudice. Michael knew that his beloved was the reason that the two were so easily able to reconnect and vowed in his heart that he would show her his gratitude every day for the rest of his life.

Adam too was feeling the contentment of being able to talk with his father. He loved him dearly, always had. But these years with Nikita had given him more insight into who his father truly had been. Some of it was hard to accept, but Nikita had a way of explaining things so as Adam fully understood her meaning. These moments, as fleeting as they may seem, were the most precious in his short life. The chance to see his father, speak to his father, with nothing but truth and love between them made him feel an inner peace that he never realized had been missing.

They decided to head back before Nikita sent out a search party for them and would talk again later in the day. The two walked side by side, completely in step with one another, with a grace that was mesmerizing. Adam had a glow about him now. He was sure his mother would see it on his face and wonder what had happened. His mother. He thought of Elena, and the sadness he still felt in his heart for his deceased mother, and decided that would dim the glow on his face enough to not be noticed by the others.

They entered the house and Adam went directly to his room to shower and change. Michael joined the rest of the group that had convened on the back deck. Keith was sitting next to Nikita on the railing and was talking a mile a minute. He had some business to attend to that afternoon and decided to stop by and see her first.

They were all having coffee and juice and Keith noticed that Nikita suddenly seemed withdrawn. Keith placed his hand on her knee and said, “Sweetness, what’s up?”

She smiled and replied, “I’m fine”.

Shaking his head in disagreement, Keith said, “Nuh uh. I’ve been hearing that line for four years and have never believed it. So why should today be any different? Out with it already!”

She smiled and placed the palm of her hand on his cheek and replied, “Shut up Keith”.

He smiled back and went to bite her hand and she pulled it back and said, “I’m not giving up you know, it’s not that easy.”

She smiled at that.

“Why should today be any different?” throwing his own words back at him with a raised eyebrow.

They held each other’s gaze for a long moment and Michael suddenly felt a little threatened by Keith. Keith was looking into his love’s eyes and Michael was sure Keith was thinking about touching her, holding her, having her all to himself.

He felt a chill in his spine and decided to speak to break their gaze.

He inquired, “What time is Adam’s game today?”

Her eyes finally leaving Keith's, Nikita looked over to him and answered, “1:00.”

Michael nodded and Walter approached the trio and clapping a hand onto Michael's shoulder said, “Why don’t you come to the game Jenkins? No sense in you hanging around here all by yourself?”

Nikita smiled and said, “Yes, come. It’s his first big game. He hasn’t said anything yet, but I know he’s a little nervous.”

Michael nodded his head in acceptance and said, “I will, thank you” and smiled.

Nikita felt the hair on the back of her neck rise and touched it gently with her hand. 'What the hell is going on!!!’ she screamed in her head.

Keith touched her shoulder and asked, “Sweetness, what’s up?”

She smiled and quickly recovered. “Uh, nothing” and then hopped off the railing.

“What time is your meeting Keith?” Nikita asked to draw the attention away from herself.

“Noon, I should be back here around 7ish.”

“That’s a long meeting.” Nikita answered with a wry smile.

“Actually I’m picking up second team at the airport around 5: 30." He replied with a wry smile of his own. "First team is on their own!”

She laughed at that. “Ah hah, very funny, First team will arrive around 5."

She poked him hard in the chest as she said, "I do take care of my own, pal.”

They chuckled a little and turned to see Adam as he came outside with Buddy and set him down to walk around. In truth, Adam liked Keith, but seeing him flirting with his mother didn’t feel the same as it did before. Especially knowing his father was standing right there made Adam feel all the more uncomfortable.

Adam walked over to his mother and slipped his arm around her waist and said to the other man, “Hey Keith”.

Keith extended his hand to shake Adam’s. Keith smiled and said, “Sorry about this morning kid, just having a little fun. No hard feelings right?”

Adam gave Keith an impish smile and deadpanned, “No Keith, no feelings at all.” and patted him on the shoulder as he rose and walked away.

Nikita’s mouth opened a bit taken back by his words. Knowing his mother as he did, Adam turned around and gave her a wink. Seeing his smirk and gesture, she closed her mouth and smiled.

“What was that all about?” Keith asked perplexed by the young man's response.

“Ah, it was nothing. Don’t worry your pretty little head.” she said as her smile grew bigger.

The group went back inside the house and Keith left for his meetings.

With everyone else occupied for the moment, Nikita cornered Walter.

“I haven’t really had a chance to talk to you alone since you got here.”

She wrapped an arm around his waist and continued, “How are things at Center?”

He waved his hand and said, “I’m not here to talk about me Sugar. How are you? I know it was tough, your last mission. Are you holding up ok?”

She smiled and looked at the floor and replied, “I’ll be fine Walter. I’m working through it.”

“Bullshit." He answered quickly. "You may be able to lie to yourself, how about telling me the truth because I ain't buying it!”

She smiled at his outburst, and kissed his cheek. “Really Walter, I’ll be fine. I have to let go of the past for my children. You said it yourself Michael would want me to live, and I have to do this not only for him, but for me.”

“I’ll never have another love in my entire life that can compare to the love Michael and I shared but I know now I can’t mourn him forever. Adam senses it, and I don’t want him to mourn his father forever because I'm too selfish to let him go."

She blew out a big breath and finished, "We need to rejoin the living and somehow try to move on.”

Walter was shocked by her revelation. “What brought all this about Sugar? What‘s different?”

She smiled and willed back the tears she'd been struggling with. “After seeing that ‘thing’ and the way I reacted to her, I can’t allow that to happen again Walter. I never want to feel that way again. This is a step I’m not sure I’m ready for, but it’s something I know I have got to do.”

He took her into his arms for a hug fighting the tears in his own eyes. “I’m not sure what to say Sugar.”

Nikita leaned back to look into his face and playfully spoke. “You at a loss for words? This is definitely a first! ”

They both laughed and disengaged from the hug.

Adam needed to be at the field a little early for practice and yelled out, “Mom, we need to leave soon. Are you ready?”

She smiled and replied, “Let me change sweetie. Just give me a minute.”

She went to her room and changed into shorts and a light shirt, put her hair up in a ponytail and then joined the group in the great room. The twins would stay at home with Ms. Smith and Nikita bent down to kiss them goodbye and told them to behave while she was gone.

She then went into the kitchen and pulled a set of keys from the wall and turned to Adam and asked, “Adam, what car should we take?” as she grinned from ear to ear.

He smiled and replied hopefully, “Mine?”

Smirking, she tossed the keys to him and laughed as he turned and ran out the back door. Walter looking a little pale walked over to her and said, “Ah Sugar? He doesn’t have a license yet, what does he mean ‘his’?”

She smiled and slipped her hand through his elbow and spoke as she slowly walked him towards the door, “Walter, it’s fine. Trust me.”

Michael was just as curious as to what was happening and followed closely behind the two. They walked out to the front porch and then waited for Adam. Michael watched the pair and smirked for Nikita was grinning from ear to ear, and Walter had a look of impending doom on his face. A minute later, Adam came screeching around the corner in a black Jeep. He pulled up to the front door, put the Jeep in park and stood up in the seat.

“Let’s go people. Time‘s a wasting!”

Walter’s face was now as white as a sheet.

“Ah um Sugar? He's..he’s not driving is he?”

Nikita patted his shoulder enjoying her friends discomfort and laughing replied, “No Walter, he’s not.”

Walter let out a huge sigh and the three of them joined Adam in the Jeep.

Nikita and Adam were deep in conversation about the impending game and Michael felt as if he were in heaven. He was hanging on their every action and every word. Walter could see the glimmer in Michael’s eyes and felt both happy and sad for his younger friend.

How could they make this work? Walter knew that Michael would move heaven and earth to achieve his end game, but this was a game like no other they had ever encountered. There were forces at work now much more sinister than Paul and Madeline had ever been.

Walter hadn’t told Michael everything he knew about how this all came into play, but had decided that Michael now needed to know it all before he left there.

He decided while Nikita was focusing on Adam’s game, he would be able tell Michael the rest of the story before it was too late. There was too much at stake for him to remain silent any longer.

If Michael had never shown up at Nikita’s house, Walter would have resigned himself to silence until the day he died for everyone‘s sake. Michael had changed all this and now Walter had to protect those he loved and, if by protecting them he had to share his secrets with Michael, than so be it.