Chapter 33

'Gina' talked with the other soccer moms and dads watching their boys practice and Walter decided it was a good time to talk to Michael.

He asked Michael if they could walk over to the fence where no one else was to talk, and Michael not taking his loving eyes off of Adam replied, “Of course”. They walked over to the fence and Walter began.

“I haven’t told you about everything that happened yet, and there are some more things I think you should know.”

Michael turned his head swiftly and looked into Walter’s troubled eyes. “Go on”.

“You know how Adrian and George formed the Sections?”

Michael replied, “Yes.”

“Well, the Council was formed first. It consisted of 7 people, they selected Adrian and George and financed the creation of the Sections.”

Michael nodded his head for Walter to continue. Walter went on, “When a member of the Council died, they were not replaced. The tasks of the fallen fell upon the living. There are only four Council members left now.”

Michael gave Walter a curious look, and waited for him to continue.

“You know Nikita was an innocent when she was brought in, but what you might not know is she was selected on purpose. As were you my friend.”

Michael looked to the side to see Adam and said, “I was chosen because of my actions Walter.”

Walter corrected him. “That’s what they wanted you to think, but it’s not true. You were recruited for a greater purpose Michael. One you can’t possibly imagine.”

Michael now held Walters gaze. The older man had Michael’s complete attention as well as his curiosity.

Walter continued, “How well do you remember your father’s father Michael??”

Michael jolted and asked, “Why?"

Walter looked at Michael and calmly answered, “He was a founding member of the Council Michael, and so was Nikita’s grandfather.”

Michael looked down at the ground; this was impossible. He had known his grandfather very well. He spent time with him at his estate as a boy and briefly stayed with him after his parents had died. He saw no signs, no indications of what Walter was now implying.

“If you haven't figured it out yet, Mr. Jones is a puppet that answers and performs for the Council. He does what they tell him to do; he's almost powerless, almost. When you were assigned to the deep cover mission it was by no accident that you were selected, it was planned. Your grandfather has plans for you to take over his seat on the Council when he retires. He wanted his son to take his place, but unfortunately your parents were killed so the burden falls upon you Amigo.”

Michael asked, “And what of Nikita?” Walter’s facial expressions changed to a look of dread before he replied.

“The two men have never seen eye to eye on anything, always at odds. Phillip loves his granddaughter and broke every rule in the book to keep her from cancellation. Even sending Jones in at the last minute with my help to save her.”

“Jones assured me she would be free. That was the price for my assignment.” Michael said sounding both like a statement and a question.

Walter shook his head and replied, “It was a lie. She was to be cancelled; it’s what your grandfather ordered no matter what Jones said. They agreed to your terms so you would fulfill this last mission Michael. Phillip was livid and swayed the other two members to see things his way. Two days later Elena died and Phillip moved quickly to have Nikita become Adam’s caregiver in every way to protect her as well as the boy. Pierre rescinded his cancellation orders once Adam became involved. Or so we thought....”

Michael’s head was swimming. “What do you mean?”

Walter's look became clouded as he replied. “Pierre contracted a hit on Nikita and was going to take Adam from her and raise him himself. When Center learned that Nikita was pregnant, Phillip went to war with Pierre. They are at a stalemate right now but at any moment things could explode and it would be a war over the children Michael. All of them.”

Michael turned his steely gaze to Walter. “How do you know all of this Walter? What's your involvement with all of this?”

Walter turned his head and looked over at Nikita, who in time looked over her shoulder at the two men talking and waved to them.

Walter returned her wave and said to Michael without taking his eyes off of her, “I love my niece very much, and I will do anything to protect my family Michael."

Turning his head to capture Michael's eyes he repeated, " Anything."

"I would have let her believe that you were dead to save her from what the Council will do to her if they find out she knows you’re alive. The conditions set were that the two of you were never to see each other again. Phillip reluctantly allowed this to spare her life, but if Pierre thinks that something is wrong, his original orders come back into play."

"Here's the thing. He saw Nikita as a distraction for you, something that took your eye off the big picture that he had dreamt for you. He would have taken the children from her already if Phillip and I hadn’t done some mighty fancy footwork. What we have now is a massive chess game with almost all the pieces in place. One wrong move and it's all lost. Nikita doesn't even know she has a grandfather, let alone one in a place of power who has been silently trying to protect her as best as he could. And on the other side of the board, your grandfather has been trying to protect your interests as well. Albiet interests he deems fit for you, and maybe not what you would choose for yourself. It’s not personal Michael, he has done things like this before.”

Michael’s look of shock in his eyes stated that he understood what he was being told. He whispered “Simone”, and Walter nodded his head in agreement. “He conspired with Sparks and that Olivia woman and planned the events as he saw Simone as another distraction. Whether or not you approved the back up team, she never would have made it out alive. Pierre saw to that.”

Michael looked over at Adam with great pains in his heart. The game had started and everyone was cheering and watching them move about the field.

Michael asked, “What can be done Walter? I can’t walk away. I won’t walk away.”

Walter sighed. “I'm not telling you to walk away amigo. We need time. I know you’ve missed so much already but I can’t allow you to risk her life or the lives of your children.”

Michael's resolve in place he spoke in a tone that brook no arguements, “I need to speak to Phillip, and to the Council. There has to be an amicable resolution to this.”

Walter shook his head and said, “No way, not possible. There is no way to arrange such a meeting Michael." then added, "At least not yet.”

Michael asked, “Why?”

Walter replied, “Because there is more...”

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

Chapter 34

"There is another player who was surfaced in the mix lately” Walter stated then asked,“Do you know much about Nikita’s mother?”

Michael replied, “Only what she has told me and what I read in her profile. She ran away from her, from the abuse.”

Walter took a deep breath and said, “Nikita’s mother was Red Cell Michael. Nikita’s father, who was being groomed for Phillip’s place on the Council, was the target. Roberta got herself pregnant hoping to keep him around and get the intel Red Cell sent her on the mission for.”

Michael looked at the ground and said in almost a whisper, “A mission?”

Walter nodded sadly and answered, “Yes. Roberta’s father was very high up in the organization, on their Council so to speak. He has been in hiding since Red Cell was destroyed, building his army, collecting his resources for another strike. Roberta was killed on a mission in Sudan four years ago and that's when Ivan made a decision to bring Nikita into the fold.”

Michael asked, “What does this have to do with Nikita?”

Walter replied, “He wants his granddaughter to join him. He wants her to take her rightful place as his only living heir by his side or he will destroy her and take the children. He‘s been monitoring her all her life, been paying special attention to her since she came to the Section. Sort of sizing her up to see if she has what it takes” Michael felt like someone had torn his insides out and flinched at the scenarios running through his mind. His beloved, his children, alone dangling on a string. Having no idea of what has been set into motion. No real awareness of what lies ahead for all of them. He felt his legs underneath him begin to sway and had to pull back screaming emotions in his mind that told him to grab his family.....and run.

Michael reigned in his inner turnoil and said, “Phillip, the Council. If you are aware then they must be aware as well. What do they have planned?”

Walter shook his head. “We’re not sure when Ivan will make his move. Phillip wanted to take her and the children out of circulation and hide them away, but Pierre insisted that this be played out under the pretense of getting Ivan in play to reveal himself, as well as his organization. When Phillip first learned of the threat, he sent Brian to watch over Nikita. Under false pretenses of course. He’s been with her since we caught wind of the threat. Brian is a good man. The best, and believe you me, he knows what’s really at stake and has pledged to protect them all with his life if necessary.”

Michael shook his swimming head to try and take all this in. Then asked, “So not only does my grandfather pose a threat to my family, but hers as well?”

Walter pointed a finger at Michael and replied, “Bingo!! If Pierre finds out the two of you have made contact she’s dead, and if we leave her unsupervised and Ivan gets a hold of her she's dead, because you know how that will end. You know she’ll never join them willingly.”

Walter looked away and then straight into Michael's eyes and said "My thinking is that Ivan knows she won't go quietly. When he makes his move it won't be to get her. Nope, it'll be to get to Shelly, MJ and Adam. That's the only way she would willingly go to him. That's why Brian spends most of his time with the children. He knows Nikita can handle herself, so the children are his first priority."

‘This is too much’ Michael thought. Even if he could get around his grandfather, how could he protect his family from Ivan, a man he knew nothing about? He swallowed the fact that he had to put his needs aside. The need to hold and love the woman who held his soul in her precious hands. The need for the children he desperately wanted to hold in his arms and love. What was at stake was too much for him to bear if he gave in to his own selfish needs, he'd have to find another way.

He let out a huge breath and touched Walter’s shoulder and uncharacteristically said, “Thank you Walter.”

“Hey. Don’t thank me yet amigo. We still have a lot of work to do. You can thank me by staying away from your family until we can assure the threats have been dealt with. As hard as it may seem Michael, if you love them let them be, for now at least. Adam is a good kid, he'll keep quiet.”

Curious, Michael asked, "Why did you let me tell Adam I was alive, if you knew about all this?"

Walter smiled. "Although I have every faith in Brian, it doesn't hurt to have another set of eyes and ears around. Maybe I should have discouraged it, but he is your son Michael. He's smart and resourceful and in many ways he's come to be a lot like Nikita as well. He will do what's best for her and his family even without knowing what's truly at stake."

He patted Michael's shoulder and said, "It's in his blood, your blood, to make sure the people he cares about are safe. He'll do the right thing."

These words were hard for Michael to swallow. He saw the truth in the words but denied them in his heart. Who could protect his family better than himself? And Adam, although he understood Walter’s reasoning, it still made his heart twinge knowing that in some ways Adam was now part of this mission. This was something out of his worst nightmare, and something he had never imagined for his son to be involved with. Now because of him, Adam may be subjected to the dark shadows of the life Michael worked so hard to keep away from him.

He knew he needed more information before he could map out a course of action to achieve the results his heart and soul demanded. The two men stood in silence for a few more minutes watching the game that was occurring in front of them. Adam was doing quite well and Nikita beamed with pride for her son.

Michael patted Walter’s shoulder and said, “We’ll find a way”, and moved away from him.

Walter said quietly to no one. “We have to, there’s no turning back now”.

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

Chapter 35

The game was going extremely well for Adam. He felt pride in his teammates and confident in himself. During a time out, he looked to his mother at the sidelines and saw her talking to his father. He felt a rush of love in his heart seeing them together cordially talking and somewhat laughing. He was suddenly overcome with anguish knowing that what his mother’s heart desired most was standing right next to her, just inches away.

As his thoughts turned in this direction, Michael broke Nikita’s gaze and looked towards Adam and gave him a smile and nodded his head. Adam smiled and understood that his father was attempting to calm his aching heart with his reassuring glance. He felt in his heart that his father would make everything right, would fix what was broken and make his family complete.

After the game ended, Nikita, Walter and Michael waited for young Adam to join them. Michael desperately wanted to reach out to his beloved and touch her porcelain skin and lose himself in the sky blue eyes that brought him such peace. The urge was overwhelming, but with all Walter had revealed to him, he had to be more careful. Adam joined the group and received a huge hug from his mother with words of praise for his performance today. They made their way back to the Jeep and climbed in.

Adam wanting to get the ball rolling to unite his 'parents' started a topic of conversation.

“Uncle Walt, you’re leaving today?”

Walter replied, “Yeah kid, duty calls. I’m heading out before the shindig tonight.” Adam agreed and murmured, “That makes two of us.”

Nikita asked, “Adam, why don’t you like to be around when my friends come by?”

“Aw, come on Mom. It’s not that I don’t like to be around them, well most of them anyway. It’s just... well...I don’t like to listen to the stories that you guys brag about.”

Curious Nikita asked, “What do you mean love?”

Almost shyly Adam replied, “I know I shouldn’t worry. I mean I know they will keep you safe, but after losing dad and my mama, I can’t help but think about what might happen to me if I lost you too; and to hear the things you’ve been through, sometimes it scares me. When I see them, it makes me feel a little scared. Almost like a reminder of how dangerous everything really is.”

She reached over and touched his cheek and said, “Adam, nothing in this entire world will ever keep me from being with you. Nothing could ever keep me away from you or Shelly or MJ. What makes you think I would be anything but careful to make sure I can come back to my family?”

He said somberly, “The last mission...” and stopped short.

She pulled the Jeep over to the side of the road, and briefly looked in the back seat at the two men sitting there, then turned and framed her hands on Adam’s face.

“Adam, I know I scared you, I scared myself for that matter, but it’s over baby, and that will never happen again. I promise you sweetie.”

She leaned over and hugged Adam, and Adam looked over his mothers' shoulder at his father. The bittersweet display they presented caused Michael to quickly look away.

Nikita leaned back from Adam and broke their embrace and said, “Adam, I’ll be fine. I have you to make sure I stay in line at home,” and she smiled and finished “and Keith THINKS he can keep me in line when we are on missions”.

Adam smiled, BINGO, he saw the confusion in his father’s eyes earlier while he watched Keith and Nikita interact and wanted to show his father that she didn’t have feelings for Keith.

Adam spoke disapprovingly. “Keith treats you like you’re his property mom, and I don’t like it.”

Nikita smiled wider and said, “I don’t belong to anyone but you, MJ & Shelly love, no matter what Keith thinks.”

Adam smiled big time. Game, set and match, Adam 1, Keith nothing! It's not that he disliked Keith; it was the fact that his father was alive and loved his mother very deeply that motivated him to show his father that she loved him just as deeply, and no one else. Nikita pulled the Jeep back onto the street and they continued home.

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

Chapter 36

When they arrived at the house, Adam went to shower and Nikita went to see the twins. Michael now felt empowered. Adam had given him some much-needed assurance and he was truly grateful for it.

Atfer seeing to the twins, Nikita made her way into the kitchen and Walter and Michael dutifully followed. Nikita started pulling tons of food out of the fridge and tossing it on to the counter. The two men sat on the stools at the counter and watched with widening eyes as the pile of food on the counter before them kept growing.

Walter asked with a short laugh, “Are you feeding an army Sugar?”

She turned around and smiled. “It seems like it doesn’t it?”

Brian entered the kitchen and kissed her cheek and said, “Ok, where should I start boss?”

She smiled and extended her arms to the pile of food on the countertop and said, “Everywhere.”

Brian nodded and started organizing food groups on the counter.

“I filled the bar this morning, you should be all set.” He said as he walked behind Nikita with an armfull of goods.

Walter's eyes lit up instantly.

“Bar?” He inquired.

Nikita smiled widely and said, “You haven’t seen it since last time you were here."

Putting down the packs of steaks she had in her arms she said, "Come on I’ll show you.”

She motioned for the two men to follow her and led them to the downstairs. Walter asked, “Sugar, I don't remember there being anything down here before. What'd you do?”

She smiled and kept walking down the stairs. “You’ll see!”

They walked down the narrow staircase and she flicked a switch which illuminated the room. She had converted the basement into a playroom of sorts. A huge bar along the back wall, along with a wide screen TV, two long plush couches, a huge stereo system, a pool table and a multitude of video games.

Walter felt like a kid in a candy store. “Sugar, how did you do all this?” he asked.

She hopped up on the bar, which had her signature chain with dozens of pairs of sunglasses dangling above it, and answered him. “I wanted a place to remind me of home. So I had it built.”

She ran her hands over the sunglasses and watched them sway back and forth. Michael could not stop looking at her. His heart aching for his love. Walter touched Michaels' shoulder seeing the adoring glare as to break him of it and asked him. “How bout a belt?”

Michael nodded and replied, “Thank you”, which definitely was for more than the offer of a drink. They had a quick shot and then moved around to examine the room. Adam came barreling downstairs and went over to hop up on the bar and sit next to his mother. She put her arm around his shoulder and they talked quietly together while watching the other two men move around the room.

After five minutes of talking, Nikita hopped off the bar and headed back upstairs. Adam walked over to Walter and his father and said, “We can talk for a few minutes, she’s got to start cooking.”

Michael smiled and touched Adam’s shoulder.

Adam's face became serious and he asked the two men, “When can we tell her, I have to know.”

Michael took charge and answered the boy's query. “I need you to do something for me Adam. There are people who wish to harm your mother”, he swallowed a big gulp leaving out the harm that could come to his children then continued, “I need you to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Any long lost family wanting to make contact, people calling or arriving out of the blue. Anything unusual. Can you do this for me?”

Adam answered not fully understanding his father's request.

“Yeah, but why?”

Michael paused then answered, “It’s best you don’t know everything that’s happening for your own safety son. I need you to be alert and aware, more than usual.”

Adam quickly replied, “I can do that. But dad, when can we tell her?”

Walter piped in to help ease the situation.

“Kid, we need to take some precautions before we let Sugar in on what’s going on. It wouldn’t be safe for any of us if she knew about your dad being alive.”

Michael handed Adam a piece of paper and said, “This is my private number. If you see or hear anything that strikes you the least bit odd, call me right away and we’ll figure things out.”

Adam’s eyes widened and he exclaimed loudly, “YOU’RE LEAVING???”

Michael tried to smile and failed as he said, “Soon, yes I have to. But we can stay in touch and make sure everything goes the way we want it to.” Adam hugged his father and said in a voice that relayed his dismay over this new bit of information, “I just found you again; you can’t leave us, not again.”

Michael closed his eyes, holding back his pain and said calmly, “I can’t protect her from here Adam, not yet. I need to go back and set things in motion so I can come back.”

He loosened the embrace and looked into Adam's eyes with a fierce intensity that it made Adam flinch.

“When I come back, I’ll never leave again. I’ll make it happen son, I promise.”

Adam clung to his father again and Walter shook his head as if to say 'How can you tell the boy that when WE don’t even know how to make this happen?'

The men talked for a few minutes longer when Shelly came running down the stairs with MJ in tow. They ran right over to Adam and were running around him in circles. Adam picked up Shelly and said, “What’s going on here?”

MJ tugged at Michael’s pant leg and Michael leaned down and picked him up. His heart swelled with joy to be holding his other son so close to his heart.

Shelly pointed a tiny finger at her brother and shouted, “MJ put Buddy in the closet and won’t let me play with him!”

Adam smiled and said, “MJ, you can’t put Buddy in the closet. He’ll chew everything and Mommy will be mad.”

MJ replied in an angry tone pointing back at his sister, “Shelly wants to dress him up and he’s a boy and boy’s don’t dress up!” and the two children started bickering back and forth.

Adam looked at his father and saw love and pain in his eyes for the twins. It took his breath away and he smiled and said, “Hey.....hey you two. How about Mr. Jenkins and Uncle Walter take you outside so Buddy can run around, would you like that?”

Bickering now forgotten, they both yelled, "YEAH!!!!"

Michael looked towards Adam with a smile of endearment and gratitude. Adam put Shelly down and instructed his siblings, “Now, go get Buddy and we’ll meet you out back.”

MJ tried to squirm out of Michael’s arms. Michael took the hint and set him down gently and watched his two younger children race for the stairs. Adam turned to his father and said, “Go spend time with them. Get to know them. If you’re leaving soon, it might be the only chance you get for a while to be with them.”

Michael trying to control his emotions choked out, “I want to spend some more time with you too.”

Adam smiled and said, “Me too”, and turned to head up the stairs. Walter beamed with pride and said, “That’s one good kid you’ve got there amigo.”

Michael filled with love and hope replied, “I know”, and the two men climbed the stairs to meet the twins.

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

Chapter 37

The rest of the afternoon went by quickly. Nikita and Brian slaved away in the kitchen and Adam, Michael, Walter and the twins played out back with the new puppy.

Around 5:30, there was a knock at the door. It was a rapid pounding more than a knock, which was followed by the constant ringing of the doorbell.

Adam rolled his eyes and yelled, “Mom, they’re here!!”

She wiped her hands on a towel and smiled at Adam and headed for the front door. Michael had heard a vehicle pull up and came into the house to see who it was. He walked towards the entryway to the hall and watched Nikita move gracefully towards the front door. She flung open the door and was swept off her feet by a tall strapping man that swung her around several times. She was clinging onto his neck as her feet left the ground. She kissed his cheek and then was hugged by each person in turn as they came through the door. They made their way into the kitchen following the aroma of Brian’s culinary efforts and nodded to Michael and greeted Brian and Walter.

Nikita moved and introduced Schultz, Rex and John to Mr. Jenkins. She said, “This is my team; Keith’s team will arrive shortly.” She smiled at the men as she was taken into another bear hug by John.

She was smiling and laughing and Michael’s heart swelled at the sight. Brian handed them beers and they moved out to the deck to talk. Adam came out and Rex said, “Hey slugger, how’s it going?”

Adam smiled shyly and replied, “Fine”.

Nikita’s head snapped over to where Adam stood and she gave him a concerned look. He smiled and said, “After everyone else gets here, I’m going to head out, ok Mom?”

She touched his cheek and said, “That’s fine sweetie.”

Walter had packed his stuff and came back out to the porch to say goodbye. Nikita wanted him to stay another night, but he said he was expected back later tonight, but he’d be back soon for a longer stay next time.

They held each other in an embrace for a long time and he whispered into her ear “I love you Sugar. You’ve done good kid.”

She was tearing up and said, “I love you too, my dear sweet Walter.”

He released her and kissed her cheek and smiled. He shook hands with everyone and asked Adam to walk him out. Adam followed closely behind the older man and when they reached the front door Walter turned to him and said, “I know it’s hard, I know you love your Mom very much, hell I do to, but it’s safer if we don’t tell her yet kiddo.”

Adam looked down and said, “But we can soon right?”

Walter took the boy in his arms and said, “I’m going to work very hard to make that happen son, very hard.”

He looked down at the boy and smiled. “I’ll keep an eye on things from my end, don’t you worry” and winked and walked out the door

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

Chapter 38

Team 2 arrived twenty minutes later and Nikita was a glow. Her friends, her comrades, her partners all arrived safely and were all heavily into conversations with each other. She spoke to Ms. Smith about arrangements for the twins for the night and stopped to talk to Adam. He had his bag over his shoulder and was leaving for Jeremy’s for the night. She hugged him and kissed his forehead and said she would see him in the morning. He went to the deck to say goodbye to everyone and stopped in front of his father. Michael patted him on the shoulder and gave him a reassuring wink, to which Adam responded with a wink of his own and then left.

Michael had engaged in conversations with the new visitors but always kept an eye on Nikita. She was in her element and he thought it suited her. They moved inside for dinner and that’s where the stories flew, everyone with a different point of view or remembrance on any given situation. They ate, laughed and drank a lot through dinner. Keith seemed to be territorial around Nikita and a grin formed on Michael's face, as he took some personal satisfaction that she didn’t reciprocate his feelings.

They moved down to the playroom and started to unwind. Nikita and Lori were sitting on the bar talking and laughing away while the others made themselves at home. Michael had taken in all of the information that the new arrivals had offered and had somewhat pieced together some of the events of the last few years she had spent with them.

They all seemed to be a bit drunk a few hours later, Nikita included. He had not remembered seeing her this relaxed and comfortable, to be able to let go of her control, especially in front of others.

She was standing in front of the stereo looking for some new music when he approached her. A slow song began to play and he stood next to her and said, “Hi”.

She smiled and said, “Enjoying yourself tonight? They aren’t scaring the hell out of you are they?”

He smiled and said, “No, I find it....refreshing.”

Her cheeks rose in a deep smile and she said, “It’s nice of you to say that. When we go out and have these get-togethers, people tend to clear the room really fast.” With his heart hammering in his chest, he gazed into her loving eyes and said, “I don’t mean to sound forward but, may I have this dance?”

She put a hand on her hip and tilted her head slightly and said in a teasing voice, “You wouldn’t be trying to take advantage of me in my delicate state now would you Mr. Jenkins?”

He smiled wider and with his heart beating even wilder replied, “Of course not, I just thought it would give me a better chance to evaluate you.... on a personal level.”

She looked down at her feet and said, “Well then, I’d love to.”

They walked towards the middle of the room and he held his hand out inviting her to join him. She touched his hand and felt all tingly from her head to her toes. She shook off the sensation, and then he placed a hand on her hip and she felt it again. He looked into her eyes and said, “Is something wrong?”

He knew what he was doing to her, because the same sensations wracked through. She smiled shyly and said, “I’m fine.”

They swayed to the music, drinking in the sight of each other when she finally said, “I feel like we’ve met before, I can’t shake it. Like, I already know you.”

He smiled and said softly, “I know the feeling.”

With her inhibitions just about gone, she said, “Maybe I shouldn’t tell you this, but when you touched my hand, I felt a... a connection to you somehow.”

He looked down at her perfect lips and asked, “Is that a bad thing?”

She smiled and said, “I don’t know yet.”

He looked into her sky blue eyes and tried to force his over-sensitized body not to betray him. He felt the tightness in his groin, and tried to calm his aching need. If he only had this brief time to be this close to his beloved, he would have to make the best of it and not let anything give him away.

Relaxing in his arms she said, “Tell me about yourself, you already know everything about me, but I know very little about you.”

He smiled at her question. “There’s not much I can tell. I work for Center, travel a lot and live anywhere my head lays down for the night; beyond that, it’s all a blur.”

Wanting to know more she pressed on. “Where were you born, do you have a family?”

He swallowed and said, “France and yes.”

She smiled and asked, “That’s it?”

He returned her smile. “That’s it.” They swayed in silence for the rest of the song. She was trying to size up her dance partner, trying to place the name or face as to where they may have met before and kept coming up blank. Every ounce of her being told her she knew this man. She could feel it, but to no avail she couldn’t seem to figure out how.

He on the other hand was trying to control the thumping of his heart. He was trying to remember to breathe while locked in her gaze. He longed to touch her lips with his, to pull her close to him and show her all the love in his heart. They gazed at each other for what seemed like an eternity until Keith came over and tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Minf if I cut in?”

Michael had to hold back his anger at the sudden loss of her hand in his. He stepped back and said, “Of course.”

These two little words sent her spinning. Her thoughts went to all the times Michael had uttered those words to her and she snapped her head back to Jenkins as he walked away. Keith took her into a tight embrace but her eyes remained fixed on the retreating Jenkins.

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

Chapter 39

Nikita became a little more subdued after her brief dance with Jenkins. She seemed to be pulling back from her friends and retreating inwards trying to place the look and feel of this man. Michael had been dead for over three years now and the effect that this stranger had on her, the effect no other man since Michael had, left her with more questions than answers.

Lori noticed the change and put her arm around her friend’s shoulder.

She asked, “Hey, what’s with the long face?”

Nikita smiled. “Just thinking, it’s nothing.”

Lori scoffed. “Bullshit Gina. Come on, let’s go”, and dragged her towards the bar. She grabbed a bottle of Jack Daniels and led Gina out of the room. Michael noticed their abrupt exit but everyone else seemed oblivious.

The two women made their way into Gina’s private gym, turned on a couple of lights and some music, and sat in the middle of the floor. Lori cracked open the bottle, took a swig and handed it to Gina and said, “Ok, out with it!”

Nikita smiled took the bottle, took a sip. “I...I can’t do this Lori, not right now.”

Lori wasn't buying it. “This is the deal Gina, you have two options. We aren’t leaving this room until you either tell me what’s wrong or this bottle is gone, your choice.”

Nikita smiled, she loved Lori's stubbornness. She treated Nikita with respect and love but knew when to push her for her own good. Knowing that the conversation would be painful, Nikita took the bottle and smiled, and said, “We better get going if we’re gonna finish this bottle”, and took another sip. Lori scoffed. “Have it your way babe, but we are going to talk about it!”

An hour later, an empty bottle lay on its side on the floor next to the two women. If they weren’t drunk before, they were sure on their way now.

Nikita said, “I miss him so much Lori. I can feel his arms wrapped around me when I sleep, I hear every word he ever spoke to me in my mind and I don’t know how much more of this I can take. I put on the good face for the kids but inside I feel like I die a little more each day without him. I need him like I need air in my lungs to breathe. When will this get easier?”

They were both lying on the mats now side by side. Nikita on her back and Lori on her side facing Nikita.

Lori said, “How come you got quiet after dancing with that Jenkins guy? What’s up with that?”

Nikita’s face changed to a curious look and she said, “I don‘t know. When he touched me I felt it like a jolt to my body. It’s been like that since he came here and I haven't felt like that since, well..... since being with Michael.”

Oh Shit! Lori thought. Michael. Lori had seen him that night, had felt terrible guilt for not letting her friend know he was alive. It had been eating her up inside and as she saw right now still ate away at her best friend. This Jenkins guy must have triggered some feelings about Michael in her head. This is why she withdrew, she feels guilty for having feelings for someone other than Michael. This has got to stop. Somehow she had to let her friend know he was alive, orders or no orders, it was the right thing to do.

Lori refocused her thoughts and said to Nikita, “He’s cute. Could be lust ya know. I wouldn't kick that out of bed, that's for sure! Maybe you just need a man sweetie, if only for a brief moment or two.”

Nikita laughed out loud and said, “What I need from a man would take more than a brief moment my dear”, and Lori joined her giggling.

Back in the house, Keith looked around and said, “Ok, where did they go?”

Rex said, “$50, they went to the dock.”

Schultz piped in and said, “$100 they went out back by the deck.”

Keith smiled and said, “$200 they are in the gym”.

Keith looked at Brian and said, “Well?”

Brian walked behind the bar and noticed a whole bottle of Jack Daniels was missing. He smiled and shook his head and said, “Lori took a bottle of Jack.”

Michael was curious to what they were all talking about and approached the bar. Brian turned with the remote to a monitor behind the bar and began clicking away. The camera flashed in the house and then to the deck. Brian said, “Well, they’re not in the house or on the deck.

Schultz said, “SHIT”.

Brian looked further and said, “All the cars are still in the garage and there is no one at the dock,” and looked at Keith.

Keith smiled wider and said, “Do I know my girl or what?” and trotted up the stairs.

Everyone followed including Michael and Brian taking up the rear. Michael said, “He’s very sure of himself isn’t he?”

Brian said, “You could say that he suffers from an excess of over-confidence, but he’s a good man and I trust him to look out for Gina when they are in the field.”

Michael nodded and followed Brian to the gym.

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

Chapter 40

When the men entered the gym, they saw the two women on the floor laughing hysterically. Keith non-chalantly cleared his throat to get the women’s attention. Both women slightly sat up and looked over at the men.

Keith said, “Are we interrupting anything ladies?” as he began to stroll over to where they were.

Nikita warned, “Any closer Keith and you’re gonna get it!”

Keith smiled with an evil grin. “ Ooooh, promise?”

Nikita now leaning up on her elbows looked up at Keith and smiled. “I always keep my promises” and swiped his leg out from underneath him causing him to fly in the air and land on his back next to her on the mat.

He let out a chuckle and said to Nikita, “Hey, if you wanted to get me on my back, all you had to do was ask.”

They group laughed as the remainder of the them now made their way over to where Keith now was on the mat.

Rex said, “Dude, when are you ever going to learn? You're never gonna get her.”

Keith said matter of factly, “YES I CAN!”

Nikita now erupted in laughter and arrogantly replied, “In your dreams baby!”

In a quick move, he flipped himself up and straddled her hips grabbing her hands to hold her down. He said, “Would you like to make a little wager on this matter?”

Nikita smirked and asked, “What do you have in mind?”

Keith;s evil grin returned. “Dinner, dancing, a real date with all the trimmings. Are you game?”

Lori covered her eyes with her hand and said, “Jesus Keith. When are you ever going to learn?”

Keith snapped his head in her direction and jokingly snapped, “You, be quiet! I’m in negotiations here.”

Keith looked back down at a pinned Nikita and said, “Well boss lady, what do you say?”

The corners of her lips turned up to form an evil smile as she replied, “I’ll be back in two minutes. You’re on.”

Keith stood up, and extended a hand to help her up. She took his hand and pulled herself up. He held her hand for a minute and kissed her knuckles and said, “I’ll be waiting”, and then let her hand fall as she walked away. While she was walking away, Keith noticed that her stroll was a bit off.

Schultz said, “Man, she’s wasted. You better go easy on her.”

Keith was intensely staring at her wobbling backside as she walked to the bathroom, and said, “I have no intension of going easy with her my friend”, and patted him on the shoulder then began to remove his shirt.

Michael leaned over to Brian and curiously asked, “What’s all this about?

Brian proceeded to tell him of the first time Keith and Gina sparred at Section Nine during orientation and the other times since then. He told Michael how Gina had overtaken him so quickly and since then it has become a sort of game between the two to establish the dominant role.

Nikita exited the bathroom, changed into her workout clothes. Keith watched her approach and rubbed his hands together in anticipation. All eyes were on the two as they arrived in the center of the room. Michael noticed the focused look in her eyes and how the slight stagger in her walk was gone. He smiled and thought 'She's playing possum.'

They engaged each other and began their little battle. Nikita held her own and Keith was surprised by her agility considering the state he assumed she was in. They went back and forth with kicks and blocks and Nikita managed to unsettle him from his feet, and he crashed down on the mat. He stayed there for a few seconds and she blew him a little kiss. He jumped back to his feet and engaged her again. They went at each other for about 15 minutes with the small crowd cheering and egging them on.

Nikita managed a few sharp hits and then went in for the kill. She caught him with a sidekick to the chest, which sent him down again. This time, she sprung on top of him and pushed his arms down and said, “Learned anything from your failed experiment?” Keith smiled, and through ragged breathing replied, “I always thought you would like it on top, this proves it” as he leaned up and kissed her quickly on the lips.

She let go of his arms and stood up and offered her hand to him. He took it, and rose to his feet and placed his arm around her waist. She stopped his movements and gestured to his groping hand, “I’ll break it!”

He held both hands up and smiling said, “Ok, ok, I got the picture.”

Everyone gathered around and talked, as Nikita walked over to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water and began to drink it quickly. She looked over at Michael and said, “Jenkins, you do any sparring?’

He smiled and deadpanned, “Only when provoked.”

She smiled back and said, “I like that, short and sweet.”

He returned her smile and stared deep into her eyes. She could feel the gaze in every pore in her body and shook off a shiver that wracked through her. She said, “I still can’t fight the feeling that we know each other.”

He looked a little to her left and then back at her face and said, “Maybe we have met before, another time, another place. Stranger things have happened.”

She smiled and said, “You and Walter seemed to get along pretty well. Will you two be working together when you get back?”

‘More than you know' were the words he heard in his mind. He replied, "I assume we’ll see each other from time to time.”

Her face became solemn as she asked, “Walter is very dear to me. Would you keep an eye on him for me? Make sure he stays out of trouble?”

Oh his heart was aching. This beautiful creature whom he loved with all his heart, still radiating her protectiveness of those she loved.

He smiled and easily replied, “I will.”

She winked at him, and walked over to talk with Lori.

They stayed in the gym and talked and laughed for about an hour more and then went back to the house. They cleaned up a little and everyone seemed to be winding down for the night. Brian and Nikita brought out pillows and blankets and passed them around. It was about 3 AM when Nikita decided to turn in. Michael decided it was time for him to do the same.

He followed her up to the bedrooms and watched her walk into the twins’ room. She went to each of them in turn and fixed their blankets and kissed their foreheads. She walked over to the door and stood there for a minute glancing at her sleeping cherubs. A wave of contentment ran through her as she quietly left the room. As she closed the door, she was startled to find Jenkins standing before her. She thought briefly that she saw something familiar in his eyes. She walked closer to him very slowly until she stood within a hair's breath of him.

She decided it was time to make her move. This stranger was drawing her in like a magnet, and in her slightly incapacitated state, she figured she had nothing to lose.

He almost wasn’t breathing when she touched his shoulder with one hand and kissed him lightly on his lips. He had to suppress a moan that was threatening to escape from the back of his throat. She stepped back, smiled and said a simple “Goodnight” and then walked to her room.

It took Michael a minute to regain a rational thought. His lips tingled from the sensation of that one sweet feather-like kiss, as his mind screamed for him to follow her into her room and caress every part of her body till she shuddered from ecstasy screaming his name over and over again. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes briefly to center himself and then turned to go into his room. Sleep would not come easy for him on this night, as his longing kept him from completely relaxing into slumber.

Nikita was having the same problem. That one little kiss ignited a fury that had been long dormant in her soul. She felt the sparks from the kiss on her own lips, as she caressed them with one finger. She thought about how comforting his presence had been these last two days. How at ease she felt around this mysterious stranger that was sleeping down the hall. She thought of her children and how easily they had taken to this man as well.

What was it about him that made her feel so light on her feet? Her thoughts turned darker as she felt like she was being untrue to the memory of Michael. No one man on earth could ever hold a candle to her beloved, and she felt a pang of guilt for her previous train of thought about the man sleeping down the hall. She closed her eyes and whispered “Michael, I’ll always love you” as sleep finally claimed her.

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

Chapter 41

Around 6:30 the next morning, Nikita's cell phone rang. She struggled to reach it on her nightstand and answered in a sleepy voice, "Hello".

The person on the other end said, "Good morning love, hope I didn't wake you?"

Nikita said curtly, "You did. What's up?"

Mr. Jones said, "Sorry to call so early, but I need you to handle a private matter for me love. I need you to meet with Joseph Pavaloff this afternoon. He has some intel we need regarding The Consortium, and will meet you in LA around 5PM today. You will meet him at The Whiskey A-Go-Go at the bar and return home in the morning."

She asked, "Why me? Isn't there someone else that could handle this?"

He replied, "I understand you have a house full, love. There is no need to involve them in this matter. The usual precautions apply. Inform only Brian of your destination and establish a cover for your absence. A car will be outside waiting for you in half an hour, and I will brief you further once you board the jet."

She moaned and put her hand on her forehead and began to speak, but was cut off.

Jones said, "Thirty minutes love. I suggest you get moving", and the call was disconnected.

She lay in bed for a few minutes and then got up to shower. Time was short so she pulled her hair back and dressed quickly and made her way to Brian's room. She quietly informed him she was leaving and would be back in the morning and asked him to make sure her guests were taken care of for the day.

He rubbed his eyes and agreed to take care of things while she was gone. He was used to these last minute trips she was sent on but this one was different. Usually someone else would accompany her and this time she was going alone. He felt confident in her ability to handle herself but something still wasn't sitting right with him.

She went to kiss her sleeping children goodbye and went downstairs to meet the car. She had been so quiet no one stirred as she moved through the house. Michael woke up like a shot when he heard a car door close and quickly ran to the windows to see a man walking around a car to get into the driver’s side. He threw his clothes on rather hastily and went downstairs taking them two at a time to catch the car before it left. He opened the front door as the car drove away. He walked back into the house and saw Brian making coffee.

Michael asked, "Who was that leaving?"

Brian replied non-chalantly, "Gina got a call this morning; she'll be back tomorrow afternoon."

Michael asked hurredly, "Who went with her?"

Brian's look was grim as he replied, "She went alone, boss' orders."

Fear began to grip Michael's heart. Why would she be sent alone? Who was she going to see? What was Jones up to? The answers to these questions could no longer wait. Michael had enjoyed his time getting to know his family and getting reacquainted with his son but he had to get back. Although his heart wished to stay, his head thought better of it and knew that the only way for him to ever be complete again was to face the adversaries that had set their sights on his true love and protect her and his children at all costs.

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

Chapter 42

Michael went back to his room and showered and changed. He called Joseph at Section Six and made arrangements for him to leave in an hour for the airport to fly back. Michael felt so powerless at that moment. Where had she gone? Someone had to know. Suddenly the thought came to him.... Walter.

He quickly dialed Walter’s cell phone and paced as he waited for him to answer. Walter answered in a sleepy voice. "Yeah".

Michael quickly said, "She was called this morning, I assume by Jones. Find out where and why and get back to me immediately."

Walter sat up abruptly and replied, "I'll get on it amigo", and disconnected.

Michael went downstairs and saw Nikita's friends all having coffee out on the back deck. He walked through the kitchen heading towards them and caught a glimpse of the twins at the table eating breakfast with Ms. Smith. He broke his stride and walked over to them. He sat across the table from them and smiled as he said, "Well, good morning little ones".

The twins giggled and smiled and said, "Morning."

He sat with them and watched the playful interaction as they ate their breakfast. He talked with them a little and suddenly they seemed to focus their attentions on him, not their food. Ms. Smith finally interrupted and said, "I'm sorry Mr. Jenkins, but they must finish eating and get ready for their play date."

Michael looked at her and said, "Of course", and rose to his feet and said to his children, "Have fun today little ones, behave."

The twins laughed and went back to eating their food and talking amongst themselves. A loving smile from Michael’s heart crept across his beautiful face. He drew strength basking in the sight of these two perfect angels and silently thanked God for these two amazing miracles.

He went out onto the deck to say goodbye to Brian and Nikita's guests. He asked Brian when he expected Adam home and Brian looked at his watch and said, "Any minute now. Adam is an early riser, he'll be here soon."

Michael smiled and accepted a cup of coffee from Brian and leaned against the railing hoping to see Adam before he had to leave.

Adam arrived home at the same time a car arrived to pick up Michael. Adam met Michael in the front drive and looked at him with a sense of dread.

He's really leaving, he thought to himself. He walked over to his father and said, "When will I hear from you again?"

Michael replied, "I'll be in touch soon. If you need me, you know how to reach me right?"

Adam nodded, "Yeah, I do."

Michael wanted to pull his son into his arms and embrace him one more time but thought better of it as he felt someone watching him over his shoulder. Brian was in the doorway watching the two of them intensely.

Michael said, "She's not here right now. She was called out this morning. When I find out what's going on, I'll get in touch alright?" Adam's heart sank further; he looked deeply into his father’s eyes looking for some sort of sign. Michael winked and said, "Take care son, I'll be in touch soon", and extended his hand to Adam.

Adam reached for his hand like it was a lifeline and held on tightly. No more words needed to be said at that moment. Every emotion was relayed in the handshake. Michael was just as concerned as Adam was. Adam nodded his head and Michael reluctantly let go of his hand and got in the car.

Adam stood on the porch with Brian at his side and watched the car drive away. Brian put his hand on Adam's shoulder and said, "Everything alright kiddo?"

Adam never looking away even after the car was out of sight said, "Yeah, everything's fine."

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

Chapter 43

When Nikita boarded the jet and took her seat, her cell phone rang. She answered it, "Hello",

Jone's voice answered her, "Now that you're safely on board, I'll fill you in on what to expect. In the case under your seat is your communicator. Put it on and leave it on. We will be monitoring the meeting with Pavaloff. It also serves as a tracker allowing us to monitor your movements."

Nikita asked, "Sir, what's going on?"

He answered her lightheartedly, "You don't really think I would send my best girl to meet with a man of this nature and not keep tabs on you, did you love?"

She smiled shyly and said, "Protecting your assets Mr. Jones?"

He laughed jokingly and replied, "As well as protecting a dear friend doll face; I shouldn't have to tell you that."

She replied, "I know".

He cleared his throat, "Now, back to the business at hand. Pavaloff has intel we need on The Consortium. They have been making advances in the Czech Republic, as well as in Sudan. He has intel on their next target that we need. Do not falter from the profile. Stay at the assigned location until the end of the meet. If he attempts to draw you anywhere else, tell him the meeting is over and leave. We'll be listening and people will be in place to watch out for you."

She asked, "Why me, you never did answer the question?"

He paused for a brief minute and said, "It's the only way we could get him to meet. He said he would only speak to you love." "Why me, what's this got to do with me?" she asked.

After a brief moment of silence she heard, "We'll find out when you get there now won't we", and then the call ended.

She had a bad feeling about this and not really trusting what Jones told her or more to the point didn't tell her, she made a quick decision.

She picked her phone back up and dialed an old friend.

******

"Yeah, hello," a loud Irish voice boomed over the phone.

Nikita smiled and said, "Hey Jake, it's Gina."

"As I live and breath Miss Gina, to what do I owe the pleasure of an early morning wake up call from you?"

She smiled and said, "I'm flying into LA this afternoon. I have a meeting tonight and I need a favor."

He laughed and replied, "Oh I do love to do you favors Miss Gina."

She returned the laugh and said, "We can negotiate your fee later. Can you be a fly on the wall at The Whiskey tonight around 5:30 and shadow for me?"

"The Whiskey huh, sure love no problem. Drinks afterwards, our usual spot?" he replied.

"Fine, but you follow me, I need to be sure of some things ok?" she said as indecision crept across her face.

"See you tonight love. And hey..... I've missed you."

She replied smiling, "Me too", and hung up.

She had met Jake six years ago on a mission in Belfast. She had some downtime and went sightseeing. They met at a pub and hit it off right away. They had kept in touch through the years and had even worked together on a few occasions. He had become one of her most trusted contacts. She knew that Jake was still living in LA, and trusting her instincts she knew she could count on him to keep an eye on the situation tonight.

Jones wasn't forthcoming with information about this meeting and she knew there wasn't enough time to get Keith or Lori out here for back up. She looked out the window and her thoughts were drawn to Michael. What would he do? She felt she was walking into a trap, every ounce of her being told her this was trouble. Michael would play it cool, not let them see his quandry she knew this for sure. She sighed and settled deeper into her seat, taking comfort in the glimpses of her beloved she was now seeing in her mind. He never really left me, were the last thoughts she had before she dozed off to sleep.

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

Chapter 44

Michael had arrived at Section Six, and was quickly briefed by Joseph on what had transpired in his absence. He took a PDA from him and would go over the fine points on the flight back to Center.

Once on the jet, he drew his phone out and called Walter.

Walter answered, "Yeah".

Michael asked, "What do we have so far?"

Walter whispered into the phone, "She's meeting Joseph Pavaloff in Los Angeles tonight. He has intel on The Consortium and would only agree to a meet if it was with her."

Michael's hand clenched the phone tighter and inquired, "Back up?"

Walter replied, "Not sure; if there is it's a shadow team and nothing shows up on any of my screens. The interesting part is she's been given a communicator that serves as a tracker as well. Only transmits outgoing, we can hear her but she can't hear us. Seems Jones wants to hear the meeting word for word himself."

Michael said, "I want to hear it as well. Bypass the security and patch me through as soon as the meet begins."

"Will do amigo", and they hung up.

Michael phoned Jones next to let him know he was now on his way back and everything went well. Jones seemed distracted and said they would discuss things more in depth once Michael was back at Center and quickly disconnected the line.

For the next few hours, Michael searched on his laptop for all the intel they had regarding Pavaloff. He had dealings with the Agency, as well as The Consortium. In researching some old photos, he found a picture of Ivan Gordova smiling and shaking hands with Joseph Pavaloff.

They know each other he thought to himself.

Was this the first move? his thoughts delved deeper into this new development. If I found this out, the Council must already know. The time for patience had been long gone and he decided it was time he spoke with Phillip. Knowing Walter’s strong objections and taking them into consideration, Michael was not the type of man to sit back and wait for Ivan to make his move and began to search for a way to find Phillip before it was too late.

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

Chapter 45

Nikita's plane landed and she picked up the rental car waiting for her. She went to a section of lockers at a nearby bus staion and fished a key out of her pocket that had been left for her on the plane and opened the door. She pulled out a bag and closed the door and went back out to her car.

Once she checked into the hotel, she went to her room and removed the contents of the brief case on the bed. Money, ID's and a gun wrapped up in a pair of leather pants, a black spandex shirt and a leather jacket. She glanced at the clock and began to change into her new clothes. She then checked the gun and grabbed a spare clip and slid it into her jacket pocket and left for her meeting.

Arriving at "The Whiskey", she spotted Jake at the corner of the bar and his bright blue eyes flashed her a sign that he was ready. She looked around more and spotted Pavaloff waiting for her at a table. She approached him with caution using her peripheral vision to alert her if anyone made any sudden moves in her direction.

She arrived at the table and he rose to greet her with an evil grin.

"Why Gina, it's lovely to see you again, it's been what, two years?"

She replied in a voice tainted in disgust, "Something like that", and he motioned for her to have a seat.

Getting right down to business she asked, "What's this all about? Why here, why me? What's so important that you couldn't relay it to anyone else?"

He grinned and cooly replied, "Right to the point I see", and took a sip of his drink.

Offering her a smile that made her skin crawl, he asked, "May I offer you a drink, something to break the ice so to say?"

She replied coldly, "I'm fine, the information please."

He leaned forward on the table and said, "The Consortium has recently acquired information from a very reliable source. It contains names and dates of future acquisitions in Western Europe, some of the acquisitions are very frightening my dear. I'm afraid that they have seemingly procured a small group of scientists and archeologists to further develop an ancient formula for a poison like no other the world has ever seen."

Nikita let out a small chuckle and said, "Nice try, how about the real reason I'm here? Give me the intel."

He leaned back in his chair and said, "Do not dismiss me that easily, I speak the truth. Not only are they close to completion they have also acquired a vast amount of muscle to see this project through. Only a handful of people know the exact location of the laboratories that are being used to develop this poison."

She said with eyebrows raised, "Let me guess, you know the location but aren't going to tell me yet?"

He smiled and replied, "Very good my dear. You will be given further instructions once I am satisfied with the secondary objective", and rose to his feet. She asked, "And what objective would that be?"

He walked over to stand next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "That you will be the one to lead the way", and then he left the club.

She sat in silence for a long few minutes trying to understand all that she had heard. She let out a long breath and stood and gave Jake a nod and then left the club.

She drove to a part of the beach that she had agreed to meet Jake at. She got out of the car and leaned on the hood. Jake pulled up a minute later and jumped out of the car and walked over to her and leaned next to her.

He was all smiles as he said, "I almost forgot how beautiful you are", and nudged her playfully with his elbow.

She smiled and asked, "How've you been Jake?"

"Ah, seeing you now, well that makes everything in me life perfect. Now, why don't you tell me what just happened?"

She blew out a short breath and replied, "I wish I could but it's not possible," as she looked out at the ocean.

"Well, how about that drink you promised me then?"

She smiled and asked, "Matteo's?"

He rubbed his hands together and sighed, "Our place, you remembered. I'm truly touched."

She laughed at his reaction. "It's not our place, and no one, I repeat no one is getting touched. Got it?"

Trying to look innocent he replied, "Can't blame me for trying right?” and they got into their separate cars and headed for the restaurant.

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

Chapter 46

Six different sets of ears had listened to the brief meeting between Pavaloff and Nikita. Pierre, Phillip, Jones, Michael and Walter had been listening from the communicator Nikita wore. Pierre seemed indifferent to the revelations he had just heard, but Michael, Walter, Mr. Jones and Phillip all knew this was the first move to get to Nikita and knew the game had just begun.

Ivan Gordova had been listening through a similar device planted on Pavaloff. Each of these men listened intently as the conversation proceeded. Ivan paying close attention to his granddaughter’s tone and manner in which she asked the questions, determined he needed to take steps to insure that she would be persuaded to stay once she had arrived. He picked up his phone and dialed a subordinate and told him "Go to second stage" and hung up the phone. Gina and Jake were enjoying a small dinner and drinks and talking about old times. They had been there for a couple of hours and Gina yawned. Jake laughed and said, "Am I boring you love?"

She smiled at him sweetly. "Of course not. I'm not on LA time and I had a really late night last night. I think I should get back to the hotel and catch some sleep before I fall flat on my face."

Jake smiled and motioned for the waiter and took care of the bill. They rose and walked out to their cars. He took her by her forearms and turned her into his gaze and said, "Want some company?"

"I'll be fine thanks." she replied with a bright smile.

He kissed her lightly on her lips and asked, "Tell me again why you wouldn't agree to marry me?"

She kissed his cheek and said, "If you insist, #1 I don't love you, #2 I was in love with and still am in love with someone else, #3 what you want I can't give you, #4......"

He cut her off. "There's something between us love, there has been since the first time we laid eyes on each other, you can't deny it."

She touched her hand to his face and said, "Jake, my body may respond to you, but you can't have what's in my heart or my soul because it belongs to someone else and I think you know that. Sex wouldn't be enough to stay together."

He let out a frustrated breath and in an aggravated voice said, "Michael".

She hugged him and said, "I enjoyed seeing you again, thanks for watching my back."

He chuckled and said, "Don't sell yourself short love, I watched more than your back!"

They both laughed and released each other from the hug and he held her hand and said, "Whatever happens, if you need me for anything, anything at all, I'll always be there."

She smiled and got in her car and then drove away into the night.

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

Chapter 47

While Phillip, Pierre and Jones had stopped listening to Nikita after her meeting with Pavaloff, Michael and Walter hadn't moved an inch. They heard her conversation with Jake at dinner and their parting words. Michael had no intention of closing the channel until he was sure that she was safe. The sincerity and devotion in Jake's voice as he spoke to Nikita had unsettled him. He refocused his thoughts on the problems at hand for his emotions threatened to escape him. Closing his eyes and drawing a deep breath, he quickly slipped into mission mode.

Walter, equally unsettled by what just transpired, was feverishly researching Jake's profile. Jake seemed to know who Pavaloff was and this unsettled him a bit. Walter needed to know if he tied into this situation in any way.

They heard Nikita enter her hotel room and the sounds of a struggle ensued. Both men stood painfully straight, barely breathing, listening to what they assumed to be Nikita fighting an intruder. After a few minutes, they heard what sounded like a single gunshot and both men slightly flinched.

The next sound they heard was a cell phone ringing. With what seemed like an eternity of waiting to see whose voice answered the phone, they both were physically relieved to hear her voice say, "Hello."

Walter slumped into a chair and let out a huge sigh. Michael, still standing, closed his eyes and said a silent prayer that she was safe, for now.

"Gina, are you ok?", the concern in Jake's voice was very evident.

She replied, "Jake, what's going on?"

He spoke in-between panting breaths, "I got back to my apartment and someone was waiting for me and I needed to make sure you were ok. Maybe it was just someone out for me."

Nikita replied, "No, someone was waiting for me as well. We need to leave; neither of us is safe now. Where are you?"

"Sammy's on the strip."

"Stay put, I'm on my way."

"Gina...."

She calmly said, "Be ready, I'll be there in ten minutes", and hung the phone up.

She packed her bag and made a call to Mr. Jones. For some strange reason, she couldn't get through on all the proper channels. This had never happened before; she'd always been able to get through. Something stinks and now she had a feeling Jones had something to do with it. She took the dead body laying across her bed and placed it in her bathtub, swept the room one more time removing all traces of her presence and then headed of into the night.

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

Chapter 48

After hearing Nikita tell Jake she was on her way, Michael rose and turned to Walter. Not willing to remain on the sidelines any longer, he decided to face the beasts head on.

"Stay here and monitor them. Do not leave this room under any circumstances," Michael said very abruptly.

Walter quickly agreed. "You didn't have to tell me that amigo, no chance in hell I'm leaving Sugar out to dry." He looked up to see that his comments had fallen on deaf ears for Michael had already gone.

Michael burst into Jones office and walked right up to the desk.

Jones said nervously, "What can I do for you Michael? I'm a tad bit busy today."

Michael drew his Glock from his jacket and asked, "Why did you send her to be ambushed? Who authorized her cancellation?"

Jones knew Michael well enough to fear him. The illusion of his power and position were no match to the fury of Michael Samuelle.

He swallowed heavily and said, "Michael, there is more to this than it seems. I assure you, Nikita was not a target."

"I know what is going on Jones. I've been monitoring the exchange, as well as the events of the last few days. I know more than you think, now I'll ask again, why was she sent?"

Jones replied defensively, "I was informed that she was to be sent alone. I voiced my concerns Michael, I really did, but it was beyond even my control."

Michael couldn't help the slight twitch in his facial expression.

"You have no control, you never had. You’re a pawn with no power. You're a puppet with other people pulling your strings. We had a deal, a deal which you had no intentions on following. If there is anything else you have to say to me, I'd say it now while you still have a chance to..... Mick."

Jones shuddered. He had no question that Michael would end his life without batting an eyelash. The only hope he had to save himself was the knowledge he possessed, knowledge he hoped Michael would show leniency for. He drew in a deep breath and spoke in a very shaky voice.

"I wanted to protect her from them. I thought that by moving her it would save her, and for a while it did Michael. It was proposed by others that we have a Section to ourselves; a Section that would be secretive and act autonomously to carry out our most valued missions. I helped to convince certain parties to allow her to be assigned to Nine, it was the best I could do Michael.....I swear it."

Michael asked as he rounded the desk to stand over Mick, "And why was she sent, who wanted her there?"

Jones replied, "The directive came from the Council. Since you've figured out so much already, you don't need to guess who the order came from do you?" the latter being said as he glanced up to look into Michael's knowing eyes.

Michael closed his eyes for a brief moment and held the Glock up to Jones’ temple.

"What's to stop me from killing you right now Mick? For what you've done to her, to me..... to my children?" Jones's face changed to an appearance of anger and he spat, "I would never hurt Nikita or those precious children. I did what I had to, to keep them safe. Maybe it wasn't ideal or what we agreed on, but it was the only thing I could do with the little time and help I had. Isn't it enough that I tried? That I'm still trying.....", and his voice trailed off.

Michael applied more pressure to Mick's temple with the muzzle of his glock, "Still trying? Explain..."