Nikita and Chris were coming down the hallway toward the briefing room, straight from the mission in some club. Data retrieval. Piece of cake.

"I just love it, when I get the opportunity to go from the van access directly to another briefing!" hissed Chris through her teeth.

"Yeah, me, too!" said Nikita.

Now, the sight was quite breathtaking. Two divine women in black. One blond, dressed in tight leather pants and even tighter tank top with spaghetti stripes. The other auburn, in tight mini skirt and a corset that forced her to breath in staccato. Loose hair was floating everywhere. They had this enraged looks on their lovely faces. Women with issues! The male operatives practically drooled all over Section floor.

When they walked into the briefing room Operations, Madeline, Birkoff, Michael and Tom were already seated behind the desk. Their usual places were waiting for them. Chris sat next to Tom at the left end of the desk. Wandering why Tom was here. He's never on Michael's team, always on Davenport's. She was so sure, that they were up for a very bumpy ride.

Nikita sat next to Michael. She caught his scent and shivered slightly. She remembered the last time they were together.

He showed up on her doorstep, over a month ago, with the bottle of Banyuls.

"That's an odd choice for a wine, Michael."

"I didn't know if you'd have any food, but I was sure, you'd have chocolate. And Banyuls is the only wine that goes with chocolate, so…" That evening was lovely, the night heavenly and the morning after just,…

Operations' voice brought her back to the harsh reality.

"This is Andrew Finch. He is an arm dealer, located in Edinburgh. Mr. Finch is currently in possession of a nuclear warhead. The terrorist organizations from all over the world have contacted him. And since the interest is so big, Mr. Finch decided to auction the warhead. You are to prevent the auction, retrieve the potential buyer's list as well as the warhead and bring Mr. Finch in for questioning. The profiles are on your PDA's, Nikita, Christina, Michael, Tom, join Madeline and me in her office in 10 minutes."

With that he and Madeline left the briefing room. Birkoff followed shortly after them, and the four musketeers were left sitting behind the desk, looking at one another.

"I just have this bizarre feeling that this has got something to do with us playing house. I just hope it's a girl-boy accommodation, 'cause Nikita and I are prepared to kill each other for bathroom space." Chris said with a hint of amusement in her voice. "And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get out of this thing or I'll suffocate!"

And with that she left the room, walking like she swallowed a stick. The other three looked after her in disbelief and started laughing.

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

Chris was so right. It was all about playing house. They were to move into Finch's neighborhood, infiltrate his social circle and basically enable him. It was a shitty assignment with one good part. It was the girl-boy accommodations. Of course they got the lecture on young, married couples in love, yada, yada, yada … And Operations' closing on the subject was, as always: "Whatever it takes."

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

"Man, Walter, life's a bitch." said Chris, while the four of them were getting their equipment for the assignment.

"And then, you die!" added Nikita, mocking.

"No, girls, life's a beach and sometimes you get sand in your panties, but that can be washed away with some fresh water." Walter corrected them.

"And where we're going, there'll be a lot of sand, no doubt. 'You seen the profile, Walter? Chris asked.

"Yeah, the shit they allow themselves to pull!"

"Oh, you're just full of it, aren't you Walter!" said Nikita, teasing.

"Full of what?" Walter asked, pretending to be angry.

"Knowledge, Walter. Knowledge." Chris said, smiling.

"Get out of here! And remember, children, behave!!"

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

They settled in a fancy Edinburgh neighborhood just a few houses away from Finch's residence. It was a large two apartment house with a big garden. Madeline as always, carefully created their characters. And she was – in Nikita's opinion - running out of ideas, because Michael was an arts dealer, she a fashion designer, Chris owned a gallery and was also Michael's baby sister, and Tom was an architect. And of course, Michael was married to Nikita and Tom to Chris. And they all moved from Paris to Edinburgh because of the art business the "siblings" were running. And since Finch was a very well known snob, who liked to entertain interesting people at his famous parties, their intriguing, artistic lifestyles were just perfect. He would want them all there. The art business, of course was a cover for arms dealing, which Finch would eventually find out, after checking them out.

"Yeah, this is really believable, bro', moving a gallery from Paris to Edinburgh. OK London, but Edinburgh??" Chris said to Michael while they were all sitting in the garden, sipping the famous 5 o'clock tea. With scones and jam and cream. The whole tradition thing. Michael looked at her very seriously, and then said: Chill, sis, Finch knows crap about art, anyway."

The other three just looked at him in disbelief. Michael's sense of humor stunned them all. Then, they just started laughing. It's going to be a long mission. The auction was to be in a month. They might as well enjoy this time they had together.

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

Nikita was tired. She was standing in the shower, water spraying over her face. She heard the bathroom door open. And close. Michael.

"Do you need to relax, love?" he asked her with a seductive voice.

Nikita jerked and then stiffened. "Are we under surveillance?"

"No."

He was a little disappointed that she thought he only wanted her because of the mission profile. He propped her against the wall and started kissing her neck. He licked at the sensitive spot behind her left ear. His left hand was resting against the small of her back, while his right one caressed her right breast. He felt her relax against him.

She cupped his face and just took in his beauty. She licked the water from his lips with just the tip of her tongue. He couldn't take it any longer. He kissed her, his tongue penetrating deep into her sweet, hot mouth. It has been so long. So long. She was moaning loudly while he was kissing her. And she wasn't even aware of it! His kisses were like a drug. The best trip and highly addictive. She felt drifting into some other dimension out of focus, out of time. A parallel world of some sort, here, she felt safe and loved.

The water started running cold. Michael turned off the shower and started toweling Nikita. She was so aroused; she couldn't take it any longer.

"Forget the damn towels, just take me to bed or wherever!" her voice very frustrated.

He obeyed her, without words. He lifted her and carried her to the bedroom. He laid her on the bed very gently, spread her legs and kneeled between them. Nikita licked her dried lips in anticipation.

Michael lowered his head and breathed in her sweet scent. It was like a drug. It blurred his judgment. All he could think was, how he had to have her. Possess her. He started kissing her folds, and then separated them with his fingers. She was ready for him. For him. Just for him. He was the one that made her feel this way! Just the thought made him insane with love for her! He started lapping at her, stimulating her bud with his thumb.

She was half insane. She started shuddering, her hips were bucking against his lovely mouth. She felt like she had no control over her own body. And right now, she didn't really care. All she knew was, that she wanted him. Deep inside her, or she would just die!

"Michael, please take me, please!" she begged.

"Yes, my love." his voice low and hoarse. He couldn't take it any longer either. He kissed her and started sliding into her, slowly. She opened her mouth, but she couldn't make a sound.

He started thrusting into her. He couldn't be gentle, he just couldn't. He needed her too much. He missed her too much. And she didn't want him to be gentle. The need was too great.

She was close now. She dig her fingernails into his shoulders. He felt that and increased the pace. She went to the top, and over. He followed shortly after.

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

It was 3 a.m. Tom couldn't sleep. He watched this beautiful creature sleeping beside him. Illuminated by moonlight. She looked so beautiful, angelic. Almost childlike. She was like that when with him. He could hardly accept the fact, that she can also be, … what's the term to use, here? Cold-blooded killer? Skilled and ruthless manipulator? But there was really only one word that was enough to describe her. That described them all. She was Section. And still, in the middle of this hell, this netherworld, four souls found each other.

Slight stirring beside him broke his thoughts.

"It's not very polite to stare, you know." Chris said with a sleepy voice.

"I know. It's just, that I can't believe you're really here. In bed. With me." Tom said with a low voice.

"Well, you better believe it, Tom. We're on a mission." She was immediately sorry, that she has said that.

"Oh." he said, a little hurt. "Is that why you made love to me last night? To maintain the cover?"

"If I wanted to just maintain the cover, I wouldn't have made love to you." she said, her eyes full of love.

"No?"

"No. I would just have sex with you. Nothing more."

"Well, I'm glad we cleared that." Tom said absently, looking at the marks he has left on her soft neck.

"I think I should kiss those better." he said in a hoarse voice, trailing his index finger down her neck, over the marks.

"Yes, I think you should." said Chris, pulling him into a devastating kiss.

"I think you should consider a career change." said Chris, afterwards.

"What do you mean?" Tom asked, a little confused.

"You'd be great as a medic. My neck feels a lot better, now. Thank you."

Tom trailed his fingers down her abdomen to her core. She gasped and closed her eyes.

"Mmmm," he murmured, "there is another ache that needs my immediate attention."

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

"So, what do you think?" Operations asked.

"About what, Paul?" asked Madeline, absently.

"Madeline, you have been distracted ever since they left for Edinburgh. What is the matter? Do you need some time down?"

He was worried.

"No, thank you. That won't be necessary. It is just, … I'm just wandering if we made the right choice. The team I mean."

"Absolutely. Are you having second thoughts?"

"Technically, the profile is perfect, I know. One team, two cells. It is the cells I'm worried about." said Madeline.

"Which one in particular, Madeline?" Operations asked a little annoyed.

"Paul…" Madeline started.

"No, Madeline. You are the one who wanted her here. So, she is here. She's been on similar assignments before. Just because you didn't witness them, it doesn't mean they never happened. She didn't become level 4 operative by kicking ass, only. You know exactly what it takes, to become level 4."

"Paul…"

"I know, what this is all about, Madeline. She is everything you were afraid your little girl would grow up to be. And she is all that because you made her."

"I think, you just crossed the line." Madeline said coldly.

"Maybe, but you needed the reminder. Don't let go of the ease, Madeline. Don't let her become your weakness." said Operations without emotion.

"Do not mistake composure for ease, Paul. Ever. And, Christina is not my weakness. She is my daughter. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do." she said dryly and left the perch.

Operations kept looking after her. He was concerned. Don't fall apart now, Madeline. This mission is too damn important.

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

They were sitting in the garden, sipping tea. They were trying to be very obvious this last week.

"Target in sight, guys." said Tom trough his teeth.

They saw Andrew Finch jogging down the path, which was leading beside their garden. He jogged here every day. But, this time he stopped. Leaning on the fence, he spoke: "So, you're new in the neighborhood. I'm Andrew Finch. I live two houses down the street."

"Nice to meet you. Please, do come in.", said Michael, smiling.

Finch opened the garden door and entered. Michael offered him a hand, saying: "My name is Michel Samuelle, and this are my wife Nikita, my sister Christina and my brother-in-law, Tom Wagner."

"Nice to meet you all." Finch said, shook their hands and continued: "Christina Wagner. You own a gallery downtown, don't you?"

"Guilty as charged!" Chris said, gifting him with the most charming smile she could possibly produce.

"So, what do the others do?" he asked.

"Oh, my brother is an art dealer. He actually helps me run the gallery. Nikita is a fashion designer, and my Tom is an architect.

"Ah. Such an artistic family." Finch said with fascination in his voice and continued:"Well, I'm entertaining some interesting people on Friday, and you're all very welcome to join us."

"Thank you, Mr. Finch, we'd love that!" Nikita said delighted.

"Please, Andrew. So, see you all on Friday, 9 p.m."

"Oh goodie, we're in! Shouldn't we call Mom and Dad and report?" asked Chris sarcastically after Finch jogged away.

"As a matter of fact, we should." said Michael.

They all went inside. It was time to contact the Section.

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

The party was going as planned. The four of them worked like clockwork. They were scanning the area while mingling around, chatting with other guests.

Chris excused herself to go to the ladies room. She, of course, got lost in the big house. With Birkoff's help she managed to get into Finch's computer. He downloaded the potential buyer's list successfully.

When she was returning from Finch's study, somebody spoke to her: "Well, Christina, you've been a bad, bad girl." The voice was deep, velvety, lightly accented. And so familiar. So close.

She stopped dead in her tracks. Dear Lord, this cannot be! She turned around slowly, her eyes widened. It was like seeing a ghost. She was numb, but her heart was just about to jump out of her chest. Or was that her throat? For a split second everything was blurry and she lost her hearing. She used all her strength so she wouldn't faint.

"You're even more beautiful as I remember." he said in a soft voice. "I have been hoping to see you, to run into you, Christina. I was convincing myself, that I would remain cool, but damn it, you still take my breath away!" his voice was full of emotion.

She felt this dull pain in her chest. Was it because her heart was beating so fiercely or because it just stopped?!

She finally found her voice and spoke: "Armand. So, you seem to be a lot better than I thought." She thought she was going to choke. She feared a heart attack!

God, he's ALIVE!!! Why don't I feel anything but alarm bells ringing in my head??

"On whose behalf are you here, Armand?" she demanded with a soft voice.

"If I tell you that, I'll have to kill you."

"I have to kill you, then. You know on whose behalf I'm here."

"But Christina, mi amor, I am already dead."

"So am I, Armand. Ever since I thought you died." she started sobbing.

"You wanna live again, cherida? Come with me."

"Where?"

"Does it matter, as long as we're allowed to be together?" he asked.

"No, I guess it doesn't." Chris said in a whisper and walked toward him. He was still so beautiful. Black hair, green eyes, and full sensual lips. The small scar that split his left eyebrow in two. He smelled delicately. Just like those wild oranges that were lying crushed all over Seville in the early spring.

I just have to know if he still fells the same, tastes the same?

She ran her fingers trough his hair and pulled him closer. Their lips touched. He shivered.

Oh, Dios mio, te chiero, Christina. I still love you. I do!

"I have to go, Armand, they'll miss me. I'll go back first, you follow after five minutes. Call me at the gallery tomorrow. 11:00 a.m. We'll discuss the details." she said. Her voice shaking.

She turned around and started leaving. He caught her by the arm pulled her back and kissed her. Hungrily. Fiercely.

It all came back to him. The way she tasted, the way her body felt against his. The way her eyes became almost black after their lovemaking. They were huge and liquid. How she sometimes sobbed quietly in his embrace, telling him how much she loved him.

Damn it! I cannot let you bring me down, cherida. And I know you'll do just that. I would never expect anything less from you.

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

When Chris came back to the crowd, Tom said: "God, Chrissie, what took you so long? Oh, you look so pale, my love. You don't feel well?"

"No, Tom, I don't. Would you take me home, please?"

"Of course."

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

Andrew Finch was looking after his new neighbors.

Oh, Christina Wagner. Beautiful, desirable, luscious. I'm so sure there is more to you than meets the eye.

He sighed deeply.

Andrew, don't let the lust blur your judgment. This is business, after all!

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

"Christina, are you sure?" Michael asked.

"Michael, I spoke to him, we kissed. It's him. Flesh and blood. He'll call me tomorrow at 11:00 a.m., to discuss the details of my escape with him."

There was dead silence in the room before Chris continued.

"You know, what the scariest part is? I was mourning for three years. I thought he ruined me for every other man. But when he kissed me, I felt nothing. Absolutely nothing. How can that be?" Chris said with a trembling voice. She still had a very hard time comprehending all this. She just kept staring into nothing.

"Easy," Nikita said, "you don't love him anymore. Now you love someone else."

"Yeah, don't you die on me, too, Tom, and then resurface after a few years. If I live to see that again I will die of a heart attack."

"And it certainly won't be self-induced." she added in time, a tiny smile crossing her lips for just a short moment.

For a second their minds shifted to Madeline. They all shivered inwardly and returned to reality.

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

After establishing the link with Section, they were in conference with Operations, Madeline and Birkoff.

"Are you sure, Christina?" Madeline asked. She was pale, her voice slightly uneven.

If they didn't know her better, they'd think she almost looked perplexed for a split second.

"Yes. I guess you're not very proud of yourself right now, ha? I almost froze out there! I could've blown our cover!" Chris said, close to shouting. "But you didn't."

"Yes, Christina, good job." Operations said and continued: "Did he suggest for whom he might be working?"

"No. Tell me Birkoff, who so far, is the highest bidder?"

"Red Cell, of course."

"Who is soliciting for them?"

"A certain Mr. Alonzo Garcia."

"That's Armand." Chris said calmly.

"How can you be so sure?" Nikita asked

"'Cause that's his grandfather's name."

"Good. When he initiates contact, set up a meeting and we'll pick him up." Operations said with the voice of a cat that just ate a canary.

"Fine." Chris answered, and walked into the garden. They broke the link with Section and Michael went after her.

Nikita and Tom were left sitting in the study.

"You're jealous, aren't you?"

"So much, that I could kill, scream, tear apart…" Tom hissed, his voice furious.

"She doesn't love him anymore, Tom." Nikita said sympathetically, touching his hand.

"He kissed her! Don't tell me, you never get jealous when Michael…"

"Of course I do! But you know how it is for us. It's the job, you do it. It's not normal for the normal, but in Section vocabulary this word doesn't exist." Nikita said, remembering a few times she jeopardized missions because of jealousy.

"You're right, Nikita. Thanks." Tom said smiling.

"No sweat, amigo! Now, let us drag our spouses to bed, shall we!", Nikita winked at him.

"Oh, yes, we shall!" he smiled back at her.

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

"It think it's time you pulled yourself together." Operations said harshly.

"There is no need for a scene. I will deal with the situation, whatever the outcome might be." Madeline responded flatly.

Don't make me say or do something I might regret later, Paul!

"The situation started to affect your work, Madeline. You are not thinking clearly. To you the situation looks differently than to me."

"And how might that be?"

"From your point of view, Christina has been compromised, from mine the mission. Do you see the difference? Remember, Madeline, in no case do we put ourselves before the unprotected public."

It took all the control, not to grab him by his throat and squeeze his windpipe so that his snake eyes would pop out! She composed herself mentally and then, with the coldest voice possible said: "And all that from the mouth of the man who put at risk the lives of two top operatives and the outcome of the mission, to save his son's life."

She then turned around slowly and gracefully left his perch.

Operations froze. No, the hell just froze over!

Oh my God. She knew all that time!?

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

It was 10:56. Chris checked her watch and her comm unit for the hundredth time.

"Relax," she heard Michael's voice trough her comm unit, "we'll be after you like dogs in heat!"

Nikita commended him immediately for a great choice of words.

"Thanks, Michael, that made me feel so much better." Chris said sarcastically.

"No problem, what are big brothers for, ha?"

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

Madeline was monitoring the mission from her office. She was so nervous, she shut down the surveillance in her office. It clearly showed on her face, and it was unacceptable.

Anticipate his every move and every word. Do not let him deceive you. Get inside his head, Christina, you can do it!

"You can do it." she said aloud. This time reassuring herself.

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

The phone rang. Exactly 11:00 a.m.

She was to meet him in an old abandoned warehouse, 10 minutes drive from the gallery.

Gee, Armand, how original is that?!

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

"Assume positions." Chris heard Michael.

Show time, girlfriend.

She swallowed hard, took a deep breath and stepped out of a car. She entered the warehouse, breathed in the mould and her stomach turned.

"You came alone and unarmed, I assume?"

She heard his voice behind her. She turned quickly. He looked like the devil himself! Beautiful. Appealing.

I'm not falling for that.

"Alone yes. Unarmed, no."

"But you know you can trust me, mi amor." he said, pulling her into his embrace.

Ay, cherida, I know what you came here for. I honestly thought, that I would be able to handle the situation if I see you again. Not if, when. I knew our paths would cross sooner or later. And I also always knew, that will be the end of my journey. Oh, Christina, I have loved you from the moment I met you. You yelled at me. I wonder if you still remember? You, my love, gave me life. Only you have the privilege to take it. And you will. I'll see to that!

"Can I? You're Red Cell." Her voice was flat.

"Yes, well, technically we are enemies. You're right, Christina, I'm sorry. It's just that I had this attack of emotions when I saw you at Finch's. The attack is over. I know now, that this would never work. I'm sorry." he said, while pulling a gun from under his left arm.

"Not as sorry as I am, Armand." Christina said, quickly pulling a gun from behind her waistband.

She only fired once.

Then she fell on her knees, trembling. Tears were running down her cheeks, burning them. She bent down and spoke softly into his ear: "I did love you once. If I didn't, you'd be on your way to the White room, now."She touched his lips lightly. "Vaya con Dios, mi amor." She whispered, choking.

Tom came to pick her up. He took her to the car and drove her back to the house.

"Target terminated." was all Michael said into his comm unit.

"Housekeeping's on the way." Birkoff answered.

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

Armand felt his life draining away. He didn't feel cold. No, he felt so warm. From her touch and her soft words. She did love me once. Amigo, life was worth living after all!

There was no tunnel and no bright light. Just flashbacks of his life. His life with her. He saw her close her eyes and breath in the scent of wild oranges that were lying around the cathedral in Seville. Crushed.

"This is the most magical scent in the world, Armand! I want this to be my last memory when I die."

Then, I guess I'm going to heaven. He than recalled her image for the last time, sighed deeply and fell asleep.

For eternity.

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

Madeline was home laying in her bed. Her head was hurting. It was this unpleasant pain that came from behind her eyes. She sighed deeply.

Oh, girl. I had a hard time explaining to Paul why you had to kill him. He would never understand. Like he never understood why I had to kill Charles. Quick and painless death is the ultimate gift in our line of work.

I thought it would be good, if I had you beside me. But, I guess I was wrong. You started rubbing off on me. This cannot be good. But I'm not sending you away again. I'll just have to pull myself together and we'll both be fine.

She couldn't hold back anymore. A single tear ran down her cheek. Small, tiny tear like a small brilliant.

I never forgot the day you were born. The pain and the joy. And then unspeakable pain again when they took you away. I was ripped off. Everything gone. Every bit of emotion. That's when the new Madeline was born. The very same day you were. The old one was locked in the most distant place possible. Somewhere in the tiny remains of my soul. Yes, there are still remains. Like this little pieces that are everywhere after glass shatters. You can never really get rid of them.

And then you just walked into my office, penetrated the walls and unlocked the door.

Made-line, pull your-self to-ge-ther!

Maybe this melancholy is due to you having birthday not so long ago. And I couldn't hold you. But than again, I never could before either. So why should this year be any different?

I think too much.

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

"Michael, should we abort?" Nikita asked, concerned.

"No."

"No? Look at her!!"

Chris was sitting in the garden. She didn't feel the cold. Maybe because of the Vodka, maybe because she just didn't feel.

I did the right thing. It was him or me. It couldn't be me. Not now, when I found Tom.

And Michael told her, that she did the right thing, too. She checked her moral compass with him. She did the right thing!

"She will be fine, Nikita. She'll have a killer headache in the morning, but she will be fine." Michael said, looking into the garden.

"Are you sure?" Nikita still wasn't convinced.

"If she is a real pain in the ass in the morning, then she's fine. Now, let us go to bed." He kissed her softly, his fingers playing with the tufts of her hair. It was all the convincing she needed.

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

"Michael, I'm not sure I understand this, but she killed him out of love?" Nikita asked while they were laying in bed. Michael read confusion all over her beautiful face.

"Yes." he said, cupping her face and kissing her lightly.

"How…"

"When you love, or you loved, someone very deeply you don't want to see him or her suffer. You would do anything to spare this person." He was staring into her beautiful eyes.

"Yes." she whispered and Michael continued: "The profile indicated Armand's capture. He was to be brought in and interrogated. After Madeline would extract all the information she wanted from him, he would be disposed of. "

"If he'd be able to last that long."

"Exactly."

"I understand Madeline now, too." Nikita said.

Michael looked at her, quizzically.

"Why she killed Charles Sand."

There was a silence between them. They were just looking at each other. After a while Michael spoke: "I would do it. For you."

Nikita gasped. He couldn't tell her that he loved her, but he told her he would kill her out of love?! You are one strange man, Michael Samuelle. You just told me, that you love me! "And I would do it for you."

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

Tom came into the garden. She looked pale and was shivering because of the cold. Her eyes were swollen. She looked so small and fragile.

He took the empty glass from her hand and picked her up. She rested her head on his shoulder, clinging to him while he carried her inside.

"I'll be fine," she said, sobbing, "just hold me tonight."

"I'll hold you for the rest of my life, if you let me."

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

"Good morning, everybody!" Nikita said, when she and Michael walked into Chris and Tom's kitchen. She was absolutely radiant. And Michael couldn't let go of her hand.

"Oh, God, Nikita, so the two of you did it last night! Does the whole neighborhood have to know?!" Chris said annoyed.

"You were so right, Michael. She'll be just fine!" Nikita said, leaning down, kissing Chris' cheek and hugging her.

"Of course I'll be fine! I just have this hangover. Why on earth did you let me drink guys, ha? Michael, you of all people?"

"'Cause I just love your bitching in the morning?" He winked at her and then continued seriously.

"Now, we still have to recover the warhead and bring Finch in."

"Oh Jeez, don't speak so loud, my head hurts!" Chris moaned.

"Yeah, emptiness always does. Hurt, I mean."

Chris looked at Nikita and opened her mouth to spit acid, but a cell phone rang and she just gave her that "saved by the bell" look instead. They all checked.

"Yes?" It was Michael's.

"How did you get this number…Ah…Fine." Michael disconnected his phone and looked at the other three.

"He found out about the gallery being a cover. He wants to talk to us. His place, 9 p.m. tonight."

"Good," Chris said, "we will meet with Finch. But before the meeting, Tom and I will do reconnaissance. Number of guards, shifts, surveillance." looking at Nikita and Michael. They nodded. It was show time. They contacted Section, reported on their progress. Time, estimated to achieve end game was a week.

One week too much, Chris thought. I need to go home, lie in my bed and feel sorry for myself. Girl can always use some self-pity. Hey it's good for the complexion, or whatever.