Chaper 11

They returned to Carnagnola and to the small cottage. That evening Carmana's sister returned. She was surprised to see a strange man visiting their house but accepted her sister's story of a friend visiting, abeit a much older man, who was waiting for a motorbike part to be shipped to their town. As soon as the bike was repaired the 'friend' would be leaving to continue touring Italy. The ailing aunt was no better so the sister would return in two days to continue nursing her. The next day the three sat eating lunch, as the older sister turned to Michael.

"My sister has finished her schooling now and will start work in a shop in Carnagnola in a month. She will apprentice for a year and learn all about being a florist. It is nice she has a friend visiting as she is at loose ends right now and I can't keep track of her all the time." She looked disapprovingly at Carmana.

"You speak of me like I am a child," grimaced Carmana

"You are at times - so headstrong."

Michael's eyes twinkled and he smiled, "I know of your concerns - I have two younger sisters and they to are a handful but don't worry - I will watch out for her."

Carmana laughed. "Michael is very worldly and treats me like I am one of his sisters."

The older sister was obviously taken in by Michael's charm, "You must have a wife or lady friend - is she in France or England?"

"I had a lady friend - but no more....she died."

Carmana looked shocked. "You never mentioned her - what happened?"

"She was killed by a terrorist bombing."

The two women look at each other, shocked, "How dreadful," said the sister, "When did it happen?"

Michael looked off into the distance. "I'm not.....I can't remember the exact time......I think I must be trying to block out the memory....there is much I don't remember of the incident."

"We will not speak or ask about it again," replied the sister. "I can see it is too painful for you."

Two days later the sister returned to nurse the ailing aunt; she had called to advise them her stay with the aunt would be indefinite, as the aunt's health was failing. The rest of the week Michael and Carmana traveled in her Fiat to view the sites; they picnicked, swam, and laughed. At the beginning of the second week, Michael was becoming impatient and agitated. Carmana had gone to town for groceries; they had planned on having a late dinner after returning from a day of swimming at the nearby lake. Michael paced up and down in the cottage and went to the window.

He stormed out of the cottage, jumped on the now repaired motorcycle and drove back to the lake. Dusk was falling as he walked down to the shoreline, took off his clothes and stared out at the lake.

Why did water always remind him of Nikita? Would he ever stop thinking of her? I can't hide out here indefinitely.

Michael spoke out loud to the water, the gulls and to the setting sun.

"Nikita! I miss you - I want to touch you - be with you - why did you leave me - I need you near me!"

Back at the cottage, Carmana pulled up in the Fiat with the groceries. She went in, and not finding Michael, proceeded with preparing dinner. She opened a bottle of red wine and poured out two glasses; she sipped the wine and waited for Michael. After an hour had passed, Michael walked into the cottage; he wore no shirt; his skin was wet.

"Michael, I was worried.... are you all right?"

"Yes."

Carmana looked at Michael's naked chest. " I told my sister today, that you had left."

"You told her what ..................?"

Carmana laughed . "I think she was becoming a little suspicious that you were still here."

She walked over to Michael and put her arms around his neck. "Michael, you must know how I feel about you....the time we have spent together has been so special for me...." She paused. ".....I want you to make love to me. But I have a confession.....I have never been with a man - I'm still a virgin - and I want you to be my first."

Carmana kissed Michael passionately; he pulled her away roughly.

"Your first should be someone you will have a future with."

"That could be you. I love you!"

"You know the police want me - we could never have a proper life together."

"I don't care - Michael I want to be with you - I want you to make love to me!" She began to cry. These days together - you must have felt something - I know you do....!"

"Carmana - I must leave. The motorcycle is fixed.....I must leave....."

"Nooooooooooooooooo!"

She walked to the other side of the cottage, weeping. "I know you feel something for me, Michael!"

Michael walked up to Carmana, trying to comfort her. "I do....you are a wonderful, kind girl....."

"Girl - is that it - I'm too young for you. Most men would want to make love to a virgin....why not you. What's wrong with you Michael!"

She started taking her clothes off, throwing them across the room. She stood naked in front of Michael. "Tell me you don't want my body! All I feel is this aching, a throbbing for you - I want you inside me!"

"Please Carmana........"

She ran and jumped at Michael, taking him by surprise. He fell against the table. She began tearing at his pants, screaming his name. He took her hands and pinned them behind her.

"Not like this....this is not how to love someone you care for."

Michael picked Carmana up, carried her into the bedroom and placed her on the bed. He removed the rest of his clothes, reached into the pocket of his pants, retrieved a condom and placed it on his erect penis. He lay beside her, kissing her eyes, her cheeks, her mouth. He gently touched and kissed her breasts and her throbbing opening. She screamed out.

"Michael I want you ....I want you...in me!"

Michael took Carmana, making her first experience a gentle and memorable one. After, they lay together, spent and exhausted.

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

Chapter 12

Nikita returned to the houseboat after spending the evening having dinner with Helmut. He had promised to aid her with the search for Michael. She had reluctantly agreed, only because she knew that she and Walter where drawing a blank on Michael's whereabouts. Helmut had confided his current status to her - he was running a network of mercenaries made up of former Interpol agents. They hired themselves out around the world to the highest bidder. He said business was very good but when questioned by Nikita if they were performing terrorist activities, he had replied all terrorist acts were open to interpretation as to what was judged as good or evil.

Nikita sat before the laptop computer at a small desk in the house boat and downloaded the latest work Walter had prepared. Included with the work, was a message that he would return tomorrow morning, claiming a little downtime in London with the former female operative friend.

Nikita ran a bath and soaked for half and hour. She then slipped into bed and dozed off into a fitful sleep. Her dreams were distraught and tormented; she could see Michael and then he would disappear.

Peaceful sleep would not come, so she got up and walked out to the deck of the houseboat. She watched as boats drifted by on the river.

Nikita was haunted by the memory of Michael; she recalled a very special time they had spend together.

Nikita and Michael hadn't seen each other for over three weeks. She'd been on a mission in Croatia - the black earth terrorist group had been working with the Croatian leader, who had been attempting a coup to overtake the new interim government. She had spent most of her days escorting orphaned children to the border to take them into safety. One carefully planned attack on the terrorist headquarters had failed - when they arrived - the place was empty.

She sat in her small quarters after the team had returned and thought of Michael on the other side of the world in Thailand. He was on a mission with other operatives, tracking down a drug cartel. The money from the sale of the drugs was being used to back an Asian terrorist group. Complying with Section protocol, neither Nikita or Michael spoke to one another or were undertaking any form of communication.

As she lay in her small room in Croatia, she thought of how strained their relationship had been before they had left on their separate missions. Although it was accepted that they were now together, and Section was no longer trying to keep them apart, the separate missions were in effect doing just that - keeping them apart. The last few days before they had left, the relationship was strained. Michael had been sent out on yet another valentine op mission and had stated his distaste for these type of missions.

As for herself, Nikita was never very comfortable on valentine op missions. Michael had always been able to put his emotions and feelings in another part of his mind. But this one had been different. He had been brought in as a personal trainer for the wife of a high profile banker. It was thought the banker had connections with money laundering operations. Michael had got close to her - her name was Marie, and he had performed his usual valentine techniques. But for some reason after the mission, he had seemed withdrawn and even more non-communicative. Nikita had tried to talk to him and get him to speak about himself and what was bothering him.

All he had said was, "I can't do these type of missions anymore. They don't understand what it takes."She'd gone to him, putting her arms around his neck and tried to comfort him but he had withdrawn.

"Not now Nikita .....not now!"

And then the next day, they had both received notice that they had separate missions - hers in Croatia and his in Thailand. She wondered and had always been suspicious that Section was reverting back to its original plan of keeping them separated. But after reviewing profiles and plans for the missions, it appeared that she would be best used in Croatia and he in Thailand, and it didn't make any sense that they both be on the same mission together.

Nikita and her team had calculated that one more week in Croatia and the mission should be ready to wrap up. They were closing in on the terrorist cell and had already eliminated a portion of the group.

As she lay on the bed in the small room in Croatia, her PDA transceiver began beeping. She rose and picked it up and looked at the panel - it was Michael. She read the words on the PDA - 'Nikita are you there? Are you well?'

She responded by typing on the laptop connected to the PDA - 'I'm fine - how are you? I miss you.'

Michael's words formed on her PDA, 'We have finished our mission, we are returning to Section and will be there in two days. How much longer will you be in Croatia?'

She had replied, 'At least another week, maybe two.'

Michael responded, 'I will arrange some downtime for us.'

Nikita answered, 'Michael - I miss you so.' She looked at the screen of her PDA and hoped to see a similar response from him. But the only words that he replied were, 'I'll see you in two weeks.'

Nikita had returned from Croatia and was at her work station performing a debrief on the mission. When she had got back, Michael was not around and was apparently out gathering intel on an upcoming mission. She'd asked Birkoff of Michael's whereabouts and he had stated, he didn't know, other than it was Michael doing his usual intel gathering. She felt something was wrong. He had left no message - nothing. He was not responding to his PDA.

Although they had both kept separate accommodation, she had spent most of her time at his loft awaiting his return. She had gone there immediately upon her return and realized he wasn't there and hadn't for many days. She was beginning to worry.

Over the past year, Michael had swayed between wanting to get out of Section and taking her with him and remaining comitted to his personal goals of fighting terrorism. He had talked more openly of his relationship with Elena and still had no idea of his son Adam's whereabouts. He had said he actually enjoyed the so-called simple life; the home and having a family around him. But both he and Nikita knew they were in Section and couldn't get out.

A whole week went by with Nikita not hearing anything from Michael and then suddenly, one evening as she sat in her apartment, her PDA beeped. She picked it up - it was Michael. ‘I've returned,' he said, ‘I'll be back tomorrow evening.' She immediately responded, ‘come to your loft, don't go to Section or my apartment - just go to the loft. I'll fix us a dinner.' His reply was all Michael, ‘Yes.'

Nikita had fussed most of the afternoon, buying groceries and preparing the meal that she knew was Michael's favourite. She had bought two bottles of the best red wine - also his favourite. She had set the table with candles and had put slow jazz music on the cd player. The lighting was very low, and she laughed to herself, 'looks like I'm getting ready to seduce him.' She opened one of the bottles of wine and poured herself a glass, and sat waiting. 'What could be keeping him?' She sat in silence, sipping her wine. This had happened many times before, where she had prepared a meal for Michael, and a quiet evening together and something had come up where he had been kept on a mission. Michael usually liked to initiate these evenings himself but as their relationship had grown stronger, she took to initiating them.

Nikita paced up and down, she walked to the corner where his cello sat, and fingered the carved wood.

She recalled the first time she had heard him play and had been amazed at his adeptness. As she touched the wood, she thought of the times he had caressed her; she longed for his touch.

Suddenly, the door opened, she wheeled around to see Michael. He looked tired. She ran to him and put out her arms but he withdrew. "What's wrong," she said.

"I think I've found where Adam is."

"What?"

"That's what I've been doing - trying to track him down. He's been placed in a temporary foster home."

Michael walked over to the leather sofa and sat down with an overwhelming weariness. Nikita poured him a glass of wine and took it to him. He sipped it slowly.

"What will you do?" she whispered.

"I don't know. All I know is I want to see him."

"But how will that help Michael?"

"I never realized how much I wanted children, and then to have one taken away from you......he will probably be the only child I will ever have."

"You can have other children."

He had looked up at her, "I don't think so Nikita - there's too much heartbreak."

She put her hands on both sides of his head and drew him towards her breasts. She stroked his hair and they sat in silence; the jazz music drifting through the loft.

"Come ..... I've prepared your favorite dinner..... and later..... we can soak in the tub." She smiled. " I remember you like those bubbly soaks in that big tub of yours."

Michael followed her into the kitchen; they placed the food on the table, and sat eating dinner in silence, slowly sipping their wine. At one point, Michael reached over and took Nikita's hand and kissed her fingers gently.

Michael spoke softly. "What is this life we have Nikita? This is no life.....you've said that yourself .... we have no life."

Tears welled in Nikita's eyes. "Michael, we have each other." She got up from the table, walked behind Michael, putting her arms around him, kissing the back of his neck, his ears and reached around to his cheek. He got up and took her face in his hands - he kissed her eyes, her nose and gently on the lips.

She felt the passion rising inside her and she grabbed him, pulling at his clothes, thrusting her tongue into his mouth. He responded immediately, then lifted her up and took her into the bedroom.

Michael laid her on the bed, then began the slow ritual of removing her clothes; she reciprocated. He stood over her, helping with the clothes and at the same time, gently placing kisses down the length of her body. She shivered with the touch of each kiss and caress.

They lay side by side, he touched her breasts, then suckled each nipple, he worked his way down her body. She opened her legs invitingly, he separated her lips and began a slow movement with his tongue. She writhed in ecstasy. "Oh, God Michael --please --I want you!" She grasped his hair as though to guide each movement he so expertly made with his tongue. Nikita was overwhelmed with the rising feelings within her body. She wrapped her legs around his neck and with one quick movement, wheeled him over onto his back. He looked up at her in surprise.

"Are you all right?", he said.

She smiled, "Michael, you don't know what you do to me! It's my turn now." She ran her fingers down his chest until she reached his abdomen and smiled as she acknowledged that he didn't need any encouragement - his erection was enormous. She placed herself on his male member, inch by inch - all the while trying to suppress a scream of delight. He thrust his hips up as she lowered her body onto the full length of him. Nikita couldn't contain herself - his upward thrusts were bringing her to an climax. She fell over onto his chest, his thrusting bringing her to a high level of ecstasy. As her climax subsided, she whispered in his ear, "sorry, I wanted us to be together."

Michael planted kisses on her face, "that's fine," he smiled. He withdrew, got up from the bed and went into the bathroom. She could hear the water running in the large bathtub. "Damn," she said to herself, "I give into my feelings too quickly. How can I satisfy this man." She knew what Michael's appetites were but sometimes it was very difficult to hold back her own overwhelming sensations and she gave into them too quickly. She also realized that he was far more experienced than her. He refused to talk about valentine missions and what it was like being with Elena or his first wife Simone. Michael knew how to please a woman and when she was with him, inside her, he drove her to distraction - to a place she had never been before, and she couldn't control herself.

Michael came out of the bathroom, walked over to the bed and extended his hand to Nikita. She couldn't take her eyes off the rising male manhood before her. Just looking at him, the sensations began to rise in her body again. 'I've got to control myself,' she said to herself.

" Come, let's have a bath," a small smile crept on his face.

As he took her hand, they walked into the bathroom. He climbed into the tub. Michael had put oil, scents and bubble bath into the water, candles glowed, and the jazz music drifted into the room. She giggled and looked at him, "just what do you have in mind Mr. Samuelle?" He smiled back at her, "that's up to you."

Nikita had always been playful in their lovemaking but was never sure whether Michael enjoyed it. He had always been such a romantic, tender lover. She climbed into the tub, joining Michael under the water and bubbles.'

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

Chapter 13

(The following excerpt was co-written by Guttergirl and re-produced with her permission.)

Nikita sighed, feeling the warmth of the water around her and the naked man beneath her. She looked down to see the water lapping Michael's perfectly formed muscular thigh.

She touched him, the hair on his damp leg clinging to his skin. Her desire to explore his body, committing every inch to memory was overpowering. Michael pulled Nikita towards him, taking her lips in a bittersweet kiss. She felt him slip his hand between her legs under the water. Nikita squirmed as she felt his fingers penetrating her sensitive skin. Michael began to slide down, submerging them both completely, their lips locked together. The water surrounded them, flowing in and out of their mouths with the motion of their tongues. Nikita's heart raced, she felt her lungs begin to burn. Michael stretched upward, taking a deep breath of air, his mouth meeting hers, forcing the air into her oxygen starved lungs. They remained submerged for a moment longer, embracing the sensations of skin and water. Breaking the surface, Nikita moved to the opposite end of the tub where she could look at Michael. He picked up her foot and began to rub it, massaging in a handful of soap. He moved further up her calf, his strong hands manipulating the muscles of her leg. He gripped her legs and pulled her close so she was sitting on his lap facing him. With his soapy hands, he began to lather her shoulders, rubbing sensuously, his hands sliding down her breasts, caressing and warm. Nikita tipped her head back and he kissed her neck, his lips wet on her soapy skin. Nikita could feel the hair on his legs beneath her and she could feel his hardness against her throbbing womanhood. The sensations coursing through her under his attentive hands, made her squirm on his lap. She felt his teeth nip at her neck, her whole body began to yearn for him again, and she wondered if it was the water or Michael making her so warm. Nikita shifted so that she was sitting on the bottom of the tub with her legs beneath him. She soaped up her hands, reached down and gripped Michael in her hands. Her hands glided easily over the long length of him, squeezing and teasing. He leaned back in the tub with his eyes closed.

Nikita, starved for the sight of him, drank in the sight of his male body laying out before her - his manhood protruding from the water like a periscope. Nikita slid her soapy hands down between Michael's legs, grasping the sacs there. She felt them tighten in her hands, she caressed them gently, feeling the rough texture beneath her fingertips. She watched his chest rise and fall as his breathing became faster, the water lapping at his ribs. The tip of his penis protruded boldly above the surface of the water. She bent over and licked the tip of it, feeling it move beneath her tongue. She opened her mouth and engulfed the end of his long male appendage. She savoured the feel of him, running her tongue around him, sucking until she heard his slight intake of breath. Opening wider, she took the whole length of him into her mouth. He marvelled at her ability to control her gag point, knowing that he is lodged halfway down her throat.

His control is strained, she rubbed her tongue along the side of him, applying pressure, tightening her lips. She slid him out, then swallowed him again. She slid her hand under him, grasping his buttocks in both her hands, squeezing and kneading his wonderful, muscular bottom. She pushed with her hands bringing him more forcefully into her mouth. She sucked hard, bringing a groan from her normally stoic man's lips. She sat up and looked at his face. He is staring at her. She knows that he is aroused beyond reason. Suddenly he is on top of her, buried deep beneath her legs. His lips claim hers in a bruising kiss. She will never tire of feeling him fill her, the size of him stretching her wonderously. He began to move, the water around them caressing their skin. Michael drew back, then slammed into her body. Nikita felt her passion beginning to build. Again and again he slammed into her, bruising, possessing, commanding her body completely.

Nikita held onto his slick shoulders, feeling him fill her again and again. The orgasm took her by surprise, equally the intensity of Michael's lovemaking. She felt him shudder, pushing into her one last time. They wrapped their arms around each other, Michael moving so that Nikita could lay her head on his chest, submerged in the warm water.

How long had they been lying together, wrapped in their own little world of bliss. The water was getting cold in the tub, Michael reached out, his foot kicking on the hot tap and pushing the button to start the bubbles. Nikita heard Michael's heart beat and she re-set her head on his chest. She ran her hands down over the wet skin, pinching his right nipple until it hardened in her hand. She felt Michael reach down into the water. He slid one hand beneath her back and one hand beneath her legs and picked her up off of him and laid her down in the tub. He knelt over her, water dripping from the ends of his hair. With a hand on either side of her, he leaned forward and took a nipple in his mouth. Nikita felt a burst of fire span the whole of her body. She felt his tongue curl around her now tight nipple, round and round in circles, warm and tantalizing. He sucked it into his mouth, biting it playfully. Nikita squirmed beneath him, thanking the gods that made him, marvelling at his passion and stamina. Michael was holding her by the waist now, his fingers wrapped around her firmly. She opened her eyes; his beautiful green eyes entrance her. There are water droplets on his eyelashes. It is as if she can see into his soul and feels as though her heart could explode in her chest; it is so filled with the love for this man. Still holding onto her waist, Michael ducked his head beneath the water. Nikita groaned as she felt his mouth between her legs, his tongue playfully stroking her. Nikita arched towards the source of her pleasure. The sensations were magical, building, all encompassing, his tongue penetrating her, licking her inside and out, sucking the bud of her womanhood. The passion was building in her into a fevered pitch. Michael broke the surface of the water. He looked at her face, seeing her love for him.

He had never loved a woman that could create such a need for him. With Nikita, once is never enough, still holding onto her waist, he buried himself between her legs again, feeling her soft, warm flesh engulf him. She was tight around him and he pushed to make every inch of him within her. He leaned forward to kiss a waterdrop from her lips. Nikita worked her fingers through Michael's hair as he kissed and licked her lips. She opened her mouth to him, sucking his tongue into her mouth. He began to move within her, setting her rhythm of love, in and out; the motion of their tongues, mimicking the movement of their bodies. Michael's movements became more powerful, the water sloshing over the edges of the tub, over their bodies. Again and again he thrust into her, pulling out just to the precipice, before filling her again completely. Nikita screamed out, "Michael!" Beneath his lips he felt the ripples of her orgasm squeeze him as the beginnings of his own began to build. Nikita kissed his cheek and neck as he filled her again with his hot fluids. He collapsed on her breasts, breathing heavily, their arms wrapped around each other.

Michael then gently washed Nikita from head to toe. She loves the feeling of his hands rubbing all over her body, and when he is done, she returned the favor for him, trying not to get too distracted with the task.

(End of Guttergirl's excerpt)

Nikita grinned, "We really should get out of this tub ....we'll turn into prunes!"

Michael stared intently at Nikita. Again, she could feel his manhood throbbing against her and with that she placed her legs around his waist; he entered her once again, very slowly, their legs wrapped around each other, their arms intertwined. She leaned forward, nibbling at his ears and could feel him moving inside her, she gripped him tightly and could feel her sensations rising again. She realized Michael was reaching the brink also, their bodies began pounding into each other, Michael reached under the water to Nikita's bottom as he thrust over and over. She could feel herself almost losing consciousness - never before had they been together like this. The water and suds washed over the side of the tub and onto the candles. Michael threw his head back as he could no longer contain the explosion coming inside him. Simultaneously, they came together. As their climaxes subsided, Michael withdrew, Nikita relaxed in his arms, the remain of their lovemaking tingling in her body.

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

Chapter 14

Back in London on the houseboat, Nikita watched the moon reflect on the water of the river. She shook herself from the memory of that time with Michael, and realized that was the night she had conceived their child. Had she deceived him?

She had decided to stop taking her birth control pills and Section had performed the sterilization process on all other female operatives but her; she had deceived Section on that issue, so Michael had no reason to believe she might get pregnant. She had wanted his child and he had seemed so happy upon hearing of the pregnancy.

She continued watching the river and listened to the gentle lap of water against the hull of the houseboat, rhyming with her words, "Michael - where are you? I want you - I want to be with you!" She held a framed photograph of Michael to her breast and cried.

The next morning Nikita awoke feeling very dizzy and nauseous. She ran from her bed into the bathroom and threw-up repeatedly. After washing her face with a cold towel, she returned to the bed and sat upright, staring at nothing.

She sipped from a bottle of water until she felt another wave of nausea overwhelm her. Once again, she returned to the bathroom and threw up; again, she returned to the bed, placing the wet towel over her forehead. She thought to herself.

Perhaps I should contact a doctor here in London, and get checked out. I wonder how long this morning sickness lasts?

After an hour passed, she rose from the bed, walked into the kitchen and made some tea. Nikita took her teacup out on the houseboat deck and sat watching the boats pass by.

As she stared out at the river, another wave of nausea swept over her. She re-entered the houseboat and laid down on the sofa. After the nausea passed, she reached for her cell phone and dialled Helmut's personal number. He had returned to his villa in Ibiza, Spain. The phone rang repeatedly and finally he answered it. "Yes!"

" Helmut - is that you?"

" Yes, who is this?"

" I'm sorry to bother you, it's Nikita."

Helmut sat up quickly in his bed.

"Nikita....are you alright?"

" Yes, yes.... I'm okay..... well....." She laughed "I guess it's normal but I'm not feeling all that well with the pregnancy. I'll be okay, though... and....ahhh.... Helmut, I've been thinking over what you said.... about your offer to help me find Michael. Well.... I'd like to accept your offer.... if that's okay."

" Of course it is. I'll help you in any way I can."

" Maybe I can visit you and we can... well work on it together. I have one more lead to follow up that Walter has discovered.... it's a CIA contact here in London. I need to talk to him and see if he has any information.... and then....well...."

Helmut interrupted her. "Nikita, follow up on your lead, then come here to Ibiza..... you and Walter, both of you, stay here, and we will see what we can find."

" You're a wonderful man to be doing this for me... there are dangers involved."

" Nikita, you know how I feel.... I'll do anything I can to help. Let me know when you want to depart London and I'll arrange a plane.....I'll be waiting."

Later that afternoon, Walter arrived back at the houseboat, "Sorry I took so long Sugar.... but I... well my friend and I had a lot of things to catch up on."

Nikita smiled, "That's fine Walter. Oh, I've been talking to Helmut and, well after following up the CIA lead, I think I'll go to Ibiza and have him help us."

" Help us?"

Nikita went and put her arm around Walter.

" Walter, I couldn't be doing this without you but you are in danger too. You need to make a decision whether you're going to continue, return to Section or what......"

Walter laughed, "Return to Section! I don't think things would be too pleasant for me there."

" I'll look after that Walter. There won't be any repercussions for you.... I'll make sure of that."

Walter smiled, "I wouldn't be too sure of that Sugar... after all I've been helping the head of Centre's daughter disappear. I better come with you to Spain. The operation that Helmut has sounds.... well, interesting. My days at Section are long over. We'll see if Helmut can use an old operative like myself."

Walter looked at Nikita's attire; she was busy putting on a coat and hat. "Where are you headed?"

" I'm going to make contact with the CIA agent in Hyde Park at 4 pm."

" I'll come with you."

" No Walter, I'd rather do this on my own. He'll be suspicious if there's two of us."

" Sugar, I don't think you should be ......"

" It's fine. I'll be okay. I'll be back this evening."

Nikita sat in Hyde Park at the designated spot the CIA agent had said to wait. He was over half an hour late. What Nikita didn't realize was that two CIA agents were seated in a car observing her.

" Are you going to make contact with her?"

The agent in charge grunted. " No. We'll sit here and wait and observe her... she's the first real lead we've had following up on this guy. She must have some reason why she's looking for him."

" Just who is she?"" We're not sure but she's working for some undercover agency."

" I don't know, I think we should go and talk to her."

" No, we'll play this one covertly and follow her, then we'll put a permanent tail on her."

A full hour had passed and Nikita was getting concerned. Had she got her intel incorrect? The agent was suppose to be meeting her here.

As she shifted her position on the park bench, she looked over behind her and spotted a man sitting on another bench, staring ahead. She looked startled; the man from behind looked like Michael.

No, It couldn't possibly be!

She got up from the bench and walked over to the man, coming around to face him.

Oh my God! It is Michael!

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

Chapter 15

"Michael!"

The man looked up, "No, I'm sorry." He spoke with a slight French accent. "I'm sorry, that's not my name."

" Oh, pardon me, you look just like someone I know....and was....uh, waiting to meet here."

The man smiled at her. "Well unfortunately, I don't think I am the correct man."

" Do you mind if I ask where you are from?"

" I'm from Quebec, in Canada." He rose and shook her hand. " My name is Roy, and yours?"

She took his hand, "Nikita, my name's Nikita."

The man named Roy was obviously taken with Nikita's beauty and held onto her hand a few moments too long. She looked at their hands - he withdrew his quickly.

" Are you visiting London, or are you a local here?" he questioned.

" No, I'm just visiting... but you have an uncanny resemblance to a person......."

" Michael?"

" Yes, Michael,.....the person I'm looking for."

" Well I wish that I was this Michael, but unfortunately I'm not... I'm in London for an audition."

" Audition?

"Yes, for a role in a film."

" You're an actor?"

" Yes. I've decided to branch out and try for an international role instead of just doing parts in Canada. A colleague I was in a tv series with suggested it was time."

Nikita could not take her eyes off Roy's face.

It was amazing - the resemblance to Michael. It was almost like Michael had taken on another identity. She had to find out more about this man.

She smiled at him, "Would you like to go and have coffee, and tell me more about the role you're trying for?"

Roy beamed. "Well...yes...I'd like that."

The two began walking out of the park. A CIA agent followed them a close distance behind.

When Nikita returned to the houseboat, she found Walter sitting reading a book.

"Well Sugar, how did it go?"

" I'm being followed Walter. But I'm pretty sure I lost him, after six different taxicabs, I'm sure he's still circling around London."

" Who do you think it was?"

" Not sure.... it could be Centere, it could be anybody. But the CIA agent never showed. However I did meet a man...well, he's an actor from Canada and he could have been Michael's double."

" Really!"

" It was amazing Walter. I actually thought it was Michael. I had coffee with him and he is definitely an actor.... a very beautiful man but...." She laughed. "... definitely not Michael."

" So where did you pick up the man tailing you?"

" Might have been in the park."

" Helmut called back. He's made arrangements for us to fly directly to his villa. His personal plane will be taking us there.... he said we could leave in the morning, if that's convenient with you."

" Yes Walter, I think it's a good thing we are leaving, especially if someone has become interested in who we are."

At the same time Nikita was having her discussion with Walter, two CIA agents approached Roy as he sat eating dinner at his hotel with his London theatrical agent. They flashed their identification and asked him to leave with them. They placed him in the back of their car, then one agent called into their command center on his cell phone.

"I think we've got him, we're bringing him in for interrogation."

Roy's agent, had followed them outside and shouted, "You have no jurisdiction in this country - you can't do this!"

The car drove away as the theatrical agent yelled, "Don't worry Roy - I'll find out what this is all about! I'll look after this and get you out!!"

Roy's agent had waited to see the Canadian ambassador at the Canadian Embassy for over three hours. The receptionist finally looked up and motioned the woman into the ambassador's office; they shook hands.

" I understand you think a Canadian citizen has been arrested by CIA agents."

" Arrested! They bloody well dragged him off for no good reason!"

" I've made some enquiries but what is your connection to this man?" He looked at papers on his desk. ".....this Mr. Dupuis?"

" I'm his British theatrical agent."

" I see. So you know him well?"

" Know him......well of course.... I've booked him an audition for a film... a big film being shot in France, Greece......!"

" So he's an actor?"

" I can't believe you haven't heard of him! He's known in Canada and you're... what... a Canadian!"

"Hummmmm... yes ...well I don't watch Canadian films, I prefer American movies."

"What - what the.......!"

"Look I must tell you, the CIA have some very serious charges against Mr. Dupuis."

" Charges of what!"

" He resembles a known terrorist. He was picked up in Afghanistan, transported to London, then escaped and well the CIA have been after him."

" Roy is no terrorist! This is ridiculous. Look.... I....I want to see him!"

"The CIA won't allow that."

" Have you asked them! Go on, phone.... poor Roy... he's only been in this country two days and the bloody CIA grabs him. Go on call! I want to see him....and I'm not giving up...I'm not leaving the Embassy until you do something!"

" Very well, I'll try."

The ambassador picked up his telephone.

~ ~ ~

Nikita and Walter sat oppose each other on Helmut's private jet as it streaked across the continent of Europe, heading south to the Spanish island of Ibiza. Nikita closed her eyes trying to drift off into the oblivion of sleep. Her head fell to the side of the seat as she drifted into unconsciousness. Walter got up and placed a blanket around her shoulders and adjusted her head on a cushion. He smiled to himself, "I hope this life mission will turn out the best for you - you deserve it."

It was early afternoon when the jet landed on Ibiza. A Mercedes waited on the tarmac as the jet taxied to a stop. Nikita and Walter exited the plane and walked to the waiting Mercedes. The driver motioned them into the car as their luggage was stored in the trunk. As they drove along the twisting shoreline road, Nikita asked the driver why Helmut hadn't met them himself. The driver replied that Helmut was waiting for them at the villa.

Walter leaned over to Nikita and whispered, " What do you think Sugar, things sound okay to you?"

" I'm sure everything if fine Walter."

The Mercedes pulled up in front of a majestic Spanish Mediterranean villa. The front door opened; Helmut stood holding out his arms to Nikita. He took her in his arms, kissing her cheeks and forehead.

Walter grinned , "Love that old European charm."

Helmut released Nikita and extended his hand to Walter. "You must be Walter, I've heard many stories about you. Welcome, welcome, come in."

Helmut directed two security men to take the luggage. "Take the bags up to the east rooms. Walter, your room overlooks the courtyard," he turned to Nikita, "and yours my beautiful Nikita, looks out to the azure sea."

Nikita blushed . " Helmut, you haven't changed.... charming as ever. I was a little worried about you when we met in London." She laughed. " You seemed somewhat....uptight and stuffy."

" Me? Uptight! Never." He took her hand and kissed it. " How was the flight? Would you like to rest? If not, I would be delighted to give you a tour of the villa."

" If you don't mind, I'd like to catch up on some work in my room," nodded Walter.

" Certainly.,, Brood, please show Walter to his room."

Walter left with the security guard.

" Walter is being discreet, he knows you and I had ......well, a history." She laughed. " He knows we were married, even though it was a mission."

" I didn't know it was a mission for you, not until the end."

" Helmut, let's not go back remembering past events."

" Right! You are my guest and I've promised to help you find Michael. So come, I'll give you a tour."

Helmut took Nikita by the arm and lead her into the salon, dining room and out to the patio with the pool.

" Helmut, this is beautiful! No wonder you don't want to leave here!"

" It's an excellent location for running the, well, the business. Discreet, isolated, and well... a delight for my soul. I hope you will find it likewise. Come....." He took her by the shoulder.

" Let me show you the east view."

They walked together through a portico to view a magnificent view of the sea.

" Helmut, I don't know what to say - it's breathtaking!"

" Now come, let me show you to your room."

They climbed the staircase and entered a large bedroom with a four poster bed and view of the sea.

Helmut put his arms around Nikita and held her. "I'll help you with anything you want, you know how I feel about you."

" Helmut...what we had...it was not real...I was on a mission...so were you."

" I know, but you have to agree we did get along well. We felt something, I felt something...but I understand your love for Michael, especially carrying his child."

" This is difficult for me being here with you...and I know you must care for me to try and help under the circumstances....I do care for you too...but I love Michael...I guess I always have."

Tears welled up in her eyes. " And I just feel he isn't dead...he's out there somewhere."

Helmut stroked her hair and held her. "We'll find him Nikita, I'll get working on a tracking team tomorrow. Try not to worry." He wiped her tears and gently kisses her cheeks. " If Michael is out there - we will find him."

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

Chaper 16

Michael and Carmana left Carnagnola, Italy on his motorcycle two days after they had made love. He tried to explain to her how unsafe it was for him to remain; the authorities were suspicious and knew he was in the area. Carmana had quite willingly agreed to go, in fact she was excited to start a new life with this man she was so totally in love with.

Michael had decided to travel on as many secondary roads as possible, thereby avoiding any police. Carmana had stated she had never been to Venice and had begged Michael to take them there. Michael had wanted to head into the south of Italy to Rome, fly to Athens and eventually to Beirut. Traveling with this young woman would be good cover. If MI-6 or whoever was pursuing him saw two travelers on a motorcycle, perhaps they would not be as suspicious. But now Carmana was insisting they visit Venice. Michael reluctantly agreed.

As they lay together in the small pensione on the outskirts of Venice, Michael stared up at the ceiling. Carmana slept quietly in his arms now. They had made love throughout the night; Michael being gentle and caring with this young girl who simply could not get enough of him.

He stroked her hair as the dawn sunlight filtered through the curtain. Carmana's hair took on a golden glow with the sunlight. Michael looked at the distorted reflection in the mirror opposite the bed. He closed his eyes; Nikita's face floated before him; her golden hair adrift before his eyes. Carmana stirred in her sleep and reached out for Michael under the blankets. She grasped his manhood in her semi-conscious state; he moaned, and his growing erection responded to the touch of her hand. His eyes still remained riveted on the image of Nikita, floating, drifting before him - again - the ever presence of water.

Michael's arousal rose to meet his abdomen. Carmana woke and smiled at Michael. She grasped his enormous erection and whispered, "Michael are you sleeping?" He stirred but did not open his eyes. She slid down under the covers and began placing kisses on Michael's penis. He took her head in his hands and guided her mouth as she sucked and kissed the throbbing erection. He could feel himself beginning to orgasm and suddenly sat up in the bed, pushing Carmana off him. She looked up in surprise, "What's wrong! I want to give you pleasure like you give me!"

" No, I .......we should never have sex without protection!"

" I trust you. I want you Michael, I am ready now. I want you in me!"

Michael rose from the bed and walked to the bathroom. The pain in his groin was excruciating. He opened a box of condoms and placed one carefully on his still fully aroused penis; he returned to the bed. Carmana pounced on him as he lay down. " Now Michael, now please! I want.........!

Michael entered her slowly, remembering she was still a young girl who had never had a man until himself. He wanted to thrust hard, over and over, anything to gain release of the pain he felt. She dug her fingers into his shoulders and he realized she was experiencing an orgasm immediately.

He let go with sudden thrusts until he felt his body release the shooting pain he felt. Carmana screamed with delight and yelled his name over and over. Michael withdrew, got up from the bed and returned to the bathroom. He cleaned himself, washed and looked at his image in the mirror.

What was he doing ..... who was he making love to? This young girl or an image of a dead woman.

After Michael and Carmana showered and had a light breakfast, they left on the motorcycle to enter Venice. They left the bike at the huge vehicle parking area and took a ferry into the city. Although Michael had travelled extensively throughout the world on missions, he had never been to Venice.

He marvelled at the architecture and waterways. Carmana was like a schoolgirl, squealing at the delights before her. When they arrived at the pensione, they entered their room. Michael took her hand and spoke softly.

" I think you should telephone your sister and let her know you are okay...she will be worried."

" I left that note saying we were holidaying together."

" Please call her. Tell her you are in Venice."

" But she might......"

Michael picked up the phone and handed it to Carmana. She began dialling the number.

" Hello, yes, it's me... fine. We're in Venice and Michael said I should telephone you. What, yes, he's here. Yes - Michael, she wants to talk to you."

Michael took the phone. " Yes...... Yes, I know she is - she will be alright. There is no need to contact police, we are ..... very well ....the Pensione Lido. Yes, very well."

Michael replaced the receiver.

Carmana glared at Michael. " You told her where we are staying! Why did you do that! Now she will try to bring me back. You should have told her we were in love. You know I love you Michael!" She ran to Michael, jumped onto him, wrapping her arms around his neck and legs around his waist. "Let's make love again. I want to feel you again, over and over, inside me!"

She slid off him and began pulling Michael to the bed. He sat with her and spoke softly. "You are a wonderful girl, I feel deep affection for you........"

" No, no, no, no! I don't want to hear this! Come on let's go and sightsee then, we'll get a gondola, then find a wonderful restaurant, drink too much wine, watch the moon on the canals then ........!"

Michael rose from the bed and took her hand and they left the room together.

Michael and Carmana left the pensione and began touring around the usual tourist attractions. They took yet another gondola ride, visited the Piazza S. Marco and the Palazzo Ducale.

Michael had suggested a trip to the Internazionale d'Arte but Carmana had feigned boredom with more 'old' art exhibits. Instead, they bought wine to bring back to the pensione. Carmana would not discuss her sister. Michael had tried to reason with her and when he suggested they return to the pensione, Carmana stated she wanted to buy him a surprise gift and that he should return and she would join him in one hour. Michael reluctantly left her and as he entered the pensione reception, the desk clerk handed him a note. It was from Carmana's sister - she would arrive tomorrow and was planning on taking her home. Michael entered their room, opened the wine and poured a glass. He stood at the window, looking out at the canal below and thought to himself.

I should not have got involved with this girl - I am ruining her life.

He held his head: the last few days, the re-occurring headaches had returned.

What is causing them? He remembered an explosion - the one that had killed Nikita.

A concussion - he must still be suffering the effects. His past life in Section was blurred - all he could recall was doing some type of work for some government.

The door opened and Carmana entered carrying a large basket of assorted fruit.

" Michael, you said you loved fresh fruit - well look - I found every type of fruit you could possibly want!"

Michael did not reply.

" What's the matter?"

" Your sister is arriving tomorrow - to take you home."

" Noooooooooo!"

Michael walked to her and picked up her hand, stroking it. " Carmana, this is for the best - I am a fugitive. I have authorities hunting me. You and I cannot have a life together."

" I don't care about that! You don't love me do you. You still love that woman - the woman who's name you call to in your sleep - Nikita!"

" She is dead, Carmana."

" You love a dead woman!"

She began to weep, "I gave myself to you and now you cast me away, like a discarded whore!"

" Don't talk like this. Please try to understand - I was wrong in having you come with me."

" Get out of my sight! I never want to see you again!"

" I will go - but promise me you will wait here for your sister."

"GET OUT!!!" she screamed.

***********

Chapter 17

Michael collected his few belongings, stuffed them into his pack and left the room. He went downstairs and asked the desk clerk for another room. The clerk asked if there was a problem with the room he had and Michael replied, there had been a quarrel and his friend wanted to be alone. The desk clerk smiled knowingly and stated, "Unfortunately, there are no more rooms; we are full this evening."

" Is it alright if I stay in the lobby - I want to make sure my friend is okay and doesn't wander around Venice alone."

The clerk smiled understanding, "Yes sir that would be fine for one night - but there is one more small item." He reached under the counter and pulled out a photograph. "The police were here earlier and left this picture - now I'm not certain but it does bear a close resemblance to you sir."

Michael took the photograph, glanced at it and then handed it back. As he did this, he also slid several large denomination bills across the counter.

" Did they say why they were looking for this man?"

" No, only that he was wanted across Europe. Ah, sir I hope there will not be a problem with you wanting to remain in the lobby overnight."

" No problem and I assure you, if that man in the picture does resemble me, it is entirely a coincidence."

" Certainly sir."

With that Michael left and went to sit in a cafe across from the pensione.

How could the police have tracked him? He better not even wait in the lobby overnight. As soon as he knew Carmana's sister had come for her, he would leave.

After a couple of hours had passed, a waiter at the cafe told Michael they were closing so he got up and walked the narrow walkway along the canal near the pensione, always watching the entrance.

He did not know what Carmana might do - he must make sure no harm came to her because of his actions. He returned to the now closed cafe and huddled in a corner of the building; the damp night air closed in. He took some bread and cheese from his pack and nibbled on it. He drank from a bottle of water and continued to watch the entrance of the pensione. Soon he drifted off to sleep but awoke a few hours later with the chiming of church bells. The cafe was beginning to open as Michael returned to sit at an outdoor table; the waiter brought him a steaming coffee.

Suddenly he spotted Carmana's sister entering the pensione. He remained seated at the cafe and within a half-hour, Carmana and her sister came out of the pensione. Michael watched as they boarded a boat destined for the Stazione S. Lucia and a train that would take them out of Venice.

Michael took another boat back to the parking area where he had left his motorcycle. Once there, he tied on his pack, and took out his maps. He would change his travel plans; it was too dangerous to go south to Rome, he must leave Italy and travel through the former Yugoslavia and then to Greece. By travelling in the former war-torn Yugoslavia, there would be less likelihood of detection. He studied his map; the border crossing at Trieste was out - he would attempt to find a boat at either Bibione or Grado to take him to the peninsula of Istra on the Croatian coast. He got on the bike and headed east out of Venice.

~ ~ ~

Nikita awoke the next morning after arriving in Ibiza with yet another bout of morning sickness. She returned to her bed from the bathroom on-suite, having thrown up repeatedly.

Gradually after two hours, she felt better. She rose, showered and went out onto the main patio where a light breakfast was served. She looked at the food and told the staff to just leave it but please bring a coffee with hot milk. Current newspapers lay on the table and as she picked up the British copies, Walter came out all excited.

"Morning Sugar, how you doing this wonderful morning?"

" Morning Walter .....well I ......

" Sugar, you won't believe the set-up Helmut has here. The state of the art surveillance systems - the greatest toys - amazing counter-espionage, anti-terrorist fighting toys - way superior to Section's!"

" Toys?"

" Well they're like toys to me!" He laughed. " And the two people....... the ones I'll be working with - great people - Hans and Winifred. Well, Win has had a bad rap with Interpol - she's ......"

" Yes," grinned Nikita.

" Her and I have kind of hit it off."

" Glad to see you're fitting in Walter."

" What! " He grinned. " Well, yeah, thanks Sugar."

" Here - you better eat some of this breakfast." Nikita picked up the British newspaper as Walter began eating the breakfast. "Yeah, sure, I'll just have a quick bite then better get back to work."

Nikita scanned the newspaper and began reading an article about Roy Dupuis who has been picked up and charged as an international terrorist.

" Oh my God! Look at this article. This is that Canadian actor, the one who looks so much like Michael, he's been charged as a terrorist, but he told me he was an actor. There's a picture of him too."

Walter took the paper, "Wow Sugar, he does look like Michael and they've charged him as a terrorist."

Just then Helmut came out to the patio; Nikita handed him the paper, "Remember I was telling you about that Canadian actor who looked like Michael, he's been arrested in London - the CIA have him - they think he's a terrorist.

Helmut took the newspaper from Nikita and studied it. "Interesting - there is certainly a resemblance. I'll have my sources see what they can find out." He turned to Nikita and smiled. " And how are you this morning Nikita? And you Walter?"

Walter was already starting to leave and gulped down his coffee, "Oh, great - thanks - I'm just heading back to your lab - you have an incredible operation here - and thanks for letting me help out."

" Your expertise will aid us considerably - glad you find the operation suitable."

" Suitable - it's fantastic - look - talk to you later, I've got to get back and run some tests with Hans and Winifred."

Walter left and Nikita started laughing, "Walter thinks he's died and gone to heaven - he says your operation is superior to Sections'."

" Walter will be a great asset to all our work but you haven't answered me - how are you feeling?"

" Are you reading my mind or did you happen to hear me this morning?"

" Were you sick again?"

" It's just morning sickness - some women get it - some don't - I'm just unlucky to be one that does.

" When were you last to a doctor?"

" Well back at Section when I discovered I was pregnant."

" I want you to see my doctor and he will probably want you to see a gynecologist."

" Helmut, there's no need - it's just a little morning sickness."

Nikita started to get up but doubled over in pain. She clutched her abdomen as Helmut grabbed her before she fell. "Nikita are you alright! Here sit down!"

" I'm fine ....it's okay ...I just had a shooting pain for a minute."

Helmut reached into his jacket and pulled out a cell phone. " I'm having my doctor come over here immediately."

" There's no need." She tried to laugh. " Probably too many years working for Section and getting beat-up. Those punches in the abdomen over the years haven't helped the baby factory."

" Fine, make a joke but I'm having the doctor examine you today." He stepped away and spoke into the cell phone. " Yes, this afternoon will be fine - see you then."

He walked to Nikita, knelt before her and put his arms around her. "The doctor will be here at 2 pm, he will examine you and if he feels tests are warranted, you will go with him to the clinic. And don't argue with me - you must look after yourself." He touched her abdomen gently. "....and the baby."

" Helmut I ......."

" No arguments - okay."

Nikita smiled. "Yes."

Nikita returned to her bedroom and rested until the doctor arrived. He performed a standard procedure and asked about her medical history. She neglected to mention the many times she had been wounded and injured in the line of work. He asked how many months pregnant she was and when she replied three, he looked puzzled.

"You are certain."

" Yes, that's what the doctor told me at Sec.....at the clinic. Why?"

"I would like you to come for some tests - just routine - an ultrasound and a few other tests."

" Is there something wrong?"

" No, no. I want to confirm your due date and determine what might have caused the sharp abdominal pain."

" Do you think the baby is ....alright?"

" I'm sure everything is fine but the tests will confirm that. Can you come in tomorrow morning?"

" Mornings aren't the best for me - I'm usually sick, you know - morning sickness."

" Then have Mr. Volker bring you when you feel up to it. I'll see you tomorrow."

The doctor left the room and Helmut entered. "Well, what did he say?"

" He wants me in for tests tomorrow."

Helmut went to Nikita and reached for her hand. "I'm certain it's standard procedure, you should have had it done in London."

" I know. This is a new experience for me." Her eyes began to tear. " Helmut, thank you for doing this for me - I just don't seem to have the strength or courage to try ....."

Helmut stroked her head. " I will look after you Nikita, I will be your strength." He lifted her face and kissed her gently and smiled. " It's probably all those hormones running amuck. Now - do you want to rest or what?"

" Maybe I'll try and sleep a little."

Helmut kissed her again and she climbed back into the bed. He wrapped the duvet around her then left the bedroom .After Helmut left, Nikita got up from the bed and walked over to her luggage which was stored in a closet. She pulled it out, and removed a photograph of Michael.

She touched the image of Michael on his mouth, his eyes and then held it to her breast. Slowly she lowered the cold glass frame to her abdomen and unborn child.

~ ~ ~

Michael had no trouble hiring a boat to take him from Italy to Piran on the Istra peninsula of what was now Croatia. The US dollars in large quantities bought a boat ride and silence from the men who transported him. He drove his motorcycle off the barge-like tug and made his way to Rijeka and headed down the Adriatic coast.

The men he had hired the boat from gave him information on where he could purchase firearms, a PDA or any other communication devices he might want. Many items of contra-ban were now available since the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. The contact for purchasing these items was in Split.

Michael drove his bike down the coastline, enjoying the sea air and with each kilometre, the guilt of what he may have done to Carmana, left his mind. He had been wrong in assuming travelling with her would act as a cover from whom even was hunting him. He pulled the bike to the side of the highway outside of Split and went to sit on a rocky outcrop. He pulled out bread, cheese and water; and once again stared out to the sea.

"This coastline is beautiful - not overcrowded or exploited by tourism," he whispered to himself. "Nikita would have loved this coast; she would love to sail the azure Adriatic." Images of their time together aboard the boat off the French Riviera drifted into his mind. He could taste her lips, feel her hair; he could smell the intoxicating perfume of her skin.

He stood up quickly, shook his head over and over; the shooting headache had returned. Michael staggered backwards and fell to the ground; he twisted over and threw up repeatedly. He grabbed for the bottle of water and began to drink thirstily. The dizziness and nausea subsided eventually but the headache remained. He gathered up his belongings, got on the bike and made his way into Split.

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

Chapter 18

Michael dialled a number given him by the boatmen and sat at an outdoor cafe waiting to be contacted. He had ordered some food, hoping the nourishment would drive away the illness he was experiencing. Soon an Audi pulled up in front of the cafe and two men walked up to him.

They spoke in German; Michael replied and a discreet transfer of money was made for a small firearm, a high-powered PDA and false identity papers. Michael quickly left the cafe after the transaction was made. He rode his bike out of Split but not before purchasing some strong painkiller tablets. He swallowed only one tablet, concerned more would make him too drowsy to drive. He calculated the distance to Dubrovnik where he would spend the night in a discreet hotel - there he would take more of the painkillers in hope of alleviating the growing headache.

As he approached Dubrovnik, he marveled at the architecture and the history of the area. The one pain tablet had begun to dull the headache. Michael found a small hotel, left his bike secure in the hotel courtyard and made his way to his room. Once inside, he threw his belongings on the bed, took two more tablets and walked to the small patio which overlooked the Adriatic sea. He sat down and tried to eat the small salad and rolls he had purchased. He opened a bottle of red wine, realizing he should probably not be consuming alcohol with the drugs but he needed to rest: to forget, to lose himself. Soon he drifted off to sleep; the sound of the sea washing ashore; and the call of gulls along the shoreline.

~ ~ ~

The silver Mercedes sped along the Ibiza coastline. Helmut reached over and inserted a CD into the stereo, and the voice of Sarah McLachlan's music echoed throughout the car. Helmut looked over at Nikita who sat in silence.

" You are beginning to worry me Nikita. Why won't you tell me what the doctor said to you. Was there something troubling with the tests?"

" No the tests were fine."

" I know it may not be my business or place to ask - but I'm worried - is something wrong?"

Nikita looked over at Helmut and placed her hand on his. "You are too good to me, but really everything is okay. The doctor just suggested I may want to rest more, this being my first pregnancy."

" What about the abdominal pains?"

" He couldn't find any reason for them." She smiled. " Like I told you - all the punches I've taken for Section."

" You didn't tell the doctor about your role in Section."

" No way, no point in bringing up un-necessary inquiries."

" You're right there - the doctor thinks I'm in the electronic business."

Nikita looked out at the passing coastline. " I wonder what it would be like to have a normal life - one without lies and deceit."

" We'll never know that life Nikita."

" Can we stop and walk on the beach?"

" Certainly, there's a beautiful spot a few kilometers ahead."

~ ~ ~

Michael began to dream - again - water, sea - Nikita. She reached out to him. He tried to reach out to grab her - but she kept floating away. He slipped down off the chair on the patio and awoke. Michael rose and went to lie on the bed and was soon drifting off once more into a dream. But this time when Nikita appeared he saw her with a man.

He could not make out the face of the man but Nikita was kissing him passionately. Michael twisted on the bed trying to remove the image but the man and Nikita only became more passionate and soon were making love. Michael yelled out in his dream, "No, no Nikita!" His arms struck out at the image of the lovers - they floated away. His tormented dream continued; next - explosions happened all around him - he ducked for cover; he felt blood. Michael twisted violently on the bed, breathing deeply. He then found himself walking into a beautiful house. The front door was open, he walked in, went up a winding staircase, into a large bedroom. The bed was a four poster with white muslin draped around all four sides. A window to the sea was open and a breeze blew the muslin open on one side. Michael saw two lovers on the bed: they twisted and moaned in the passion of lovemaking. The woman turned over to reveal her face ....... it was Nikita. The man called her name out, over and over. He cried out how much he loved her and would do anything for her. She replied that she loved him too and would remain by his side. Their lovemaking became more and more passionate: Michael wanted to destroy the man, to pull them apart; to stop their lovemaking but - he could not move. It was as if his feet had become part of the floor.

The lovers screamed out as their mutual climax coursed through their bodies. They lay, bathed in the tingle of lovemaking fulfilled. The man stroked her hair back from her face; he once again proclaimed his love for her and it made no difference to him that she carried another man's child - he loved her and would protect both the unborn child and her forever. Michael cried out again. "Nikita!! ...........Kitaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

~ ~ ~

Helmut's Mercedes pulled onto a shoulder of the road; Nikita and Helmut walked down to the beach. They walked in silence. Helmut put his arm around Nikita and stole glances at her as the wind blew her hair over his arm and hand. He dared not tell her his true feelings; he cared so deeply for her but knew she loved another. If only this beautiful woman loved him as she did Michael. How long would she remain with him in an unending search for a dead man. The intel Helmut had gathered pointed only to one fact - Michael had died in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan and yet Nikita clung to the belief he was still alive. And the fact she was carrying Michael's child, only made her more determined to find him.

Nikita broke the silence by breaking away from his hold on her. She ran ahead and spun around in the sand; she was smiling and beckoned to Helmut to chase her. He grinned.

This was the wonderful, playful Nikita he remembered. He ran after her as she darted behind some rocks. Helmut pursued her, jumping up on the rocks and standing over her.

" Some operative you are, I could find you in a second."

" Maybe I wanted you to find me."

They stood together looking out at the pounding surf.

" What do you mean, you wanted me to find you?"

" Come on let's go back to the villa."

~ ~ ~

There was suddenly loud banging at the door to Michael's room. It was the hotel manager wondering if he was alright. Michael awoke, staggering to the door.

"Yes, yes....I was trying to sleep....was dreaming...I'm fine."

Michael torn the rest of his clothes from his body and walked out to the patio. The cool night air washed over his sweat drenched body. He braced himself against the railing and breathed deeply. Tears crept from his eyes: Would he, could he ever forget her - and their unborn child. Why had the child been taken also - it was terrible she had been taken - but the child - the child he had so desperately wanted. He could hardly believe it when she had told him she was pregnant. He was shocked; he always thought she had suffered Section's sterilization process. She had deceived Section and then they had made love so many times but then she had told him the incredible news. A baby - a child - he had so wanted another child after losing Adam.

Michael shook his head. "What, a child named Adam!" He had suddenly remembered something from his past. He had a child named Adam? He struggled to recall more but to no avail.

Michael returned to the bed, lay down and waited for sleep, half afraid of the dreams that would come with it. As daylight crept over the horizon on the Adriatic sea, Michael drifted into a deep sleep - no dreams ravaged his unconscious state. All memories floated away.

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

Chapter 19

The Mercedes pulled into the driveway. Nikita and Helmut entered the villa and went into the lounge. They sat in silence until the staff brought them some food; wine for Helmut and a juice for Nikita.

Nikita smiled. " I'm going to miss having wine but the doctor said to cut out alcohol."

Helmut reached over and kissed her hand. " The juice is better for you."

" So you say .... I'll still miss the wine."

Nikita got up from the leather chair and walked to Helmut.

" Ah, there's something the doctor told me that I think you should know."

" What? You said everything was okay, are you......."

Nikita stroked his face. " Don't worry....everything is....well, the fact of the matter is........"

" Nikita! Stop teasing - what is it?"

" I'm going to have twins. I'm pregnant with twins." *

" What?"

" A boy and a girl."

" Oh, my God!"

" I'll probably be big as a house - a huge whale!" She laughed.

" Never."

" My father would say it serves me right - I've got to pay my dues."

" What do you mean?"

" My father didn't want Michael and I to be together, he lied to us about having a life outside of Section. And like I told you before, that's why Michael went on a mission to Afghanistan - I think my father set him up for abeyance - but Michael fooled him - he didn't die."

Helmut put his arms around Nikita, "Nikita - how can you know this?"

" I feel this in my soul and know it's true. Michael is out there somewhere. But my father would laugh if he knew I was pregnant with twins. He would say I was being punished for all the times Michael and I made love."

Helmut got up and poured himself more wine. It was difficult listening to Nikita talk about Michael, especially about their making love."

" Your father knows about the pregnancy?"

" Yes, I even told him how I avoided Section's sterilization program. I don't think he ever agreed with the program anyway."

" But why would he want Michael killed, if he knew he was the father of your child - oh, sorry - children."

" My father wants me to run Section and if having a child was going to make me happy, that was fine with him."

" I've heard many things about your father at Centre - a very powerful man. He must be trying to locate you."

" He is .... but he is remaining in the shadows waiting for me to give up my search. He believes I will return eventually."

" And will you?"

" Never."

"Ah, Nikita.....this is difficult for me to say.....but....what if we can't find Michael?"

Nikita put her arms around Helmut and kissed him. " You will find him for me... after all, you are the best agent in the world!"

" You give me too much credit. I only hope I can fulfill your dreams."

~ ~ ~

Michael awoke the next morning and began packing his belongings into his pack. He still had the headache and had swallowed two painkillers with water. As he stuffed his clothing into the pack, a small leather portfolio fell out. Michael picked it up - he had forgotten having this and as he opened the pouch and shuffled through the false passports and documents, a photograph slipped out.

It was a playful shot of Nikita he had taken when they had some downtime and spent a week in a private lodge in the Canadian Rockies. He smiled at the image of Nikita - how playful she had been, always teasing him to 'lighten up'. She had been playful in their lovemaking also.

He suddenly recalled his dream of Nikita with another man and thought, If only she were alive - to be with another man. Her valentine op missions, although few, had been particularly hard on him - the thought of men touching her, having her - making love - no having sex with her, sickened him. He grabbed his pack, stuffed in the remainder of his gear, checked the room and left. He paid for the room, stored his pack on the motorcycle and drove out of Dubrovnik, heading southeast towards the Greek border. Once Michael left Dubrovnik, he headed south and slipped across the border into Albania. He felt it would be easier to get into Greece than travel through the republic of Macedonia. His intel picked up on the PDA laptop had shown the Macedonian population were having bitter disputes with the Greek government over lands bordering on the northern Greek border. These disputes went back centuries.

The roads through Albania were in disrepair and the population were struggling to make ends meet. Michael had determined through background intel that Albania had ended 44 years of xenophobic communist rule in 1990 and established a multiparty democracy. The transition had proved difficult and with the outbreak of war in the former Yugoslavia, fighting had been frequent along their borders. He road the motorcycle through the capital of Tirane and headed for a non-descriptive border crossing into Greece.

He peered through his binoculars at the border. It would close in one hour; he would go then, when weary border guards were wanting to head home and not take time with extra questions.

Dusk was settling on the countryside as Michael drove the bike up to the crossing. A disinterested Greek customs official took his false passport and travel documents and without looking at them, placed the official entrance stamp on a page. He handed the documents back to Michael and motioned him into Greece.

As Michael made he way to Thessaloniki on the eastern Aegean Sea, he had to pull the bike over to a rest stop and take more of the painkillers. The ravaging headache was becoming worse and each time this happened, he would become nauseous and vomit. Why was this happening? And even more - why was he continuing this journey back to Afghanistan? Was it because Afghanistan was the last place he had been with Nikita? Or was there a cause to fight for? His head pounded as he forced himself to answer the questions. It was late afternoon as Michael drove through the streets of Thessaloniki.

He stopped at a roadside cafe and entered. Once again, Michael ordered food that he tried to eat but soon felt nauseous. He sipped wine; at least he could keep that down. He asked the waiter to suggest a hotel nearby then headed to the Kosmopolit Hotel on Ermou Street. Once in his room, he lay down and picked up a brochure explaining where the name Thessaloniki came from: the father of Alexander the Great had a daughter whom he named Thessaloniki to commemorate his victory over Thessaly - combining 'Thessaly' with 'Niki', the Greek word for victory.

"Humm", Michael thought, "An appropriate parallel with the head of Centre and his daughter Nikita. Her father had indeed won a victory over them - he had kept Nikita and Michael apart - forever."

He got up and went to the window overlooking the street: indeed, even this hotel had a bloody history. In the 1960's when the military dictatorship was in power in Greece, backed by the US CIA, this hotel was the scene of a murder of a Greek pacifist leader - Gregory Lambrakis. The population mourned in silence, afraid of the dictatorship but for months after the murder, on walls all over Greece, there appeared the letter "Z" for zei - He Lives.

Michael remembered reading the book "Z" that had been banned for years. It was an interesting commentary on Greece - the seat of democracy - and dictatorship.

During his years in Section, Michael had remained apolitical - the causes of others were not his. He performed missions with the profile and plan determined - he never questioned the politics of the players. That did not stop him, however, from being a student of the historical anachronisms. He had been to Greece a few times on missions but was always just in and out of the country quickly once the mission was over. Maybe he would take more time now and try to enjoy the country's beauty.

However, travel on the motorcycle only aggravated his headache. The next morning after taking more painkillers, he felt somewhat better; he thought he would try to eat something.

As he walked toward an outdoor cafe, he spotted a blonde woman. He did not understand why, but he followed her. Michael could not see her face but was compelled to follow her. She had long blonde hair, was tall and statuesque. The woman was exquisitely dressed in a black leather skirt and top; a stylish hat adorned her head.

Michael stood outside a boutique and watched the woman inside. She was trying on gloves and inspecting a handbag. Soon she came out and headed down the street; Michael following at a discreet distance. Suddenly he felt dizzy and began staggering; he shook his head and images of Nikita floated before him.

He continued to follow the woman, increasing his pace. Soon he was directly behind her; he reached out and grabbed her arm.

"Nikita!", he shouted. The woman whirled around and swung her handbag at Michael.

"What do you think you are doing! Get away from me!"

She began screaming and soon people were attempting to grab hold of Michael. "Get the police - this man tried to molest me!" Michael wheeled around, staggering; he was so dizzy he felt himself beginning to fall over. The police had arrived and started to handcuff him. Michael was too weak to fight them and was placed in a police car. The woman screamed at him that she would press charges for sexual assault.

The police car drove away with Michael half conscious in the backseat. As they approached the police station, Michael came around and began kicking out the windows of the police car. He leapt out with the police in pursuit. His hands were still handcuffed but as the officers seized him, Michael swung out, striking one officer and kicking another. Soon plain clothed officers were running from the police station to help. They quickly disabled him and as he fell to the ground semi-conscious, they removed the handcuffs and placed a straightjacket on him. Using strong smelling salts on him, he revived consciousness and was led into the station. The officers placed Michael in a holding cell. Night turned into day as Michael drifted in and out of consciousness.