"So tell me," Addison began. "What have you been able to determine from our hostess since she captured you?"

"Apart from the fact that I don't like her? I really, really don't like her!"

Addison smiled. "Uh huh!"

Sighing, Skyler laid her head back against the wall and thought. "There are two things that come to mind. Firstly, the fact that she called herself by a different name..."

"Was it Sadie Bregon?" Addison interrupted. "Did you meet anybody called Kleein or Dr. Kleein?"

Skyler shook her head against the wall. "I never met a Dr. Kleein but she did talk to one on the phone and during that conversation she called herself Bregon, yes. Also, I managed to get out of her the reason she has been able to remain one step ahead of you for so long and she called it 'insider trading'."

Addison sighed heavily. "We kind of figured that."

"What?"

"That she has a contact within the organisation, which means we have a double agent working in my branch."

"Special Operations," Skyler said. "She told me you worked for MI-5."

"She seems to know a lot about me."

The blonde nodded. "I was confused though. You called yourself Agent Black yet you are in the Military. What exactly is your job t.i.tle, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Not at all." Addison b.u.mped her shoulder against Skyler. "That I can answer. Yes, I am an agent working for Special Operations and within that I do have a ranking, but I am also a soldier in the British Military and my ranking as such is Captain."

"Captain Black!" Skyler appeared impressed. "You look too young to be a Captain. Can I ask how old you are?"

Addison grinned. "Older than you," she replied forcing Skyler to b.u.mp a shoulder back against her.

"I figured that!"

"I'm thirty-four," the soldier answered. "Any more questions?"

"I was just inquiring," Skyler defended. "You seem to know so much about me after all."

"Well believe me; I haven't lived the kind of life that makes for interesting dinner conversation. In fact, it's more likely to put people off their dinner."

The blonde didn't seem convinced. "I doubt it's that bad. What about your childhood? We all have crazy stories about what we got up to when we were younger!"

"What about yours?" Addison diverted.

"Mine!" Skyler shook her head. "Mine is the exception. The craziest thing I did as a kid was doodle in a library book when I was lost in thought!"

"So it was you!" Addison took Skyler by the wrist. "For years there has been an outstanding warrant for the person who did that! I can't believe it. I caught the phantom library book doodler!"

Both women laughed, but their amus.e.m.e.nt was short lived as a loud voice shouted from outside their room. It was followed by several more voices and then the sound of footsteps leading away from the door echoed into the distance. Skyler felt their imprisoning walls begin to close in around her.

"She's going to kill us isn't she?" Her hopeless tone was clearly evident.

"She wants to... she may think she is going to... but she isn't."

"How can you be so confidant, Addison?" Skyler looked at her, pleading with the soldier to give her hope. Fear was beginning to take hold and it was down to Addison to release that. "It's, G.o.d knows how many people, against the two of us, and I'm not exactly the soldier type."

Addison placed her arm around Skyler. "Hey, I promise you will get out of here."

"And you too!" Skyler stated adamantly.

"I'll be right there with you, that I guarantee."

Sighing, Skyler slumped into Addison's embrace. She rested her head upon the British woman's shoulder. "I hope so."

Addison let her own head fall back against the wall. She closed her eyes, allowing her body a moment of complete rest. She released the aches and pains of the last few days and felt her muscles ease into submission. With Skyler in her arms, she felt good. Too good, her mind cried out in warning, but she chose to ignore it. She knew the rules... No agent was allowed 'to engage in any form of improper conduct of or referring to a s.e.xual nature or form an emotional bond with the mission's focussed protection.' No matter how good it felt to hold them, Addison's mind added.

Pus.h.i.+ng those thoughts away for the time being, Addison closed her eyes and laid her cheek upon Skyler's head. Both women slipped into a light but much needed rest.

Chapter 18.

Skyler woke slowly. She couldn't tell how long she'd been asleep, but the area visible through the skylight was dark. Even with the obstruction of the bars, a mult.i.tude of stars showed themselves and for a little while she just looked up at them in silent awe. The stars appeared like benevolent eyes, watching down and over them.

It made Skyler think back on the revelation that Addison had two different colored eyes. Well, an injury that made it appear so anyway. On another person it might have been unattractive, but it only gave the British agent a more intriguing look. The American couldn't stop wondering what it would be like to see those eyes darken with pa.s.sion, the kind of pa.s.sion she had led Brodie to believe she had already experienced with Addison.

The scientist's head was still against Addison's shoulder. They had slid down a little in their sleep, but Addison's arm had stayed around her. Skyler felt safe and very warm. Too warm. Even accounting for the agent's higher than normal body temperature, Skyler could tell she was running a fever.

As surrept.i.tiously as possible, Skyler brought her hand up to Addison's abdomen. The agent's s.h.i.+rt was open and the flesh exposed. The American made the move as natural as she could in order not to wake the slumbering soldier. When her hand reached its intended target, Skyler knew she was right about the temperature.

"I've got a fever, haven't I?" The agent's voice startled the American and she jumped a little in Addison's arm. The brunette winced as her side was jostled.

"G.o.d, I'm sorry," Skyler said. "I didn't know you were awake."

"I've been awake for a little while now. I didn't move because you looked so comfortable. You also looked like you needed the rest." Addison purposely omitted the fact that she was comfortable too and had rested well with the blonde next to her.

"I did," Skyler agreed. "What I need more is some food. It's been a long time since I nibbled on the things you bought me in Scotland and what little Brodie did provide, she caused me to throw back up with her never-ending supply of drugs." With no food between them, Skyler felt she should change the subject and keep their minds off of it. "How are you feeling? Is there much pain?"

"A little," Addison admitted. "It's nothing I can't handle though. The good news is your st.i.tching seems to be holding up. I can't detect any bleeding."

Ever the student, Skyler had to know the truth of Addison's words for herself. She moved her hand across the agent's belly until it reached her side and she felt the dry bandages under her fingertips. A trail of gooseflesh on Addison's skin was left in the wake of her wandering touch.

"You're right, the st.i.tches seem fine. Now if you don't succ.u.mb from a fever, we only have Brodie's little plans to deal with. She said she's going to put a bullet in both of our heads after she 'enjoys me' in front of you." Skyler shook her head. "She must not have had enough love as a child."

"There's a lot of that going around," Addison said and nearly bit her lip as she let the information slip.

"So what happened when..." The rest of Skyler's question was cut short as they both heard a key in the door's lock. The door opened and light flooded in from the hallway. Both women squinted as their eyes worked to become accustomed to the brightness. The shapes of Brodie and Shamus were clearly outlined in the backlight. The AK-47 Shamus held was also clearly outlined.

"Oh Shamus, isn't this precious?" Brodie asked sarcastically. "Look at the lovebirds all nestled together. It's so sweet."

"Thweet," Shamus agreed. He gave what could have been a laugh, but sounded more like the low-pitched rumbling of a volcano.

"Let's get something straight here and now," Brodie said, the usual menace returning to her voice. "I don't give a f.u.c.k whether you starve or not, but my superior requests I keep you alive and unharmed for a bit longer. Just in case we need to contact Doctor Tidwell for a.s.sistance while we are setting up our own version of our work, we're going to keep you alive, Skyler. The reason for you continuing to draw breath is less clear, Addison, but I have my instructions and therefore you eat." She crouched down and slid a paper tray over to the mattress. Sandwiches were piled on the tray along with two paper cups.

"It's simple fare I realize, but you'll have to forgive that. You can get water from the sink. Now, if you don't want to have your cause of death listed as lead poisoning, you'll not move until the door is closed and locked." She stood and moved back through the doorway.

"Agnes, I just hate to dine in the dark. How about a little light in here? Or maybe just a candle to set the mood for my woman and I?" Addison asked as she tightened her hold around Skyler's shoulders and leaned over to place a soft kiss on Skyler's head.

Brodie's features darkened and it was all Skyler could do not to break out into laughter. She held herself in check though, afraid Brodie would take the food she so recently delivered.

"Most certainly," the Irishwoman said unexpectedly. "I can afford to be generous now. I have a thick steak waiting for me in my quarters and a willing companion waiting for me in my bed."

"A steak and a companion?" Addison asked. "That's two unfortunate cows then!" This time Skyler did let loose a small laugh.

"You have half an hour," Brodie said sourly. She reached over to an unseen panel outside the door and light flooded the room. "Enjoy it." The door slammed shut and the key could be heard turning in the lock. Skyler wasted no time in sitting up and moving toward the sandwiches. Taking one, she pa.s.sed a second to Addison and they each hungrily took a large bite.

"Holy Christ, it's peanut b.u.t.ter!" Addison said as she forced herself to swallow.

Skyler was having the same reaction to her sandwich. "At least you can identify what's on yours. I've got no idea what the heck this stuff is." Addison took the sandwich from her an inspected the contents.

"Marmite!" she said delightedly. "It's been forever since I had Marmite!"

"Trade?" offered Skyler.

"Deal," Addison replied. They swapped sandwiches and began eating again. After two more bites each they stopped and looked at one another.

"Water!" they said in unison.

"I'll get it," Skyler said as she moved to the sink with the paper cups. Returning, she handed one to Addison and set about finis.h.i.+ng her first sandwich. As she did she surveyed Addison's physical damage again. The various cuts and bruises looked slightly improved. She was halted in her inspection as her gaze reached Addison's face and the unique eyes of the agent held her.

"How do I look?" Addison inquired.

Stunning? Beautiful? Delectable? Skyler ran the gamut of words through her mind. "Better," she chose. She pa.s.sed Addison one of the two remaining sandwiches and started in on the other.

"No television, no music and no books," Addison observed. "What will we do for entertainment?"

Skyler had a comeback on the tip of her tongue, but left it unsaid. "Um, talk?"

Addison did a quick survey of Skyler's body, but agreed. "Talking is good. So, I've met your mum and I know your dad was a police officer. Do you have any other family?" The agent decided that asking the questions was highly preferable to answering them.

"Not really," Skyler began. "It's just us. Listen Addison, before we talk about anything else, I want to apologize to you."

The agent was puzzled. "What for?"

Skyler looked down, unable to meet Addison's eyes. "For what happened on the Isle of Skye. I...I didn't listen to you. I left the room under the stairs and decided to come look for you. That's when I ran into Brodie and made it possible for her to get away. Because of that she is free, we're in here and you've been shot. I'm so sorry."

"That's water under the bridge," Addison said generously. "Let's just try and concentrate on the here and now. She reached out and lifted Skyler's chin with two fingers. "I hadn't had a holiday out of the country in quite a while and I heard Israel was lovely this time of the year so you actually did me a favor."

Skyler gave a small smile. "You're crazy, you know."

The agent shrugged her shoulders. "So I've been told." The two women felt the bond between them forming again. Addison seemed to be about to say something more when the lights went out.

"Fifteen minutes. Agnes couldn't even tell the truth about that," Addison commented.

They sat quietly a few moments as once again their eyes adjusted to the change in light. When Addison could see clearly, she saw Skyler sitting cross-legged at the place on the mattress where she had last seen her. "What's wrong?" the agent asked.

"Nothing," Skyler replied.

"Your mum is safe, Skyler," Addison commented, guessing at the reason for Skyler's change in mood. "My boss, General Blithe, is personally seeing to her safety. When I say personally, I mean exactly that. I think there's a little spark there between them."

"Really? That's nice to hear. I've wanted her to find someone for a long time. Sometimes I felt like she gave up a lot of her own life trying to be both parents to me."

"Do you want to tell me about it?" Addison asked. She felt Skyler wanted to talk, but was reluctant to do so. The American stood then.

"I need to..." she indicated the bathroom. "Do you want to go? I can help you over there if you like."

Addison nodded. "Maybe just some help to my feet." Skyler moved to Addison's uninjured side and used her body for leverage as the agent pulled herself to her feet.

After the agent visited the bathroom, she waited for Skyler to return. As the scientist emerged she said, "I never realized that going to the bathroom was such a visual experience. Some things just don't need to be done by feel."

"And some things do," Addison quipped. She couldn't see it, but she knew Skyler was blus.h.i.+ng. What she could see was Skyler s.h.i.+ver a little.

"Cold?" Addison asked.

"It's gotten a little cool in here now. All my blood must be in my gut digesting Brodie's feast," Skyler said wryly.

"Come over here and help me down. If I'm going to run a fever I might as well share the warmth at least," Addison offered. Skyler a.s.sisted the Brit back to the mattress and moved next to, but not quite touching, her. "Skyler, I'm warm, but I'm not radiant. Move closer, I swear you're safe. I'm too injured to try any funny business." Skyler scooted closer and the warmth from Addison's skin enveloped her with the same safe and comfortable feeling she'd had on waking. Almost reflexively, Addison bent her arm around Skyler's shoulders.

"So you were going to tell me about you and your mum," the agent prompted.

Skyler gave Addison a brief synopsis of the day her father had been killed. "It was a long time before I could stand to see a police officer's uniform. It always reminded me of my dad being taken from me. I think when I was really young I wanted to be a cop like my dad, but after he died and I saw how losing him broke my mom's heart, I swore I'd never get involved with anyone in that field. The uncertainty would be too much. I'd never know if the person I loved would be coming back home everyday."

Addison had listened to the tale in silence. Her heart went out to the young woman who had lost a man she so idolized at such an early age. "Skyler, did you ever ask your mother if she regretted marrying your father?" she asked gently.

"No, but I can tell you what her answer would be. She never regretted marrying him. No matter how short their time together, she loved him and cherished every moment."

"There's your answer then Skyler. It's love, don't you see? Love is what makes the difference. Your mother knew everything you just said about the uncertainty of the future of a person in law enforcement, but she took the risk because she was in love. You say you never want to be involved with someone in that profession, but I think love might just change your mind."

"Maybe," Skyler said quietly, her voice thick with tears. "It hurt though, Addison, it hurt so much to lose him. It changed my life forever." She said no more as the tears came then. Skyler wept for her father and for the situation she was in now. Through it all Addison held her and gently stroked her back, whispering soothing words to the smaller woman. Eventually Skyler's tears subsided, her breathing evened out and she fell into an exhausted sleep. Addison stared up through the skylight for a long time before succ.u.mbing to the need for sleep herself.

When Addison opened her eyes again a new day was well underway. That fact was clearly evident by the bright Israeli sun s.h.i.+ning down through the skylight, hot and unrepentant. Its glare stung her eyes and she turned away from the intrusion. Addison had been aware, on waking, that Skyler was no longer beside her. She didn't have to worry about her whereabouts, however, as the closed door to the bathroom gave that away.

Before Addison fell asleep, she had pondered on Skyler and their conversation. The blonde had spoken so freely about her father and her feelings behind his death. It was an unknown concept to Addison, talking about her past in such an open manner. Not only had she never thought it the kind of information you would share with another, but she'd never thought anybody would be interested in hearing it. She felt ashamed and what was more, she didn't want anybody to think she was looking for sympathy. Addison's view though, had changed drastically. When it came to Skyler, Addison found she was very willing to listen to her. She wanted to know more about her. That was a startling revelation to somebody who before had only been interested in learning a person's responses in the bedroom. When it came to Skyler, Addison wanted to know everything. Strange, she thought.

Feeling a numbness settle into her legs, Addison decided it was time to stretch her limbs. She certainly didn't want to rely on Skyler to help her stand. It was important to Addison that she recover to a point where she would be able to carry out her rapidly building plan. Destroy Project Gemini while getting Skyler and herself out alive.

Bringing up both legs, Addison braced herself on one hand. She pushed herself to her feet, surprised at how strong she really did feel. The sleep she'd had over the past hours had helped immensely in aiding her body to heal. If anything, only her side still concerned her. Addison feared it might gain an infection.

As she walked a circuit of the room in an effort to stretch her legs, the door to the bathroom opened and Skyler stepped out. She could tell the blonde had used their limited facilities to freshen up a little.

"You're feeling better?" Skyler asked.