Author: Qsmad69
Disclaimer: I don't own them though I wish I did.
Don't expect greatness and please excuse any and all errors. (Spelling, grammar, places, occurrences, etc.)
Title: The Storm
Notes: The Bed & Breakfast in Ash Creek is there. Though I have never actually been there, I have seen it. So, all details on the subject are totally fictitious other than outside appearance and at my disposal to change as I see fit. To go with my story. The name of the place is The Gardens Bed & Breakfast. All other details in or around Ash Creek are fairly accurate though some have been changed to go with my story outline.
Many thanks to the wonderful workings of my Beta reader qs9300agent. Who brought this Fic out from the depths.
The Storm
It was a stormy Thursday evening when Bobby sunk into his bed only to be woke up two hours later to the sound of the telephone ringing incessantly. He grumbled something incoherently as he picked up the receiver.
"Fawkes this better not be you."
"Hello to you too Bobby"
"Alright what is it? And don't tell me you need counteragent 'cause we took care of that yesterday. Or is it still today?"
"Bobby I need you to get the Keep and come by as soon as you can." Fawkes said with a sound of fear and urgency to his voice.
"Its just... I... I need your help Bobby I can't do this myself." Darien said fearfully.
"Do what yourself? Fawkes what are you talkin' about partner?" Even as Bobby asked the line went dead.
Bobby Hobbes sat on the edge of his bed trying to bring himself out of the sleepy haze he was feeling.
He picked up the cell phone on the counter and quick-dialed Claire.
"Hello?" The tired English voice that could only belong to Claire answered.
"Hey Claire its Bobby."
"I know that! What do you want?" She asked a bit flustered.
"Its Fawkes, he called. Says he needs our help." Bobby said.
"Alright Bobby, what's wrong? Did Darien have another one of his quicksilver dreams?"
"What are you talking about there Keep?" Bobby stood in front of his closet looking for an outfit as he spoke.
"Oh nothing, just tell me what's going on Bobby." Claire said as she yawned, and sleepily rose to a sitting position in her darkened apartment.
"I don't know but the last thing he said was that he couldn't do it himself. Then the line went dead. I have a bad feeling about this Claire."
"Bobby I'll met you at Darien's. Hurry!" Claire exclaimed realizing the gravity of the situation.
"You don't have to worry about that one Keep. Bobby Hobbes does not bail on his partner. He'll be there faster than you can…" once again, before he could finish all he heard was the sound of a line gone dead.
Bobby hung up the phone. He had found an outfit that at least looked comfortable. He dressed and headed for the door.
As he did so a note was slipped under his door. He looked down it was addressed:
Robert Hobbes so-called partner of said thief Darien Fawkes
Bobby grabbed his gun and opened the door no one was in site. A package lay alone. Whoever it was had sure picked the right night. It was pouring out so if there were any prints they would be washed away before anyone could do anything about it.
Bobby ran back inside and opened the package which read:
Dear Mr. Hobbes,
I know about Fawkes working for the government.
He has made one mistake too many where my friends and me are concerned.
He WILL be paying for that.
Just thought I would let you know that you're going to be looking for a new partner very soon!
By the way I also know he called you. Don't hurry yourself he'll live.
Signed your friends,
R and L
The note did not make Bobby one bit happy.
He rushed out of his apartment grabbing his jacket on the way.
-----------------------------------------
As Bobby pulled up in front of Darien's apartment 20 minutes later you could hear the screeches from his van all the way down the street. Jeers from the tenants in the apartments above came at him in return.
Bobby and Claire met just outside their respective vehicles. Bobby waited as Claire grabbed her bag.
As she came around to the curb to meet him she asked, "Bobby do you have any idea what's going on?"
Bobby turned to face Claire; grabbing her he said, "Claire! Look at this!" Bobby exclaimed as he shoved the note in her face.
"What is it Bobby?" Claire asked. She squirmed out of his grip and backed away so she could see what Bobby was trying to show her. It was the note that had been slid under his door.
"Oh My God! Bobby!" Claire exclaimed as her hand flew up to her mouth.
"I know Claire, we need to get in there! NOW!"
The two cautiously went up the stairs to Darien's apartment. As they looked down the hallway it had an eerily dark look about it. The only light was from a small crackling yellow bulb some distance down the long hall.
"Claire!" Bobby whispered. He had noticed blood on the doorknob, and the door had the appearance of being kicked in.
"Oh Bobby!" Claire exclaimed.
"I know Claire be quiet, very quiet." Bobby ordered as he crept toward the door gun ready…
"Bobby! I know that! I wasn't born yesterday you know. And by the..."
She was silenced by the sound of a crash inside the apartment.
Upon entering the apartment it was pitch black. Claire turned the corner trying the lights, they only crackled and sputtered at the action. She sat her bag down and checked the release on her gun. Being satisfied she moved on. She knew that it was stupid of her to go through the door without checking it, but she didn't pretend to be an expert in covert agency stuff. She was a doctor and scientist, and covert operations were only for times of desperation and necessity. And well... this was definitely both.
Bobby made his way to the kitchen. Coming up with what he was looking for he came out with a flashlight and matches.
"Bobby don't you think you should do that after we find Darien." She asked. Bobby just shrugged his shoulders, handed Claire the matches, and told her to light some candles. She did accordingly, but with extreme caution. After that crash she really didn't trust anything but her own eyes.
After lighting some candles Claire went to the bedroom in search of Darien with no results.
"Claire!" She heard Bobby call. Claire exited the bedroom to see what Bobby wanted. She wasn't finding anything in there anyway.
"What is it Bobby?" She asked in a hushed tone.
"I think we got one of the bad guys over here!" Bobby said motioning to the lifeless form by the couch.
"Bobby! Could you keep it down, there could be another one still here."
"I don't think so Claire. Besides if there is we could use Mr. Muscle over here as leverage against them." Bobby said pointing to the unconscious form. He was more concerned with the whereabouts of his partner than some stupid ass punk anyway.
Claire grabbed her bag and came over to check the condition of 'Mr. Muscle' as Bobby so boldly put it.
Finding him well enough with only a mild concussion and a few broken ribs, she went in search of Darien.
Bobby had been looking everywhere for Darien when Claire found the bathroom door to be blocked by something.
It took both of them to make whatever it was budge, but budge it did and they pushed their way in.
As they entered they found a badly beaten and bloodied Darien crouched in the tub with a baseball bat clenched between his hands.
At the site of the two, he slowly dropped the bat and sobbed into his hands with relief.
Claire went to his side sitting on the edge of the tub she put her arm around him.
"Darien, its alright we're here." She said as she tried to console him.
He just shook his head and began to convulse as the sobs overtook his weakened state.
"Darien you need to calm down, it's okay." Darien nodded his head and began to calm a bit much to Claire's relief.
"Bobby could you get my bag? I need to check him over."
"Sure Claire." Bobby said as he left the room in search of her request. As he came nearer to the couch, he noticed muscle was awake. "Aw Crap!" He exclaimed. This brought Claire and Darien both out of their reverie.
"Okay Mr. stop right there!" Muscle said.
Bobby slowed to a stop realizing he had left his gun in the other room.
"Okay Mr.." He paused. He couldn't very well call him Mr. Muscle by the looks of the guy Bobby knew that would be a very BIG mistake.
"Its Just Sam!" The man said.
"Okay, Just Sam, What do ya' want?" Bobby asked a bit thrilled with himself over that one.
"Hey wait a minute! You messin' with me mister?"
"No, I just asked what you wanted. Now my friend, are you going to tell me or are we going to stand here all day long?" Bobby was becoming irritated with the stupidity of the man. How could Fawkes make enemies with guys as dumb as this? He thought.
"My name is not Just Sam, its Sam! You got it? SAM! And what I want is Fawkes to pay for what he did to me and my buddies."
"And what's that Sam?" Bobby asked.
"What do ya mean what's that? Never mind" Sam said exasperated. "I said all I'm gonna."
Claire and Darien heard the argument and had been listening intently.
"Claire we've got to get out there." Darien tried to push himself up but to no avail, he was just too weak and broken. Claire can you help me out here? This guys extremely dangerous when he starts getting agitated. He tortures guys for fun. He gets his jollies off watching you die slowly. If we don't do something quick Bobby will be in pretty bad shape." Darien said frantically.
"Darien!" Claire said, 'You're in pretty bad shape yourself. Besides that I think Bobby can handle himself pretty well."
"I know Claire. But look!" Darien pointed to a spot by the sink where Bobby's gun was laying. She looked on in shock. She realized she had left 'her' gun by the couch.
"Darien?"
"Yeah Claire?" He looked at her through hollow, worn-out eyes.
"Oh! Darien I … I think I…" She started but with the dread and shock of it, she couldn't say it.
"What Claire!" Darien was more forceful now. Even in his weakened state he could see the alarm in her eyes.
"I left my gun … out there…" She pointed to the door. "Where Claire?! Will Bobby see it?" Darien asked.
"No, It's by … on the couch."
"Help me up! PLEASE! CLAIRE!" Darien said distraught.
Claire shook her head coming out of the stunned state she was in and nodded. Reluctantly she helped Darien to the door. When Darien and Claire appeared at the doorway, they were just in time to see Sam fire the gun at Bobby's leg.
"Bobby!" Claire exclaimed. Not thinking she let go of Darien and ran to Bobby's side. Darien, would have fallen if it hadn't been for the doorframe he was propped up against.
"How could you!" Claire screamed as she worked feverishly to stabilize Bobby's leg. .
"Dammit woman would ya' shut up! You're giving me a headache." Sam said holding his head in pain.
"Well, well Sammy I see 'you' recovered." Darien said accusingly.
"And 'you' Fawkes look no worse for wear. Perhaps a bit more torture would do you some good."
"I don't think so Sammy! But maybe you might enjoy a game of I hide and you seek!" Darien said. He fully intended on ending this 'his' way if he could.
"No, I don't think so Fawkes. I'm leaving and you my dear Fawksey will be hearing from Luther soon enough." Sam said.
"Fine Sammy! But you tell Luther he better watch out because next time I won't be so easy to manipulate."
"Whatever Fawksey." Sam said as he laughed, threw the gun he was holding into the kitchen and left the apartment.
Darien suddenly lost his balance and fell to the floor. Rubbing the back of his neck his hand came back soaked with blood. He looked on with horror.
"Keep?!" Darien said as he lost all consciousness.
As Darien screamed and suddenly passed-out; Claire rushed to his side. She had seen his hand and was extremely worried. After several minutes, Darien finally came too. He had taken a bad beating.
"Darien your awake." Claire commented.
"Yeah… I guess." Darien stated through slurred speech.
Bobby slid over by Darien and Claire while scooting Claire's bag the whole way.
He got there just in time to see his partner waking up.
"Hey Fawkes!"
Darien just nodded. Every subtle movement caused a new experience of pain. His ribs his leg his head it all hurt so much.
"What happened here Fawkes?" Bobby asked.
Claire shook her head. "Bobby don't! I don't want him trying to talk. His little venture a bit ago was quite enough I think he may have broken his ankle when he fell."
Bobby just nodded and sunk into the couch. He raised his wounded leg that Claire had pretty well wrapped for the time being and rested it on the coffee table nearby.
Bobby watched as Claire bandaged his wounded partner.
How could this have happened? He thought. And who were R and L? That punk kid had said his name was Sam and he had mentioned something about a Luther to Darien. Who was that guy? Probably somebody Fawkes double-crossed in a job he pulled in his days as a thief. Nevertheless, that would have to wait until he could talk to Fawkes. He had to have been the muscle work for the guys running the operation.
"Is he alright Claire?" Bobby asked as he came out of his daze.
She just nodded as she pulled out her cell phone to dial the 'fish'. She laid her hand on Darien's leg, which produced a blood-curdling cry from Fawkes.
"Claire!" Fawkes cried, " Please don't! Please Claire! Please! You just don't … know…you just … don't Claire Please!" He said shaking his head furiously through cries of pain and anguish.
Claire let up quickly realizing what she had done.
Darien then let out a sigh of relief and fell into the abyss of unconsciousness once again.
At least now she could work without hurting him, Claire thought. Bobby leaned forward
"Claire I asked you before and I'll ask you again." Claire cut him off with her answer, "He'll live. But I need to get him back to the lab and run some tests. He has a pretty bad gash on the back of his head that I'm worried about. It could be nothing but…"
"But you're worried about the gland." Bobby said. Claire nodded and turned her attention back to Darien and her phone call she needed to make. But as Claire began to dial she found it too difficult. What was she going to say?
Bobby rummaged through his pockets for 'his' cell phone. "I got it Claire." Bobby said trying to avert her from the pain he knew it would only bring her. With Bobby coming up empty Claire handed him 'her' cell.
"Here take mine. And Bobby … thanks! I just… I…I can't Bobby, I just can't!" She said as she handed Bobby her cell in agony.
Bobby took the phone nodded and put an arm across her back as the tears began to flow from her eyes. She wiped away the tears and tried to settle down, while Bobby dialed the 'Fish'.
"Bo…"
Bobby was interrupted. "Department of weights and measures how may we assist you?"
"Ebert's?! What the crap was that?" Bobby asked exasperated.
"Oh… I am sorry about that Robert, but I have been instructed…" Ebert's began. Only to be cut off by a very aggravated Bobby Hobbes.
"EBERT'S! CUT THE CRAP! I need to talk to the 'fish' NOW!"
"Yes Robert but first I think you should know."
"Know what EBERT'S?!" Bobby demanded.
"The official has been receiving threats all morning on the behalf of Mr. Fawkes."
"What?" Bobby said, taken aback. It would have been simple to know about Fawkes, but the 'fish', and the Agency? How did those minor crooks get that kind of information? Right now, the answer was only speculation.
"Ebert's get me the 'fish.'"
"Right away Robert." Ebert's then immediately directed the call to the Official, who was in a meeting with Alex Monroe
" I want to know who these guys are. Where they live. And, I want to know what time they get up in the morning. Get me that info, Alex. Moreover, Miss Monroe we cannot lose our most valuable agent. Certainly not to some crook with a gun that happens to have some kind of alleged information." The Official said over the ringing phone.
The Official and Alex stared at the telephone on the Officials desk in anticipation.
"EBERT'S! GET IN HERE!"
'Yes sir! Robert is on line one sir." Ebert's directed.
"Thank you Ebert's you can go now." The Official ordered as he picked up the receiver.
"Yes sir!" Alex smiled and followed Ebert's with her eyes as he scurried out of the room.
"Bobby this had better be good!" The Official stated angrily. "I've had a dozen guys out looking for you and Fawkes for the past two hours."
"Sir, have you checked Fawkes apartment?" Bobby asked almost laughing at what he had said. Claire looked up and chuckled at him as she taped Darien's left knee.
The official just grumbled at the comment. "What is it Bobby?"
"Sir I'm with Fawkes and Claire at his apartment. It seems there's been some trouble here."
"What kind of trouble Bobby? Did Fawkes have another quicksilver dream?"
"Now wait just a minute there sir. Why does everybody know about these quicksilver dreams but me?… Oh, never mind that." Bobby said as he decided that could wait for a better day.
"Some small time perps broke in here. We had one of 'em, but he got the take on us and got away sir. Fawkes was hurt pretty good in the break in, seems one of 'em gets his kicks out of torture. Guess they caught him by surprise. We need some agents to do a sweep and maybe some protection for Fawkes and an ambulance would be good, too." Bobby said as he tried to stay calm.
"Hobbes Stay with Fawkes! I'll have a team including Miss Monroe there in 10 minutes."
As Bobby hung up the phone the rain outside began to pour. There was a crack of lightning and a thunderbolt. Lights outside on the street flickered as the body of one crook named Sam was found in the alleyway only 2 blocks from Darien's apartment.
Fifteen minutes after Bobby had talked with the Official. Agent Alex Monroe followed by a team of nameless agents rapped on the door to Darien Fawkes's apartment. Bobby tried to stand but was pushed back to the couch by Claire Keeply.
Claire answered the door and ushered the agents inside.
"Hi Claire."
"Alex!" Claire said.
Alex saw Bobby and rushed over to where he was seated on the couch.
"Hobbes, are you okay? The Official said it was…" Bobby cut her off as he pointed to the unconscious form of Darien Fawkes.
"Oh My!" Alex gasped as she saw Darien sprawled out on the floor.
"Bobby what happened?" Alex asked in shock.
He just shook his head as he watched Claire instruct the agents.
"Leave me alone! I can do it! Don't think I can or something? Bobby Hobbes can fend for himself my friends." Bobby raised himself off the couch. Screaming out in pain. As Bobby began a downward fall Alex caught him and helped him to the van.
Bobby, Alex, Claire and an unconscious Darien arrived at the Keep twenty minutes later..
"I need to get you and Darien stabilized then I'm sorry Bobby but I'm afraid you might need surgery on that leg." Claire said as she slid the key card through the slot.
"But Keep!" Bobby said.
Alex stood in the doorway numb as the door to the Keep slowly slid open revealing the horrifying scene before her.
"Claire!" Alex exclaimed. She grabbed Claire by the arm pointing her to the sight inside. They stood in the doorway looking on in shock. The keep was a mess with files and broken glass strewn about everywhere. Even Claire's new computer was a shattered mess. Luckily though the one thing they needed to be untouched was the 'only' thing left untouched. The fridge containing the counteragent.
"No!" Claire screamed as she left Darien's side and ran inside.
"Who could do this and why?" Claire asked as she dialed the official on her cell.
While Claire spoke to the 'fish'. Alex walked around the lab looking for clues. "How could they do this?" Alex asked under her breath. She found one very evident reason in the form of a note.
Fawkes we warned you.
Now you and all your friends are going to pay for your mistake Fawkesy.
Sammy made the mistake of trying to cut us out of the deal and you know what happened to him.
Don't worry Fawkesy your turn is coming.
Oh and if you want to know how we found out about you. Well, that is just information you and your new friends will have to figure out on your own.
Vengeance is coming Fawkesy,
R and L.
Alex put down the note shaking but steady. She never thought Fawkes of all people had 'any' enemies. He was a thief for crying' out loud.
"Claire do you have any idea who this R and L is?" Alex asked.
"I think I might have a name for ya' there, Monroe." Bobby stated after raising his hand in the air. He shifted in his chair and straightened his leg flinching at the pain it had caused.
Claire and Alex both turned to face him. "Who?!" They asked in unison.
"Claire, you were there." She looked at him confused with a hand to her hip and the other rubbing her forehead in tension. This was a usual look for her when she was this confused.
"Claire! That guy …oh, that guy …what's his name… Justin… Sal… Sally… What was it?"
"Sam!" Claire said frustrated. "What did he say Bobby?"
"He said Luther was gonna make Fawkes pay."
"Oh! Shoot! Darien!" Claire screamed and ran to his lifeless form. She had forgotten all about him.
She rushed around the room ordering the agents to follow her. And follow they did. With Alex and Bobby pulling up the rear. They made it to lab three in record time. Where Alex and company posted guard as they waited for news of their fallen comrades.
Four hours later an exhausted and extremely tired Claire exited lab three. Ebert's, the Official, and Alex among others were waiting for news of Fawkes and Hobbes.
"How are they?!" The official barked.
"They'll live. Bobby already is giving me a rough time. He'll be up and around in a day or so. Though in a bit of pain."
"And Darien? How's Darien?" Ebert's asked in anticipation. Asking the question they all wanted to know.
"Well…" She began.
"I'm afraid his situation is a bit more grave. He has a leg that was broken in several places and needed several pins. And his ankle on the other leg is strained. He had collapsed at his apartment just after that…THAT DAMN IDIOT SAM LEFT!" She was very angry now but had calmed enough to give the remaining information. "I thought he had broken it, but it was just strained. He won't be able to walk for quite some time."
"Is that all?" The Official said with a sigh of relief.
Claire just shook her head as a look of worry crossed her face.
They were all taken aback by this, but listened intently to her commentary.
"He has several broken ribs…." This went on for a little over an hour. Claire explained every detail she possibly could. Leaving out, only the most infinitesimal of details.
One hour later the Official spoke up.
"Claire how soon can he be moved?"
"But sir you heard what I said. In his current condition moving him most likely could kill him." Claire said. She glared at the Official with an uneasy look.
"I know Claire! But we have some people that want Fawkes dead. The only way to protect him is to get him to a safe house. So I'll ask you again Claire. How soon?"
She thought for a moment rubbing her hand across her forehead, she paused part way dropped her hand to her side and responded. "If he responds well enough; and we're careful when we do it. Then we might be able to move him in…" she paused, " Oh …say… twenty-four hours. But we'd have to keep him calm and be EXTREMELY careful not to injure him any more than he already is."
The Official thought for a moment speaking his thought aloud. "Alright, but he needs to be somewhere isolated."
"And quiet!" Claire cut in.
"Yes, that too. Miss Monroe any ideas?"
Alex turned to face the official. "There's a place in LA I know about but I'll tell you it isn't quiet by any means.
Claire just stood there shaking her head with her arms folded across her chest. "Don't we HAVE a safe house?"
The Official shook his head. "No, we had one but…" He paused. "The CIA is using it at the moment. In addition, even if I could get it from them I wouldn't. The house is too out in the open for this."
Alex and the Official began going over possibilities while Claire stood and listened to the commentary shaking her head at every one.
Having heard the conversation, Bobby rolled out of the lab in a wheelchair.
Claire, having seen him grabbed the wheelchair pulling it to a stop.
"Bobby! You should be in bed!" Claire said.
"Claire, Fawkes is my friend anything that concerns him concerns me. Besides." He started with a sheepish grin. "I think I have the perfect place."
The Official having heard this came out of his observations with Alex and turned his attention fully on to Bobby.
"Well…?" The official asked.
"Oh!" Bobby said startled. "I have this friend Fredrick Vorton. We call him Vorty or Freddy. But he's really known as…Vorty the Vortex."
The official looked at Bobby in shock he knew this guy, but BOBBY. How did he know him? "Yeah Hobbes," the official began. "I know the guy. Good agent, but he retired to Hawaii or someplace warm like that."
Bobby sat in the wheelchair shaking his head back and forth. "Nope! In fact, I just talked to him yesterday when Fawkes and me went on that stake out. Seems he's head of some secret agent bit up in Utah, Ash Creek to be exact. He runs it all out of a Bed and Breakfast with that as his cover. Its real isolated, quiet, and stuff. He says they're slow up there right now because of the Olympics. All of his agents have been sent up to Salt Lake except for one or two backups. He said if we need to hide out or anything to come on up. Says that place is a perfect hideout. Even has its own trap a mile up the road for any unwanted visitors." Bobby finished. Satisfied he rolled back to his room as the Official agreed to the plan as he left.
A few hours later, Claire sat at her desk beside Darien and Bobby's beds. She had fallen asleep to the almost soothing sound of the beeps of the monitors.
Darien raised his head looking around everything was a haze. The first he noticed was that he couldn't move his leg. He could only lift his head a few inches without his body crying out in pain.
He turned his head ever so slightly, but just enough to see Claire asleep across the room. This brought a faint smile to his face.
Bobby sat up when he saw Darien lift his head and wince at the pain.
The beds were only a few feet apart but to Bobby it might as well have been the Grand Canyon. He needed to get over there and in 'his' condition, the wheelchair was his only option. He grabbed the wheelchair near his bed almost falling at the effort, and made his way over to his partner.
Fawkes was still quite disoriented from all the drugs when Bobby rolled over, but he was able to recognize Bobby nonetheless.
"Hobbes!" Darien mouthed weakly. He grabbed at his throat only to cause more pain by the attempt from his other injuries.
"Now, let that be a lesson to ya my friend and just lie there. Maybe try your hand at getting better. Fawkes, you need to rest 'cause in a few hours you, me, Claire, and Alex are taking a little trip my friend."
"Yes, do listen to him Darien. You need to get as much rest as you can now. In a few hours you're going to wish you had." Claire said in a thicker than usual English accent. Neither one of them had seen her walk over so when she had they were quite surprised. She however had heard Bobby and woke up thinking he was in need of more pain meds. But seeing that Darien was awake, she went over to check on him.
Darien looked at Bobby and Claire in confusion. He was injured and barely beginning his recovery from surgery so where could they possibly be going? His head was still full of cobwebs so maybe that's what it was; he was just hearing them wrong. He squinted his eyes, and shook his head; careful not to do it too hard for fear he would cause more pain than was already in his now aching head.
Bobby saw the action and reached a hand out to Fawkes. "Careful there my friend you don't want to mess up the Keeps fix it job."
Claire laid a gentle hand on his shoulder calming him. Which Claire's soothing touch always did "It's okay Darien, we're here."
Darien finally got up the courage to try to speak again. "Guys!" He squeaked.
"Darien! You really shouldn't try to speak. Your throat is pretty raw from the ventilator you had during surgery." Claire said. She was concerned for him. He had truly become a friend and it hurt her so to see him hurt like this. But why did this even happen at all? What happened? She wondered with the answer inside the mind of her friend.
Darien shook it off. "No Claire I need… what… what are you guys talking about where…" He couldn't get out the words.
"You want to know where we're going partner?" Darien pointed at Bobby eyes wide in acknowledgement.
"We have to get you out of here. Your friends have made threats against you and the agency. I'll explain it all to ya later partner, you get some rest okay?" Bobby finished and laid a hand atop Claire's that had come to rest on his shoulder. Darien nodded and closed his eyes in exhaustion. Just the small amount of exertion had done him in for the day. Within moments he was in a slumber of unrest as he dreamt of the previous days events in horror. Would he ever be able to tell his friends of the events of that terrible night that lead to his lying in this bed now? Only time would tell.
End Part One
TBC…
Disclaimer: I don't own them though I wish I did.
Don't expect greatness and please excuse any and all errors. (Spelling, grammar, places, occurrences, etc.)
Title: The Storm
Notes: The Bed & Breakfast in Ash Creek is there. Though I have never actually been there, I have seen it. So, all details on the subject are totally fictitious other than outside appearance and at my disposal to change as I see fit. To go with my story. The name of the place is The Gardens Bed & Breakfast. All other details in or around Ash Creek are fairly accurate though some have been changed to go with my story outline.
Many thanks to the wonderful workings of my Beta reader qs9300agent. Who brought this Fic out from the depths.
The Storm
It was a stormy Thursday evening when Bobby sunk into his bed only to be woke up two hours later to the sound of the telephone ringing incessantly. He grumbled something incoherently as he picked up the receiver.
"Fawkes this better not be you."
"Hello to you too Bobby"
"Alright what is it? And don't tell me you need counteragent 'cause we took care of that yesterday. Or is it still today?"
"Bobby I need you to get the Keep and come by as soon as you can." Fawkes said with a sound of fear and urgency to his voice.
"Its just... I... I need your help Bobby I can't do this myself." Darien said fearfully.
"Do what yourself? Fawkes what are you talkin' about partner?" Even as Bobby asked the line went dead.
Bobby Hobbes sat on the edge of his bed trying to bring himself out of the sleepy haze he was feeling.
He picked up the cell phone on the counter and quick-dialed Claire.
"Hello?" The tired English voice that could only belong to Claire answered.
"Hey Claire its Bobby."
"I know that! What do you want?" She asked a bit flustered.
"Its Fawkes, he called. Says he needs our help." Bobby said.
"Alright Bobby, what's wrong? Did Darien have another one of his quicksilver dreams?"
"What are you talking about there Keep?" Bobby stood in front of his closet looking for an outfit as he spoke.
"Oh nothing, just tell me what's going on Bobby." Claire said as she yawned, and sleepily rose to a sitting position in her darkened apartment.
"I don't know but the last thing he said was that he couldn't do it himself. Then the line went dead. I have a bad feeling about this Claire."
"Bobby I'll met you at Darien's. Hurry!" Claire exclaimed realizing the gravity of the situation.
"You don't have to worry about that one Keep. Bobby Hobbes does not bail on his partner. He'll be there faster than you can…" once again, before he could finish all he heard was the sound of a line gone dead.
Bobby hung up the phone. He had found an outfit that at least looked comfortable. He dressed and headed for the door.
As he did so a note was slipped under his door. He looked down it was addressed:
Robert Hobbes so-called partner of said thief Darien Fawkes
Bobby grabbed his gun and opened the door no one was in site. A package lay alone. Whoever it was had sure picked the right night. It was pouring out so if there were any prints they would be washed away before anyone could do anything about it.
Bobby ran back inside and opened the package which read:
Dear Mr. Hobbes,
I know about Fawkes working for the government.
He has made one mistake too many where my friends and me are concerned.
He WILL be paying for that.
Just thought I would let you know that you're going to be looking for a new partner very soon!
By the way I also know he called you. Don't hurry yourself he'll live.
Signed your friends,
R and L
The note did not make Bobby one bit happy.
He rushed out of his apartment grabbing his jacket on the way.
-----------------------------------------
As Bobby pulled up in front of Darien's apartment 20 minutes later you could hear the screeches from his van all the way down the street. Jeers from the tenants in the apartments above came at him in return.
Bobby and Claire met just outside their respective vehicles. Bobby waited as Claire grabbed her bag.
As she came around to the curb to meet him she asked, "Bobby do you have any idea what's going on?"
Bobby turned to face Claire; grabbing her he said, "Claire! Look at this!" Bobby exclaimed as he shoved the note in her face.
"What is it Bobby?" Claire asked. She squirmed out of his grip and backed away so she could see what Bobby was trying to show her. It was the note that had been slid under his door.
"Oh My God! Bobby!" Claire exclaimed as her hand flew up to her mouth.
"I know Claire, we need to get in there! NOW!"
The two cautiously went up the stairs to Darien's apartment. As they looked down the hallway it had an eerily dark look about it. The only light was from a small crackling yellow bulb some distance down the long hall.
"Claire!" Bobby whispered. He had noticed blood on the doorknob, and the door had the appearance of being kicked in.
"Oh Bobby!" Claire exclaimed.
"I know Claire be quiet, very quiet." Bobby ordered as he crept toward the door gun ready…
"Bobby! I know that! I wasn't born yesterday you know. And by the..."
She was silenced by the sound of a crash inside the apartment.
Upon entering the apartment it was pitch black. Claire turned the corner trying the lights, they only crackled and sputtered at the action. She sat her bag down and checked the release on her gun. Being satisfied she moved on. She knew that it was stupid of her to go through the door without checking it, but she didn't pretend to be an expert in covert agency stuff. She was a doctor and scientist, and covert operations were only for times of desperation and necessity. And well... this was definitely both.
Bobby made his way to the kitchen. Coming up with what he was looking for he came out with a flashlight and matches.
"Bobby don't you think you should do that after we find Darien." She asked. Bobby just shrugged his shoulders, handed Claire the matches, and told her to light some candles. She did accordingly, but with extreme caution. After that crash she really didn't trust anything but her own eyes.
After lighting some candles Claire went to the bedroom in search of Darien with no results.
"Claire!" She heard Bobby call. Claire exited the bedroom to see what Bobby wanted. She wasn't finding anything in there anyway.
"What is it Bobby?" She asked in a hushed tone.
"I think we got one of the bad guys over here!" Bobby said motioning to the lifeless form by the couch.
"Bobby! Could you keep it down, there could be another one still here."
"I don't think so Claire. Besides if there is we could use Mr. Muscle over here as leverage against them." Bobby said pointing to the unconscious form. He was more concerned with the whereabouts of his partner than some stupid ass punk anyway.
Claire grabbed her bag and came over to check the condition of 'Mr. Muscle' as Bobby so boldly put it.
Finding him well enough with only a mild concussion and a few broken ribs, she went in search of Darien.
Bobby had been looking everywhere for Darien when Claire found the bathroom door to be blocked by something.
It took both of them to make whatever it was budge, but budge it did and they pushed their way in.
As they entered they found a badly beaten and bloodied Darien crouched in the tub with a baseball bat clenched between his hands.
At the site of the two, he slowly dropped the bat and sobbed into his hands with relief.
Claire went to his side sitting on the edge of the tub she put her arm around him.
"Darien, its alright we're here." She said as she tried to console him.
He just shook his head and began to convulse as the sobs overtook his weakened state.
"Darien you need to calm down, it's okay." Darien nodded his head and began to calm a bit much to Claire's relief.
"Bobby could you get my bag? I need to check him over."
"Sure Claire." Bobby said as he left the room in search of her request. As he came nearer to the couch, he noticed muscle was awake. "Aw Crap!" He exclaimed. This brought Claire and Darien both out of their reverie.
"Okay Mr. stop right there!" Muscle said.
Bobby slowed to a stop realizing he had left his gun in the other room.
"Okay Mr.." He paused. He couldn't very well call him Mr. Muscle by the looks of the guy Bobby knew that would be a very BIG mistake.
"Its Just Sam!" The man said.
"Okay, Just Sam, What do ya' want?" Bobby asked a bit thrilled with himself over that one.
"Hey wait a minute! You messin' with me mister?"
"No, I just asked what you wanted. Now my friend, are you going to tell me or are we going to stand here all day long?" Bobby was becoming irritated with the stupidity of the man. How could Fawkes make enemies with guys as dumb as this? He thought.
"My name is not Just Sam, its Sam! You got it? SAM! And what I want is Fawkes to pay for what he did to me and my buddies."
"And what's that Sam?" Bobby asked.
"What do ya mean what's that? Never mind" Sam said exasperated. "I said all I'm gonna."
Claire and Darien heard the argument and had been listening intently.
"Claire we've got to get out there." Darien tried to push himself up but to no avail, he was just too weak and broken. Claire can you help me out here? This guys extremely dangerous when he starts getting agitated. He tortures guys for fun. He gets his jollies off watching you die slowly. If we don't do something quick Bobby will be in pretty bad shape." Darien said frantically.
"Darien!" Claire said, 'You're in pretty bad shape yourself. Besides that I think Bobby can handle himself pretty well."
"I know Claire. But look!" Darien pointed to a spot by the sink where Bobby's gun was laying. She looked on in shock. She realized she had left 'her' gun by the couch.
"Darien?"
"Yeah Claire?" He looked at her through hollow, worn-out eyes.
"Oh! Darien I … I think I…" She started but with the dread and shock of it, she couldn't say it.
"What Claire!" Darien was more forceful now. Even in his weakened state he could see the alarm in her eyes.
"I left my gun … out there…" She pointed to the door. "Where Claire?! Will Bobby see it?" Darien asked.
"No, It's by … on the couch."
"Help me up! PLEASE! CLAIRE!" Darien said distraught.
Claire shook her head coming out of the stunned state she was in and nodded. Reluctantly she helped Darien to the door. When Darien and Claire appeared at the doorway, they were just in time to see Sam fire the gun at Bobby's leg.
"Bobby!" Claire exclaimed. Not thinking she let go of Darien and ran to Bobby's side. Darien, would have fallen if it hadn't been for the doorframe he was propped up against.
"How could you!" Claire screamed as she worked feverishly to stabilize Bobby's leg. .
"Dammit woman would ya' shut up! You're giving me a headache." Sam said holding his head in pain.
"Well, well Sammy I see 'you' recovered." Darien said accusingly.
"And 'you' Fawkes look no worse for wear. Perhaps a bit more torture would do you some good."
"I don't think so Sammy! But maybe you might enjoy a game of I hide and you seek!" Darien said. He fully intended on ending this 'his' way if he could.
"No, I don't think so Fawkes. I'm leaving and you my dear Fawksey will be hearing from Luther soon enough." Sam said.
"Fine Sammy! But you tell Luther he better watch out because next time I won't be so easy to manipulate."
"Whatever Fawksey." Sam said as he laughed, threw the gun he was holding into the kitchen and left the apartment.
Darien suddenly lost his balance and fell to the floor. Rubbing the back of his neck his hand came back soaked with blood. He looked on with horror.
"Keep?!" Darien said as he lost all consciousness.
As Darien screamed and suddenly passed-out; Claire rushed to his side. She had seen his hand and was extremely worried. After several minutes, Darien finally came too. He had taken a bad beating.
"Darien your awake." Claire commented.
"Yeah… I guess." Darien stated through slurred speech.
Bobby slid over by Darien and Claire while scooting Claire's bag the whole way.
He got there just in time to see his partner waking up.
"Hey Fawkes!"
Darien just nodded. Every subtle movement caused a new experience of pain. His ribs his leg his head it all hurt so much.
"What happened here Fawkes?" Bobby asked.
Claire shook her head. "Bobby don't! I don't want him trying to talk. His little venture a bit ago was quite enough I think he may have broken his ankle when he fell."
Bobby just nodded and sunk into the couch. He raised his wounded leg that Claire had pretty well wrapped for the time being and rested it on the coffee table nearby.
Bobby watched as Claire bandaged his wounded partner.
How could this have happened? He thought. And who were R and L? That punk kid had said his name was Sam and he had mentioned something about a Luther to Darien. Who was that guy? Probably somebody Fawkes double-crossed in a job he pulled in his days as a thief. Nevertheless, that would have to wait until he could talk to Fawkes. He had to have been the muscle work for the guys running the operation.
"Is he alright Claire?" Bobby asked as he came out of his daze.
She just nodded as she pulled out her cell phone to dial the 'fish'. She laid her hand on Darien's leg, which produced a blood-curdling cry from Fawkes.
"Claire!" Fawkes cried, " Please don't! Please Claire! Please! You just don't … know…you just … don't Claire Please!" He said shaking his head furiously through cries of pain and anguish.
Claire let up quickly realizing what she had done.
Darien then let out a sigh of relief and fell into the abyss of unconsciousness once again.
At least now she could work without hurting him, Claire thought. Bobby leaned forward
"Claire I asked you before and I'll ask you again." Claire cut him off with her answer, "He'll live. But I need to get him back to the lab and run some tests. He has a pretty bad gash on the back of his head that I'm worried about. It could be nothing but…"
"But you're worried about the gland." Bobby said. Claire nodded and turned her attention back to Darien and her phone call she needed to make. But as Claire began to dial she found it too difficult. What was she going to say?
Bobby rummaged through his pockets for 'his' cell phone. "I got it Claire." Bobby said trying to avert her from the pain he knew it would only bring her. With Bobby coming up empty Claire handed him 'her' cell.
"Here take mine. And Bobby … thanks! I just… I…I can't Bobby, I just can't!" She said as she handed Bobby her cell in agony.
Bobby took the phone nodded and put an arm across her back as the tears began to flow from her eyes. She wiped away the tears and tried to settle down, while Bobby dialed the 'Fish'.
"Bo…"
Bobby was interrupted. "Department of weights and measures how may we assist you?"
"Ebert's?! What the crap was that?" Bobby asked exasperated.
"Oh… I am sorry about that Robert, but I have been instructed…" Ebert's began. Only to be cut off by a very aggravated Bobby Hobbes.
"EBERT'S! CUT THE CRAP! I need to talk to the 'fish' NOW!"
"Yes Robert but first I think you should know."
"Know what EBERT'S?!" Bobby demanded.
"The official has been receiving threats all morning on the behalf of Mr. Fawkes."
"What?" Bobby said, taken aback. It would have been simple to know about Fawkes, but the 'fish', and the Agency? How did those minor crooks get that kind of information? Right now, the answer was only speculation.
"Ebert's get me the 'fish.'"
"Right away Robert." Ebert's then immediately directed the call to the Official, who was in a meeting with Alex Monroe
" I want to know who these guys are. Where they live. And, I want to know what time they get up in the morning. Get me that info, Alex. Moreover, Miss Monroe we cannot lose our most valuable agent. Certainly not to some crook with a gun that happens to have some kind of alleged information." The Official said over the ringing phone.
The Official and Alex stared at the telephone on the Officials desk in anticipation.
"EBERT'S! GET IN HERE!"
'Yes sir! Robert is on line one sir." Ebert's directed.
"Thank you Ebert's you can go now." The Official ordered as he picked up the receiver.
"Yes sir!" Alex smiled and followed Ebert's with her eyes as he scurried out of the room.
"Bobby this had better be good!" The Official stated angrily. "I've had a dozen guys out looking for you and Fawkes for the past two hours."
"Sir, have you checked Fawkes apartment?" Bobby asked almost laughing at what he had said. Claire looked up and chuckled at him as she taped Darien's left knee.
The official just grumbled at the comment. "What is it Bobby?"
"Sir I'm with Fawkes and Claire at his apartment. It seems there's been some trouble here."
"What kind of trouble Bobby? Did Fawkes have another quicksilver dream?"
"Now wait just a minute there sir. Why does everybody know about these quicksilver dreams but me?… Oh, never mind that." Bobby said as he decided that could wait for a better day.
"Some small time perps broke in here. We had one of 'em, but he got the take on us and got away sir. Fawkes was hurt pretty good in the break in, seems one of 'em gets his kicks out of torture. Guess they caught him by surprise. We need some agents to do a sweep and maybe some protection for Fawkes and an ambulance would be good, too." Bobby said as he tried to stay calm.
"Hobbes Stay with Fawkes! I'll have a team including Miss Monroe there in 10 minutes."
As Bobby hung up the phone the rain outside began to pour. There was a crack of lightning and a thunderbolt. Lights outside on the street flickered as the body of one crook named Sam was found in the alleyway only 2 blocks from Darien's apartment.
Fifteen minutes after Bobby had talked with the Official. Agent Alex Monroe followed by a team of nameless agents rapped on the door to Darien Fawkes's apartment. Bobby tried to stand but was pushed back to the couch by Claire Keeply.
Claire answered the door and ushered the agents inside.
"Hi Claire."
"Alex!" Claire said.
Alex saw Bobby and rushed over to where he was seated on the couch.
"Hobbes, are you okay? The Official said it was…" Bobby cut her off as he pointed to the unconscious form of Darien Fawkes.
"Oh My!" Alex gasped as she saw Darien sprawled out on the floor.
"Bobby what happened?" Alex asked in shock.
He just shook his head as he watched Claire instruct the agents.
"Leave me alone! I can do it! Don't think I can or something? Bobby Hobbes can fend for himself my friends." Bobby raised himself off the couch. Screaming out in pain. As Bobby began a downward fall Alex caught him and helped him to the van.
Bobby, Alex, Claire and an unconscious Darien arrived at the Keep twenty minutes later..
"I need to get you and Darien stabilized then I'm sorry Bobby but I'm afraid you might need surgery on that leg." Claire said as she slid the key card through the slot.
"But Keep!" Bobby said.
Alex stood in the doorway numb as the door to the Keep slowly slid open revealing the horrifying scene before her.
"Claire!" Alex exclaimed. She grabbed Claire by the arm pointing her to the sight inside. They stood in the doorway looking on in shock. The keep was a mess with files and broken glass strewn about everywhere. Even Claire's new computer was a shattered mess. Luckily though the one thing they needed to be untouched was the 'only' thing left untouched. The fridge containing the counteragent.
"No!" Claire screamed as she left Darien's side and ran inside.
"Who could do this and why?" Claire asked as she dialed the official on her cell.
While Claire spoke to the 'fish'. Alex walked around the lab looking for clues. "How could they do this?" Alex asked under her breath. She found one very evident reason in the form of a note.
Fawkes we warned you.
Now you and all your friends are going to pay for your mistake Fawkesy.
Sammy made the mistake of trying to cut us out of the deal and you know what happened to him.
Don't worry Fawkesy your turn is coming.
Oh and if you want to know how we found out about you. Well, that is just information you and your new friends will have to figure out on your own.
Vengeance is coming Fawkesy,
R and L.
Alex put down the note shaking but steady. She never thought Fawkes of all people had 'any' enemies. He was a thief for crying' out loud.
"Claire do you have any idea who this R and L is?" Alex asked.
"I think I might have a name for ya' there, Monroe." Bobby stated after raising his hand in the air. He shifted in his chair and straightened his leg flinching at the pain it had caused.
Claire and Alex both turned to face him. "Who?!" They asked in unison.
"Claire, you were there." She looked at him confused with a hand to her hip and the other rubbing her forehead in tension. This was a usual look for her when she was this confused.
"Claire! That guy …oh, that guy …what's his name… Justin… Sal… Sally… What was it?"
"Sam!" Claire said frustrated. "What did he say Bobby?"
"He said Luther was gonna make Fawkes pay."
"Oh! Shoot! Darien!" Claire screamed and ran to his lifeless form. She had forgotten all about him.
She rushed around the room ordering the agents to follow her. And follow they did. With Alex and Bobby pulling up the rear. They made it to lab three in record time. Where Alex and company posted guard as they waited for news of their fallen comrades.
Four hours later an exhausted and extremely tired Claire exited lab three. Ebert's, the Official, and Alex among others were waiting for news of Fawkes and Hobbes.
"How are they?!" The official barked.
"They'll live. Bobby already is giving me a rough time. He'll be up and around in a day or so. Though in a bit of pain."
"And Darien? How's Darien?" Ebert's asked in anticipation. Asking the question they all wanted to know.
"Well…" She began.
"I'm afraid his situation is a bit more grave. He has a leg that was broken in several places and needed several pins. And his ankle on the other leg is strained. He had collapsed at his apartment just after that…THAT DAMN IDIOT SAM LEFT!" She was very angry now but had calmed enough to give the remaining information. "I thought he had broken it, but it was just strained. He won't be able to walk for quite some time."
"Is that all?" The Official said with a sigh of relief.
Claire just shook her head as a look of worry crossed her face.
They were all taken aback by this, but listened intently to her commentary.
"He has several broken ribs…." This went on for a little over an hour. Claire explained every detail she possibly could. Leaving out, only the most infinitesimal of details.
One hour later the Official spoke up.
"Claire how soon can he be moved?"
"But sir you heard what I said. In his current condition moving him most likely could kill him." Claire said. She glared at the Official with an uneasy look.
"I know Claire! But we have some people that want Fawkes dead. The only way to protect him is to get him to a safe house. So I'll ask you again Claire. How soon?"
She thought for a moment rubbing her hand across her forehead, she paused part way dropped her hand to her side and responded. "If he responds well enough; and we're careful when we do it. Then we might be able to move him in…" she paused, " Oh …say… twenty-four hours. But we'd have to keep him calm and be EXTREMELY careful not to injure him any more than he already is."
The Official thought for a moment speaking his thought aloud. "Alright, but he needs to be somewhere isolated."
"And quiet!" Claire cut in.
"Yes, that too. Miss Monroe any ideas?"
Alex turned to face the official. "There's a place in LA I know about but I'll tell you it isn't quiet by any means.
Claire just stood there shaking her head with her arms folded across her chest. "Don't we HAVE a safe house?"
The Official shook his head. "No, we had one but…" He paused. "The CIA is using it at the moment. In addition, even if I could get it from them I wouldn't. The house is too out in the open for this."
Alex and the Official began going over possibilities while Claire stood and listened to the commentary shaking her head at every one.
Having heard the conversation, Bobby rolled out of the lab in a wheelchair.
Claire, having seen him grabbed the wheelchair pulling it to a stop.
"Bobby! You should be in bed!" Claire said.
"Claire, Fawkes is my friend anything that concerns him concerns me. Besides." He started with a sheepish grin. "I think I have the perfect place."
The Official having heard this came out of his observations with Alex and turned his attention fully on to Bobby.
"Well…?" The official asked.
"Oh!" Bobby said startled. "I have this friend Fredrick Vorton. We call him Vorty or Freddy. But he's really known as…Vorty the Vortex."
The official looked at Bobby in shock he knew this guy, but BOBBY. How did he know him? "Yeah Hobbes," the official began. "I know the guy. Good agent, but he retired to Hawaii or someplace warm like that."
Bobby sat in the wheelchair shaking his head back and forth. "Nope! In fact, I just talked to him yesterday when Fawkes and me went on that stake out. Seems he's head of some secret agent bit up in Utah, Ash Creek to be exact. He runs it all out of a Bed and Breakfast with that as his cover. Its real isolated, quiet, and stuff. He says they're slow up there right now because of the Olympics. All of his agents have been sent up to Salt Lake except for one or two backups. He said if we need to hide out or anything to come on up. Says that place is a perfect hideout. Even has its own trap a mile up the road for any unwanted visitors." Bobby finished. Satisfied he rolled back to his room as the Official agreed to the plan as he left.
A few hours later, Claire sat at her desk beside Darien and Bobby's beds. She had fallen asleep to the almost soothing sound of the beeps of the monitors.
Darien raised his head looking around everything was a haze. The first he noticed was that he couldn't move his leg. He could only lift his head a few inches without his body crying out in pain.
He turned his head ever so slightly, but just enough to see Claire asleep across the room. This brought a faint smile to his face.
Bobby sat up when he saw Darien lift his head and wince at the pain.
The beds were only a few feet apart but to Bobby it might as well have been the Grand Canyon. He needed to get over there and in 'his' condition, the wheelchair was his only option. He grabbed the wheelchair near his bed almost falling at the effort, and made his way over to his partner.
Fawkes was still quite disoriented from all the drugs when Bobby rolled over, but he was able to recognize Bobby nonetheless.
"Hobbes!" Darien mouthed weakly. He grabbed at his throat only to cause more pain by the attempt from his other injuries.
"Now, let that be a lesson to ya my friend and just lie there. Maybe try your hand at getting better. Fawkes, you need to rest 'cause in a few hours you, me, Claire, and Alex are taking a little trip my friend."
"Yes, do listen to him Darien. You need to get as much rest as you can now. In a few hours you're going to wish you had." Claire said in a thicker than usual English accent. Neither one of them had seen her walk over so when she had they were quite surprised. She however had heard Bobby and woke up thinking he was in need of more pain meds. But seeing that Darien was awake, she went over to check on him.
Darien looked at Bobby and Claire in confusion. He was injured and barely beginning his recovery from surgery so where could they possibly be going? His head was still full of cobwebs so maybe that's what it was; he was just hearing them wrong. He squinted his eyes, and shook his head; careful not to do it too hard for fear he would cause more pain than was already in his now aching head.
Bobby saw the action and reached a hand out to Fawkes. "Careful there my friend you don't want to mess up the Keeps fix it job."
Claire laid a gentle hand on his shoulder calming him. Which Claire's soothing touch always did "It's okay Darien, we're here."
Darien finally got up the courage to try to speak again. "Guys!" He squeaked.
"Darien! You really shouldn't try to speak. Your throat is pretty raw from the ventilator you had during surgery." Claire said. She was concerned for him. He had truly become a friend and it hurt her so to see him hurt like this. But why did this even happen at all? What happened? She wondered with the answer inside the mind of her friend.
Darien shook it off. "No Claire I need… what… what are you guys talking about where…" He couldn't get out the words.
"You want to know where we're going partner?" Darien pointed at Bobby eyes wide in acknowledgement.
"We have to get you out of here. Your friends have made threats against you and the agency. I'll explain it all to ya later partner, you get some rest okay?" Bobby finished and laid a hand atop Claire's that had come to rest on his shoulder. Darien nodded and closed his eyes in exhaustion. Just the small amount of exertion had done him in for the day. Within moments he was in a slumber of unrest as he dreamt of the previous days events in horror. Would he ever be able to tell his friends of the events of that terrible night that lead to his lying in this bed now? Only time would tell.
End Part One
TBC…
