Disclaimer ... I own nothing.
Okay, so I can get stories from anywhere, and I'm being serious. I can see someone acting weird and then produce an entire story about them. So are you surprised that I managed to mash NCIS with Twilight? Honestly?
Don't worry, it's only the characters that are in it. You don't need to know anything about NCIS to get it. Most of it is Twilight, but I couldn't resist! It's not all guns and fighting actually, there is a plot!
I'm currently going through an NCIS phase so... it was bound to happen.
Bella?I could hear my boss' voice clearly from the earpiece I had been told to shove into my ear. I unfolded the napkin that held my knife and fork that lay by my left hand on the table, laying the napkin in my lap as the waiter placed my meal in front of me, sending a dazzling smile my way as he offered me a bottle of champagne, to which I refused. I couldn't be caught drinking on the job now could I?
"Target not sighted" I spoke quietly, the necklace around me neck acting as a microphone for a group of NCIS agents as well as FBI and CIA that were hidden and disguised throughout the hotel and restaurant as well as outside. I nodded slightly to Tony who, sat opposite me, had been scanning the near-by tables for sight of our target.
I began eating as Tony did, making small talk about useless rubbish that meant nothing. Everything was a lie, a story we had been told and we had to improvise on.
Stand by I stiffened slightly as Tony did, Gibbs' voice coming through our ear pieces again as we waited for confirmation.
Target has entered the building, he's just hanging up his coatHe told us, both Tony and I looking over to the far right corner of the restaurant, to where you sign in. And there he was.
Mr McCubner was a teacher at the local college, but was actually a major drug lord we had hoped to bust tonight. I had to admit, the teaching act was a good cover. Who would suspect a greying, wrinkled late-fifty's man to be dealing drugs?
But he had been causing a lot of trouble for all three organisations, and so, by some miracle, we had come to work together to bring him down. Agents sat at tables, pretending to be eating a meal with wives, others sat at the bar or acted as security. Either way, he had walked into a trap and he was not getting out of this one without hand cuffs around his wrists.
We turned back as the maitre d' let him to our table. Tony paused his meal, sending me a sly wink as he stood, shaking hands with the ignorant man as the waiter came over and poured some wine into his glass.
"Ah, and this must be Marie" His Italian accent put Tony's to shame, but I forced a smile on my face and allowed him to kiss my hand and cheeks, exchanging pleasantries with him as he sat down. Tony quickly sat back down, clearing his throat. It was clear that he was uncomfortable being so close to someone so dangerous and powerful.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr McCubner" I smiled, moving the knife and fork around on the table as my stomach ached. The last time I ate was this morning and it was half past eight now. I was starving.
"Oh please" He smiled, patting my hand "Call me Harry" I simply smiled in return with a slight nod of my head.
"So, what are we looking at here?" Tony asked, leaning forward with his elbows on the table. I had to admit, he looked quite handsome in his black suit and tie, Abbey having done his hair for an hour before he was satisfied with it stuck up. I was dressed just as formally. Though I had been forced into a backless, deep blue long and elegant dress.
I felt like I was being mocked. Maybe it had to do with all the laughter that was at my expense when I put it on. They had, thankfully, left my hair down so it cascaded down my back in curls and waves. I didn't like being so dressed up, preferring my sweats to this torture. The lack of material made me feel quite self conscious, the cold leather of the back of the chair against my bare back constantly reminding me and sending a chill up my spine.
But if I acted the part of a drug dealers -aka Tony- wife, then I had to dress like one. Surprisingly, drug dealers are quite educated and refined people, as is Mr McCubner here. He wore a suit also, shiny black shoes and a large silver rolex on his wrist peeking out underneath his cuff.
"Now now Toby, I do not discuss business over a meal. I find it taints the food" He berated my partner, offering me a cheeky smile that I returned half heartily, following his lead and quietly nodding in agreement with him, earning a tight lipped smile from Tony.
I found myself a little bored with the conversation of the quantities, knowing all of this already from our mole in his organization. I let my eyes scan the crowd again, looking and wondering if he brought an escort or guard with him. All drug dealers like to think of themselves as royalty, especially when it came to buying people.
But as I looked, I found no-one to stand out from the others that were here for us. That was until I spotted the four men in tuxedo's stood at the little coat desk desk, their backs to me as I watched them critically. Their movements weren't sharp or tense, meaning that they were relaxed or that they were good at acting.
All were different weights and heights, but even as they shifted a little perhaps with boredom, I still caught nothing of their faces. You could usually tell if someone was up to no good from their face.
The tallest was also the widest, though from muscle or fat I wasn't sure. With his height, I'd wager muscles. The shortest, but not by much, was a blond man, average height and weight for a man. The next smallest was thinner than the others but his blond hair was more of a honey that the others. The final one...
"Marie dear?" Tony's teeth were gritted as I snapped my attention back to the table, blushing a little when I found both of the men's eyes on me waiting for me to say something.
"Forgive me, as you can probably tell, I usually take care of the merchandise rather than the customers. All this talk goes over my head I'm afraid" I smiled, acting embarrassed as Harry chuckled with my excuse.
"I do not employ women, I find them too sensitive for my line of work" My eyes narrowed the slightest amount at his condescending tone "Though I assure you, if you are ever in need of a job..." His eyes raked over my body, lingering on the low dip on the front of the dress for a moment before Tony cleared his throat, pulling the leering man into a conversation about other goods as I went back to eating my steak.
I chewed my steak, my excuse allowing me to let my gaze wander now that I didn't have to act like I was in the conversation. Once again, I sought out the men I was analysing before, finding that they had moved and were now stood with three women. I relaxed a little as I saw one of the mens arms around the ladies waist. They weren't his protection after all.
But I felt my hands grasp the knife and fork with a painful grip as I struggled to keep in my seat. Because the woman, the woman who was being held by one of the men looked directly at me as if being called.
But it wasn't the strange way she knew I was staring, it was what I found myself staring back at.
Because there, across the small restaurant and staring straight back at me, was none other than Alice Cullen. I realised, albeit a little late, the the men had in fact been Emmett, Carlisle and Jasper. I was suddenly glad I hadn't had time to look at the forth, not knowing what my reaction would be. I knew who it would be but I refused to acknowledge it.
When it became clear that I wasn't going to do anything, she detached herself from Jasper and started making her way towards me, keeping eye contact the whole time. By the time I finally shook myself out of the shock that she was even in the same building as me she had already closed half of the space between us.
Glancing at Tony and Harry, glad to find them both in deep conversation and neither paying attention to me, I turned and tried to shake my head at the tiny vampire. I knew if she came over here that our cover would be blown, and not only that, I might just lose it. She frowned, slowing her pace a little but still kept coming.
Bella, what's going on? The voice of my boss seemed to break Tony out of the bubble of conversation and his eyes shot to mine before he followed my line of sight, frowning at the sight of Alice and my panicked face.
Do we need to intercept? His voice was urgent in my ear and I saw Tony failing in his act to keep up a conversation with the man dining with us. I glanced at Gibbs' as he sat at the bar, leaning his side on it casually as he held a pint glass of beer, his eyes trained on Alice. I subtly shook my head at him, knowing for a fact that they wouldn't be able to stop her, even if all thirty agents tried.
I was about to stand and go to the bathroom, but it was too late. She stood at the table, looking awkward but her eyes never moved from me. Tony's eyes lingered on her for too long, gaining McCubners attention that he wasn't paying attention and he quickly turned to see what the problem was.
"Ah, and who is this delectable creature?" He smiled at Alice, who finally took her eyes away from me to smile at him in return.
"Alice Cullen sir" He took her extended hand and kissed it like he had mine. I didn't miss the shudder that travelled up her body as he released her hand, and I couldn't stop myself from glancing behind Alice and to where Jasper was stood glaring at the man. I hoped he didn't kill him before we got a confession.
"I'm sorry sir, but I just want a quick word with Bella" She smiled politely as Tony and I shared a panicked look, my mind reeling as our drug dealer looked at me with a confused grin.
"I'm sorry... Alice is it?" I thanked all the training I had been put through when Harry looked appeased "But you must be mistaken" My voice was slightly shaky as I met her eyes, trying to be subtle while begging her to just walk away.
"This is my wife, Marie Heath" Tony's voice was calmer than mine, the dull buzzing in my ear from the frantic people trying to sort out the possible code red. I waited with baited breath as Alice's gaze zeroed in on Tony's wedding ring, when on mine, her eyes widening as her mouth opened yet no words came out.
"I'm sorry, you just looked like someone I used to know" She sang, an apologetic smile popping into her face as she took a step back.
"Ah no trouble" Harry chuckled again, turning back to the table as Tony and him began a conversation. Alice hovered for another second, staring at me with a strange emotion in her eyes I couldn't place. But she turned and walked quickly back to her table with the others, dodging between chairs and tables quicker than a human would be able to.
I tried to remain with the conversation like a good agent would while their whole operation and possibly their life was at stake, but my eyes wouldn't stay away from the seven vampires across the room.
It had been two years since they left. Maybe two years wasn't long for some people, but to me so much had happened that it felt more like twenty. Yet they had not aged a day, obviously. It hurt to see them after the pretence on which we parted. No good-byes, no warnings, nothing. I wasn't sure whether to cry or go over and shoot them. Not that it would hurt them but it might help get some of my anger and frustration out.
Like me, their eyes met mine a lot. I had changed a lot in the past two years, and I am not the young, naive and shy girl I once was. Heck, I had a gun strapped to my thigh right now, a pen knife tucked discreetly into the heel of my stilettos, plus a gun in my purse. No, I had definitely grown up since they left Forks.
So I met their eyes, never blushing or looking away like I would have before if I had been caught staring. They somehow always made me feel smaller than they were, weaker somehow. Perhaps it was how they coddled me, protected me from everything. I wasn't weak anymore, I could stand my ground. Besides, it not just me I have to look out for anymore.
But under no circumstances would they ever find out about Claire, never. If they did... I shuddered at their reaction, at his reaction.
I looked over again, clicking my tongue in annoyance as I saw them all glancing at me. I had to admit, being blatantly talked about is still irritating.
It was obvious they were talking about me, one would turn and stare for a few seconds before turning back and talking quietly with the others again. I was getting annoyed with it and knew I had to get my game in check if I wanted to bust this creep.
"Would you excuse me? I need to use the restroom" I stood up slowly, making it obvious I wasn't in a hurry so as not to startle Harry into thinking there was something going on. The women's restroom was right on the opposite side of the restaurant to our table, right behind the Cullen's table. Making sure to grab my bag in case, God knows why, Harry found my gun and freaked out, I made my way through the tables and chairs, noting the civilians as well as the agents.
It unnerved me how many innocents were here tonight, and should this go bad, they could get hurt.
Bella... Gibbs was in my ear again, and I wanted him to piss off. I was ready to go home right now, fuck the case and the bastard. Seeing the Cullen's had made me feel almost as tired as I knew I should be after a twenty hour day with non stop work. I wanted to go home, see my daughter and make sure everything was okay with her. I hated being away from her for so long.
"I'm fine Gibbs, I'm just going to cool down" I muttered, ducking my head so as people wouldn't think I was talking to myself.
Should we take them out? His voice was strong, the way he always got when an important bust was at risk of being compromised. My eyes went to the Cullen's again as I walked past their table, my eyes skipping the seventh member.
"No, let me take care of it" There was no point in trying to hide the fact I was 'talking to myself' since they'd hear me anyway.
"Alice, you wanted to talk..." I didn't spare her a glance as I went inside the rest room, carefully opening the cubicle doors and only relaxing when I found them empty. I was so on edge I actually jumped at my own reflection in my mirror and I had to make a conscious effort to calm my nerves that seemed to be coiled at the bottom of my stomach.
The door opened again a second later, Alice walking in alone. I suspected she would bring Rosalie or someone but... I'm glad she didn't.
"Let's get down to business" Yeah, I wasn't taking any shit tonight.
"Alice, you could have just ruined the biggest deal of my life" My promotion was running on this and if Alice had ruined my chances of finally becoming an official 'special agent' I will kill her... again.
"I know we haven't seen each other in a while and all but couldn't you have saved it for another night?" I sighed in exasperation as I turned on the tap and splashed my face with water, make-up be damned. It appears though, that Abbey had foreseen such a decision and had made me smart decision to put waterproof make-up on me.
"Look... Bella, or Marie, or what ever... do you realise who that man is?" Her voice was higher than normal, a sign of either panic or fear. As I stood up again from bending over the sink I saw that she had stepped closer, her brow scrunched into lines.
"Tony?" I pulled a face at the question.
"No, the other man!" She whispered quickly "Bella... he's a drug dealer. He's dangerous Bella..." She spoke softly in a whisper as though I were seventeen again and I was a dumb human trying to keep up in their world. Well... this is my world now.
"Alice..." I whispered back "I know" I smiled, chuckling softly at the shocked look on her face as I ran a hand through my hair.
"But... are you a... do you... are you one too?" She gasped. I was about to yell at her for even thinking such a thing but the pure shock and horror on her face was so comical that I couldn't help but laugh. Thankfully her expression melted into one of annoyance as she tapped her foot on the pristine white tiles of the floor.
"Alice... please... give me some credit" I spoke between laughs, managing to calm myself down once I remembered that Tony was out there alone with a drug dealer.
"Alice, I'm the who fights the bad guys" I explained, quickly lifting the hem of my long dress and showing her my badge and gun that were attached to a thigh holster. Having Alice looking at my thigh was a little strange but if it got this over quicker then I'd do it.
"Your an NCIS agent?" She breathed as I quickly dropped and readjusted my dress.
"Yeah, Tony is my partner, not my husband" I snorted, wondering how she could have ever believed that.
"My earpiece is the thing I have been talking to and that man out there... is one of NCIS's biggest concerns right now. Agents are everywhere in here" I whispered, checking my knife was still in place. I had to roll my eyes when Alice gasped, watching me pull out my gun and check the bullets, a habit I had fallen into.
"So... you're arresting this drug dealer?" Her eyes never moved from the gun until I clasped my purse together with a click.
"Yeah, but it's not as simple as that. We're playing as his... customers. As soon as he hands over the drugs we'll get him. That's the only way he won't be able to weasel out of a criminal trial" I frowned, itching to get back out of here and rejoin Tony.
"Okay... just... be careful" Her voice was small, tiny as she stared at the tiles that were so white I could see my reflection. I needed to leave right now, but seeing Alice so... vulnerable and little tugged on my heart strings. So I quickly wrapped my arms around her and squeezed, holding her for only a few seconds before I let her go and smiled down at her.
"Alice, I think I'm more than careful okay?" I chirped, surprisingly happy since I was about to face a drug dealer. Hm...
"By the way Bella, you look beautiful Bella" She smiled at the dress and then at me, making me blush a little as I thanked her quietly. I still preferred sweats.
We agreed that Alice should go first, then I would wait for thirty seconds and leave the restroom too. I stood leaning against the marble sink counters, listening to a band begin to play. I remember spotting a dance floor when we first got here and scoped the place out. The very idea of dancing had me shuddering.
I left the bathroom with a small smile, Gibbs nodding from his place at the bar obviously listening and liking how I handled it without freaking out, taking a sip of beer as he smiled a little. My eyes grazed over the other Cullen's and settled on Alice who simply winked at me, and I couldn't resist winking back. I didn't know what I was doing, I had told myself that if I ever saw them again I would run the other way.
But I was tired of running and hiding. I say I'm strong and grown up now, and so I will stand my ground and fight my battles instead of letting everyone else suffer because of them.
I retook my seat with a small apology and smile. Harry's smile was strangely genuine but Tony's was not. I knew he didn't like being left alone with Harry and I took quite a while in the bathroom with Alice. I could see the irritation in his eyes.
"So Toby here was telling me of your amazing talents" Harry smiled, being honestly nice as I glanced icily it my 'husband' " He's just been saying what a wonderful dancer and singer you are" Harry smiled, and I knew what was coming next.
"Oh, he loves to exagerate" I gritted my teeth as he smiled dazzlingly, knowing it was a complete lie.
"If you wouldn't mind my dear, it would be my honour" He stood, holding his hand out for me to accept. But... dancing. I could dance now, I had been taught and had attended quite a few formal parties. But it did not mean, under any circumstances, that I liked it.
Go along with it, you can always get Tony back later I smiled back at the thought as Tony's face fell, and placing my hand in Harry's we walked over to the dance floor together where only two other couples were dancing. The dance floor was only a small polished area of wooden flooring cut out from the carpeted ground everywhere else. The band stood in a small alcove, partially shadowed depending on which angle you saw them from.
"Now my dear, I hope you don't mind dancing with an old fool" Harry smiled, and I could see the teacher behind the drug dealer, the one that is honest and likes to smile. He does smile a lot.
"Nonsense Harry, though I have to warn you, my dancing skills are a little rusty" I smiled a little nervously as we reached the dance floor and he put a hand on my waist and the other took my hand. Going along with it and resisting the urge to tear his hand away, I put my hand on his shoulder and let him lead.
He was quite for a moment, a thoughtful look on his face as we danced slowly "Do to take this the wrong way my dear... but I fear your husband is too... tense" He frowned as I nodded, my mind reeling for an excuse.
"He is... cautious. Not all of our contacts have been... shall I say trustworthy?" We both chuckled, knowing that no-one in the drug dealing business was trustworthy anyway.
"Ah yes, I do find choosing buyers a tedious job. That is why I leave it to my assistant to pick and chose, he's never been wrong so far" He shot me a smile as we twirled, though I had to bite back a smirk. There's a first time for everything.
As he spun me slowly my eyes caught the Cullen's table once again, all of their eyes on me and they weren't even attempting to hide it.
"Your husband was right my dear, you are as good a dancer as you are beautiful" The song came to an end, several people clapping for them as Harry bowed down and kissed my hand once again. I controlled the blush that threatened to flush my face, smiling politely as I thanked him. I had managed to, somehow, gain the ability to control my blush. Well... apart from with Alice.
"Would I be being a tad selfish if I asked for one more dance?" He held out his hand for mine, a small smile and twinkle in his eye that I could easily imagine on a grandfather. It was surprising how many of these dangerous people had families who had no idea what their parents did.
Take it Gibb's ordered in my ear as the band began playing again, a slow waltz tune playing.
"Of course not" I forced a smile as he took my hand again, pulling me closer to him as we began to dance once more. I tried to assess if he had a weapon but saw no... suspicious looking things beneath his trouser leg or shoulders.
"Are you a mother, my dear?" He asked suddenly, making me tense for a moment as thoughts and images ran through my mind. If he knew that we were fake, he would know about my life. Every drug dealer has connections, and there was no doubt about Harry's.
"I... I'm afraid not" I stuttered out shakily as I looked over Harry's shoulder at Gibb's as he sat up straight, his hand on his thigh where I knew his gun was being concealed.
"Are you alright, you look a little shaken" He paused dancing as he frowned at me.
"Fine..." Think of something, anything! Now! "I had a miscarriage recently" I blurted out, watching his eyes widen and soften as he began dancing again.
"It's always tough" He sighed into my ear, making me shudder but I let it out, knowing he'd think it was because of my 'lost child'. I forced tears unto my eyes with a little effort, imagining my life without Claire...
"Some take it harder than others..." He smiled sadly, tipping his head towards a sullen looking Tony as he stared blankly at his now empty plate. I nodded, sniffing and letting the tears recede.
Try and find out if he has any people on the inside Gibb's ordered quietly in my ear.
"Forgive me Harry... and do not think me nosy... but an important man like you... haven't you brought anyone with you?" I mused, letting my own confusion leak out. It was strange to see such an up market man without an armed escort or guard.
To my surprise, he laughed quietly "I find guns only complicate things my dear. Though I have brought a few of my more trusted employees tonight, they remain hidden unless I tell them otherwise. Our deal will not be disturbed" He smiled lightly, thinking that was what had me curious.
The song ended and we stopped dancing, both bowing as everyone clapped politely for the band as they set their instruments down and walked away somewhere, only leaving a pianist tinkling away gently.
"I fear I am asking too much of you tonight Miss Heath... but I very rarely get to enjoy a woman's presence, my profession being too rough for them" His smiled turned sad as he looked towards the floor for a moment. He must be lonely. I could hardly believe it when I felt a pang of sympathy for this guy. He had killed so many people!
"Would you mind singing for me?" He perked up, meeting my eyes rather hesitantly and looking rather old with his white hair and light wrinkles that seemed to deepen with every smile and frown. He must be getting into his sixties by now... surely he was getting out of the drug business. soon. But I remembered what Ziva had told me... once you get in, you never get out alive.
And if there was one thing I could never refuse, it was elderly people. They made my heart melt and I feel abliged to do what they say to make them happy. So when he turned his grey eyes on me with his pleading tone, I was putty in his hands.
"I... I'm not sure I am allowed sir" I bit my lip, hoping I wasn't allowed as I eyed the pianist. It wasn't that I didn't like singing, I found it fun even when I sung in front of a crowd. But the Cullen's were here... and it may seem childish, but I didn't want them to hear me sing. It was one of the new things about me, a part of the new me.
I stood on the dance floor like a complete idiot as he swaggered over to the pianist, the soft music never stopping as they spoke briefly.
"Please say no, please say no" I chanted under my breath, hissing a curse when I saw the pianist nod slightly, looking at me for a second.
Bella, do it. I have to talk to Tony. Keep him occupied Gibb's told me as I watched Tony walk to the bathroom, Gibb's following him after a moment. Great. How was a I supposed to distract Harry when I'm singing?
Harry came back quickly, wishing me luck and pointing to the microphone on in the middle of the alcove where the band played. He also told me that I was singing Hallelujah, thankfully I knew the words well enough. I watched a little shocked as he walked away, understanding why he always got his way. He was bossy.
Sending the men's bathroom door a worried glance and carefully managing to keep my eyes from the Cullen's table abut three tables back, I made my way towards the microphone, feeling my clicking heels mocking me again.
"Gibbs, when I took this assignment I didn't expect do be the entertainment" I hissed, lowering my head as the pianist looked at me.
It's one song Bella I heard Tony sigh, obviously taking the microphone from Gibbs. I couldn't help but smile as I heard the tell-tale thud of Tony getting head-slapped by Gibb's, Tony's muttering reaching me and making me laugh lightly.
"Fine" I barely moved my lips as I turned and faced the restaurant with a grim expression "But you owe me big time" I quickly cleared my throat as I stood in front of the microphone, several people looking up curiously.
I began singing, more people looking up but I kept my eyes on the far wall, keeping everyone in my peripheral vision. The Cullen's golden eyes shone out like a beacon against the deep reds and blacks of the restaurant decor. I kept a fix on Harry though, my eyes flicking to him every minute or so, offering a small smile as I saw him smile at me.
Tony and Gibbs had yet to reappear from the bathroom.
Bella, we don't want to make a move until we know where his men are. They could be anyone Gibb's spoke in my ear, my face forming a frown as I wanted to respond but found myself unable. Thank God for women being able to multi-task.
I thought they'd checked all the hotel staff's backgrounds but obviously some had slipped through their net. Maybe they weren't staff, but customers. Once again, my eyes raced around the people, trying to spot any strange behaviour. I found none, though my gaze did linger on the Cullen's a little longer than necessary.
Damn it!
Deciding to commit myself to this assignment and then deal with the Cullen's, I pushed them from my mind and kept my gaze from them as I concentrated on finishing the song.
Well maybe there's a god above
But all I've ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who'd out drew ya
And it's not a cry that you hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah
Smiling lightly as I recalled singing this numerous times at bars and other small diners. I bit my lip as I stepped away from the microphone, bowing slightly as people clapped, sending a quick thank you to the pianist before making my way back to the table. Harry laughed and talked, seeming to be oblivious to our missing guest.
I could hear them in my ear, trying to come up with a plan to get the information out of Harry. They did not like not knowing when our cover could be blown. It might already be for all we knew. We could be the ones in the trap.
But I forced a smile on my face and kept up the chat about money, songs and artists, listening as he told me stories from his youth, and not having to force a laugh at the punch lines.
After another five minutes, Tony emerged from the bathroom, looking rather sheepish as he took his seat and cleared his throat.
"Sorry, the steak doesn't seem to agree with me" He lied convincingly, even turning a light shade of pink as I forced back a laugh, finally finding an opening to eat. The steak in front of me looking even more delicious than I remember now that my hunger had gained near cannibal worthy heights.
I found myself out of the loop again, or appearing to be anyway. Tony was, subtly, trying to get some information from Harry but he gave nothing away. I found myself slightly awed and amazed at the old man. He had managed to get out of answering every question Tony asked him, turning around and firing them back at us. He was obvious used to interrogation.
"Well, my friends, I do think we ought to get down to business" Harry spoke up after Tony began to sulk, Gibbs berating him for not getting any answers.
Swallowing the mouthful of food, I wiped the corners of my mouth like a lady would, before setting my knife and fork on my plate, seeming to be alert and ready.
"Are you done my dear?" I ignored the glare Tony gave Harry as I met Harry's eyes and nodded, smiling lightly as I placed my napkin from my lap, onto the table top.
Hurriedly, Tony got up and offered me his hand, helping me up too. He had to remember that hard to be a gentlemen, that his brow was furrowed in concentration.
"I will pay for this" Harry pulled out his wallet and I suppress the urge to tell him not to. From his file, it was obvious he liked flashing his money to certain people.
"I know what room you are staying in, I will join you as soon as I can" He smiled lightly, dismissing us as he turned his back to us and clicked his fingers at a waiter who scuttled over immediately, muttering something under his breath that I couldn't hear.
Holding Tony's hand was strange since we were colleagues, but feeling the weight of the wedding ring on my finger was another thing altogether. There had once been a time when I had wished for marriage, somewhere in my mind I had not shied from the idea. I was so naive, so young, way too young. Now, marriage was off the cards for the foreseeable future.
Actually, with Claire, I doubt I'd ever be able to get married. Who wants someone elses seconds?
We weaved through the tables, not needing to get our coats since they were in our room. I spared a glance at Alice, as if saying good-bye. Their arrival in my life was expected and no doubt their disappearance would not be as such. I knew they'd leave. The problem was, would they show up again?
Pushing open the ornate glass doors that separated the restaraunt from the hotel, my shoes being silences as we hit the carpet of the foyer. The clock above the receptionists desk ticked slowly, the noise almost seeming to echo around the large empty room. It was only half past four in the afternoon and I couldn't help but sigh.
Tony and I had to share a room last night, and to keep up appearances, a bed too. Nothing happens, but it was no secret that Tony was an ass man, and I had found his hands wandering a little too close for comfort last night. After I threatened to castrate him if he ever touched me, he backed off and rolled over.
Then I had to put up with his snoring. And now, I was tired as hell.
We kept our hands together, noting the receptionist sat there speaking sweetly into the phone she was pressing to her ear. We had to keep up our act for everyone. Who knew who was watching us? Quickly making our way to the elevator, I could tell Tony wanted to talk as he jabbed the button and glared at it as it lit up innocently.
There was a man in the elevator already as the doors slid open, smiling lightly and moving to the back corner as the hotel worker asked us which floor we wanted to go to. I looked at him for a moment, his expression friendly and showing no sign of wanting to hurt us. Besides, if they were Harry's men then they wouldn't want to hurt us if they wanted to make a deal.
The doors slid shut behind us as we stepped inside, the soft tinkling of piano music filling the silence as the buttons lit up one by one as we moved from floor to floor.
A loud ringing in my ear had me biting back a cringe, glancing at Tony as he let go of my hand, seeing him frowning at me as he pretended to have an itchy ear. I could see the worry there, which I'm sure was mirrored in my own face.
Someone was tampering with the transmission. Someone knew we were bugged.
Before we could even hit our floor, the hotel worker pushed another button and we began travelling back down instead of to the top floor where our room was. My eyes widened as I heard a click, something hard and cold being pressed to the back of my head, a glance at Tony as he gulped, slowly raising his hands in the air as surrender.
The hotel worker had a gun pressed to Tony's neck, while I'm sure the other man who had seemed friendly enough, had one pressed to mine.
"Do you really think we are that stupid?" Tony winced as the gun pressed into his head, keeping his hands in the air as I gulped. No, no no. I couldn't die. This was not supposed to happen!
Threatening us with a bullet in our heads, they removed the guns and told us to keep our eyes forward. When the doors slid open, they followed us out, the cold metal of the gun tip being pressed onto the bare skin of my back as they walked us to our room. I looked around the corridor but it was deserted. Not even one NCIS agent in sight.
Our door bleeped as the hotel worker swiped a card in the machine, pushing the door open and then pushing us inside, flicking the lights on. Tony and I stood in the middle of the comfy room, kitchen and dining room included though I realised that didn't really matter anymore.
Both of the men remained stood in front of the door, guns pointed at the two of us as they smirked.
"Take them out, all of them" The 'passenger' threw his suite case onto the floor, advancing when we didn't move. He kicked the door closed behind him, waving his gun threateningly. Both Tony and I shared a grimace as we took out our ear pieces, Tony ripping off his tie and cuff links while I took off the necklace around the neck, throwing all of them onto the floor in between us.
"Weapons" He carried on as the other scuttled forward and grabbed all the bugged things, keeping his gun pointed at us the whole time. I winced as he stamped on the ear pieces, doing the same with the others too as we emptied our sleeves and pockets. I glared at them as I threw my knife to the floor, not like being defenceless at all.
"Good, now come on" The man walked forward, grabbing me roughly by the arm and yanking me forward, opening the door and walking with me down to the elevator again. I could hear Tony and the other mans footsteps behind us, and as the man turned around when the doors slid shut, I realised that they were not in the elevator with us.
"Where are you taking him?" I asked with a glare. You don't give into these people unless it was clear you had no way out. Right now, there was about thirty people ready to shoot them all. I'd like to think that the odds were on our side... I hope.
"Mr McCubner wants to extract certain information from him" The man told me gruffly, yanking my arm when I began to turn, forcing me to stare at the silver metal of the elevator walls. The tinkling piano music seemed to taunt me now.
"And why not me?" I spat out, not wanting to be separated from Tony. Yes, he wound me up to hell and back, but I'd jump in front of a bullet for him. He was my partner, and we had to trust each other with our lives unless we wanted to be killed.
"The Boss seems to have taken a shine to you and doesn't want your pretty face messed up like that" The mans voice turned deep and sultry but I had to bite back the vomit that rose and burned my throat. They were going to beat information out of Tony! I knew Tony, and knew he would never give up any information. That was what scared me.
What if they realised nothing they did would get him to talk? Would they kill him or move onto me?
"Where are you taking me?" I ground my teeth as he tightened his grip painfully on my arm, the doors dinging as they opened, an elderly couple smiling at us as we got off and they got on. I had no idea what floor we were on since he had kept my eyes away from the panel, probably the whole point of it.
The doors were the same neutral white wood as the ones on all the other floors, the carpet the same deep red and the decor the same deep pink. The only difference was the golden numbers screwed onto the doors.
A gun was once again pressed into my back, a chill running up my spine from the chilly temperature of the metal. He forced me to turn and face the wall as he swiped the card, opening the door and blocking the number from me as he shoved me inside. It was exactly the same as mine and Tony's room, even down to the fruit bowl on the little table.
I stepped back as the man approached me but he yanked me towards him, his large hands wrapping around the tops of my arms and his fingers digging in painfully as he shoved me. For a moment I thought I was going to the floor but my ass hit one of the comfy dining chairs. The man produced a roll of tape from somewhere and I had to roll my eyes at how original he was.
Apparently, that earned me a hard slap around the face, my cheek stinging painfully as I felt a trickle of blood slip down my chin from my lip. My tongue instantly want out and wiping it away, being too used to keeping blood to a minimum to change now. When I glared at him, he simply stood in front of me, cracking his knuckles.
He moved quickly, grabbing a handful of my hair and yanking my head back and pushing his face into mine as he hovered over me, his stale breath making me wish I hadn't eaten that steak.
"I'd be a little nicer if I were you" He tightened his grip on my hair to the point where I hissed in pain "I'm the one who decided whether to keep you or not" He let go of my head with a shove, forcing my eyes forward as I heard the tape ripping from the roll. He pressed the sticky tape to my skin, wrapping it around the chair leg and keeping me in place. He did the same with the other, then quickly grabbed my wrists and tugged them behind my back, wrapping the tape around them tightly.
He moved in front of me, his face a mere shadow as he ripped off a strip of tape off and slapped it across my face, ignoring my glare and wriggling in an attempt to get free. With one last scowl and a punch across the face, he sat down on the sofa and turned on the television, flipping through channels idly.
He was obviously used to this type of work. His short buzz cut was normal, but it was his narrow and almost Chinese-like eyes, dark as night that made him look dangerous. He was build like a mini Emmett, his arms looking too thick and heavy for his body to support.
I huffed loudly, trying my best to figure out the chances of this ending well.
I had no weapon. I had no partner. No-one knew where we were, and this hotel had over 150 rooms. Tony was being beaten for information he would never give. My future was undetermined yet, but seemed to be in the hands of Harry.
I grew angry once I realised he knew all along that we weren't real customers but went along with it anyway. I danced with that bastard!
I kept my thoughts free from the worries and wondering about what would happen if I didn't come home tonight. I remained awake despite the weight that seemed to be growing, pushing my eyelids down as I fought off sleep. The television played some chick flick that the man laughed at, seeming not to care that he had a federal agent taped to a chair meters from him.
The quiet ticking of the clock was irritating me no end, but it did tell me that it was half past five. It's been an hour since we left the restaurant and I hadn't been found. What the hell was keeping them from breaking down the door?
I was startled by a knock at the door, thinking it was NCIS before realising that they would have kicked it rather than knock on it. The man shut off the television, sending me one last glare before he went and opened the door. Another man stepped inside after a whispered conversation that I couldn't catch.
With a start, I realised it was Harry, looking as calm and collected as ever, even offering a small smile as I glared at him.
"Now now Bella, wouldn't want to force Pete's hand would you?" He brushed past Pete who simply guarded the door, a deep scowl on his face as he folded his arms in front of his chest. Harry casually laid his coat on the back of one of the other dining chairs, grabbing another and moving it right in front of me, taking a seat and watching me for a moment.
He took a long moment, but he leaned forward and ripped the tape from my mouth, ignoring my wince and hiss as it stung painfully. My cheek was throbbing from the blow Pete had given me earlier, and I was pretty sure I was going to be sporting a nice hand print on my cheek for a while.
"Tell me why you're here" Harry remained calm, holding the tape in one hand and tapping the other against his knee, his grey eyes intense.
"Why do you think? You're a wanted convict" I spat, not going to cave and beg like they wanted. If I died, I would die with pride, it was something I had decided a long time ago. Only then, I had nothing to live for. Now I do.
"Hmm... yes, but I had thought... never mind" He seemed relieved for some reason, my mind reeling as I wondered why else he thought we'd be doing this for. What else had he done?
"We're Tony?" I growled, trying to pry the tape from around my wrists but found no purchase on the smooth material.
"You're partner..." He raised his eyebrows, inspecting a loose thread on his trouser leg.
"He's fine as long as he starts talking quickly" I saw the flash of danger in his eyes, the one thing that makes people scared of this old man.
"Now Bella, I like you" He stood abruptly, moving to stand behind me as he spoke "I don't want to hurt you, so when this is over and your partner dealt with, you'll be coming with us" I didn't see his expression, but the happiness in his voice was sickening.
"How do you expect to get out? The hotel is crawling with agents" I snarked back, letting the pretenses down now that he knew who we were.
"Yes, they did make a few things difficult, but I'm sure if one of their agents lives' is at risk, they'll make an exception" I shuddered as his hand patted my shoulder, knowing he was talking about Tony. Was that what they were going to do? I thought they were going to kill him.
"Besides, Myself, Pete and you are leaving by higher ground" His voice moved to the other side, still not in my vision at all. I heard a small click, a pop and Pete shifted slightly, a small nod at Harry behind my shoulder.
I realised, in the haze of anticipation that something was about to happen, that he was planning on leaving by helicopter. I knew this hotel had a helicopter pad on its roof, having seen it when we chose this place to meet.
"Now Bella, just so as you don't give Pete anymore hassle and you don't put a hitch in our plans, you're going to take a little nap" I felt a sharp pain in my neck, his other hand on my neck and holding my head in place as he inserted the full needle into me. When he pulled it out, he walked around and faced me, showing me the empty syringe as he threw it into the waste bin in the corner of the room.
"Now Bella, I want you to listen to me" I was beginning to feel the effects of what ever he put in my system. I wasn't tired, I just felt lethargic, like I couldn't move at all. My eyes were already half closed and my body was slumped sidewards slightly.
"It is in your best interests to be a nice hostage" He told me, grabbing my chin and forcing me to look at him with bleary eyes. A strange buzzing filled my eyes and it felt like I had bees flying around in my head. Concentrating was almost impossible.
"You see, Pete is going to inject you with three more of these during the next fifteen minutes. That's a lethal dose, and the only way you'll survive is if you come with me" He spoke normally, but his voice was as if he were teaching a toddler to read.
He dropped my chin, and my vision was reduced to my knees and the tiled floor, unable to summon the strength to hold up my own head. I heard the chair scrape on the floor as he moved it away, but trying to hear through the buzzing was hard and a migraine was developing behind my left temple.
There was a small click and not a moment someone roughly grabbed my chin again and forced my face up. I saw Pete smirk as he injected yet another dose of the stuff into me, but he didn't drop my chin. He reached behind him and brought back a knife, and I didn't even flinch as he threateningly ran it along the base of my neck, not quite enough pressure to pierce the skin.
But he reached behind me and cut the tape, harshly ripping the tape from my skin and leaving it raw and sore. He did the same with my ankles, and as soon as I was free from the chair, he grabbed me roughly by the waist, pulling me from the chair and crashing against his chest. He simply grunted at the impact, pushing me away slightly but grabbing my arm, leading me impatiently towards the bed.
It took a while for it to sink in, even as he sat me down on the edge and took his jacket off I was smiling dreamily at the clock in the corner. But I did realise just when he reached for the zipper of his trouser.
No! No! No!
I feebly pushed against him as he pushed me back against the bed, not having enough strength anymore. The second dose of the drug was dragging me under. It was when he slid his hand down my back that I seemed to snap out of it, my knee coming up and conveniently connecting with his groin. His face twisted in pain as he groaned, rolling from on top of me and onto the space next to me.
I struggled to stand but did so, using the wall as I leaned against it heavily, trying to reach the door. I was nowhere near it when Pete grabbed me from behind, yanking me roughly and with my current condition, I crashed to the floor and struggled to get my bearings.
"You bitch" He spat, and I felt a foot connect with my ribs, my body instinctively curling up to try to protect itself. I raised my head slightly, trying to look around and get away or at least fight back, but a fist hit me, sending my head smacking against the floor. I didn't try to raise my head after that one, my vision black around the edges as I felt his fist hitting my stomach and his foot continuously hitting my back.
This dude had anger issues.
That was the only thing I could think. Not of the pain that was searing through my body, not of my partner or my daughter, and not even of the Cullen's. It's strange how my mind works.
I must have to blacked out or something, but I didn't even realise the blows had been numbed and the noise of his grunts and shuffled on the carpet had stopped. But I did, however, realise the difference when I came back down to earth, groaning in pain when even the haze that had settled over my brain lifted couldn't numb the pain that lanced through my veins.
But the pain seemed to break through the cloud of lethargy that flowed around my body and begged me to just lay there in peace. Struggling to recall my training, I twisted my leg in the air, happy when I head a grunt and a loud thud. I moved as quickly as I could while he was temporarily dazed, crawling over to him and swiping the gun from his grip, pointing it at his head as his eyes focused.
They glared at me for a moment before he realised I was holding his gun and they widened in fear. My hands were shaking as I struggled against curling up from the pain. It felt like every part of me was in a burning pain, but I breathed through it. Even breathing hurt.
I wasn't going to shoot him, just wait until someone found us, but he forced my hand. He lunged forward, his hand shooting out to grab the gun but with all the adrenaline rushing through my veins, I was alert. I didn't realise I'd even pressed the trigger until I saw him flop back down on the tiles, his eyes wide as his trembling hand hesitantly reached and gently touched his shoulder.
I had missed. Damn it!
I struggled to stay conscious, but he eventually blacked out, his eyes closing as blood oozed from his wound, the red liquid spreading through his shirt. Swaying slightly on my knees, I let the gun fall from my hand as I let myself fall backwards, not feeling my head smack once again against the tiling.
I was out before my eyes were even shut.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
I could feel hands on me, my wrists, my neck, my arms and stomach. I couldn't help but hiss, my eyes opening slightly as my face portrayed my pain. Gibbs' face floated around above me, his grey hair stretching and morphing thanks to the tears in my eyes from the pain.
"Bella, I need you to listen to me" He spoke slowly, moving closer to me and putting his hands on either side of my face, staring me in the eye. I knew he meant business, I could see the fear in his eyes. He didn't show it through his actions, but those that knew him well enough knew what his little quirks meant.
I did my best to turn my brain on and pay attention. The only problem was I was having difficulty staying concentrated and conscious.
"Bella, there's some men here who're going to help you" He told me, glancing over his shoulder.
"Tony" I tried to sit up but my body was not responding at all. Gibbs pressed a hand to my shoulder and pushed me back down, remaining crouched at my side but I saw his hand hovering over his gun at his waist.
"He's on his way to the hospital" Gibbs told me, his voice reflecting how tired we all felt.
"The helicopter" My eyes fluttered closed, my words slurred until I felt someone slap my face, not hard enough to leave a mark, but hard enough for it to wake me up and sting for a while.
"Stay awake. The ambulance is on its way, just hang on until then" He told me, waiting for an answer and only standing when I nodded blankly. The ticking of the clock was oddly addictive and I found myself engrossed in the noise, my eyes must have closed at some point.
"The man..." My eyes remained closed, but my body wanted to kick the shit out of that bastard.
"He's on his way to the hospital with a bullet in his shoulder. In handcuffs" Gibbs amended, sounding rather too happy about that.
I heard voices... voices that were so familiar that they tickled at the edges of the mind. I could hear Gibbs quickly talking with them, their voices taking turns as they spoke.
The ground shook as someone walked away, their footsteps heavy and hard on the floor beneath me.
I cold hand on my skin woke me up, but not enough to force my eyes open.
"Bella, please open you're eyes for me"
Okay, maybe that would. I had not expected it, but hearing the voice so close, the clarity so clear that the memory appeared behind my eye lids. I wanted to open my eyes, to see him, to speak to him. All my anger and frustration seemed to be being suppressed by this drug and I hoped I didn't make a complete ass of myself.
I could feel what I wanted to say forming on my tongue, all the questions and jokes that were definately not what I should be saying while I am battered and drugged on some hotel floor. It seems this drug as destroyed all trace of my brain to mouth filter.
"Carlisle" I managed to open my eyes, seeing him hovering next to me. His features, like Gibbs' were distorted by tears but I wanted to see him. No matter what they did... they remained my family.
"Bella, I need you to stay awake for me, alright? Keep your eyes open for as long as you can" He spoke slowly, picking up my wrist and checking my pulse.
"I'm tired Carlisle" I mumbled, struggling already to keep my eyes open.
"I know" He sighed, his face becoming clearer as he frowned and I forced my tears away. Even his light grip on my wrist was hurting, not a heated scorch like a usual pain, but an ice cold burn. I hissed lightly.
"That hurts" I looked at my wrist with a frown, seeing the fiery red skin from where the tape had been ripped off. Even gentler than I thought possible, he lowered my wrist to the floor.
"Bella" He said clearly but my eyes were closing "Bella!" His panicked almost-yell had my eyes opening once more.
"I need to know how they got the drug into you" He enunciated so slowly I had to resist the urge to call him out on it.
"Needle" I whispered, getting irritated that he wouldn't just let me slip.
"Where is the needle?" He asked, his so wide I could see every fleck of gold in them.
"Bin" I groaned, watching him look behind him, motioning for someone to go to the bin. Words were shared but they were a mere lull in the back of my mind.
"How many doses did they give you?" Carlisle's face was... scared. Something I had never seen before, and that was enough to set me on edge.
"Two... he said... if he gave me four... I'd die... he's got the... thing to... help" Yeah, my mind stopped working about halfway through the sentence. I couldn't decipher the look that crossed his face, but he sprang into action quickly.
He stood, towering over me and blocking out the glaring light above my head. I found myself feeling rather small next to him, once again my eyes slipping shut as I imagined being back home in bed. Bed...
I felt hands on me again, my world seemed to spin strangely, making me dizzy until my feet met the ground and the hands stilled for the moment. An arm wrapped around my waist, another around my shoulder and then I was moving.
I was a little confused.
I peeked my eyes open, finding the red carpet of the hallway passing slowly beneath my feet. Two pairs of feet matched my out steps either side of me. Huh, they had pretty big feet... but nice shoes. Swanky and so shiny that they reflected the light.
Curiosity hit again and I managed to raise my head and squint at the person to my left with their arm around my waist. I was a little shocked to come face to face with Jasper. He was always tall, much taller than me but now we were the same height. I had grown over the few years they hadn't seen me, but the heels helped close the gap.
It became apparent, when I actually thought about it, that the heels were hurting my heels and toes. Jasper must have seen some sign of pain on my face because he stopped and frowned at me. Not wasting energy talking, I quickly slipped my aching feet from the shoes, kicking them lazily against the wall of the hallway. When I looked back at Jasper, I was at his shoulder. Much better.
"Hey Jasper" I smiled, sounding a little dreamy.
"Hey Bella" He smiled back, though he seemed more amused than happy. Was he making fun of me?
"What 'bout me?" I turned as I heard Emmett's voice, smiling at him.
"Hey Emmett" He simply shook his head.
We must have started walking again at some point because we were approaching the elevator.
"You're looking good Bella" Emmett smiled gently but I scoffed lightly.
"Where the hell are you looking Em?" I raised an eyebrow, seeming a little out of it. I thought I didn't like the Cullen's?
"No... I mean... well before you got beaten up" He scowled as he punched the button, the three of us coming to a halt as we waited for the elevator to open.
"Yeah, shame about that" I sang "Still, the drug's kinda numbing the pain so... doing some good" Indeed, I couldn't stop smiling even though my eyes were drooping again. The elevator dinged open and all Em and Jasper did was laugh lightly. They were laughing a lot tonight.
"You don't look any different" I carried on, remembering it was polite to comment on the same thing they had. But... he didn't look any different.
"Neither do you" I frowned at Jasper as he chuckled, shaking his head "That's so not fair. You guys are like... ancient, and not one wrinkle. I got a grey hair! Grey! Though that might have been the spray paint..." I trailed off, wondering if that had been the reason. Tony still never let me live it down. I freaked out, but can you blame me? I'm twenty and I thought I had a grey hair!
"You don't have grey hair Bella" Jasper laughed and I thanked him sincerely, knowing he was right since he had good vision. He had to be right.
The elevator was playing that damn piano tune that was gentle. Unfortunately, in my current state, I found it lulling me to sleep faster than I could force myself to stay awake. I could feel the hands tightening around me as my world tilted again, not sure which way gravity was deciding to pull me.
I didn't know what was happening after that. I could feel myself being jostled slightly, someones arms around me as they cradled me to their chest, my head beneath against their neck. A wall of cold had me shivering since I only had a dress on. Warm hands held onto my wrist and neck again, hands pressed against my cheek and legs.
After that, I was too deep to feel as Emmett passed me to the EMT, or hear the wailing sirens as I was rushed to hospital. I couldn't even feel Jasper holding onto one of my hands during the ride, his eyes burning into my head.
Nope, I was to far into dream land.
What do ya think? Should I delete it or carry on? I can no longer watch NCIS without thinking of this though... I need to get it out of my head!
:)
Review please!!!