Disclaimer: I own nothing but 2 dogs and sometimes, a cat.
Author's Note: This story has been floating around in my head for a time and is the first in a series. I hope you enjoy!
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Flint asked Lady Jaye, as he followed her from Duke's office where he had seen her emerge, her face displaying a thoughtful look.
"What…huh…oh, Flint. Sorry, didn't see you there," she replied. "It's nothing. Just something Duke told me. Another mission. Sorry, but I think we'll have to break our date tonight. I have to pack." And with that, she brushed him off, leaving him standing there, confused. What on earth is going on? he wondered to himself. Normally, Lady Jaye, his partner, confided most things in him. Actually, he and his partner were usually paired on missions together as well. Being second in command, Flint also knew about most missions. Turning on his heel, he headed back to Duke's office to see exactly what was going on.
"Sorry, Flint," replied Duke "Conrad" Hauser. "This one is highly confidential. A need to know basis. Look, I know you're worried," he hurried on, sensing that his old friend was going to argue a point, "but it's nothing to get your panties in a bunch," he smirked. Usually, riling up Flint took his mind off of things. This time was no exception, as he knew Flint would fall for this remark.
"Hey, now, who you callin' a girl there, Dukey…." and so began the one upmanship. Duke relaxed and enjoyed the verbal sparring. At least he won't bother me for something I can't tell him and something he doesn't want to know, he thought gratefully.
"So, where are you off to this time?" Scarlett leaned against the door jam, watching Lady Jaye pack. "Hmmm….designer clothes. A trip, maybe? Did you and Flint score some time off?"
Lady Jaye sighed. "You know I can't say much, but just know I'm going under for a few. Of course," she grinned, "if I told you I'd have to kill you!"
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah…whatever. Hope you have fun! Oh, and get back in one piece. I don't want to have to deal with lover boy if anything happens!"
Lady Jaye frowned. "On second thought, don't tell him anything. Tell him you came to the room and I was already gone. No sense you having to put up with some tirade of his, going off on this, that, or whatever…." her voice trailed off, thoughtful. Although she knew she loved Flint, there were times when he was a bit too possessive, too protecting of her. Not that he would ever let it jeopardize a mission. He was too much of a professional on that part. However, there had been times in the past three years that they'd been involved that she would return from a mission and find him moody and quite frankly a grouch and pest to everyone, especially if it was a mission where she received an injury, no matter how slight. Comes with the job, she shrugged to herself. If I wanted to avoid it, I guess I'd be working at some nice safe job somewhere else…..like the bomb squad, she chuckled.
"Not a bad idea," answered Scarlett, interrupting her thoughts. "I need to head to the gym anyway. I did not see nor hear you!" And with that, she gave a salute and snuck out the door.
Lady Jaye sighed. Who knows what Flint "Dash" Faireborn would think about her latest mission. As the mission would require most of her acting as well as her linguist skills, she did not need Flint barging in and getting her focus off the mission. She reflected again what Duke had said in the privacy of his office.
"This is classified on a 'need to know' basis. So far, just you, Hawk, and myself know of this mission," Duke started out by saying. He continued, "We suspect that an all-girls school in Ireland is actually a training center for Cobra." He held up his hand as Lady Jaye started to speak. "Let me continue. They are using girls who they find as runaways, or juvenile delinquents sent by their parents to this 'free' school. They are from all over the world, apparently. I mean, what parent wouldn't want their troubled teen to be in a boarding school in another country? Your mission is to start as the new French teacher and P.E. coach." He handed her a document. "This is your briefing. Read it carefully. You will be assuming the role of Alison McCreary. You come highly recommended and they are awaiting your arrival. Um, "he hesitated for a moment, "you might want to pack some of your more stylish clothes as there seems to be a dress code for the teachers. I'm afraid there's not much time to shop, but…."
Lady Jaye smiled and cut him off with a wave of her hand. "I've got the designer clothes handled. Thanks, though. I'm not sure if the Joe Visa would quite cover my expenses."
"Er, yeah," Duke said with a sigh of relief. "We were a little worried about being overdrawn. Good to know. Your plane leaves in 2 hours. Dismissed."