Chapter One

Jaime was looking forward to a long hot bath and lots of sleep. While the mission had not been a dangerous one, it had been a grueling few days. She really couldn't remember the last time she slept for more than a few hours at a time. In the taxi next to her, Oscar looked a tad worn, but otherwise remarkably awake, even though she knew that he hadn't slept much more than she had. Not for the first time, Jaime wondered how he even survived on the little sleep that he got. The man never took a break. Even now he was on the phone smoothing over details for yet another diplomatic talk.

When they reached the hotel, Jaime was not surprised to see Oscar get out of the cab with her. He seemed to have no qualms sending her into the darkest Peru with little more than a radio and her bionics, yet the director of the OSI always needed to make sure that she got to her apartment or hotel safely.

"You really don't need to do this," Jaime protested. "You have a plane to catch. I'll be fine."

Oscar quietly paid the cab driver, and then placed a friendly arm around Jaime's shoulder as he led her up the steps.
"I can easily get another cab this time of night. I just want to make sure that you are settled before I take off."

He studied her carefully. "Are you sure you really want to do this? Spend some time here alone before you go back to Ojai? The plane doesn't leave for another hour-we have time to get your bags and check out."

Jaime smiled and waved an arm toward the sun setting over the beautiful shore. "And leave this? Oscar, we checked in four days ago - I haven't had any time to enjoy the view. As a matter of fact, I don't think that I have even beenin my room for more than few hours at a time. I know that you wanted me to "bodyguard' Dinavan's oldest daughter during the talks, but you have no idea what it was like keeping up with her! Going to a night club once in awhile is fun - going every night until three in the morning is pure torture."

"However," Jaime coaxed, "what about you? Are you sure you don't want to change your mind and stay a few days? I am sure that the OSI can live without you for a day or so."

Oscar just smiled as he took the key from her hand and unlocked the door. Once inside, Jaime pushed aside the curtains and opened the sliding door ."I could listen to those waves forever," Jaime sighed as she leaned against the glass door.

Satisfied that the room was safe, Oscar started to leave.

"Be careful," he cautioned. Jaime just rolled her eyes.

"Honestly, Oscar - it's not the first time I've been alone in a foreign country. I am going to enjoy what little time I have left before school starts again."

Oscar knew better than to argue. He kissed Jaime gently on the forehead. He didn't actually remind Jaime to bolt the door, but he did wait outside long enough to hear the locks turn before leaving to catch his flight.

On the other side of the door Jaime smiled to herself, quite aware of his actions. She decided to pour a glass of wine before settling down to watch the waves crash against the shore. Finally, she thought to herself, a chance to relax