Eleanor and Hannah had originally planned to spend the Friday just wandering around on Charing Cross road, checking out the bookstores. But Don and Colby nipped that idea in the bud when they heard about it the night before. They wanted the ladies somewhere that had some security. They finally agreed on a trip to the British Museum.

The next morning Don headed to the Embassy to start the class, while Colby escorted them to the British Museum. They were to call Colby when they were done, and he would escort them back to the flats. Eleanor noticed that Hannah didn't seem at all put out about the complexity of the arrangements.

"All this cloak and dagger stuff doesn't bother you?" Frustration edged Eleanor's voice.

"If I had listened to Colby, and done the things he recommended," Hannah said slowly, "those thieves might not have been able to get into my store and take us hostage."

Eleanor drew a sharp breath.

Hannah looked at her and smiled sadly. "The store is in a safe area. And it's not the kind of store that jewelry ring targeted. I didn't think all the safeguards he'd put in place were necessary. Olivia was there, and we were talking and laughing. I didn't do some of the things he'd recommended, like lock up when security left, or make sure no one was outside before we left. Just some of the small things, that in retrospect, would have kept them out and us in. And it almost got us killed."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know."

There was silence as they walked towards the Greek and Roman exhibits on the main floor.

"I've never told anyone. I felt guilty about it, for causing so much pain. Olivia was shot. Colby suffered a great deal through all of it. And he had to put up with me during physical therapy. I'll never argue with him again when it comes to safety," Hannah said softly.

Eleanor put an arm around Hannah, "I'll be a little more gracious about it, Hannah. I won't put you into a difficult position. I want you to be safe too."

Hannah smiled at Eleanor, "The point is for you to be safe, Eleanor. I'm not the one embroiled in this case."

"Alright," she said reluctantly, "I'll talk to Don and see about getting a bodyguard or something."

Eleanor's reluctance made Hannah laugh, "Well, maybe they'll manage to come up with something a little more palatable."

The day passed with no incident, and Colby got them back to the flats with plenty of time to get ready for the Embassy party.

Hannah caught sight of Colby in the mirror as she started to put on her make-up, and turned to laugh up at him. "Why are you watching me?"

He grinned, "I enjoy watching you dress. All these mysterious things you do." He watched her put her eye makeup on, amazed at the delicate line she drew with the eyeliner. "You're beautiful without all that stuff."

Touched by the comment, she reflected, "It's a huge self confidence booster." She got up and slipped into the dress, "Zip me up, would you please?" She shivered with pleasure as he kissed and caressed her back as he zipped her up, and murmured in amusement, "Can't just zip me up, can you? I'll be aroused all evening because of that."

"I stay aroused all day thinking about you. Turnabout is fair play," Colby's eyes sparkled in amusement.

"Sounds like a personal problem to me," Hannah retorted dryly, laughing at his grimace.

When they were finally ready, they met Don and Eleanor as they walked to Eleanor's car. Don grinned when he saw that Colby's attire matched Hannah's dress. Colby shrugged good-naturedly but didn't say anything.

-----

"Well, look at that!" Braden said to Jensen in some amusement. "Eleanor Hill looks quite different tonight. That sparkle in her eyes could light up this city."

Jensen laughed, "Wonder if Don was responsible for that sparkle?"

"Let's see if we can find out." Mischief lit Braden's eyes as they moved forward to greet the two couples.

"Miss Hill, you look lovely tonight," Braden kissed the hand she offered in greeting.

"Implying that I looked like a hag the last time you interviewed me?" Eleanor retorted tartly, though her lips twitched in amusement.

Everyone laughed at Braden's discomfiture. Then Jensen's eyes were caught by Hannah's lovely smile. He hadn't really even noticed her when the two couples walked in together.

"This is Hannah, my girlfriend," Colby placed a possesive hand at the small of Hannah's back as he introduced her. He'd noticed the look in Jensen's eyes.

"Come on, I'll introduce all of you to the Ambassador," Jensen quickly changed the subject. He knew why Colby was in London, and what happened to Hannah. He didn't want to get into an altercation with someone he'd come to like and respect.

Ambassador Tuttle and his wife were talking to the FBI Legal Attaché, Bronwyn Trent, and Don took the opportunity to take Legat Trent aside to discuss Eleanor's protection. Mrs. Tuttle's eagle eyes took in the jewelry that both Eleanor and Hannah were wearing and immediately towed them off to meet her friends. She knew her friends would want to know more about where they'd got the jewelry. The Ambassador eyed Colby in amusement. "I see you match your girlfriend."

Colby burst into laughter, he'd expected to be ragged, but not by the Ambassador, "Yes, well, I know my place in life, I'm just her accessory."

"Good man!" Ambassador Tuttle clapped him on the back, laughing with him. "It certainly makes life easier when the women are happy." He smiled at his own wife as she came back with Hannah and Eleanor. "If you'll excuse us, we have to mingle with the other ambassadors."

"Well, you look excited," Colby said as he slid his arm around Hannah.

"Oh, yes," Hannah beamed, "I have phone numbers and email addresses. I think I'll be getting some commissions this week."

"Commissions?" Jensen asked curiously.

"Yes, for jewelry. She makes custom jewelry."

"Is that where you got your jewelry?" A voice behind them asked.

"Adam Carter, MI-5." Eleanor said dryly.

Adam grinned, "Good to see you too, Eleanor. Do you remember my wife, Fiona?"

Eleanor smiled at Fiona, "I remember. Also MI-5, if I remember correctly. Always a pleasure, Fiona. How is your son?"

"He's fine, thank you. But, please do answer Adam's question! I'd love to get some of that jewelry!"

Hannah laughed, "I'd be delighted to make you some. MI-5? That's like the equivalent of the FBI here, isn't it? How do you know Eleanor?"

"Yes, how DO you know Eleanor?" Don asked sharply. He'd met the Carters earlier that week, and neither had said anything about it.

Adam looked amused. "We went to school together in Damascus. A lifetime ago. Have you managed to talk her into getting some protection?"

"I was just talking to the Legat about it," Don eyed Adam coolly. "Colby and I will be rotating our time between the training classes and protecting Eleanor."

"So you did get Eleanor to agree. I'm impressed." Adam looked at the blush that tinged Eleanor's cheeks and smiled. "I can have two of my officers help you with that. Danny Hunter and Zoe Reynolds. I'll introduce you later. Meanwhile, we have to mingle. Later." He kissed Hannah's and Eleanor's hands and left with his wife.

"Well, that was easy," Braden said in amusement. "Next time, I'll just give you a call, Don."

Don shrugged, unaccountably annoyed with Adam Carter.

Eleanor saw his annoyance and tried to sooth him. "Adam's a pragmatist, he seems to get more ruthless as the years go by. But he apparently gets the job done. When we first talked, he didn't think it important that I get protection. But he seems to have changed his mind. Perhaps something's changed."

"I'd take him up on it, Don." Braden continued. "Especially since he's offered his own officers!"

"I'm definitely going to." Don replied.

Colby watched Don for a moment, then satisfied that Don had calmed down, he murmured to Hannah, "They're playing a tango."

Hannah smiled and took the hand he held out to her.

Don's jaw dropped in amazement as he watched as Colby guided Hannah smoothly around the room. The steps were simple, but they moved together as though they were one.

"They make the basic tango step look like the most sensual thing in the world," Eleanor murmured, watching as Hannah's eyes met Colby's in a warm and sultry invitation. Her lips had parted, and he lowered his head till his lips were a mere hair's breadth away from hers.

Eleanor caught her breath as Colby guided Hannah into a quick dip. "Nicely done."

"Do you think they choreographed all of that ahead of time?" Jensen asked with interest as Hannah swiveled her hips first in one direction, then another.

"No," Eleanor said softly, "He's doing the leading all the way, just following the music and what he feels like doing. They're using the most basic of the tango steps, but she's completely in tune with him and it looks beautiful because it's effortless and flawless."

Across the dance floor the Carters were also watching. "The mountain lion has hidden depths," Fiona murmured to Adam.

"And is hopelessly in love," Adam grinned because he knew the look. He saw it often enough when he looked in the mirror.

Fiona laughed, "And Eleanor looks to be in safe hands as well. Is she really in danger?"

Adam stilled, "I hope not."