Chapter 10

Flint paced up and down the room. "Where are they?" he demanded of Scarlett, who had just come back into the room after being gone for 30 minutes.

Scarlett avoided his eyes. "Um, they took off."

"What?" Flint raged. "What the hell is she thinking? Someone is after her and she goes off joyriding?"

"Now calm down," Scarlett soothed. "We know where they are. In fact, we know where Ali is at all times when we need her. Sorry, company secret," she said at his questioning gaze. "Needless to say, she's safe and the guards are looking out for her."

"Tell me where she is and I'll carry her spoiled butt home and make sure she understands the seriousness of the situation," he growled.

Scarlett started to speak, but then saw Snake Eyes shake his head. Maybe she should let him go after her, she thought. They had to face each other at some point, and he probably wouldn't kill her with Courtney present. Probably being the key word there.

Reluctantly, she told Flint the name of the bar, told him the directions to town, and gave him the keys to one of the cars. She hoped she was making the right decision.

Flint couldn't believe the sight that befell him when he walked into the bar. Courtney was giggling hysterically about something a guy was saying to her. Was she drunk already? He looked around and saw Jaye in the corner and it looked like she had a row of shot glasses set up in front of her, empty. He groaned. He had seen this before and it never boded well.

As he got closer to the table, he noticed something familiar about the guy taking shots across from Lady Jaye. Holy shit, was that a Dreadknok? Which one was it? He never could tell them apart, not that he ever needed to. He was so confused, all he could do was stand there and stare.

A waitress pushed past him and set up another round. Jaye leaned over and teased Zipper about something, which caused him to give a loud shout of laughter. She was looking pretty happy with herself.

Flint figured he'd better put a stop to it, but before he could move a step, a hand clasped him on the shoulder.

"It's like a freakin' Joe reunion," chuckled one of the Dreadknoks. "What's up, mate? Here to join the party?"

Flint now recalled the fact that the Dreadknoks were known to work with Phoenix, so he figured things were safe. For now.

"Yeah, mate." Flint said back, moving his shoulder to let the hand drop. "Just wandered in to see how Lady Jaye was doing."

The 'knok gave a drunken giggle. "She and Ripper are having some fun."

Flint closed his eyes and prayed for patience. Sensing no divine intervention, he moved towards the two in the back. Immediately, two guys started to move that were observing the contest, but a quick look at Flint and then at each other had them moving back, relaxing. He realized they were part of the guard unit at the house.

Flint nodded to them and then approached Jaye.

Ripper was the first to see him. "Aw, now mate, don't be dragging her off too soon. I was about to win…." he slurred, looking close to falling over.

"Like hell," cheered Lady Jaye as she took another shot. Looking up she saw Flint. Giving Ripper a wink, she whispered loudly, "Uh oh, looks like Dad's here." She giggled. "Are you going to ground me?" she said in a stage whisper to Flint.

She and Ripper started laughing so hard, they almost fell out of their chairs.

Flint couldn't help but smile. "Come on, Ali, let's go home."

She grinned up at him. "Aren't I s'posed to be mad at you?" She glanced at the table. "'k, soon as I finish these." She took 3 quick shots, then stood up, only to sway, and sit back down.

"Whoops! Gotta do that a little slower," she giggled.

Flint sighed and bent down and scooped her up. "Wo'e boys, I migh' g' lucky tonight!" she winked, saying the words in her best cockney accent.

She snuggled up against Flint, pressing her lips to his neck. "This is a nice dream. I like it. Wish it were real though," she muttered to herself, getting comfortable.

Flint didn't argue with her. For once, they weren't at each other's throats and for that, he was happy to let her think she was in a dream. Tomorrow would definitely bring out a different Jaye.

He carried her to the car and tucked her into the front passenger seat. The guards who were in the bar came out with a giggling Courtney, who climbed in the back.

Pretty soon, both were asleep as he drove the car back to the house. Behind him, one of the guards followed on the bike. He wasn't sure how the other guard was getting home, but figured they had a car stashed somewhere.

Getting home, one of the guards carried Courtney to her room, leaving Flint to handle Jaye. He wasn't sure which room was hers, but he was met by Greta, the housekeeper, who showed him where to go. She looked at him disapprovingly as he entered her room, nudging the door shut with his foot.

Jaye opened her eyes and looked at him sleepily. "Hi, Dash," she said softly.

"Hi, Ali," he answered, thinking she looked adorable, even though she was totally trashed.

"Thanks for bringing me home," she whispered. "I miss you."

"Aw, honey, I've missed you too," said Flint softly, his voice breaking.

"Why do we have to fight?" she asked sleepily. "Why did you wait two years to come see me, and you only came because it was a mission?" she sighed, turning over.

Flint didn't know what to say. Jaye sighed again and closed her eyes, her breathing even. Flint slipped into bed beside her and just held her. He knew tomorrow would see her hating him once again, but he'd take this night to just be with her.