Chapter Nine

Steve heard the Interpol radio spark to life, broadcasting the vehicle's location – and then the call of 'shots fired'. He grabbed the nearest agent and demanded "Take me there – NOW." There was nothing more on the radio for several very long minutes as they drove, except for unit after unit confirming that they were reporting to the scene – and the original unit calling back in to say they were searching the area for the shooter...and the victim.

- - -

Jaime dropped the garbage can lid she'd just used to smack Michael in the face (sending several bullets wildly through the air as he went down) and hobbled calmly over to where he lay on the ground, bleeding profusely from his nose. "Not bad aim for behind my back, huh?" she told him. He was still conscious but the blow had stunned him. Jaime eyed the gun, still gripped tightly in his hand, and hopped on it with all the bionic strength two shackled legs (one of them injured) could muster – crushing the gun. She managed to somehow miss all but the tips of Michael's fingers.

Michael swung his other arm around, grabbed Jaime's ankle chain and yanked hard. The unexpected move threw her off-balance and she fell to the ground then hurriedly tried to roll away....but he held the chain firmly in his one good hand. The garbage can lid was just inches away from her, but with her hands behind her back, Jaime was unable to grab it this time. She drew her knees up and back, trying to kick him off but, furious and in pain, Michael jerked again and Jaime's head hit the pavement.

"Dammit, Jaime, just give up!" Marchetti snarled. He rose to his feet and loomed threateningly over her, his hands balled into fists. Jaime's head was pounding even harder than her heart, but she refused to black out. She could hear sirens in the distance, coming closer, and as Michael began to pummel her, Jaime raised her feet and landed a solid kick that caught him across both ankles. She didn't even cringe when she heard the bones snap. This had been a battle for her life – and she had won.

She struggled to stand up, determined that Interpol wouldn't find her lying on the ground, victimized. She stared triumphantly at her would-be killer...and smiled. "This time, Michael, I took you down!"

- - -

Jaime declared that she had seen "quite enough of Greece for this lifetime, thanks" - and they returned to the States. Her leg was repaired back to its original condition and she'd spent two precautionary nights in the hospital under Rudy's watchful eyes. Callahan had insisted on preparing a celebratory dinner for both Jaime and Steve before Jaime went back to Ojai, and Steve couldn't resist stealing one more kiss before ringing Peggy's doorbell.

Callahan was practically bouncing with excitement as she answered the door. Before heading into the living room, Jaime couldn't help noticing that the dinner table was set for four. "Is Oscar coming?" she asked.

Callahan beamed. "Guess again."

"Rudy?" Jaime had no idea.

"Tell you what..." her friend bubbled. "C'mon in and have a drink!"

Jaime looked at Steve, who shrugged, and together they followed Peggy into the living room. Russ rose from the couch to greet them, shaking Steve's hand, smiling at Jaime and then wrapping his arm cozily around Callahan's waist. Steve and Jaime grinned, too surprised to say anything at first, until Peggy handed them each a glass of wine. Both couples raised their glasses high in the air and clinked them. Steve made the toast for everyone:

"It's about time!"

END OF EPISODE FIVE