Thanks to everyone who is following this story – reviewers and trollers alike. Please keep letting me know your thoughts and opinions: the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's the only way I know what you like and can get better. I do not own any of the established characters only Haydence and my plot (as always).

"Can you give me a second, Harry?" Lucas glanced down at his towel, and Harry's eyes followed.

"Yes, of course." Harry's expression was slightly embarrassed rather than suspicious.

Closing the door to Harry, Lucas moved back to the sofa and pulled on his dark jeans. No time to look for his missing boxers. As he walked toward the door again, Hayd called to Lucas, "Come back to bed."

Bending down to kiss Haydence fully on the lips, he whispered, "Can't. Harry's here. Just rest."

Reopening the door, Lucas grinned, "Sorry, about that."

"No problem, Lucas."

Harry stepped inside shutting the door behind him. Lucas took the package and clothing from Harry but did not let him advance very far into the room. Harry craned his head trying to see Hayd.

"Is Mrs. Todd awake?"

He shook his head. "She's sleeping."

Harry glanced at Lucas, still naked from the waist up, and mistook the moisture glistening off him to be the result of a shower rather than physical activity.

"Well, at least you're on the go this morning."

Lucas cocked his head questioningly.

"You've already showered."

"Oh, yes. Hayd's clothes?" Lucas opened the door to the wardrobe and hung the clothes up. He unzipped the plastic cover and inspected them.

"Yes. Mrs. Todd's and a set of yours as well." Harry watched for Lucas's reaction in viewing the dress. As Lucas's gaze turned into a glare, Harry continued, "We've been very selective about this. We want to put Durning as much at ease as possible. His sister was very fond of lavender."

"You're working the sister angle? Harry, this dress screams honey trap."

"I hope it won't come to that. But, Mrs. Todd has to convince Charles Durning of releasing his suit in progress to her this afternoon. She may need to use any means available to her."

"She's not trained for this!" Lucas's voice was a low hiss. He kept his voice low not wanting to disturb Hayd, but a protective fire burned in his belly at the thought of Haydence being with anyone else or being in danger. "Besides, why can't she simply slip a tracking device on the suit this afternoon? With this plan, she'll have to meet him twice."

Harry reached into the packet and drew out a spool wound in a thin thread like substance.

"We cannot risk a traditional bug because Durning is ultra paranoid. This thread sewn throughout the suit can emit a signal strong enough for us to receive yet is decentralized enough so that most scanners won't pick it up. We've got to get that bio-weapon before it's released. We have to get that suit, Lucas."

A slight movement in Lucas's peripheral vision told him that Hayd was starting to stir. He turned so that he blocked Harry's view of the room. He wished that she'd stay still and not draw Harry's attention. Besides, he had no idea where her robe had landed in the course of their proceedings.

"There has to be another way."

"Well, there's not. Lucas, is something else going on? Has something happened to change your evaluation of Mrs. Todd's capabilities?"

"No. Why?"

"Well, I have to wonder at her alertness. We've been talking for several minutes, and she hasn't even turned over. I'm starting to wonder if that girl is dead or alive."

"Is she capable of doing this job? Yes. I have faith in her. Am I comfortable with her doing this job? No, I'm not. What right do we have to ask a civilian to do something this risky?"

"For a democracy to work, there are times when even ordinary civilians must be called upon to protect the state."

"Harry, it's too early in the morning for rhetoric."

The worry lines in Harry's face shone. "Lucas, there is something else."

At that moment, Haydence emerged from the shadows and appeared at Lucas's side rewrapped in her recently discarded white robe.

"I'm not dead, Sir Harry. On the contrary," Hayd's smile flashed mischievously, "I've never felt more alive."

"Ah, Mrs. Todd. I trust you slept well."

"Yes, lovely sleep, lovely morning. Oh, are my clothes back?" She eagerly looked into the wardrobe but stopped when she saw the low-cut, knee length lavender and black dress hanging up. Varying shades of lavender ranged from delicate to almost gaudy. The black in the dress showed in the impression of peacock feathers.

"What the hell is that?"

"Your dress. Durning's sister favored lavender."

"The lavender wouldn't be an issue if it were all one subtle shade, but the black makes it look like I'm going to a night on the town not a meeting with a client. First rule of personal fittings, never wear colors that will distract the buyer. You want him to see the suit not you. Hmm." Haydence inspected the cut and feel of the dress. "The shape's not bad. Find this in one in a subtle shade of lavender maybe edged with gray or black, and I'll wear it. But, I'm not wearing this to a fitting."

Starting to get annoyed, Harry was exasperated. "Mrs. Todd, we don't have the time."

Haydence turned to Harry. "If I show up in that," Hayd pointed to the dress, "Durning will know that something is up. You wanted me because I'm a professional and my reputation is well known. Stick me in that and I might as just wear a big badge saying 'Undercover Operation!' on it.

Harry held up his hands in surrender, "All right. I'll take it back."

Haydence gave Harry a look of appreciation. "Thank you, Sir Harry."

"Shouldn't you at least try it on to see if the size is right?" Although Lucas was serious, a little half hidden smirk said he had other reasons for wanting to see her in it.

"Good point. Would you mind, Mrs. Todd?"

Haydence reached for the hanger. "Of course not, gentlemen. I'll only be a moment."

When she closed the door to the bathroom, Lucas turned to Harry. "What were you starting to tell me?"

Harry focused his eyes on the bathroom door, "Nothing. It will keep."

Emerging from the bathroom, Haydence stepped somewhat nervously back into the room. Lucas had to work hard not to let Harry hear the intake of breath that happened automatically when he saw Hayd in that dress. Lavender suited her complexion softening it, and the material flowed over her curves. The v-neck plunged low enough to give a good view of the tops of her breasts. Damn. Now he wished he had taken the time to find his boxers.

Without looking at either man for approval, "You see, the size is right. Just need a different shade."

Lucas finally exhaled softly, "You're beautiful."

Harry commented as well, "Yes, lovely."

Haydence looked up; the corners of her mouth going down slightly. "Let's not flatter, gentlemen. I'm not use to it. But, we agree that this dress won't do for today?"

"Agreed. I'll return it and get you a different one."

"Thank you."

Hayd retreated into the bathroom. A moment later her arm now back in her white robe handed Lucas the dress on its hanger from behind the door. She didn't show her face.

"If you'll both excuse me, gentlemen, I'll have a shower now."

Lucas glanced with darkening eyes at the door as it closed.

Harry took the hanger from Lucas's hand, recovered the dress in its plastic bag, and headed towards the door. "Lucas."

He dragged his gaze from the door back to Harry.

"We'll keep her safe." With that, Harry left.

Lucas locked the door to their room behind Harry and strode back to the bathroom door. He didn't want to take the time to consider the implications of Harry knowing his feelings for Hayd. He needed something else now. Knocking quickly twice, Lucas was immediately greeted by Hayd stepping forward.

He leaned down to capture her mouth and she wrapped both arms around his neck. Coming up for air, Lucas arched an eyebrow and breathed, "Shower?"

The corners of Hayd's mouth went up in a smile. "Shower." With Hayd's approval given, Lucas lifted her off the floor and carried her into the bathroom – shutting door behind them with his foot.