Swearing to himself, Dino walked along the hallway to the living room. For three days he had been using the stick to get around, refusing to give in to crutches. The room was empty, but he could hear voices out on the terrace and negotiated his way around the furniture to get there.

Reaching his destination, he flopped down into a chair and sighed, catching the beer that Eduardo threw in his direction. Terry had flown back to the States the day before, ordering Dino to heal fast, because he would need help in the office.

Taking a deep breath, he voiced the question that had been bothering him. "Where's Gaby? First she smothers me to death, keeping me in bed for two days, and now I'm mobile, she disappears."

Eduardo gave him a half smile, "She's around – but told me that she needs a little space… One of the guys is keeping an eye on her so don't worry, I guess she wanted to make sure you were ok first."

"Is she ok?"

"She seems ok, but I know the fact that she was taken from the club has shaken her – and the fact that they nearly killed Gonzalo to do it has upset her a great deal."

"What will she do now…?"

Eduardo sighed, "To be honest – I really don't know… The girls know who she is now, so she knows that she can no longer be part of the organisation, and that has really hurt her…"

Dino nodded, he understood how Gaby was feeling right now – all purpose to her life removed in one go. "Does she understand she may not be safe here anymore?"

Eduardo nodded, "She knows the only safe place for her is the hacienda, but if she stays here, she could compromise the organisation. Her obvious move is back to Buenos Aires, but we know from experience that she may not be safe there."

Dino sighed, "I have to speak to her… Maybe I can give her another option…"

Eduardo reached out to touch his arm, "I hope she will accept it Dino… for her own sake…"

&

Sitting on the bench in the garden, Gaby stared into the distance. She had watched Dino for a couple of days, concerned over his injury, but as soon as he had started to walk around she had felt more comfortable alone.

She knew she had some tough decisions to make. The girls had been returned to their families, and were thankful for their lives – two of the families had offered a reward for the safe return of their daughters, and had handed it over to the organisation – even though Antonio had said it was not necessary. They had instead been asked for their silence.

Unfortunately, the two European girls had not been so discreet, informing a newspaper from their own country that they had been rescued by a 'specialist' team. They had assumed that the team was a military one which helped the organisation, but also identified one of the team members as using a bow.

That in itself was not damaging – many groups knew of the Artemis team – and that a member used a bow, but Gaby herself had been mentioned in the article by name, revealing that she had helped the girls to escape.

A tear slid down Gaby's face, she knew she had to leave the organisation, but in a way that did not bother her, it was strong and thriving. What hurt was that she knew she would have to leave Argentina – at least for the time being. The thought upset her, but most of all, terrified her.

"Penny for your thoughts…"

Dino's voice made her jump, moving over to allow him to sit down she smiled sadly. "I have to leave; I'm just trying to work out what I'm going to do."

Dino smiled at the acceptance in her voice, "The sky's your limit Gaby, you have the funds to go anywhere… I've told you before; you're welcome in New York…"

She sighed, "I know, but what would I do…? Work for you..? It won't work out Dino, and you know it."

"True, but I didn't mean you have to come and work for me and Terry – you could do something else…"

"Such as…?"

"Go back to your studies, upgrade your degree and get a job in your field – at one of the museums somewhere… Or maybe you can go into teaching…"

Gaby stared at him in surprise, "Are you a mind reader now? I've been thinking about going back to my archaeology, not to teach, but to try and get some field work… That's where the real experience is and it will put me into a better position for a job later."

Dino chuckled, "So… go to Greece or Rome. Have fun."

Gaby swallowed, "I don't know if I can, I really want to, but…"

Dino was puzzled, fear had flashed across her face, "What's stopping you?" Gaby turned pale, shaking her head she looked at the floor. "Gaby, what are you afraid of?"

She stood up and began to walk away – Dino barely caught the whisper, "I can't tell you, please… Just leave me alone."

As he stood to follow her, a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Turning around, he saw Antonio, a sad look on his face. "Senor, we need to talk…"

&

Relaxing back in the chair in Eduardo's office, Dino looked curiously at the man opposite him, a moment later Eduardo joined them and closed the door.

"What is it Antonio? What's wrong?"

Antonio sighed. "There is something that you need to know Eduardo, and I have asked Senor Dino along, because I think he may be the only person who can help us."

Sitting down, Eduardo picked up on Antonio's sombre tone and became concerned, "Is this to do with Gaby?" Antonio nodded and began to speak.

"When your father was killed, none of you were here… Gaby was doing her final exams, and you boys were at boarding school and college. You were told that Alvaro had seen what happened as an explanation for certain things."

Eduardo's eyes narrowed, "You mean we weren't told the truth?"

Antonio sighed, "You were told the truth, but not all of it, at your father's request. Eduardo, I am choosing to tell you because there is something you need to understand about your sister. But I will come back to that later."

"Alvaro did see the accident, and was able to alert us. Your mother, as we had told you was killed instantly, but your father survived the crash. What we did not tell you was that when Carlos set fire to the car, your father was able to struggle free. We got there in time to pull him away from the flames, but he was badly hurt. He actually died six hours later."

Eduardo was stunned… Dino couldn't help feeling sorry for the younger man, and reached out with a hand to touch his shoulder. "Go on Antonio, I'm beginning to understand why you're telling us the story, though I can't for the life of me see how this ties to Gaby."

"During that time, Gabriel and I spoke… Well, he spoke, I wrote things down. There was so much to remember… He told me what he wanted to happen with the organisation and many other things that have come to pass, so I don't need to discuss them here, in his last couple of hours, he told me what he wished for his children – and these are things that I told you at the time. With a few exceptions."

"He knew that Gaby would want to take over the organisation and was quite happy about it – but asked that I would try and make sure that she also had a happy life. That is the reason why I have tried to encourage her to leave. For, over time I have noticed that outside of the organisation itself, she has no friends or interests – something your father predicted but hoped would not happen."

Eduardo nodded, "I had noticed too… Though I have to be honest I thought it was because she was too busy and had lost contact with them over the last couple of years."

Antonio nodded, "It is what she wishes us to think, but aside from Senor Dino, she has made no friends since her return to Argentina after her studies.

Eduardo gasped, "In over ten years…" Dino now saw a reason for Gaby's fear of returning to her studies…

"She's afraid to leave. Afraid to meet new people, it explains partly how she reacted when Terry and I first came down to find the organisation."

Antonio smiled, "and yet Senor, she was able to make friends with you – if she hadn't, you would never have been on that first operation."

Dino closed his eyes against the pain, "She knew that I was hurt, that I had lost someone. She spotted it almost immediately…" Suddenly he came to a startling conclusion, "She could make friends with me because I didn't threaten her."

"But Gaby isn't threatened by any man, she can hold her own, that's what always worried me. Her appetites…"

Antonio cut in, "All men threaten your sister Eduardo, which is why she is so good at what she does. She is always defending herself… The best form of defence… is attack."

Dino closed his eyes, feeling a little sick. He suddenly realised why Gaby did what she did, Eduardo however was still too stunned to reason out where Antonio was going.

"But I don't understand, the men she's," he faltered, realising that one of those 'men' was sitting next to him. "There were…"

"No more than I can count on my two hands, if that…"

Eduardo stared at Antonio, stunned by his words, "Then why does she let everyone think that…" his voice fell away, now realising that it was all part of Gaby's act to protect herself, "It keeps men away…"

Antonio nodded, "Your father realised that the only time she had the courage to go out among other people was when something had given her an adrenaline boost, the only time now is when she has to go out and make contact for the organisation. Gabriel created the story of her 'habit' himself to help Gaby cast the illusion after the day you all went out hunting together and she was confronted by that young wild bull."

Eduardo smiled at the memory, "She killed it herself – with her bow and an arrow… That's when Dad said she was well named – after Diana the huntress. Gaby said she preferred Greek mythology and that she should have been called Artemis… Dad used it as her nickname all the time after that…" Eyes open wide; he now knew why his sister had chosen the name of the Greek huntress for her call sign and the organisation.

Antonio nodded, "That evening Gaby went into town, we didn't see her until the following day. If you think back, you'll remember she spent nearly all morning with your dad.

"I still can't see the whole picture, why would she go through all this? Just to keep all the local men away and then she picks up a foreigner when she gets an adrenaline buzz."

Antonio moved his chair closer to Eduardo, knowing that the next few minutes were going to hurt him a great deal. Throwing an apologetic look towards Dino for what he was about to say, he continued, "The men she picks up are not looking for a relationship. They are not looking for anything… So she feels in control."

Dino caught his friends shoulder, realising that Eduardo could not see what had happened. "Eduardo, I have heard about this happening to other women. It is usually because of a traumatic experience…"

Looking from one to the other Eduardo dropped his head, understanding at last. In a voice barely above a whisper, he finally spoke, "My sister… she was raped…"

&

Half an hour later Eduardo had calmed down, first he had broken down, then out had poured the rage, shame and guilt. Antonio had completed the story, telling them the circumstances, which made Dino understand why Gaby kept to herself as much as possible and found it difficult to be in company. Antonio also held them both to a secret.

"You must never let Gaby know what I have told you… She believes that her shame died with her father, and has used that knowledge to strengthen herself. I had hoped that in time it would make her strong enough to leave, but it has not. Gabriel told me what had happened because he trusted me to stay quiet but also to look after her as much as I could. I am now passing on his trust to you."

Eduardo nodded agreeing with Antonio's point, looking at Dino he gave a half smile, "So tell me why you think our friend can help?"

Antonio chuckled, "because he is the only person that she has been to twice…"

Dino was startled, "Antonio, are you asking me to… Forget it, I won't do it, if she realises she's been set up it'll hurt her too much."

Antonio stopped him, shaking his head, "Senor, we can assume the reason why she came to you the first time – she was cut off from her escape route – that could have given her the highest adrenaline rush so far."

Dino sighed, "And we were arguing… another adrenaline booster."

Antonio nodded, "The question I have to ask is why she came to you again? The adrenaline would have been very low by the time you arrived back here after the operation last time…"

Dino considered his answer, "Normally she would not have seen the man in question ever again… In my case, the first time we were together for almost the next twelve hours." Pausing, a glimmer of light came into his eyes, "She wanted to know what would happen, I told her I had no regrets, but that we would keep it between the two of us and that I wasn't looking for anything further…"

Eduardo exclaimed, "That's why she came back to you, in that year, she didn't meet anyone else. She came back to you, because she knew you wouldn't hold her to anything… She was still in control."

Antonio nodded, "That's why I think Senor Dino can help us, Gaby went back to him out of trust…"

&

Gaby walked past Dino's room a few days later, glancing in, she was startled to see him packing his things… "Where are you going?"

Dino looked up in surprise, "Home… didn't you know?"

"But the doc hasn't said you can fly yet, its still too early. Something could go wrong."

Dino sighed, "Yes I know, but I've got to get back Gaby, I've got a company to run. I can't leave it all to Terry, it'll be bankrupt by the time I get back."

Gaby chuckled, but did not back down. "Yeah and if something goes wrong, there'll be no you to save the company."

Looking at her slyly, he began to laugh, "Anybody would think you don't want me to leave…"

Gaby blushed, "It's not that… well ok, it's nice having you around, but… oh hell."

Dino roared with laughter, "Gotcha…" Standing up he gave Gaby a quick hug before returning to his packing, "Look, I'm going to see the doc on the way, if he says I can't fly yet, I'll stay in Buenos Aires for a couple of days. At least I can co-ordinate things from there."

Gaby was still a little startled by his hug, but would not back down, "you can co-ordinate things from here, we have…"

"Gaby, the longer I stay, the less I want to leave and that is not good for business." Dino sighed, "Sweetheart, you have no idea how much you personally have helped me during my times here and if the offer still stands, I would like to come back, but I really do need to go."

Gaby nodded, "You are always welcome among the Artemis team Dino, but don't reject my hospitality just yet. Why don't I come to the doc with you? If he tells you to stay for a couple of days more, you can stay at my apartment – it's far more comfortable than a hotel."

Dino pretended to consider Gaby's offer, truth was, the doc had already given him the all clear, but he had agreed to try and get Gaby to travel with him to New York. Leaving the estancia would be the first step.

"Ok… On one condition, you show me around for a couple of days if I have to stay…"

Gaby chuckled, "Deal…"

&

Waving from the terrace, Eduardo grinned as Gaby's little mustang disappeared down the drive and out through the gate towards Buenos Aires. Turning to Antonio he smiled, "So… has the doc been briefed?"

Antonio chuckled, "Oh yes, he is going to insist that Senor Dino stays at least two more days…"

Eduardo laughed, "You crafty old fox… The Argentine Open is on, Gaby is bound to go and watch it. In two days the whole of Buenos Aires will be saying that she has a boyfriend, I just hope Dino doesn't mind…"

&

Dino swore, he and Gaby had just left the doctor's clinic, and he was not a happy man, "I don't believe it, how the fuck am I supposed to back up Terry when I'm stuck down here?"

Gaby threw an amused glance at him and continued driving to her penthouse apartment, but she said nothing. Parking her car in the garage, she led him to the lift, Dino still cursing about the time he would have to stay. The cursing stopped when she opened the door.

"Jesus Gaby, you didn't tell me how nice your place was, I don't know why you didn't suggest coming here sooner…" Grinning, she helped him with his luggage into the guest room before returning to the open plan living/kitchen/dining room.

Dino gazed out of the window – floor to ceiling glass about four metres across, it gave a superb view of the city. Gaby's style was a harmonious blend of traditional and modern, but also minimal – though there were pictures of her family everywhere, along with prints of classic paintings.

Stopping at a particular picture of a polo player at full stretch after a ball, he suddenly exclaimed when he realised the player was Gaby herself. "I didn't know you played."

Gaby burst out laughing, "We all do… Though Eduardo and I haven't played in years – when we were younger, we used to team up with the twins and have our own junior team, with my grandfather's horses, we couldn't be beaten. My cousin runs that side of the business now, though Alessandro may help out when he comes home – he was always the best player amongst us, he plays for the Army now."

She paused for a moment, becoming thoughtful, "Listen… Have you ever been to a polo match? The Argentine Open is on."

"I've never been and as long as you promise me that I don't have to go near the horses, I wouldn't mind going."

&

The following couple of days, Gaby took Dino around some of the sights in Buenos Aires, before moving on to the polo fields at Palermo. Dino was at first stunned by the shear speed of the game, but with a knowledgeable Gaby next to him soon began to appreciate the skill and tactics and managed to pick up several of the more complex rules.

During the half-time chukka break on that first day, the two of them went to grab a quick drink and Dino noticed that Gaby blushed slightly at a comment made by two girls standing nearby, though she said nothing.

He chuckled quietly to himself, he knew enough Spanish to understand what the girls had just said... 'El novio de Gaby es muy attractivo...'

As they reached their place in the stand, they realised that they had to pass several others to get to their seats. Catching her waist with his hands, Dino guided Gaby in front of him - happy to notice she no longer flinched from his touch...

Dino enjoyed the second half tremendously, now he understood the game a little more, "so.. Are we coming back tomorrow?"

Gaby chuckled, "If you like..."

&

After the game finished on the second day, he grinned, "So… Now what… Have you got something special lined up for me for my last night?"

Gaby chuckled, "Not really, I just thought we'd drop in and see an old friend." Catching a taxi, Dino was not surprised to see that they were dropped at Caesar's bar. Smiling to himself, he had an idea…

Going through the door Gaby expressed surprise when she noticed that Ramon was missing. Caesar soon filled them in, "He is being held by the police Gaby; they found out that he was one of the men responsible for finding girls for the slavers…"

Gaby pulled a face, "I did wonder, when I thought about who would have known my routine, and known that I usually have company, he was someone that crossed my mind. He's lucky the police have him…"

Caesar and Dino chose not to comment…

Relaxing at a side table after their meal, Gaby was chuckling about some comment of Dino's when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Caesar gave an apologetic smile. "Some of the clients have recognised you Gaby; they want to know if you will dance…"

Gaby sighed, not really wanting to; she tried an excuse, "Who will I dance with? Now Ramon is not here, I can't do the Tango alone…" Standing up, Dino offered his hand, a broad grin on his face.

"Let's see if I can remember the steps shall we?"

Stunned, Gaby opened her eyes wide… "Are you telling me that you know how to dance the Tango…? You've been staying with my family for how long and you didn't tell me!"

Dino chuckled, "I'm not promising that I'm any good mind you… Especially with my leg…"

Grinning in delight, Gaby stood up, and they made their way to the open stage, where the musicians began the beat slowly. Hesitantly at first Dino began to lead, still a little unsure of the steps, but with Gaby carefully matching him he began to get more confident.

As he began to relax, he started to use the steps he had learnt that long time ago, causing Gaby's eyes to open in surprise… her voice came to him softly, "You know the Argentinean…"

Drawing her close he smiled, "But I am out of practice…" For the next ten minutes the two of them moved through the steps, following the beat as it quickened, slowed and quickened again.

Gaby was in her element, finally she had a dance partner who really knew how the Tango should be danced – not just the technicality of the step, but how it should feel, moving through the body, stirring the soul…

When they stopped, Gaby could barely catch her breath, but stood looking straight in front of her, afraid to meet Dino's eye. Catching her chin with his finger, Dino tilted her head upward so he could see her face. Seeing a brief moment of hesitation, he smiled softly and then gently kissed her on the forehead.

"Thanks Gaby, for a moment, you helped me to remember Cass… and the good times we had, I'd forgotten most of them."

Gaby relaxed, giving him a shy smile, she gave him a hug, "Anytime Dino… You've helped me too. You don't know how much, but believe me… You have…" Dino decided there and then to ease off slightly. Gaby had to choose to come with him – if he pushed, she would turn away, probably for ever, she had to take the next step on her own.

Leading Gaby back to their table, Dino grinned at the applause that was coming from all corners of the bar. "Maybe I should change my profession; I wonder how much they would pay to watch us dance."

Gaby chuckled and gave him a sly look, "The girls would pay more to dance with you…"

Dino raised an eyebrow, "Hmmm, maybe I should consider it. When I'm old and grey…" Gaby laughed, feeling happier than she had for a long time.

&

The following morning Gaby did not feel as happy as she watched Dino pack his case. She sat quietly near him, for some reason wanting to be in his presence for as long as possible. Dino said nothing, realising that she did not want to talk. The previous couple of days he had seen a different Gaby, introverted and thoughtful, constantly questioning herself.

Looking at the two aspects of her character, Dino had realised that while he liked the quieter, thoughtful Gaby – he also liked the more confident, daring aspect of her 'Artemis' self. He hoped that one day she would find a balance between the two and that the true Gaby would finally come to the fore.

A knock at the door startled both of them, opening it, Gaby grinned to see Alvaro and Joachim standing outside. "Looks like you have a farewell committee…"

The three of them took Dino to the airport, laughing and joking all the way. After checking in, Dino gave Alvaro and Joachim a hug, wishing them luck for future operations.

Turning to Gaby he smiled, seeing the tear in her eye and held her close, receiving a wink from Alvaro for his action, "Come on Gaby, don't tell me that you've gone all soft hearted…"

Gaby chuckled softly, "It's just that I don't have many friends Dino – and good ones are hard to come by."

Dino became serious, "Come with me Gaby, come to New York. You'll make lots of friends I promise you…"

Gaby shook her head, "No, not yet, I'm not ready, but I will come I promise, if you promise to come and see us again next year…"

Dino grinned, "You've got a deal… and I'll hold you to it."