And ladies and gentleman another chapter has arrived.
To all those who gave an answering call about the author's note I left on whether or not to continue I appreciate your support.
Before leaving you to enjoy this next chapter there are a couple more things I'd like to say….
I tried to get the information in my story as accurate as possible. If there are any indiscretions or inaccuracies I apologize ahead of time.
And to give a shout out to those who keep me humble by reminding me that people do have lives that keep them extremely busy. That makes it difficult to have the time to review.
That said I want to make sure that anyone who has read, reviewed, added me to their favorite list for this story as well as my other, etc. is given the praise for taking time to do any of those.
Keep it up and any suggestions that you think could make the story better don't hesitate to let me know.
Oh; and if anyone see's my muse out and about please tell them to come back home. It tends to run away when I need it the most. Kinda looks like the green fairy from Eurotrip for those who are familiar with the movie.
I own nothing dealing with Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.
Enjoy!
Chapter 10
Thinking that he might have heard her wrong James didn't answer for several moments. Or it could be the fact that his body believed there was a bad connection between his ears and brain. Because he was pretty sure the young woman had said she'd killed the man she thought she saw in the chopper.
"Not possible." James finally blurted without thinking.
"What?" Alleria was confused.
Shaking his head to clear it James took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking again. "Either there's more damage to your brain then we thought or you didn't do your job very well."
"Are you seriously insulting me right now?" Alleria couldn't believe it.
"Not on purpose." James breathed. "What I should've said was are you sure?"
Knowing that she'd thrown him for a loop; hell she'd thrown herself for one; the young Romanian let the statement slide. Her sudden epiphany could be completely wrong. But something told her it was dead right. Flipping to the specific page; knowing those bastard handlers had kept a record of everyone she'd ever looked at Alleria handed it over to the fumbling double oh.
"His facial features have changed slightly but the eyes are the same." She informed.
"You know it's him by the eyes?" Bond was skeptical.
Picturesque mountains stretching out before the bay windows she remembered the feel of fear that had washed over her before the snow had closed in. Much like how she'd been the last time she'd seen the man now under suspicion.
"One thing I've learned is that someone can have all the plastic surgery in the world but the eyes always stay the same." Alleria whispered.
"There's contacts for that." James gently pointed out.
"I'm not talking about the color." Alleria turned to face him again. "But the emotion that's hidden underneath."
"Like how you can tell whether or not someone's going to be crazy enough to try and shot their way out of a bad situation rather then surrender?" James offered.
"Exactly." Alleria knew if he put in the prospective of a fighting scenario he'd get the picture more clearly. "The man I killed; the man I swear was in that helicopter could never hide how much he wanted me dead and buried. At least near the end anyway."
Closing the thick folder he walked over to where she stood; still staring at the mountains as if reliving what had happened in vivid detail. Knowing there was nothing he could do to take that fear away; stopping her from remembering he wished he could. Instead he wrapped his arms around her waist; pulling her back against him as they took a moment.
Him to wonder if he was ready for what she was about to tell him and her to ponder how much to give away.
"Sweetheart you don't have to tell me if you don't want to; but I think it'd be easier." Bond finally spoke.
And there was her out. Her free ticket to be able to not have to tell him one of the biggest and most painful secrets of her past. One that no matter how many other people she killed; no matter how many lives she'd had to take or heartbreak she'd suffered would haunt her at night in her dreams.
Most people didn't ask about it; fewer then that even knew. And those that did kept their mouths shut and rarely brought the subject up. Realizing that she would threaten serious bodily harm if his name was so much as mentioned. Even her aunt didn't speak of it.
In the end she came to the conclusion that it probably would've been better if she'd let it all spill out. If not to the CIA shrinks then to a friend she could trust; or even better M herself. While she knew none of what had happened was her fault. That emotions played a bigger role then anyone could fathom.
"His name is Kane O'Rourke." She broke the silence. "Worked for Ireland's version of the CIA before breaking off to join the IRA."
"I take it you worked with him before." Bond surmised. "Something tells me you guys were more then just friends though."
Turning in his arms she gave a ruthful smile laced with pain and a bit of humor. Like what she was about to tell him had somehow turned into a joke since taking place how many ever years ago. Knowing he wasn't going to find anything remotely funny about the story she was about to tell he lead her to the couch; wanting to be sitting down when she no doubt shocked the hell out of him.
"We met a little over five years ago." Alleria started. "We were working together with the Irish Secret Police to bring down an arms dealer who'd been bouncing from one continent to another. After going through a ton of man hours and computer trails we found that most of his business had been based in the US and Ireland. So instead of trying to do it alone we secured a joint task force between the two agencies. Kane and I were put in charge."
"Which meant you had to work closely together for long hours." James supplied. "It was natural that an attraction would occur."
"How could it not?" Alleria chuckled lightly; picking imaginary lint off the pillow now in her lap. "Kane seemed like the perfect man. Drop dead gorgeous, funny, seemed loyal to a fault to those he cared about. And most of all he wasn't threatened by a woman that could kick his ass if he pissed her off enough. No man I've ever met has acted like that with me."
"Hey…" Bond pretended to be hurt.
"Besides you." Alleria gave him a playful shove before continuing. "I could talk to him about anything; tell him all my worries and fears without feeling ashamed. One thing led to another and the longer we were together the more the feelings grew. Eventually we ended up becoming a couple. But we had to keep things quite because the CIA frowns upon agents getting involved with one another."
"How far did this relationship go exactly?" Bond wondered.
"We ended up getting married once the case was closed." Alleria informed. "After about five months things started turning strange. He started keeping things from me; having mood swings. We had a joint office in our home; with secure computers and landlines to be used for work. Most times we were both in there at the same time. But he started locking me out; even knowing I could pick the lock with ease. When I finally confronted him about it he blew up; told me that it was none of my business and if I wasn't a woman he'd lay me out flat for getting in his face."
"That didn't make you leave him then and there?" Bond wasn't being judgmental; just curious.
"Love can be a strange and powerful thing." Alleria gave a bemused grin. "I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. After all our jobs are extremely stressful; sometimes so bad that we just don't want to talk about it. I trusted that when the time was right he would tell me what was happening."
"But you still did some digging." Bond realized.
"You're getting to know me so well." Alleria gently squeezed his hand. "Nothing too deep. Checking if there'd been any uptake in chatter about anything going on between Ireland and America. That sort of thing. There wasn't so I just let it go."
"When did you realize something more serious was going on?" James wondered.
With that sentence came the familiar hurt. Familiar anger and pain that accompanied the memories of that day four years ago when her life had fallen apart. When she felt she could no longer trust her instincts. Thought she would never be able to trust another man with her heart or life.
But as she sat there formulating just how to tell this next piece the young Romanian found it was a lot easier to bear then she'd expected. Granted over the years it had lessened if not all together gone away there was still that inkling. Still had part of her heart that had to be epoxies back together.
Now it was as if the cracks had evaporated over night. Like her short time with the double oh had made her remember what it was like to be relaxed. To be yourself without having to worry that there was going to be a bullet with your name on it.
Sensing she was going to need some warm human contact when she revealed this next piece. Need a pair of strong arms holding her that she knew would keep her safe James gently pulled her into his lap. Planting a kiss on the top of her head as she took a deep breath before continuing.
"I had just come back home from an assignment in Iraq." Alleria started. "Kane was also away on business and wasn't expecting me back for another couple of days. Not calling him had been my intention from the beginning. Thought maybe if I caught him off guard he'd have no choice but to tell me what was going on. Why he'd been so secretive and unwilling to talk."
"Weren't you worried he'd make good on his threat from before?" James questioned.
"Yes; but I knew I could handle him." Alleria confessed. "As much as he liked to think so he wasn't completely invincible."
"You could've kicked his ass any day of the week anyway." James waved it off.
Smiling at his vote of confidence she continued. "When I came home there were several cars in the driveway. We lived on a small bay; partially due to my love of water and the other reason as a quick get away should the need arise. There was a boat docked that I didn't recognize. Both vehicles were giant SUV's. A Chevy Suburban and Ford Excursion capable of carrying massive loads. Armor plated with bullet proof glass. Once that sank in I knew there was something wrong."
"Please don't tell me you went in with guns blazing trying to get him to fess up?" James winced.
"No; but I didn't have to." Alleria assured. "I hadn't tried to cover the fact that I was home because to my knowledge there was nothing to be scared of in my own house. Before I had the chance to get away he came outside along with two men I've never met. Not bothering to feign any kind of innocence at being caught red handed."
As if in her own little world she flashed back to the day all those years ago when for the first time in her life she'd truly thought she would die….
"Alleria, honey, you weren't suppose to be home for another two days."
The syrupy sweet sound to his Irish lilted voice didn't hide the fact that she knew he was pissed off. Knew that he was caught doing something he defiantly wasn't suppose to be doing. And that she was in a position to blow the whistle should she gather enough information.
From the look on his face he wasn't about to allow that to happen.
Gun still in it's holster she cursed herself for not seeing this coming. For not knowing that something more serious was going on. Something that could get her killed because she hadn't bothered to dig deeper.
Glad she was dressed for action should it call for it the young operative stepped forward; registering the two men standing guard if you will; next to him on the wide front porch.
To the right was the bigger of the two. Six five, two hundred and forty pounds he was built like a boulder. Arms about as big around as her head he was dressed in a dark blue business suit just a little too small for his big body. Shoulder holster visible as he stood with his hands on his hips; trying to stare her down. Brown hair graying at the temples he had to be in his late forties early fifties. Round eyes with green orbs his face was tan and weathered from too much time in the sun.
Left of him was what she could describe as the young version of the man she'd just assessed. Hair fuller then his counterpart it was more of a black then brown; eyes not quite as hard looking as the older mans. Jeans, boots, and flannel shirt on he looked like he was trying to blend in at a George Straight concert.
Not one to be easily scared or on edge the looks they were giving her sent chills down her spine. As if her being here ruined everything they had planned. It was in that moment as she stepped onto the porch; resisting the urge to punch her so called husband in the face as he hugged her; that it was possible she was going to lose her life tonight.
"The contract didn't take as long as I expected." Alleria tried to keep her voice calm.
"Why didn't you call?" Kane questioned.
Ignoring the malice in his voice she stepped back from his embrace; breaking the extra tight hold with ease. Moving her body slightly she was satisfied to find her gun and knife were still were they'd been. One thing Kane was good at was what American's called the slight of hand. Could take your weapon from you before you knew which way was up.
Making her body as relaxed as possible while her brain worked a mile a minute to try to find a way out of this she followed Kane into the house. Unable to protest when his goons were right up on her ass. One good thing about him staging whatever meeting he was having here was apart from him she knew the lay out of the house better then anyone. And where all her guns were hidden.
Stopping at the entrance to their formal living room she was met by something that made her heart stop.
Sitting on their coffee table were two bullet proof suitcases. Nestled warm and snug in the foam beds were two nuclear tipped war heads. About the size of a basketball they were shaped like the three d tip of a spear. Next to that on the floor were two huge crates; no doubt the missiles said war heads would go on before being fitted to a stealth fighter.
Focusing her attention on the black writing on the front of the case she felt her stomach rise in her throat when she saw property of United States government right there for the whole world to see.
Flashing back briefly to a time not to long ago she had brought home two cases exactly like that from Iran after the CIA had confirmed that a high ranking Al Qaeda operative had stolen them from an American nuclear facility in Germany. Was planning on taking them to Iraq via a round about path so the terrorist group could pull off one of the biggest attacks on US soil since nine eleven.
Abruptly halting their conversation were two men he was no doubt selling the stolen weapons to. Gazes burning with hatred as they turned to her; scowls on their faces demanding that their host tell them why the hell they'd been interrupted.
Trying to blend in with the American culture such as it was they were dressed in business suits just as the older man she'd seen upon first entering was. Staying true to Allah they kept their breads but had them neatly trimmed. Heavy gold rings adorned their fingers.
Never one to keep her mouth shut when the occasion called for it she was even worse now. The man she thought she knew; the man she thought she loved was a traitor to her as well as her country and his own. And was conducting the business in the home they were suppose to be starting a life with no less.
"Kane what the hell is going on?" Alleria demanded.
"Well I was in the process of concluding a business deal but you came home a little earlier then expected so…" He trailed off.
"You mean your selling stolen weapons to men who want to bomb the hell out of my country." Alleria fumed. "Your country."
"America was never my country; never my home." Kane barked back.
"What about Ireland?" Alleria questioned. "It is your home and our ally. If you sell to these people we'll go to war and they'll definitely end up involved."
Obviously tired of hearing her talk the older of the two Arab men stepped forward; pulling a gun from his belt to aim at her head. Use to this kind of thing she didn't so much as flinch. If need be she could pull hers out; seems how the two men who'd been watching over Kane had forgotten to take it from her. But the last thing she wanted was a gun battle. It could alert the neighbors and cause more casualties then necessary.
"This is getting old." He spoke; voice thick with an accent. "Let's just kill her and be done with it."
"I wouldn't do that if I was you." Kane warned.
How he could joke when in the end he was planning on doing just that to her Alleria had no idea. She was so full of hatred and pain right now she couldn't see straight. But for the sake of her life and the justice of the American people she had to stay calm. The time to break down would come later.
"You are not seriously afraid of your wife are you?" The man laughed. "She is a woman; what harm can she pose to me?"
Cursing all that was holy not to mention the man currently standing with a smirk on his face Alleria lashed out with her left hand; effectively pushing the mans arm away. At the same time she landed the heel of her hand on his adam's apple; coming close to crushing his wind pipe.
While the man was grasping his throat; thinking he was going to die from lack of oxygen she had her gun out; hot as always; and aimed at his skull before anyone had the chance to blink. For an extra precaution she lashed out with a foot to essentially knee cap him.
"I think it would be safe to change that to ex-wife." Alleria snarled. "Now I realize that me shooting him won't mean a damn thing to any of you but either you get out of my house now or you'll end up just like him."
Hearing the predictable sound of hammers being pulled back on four different guns she could give a rats ass about three of them. The only one that made any mind to her was the Glock 9mm the man she thought loved her had leveled at her temple.
How could she have not seen this coming? Lived under the same roof with him for over a year without knowing he was headed down this path. Inside she felt her whole world crumbling down around her. Outside she exuded calm even though she was the complete opposite.
It wasn't that she'd never faced these odds before; it was that she was usually better prepared. Part of her job however was thinking on her feet. Finding any way possible to get out of a sticky situation with little to no collateral damage.
Noticing they were all carrying no more then 9mm Berettas or Glocks she guessed that they were fully loaded with one in the chamber which meant a total of thirteen rounds per gun. Once she'd gotten hers back she'd done the same thing. Depending on how good of shots they were she could get out of it with extra bullets left in the clip.
"It's four against one sweetheart." Kane spoke. "Now you're good; I'll give you that. But you can't kill us all before were able to get off a shot."
Smirk the only thing she gave him in response she pushed the man on his knees forward; shooting the man just behind and to the left of Kane before he had a chance to blink. In quick succession she aimed for the lamp; bulb shattering into pieces as the living room went dark.
Crouching down she gave her eyes a moment she adjust to the darkness; hearing Kane and the one man still left curse up a storm as they tried to figure out where she'd gone.
Having dove behind one of the crates; knowing they wouldn't want to damage their precious cargo she brought up the mental lay out of the house in her head. Straight out the living room across the hall was a smaller great room. Down the hall to the left was the kitchen; attached to that was the formal dining room. Out back was a closed in deck that led to a small back yard and the bay just below.
"Alleria I know you're here some where." Kane spoke through the silence that had settled. "Why don't you just come out and we can settle this."
Knowing that speaking would give away her position; not relying on how much he wanted this pay day; the young Romanian woman gauged that he had made his way outside into the hallway. Using the doorway as cover; waiting for the moment she stood up.
Needing to move she crawled on her hands and knees; thankful that the crates were flush against each other she saw their arm chair right in front of her. Quietly as possible she dove for the piece of furniture only to be stopped by a solid mass.
Picked up off her feet by the older of the two guys that had met her outside she had the odd thought that he was a lot stronger then he looked. Hands instantly coming up to stop the beefy one now strangling the life out of her she let her gun fall to the floor; only thing on her mind how to get the hell out of the mess she'd gotten into.
Leg coming up she used the heel of her boot to kick him in the groin. Either the man had balls of steel or none at all because it took twice before he loosened his grip enough for her oxygen deprived brain to think straight. Bringing her hands up she broke the solid barrier his arms were making; falling in a heap of arms and legs on the hardwood floor.
Choking for air she reached for her gun; seeing it less than a foot away; only to be stopped by a huge booted foot crashing down on her hand. Muffling the scream that jumped into her throat she pulled the limb into her body as she turned to try with the other one. This time she moved it before he was able to do any harm; unfortunately still with out her gun.
About to reach for her knife she stopped when the barrel of Kane's gun was pressed against her temple for the second time that night. Knowing he wouldn't think twice about pulling the trigger should she make a move for her weapon she brought her hand back out to flop at her side.
Closing her eyes for a moment she took a deep breath before turning to the man she no longer recognized. The man she'd miss judge so much for the last couple of years. Same one who was now looking at her like she was a nuisance that needed to be taken care of rather then the woman he'd married. Woman he'd sworn to love no matter what.
"Something tells me you're taking the whole till death do us part a little to seriously." Alleria tried to joke.
"How long have you known." Kane ignored her attempt at humor.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Alleria gave him her most innocent look possible.
Having had enough of her bullshit after she'd already ruined something he'd been working on for months now he reached forward to pat her down for weapons before continuing. Unable to resist the urge to let his hands linger on her hips and side of her breasts. No matter whether or not he still loved her there was no doubt he'd always been sexually attracted to her. After all she was a gorgeous woman.
Tossing her knife onto the couch he made sure to not let his lust get the best of him. Just because she had two guns ready to blow her brains out didn't mean she wouldn't try to get away. Kane hadn't been kidding when he'd told the other man he shouldn't mess with her. She wasn't just called the best the CIA had; she was the best.
"Don't try to play coy dammit." Kane snarled. "You've been snooping around for months now. Don't tell me you haven't found anything. There had to be a reason you didn't call before coming home."
Damning herself to hell and back for breaking her routine without even realizing it Alleria tried to think of a reason why she wouldn't have called. Saying that it was to surprise him would never fly. He knew better then that. Not to mention for someone in their line of work he was more paranoid then normal. Seeing no way out of it; better that they get this done and over with she settled for the truth.
"The only thing I've found was that you were hiding something from me." Alleria snapped back. "Trying to figure out what was like pulling teeth. I came home early hoping to catch you red handed so you'd have to explain. Guess I succeeded on one part."
"Well you should be proud of yourself for that because you're not getting anymore." Kane grabbed her roughly by the arm.
Instincts over riding everything else she side stepped his reach; grabbing for the wrist that held his firearm. Twisting she heard the bones snap as his Beretta fell to the floor; following soon by her foot connecting with his stomach.
Doubled over she rammed her knee into his head for extra measure. That done she scrambled for her knife just as the other man she'd forgotten was in the room popped off two rounds. Feeling the sting of one as it grazed her shoulder she kept going. Had to find a way to get out of this alive.
Aiming as best she could without taking another bullet the young woman let the knife fly; hearing a thud as it hit the man square in the chest before a larger noise told her he was now lying dead on the floor.
Standing up fully she snatched her gun up just as Kane started to get to his feet. Aiming the weapon at his head she waited until he was staring her in the face before she cocked the hammer back. Hands shaking with barely suppressed anger she saw the hatred in his flint colored eyes. The knowing look as she let him stand to his full height; still unable to pull the trigger.
"Are you really that scared of me that you needed four other guys here?" Alleria decided to channel her anger in a different direction.
"How can I be afraid of someone who has me right where they want me and can't even pull the trigger?" Kane questioned.
"What makes you think I won't kill you right now without a second thought for betraying me?" Alleria hissed.
"Because you love me too much." Kane stood calmly. "And one thing you would never do it hurt those you love."
It was in that moment as he moved towards her; knife coming from no where; that she knew she was completely screwed. Seconds too late she deflected his hand; sting of the knife as it sliced into her flesh bringing her back to the harsh reality of her situation.
Elbow to the nose she brought the gun back up; ready to pull the trigger despite the emotions running rampant she was stopped when he brought his own elbow down in his extended forearm. Hearing it break she couldn't stop the howl of pain that escaped.
Arm now useless she fought back with her feet; bringing her right up in a side kick that sent him back a few feet. Scrambling out the door to the hallway closet where she had another gun stashed as well as a few other toys she ignored the beating of her heart combined with the pounding of her pursuers foot steps behind her.
Remembering the boat parked outside she knew if she was able to get to that then she'd be home free. She could to someplace safe and phone someone she trusted for help. Flinging the closet door open she grabbed the only bag inside before bolting for the sliding glass door and freedom.
Foot just about to touch the top step she felt the wind rush out of her as a solid mass wrapped it's arms around her. Losing her balance she tumbled down the stairs; bag still clutched in her good hand. There was no time to think once she made contact with the ground as Kane flipped her over to be able to see her face.
Manic look his eyes that she'd never seen before Alleria felt herself start to weep. Not because she was going to die; there was no way in gods green mother fucking earth she was going to let that happen. But for the man he'd once been; for the life they'd shared and all the dreams that had been shattered.
Pinning her shoulders to the ground he let his glee at her misery show through in they way he watched with interest as tears streamed down her dirt covered face. Bending down he placed a kiss on each of her cheeks; lingering over her lips. Not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing her shudder she held still despite the fit of rage going off inside her addled brain.
"They always say that people are most emotional right before they die." Kane whispered; breath hot against her flesh.
"I don't recall saying anything like that." Alleria spat.
"Well one of us has to and by the look of things it certainly won't be me." Kane surmised.
During his self righteous jaunt down memory lane she'd managed to worm her good hand into the satchel caught between their two bodies. Hand closing around her own Beretta she wanted to be standing when she killed the bastard.
Surging her body upward she used every ounce of strength she possessed to move his body enough to bring her knees up. That done she used the weight of his body plus the momentum of her push to throw him over her head. On her feet despite the pain coursing through her elbow she watched as he slowly got his bearings.
"Did you really think I would go without a fight?" Alleria questioned.
"No; but that's one of the things I loved about you." Kane grinned. "Your fiery passion. Both in and out of the bedroom."
Wanting to throw up from the revulsion those words brought Alleria told herself to be strong. The only reason he was saying things like that was to get a rise out of her. Knowing she still loved him despite all he'd done. Still thought that she wouldn't pull the trigger if his calm stride as he moved towards her was any indication.
"If you knew I was feisty why didn't you just shoot me and be done with it?" She was curious.
"Because I didn't think you'd be this much of a pain in the ass." Kane sighed as if talking about the weather. "Though there is a great amount of satisfaction in watching you struggle with wanting to pull the trigger. It's like the climax to my own personal game."
"Considering I'm already dead in your book can you at least tell me why?" Alleria always had the worst timing when it came to wanting information.
"Why I did this or why I want you dead?" Kane offered.
Heart tearing apart even more at his nonchalant attitude Alleria knew she should've just killed him and been done with it. But she had to know why; above all else; he'd betrayed her and a country he claimed to love all for a pay day.
"I know why you want me dead you idiot." Alleria fumed. "But is money really that important to you that you felt you had to do this? What happened to you Kane? Where's the man I married?"
At her pleading she saw a flicker of the person she used to know. The one who played with her in the rain and did nothing but be lazy on the Sundays they were actually home. Who promised to love her no matter what. Quicker then it had come it was gone and the malice was back in his cold gaze.
"He got sick of working for people who treated him like crap. Who paid him next to nothing and no recognition for all his hard work. All they're ever worried about is money so why shouldn't I be the same way?" Kane shrugged his shoulders.
"So you thought you'd take me along for the ride? Lie and hide things? Then just get rid of me when I eventually found out." Alleria tried to stop her voice from quivering but couldn't.
Without knowing it he'd gotten close enough to pull her next to him. Urge to fight slowly fading even though she knew it could mean her life. Emotions were something she'd learned to fight through over the years when it came to her job.
This wasn't her job for crying out loud. It was her life crashing down around her and she didn't know what to do. Every survival instinct was screaming at her to run; to pull the gun up and give him what he deserved.
"It doesn't have to be that way." Kane reminded. "You could come with me. This deal gives us more then enough money to run away. To disappear forever."
"People in our line of work don't just disappear without people asking questions." Alleria informed. "Plus I can't believe you think I'd go any where with you after what you did."
Sighing he shifted his weight; hanging his head as if truly upset about her decision. Hackles raised she didn't realize what was happening before it was too late.
"Then I'm sorry it has to end this way…" Kane whispered.
Steel hot against her cold flesh as he stabbed it in to the hilt Alleria felt her eyes widen; felt her mouth open in a silent gasp of shock. Legs going limp the only thing holding her up was his embrace as he looked at her with a kind of reverence.
"Kane…please…." She rasped.
"I'm sorry my love.." He trailed off.
"Don't…do…this." Alleria pleaded.
"I never wanted this." Kane informed. "I truly did love you at one point."
Dropping her to a heap on the ground he headed back into the house to asses the damaged she'd caused and how long it would take him to clean up the mess before getting the cargo out and destroying all the evidence.
What seemed like an eternity later as she lay in a slowly growing pool of her own blood but had only been half an hour foot falls came down the porch to stop in front of her. All along she'd known she had to kill him. That hesitating to pull the trigger could result in right where she was right now felt almost surreal.
But as she'd watched his eyes void of emotion as he stabbed her; letting her blood flow over his hand before releasing her to fall in a ball of bruises and bones she knew it had to be done. That though the hurt may never fade letting him have the satisfaction of watching her die was not an option.
Hand he couldn't see clutching her gun; cocking the hammer and praying the sound didn't reverberate through the small clearing she waited for him to lean down to pick her up; chest right where she wanted it to be.
Sob escaping her lips his eyes met hers for a brief moment in a look of confusion before two gun shots rang through the still night air. One right after another point blank in the chest. Rolling out of his grasp before his body could land on top of hers she watched with a mix of relief and despair as he collapsed; hands clutched to his chest.
Awkwardly getting to her feet she stumbled as a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her. From loss of blood and the reality that she'd just shot and killed someone she had loved more then anything made her legs nearly give out.
Inching back as he tried to crawl towards her; calling her name she felt like a dam broke. Everything she'd been feeling since walking into the house. The realization that a life she'd thought so perfect gone in an instant. Of how she could be so blind; so stupid to not see what was right in front of her face this entire time.
"Damn you to hell and back because I still love you." Alleria whispered.
Protocol overriding anything else she stumbled with weapon still in hand back towards the house needing to see how much damage had actually been done. How much she was going to have to report to M and various other people who were going to want to know what the fuck had gone wrong.
Hand on the railing her last thought before she was thrown back down to the ground; blackness invading her space; was how it had come to this. How she'd allowed her love for this man to over ride all the training; all the instincts she'd been born with. That she'd gathered over the years.
Place she'd called home; where she'd envisioned kids playing in the back yard. Family barbeques and picnics. Black haired little girl with her father's silver eyes; pigtails swinging around her head as she chased her tow headed brother. All of it erased as the heat from the explosion enveloped their log wood home like it was nothing.
Cries of anguish heard over the crackling of the flames she saw the gun in her hand; knew she had a couple more bullets left in it. Gun aimed at her temple; hammer cocked and ready to end all her pain.
