Title: Target Specific
Chapter 14 - Illusions Shattered & Friendships Strained

"I think I'm falling for you," I finally confess; my brain offering me a big chicken as my reward.

"And you thought that would ruin the night?" She asks in shock.

"Wasn't sure if it was too soon or..." my voice trails off. "Didn't want to scare you away."

"Well that certainly wouldn't scare me away. Probably would you if I had said that first to you."

"What? Why?" I ask in wonder.

"Because men hate women who are needy and clingy and pushy and..." her voice trails off and I just smile. While it's true in the past I probably would have ran in the other direction if a woman confessed she was falling for me after only five days, but not Stella. I couldn't hear it fast enough.

"So you are falling for me?" I wonder warmly.

"Yeah...poor you," she smiles, poking me in the side and making me lightly laugh. "Lucky me."

We finally both sit up; the hour is late and I know Stella has to leave tomorrow. "Tomorrow we'll hit the cafe downstairs for breakfast so you don't have to worry about making us..."

"Mac."

"There is no argument because I am winning this round," I tell her in a triumphant tone and she just shakes her head. "At least one round?"

"Fine you can win one round," she stresses as we both finally push ourselves up off the couch and slowly head for the front door. We get our coats and walk hand and hand toward the waiting elevator. "Can't believe this trip has gone by so fast. I guess time really does fly when you're having fun."

"Man that is the truth," I whisper softly, my mind in turmoil once again. "My turn next."

"Miss the warm weather already?"

"Miss you already."

She squeezes my hand and we talk a bit more about her details for tomorrow and then reach the door to her hotel room once again. "Next time I just might bring those black handcuffs," she notes, nodding toward the boudoir picture on the wall. I look at her with as my face warms and she offers a wicked smile. "Think you'd like that?"

"Cows moo?" I retort, making her laugh at the silly sentiment she used on me a few days earlier. "I don't care what you bring just as long as you come," I offer in a serious tone and she looks at me with a frown.

"Mac? Why would you..."

Before she can finish I pull her close and firmly crush her lips with mine. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," she warmly replies, placing a gentle hand on my face, forcing me to momentarily close my eyes in delight. "Why would you think..."

"Just hard to believe my luck sometimes," I answer in half truth. "I'll see you tomorrow."

I wait until she's inside and then I quickly take my leave and then hurry outside; my heart racing. I offer a small curse into the cool night air as I head for home; not realizing that I am being followed. I get inside the elevator and just as the door is about to close, Sid jumps inside forcing me to offer a quick gasp.

"Damn it Sid!" I lightly curse and he smiles. "You know better."

"An early night?"

"She's not ready," I frown, looking away. "Maybe I'm not either."

"Mac?"

"Sid, she was an orphan; abandoned by her mother, growing up unloved and being fed lies and mistrust all her life," I start in an angry rant as we get off the elevator and head for my apartment. "I tell her now and...after what she told me? I was lying to her. She'll hate me for sure."

"She might not."

I offer a heavy sigh as we head inside. I dump my coat and head for the small liquor cabinet. I am about to reach for the bottle when Sid's hand is quickly on mine.

"Sid, let go now."

"I might not be stronger physically, but I will do what I have to, to keep you from walking down this path again."

"She is the most amazing woman in the world. She has affected me faster than anyone in the past. I almost told her I loved her because my stupid brain won't listen to reason!" I snap, snatching the bottle of whisky from his fingers. "She makes want to need her and want her and want to love her and she makes me feel those things in return and...and now...now I'm going to tell her I have been lying to her all along? Do you want to kill me now or should I?"

"First of all," Sid starts, grabbing the bottle from my hands and holding it behind his back so I can't do something stupid; like drown my sorrows until I'm passed out on the floor, which is where I know he'd leave me; like he did last time. "You have every right to be cautious and if you approach it like that then it'll be easier for her to understand."

"She'll hate me for it!"

"She will forgive you."

I look away in anger, before I feel Sid's hand on my shoulder, forcing me to offer a heavy sigh before I turn around to face him; regret on my face.

"I have to tell her and I thought if I went to Greece, in a place she was comfortable in then..."

"Then she'll have an out?"

"If needed," I huff. "Damn it Sid! I know she'll leave!"

"Would you?"

"What?"

"If the situation was reversed," Sid tries, not realizing the truthfulness of his words.

"She's not like me and this is not a valid question!" I protest, not realizing the truthfulness of my words. "She will be mad and leave. She'll hate me," I finish in a dead whisper.

"She will leave for a time, but you can't stop that. She needs the truth and from you; and she won't hate you for telling her the truth. Will it affect things? Yes. Will it strain things for a time? Yes. Will it be permanent? Doubt it. Will Don be pissed at you? Probably. Will it ruin your friendship? It might. Will I be proud of you? Yes."

I look at him and frown. "What would I do without you?"

"Offer a drunken corpse to the next tenants?" He counters and I finally smirk; not a real smile but close enough. "Mac, she won't hate you for good. You have allowed time to pass..."

"Not enough time."

"Time enough to know you care for her enough to want to take this next step. She'll be hurt at first and confused and then you just need to make sure that you put it all on yourself; use the retirement line for the reason you are quitting and be ready when she does come back."

"And if she doesn't?"

"Then she never would have."

"Thanks a lot," I retort in sarcasm.

"But you knew that right?"

"Still hurts to hear."

"There is nothing I can tell you to say to her and there are no easy answers when the truth is shielded. Take the heat; you know it's worth it. Isn't it?"

"Worth my life," I whisper in sorrow.

Sid puts the bottle down and looks at me in concern. "She will recover from this. The question is, will you?"

"I need her in my life and want her as my future, I guess I'll have to."

"Good man, now get your ass in bed before I really ground you."

I offer a smirk before I take my leave. "Thanks Sid. She's pretty great isn't she?"

"Just what the doctor ordered."

XXXXXXXX

Mac has offered me further glimpses into his private emotional fortress and now I worry what my telling him will do. I was the one spouting off on growing up with lies and mistrust and now I'm being a hypocrite by holding back on telling him the truth about me; having lied to him since I first met him.

"I needed time to see if I wanted to tell him the truth," I try to reason with myself as I get ready for bed. I twist my hair into a messy bun and head into the bathroom and start up the shower, stuffing my curls under my shower cap. "I needed time to see if I wanted to actually open all of myself to him. Surely he'll respect that; he's amazing."

I let the hot water start to relax some of the tension away but the few times he came close to confessing something he pulled back in torment.

"What will he do when I tell him the truth? Pull back for good?"

I offer a heavy sigh followed by a curse in my own name. I care for Mac, I do and I want him to be part of my life. Once again I am facing a time in my life where I wish I had an older, wiser woman to confide in; talk to and turn to for help and guidance. "Or at least a listening ear."

"Oh Stella," I chide myself as I finish my shower. "I'll just tell him matter of factly. Mac, don't double cross me or I'll kill you! Oh yeah that's great," I scold myself with a slight laugh. But my eyes slightly water as I picture his handsome face filled with pain and sorrow when he hears the truth.

"Maybe he won't care?" I try. "Well he might not care what I do; unless he's one of those by the book, justice fanatics. But he'll care about me lying to him."

I head into the bedroom area of the hotel room and start to get dressed for sleep. "Mac, I was afraid to tell you as I'm sure you can guess trust is a big part of what I do and why I...I wanted to retire and because of you I am and...I am not going to do this anymore and..." my voice rattles off. And no matter how much I want to sugar coat it; lying is lying and he's going to walk out of my life because of it. I mean I was the one who spouted off about being lied and living with mistrust while growing up. "Way to go Stella," I scold myself. "Why did you mention it at all?"

I finally push myself into bed, my eyes still slightly watery. "Goodnight Mac, I pray one day you'll be able to forgive me."

But as suspected my sleep is fitful and filled with nervous anxiety as I know I'll be saying bye to Mac once more and the next time I see him will be filled with pain and tension. I know he wants to come and see me but I should tell him here, somewhere comfortable and so if he wants to be alone he won't be someplace that is foreign to him.

"I think I'll blame this all on Jessica," I lightly laugh to myself as I push myself out of bed and hurry to get everything ready. I showered last night, so just work on putting my hair up for traveling and get my suitcase put together. I look around the room once more to ensure that I have everything I need and then take my leave; checking out and then heading for Mac's one last time. Jessica doesn't seem to care and when I tell Mac, I wonder if she'll hold it against me? She might and then when Mac leaves me and so does Jessica I'll be alone again.

"I've always been alone," I huff as I get into the elevator. By the time it reaches Mac's floor I have pasted on my brave face, my heart still racing and my hands slightly trembling. No other man has made me feel this way and it's scary.

"Mac?"

"Come on in!" He calls out and my face displays an automatic smile. He hurries from his bedroom, dressed in dark pants and a dark sweater and my heart swells once more. "Morning," he rewards me with a warm hug, holding me close and planting a warm kiss on my cheek. "Sleep well?"

"Very. And you?"

"Still dreamed I was back in the Limo," he lightly smirks and I just laugh. We talk a bit more about my travel details and then head back outside to the caf below his apartment. We get a small table by the window and order two coffee's and a light breakfast each.

"So what's on the radar work wise for you?" I ask in interest.

"Just the same old stuff, tending to existing clients while waiting for that one big payday when I can just move to a tropical island and retire."

"Retire?" I ask with a smile. "And what would you do on that tropical island?"

"Depends."

"On?"

"On what you'd want to do."

I look at his face and know from the tone in his voice that he is more than serious. "Mac..."

"Stella, I was thinking out loud. That is not going to happen. I would like to retire early but I am also realistic. Besides, I know you can't just give up everything either."

"Would be nice though," I offer with a small huff; picturing me and Mac alone on our own tropical island. "Really nice."

"Ever been to a tropical island?" He wonders.

"Martinique."

"Wow nice. For how long?"

"Just two weeks to unwind and relax. One of those spa, spoil yourself, pampering holidays where I was waited on hand and foot and did nothing."

"Nothing?" He asks with arched brows.

"Well you weren't there, so yes nothing," I tease and he smiles. "But would be nice to go back. And you?"

"Isla de sa Ferradura," he mentions and I nearly choke.

"Pardon? Mac that is an exclusive island that rents at about 250 thousand US. You were there?"

"Would like to go."

"Right."

"Well if a guy can dream, dream big right. I guess in truth I haven't been too many exotic places but would like to perhaps one day spend some time on a tropical island with a private beach," he starts, gently playing with my fingers, his eyes fixed on my hand. "With you."

He finishes his sentence but doesn't look up. What is he afraid of? I'm the one that needs to be worried about him leaving, not him! He's perfect!

"Mac?"

"Oh sorry...picturing us on the beach," he offers with a small laugh before his face turns serious once again. "But you get to see the Mediterranean every day. That is pretty nice."

"Yeah I love my home."

"And you have a cat right?"

"What?"

"Wasn't sure if you were going to mention it but I saw some cat hairs on your dark pants the other day and..."

"You noticed?"

"Are you mad?"

"Just surprised. What else have you noticed?" I ask in concern.

"Everything."

"Oh."

"Do you have a cat?"

"Yes, his name is Alexander and he's with a house sitter, Don is apparently allergic."

"That he is," Mac smiles. We finish up our breakfast and then it's time to take our leave. "I'm almost afraid to say goodbye."

"Goodbye?" I question Mac. "We don't say goodbye, remember?"

"Until next time," he frowns. "Sounds odd."

"How about, I'll see you later?" I smile lightly, my nervous anxiety once again matching his. "Mac, what's really bothering you?"

"You seem tense this morning also," he notes correctly as we head back inside to get my things.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow?" I offer with a slight smile as we head back down to his SUV; knowing I can't tell him right here. The drive to the airport is once again filled with non-committal conversation, neither of us really wanting to talk about work or what to expect from each other in the days and weeks to come.

"So I have to get a few things done around here work wise but how about a week?" Mac asks me as we slowly head into the departures area. "Unless you think that's too soon?" He asks in caution.

"Too soon? To see you?" I ask with a smile as I turn to face him. "Not soon enough. But just let me know when you can. Don't stress yourself out now."

He's about to offer something else when I lean in and silence him with a warm kiss before any words escape his lips. He wraps his arms around me, holding me close as his lips crush mine one last time. "I will miss you," he whispers in torment. I pull back and see pain in his warm blue eyes.

"I will miss you too," I offer as I gently touch his face. Then to save ourselves further heartache, I quickly take my bag, offer one more kiss on his warm lips and then take my leave. Even when I'm through security and almost out of sight, I turn around and he's still there, watching, fixed in time, waiting for my return.

"Oh Mac...I don't know if you'll want to see me again."

~Mac Taylor, Zurich Switzerland~

I finally reach home with in a mental gloom. I left my apartment for now and headed straight for home as soon as I left the airport. I want to talk to Sid and get one more bout of encouragement before is start to make concrete plans but as soon as I reach the top of the stairs, Don is waiting for me with a frown on his face.

"How was Tennessee?" I ask in concern.

"Did you tell her?" He asks, avoiding my question.

"Not yet," I offer, looking up to see Sid now entering but hovering around the entrance and giving us our space. "But I am going to wait a week, get everything in order and then go there and see her in person."

"Why are you in such a rush to tell her?"

"Just feel the time is right."

"Why not wait a bit longer?"

"Why do you want to keep lying to Jessica? It's obvious you like her!"

"I have liked others," Don huffs. "So have you."

"Not like this and I have my reasons. Don this doesn't affect you."

"Like hell!" He snaps, his anger rising.

I look at him with a frown, my arms crossing over my chest, mostly to keep my fists from balling up in anger. "I like Stella, more than I have ever liked any other woman in my life; I am falling in love with her. I want a future with her and the only way for that to happen is for me to be honest. And I need to be honest early on instead of late in the game."

"And if she leaves?" Don counters.

"Then she leaves," I reply in remorse.

"And if she tells Jessica?"

"I can't control what she does Don."

"Mac, don't do this, not yet. It's too damn soon! I have only known Jessica a week longer..."

"And you told me you are certain she's the one. Why don't you want to tell her?" I demand in anger.

"Because I don't want her to leave either."

"Then we have the same problem, except I want to deal with mine right now!"

"Mac, do you think that when you tell her that she'll just accept you with open arms?"

"I don't know," I admit in resignation. "But I can't keep lying to her, not after all she's been through. Why are you mad? You can tell Jessica when you want!"

"I know how women talk!"

"This discussion is over," I snap as Don stands up block my path.

"No it's not."

"Don I might have a few more years on you age wise, but trust me, you can't best me in a one on one fight. So get the hell out of my way before you do something stupid!"

"Just like you're about to do something stupid?"

"Telling the truth?"

"We work in an industry built on lies and mistrust and telling the wrong person the truth early on could be mean the difference between life and death. Remember those words Mac? Those are the words you fed me so many years ago when you told me about this great opportunity you had to offer! You can wait! Maybe try to learn patience like A NORMAL MAN!" He finishes in an angry shout.

"You want to blame me? Fine! Want to walk out that door? Go ahead! I have to do this and if it screws me for the rest of my life at least I know there is one person in the world that I actually told the truth to! Because heaven knows I have been LYING TO MYSELF ALL ALONG!" I shout back.

"Whatever! You want to be alone and screw your life. GO AHEAD!" Don shouts as he turns to leave. "I don't care."

"If you walk out that door and don't bother coming back!"

"I won't!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

I watch him, take a few deep breaths and then turn to see Sid facing me with a frown.

"Yeah that went well. Very mature for a man who has a few more years on him," he starts as he walks up to me.

"Don't start!" I growl in anger.

Then without saying a word, Sid takes me by the arm and starts to pull me toward the stairs.

"Where the hell are we going?"

"You're grounded!" Sid lightly growls and I just shake my head. "I would ground the other unruly brat but he's taken his leave, wisely."

We reach my small workout room and Sid lightly pushes me inside. "Now don't come out until you've worked out everything you are obviously holding inside. This way you'll spare my already fraying nerves."

"But..." he holds his hands up and I quickly stop. Like a father would do to a son who's been bad; which I have been. "Now!"

I offer a small curse but turn around and storm into the small room; cursing again the fact that he knows exactly what I need. I hear him offer a heavy sign as I quickly take off my sweater, pick up a pair of boxing gloves and start on the leather bag; punching as hard as I can to release very bit of bent up hostility that I am holding inside. I hit the image on the bag; my face, the one that Stella I know will come to hate when I offer her the truth.

A few hours later, when I have finally spent every last vestige of energy, covered in sweat and can hardly stand or breathe properly, I step back, take off the gloves and offer a heavy sigh before taking my leave. The house is quiet and I hate the fact that I miss Don's useless chatter and Sid's witty banter. Remorse starts to cover me as I head into my bedroom, slump down on my large bed and pass out from sheer mental exhaustion and physical fatigue; not even hearing Sid come into my room and gently cover me with a blanket; a friend helping another, a friend I know I don't deserve.

I wake up some time later and look at the clock with a frown. "Damn it," I lightly curse as I push myself to a sitting position and look outside into the dismal weather being offered.

"I miss her already."

"That much is obvious," Sid's quiet voice comes from the doorway. "Feeling better?"

"A lot better, thanks," I frown. "Have you heard from Don?"

"Much like you he just needs to cool down. He'll be back."

"Maybe he's right," I huff. "Maybe it is too soon."

"You and Don have different destinies Mac, you can't let his stubborn refusal to listen to reason affect your future happiness."

I lean my head back on the wall, my eyes still fixed on the grey expanse outside; my heart heavy. "When I was in Bogota and I was left there, the only thing on my mind was future revenge. When I was wounded and left by the CIA and I thought I was dead for sure, revenge didn't enter the picture. Sid, without her I have no life and might as well be dead. No other woman makes me want to even seek out a future with happiness. Peyton certainly didn't and neither did the few before her. Stella does."

"And the problem is?"

"I don't know anymore," my voice trails off in sorrow.

"Lunch is..."

"I'm not hungry."

"If I have to, I will tie you to a chair and get you to eat," Sid smiles.

"I somehow believe you might just be able to," I huff as I push myself out of my warm bed, grab a nearby sweater. "I'll be right there," I call out.

"Tell her I said hi," he calls back and I once again just shake my head. "How the hell does he do that?" I ask as I head for my personal blackberry.

'Stella, how was your flight? It's raining here and my umbrella needs some action. But I'd rather be wearing sunglasses when I see you next. Can I book my flight? Sid says hi. Mac'

I offer a smile and then head for the kitchen, my nerves calming a little.

~Stella Bonasera, Messinia, Greece~

"Oh it's good to be home," I smile as I finally push my way into my fortress, allowing Alexander to go free of his travelling case and explore his home once again. As much as I loved being with Mac in Zurich, I missed the warmth and sun of my home here in Greece. I wonder if Mac would ever move here?

"I think you are getting ahead of yourself," I chide as I hear a knock downstairs. I hurry to open it and greet Jessica with a smile and a hug. "Welcome back."

"Can I come in?"

"I'm alone."

"No Mac? I thought he might have moved in by now," she comments and I just frown.

"I know you'll probably have concerns but I am going to tell him and deal with the aftermath."

"But why so soon?" Jessica wonders as she follows me into the kitchen.

"I opened up to him about being an orphan; about growing up with lies and mistrust and..."

"Stella you can play that card up very well. Wait a bit longer."

"I want a future with him. For the first time in my life I have finally found a man that I want to spend eternity with...or for how ever long I am allowed. How was your assignment?"

"Fine but if you tell Mac then do I have to tell Don?"

"No, you can just say you found work elsewhere and that'll be that...I guess...oh damn I don't know. I do know that I just spent over three amazing days with a man I want to say I love you too and I have never said those words to anyone before anyone!"

"I think you should wait, I mean I have known Don longer and that's only by a week!"

"And don't you feel inside that you want to tell him?"

"Part of me does," she frowns.

"And the other part?"

"Keeps hearing your words about mistrust and all that."

"I want to tell him. I'll face the heat. I figure if I tell him this early in the game he'll be a bit mad at first but then he might come around."

"And if he doesn't?"

"I'll kill him?" I lightly question.

"I think you should wait."

"We are going in circles. I have spent three sleepless nights trying to imagine every comeback line he might be able to throw my way. I'll just blame myself and my lack of trust in men growing up but that he changed that and..."

"And it might work, but it might not."

"Jessica, you'll tell Don when you are ready, I will tell Mac not to tell anyone else. Please back me on this."

"Stella this is my future too. I am attracted to Don, very much. I might even think I am in love with him. But..."

"But what?"

"But I guess you need to do what you need to do."

"Don't go," I lightly beg.

"Stella, I love you like a sister, but this isn't exactly what I wanted to hear from you on my return. I was hoping you would have just cooled down a bit and then realized you still have time. What if Mac isn't the one?"

"Mac is the one. And we never have as much time as we think. I don't want to waste it on arguing. I want to be with him."

Jessica offers a shrug, followed by a sad frown before she turns to leave.

"Please Jessica, don't go."

"I guess I have some thinking to do...about all this. I'll call you later."

I watch her go and am immediately struck with sorrow and anger. Sorrow that I might lose her and angry at myself for being in this spot in the first place. I try to curse Mac's name but can't bring myself to do it. I want him, in my life, at my side, until I grow old. I know in my heart I love him.

"He is the one," I whisper in misery. Alexander finally seeks me out and I pick him up and offer a firm squeeze and he offers some needy purrs in return. "Oh Alexander, you are so lucky you'll never screw up your life the way I have." I head back upstairs and finally see Mac's message on my blackberry and smile. I quickly text him back and then go about finishing my laundry and cleaning before trying to get some sleep. But about midnight I wake up and realize sleep is moot, I need to vent. But who? Jessica is gone and it's too late to wake up Sheldon. Mac? Yeah right stupid, I scold myself, you want to talk about him. I quickly pull out my blackberry and do something else I have never done in my life; text a total stranger for advice on my future.

'Lindsay, this is Stella, I know it's only 5pm in New York and I don't care how late it is here, I just need to talk. I really could use a listening and neutral ear and since you already know my secret I know you can help. Please call me. Stella.'

I put my device down and wait; time ticking slowly past until the phone finally rings. "Lindsay?" I ask.

"Stella, so good to hear from you. Is everything okay?"

"No," I smile at hearing her voice.

"What is it?"

"I just need you to listen as I can't expect you to understand. You know my profession right? Well I met a man a few weeks back and I know in my heart I love him. Trouble is he's not...well not in my profession, he's a land developer. A regular, down to earth amazing man. I want a life with him and want to tell him the truth but not sure what he'll say. I'm afraid if I tell him, I'll lose him for good. But if I don't now, the longer I wait the harder it becomes. Sorry, I just need some advice."

"Can I tell you a secret?" Lindsay asks me.

"Sure."

"I know exactly what you mean."

"You do? How?"

"I grew up in Montana and my dream was to move to New York and make it big on Broadway. Yeah right, I stunk at singing and acting but thought I had what it takes. First week in the Big Apple I slept on the street and almost starved. Then I met this woman who said she needed a hostess of sorts for her business."

"Hostess?"

"Well that was putting it nicely. It was an adult massage parlor."

"Oh."

"Then I met Danny one day at a Motorcycle show. I had also picked up odd jobs as a hostess for these tradeshow things and we instantly hit it off. He loved that I was from Montana and loved bikes and said he always wanted a wholesome girl to bring home."

"Stella it killed me when he said that. I was the furthest thing from wholesome as you could get, or so I told myself. And while I wasn't the one offering myself as the massage assistants on a regular basis, I did on occasion sample some of the wares you might say to make a few extra bucks. We dated for a few weeks and then I knew I had to tell him, so I did."

"And?"

"He was really pissed at first," I hear her smile. "But then when he thought about my story and what I had to do to get where I was and that I had enough courage to tell him the truth he finally came around. I assured him it was only a few times and that I was done with it. We went through a tough time. The only reason I told him is that I think I fell in love with him the moment I saw him. Stupid right?"

"Not at all. I know what you are talking about. I'm just scared. Stupid right for a woman my age?"

"I was scared. But it was worth it. Now I know your profession is a little more ominous than mine but I think you owe him the truth."

"I love him; I feel that inside."

"Tell him. Tell him and go and live your life."

"I guess I just needed to hear that. I know Mac will be upset but..."

"Mac? Lucy was right, it's a funny name."

"Unforgettable," I smile. "I appreciate the listening ear. I hope one day I can return the favor."

"Bring Mac by to visit Lucy; that'll be the favor."

I hang up with Lindsay and crawl into bed, and for the first time in days feel a heavy weight lifted off my shoulders and heart. I know I want to tell Mac the truth and live my life with him. That happy thought carries me through the night until the next morning.

~Mac Taylor, Zurich Switzerland~

I finish up my lunch and then wander back toward my office, my personal blackberry and work blackberry are both buzzing at the same time; both vying for my attention, but only one really garnering my affection.

'Mac, how about wearing some sunscreen also? And don't forget a silk tie, but not for your neck (wink). Say hi back and I'll see you sooner than you think.. Stella'

My smile widens as my brain instantly shows me in the Limo, my hands tied and me helpless at Stella's mercy. Now that I would like again. I have already made up my mind to tell her the truth and I am hoping that when I do she won't walk out of my life forever, if she does I just might use that tie to put myself out of my own misery, permanently. Don still hasn't returned but as Sid said, 'I'm sure we'll see him for breakfast.'

I pick up my work blackberry and read the heading with interest.

'Marine. Need help for special project. Industry opponent. Ten large. CNC'

"CNC? Commander and Chief?" I ask with a frown. His handle is one that I have known for some time; a man inside Interpol that I have helped in the past. "Industry opponent? What the hell?"

"Mac?" Sid questions.

"CNC wants me to take out a fellow assassin."

"Did he say who?"

"Must be pretty important as he's offering ten mil."

"Wow."

"Yeah but this might be what I need to quit the game officially."

"Or yourself permanently," Sid frowns.

"I do the job, tell Stella and all goes right move to Greece and..."

"Moving to Greece? Are you sure?"

"Wouldn't have it any other way."

"First things first. Find out who and the details."

"Right."

'CNC, who is the target and why the high price tag? Not that I am complaining. Marine.'

I put down my device thinking I'll get the information later when within a few seconds it buzzes to life once again.

"Eager," Sid notes.

'Marine, target is Aphrodite and she's planning hit on President of the US. Have verified info. CNC'

"Who?"

"Aphrodite, he says she's going to take out the US president."

"We can't have that can we. Poor guy just started his job," Sid smirks and I just roll my eyes.

'Details please.'

I wait for the details to arrive, easing myself down into a nearby chair, looking up at Sid with a frown.

"Well you always wanted to go out with a bang. Here's your chance."

"Not funny."

"Are you going to get Adam to check it out first?"

"Sid, the less this kid is involved the better. Besides we both know CNC's reputation and how he has helped me in the past. He wouldn't lie about something this big," I state fatefully, not realizing that I am being setup for the biggest showdown in my professional and personal life.

"Hope you're right."

I get the details and start to read them with interest; everything appearing legitimate and real. "I'll do it and then I'm out. I'll take Stella and live my life."

'CNC, I'm in. Marine.'

~Stella Bonasera, Messinia, Greece~

The following morning I wake up with renewed happiness and strength. Although I know Jessica should come around I'm happy that Lindsay Messer came into my life when I needed a listening ear the most. This will probably be one of the toughest things I face but I am confident that in the end Mac Taylor will be mine forever.

I push myself out of bed and head into my office and look at my personal blackberry that now has a message from Mac.

'Stella, tie is packed. Anything else I can bring? Mac'

'Mac, hmmm don't know if I can say over this...might be censored (smile), nothing?. Stella'

I offer a small laugh as I pick up my work blackberry; my smile quickly changing to a frown as I open the waiting message.

'Aphrodite, Need help for special project. Industry opponent. Ten large. CNC'

"CNC? Commander and Chief?" I ask with a frown echoing the very same words as the man I will now be paid to seek out and kill. CNC's handle is one that I have known for some time; a man inside Interpol that I have helped in the past. "Industry opponent? What the hell?" Is all I manage.

To seek out an industry opponent can bring extra heat and I'll need to be ready if I am even to contemplate a task this big.

'CNC, while the incentive is nice, who is the target and why the high price tag? Aphrodite.'

I wait for a few minutes and am quickly rewarded with an answer that not only surprises but disturbs me.

'Aphrodite, target is The Marine and he's planning hit on President of the US. Have verified info. CNC'

"What?" I ask in quiet shock. From the things I have heard about The Marine, I know he's loyal to all assumed honest world leaders, just like myself. But before I can make any decision I need the details.

'Details please.'

I stare out the window, looking at the brilliant blue sky and picture me and Mac on a tropical island, happy to be together. But I know inside, if I do take this job then it'll be my last. Ten mil is enough to allow me to finally quit this game for good. The details arrive and I spend the next few hours or so digesting everything at my finger tips; everything appearing to be correct and legitimate. Since I have done work for and with CNC in the past I have no reason to suspect that my personal and professional life are about to collide.

'CNC, I'm in, Aphrodite.'

"This is the last one and then Mac and I can be together forever."

~Interpol Headquarters~

'Was I right?'

'They both went for it, now what?'

'Now we watch them destroy each other and we will happily ever after with their money.'

'But what if something goes wrong?'

'What could possibly go wrong? We took out all the others; these two will be no different. As I said before, I can buy loyalty, compassion and human decency. What the hell is love?'

A/N: Okay so what do you think their showdown is going to be like? Think they will be surprised? Think Don is gone for good? What about Jessica? Please review if you want answers to these questions and more of the story. Thank you all in advance, your continued enthusiasm makes me keep updating faster!