A/N Beside Moonlight – Poor John. He always seems to have a hard time.
Life On Mars – I do it is blog/noellestuff221c but honestly I just don't have much time to update so it gets things sporadically
Guest- Welcome and thank you for the kind review! Yes I had thought for the first two lines of this story that I could be serious. Then I thought nah!
Thank you all for the reviews and a thanks to all my readers. And now a continuation…
2 hours ago…
Noelle walked into the interrogation room and eyed the camera in the corner. She shook her head and jumped up to break it off. She did the same in the other cells causing the men to give nervous glances her way. She then walked over behind one and pushed his chair backwards, and not too carefully watching as they landed hard on their back. She dragged him to the hallway and dragged his buddies out with them.
"Whew! Have y'all thought about going on a diet?" she wiped her brow, "Seriously you weigh a ton."
"Kérlek! Nem akarok beszélni róla. Nem akarok beszélni róla. Én nem tudok semmit."
"Oh shut up!" she yelled in Turkish, then switched back to English, "My Turkish isn't the best so work with me here and speak in English. I know you can."
The four looked to each other. One spoke up, "We know nothing. We will say nothing!"
"Yeah, yeah, You will talk or as good as talk yeah? So let's think."
Noelle paced around the men before stopping behind one.
"You were there with the other one," she hissed in his ear, "Did you plan on sacrificing him or were you an option too?"
She looked at his face then smirked, "So you are all expendable then? Mercenaries. So loyal but to who? You don't identify with a country. You don't fight for a cause. The money is off the table and you aren't doing your fellows a favor by remaining silent. So the boss is still hanging around then. Who is he?"
They were silent and she kicked one over on his side.
"WHO IS HE?"
They glared at her and she pulled the one who was turned over into one of the rooms, closing the door behind her.
"When I tell you to scream you do so or I really will have to resort to torture comprende?"
The man nodded. She had him scream for a good five minutes before she let off a single shot and covered his mouth.
"Not another word," she warned.
She walked out to the hallway and stared at the other three men.
"I am really getting sick of saying these prayers. Alright any volunteers for who is next?"
They were silent.
"Okay I figured as much. Well then let's try this another way. So you aren't afraid of death, how loyal. How did your boss get your loyalty? It's past money, let me guess he fights alongside you. That is a way to inspire trust and admirable even in a profession like yours. Tell me boys if he fights with you why isn't he here? If he wants to fight this battle why stand in his way? If he doesn't why keep your loyalty?"
"Dorin," one spoke up.
Noelle narrowed her eyes, "Dorin? Romanian Dorin? But y'all are- damn a misdirect. Thank you boys."
She pulled the other man out of the room to the surprise of the others with a smirk.
"I'd make your peace with each other now you may not see each other for a while. When the others come in give them half an hour before you tell yeah?"
They nodded.
Noelle looked to the window at the end of the hall, "That's convenient."
She left the window open just for good measure. As an afterthought she pulled off her medical bracelet and tied it to the window with a note. Then she slipped out into London looking for one person.
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Noelle sat on an overly fancy yet completely uncomfortable couch. Not really her style. She preferred the comfortable even if aesthetically it lacked. Dorin came into the room holding a cup of tea and a frothy chocolate shake. Noelle raised her eyebrows.
"This is your preferred drink is it not?" he asked.
"I do have a weakness for chocolate but does that one come with a side of poison too?"
"Oh now Noelle you wound me."
"and you almost killed me. An admiral feat by the way."
He smirked, "In that case I can see your concern. I assure you there is no poison here. If you still have a doubt I will take a drink."
He raised the glass to his lips but Noelle stood up and took the glass before he could drink.
"Just as fast as ever I see."
She looked him over. He had aged since last she saw him. His brown hair was greying at the temples and the scars that lined his body looked like they had grown in number. She may be as fast as ever but she could see he wasn't.
"Dorin, as lovely as this is we are on a bit of a schedule."
"Is the cavalry not far behind?"
"The Holmes brothers are formidable but it will take John to figure your men out. They are good men by the way. Turkish, ha, great misdirect."
"I always choose the best, Noelle. You should know that."
Noelle scowled, "Tell me one thing. Did any of the men come to Serbia with you last time?"
Now it was his turn to scowl, "I may be a mercenary but I do have morals."
"Morals?" Noelle exclaimed outraged, "Tell me do your morals reach to old friends? Friends you fought beside? Friends who have saved your hide more than once?"
"That is the problem with mercenaries, love, we are for hire and you had a high price on your head. I could have retired to some tropical island with a woman who didn't speak a language I do."
Noelle rolled her eyes, "Was it worth it?"
"It was an admiral attempt and a great chase," Dorin wagered and Noelle smirked.
"I never did accuse you of lacking cleverness. However you must have known you failed days ago and not only that but shown your hand. Why did you stay?"
"and leave it to another? No. You know me better than that. Anyways you deserved this."
Noelle laughed derisively, "You betrayed me, Dorin. Damn your money. Damn your morals. Damn it Dorin! You betrayed me."
He had the decency to look ashamed, "So are you here to kill me? Or is the government going to put me in a hole somewhere?"
Noelle sighed and shook her head, "I haven't decided yet."
"Do I detect a hint of hope for myself?" Dorin tried to charm.
"Don't get ahead of yourself here Dorin. I have some questions before I decide anything. I still reserve the probability of killing you and waiting for my friends as I drink this milkshake."
"Okay, Okay. You have questions. I have answers. This is good fortune."
"Okay then. Answer truthfully, you know I will know if you don't. How did you hear of Binecuvântată Asasin in the first place?"
"My dear, I am a Romanian mercenary. When the story first spread many heard. You are quite famous. Of course I wrote it off as merely a story."
"What changed your mind?"
"A man came to me, a dangerous man. Not the kind I usually associate with you know but I had heard the whispers. It turns out you have had the misfortune of opposing this man."
"Not your usual kind but drug dealers are?"
"Drug cartels will always be here. They are distasteful but not unreasonable, businessmen you see. This man is unstable but hold great power. That my friend is a dangerous man."
"He told you who I was. "
"No, but he told me that Binecuvântată Asasin had moved to London this year. Told me the exact day. You alerted me to your move. I put two and two together. There aren't many with that skill set and fewer with that heart."
"This dangerous man doesn't happen to have a name does he?"
Dorin looked nervous suddenly.
"So it was Moriarty."
"Noelle, I don't know what you got yourself into but you should get out as soon as you can."
"James Moriarty doesn't frighten me. He a sad little man with more brains than common sense and that never makes for a good end."
"I just hope you know what you're doing love. You are worth more than one man. Any more questions?"
"Two. Or three. It depends on your answer I guess. One did you tell anyone else?"
"No, to my knowledge I am the only one who knows. I didn't even tip off those holding the bounty. I figured if anyone was going to get you it'd be me. If I couldn't do it I wasn't about to sell you out to a stranger."
"Well that's nice," she sneered, "You only betray me for profit not sport. So here is my last question Dorin, why?"
Dorin sighed, "You just said why Noelle. It was the money. No, it was more than the money, it was the chase. I am getting too old for this. I wanted a last grand chase and not at the hand of some young kid with no wits and a head too big to sit on his shoulders."
Noelle blinked, "This was a suicide mission?"
Dorin didn't meet her eye, "Not if I won."
"Dorin," she said sternly, "you are better than this."
"I wish to die a young man's death, Noelle, not whither to a husk as I miss visits from the family I never raised."
"What about the men you sent to their deaths for this? What about the one I shot the other night? Your men have always meant something to you before. Have you lost your loyalty to even them now?"
"They are all in the same boat as me. They knew the mission. They signed up."
The curtain dropped, "You are sick. You are all sick. How long?"
"Some have as little as two months some are just getting old. They don't want to be replaced by these high tech kids with fast hands. I, myself, have six months," he admitted, "brain tumor. Inoperable."
"I am sorry," Noelle told him.
"So friend now it is my turn."
"Your turn?" Noelle asked.
"Oblige an old man a few questions."
"Shoot," Noelle told him taking a sip of the shake, "but not literally."
Dorin laughed, "You always did have a smile. Even in the worst situations. Tell me though because it doesn't make sense. Why were you in Romania? I have looked at some of the things associated with Binecuvântată Asasin and it does not fit the young woman I know. Spy work, dismantling drug operations, assassinations. You know if you ever needed the help I could have spared a few men for you and yet I didn't even know you were in my country. Why were you there?"
Noelle sighed heavily, "You have heard about my husband yes?" he nodded, "After he died I did a lot of things to keep busy. The CIA didn't seem to mind me taking some of their work and I nearly worked myself to death. I didn't turn to you for help because I didn't need to. Alone worked for me."
Dorin regarded her carefully. There was something she wasn't telling but he wasn't going to push. They had been in fights together not to counselling. Both were private people and he held her in respect. That is after all why he chose this job.
The man nodded thoughtfully, "One more question. What are you going to do?"
"You betrayed me Dorin. I know why and I am sorry but nonetheless you have betrayed me," they both stood toe to toe and looked each other in the eye, "I have made a decision."
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Meanwhile…
"Why would she leave the note?" John asked.
"She is taunting us," Mycroft started.
"She figured out who the boss is and she has gone after them. Mycroft have your men find her on your cameras," Sherlock finished for him.
"You know as well as I do she knows how to avoid them. Of course I will set someone on them in any case but she left the men in their original state because she wants time. For what I shudder to think."
"She is in no shape to go chasing killers, for goodness sake she just woke up from a coma!"
"Calm yourself, if she could make them talk I have no doubt we can. Our specialist are good at their job," Mycroft said with a threatening look to the men.
"Just like you did before?" Sherlock snarked earning a glare from his brother.
"Does it look like she tortured these men?" John asked, "That isn't how you make these men talk."
"She has the skills to not leave a mark but never mind that. Did you have another suggestion?"
"These men aren't afraid of death or pain, they have loyalty. So we need to break their loyalty to her or create our own, as I have no doubt she took that route."
The Holmes looked at him like he was insane.
"But why would loyalty matter it is to their benefit to cooperate now?" Sherlock asked.
"Because not everyone manipulates every situation to suit them."
They looked at him blankly.
"We will tell you in fifteen minutes," one of the men said surprising them all.
"What?" John asked.
"The woman asked to face her fate as a soldier should. We give time to her. She is a good soldier, a well met challenge."
"So what do we do now?" John asked.
"We wait," Mycroft stated simply.
"How tedious," Sherlock pouted and for once John agreed.
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The sound of sirens and troops drew closer and Noelle sighed.
"Dorin Sala surrender now."
Noelle lay down on the couch, plugged her ears, and closed her eyes. Sure enough a flash bang resounded through the room. Sherlock and John trailed by Mycroft came marching into the room. Noelle sat up and grabbed her shake glass.
"I really should wash this before I leave otherwise it would be rude."
"Noelle!" John rushed forward, "How are you feeling? Are you-" he rambled on in true doctor form.
"I am fine really. Although I may have to take a little trip back to the hospital or a fast food restaurant it may just be hunger. Anyone got a burger?"
"Where is he Noelle?" Mycroft asked.
"Who?"
"Dorin Sala!" he bit through his teeth.
"I am sorry I don't know anyone of that name."
John blinked, "Then why did you come here?"
"Oh they have the best milkshakes here."
Sherlock looked angry, "Noelle you came here to see Dorin Sala mercenary ringleader, and man who tried to poison you."
"Oh poison I wasn't even thinking about that. Did you figure out who did it?"
The men groaned.
"Sir," one of Mycroft's men approached, "There has been a breakout. The four men and the others that Ms. Morgan, um, sent us have escaped."
The men looked at the woman who was humming.
"Yes, you better see to that," she smiled, "In the meantime Mexican anyone? I could go for a quesadilla. I did finally find a nice little place to get good Mexican food."
She dragged John and Sherlock along leaving Mycroft fuming.
"Do you want to tell us anything?" Sherlock asked.
"Maybe tomorrow but not today," she replied.
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Actually she slept through tomorrow after being coerced back into the hospital by John under the name Mara. The nurses of course knew what was up but they made no mention of it officially and for that she was thankful. She was released the same day with some pills but remarkably not much worse for wear. Thankfully she wasn't a heavy drinker otherwise the damage might have been worse. Luckily her liver was in working order and had a quick recovery although it left her a little drained. Finally she came home to 221 much to Mrs. Hudson's delight. She invited the boys down for an explanation finally and even invited Mycroft who came in precisely on time twirling his umbrella.
"Give it here," she demanded as he walked in the door.
"What?" he sounded affronted.
"Do we have to do this right now Mycroft. You read my file. I read yours. Now hand it over."
Grumbling he handed the umbrella over and Noelle ran a black box over it.
"What was that about," John asked Sherlock observing the interaction.
"My brother keeps a listening device in his umbrella," he told him loud enough for Mycroft to hear, "Thinks himself discreet."
"Be nice boys or I'll make you hug it out," Noelle warned and they gave her a disgusted look.
"Can we get to the heart of it, Ms. Morgan, there have been 8 escapes of men you gave to us and another of a man I am sure you had contact with, do you care to explain your actions?"
"Oh you complain but I hear they left you some valuable information in return for their freedom."
"It wasn't a trade I authorized or approved of," he spat.
"Oh nonsense the information is good, your welcome by the way, and you just are mad that things didn't happen by you playing puppet master."
"As much as I enjoy watching you stand off with Mycroft, we do have questions, Noelle," Sherlock prodded.
"Fine here is the short version. Dorin was a friend. As a contractor I only rarely had help from my friends in the government but needed it sometimes. Dorin helped me out of a tight spot in Serbia personally and I have used his men on other occasions as well. As far as mercenaries go they aren't just the best but they are good people too, loyal. He manages one of the largest operations of mercenaries in Europe. Even the great British Empire has used his services more than once. Turns out he is dying," she sighed heavily, "I knew something was up because last time we met he introduced me to his successor I thought he was retiring. Anyways he and some of his men wanted to go out with a bang and saw me as an honorable opponent."
"So your friend," John emphasized, "tried to kill you?"
"I'll admit I was a bit out about it as well but it is how it goes you know?"
"No. No I do not know," John told her.
"Look John you're a soldier right. So there was you and there was an enemy. Occasionally there may have been a surprise but mostly if you fought with someone they were good people. Mycroft gets it though, am I right?" the man in question nodded.
"In the spy game," she continued, "we sneak into countries we would be allowed in anyways. We play each other. Things aren't black and white. To a spy the world is grey. An enemy can be a friend and a friend can quickly become an enemy. Otherwise it wouldn't work. I suppose I can't throw stones. I myself shot a man in the kneecap who saved my life the week before." Sherlock gave her a curious look, "That's a story for another time. Anyways I was still felt betrayed by Dorin, he understood. I also understood. When I told the CIA I was letting off missions for a while they didn't stop offering jobs. I was sent one a while ago with some nasty business in Estonia and know for a fact it hasn't been sorted out yet."
"You don't mean-" Mycroft raised his eyebrows.
"Yes."
"They won't return," he stated as a fact.
"But they will go out in glorious fashion and if all goes well do some good on the way."
"You sent him to his death?" John asked incredulously.
"I referred him a job. He accepted."
"You gave him the information needed to get his men back as well," Mycroft reminded her with a scowl.
"Well since they were all volunteers. I told him to leave you something in return though and he kept true. Do try not to be too bitter."
"Well that is all I needed to know," Mycroft rose to depart, "Oh and Noelle, if you ever try to play my office like that again I will see to it that you are tried for espionage."
She crossed her eyes at him, "I'd like to see you try. Anyways I didn't invite you to play, you jumped in yourself. Oh, and thanks for the well wishes I really appreciate it!"
He scowled and turned to leave steadily ignoring the large stuffed animal that she had set in a place of honor next to his card. John checked on her health rather briskly and then left as well. Sherlock stayed.
"John doesn't understand," she said sadly.
"He will," Sherlock reassured although he didn't know why, "He is if nothing loyal and doesn't understand that what you did was appreciated. Although sending Dorin on a suicide mission, that even surprises me"
"Thanks Sherlock. Want some tea?" she changed the subject.
"No I want a question."
"You know the rules."
He gave her a look that said clearly, not now.
"Fine," she sighed, "but just one."
"Was it Moriarty?"
"Isn't it always these days?"
"It won't be." He told her determined, "One day it won't be."
Noelle just smiled.
"One more question," Sherlock switch tracks.
"You're pushing it."
"How did you arrange the prison break and don't lie I know you had more of a hand in it then giving their locations."
She smiled evilly, "Well you see I…"
Next time Sherlock goes moping and music is discussed. Fluff and the woman up ahead. Stay tuned.
And please review! :)