Hurricane


Chapter Twenty Eight: Perception


You can look into my eyes
And pretend all you want
But I know
I know your love is just a lie
It's nothing but a lie

- Simple Plan

(Your Love Is A Lie)


It was the most elegant room he'd ever seen. Though he wasn't entirely sure if 'room' was the most appropriate word. It didn't seem to encompass the grand nature of the setting they'd just stepped into. Perhaps hall, ballroom, gallery? He wasn't sure. But he knew no words could express the extravagance and elegance of the Diaz's home regardless. There was something about it that was extraordinary; it made you feel disturbingly small and yet incredibly special at the same time.

Cammie's hand was warm in his and he could tell she was getting the same overwhelming experience as him. Her eyes danced across the gold plated ceilings, and high strung debonair chandeliers to the high french windows that stretched from wall to wall, where thousands of fairy lights flickered outside. Once his eyes landed on her he found it hard to look away, even to admire the room more. Because as unbelievably glorious as the room was, Cammie was simply more dazzling. She looked regal in her floor length black gown, her hair pulled flawlessly back and her makeup done with perfection. When he'd first seen her earlier in the evening he'd forgotten how to breathe, she was that beautiful.

To add to her allure, she was grinning brightly from ear to ear; genuinely happy. She had been for days. Mac had called a few days ago and she'd run off for twenty-four hours to their beach house to spend precious time with him before their mission hit its climax. Zach didn't mind much, although he would've liked an invite, but he understood Cammie's desire to spend quality time with her brother she seldom saw, or even heard from, especially after the death of their sister. He didn't fuss about her leaving and when she came back glowing he was glad he hadn't made a scene. She'd only done a couple hours up the coast anyway, she'd never really been too far away. Her happiness was more important than anything at this point. And seeing her walk like she was floating on air was worth more than the lonely day he'd spent or the fact that they should've been preparing for tonight. He wasn't worried about the mission anymore. Cammie had assured him everything would go well, despite the off-putting feeling he got in his gut that he chose, maybe unwisely, to ignore. They were still looking for this electronic database; whatever it was, but it'd be easier when they got the chance to talk to the Diaz's under the more relaxed nature of a party with alcohol and in their home.

Zach had never ending anxiety about the Diaz's involvement with the circle but he forced himself to push it away. Nothing was for certain yet; but he still got a horrible feeling that Natasha and his past would somehow come back to haunt him tonight. He had a pit in his stomach of worry but Cammie's ease and happiness seemed to alleviate it. He moved it aside, ignoring it, unaware that Cammie was doing the same with her own thoughts and feelings of the night.

Sure, she was beyond elated; Tibey had gotten her bone marrow transplant. She was free, she was out of the hospital; she was cured. Cammie didn't have to worry about going to sleep and waking up thinking her sister might not have made it through the night. Seeing Tibey had brought tears of joy to her eyes. Mac had been there too, easily helping to improve her mood. Even her father had shown up, and had reluctantly given her a smile and wrapped her in his arms. Her father's arms were more welcoming than she'd ever remembered and it was the most bizarre yet happy of realizations. And despite the absence of their mother at the small reunion; it almost felt like they were a family again. It had felt like home. Still, with all of that joy in her life; there were still the shadows that she couldn't shake. Shadows that were faceless but terrifying and intimidating all the same: the list the Diaz's had that Rachel was desperately trying to get ahold of. The massive lie she'd spat to Zach. The countless other lies she'd told him to keep him complacent for her own selfish gain. The shadows were growing ugly faces with each passing second but she couldn't focus on them. Not when Zach was the brilliant sun in her life and her family had just become brighter stars.

"I should find Carmen and Isa," Cammie said softly, squeezing his hand and releasing it. They needed to go their separate ways for now.

Zach nodded. He bent down and kissed her softly on the lips. "Let me know what you find."

There eyes met and Cammie almost melted. She couldn't get use to it. The feeling he gave her. She swore her heart beat faster and harder when he was around. She reached for his hand again, unwilling to let him go even though she was the one who'd suggested their separation.

He smirked at her, happy to know she was just as infatuated as he was.

"Everything ok?" he asked, rather knowingly. He knew she didn't want to leave his side, to go and pretend with someone else. But he didn't know she was pretending with him.

His question evoked something strange inside her. The shadows were creeping in around Zach's light. Her smile faded but she managed not to let her face completely fall. She realized everything wasn't ok. But she couldn't very well tell Zach that.

"Of course," she replied, wondering if Rachel was lurking around the party, or her spies, listening to whatever shreds of information they could find.

He grinned at her, though he'd noticed the glimmer in her eyes dull. He didn't question it, not anymore.

"Good," he said. "I love you."

Her smile returned and love shone in her eyes, that part wasn't pretend. "Me too."

He smiled and pecked her again before turning away and leaving before she could stop him.

Once he was gone, Cammie turned away in search of Isa and Carmen, hoping something good would come of the night.

:*:*:*:

"Dios, there you are," Isa snapped, her hand reaching out and snatching Cammie's arm. It wasn't aggressive, but Isa had sharp nails and Cammie felt them bite lightly into her skin.

"Hey," Cammie said, gently pulling her arm back to her side. "I was looking for you." She glanced around. "Where's Carmen?"

Isa shrugged, clearly not interested in her sister's whereabouts. Cammie took a moment to appraise her friend. Isa was wearing the shining silver gown the three of them had agreed on many weeks ago. Cammie was surprised she'd stuck with the dress; Isa wasn't known for her enduring decisions. It sparkled beautifully against her skin and left enough skin to leave any man drooling. Cammie could feel palpable heat from men's gazes across the room on Isa. She was absolutely magnificent; the onlookers probably didn't even notice Cammie because of the overwhelming glow of Isa.

"You looking stunning," Cammie said, the awe and admiration in her voice the most honest she'd ever been to Isa.

Isa smiled brilliantly; her glow practically emanating.

Cammie's gaze dropped to the heavy chain Isa wore around her neck. It was thick and oddly geometric. It didn't much seem Isa's taste, but Cammie supposed she didn't actually know the girl that well. It was still beautiful, all the same.

"Cam," Isa said. Her voice sounded oddly accented, though Cammie supposed that was probably the alcohol. "I need to tell you something."

A strong, albeit brief, surge of doubt shot up Cammie's spine. What did Isa need to tell her? She sounded vaguely desperate.

"Ok."

Isa glanced around. There were guest's everywhere. Cammie swore she saw other agents from the CIA amongst the many faces, but it must've been a trick of the light.

"Do you want to go somewhere else?" She suggested.

Isa thought for a moment. There were eavesdropping ears among them; both of them knew that much.

Isa finally nodded and took Cammie's hand.

Cammie followed Isa dutifully; her mind drifting to Zach and wondering what he was up to.

"Where are we going?" Cammie asked once they were in a hallway that seemed to have thinned in people.

"My room."

"Um," Cammie wasn't comfortable with that. She didn't know what Isa wanted to tell her and she didn't want to be so far away.

"What?" Isa suddenly snapped; she looked flustered.

"Maybe we should go somewhere closer," Cammie suggested. Another thought had occurred to her. Maybe she could convince Isa to let her into Caesar's office; so she could look for this damn list. It must be closer than an upstairs bedroom.

Isa thought a moment.

"Does your dad have an office or lounge? I'm sure no one else would be in there."

Cammie hoped her intentions weren't obvious. In the time she'd known Isa she'd discovered the girl was smarter than she appeared but that wasn't to say she was above average intelligence. Still, there was still an ingrained sense of vapid that only the spoilt children of billionaires could posses.

Isa's face lit up and Cammie knew she was in the clear.

"Papa's office," she agreed. She was smiling but she still looked flustered, Cammie wondered again what was bothering her. "This way."

Cammie hid her smile, sometimes it was just too easy.

:*:*:*:

"Ah, Zachary, there you are."

Zach had been fighting his way through crowd of pretentious rich people, trying find either Eduardo or Caesar. He needed to find out more about this database and what the hell kind of ties they had to the circle. He figured some tequila might loosen the two of them up. Caesar in particular. He didn't even seem to care about his life's work anymore.

He found his target, and when Caesar had seen him he'd murmured to Valeria to bugger off and she sent Zach a cruel look before fluttering away.

"Caesar," Zach greeted, hearing the slight Italian he always used when he was around the Diaz's. It was far from authentic; but it did its job to the Latin family's ears. Zach's eyes shifted and he noticed Grant standing off to the side, a glass of scotch hanging loosely in his hand.

"Grant and I were just discussing his future with us," he said. "I'm sure you were hoping to do the same."

Zach gave Grant a strange look but didn't address him. He tended to ignore Grant on mission related events; he was meant to. That being said, Zach generally ignored Grant anyway, he'd never taken a liking to the guy. His eyes slid back to Caesar. Caesar's eyes were vaguely glassy and Zach could tell Grant had already been successful in liquoring him up, had that been his intention.

"I would never be so presumptuous."

Caesar smiled, content with Zach's sly answer. "You're a smart kid."

"That's what my father always told me."

"I'm so glad business has been working out well Zach."

Zach smiled. "How about we cheers to that?" he suggested, nodding over to the bar.

Grant grinned. "Here, here."

Caesar didn't seem concerned with Zach and Grant's press for alcohol. Why would he? They'd done their jobs flawlessly. They'd infiltrated and gained their target's trust. Caesar wasn't meant to be suspicious.

Zach glanced up when they'd turned to the bar and instantly felt cold. His eyes had snapped up to a ghostly presence he felt in the room. When he'd given into the feeling and glanced up; there she stood across the room.

Natasha wasn't looking at him, engaged in conversation with someone else. But, as though she felt Zach's burning and accusing gaze on her, she turned her head. It wasn't a full turn; just enough for their eyes to lock and for Zach to freeze. He hadn't seen her in ages but her face was the same; cold and calculating. Her skin stretched tightly over her flawless bone structures, her eyes harsher then he remembered. He stifled a shiver; he felt like he was looking into a barren wilderness wrought with terrifying and vicious animals.

He looked away but the pit in his stomach grew. His fears had been confirmed. No matter what he wanted to think; the Diaz's were tied to his family, to the Circle, to evil. More than he'd suspected if Natasha was here in the flesh.

He didn't want to approach her, knowing their conversation would only be futile and angering. He could see her unforgiving and cruel smile in his head, thinking he'd be quite content if he never saw it again, in his imagination or reality. He turned back to Caesar and Grant, intent on getting Diaz to spill the family secrets, his sister forgotten for the time being.

Six tequila shots and a two full drinks later (for Caesar) and the man was finally beginning to talk.

Grant and Zach had convinced him to go on the balcony for a cigar and Caesar's drunken mind had agreed without hesitation.

"Those stars are beautiful."

Grant and Zach exchanged a look but didn't comment on it to each other. Both had their roles to play and neither would do well to poke fun at Caesar. Bears didn't respond well to humor; drunk or not.

"Sure are," Grant said and Zach nodded.

"Hey Caesar," Zach said, his tone questioning. He was going to go for it, there was no point in prolonging it. "I saw Natasha Goode in there. You know her?"

Grant looked alarmed, he knew who Zach was and his past, but he didn't expect Zach to bring it out in full force. Zach almost pitied him; he knew nothing about the real nature of the mission, only the covers and legends the CIA had given him. But Zach could use him as a scapegoat, and he was more than willing to. As he'd said before; he didn't care much for Grant Newman.

Caesar's eyes slid to Zach's, still glazed but more serious than before. He glanced over to Grant as well.

"Grant do you mind?" Zach said, his voice authoritative. He knew if he sent Grant away it would convince Caesar that they were on the same side.

"What's going on here?" Grant asked. His eyes burned into Zach's but Zach only shrugged and looked away. The less he knew, the better.

Caesar glance had morphed into a glare. "Son, you should go."

Grant looked perplexed but Zach titled his head at him, hoping he got the message. Grant sighed and nodded.

"Find me later, eh?" He said to Caesar with a brief touch to his shoulder.

Caesar waved him away, and just like that; Grant was gone.

"Sorry," Zach said, hoping he sounded more apologetic than he was. "I just didn't think he needed to hear this conversation. I don't know if he knows about the Circle and wouldn't want him to if he wasn't already privy to such information."

Caesar was looking at Zach with a hard and suspicious gaze. For a moment Zach thought he was made; that he'd taken to big a risk and given his legend away. That the Caesar was far better at holding his alcohol and pretending to be inebriated than Zach could've predicted. But Caesar's face finally broke and he looked away, pulling the cigar back to his lips.

"No," he finally said, after a long stretch of silence. "He probably didn't. I suppose you know Tasha then."

Zach didn't like the familiarity that Caesar said his sister's name with.

In fact, it made his skin crawl.

"I do. I wasn't aware of your involvement with her till I saw her here tonight."

"No. And I didn't know yours either."

"Well I suppose that's the way the Circle goes."

Caesar's gaze was back on him; the heat was back.

"I suppose." He took a beat. "I don't recall seeing your name on the Lexicon."

Zach knew he hid his surprise well; it was what made him such an excellent spy. What the hell was a Lexicon? It had to be the database Cammie was talking about, but what was on it? Names of people in the Circle? Could it just be that? Why hadn't he ever seen or heard of it?

He cleared his throat. "I'm new," he said, sounding much more at ease than he actually was. "You must not have checked recently."

Caesar started laughing. Zach was hesitant to join in, unsure of what was transpiring. He couldn't tell if Caesar really thought something was funny or if he was getting ready to kill him with a manic laugh to add to the drama.

Apparently it was the former. Caesar clasped Zach on the shoulder and leaned in close, Zach noticed his eyes had gotten glassy again; he was still piss-all drunk. There was no way he was plotting to kill Zach right then and there.

"You're damn right about that. I haven't looked at it in years. I let my queridos take care of that these days." He was smiling fondly.

Ah. Carmen and Isa then. They knew how to get to this 'Lexicon.' They would know what was on it. Zach was trying to figure out a way to get Caesar to tell him what was on it without being obvious. Caesar was still talking though Zach's mind was racing on.

"I'd like to look at it now though. See what messes you've gotten yourself into." Evidently, Caesar might spill the secrets on his own accord.

Was it criminal records? Personal failings? Blackmail? Zach needed to find out what was on this Lexicon.

"I could say the same to you," Zach replied confidently, hoping Caesar would spill more information.

Caesar laughed. "Whatever kind you have won't have my name on it," he said. "Only ours does. I wouldn't trust my name and sins anywhere but with my family."

What did that mean?

"Yours is different?"

Maybe Zach could get away with playing dumb. He was "new" after all.

Caesar snorted. He was taking the bait.

"You nuevos, you understand nada. You'll figure the game out."

Zach had been in the circle. He should've known about this Lexicon or whatever. But he didn't; he couldn't even remember anything like it being mentioned. Ever. It must only be up for high people in the circle. Rachel Morgan obviously knew about it, he figured that much. That's why she had wanted Cammie all of this mission; he was sure of it. All the pieces were beginning to fit together; although hew as still missing quite a large chunk. But if Rachel Morgan knew about it, he needed to too.

"The game?"

"The Circle," he explained. "You win ... or morirási."

You will die.

What was this? Game of Thrones?

"Kill or be killed?" Zach was quite familiar with the sentiment. He'd only lived it every day of his life till he was eighteen.

He nodded. "Precisely. You are new then. You don't know what you've gotten yourself into. It's not a life you can leave, not easily anyway."

Caesar sounded jaded and remorseful. Zach had a flash of sympathy, though it was short lived. He'd been there; he'd regretted the things the Circle had made him do. He hated the person they'd made him be. He could relate to Caesar on that level more than the older man would ever know. Zach pushed his personal feelings aside, he was taking down the Diaz's after all. Just because Caesar was having some last minute remorse didn't mean he hadn't done countless awful things. And there was difference between him and Zach. Zach never had a choice, and the second he did he got out. Caesar had likely chosen this path, and had stayed on it, never wavering till now.

"Care to enlighten me?" Zach asked.

Caesar's expression was dark. "Not particularly." Zach wasn't sure he wanted to know the demons Caesar had seen. The devils he'd created.

Zach raised an eyebrow, he still needed to find out what was on this Lexicon thing.

"I suppose I will," Caesar continued. "Though if you know who Tasha is you're probably too far gone."

Zach smiled, thinking of how ironic the situation was. "Does she want it?"

"Want what?"

"Your Lexicon?"

Caesar looked at him like he couldn't understand why Zach had asked that. Zach felt the need to bite his tongue. He'd said the wrong thing.

"I don't know. Does she?" Caesar's leer was back, making Zach feel like he'd gotten his hand caught in the cookie jar. Apparently Natasha and the Diaz family weren't friends. Not good ones anyway.

Shit.

"I wouldn't know," Zach said trying to sound breezy. "I'm new. Remember?"

"How do you know her?" Caesar was suspicious again, no matter how drunk he was. He was still trained to smell a rat. Zach wanted to back peddle but he wasn't sure which way was best. He might just be digging himself into a deeper hole.

He opened his mouth to speak but someone beat him to it.

"Zach," Grant's voice quickly interrupted. "I know you guys were having an important discussion but I've kind of got an emergency I need you to help me with."

Caesar looked annoyed. "It can't wait?"

Grant shook his head frantically. His eyes were wide and afraid. Zach wondered what the hell could be so wrong that Grant would interrupt him and a target for.

"Is it Cammie?"

Grant swallowed then nodded. Dread filled his stomach. Had she been compromised? Was he next?

Zach glanced back at Caesar. "My fiancé, I've got to go."

Caesar's annoyed look had faded but his mouth was in a thin line. He nodded slowly, as though giving Zach permission to leave.

"Not well," Zach suddenly said to him, hoping it would reassure Caesar. The older man only nodded again, his eyes glassing over with the liquor he'd consumed. He looked as though he was far to happy in this moment to drown in his sins. Zach felt a wave of disgust but didn't dwell on it. Cammie needed him.

"Come on," Zach said to Grant. "Let's go."

"This way."

Grant led him through the throng of people, shifting and moving aside. Grant's walk lacked urgency and it was making Zach annoyed.

"Well, what happened?" He finally asked when Grant had offered no explanation. "Where's Cammie?"

Grant turned back to Zach with curious eyes. They no longer held any alarm or fear.

"Nothing," he answered, as though it should have been obvious. "I was just getting you out of there."

Zach took a step back and looked hard at Grant. "What?"

"You looked like you were getting antsy. I was trying to extract you. Was I wrong?"

Zach didn't say anything; just stared at his fellow agent. Zach hadn't even suspected that was the case. He'd truly believed Cammie was in danger. So much so that Grant couldn't keep his cool. Grant had lied. He'd convinced Zach that another agent was in peril. Zach only thought was: He a better spy than I thought. Zach had never given Grant much (or any, really) credit where missions were involved.

He'd underestimated him.

"You could tell I wanted the conversation to end?"

Grant nodded slowly.

"How?"

Grant looked confused; like he was being tricked.

"I've been watching you the whole mission Zach," he replied, his voice low. "I can tell when you're distressed or when you're on your game."

All of the fake meetings they'd gone to. All the mission briefings he'd ignored Grant at. All of the ignorant huffs and puffs Zach hadn't even bothered to throw in his direction. Grant had been paying attention. Been looking at details. He'd just saved Zach from what could've been a very sticky situation. Zach had counted him out from the start; hadn't given him a chance.

He was impressed.

Zach suddenly smiled. Grant had earned his respect; his comradery. He clapped Grant on the shoulder. "Thanks man."

Grant returned the smile. "No problem. Just doing my job."

Zach nodded again squeezing Grant shoulder somewhat affectionately, like he imagined a brother might do.

"Anyway," Grant said, his tone growing more quiet and more serious. "You going to tell me what that shit was about then?"

Zach hesitated. He and Cammie hadn't told Grant about the database because they weren't sure he needed to know, and the information seemed pretty need to know. But Grant had proved himself worthy. And it all had the possibility to go south so quickly; Zach could use another person he trusted to have their back.

"Follow me."

They found a sparse corned where they could talk covertly.

"The Diaz's are part of the Circle. Do you know what the Circle is?"

"Your family?"

Zach wasn't offended; it was the truth after all. "Yes, but its more than that. There are several different branches, and not all of them know about each other, like a web. The Diaz's somehow seem to have found themselves at the the center. They have something called a Lexicon which is some sort of electronic database. I think there must be a hard copy or something here, protected by Caesar's daughters. We need to get it."

Grant nodded, his eyes wide but he was absorbing the information. "But what's on it?"

Zach sighed. "I'm not entirely sure. The CIA never told us about it; we don't have clearance but-"

"What? Why were put on a mission we don't have clearance to? How do you know about it?"

"They didn't know until after; they thought it was just a drug ring. And I can't answer that last one to be honest, but it doesn't really matter. Anyway, as I was saying: I know that the names of circle members are on the Lexicon. But I think there's more to it."

"I would think so," Grant said. "A list of names isn't something we wouldn't have clearance for."

"Right. And when I was talking to Caesar he said something like 'I wish I'd looked at it to see the messes you've made.'"

"Messes? Blackmail?"

Zach shrugged. "I'm not sure. That's what it sounds like. Either way we need to get our hands on it."

"Do we know what it looks like?"

Zach smiled. He was beginning to get the thrill of a good mission. The risk was sending adrenaline through him. "No. But that's half the fun."

Grant returned his grinned and Zach felt a flash of regret. Why the hell had he thought Grant was some loser undeserving of his attention? Grant was cool. Grant was a good spy.

"Then let's get looking."

:*:*:*:

Zach couldn't see Cammie anywhere. He and Grant had split off to try and find the sisters or anyone that they might be able to convince to give them information on the Lexicon. Zach wanted to find Cammie to tell her what he'd learned. She was close with Carmen and Isa; she'd have the best chance of getting them to show her the Lexicon. She could get the closest.

"Dammit Gallagher girl, where are you?"

"Looking for someone?" an amused voice came right in his ear.

Zach turned around, coming face to face with his eldest sister. He hadn't seen her this close in over year; probably longer. The angles of her face had always been hard but they were more pronounced now; merciless.

"I'm not doing this with you." Zach said. He had absolutely nothing to say to his sister. Not to mention, if Caesar saw them together it might set him off, based on his earlier reaction.

Her eyes, the same as his, were only entertained. They weren't spiteful or upset. They just had a humorless amusement that only a psychopath could reveal.

"Doing what?" she asked.

Zach turned away. "Bye Natasha."

He heard her laugh and he clenched his fists.

"Goodbye baby brother," she called back as he walked away, turning his focus to finding Cammie. He didn't have time or energy to worry about Natasha. He knew she was a nasty piece of work but it was better to ignore her than let her get under his skin. If he'd stuck around she would've done just that. He could worry about her intentions later; his sole focus right now was the Lexicon. And she didn't even know he was looking for it.

Zach's eyes finally found Cammie. She was talking to one of Carmen's friends that Zach vaguely recognized. Neither of the sisters remained to be seen though. Zach approached calmly, setting his palm on the small of Cammie's back. Her dress was backless so his cool hand made direct contact with her bare skin. She stiffened before relaxing as she recognized his touch. She turned towards him and smiled brilliantly. He idly traced circles on her back with his thumb and he posture suddenly became straighter. Zach made no move to introduce himself and Cammie seemed to get the hint.

"Sorry loves," she said to the girls she was talking to. "Duty calls." She ran her hand up Zach's arm, making his nerves light up. She dropped a wink for good measure. The girls laughed and nodded in understanding.

Zach's hand found hers and he tugged her along. They left the main ballroom and stepped into one of the halls outside. Cammie's touch had cause whatever he was going to tell her seem suddenly less important. Adrenaline fueled him again with the promise of a good mission. But what seemed more important now was finding a wall to have his way with Cammie against. They turned a corner into a deserted and dimly lit hallway.

Before Cammie could open her mouth to speak Zach had pressed his body into her, his lips on hers with the same fire that always seemed to be there. She'd thought it would go away with time but it hadn't. It still made her feel like she was getting ludicrously high on some kind of drug.

She wanted to be alarmed at his clear passion to have her so suddenly but she couldn't. The moment his skin captured hers in the possessive way that she knew meant he wanted her, all she could think about was his lips dragging across her skin. She leaned her head back and sighed as one of his hands drew up the slit in her dress. The rising gooseflesh made her insides tighten and she curled her fingers in his hair as he returned his mouth to hers. He hiked her left knee up to his hips so he could fit even more snugly against her. His hands were everywhere, lighting her body up like wildfire. She groaned as one hand came up to cup her breast through the satin fabric of her dress.

Zach finally pulled away, panting, his hands falling to her waist. He'd lost his breath, but that was easy to do when he got caught up in Cammie. She was breathing hard as well, her hands releasing the tufts of his hair to hold his face in her hands. She lowered her leg to the floor and Zach pressed again the wall to put a millimeter of space between them. They were both grinning.

"Whoa," Cammie said, unsure how such strong feelings could overwhelm her like that. It was encompassing; she couldn't even see anything beyond Zach. She felt like drowning in him; and if they were anywhere else she probably would've insisted on letting him fill her lungs with water.

"Whoa is right," he said, bending in to kiss her again, softly this time. The heat was still there but it wasn't catastrophic anymore. It was smoldering; ready to burn up the next time it got the chance.

"That was a bit caveman-like of you," she laughed as he bent his head lower to nuzzle her neck.

"I. . ." He was at a loss for words. "You do that to me."

She grinned, running her nails up and down the expensive fabric of his suit coat. "The feeling is very mutual."

"God I want you."

The words made lust pool all over again in her stomach.

Her heart was singing, it felt so amazing to feel so desired. So loved and wanted.

"Perhaps now isn't the best time," she said, sounding amused.

He shook his head. "Why did you think I stopped?"

"Wouldn't have minded if you hadn't," Cammie said honestly.

He laughed and it sounded strained; like he wanted nothing more but wasn't about to let himself have it.

"I have to tell you something."

She smiled as he pulled his head up so he could look her in the eyes. "Yes?"

"I found out what the database is," he said. "And who has it."

Cammie's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She pushed him away so that she could clear her head. How had he found out? What did he know? "What?"

"It's called a Lexicon. Some sort of list of names of people in the circle. There's something more to it but. . . I don't know what Caesar said it didn't seem to make a lot of sense."

Caesar had told him? But why? And more importantly. . .

"Who has is?"

He grinned. "That's where you come in. Carmen and Isa."

Cammie's brow furrowed. She thought back to her most recent interaction with the girls. After Isa had locked the door in her father's office she'd started breaking down. She'd lost her mind over some boy who was dumb enough to scorn her. Cammie'd almost been relieved by her reaction, thinking Isa's strange behavior was directed at her. However, Isa's insistent crying hadn't given Cammie a lot of time to search Caesar's office for the list, or the Lexicon as it now was. Isa had finally dried her eyes and then traded Cammie off to her aristocrat friends before disappearing again. Cammie guessed it was to find the boy in question.

"Both of them? Like on their computers or something?" Maybe Cammie should've gone to Isa's room to begin with.

Zach shook his head. "I don't know. Caesar just said they were the ones that dealt with it. I kind of got myself into a pickle after that."

Cammie raised her eyebrows. She needed to know what Zach had found out.

"How about we start from the beginning."

Zach proceeded to tell her detail by detail about his plan and encounter with Caesar and how Grant had saved him from what could've been a disaster.

"Caesar doesn't trust you anymore."

"I imagine not," Zach said. "I'm not sure it matters too much: tonight anyway. He's too drunk to really care."

"Hopefully," she muttered. Zach knew. Even after her attempts to keep in the dark. God she hoped Rachel wasn't around, or her minions for that matter. If Rachel knew that he knew they'd all be screwed. She wouldn't hesitate in trying to get rid of him. It didn't matter if she thought it was Caesar or Cammie had told him. The fact that he knew about the list's existence would be enough for her to want to see him dead. Her deluded mind would convince her that he was working for Catherine, or now Natasha she supposed. And if Rachel thought Zach was working against her she'd send someone one of those bloody red letters to take care of him.

What did Cammie do now? She'd failed in trying to protect the knowledge of the list from Zach. He knew and he was thirsty for them to get their hands on it.

They needed to get it tonight. End it all tonight. Because if the didn't; there would be no tomorrow.

Cammie bit her lip. "I guess I should go talk to Carmen and Isa." Again. Maybe Carmen would be more helpful than her distressed sister.

"Isa is having a boy break down," Cammie added, unhelpfully. "Not sure she'll be much use."

"Maybe that'll help you? She might be more vulnerable. More forthcoming."

Cammie bit back the uncomfortableness. She didn't want to take advantage of Isa. If she was being honest, she never had. But she supposed that was part of the job.

"You're right."

Zach smiled and nodded. "You should," he said, trying to be reassuring.

"Be careful, yeah?" she said to him.

"I will. You too, my sister is here."

"Tessa?" Cammie asked.

Zach shook his head, his mouth formed a thin line. "Tasha."

Her eyes went wide. "Why didn't you say anything?"

He shrugged. "I didn't think it was a big deal."

"Zach. She's psychotic."

"Oh I know," he replied, dryly. "But she doesn't know what we want. Just stay away from her. She can only hurt us if you let her."

Cammie looked doubtful.

"I don't know about that."

He smiled and bent to kiss her again. "Like you said: be careful."

Cammie managed a smile; despite all her conflicting and raging emotions. "Ok."

She turned away, hoping they would come out of this night victorious.

"Cam," he said and tugged on her hand again. "I love you."

She smiled despite herself. Despite everything. This beautiful boy loved her. She could hold onto that. She could focus on that.

"I love you too," she replied, confident; strong, making him grin. She meant it.

"Good," he said. "Now get going. You've got work to do."

She nodded, hoping that she'd still be able to salvage the night.

:*:*:*:

"Cameronnnnnn."

Cammie almost smiled to herself. It hadn't taken her long to find the Diaz daughters a second time. In fact; they'd found her, just like before.

"Isa," Cammie said, turning towards the drunken slur and having a grin light up her face.

"You feeling better?"

Isa held up the drink in her hand. "Much." Her eyes were still red but less so and not to anyone that didn't known she'd been crying.

Thankfully, Carmen was standing beside her.

Like Isa, Carmen was a true vision tonight. Although not as traditionally beautiful as her sister, Carmen's looks were certainly not to be overlooked. Her features were much more prominent. They were striking in a way that Isa couldn't be. Her big dark eyes were mysterious and fatal; her expression and body language always held a severity that couldn't be ignored.

Carmen wore a blood red dress that was strapless and equal parts sexy and dangerous. Cammie noticed that she wore a similar chain around her neck just like Isa. Again, Cammie thought it was slightly strange; too geometric to really be flattering. She did remember seeing them in the Diaz jewelery collection all those weeks ago though.

"You two wanted to match?" She asked, nodding at the necklaces.

An unidentifiable expression passed over Carmen's face and Isa's appeared not to have heard Cammie.

"Their's heirlooms," Camrmen said, almost dismissively. She rolled her eyes in a playful way. "Mama makes us wear them during events with the family. It's a Hispanic thing, from the Aztecs or something."

Cammie supposed the pattern on the necklaces was decidedly Native American and clearly very old. Cammie imagined they were all made from the same stones.

Cammie suddenly shook her head, trying to clear it. She shouldn't be getting distracted by asscessories when she was on a life or death mission to find a hard drive. She needed to get to these girl's computers.

"Isa did you talk to Leon?"

Isa's face darkened. Carmen sent her a warning look.

"Sì."

The word said it all. Isa had talked to the boy and it hadn't gone better than any of them had expected.

"You want to talk about it?"

Isa looked stressed. "He's dirt."

Cammie agreed but she needed to get into her room.

"I think you were right earlier," she said, not caring if she was transparent. It hardly mattered at this point. She needed to get to their computers. Tonight. "We should've gone to you room. Your father's office probably wasn't the right setting. I was so nervous of breaking his things that I could hardly concentrate on you."

Carmen looked disinterested. Infact, she was looking at someone over Cammie's shoulder.

"Really?"

Cammie nodded. "I'm sorry, but I can tell you need to talk about it. No one here will miss us."

"Well, ok."

Cammie smiled. It as too easy with this girl. Cammie grabbed Carmen's arm. Even though Carmen was clearly the more intelligent and more skeptical one Cammie still needed her. "Come on Carmen, Isa needed us."

:*:*:*:

"Whoa," Zach said. "What the hell ae you doing here?"

Jonas Anderson was quite possibly the last person on the planet he expected to see in the Diaz's home.

He looked too small in his expensive tuxedo and his dark curls looked as though they were trying to escape his head. His wry glasses also seemed too big for his face, but he was smiling genuinely up at Zach all the same. He didn't seem to register Zach's question or the perplexed expression on his face.

"Zach!" he greeted, and hugged him. "It's good to see you."

"You too," Zach murmured. "But what are you doing here? How are you here?"

Jonas shrugged, seeming uninterested to speak of it.

"Are other CIA here?"

"I'm not CIA," was all Jonas said. "Tonight anyway."

For all his nervousness and skinny limbs there was something to Jonas that was decidedly spy like. He clearly knew how to be evasive and not answer people.

"Jo," he said. "Come on, what's going on."

Jonas looked like he was about to roll his eyes and Zach suddenly, disarmingly, felt like he was a child.

"It's classified Zach."

Those were the only words Zach needed to hear and he was vaguely annoyed he hadn't just guessed that. If the NSA wanted people here, they damn well could and damn well would.

"Right," Zach said, almost sheepishly. "Sorry."

Jonas shrugged an easy going smile returning to his face. "No problem. You know the biss."

Zach felt normal again. It was strange to think that someone who said "biss" in replacement for "business" could throw him off his game so quickly.

"How are you?" Zach asked, genuinely wanting to know the answer. Jonas was his friend, and a good one as any. He was curious how the kid's life was shaping up.

"Good," Jonas said and there was a light to his eyes that Zach knew was the result of a girl. He rememebered Jonas saying something about having a girlfriend.

"How's the lady treating you?" Zach asked with fox grin.

Jonas blushed, as Zach knew he was. "Liz," he said and his eyes looked like they were seeing stars.

"Right," Zach said, suddenly remembering, surprised he'd forgotten. "I've actually met her. She's cute."

Jonas slid his eyes warily over to Zach's.

"Whoa man," Zach said. "Just an observation."

"Good, because she's mine," Jonas said. Zach could tell; the boy had it bad. Zach started to laugh but then a troubled expression overcame Jonas's face.

"What's wrong?" Zach wondered.

"I..." Jonas started. He looked almost guilty. "I know that. . . But. . ."

Zach was confused at Jonas's sudden nervous demeanor.

"Jonas, calm down," Zach said, bewildered at what had caused his friend's sudden change in attitude. From up in the clouds to uncomfortably incoherent. "Out with it."

"I can't spy on Cammie for you anymore."

Zach laughed out loud. It was booming and several people around them glanced back to see if they could determine what was so funny.

Zach thought he saw someone her recognized and his gut dropped. But when he tried to focus his gaze the figure was gone and he knew he'd imagined it. The people around them laughed, although they didn't know why but when they saw Jonas they immediately looked disinterest and turned away. Jonas had visibly relaxed.

Zach smiled at Jonas, clearly unfazed and relieved his nervousness was unwarranted.

"Dude," he started. "Relax, I'm not asking you to. I probably won't ever again."

Jonas breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh thank God, Liz was getting on me about it. And no offense but if it's you or her. . ."

Zach grin grew. "It's her, I get it. Don't worry I've got a lady of my own these days."

"Oh yeah? Who is it?"

Zach looked down at Jonas, vaguely wondering if he was making a joke. Surely Liz must've told him. Zach was sure Cammie had told Liz anyway. Jonas seemed earnest though so Zach decide not to poke fun.

"Liz didn't tell you?"

Jonas cocked his head to the side.

"I'm dating Cammie man."

"Seriously?" Jonas asked with big eyes, as though he couldn't believe him.

Zach's grin slipped into a slight frown. "Yes."

Jonas suddenly laughed; like he'd been in on the joke the whole time. "Right, ok then. That makes my life infinitely easier."

Zach smiled again. "Sure does. Thanks though, for when I did need you."

"Sorry for not believing you, its just . . . You were so mad when you asked me the first time. I just wouldn't've expected it."

"No worries," Zach said. "I didn't exactly bank on it either. Funny thing about love though; it kind of just happens."

Jonas's smile was as real as Zach had ever seen it. "Sure does."

"Glad we cleared all that up though."

"Me too," Jonas replied. "I bet you went to Charleston with her two days ago! Lovers vacation? And here I was worrying about how to tell you I couldn't tell you what she was doing anymore." Jonas was laughing to himself, as if the miscommunication was not only a relief, but a comic one at that.

Zach however, had just felt his throat go very, very dry.

Two days ago.

Charleston.

Cammie had told him she was at her beach house in Santa Monica.

Zach suddenly felt an unwelcome and urgent sense of disbelief. Although it was more than that. It was bordering on rage.

Charleston was not in Santa Monica.

Zach clenched his fists. He didn't hear anything else Jonas was saying.

Charleston was in South Carolina.

He felt his blood beginning to boil. It wasn't just rage; it was more than that. Much more. It was seething, unforgiving, manic anger.

Tibey was in South Carolina.

He knew instantly he'd been played the fool. Just like he'd always suspected, just like all along. She was supposed to be different this time.

The betrayal cut through him sharper than a knife. More painful than anything he'd ever felt. Worse then any pain his family had caused him, or Joe for that matter.

Except of course, Tibey was suppose to be dead.


Alright, so I lied. Sue meeee I have a real life!

Anywayyyyyyy I pretty much dropped the bomb at the end of this chapter so sorry if I don't update for like a year, I really am almost done though!

Annddddd this chapter was hella long.
So thank you again for whoever still has the patience to put up with this story, I don't expect (or deserve) many reviews, but I'm grateful and love everyone that takes the time!

Love u guyz! Happy May!