Would really appreciate a review!


Chapter 54

Team Sharon/Ima approached Victor and Sandy.

Victor's face changed from annoyed to amuse. Sharon gave him a quizzical look because if she hadn't he could have picked up something was going down. He winked at her as he whispered 'women', Sharon rolled his eyes at him.

Ima touched her daughter-in-law's shoulder and said, "Kahlah could you get me some water and while you're at it, get yourself a bottle. No fainting episode on my watch!"

Sharon lifted her palms and slumped her shoulders as she said, "One misstep and the Lavins' are going to force feed me for life! Mayim tossesim?

"No plain water will do. Israel's summers can be brutal and you are as hard-headed as any Lavin! I'm 'reminding' you for your own good as I would any child of mine!"

Victor quipped, "I would not argue with that lady, she has one mean whip!"


As Sharon left, Ima asked, "Victor, could I borrow Sandy? I'm planning a baby shower for Sharon and… well, at my age don't quite know what's 'in' for that kind of even. Also, Sharon is Catholic, Sandy's mother was Catholic; she should be able to properly guide me."

Sandy replied, "I would love to help and I don't need Victor's approval."

Ima shyly answered, "Sorry, if I interrupted…"

Sandy took over, "Ima, we were fighting and I, for one, welcome your interruption. Come, let's find a 'safe-place' where we can talk."

Ima hesitantly looked at Victor and he shot her a friendly wink. Sandy was being Sandy; fiercely independent. That attitude had caused her own son many emotional moments. It seemed like yesterday that she had tried to reason/explain to Eyal that his attentive behavior was lost on Sandy, even considered invasive. Sadly, after his breakup, Ima had had a front row seat at Eyal building a wall to protect himself from further emotional hurt. There was nothing she could do, but in a way, it was necessary if he was to continue working for the Mossad. What she hadn't expected was being kept outside that wall. Eyal pretty much shut himself off from all friends and family members. Ima never believed his 'speeches' on how it was the only way to protect his loved ones from the possible dangers of him being a spy. It had been a difficult 10 years for Ima to be on the sidelines. She had seen her husband's sad eyes and tortured soul being transferred to her son. Abraham had often told her that if he had not met her before his army career, he would surely have prematurely ended his life. As Eyal, Abraham could never quit his work; too many people depended on him and he was in a position to do good even if it was at his emotional demise. Like father like son. How she prayed for Eyal that Cupid would hit and hit hard. She had had the glitter of hope when he had returned from a mission in Zurich, but had soon recognized the signs. He had, again, met up with a Sandy; a woman who didn't need a protective and attentive lover. As Sharon entered the picture, Ima knew from the start that this girl was the 'one': She was family so to say, having been with Sarah in the terrible terrorist attempt that had cost Sarah's life; she was Eyal's equal work-wise and took his temper in stride. But the girl also had her personal battles and needed Eyal to guide/help her thought them. Ima was a firm believer in karma and she was sure Eyal's and Sharon's karma's were destined to be one. Their relationship would be a wounding road, but Ima could now breathe easier…her son was loved, accepted, needed and understood for who he was.


Ima purposely guided Sandy to Eyal's office. There, Sharon and Eyal were waiting.

At seeing Eyal's worried expression, Sandy lowered her head,

"Damn, spies… can't hide much from that crowd!"

Ima held up her hand, "Sharon, you should return. Sandy's absence and mine are justified, but Victor is expecting you to bring me a bottle of water. Go!"

Sharon closed her eyes and smiled, "When you take points, merger Ima (spy Ima), you take points! Have to admit, you're right!"

Eyal threw her a bottle of water, "Don't forget this!"

She said to herself, "I'm definitely slipping!"

Ima added, "Take two, one for you and one for me… remember!"

Sharon looked at both, "You two having fun at my expense?"

With a wonderful ear-to-ear smile, Eyal added, "Yes and it's a real treat!"

That got him a pinch that made his mother and Sandy wince.

As Sharon closed the door, Eyal approached Sandy. He was wheelchair bound, his knee and abs were acting up. Pensive, he signalled Ima to leave them.

"Ima, I need to speak to Sandy one on one. Take this staircase, it leads to the guest room. Promise it won't be long. Sharon or I will be up… and I didn't forget; we also need to talk."

Ima nodded that she understood and was off.

"Sandy, I'll be blunt; are you pregnant?"

Sandy's tears confirmed that he had hit a bull's eye.

"My doctors think that the strong antibiotics 'rifampin/rifabutin' I was taking interfered with my 'natural' birth control; Yes, I'm pregnant!"

Eyal whispered, "Damn!"

Sandy continued, "What am I going to do? Victor just lost his wife in awful circumstances, he has a high-profile job and mine is covert! Good judgment is a necessity in my line of work."

"Sandy, it takes two to tango and good judgment is required from both. Look, you don't have to answer, but with your condition is having a baby a risk to your health?"

"Thanks for your concern. Happy to say that we are both healthy. Doctors are saying that since the miracle of conception took place and that I want to keep the baby, I should take it day by day. At 20 weeks, the scars (bands) were, as expected, refusing to stretch and the baby was (still is) a bit undersize, but on my last ultrasounds two bands (there are 4) have been pushed out of the way by the baby. Smart kid! One small band has completely disappeared and the other is not in the way. Doctors think it might also get a baby push. I'm scheduled for another ultrasound at 28 weeks to make sure there are no entanglement. The odds were stacked against this little girl! The only concern doctors have is a band snapping, that might break my waters. Every week that goes by my baby girl is bigger, stronger and more likely to survive! I want her, Eyal."

Turning, Eyal winced as he asked, "Sandy, I'm not one to meddle, but if you're 20 some weeks pregnant….

"Yes, Eyal; Victor and I slept together while Lyse was alive."

Eyal eyes were gleaming, "Did Victor, in any way…"

"Eyal, stop. Victor didn't force anything on me. He was trying to cope with his new responsibilities at the Mossad, Lyse had had a very powerful anxiety attack and I was a wreck after hearing that I needed an operation that could leave me paralyzed. He invited me with the line; 'Let's get a drink, we might both drown in it and our problems would be over.' At the Club, I noticed his hand was bleeding (he had to restrain Lyse) and I offered him to come to my apartment for me to fix him up. Less question on the Mossad front."

Eyal's eyes looked at the ceiling as he said, "Sandy…."

Shyly smiling, Sandy added, "I know Eyal, Deja Vue; me caring for you after you had punched a wall to let off steam after a fight with Hanna. What can I say, I did it again!

"When did you find out?"

After my operation… at 22 weeks. The doctors were as surprised as I was. The fetus was monitored and it did not affect that little girl one bit. I've been through three weeks of tests, bad news, good news and jilted nerves but I lived! She's a fighter, Eyal. I will not kill such a child."

"You should not have coped with such emotions alone! It's too late for a regular abortion, not that it was a solution from the start. Sandy, I'd like to talk to Victor."

"Eyal, you know me. I prefer taking care of my affairs."

Eyal shook his head, "I know all too well. Girl, you are no more the center of your universe. It takes some getting use to, believe me."

Sandy smiled, "You can read right through me, that's what unnerved me the most about you. I accept your offer to talk to Victor. But you must know; I'm going to have this child. This is my miracle and I will take full responsibility for it. I'm not asking anything of Victor…well… maybe to let me go."

Eyal closed his eyes and added, "Sandy, Victor is the least of your problems. You know the Mossad. I go to Victor and he doesn't want to see your side of it… I will go higher. Are you ready for what could fall?"

"Eyal, I'm Mossad, I know how WE operates. That Victor likes it or not, I won't/can't hide my pregnancy from the Mossad. My letter of resignation is already written if it comes down to that. I don't plan on mentioning the father."

"Sorry, but they will demand it. That kind of 'secret' usually comes out at the worst moments. Victor is now deputy director… Mossad must be looped in. What are your plans?"

"Told Victor I was ready to leave Israel and relocate wherever he chose or the Mossad dictated. For Victor, the only solution is a hush abortion."

"It is a viable solution, but at 25 weeks it's not an abortion so to say. They induce labor and you deliver a stillborn. Sandy, not something I would want you to live through. Especially if you desire this child."

"My dear Eyal, I can see you still have your protective nature. Though for sure Mossad would have shaken it out of you!"

He chuckled, "They tried… life always found a way to remind me of who I really was. Enough about me. I know it's personal, but I need facts; Sandy, was terminating your pregnancy ever a solution?"

Sandy softly kiss Eyal's cheek and explained, "After the operation, when they told me I was pregnant, this girl panicked. I conjured up many scenarios and terminating the pregnancy was on the top of my list. Asked the doctors for 24 hours, calmed down and analyzed my situation. I grasped the miracle that had happened. Had I acted on hearing the news, I might have done what Victor is asking of me today."

"Why did you only tell Victor tonight?"

"I didn't, he guessed. Like you, he knows a woman's body. I'm 25 weeks, I have a slight baby bump. It didn't take Victor long to do the math. He asked, I answered."

Eyal rubbed his hand on his chin, "Great… I'm going up against raw emotions in a Pitbull's mind! Sandy, had you plan on telling him?"

"I don't know Eyal, I just don't know. I'm only coming to terms with the fact this baby is viable and that I could be a mother."

"I'll talk to him, but from you, I want a promise…"

"I won't leave you standing as I did when I decided to end our relationship. After this hurdle is behind us, I want us to sit down, talk and you'll get a long overdue apology.

Eyal kissed her forehead and whispered, 'I lived and deep down understood your motives.'


As he reached the garden, he saw Sharon and Victor entertaining the crowd with a juggling act. Sharon was sitting on Victor's shoulders and they were juggling four or five water bottle with blinking lights in them. He had to give it to his wife; for extractions and deceptive tactics, she was the best he'd encounter.

Victor gently put Sharon down, Eyal pulled her to him and shushed her with a quick kiss while pulling her hand for her to drink water. She smiled and pinched his lower abs.

"Ouch… that hurt! Is this your pregnant woman 'thing'? Please switch to pickles… less dangerous on my health!"

"Sorry, but you put your hand on baby's time bomb!"

Eyal laughed as she darted for the bathroom.

Looking at Victor, he stated, "Victor, we need to talk."

At Eyal's eyes, Victor knew… "Where is Sandy?"

"None of your concern for the moment."

Victor snickered, "Should have guessed Daddy Warbuck; your ex came crying!"

"No, not her style! I can read lips… remember? Come with me, please."

Defiantly, Victor said, "And if I don't?"

Eyal was quick to state, "If our friendship means something to you…."

"Eyal, this is not your problem. You are my friend but…"

"This is something you need to think through with a person who knows you."

"Eyal, look around. You are the host of a party."

"Sharon will take care of things, not a first for the girl. Come."

Ima and Sharon appeared and Eyal signed to both that he had things under control.

Victor shot them a side glance and asked, "Could I have been set up?"

Eyal chuckled, "By the best!"

"Think your mother could be talked into joining ranks?"

"Victor quit staling!"

"OK, OK, you win… friend!"

Victor playfully pushed Eyal into the house. "If I must, where do you want us to do this?"

"My office."

"Sandy, is she waiting for us?"

"She's safe and promised not to bolt; that's all I can say. Now, sit and listen… please."

"Eyal, don't…"

"Victor quit the act: Sandy is expecting and she is in her right to see this pregnancy through. Sorry friends, there is nothing you can do about it."

"What I can and will do is none of your concern. It's my problem."

"Victor, I know you…take the time and think things through."

"You know me… the old me maybe, but the man I must be today; nobody does. Eyal, I'm the Director of Mossad and my wife was just brutally murdered. This comes out and our window of opportunity just closed."

Eyal asked, "Our window of opportunity… what in the hell are you talking about?"

"What happened to me is awful and many agencies are expressing sympathy towards the Mossad. I need to play on that."

"Victor, don't make this job a life endeavor; Eli David lost his family and mind and Rivka Singer is still searching for a child she was forced to give up."

"I cannot be a father at this time. Plus, with Sandy's condition, it is dangerous for her. This pregnancy has to be terminated. It will be killing two birds with one stone. Sorry… very wrong choice of words!"

"No, right words; it's plain murder…. This is not you, Victor, something is not right. Talk to me."

"Eyal, leaves me deal with this."

"Sorry, friend, I can't; a life is hanging in the balance."

Victor sat down at seeing his friend, who had gotten up from his chair to be able to talk at his level, trying to hide pain.

"Eyal, sit down. You know I could use your pain to my advantage?"

"The fact that you are not tearing right through me means you want to talk. Victor, I'm the same Eyal, the same friend. With all that happened to us lately, that didn't change. Well, on my side, at least."

"Same here."

"Victor, what is really the problem? You always, as I tended towards pro-life with some pro-choice views. 'Reading' your conversation with Sandy and learning that she was pregnant (I knew she had Asherman's syndrome) and that you wanted her to have an abortion (I knew you were pro-life), I was seriously doubting my lip-reading skills and thinking of retraining 101!"

"That, I can arrange!"

Eyal rolled his eyes at his friend, "VICTOR!

"OK, OK…"

"That explanation about a 'sympathy' window of opportunity for the Mossad is crap. I happen to know Mossad is just fine with being known as secretive and deceptive. It keeps our competitors and targets on their toes!"

Victor slumped and said, "Damn, I don't want to look at a child…"

"Your child, Victor!"

"… my child and be reminded that I was cheating on Lyse when that… my child was conceived!"

"Victor, it's me you're talking to… not a first for you cheating on Lyse. Why the sudden guilt? That a child was conceived is one thing, but the guilt… hell …."

Victor put his head down. He guessed Eyal had uncovered his secret; when he had slept with Sandy it had meant something to him. It was not a simple encounter or a one night stand to make him forget Lyse's mental illness and physical attacks.

Victor added, "Didn't take you long to figure the 'remorse storm' I've been living with these past weeks. Yes, like you said, not a first for me having an extra-marital affair, but with Sandy it was different. Eyal, for a first time, it felt as if I WAS cheating Lyse. With Lyse's mental problem, I often needed an out and well, resorted to extramarital affairs. Made sure they were never any strings attached and that I was the one doing the 'invites'. A bit like you, my friend."

Eyal quipped, "Mines were a lifetime ago and I wasn't married. Continue talking my friend."

"Like a true interrogator; give a little demand a lot. Eyal, it just happened and the awakening was painful. My time with Sandy was not only an act to let out steam…."

Eyal chuckled, "She said the same, well not the cheating part!"

"Now, do you understand why this pregnancy needs to be…?"

"No. What I understand is that you put yourself in deep shit at the worst of times. You can't erase the slate and start over."

"Why not? The pregnancy is at risk and it could end her career… and mine. There is too much to lose for both."

"I agree, but it's a two-way street. Victor, do you realize your 'solution' might push Sandy in the same path Lyse fought with all her life. Different problem but nevertheless a mental illness. It will be one hell of a life for Sandy. You, of all people, should know what you could be sentencing that woman to. Victor, I'm asking you as your friend; think about the choice you're making. I know, if you push, Sandy will cave…, but at what price?"

Eyal could give his friend guidance, but one thing he didn't have was a solution to his delicate situation.

"Victor, you have strong feelings for Sandy?

"Yes and I put myself in a situation where I'm damn if I do and damned if I don't! Eyal, like I said, sleeping with Sandy meant something. Maybe Lyse sensed it and… well let herself go… to give me a chance to have a chance at a normal relationship. That would be my Lyse…. Eyal, I feel like a basta_d."

"Don't go there, Victor. Lyse loved and accepted you as you were. I read the gory file of what happened to her, no way she could have escaped or purposely given up. Don't think…."


The door was roughly opened and in walked Rivka Singer.

Eyal was besides himself, "Victor, you were bugged…?"

"NO!"

Eyal turned towards Rivka and stated, "Rivka, this is a private matter between friends…"

"The hell it is! I know of the matter you are discussing. Officer Welby get your pregnant little self in here!"

If Eyal's eyes had been bullets, Sharon and Rivka's bodies would be riddled with gunshot wounds.

Eyal spoke, "You two better have a good reason for crashing in…"

"Officer Lavin, I don't remember asking you to speak. Consider this meeting official Mossad business, am I clear?"

That refocused both men. Sharon was even a bit surprise at the respect they both gave Rivka.

"First, very nice party and I'd like to thank Eyal/Sharon for inviting me. I was having fun and mingling… by the way! Eyal, don't worry, party is pretty much over. I didn't act till I saw it was 'let's get back home' time. Sharon was a perfect host and explained your absence as being work-related. You have guests, Ziva/Tony and your CIA friends are staying the night. Now for the matter at hand, Sharon does me the honors, please!"

Sharon looked at Eyal, he could see she had not expected what was going down to happen. He smiled and upped his chin to reassure her. Rivka Singer was not the easiest person to deal with. In a twisted way, Sharon was a 'newbie' here!

Sharon sighed as she spoke, "Guys, this was not my idea. I was cornered and obligated… no the real word is—threatened, to come up with what was going down between you two. Seems Ima and I forgot an important player in our deceptive tactics: Rivka! She also reads lips! Sorry guys, I know when I'm overpowered. She knows as much as I do… again sorry."

Eyal was having a hard time controlling himself. Victor put his hand on his leg and said 'no' with his head. Eyal could see Sharon was struggling and realized she had witness, first hands, what being part of the Mossad sometimes meant.

Rivka spoke, "Sharon, that's not what I dragged you in here to say. Eyal, want you to know your little darling is as conniving as I can be. I'd even say, she has a touch I'm missing!"

Victor snapped, "Yes, SHE has class!"

Eyal bit his lips for him not to break into a fit of laughter. Despite the tense atmosphere, Victor's voice had so much resentment/frustration that Eyal could only laugh. A way to calm himself down. His temper was near boiling point and he didn't want to go there!

Sharon spoke very softly, "I might have a solution. Victor, I need to know; do you have feelings for Sandy?"

Victor looked around and Eyal took over, "Victor answer the damn question! You know Rivka as well as I do. We will not get out of here till this matter is settled. Swallow your pride and let go of your definition of privacy for now!"

Victor bitterly said 'yes' and Sharon continued.

"OK, that makes it easier. I feared you two men were heading for some sort of 'confrontation'; the to-death-duel kind. You are both knights in shining armor style of guys and a damsel was in distress. (Victor and Eyal smiled at each other). That got me thinking about all of what you two lived through lately; pregnancies, artificial insemination, coming full circle; deaths; near death, deceptions, unwavering friendships and much more. Then it hit me: What if we fed the spy chatter grapevine that Sandy, sensing her biological clock ticking, tried artificial insemination… and a miracle happened: it worked. Victor turned to her for comfort at Lyse's passing, Sandy needed to come forward with the news that she was pregnant. The chatterbox will say that Victor is wanting to help Sandy through her pregnancy and cupid will do his job in front of all. That could eliminate the wife cheating accusations and put Victor in a good light. Victor, Eyal… it was only an idea, but Rivka forced me to put that chatter out. But, it's just 'chatter', the real conclusion is up to Victor and Sandy to make happen."

Rivka put on a very special smile and both, Victor and Eyal, said

"Sorry Sharon, the conclusion is already decided!"

Rivka added, "Yes! Victor, Sandy will be moving in with you and Jonathan. She can be a guest or a lover, I don't give a damn. Her work as a field officer, for the Mossad, is over but I will offer her a desk job… in Eyal's team. Can't have her working under you. Another fact; since the 'chatter' could not be created by Mossad (too close to home), again our MI-6 spy came up with another winner. She asked CIA to help out. Good people… think I'm going to look into them a lot more. To return to the matter at hand; August Anderson and one Border…

Sharon corrected, "Barber, Eric Barber."

"Yes, that's the name. Well, happy to announce that, as we speak, all Mossad gossipers are speculating on what our good and family oriented Director is going to do! So Victor get your act together, it take 1, season 1, episode 1 and you don't get a number 2. This side-show is canceled after only one episode! AM I CLEAR?"

Victor was the first to speak,

"Rivka, I'm grateful for the help, but you can't expect me and Sandy to move in together…"

"Victor, that's not my problem. I just saved your ass…"

Eyal interrupted, "No, you saved Mossad's reputation…"

"Yes, that's what's expected of me! Officer Lavin, you seem to be forgetting that Victor is the face of Mossad. You two are now 'suits' and have responsibilities way above your little persons. Victor, you are Deputy Director of Mossad and this is how it's going to go down… it's an order… by the way. I covered you two many times…, I can't anymore. You are in my old shoes… your turn to cover for others!"

Eyal spitted out, "Rivka, Mossad or not, you can't very well order love!"

Rivka's face, for a second, was flooded with emotions,

"Look, I might seem forceful, but I've been there. Live through pretty much the same king of pregnancy and the faith of MY baby was decided by Mossad's suits. I don't want anybody to live through the hell I lived and still am living. Leave Sandy be, it's her pregnancy. That you stay together or not is out of my control, but for the next months, you, Deputy Director, need to take your responsibilities even if it's in appearances only. It's the only way that baby can have a fighting chance to a family he deserves, at least a mother. If not, the same that happened to me will happen to Sandy. Am I clear?"

Rivka had to pause and take a deep breath. Her show of emotion shook Eyal and Victor.

Victor spoke, "Rivka, I shall comply. Sharon, you did well, it is a viable solution, thanks. I need to talk to Sandy. Eyal?"

Eyal asked, "Sharon?"

Sharon apologized. "I'll get her."


As Sharon was explaining some of the situation to Sandy, she added,

"Eyal just texted me to stall a bit. He and Victor have some pressing matters with Rivka. Sandy, is there something you want to ask me, you're fidgeting and I don't think it's related to the present situation?"

"And I call myself a spy! Am I that readable?"

"No, well yes, but we are spies, our lifeline often depends on reading people!"

"I want/need to come clean about Eyal and I. I can see you accept the man he was and trust the man he is today. The man I see today is different from the man I dated a very long time ago… want you to know; he's in a good place. Also, I put our relationship to rest, Eyal is a wonderful friend."

"How is he different?" Sharon asked

"The eyes are the window to the soul. That is so fitting for Eyal. What I saw in Washington and what I see now is happiness. He's always put others before himself. He once told me he didn't deserve to be happy. Just wanted you to know a bit of your man's history. He's a wonderful human being, take good care of him."

"Don't want to pry, but why did you and Eyal break up?"

Sandy put on a childish smile, "What did he tell you?"

"That is was mutual as you were both young and highly career driven."

"Typical of the man; he's telling half-truths. He was the up and coming spy and I felt I was his sidekick. Called it quits and was blunt about it; a real bit_h. Learned from friends that I had hurt him bad, but, at that time, it didn't bother me one bit. Told me he'd get over me soon enough."

Sandy was right, Eyal had taken that breakup hard. She could see why; Sandy was a lot like Hanna less the insecurities. Plus, she was a spy, the best of both worlds as Eyal was concerned. Those two breakups (Hanna and Sandy) had hardened his heart in a serious way. It had taken more than 10 years for him to want to love again: A certain Annie Walker had paved the way for Sharon to have a go at capturing his heart.

Sharon responded, "Eyal, if circumstances had been different, would have become a doctor. He's a spy by accident's; he joined to get revenge for his sister's (Sarah) death. As I see it, you did Eyal a favor; Hardened the man he was making him a better spy."

"Never thought of it in that way. Still, I know I hurt him. I plan on having a one on one with him, hope you don't mind."

"I don't."

As they faced the door of Eyal's office, Sharon said,

"OK girl, this is the beginning of a new life; make the most of it!"

"I realize my life as it is will never be the same. I'm so nervous!"

Sharon said, "Leave yourself time. Sandy, a baby changes things. You might not want to come back to Mossad."

Sharon rolled Sandy into the office, put her in front of Victor and made a circle with her index to signal all to leave.

Alone and facing each other, they couldn't seem to decide who would speak first.

Victor explained Rivka's proposition to Sandy, and asked,

"Sandy, are you OK with Rivka's 'deal'. I can fight her. Don't want my mistake to hurt you in any way."

"No, Victor. Like Eyal said; it takes two to tango. We did this together."

"Sandy, this should have been my first question; do you want this baby?"

"Having a baby was always in my dreams; it was my Impossible Dream. When I was younger that syndrome was my permanent and much appreciated birth control, as I grew older it was my cursed birth control. I am perfectly capable of having and raising my child. Hard to admit but this trained spy panicked at hearing the news. Let's say this has more consequences than facing a bullet! Victor, my pregnancy is a miracle and I'm willing to give 'us' a go. I'm OK with it if you are… daddy!"

Pressing Sandy's shoulders, Victor spoke, "That sounds a lot better than 'murderer'! Damn, I'm thankful to my friends and, of all people, Rivka Singer! Now, need to announce this to my son. Sandy, he's on his way. I texted Eyal to send him to us. You want to do this with me?"

"Yes, like I said we are in this together."

After an uncomfortable couple of minutes, Jonathan came in. They guessed, the second they saw his face that he knew of the matter at hand.

Wincing Victor asked, "Son, you heard?"

"OH yes… you and Sandy are the talk of the night. Brace yourself the next time you walk into headquarters. Everybody is talking about our considerate and good-hearted director! What really up, Dad?"

"Son, Sandy is 25 weeks pregnant, but contrary to the chatter, I'm the father… the real father. How it's going down is Rivka's doing. Well, Sharon's suggestion but my dear boss put it in place!"

Sandy took over, "Jonathan, Victor only learned about my pregnancy at this party."

Jonathan put up his hands and said, "OK you two, stop the 'convincing' mode; you will not get a sermon from me. Dad, I know you loved mom. You stayed by her side, kept her illness a secret and permitted her to lead somewhat of a normal life. You weren't the best husband but when it mattered, you went way beyond what was to be expected for her and me. I can't approve of what happened between you and Sandy, but can't condemn you either. What I can say is; do what is best for the both of you. Take note; I'm not babysitting that also goes for MP!"

Turning towards Sandy, he added, "Welcome to the family, Sandy. Glad Eyal whipped my butt in Washington… if not, we wouldn't be here today."


They heard a soft knock on the door, "Victor, is Sharon with you?"

Smiling, Victor quipped, "No. Lavin, you're a master spy… how could you 'misplace' your wife … in your home!"

Sandy spoke, "Victor, he's not in a teasing mode."

Victor took a couple of seconds to think things through,

"Eyal, her encounter with Rivka might have shaken her up. The woman doesn't play nice when she wants information. For us, it was business as usual… for her, being pregnant and all, maybe she took it personally. Does she have a special spot when she's upset or wants to kill someone?"

Eyal answered, "In London, she does, but we've just moved in. Victor, this house is not a castle, I've looked pretty much everywhere. Tony/Ziva and Annie/Auggie are with us for the night. They joined me in looking for her. The boys party is still going strong and they also didn't see her."

Victor rehashed Sharon's last words and frowned. "She must be feeling guilty about telling Rivka of your planned 'intervention' with Sandy and me. Did you grill her about it?"

"No! Rivka is Rivka, think the woman could get a turtle to run if she put her mind to it. When we left you and Sandy, I met up with my mother. We had a one-on-one date. Sharon seemed fine and said she would take Haya out.

"Eyal, Rivka blackmailed her."

"Blackmail? Do you think…?"

Victor rapidly answered, "I don't think, I know. Let me call our dear Boss, she should be in her PJ's by now; I love disturbing her when she's all cozied up!"

Eyal and Sandy joined Ziva/Tony and Annie/Auggie.

Ziva asked, "Eyal, does Victor know what could have happened?"

"Victor thinks Rivka could have blackmailed Sharon with some damming Intel."

Ziva closed her eyes as she said, "That woman can be a bi_ch at times. Sharon doesn't usually fall for that crap, I do!"

"Ziva, she's pregnant and we both had a very off-day spy skill-wise."

Victor joined them and confirmed Rivka's blackmail was damming. Eyal was, well…. Tony tried to put his hand on the man's shoulder and he went flying!

As he got up, he whispered to Ziva who was helping him,

"What is it with Mossad men having it in for me?!"

Ziva laughed. Eyal went to Tony and offered his hand.

"Hey, I'm sorry. It's not you. I'm frustrated because I won't be able to do a damn thing to make it right by Sharon. It's how the Mossad works, hell it's also my MO. Victor, do you know what she threatened Sharon with?"

'Yes, Rivka made sure to leave her 'evidence' in plain sight. We find her, I deal with her."

Eyal was besides himself, "WHAT in the…"

"Eyal, don't. People, let's split up, you locate her, call me. No questions asked. Eyal, that also goes for you."


MP, Jonathan and Annie came running, "Eyal, she's huddled up with Haya in the Jacuzzi."

Victor held Eyal back. "Friend, this one is my call. It's your turn to trust me to handle the situation. Eyal, she's bound to lash out at the first person she sees from Mossad. I've been down that road with Lyse many times. Prefer she takes me as a scapegoat. I know how to react and the morning after will be less painful for you both."

"Victor, I will need to know what Rivka said to her…"

"You will, Rivka won't push that button twice… believe me. I'll calm her down, try to reason her and read you in… trust me, Eyal."

Jonathan guided Victor to the Jacuzzi. He rapidly spotted Sharon and signalled to Jonathan to leave. Approaching, he made sure Sharon saw him. What he apprehended, happened; she lashed out at him. Instead of retreating, he forged ahead and wrapped his arms around her. She lashed out till she was no more able. Gently, he pushed her hair out of her face and carefully freed Haya. The poor puppy didn't know where to turn!

"Sharon, Rivka is hard core Mossad. What she did to you is the same as Eyal and I do to targets. Eyal and I can live up to most of our skeletons. Tonight, the picture Rivka threatened to go to MI -6 with showed Eyal aiming at an MI-6 agent and friend of yours. She omitted to say that Agent Kimberly Clark had ordered Eyal to take the shot. You see, Kimberly was strapped with explosives with no way out. Eyal's bullet didn't kill her but detonated the explosives. Sadly, she dies, but so did the 7 heavily armed terrorists who were holding her. She had managed to gather them around her before Eyal shot. Fourteen children and seven women were saved; Kimberly gave her life to protect those people."

Sharon straightened up and defied Victor, "You're lying. I know that mission file is a pack of lies, a cover-up. There was a rumor that a Mossad spy sacrificed Kimberly to succeed in his mission. Could never find out 'who'…. I now know it was… Eyal!"

Smiling Victor turned her to face him, "Yes, the file you 'hacked' from Kimberly's mission (not good by the way!) was written to smother the truth. MI-6 and Mossad couldn't risk it known that they had deliberately set off a bomb that killed two teenagers of a Saudi Royal family and the daughter of the last king of Egypt (Food). They were the real collateral damages, what can I say, it happens. Israel couldn't afford to be on the bad side of Egypt and thus, giving the Saudis very good ammunition to attack our country's reputation. On their part, MI-6 needed Egypt's help with the ongoing Canal de Suez negotiations. Kimberly was dead so in the documentation she served as the 'martyr'. Yes, as you notice the story line was bogus; All dead were reported as being at the hands of the terrorists. Kimberly was strapped with unstable explosives and her captors died at the hand of their own trap while attempting to wire the explosives to a detonator! Those bumbling terrorists killed women, children and Kimberly in a failed 'coup'. Voilà, fiction at its best. It was a lesser 'bad'. Sharon, Eyal did all in his power to save women and children, but couldn't save all. He didn't do it to succeed in his mission but to save lives with Kimberly's permission. The man was a wreck for sometimes after; that I can vouch for."

Sharon was past words.

"What can I say, Mossad is good in cover-ups. Didn't pick it up."

Victor chuckled, "I'll be damn, everything is better in Israel."

"You mean Eyal…"

"Eyal is action, I'm protocol. Rivka often paired us together for a reason. Yes, he took the shot, but I docked the files. Your hubby always had a problem with two words; cover-ups and debriefs!"

Sharon let herself fall on the side of the Jacuzzi,

"Really beginning to think Eyal is right; I'm naïve for a spy."

"Reality check, Love…. I'm not cruising you, it's just an expression!"

Sharon had to laugh at hearing the panic in Victor's voice.

"It's OK, promise I won't tell!"

"Ouf! To continue; you can be as dark, unforgiven and take the necessary and sometimes difficult, but mandated, choices. Sharon, you need to realize this is the Mossad's world, not MI-6's."

"I know the Mossad world; I was Kidon!"

"Ha! You were Kidon because Deputy Director Eli David wanted you to be. If there was one who 'protected' you, it was him… You and Ziva were his little warriors, both furious fighters and very good operatives. But he held back many truths because, we now know, he had special plans… for both — you and Ziva. Sharon, you didn't see anything in your three years with Kidon. Deputy David gave you the mission to prepare you to fulfill his twisted plan of infiltrating Hamas. Not saying the missions, you conducted were bogus. Hell, you and Ziva were in the top 5, but face it; you were point and shoot operatives! Realizing what kind of mission Eli was assigning you, your father pulled you out and ordered you into therapy. You never witness Kidon's the nitty-gritty dark stuff. Eyal got out when he realized where it was taking him and Ziva became an American citizen when she saw the light… the real light. Nobody can stay in Kidon long; with five years, your hubby is a legend! At MI-6, you've pretty much seen it all…or found a way to get it! At the Mossad, sorry, you just don't have a clue. I'm guessing you'll make it one of your goals, if you join Eyal's team… Good luck with that… I'll be watching you."

"It is that a threat?"

"No, it's a fact of life in OUR world. Fence up. If you can't, sadly you are not at your place here. I won't make a habit of setting you straight. This is a one-time occasion."

"Why help me this once?"

"First, I sense you have what it takes to deal with Israel and Mossad's dark side. Secondo, you are truly my best-friend Basher. Never thought it would happen to that man… but it did. Sharon, he'd give up country and agency for you."

"I know, but the consequence would be dire; he'd be forever sad/hurting."

"A price he'll be willing to pay."

Sharon bluntly asked, 'Victor, my father received a picture of Ziva and I smiling after having completed our assignment to kill 6 Hamas probable terrorist… it was you?"

Victor wrinkled his forehead, "Got to give it to you, you are swift. Yes, it was me, what is said here stays here. Nobody knows, not even you father. I wouldn't have this job it my action had been common knowledge."

Sharon painfully breathed in then out. "Victor, how do I make Rivka see or understand that I will not be played."

Victor smiled as he shook his head, "Welcome to the Mossad, Officer Welby. As for your question, here a proverb that I like, 'Live by the sword, die by the sword'."

Victor got up and pulled her with him. She lipped 'thank-you' and added,

"Tell them all I'm OK, only need a couple of minutes to get my act together."


Eyal was pacing and as Victor approached, he went straight to him. Victor nonchalantly handed him the photo and said,

"Rivka threatened to give this photo to MI-6…. FYI; Kimberly was a friend of Sharon's. Rivka omitted to tell her that it was a conjoint Mossad/MI-6 mission. Sharon decided to read in Rivka on my 'dilemma' in order to keep you out of trouble. When I found your wife, she was trying to come to terms with turning on her agency to protect her lover."

"Rivka didn't, shouldn't… she went too far…."

"Eyal, she did what she deemed necessary to get Sharon to talk. Are you forgetting you, I, when push comes to shove, do the same? Must admit it cost Rivka, she was up to her last straw. Your girl is one tough cookie; she didn't come cheap!

"Victor, I… we play with the enemies/target minds, not friends!"

"A friend/an enemy, the line is thin; it depends on what is needed or/and known. What did you think? That you could protect her from the evil that lives in and around us? By accepting to live part of your life in Israel, sooner or later, our reality will become hers—the good and the bad. Friend, you have two choices; abandon country/agency or accept that Sharon will become your equal in all aspects. Eyal, she has what it takes. The Talmud teaches that G-d permits second marriages and that a man's second wife is chosen according to his merits. Friend, you got what you deserve up to you to use her wisely!"

Eyal shot his friend a sideways glance, "I'm usually the one making the life speeches!"

"What can I say; I learned from the best!"

Eyal shook his head and let out, "This has been on hell of a day; MP/Jonathan calling it quits from the spy world only to throw themselves at terrorists, getting played by a junior spy into buying a car, Ima seeing me manhandle Sharon, learning of Sandy's miracle pregnancy and you wanting to end it, hosting this reception with on the menu… poutine and finally helplessly witnessing Sharon entering our lion's den."

Victor put his arm around his friend's shoulders, "Come, think we both had enough 'coming to terms' moments for the night! You are right, it was one hell of a day!"

"Glad you came to your senses!"

"Thanks to you, my friend. (Looking around to assure himself they were alone, he added), Sorry to force Sandy onto your team. She's a good operative, but not at a master lever and she doesn't have much international experience. You'll be heading a team of specialists in their chosen field, Sandy…."

Eyal concluded, "Oh… but she does have something I'll need; she'll be close to you, but loyal to me!"

Smiling, Victor quipped, "Not going to comment! Let's get to our partners, think they are in need of some TLC. I love being wanted/needed, don't you?"

"Yes, it's a feeling I cherish and will never take for granted."

"I'm with you, friend! Don't know if Sandy and I will last, can't consider ourselves a couple, too soon after Lyse's death. One day at a time… one day at a time."

"Victor, Lyse was truly a Lavin; Seems the ghosts in my family take care of their own. I don't believe in spirits but have to admit, meeting Sharon at a time when I had opened my heart to one unavailable Annie Walker was not a coincident. It was arranged by higher instances — Sarah Lavin. On your side of things; Lyse knew you could not live alone and might damage your career and reputation searching for the right partner. Maybe she paired up with Sarah and arranged a little something for you! I'd like to think that Lyse is now with Sarah and those two are going to rock heaven to hell!"

"Like you're thinking, friend. Thanks for sharing that thought, it helps more than you know!"


Eyal was the first to spot Sharon, he approached and wrapped his arms around her baby bump. "Sorry for what Rivka dished at you…"

"Not your fault. She played me, I fell for it. Chalked it up as experience, but I will adapt."

Victor got a call and Eyal noticed Sharon's eyes were following his friend. She seemed to be expecting some sort of reaction…. and it came.

Victor approached Sharon, "What did you do? Rivka is in a tootsie and thinking about applying the F41.0 protocol!

Eyal spitted out his sip of wine, "SHARON….!"

At hearing the commotion, Tony, Auggie and Ziva joined them.

Sharon just said, "Live by the sword, die by the sword."

Victor whispered a couple of sentences in Hebrew and Eyal bit his lips.

Ziva chuckled, "I'm guessing she got back at Rivka."

Victor faced Sharon, "Out with it, Jezebel. What did you do?"

Sharon smiled, "That's classified!"

Victor advanced but Eyal was fast to stop him. "Victor, don't."

"Make her talk, this is not a game of 'I get you, you get me back.' We are talking Mossad's internal security."

Eyal turned towards Sharon, "Love, give it a rest."

"Mossad's security is not compromised. Simply uploaded a game on Rivka's phone. I targeted her and her only. If she wants to implicate the agency, her decision."

"SHARON, what did you do?" Victor was not in a joking mood."

Eyal whispered, "Sharon, please?"

Sharon gave Victor an old IPhone.

"What do you want me to do with this?"

"Turn it on."

Looking at all as he turned on the phone, tinkered with it and smiled,

"I'll be damn, you didn't… oh …. this is good. Girl, can I keep this?"

"Be my guest!"

Victor pocketed the phone and said, "People, I'll settle this with Rivka. Eyal, keep this girl on shorts leach, she deadly! She has something else Rivka doesn't; imagination!"

Ziva asked, "What did she do?"

Sharon answered, "I 'Rivkamon go' her!"

Eyal asked, "You what?"

MP and Annie were entering, "Mom, you didn't… Way to go!"

Eyal was on the verge of losing it, "OK, is somebody going to read me in. I'm dangerously close to squeezing a couple of arms!"

Laughing, MP explained, "Mom is in the habit of building a file of bad deeds on certain people she encounters. She stashes all she can hack, observe or hear on a person in a secured data base. It's her munitions, her safe files, so to say. She recently 'upped' her file keeping. While we were in protective custody and Eyal was at Mossad's headquarters replacing Victor, she got bored. For a couple of privilege targets and with the help of Kevin and Avi, she duplicated the Pokémon Go app. Instead of Pokémon figurines, she filled the app with bad deeds Post-its and compromising pictures. I'm guessing mom uploaded Rivka's bad deeds file on the lady's phone. It will be a trip down bad memory lane for Rivka!"

Eyal shot MP an 'I want more' glance, MP continued,

"Here's how it works: It's virtual reality at its best. The phone screen reproduces the current surroundings and damming Post-its/photos pop up. It seems as if your bad deeds are sitting in plain site for all to read/see. The phone screen shows a Post-it/photo glued on a wall, a chair, etc. For the 'sins/secrets' to go away, Rivka needs to capture/imprison the 'image' with a Pokéball! You guys really haven't a clue of what the Pokémon Go app is?"

Victor stated, "I do, have it on my phone. Ms. Redhead knew about it because we were checking if Pokémon's had invaded the reception! Fun stuff. Sharon is this phone and Rivka's secured."

"Yes, as secured as can be. You destroy the phone; you destroy the database. I still have my original, that you'll never get. Those two phones are 'unique'. You have my word"

"Good! I'm going to calm her down, explain your little game, but will not tell her I have a copy. I'm going to have fun playing Rivkamon go tonight!"

Sharon asked, "In the real app, at what level are you, Victor?"

"Level 12… maybe 13."

"Wow, when do you have time to play?"

Winking at her, he said, "That's classified! Do you think I'll learn something on my boss?"

"Most definitely, I'm very thorough when I set my mind to it. Use it wisely."

"Sharon, you're risking her coming after you."

"Give her the letter capital "L" and small "a", she'll lay off, no questions asked."

Victor chuckled, "It's your life. You want to live it in fear, be my guest. At one point, she'll get even."

Sharon snickered, "Nope, you want to bet?"

Victor backed up, "Girl, I'm not going there, but, just in case, I'll be keeping a close eye on you."

Eyal budded in, "That's my job. I don't share well, remember?"

Victor held both hands up as he said, "Got you! Look, it's late and thanks to Sharon, I need to meet with my boss and defuse a time bomb! I have to get going. Jonathan, could you see that Sandy settles in her new home? Sandy, I won't be long, we need to talk, prefer we do it tonight."

Eyal advanced, "I'll deal with Rivka. Victor, you should be the one to welcome Sandy in her new home."

Victor said, "No argument from me…. You want to deal with Rivka, be my guest! Thanks friend!"


As Victor closed the door, Avi came to Eyal to ask if a couple of friends could stay for the night.

"OK, but keep that music to a light roar."

Sharon looked at Eyal then at Avi and asked, "Avi, how many and are girls present?"

Avi bit his lips and whispered, "We are six; 3 boys, 3 girls."

Sharon turned towards Eyal. "You care to take this? I'll deal with the other one!"

Eyal's eyes made her shudder. 'Poor boy,' she thought as she left them some privacy and went to meet up with her son. She knew Kevin and Ismael had purposely sent good nature Avi to ask for permission.

"Boys, come up, please."

As they appeared, she asked, "You guys are burned, sorry! Fun and dance, no problem, but after hours' douchebag frat party definitely a no-no!"

Eyal appeared, "Avi, go tell the girls to get ready, I'll be taking them home. NOW!"

Avi didn't argue, Kevin and Ismael followed him down the basemen. Three giggling girls came up but lost their giggles at seeing Eyal.

Sharon whispered, "E, loose the killer look."

Eyal softened his expression and asked the teenagers for their home address.

The tallest spoke, "Mr. and Ms. Lavin, we are just friends and only wanted to watch a late night movie. You should trust your sons more."

Sharon spoke, "Not a matter of trust. We are new in the neighborhood and would not want to give the impression that we are 'loose' parents. Plus, I'm old school Catholic, maybe it's more 'open' here. If so, I'll adapt, but it might take some time."

One of the girls snickered, "It's the same…. worse!"

Eyal was fighting not to outright laugh and Sharon was proud of herself as she added, "Well, now do you see our point? If your parents wouldn't approve of a boy/girl sleepover, does that mean they don't trust you or they would be doing what is expected of a responsible parent when their kids try to bullshit them?"

One girl rolled her eyes at her talkative friend, informed Sharon and Eyal that her mother was on her way and stated that her two friends would be sleeping at her house.

Eyal added, "Boys take Haya out for a walk and wait with the girls till their ride arrives."

It didn't take long for the teenagers to comply!

Eyal couldn't resist adding, "Guys, you only needed to ask and give us proof that the girls' parents were OK with you all spending the night and we would have said yes."

Kevin dared, "Can we have a second chance?"

Eyal chuckled, "Nope, be thankful I'm not in charge of the money transfers for your weekly allowance and quit while you're ahead."

That closed the discussion!


As he was going out, Sharon kissed him and whispered, "Don't stay too long at Rivka's. Explain my actions, but don't fight my battle, please. She's mine to deal with."

"Promise; you are on your own with that stun. I'll explain the 'game', destroy the evidence and give her your message. Hope you know what you're getting into?"

"Just give her the letters, she'll deal with them as she wishes. I'm ready for her, Eyal. If you prefer, I can handle it."

Lovingly rubbing her cheek with his hand, he answered, "No, I need to talk to Rivka one on one. There is a little thing called 'invasion of privacy' that I want to discuss with her. Think you can wait up? I'd like for us to talk."

"If I'm sleeping, wake me. I also want/need for us to talk. We had quite a day and I need some heavy duty couple debriefing!"

Eyal smiled, "I prefer 'couple's therapy', please don't associate the word 'debriefing' with some 'us' time."

He pulled her to him and gave her a very passionate goodbye kiss. Ziva and Tony, who were coming in from a short walk around the neighborhood, made their presence known with 'hum, hums'.

Eyal lifted his head and shot them 'I've been found,' smile!

A teasing Ziva asked, "You guys solved your sleep-over situation?"

Eyal chuckled, "Yes, where did you leave Annie and Auggie?"

"They'll be here shortly."

At that she discreetly winked at Eyal, he acknowledged. Guessing their friends were organising a 'make Sharon forget Rivka' activity, he signed 'thank-you' to Ziva.


As he was rolling out his driveway, Victor flagged him to pull over.

As Victor entered, Eyal asked, "What are you doing, told you I'd take care of Rivka. You don't trust me or you already called it quits with Sandy?"

"Funny, very funny! No, Sandy has a soft spot for her ex. and said that she was just fine with settling in and watching a movie with Jonathan and MP."

Eyal chuckled, looked at his friend and shook his head, "You struck out?"

"Yup! Do you have any idea how to safely woe a pregnant woman?"

"Euh… not a first for you…."

"Didn't even attempt to sleep with Lyse while she was pregnant. She was a wreck for the whole nine months. It's one of the reasons we didn't try for # 2. I can still feel her grip on my arm when she was in one of her panic moods."

"Victor, still can't understand why you didn't reach out to me. I could have helped."

"I didn't want Lyse and you to lose that special bond. Preferred you believing she was bipolar and was appropriately medicated. Eyal, you were the only one she interacted with some 'normality'. I now know why; she was your aunt, family. You helped immensely by just being you. After your visits, Lyse was calm and we could talk… that I appreciated."

"Well, must admit I often condemned you for your womanizing ways. Had I known you were living one hell of a cover up…"

"Eyal, no pity, please. My life wasn't perfect, but I loved Lyse. Let's cut a deal; we got her killers, we lay Lyse to rest, we keep the good memories and move on."

Eyal understood his friend and had to admit Victor was handling Lyse's death way better than he had his sister Sarah's. Being consumed by vengeance was not a state of mind he would recommend.

"You got yourself a deal. Now to our Rivka business; how do we tackle our boss?"

"As we usually do…. with our natural charm… the woman can't resist us."

"Victor, I have an ulterior motive…"

"Yes, the intrusion in our personal life. Another reason I'm with you. I am grateful for her intervention, but it should have been settled at headquarters. Our homes are off-limits to her as our boss. She will be welcomed as a guest, but will need to act as one."

"My thoughts exactly! Thanks for having my back."

"Always my friend… always."


On Sharon side, Annie and Auggie had picked up some sorbets, gelatos and ice cream paired with one of Auggie's Broadway favorite musical; Kiss me, Kate The pairing of 70% chocolate, pistachios, melons, lychee and mint to the musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew was a sure thing for an outburst of laughter.

Eyal came in spy style and listened to the musical's rat-a-tat verbal sparring and side-splitting slapstick slapping lyrics like; 'He may have hair upon his chest but, Sister, so does Lassie's. But what he appreciated the most was hearing Sharon laugh heartily. It was the first time in a long time, he had heard her laugh, really laugh. Eyal suddenly realized all were silent, closing his eyes, bowing his head, he turned to see Sharon, Ziva and Annie having him at gunpoint. They guided 'the prisoner' to the screening room and Sharon sat with him in his therapeutic chair. She fed him some of her sorbet (melon, pistachio and lychee). He likes it and asked for more! They settle in and watched the rest of the musical.

As the credits rolled, Tony spoke, "Auggie, Annie, good thinking, I had a wonderful and relaxing evening. Now I need to put my baby to bed!"

They looked at Ziva who was sound asleep. Sharon warned, "Wouldn't put my hands on her. You are going to visit the floor…. again."

Her words were lost, but her conclusion wasn't. As soon as he tried to pick Ziva up, she pulled him to her then shot him fast and hard to the floor. On his back with all staring down at him, he shook his head as Sharon whispered, "Told you so!"

Eyal pulled Tony up and explained. "Tony, never forget your training when you are with spies. Be it a lover or a friend. Ziva's eyes were closed but you failed to see telltales sign that she had it in for you. You are a trained investigator; relive the last minutes, focus on Ziva and tell me what you see."

Tony was still stunned and needed to take a deep breath, "I see Ziva, she's peaceful and very beautiful. Love when she relaxes, she looks like a kid. There is a sly smile on her face and…. Damn her eyes are twitching… she laughing at me and her feet are braced on the armrest of the couch… Thanks Eyal, I owe you… Ziva, I'll be watching you from now on!"

Ziva got up and kissed him softly on the top of his head. "You can watch but you'll never catch me! I have many tricks up my sleeve and Eyal won't be there to teach you them all."

"No, but as he said; I'm a trained investigator and I can read telltale signs. I will never trust a spy again!"

Annie got up and put her hand around his shoulders and said, "Now you're talking. Tony, never, never trust a spy… especially your girlfriend."

Ziva quoted, "All those moments will be lost in time like tears in rain. Time to die"

Tony added, "A stone-cold classic line from Blade Runner. Good Ziva!"

Eyal felt Sharon's head fall on him. Tony approached, "Eyal, do you want me to carry her up to your room?"

Eyal looked at him, "Do you think it's safe?"

"Yes, her neck muscles just said good-night, her breathing is long, even and gentle plus your protectively holding her for her not to fall… she's asleep."

Sharon opened one eye and said, "Never trust a spy….TONY! Do you think we can't fake sleep mode!"

Tony's face was to die for! Looking at his laughing 'friends', he whispered,

"Prisoners (2013), pray for the best, prepare for the worst. I give up, Ziva can we safely get some shut eyes? I'm ready to call it quits!"

Auggie added, "Don't fret Tony, one day you'll 'get us'. Leave yourself time and always lurk around Ziva's corner and when she opens a door… slap it shut!"

Eyal thanked his friend for the 'pick me upper' therapy and he sat Sharon on him as he remotely turned off the lights and armed the security system. Auggie heard the surveillance system being activated and asked, "Eyal, are you expecting some action?"

"No, but I have under my roof CIA's, NCIS's and MI-6's best. One can never be too careful! Don't want Mossad being left holding the bag!"

Auggie whistled, "Yipes… man you have a way of tucking us to bed. What did you sing to your son as a lullaby…? Lithium by Nirvana!"

They all laughed and called it a night.


Finally, alone, Eyal got out of his chair and pulled Sharon to him. "I have a surprise for you."

"What, did I miss an important date; it's not my birthday or our anniversary… E. what's up?"

"Nothing, I needed to express my love to you, that's all. Come."

He pulled her outside, put a bandana on her eyes and guided her to his 'surprise'.

Once there, he told her to put her hands in front of her,

"Love, take a guess."

Sharon gently let her hand glide the curves of the car. Eyal was juggling with his emotions at seeing her facials expression as she was figuring out what she had in front of her.

Very softly, she whispered, "Eyal, this is a Magnum Sports Porsche Cayenne. Another loan from a friend?"

Eyal took off the bandana, "No, not a loan, but I do have a friend who's a Porsche dealer. Ordered it before I went to Rivka, he was kind enough to help me surprise the love of my life. Hope you like the color… it's the only one he could spare.

"Sapphire Blue Metallic finish, it's beautiful. Who's the lucky owner? A car like that can set a person pulse racing!"

Eyal looked at Sharon, then at the car. What was going on. Why wasn't she understanding that this was his gift to her?

"Sharon, what in 'He was kind enough to help me surprise the love of my life' didn't you understand?"

She stared at the car then at Eyal. "This is ours?"

"No, it's yours."

"Eyal, why…this is too much. I don't need an expensive car to prove that you love me."

"Love, this is awkward…. Didn't plan on having to explain my reason. It's a gift to show that I love you and want to thank you for all the pain my way of life put you through lately. Do you like it?"

"Like it, I love it, E, this is too much."

He pulled her to him, "No, it's just right. I know it's late or early depending on how you look at it, but do you want to take it a ride. We can talk while you play with your new toy. From what my friend said, it's fully loaded."

Looking at the car, she answered, "It is. Since 2004 a little over 1,200 Magnum Cayenne's have been produced by Techart. Eyal, that car must have cost you a fortune. You didn't need to …."

He pulled her to him and pinned her again the car, "Lady, you are really something. Damn, MP had warned me you didn't 'react' well to gifts, but this is phenomenal! Look, it's a gift… no string attached… just to say I love you. Get in and enjoy."

Sharon laughed as she got inside, "So you were forewarned that I don't do well with gifts. Sorry, that typical of my little person; I just can't do the jump up and down the act. But please don't take it away… I do love it…"

She leaned sideways, pulled his head towards her and kissed him long and hard.

"OK, let me catch my breath here… think I prefer this to the jump up and down the act."

"Eyal, it wasn't an act, believe me… it wasn't an act. Let see what this beauty is made of!"

It being early morning, traffic was at a minimum, at one point she flooded the car and the 'beast' responded with a roar!

Eyal held on for dear life, "Love, the speed limit, on highways No. 1 is 110 km/p/hr and we do have digital traffic cameras."

"I know, also know there are some that don't have a camera in them. Don't worry my phone will beep with enough reaction time if we encounter one."

"Your phone…. That is illegal!"

"Don't tell me Mossad doesn't issue such devices. You guys are really on your own!"

"Sharon, slow the hell down, I'm really not comfortable with the speed we are reaching. Hell, you're pregnant, smarten up!"

Sharon did as told, "Sorry, you're right. You know of a place we could stop; we need to talk and I'm starving."

"You just broke the sound barrier, my heart is doing somersaults and you want to eat?!"

She sheepishly answered, "Yes…."

"Take the next exit. The Rooftop restaurant at the Mamilla Hotel. The view of the old city walls, especially at sunset and at night is magnificent. It's not a 5-star flagship restaurant but for a special or romantic occasion, it's worth the stop. OK just checked, it's open, still the 23:00—18:00 opening hours. Long time I haven't visited that place. Love, can I drive?"

Sharon was fighting not to laugh, she had to ask, "That bad?"

"Let's say you and Ziva are the worst drivers to get in with on an upset stomach!"

Sharon pulled over and grabbed his arm, "Are you OK?"

"Yes, don't worry. I – we had quite a day and my body is not 100% yet. The meds I take give me heartburn. Nothing to worry your little self about, I'm fine."

She didn't buy it, "Eyal?"

"OK, I'm overtire and very frustrated on how my body is handling itself. Here's my take; don't think I can eat or even have a decent conversation with you at this hour. Why don't we rent a room, take in a couple of hours sleep and have our talk at sunrise? The view will still beautiful. I know you like the nightlights. Before turning in, we can take a breather, have ourselves a glass of wine and then you can put your old man to bed!"


"Just texted Ziva and MP, they won't wait up for us and are OK with our absence. Seems we are not the only ones that have been burning the candle at both ends. Our CIA and NCIS friends seem to be enjoying themselves and pulling in MP and Jonathan with them."

"MP and Annie are good friends and if they can show my Ziva how to have a little fun and give Tony a fighting chance, well they have my blessing!"

Sharon shot Eyal a killer look, "Eyal Lavin, you played matchmaker didn't you?"

Eyal chuckled, "Not my idea. Gibbs called and asked me if I could talk to Ziva. Seems she's been giving Tony a hard time. You can't just 'talk' to that girl, you have to force her into seeing the light. Got Annie and MP on my side and they have a plan to help that girl realize she has her Neshema in Tony. Don't ask, I don't know their plan!"

"You're bad and secretive, but it only makes me love you more!"

As he was ready to pull out, she, again, pulled him over and gave him a gentle but loving kiss. "Thanks for this wonderful gift. I love the car, it's handling, color and packages are to dream for! Promise I will follow speed limits while being pregnant."

Her phone buzzed, she read it and looked at Eyal, "E, MP is asking me if I love part two of my gift… EYAL?"

"Euh… wanted to wait till the kids were with us… MP has a short memory! Look in the glove box."

He waited while she sorted through surprise number 2.

"Eyal, is this a two-week vacation package in Québec City while the Festival d'été is on."

"Yes"

"Stop the car!"

Thinking she was going to be sick, he rapidly found a spot he could pull over, rapidly went to open her door only to have her jump on him. Then she did the jump up and down routine, she had sworn she could never do. Eyal Lavin was one proud husband.

He pulled her to him and said, "I buy her a very expensive car and I get the third degree, but give her a couple of tickets to go to freeze our butts and she does the happy dance."

"This is a close and personal gift. Don't know if it's the pregnancy but miss Québec. Spending family time in Canada, it the best gift I've received ever. I love the car, really I do… but this touched my heart in a special way."

Eyal kissed her and said, "MP knows her mother well. She had predicted you'd react to the second part of my surprise. Sharon, Clara will be joining us, don't have to tell you she's also ecstatic. I want to spend much of those two weeks as a lover/husband and not a dad or family man. You OK with that?"

"It's perfect. They are old enough to take care of themselves and I have a feeling we won't be seeing much of them. My kids had many friends."

Eyal winced and put his hand on his sternum, Sharon teasingly asked, "Eyal, could your heartburns be due to you adding up your last 24 hours' expenses?"

"Never, money spent on my family is not an expense but an investment. Your present reaction was wort any money amount. Sharon, don't worry about my finances, they are very well taken care of. I've always been more of an investor than a spender. I now have the opportunity to make people I love happy and that is the best way I can think of spending my… not our money."

"Let's get to that hotel, we will definitely be missing the nightlights!"

"Your wish is my command, My Lady!"


Sharon was leaning on Eyal as he was checking in. She noticed a lady lurking around. Immediately her demeanor changed, she also noticed Eyal stiffening up.

He signed, "You noticed the skulker?"

She signed "Yes, we tackle her now or wait it out."

"Better, we leave her take us down."

"Like your thinking; give her what she wants in order for us to have it go down our way!"

"Love, stay close, we are in Israel. I prefer having point."

"Take it, your country, your rules. I'll be following your lead, Boss."

Eyal spoke in a usual loud voice, "Love, why don't you take a stroll while I settle this little problem with the clerk?"

The clerk shot Eyal a questioning look, Eyal handed him a ₪200. He discreetly pocketed and went on his usual business.

Eyal had a mirror view of the woman, he could see she wasn't armed, but could not be 100% sure. At this time, he was grateful Sharon was as skilled as he was to handle the delicate situation.

On cue, his 6-month pregnant wife had a fainting spell and gripped at the closest person to her… the lady in the dark! Eyal reassure the clerk that everything was under control and that he would take care of things. He rapidly joined his wife who, by now, had cornered their target.

Sharon immediately grabbed Eyal hand before he could 'handle' the lady. The blood makes him stop dead!

"Eyal, she's hurt bad…"

At seeing Eyal face, she guessed he knew the girl. "Mossad?"

"No, CSIS!"

Sharon faces fell… "Canadian Security Intelligence Service, hell what is she doing here? They don't usually play on European and Asian grounds; they can hardly handle homeland security."

"Let's get her to our room. Don't worry, her wound looks worse than is it really. Lots of blood but don't think any major organs were hit and there's an exit wound."

Making as if the woman was a friend who had a bit too much to drink, they smiled at the clerk and signalled that they would be taking care of her.

As the elevator door closed, Eyal picked up the girl in his arms and positioned her the best he could to avoid major blood lost. Sharon assisted in applying pressure on the wound. They rapidly got to their room and began treating the hurt spy.

"Eyal, where did you two meet? You once told me you never had a mission on Canadian soil, too cold… if I remember well."

"Never did, met her on a cruise ship where I was being a gigolo to a rich bitch Mossad wanted as an asset. Sharon, you should know that the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK have a "common training and operating" book. They share Intel and cooperate on operations together. I use to call them the "Five Eyes" when I started for the Mossad. Your Canadian friend, here, often worked for CIA."

"Don't tell me we stumble… again… on an ongoing mission gone wrong? What is it with us, do we have a magnet of sort when shit hits the fan!"

While tending to the lady's wound, the look he shot her was one of despair.

"Hell, us two paired together are worse than Annie… Annie… Auggie, they may know her or can take over for us. Sharon, here her ID, it's legit, it's the name she works with. Get to the lobby and call Annie."

"Not leaving you alone with this person! Not standard protocol. I'm calling as I speak."

Sharon moved so the woman would not hear her conversation but never left Eyal out of her sight. He knew it wasn't jealousy but a colleague having his back. Like she said; standard protocol. Her call terminated, she approached.

I scanned her ID card and sent it to Auggie, he'll check her out for us. "

Sharon signalled to Eyal that the woman was coming to.

"Eyal, what's her real name?"

"Sharon"

"What?"

"No, not you… her… that's her name!"

"This is getting weirder by the minute… did you and her… well?"

Eyal rolled her eyes at her, "Yes!"

"Figures… so I wasn't your first Sharon?"

"Actual, you were number…"

"I don't want to know!"

With a caring smile, he added, "Love, what I was or did before meeting you is long gone and forgotten. Said I would always be honest and I will. We had a short relationship, but it ended when her mission was over. Never saw or heard of her since."

"What is her MO?"

"She was COMINT."

"Great, boarder intelligence and interception of foreign communications! She might be spying on Mossad's outgoing communications!"

Both jumped as they heard, "Not spying on Mossad, trying to save it."

After saying those words, the injured woman fainted and seemed to slip into a coma.

Sharon phone rang, she listened and then filled in Eyal.

"Auggie drilled down; she not working for the CIA or CSIS. She recently retired with honors and is on a European tour. Her presence in Israel is known of all, CIA, Mossad … she filled in the necessary travel protocols for a foreign spy entering the countries and all was approved. Eyal, she legit and must have stumbled onto something. We need to read in Victor and Rivka."

Eyal picked up his urgency/burned phone and dialed.

Victor answered and said, "What have you two hell magnets stumbled on at shitty four in the morning. Lavin, this better be good!"

TBC