XxX

Garret wasn't sure he had ever seen Nigel truly annoyed, let alone mad.

Sure, he would catch an occasional roll of the eyes here or a snarky comment there, but Nigel was known for being the morgue jester. He was more than happy to relieve the tension of the moment with an off-color joke or bubbling over to share the latest quirky find of his, and he was always the first to offer comfort and a hug.

But that man was not who towered before him now, demanding to know why Garret had allowed Jordan to accompany him into the Domingo Consulate when it was in the middle of a hostage situation.

Nigel shook slightly, his hands fisted at his side; his nostrils flared, and his eyes darkened.

Garret thought about reminding Nigel just how stubborn and insistent Jordan could be, but he decided against it. He had awoken the sleeping dragon and he wasn't willing to chance it.

"They have brought in the best negotiators and have multiple plans in place." Garret informed, keeping his tone even and calm as he tried to sooth the draconic husband, "You met Nicole, she's in pain, but she won't hurt Jordan. She just wants the truth, like we all do. I am sure Jordan will be just fine." He sounded like he was trying to convince himself as much as Nigel.

"If she isn't, I am holding you responsible." Nigel snatched his jacket and stormed out without another word.

XxX

Nigel flexed his hand as he set at the computer, working desperately on the tapes he and Woody had found. He hadn't been allowed to remain at the Consulate after his little altercation involving yelling at one of the FBI's young assistants until he cried. Instead, he was assigned to meticulous go through all the evidence they had collected to see if he could find any solid theory to help them get Jordan and the others out safely.

His phone rang and he snatched it up before it could get a second toll off, "Any news?"

"Nigel." Garret's voice was heavy, "A sniper had a clear shot and took it."

His heart raced, knowing there should be relief in Garret's voice if that was the case, "How clear of a shot?"

"We think it grazed Nicole's arm. There was a second gunshot form inside and we heard Woody calling out for Jordan." Garret sighed, "Nicole unplugged the phones. We don't know what actually happened or what is going on now." He answered honestly, knowing he couldn't spare Nigel from the truth, "You should get down here."

Nigel didn't need any more encouragement. He left the translation program running and headed out without a moment to lose.

XxX

The FBI negotiator didn't stand a chance. He was sprawled out on the wet street, nursing a bloody nose, before he knew what had hit him.

"That is for shooting at my pregnant wife you fucking twat!" Nigel fumed but made no further attack as he loomed above the exhausted agent.

Shock wore off and people swarmed around them, some pulling Nigel into custody and others attending to their boss.

Garret, who had been rubbing his face as a migraine picked up, finally chanced a look up, "Well, you shouldn't have shot at his wife." The negotiator was less than amused but nodded for them to release Nigel, knowing he could let it slide this time under the circumstances. At least it would mean less paperwork for him.

The call soon came through that everyone was alive and safe. Nicole had indeed been hit in the arm and Jordan had subdued Dany, who had lost it when his father revoked his immunity, with a taser. Now they were just waiting for the group to head out.

Garret caught Nigel's arm before he could rush the barrier, knowing protocol was absolute in these situations and not willing to risk any more of his staff.

Tears choked Nigel when he saw Jordan starting down the steps, dutifully caring for Nicole's bleeding arm. She handed the grieving widow off to the paramedics and was cleared by the officers to head outside the perimeter.

Her smile grew when she caught sight of the little trio waiting for her and she practically ran towards them. Jordan threw herself into Nigel's arms, burying herself in his shoulder, while Lily came up behind her and hugged her close. Even Garret joined in, throwing an arm over Nigel's shoulder and another over Lily's, like a mother hen collecting her chicks.

The little family held fast to one another, no one wanting to be the first to let go.

XxX