Claire and Bobby were sleeping in Darien's room when he awoke.
He lay there tears streaming down his face as the realization of what had happened hit him.
He tried to move his head but was restrained by the ventilator. His arms were restrained by IV's so he couldn't move them either. He was frustrated that he was unable to alert anyone that he was awake.
Just when it seemed hopeless, Alex came in. She walked over to Claire who was asleep in a chair across the room at a table. She looked over at the bed Bobby was asleep in.
She placed her hand on Claire's back trying not to startle her too much.
"How is he?" She whispered.
Claire awoke groggily. "He's stable but still critical. His stats are coming in pretty decent. If he was awake I would take that damn tube out but…" Her heart felt like it was about to break.
"I think either way I'm taking it out in a few hours. I don't want to risk brain damage and if he doesn't need it…"
Alex nodded her head. "Hey if you want I'll sit with him, and you can go home, and get some rest. I'll call you if there's a change."
She got up from the chair nodding her head and rubbing at her eyes.
"Yeah that would be great. I could really use a shower and a decent night sleep."
Alex grabbed a chair, and took it over by Darien's bed; she sat down.
She reached for his arm and he moved under her hand. She looked up at his face, his eyes were open with tears running down them. She gasped.
"Claire?"
"Yes?"
She was gathering her things. She stopped and walked over to Alex.
"Yes what?"
Claire looked at Alex. Alex in turn looked at her with a question in her eyes going back and forth from her to Darien. "Claire…Darien…he's…"
"What? What is…" She stopped in mid sentence and grabbed Darien's hand when she saw he was awake.
"You're awake?"
"Oh Alex I can't believe it. Would you wake Bobby and let him know."
" Yeah." Alex got up and went over to Bobby's bed.
Claire sat down next to Darien. He slowly lifted his hand and pointed to the ventilator.
"Yes I know that's to help you breathe. Would you like me to take it out?"
He nodded tears still streaming down his face.
She had him take a deep breath and blow as she took the long tube out, he coughed.
"Claire." He said with a raspy voice.
She put a hand on his chest to keep him calm.
"Darien don't try to talk."
"That's right my friend just lie there and do what the Keep here says okay partner. Cause if you don't I'm gonna come over there and kick your ass no matter how much pain either one of us are in. You got it."
"I got it Bobby." He said with a strained voice.
Alex came back over putting her hand on his arm she said,
"Well I'm going to go let The Official know you're back with us if you don't mind Claire."
"No that's okay I want to stay here for a while anyway."
"Okay then see you later? When I come back you can go get that shower and rest okay?" Claire just nodded in acknowledgement smiling and holding Darien's hand.
"Claire, if you need to leave…" He said weakly.
"No Darien I'm right here where I need to be. Why don't you try to get some rest."
He just nodded. He was glad to be back, but at the same time, he wished he had stayed.
Why is it he wondered that he had to say goodbye to Kevin yet again? He missed him so much it hurt. With that, he fell fast asleep.
"Is he gonna be okay?" Bobby asked.
"Yes." Claire nodded,
"Now you need to get some rest too." She said as she walked over and helped Bobby back in bed.
He was leaning on the edge of the bed when she got there.
"But Claire…" He complained.
No buts, you need to get some rest so either you do it voluntarily or…" She walked to a nearby table picked up a needle aspirated it as she walked towards Bobby with a threatening look on her face.
"Alright, alright but…" She threatened with the needle again and he tucked himself under the sheets. With a look of defeat, he shut his eyes and was soon asleep.
She took the needle over and inserted it into Darien's IV. As she did so she just laughed shaking her head at Bobby.
She had succeeded in getting him to settle down with an antibiotic.
~~***~~
Alex walked into The Official's office. The Official and Ebert's were intently watching their favorite Soap Opera "Days of Our Lives." Ebert's says to The Official, "She's such a bitch."
" That she is Ebert's. That she is."
Alex walked in.
"Uh um, Excuse me?"
The Official and Ebert's looked up at Alex, shocked, they quickly shut off the program.
The Official then looked at Alex over his wire-rimmed glasses.
Annoyed he said, "Miss Monroe have you ever heard of knocking?"
"Sorry Sir but…"
"No excuses. What do you want?"
"Uh…It's Agent Fawkes sir."
"Yes, What, what about him?" He asked concerned.
"He's awake." Alex smiled.
"Oh good. Thanks for letting me know."
Ring! Ring!
"Just a minute." He said as he picked up the phone.
"This is The Official."
"Yes, Yes, thank you I will." He set down the phone.
"Miss Monroe?"
"Yes sir?"
"That was the FBI. They had a lead on the whereabouts of Mark Platt.
They were just giving me the details."
"Did they find him? Do I need to go pick him up?"
"No, that won't be necessary."
"Why not?
He takes two of OUR agents hostage, almost kills them both and one of them has been hanging by a thread for the past two and half days and its not necessary! I'm sorry sir but I think that is very much necessary."
She stormed towards the door. Just before she opened it The Official demanded,
"MISS MONROE?"
"I know quite well what he has done to torment this agency. But if you would let me finish."
She walked back into the room.
"What?" She exclaimed frustrated.
"He's dead Alex. Mark Platt is dead!"
"I guess whoever he was working for wasn't too happy with the work he did for them.
He was shot in the base of the skull. We need to step up security. We must assume that Platt's superiors will be coming after Fawkes and Bobby to finish the job.
Has either one of them said what happened?"
"No, Claire was with them when I left. So maybe one of them told her. I doubt Fawkes would have though. He seemed rather weak and disoriented to me."
"Alex. I want you to personally ensure Agents Fawkes and Hobbes safety."
"Me sir?"
"Yes you."
"But…"
"As I've said before Alex not everything is about you. You want to be with this Agency you put out for this Agency.
Now go and take as many agents as you need for a safety net."
"Yes sir." She said in defeat and left the room.
"Ebert's get me Claire on the phone.
I need to check on Darien's condition. That kid is going be the death of me." He said exasperated.
"Yes sir."
The Official looked up disgusted and a bit surprised.
"What did you say Ebert's?"
"Oh I mean…Here's the phone sir."
"Thank you that's what I thought you said." The Official stated as he took the receiver.
~~****~~
Arnaud sat in his mansion. Thomas came rushing in the room.
"Yes Thomas?"
"I have that information you wanted.
The agency has Frank. In addition, Darien Fawkes is alive but barely.
Last tip was that they didn't think he'd make it. But it looks like they were wrong. The report I received from one of the men casing the agency was that Fawkes woke up two days ago. Though he's in and out of consciousness he is getting better by the hour."
"Good, good. Thank you Thomas."
He buddy slapped Thomas on his back.
"You are a very good employee. Perhaps a raise is in order.
Have you heard from my cousin?"
"Yes he says the procedure should be basically simple once he has the necessary information."
"Good, tell him I will notify him once it has been obtained."
"Yes sir." Thomas rushed from the room.
"Finally I will have what I want, and you Fawkes, will be in no condition to stop me."
"I love it finally I'm going to be back."
"Arnie? Who are you talking too?"
"Oh, no one Elizabeth darling.
My dear cousin Andrew I told you about."
"The one that's the doctor you said could help me with our problem?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes, yes that one. He says he's ready as soon as we obtain the necessary documents we need. Then my dear, dear Elizabeth everything will be perfect."
"Will it really Arnie?"
"Yes it will my love." He then took her into a passionate embrace.
"Oh Arnie!"
~~***~~
Alex and several agents stood outside the lab.
"Agents you two go to lab four and stay there.
Use that walkie-talkie if anyone and I do mean anyone without clearance comes by."
"Yes ma'am." The two agents walked away.
"Now you three come with me."
They walked into the lab.
Claire looked up a bit surprised.
"Alex what are you…"
"Orders Claire.
You two put on a lab coat and make like medical technicians."
"And you what's your name?" Alex asked one of the agents
"John ma'am." He replied
"Okay John you stand outside the room and well you know the drill, understand?"
"Yes ma'am I understand."
Claire walked over to Alex.
"Alex do any of these guys know anything in the least about medicine?"
"I don't know. It doesn't matter."
"Yeah right! I can't have them disturbing Darien and Bobby like that."
"Talk to The Official about it."
"I will!"
"Claire?" Alex said as she took a hold of Claire and turned her to face her.
"WHAT?" She said angrily.
"If we don't do this he could very well die anyway."
"I know it's just… I'm so tired of everything. I don't know how much more I can take."
Just then, a hand reached up to touch her shoulder. Startled she jumped.
"Claire?" Darien said weakly.
"Darien don't! You shouldn't be up!"
"It's okay you don't need to worry everything's going to be just fine."
The exertion made him light headed.
He became dizzy and his legs began to give out beneath him.
He grabbed Claire's arm and Alex's hand to support himself.
"DARIEN!"
" I'm okay."
"No you're not!"
His legs suddenly became like rubber. Alex and Claire both caught him as he fell.
Come on lets get you back to bed. He nodded his head and went willfully.
"Hey, can't anyone…What's goin' on?"
"Nothing Bobby just our hero here thought he needed to get out of bed."
Bobby limped quickly over to Darien's side and sat on the edge of his bed.
"What do ya think you're doin' partner? You know you're in no shape to be getting out of bed."
"I know." He said looking around in confusion.
"Is he alright Claire?" Hobbes asked. She just shook her head.
It may sound absurd…but don't be naive
Even Heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed…but won't you concede
Even
Heroes have the right to dream
It's not easy to be me
"Where's Kevin?"
All eyes popped open in shock.
"Darien your brother he's…he's…"
"I know Claire but he was… just… here."
She settled him back in the bed and gave him a shot to help calm him down. He quickly fell asleep.
"What's goin' on Claire?"
" I don't know I think it's the drugs or something. He's not strong enough to get out of bed on his own.
Let alone being able to walk at all without pulling out his stitches when he does."
She turned his wrist it was almost all red.
"I was talking about his brother."
"Oh that was most definitely the drugs he's on. Although I have heard of such instances when patients reach a state near death their loved ones visit them. She said as she gave Darien a shot of counteragent. "It was probably that fever he had a few nights ago, it made him a bit delusional."
Up, up and away…away from me
It's all right…You can all sleep sound tonight
I'm not crazy…or anything…
~~***~~
Arnaud paced the room they were behind schedule and he was getting extremely irritated. Why can't any of his plans just work out? Then there was Mark Platt. He had been a loyal friend and colleague for many years. Nevertheless, the man was just too thick headed. Why had he not just done as he asked if it had been done right Darien could have been quite useful. As it was, he had no idea whether the man was going to live or die.
Elizabeth ah! Elizabeth, she was wonderful, and oh so useful. Smart too, so that was a plus. She had given into him these past months never giving him up. Except that one time when she lead Darien straight to his apartment. But she could be forgiven for that minor indiscretion. She was too useful to him alive to want her dead.
He had to wait three more days why, why, why can't everything just work out quickly? Why does it always have to take so damn long?
~~***~~
Darien startled awake he had been dreaming of his brother again.
This time he had told him he had to get up that Arnaud was coming and he had to warn them.
"Claire he's awake." Bobby said.
She came running over. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been shot and thrown in front of a truck but better." He said faintly.
"That's expected."
"You've got several broken ribs, you had a collapsed lung and the bullet just ripped you to shreds.
You're lucky you're even alive."
"Thanks…I think."
"Hey my friend everybody around here's been pretty worried about you.
We almost thought that the Keep here was gonna have to go fishin' for that gland of yours."
"You wouldn't want to do that." Fawkes said.
"Wouldn't want to, but we almost would a had to if ya know what I mean."
"Yeah I'm afraid I do. Hey, where's the fish? I need to talk to him."
"Why? If it's about Platt he's dead."
"What?" Darien said in shock.
"Yep seems whoever he was workin' for wasn't too happy with 'im."
"ARNAUD!" He said.
"What are you talkin' about my friend?"
Alex walked over.
"Yeah what are you talking about Fawkes?"
"Think about it. Who's the one person that wants the files the most?"
"Arnaud!" They all said in unison.
"I am going to get that Swiss number if…"
"Darien you aren't going anywhere." Claire interrupted, "Maybe in a few days but right now just lie there and let The Official, Bobby and Alex take care of it."
"They need me Claire."
"That may be so but you are in no condition. And besides I think Alex and Bobby can handle themselves pretty well."
"I know but…"
She walked over with a needle in hand. "You need to rest and you've got to be in a lot of pain."
"Maybe I am." He said weakly as he looked at Hobbes for support.
Claire was about to insert the syringe of pain meds into his arm when Darien pushed her arm away.
Pulling back weakly and wincing at the pain as he did so.
"Claire would ya get that away from me. I am so sick of you sticking me with a needle every time I'm awake."
"Alright, but you're going to regret it."
"I do already, but I just want to be alert for a little while okay?"
"Yeah okay just let me know when…"
"Yeah I will." Darien said as he tried to settle back on the bed. Wincing at the extreme amounts of pain he was in.
Bobby had been looking at Claire in shock.
"You mean you'll let me get outta here?"
She looked up distracted now from her recent conversation with Darien.
" Oh!"
"Yes Bobby I will, but only if you promise to behave yourself." Claire said.
"Yes ma'am. Hey Fawkes I hate to run but…"
"Yeah I know just make sure you get him this time." He said.
Alex came up behind Bobby and took the door.
"Here let me get that. I need to talk to The Official myself anyway."
"Thanks Alex, even if it is for your own personal agenda."
"Don't get used to it okay."
"Yeah okay you don't have to worry about that."
"And Hobbes have you…never mind."
"What?"
"I said never mind."
"No you were gonna say somethin' now what?"
"Oh it's just have you noticed that Fawkes has been acting a bit strange ever since he woke up three days ago?"
"Yeah, what's up with that?"
"I don't know but I think we need to find out."
I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
Men weren't meant to ride
With clouds between their knees
~~***~~
Arnaud and his henchmen loaded in his trucks.
"Elizabeth my love would you like to come along?"
"Actually Arnie I think it would be best if I remained behind.
I wouldn't want to take the victory away from you my love."
"Perhaps your right. I will be victorious just be sure Andrew is as ready as he says.
There will be no room for failure this time around."
" I will Arnie my love I will." She waved him goodbye.
I can't believe that idiot I just wish that he would get those files so I can get my ass away from here and away from him.
If this works I can call in my men and have him taken away and he'll never know it was I. Elizabeth Rendell his wife, lover, mistress. Whatever you want to call it. Elizabeth Rendell CIA/Brain surgeon. That's who she really was. Who she longed to be again. She just had to get Arnie and those files to make it happen.
~~***~~
Alex and Bobby sat in The Officials office discussing their next move in apprehending Arnaud De Fohn. As even now trucks were pulling up in front of the agency.
~~***~~
Arnaud got out of the truck with guns in hand twelve armed men followed him.
"Thomas you take the men and split into groups."
"We need to find those files. I want three with me. Remember take down anyone that gets in your way. But whatever you do, I want Fawkes for myself."
"Yes sir!"
"Men! You heard the man!"
They filed out of the trucks pulling containers of guns and explosives out behind them.
Arnaud went through the doors of the agency shooting the agents at the doors he was looking for Fawkes. He had been told he was in the basement labs. The question was which one.
~~***~~
Claire was about to give Darien his pain meds when they heard the shots. The agents in the room quickly pulled their guns and ran for the doors. As soon as they got there they were surprised by The Official and Alex.
"Where's Bobby?" The Official asked.
"He and some agents are trying to take these guys out."
"But enough about that Claire. We have to get you two out of here."
"I know, but he's in no condition. He could very well bleed to death."
"That's a risk I'll have to take." The Official said.
"It's all right Claire. I'll be okay." Darien said.
Alex and Claire helped him off the bed. As he winced at the pain, he almost screamed the it was so bad. Claire grabbed some pain meds and a few other things she would need and they headed out the door.
They were stopped when they saw Arnaud coming their way. Darien Quicksilvered and pulled away from the others grasp.
"Darien NO!" Claire screamed. Alex grabbed her by the arm and pulled her around the corner.
"Come on we need to get some help."
They heard Darien's screams of agony as they went. Claire staggered as she heard him.
"CLAIRE we have to get some help!" Alex said again. Claire finally went, rather unwillingly.
"Ah! Thank you Fawkes!" Arnaud said wryly, "Now why don't you just come back then I won't have to kill anymore of your friends."
"I don't think so." An invisible voice said sardonically, "You'll just try to kill all of them anyway, so why would I do that?"
"Maybe so but still I need your help Fawkes. I need, that is I WANT that file."
"Oh are you talking about the one your man almost killed me for."
"I'm sorry about that he was a bit over zealous. I've since remedied the situation; we've parted ways.
You wont have to worry about him."
"Oh you mean Platt the guy you murdered." Darien said as he went up behind Arnaud's men.
"Is that what you want? To be murdered because you failed." He whispered.
"He won't let you live for very long you know." He said to another as he grabbed his gun.
"Fawkes would you stop it and just come out so we can see you."
"No, I don't think I want to."
The pain was shooting through him like hot coals. But he had to keep moving he had to stay conscious just a little longer.
Take care of Arnaud, and then you can sleep. He thought to himself.
Arnaud looked on the floor there were droplets of blood all over the place. Fawkes was bleeding.
He needed to convince him before he… suddenly there was a loud thump as one of his men was knocked unconscious.
The exertion caused another shot of piercing pain. Darien screamed out.
Doubling over the quicksilver fell from his body.
"Ah you see Fawkes, if you'd just done as you were told I could have spared you that."
"How? With a bullet?" Fawkes said, his voice filled with venom.
"Perhaps, but we'll get to that later. Now where can I find those files?"
Alex came around the corner behind them, armed with several agents and Claire.
They crept up as silently as possible.
Alex took out two and Claire took the other while Darien took the gun he had taken from one of Arnaud's men and aimed it right at Arnaud's head.
Arnaud backed away straight into Darien causing him to lose his balance and fall over. "UH, UH, UH." Alex said pulling him back with a gun aimed at his head.
"You can put down the gun now Fawkes." She said but as she looked he was passed out on the floor. "CLAIRE!"
"What, what is it?"
"Fawkes, he's passed out on the floor over here."
She ran over and directed some agents to get him back to the lab.
"Is he…"
Claire shook her head, " He's torn his stitches and lost some blood. I don't know but I think he'll be alright."
"GOOD!" Alex said relieved.
~~***~~
Elizabeth Rendell was packing her bags when the call came. They had Arnaud in custody. She almost fainted she was so stunned. Then the tears came, she could finally go home again. Theo, her associate came by an hour later to pick her up.
"Liz you need to go see him before he's transported to the prison."
"I know. Play the devoted little whatever for one last time."
"Yes. I'm sorry you have to do this. I know how hard this must be for you pretending to love him when all you really want is to strangle the man."
"You have no idea." She said as she thought how much she hated Arnaud. How many people had to die before Arnaud was caught she lost count so long ago.
She thought maybe if she had just…but no, it had to be this way. But poor Fawkes he had been through so much.
"Theo," She said as they loaded her suitcase in the limo, "How's agent Fawkes?"
"He lost some blood during the bust but I think he's going to make it."
"Shit! Why did Arnaud have to do this?"
"I don't know ma'am."
"I'm sorry Theo. The man just makes me SO angry."
"That's okay."
"Let's just get out of here, shall we?"
"Yes ma'am." He said as they drove away from the mansion.
~~***~~
Arnaud sat opposite the glass partition as a woman dressed in a black dress a black veiled hat and sunglasses came in.
"Hello my love."
"Ah Elizabeth! I knew you wouldn't abandon me.
I have plans."
"What kind of plans Arnie?"
"The kind that will get me out of this place and to work on the next phase to get those files and Darien Fawkes out of my way."
"What do you mean? There are guards everywhere how could you possibly…"
"Elizabeth, Elizabeth my love you mustn't worry about the details. Besides, you forgot about my little secret."
"Oh yeah! I forgot."
"Go to the cabin and wait for me there."
"I will but…"
"Don't you worry my dear everything will be fine."
He walked away as she held her hand to the glass.
Ten minutes later she made a call to her contacts that Arnaud was going to try to escape.
~~***~~
The Official was sitting in his office catching up on some paperwork when the call came.
Ebert's came running in the room.
"Yes Eberts?" He asked as he looked up from his desk.
"You have a call sir. On your secure line."
He took the phone in his hands covering the mouthpiece.
"Thanks Eberts. That will be all."
"Yes sir."
When he was finished, The Official came out the door in rush.
He then flew into the lab where Darien was. Claire looked up startled.
"What is it sir?"
"I thought you should know. We received news from an informant, Arnaud is going to try to escape."
"He can't."
"He can and he is."
She moved across the room keeping her voice down as she ushered The Official out of the room.
"That news will most surely kill him. We can't let him know, not right now."
"How is he?"
"I just finished stitching him back up. He lost quite a bit of blood. Not to change the subject but do we know for sure about Arnaud?"
"I'm afraid so. There's an agent on the inside. The news came from them. They're going to be removed from the case in the next few days.
It's just too dangerous for them."
"I imagine so. Can I ask who he is?"
"She... is Dr. Elizabeth Rendell."
"WHAT! I thought…"
"I know what you thought, I know what we all thought."
"Have you seen Alex?"
"Yeah, she just left to take Bobby home he can't drive with that leg."
"I thought Bobby was fine except for a limp." Claire said.
"He was until he went traipsing all over on that leg."
"Sorry about that Claire." The Official said.
"That's okay I couldn't have held him here much longer anyway."
She said as she waved her hand.
~~***~~
A week later Darien sat alone in his apartment resting, reading Philosophy Today,
when a knock came on the door.
He grabbed the cane at the side of the bed and slowly walked across the floor holding himself with every step.
He made it to the door and was shocked by the visitor.
"Dr. Rendell?"
"Call me Liz. Can I come in?"
"Yeah I guess." He said as he moved aside she saw the anguish he was in and helped him to the couch.
"Why aren't you in the hospital?"
"I don't do hospitals, a lab that's where I go. I was tired of the same four walls I got Claire to let me go yesterday.
She was supposed to come by I thought maybe you were her."
"Oh, sorry to disappoint you."
"That's okay what did you want?" He was cautious.
"I wanted to thank you for trying to get Arnaud like you did. I heard what happened."
"But I thought you were…" He stammered in confusion.
"You mean his significant other."
"Somethin' like that."
"I'm an agent with the CIA Mr. Fawkes, I've been undercover for months now."
"Hey I didn't know. Does he know?"
"No... and he's not going to. I'm being transferred out of the country. I get a new name and a new life all for the name of my agency. Arnie can never know. I'm leaving tonight I just wanted to say thank you."
"Well, your welcome." They continued talking for the better part of an hour when another knock came at the door.
Liz stood, " I'll get it. You need to rest."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, you just stay there I'll get it."
As she opened the door Claire stood mouth gaping in shock. She just stood there staring at the unbelievable figure standing before her. The Official had told her about this woman but it just hadn't quite registered with her yet.
Bobby grabbed his gun.
"Where is he? Huh?" He shoved the gun in Dr. Rendell's face.
"Who?" Darien called from inside the apartment.
"Arnaud that's who."
"Hobbes put the gun down." Darien said as he slowly stood from the couch.
Liz saw him and ran to him to help. As she helped to support Darien, Claire shook off the shock and came inside taking Darien by the other side. Liz and Claire helped Darien walk slowly to the bed.
"It's okay just take it slowly." Liz said.
"I know!" He said through grunts of pain.
Bobby holstered his gun and closed the door to the small studio apartment.
Once Fawkes was in bed again Claire checked him over. Seeing he was good enough for her liking and upon administering his much needed pain meds. They all relaxed by the couch to talk.
Liz explained everything. Bobby was still a little apprehensive but eased a bit. Claire was just worried about Darien.
He seemed to be in a lot of pain and wasn't recovering quite as well as she had hoped.
"Bobby...Claire... it's nice meeting you again on much better circumstances." She said as she got up from the couch to leave.
"The feeling is mutual." Claire said as she held the door for Liz and shook her hand good-bye.
She turned back to the door just before it was closed.
"Claire?" Liz said.
"Yes?"
"Keep him safe...okay?"
"I will, you don't have to worry about that."
"That goes double for me ma'am. There ain't nobody getting' by Bobby Hobbes my friend."
Liz just laughed at the last comment as she turned and walked out the door.
Claire and Bobby decided to stay behind to watch over Darien.
So as Claire shut the door she just smiled. Everything was going to be just fine or so she thought.
~~***~~
Robert Hobbes walked with a small limp that was barely visible down the hallway at the jail. He was on his way to pick up for transfer one Arnaud DeFohn. Arnaud was being transferred to a facility especially designed for him. Bobby wanted to look at his face one more time and make sure he got there. Then he would never have to worry about this scum sucking s.o.b again.
That is if he didn't try something. If Liz was right then Bobby needed to make sure nothing happened in the transfer. Claire and Darien had insisted on coming along they walked beside him. Claire pushing the wheelchair Darien was in. They were all a bit apprehensive.
This transfer would not be easy.
~~***~~
Arnaud sat alone in his cell. He looked around no one was watching he had to make this fast if it was to work. He dropped the pencil on the floor he had been fiddling with being sure to kick it under the bed.
"Damn!" He said as he got down and scooted himself under the bed. He then removed the latex covering with much difficulty in the cramped space he was in. And the ugly orange prison issue jumpsuit. Arnaud crawled out to wait until the guards noticed he was gone.
This was going to be too easy. He smiled.
~~***~~
The guards noticed the disappearance of Arnaud and flipped the alarms.
A guard rushed in sweating and out of breath.
"What's going on man?" Darien asked while shifting in the wheelchair.
"Some prisoner named the phone… de phone something like that came up missing from his cell."
"What?" They said in unison. The three of them looked at the guard with apprehension.
"Yeah we can't figure out how. We went in and searched his cell there was nothin' there."
"Are you sure?" Bobby asked.
"Yeah I was just up there myself. The thing is well… its weird cause all there was…" He paused.
"What? What?" Darien said nervously.
"There was this…uh…I mean it's weird."
"What man? Would ya just spit it out, c'mon."
"I'm trying! But your never gonna believe me."
"Try us." They said.
"Okay, okay there was this…cold chill…it passed by us as soon as we… opened the cell.
It's as if it was a ghost or somethin'."
"Do me a favor," Bobby said, "Show me where he was?"
"Why?"
The trio flipped out their badges. Bobby pulled his out with ease, Claire shuffled through her purse and Darien tried to reach his pocket but it just produced a flash of pain so Claire grabbed it for him.
"Thanks Claire."
"Your welcome I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."
""Yeah thanks anyway." She nodded as Bobby went up to the guard and practically bit the guys head off.
"'Cause we're federal agents and we say so that's why. So take us to him now!"
"Yes sir!" The guard turned and went to the door and escorted the trio down the halls to the cell they had discussed. He then opened the cell and turned to face Hobbes.
"Like I said sir…empty."
"Not so fast my friend."
Bobby put on his thermal glasses and stepped into the cell. Upon exiting Darien Quicksilvered his eyes and the two saw a red figure going in the direction they had just come from.
Bobby pulled out his gun and ran towards him.
Darien was about to get out of the chair when a hand pushed him back.
"No! Where do you think you're going?" Claire said sternly.
"Claire! He's getting' away. Besides that, Hobbes needs my help."
"He's not the only one that doesn't bail." Darien said.
"I know that! Now just relax and come on!" She said as she pushed him in hot pursuit of where Bobby had just been.
"Arnaud you're not getting out of here!" Bobby screamed down the long hallway.
"Oh yes I am Hobbes," He said as he turned, "I've already won."
"I don't think so my friend. I'm the one with the gun remember?"
"Look around Hobbes, they think you're crazy."
He looked around security guards took their positions looking on with guns held at the sound of a voice.
"I don't think so my friend you want to know what I 'do' think?
I think they just don't know where you are and first chance they get their gonna start shooting."
The guards watched as the door miraculously opened by itself.
Hobbes ran after him. Arnaud was about to get to the panel to open the doors.
"Arnaud I'm warning you! Don't!"
I'm only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
Just outside the room Claire helped Darien out of the chair and they were both Quicksilvered. "Whatever you do Claire, don't say a word. Be absolutely quiet."
"I know that!"
"What did I say SSSHHH!!!"
They crept quietly into the room. Bobby had his gun cocked and ready and Arnaud was cornered with his hand on the control to the exit.
"Arnaud get away from there or I'll shoot."
Darien and Claire walked over to Bobby. Darien touched his partners shoulder.
"I'll do this." He said.
"You can't!" Claire disputed.
"Watch me." He said as he pushed himself away from Claire's grasp.
"Bobby do something."
"It's okay Claire I got his back."
She just stared at Bobby in complete disgust.
Darien moved closer to Arnaud. As he did so, he became lightheaded and caught himself on a chair. After a minute the adrenaline from the anger of seeing this man alive gave him the strength he needed.
"Look at yourself Fawkes you can barely stand. Now why don't you just let me go before you kill yourself. On the other hand, I can kill you whichever you prefer."
"Nope don't think so. Besides I think my friends would have a difference of opinion with ya there buddy. See if you kill me Bobby here, he's gonna shoot ya. If you try to leave well he's still gonna shoot ya. So why don't you just give up and let us take you to a nice little out of the way cabin in the woods huh buddy?"
"What makes you believe I'd even think of going with you?"
"Well…because… if you don't 'I'm' gonna kill ya. Is that a good enough reason for ya?"
He thought about it a moment.
Then looking at his watch with one hand. With the other hand still on the panel, he hit the button that opened the door. The loud sound of the door made Bobby jump and he looked around for the sound.
"It's the door!" Darien said while patting his partner on the back and laughing. He ran after Arnaud who had escaped while everyone was distracted. Bobby followed. Arnaud was about to head up a dirt road when Darien collapsed at the side of the road and desilvered.
"You okay partner?" Bobby asked concerned. He then looked up and fired. The bullet embedded itself in Arnaud's leg.
"See there my friend, pay back's a bitch."
Arnaud just looked up at his pursuer in defeat shaking his head and hitting the ground beside him.
"Damn it! You little prick! Why! Why! Why!" He screamed.
Arnauds comments went unheard.
Claire ran to Darien, never mind Arnaud. Darien was bleeding a bit from his stitches but it was light. He would live.
It's not easy to be me.
Arnaud screamed grabbing his leg. "I NEED HELP HERE!"
Bobby went over taking a handkerchief he pressed it against the wound.
"You'll live."
A few hours later he was transferred to the old lab that had been made to suit Arnaud's needs complete with thermal sensors.
~~***~~
Back at Fawkes's apartment
When they got back to Darien's apartment Bobby helped Claire with Fawkes. As they reached his apartment The Official, Ebert's, and Alex were all waiting.
They entered the room and Darien looked at them with wonder.
Claire walked Darien back to his bed. It had been a hard couple of weeks and he needed his rest.
He quickly fell to sleep and Claire walked back to the couch.
"Is he going to be okay?" The Official asked.
"Yeah," She smiled, "He'll be fine he just needs to heal."
"Good cause the case loads are beginning to pile up." As he said it, he began to laugh.
Soon the whole room was laughing and carrying on like normal.
Darien would be back to work in a few weeks and everything would be back to normal.
Everyone sat in Darien's apartment glad that finally 'the phone' was where he belonged. But was it enough? For now it was.
~~***~~
The dream came one more time the ones he loved were saying their final good-byes.
"Darien," Kevin said, " We have to go, but remember we'll always be with you. If you ever need us just remember we'll always be in your heart you just have to listen."
They hugged, sat, and talked for a while. It was so nice to see them, but they were gone. This moment would have to last forever.
I've been thinking of a song by five for fighting Superman. It's been going through my mind like crazy the past few weeks. I'm the invisible man so I guess it goes for me too. The song sums it up, its not easy to be me.
As Darien drifted to sleep that night the song that played on his clock radio was Superman. A smile slowly drifted across his face as it played.
Superman
I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
I'm just out to find
The better part of me
I'm more than a bird…I'm more than a plane
More than some pretty face beside a train
It's not easy to be me
Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I'll never see
It may sound absurd…but don't be naive
Even Heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed…but won't you concede
Even Heroes have the right to dream
It's not easy to be me
Up, up and away…away from me
It's all right…You can all sleep sound tonight
I'm not crazy…or anything…
I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
Men weren't meant to ride
With clouds between their knees
I'm only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
It's not easy to be me.
"It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end." -Ursula K. LeGuin.
I thought I'd found the end to my journey. But in the end, I found the things that really mattered were right here among the living. I couldn't have left them with that monster Arnaud anymore than any of them could have left me. Or at least I hope they couldn't.
Sure, I wanted to stay with Kevin and my Mom, but that would have been just too easy. Who said life was easy anyway? Besides who could turn down those faces. I'm the super hero even though I don't think of myself that way, and I guess for now I'll just have to live with that. It could be worse; I could be just like Arnaud stuck with a gland in my head that I can't control.
He lay there tears streaming down his face as the realization of what had happened hit him.
He tried to move his head but was restrained by the ventilator. His arms were restrained by IV's so he couldn't move them either. He was frustrated that he was unable to alert anyone that he was awake.
Just when it seemed hopeless, Alex came in. She walked over to Claire who was asleep in a chair across the room at a table. She looked over at the bed Bobby was asleep in.
She placed her hand on Claire's back trying not to startle her too much.
"How is he?" She whispered.
Claire awoke groggily. "He's stable but still critical. His stats are coming in pretty decent. If he was awake I would take that damn tube out but…" Her heart felt like it was about to break.
"I think either way I'm taking it out in a few hours. I don't want to risk brain damage and if he doesn't need it…"
Alex nodded her head. "Hey if you want I'll sit with him, and you can go home, and get some rest. I'll call you if there's a change."
She got up from the chair nodding her head and rubbing at her eyes.
"Yeah that would be great. I could really use a shower and a decent night sleep."
Alex grabbed a chair, and took it over by Darien's bed; she sat down.
She reached for his arm and he moved under her hand. She looked up at his face, his eyes were open with tears running down them. She gasped.
"Claire?"
"Yes?"
She was gathering her things. She stopped and walked over to Alex.
"Yes what?"
Claire looked at Alex. Alex in turn looked at her with a question in her eyes going back and forth from her to Darien. "Claire…Darien…he's…"
"What? What is…" She stopped in mid sentence and grabbed Darien's hand when she saw he was awake.
"You're awake?"
"Oh Alex I can't believe it. Would you wake Bobby and let him know."
" Yeah." Alex got up and went over to Bobby's bed.
Claire sat down next to Darien. He slowly lifted his hand and pointed to the ventilator.
"Yes I know that's to help you breathe. Would you like me to take it out?"
He nodded tears still streaming down his face.
She had him take a deep breath and blow as she took the long tube out, he coughed.
"Claire." He said with a raspy voice.
She put a hand on his chest to keep him calm.
"Darien don't try to talk."
"That's right my friend just lie there and do what the Keep here says okay partner. Cause if you don't I'm gonna come over there and kick your ass no matter how much pain either one of us are in. You got it."
"I got it Bobby." He said with a strained voice.
Alex came back over putting her hand on his arm she said,
"Well I'm going to go let The Official know you're back with us if you don't mind Claire."
"No that's okay I want to stay here for a while anyway."
"Okay then see you later? When I come back you can go get that shower and rest okay?" Claire just nodded in acknowledgement smiling and holding Darien's hand.
"Claire, if you need to leave…" He said weakly.
"No Darien I'm right here where I need to be. Why don't you try to get some rest."
He just nodded. He was glad to be back, but at the same time, he wished he had stayed.
Why is it he wondered that he had to say goodbye to Kevin yet again? He missed him so much it hurt. With that, he fell fast asleep.
"Is he gonna be okay?" Bobby asked.
"Yes." Claire nodded,
"Now you need to get some rest too." She said as she walked over and helped Bobby back in bed.
He was leaning on the edge of the bed when she got there.
"But Claire…" He complained.
No buts, you need to get some rest so either you do it voluntarily or…" She walked to a nearby table picked up a needle aspirated it as she walked towards Bobby with a threatening look on her face.
"Alright, alright but…" She threatened with the needle again and he tucked himself under the sheets. With a look of defeat, he shut his eyes and was soon asleep.
She took the needle over and inserted it into Darien's IV. As she did so she just laughed shaking her head at Bobby.
She had succeeded in getting him to settle down with an antibiotic.
~~***~~
Alex walked into The Official's office. The Official and Ebert's were intently watching their favorite Soap Opera "Days of Our Lives." Ebert's says to The Official, "She's such a bitch."
" That she is Ebert's. That she is."
Alex walked in.
"Uh um, Excuse me?"
The Official and Ebert's looked up at Alex, shocked, they quickly shut off the program.
The Official then looked at Alex over his wire-rimmed glasses.
Annoyed he said, "Miss Monroe have you ever heard of knocking?"
"Sorry Sir but…"
"No excuses. What do you want?"
"Uh…It's Agent Fawkes sir."
"Yes, What, what about him?" He asked concerned.
"He's awake." Alex smiled.
"Oh good. Thanks for letting me know."
Ring! Ring!
"Just a minute." He said as he picked up the phone.
"This is The Official."
"Yes, Yes, thank you I will." He set down the phone.
"Miss Monroe?"
"Yes sir?"
"That was the FBI. They had a lead on the whereabouts of Mark Platt.
They were just giving me the details."
"Did they find him? Do I need to go pick him up?"
"No, that won't be necessary."
"Why not?
He takes two of OUR agents hostage, almost kills them both and one of them has been hanging by a thread for the past two and half days and its not necessary! I'm sorry sir but I think that is very much necessary."
She stormed towards the door. Just before she opened it The Official demanded,
"MISS MONROE?"
"I know quite well what he has done to torment this agency. But if you would let me finish."
She walked back into the room.
"What?" She exclaimed frustrated.
"He's dead Alex. Mark Platt is dead!"
"I guess whoever he was working for wasn't too happy with the work he did for them.
He was shot in the base of the skull. We need to step up security. We must assume that Platt's superiors will be coming after Fawkes and Bobby to finish the job.
Has either one of them said what happened?"
"No, Claire was with them when I left. So maybe one of them told her. I doubt Fawkes would have though. He seemed rather weak and disoriented to me."
"Alex. I want you to personally ensure Agents Fawkes and Hobbes safety."
"Me sir?"
"Yes you."
"But…"
"As I've said before Alex not everything is about you. You want to be with this Agency you put out for this Agency.
Now go and take as many agents as you need for a safety net."
"Yes sir." She said in defeat and left the room.
"Ebert's get me Claire on the phone.
I need to check on Darien's condition. That kid is going be the death of me." He said exasperated.
"Yes sir."
The Official looked up disgusted and a bit surprised.
"What did you say Ebert's?"
"Oh I mean…Here's the phone sir."
"Thank you that's what I thought you said." The Official stated as he took the receiver.
~~****~~
Arnaud sat in his mansion. Thomas came rushing in the room.
"Yes Thomas?"
"I have that information you wanted.
The agency has Frank. In addition, Darien Fawkes is alive but barely.
Last tip was that they didn't think he'd make it. But it looks like they were wrong. The report I received from one of the men casing the agency was that Fawkes woke up two days ago. Though he's in and out of consciousness he is getting better by the hour."
"Good, good. Thank you Thomas."
He buddy slapped Thomas on his back.
"You are a very good employee. Perhaps a raise is in order.
Have you heard from my cousin?"
"Yes he says the procedure should be basically simple once he has the necessary information."
"Good, tell him I will notify him once it has been obtained."
"Yes sir." Thomas rushed from the room.
"Finally I will have what I want, and you Fawkes, will be in no condition to stop me."
"I love it finally I'm going to be back."
"Arnie? Who are you talking too?"
"Oh, no one Elizabeth darling.
My dear cousin Andrew I told you about."
"The one that's the doctor you said could help me with our problem?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes, yes that one. He says he's ready as soon as we obtain the necessary documents we need. Then my dear, dear Elizabeth everything will be perfect."
"Will it really Arnie?"
"Yes it will my love." He then took her into a passionate embrace.
"Oh Arnie!"
~~***~~
Alex and several agents stood outside the lab.
"Agents you two go to lab four and stay there.
Use that walkie-talkie if anyone and I do mean anyone without clearance comes by."
"Yes ma'am." The two agents walked away.
"Now you three come with me."
They walked into the lab.
Claire looked up a bit surprised.
"Alex what are you…"
"Orders Claire.
You two put on a lab coat and make like medical technicians."
"And you what's your name?" Alex asked one of the agents
"John ma'am." He replied
"Okay John you stand outside the room and well you know the drill, understand?"
"Yes ma'am I understand."
Claire walked over to Alex.
"Alex do any of these guys know anything in the least about medicine?"
"I don't know. It doesn't matter."
"Yeah right! I can't have them disturbing Darien and Bobby like that."
"Talk to The Official about it."
"I will!"
"Claire?" Alex said as she took a hold of Claire and turned her to face her.
"WHAT?" She said angrily.
"If we don't do this he could very well die anyway."
"I know it's just… I'm so tired of everything. I don't know how much more I can take."
Just then, a hand reached up to touch her shoulder. Startled she jumped.
"Claire?" Darien said weakly.
"Darien don't! You shouldn't be up!"
"It's okay you don't need to worry everything's going to be just fine."
The exertion made him light headed.
He became dizzy and his legs began to give out beneath him.
He grabbed Claire's arm and Alex's hand to support himself.
"DARIEN!"
" I'm okay."
"No you're not!"
His legs suddenly became like rubber. Alex and Claire both caught him as he fell.
Come on lets get you back to bed. He nodded his head and went willfully.
"Hey, can't anyone…What's goin' on?"
"Nothing Bobby just our hero here thought he needed to get out of bed."
Bobby limped quickly over to Darien's side and sat on the edge of his bed.
"What do ya think you're doin' partner? You know you're in no shape to be getting out of bed."
"I know." He said looking around in confusion.
"Is he alright Claire?" Hobbes asked. She just shook her head.
It may sound absurd…but don't be naive
Even Heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed…but won't you concede
Even
Heroes have the right to dream
It's not easy to be me
"Where's Kevin?"
All eyes popped open in shock.
"Darien your brother he's…he's…"
"I know Claire but he was… just… here."
She settled him back in the bed and gave him a shot to help calm him down. He quickly fell asleep.
"What's goin' on Claire?"
" I don't know I think it's the drugs or something. He's not strong enough to get out of bed on his own.
Let alone being able to walk at all without pulling out his stitches when he does."
She turned his wrist it was almost all red.
"I was talking about his brother."
"Oh that was most definitely the drugs he's on. Although I have heard of such instances when patients reach a state near death their loved ones visit them. She said as she gave Darien a shot of counteragent. "It was probably that fever he had a few nights ago, it made him a bit delusional."
Up, up and away…away from me
It's all right…You can all sleep sound tonight
I'm not crazy…or anything…
~~***~~
Arnaud paced the room they were behind schedule and he was getting extremely irritated. Why can't any of his plans just work out? Then there was Mark Platt. He had been a loyal friend and colleague for many years. Nevertheless, the man was just too thick headed. Why had he not just done as he asked if it had been done right Darien could have been quite useful. As it was, he had no idea whether the man was going to live or die.
Elizabeth ah! Elizabeth, she was wonderful, and oh so useful. Smart too, so that was a plus. She had given into him these past months never giving him up. Except that one time when she lead Darien straight to his apartment. But she could be forgiven for that minor indiscretion. She was too useful to him alive to want her dead.
He had to wait three more days why, why, why can't everything just work out quickly? Why does it always have to take so damn long?
~~***~~
Darien startled awake he had been dreaming of his brother again.
This time he had told him he had to get up that Arnaud was coming and he had to warn them.
"Claire he's awake." Bobby said.
She came running over. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been shot and thrown in front of a truck but better." He said faintly.
"That's expected."
"You've got several broken ribs, you had a collapsed lung and the bullet just ripped you to shreds.
You're lucky you're even alive."
"Thanks…I think."
"Hey my friend everybody around here's been pretty worried about you.
We almost thought that the Keep here was gonna have to go fishin' for that gland of yours."
"You wouldn't want to do that." Fawkes said.
"Wouldn't want to, but we almost would a had to if ya know what I mean."
"Yeah I'm afraid I do. Hey, where's the fish? I need to talk to him."
"Why? If it's about Platt he's dead."
"What?" Darien said in shock.
"Yep seems whoever he was workin' for wasn't too happy with 'im."
"ARNAUD!" He said.
"What are you talkin' about my friend?"
Alex walked over.
"Yeah what are you talking about Fawkes?"
"Think about it. Who's the one person that wants the files the most?"
"Arnaud!" They all said in unison.
"I am going to get that Swiss number if…"
"Darien you aren't going anywhere." Claire interrupted, "Maybe in a few days but right now just lie there and let The Official, Bobby and Alex take care of it."
"They need me Claire."
"That may be so but you are in no condition. And besides I think Alex and Bobby can handle themselves pretty well."
"I know but…"
She walked over with a needle in hand. "You need to rest and you've got to be in a lot of pain."
"Maybe I am." He said weakly as he looked at Hobbes for support.
Claire was about to insert the syringe of pain meds into his arm when Darien pushed her arm away.
Pulling back weakly and wincing at the pain as he did so.
"Claire would ya get that away from me. I am so sick of you sticking me with a needle every time I'm awake."
"Alright, but you're going to regret it."
"I do already, but I just want to be alert for a little while okay?"
"Yeah okay just let me know when…"
"Yeah I will." Darien said as he tried to settle back on the bed. Wincing at the extreme amounts of pain he was in.
Bobby had been looking at Claire in shock.
"You mean you'll let me get outta here?"
She looked up distracted now from her recent conversation with Darien.
" Oh!"
"Yes Bobby I will, but only if you promise to behave yourself." Claire said.
"Yes ma'am. Hey Fawkes I hate to run but…"
"Yeah I know just make sure you get him this time." He said.
Alex came up behind Bobby and took the door.
"Here let me get that. I need to talk to The Official myself anyway."
"Thanks Alex, even if it is for your own personal agenda."
"Don't get used to it okay."
"Yeah okay you don't have to worry about that."
"And Hobbes have you…never mind."
"What?"
"I said never mind."
"No you were gonna say somethin' now what?"
"Oh it's just have you noticed that Fawkes has been acting a bit strange ever since he woke up three days ago?"
"Yeah, what's up with that?"
"I don't know but I think we need to find out."
I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
Men weren't meant to ride
With clouds between their knees
~~***~~
Arnaud and his henchmen loaded in his trucks.
"Elizabeth my love would you like to come along?"
"Actually Arnie I think it would be best if I remained behind.
I wouldn't want to take the victory away from you my love."
"Perhaps your right. I will be victorious just be sure Andrew is as ready as he says.
There will be no room for failure this time around."
" I will Arnie my love I will." She waved him goodbye.
I can't believe that idiot I just wish that he would get those files so I can get my ass away from here and away from him.
If this works I can call in my men and have him taken away and he'll never know it was I. Elizabeth Rendell his wife, lover, mistress. Whatever you want to call it. Elizabeth Rendell CIA/Brain surgeon. That's who she really was. Who she longed to be again. She just had to get Arnie and those files to make it happen.
~~***~~
Alex and Bobby sat in The Officials office discussing their next move in apprehending Arnaud De Fohn. As even now trucks were pulling up in front of the agency.
~~***~~
Arnaud got out of the truck with guns in hand twelve armed men followed him.
"Thomas you take the men and split into groups."
"We need to find those files. I want three with me. Remember take down anyone that gets in your way. But whatever you do, I want Fawkes for myself."
"Yes sir!"
"Men! You heard the man!"
They filed out of the trucks pulling containers of guns and explosives out behind them.
Arnaud went through the doors of the agency shooting the agents at the doors he was looking for Fawkes. He had been told he was in the basement labs. The question was which one.
~~***~~
Claire was about to give Darien his pain meds when they heard the shots. The agents in the room quickly pulled their guns and ran for the doors. As soon as they got there they were surprised by The Official and Alex.
"Where's Bobby?" The Official asked.
"He and some agents are trying to take these guys out."
"But enough about that Claire. We have to get you two out of here."
"I know, but he's in no condition. He could very well bleed to death."
"That's a risk I'll have to take." The Official said.
"It's all right Claire. I'll be okay." Darien said.
Alex and Claire helped him off the bed. As he winced at the pain, he almost screamed the it was so bad. Claire grabbed some pain meds and a few other things she would need and they headed out the door.
They were stopped when they saw Arnaud coming their way. Darien Quicksilvered and pulled away from the others grasp.
"Darien NO!" Claire screamed. Alex grabbed her by the arm and pulled her around the corner.
"Come on we need to get some help."
They heard Darien's screams of agony as they went. Claire staggered as she heard him.
"CLAIRE we have to get some help!" Alex said again. Claire finally went, rather unwillingly.
"Ah! Thank you Fawkes!" Arnaud said wryly, "Now why don't you just come back then I won't have to kill anymore of your friends."
"I don't think so." An invisible voice said sardonically, "You'll just try to kill all of them anyway, so why would I do that?"
"Maybe so but still I need your help Fawkes. I need, that is I WANT that file."
"Oh are you talking about the one your man almost killed me for."
"I'm sorry about that he was a bit over zealous. I've since remedied the situation; we've parted ways.
You wont have to worry about him."
"Oh you mean Platt the guy you murdered." Darien said as he went up behind Arnaud's men.
"Is that what you want? To be murdered because you failed." He whispered.
"He won't let you live for very long you know." He said to another as he grabbed his gun.
"Fawkes would you stop it and just come out so we can see you."
"No, I don't think I want to."
The pain was shooting through him like hot coals. But he had to keep moving he had to stay conscious just a little longer.
Take care of Arnaud, and then you can sleep. He thought to himself.
Arnaud looked on the floor there were droplets of blood all over the place. Fawkes was bleeding.
He needed to convince him before he… suddenly there was a loud thump as one of his men was knocked unconscious.
The exertion caused another shot of piercing pain. Darien screamed out.
Doubling over the quicksilver fell from his body.
"Ah you see Fawkes, if you'd just done as you were told I could have spared you that."
"How? With a bullet?" Fawkes said, his voice filled with venom.
"Perhaps, but we'll get to that later. Now where can I find those files?"
Alex came around the corner behind them, armed with several agents and Claire.
They crept up as silently as possible.
Alex took out two and Claire took the other while Darien took the gun he had taken from one of Arnaud's men and aimed it right at Arnaud's head.
Arnaud backed away straight into Darien causing him to lose his balance and fall over. "UH, UH, UH." Alex said pulling him back with a gun aimed at his head.
"You can put down the gun now Fawkes." She said but as she looked he was passed out on the floor. "CLAIRE!"
"What, what is it?"
"Fawkes, he's passed out on the floor over here."
She ran over and directed some agents to get him back to the lab.
"Is he…"
Claire shook her head, " He's torn his stitches and lost some blood. I don't know but I think he'll be alright."
"GOOD!" Alex said relieved.
~~***~~
Elizabeth Rendell was packing her bags when the call came. They had Arnaud in custody. She almost fainted she was so stunned. Then the tears came, she could finally go home again. Theo, her associate came by an hour later to pick her up.
"Liz you need to go see him before he's transported to the prison."
"I know. Play the devoted little whatever for one last time."
"Yes. I'm sorry you have to do this. I know how hard this must be for you pretending to love him when all you really want is to strangle the man."
"You have no idea." She said as she thought how much she hated Arnaud. How many people had to die before Arnaud was caught she lost count so long ago.
She thought maybe if she had just…but no, it had to be this way. But poor Fawkes he had been through so much.
"Theo," She said as they loaded her suitcase in the limo, "How's agent Fawkes?"
"He lost some blood during the bust but I think he's going to make it."
"Shit! Why did Arnaud have to do this?"
"I don't know ma'am."
"I'm sorry Theo. The man just makes me SO angry."
"That's okay."
"Let's just get out of here, shall we?"
"Yes ma'am." He said as they drove away from the mansion.
~~***~~
Arnaud sat opposite the glass partition as a woman dressed in a black dress a black veiled hat and sunglasses came in.
"Hello my love."
"Ah Elizabeth! I knew you wouldn't abandon me.
I have plans."
"What kind of plans Arnie?"
"The kind that will get me out of this place and to work on the next phase to get those files and Darien Fawkes out of my way."
"What do you mean? There are guards everywhere how could you possibly…"
"Elizabeth, Elizabeth my love you mustn't worry about the details. Besides, you forgot about my little secret."
"Oh yeah! I forgot."
"Go to the cabin and wait for me there."
"I will but…"
"Don't you worry my dear everything will be fine."
He walked away as she held her hand to the glass.
Ten minutes later she made a call to her contacts that Arnaud was going to try to escape.
~~***~~
The Official was sitting in his office catching up on some paperwork when the call came.
Ebert's came running in the room.
"Yes Eberts?" He asked as he looked up from his desk.
"You have a call sir. On your secure line."
He took the phone in his hands covering the mouthpiece.
"Thanks Eberts. That will be all."
"Yes sir."
When he was finished, The Official came out the door in rush.
He then flew into the lab where Darien was. Claire looked up startled.
"What is it sir?"
"I thought you should know. We received news from an informant, Arnaud is going to try to escape."
"He can't."
"He can and he is."
She moved across the room keeping her voice down as she ushered The Official out of the room.
"That news will most surely kill him. We can't let him know, not right now."
"How is he?"
"I just finished stitching him back up. He lost quite a bit of blood. Not to change the subject but do we know for sure about Arnaud?"
"I'm afraid so. There's an agent on the inside. The news came from them. They're going to be removed from the case in the next few days.
It's just too dangerous for them."
"I imagine so. Can I ask who he is?"
"She... is Dr. Elizabeth Rendell."
"WHAT! I thought…"
"I know what you thought, I know what we all thought."
"Have you seen Alex?"
"Yeah, she just left to take Bobby home he can't drive with that leg."
"I thought Bobby was fine except for a limp." Claire said.
"He was until he went traipsing all over on that leg."
"Sorry about that Claire." The Official said.
"That's okay I couldn't have held him here much longer anyway."
She said as she waved her hand.
~~***~~
A week later Darien sat alone in his apartment resting, reading Philosophy Today,
when a knock came on the door.
He grabbed the cane at the side of the bed and slowly walked across the floor holding himself with every step.
He made it to the door and was shocked by the visitor.
"Dr. Rendell?"
"Call me Liz. Can I come in?"
"Yeah I guess." He said as he moved aside she saw the anguish he was in and helped him to the couch.
"Why aren't you in the hospital?"
"I don't do hospitals, a lab that's where I go. I was tired of the same four walls I got Claire to let me go yesterday.
She was supposed to come by I thought maybe you were her."
"Oh, sorry to disappoint you."
"That's okay what did you want?" He was cautious.
"I wanted to thank you for trying to get Arnaud like you did. I heard what happened."
"But I thought you were…" He stammered in confusion.
"You mean his significant other."
"Somethin' like that."
"I'm an agent with the CIA Mr. Fawkes, I've been undercover for months now."
"Hey I didn't know. Does he know?"
"No... and he's not going to. I'm being transferred out of the country. I get a new name and a new life all for the name of my agency. Arnie can never know. I'm leaving tonight I just wanted to say thank you."
"Well, your welcome." They continued talking for the better part of an hour when another knock came at the door.
Liz stood, " I'll get it. You need to rest."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, you just stay there I'll get it."
As she opened the door Claire stood mouth gaping in shock. She just stood there staring at the unbelievable figure standing before her. The Official had told her about this woman but it just hadn't quite registered with her yet.
Bobby grabbed his gun.
"Where is he? Huh?" He shoved the gun in Dr. Rendell's face.
"Who?" Darien called from inside the apartment.
"Arnaud that's who."
"Hobbes put the gun down." Darien said as he slowly stood from the couch.
Liz saw him and ran to him to help. As she helped to support Darien, Claire shook off the shock and came inside taking Darien by the other side. Liz and Claire helped Darien walk slowly to the bed.
"It's okay just take it slowly." Liz said.
"I know!" He said through grunts of pain.
Bobby holstered his gun and closed the door to the small studio apartment.
Once Fawkes was in bed again Claire checked him over. Seeing he was good enough for her liking and upon administering his much needed pain meds. They all relaxed by the couch to talk.
Liz explained everything. Bobby was still a little apprehensive but eased a bit. Claire was just worried about Darien.
He seemed to be in a lot of pain and wasn't recovering quite as well as she had hoped.
"Bobby...Claire... it's nice meeting you again on much better circumstances." She said as she got up from the couch to leave.
"The feeling is mutual." Claire said as she held the door for Liz and shook her hand good-bye.
She turned back to the door just before it was closed.
"Claire?" Liz said.
"Yes?"
"Keep him safe...okay?"
"I will, you don't have to worry about that."
"That goes double for me ma'am. There ain't nobody getting' by Bobby Hobbes my friend."
Liz just laughed at the last comment as she turned and walked out the door.
Claire and Bobby decided to stay behind to watch over Darien.
So as Claire shut the door she just smiled. Everything was going to be just fine or so she thought.
~~***~~
Robert Hobbes walked with a small limp that was barely visible down the hallway at the jail. He was on his way to pick up for transfer one Arnaud DeFohn. Arnaud was being transferred to a facility especially designed for him. Bobby wanted to look at his face one more time and make sure he got there. Then he would never have to worry about this scum sucking s.o.b again.
That is if he didn't try something. If Liz was right then Bobby needed to make sure nothing happened in the transfer. Claire and Darien had insisted on coming along they walked beside him. Claire pushing the wheelchair Darien was in. They were all a bit apprehensive.
This transfer would not be easy.
~~***~~
Arnaud sat alone in his cell. He looked around no one was watching he had to make this fast if it was to work. He dropped the pencil on the floor he had been fiddling with being sure to kick it under the bed.
"Damn!" He said as he got down and scooted himself under the bed. He then removed the latex covering with much difficulty in the cramped space he was in. And the ugly orange prison issue jumpsuit. Arnaud crawled out to wait until the guards noticed he was gone.
This was going to be too easy. He smiled.
~~***~~
The guards noticed the disappearance of Arnaud and flipped the alarms.
A guard rushed in sweating and out of breath.
"What's going on man?" Darien asked while shifting in the wheelchair.
"Some prisoner named the phone… de phone something like that came up missing from his cell."
"What?" They said in unison. The three of them looked at the guard with apprehension.
"Yeah we can't figure out how. We went in and searched his cell there was nothin' there."
"Are you sure?" Bobby asked.
"Yeah I was just up there myself. The thing is well… its weird cause all there was…" He paused.
"What? What?" Darien said nervously.
"There was this…uh…I mean it's weird."
"What man? Would ya just spit it out, c'mon."
"I'm trying! But your never gonna believe me."
"Try us." They said.
"Okay, okay there was this…cold chill…it passed by us as soon as we… opened the cell.
It's as if it was a ghost or somethin'."
"Do me a favor," Bobby said, "Show me where he was?"
"Why?"
The trio flipped out their badges. Bobby pulled his out with ease, Claire shuffled through her purse and Darien tried to reach his pocket but it just produced a flash of pain so Claire grabbed it for him.
"Thanks Claire."
"Your welcome I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."
""Yeah thanks anyway." She nodded as Bobby went up to the guard and practically bit the guys head off.
"'Cause we're federal agents and we say so that's why. So take us to him now!"
"Yes sir!" The guard turned and went to the door and escorted the trio down the halls to the cell they had discussed. He then opened the cell and turned to face Hobbes.
"Like I said sir…empty."
"Not so fast my friend."
Bobby put on his thermal glasses and stepped into the cell. Upon exiting Darien Quicksilvered his eyes and the two saw a red figure going in the direction they had just come from.
Bobby pulled out his gun and ran towards him.
Darien was about to get out of the chair when a hand pushed him back.
"No! Where do you think you're going?" Claire said sternly.
"Claire! He's getting' away. Besides that, Hobbes needs my help."
"He's not the only one that doesn't bail." Darien said.
"I know that! Now just relax and come on!" She said as she pushed him in hot pursuit of where Bobby had just been.
"Arnaud you're not getting out of here!" Bobby screamed down the long hallway.
"Oh yes I am Hobbes," He said as he turned, "I've already won."
"I don't think so my friend. I'm the one with the gun remember?"
"Look around Hobbes, they think you're crazy."
He looked around security guards took their positions looking on with guns held at the sound of a voice.
"I don't think so my friend you want to know what I 'do' think?
I think they just don't know where you are and first chance they get their gonna start shooting."
The guards watched as the door miraculously opened by itself.
Hobbes ran after him. Arnaud was about to get to the panel to open the doors.
"Arnaud I'm warning you! Don't!"
I'm only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
Just outside the room Claire helped Darien out of the chair and they were both Quicksilvered. "Whatever you do Claire, don't say a word. Be absolutely quiet."
"I know that!"
"What did I say SSSHHH!!!"
They crept quietly into the room. Bobby had his gun cocked and ready and Arnaud was cornered with his hand on the control to the exit.
"Arnaud get away from there or I'll shoot."
Darien and Claire walked over to Bobby. Darien touched his partners shoulder.
"I'll do this." He said.
"You can't!" Claire disputed.
"Watch me." He said as he pushed himself away from Claire's grasp.
"Bobby do something."
"It's okay Claire I got his back."
She just stared at Bobby in complete disgust.
Darien moved closer to Arnaud. As he did so, he became lightheaded and caught himself on a chair. After a minute the adrenaline from the anger of seeing this man alive gave him the strength he needed.
"Look at yourself Fawkes you can barely stand. Now why don't you just let me go before you kill yourself. On the other hand, I can kill you whichever you prefer."
"Nope don't think so. Besides I think my friends would have a difference of opinion with ya there buddy. See if you kill me Bobby here, he's gonna shoot ya. If you try to leave well he's still gonna shoot ya. So why don't you just give up and let us take you to a nice little out of the way cabin in the woods huh buddy?"
"What makes you believe I'd even think of going with you?"
"Well…because… if you don't 'I'm' gonna kill ya. Is that a good enough reason for ya?"
He thought about it a moment.
Then looking at his watch with one hand. With the other hand still on the panel, he hit the button that opened the door. The loud sound of the door made Bobby jump and he looked around for the sound.
"It's the door!" Darien said while patting his partner on the back and laughing. He ran after Arnaud who had escaped while everyone was distracted. Bobby followed. Arnaud was about to head up a dirt road when Darien collapsed at the side of the road and desilvered.
"You okay partner?" Bobby asked concerned. He then looked up and fired. The bullet embedded itself in Arnaud's leg.
"See there my friend, pay back's a bitch."
Arnaud just looked up at his pursuer in defeat shaking his head and hitting the ground beside him.
"Damn it! You little prick! Why! Why! Why!" He screamed.
Arnauds comments went unheard.
Claire ran to Darien, never mind Arnaud. Darien was bleeding a bit from his stitches but it was light. He would live.
It's not easy to be me.
Arnaud screamed grabbing his leg. "I NEED HELP HERE!"
Bobby went over taking a handkerchief he pressed it against the wound.
"You'll live."
A few hours later he was transferred to the old lab that had been made to suit Arnaud's needs complete with thermal sensors.
~~***~~
Back at Fawkes's apartment
When they got back to Darien's apartment Bobby helped Claire with Fawkes. As they reached his apartment The Official, Ebert's, and Alex were all waiting.
They entered the room and Darien looked at them with wonder.
Claire walked Darien back to his bed. It had been a hard couple of weeks and he needed his rest.
He quickly fell to sleep and Claire walked back to the couch.
"Is he going to be okay?" The Official asked.
"Yeah," She smiled, "He'll be fine he just needs to heal."
"Good cause the case loads are beginning to pile up." As he said it, he began to laugh.
Soon the whole room was laughing and carrying on like normal.
Darien would be back to work in a few weeks and everything would be back to normal.
Everyone sat in Darien's apartment glad that finally 'the phone' was where he belonged. But was it enough? For now it was.
~~***~~
The dream came one more time the ones he loved were saying their final good-byes.
"Darien," Kevin said, " We have to go, but remember we'll always be with you. If you ever need us just remember we'll always be in your heart you just have to listen."
They hugged, sat, and talked for a while. It was so nice to see them, but they were gone. This moment would have to last forever.
I've been thinking of a song by five for fighting Superman. It's been going through my mind like crazy the past few weeks. I'm the invisible man so I guess it goes for me too. The song sums it up, its not easy to be me.
As Darien drifted to sleep that night the song that played on his clock radio was Superman. A smile slowly drifted across his face as it played.
Superman
I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
I'm just out to find
The better part of me
I'm more than a bird…I'm more than a plane
More than some pretty face beside a train
It's not easy to be me
Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I'll never see
It may sound absurd…but don't be naive
Even Heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed…but won't you concede
Even Heroes have the right to dream
It's not easy to be me
Up, up and away…away from me
It's all right…You can all sleep sound tonight
I'm not crazy…or anything…
I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
Men weren't meant to ride
With clouds between their knees
I'm only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
It's not easy to be me.
"It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end." -Ursula K. LeGuin.
I thought I'd found the end to my journey. But in the end, I found the things that really mattered were right here among the living. I couldn't have left them with that monster Arnaud anymore than any of them could have left me. Or at least I hope they couldn't.
Sure, I wanted to stay with Kevin and my Mom, but that would have been just too easy. Who said life was easy anyway? Besides who could turn down those faces. I'm the super hero even though I don't think of myself that way, and I guess for now I'll just have to live with that. It could be worse; I could be just like Arnaud stuck with a gland in my head that I can't control.