Flint paced his room, his fingers brushing through his hair. Hearing Hawk
answer, Flint paused. The floodgates were open as he raced to relay what he
had learned from the old doctor. "Hawk, it's her. I don't know how, but
it's her. The doctor said that one of the grenadiers told him that Ailíse
had been in a car accident along the cliffs a few weeks ago and had a
severe head injury. He also reported that she had difficulty remembering
things and that Destro gave strict orders to limit visitors. He was ordered
to tell us to leave, and told them she was to rest. The doctor suspected
that she might have lost consciousness trying to remember something. She
was watching us from the gallery when she collapsed."
Hawk sat back in his chair, digesting all that Flint was telling him as he read Doc's medical report. "Doc finished running Lady Jaye's physical here a little while ago. She's not her unless her blood type changed from her previous physicals. We think she's Zarana but I won't act until we either find a way to get the real Lady Jaye back, or figure out exactly what she's after."
"We can't let COBRA know we're on to them," Flint interjected. "The question is why are the Iron Grenadiers following her?"
"We won't. I'm just thankful I didn't have to tell you about this Lady Jaye and Mainframe. The poor guy's going to be in for a shock when he realizes it's not the real deal," Hawk chuckled. "As
for the grenadiers, look and see who's the closest to her. It may give you an idea of how to get her out safely."
*************
Flint was watching the castle from the bluff when he spotted the grenadiers moving out. He lifted his radio, "Hawk, they're on the move."
"Forget them, Intel's reporting that Ailíse isn't there. She was spotted boarding Destro's private jet earlier. We're tracking them now. Get back to the pub your staying at and wait for orders. I'll let you know as soon as we know something concrete."
"Yes sir…" Flint heard someone enter Hawks office announcing they had an update on the jet before he heard a string of euphemisms from the general.
"Flint, meet Lift Ticket at the airfield by 1900 hours. I want you on the Flagg until further notice. Destro's jet slipped under the radar. We lost them. Hawk out." He slammed his fist on his desk, turning his attention to Duke who was standing at the door with the latest Intel update. "Get every Joe available and catch those grenadiers! I want Ailíse brought in for questioning."
"Hawk, what about Lady Jaye? Shouldn't we send her to Europe?"
"Give me that," Hawk wavered him forward, taking the report.
"Hawk?"
"She's not Lady Jaye." Hawk sighed, sliding Doc's report across the desk.
"What?" Duke snatched it up scanning Doc's notes. "How…when?"
"I'm not sure but let's figure a way to handle who ever she is."
"Any idea?" Duke knew better than whom to suspect. He caught Hawk's expression. "Zarana?"
"That's the only one capable of pulling it off, and I'd say she's done a hell of a job so far. Question remains, how do we catch her without compromising the real Lady Jaye?"
****************
"Sir, we'll be landing shortly. Please make sure everyone is buckled in," the pilot radioed to the Ian.
"She's asleep. I fastened her belt." Sean rested a hand on Ian's shoulder.
"Don't wake her, the car should be waiting for us. I'll carry her if she's still out," Ian's eyes fell on her sleeping form. "Have the others fall back to make sure no one follows us. Liam wants the plane sent off as a decoy. Let them try to find us," he sneered staring out the window to the runway lights below as the plane made its approach. He waited for the others to disembark the plane before he moved over towards her, lifting her up in his arms.
"Ian?" She yawned slightly, struggling to open her eyes.
"Shh…go back to sleep," he cradled her to his chest whispering, "We'll be at the villa shortly." He heard her sigh, drifting back to sleep as he took her to the car.
Patrick and Sean carefully inspected the villa to be sure that she was safe as she waited with the others.
"Ian, this is ridiculous. Contrary to what you and my uncle would like to believe, I am not some porcelain doll," she protested pushing her way into the villa. "Please have someone take my bags upstairs, I'd like to change before dinner." She reached for the banister and paused. "Ian?"
"Down the hall to your left, the last door on the right," he chuckled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'll have a light dinner prepared while you change."
"Thank you," she smiled, heading up the stairs. She found her room spacious with a private balcony that provided her with a breathtaking view of the cove below. Memories of a moonlight walk along a beach flooded her thoughts. She couldn't focus on the man's face. Why do I feel as if I should know him? Do I know him? She was lost in her thoughts when she heard a faint knock on the door. "Enter," she called out, watching the door open slowly.
"Dinner is…" Ian stopped, staring at her standing by the open French doors leading to the balcony. "You shouldn't be standing so close to the doors. We haven't had a chance to set up surveillance teams of the area," he closed the doors and drew the drapes.
"Ian?"
"Please let us secure the area tonight and you'll have nothing to worry about tomorrow," Ian pleaded.
"All right," she looked back to the French doors behind her. "For tonight…"
**************
"What do you mean no one's on board? Where did they go?" Hawk roared into the phone, waiting for an answer that wasn't coming. "That plane had to land somewhere, search the area and find them, NOW!" He slammed the phone down to its cradle.
"Sir?" Duke approached his desk with a file in hand. "Destro is being held on COBRA Island. Intel's reporting that's the reason the grenadiers are building up. They're going after him."
"The plane landed a short time ago without passengers," he scowled at the files on his desk. "I have them detaining the pilot for further questioning but I doubt he'll break." Hawk lifted a file in his hands, tossing it towards Duke. "Get a team assembled ASAP, I want this area covered. If she's on that island I want her found before they go after Destro."
****************
Ian and Patrick were going over security when they heard a loud crash in her room.
"What the….check with Sean and make sure no one's outside," Ian shoved Patrick towards the door. He braced himself against the door to her room readying his sidearm. He was listening for sounds of an intruder when he heard her scream and rushed into the room. His eyes carefully scanning the bedroom, he watched her tossing violently in her sleep. She was having a night terror. "Ailíse?" He carefully approached the bed, grabbing her hands in his as she struck out.
"Dash? Help me…too much smoke…fire. Vipers coming, have to get away…have to get to…"
"Shh…luv, I'm here," Ian pulled her into his arms, rocking her as she sobbed.
"Ian, there's no….one," Sean rushed into the room with Patrick, stopping at the sight of Ian holding her, soothing her.
"Dash?" She whimpered, "my head hurts…can't focus…" She saw Ian's face morphing into Flint's then back to his own.
"Easy, luv, I'm here," Ian whispered, brushing a kiss over her brow before waving the others out of the room. Dash…who the bloody hell is he? Why does he have such a hold over you?
"Dash---"
"I'm here, luv, I won't let anyone hurt you again," he murmured, holding her closer and brushing another kiss over her brow. I won't let Mindbender touch you again. I swear.
"My head feels like it's going to …" she winced, biting each word.
"Shh…I'm right here," he traced his fingers over the necklace. If I removed it the pain may stop…but she'll remember it all. Would you run back to this Dash? Would you leave…me?
He listened to her ragged sobs subside, pulling her into his arms. He lay back, stroking her hair until he heard settle down into a deep sleep.
******************
"Where's Ian?" Liam growled at Sean and Patrick, who stood stoned faced and tight lipped in front of him. "Well?" He grabbed Patrick up off the ground. "Where is he?"
"She was having another nightmare. Ian…" Sean stammered, hearing the door to her bedroom open. Liam's eyes widened at the sight of Ian walking from her room. He dropped Patrick to the floor and turned on Ian.
"What the bloody hell has gotten into you? If the laird finds out you spent the night with her," Liam fumed.
"She's still asleep," Ian hissed back. "Nothing happened, she had a night terror. I held her till she fell asleep." He stood running his hand along his chin to cover a yawn as he stretched. "I'm going to get changed and meet you in the breakfast room."
"Ian?" Liam called after him, watching him stop in his tracks to turn. "You're treading into dangerous territory with her."
*************
Ailíse and Ian were racing their horses along the white sands of the beach to the edge of the cove when he caught the reins of her horse, bringing it to a halt. She brushed the stray hairs from her face and smiled, "Thank you for getting me out of the villa. This cove is breathtaking."
"My pleasure, I told the others to send down a lunch." He grinned; nodding to a jeep parked a short distance away from where they stood. She smiled, watching one of the grenadiers step out with a basket. "You did think of everything today." She leaned forward patting the neck of her horse while Ian tied his horse. She watched him walk to accept the basket and send the grenadier off. He set the basket a short distance and returned to her to lead her horse to the other. Reaching up to offer her a hand down, she slipped awkwardly from the saddle catching herself only by bringing her hands to his chest to steady her. Ian's hands instinctively pulled her closer to him.
"I guess I should be…ah…. more careful," she stammered, feeling a breeze waft up to them from the beach. The smell of the ocean breeze pulled at her subconscious, entreating her to remember another day much like this one. His hands about her waist cast a sense of de ja vous over her as she stepped back.
"I'll set up lunch, milady," he offered, glancing to the beach behind him. I need to remember I'm…
"Ian, please stop miladying me, it's just the two of us, and Ailíse will be just fine. I honestly believe you take my uncle and your sense of duty too seriously sometimes," she sighed, rolling her eyes.
"It's the way it's always been."
"Well, some things must change," she growled, kicking off her shoes, ready to race to the water. She felt his hand on her shoulder and stopped, instinctively placing hers over his she turned to face him.
"Please let me finish, this isn't easy, and the others are usually around." Tell her… "What I'm trying to say Ailíse is that I know I'm over stepping my bounds but I can't help what I feel. When I see you or hear your voice, it brightens my day. I only want you to be happy, and I want to make that happen if you'll give me a chance."
She rewarded his honesty with a smile. Taking his hand in hers, she traced her fingertips over his hand, slowly rubbing the callused hand with the pad of her thumb. "Ian, I don't even know myself. Most of the time I'm afraid I'll never remember my past, and I have to learn that I must live for the future. Give me some time, I care for you, but I can't say I'm in love with you." She watched emotions flicker across his eyes, his brow furled slightly. She dropped his hand, reaching to cradle his face in her hands as she locked eyes with him.
"I understand, Ailíse. I only ask for a chance to make you happy," he whispered under his breath with a note of sadness.
She leaned closer to him, "Chances I can handle…promises I cannot make." She brushed a light kiss across his cheek as she fell back to the blanket resting on her hands. She rolled over to face the picnic basket. Her feet dangled back and forth as she smirked, reaching to peek inside, "Now what did they pack for us?" She paused, sliding her eyes towards Ian, "You don't happen to know who prepared it do you?"
"Ah...no…why?" He stammered, catching a glint in her eyes.
"No reason," she reached inside, pulling out an apple to toss to him. She laughed, watching him fumble to grasp it.
"I can't recall the last time I heard you laugh so much," he observed, biting into the apple.
"I can't recall having so much….fun." She stopped to scan the cove. Images and memories flooded her mind again, recalling bits and pieces of a trip she'd taken with Flint to Bermuda. She struggled with her memories as she looked back to Ian. More images of Bermuda flashed through her mind, waves breaking on the shore, the water edging closer to them each sound lulling her subconscious to remember. Ian watched her eyes widen with uncertainty as she finally spoke to him, her voice raspy. "Ian, have we ever been here before? Have you ever brought me to a beach like this?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"I felt this was some how familiar but…I can't figure out why," she stammered, standing up to look out at the clear blue waters.
"Don't dwell on it, let's just try to enjoy the day," he attempted to coax her back towards him on the blanket.
"No… I think I'll go for a swim first. Go ahead and eat. I'll join you in a little while," she slowly walked past him towards the beach. Pausing a short distance from the cresting waves, she began to peel away her clothing, revealing a black bikini. Ian looked up from blanket he was spreading out. His breath caught in his chest as he watched her step from her jeans and stand. She stood with her back to him, dropping the shirt she wore from her shoulders as she stretched her arms back slightly, rolling her neck to the side. He watched her run into the surf, the waves enveloping her as she swam out. She waved towards the shore, "The water's great!" Ian watched her go under and held his breath until she surfaced.
Forget the lunch…Ian. You got your suit on, get out there. He grinned, closing the hamper. He quickly pulled his clothes off and ran into the waves after her.
"About time you showed up," she playfully splashed him before ducking beneath the water and surfacing behind him to splash him again.
"So, you want to play" he chuckled, reaching for her.
She dodged him, pushing him down as she moved past him but not before he grabbed for her. As his hand skimmed her back, he took her top with him.
"Ha…" she laughed, twisting around before noticing a wicked smile forming on Ian's lips and her top in his hand.
"Lose something?" he grinned, watching her trying to cover herself in the clear water. He lunged for her, catching her as she tried to kick away and pulled her into his arms. "Ailíse…" he had her against his chest before she knew it. Pulling her into a kiss, she fought for a second before surrendering to it---- his tongue seeking hers…hers seeking his in return. Closing her eyes, she let the sweet sensation carry her as his hands roamed over her skin. He was not about to break the kiss. It was the very air he breathed. His hands gently caressing her back and arms. He trailed kisses along her jaw and neck slowly down to her shoulders. He heard her moan, his hands roaming further down as he returned to her waiting lips. The sensations driving her as images played before her eyes. It wasn't him she saw as his eyes change from a pale hazel to pools of blue azure; his hair from sandy blonde to dark brown, nearly black. His chest became broader. She wanted to trace her fingers through the dark curls of his chest but there were none. It was someone else…memories of making love to another man flashed through her mind. Shocked, she stopped Ian's hands and broke away from him. "Stop! I can't…. we can't…" She turned headed for the shore with Ian right behind her.
The hurt at her sudden rejection was replaced with concern as he saw the fear in her eyes. She was floundering to get to shore. He chased her to the beach as she was frantically wrestling to untangle her shirt. She had pulled it on just as he reached out to pull her around to face him.
"Ian, I'm sorry…I don't," She cried as he pulled her into his arms.
"Shhh…luv…it's all right…I'm the one who should be sorry," he soothed her, tightening his arms around her.
"I couldn't…I…arghhhh…. why can't I remember?" She broke down sobbing into his arms.
"It's all right…take all the time you need," he softly murmured, holding her as she calmed herself.
High above them, Liam had watched from the villa knowing the laird would be furious. "He's losing his focus around her," he fumed.
"How much can you remember before the accident?" he ventured, guiding her to the blanket. He placed a glass of wine into her trembling hands.
"Not much, sometimes I get flashes but I can't make sense of it. It seems like I should know more but I can't grasp it. If I try to remember too much I get a major migraine. It's like I missing part
of my soul at times I can't recall anyone. I can't tell you what I did last Christmas or where I've traveled and yet languages come to me so easily. I can't recall old friends…. or lovers. *looking at him* It's like being trapped inside my own mind at times. You see how the others look at me. You saw their reaction when I suggested how to get my uncle back. It seemed perfectly logical to me and yet I don't now why it came so easily."
"Just take one day at a time," Ian caressed her cheek, brushing away a few stray tears. "I wish I could tell you more but I don't know most of the answers you seek. I do know I'll be there if you ever need anything. You've only to ask," he soothed her as she trembled. Pulling her to him, he looked down at her. "I wish I could take the sadness I see in your eyes away…."
"Ian? "I was…" catching herself.
"Remembering something…or someone?" He saw doubt in her eyes.
"I.."
"It's all right. Really, I told you I won't rush you," he reassured her, pulling her into his arms.
She whispered, "I know….I feel this is some how familiar but I can't figure out why," waving her hand at the cove.
They spent some more time lying on the beach, talking before returning to the villa late that afternoon. Liam stood back as she entered her room before calling Ian into the study.
"What do you think you're doing? I agreed she needed a break but the lunch and what we're you thinking, making love to her on the beach? Destro won't like it," Liam growled in hushed tones.
"You were spying on us?" Ian glared back.
"You know who she is. You can't forget that they have plans for her, and what happens if they find out? Ian, you have to be careful…. Don't fall for her. If she remembers who she is, you'll lose her for sure. She loved another. If he figures out the imposter, he will hunt for her until he finds her."
"He's not going to find her…I won't let him," Ian clenched his fist tight, bringing one down to the desk.
"Ian, be reasonable. Would you give her up if you were him?" Liam posed, watching Ian storm out of the room. "You've got it bad, all I can say is be careful," he let a deep sigh escape as he shook his head.
*************
"Hawk, we've got a breech in the computer systems. I can't get Mainframe to do anything. He's too distracted by Lady Jaye," Beachhead stalked into Hawk's office.
"She's not Lady Jaye…" Hawk tossed a file down in front of him.
"What?!"
"I said she's not Lady Jaye"
"You mean to tell me we have an imposter running amok and no one told me," raising his voice. "Wait…does Flint know?"
"She avoids him like the plague…using Mainframe," Hawk scowled, drumming his fingers on the desk.
"Now...that would be bad to see Flint lose her to a computer geek like Mainframe," Beachhead smirked.
"So, how do we stop this imposter? I'm assuming it's Zarana since she was spotted with the Drednocks." Hawk rocked back in his chair, turning it to the training field where Zarana sat talking to Mainframe. Beachhead picked up the file as Hawk devised a plan to nab Zarana in action and get information on where the real Lady Jaye was.
Beach Head watched as Zarana approached the control room where Mainframe was on duty. Most of the Joes were still asleep. She cuddled up close to Mainframe, whispering suggestively in his ear, causing his eyes to pop out. He watched as she sat on the edge of the computer console, knocking a stack of files to the floor. Mainframe grinned, picking them up while she slipped something into his coffee. Beach Head waited until Mainframe was seated in his chair before entering.
"Mainframe…get your sorry ass in Hawk's office now," Beachhead stormed towards him, causing him to spill the coffee. His eyes trained on Zarana looking to make a fast get away.
"Lady Jaye, where do you think you're off to? Help me clean up this mess," Beachhead passed her a roll of towels grabbing her wrist as she reached for them.
"Games over," he grinned, pulling her closer.
"What are you talking about, Beachhead?" She paused, stopping everything to stare at him.
"You know what I mean," he winked, his tone playful as he wrapped his arm around her back. "Flint's away, why are you playing games with that geek. I thought we…"
"Why not go back to your office? We could have a little fun just like old times…."
Pulling her closer, he smirked humorously beneath his mask. "There were no old times, Zarana," He reached up, pulling her mask of before hitting the alarm.
She tried to escape but found the Scarlett, Duke and Snake Eyes waiting for her on the other side of the door.
"You bastard," she screamed running the other way to escape. She collided into Hawk and Mainframe.
*****************
Duke found Zarana, pacing the cell when he arrived. Hawk looked in on the session from behind a two-way mirror with Doc, Beach Head and Scarlett.
"Look, Zarana, if you cooperate with us we'll see about going easy on you," Duke casually leaned against the wall.
She crossed her arms over her chest, and swung her boots up to the table. Leaning back on her chair, she brushed her nails against her upper arm, "I have no idea what you mean…luv."
"Fine, how `bout telling us what happened to Lady Jaye? We know you've been impersonating her since the crash. What happened to her? Where is she?" He knocked the back of the chair slightly with his boot causing her to wobble and fall.
"I know my rights, I want a lawyer," she snapped, standing up to face him.
He shoved her back into her seat. "You cooperate with us and we'll make a deal. Get a lawyer and I'll personally see to it that you never see the light again." He sneered.
"I didn't see her." She harrumphed.
"How did you get her uniform and slip into replace her?" Duke growled, leaning into her face.
"Zartan told me they'd make it worth my while to throw Flint and his team off her trail," Zarana shifted uneasily in her seat.
"How did you get her uniform, and trade places?"
"Zartan gave me the uniform, and told me where to go? He bribed some orderly and a villager to slip me into the hospital." She flatly stated, rolling her eyes.
"So, you switched places there?"
"No, I don't know where she is? I never saw her. Zartan said I wouldn't have to worry about her…" apprehension edging her voice.
"Why, where is she?"
"I don't know, he never said. The way he sounded I thought she was…"
"Was, what?" Duke sneered.
"Dead. He said Lady Jaye doesn't matter anymore, and for me not to worry about her. She wasn't ever coming back," Zarana flinched.
"You're lying. Where is she and what did they do to her?" Duke got right into her face.
"I told you I don't know."
"Stop wasting my time, tell me what they did, or you're headed straight to jail…GOT IT!" He growled at her.
"Look, they didn't tell me anything, Buzzer said…."
"Buzzer said what, Zarana!"
"Buzzer said, he saw her in Mindbender's lab, and she wasn't looking so good. The vipers found her out cold, and she wasn't waking up. Mindbender said…"
"SAID WHAT!" Duke was right over her.
"Said he wouldn't be able to tell if she'd make it for a while. They were running scans on her and were going to leave her for the Joes to find as a message," Zarana gulped, sinking back to her chair.
"A message, where is she?"
"Destro ordered her to be saved. That's the last I heard I don't know where she is. Destro wouldn't let the vipers take her; he said she was part of his clan. He ordered Mindbender to take care of her."
"Our sources are telling us that Destro is being held at on COBRA Island. What happened, where is he?" Duke pushed.
"I don't know…"
"For someone who's expecting a big pay day and doesn't want to rot in a cell you have a strange way of showing it, now where is he?"
"I don't know.."
"Last chance lady, or I walk out and you can rot in a nice cell all by yourself. Stop with the games," Duke snapped.
"All right, Cobra Commander ordered Destro to hand over Lady Jaye for interrogation. Mindbender and Destro said she didn't know anything, and refused. They said they had her under control, she..."
"SHE WHAT?"
"She doesn't know her own name, and Destro said that he had other plans for her. The commander didn't like it and ordered Destro locked up for a while. Destro's Iron Grenadiers won't let anyone near her."
Scarlett couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Hawk, if she doesn't know who she is she may run from us or…."
"There's no telling what Mindbender may have done to her after the crash. I need his files to see if we can reverse whatever they've done to her," Doc grimaced, pacing the room.
"Beachhead, get Flint on the phone" Hawk ordered. "Scarlett, find out everything you can on the Castle, and look further into Lady Jaye's family. Try and find the connection between Destro and Lady Jaye."
Hawk walked into the interrogation. "I heard everything. Where did Mindbender keep Lady Jaye? I want the lab, Zarana." He hissed leaning into her face.
*****************
Scarlett came to Hawk's office a few hours later. "Hawk, here's the information you wanted." She gave him a wistful smile, presenting the file.
Hawk opened the file and began to read, his fists clenching the papers tightly. He looked up at Scarlett.. "You're sure about this," he watched her nod. "Call Lady Jaye's father and set up a meeting. He may be the key to getting her out of there."
Hawk sat back in his chair, digesting all that Flint was telling him as he read Doc's medical report. "Doc finished running Lady Jaye's physical here a little while ago. She's not her unless her blood type changed from her previous physicals. We think she's Zarana but I won't act until we either find a way to get the real Lady Jaye back, or figure out exactly what she's after."
"We can't let COBRA know we're on to them," Flint interjected. "The question is why are the Iron Grenadiers following her?"
"We won't. I'm just thankful I didn't have to tell you about this Lady Jaye and Mainframe. The poor guy's going to be in for a shock when he realizes it's not the real deal," Hawk chuckled. "As
for the grenadiers, look and see who's the closest to her. It may give you an idea of how to get her out safely."
*************
Flint was watching the castle from the bluff when he spotted the grenadiers moving out. He lifted his radio, "Hawk, they're on the move."
"Forget them, Intel's reporting that Ailíse isn't there. She was spotted boarding Destro's private jet earlier. We're tracking them now. Get back to the pub your staying at and wait for orders. I'll let you know as soon as we know something concrete."
"Yes sir…" Flint heard someone enter Hawks office announcing they had an update on the jet before he heard a string of euphemisms from the general.
"Flint, meet Lift Ticket at the airfield by 1900 hours. I want you on the Flagg until further notice. Destro's jet slipped under the radar. We lost them. Hawk out." He slammed his fist on his desk, turning his attention to Duke who was standing at the door with the latest Intel update. "Get every Joe available and catch those grenadiers! I want Ailíse brought in for questioning."
"Hawk, what about Lady Jaye? Shouldn't we send her to Europe?"
"Give me that," Hawk wavered him forward, taking the report.
"Hawk?"
"She's not Lady Jaye." Hawk sighed, sliding Doc's report across the desk.
"What?" Duke snatched it up scanning Doc's notes. "How…when?"
"I'm not sure but let's figure a way to handle who ever she is."
"Any idea?" Duke knew better than whom to suspect. He caught Hawk's expression. "Zarana?"
"That's the only one capable of pulling it off, and I'd say she's done a hell of a job so far. Question remains, how do we catch her without compromising the real Lady Jaye?"
****************
"Sir, we'll be landing shortly. Please make sure everyone is buckled in," the pilot radioed to the Ian.
"She's asleep. I fastened her belt." Sean rested a hand on Ian's shoulder.
"Don't wake her, the car should be waiting for us. I'll carry her if she's still out," Ian's eyes fell on her sleeping form. "Have the others fall back to make sure no one follows us. Liam wants the plane sent off as a decoy. Let them try to find us," he sneered staring out the window to the runway lights below as the plane made its approach. He waited for the others to disembark the plane before he moved over towards her, lifting her up in his arms.
"Ian?" She yawned slightly, struggling to open her eyes.
"Shh…go back to sleep," he cradled her to his chest whispering, "We'll be at the villa shortly." He heard her sigh, drifting back to sleep as he took her to the car.
Patrick and Sean carefully inspected the villa to be sure that she was safe as she waited with the others.
"Ian, this is ridiculous. Contrary to what you and my uncle would like to believe, I am not some porcelain doll," she protested pushing her way into the villa. "Please have someone take my bags upstairs, I'd like to change before dinner." She reached for the banister and paused. "Ian?"
"Down the hall to your left, the last door on the right," he chuckled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'll have a light dinner prepared while you change."
"Thank you," she smiled, heading up the stairs. She found her room spacious with a private balcony that provided her with a breathtaking view of the cove below. Memories of a moonlight walk along a beach flooded her thoughts. She couldn't focus on the man's face. Why do I feel as if I should know him? Do I know him? She was lost in her thoughts when she heard a faint knock on the door. "Enter," she called out, watching the door open slowly.
"Dinner is…" Ian stopped, staring at her standing by the open French doors leading to the balcony. "You shouldn't be standing so close to the doors. We haven't had a chance to set up surveillance teams of the area," he closed the doors and drew the drapes.
"Ian?"
"Please let us secure the area tonight and you'll have nothing to worry about tomorrow," Ian pleaded.
"All right," she looked back to the French doors behind her. "For tonight…"
**************
"What do you mean no one's on board? Where did they go?" Hawk roared into the phone, waiting for an answer that wasn't coming. "That plane had to land somewhere, search the area and find them, NOW!" He slammed the phone down to its cradle.
"Sir?" Duke approached his desk with a file in hand. "Destro is being held on COBRA Island. Intel's reporting that's the reason the grenadiers are building up. They're going after him."
"The plane landed a short time ago without passengers," he scowled at the files on his desk. "I have them detaining the pilot for further questioning but I doubt he'll break." Hawk lifted a file in his hands, tossing it towards Duke. "Get a team assembled ASAP, I want this area covered. If she's on that island I want her found before they go after Destro."
****************
Ian and Patrick were going over security when they heard a loud crash in her room.
"What the….check with Sean and make sure no one's outside," Ian shoved Patrick towards the door. He braced himself against the door to her room readying his sidearm. He was listening for sounds of an intruder when he heard her scream and rushed into the room. His eyes carefully scanning the bedroom, he watched her tossing violently in her sleep. She was having a night terror. "Ailíse?" He carefully approached the bed, grabbing her hands in his as she struck out.
"Dash? Help me…too much smoke…fire. Vipers coming, have to get away…have to get to…"
"Shh…luv, I'm here," Ian pulled her into his arms, rocking her as she sobbed.
"Ian, there's no….one," Sean rushed into the room with Patrick, stopping at the sight of Ian holding her, soothing her.
"Dash?" She whimpered, "my head hurts…can't focus…" She saw Ian's face morphing into Flint's then back to his own.
"Easy, luv, I'm here," Ian whispered, brushing a kiss over her brow before waving the others out of the room. Dash…who the bloody hell is he? Why does he have such a hold over you?
"Dash---"
"I'm here, luv, I won't let anyone hurt you again," he murmured, holding her closer and brushing another kiss over her brow. I won't let Mindbender touch you again. I swear.
"My head feels like it's going to …" she winced, biting each word.
"Shh…I'm right here," he traced his fingers over the necklace. If I removed it the pain may stop…but she'll remember it all. Would you run back to this Dash? Would you leave…me?
He listened to her ragged sobs subside, pulling her into his arms. He lay back, stroking her hair until he heard settle down into a deep sleep.
******************
"Where's Ian?" Liam growled at Sean and Patrick, who stood stoned faced and tight lipped in front of him. "Well?" He grabbed Patrick up off the ground. "Where is he?"
"She was having another nightmare. Ian…" Sean stammered, hearing the door to her bedroom open. Liam's eyes widened at the sight of Ian walking from her room. He dropped Patrick to the floor and turned on Ian.
"What the bloody hell has gotten into you? If the laird finds out you spent the night with her," Liam fumed.
"She's still asleep," Ian hissed back. "Nothing happened, she had a night terror. I held her till she fell asleep." He stood running his hand along his chin to cover a yawn as he stretched. "I'm going to get changed and meet you in the breakfast room."
"Ian?" Liam called after him, watching him stop in his tracks to turn. "You're treading into dangerous territory with her."
*************
Ailíse and Ian were racing their horses along the white sands of the beach to the edge of the cove when he caught the reins of her horse, bringing it to a halt. She brushed the stray hairs from her face and smiled, "Thank you for getting me out of the villa. This cove is breathtaking."
"My pleasure, I told the others to send down a lunch." He grinned; nodding to a jeep parked a short distance away from where they stood. She smiled, watching one of the grenadiers step out with a basket. "You did think of everything today." She leaned forward patting the neck of her horse while Ian tied his horse. She watched him walk to accept the basket and send the grenadier off. He set the basket a short distance and returned to her to lead her horse to the other. Reaching up to offer her a hand down, she slipped awkwardly from the saddle catching herself only by bringing her hands to his chest to steady her. Ian's hands instinctively pulled her closer to him.
"I guess I should be…ah…. more careful," she stammered, feeling a breeze waft up to them from the beach. The smell of the ocean breeze pulled at her subconscious, entreating her to remember another day much like this one. His hands about her waist cast a sense of de ja vous over her as she stepped back.
"I'll set up lunch, milady," he offered, glancing to the beach behind him. I need to remember I'm…
"Ian, please stop miladying me, it's just the two of us, and Ailíse will be just fine. I honestly believe you take my uncle and your sense of duty too seriously sometimes," she sighed, rolling her eyes.
"It's the way it's always been."
"Well, some things must change," she growled, kicking off her shoes, ready to race to the water. She felt his hand on her shoulder and stopped, instinctively placing hers over his she turned to face him.
"Please let me finish, this isn't easy, and the others are usually around." Tell her… "What I'm trying to say Ailíse is that I know I'm over stepping my bounds but I can't help what I feel. When I see you or hear your voice, it brightens my day. I only want you to be happy, and I want to make that happen if you'll give me a chance."
She rewarded his honesty with a smile. Taking his hand in hers, she traced her fingertips over his hand, slowly rubbing the callused hand with the pad of her thumb. "Ian, I don't even know myself. Most of the time I'm afraid I'll never remember my past, and I have to learn that I must live for the future. Give me some time, I care for you, but I can't say I'm in love with you." She watched emotions flicker across his eyes, his brow furled slightly. She dropped his hand, reaching to cradle his face in her hands as she locked eyes with him.
"I understand, Ailíse. I only ask for a chance to make you happy," he whispered under his breath with a note of sadness.
She leaned closer to him, "Chances I can handle…promises I cannot make." She brushed a light kiss across his cheek as she fell back to the blanket resting on her hands. She rolled over to face the picnic basket. Her feet dangled back and forth as she smirked, reaching to peek inside, "Now what did they pack for us?" She paused, sliding her eyes towards Ian, "You don't happen to know who prepared it do you?"
"Ah...no…why?" He stammered, catching a glint in her eyes.
"No reason," she reached inside, pulling out an apple to toss to him. She laughed, watching him fumble to grasp it.
"I can't recall the last time I heard you laugh so much," he observed, biting into the apple.
"I can't recall having so much….fun." She stopped to scan the cove. Images and memories flooded her mind again, recalling bits and pieces of a trip she'd taken with Flint to Bermuda. She struggled with her memories as she looked back to Ian. More images of Bermuda flashed through her mind, waves breaking on the shore, the water edging closer to them each sound lulling her subconscious to remember. Ian watched her eyes widen with uncertainty as she finally spoke to him, her voice raspy. "Ian, have we ever been here before? Have you ever brought me to a beach like this?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"I felt this was some how familiar but…I can't figure out why," she stammered, standing up to look out at the clear blue waters.
"Don't dwell on it, let's just try to enjoy the day," he attempted to coax her back towards him on the blanket.
"No… I think I'll go for a swim first. Go ahead and eat. I'll join you in a little while," she slowly walked past him towards the beach. Pausing a short distance from the cresting waves, she began to peel away her clothing, revealing a black bikini. Ian looked up from blanket he was spreading out. His breath caught in his chest as he watched her step from her jeans and stand. She stood with her back to him, dropping the shirt she wore from her shoulders as she stretched her arms back slightly, rolling her neck to the side. He watched her run into the surf, the waves enveloping her as she swam out. She waved towards the shore, "The water's great!" Ian watched her go under and held his breath until she surfaced.
Forget the lunch…Ian. You got your suit on, get out there. He grinned, closing the hamper. He quickly pulled his clothes off and ran into the waves after her.
"About time you showed up," she playfully splashed him before ducking beneath the water and surfacing behind him to splash him again.
"So, you want to play" he chuckled, reaching for her.
She dodged him, pushing him down as she moved past him but not before he grabbed for her. As his hand skimmed her back, he took her top with him.
"Ha…" she laughed, twisting around before noticing a wicked smile forming on Ian's lips and her top in his hand.
"Lose something?" he grinned, watching her trying to cover herself in the clear water. He lunged for her, catching her as she tried to kick away and pulled her into his arms. "Ailíse…" he had her against his chest before she knew it. Pulling her into a kiss, she fought for a second before surrendering to it---- his tongue seeking hers…hers seeking his in return. Closing her eyes, she let the sweet sensation carry her as his hands roamed over her skin. He was not about to break the kiss. It was the very air he breathed. His hands gently caressing her back and arms. He trailed kisses along her jaw and neck slowly down to her shoulders. He heard her moan, his hands roaming further down as he returned to her waiting lips. The sensations driving her as images played before her eyes. It wasn't him she saw as his eyes change from a pale hazel to pools of blue azure; his hair from sandy blonde to dark brown, nearly black. His chest became broader. She wanted to trace her fingers through the dark curls of his chest but there were none. It was someone else…memories of making love to another man flashed through her mind. Shocked, she stopped Ian's hands and broke away from him. "Stop! I can't…. we can't…" She turned headed for the shore with Ian right behind her.
The hurt at her sudden rejection was replaced with concern as he saw the fear in her eyes. She was floundering to get to shore. He chased her to the beach as she was frantically wrestling to untangle her shirt. She had pulled it on just as he reached out to pull her around to face him.
"Ian, I'm sorry…I don't," She cried as he pulled her into his arms.
"Shhh…luv…it's all right…I'm the one who should be sorry," he soothed her, tightening his arms around her.
"I couldn't…I…arghhhh…. why can't I remember?" She broke down sobbing into his arms.
"It's all right…take all the time you need," he softly murmured, holding her as she calmed herself.
High above them, Liam had watched from the villa knowing the laird would be furious. "He's losing his focus around her," he fumed.
"How much can you remember before the accident?" he ventured, guiding her to the blanket. He placed a glass of wine into her trembling hands.
"Not much, sometimes I get flashes but I can't make sense of it. It seems like I should know more but I can't grasp it. If I try to remember too much I get a major migraine. It's like I missing part
of my soul at times I can't recall anyone. I can't tell you what I did last Christmas or where I've traveled and yet languages come to me so easily. I can't recall old friends…. or lovers. *looking at him* It's like being trapped inside my own mind at times. You see how the others look at me. You saw their reaction when I suggested how to get my uncle back. It seemed perfectly logical to me and yet I don't now why it came so easily."
"Just take one day at a time," Ian caressed her cheek, brushing away a few stray tears. "I wish I could tell you more but I don't know most of the answers you seek. I do know I'll be there if you ever need anything. You've only to ask," he soothed her as she trembled. Pulling her to him, he looked down at her. "I wish I could take the sadness I see in your eyes away…."
"Ian? "I was…" catching herself.
"Remembering something…or someone?" He saw doubt in her eyes.
"I.."
"It's all right. Really, I told you I won't rush you," he reassured her, pulling her into his arms.
She whispered, "I know….I feel this is some how familiar but I can't figure out why," waving her hand at the cove.
They spent some more time lying on the beach, talking before returning to the villa late that afternoon. Liam stood back as she entered her room before calling Ian into the study.
"What do you think you're doing? I agreed she needed a break but the lunch and what we're you thinking, making love to her on the beach? Destro won't like it," Liam growled in hushed tones.
"You were spying on us?" Ian glared back.
"You know who she is. You can't forget that they have plans for her, and what happens if they find out? Ian, you have to be careful…. Don't fall for her. If she remembers who she is, you'll lose her for sure. She loved another. If he figures out the imposter, he will hunt for her until he finds her."
"He's not going to find her…I won't let him," Ian clenched his fist tight, bringing one down to the desk.
"Ian, be reasonable. Would you give her up if you were him?" Liam posed, watching Ian storm out of the room. "You've got it bad, all I can say is be careful," he let a deep sigh escape as he shook his head.
*************
"Hawk, we've got a breech in the computer systems. I can't get Mainframe to do anything. He's too distracted by Lady Jaye," Beachhead stalked into Hawk's office.
"She's not Lady Jaye…" Hawk tossed a file down in front of him.
"What?!"
"I said she's not Lady Jaye"
"You mean to tell me we have an imposter running amok and no one told me," raising his voice. "Wait…does Flint know?"
"She avoids him like the plague…using Mainframe," Hawk scowled, drumming his fingers on the desk.
"Now...that would be bad to see Flint lose her to a computer geek like Mainframe," Beachhead smirked.
"So, how do we stop this imposter? I'm assuming it's Zarana since she was spotted with the Drednocks." Hawk rocked back in his chair, turning it to the training field where Zarana sat talking to Mainframe. Beachhead picked up the file as Hawk devised a plan to nab Zarana in action and get information on where the real Lady Jaye was.
Beach Head watched as Zarana approached the control room where Mainframe was on duty. Most of the Joes were still asleep. She cuddled up close to Mainframe, whispering suggestively in his ear, causing his eyes to pop out. He watched as she sat on the edge of the computer console, knocking a stack of files to the floor. Mainframe grinned, picking them up while she slipped something into his coffee. Beach Head waited until Mainframe was seated in his chair before entering.
"Mainframe…get your sorry ass in Hawk's office now," Beachhead stormed towards him, causing him to spill the coffee. His eyes trained on Zarana looking to make a fast get away.
"Lady Jaye, where do you think you're off to? Help me clean up this mess," Beachhead passed her a roll of towels grabbing her wrist as she reached for them.
"Games over," he grinned, pulling her closer.
"What are you talking about, Beachhead?" She paused, stopping everything to stare at him.
"You know what I mean," he winked, his tone playful as he wrapped his arm around her back. "Flint's away, why are you playing games with that geek. I thought we…"
"Why not go back to your office? We could have a little fun just like old times…."
Pulling her closer, he smirked humorously beneath his mask. "There were no old times, Zarana," He reached up, pulling her mask of before hitting the alarm.
She tried to escape but found the Scarlett, Duke and Snake Eyes waiting for her on the other side of the door.
"You bastard," she screamed running the other way to escape. She collided into Hawk and Mainframe.
*****************
Duke found Zarana, pacing the cell when he arrived. Hawk looked in on the session from behind a two-way mirror with Doc, Beach Head and Scarlett.
"Look, Zarana, if you cooperate with us we'll see about going easy on you," Duke casually leaned against the wall.
She crossed her arms over her chest, and swung her boots up to the table. Leaning back on her chair, she brushed her nails against her upper arm, "I have no idea what you mean…luv."
"Fine, how `bout telling us what happened to Lady Jaye? We know you've been impersonating her since the crash. What happened to her? Where is she?" He knocked the back of the chair slightly with his boot causing her to wobble and fall.
"I know my rights, I want a lawyer," she snapped, standing up to face him.
He shoved her back into her seat. "You cooperate with us and we'll make a deal. Get a lawyer and I'll personally see to it that you never see the light again." He sneered.
"I didn't see her." She harrumphed.
"How did you get her uniform and slip into replace her?" Duke growled, leaning into her face.
"Zartan told me they'd make it worth my while to throw Flint and his team off her trail," Zarana shifted uneasily in her seat.
"How did you get her uniform, and trade places?"
"Zartan gave me the uniform, and told me where to go? He bribed some orderly and a villager to slip me into the hospital." She flatly stated, rolling her eyes.
"So, you switched places there?"
"No, I don't know where she is? I never saw her. Zartan said I wouldn't have to worry about her…" apprehension edging her voice.
"Why, where is she?"
"I don't know, he never said. The way he sounded I thought she was…"
"Was, what?" Duke sneered.
"Dead. He said Lady Jaye doesn't matter anymore, and for me not to worry about her. She wasn't ever coming back," Zarana flinched.
"You're lying. Where is she and what did they do to her?" Duke got right into her face.
"I told you I don't know."
"Stop wasting my time, tell me what they did, or you're headed straight to jail…GOT IT!" He growled at her.
"Look, they didn't tell me anything, Buzzer said…."
"Buzzer said what, Zarana!"
"Buzzer said, he saw her in Mindbender's lab, and she wasn't looking so good. The vipers found her out cold, and she wasn't waking up. Mindbender said…"
"SAID WHAT!" Duke was right over her.
"Said he wouldn't be able to tell if she'd make it for a while. They were running scans on her and were going to leave her for the Joes to find as a message," Zarana gulped, sinking back to her chair.
"A message, where is she?"
"Destro ordered her to be saved. That's the last I heard I don't know where she is. Destro wouldn't let the vipers take her; he said she was part of his clan. He ordered Mindbender to take care of her."
"Our sources are telling us that Destro is being held at on COBRA Island. What happened, where is he?" Duke pushed.
"I don't know…"
"For someone who's expecting a big pay day and doesn't want to rot in a cell you have a strange way of showing it, now where is he?"
"I don't know.."
"Last chance lady, or I walk out and you can rot in a nice cell all by yourself. Stop with the games," Duke snapped.
"All right, Cobra Commander ordered Destro to hand over Lady Jaye for interrogation. Mindbender and Destro said she didn't know anything, and refused. They said they had her under control, she..."
"SHE WHAT?"
"She doesn't know her own name, and Destro said that he had other plans for her. The commander didn't like it and ordered Destro locked up for a while. Destro's Iron Grenadiers won't let anyone near her."
Scarlett couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Hawk, if she doesn't know who she is she may run from us or…."
"There's no telling what Mindbender may have done to her after the crash. I need his files to see if we can reverse whatever they've done to her," Doc grimaced, pacing the room.
"Beachhead, get Flint on the phone" Hawk ordered. "Scarlett, find out everything you can on the Castle, and look further into Lady Jaye's family. Try and find the connection between Destro and Lady Jaye."
Hawk walked into the interrogation. "I heard everything. Where did Mindbender keep Lady Jaye? I want the lab, Zarana." He hissed leaning into her face.
*****************
Scarlett came to Hawk's office a few hours later. "Hawk, here's the information you wanted." She gave him a wistful smile, presenting the file.
Hawk opened the file and began to read, his fists clenching the papers tightly. He looked up at Scarlett.. "You're sure about this," he watched her nod. "Call Lady Jaye's father and set up a meeting. He may be the key to getting her out of there."
