"Let me bring him in," Ian pleaded, leaning over Destro's desk.
"The Joes are here for a reason. Don't act until we have more..."
"Details?" Ian growled, pushing back from the desk. Stalking towards the windows, he observed the men practicing their drills. "We've sent men scouring the countryside. She has to be nearby," he turned suddenly to face Destro. "Give me Patrick and Sean...we'll get the Joes."
"NO!" Destro growled, slamming his papers down. "We have too much to lose if we're wrong. Let them stay where they are...for now. If you show up looking for her, they'll know she's gone and launch a search as well."
"Laird, you have a visitor," Liam interrupted from the door.
"Who?" He growled, shifting his attention from Ian. "Ah...Mindbender," he raised a brow, catching sight of the doctor behind Liam. "What brings you here?"
"You know the reason..."
"Ah...yes, I do. Unfortunately, she's away at the moment," he walked to the sideboard. "Brandy?" He poured, passing one to Mindbender.
"Away?" Mindbender set the snifter down on the table next to him.
"Yes away...with the Joes here, it couldn't be helped," he replied, studying the contents of his snifter as he gently swirled it in his hand. He suppressed a smirk at Mindbender heaving a heavy, frustrated sigh. "The Joe's nearly snatched her the other night."
"The Joe's are here?"
"Were, to be exact. They escaped. So, you see we had no choice but to send her to safety," Destro let an exasperated sigh before lifting his brandy to his lips, slowly savoring it.
"When will she be back?"
"A day...a week...a month...who knows?" He shrugged, resting his hand on Mindbender's shoulder as he guided him to the door. "I'll send word the moment she returns," he patted his back.
"But..." Mindbender protested.
"Liam will show you to the door," Destro dismissed him, returning to his desk. He shot a darkening look to Ian, halting his comments until Mindbender had left.
"COBRA doesn't know she's missing yet."
"He could be a decoy," Ian hissed, standing from his chair.
"No...Sean's men are keeping him under surveillance," he set the snifter on the sideboard, eyeing the impatient young man. "The Joe's and COBRA are near," he bit the inside of his lip, slowly opening a drawer in his desk to remove a picture of Amanda. "It's about time my sister and I had a chat. Take a squad and search Amanda's properties," he reached for the phone.
*****
"Dash..."
His eyes widened before softening. "Yes," he grinned, lowering the radio to the ground. Brushing her hair from her eyes, he looked down into them.
"My head's spinning," she gulped, wincing as another barrage of images threatened to over take her.
"Shh...sweetheart...shh," he gently rocked her, wiping a few stray tears away that streaked her face. "Where the hell is Low Light?" He muttered to himself, scanning the tree line. "I need to get you back to Doc," he turned to the sound of leaves crunching.
"What the hell took you so long?" Flint growled.
"I had to get the grunts in line," Low Light knelt down beside him, lowering his rifle to the ground. "How's she doin'?" He watched Flint scoop his arm beneath her knees, lifting her now unconscious form. Her head fell back to the side.
"I need to get her to Doc," Flint scanned the tree line once more. "You walked?"
"I wasn't far away," Low Light grabbed the picnic together, throwing everything into the basket. "I doubled the grunts. The Grenadiers are on the move again."
"Great," Flint fumed, tightening his hold. He heard the radio beeping and nodded to Low Light to answer it. They listened to a greenshirt's slightly panicked voice report strangers in the eastern pasture approaching the main house. "Strangers?"
"Grenadiers?" Low Light curled his lip in a snarl. "We need to hide her fast," his eyes shifted towards a dense copse of trees a short distance away from them. "If they're near the house, we have to hide her fast. There's an old tenant cottage over there," he nodded.
"Anyone there?"
"I think it's an old woman. I asked the caretaker up at the house about it the first day," he watched Flint raise a brow. "I had problems seeing the cottage at first; it's not out in the open. Come on, I'll show you." He lifted his rifle, walking off ahead of Flint.
******
"Amanda?" Destro leaned back in his chair, across from Liam.
"Jamie, is something wrong?" She looked to her husband, standing next to her. Jason raised a finger to his lips, nodding for her to continue.
"No everything's fine; it's been a while since we last spoke. I was calling to see how everyone is," he replied smoothly, crossing one boot over the other while lifting Amanda's picture.
"We're fine Jamie," she held a smile in her voice, feeling Jason's hand resting on her waist.
"And, Alison?"
"Alison," she mouthed to her husband. Jason gently pressed his hand to her back, nodding for her to respond. "She's well. I believe she's in Europe doing some sight seeing with friends.
"With friends...you don't sound so sure of your self?" He questioned, shifting his attention to Liam.
"I've told you before Jamie. She likes her privacy so I don't press the issue."
"Have you informed her of her responsibilities to the family?"
"Jamie, we've told you before to leave her out of the family business." Amanda scolded, raising her voice.
"Yes, you have but she still needs to know..."
"Jamie, leave her alone," Amanda growled.
"You know that's not possible, Amanda. I need to see her right away," he pressed.
"Jamie...you stay away from her..." Amanda raised her voice.
"Amanda..."
"James?"
"Jason," Destro snarled the name. "I was just asking about MY niece..."
"MY daughter is my concern, not yours, James. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a luncheon to attend. Good bye," Jason slammed the phone down, turning to his wife.
"Jason, you shouldn't have yelled at him. There's no telling what he'll do to her," Amanda panicked, tears welling in her green eyes.
"Shh...luv, Allie's safe and sound," he wiped her tears away with the pad of his thumb before pulling her closer to him. "She's where she should be."
"Damn that man," Destro roared, slamming the phone down. "How dare he interfere with my plans!" He paused, drumming his fingers on the desk. "Increase the men watching the Joes and have Ian report directly to me the minute he returns."
*****
"Mainframe, we got company headed our way," Scarlett rushed into the study with Maggie on her heels.
"Company?" Mainframe frowned, setting the necklace down. "I almost have it deactivated," he groaned.
"Hide it fast and come with me," Scarlett snatched papers from the desk, hiding any evidence of the Joes. She observed him fumbling with his tools. "Mainframe hurry!" She hissed.
"Ye 'ave ta hurry up," Maggie checked the room behind them. "They're a comin'."
"I'm hurrying," Mainframe threw the last of his tools into his box.
"Gimme tha," Maggie snatched it from him, running out of the room.
"Hey!"
"C'mon Mainframe, they're looking for a couple," Scarlett grabbed his arm, dragging him from the room.
"What the...wait a sec...where are we going?" He stammered, following her up the stairs.
"Just follow me," she hissed, opening Jaye's bedroom door.
"What are we doing here?"
"Making the room look like a couple of honeymooners are here," she turned to see Maggie with a pile of Flint's clothes. "I'm just going to throw these around," she smirked.
"Why?" He scratched his head, watching her throw a pair of jeans on the floor by the bed and a shirt across a chair. Maggie was pulling the bed and roughing up the sheets. "Scarlett?"
"They're lookin' fer a couple," Maggie shoved Scarlett towards the bathroom. "Ye best change yer self and ye *she turned to Mainframe * take yer shirt off."
"Wh...at?"
"Move it, Mainframe," Scarlett yelled from the bathroom.
"They're 'ere," Maggie peered through the curtains.
"Grenadiers....I bes' get tha door," Maggie ran down the stairs, leaving Mainframe standing by the window.
He frowned, peering through the curtains at the men standing outside. The leader was arguing with Maggie before moving her to the side. "Scarlett, we got company!" He pounded the door.
*****
Low Light led the way to the old tenant cottage, scanning the area as he walked point. Lowering his rifle, he signaled to Flint to stay back while he knocked on the door.
"Ye be lookin' fer me," he heard an old woman's voice call to him. "I'm right 'ere," she struggled from the chair she had been sitting in, holding a basket of yarn.
"My friend's..."
"Ye come 'ere," she interrupted, peering towards Flint. "Ye open tha door," she pushed the bowl into Low Light's hands and walked towards Flint. "She finally came 'ome; she did," the old woman chuckled, reaching to stroke Jaye's head.
"You know her?" Flint's eyes went wide, studying the woman.
"Aye...she 'asn't been 'ere in a while, but I'd know my Allie anywhere," she smiled with a twinkle in her eyes. "Jason said she'd be nearby...bring 'er inside."
Flint followed the old woman into the cottage. "Jason said..."
"She was at tha cottage. He also told me ta be ready in case Maggie needed me ta come ta 'er. He said...she's been ill. I'm Roisin." The old woman smiled up at Flint. "Put 'er in the other room," she nodded to a door in the corner. "I'll get me basket."
Catching a glare from Flint, Low Light stood to follow. "Ye can call yer man off," she rolled her eyes towards Flint. "Put 'er ta bed. I'll be right there," Roisin opened a cupboard, removing a basket full of herbs. "I'm a 'ealer," she sighed, meeting Flint's glare. "I'd neva 'arm 'er." She chuckled, "Jason said ye were worse than a watch 'ound."
"Low Light, check in with the others and secure the area," Flint growled at the man standing in the doorway. With a quick salute of two fingers from his jaw, Low Light walked outside the cottage.
"Wot 'appened?" Roisin sat on the edge of the bed, using her thumb to raise Jaye's eyelid. "She's pale...and chilled. Get me a blanket from tha closet." She rummaged her basket, removing a cluster of dried herbs. Flint watched her crumble them into a metal bowl. "Ye donna trus' 'ol Roisin, do ye?" Roisin glanced at Flint, striking a match. "Jason said ye were a stubborn one, he did." She dropped the match into the herbs, rolling the bowl gently as the herbs burned.
"What is that you're burning?" Flint sniffed the air, smelling the odd mixture of herbs wafting up towards him.
"It'll 'elp clear 'er mind," she looked down at Jaye. Studying her carefully, she reached for Jaye's shirt and began unbuttoning the top few buttons to loosen her collar.
"What are you doing?" Flint stepped forward, reaching to stop her.
"I need 'er ta breath in tha herbs," she pulled her hand away from him. "She needs ta breathe." She caught his warning glare. "I've been a 'earler in dese parts longer than I can remember. 'Er mum trus' me." She narrowed her eyes on Flint. "I can 'elp wit' tha 'eadaches." She assured him, placing her hand on his arm. "Go an' wait outside," she nodded towards the door, watching him set his jaw. "Fine, then ye can help by stayin' outta' me way." She pushed his hand away, placing a sweet smelling satchel by her pillow. "I need ye ta talk ta 'er while she sleeps ta clear tha demons away from 'er mind."
"We have to move her to safety," Flint protested, watching Roisin as she ran her hands over Jaye's arms down to her hands. She turned over each hand, examining each palm as she lightly traced her finger over the lines.
"Ye move 'er now and ye may lose 'er fer sure," Roisin warned, narrowing her eyes on him. "I've got ta finish me supper. Ye watch 'er an' call me if'n she need anythin'," she adjusted the covers around Jaye before walking to the door.
*****
"Scarlett?" Mainframe heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs. "Get out here," he pleaded as the door was kicked in.
"You...where is she?" Ian clasped his hand over Mainframe's shoulder, whipping him around to face him.
"Hey, buddy...I don't know what you're talking about," he wretched his arm free, only to have Ian jerk him back, shoving him to the bed.
"Stay there," Ian growled. "Sean, watch him," Ian stalked past Mainframe to the bathroom door. Hearing the sound of the water shutting off, he lightly knocked.
"I'll be right out, hon," he heard a woman's voice call out and turned to Sean who shrugged.
"AilĂse?" Ian wrapped a little louder.
"I'm coming out, luv," Scarlett giggled, "Ready?" She flung the door wide open, coming out with a towel barely covering her. Her hair was wrapped in another. "Oh...my," her eyes went wide as she retreated to the bathroom. Ian and Mainframe's eyes went wide at the sight of her.
"Excuse me, madam," Ian averted his eyes. "We were mistaken, please pardon the intrusion," he backed from the room, grumbling to the others to clear the room. "Sean, she's not here," he fumed, stalking from the house.
Mainframe leaned back, running a hand over his face. "Why didn't you tell me?" He groaned, hearing the bathroom door open once more.
"Don't tell me you couldn't figure that out," she chuckled, reaching for Jaye's robe.
"Lady...you...ah..." He stammered, rubbing the back of his head with his hand.
"Take it easy, Mainframe," she walked past him. "It's not like..."
"Scarlett?" A familiar voice called, causing Mainframe to blanch.
"Duke!" She squealed throwing herself into his arms. "What are you doing here?"
"I....ah..." He stepped back glancing from her to Mainframe, raising an eyebrow.
Realizing she was only wearing a robe, she blushed, backing herself into the bathroom. "We...ah...had company. The Grenadiers were looking for a couple. I'll be right back," she thumbed towards the bathroom, mouthing "sorry" to Mainframe."
"Ah...Duke...it's not what you...ah..."
"Take it easy, Mainframe. Do I look like Flint?" Duke threw his head back laughing as Scarlett reemerged from the bathroom fully dressed.
"So, what brings you here? No one said you were coming," Scarlett bit her lower lip as she approached him.
"Looks like some kind of a party," Duke teased, lifting Flint's discarded shirt with his finger.
"Duke," Scarlett growled.
"I know, Mainframe explained it all. Besides, I saw them come in," Duke walked towards the window, spotting Ian and his men driving away from the cottage. "Where's Flint?"
"He took Lady Jaye for a walk awhile ago, why?" Scarlett gathered the clothes together, placing Lady Jaye's back into the closet.
"Hawk sent me to do some checking on that bombshell Jason dropped on him. He also wants Lady Jaye brought back ASAP."
"Have you seen how many Grenadiers are out searching for her?" Scarlett frowned. "We can't go anywhere."
"That's where you're wrong," Duke chuckled. "Hawk's got a surprise for Destro."
*****
"ROISIN!" Flint called from the door, slightly panicked. "She's getting worse."
"Ye put tha dishes up on tha shelf," she handed Low Light a plate before drying her hands with her apron. "'Er minds opening," she paused in the doorway, looking towards the bed. She watched Lady Jaye tossing in her sleep. "She's got many a demon ta fight, lad. Let 'er sleep."
"Sleep?" He observed her preparing more herbs.
"She's fighting ta remember. Are ye talkin' ta 'er like I told ye?" She smiled to him as she struck the match, dropping it to the bowl. "This'll 'elp 'er ta relax." She set the simmering bowl down on the table beside her. "She's a fighter...she not be leavin' ye anytime soon. It won't be tha much longer." She assured him, watching her settle down.
Flint leaned back in a chair next to bed, slowly drifting off to sleep.
*****
"Ian, what did you find?" Destro called out from his desk.
"Nothing," he stormed towards the window behind Destro. "Let me bring the Joe in for questioning."
"Questioning him would bring nothing...BUT...taunting him in the pub may bring us some knowledge," he grinned back towards Ian. "Wait until morning, then take a few men to the village. If Flint's still there, he's brooding. The Joe's think she's here. Handle them with care...if they find she's gone, they'll launch a search of their own," he warned.
*****
"NO!" He heard her scream and bolted from his chair to the edge of the bed.
"My seats jammed...can't eject," she began to toss violently in her sleep. Flint reached to stop her from thrashing, gently lifting her to him.
"Allie, honey, wake up," he lightly shook her.
"Fire...have to get away...so much smoke," she choked a sob, struggling in his arms.
"Allie, you're safe. Wake up," he tightened his hold on her, listening to her soft sobs. "Shh, sweetheart, you're safe," he wiped her tears away as she turned her face up to his.
"Dash?" She reached up to trace his jaw with her fingertips, running them over his lips. He nodded, catching her hand in his and turning it over to place a kiss in her palm.
"I'm here and I'm not going anywhere," he assured her, cradling her to him.
"My head's killing me," she groaned.
"I know...Roisin's here, do you want me to get her?" He watched her nod before laying her back down and going to the door. Opening it, he saw Roisin standing in the doorway with her basket.
"I'll sit wi' 'er, go on," she pulled him by the arm to shove him out of the room.
"But..." He faced a door closing in his face.
"She's all right if you ask me," Low Light looked up from cleaning his rifle. "She won't let anyone near her. You might as well take a break," he caught a glare from Flint. "The grunts are watching for Grenadiers."
With a heavy sigh, Flint found a chair and watched the bedroom door, waiting for Roisin. He shifted uneasily in his chair, clenching and unclenching his fists. "Flint relax; will ya?" Low Light peered throw the barrel of his rifle, examining it for any dirt; reaching for the pieces scattered on the table before him. He reassembled it in seconds.
"I can't just sit here," Flint stood quickly, pacing the room.
"She's in good hands," Low Light replied to his back, watching him turn to face him.
"She's restin' now," Roisin interrupted, closing the door behind her.
"How is she?" Flint rushed forward.
"See fer yerself," she smiled. "She was askin' fer ye."
He opened the door, glancing towards the bed to find it empty.
"Allie?" His heart leapt to his throat, scanning the room.
"Dash?" She placed a hand on his shoulder from behind, causing him to jump and instinctively throw her down, pining her to the bed.
"Allie," he growled softly. "You scared the hell out of me. Don't ever..."
"Startle you like that again," she mused as he released her wrists. Her hands went to his shoulders. "I'm sorry," she stifled a yawn.
"You need to rest," he stood up, backing away from the bed. He watched her prop herself up on her elbows.
"Don't leave," she sat up, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"You need your rest, and ..."
"No lectures, please," she smiled, fighting to keep her eyes open. "My bloody head's still pounding. Besides, I promise not to ravish you," she smirked humorously while offering him her hand.
"I'll stay 'til you fall asleep," he compromised, lifting her up in his arms.
"I've heard that before," she laughed as he set her down.
"What about Roisin?" He looked towards the door.
"What about her?" She yawned, snuggling closer to him.
"Never mind, get some sleep," he brushed a kiss over her brow and settled back against the headboard with her sleeping on his chest. Tracing his fingers through her hair, he heard her sigh, drifting off into a deep sleep.
"The Joes are here for a reason. Don't act until we have more..."
"Details?" Ian growled, pushing back from the desk. Stalking towards the windows, he observed the men practicing their drills. "We've sent men scouring the countryside. She has to be nearby," he turned suddenly to face Destro. "Give me Patrick and Sean...we'll get the Joes."
"NO!" Destro growled, slamming his papers down. "We have too much to lose if we're wrong. Let them stay where they are...for now. If you show up looking for her, they'll know she's gone and launch a search as well."
"Laird, you have a visitor," Liam interrupted from the door.
"Who?" He growled, shifting his attention from Ian. "Ah...Mindbender," he raised a brow, catching sight of the doctor behind Liam. "What brings you here?"
"You know the reason..."
"Ah...yes, I do. Unfortunately, she's away at the moment," he walked to the sideboard. "Brandy?" He poured, passing one to Mindbender.
"Away?" Mindbender set the snifter down on the table next to him.
"Yes away...with the Joes here, it couldn't be helped," he replied, studying the contents of his snifter as he gently swirled it in his hand. He suppressed a smirk at Mindbender heaving a heavy, frustrated sigh. "The Joe's nearly snatched her the other night."
"The Joe's are here?"
"Were, to be exact. They escaped. So, you see we had no choice but to send her to safety," Destro let an exasperated sigh before lifting his brandy to his lips, slowly savoring it.
"When will she be back?"
"A day...a week...a month...who knows?" He shrugged, resting his hand on Mindbender's shoulder as he guided him to the door. "I'll send word the moment she returns," he patted his back.
"But..." Mindbender protested.
"Liam will show you to the door," Destro dismissed him, returning to his desk. He shot a darkening look to Ian, halting his comments until Mindbender had left.
"COBRA doesn't know she's missing yet."
"He could be a decoy," Ian hissed, standing from his chair.
"No...Sean's men are keeping him under surveillance," he set the snifter on the sideboard, eyeing the impatient young man. "The Joe's and COBRA are near," he bit the inside of his lip, slowly opening a drawer in his desk to remove a picture of Amanda. "It's about time my sister and I had a chat. Take a squad and search Amanda's properties," he reached for the phone.
*****
"Dash..."
His eyes widened before softening. "Yes," he grinned, lowering the radio to the ground. Brushing her hair from her eyes, he looked down into them.
"My head's spinning," she gulped, wincing as another barrage of images threatened to over take her.
"Shh...sweetheart...shh," he gently rocked her, wiping a few stray tears away that streaked her face. "Where the hell is Low Light?" He muttered to himself, scanning the tree line. "I need to get you back to Doc," he turned to the sound of leaves crunching.
"What the hell took you so long?" Flint growled.
"I had to get the grunts in line," Low Light knelt down beside him, lowering his rifle to the ground. "How's she doin'?" He watched Flint scoop his arm beneath her knees, lifting her now unconscious form. Her head fell back to the side.
"I need to get her to Doc," Flint scanned the tree line once more. "You walked?"
"I wasn't far away," Low Light grabbed the picnic together, throwing everything into the basket. "I doubled the grunts. The Grenadiers are on the move again."
"Great," Flint fumed, tightening his hold. He heard the radio beeping and nodded to Low Light to answer it. They listened to a greenshirt's slightly panicked voice report strangers in the eastern pasture approaching the main house. "Strangers?"
"Grenadiers?" Low Light curled his lip in a snarl. "We need to hide her fast," his eyes shifted towards a dense copse of trees a short distance away from them. "If they're near the house, we have to hide her fast. There's an old tenant cottage over there," he nodded.
"Anyone there?"
"I think it's an old woman. I asked the caretaker up at the house about it the first day," he watched Flint raise a brow. "I had problems seeing the cottage at first; it's not out in the open. Come on, I'll show you." He lifted his rifle, walking off ahead of Flint.
******
"Amanda?" Destro leaned back in his chair, across from Liam.
"Jamie, is something wrong?" She looked to her husband, standing next to her. Jason raised a finger to his lips, nodding for her to continue.
"No everything's fine; it's been a while since we last spoke. I was calling to see how everyone is," he replied smoothly, crossing one boot over the other while lifting Amanda's picture.
"We're fine Jamie," she held a smile in her voice, feeling Jason's hand resting on her waist.
"And, Alison?"
"Alison," she mouthed to her husband. Jason gently pressed his hand to her back, nodding for her to respond. "She's well. I believe she's in Europe doing some sight seeing with friends.
"With friends...you don't sound so sure of your self?" He questioned, shifting his attention to Liam.
"I've told you before Jamie. She likes her privacy so I don't press the issue."
"Have you informed her of her responsibilities to the family?"
"Jamie, we've told you before to leave her out of the family business." Amanda scolded, raising her voice.
"Yes, you have but she still needs to know..."
"Jamie, leave her alone," Amanda growled.
"You know that's not possible, Amanda. I need to see her right away," he pressed.
"Jamie...you stay away from her..." Amanda raised her voice.
"Amanda..."
"James?"
"Jason," Destro snarled the name. "I was just asking about MY niece..."
"MY daughter is my concern, not yours, James. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a luncheon to attend. Good bye," Jason slammed the phone down, turning to his wife.
"Jason, you shouldn't have yelled at him. There's no telling what he'll do to her," Amanda panicked, tears welling in her green eyes.
"Shh...luv, Allie's safe and sound," he wiped her tears away with the pad of his thumb before pulling her closer to him. "She's where she should be."
"Damn that man," Destro roared, slamming the phone down. "How dare he interfere with my plans!" He paused, drumming his fingers on the desk. "Increase the men watching the Joes and have Ian report directly to me the minute he returns."
*****
"Mainframe, we got company headed our way," Scarlett rushed into the study with Maggie on her heels.
"Company?" Mainframe frowned, setting the necklace down. "I almost have it deactivated," he groaned.
"Hide it fast and come with me," Scarlett snatched papers from the desk, hiding any evidence of the Joes. She observed him fumbling with his tools. "Mainframe hurry!" She hissed.
"Ye 'ave ta hurry up," Maggie checked the room behind them. "They're a comin'."
"I'm hurrying," Mainframe threw the last of his tools into his box.
"Gimme tha," Maggie snatched it from him, running out of the room.
"Hey!"
"C'mon Mainframe, they're looking for a couple," Scarlett grabbed his arm, dragging him from the room.
"What the...wait a sec...where are we going?" He stammered, following her up the stairs.
"Just follow me," she hissed, opening Jaye's bedroom door.
"What are we doing here?"
"Making the room look like a couple of honeymooners are here," she turned to see Maggie with a pile of Flint's clothes. "I'm just going to throw these around," she smirked.
"Why?" He scratched his head, watching her throw a pair of jeans on the floor by the bed and a shirt across a chair. Maggie was pulling the bed and roughing up the sheets. "Scarlett?"
"They're lookin' fer a couple," Maggie shoved Scarlett towards the bathroom. "Ye best change yer self and ye *she turned to Mainframe * take yer shirt off."
"Wh...at?"
"Move it, Mainframe," Scarlett yelled from the bathroom.
"They're 'ere," Maggie peered through the curtains.
"Grenadiers....I bes' get tha door," Maggie ran down the stairs, leaving Mainframe standing by the window.
He frowned, peering through the curtains at the men standing outside. The leader was arguing with Maggie before moving her to the side. "Scarlett, we got company!" He pounded the door.
*****
Low Light led the way to the old tenant cottage, scanning the area as he walked point. Lowering his rifle, he signaled to Flint to stay back while he knocked on the door.
"Ye be lookin' fer me," he heard an old woman's voice call to him. "I'm right 'ere," she struggled from the chair she had been sitting in, holding a basket of yarn.
"My friend's..."
"Ye come 'ere," she interrupted, peering towards Flint. "Ye open tha door," she pushed the bowl into Low Light's hands and walked towards Flint. "She finally came 'ome; she did," the old woman chuckled, reaching to stroke Jaye's head.
"You know her?" Flint's eyes went wide, studying the woman.
"Aye...she 'asn't been 'ere in a while, but I'd know my Allie anywhere," she smiled with a twinkle in her eyes. "Jason said she'd be nearby...bring 'er inside."
Flint followed the old woman into the cottage. "Jason said..."
"She was at tha cottage. He also told me ta be ready in case Maggie needed me ta come ta 'er. He said...she's been ill. I'm Roisin." The old woman smiled up at Flint. "Put 'er in the other room," she nodded to a door in the corner. "I'll get me basket."
Catching a glare from Flint, Low Light stood to follow. "Ye can call yer man off," she rolled her eyes towards Flint. "Put 'er ta bed. I'll be right there," Roisin opened a cupboard, removing a basket full of herbs. "I'm a 'ealer," she sighed, meeting Flint's glare. "I'd neva 'arm 'er." She chuckled, "Jason said ye were worse than a watch 'ound."
"Low Light, check in with the others and secure the area," Flint growled at the man standing in the doorway. With a quick salute of two fingers from his jaw, Low Light walked outside the cottage.
"Wot 'appened?" Roisin sat on the edge of the bed, using her thumb to raise Jaye's eyelid. "She's pale...and chilled. Get me a blanket from tha closet." She rummaged her basket, removing a cluster of dried herbs. Flint watched her crumble them into a metal bowl. "Ye donna trus' 'ol Roisin, do ye?" Roisin glanced at Flint, striking a match. "Jason said ye were a stubborn one, he did." She dropped the match into the herbs, rolling the bowl gently as the herbs burned.
"What is that you're burning?" Flint sniffed the air, smelling the odd mixture of herbs wafting up towards him.
"It'll 'elp clear 'er mind," she looked down at Jaye. Studying her carefully, she reached for Jaye's shirt and began unbuttoning the top few buttons to loosen her collar.
"What are you doing?" Flint stepped forward, reaching to stop her.
"I need 'er ta breath in tha herbs," she pulled her hand away from him. "She needs ta breathe." She caught his warning glare. "I've been a 'earler in dese parts longer than I can remember. 'Er mum trus' me." She narrowed her eyes on Flint. "I can 'elp wit' tha 'eadaches." She assured him, placing her hand on his arm. "Go an' wait outside," she nodded towards the door, watching him set his jaw. "Fine, then ye can help by stayin' outta' me way." She pushed his hand away, placing a sweet smelling satchel by her pillow. "I need ye ta talk ta 'er while she sleeps ta clear tha demons away from 'er mind."
"We have to move her to safety," Flint protested, watching Roisin as she ran her hands over Jaye's arms down to her hands. She turned over each hand, examining each palm as she lightly traced her finger over the lines.
"Ye move 'er now and ye may lose 'er fer sure," Roisin warned, narrowing her eyes on him. "I've got ta finish me supper. Ye watch 'er an' call me if'n she need anythin'," she adjusted the covers around Jaye before walking to the door.
*****
"Scarlett?" Mainframe heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs. "Get out here," he pleaded as the door was kicked in.
"You...where is she?" Ian clasped his hand over Mainframe's shoulder, whipping him around to face him.
"Hey, buddy...I don't know what you're talking about," he wretched his arm free, only to have Ian jerk him back, shoving him to the bed.
"Stay there," Ian growled. "Sean, watch him," Ian stalked past Mainframe to the bathroom door. Hearing the sound of the water shutting off, he lightly knocked.
"I'll be right out, hon," he heard a woman's voice call out and turned to Sean who shrugged.
"AilĂse?" Ian wrapped a little louder.
"I'm coming out, luv," Scarlett giggled, "Ready?" She flung the door wide open, coming out with a towel barely covering her. Her hair was wrapped in another. "Oh...my," her eyes went wide as she retreated to the bathroom. Ian and Mainframe's eyes went wide at the sight of her.
"Excuse me, madam," Ian averted his eyes. "We were mistaken, please pardon the intrusion," he backed from the room, grumbling to the others to clear the room. "Sean, she's not here," he fumed, stalking from the house.
Mainframe leaned back, running a hand over his face. "Why didn't you tell me?" He groaned, hearing the bathroom door open once more.
"Don't tell me you couldn't figure that out," she chuckled, reaching for Jaye's robe.
"Lady...you...ah..." He stammered, rubbing the back of his head with his hand.
"Take it easy, Mainframe," she walked past him. "It's not like..."
"Scarlett?" A familiar voice called, causing Mainframe to blanch.
"Duke!" She squealed throwing herself into his arms. "What are you doing here?"
"I....ah..." He stepped back glancing from her to Mainframe, raising an eyebrow.
Realizing she was only wearing a robe, she blushed, backing herself into the bathroom. "We...ah...had company. The Grenadiers were looking for a couple. I'll be right back," she thumbed towards the bathroom, mouthing "sorry" to Mainframe."
"Ah...Duke...it's not what you...ah..."
"Take it easy, Mainframe. Do I look like Flint?" Duke threw his head back laughing as Scarlett reemerged from the bathroom fully dressed.
"So, what brings you here? No one said you were coming," Scarlett bit her lower lip as she approached him.
"Looks like some kind of a party," Duke teased, lifting Flint's discarded shirt with his finger.
"Duke," Scarlett growled.
"I know, Mainframe explained it all. Besides, I saw them come in," Duke walked towards the window, spotting Ian and his men driving away from the cottage. "Where's Flint?"
"He took Lady Jaye for a walk awhile ago, why?" Scarlett gathered the clothes together, placing Lady Jaye's back into the closet.
"Hawk sent me to do some checking on that bombshell Jason dropped on him. He also wants Lady Jaye brought back ASAP."
"Have you seen how many Grenadiers are out searching for her?" Scarlett frowned. "We can't go anywhere."
"That's where you're wrong," Duke chuckled. "Hawk's got a surprise for Destro."
*****
"ROISIN!" Flint called from the door, slightly panicked. "She's getting worse."
"Ye put tha dishes up on tha shelf," she handed Low Light a plate before drying her hands with her apron. "'Er minds opening," she paused in the doorway, looking towards the bed. She watched Lady Jaye tossing in her sleep. "She's got many a demon ta fight, lad. Let 'er sleep."
"Sleep?" He observed her preparing more herbs.
"She's fighting ta remember. Are ye talkin' ta 'er like I told ye?" She smiled to him as she struck the match, dropping it to the bowl. "This'll 'elp 'er ta relax." She set the simmering bowl down on the table beside her. "She's a fighter...she not be leavin' ye anytime soon. It won't be tha much longer." She assured him, watching her settle down.
Flint leaned back in a chair next to bed, slowly drifting off to sleep.
*****
"Ian, what did you find?" Destro called out from his desk.
"Nothing," he stormed towards the window behind Destro. "Let me bring the Joe in for questioning."
"Questioning him would bring nothing...BUT...taunting him in the pub may bring us some knowledge," he grinned back towards Ian. "Wait until morning, then take a few men to the village. If Flint's still there, he's brooding. The Joe's think she's here. Handle them with care...if they find she's gone, they'll launch a search of their own," he warned.
*****
"NO!" He heard her scream and bolted from his chair to the edge of the bed.
"My seats jammed...can't eject," she began to toss violently in her sleep. Flint reached to stop her from thrashing, gently lifting her to him.
"Allie, honey, wake up," he lightly shook her.
"Fire...have to get away...so much smoke," she choked a sob, struggling in his arms.
"Allie, you're safe. Wake up," he tightened his hold on her, listening to her soft sobs. "Shh, sweetheart, you're safe," he wiped her tears away as she turned her face up to his.
"Dash?" She reached up to trace his jaw with her fingertips, running them over his lips. He nodded, catching her hand in his and turning it over to place a kiss in her palm.
"I'm here and I'm not going anywhere," he assured her, cradling her to him.
"My head's killing me," she groaned.
"I know...Roisin's here, do you want me to get her?" He watched her nod before laying her back down and going to the door. Opening it, he saw Roisin standing in the doorway with her basket.
"I'll sit wi' 'er, go on," she pulled him by the arm to shove him out of the room.
"But..." He faced a door closing in his face.
"She's all right if you ask me," Low Light looked up from cleaning his rifle. "She won't let anyone near her. You might as well take a break," he caught a glare from Flint. "The grunts are watching for Grenadiers."
With a heavy sigh, Flint found a chair and watched the bedroom door, waiting for Roisin. He shifted uneasily in his chair, clenching and unclenching his fists. "Flint relax; will ya?" Low Light peered throw the barrel of his rifle, examining it for any dirt; reaching for the pieces scattered on the table before him. He reassembled it in seconds.
"I can't just sit here," Flint stood quickly, pacing the room.
"She's in good hands," Low Light replied to his back, watching him turn to face him.
"She's restin' now," Roisin interrupted, closing the door behind her.
"How is she?" Flint rushed forward.
"See fer yerself," she smiled. "She was askin' fer ye."
He opened the door, glancing towards the bed to find it empty.
"Allie?" His heart leapt to his throat, scanning the room.
"Dash?" She placed a hand on his shoulder from behind, causing him to jump and instinctively throw her down, pining her to the bed.
"Allie," he growled softly. "You scared the hell out of me. Don't ever..."
"Startle you like that again," she mused as he released her wrists. Her hands went to his shoulders. "I'm sorry," she stifled a yawn.
"You need to rest," he stood up, backing away from the bed. He watched her prop herself up on her elbows.
"Don't leave," she sat up, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"You need your rest, and ..."
"No lectures, please," she smiled, fighting to keep her eyes open. "My bloody head's still pounding. Besides, I promise not to ravish you," she smirked humorously while offering him her hand.
"I'll stay 'til you fall asleep," he compromised, lifting her up in his arms.
"I've heard that before," she laughed as he set her down.
"What about Roisin?" He looked towards the door.
"What about her?" She yawned, snuggling closer to him.
"Never mind, get some sleep," he brushed a kiss over her brow and settled back against the headboard with her sleeping on his chest. Tracing his fingers through her hair, he heard her sigh, drifting off into a deep sleep.
