Disclaimer and notes in chapter one.

Authors Note: If anyone is wondering why Alex Monroe isn't in this, it's because I thought it would get to confusing with two Alex's.

Silver Files 3/?

Alex led the way into the Official's office, knocking on the door as soon as she arrived. "Come in." The Official smiled. I guess some people still use the door."

Alex looked around the room and saw Eberts standing in the corner behind the Official's desk just like the last time she had been there. "I'm sorry Mr. Borden, but I was wondering if we could talk. You see, I have a proposition for you."

"You have a proposition for me?" He asked. "What kind of proposition?"

"It has to do with the Quicksilver Files."

"I'm sorry, but I have never heard of that."

"Sorry, let me rephrase myself, the QS9300 files." She said with a fake smile.

"Eberts." The Official said, motioning for him to leave the room. Eberts complied, leaving with a frown on his face. "Now... what do you know about the QS9300 files?"

"Enough." Alex said, tossing a folder on his desk.

He scanned some of the contents and then looked back up at her. "Where did you get this?"

"Actually, Charlie, it's yours."

The Official's face turned a bright shade red, "Now listen young lady, I don't know what you are trying to pull, but these files are classified and were none of your business!" He said, slamming his fist against his desk.

"And I concur with that." Alex said.

The Official frowned, "Then why did you take them?"

"Because you tried to make sure that I didn't, and I've always had a rebellious streak in me. You're just lucky none of my employees saw them before I did."

The Official tapped his fingers against his desk, assessing the situation at hand. "How much do you want to be quiet?"

"Well, that was quick." Alex replied.

"That's what you wanted, isn't it? Money. How much do you want?"

"A few million would be nice, but since you probably don't have that if those files are correct -and I believe they are- how about a couple hundred thousand?"

The Official sighed. There was no way he could pay her two hundred thousand dollars. He needed something to think of as a substitute. He needed... He needed to talk to Darien and Hobbes. In fact, the more he thought about it, the better it sounded. Darien would agree, in fact, Hobbes would be happy to agree.

"Can you give me a few days?"

Alex glanced up at him, "You're actually going to do it?"

"I don't see any other choice." He paused for a second, then asked, "Did you make any copies of these?"

"No, you have my word."

The Official smirked, "Whatever that is worth, you are blackmailing me after all. One last question, who else knows what these files say?"

"Just my second in command, Carol Mills."

"She'll keep quiet?"

"You can count on it." Alex replied.

"Send in Agent Hobbes and Agent Fawkes."

Alex nodded, opening the door and stepping into the hall.

"So?" Rachel asked when she saw Alex.

Darien, Hobbes, and Eberts were also standing there, along with Carol and Sarah, beside Rachel. "Your boss is ready for you guys." She stated, waiting for them to go inside the office before she spoke. "We just got the funding we needed." She said with a smile.

~*~

"How would you two like the chance to cause Arnaud De Fohn pain? Deep, searing, dreadful pain?" The Official asked.

A wicked smiled played about the corners of Darien's mouth. "How?"

~*~

Darien stepped out of the Official's office, a smile on his face, Hobbes right behind him. "He wants to see you again." Darien said to Alex.

After Alex left Rachel looked at Darien with a smile. "I've been meaning to ask you this, but can I have a hug?"

Darien's mouth about dropped to the floor, "You're blackmailing us and you want to know if I will give you a hug?"

Rachel placed her hands on her hips and made her best pouting face. "Don't look at me with that tone of voice!"

"What?" Hobbes asked, "That doesn't even make sense."

"Sorry," Rachel replied with a sheepish grin, "I guess I have been spending too much time with my brother."

~*~

The Official taped his fingertips against his desk, looking at Alex Zanier. "No, it's out of the question."

"I go with them, or you find another way to pay me."

"You should not have any say in this!" The Official replied.

"But I do... Because you have no choice other than to pay the ransom. I go."

The Official sighed, she was right; he didn't have a choice. "Fine. Go with them."

Alex nodded and stood up, walking to the door. Turning around for a second she said, "And Carol is going with me."

TBC...

Authors Note: Wanna know where they are going? Well, I was gonna say, but I thought it'd be more fun make you wait to find out. :)

Naomi