Part 4
Through the night an invisible barrier separated Max and 99. 99 looked over to find his back turned to her in bed. She knew he wasn't asleep and it took all her strength not to hold him. The hours ticked by as Max looked at the clock. At 4 a.m., he could no longer lie in bed. He turned to find 99 finally asleep then got up and got dressed. Max wanted to leave before she woke up. It was the coward's way out, not wanting to face her to try and explain what he was feeling. But how could he explain when he really didn't know himself. Max quietly sat at the small desk in the room to write a note to her: 99, I am going through a difficult and trying time in my life. I know there is no excuse for my behavior lately and I cannot blame you for losing your patience with me. I need to work things out and I need your help. Please wait up for me tonight so we can talk. Max.
He walked over to 99's side of the bed and laid the note next to the nightstand. He stood for a moment and watched her sleep. She was the only woman he thought he'd ever need in his life, and now his heart had already begun to stray. He looked at her in agony and apology, then slowly lowered his lips to hers. Lightly brushing his mouth against hers, he was careful not to wake her. He left the house and headed out to the quietness of the streets to think.
It was about 4 p.m. when Max picked up Christy from her hotel and drove to CONTROL headquarters. Christy could see Max was nervous, as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. She knew Max hadn't been on an assignment for a while and thought he might be losing his confidence. Little did she know that it wasn't his confidence he was losing, it was his heart. Christy sat quietly, then turned to him. "Max, it may not be my place to say this, .but if you're not up to this mission, ." Max cut her off, "What? Of course I'm up to it." Max forced a smile. "I'm always a little bit on the edge before a big mission. I promise you everything will go according to plan." Christy was relieved as she patted Max on the arm.
At CONTROL, Max checked himself out in the mirror. He looked very distinguished in his custom-made tux. He felt he fit the part perfectly. But to play the role more realistically, Dr. Winthop had slightly more grey in his hair than Max did. So, he needed to go to the CONTROL disguise lab to have more grey added. Afterwards, Max waited in the Chief's office for Christy to arrive. He nervously smoked a cigarette and looked at his watch. The door slid open and there stood Christy. She took his breath away with the sight of her. The boys in the costume department really outdid themselves. Her dress was long and silky black with a scoop neck line that plunged to the tops of her full breasts. Everything about the dress accentuated her every curve. She accented the dress with an elegant pearl necklace and matching earrings. They glistened against her creamy white skin. Max had a dark and forbidden desire for her that he needed to keep in check. For him it was pure torture. If she only knew how he struggled with his deep emotional connection and passion for her.
"Well, what do you think?" Christy offered.
Max couldn't take his eyes off of her. "You are ." Max had to catch his breath, ". so beautiful."
"Thank you, and you look very handsome yourself, Max. I think we'll be quite the couple tonight."
The time for the dinner party was 7 p.m. and, since the mansion was an hour and a half drive from Washington, Max and Christy got started around 5:30 p.m. Little was said during the long drive. She seemed to understand he wanted time to get mentally prepared. The car approached the gates of the old Governor's mansion at 7 p.m. sharp. The guards checked both Max and Christy's credentials and let them drive through. They walked arm and arm up to the large front door and Max rang the bell. Waiting for an answer, they noted the armed guards stationed around the grounds. A rather stuffy butler opened the door and Max announced himself, "Dr. and Mrs. Michael Winthop," then handed the butler the invitation. The butler nodded and opened the door for them to enter. They stood in the wide foyer while the butler announced their arrival to Judge William Jamison in the other room. Max looked to Christy, then nodded toward the staircase leading to the second floor. She concurred that the study was up there. Judge Jamison came over to Max and Christy to greet them. Jamison held out his hand as Max shook it, "Welcome, Dr. Winthrop. So nice of you to come."
"I'm glad we could make it," Max replied.
Jamison's eyes shifted over to Christy. Her beauty astonished him, and knowing that the Doctor's wife spoke French, he decided to greet her in the language. Taking her hand, he kissed it lightly, "Enchante' de faire votre connaissace." She looked over to Max. Since she was fluent, she would have no problems, and she answered him, "Merci." His lecherous eyes scanned the length of her body, "Puis-je Vous offrir un verre?" Christy smiled, and put up with his lustful looks, "C'est tres aimable." And, with that, Christy bent down to adjust the strap on her delicate high- heeled shoes. As she bent forward, her dress fell open enough to allow an unobstructed view to Max that included her delicate nipples. He was totally taken back by this unexpected sight, and immediately began to get "those" feelings that a man will get. He stood there in a lustful daze, as the Judge offered his arm to Christy and led her to the other guests. Max was forced to quickly gather himself, and followed close behind.
In the lounge ,Max and Christy were introduced to a group of mixed older couples -- mostly retired politicians, city officials and professors from the university. Max and Christy were the perfect imposters. Max was well-versed in the latest national news and avoided any talk of his work, claiming he was taking the night off to enjoy himself. Most of the men rallied around Christy, while the wives looked in disgust at what fools their husbands were making of themselves. After a delightful dinner, the men retired to the smoking room for 100-year-old brandy and fine Cuban cigars while the women found refuge in the garden room for tea and ladyfingers.
Max managed to talk to Christy before he left. "In about 10 minutes, tell Mrs. Jamison that you need to lie down due to a headache that just came on. I'm sure she'll direct you to a room upstairs to rest. I'll meet you shortly."
Both went their separate ways. After 10 minutes had passed, Christy made her way over to Mrs. Jamison. She began rubbing her brow, "I'm sorry, but I seem to have a headache coming on. Would you mind terribly if I could lie down somewhere?"
"I'm sorry you're not feeling well, my dear. Of course, right out to the foyer and up the staircase to the first door on your left. That's the Blue Room."
Christy thanked her and made her way to the room. She paused, scanning the hallway, and quickly entered the room, waiting for Max to make his way up. Max excused himself from the other men and made his way to the Garden Room. Mrs. Jamison rose from her seat when he approached.
"Excuse me Mrs. Jamison, Have you seen my wife?" Max asked.
"Yes, poor dear has a headache. You'll find her upstairs. First door to the left, the Blue Room."
Max thanked her and made his way upstairs. He knocked quietly on the door. Christy opened it and he stepped in. "Now, the study with the safe is at the end of the hall. Follow me and stay close."
Making their way down the hall, they came upon the study door. Checking the knob it was locked. Max reached into his lapel for a lock pick, and quickly began to work on opening the door. Christy kept a look out when she noticed a shadow coming from around the corner. To be caught would jeopardize the mission. So with nowhere to go, she shoved Max up against the door and suddenly kissed him. It was only the upstairs butler walking by. Leaving them alone, the butler quickly moved on, trying not to look. It happened all too quickly. Warning bells went off in Christy's mind, but they were quickly muted by the passionate response she felt to Max's kiss. It was heavenly, and she couldn't stop her own hands from moving up to grasp his shoulders. Max allowed the kiss to deepen, and Christy hung on tightly, reeling from the sensation. His kiss was warm and sweet. He was an incredible kisser, and she wanted to savor him for as long as he would allow her. Max wanted to keep holding her, ... to kiss her. If only Christy knew how he struggled to let her go. And if only Max knew how much Christy didn't want him to. When Max broke the kiss, Christy was breathless and speechless and warm. She knew she was in love with the man that was cradling her in his strong arms.
To be continued .
Through the night an invisible barrier separated Max and 99. 99 looked over to find his back turned to her in bed. She knew he wasn't asleep and it took all her strength not to hold him. The hours ticked by as Max looked at the clock. At 4 a.m., he could no longer lie in bed. He turned to find 99 finally asleep then got up and got dressed. Max wanted to leave before she woke up. It was the coward's way out, not wanting to face her to try and explain what he was feeling. But how could he explain when he really didn't know himself. Max quietly sat at the small desk in the room to write a note to her: 99, I am going through a difficult and trying time in my life. I know there is no excuse for my behavior lately and I cannot blame you for losing your patience with me. I need to work things out and I need your help. Please wait up for me tonight so we can talk. Max.
He walked over to 99's side of the bed and laid the note next to the nightstand. He stood for a moment and watched her sleep. She was the only woman he thought he'd ever need in his life, and now his heart had already begun to stray. He looked at her in agony and apology, then slowly lowered his lips to hers. Lightly brushing his mouth against hers, he was careful not to wake her. He left the house and headed out to the quietness of the streets to think.
It was about 4 p.m. when Max picked up Christy from her hotel and drove to CONTROL headquarters. Christy could see Max was nervous, as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. She knew Max hadn't been on an assignment for a while and thought he might be losing his confidence. Little did she know that it wasn't his confidence he was losing, it was his heart. Christy sat quietly, then turned to him. "Max, it may not be my place to say this, .but if you're not up to this mission, ." Max cut her off, "What? Of course I'm up to it." Max forced a smile. "I'm always a little bit on the edge before a big mission. I promise you everything will go according to plan." Christy was relieved as she patted Max on the arm.
At CONTROL, Max checked himself out in the mirror. He looked very distinguished in his custom-made tux. He felt he fit the part perfectly. But to play the role more realistically, Dr. Winthop had slightly more grey in his hair than Max did. So, he needed to go to the CONTROL disguise lab to have more grey added. Afterwards, Max waited in the Chief's office for Christy to arrive. He nervously smoked a cigarette and looked at his watch. The door slid open and there stood Christy. She took his breath away with the sight of her. The boys in the costume department really outdid themselves. Her dress was long and silky black with a scoop neck line that plunged to the tops of her full breasts. Everything about the dress accentuated her every curve. She accented the dress with an elegant pearl necklace and matching earrings. They glistened against her creamy white skin. Max had a dark and forbidden desire for her that he needed to keep in check. For him it was pure torture. If she only knew how he struggled with his deep emotional connection and passion for her.
"Well, what do you think?" Christy offered.
Max couldn't take his eyes off of her. "You are ." Max had to catch his breath, ". so beautiful."
"Thank you, and you look very handsome yourself, Max. I think we'll be quite the couple tonight."
The time for the dinner party was 7 p.m. and, since the mansion was an hour and a half drive from Washington, Max and Christy got started around 5:30 p.m. Little was said during the long drive. She seemed to understand he wanted time to get mentally prepared. The car approached the gates of the old Governor's mansion at 7 p.m. sharp. The guards checked both Max and Christy's credentials and let them drive through. They walked arm and arm up to the large front door and Max rang the bell. Waiting for an answer, they noted the armed guards stationed around the grounds. A rather stuffy butler opened the door and Max announced himself, "Dr. and Mrs. Michael Winthop," then handed the butler the invitation. The butler nodded and opened the door for them to enter. They stood in the wide foyer while the butler announced their arrival to Judge William Jamison in the other room. Max looked to Christy, then nodded toward the staircase leading to the second floor. She concurred that the study was up there. Judge Jamison came over to Max and Christy to greet them. Jamison held out his hand as Max shook it, "Welcome, Dr. Winthrop. So nice of you to come."
"I'm glad we could make it," Max replied.
Jamison's eyes shifted over to Christy. Her beauty astonished him, and knowing that the Doctor's wife spoke French, he decided to greet her in the language. Taking her hand, he kissed it lightly, "Enchante' de faire votre connaissace." She looked over to Max. Since she was fluent, she would have no problems, and she answered him, "Merci." His lecherous eyes scanned the length of her body, "Puis-je Vous offrir un verre?" Christy smiled, and put up with his lustful looks, "C'est tres aimable." And, with that, Christy bent down to adjust the strap on her delicate high- heeled shoes. As she bent forward, her dress fell open enough to allow an unobstructed view to Max that included her delicate nipples. He was totally taken back by this unexpected sight, and immediately began to get "those" feelings that a man will get. He stood there in a lustful daze, as the Judge offered his arm to Christy and led her to the other guests. Max was forced to quickly gather himself, and followed close behind.
In the lounge ,Max and Christy were introduced to a group of mixed older couples -- mostly retired politicians, city officials and professors from the university. Max and Christy were the perfect imposters. Max was well-versed in the latest national news and avoided any talk of his work, claiming he was taking the night off to enjoy himself. Most of the men rallied around Christy, while the wives looked in disgust at what fools their husbands were making of themselves. After a delightful dinner, the men retired to the smoking room for 100-year-old brandy and fine Cuban cigars while the women found refuge in the garden room for tea and ladyfingers.
Max managed to talk to Christy before he left. "In about 10 minutes, tell Mrs. Jamison that you need to lie down due to a headache that just came on. I'm sure she'll direct you to a room upstairs to rest. I'll meet you shortly."
Both went their separate ways. After 10 minutes had passed, Christy made her way over to Mrs. Jamison. She began rubbing her brow, "I'm sorry, but I seem to have a headache coming on. Would you mind terribly if I could lie down somewhere?"
"I'm sorry you're not feeling well, my dear. Of course, right out to the foyer and up the staircase to the first door on your left. That's the Blue Room."
Christy thanked her and made her way to the room. She paused, scanning the hallway, and quickly entered the room, waiting for Max to make his way up. Max excused himself from the other men and made his way to the Garden Room. Mrs. Jamison rose from her seat when he approached.
"Excuse me Mrs. Jamison, Have you seen my wife?" Max asked.
"Yes, poor dear has a headache. You'll find her upstairs. First door to the left, the Blue Room."
Max thanked her and made his way upstairs. He knocked quietly on the door. Christy opened it and he stepped in. "Now, the study with the safe is at the end of the hall. Follow me and stay close."
Making their way down the hall, they came upon the study door. Checking the knob it was locked. Max reached into his lapel for a lock pick, and quickly began to work on opening the door. Christy kept a look out when she noticed a shadow coming from around the corner. To be caught would jeopardize the mission. So with nowhere to go, she shoved Max up against the door and suddenly kissed him. It was only the upstairs butler walking by. Leaving them alone, the butler quickly moved on, trying not to look. It happened all too quickly. Warning bells went off in Christy's mind, but they were quickly muted by the passionate response she felt to Max's kiss. It was heavenly, and she couldn't stop her own hands from moving up to grasp his shoulders. Max allowed the kiss to deepen, and Christy hung on tightly, reeling from the sensation. His kiss was warm and sweet. He was an incredible kisser, and she wanted to savor him for as long as he would allow her. Max wanted to keep holding her, ... to kiss her. If only Christy knew how he struggled to let her go. And if only Max knew how much Christy didn't want him to. When Max broke the kiss, Christy was breathless and speechless and warm. She knew she was in love with the man that was cradling her in his strong arms.
To be continued .