Chapter 11 for you all still reading this. Hope you're all enjoying it. I'm
having fun writing it.
Part Eleven - I want the fire back
Letting the warm water run over her hair and down her body soothingly, she sighed and closed her eyes, relaxing. Downstairs Murdock and the others were gathered round the breakfast bar while Murdock cooked bacon. Hannibal glanced along his unlit cigar to look at him. He'd noticed how incredible sane he'd gotten over the past week, and, even though he'd never admit it, he missed Murdock's crazy antics and invisible friends. He kept things light, gave them something to blow off steam at, whether it was getting annoyed at it like BA, or laughing and joining in like Face.
Face's voice brought him out of his thoughts.
"Hey Kate, good shower?"
Hannibal took the cigar out of his mouth and turned around. Kate was smiling and she had colour in her cheeks which hadn't been there for a while. Hannibal wasn't sure but he had a feeling that she'd figured some things out - it was there in her clear eyes. A determination, a reason.
"Yeah, nice and refreshing."
She answered Face and sat down next to him. Murdock turned round from the oven and placed plates of bacon and eggs infront of Kate and Face, then turned and grabbed two more for Hannibal and BA.
"Enjoy."
He said smiling at them, his eyes lingering on Kate as if asking an unasked question. She smiled back.
Everything was okay.
Hannibal could see the relief in Murdock at the silent reply, but Hannibal himself knew that something was different with her, and not in a good way. She had that hidden glint in her eye that Hannibal knew, and no one else could see it. She was good at hiding things. She was very much like Face in that way but Hannibal had gotten used to seeing things in him and he could see them in Kate as well. He decided that he'd have a talk with her later, somewhere quiet.
Once again Face's voice brings him out of his mind.
"You know, I was thinking. Why don't we all go out tonight? Find a quiet restaurant in town. Save us cooking."
"I wonder why that is?"
Murdock said, knowing full well that it was Face's turn to cook that night. Face looked like he'd got his hand caught in the cookie jar for a moment.
"Well, uh, I just thought it would be nice. And if it makes you feel better, then I'll pay, how does that sound?"
"Find my me."
BA said, wolfing down the remainder of his bacon.
"I think it's a great idea." Kate said smiling. "I haven't been out for ages for a meal."
"Colonel?"
Face asked. Hannibal merely shrugged.
"Why not."
"Then it's settled."
He said and turned back to his breakfast.
*****
After washing up the dishes, Hannibal goes in search of Kate and finds her outside alone. She's sitting with her legs handing off the jetty, her feet in the water. He glances around and sees Murdock and Face in the boat out on the lake, fishing. By Face's actions, he's obviously not happy with Murdock, but Murdock's sitting laughing at him. He hears Kate laugh quietly to herself and he goes over and hits by her, pulling out a cigar and chewing on the end.
"Hey kid."
"Hey Hannibal."
She says not looking.
"How you feeling?"
"Better. Thanks...for uh, last night."
"You're welcome."
He says, and seeing the opening he's been looking for he decides to take the direct approach.
"About last night..."
Kate turns to look at him. He knows. She can see it in his eyes.
"Hm?"
She questions innocently.
"What aren't you telling me? There's obviously something on your mind that you didn't tell me last night. Something you found out. I want to help."
She looked back out, and was silent for a long while, thinking. Hannibal let her think. "I couldn't tell you last night. I needed time to think and work everything out. And...I couldn't tell you, any of you, I needed to protect you."
He watched her confused, but kept silent.
"I know who he is. I know who the man was that killed my parents. He was the same guy that was in the warehouse...the one that shot me...and he's the same man who's killing my friends."
She stops.
"Why couldn't you tell us? We can help you find him."
She stares out into the lake, takes a breath, then starts to recite the lines from a song.
"'I touch the fire and it freezes me. I look into it and it's black. Why can't I feel? My skin should crack and peel.'" She turns and looks directly as him for the last line. "'I want the fire back.'"
She says with conviction. He stares at her, not sure he understand. She starts to explain.
"You still get the jazz on missions don't you? That adrenaline rush, makes your head spin, turns your stomach upside down, gives you a high."
He nodded.
"I haven't had that since the warehouse incident. That man took it away from me...and I want it back."
She said calmly.
"I know what I have to do...and I knew I couldn't tell you because you would stop me. But I can't keep this a secret." She paused once again as she thought of what to say. "My father left papers in a secret hiding place we had when I was a kid. They have details of the men involved and can tell us who the traitors are in the CIA...I have to leave."
Hannibal shook his head.
"I can't let you go, you're not up to it and there are people after you. Can't you get someone else to pick them up?"
She shakes her head.
"I can't trust anyone. I have to get them."
"Then let us come with you."
She shakes her head again.
"Too risky. I have to go alone...I have to do this alone. For me. ... Look, if it makes you happy I can call my partner Steve. I can trust him enough to meet me after and get me to HQ. How's that?"
Hannibal sat chewing his cigar for a moment, thinking things over. He knew that Kate was old enough and wise enough to look after herself but he still saw the young, innocent nurse that went running out of the hospital to throw up. She hadn't been that for a long time.
"I understand what you have to do, and I know you can handle things yourself, but I still don't like it."
"You don't have to like it. You've just got to accept it and let me go."
He looked out at the boat, it was closer now. There was nothing he could do to stop her and he knew it.
"When are you leaving?"
"Tonight, after dinner." There's yet another pause. "Don't tell Murdock."
He looked at her, and she explained.
"He wouldn't understand. He's too close to me, too close to let me go without a fight. You have enough distant to understand and accept what I have to do. Please."
Hannibal hesitates, he knows that Murdock is going to get angry when he realises that Hannibal let her go but he knows she has to.
"Okay."
Before she can reply, Murdock calls out to them.
"Hey Chiquita! Colonel! How about fish for lunch?"
He said holding up a huge fish. Both Hannibal and Kate laugh. While Murdock was busy placing the fish back, Kate stood.
"I've got a phone call to make."
Hannibal nodded.
*****
Colin didn't even wait for his father to answer the phone properly before he spoke.
"Hey dad, it's me. I can't talk long but I overheard a conversation earlier about Kate. She's coming back. Steve's meant to be meeting her after she's picked something up and then there coming here."
"She must have found out about the papers. Don't let Steve out of your sight. Follow him and when he meets Kate, get her and bring her here."
"What about Steve."
"Do what you like with him. Kill him for all I care - just make sure he's out of the picture."
"Sure."
"Good work son."
And he hung up.
*****
Pulling the van into the car park and parking, Murdock opened the sliding door as BA and Hannibal got out the front. They were all in suits, that is, if you could call what BA was wearing a suit, even Murdock was in a suit, even if he had borrowed it from Face. Kate was dressed in a short summery dress, not too tight, but just enough to get a man's mind wandering. Murdock helped her out of the van, then they all walked across the parking lot towards the restaurant where they were met by Face who had come on ahead in his Corvette.
"You uh, look really nice tonight."
Murdock said, walking alongside Kate.
"Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself. You know, I don't think I've ever since you in a suit. Closest thing would have to be your airforce uniform."
Murdock laughed.
"I haven't worn that for ages. Last time was at a friends funeral. You remember Ray don't you?"
"Of course. I heard about what happened. I wanted to go to his funeral but I was stuck in Europe."
"Be glad you weren't there. We lost our wheels, got beaten up, shot at and everything!"
"Sounds like some funeral!"
"You could say that!"
Reaching the restaurant, Murdock held the door open for Kate. She thanked him and followed Face in, who went up to the desk to say they'd arrived. Murdock watched her walk through and sighed longingly, then pulled himself out of his thoughts and went in.
Their table was situated near the back as face had asked, so that they were slightly hidden from view. The place was quite an exquisite restaurant, even if it was small, with a band playing and a dance floor. The tables surrounded the dance floor and were elegantly set.
"You've outdone yourself this time Lieutenant."
Hannibal said looking around as they were led to their table.
"Yeah, Faceman. This must be costing a fortune!"
Murdock said as he pulled the chair out for Kate to sit.
"Oh well I uh...not that much."
He didn't elaborate further but he'd obviously scammed them a really nice table somehow. When their waitress headed over, it was very obvious how and they couldn't hide their smiles of amusement.
"No wonder he wanted to drive separately."
Kate said quietly which brought out more smiles and quiet laughter. Face stood, kissing the girl on the hand and she smiled shyly.
"I hope your table is to your liking."
She said, placing the pitcher of water on the table that she had brought over.
"It's perfect." Face smiled. "I hope we're still on for tonight?"
"Definitely."
She smiled. Then turned to the rest of them on the table as Face sat down.
"Here are your menu's. I'll be back in a little while to get your orders."
They all thanked her as she walked away, Face watching her with a small smile. They sat in silence for a while as they studied their menu's. Murdock kept looking up at Kate, only the look in his eyes giving away how he really felt about her. He wanted to hold her, kiss her, be like they used to be, he didn't know how long he could keep going like this.
In between his glances Kate was also glancing up at him, the same look in her eyes. Only Face noticed the looks and he smiled quietly to himself, an idea forming in his mind.
The waitress came and went again, taking their orders and they chatted happily about past missions, Murdock's antics, Hannibal's crazy plans, all making for an amusing conversation that kept most of them laughing through the best past of dinner and more.
While they were letting their dinner go down and waiting for dessert, Face pulled a pen out of his pocket and quickly scribbled on a napkin. After a few minutes he slid the napkin under the table and into Murdock's lap. Murdock looked down, opened the napkin and read it, a look of unease on his face. He crumpled up the napkin and dropped it to the floor, staring at Face who nodded. Kate was oblivious to the whole silent conversation as she was talking to Hannibal.
Then Murdock turned to her, took a breath and put his hand on her arm. She turned and looked at him, feeling the shivers of excitement running up her spine at the touch.
"Kate...do you umm...Do you want to dance?"
Kate looked at him for a moment, then smiled.
"Sure."
Taking her by the hand, Murdock slowly led her to the dance floor. Hannibal, Face and BA all watched them as they slowly started to sway with the music. One hand round her waist, the other holding her hand. Her other hand resting on his shoulder.
"It's about time."
Hannibal said to himself.
Out on the dance floor both Murdock and Kate were feeling a little awkward and Kate decided to break the silence between them.
"This used to be easier."
She joked.
"Yeah."
He smiled, relieved that the silence was broken.
"Do you remember when we used to dance in 'Nam. Everyone would be gathered in the mesh hall, playing songs and having a good time."
Murdock remembered.
"And we would be outside the tent dancing under the stars. How could I forget."
They pulled closer and she rested her head on his shoulder as his hand went further around her back. He closed his eyes and pretended that everything was how it used to be for a moment. Kate's eyes were also closed as she remembered back to 'Nam.
"I've missed this."
She whispered in his ear. She could feel herself falling and tried to pull herself back. She knew that Murdock was feeling the same way and she could also feel him holding back as well. Both were thinking on what might have been.
"I wish things were how they used to be."
He whispered sadly as they danced.
"There's just so much to work through. So much has happened over the years. We have to learn if, if we're even the same people we were. If we can fit into each other's lives. It's a long and important process. And..."
She stopped, she couldn't pretend anymore. She couldn't hold back and she didn't want to go through that long tedious process again. She stopped moving and pulled back to look at him. He opened his eyes and look at her confused.
"And...can we just skip it? Can you just be kissing me now?"
Murdock stared at the woman in his arms, feeling the longing he saw in her eyes fill his mind as he let the barriers holding them back crumble and he sighed in relief.
"Kate...God, I still love you so much...it's been killing me not being able to touch you, hold you..."
"I know...I know..."
She leaned against him, feeling defeated, her head on his chest. He gave himself a moment to compose himself and started swaying her again with the music as a new song started.
It was their song. Out of all the songs they could play it was there's. Kate looked up at Murdock.
"What are the chances?"
Murdock looked amazed.
"It's gotta mean something."
She nodded, then leaned in slowly, her head tilted upwards. He leaned in with her and their lips touched, gently at first, then as Kate melted against him he pulled her tighter and the passion flowed.
From the table Face smiled. He'd looked up when he heard There You'll Be start to play, knowing it was their song.
"Well, it's about time."
He said out loud, mimicking Hannibal's words earlier. Hannibal and BA looked up from their conversation and both of them smiled at the sight.
"You're right there Lieutenant. You're right there."
Hannibal said.
Murdock and Kate pulled away from the kiss and she rested her head on his shoulder again as he held her tight and they danced until their song finished.
*****
In the middle of the night Kate awoke to find Murdock still wrapped around her. For a while she just laid there watching him. Then she stole a look at the clock. 2.56am. Time to go.
She sighed gently and carefully unwrapped herself and moved backwards, making sure not to disturb him. She knew what a light sleeper he could be, but luckily he just moaned slightly, rolled over and stayed still. She swung her legs out of bed and reached for her clothes which were in a heap on the floor. She silently got dressed and, picking up her shoes and jacket, she started to head for the door, changed her mind and moved back towards his side of the bed. She leaned over him and delicately planted a kiss on his forehead.
"I'll be back soon, I promise. I love you."
"I love you too."
He mumbled, then was silent. She smiled to herself and then snuck out of the room, closing the door on the way.
Soundlessly she goes downstairs. Hannibal is standing in the living room staring out the window, quietly smoking a cigar, and he turns as she reaches the bottom.
She looks at him and he just stares right back at her and watches as she sits down and starts putting her trainers and jacket on. She spoke without looking up.
"Can you apologise to Murdock for me. Tell him that I love him and that I'll be back as soon as I can. And can you apologise to Face for me, I'm taking his car. Tell him I'll take good care of it and I'll even give it a full wax before I return." She stood and straightened her jacket. He heads over to her and impulsively hugs her.
"Be careful."
"I will."
"And make sure you keep in contact. Okay?"
"Sure. I'll give you a ring when I get home, and when I'm coming back."
She pulls away from the hug.
"I'll see you in a few days."
He just nods, then watches her leave out the front door and silently start up Face's car and drive off. Then he sighs and goes and sits down on the couch.
"Murdock'll kill me for letting her go."
He says quietly to himself and takes a drag on his cigar.
Well? What do you think those of you still awake and reading? Questions? Comments? Where do you want this to go? I have my ideas but any input would be good. Becki XX
Part Eleven - I want the fire back
Letting the warm water run over her hair and down her body soothingly, she sighed and closed her eyes, relaxing. Downstairs Murdock and the others were gathered round the breakfast bar while Murdock cooked bacon. Hannibal glanced along his unlit cigar to look at him. He'd noticed how incredible sane he'd gotten over the past week, and, even though he'd never admit it, he missed Murdock's crazy antics and invisible friends. He kept things light, gave them something to blow off steam at, whether it was getting annoyed at it like BA, or laughing and joining in like Face.
Face's voice brought him out of his thoughts.
"Hey Kate, good shower?"
Hannibal took the cigar out of his mouth and turned around. Kate was smiling and she had colour in her cheeks which hadn't been there for a while. Hannibal wasn't sure but he had a feeling that she'd figured some things out - it was there in her clear eyes. A determination, a reason.
"Yeah, nice and refreshing."
She answered Face and sat down next to him. Murdock turned round from the oven and placed plates of bacon and eggs infront of Kate and Face, then turned and grabbed two more for Hannibal and BA.
"Enjoy."
He said smiling at them, his eyes lingering on Kate as if asking an unasked question. She smiled back.
Everything was okay.
Hannibal could see the relief in Murdock at the silent reply, but Hannibal himself knew that something was different with her, and not in a good way. She had that hidden glint in her eye that Hannibal knew, and no one else could see it. She was good at hiding things. She was very much like Face in that way but Hannibal had gotten used to seeing things in him and he could see them in Kate as well. He decided that he'd have a talk with her later, somewhere quiet.
Once again Face's voice brings him out of his mind.
"You know, I was thinking. Why don't we all go out tonight? Find a quiet restaurant in town. Save us cooking."
"I wonder why that is?"
Murdock said, knowing full well that it was Face's turn to cook that night. Face looked like he'd got his hand caught in the cookie jar for a moment.
"Well, uh, I just thought it would be nice. And if it makes you feel better, then I'll pay, how does that sound?"
"Find my me."
BA said, wolfing down the remainder of his bacon.
"I think it's a great idea." Kate said smiling. "I haven't been out for ages for a meal."
"Colonel?"
Face asked. Hannibal merely shrugged.
"Why not."
"Then it's settled."
He said and turned back to his breakfast.
*****
After washing up the dishes, Hannibal goes in search of Kate and finds her outside alone. She's sitting with her legs handing off the jetty, her feet in the water. He glances around and sees Murdock and Face in the boat out on the lake, fishing. By Face's actions, he's obviously not happy with Murdock, but Murdock's sitting laughing at him. He hears Kate laugh quietly to herself and he goes over and hits by her, pulling out a cigar and chewing on the end.
"Hey kid."
"Hey Hannibal."
She says not looking.
"How you feeling?"
"Better. Thanks...for uh, last night."
"You're welcome."
He says, and seeing the opening he's been looking for he decides to take the direct approach.
"About last night..."
Kate turns to look at him. He knows. She can see it in his eyes.
"Hm?"
She questions innocently.
"What aren't you telling me? There's obviously something on your mind that you didn't tell me last night. Something you found out. I want to help."
She looked back out, and was silent for a long while, thinking. Hannibal let her think. "I couldn't tell you last night. I needed time to think and work everything out. And...I couldn't tell you, any of you, I needed to protect you."
He watched her confused, but kept silent.
"I know who he is. I know who the man was that killed my parents. He was the same guy that was in the warehouse...the one that shot me...and he's the same man who's killing my friends."
She stops.
"Why couldn't you tell us? We can help you find him."
She stares out into the lake, takes a breath, then starts to recite the lines from a song.
"'I touch the fire and it freezes me. I look into it and it's black. Why can't I feel? My skin should crack and peel.'" She turns and looks directly as him for the last line. "'I want the fire back.'"
She says with conviction. He stares at her, not sure he understand. She starts to explain.
"You still get the jazz on missions don't you? That adrenaline rush, makes your head spin, turns your stomach upside down, gives you a high."
He nodded.
"I haven't had that since the warehouse incident. That man took it away from me...and I want it back."
She said calmly.
"I know what I have to do...and I knew I couldn't tell you because you would stop me. But I can't keep this a secret." She paused once again as she thought of what to say. "My father left papers in a secret hiding place we had when I was a kid. They have details of the men involved and can tell us who the traitors are in the CIA...I have to leave."
Hannibal shook his head.
"I can't let you go, you're not up to it and there are people after you. Can't you get someone else to pick them up?"
She shakes her head.
"I can't trust anyone. I have to get them."
"Then let us come with you."
She shakes her head again.
"Too risky. I have to go alone...I have to do this alone. For me. ... Look, if it makes you happy I can call my partner Steve. I can trust him enough to meet me after and get me to HQ. How's that?"
Hannibal sat chewing his cigar for a moment, thinking things over. He knew that Kate was old enough and wise enough to look after herself but he still saw the young, innocent nurse that went running out of the hospital to throw up. She hadn't been that for a long time.
"I understand what you have to do, and I know you can handle things yourself, but I still don't like it."
"You don't have to like it. You've just got to accept it and let me go."
He looked out at the boat, it was closer now. There was nothing he could do to stop her and he knew it.
"When are you leaving?"
"Tonight, after dinner." There's yet another pause. "Don't tell Murdock."
He looked at her, and she explained.
"He wouldn't understand. He's too close to me, too close to let me go without a fight. You have enough distant to understand and accept what I have to do. Please."
Hannibal hesitates, he knows that Murdock is going to get angry when he realises that Hannibal let her go but he knows she has to.
"Okay."
Before she can reply, Murdock calls out to them.
"Hey Chiquita! Colonel! How about fish for lunch?"
He said holding up a huge fish. Both Hannibal and Kate laugh. While Murdock was busy placing the fish back, Kate stood.
"I've got a phone call to make."
Hannibal nodded.
*****
Colin didn't even wait for his father to answer the phone properly before he spoke.
"Hey dad, it's me. I can't talk long but I overheard a conversation earlier about Kate. She's coming back. Steve's meant to be meeting her after she's picked something up and then there coming here."
"She must have found out about the papers. Don't let Steve out of your sight. Follow him and when he meets Kate, get her and bring her here."
"What about Steve."
"Do what you like with him. Kill him for all I care - just make sure he's out of the picture."
"Sure."
"Good work son."
And he hung up.
*****
Pulling the van into the car park and parking, Murdock opened the sliding door as BA and Hannibal got out the front. They were all in suits, that is, if you could call what BA was wearing a suit, even Murdock was in a suit, even if he had borrowed it from Face. Kate was dressed in a short summery dress, not too tight, but just enough to get a man's mind wandering. Murdock helped her out of the van, then they all walked across the parking lot towards the restaurant where they were met by Face who had come on ahead in his Corvette.
"You uh, look really nice tonight."
Murdock said, walking alongside Kate.
"Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself. You know, I don't think I've ever since you in a suit. Closest thing would have to be your airforce uniform."
Murdock laughed.
"I haven't worn that for ages. Last time was at a friends funeral. You remember Ray don't you?"
"Of course. I heard about what happened. I wanted to go to his funeral but I was stuck in Europe."
"Be glad you weren't there. We lost our wheels, got beaten up, shot at and everything!"
"Sounds like some funeral!"
"You could say that!"
Reaching the restaurant, Murdock held the door open for Kate. She thanked him and followed Face in, who went up to the desk to say they'd arrived. Murdock watched her walk through and sighed longingly, then pulled himself out of his thoughts and went in.
Their table was situated near the back as face had asked, so that they were slightly hidden from view. The place was quite an exquisite restaurant, even if it was small, with a band playing and a dance floor. The tables surrounded the dance floor and were elegantly set.
"You've outdone yourself this time Lieutenant."
Hannibal said looking around as they were led to their table.
"Yeah, Faceman. This must be costing a fortune!"
Murdock said as he pulled the chair out for Kate to sit.
"Oh well I uh...not that much."
He didn't elaborate further but he'd obviously scammed them a really nice table somehow. When their waitress headed over, it was very obvious how and they couldn't hide their smiles of amusement.
"No wonder he wanted to drive separately."
Kate said quietly which brought out more smiles and quiet laughter. Face stood, kissing the girl on the hand and she smiled shyly.
"I hope your table is to your liking."
She said, placing the pitcher of water on the table that she had brought over.
"It's perfect." Face smiled. "I hope we're still on for tonight?"
"Definitely."
She smiled. Then turned to the rest of them on the table as Face sat down.
"Here are your menu's. I'll be back in a little while to get your orders."
They all thanked her as she walked away, Face watching her with a small smile. They sat in silence for a while as they studied their menu's. Murdock kept looking up at Kate, only the look in his eyes giving away how he really felt about her. He wanted to hold her, kiss her, be like they used to be, he didn't know how long he could keep going like this.
In between his glances Kate was also glancing up at him, the same look in her eyes. Only Face noticed the looks and he smiled quietly to himself, an idea forming in his mind.
The waitress came and went again, taking their orders and they chatted happily about past missions, Murdock's antics, Hannibal's crazy plans, all making for an amusing conversation that kept most of them laughing through the best past of dinner and more.
While they were letting their dinner go down and waiting for dessert, Face pulled a pen out of his pocket and quickly scribbled on a napkin. After a few minutes he slid the napkin under the table and into Murdock's lap. Murdock looked down, opened the napkin and read it, a look of unease on his face. He crumpled up the napkin and dropped it to the floor, staring at Face who nodded. Kate was oblivious to the whole silent conversation as she was talking to Hannibal.
Then Murdock turned to her, took a breath and put his hand on her arm. She turned and looked at him, feeling the shivers of excitement running up her spine at the touch.
"Kate...do you umm...Do you want to dance?"
Kate looked at him for a moment, then smiled.
"Sure."
Taking her by the hand, Murdock slowly led her to the dance floor. Hannibal, Face and BA all watched them as they slowly started to sway with the music. One hand round her waist, the other holding her hand. Her other hand resting on his shoulder.
"It's about time."
Hannibal said to himself.
Out on the dance floor both Murdock and Kate were feeling a little awkward and Kate decided to break the silence between them.
"This used to be easier."
She joked.
"Yeah."
He smiled, relieved that the silence was broken.
"Do you remember when we used to dance in 'Nam. Everyone would be gathered in the mesh hall, playing songs and having a good time."
Murdock remembered.
"And we would be outside the tent dancing under the stars. How could I forget."
They pulled closer and she rested her head on his shoulder as his hand went further around her back. He closed his eyes and pretended that everything was how it used to be for a moment. Kate's eyes were also closed as she remembered back to 'Nam.
"I've missed this."
She whispered in his ear. She could feel herself falling and tried to pull herself back. She knew that Murdock was feeling the same way and she could also feel him holding back as well. Both were thinking on what might have been.
"I wish things were how they used to be."
He whispered sadly as they danced.
"There's just so much to work through. So much has happened over the years. We have to learn if, if we're even the same people we were. If we can fit into each other's lives. It's a long and important process. And..."
She stopped, she couldn't pretend anymore. She couldn't hold back and she didn't want to go through that long tedious process again. She stopped moving and pulled back to look at him. He opened his eyes and look at her confused.
"And...can we just skip it? Can you just be kissing me now?"
Murdock stared at the woman in his arms, feeling the longing he saw in her eyes fill his mind as he let the barriers holding them back crumble and he sighed in relief.
"Kate...God, I still love you so much...it's been killing me not being able to touch you, hold you..."
"I know...I know..."
She leaned against him, feeling defeated, her head on his chest. He gave himself a moment to compose himself and started swaying her again with the music as a new song started.
It was their song. Out of all the songs they could play it was there's. Kate looked up at Murdock.
"What are the chances?"
Murdock looked amazed.
"It's gotta mean something."
She nodded, then leaned in slowly, her head tilted upwards. He leaned in with her and their lips touched, gently at first, then as Kate melted against him he pulled her tighter and the passion flowed.
From the table Face smiled. He'd looked up when he heard There You'll Be start to play, knowing it was their song.
"Well, it's about time."
He said out loud, mimicking Hannibal's words earlier. Hannibal and BA looked up from their conversation and both of them smiled at the sight.
"You're right there Lieutenant. You're right there."
Hannibal said.
Murdock and Kate pulled away from the kiss and she rested her head on his shoulder again as he held her tight and they danced until their song finished.
*****
In the middle of the night Kate awoke to find Murdock still wrapped around her. For a while she just laid there watching him. Then she stole a look at the clock. 2.56am. Time to go.
She sighed gently and carefully unwrapped herself and moved backwards, making sure not to disturb him. She knew what a light sleeper he could be, but luckily he just moaned slightly, rolled over and stayed still. She swung her legs out of bed and reached for her clothes which were in a heap on the floor. She silently got dressed and, picking up her shoes and jacket, she started to head for the door, changed her mind and moved back towards his side of the bed. She leaned over him and delicately planted a kiss on his forehead.
"I'll be back soon, I promise. I love you."
"I love you too."
He mumbled, then was silent. She smiled to herself and then snuck out of the room, closing the door on the way.
Soundlessly she goes downstairs. Hannibal is standing in the living room staring out the window, quietly smoking a cigar, and he turns as she reaches the bottom.
She looks at him and he just stares right back at her and watches as she sits down and starts putting her trainers and jacket on. She spoke without looking up.
"Can you apologise to Murdock for me. Tell him that I love him and that I'll be back as soon as I can. And can you apologise to Face for me, I'm taking his car. Tell him I'll take good care of it and I'll even give it a full wax before I return." She stood and straightened her jacket. He heads over to her and impulsively hugs her.
"Be careful."
"I will."
"And make sure you keep in contact. Okay?"
"Sure. I'll give you a ring when I get home, and when I'm coming back."
She pulls away from the hug.
"I'll see you in a few days."
He just nods, then watches her leave out the front door and silently start up Face's car and drive off. Then he sighs and goes and sits down on the couch.
"Murdock'll kill me for letting her go."
He says quietly to himself and takes a drag on his cigar.
Well? What do you think those of you still awake and reading? Questions? Comments? Where do you want this to go? I have my ideas but any input would be good. Becki XX