Author's Note: Sorry it's been a while since I updated. Here's the next
chapter! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed my story, many, many, thanks!
Part Eight: "Deadly Mission Takes a Turn."
*Don't panic*! I tried to tell myself to no avail. My gun had been taken from me and whoever had seized me had his hand clamped over my mouth. Struggling on the ground I tried to get a good kick onto my attacker when I was stopped by the person's voice.
"Danielle, for goodness' sake calm down!" In my surprise I did just that. Illya loosened his grip and got off me, sitting heavily down putting his back against the forklift. The fear of the moment was forgotten as I sat up and got next to the UNCLE agent.
"I seem to have to keep apologizing to you." Illya smiled ruefully. "Sorry about that, I was afraid you'd shoot before you realized it was me." *That's probably true*, I thought and immediately told him not to worry about it.
"The THRUSH agent that was left escaped with the rest, out the corridor window," he said breathlessly. I scanned him with what little light I had. He was clutching his wrist tightly pressed against his chest. He saw my worried glance. "We were ambushed so I tried to get around the back. I didn't make it since there were agents waiting. It was a trap."
Translating the look he gave me, I understood what he was getting at. "Our double agent." *Who else could it be but the double agent.* Nodding, he continued. "I got hit on the head and must have blacked out," he gingerly touched the side of his head. I was shocked to realize that his head was covered with blood. Knowing how much pain he must be in I tried hard not to wince myself.
His voice was fading and I knew it was better to get him to the others. "If they're gone, it'd be better if we join the others."
Illya seemed to get his strength back and with a troubled voice said, "What happened to Napoleon and the others."
"Mark and Maiko are with them. April's here somewhere. I'll call her." Getting my radio I set it to April's communicator frequency. "April, the agents are all gone. Illya's with me."
"Is he OK?"
Getting a nod from him I told her he was. "We'll be heading for Mark, see you there." Putting my radio back I got up. Illya gestured for me to help him up which I did quickly.
"Can you help me walk." I didn't answer him; I just got his arm around me and helped him towards the door. Since he was only a little taller than me, I wasn't that much of a problem.
**********
The storage room was much brighter than the one Illya and I had just been in since someone had found the light switch. Right now I was kneeling next to Patrick who was in a terrible state. He had caught a bullet right in his side and was still unconscious. Next to me was Mark who was trying to stop the bleeding. I looked around me, surveying the scene. Napoleon, who had been grazed by a bullet in the shoulder, had the look of someone ready to kill. I understood his feelings exactly. Someone had set us up, the very same person we were supposed to have captured by now. April tried in vain to tend to his wound.
Illya was sitting with his back against the wall near the door, his eyes closed. Looking paler than usual, I could now see his injuries looked far worse than I imagined. Maiko was rummaging through her bag and Tanya had Napoleon's same expression as she bandaged her own right arm.
I was starting to feel like I needed a little air. *Being here with Patrick so hurt.* I whispered over to Mark. "Dick and Sylvie should be here soon, right?"
The Brit comprehending what I was getting at gave me an encouraging smile. "Yeah, they'll be here soon. Why don't you go downstairs and wait for them." I answered him by giving him what I hoped was a smile. As I left the room I saw Illya open his eyes. *He never seems to miss anything, does he?* As soon I was out the door I tried to compose myself as I ran down the stairs. This wasn't how this mission was supposed to be. I couldn't help but feel that I should have done something, anything.
**********
After a few minutes of waiting, the reinforcements arrived. I was happy to see that Dick and Sylvie were insightful enough to call for some medics. Some of the UNCLE agents went their own ways to secure the perimeter, making sure we were safe. Of the ones who were left, leading them upstairs I was surprised to find everyone looking at me, except for Patrick who was still unconscious. *Patrick.* Swallowing the lump in my throat I asked, "Is Patrick."
"He's fine," April said soothingly, sensing my thoughts. I almost fell from the alarm of thinking I had lost my partner. Dick, Sylvie, and the reinforcements spread apart checking those who were hurt. *They're sure looking at me strangely.* Getting a little uncomfortable I tried to discern their glances. *Surprise? No, it's shock. And some. anger?*
Before I voiced the question of what was going on Tanya approached me. "Do you recognize this?" she asked sharply. Puzzled, I looked at the object in her hand.
"Of course I recognize it. It's an UNCLE explosive device."
"Did you have one with you tonight?"
"I did, and so did everyone else." Getting a little tired of the interrogation, I asked a little frustratingly, "Would someone, please, explain to me what in the world is going on?"
There was a short silence then Maiko spoke. "I was searching for some more first aide equipment and I thought you might have some in your bag. I found that explosive connected to a detonator set for 1 more minute. I was lucky enough to be able to disconnect the wires."
The room was suddenly so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop. *They don't think that. I mean, they can't believe that I would. I would never.* I tried to find the words to tell them of my innocence but they wouldn't come out. But what hurt the most was that nobody else seemed to come to my aide. *Not April, not even Illya.*
If Napoleon hadn't right then ordered everyone to get out and get to headquarters, I wouldn't have known what to do. The attention was taken off me as everyone started getting out of the room. I woodenly went over to Patrick. Mark watched me as I started helping one of the medics in carrying Patrick to the trucks waiting for us.
**********
At UNCLE headquarters, everything was a blur to me as I was whisked off to UNCLE's medical facility. Even though I wasn't in any medical emergency, I still needed to be okayed by the medical staff. After that I was escorted to a small cell and was left alone.
*They actually think that I'm their double agent!* But I knew that they couldn't take any chances. After the initial shock was starting wear off, I was starting to feel weary. Sitting down in the lone chair, I rested my head against the wall and closed my eyes. I couldn't think anymore, it was just too tiring and too depressing.
Before I could drift off, I was called to the communications room. I didn't know what to think. Even if I knew I wasn't the double agent, how could I prove I wasn't?
Entering the communication rooms I found most of the agents there except for Patrick and Illya. Just thinking about Patrick made my stomach turn. Last I heard he was still in the operating room, but the bullet wasn't the problem, it was the blood loss. *If only he were here, he would believe I had nothing to do with anything.* And as for Illya, I did not care to think about him at all. I thought he was a friend, and instead hadn't tried to stand up for me at all. *Neither did April or the others.* But still, when Illya didn't helped at all, it had hurt.
I sat down in a chair and could feel everyone scrutinizing me, except for April who couldn't seem to look at me. The screen lit up and I could see Mr. Waverly was online.
"I have already heard most of the facts ladies and gentlemen," he began. "I would like to know the facts about the charges against Danielle Leona being our double agent." *I just knew this was coming.* I clasped the armrests of my chair as he continued. "Mr. Solo, please explain the situation."
Napoleon cleared his voice. Despite his injury being slight, I could see that his shoulder was starting to stiffen up. "Well sir, we have no proof as yet saying that Miss Leona is a double agent." *Was there a glimmer of hope for me?*
Mr. Waverly seemed to be thinking the same think as he raised his bushy eyebrows and exclaimed, "Oh?"
"Yes, you see, all of us agents had so many explosive devices with us. We confirmed with headquarters here that Miss Leona had only one device with her. In her bag there was already one device, along with the active one."
"So you are saying that someone could have put the explosive in the bag." There was as short silence. "What do you say about all of this Miss Leona. Do you deny ever setting the explosive?"
All head turned to face me. I knew that I had to be confident and not look guilty. *But I'm so nervous!* I said as calmly and strongly as I could, "I do deny that I ever set that explosive device."
Mr. Waverly sighed. "Since we neither have real proof for or against Miss Leona, I suggest we put Miss Leona back on active duty under the strictest surveillance. The only real way we can find out who our double agent is, is to learn it through THRUSH."
I couldn't believe! I was off the hook, even if it was for the moment! Mr. Waverly ordered us to finish our mission and with that he signed off. Napoleon told us to go back to our rooms, get some rest, and meet back in headquarters tomorrow morning nine o'clock. *Not tomorrow morning, THIS morning* I thought as I looked at my watch which indicated it was four in the morning already.
As we all left I realized that everyone was trying very hard to ignore me. *They're not going to be trusting me for a while until this whole matter is solved.* Walking out to the elevator which would bring me up to the bookstore above, I saw April coming towards me.
"You're my surveillance, aren't you," I asked her, realizing what was going on.
She shrugged. "Sort of. I'm just ordered to be near you at all times." She seemed very uncomfortable and kept looking like she wanted to say something, but something refrained her. *She doesn't trust me.* I decided not to pursue the matter and together in silence, we went to our hotel room for a much needed rest.
**********
Back at UNCLE headquarters, everyone looked exhausted. We were in the file room trying to come up with some lead, ANY lead, to work out where THRUSH was. Browsing through all the latest holdups, robberies, murders, and even files on what didn't seem at all connected to our search! *Research, I hate research*, I though grumpily. But I knew that that wasn't what was bothering me, it was the way everyone seemed to ignore me. I knew they had a just reason for distrusting me but still, they were acting like I wasn't even alive! When asking a question, I only received a short and quick answer. *This is getting a bit frustrating.*
"Anybody still not find anything?" Napoleon asked from his desk. All the answer he got was the groans and moans from all around. *I have to admit, it IS pretty depressing.*
"All right, take a break and have some lunch. Be back here by 1:00." This time he got a reaction as everyone heartily agreed and began leaving the room for the cafeteria.
April, who was sitting next to me, gestured to the door. "Are you going to eat lunch?"
"Nope. I'm not that hungry. I think I'll stay here for a while." I turned away from her, expecting her to leave. But she wasn't that easily put off.
After everyone was out of the room she said slowly, "Danielle, about this whole thing. Well."
I couldn't let her finish. "You don't know what think, right? I'm a double agent or something and can't talk to me, just like everyone." By now I was not thinking. Besides the headache I had acquired I was also feeling very depressed. And when I get depressed, I snap. "No one trusts me, no one cares. Not Napoleon, Mark, the others, not even you."
April looked like she was trying very hard to compose herself. She looked down at her shuffling feet. "It's just that. Illya said." She suddenly seemed to snap awake as she realized what she had just said. It was too late, though. I had heard her. *Illya?*
"What has Illya got to do with anything except for not even speaking to me?" April was so quiet that except for her grimace I wouldn't have thought she had heard anything. *There's only one way to find out the answer to my question.* I stood up, put my sweater on and started heading out the door. As I was leaving I heard the sound of April sitting down and, I wasn't sure, but I thought I heard her say, "He's going to kill me."
I knew where I was headed and I had to keep myself from running all the way to the infirmary. I strode to the nurses' desk and asked the woman there, "Do you know where Mr. Illya Kuryakin is?"
The pretty young Japanese nurse studied me for a second. "Are you Patrick O'Shay's partner, Danielle Leona?"
*Patrick! Is he OK?* "Yes, I am. How is he?"
"He awoke about an hour ago. His condition has stabilized and the doctor is now allowing visitors. Would you."
"Oh, yes please. I would like to see him." *Thank goodness he's all right. I thought I had lost the only friend I ever could have.*
The nurse riffled through some papers then looked up at me. "Mr. O'Shay is on the second door to your right down this corridor. And if you're still looking for Mr. Kuryakin, I'm afraid I don't know where he is. Although he was supposed to be remaining in the infirmary, I don't have him written down in my log. Why don't you ask the Dr. Madison whom I believe is with Mr. O'Shay."
I gave my thanks to her then followed her directions to Patrick's room. *I'll take care of Mr. Kuryakin later.* Peeking in the room I immediately smelled medicine. *I hate hospitals, especially when I'm in the hospital.* Standing over the bed I saw a woman who was looking at her clipboard.
I moved closer to stand on the other side of Patrick's bed. Patrick was awake and when he saw me he gave a smile.
"Hi Danielle!" Patrick called in his usual cheery voice though a little weaker. "I feel great, never better."
I looked him up and down. "Uh huh. Sure you are."
"That bad?"
"I've seen better." I tried to keep up my cheery façade. "So, any beautiful nurses?"
He gave a mysterious smile. "Maybe. maybe not."
The nurse smiled at we both laughed. "Miss Leona I presume. You may speak with your partner though I do not want you to tire him out." After I agreed, the left the room.
Patrick grew serious. "I heard about what's going on."
Instantly I felt deflated. *I bet he heard UNCLE's side of the story.* Sarcastically I replied, "I'm sure you did. I'm a double agent, I wanted to kill the lot of you to get you off my trail, I stole top secret files and sold them to THRUSH. How could everyone believe that? I mean, how could I have access to top secret stuff? I'm just a. a. a rookie!"
"Calm down, Danny. Not everyone believes that." Patrick looked hurt. "Didn't you think that I would stand by your side? Come one, I'm your partner, I would never betray you and vice versa."
Deeply touched I sat down on his bed. "Thanks Patrick. I needed to hear that."
"And not only I believe you but so does. well, let's see there's April and Illya."
I scoffed at him. "Illya and April? That's got to be a laugh! They haven't spoken to me like one word, they ignore me and."
Patrick seemed a bit confused. "But Illya was just here and he said that he would talk with you."
*What!?* "What in the world are you talking about Patrick?"
Patrick pursed his lips, looking at me adamantly. "I'm not saying another word since Illya hasn't."
Ready to argue, I was just about to open my mouth when I heard from behind me which I recognized, "Patrick is right. I should explain." Illya came over to sit in a chair next to me. He was limping and because of his broken wrist his whole right forearm was in a cast. He still looked pale but I stared defiantly back into face. "You see, we all believe you're innocent; Napoleon, April, Mark, and of course Mr. Waverly."
"Mr. Waverly!? You've got to be kidding!"
"It was part of his idea. Think about it Danielle. Someone planted the bomb in your backpack. It was meant to be found to put suspicion on you. Who would want to do that?"
I began to get what he was saying. "There's only one person who would do that. The double agent himself!"
I looked over at Patrick who was smiling. "I told you that everyone believes you're innocent!" he said happily.
More and more, everything began to become clear to me. I turned back to Illya who was watching me closely. "So you thought that if you could make the double agent believe he had fooled you all, he would maybe relax his guard." The senior agent nodded. "So you were all pretending to ignore me?"
"Our double agent is here in Japan, we had suspected as much. And now we know he's somehow involved on our mission, maybe a technician, secretary, agent, or somebody. Mr. Waverly is ordering a extra careful background check on all personnel involved. I'm sorry we had to treat you the way we did."
"So what now?"
It was then that Illya gave one of his rare smiles. "I just came back from checking up on April. She's the one who told me to look for you here." It was then that I noticed he had a file in his other hand which he handed to me. "April might have found our THRUSH satrapy. We have a plan."
**********
"That's a plan?" I remarked slowly. "To wait here until the team comes from breaking into THRUSH headquarters?"
"It's the only thing we can do, Danielle. They should be back by now. Stop pacing."
"I pace when I'm bored."
"Then do something to occupy your mind."
"I'm pacing, aren't I?"
Illya gave a frustrated sigh. "Please, for my sake. Sit down." It was my turn to give a frustrated sigh.
"It's not fair. Why do I have to be stuck here with you?"
"Humph. I didn't know I was such bad company."
"I didn't mean it that way and you know it."
"Sorry." He looked like he didn't mean it much. In reality I knew that he was just as restless as I was. Except he seemed to be able to control himself. Almost.
I sat down heavily onto the couch and rambled on. "Our double agent surely by now knows our plan to infiltrate THRUSH headquarters. THRUSH will be alerted and the team will be captured. They'll never even get past the security let alone get to the computer banks!"
"Danielle, only Mr. Waverly, the team, and we know about the mission besides a very select few."
"But what if the agent is a top agent?"
Illya looked like he didn't even want to think about it. He got up quickly and began to pace the room but stopped when he saw me trying to contain my laughter. The Russian also gave a small smile, saying, "You wouldn't want to pace with me, would you?"
"No thank you." The whole atmosphere was more relaxed as he sat back down again and began flexing his wrist. Looking into his face I could tell it still hurt. I mentioned my thought out loud which he replied with a wry smile.
We spent a few minutes in friendly silence, all the time which I spent thinking about Illya. *It seems we always get into arguments but everything works out for the better. Now I can't imagine him as the enemy I had regarded him as in the beginning.* At that thought I smiled.
Illya noticed it. "What are you thinking about?"
"I was just thinking about how you used to be my worst enemy."
With that he also smiled. "It wasn't very funny at the time. I thought you'd never forgive me." He shifted his position to face me. "How's it going between you and your email friend. Has he written you?"
I terrible wave of loneliness filled me as I realized he still hadn't answered since our 'meeting'. "I haven't gotten a chance to check my mail or even write him." He remained quiet as I continued, "He is one of the best things that has happened to me. Besides Patrick he's one of the few friends I have. And besides, it's sort of intriguing to have a mysterious friend." With that I smiled.
"I have a laptop. Want to check your mail?" Illya asked slowly.
"Really? Could I?" *I should have asked him earlier!*
"Be my guest. It should be on the table." He stood up with me and led me to his laptop. It was on so I just sat down and turned on the Internet then checked mail. *If only he would write me. he did!* Sure enough, there was an e-mail from Areht! I read it once through quickly, then read it carefully over again.
Dear NewYorkGirl,
I'm most terribly sorry for not meeting you. Their is really no excuse I can give you for my absence, someday I might tell you what happened. But for now I can only repeat my apology in earnest. I hope you might forgive me. I can understand if you never write to me again but in my heart, I hope we can continue to write each other.
Areht
*He still wants to continue writing with me!* I couldn't wait to tell Illya! But when I turned around, I found him gone from the room. Oh, well. I clicked 'reply' on the screen and began my letter back to him.
Dear Areht,
Hello, it was wonderful to hear from you! I think just by reading my first sentence you can understand that I understand completely. I admit I was upset when you didn't arrive but it didn't last for long. Please forgive me also for not having written back quickly. Job situation.
I paused a minute thinking about what I would write him. I decided to tell him about Illya.
Remember I told you about this terrible guy in my business who took my place in this assignment I wanted? Well, it's a funny thing, now I think I'm friends with him! He's very quiet and has this calm quality to him which just being with him makes you immediately relax. He is working with me on a project right now and I can't believe that I used to loathe him! Funny how things work out. Waiting for your reply!
NewYorkGirl
I clicked send and felt all my troubles seem to slip away. I had my friend back and I was happy. I decided to look for Illya. *Probably in the bedroom.* Walking over to the closed door, I knocked. "Illya, are you there? Can I come in?" No answer. I knocked again, suddenly having a strange feeling in my stomach. Deciding to just enter the room, I opened to door slowly then swung it open fast when I saw something on the floor. The floor was an unconscious Illya, his head wound bleeding again. And standing by the bed was a masked intruder with a gun pointing at me. I couldn't do anything so I just raised my hands.
"Who are you?" was all I could manage to say.
The man laughed then took off his mask. It was none other than Masahiro Kumasaki.
Author's Note: Ah, another cliff hanger! Hope you're looking forward to the next chapter! Please review!
Part Eight: "Deadly Mission Takes a Turn."
*Don't panic*! I tried to tell myself to no avail. My gun had been taken from me and whoever had seized me had his hand clamped over my mouth. Struggling on the ground I tried to get a good kick onto my attacker when I was stopped by the person's voice.
"Danielle, for goodness' sake calm down!" In my surprise I did just that. Illya loosened his grip and got off me, sitting heavily down putting his back against the forklift. The fear of the moment was forgotten as I sat up and got next to the UNCLE agent.
"I seem to have to keep apologizing to you." Illya smiled ruefully. "Sorry about that, I was afraid you'd shoot before you realized it was me." *That's probably true*, I thought and immediately told him not to worry about it.
"The THRUSH agent that was left escaped with the rest, out the corridor window," he said breathlessly. I scanned him with what little light I had. He was clutching his wrist tightly pressed against his chest. He saw my worried glance. "We were ambushed so I tried to get around the back. I didn't make it since there were agents waiting. It was a trap."
Translating the look he gave me, I understood what he was getting at. "Our double agent." *Who else could it be but the double agent.* Nodding, he continued. "I got hit on the head and must have blacked out," he gingerly touched the side of his head. I was shocked to realize that his head was covered with blood. Knowing how much pain he must be in I tried hard not to wince myself.
His voice was fading and I knew it was better to get him to the others. "If they're gone, it'd be better if we join the others."
Illya seemed to get his strength back and with a troubled voice said, "What happened to Napoleon and the others."
"Mark and Maiko are with them. April's here somewhere. I'll call her." Getting my radio I set it to April's communicator frequency. "April, the agents are all gone. Illya's with me."
"Is he OK?"
Getting a nod from him I told her he was. "We'll be heading for Mark, see you there." Putting my radio back I got up. Illya gestured for me to help him up which I did quickly.
"Can you help me walk." I didn't answer him; I just got his arm around me and helped him towards the door. Since he was only a little taller than me, I wasn't that much of a problem.
**********
The storage room was much brighter than the one Illya and I had just been in since someone had found the light switch. Right now I was kneeling next to Patrick who was in a terrible state. He had caught a bullet right in his side and was still unconscious. Next to me was Mark who was trying to stop the bleeding. I looked around me, surveying the scene. Napoleon, who had been grazed by a bullet in the shoulder, had the look of someone ready to kill. I understood his feelings exactly. Someone had set us up, the very same person we were supposed to have captured by now. April tried in vain to tend to his wound.
Illya was sitting with his back against the wall near the door, his eyes closed. Looking paler than usual, I could now see his injuries looked far worse than I imagined. Maiko was rummaging through her bag and Tanya had Napoleon's same expression as she bandaged her own right arm.
I was starting to feel like I needed a little air. *Being here with Patrick so hurt.* I whispered over to Mark. "Dick and Sylvie should be here soon, right?"
The Brit comprehending what I was getting at gave me an encouraging smile. "Yeah, they'll be here soon. Why don't you go downstairs and wait for them." I answered him by giving him what I hoped was a smile. As I left the room I saw Illya open his eyes. *He never seems to miss anything, does he?* As soon I was out the door I tried to compose myself as I ran down the stairs. This wasn't how this mission was supposed to be. I couldn't help but feel that I should have done something, anything.
**********
After a few minutes of waiting, the reinforcements arrived. I was happy to see that Dick and Sylvie were insightful enough to call for some medics. Some of the UNCLE agents went their own ways to secure the perimeter, making sure we were safe. Of the ones who were left, leading them upstairs I was surprised to find everyone looking at me, except for Patrick who was still unconscious. *Patrick.* Swallowing the lump in my throat I asked, "Is Patrick."
"He's fine," April said soothingly, sensing my thoughts. I almost fell from the alarm of thinking I had lost my partner. Dick, Sylvie, and the reinforcements spread apart checking those who were hurt. *They're sure looking at me strangely.* Getting a little uncomfortable I tried to discern their glances. *Surprise? No, it's shock. And some. anger?*
Before I voiced the question of what was going on Tanya approached me. "Do you recognize this?" she asked sharply. Puzzled, I looked at the object in her hand.
"Of course I recognize it. It's an UNCLE explosive device."
"Did you have one with you tonight?"
"I did, and so did everyone else." Getting a little tired of the interrogation, I asked a little frustratingly, "Would someone, please, explain to me what in the world is going on?"
There was a short silence then Maiko spoke. "I was searching for some more first aide equipment and I thought you might have some in your bag. I found that explosive connected to a detonator set for 1 more minute. I was lucky enough to be able to disconnect the wires."
The room was suddenly so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop. *They don't think that. I mean, they can't believe that I would. I would never.* I tried to find the words to tell them of my innocence but they wouldn't come out. But what hurt the most was that nobody else seemed to come to my aide. *Not April, not even Illya.*
If Napoleon hadn't right then ordered everyone to get out and get to headquarters, I wouldn't have known what to do. The attention was taken off me as everyone started getting out of the room. I woodenly went over to Patrick. Mark watched me as I started helping one of the medics in carrying Patrick to the trucks waiting for us.
**********
At UNCLE headquarters, everything was a blur to me as I was whisked off to UNCLE's medical facility. Even though I wasn't in any medical emergency, I still needed to be okayed by the medical staff. After that I was escorted to a small cell and was left alone.
*They actually think that I'm their double agent!* But I knew that they couldn't take any chances. After the initial shock was starting wear off, I was starting to feel weary. Sitting down in the lone chair, I rested my head against the wall and closed my eyes. I couldn't think anymore, it was just too tiring and too depressing.
Before I could drift off, I was called to the communications room. I didn't know what to think. Even if I knew I wasn't the double agent, how could I prove I wasn't?
Entering the communication rooms I found most of the agents there except for Patrick and Illya. Just thinking about Patrick made my stomach turn. Last I heard he was still in the operating room, but the bullet wasn't the problem, it was the blood loss. *If only he were here, he would believe I had nothing to do with anything.* And as for Illya, I did not care to think about him at all. I thought he was a friend, and instead hadn't tried to stand up for me at all. *Neither did April or the others.* But still, when Illya didn't helped at all, it had hurt.
I sat down in a chair and could feel everyone scrutinizing me, except for April who couldn't seem to look at me. The screen lit up and I could see Mr. Waverly was online.
"I have already heard most of the facts ladies and gentlemen," he began. "I would like to know the facts about the charges against Danielle Leona being our double agent." *I just knew this was coming.* I clasped the armrests of my chair as he continued. "Mr. Solo, please explain the situation."
Napoleon cleared his voice. Despite his injury being slight, I could see that his shoulder was starting to stiffen up. "Well sir, we have no proof as yet saying that Miss Leona is a double agent." *Was there a glimmer of hope for me?*
Mr. Waverly seemed to be thinking the same think as he raised his bushy eyebrows and exclaimed, "Oh?"
"Yes, you see, all of us agents had so many explosive devices with us. We confirmed with headquarters here that Miss Leona had only one device with her. In her bag there was already one device, along with the active one."
"So you are saying that someone could have put the explosive in the bag." There was as short silence. "What do you say about all of this Miss Leona. Do you deny ever setting the explosive?"
All head turned to face me. I knew that I had to be confident and not look guilty. *But I'm so nervous!* I said as calmly and strongly as I could, "I do deny that I ever set that explosive device."
Mr. Waverly sighed. "Since we neither have real proof for or against Miss Leona, I suggest we put Miss Leona back on active duty under the strictest surveillance. The only real way we can find out who our double agent is, is to learn it through THRUSH."
I couldn't believe! I was off the hook, even if it was for the moment! Mr. Waverly ordered us to finish our mission and with that he signed off. Napoleon told us to go back to our rooms, get some rest, and meet back in headquarters tomorrow morning nine o'clock. *Not tomorrow morning, THIS morning* I thought as I looked at my watch which indicated it was four in the morning already.
As we all left I realized that everyone was trying very hard to ignore me. *They're not going to be trusting me for a while until this whole matter is solved.* Walking out to the elevator which would bring me up to the bookstore above, I saw April coming towards me.
"You're my surveillance, aren't you," I asked her, realizing what was going on.
She shrugged. "Sort of. I'm just ordered to be near you at all times." She seemed very uncomfortable and kept looking like she wanted to say something, but something refrained her. *She doesn't trust me.* I decided not to pursue the matter and together in silence, we went to our hotel room for a much needed rest.
**********
Back at UNCLE headquarters, everyone looked exhausted. We were in the file room trying to come up with some lead, ANY lead, to work out where THRUSH was. Browsing through all the latest holdups, robberies, murders, and even files on what didn't seem at all connected to our search! *Research, I hate research*, I though grumpily. But I knew that that wasn't what was bothering me, it was the way everyone seemed to ignore me. I knew they had a just reason for distrusting me but still, they were acting like I wasn't even alive! When asking a question, I only received a short and quick answer. *This is getting a bit frustrating.*
"Anybody still not find anything?" Napoleon asked from his desk. All the answer he got was the groans and moans from all around. *I have to admit, it IS pretty depressing.*
"All right, take a break and have some lunch. Be back here by 1:00." This time he got a reaction as everyone heartily agreed and began leaving the room for the cafeteria.
April, who was sitting next to me, gestured to the door. "Are you going to eat lunch?"
"Nope. I'm not that hungry. I think I'll stay here for a while." I turned away from her, expecting her to leave. But she wasn't that easily put off.
After everyone was out of the room she said slowly, "Danielle, about this whole thing. Well."
I couldn't let her finish. "You don't know what think, right? I'm a double agent or something and can't talk to me, just like everyone." By now I was not thinking. Besides the headache I had acquired I was also feeling very depressed. And when I get depressed, I snap. "No one trusts me, no one cares. Not Napoleon, Mark, the others, not even you."
April looked like she was trying very hard to compose herself. She looked down at her shuffling feet. "It's just that. Illya said." She suddenly seemed to snap awake as she realized what she had just said. It was too late, though. I had heard her. *Illya?*
"What has Illya got to do with anything except for not even speaking to me?" April was so quiet that except for her grimace I wouldn't have thought she had heard anything. *There's only one way to find out the answer to my question.* I stood up, put my sweater on and started heading out the door. As I was leaving I heard the sound of April sitting down and, I wasn't sure, but I thought I heard her say, "He's going to kill me."
I knew where I was headed and I had to keep myself from running all the way to the infirmary. I strode to the nurses' desk and asked the woman there, "Do you know where Mr. Illya Kuryakin is?"
The pretty young Japanese nurse studied me for a second. "Are you Patrick O'Shay's partner, Danielle Leona?"
*Patrick! Is he OK?* "Yes, I am. How is he?"
"He awoke about an hour ago. His condition has stabilized and the doctor is now allowing visitors. Would you."
"Oh, yes please. I would like to see him." *Thank goodness he's all right. I thought I had lost the only friend I ever could have.*
The nurse riffled through some papers then looked up at me. "Mr. O'Shay is on the second door to your right down this corridor. And if you're still looking for Mr. Kuryakin, I'm afraid I don't know where he is. Although he was supposed to be remaining in the infirmary, I don't have him written down in my log. Why don't you ask the Dr. Madison whom I believe is with Mr. O'Shay."
I gave my thanks to her then followed her directions to Patrick's room. *I'll take care of Mr. Kuryakin later.* Peeking in the room I immediately smelled medicine. *I hate hospitals, especially when I'm in the hospital.* Standing over the bed I saw a woman who was looking at her clipboard.
I moved closer to stand on the other side of Patrick's bed. Patrick was awake and when he saw me he gave a smile.
"Hi Danielle!" Patrick called in his usual cheery voice though a little weaker. "I feel great, never better."
I looked him up and down. "Uh huh. Sure you are."
"That bad?"
"I've seen better." I tried to keep up my cheery façade. "So, any beautiful nurses?"
He gave a mysterious smile. "Maybe. maybe not."
The nurse smiled at we both laughed. "Miss Leona I presume. You may speak with your partner though I do not want you to tire him out." After I agreed, the left the room.
Patrick grew serious. "I heard about what's going on."
Instantly I felt deflated. *I bet he heard UNCLE's side of the story.* Sarcastically I replied, "I'm sure you did. I'm a double agent, I wanted to kill the lot of you to get you off my trail, I stole top secret files and sold them to THRUSH. How could everyone believe that? I mean, how could I have access to top secret stuff? I'm just a. a. a rookie!"
"Calm down, Danny. Not everyone believes that." Patrick looked hurt. "Didn't you think that I would stand by your side? Come one, I'm your partner, I would never betray you and vice versa."
Deeply touched I sat down on his bed. "Thanks Patrick. I needed to hear that."
"And not only I believe you but so does. well, let's see there's April and Illya."
I scoffed at him. "Illya and April? That's got to be a laugh! They haven't spoken to me like one word, they ignore me and."
Patrick seemed a bit confused. "But Illya was just here and he said that he would talk with you."
*What!?* "What in the world are you talking about Patrick?"
Patrick pursed his lips, looking at me adamantly. "I'm not saying another word since Illya hasn't."
Ready to argue, I was just about to open my mouth when I heard from behind me which I recognized, "Patrick is right. I should explain." Illya came over to sit in a chair next to me. He was limping and because of his broken wrist his whole right forearm was in a cast. He still looked pale but I stared defiantly back into face. "You see, we all believe you're innocent; Napoleon, April, Mark, and of course Mr. Waverly."
"Mr. Waverly!? You've got to be kidding!"
"It was part of his idea. Think about it Danielle. Someone planted the bomb in your backpack. It was meant to be found to put suspicion on you. Who would want to do that?"
I began to get what he was saying. "There's only one person who would do that. The double agent himself!"
I looked over at Patrick who was smiling. "I told you that everyone believes you're innocent!" he said happily.
More and more, everything began to become clear to me. I turned back to Illya who was watching me closely. "So you thought that if you could make the double agent believe he had fooled you all, he would maybe relax his guard." The senior agent nodded. "So you were all pretending to ignore me?"
"Our double agent is here in Japan, we had suspected as much. And now we know he's somehow involved on our mission, maybe a technician, secretary, agent, or somebody. Mr. Waverly is ordering a extra careful background check on all personnel involved. I'm sorry we had to treat you the way we did."
"So what now?"
It was then that Illya gave one of his rare smiles. "I just came back from checking up on April. She's the one who told me to look for you here." It was then that I noticed he had a file in his other hand which he handed to me. "April might have found our THRUSH satrapy. We have a plan."
**********
"That's a plan?" I remarked slowly. "To wait here until the team comes from breaking into THRUSH headquarters?"
"It's the only thing we can do, Danielle. They should be back by now. Stop pacing."
"I pace when I'm bored."
"Then do something to occupy your mind."
"I'm pacing, aren't I?"
Illya gave a frustrated sigh. "Please, for my sake. Sit down." It was my turn to give a frustrated sigh.
"It's not fair. Why do I have to be stuck here with you?"
"Humph. I didn't know I was such bad company."
"I didn't mean it that way and you know it."
"Sorry." He looked like he didn't mean it much. In reality I knew that he was just as restless as I was. Except he seemed to be able to control himself. Almost.
I sat down heavily onto the couch and rambled on. "Our double agent surely by now knows our plan to infiltrate THRUSH headquarters. THRUSH will be alerted and the team will be captured. They'll never even get past the security let alone get to the computer banks!"
"Danielle, only Mr. Waverly, the team, and we know about the mission besides a very select few."
"But what if the agent is a top agent?"
Illya looked like he didn't even want to think about it. He got up quickly and began to pace the room but stopped when he saw me trying to contain my laughter. The Russian also gave a small smile, saying, "You wouldn't want to pace with me, would you?"
"No thank you." The whole atmosphere was more relaxed as he sat back down again and began flexing his wrist. Looking into his face I could tell it still hurt. I mentioned my thought out loud which he replied with a wry smile.
We spent a few minutes in friendly silence, all the time which I spent thinking about Illya. *It seems we always get into arguments but everything works out for the better. Now I can't imagine him as the enemy I had regarded him as in the beginning.* At that thought I smiled.
Illya noticed it. "What are you thinking about?"
"I was just thinking about how you used to be my worst enemy."
With that he also smiled. "It wasn't very funny at the time. I thought you'd never forgive me." He shifted his position to face me. "How's it going between you and your email friend. Has he written you?"
I terrible wave of loneliness filled me as I realized he still hadn't answered since our 'meeting'. "I haven't gotten a chance to check my mail or even write him." He remained quiet as I continued, "He is one of the best things that has happened to me. Besides Patrick he's one of the few friends I have. And besides, it's sort of intriguing to have a mysterious friend." With that I smiled.
"I have a laptop. Want to check your mail?" Illya asked slowly.
"Really? Could I?" *I should have asked him earlier!*
"Be my guest. It should be on the table." He stood up with me and led me to his laptop. It was on so I just sat down and turned on the Internet then checked mail. *If only he would write me. he did!* Sure enough, there was an e-mail from Areht! I read it once through quickly, then read it carefully over again.
Dear NewYorkGirl,
I'm most terribly sorry for not meeting you. Their is really no excuse I can give you for my absence, someday I might tell you what happened. But for now I can only repeat my apology in earnest. I hope you might forgive me. I can understand if you never write to me again but in my heart, I hope we can continue to write each other.
Areht
*He still wants to continue writing with me!* I couldn't wait to tell Illya! But when I turned around, I found him gone from the room. Oh, well. I clicked 'reply' on the screen and began my letter back to him.
Dear Areht,
Hello, it was wonderful to hear from you! I think just by reading my first sentence you can understand that I understand completely. I admit I was upset when you didn't arrive but it didn't last for long. Please forgive me also for not having written back quickly. Job situation.
I paused a minute thinking about what I would write him. I decided to tell him about Illya.
Remember I told you about this terrible guy in my business who took my place in this assignment I wanted? Well, it's a funny thing, now I think I'm friends with him! He's very quiet and has this calm quality to him which just being with him makes you immediately relax. He is working with me on a project right now and I can't believe that I used to loathe him! Funny how things work out. Waiting for your reply!
NewYorkGirl
I clicked send and felt all my troubles seem to slip away. I had my friend back and I was happy. I decided to look for Illya. *Probably in the bedroom.* Walking over to the closed door, I knocked. "Illya, are you there? Can I come in?" No answer. I knocked again, suddenly having a strange feeling in my stomach. Deciding to just enter the room, I opened to door slowly then swung it open fast when I saw something on the floor. The floor was an unconscious Illya, his head wound bleeding again. And standing by the bed was a masked intruder with a gun pointing at me. I couldn't do anything so I just raised my hands.
"Who are you?" was all I could manage to say.
The man laughed then took off his mask. It was none other than Masahiro Kumasaki.
Author's Note: Ah, another cliff hanger! Hope you're looking forward to the next chapter! Please review!