Emma had fallen asleep.Soon,she was dreaming.She was walking ..she looked around her..trees..all kinds of trees.Where was she?A young deer was watching her.His brown eyes were so warm..It moved its large ears and then disappeared with a quick hop.The forest seemed endlessShe stayed still and listened..there was music..the same tune that band had played ....She decided to follow the tune..Suddenly,there was light..So much light that she couldn't see..The music kept playing.When she opened her eyes,she saw a very large prairie.There was grass everywhere..and flowers..wild flowers.Their shining colours dazzled her.Purple,red,yellow ..like the ones she used to pick up with her father.The wind was blowing her white dress.The grass was moving along and it was stroking her..She heard the music again.It was coming from the river that crossed the prairie.She approached..the sound of water falling..masses of water swirling faster and faster.She looked into the river and saw her reflection.Wait a minute..it wasn't really her reflection..but that girl..Marlene..only her red hair was very long..it touched her waist..and she had a mermaid's body..Her blue green tail was flapping..She didn't believe in mermaids or fairies!But the girl was smiling..she was beckoning her..she was there all right.Emma was reluctant for a moment..Then she took off her dress and jumped in to the water.She didn't need her clothing any more,she wasn't cold or afraid.Marlene was holding her hand.The river led to the sea and soon they had already reached the bottom.Absolute blue..silence..but yet life..motion.Another world completely different than the one Emma has grown to love.Some light spots,some fishes and plants were playing together.Marlene's long hair was waving.It looked like an octopus or even like a red,radiating sun.The girl was smiling.She picked up some shells and put them in Emma's hair.How did the child know that she loved sea shells?That gesture brought her so much joy..Then Marlene spoke for the first time since they've met.
"I have to go now."
"No..I'd like you to stay.Don't go..It's too soon.."Emma was sad.
"Goodbye".
"Where can I find you?"
The girl didn't answer,but pointed to the place Emma's heart was.
"Who are you?".Marlene had begun to frighten her.
"Don't you know who I am?".These were her last words.She used her tail to vanish into the deep,dark sea.
Suddenly Emma was so cold..her body was shaking and she started coughing.Why?She noticed that she was surrounded by feathers..inhaling some of them.Feathers didn't belong to the sea.Right?Now she was flying..flapping her long,white wings.Apparently,someone had transformed her to a dove.She could hear voices..no..all the voices were united in one..became one familiar voice.There was a man down there,waving at her..Steed..She had missed him..If only she wasn't so much in love with her bright,blue sky!Steed kept calling her.
"Mrs Peel...Mrs Peel..don't fly high up.It's too high..The sun will burn you.."
Finaly,she landed on his arm.Emma was no longer a bird,but her real self again.He hugged her and whispered.
"I love you.."
Emma woke up.She felt so tired..as if she hadn't slept at all.Something was bothering her..a lot.Her dream was so weird!It was probably induced by her previous experiences.Children..Bobby...Marlene..the past..the present.She got up,changed,opened one of her bedroom closets and took out some old photo albums that she kept there.She searched through them.A blue one with sunflowers on the cover caught her attention.Inside she found some much beloved childhood photos.A seven year old Emma on her pony.Emma holding her father's hand at her mother's funeral.She had died so young..such a shame!Emma with her cocker spaniel,Truelove,and little Stewart,a boy that lived nearby.And then she realised..OH
MY GOD!!She had been foolish!Could it be?After all these years..could it be?She had tried to forget..and she had achieved it.It was over...She covered her mouth with her palm.What had she done?What? Emma felt sick,hurried to the bathroom and knelt in front of the toilet.But she couldn't even vomit,her body was heavy and solid as a rock.Anger...rage..had invaded her private world.She returned to the living room,took a large vase that decorated the small table in the middle of the room and threw it at the wall.It crashed into hundreds of tiny pieces.Then she kicked a chair that was in her way,as hard as she could.The chair succumbed...Emma was trained to kick to kill.Destroying her appartment wouldn't do..She sat on the sofa and sighed.Two tears were trying to find their way to her blouse.She wiped them away quickly..She should make sure first that this child...and then find a way to face it.Emma picked up the receiver and dialed..
"Knight Enterprises.Please wait.."A male voice that concealed boredom.
"Oliver,this is miss Knight.'
"Goodmorning miss.What can I do for you?"His tone had changed..
"Is Mr. Forsith in?"He was one of her associates and a close friend of her father's.She trusted him completely,he had known her since she was able to remember herself.
"Yes miss.He has just arrived.Would you like to talk to him?".
"Please put him through."
Oliver Johnes did as told.His boss had never sounded so anxious before.
"Hello?"
"Hello Victor."Victor Forsith had obliged Emma to call him by his first name.In this way he felt so much younger..
"Hello miss Emma.If you're calling about yesterday's figures..I understand know that we shouldn't have bought the Tyson stocks.Their price ...."
"This is not why I'm calling Victor.I trust that you'll sell the Tysons when demand is high again.I 'd like to ask you something...Victor..".
"Yes miss Emma?"He could tell something was wrong.He was very fond of her,after all he had promised her father to take care of her.But it was rarely necessary..he realised that Emma had a strong spirit.What was going on?
"Many years ago ...I asked you to do me a favour.Do you remember Victor?"
"Of couse miss Emma."So that was all about.He knew that some day she would regret it..He had strongly advised her against it...but it was her choice.Hers and only hers.
"What was the name?I need that name.."
"Why now?Be careful ..cause what we did may not be easily reversed.What happened?Did you find something out?"
"Just give me the name!"Emma would get to the bottom of it.
"The name is Leigh."
"Was it a girl.?"Emma's voice was thick.
"Yes dear..it was a healthy baby girl.Now,I want you to come to my office..I don't know how you met her..but what's done,it's done now.Get on with your life."
Emma had already hung up.If she could only turn back time..she was a different person back then.Victor had warned her ....but she didn't care..she was much younger and much more ignorant..full of ambition.Her career was in front of her...boys were flirting her all the time..and her father's health was so fragile..she didn't want to upset him.The worst part was that Victor was right..there wasn't much she could do.And she wasn't a mourner,she always bounced back.But it was hard..She put on her coat and left her appartment.She found herself driving to Steed's appartment.Emma parked her car and started contemplating..did she want to tell him?Should she tell him the truth?All of a sudden there he was..getting out of the appartment complex.Only this time he wasn't alone...A blonde young woman had grabed his arm,or at least that's what she was for Emma..a beast ready to devour him.She understood that his girlfriends were not important..she was supposed to be the one that ment everything to him!After all they've been through,after all they've talked about..Jealousy was her friend now.A cruel,sly friend..
Oooh..your timing Steed!..I'm not going to share this with you.Not now,not ever!
Steed and the girl got into his Bentley.They were laughing..apparently they were intimate.For how long has he been going out with her?The Bentley disappeared..Any way it didn't matter..only Marlene mattered to her right now.Her heart was so heavy..it filled her chest.She got out of the car and started walking.It was snowing and the flakes kept falling on her black coat.She didn't care..She must have been walking for an hour or so when she saw a church and stopped.Emma was reluctant.She could hardly remember the last time she went to church.Finaly,she got in.There was a comforting silence..She liked the bloody red carpet,the light that was coming through the stained glasss,the statue of Mary holding Jesus in her arms..a mother..the ultimate mother.Tears blurred her vision.She entered the only confessional in the church.The divider slides opened,revealing a priest.
"Bless me father,for I have sinned.It's been years since my last confession.."
"Talk to me child.The Lord is a sheperd who loves His herd.He looks after the sheep that stay and the sheep that are lost..."
"The sin I'm about to confess,I'm not sure you can offer forgiveness .."

Steed was enjoying his launch when the beautiful girl sitting next to him deciced to talk.
"I thought that there was so much to see in London...What else is left?Why do I find everything so boring..?"
"There is something you haven't seen yet,Lucy."Steed was smiling.
Lucy was at a loss.But they've spent the whole morning sight seeing!!It was a big city though..
"Men!Nice,young London gentlemen...!"Steed exclaimed.
"OH!Uncle John..now you're talking like my father!OH!".She blushed.Nevertheless,it was an appealing idea.."I wouldn't dare..".She should at least try to appear modest!
"Why not?You 're at an age that.."Steed caught a glimpse of the headlines in the morning newspaper.He had forgotten to buy one,but the old man who was sitting at the opposite table obviously hadn't.
RED ALERT!STOCK MARKET GOING CRAZY ,TEN PEOPLE VICTIMS OF LIFE THREATENING FLU,UNEXPECTED POWER CUTS ...
That was odd..No news..good news!But what if..what if someone was responsible..Disaster..Chaos.It could be the end of England!He jumped up..Lucy was calling him,but he couldn't hear her.
"Uncle John!Are you all right?Where are you going?"
He had already found a phone and was asking one of the waiters if he could use it.He dialed Emma's number.No answer!Come on..pick it up..
Lucy approached him.
"Are you calling her?Mrs Peel?"
"Yes."
"I'd like to meet her..Can I?I've heard so much about her!".
"You can..when I find her!".He hung up.She wasn't home..probably..
"Let's go..".He paid the bill and left the restaurant.
Lucy followed him.
"Why do you have to find her right now?
"You know what they say about the cat.."
"The cat?What's the matter with you?"
"Don't you ever forget Lucy.It was curiosity that killed the cat."

Emma was in her Lotus,driving faster and faster..She wanted to see her..she wanted to see her daughter! Somehow she has known all along that Marlene was hers, but now she realised it for the first time.The article she had kept said that the girl had won a scholarship. She was going to attend an expensive boarding school,located in the country,just outside London.It was an acclaimed school,as far as she knew,and they accepted boys and girls.She couldn't quite remember the name..Saint Clare's or something like that.There it was..a huge building..an austere form..Chimneys going up to the sky.Built many years ago, probably.The school was completely isolated and the nearest village was a few miles away.A gravel road was connected to the one that led to the school.Emma made sure that her car was well hidden in the thick vegetation that dominated the school surroundings.She left it there and approached by feet.Bars..High black bars...It looked like a prison! She could also see the school's seal.An owl, two swords that formed a cross,a dove..Wisdom,streingth,faith,morality.. how interesting...She crouched and waited for a long time.The school yard was just in front of her.A young woman was passing by..she was carrying a pile of notebooks..a teacher.Then a gym class..She was good at gym! The pupils were running around the yard and a man was whistling, giving the rythme.Only boys..Where were the girls?She heard a mention of ballet..Oooh how girlish!She didn't want her daughter to grow up like this.A girl should also know how to fight!Too late now...She was trying to control her anger,when the bell rung.Hundreds of children filled the large yard.Actually,it looked like a garden.There were rose trees,cypresses,small benches carefuly placed.A fountain was in the middle,just outside the main entrance.She was looking at the children,searching...oh there was a redheaded girl..no she wasn't the one..too chubby.Another redhed was trying to catch a kitten..She must have been about twelve.. maybe more..no Marlene was much younger.Then she noticed two boys fighting,they were rolling on the ground..no it was a boy and a girl.A redhed!Apparently the boy had taken the girl's doll.Yes,it was her..of course it was difficult to tell.Emma was far away..but she suddenly felt so proud of her!The girl grabed the doll out of the boy's hands and fled.A teacher who had also noticed what was going on,was approaching ready to scold the children.Marlene was running towards Emma now,seeking for a hiding place.Emma mimiced a bird singing and the girl turned around and saw her.Some bushes were hiding both of them from the rest of the children.
"Hello.."Emma whispered.She was so beautiful..She remembered giving birth..it hurt.
"You shouldn't be here miss!...No spies here."
The girl had recognised her.
There was dirt all over her gray dress and her knees were badly scratched.She didn't look like the girl she had met at the opera.This girl was so sad...
"My name is Emma,sweetheart.You can call me Emma.Don't you like your school?"
She hugged her doll and moved her head in a negative way.
"I thought you liked numbers!".Emma was trying to cheer her up,but the mention of numbers frightened the girl even more.
"Numbers are mean ..mean!Stay away from them!".
Emma was at a loss.She showed the girl that magazine article and talked to her about the award she had won.Marlene contemplated for a moment.
"Oh!That..that's my favourite game!"She was smiling at last.
Emma took her little palm in hers.If only she could give her a hug..just once..but the bars were between them.Then,she realised that the girl's palm was bruised.
"Darling..did someone hurt you?".
"I just want to go home!"She grabbed the bars with all her strength and started shaking them.
"Marlene stop..just stop!".Emma was upset too.What was going on?
"Why did they leave me here?Why?".
"Your parents?"Emma's voice was thick with tears.I'm the one who left you..
"They used to take me with them..and I've seen elephants!Real ones!We were flying..the plane was that big.."She showed her with her hands."Do you know that there are children whose eyes look like this?"She showed her again."..and buildings that go high up..high..up!Bigger than my school.much more bigger".
"Oh yes..I know.I'm sure your parents love you very much sweetheart.They just wanted you to have a better education,they didn't abandon you...but if someone here is hurting you,you must tell me!Just tell me Marlene..talk to me.."A tear rolled down her cheek.
"Don't cry.."Marlene wiped Emma's tear with her hand."I told you,you shouldn't be here! Bobby has gone too..."
"Bobby who?Bobby Hughes?You know him?."That's why..the school Steed was searching..Zero..the secret message..children..Marlene was in danger too!She wouldn't talk...too scared or too smart...they were using the children!
"Yes.He's one of my best friends.Not all the boys are bad you know!You know him too?"
"I've met him.Now,I have to go darling..but I promise you I'll be back..and I'm going to take you out of here!Do you hear me?I'm going to take you home!..but you won't tell them you know me.. not a single word..Spies..Remember?."
The girl nodded.Then asked:
"Do you promise?"
"Yes,I promise".Emma was trying hard not to show her real feelings.Nobody was going to mess up with her daughter!They would pay..and the price was high!Rage was building up inside her...
"I don't believe you!You're a stranger!"
If someone stabbed her,it wouldn't hurt so much..
"I want to be your friend Marlene.You've got to trust me.Your parents can't help you right now..they're away.Do you understand?"
The girl nodded again.
The bell rung and most of the children started running inside.
"Bye Emma!"
"Goodbye".She stayed there for a moment,watching her go..
Marlene disappeared in the crowd.Emma left too.She looked around her..nobody.. and then walked quickly to her car,jumped in and drove off.She had to get in that school,as soon as possible..to penetrate..but first she needed to clear up her mind.She remembered a place,a place that was hers...She turned on her left,leaving the highway.

Steed was ringing Mrs Peel's doorbell.Nobody home.There was a pot besides her door that hosted a very large magnolia.He searched in the tree's flowers and after a while he found it..an extra key.Lucy,who was still with him,was impressed.They opened the door and looked around.
"Uncle John!Look!"She pointed to the broken chair.Steed stepped on the remainings of the vase.Something had happened...Did they take her?Do they need her like they needed the others?She wouldn't fall into a trap though..would she?At least not so easily..Maybe someone had staged it to look like a kidnapping..but where was the Lotus?It was missing too..He called her landlady.Apparently,she had seen Emma leaving a few hours ago..and yes she had taken her car.He asked Lucy to make more phone calls.He knew some people that Emma trusted..maybe she was there...In the mean while he searched her appartment.Everything seemed in place..except..a coffee mug was on the kitchen table..it was filled..and a pair of half eaten biscuits.She had left in a hurry.Why?..then a photo album in the bedroom..some more photos scattered on her bed.He examined them..she was such a cutie!Childhood photos!Had she discovered a new lead?No..she would have told him..but he had spent the whole morning with Lucy!Maybe they did have her..Zero and his clan.Lucy's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"No luck!Nobody has seen her or talked to her recently..I'm sorry..".
"I'm going to take you to your hotel..let's go."
"I just want to help!".
"You did all you could do..".He explained to her that he didn't want to put her in danger.
"I don't like London!You don't feel safe here!It's so quiet back home!And the sea.."
"The sea..the sea..".It reminded him of something..Perl's Cove..no..what was the name?Eagle's Cove!Yes..she could be there.Mrs Peel adored the sea..

Emma was standing at the edge of a cliff.The sea was raging underneath her and she could feel the wind hurting her face.Some waves were hiting the big rocks that formed the Eagle's Cove.It was a small natural harbor that still stayed untouched.. It had the shape of an eagle with spread wings.Drops of water made their way to her lips.She leaked them..cold.. salty.Her look was fixed on the sea.She always liked its strength,the fact that it was open,endless..Sadness,guilt had weakened her..and she hated feeling so vulnerable.Emma could not afford softness right now because her child needed her.It would probably be the last chance to do something important for her,maybe she'd never get to see her ever ever again...

Steed saw her at once.She was standing at the edge..wearing her purple catsuit,her hands crossed in front of her chest ,one leg placed on her right,looking forward,only and always forward..
She heard his footsteps,recognized them,but didn't turn around to face him.Her body was stiff and he could only guess how hard her look would be.Why?He touched her shoulder and called her softly..
"Mrs Peel..."
"Don't worry Steed..I'm not going to jump,if that's what's on your mind of course."
"I don't think that you'd quit all that easily.What's going on?I've spent half of the morning looking for you!You could at least call me!"
"Nothing happened.Absolutely nothing..and now you've found me,safe and sound,as you can see.So,you can go home and rest..you're off duty!".I know how you've spent the other half of your morning..
"Duty..I thought we've sorted things out".
She stayed there speachless like an iceberg.Steed threw his bowler and umbrella away and as he was standing behind her,put his chin on her shoulder and his hands around her waist.He started palming her belly..it was her favourite spot.
"Don't touch me!"She broke free.
"You used to confide in me..".
"Please..".She was looking at him now.She was pale and there were dark circles under her eyes.
"You were a different person when I left you.What could possibly.."
"Steed,this is a path that I 'm walking on my own.Don't look any further..".Even if I told you,what would you think of me?How could you ever forgive me?I can't forgive myself..I gave her up...
"I don't deserve this!".Steed snapped completely.He grabbed her wrist.
"Enough is enough!You will talk!".
"Let go of me!Now!".
He didn't answer,just tightened his grip.
"I'm not afraid of you!."She sounded scornful.Emma used the strength he had put to throw him on the ground with a quick movement.He retaliated by kicking her behind the knee.She fell too..they started catfighting.She was younger than him and very skilfull..but he knew her techniques..after a while he had pinned her down.He was stronger and heavier and so he was staying on top of her.She started hitting him with her fiests.
"Let me go..damn it!"..
"I taught you Mrs Peel.Remember?"He was smiling.. enjoying it.
"I taught myself!.This isn't a way to treat a lady!You should bow in front of a lady!".
"Oh yes,it is..especially. if the lady refuses to ...cooperate!".
"I don't have to tell you anything!I won't!Do you hear me?Steed!!You're utterly..bloody..impossible!".She was squirming underneath him.
They stayed like this for a while...playing control games but soon the physical intimacy ,the luck of distance between them transformed her anger into desire.She kissed him on the lips all of a sudden..
"No,no..you're not going to charm your way out of this."I know you Mrs Peel...
She turned her head so that he couldn't see her eyes.
"Emma.."He caressed her cheek and finaly their eyes met.Hers were shining,filled with tears.The sight was heartbreaking..
"I'm cold..so cold."Her voice was deep and full of pain.
What has he done?She needed him so much..
"You owe me nothing".You have a right to privacy Mrs Peel.
They kissed passionately non stop.
"I'm sorry.I can't..it's not working for me.."
Steed was the first to brake their embrace.She pulled him close to her again.
"No,you don't understand.This is meant for you.I want you to have it,I know you need it."
"I don't want charity love!What I want is to share it with you.."
"Well,I can't!".
"You haven't tried enough!"
"All I did was trying!!You don't know what I'm going through!".Her hands were clenched into fiests.
"You're right,I don't,but I think that it must be something very important for you,something very personal."I only want to help you Mrs Peel.Calm down..
"Yes.."Her answer was barely heard.She was lying there besides him,looking at the gray sky.A white cloud was passing by..pure and beautiful like a child's soul.It reminded her of Marlene.She put her head on his chest and he hugged her.She started stroking his hair...
"Steed..".
"What is it that you need darling?"Just say the word..there's nothing that I wouldn't do for you,he thought.
"I need some time on my own.I don't mean alone.."
"I understand what you mean.We have all the time in the world!"Still,there was a bitterness in his voice.
"No,we don't.You should find someone else."Maybe you already have but I'm not going to make a scene.I'm not that cheap..afterall you deserve so much more.What have I given you so far?A stormy relationship!
"But I don't want anybody else.I only want you!"He kissed her forehead.
That was flattering,it changed her mood...and he probably ment it too.She could tell when he was lying and this time he wasn't..she should at least wait and see if the other girl was important.Emma didn't show him her real feelings but decided to tease him instead.
"My poor,old,Steed!..A real knight,always!".
"Old?I beg your pardon..Besides I always thought you are the Knight!
She laughed..
Anything to put a smile on your face Mrs Peel...
"I'm going back to school!"She fealt ready to face everything.
"What?"Obviously Steed didn't share her enthusiasm.
"Didn't I tell you?I discovered Bobby's school.It's St.Clare's."
"That's a very famous school..are you sure?"
"Yes Steed."
Then he remembered the newspaper headlines and told her all about it.
"So,Zero is busy.He's probably using all the missing people to bring disaster.Their knowledge..their experiences."
"But how does he do it?How Mrs Peel?He can't have so many connections!"
"I don't know how..but we have to protect the children.Steed,.. he shouldn't corrupt any more of them!"
"I wonder if he only picks the more gifted ones."
"Bobby is an orphan.Who was paying his tuition?..I'm sure it was some philanthropical organisation..We're getting nowhere!"
"We know what it really is!A school for criminals Mrs Peel!I wonder how long it has been going on."
"But schools are checked by the Ministry of Education on a regular basis.Then again,it's a boarding school,which means parents are away most of the time..I'm going in as a teacher."
"Maybe he's creating an army...and the chaos he caused it's just a warning!Yes,it's time to penetrate.You'll need some good references.I don't think it will be difficult to get in there..but he knows us,he knows what we look like.And that's dangerous..".
"I know,but I must get in there!I must ..Would you like to join me?".
"I thought you 'd never ask Mrs Peel!I think St.Clare's needs a new chaufeur too!".
"A chaufeur?It reminds me of something I always wanted to discuss with you..Steed,about your driving.."And then she started explaining him the benefits of modern technology..that he could buy a new car and really enjoy driving.How long did it take him to cross London in his Bentley? And what about that turn he took the other day?He nearly threw her out of the car.He should try to improve his techniques..
The last thing he needed was one of her lectures.She went on and on until she realised that he wastn't listening any more.
"Steed!".
He had dozed off right there on the grass besides her..