Mrs Peel heard someone approaching her cell.She yawned and opened her eyes.It was him..only this time he was wearing a black sweater,a black pants and his mask.He looked just like his numbersShe didn't feel like chatting though.
"Hello,Mrs Peel.You do like the accommodations,don't you?"
She didn't answer,just turned her back on him.
"I see.You worry about him.."
Emma turned around to face him.
"No.You should worry about him."
"Really?Why?"
"As you probably know,John Steed is the best.."
He cut her off."Yes..yes.I've heard it all many times before...but you forget one detail Mrs Peel.John Steed is just a man,like all the others.A great man maybe.. a man nevertheless.Great men have weaknesses too.You should know.You're all he lives for."
Emma looked at him.There was something different about him this time,but she couldn't tell exactly what.He appeared to be softer,wiser..His voice was different..in fact his voice was similar to Steed's.He was trying to drive her crazy,to break her spirit.He was an excellent actor..Who?She tried to think.He didn't remind her any of the actors she knew.
"I hate to disappoint you but Steed lives for his work,not for me."
"You're wrong...darling."
She started shaking.It was too much..having a Steed like person whispering love words to her.WHERE was the real one?
"I'm nobody's darling."
"How far are you willing to go for him?How much do you love him?"
"We are not lovers.We never were and we'll never be."
"Do you expect me to believe that?"
"I don't care what you believe in or why."
"You can't love him Mrs Peel.You're afraid of love.I don't know why..but you are."
"I need to go to the bathroom."
Maybe she could escape in this way.She couldn't stand listening to him.It was true..she was afraid to love Steed,to surrender..to let go.
Zero ordered the guard to release her.The young man was ready to lead her to the bathroom but he stopped him.
"I'll take her."He grabbed her arm.She felt his gun touching her ribs.
"Don't try to be smart.The dungeons are full of my men."
"I know."She was smiling.
Soon they were lost in the darkness,in the dungeons.This was her chance to break free.She didn't trust him at all,she was sure that there wasn't a bathroom near by.
"Are you all right?"It was Steed's voice.
Zero touched her shoulder.
"Don't!"Mrs Peel was ready to hit him.
"Mrs Peel..It's me!"
"You are not him!Now,stay away from me."
"Sweetheart..."
Zero took off his mask.Steed was looking at her now.
"How?.."Emma was at a loss.
"He gives them acting lessons.There's a lot of stuff like that,masks,clothing..anything your heart desires!"
"How could you?"
She was still the strong,confident woman who was talking to Zero a few minutes ago.
"It 's the only way out.They believed me,we are free to go.What have I done this time?"Steed was really angry.
"You were just fishing,right?How much do you love him..and..you're afraid to love!"
"If I didn't push you they wouldn't believe me! I wasn't fishing.There's nothing to catch,anyway!"
"There's plenty to catch.It depends on the fisherman!"
"What I mean is that there's nothing left in you.Nothing for me.."
"I believe in you.I've just told you-well not you-that John Steed is the best agent I've ever known."
"Is that what John Steed is for you?Just an agent?You didn't say that you love me!"
"I thought I was talking to a mad man!Why are you doing this?"
"You 're the one who started it!"
"How dare you play with my feelings?You're just like him.You'd do anything to get what you want!"
"What about my feelings?It's always about you."
"Wait a minute..that's unfair and you know it!"
"I should have left you here with him...to teach you a lesson..teacher!"
"Nobody invited you here.I certainly don't need you.You know why you came here to save me..What a hero!"
"Damn you!I told you,you're all I live for!Besides,you're the one who insists that our work should always come first."
She leaned on the wall of the dungeon.
"I have no choice but to insist.I have to take care of myself."
"I can take care of you.I want to ..so much."
He tried to give her a hug.
"No."
She pushed him away.
"I'm sorry Steed."
She was icy.
"You should be".
Emma realized he wasn't going to forgive her.He wanted to be tough like her.She used her thumb to rub his wriest but he didn't react.
"Darling.."
No answer.He was cold and it wasn't like him to be cold.He grabbed her wrists and pinned her on the wall.Then he started caressing her breasts and she let him.She wanted to ask him to stop,but couldn't.She had missed his warm,loving touch.Only this time he wasn't tender but wild,greedy.Steed was kissing her now.Emma pushed him away again but he didn't stop.He forced her to kiss him again.She spit at him and he slapped her.She slapped him back.He tried to unzip her catsuit.She tried to get away but his grip was firm and she was tired..hungry,thirsty.They were fighting for a while.Steed was furious,had lost his self control.He kept pushing her body on the wall.Their eyes interlocked.
"I want you."
"Stop."
He wasn't going to..Was he?No,she loved him.Where was the gentle man she knew so well?
"Beg me to stop."
"You're sick!"
"You make me sick.I'm in love with you."
"Let me go."
"I said beg."
"Never!"
He tore her clothes.She was left almost naked.
"Now..what ,Mrs Peel?"
"You can claim my body but not my soul!"
Proud and strong.I'm going to hurt you,he thought.
Steed wrapped her legs around his waist.She punched him and used her legs to squeeze him..so hard he thought he would suffocate.He rubbed his jaw but wasn't willing to give up.Suddenly,she felt something cold touching her stomach.It was his gun.
"Stay still."
"Steed..It's not funny.You've crossed the line.Stop!"
He touched her neck,then pulled her hair so hard she thought she was going to bleed.She tried to get hold of his gun but he twisted her wrist.Mrs Peel screamed out of pain.
"Pain is erotic Mrs Peel."
"If you hurt me,I'll never forgive you."
She felt his naked body touching hers.He was going to go through with it.She couldn't believe that there was so much cruelty in him.She had seen him kill people in cold blood..but only when and if necessary. Is that why he was so successful ?Because he had no limits?Was she in love with a crazy man?Was he another version of Zero?Emma couldn't stand the idea of him hurting her.She had the strength to go through hell,she had faced hell many times before but a diabolical mastermind was always the cause,not the man she loved.
"John..darling.What's wrong with you?"Her eyes were filled with tears and this time she let them fall.She stroked his hair and her lips almost touched his.Steed pushed her harder on the wall.
"Please.."She whispered.
Suddenly,her fear subsided.Mrs Peel was a quick thinker and it didn't take her long to realize..She scratched his face and her nails filled with rubber.He was wearing a rubber mask.It was perfect!They had used Steed's face as a mould to create it.His wig was also perfectShe ripped the mask off only to reveal an other man underneath.His eyes looked like Steed's but the rest of his face had nothing to do with him.She was sure he was an actor too and a very good one,just like his master.
"Bastard!"
"I did fool you for a while Mrs Peel,didn't I?"
"You could have fooled me..but you made a mistake.ViolenceSteed would never use violence on me!"
"Never say never.You don't know him.My master..He has the ability to transform people.You were wrong before,Mrs Peel.He can claim your body..and he can claim your soul."
She was ready to answer him when she heard a gunshot and they both fell on the ground.Someone had shot him and as he was holding her,she had fell with him.Emma got up and looked at himHe didn't move.He was dead.Soon,he was lying in a small pool of blood.The bullet had pierced his back.She sighed,relieved and scared at the same time.Who was her savior? Mrs Peel heard someone calling her.A man was approaching themShe took the dead man's gun in her hand and pointed at him.
"Don't shoot me."
It was Steed all over again..or a man looking like Steed.He was wearing an impeccable suit and a bowler.Mrs Peel was shaking.It was a game.It has been a game all along and Zero was behind it.
"One more step and you're history."
"I know you're upset Mrs Peel but the man who's lying over there could never be me .I'm Steed.I had to shoot him and I think you understand why."
"You 're not Steed.You 're one of them."
She was ready to pull the trigger.
"Emma..get a grip of your self!How could you ever believe that I..that he would force you to make love to him? "
"He was angry..that's all."
Her voice was thick.
"Why would I be angry with you?What have you done wrong?Don't you see what's going on?He wants to turn you against me."
He was very persuasive,his voice was tender.She wanted him to be real.She had missed him so much.
"Ohh.I see what's going onIt's because I see that I have doubts."
How do I know you're the real one?
"I can prove it to you."
"I don't see how."She was scornful but was hurting underneath.
"You like watching the dawn".
That was true.She liked the colours,the idea of a new beginning ,the birds singing.
"Not enough.Someone could have told you that."
"You have a mole.."
"Oh!Please..just spare me the details!"
She did have a mole at a private place,but she was born with it.What if they have obtained baby pictures of her?
"The day I met you,you were wearing a short,light green dress."
"I don't remember what I was wearing the day I met him".
That was also true.She kept changing her wardrobe and never found clothing all that important.
"You usually get your period at the end of the month."
Not always.Steed was never interested in her bodily functions ,to begin with.
"Try harder.Or else.."She waved her gun.She knew that he also had a gun and that the only reason he hadn't used it so far was to gain her trust.
"Darling..I'm tired too."
"I 'm not.Well?"
"You're allergic to oysters."
"A hit..but I guess there must be doctor's records for that one!"
"Mrs Peel..we're running out of time!They're going to get us."
"You're running out of time.Now,keep trying."
"I read my newspaper when we have breakfast together and you hate it."
A hit again...but what if they had placed "bugs" in their apartments?On the other hand ,he stoped doing that last year.How could Zero ever know about something like that?
"Why did you stop?"
"Because I want to make you happy."
"No.."
She was denying him again.
"You phoned me from the middle of nowhere once to tell me that we have children!"
I needed your help.It's you Steed,isn't?
She couldn't talk,just kept staring at him.
"You were abroad when your father died.You 've told me that you couldn't forgive yourself."
She was in Switzerland,on buisiness.He had a heart attack and died in his sleep.She had insisted on staying ,but he told her that he wanted her to continue to work,no matter what was going on.A real businessman!
"The first time I made love to you,you cried.I thought I had hurt you."
"Enough..John.."
Her gun fell on the ground.A pair of tears rolled down her cheeks.Steed hugged her.She was half naked and her body was shaking.He took off his jacket and gave it to her.He was so warm that she wanted to stay in his arms forever.He sighed,relieved to have found her,at last.He run his fingers through her hair and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Shh..It's over Mrs Peel."
"No,it's not.I'm just glad that he wasn't you.How do you know all these things about me?I thought you never noticed."
"I do notice.Did he..?"
"No.I'm all right."
"What happened?"
"He looked like you,talked like you,moved like you.We even had a fight!The things he told me!They know so much about us..I 'm twenty four hours awake..but still,that's not an excuse."
She told him how she had ended up in the dungeons.
"Zero trapped me twice and it was my fault.I don't want you to pay for it."
"It's nobody's fault and you know it.It's part of what we do for a living."
"He's mad Steed.There's no way out of here."
"Even if that's the case,I still want to be with you."
"You should be out there,trying to stop him.You should have called for help!"
"I did..but they're not going to help us."He explained her the reasons why.
"That's preposterous!"
"Hey.."
"I hoped that you wouldn't find me.That's exactly what he wanted!"
"I know."Steed was sad.
"You don't have to worry about me."
"I do worry Mrs Peel.He would have raped you."
"Uuuh!He didn't even know how to touch a woman!They should have sent someone more interesting".
"Mrs Peel!"Steed didn't share her sense of humor.
"All right.I have the strength..to fight..to survive.What matters is that I lost my faith in you.I'm so sorry, John.I should have seen him for who he was."
"I want you to know one thing.I would never hurt you."
Emma caressed his cheek with the back of her palm..then she kissed him on the lips.
"I missed you."
"Me too.I don't want you to think that I'm angry with you."
"I don't know if I can give you what you need."
"What do you need?"
She didn't answer.She had that playful,teasing look.Her lips curled to form a tiny smile.
"What?"
She leaned her head on his shoulder and put her arms around his waist.He caressed her back.
Steed heard her whispering something.
"What is it darling?"
The joy she had felt earlier disappeared in a few seconds.She couldn't go through with it.She couldn't say "I love you..I just need you."Sometimes,Emma hated herself,she hated what life had transformed her in.A cold blooded creature,an efficient agent and lover,a prestigious human being.That's the girl Steed loved and she had to keep it going...but what if another person was living underneath ?Did she love that person?Was she fair to that person? A china doll.Mrs Peel remembered that she had one of those once and she had broken it.She didn't want to break it again.Even if she did talk to him..about herself..about her daughter..he would never understand.She had the strength to survive ,yes..but there was also a price she had to pay for that.
Steed liked holding her,keeping her safe and sound.He was just wondering.What was going on in her mind?She seemed to be very upset.It wasn't like her.He wanted to stand by her,not to impose on her.She would always surprise him and he loved that!Absolutely..completely..he loved her.It wasn't enough.Was it his fault?The more he pushed..the more vulnerable she got.Why couldn't she just talk,get everything out in the open!One thing he was sure of.She needed him much more than she was willing to admit.Steed was scared because he couldn't help her.
She tried to brake their embrace,but he wouldn't let her go.
"We've got to run Steed."
"I know..but I've just got you back."
Then he continued:
"Darling,when everything is over..I think we should ask for help."
"Help?What do you mean,help?"
"Help from an expert..a doctor..a psychologist."
"Do you need a doctor Steed?"She was cold.
"I think you do."Steed summoned all the courage left in him to say what he had just said.
"How can you even suggest something like that?"She was disgusted by his words.She let go of him.
"It's obvious that you're in pain."
"I'm just tired.I'll get over it."
"I don't want you to get over it.I want you to be happy and healthy."
"That sounds like a tv commercial!"
"Your arrogance is not going to help you."
"Arrogance?You're the one who has an opinion on everything.You know what?You're not helping me either."
"I tried.I can't!"
"I'm not going to see a crazy doctor and that's final."
"A crazy doctor?Doctors are scientists like you!"
"Let's go this way."
She started walking and left him behind her.Steed was furious.How could she ignore him like that?Suddenly,she turned around and asked him.
"Are you coming?".
"Coming..".
What am I supposed to do with you?He asked him self.
They kept walking.All the dungeons appeared to be exactly the same.There was no left,no right,no backward or forward.It was dark and cold and lonely.None of them was willing to talk to the other.Mrs Peel was the first to break the silence.
"Steed..where are his men?I thought they were supposed to be everywhere."
"I think he doesn't want us to find them."
"He's testing our endurance."
"Yes.He's very cunning..and he has a deep understanding of human nature."
"He's an actor."
"I know.You've told me."
"Is that all you have to say?"
"What do you expect me to say, Mrs Peel?"
"I think hunger is making us edgy.I wish I could have.."
She started describing one of Steed's favorite meals.A roast beaf..some orange sauce..a pudding for desert.
"Oh!Just stop.."
Emma laughed.
"Snails are all we can have."
She pointed at some snails that were stuck on the walls.
"You have to be kidding!"
"Well..we've got to eat something."
She took one,broke its shell with a stone and tasted it.She spit it almost at once.
"Steed..It is really disgusting!"
"Remember that time we had snails?They're delicious..but they were not walking!"
"Remember the bill,afterwards?"
Steed smiled.
"No,I don't.You paid the bill."
"Only snails,fungi and rats can live down here."
"Don't forget roaches."
"Why did you chose to be called Ladybird?"
"Oh..please don't remind me.Why did you chose to be called Mantis?"
"The female mantis eats the male after sex".
"Poor mantis!".Steed found its fate appalling.
"Shh..listen."
Steed listened carefully.He put his ear close to the dungeon wall.
"Well done, Mrs Peel.It could be water!"
He took out his gun and fired twice.The wall started dripping.One drop fell on Steed's shoe and left a hole in it.
"It 's not water Steed."
"It's some kind of acid."
Suddenly,a group of bats attacked them.They were making awful,piercing sounds.Steed used his umbrella to scare them.Mrs Peel was trying to push them away by moving Steed's jacket up and down.Finaly,the bats left as quickly as they had come.
"They are ugly..but not dangerous!"
"Mrs Peel..we could have followed them."
"That's not a bad idea.Bats use an ultra sound device to orientate."
"Well..too late now."
They decided to rest for a while.They were both very tired.Mrs Peel sat down and Steed followed her.He winced.
"What's wrong?".
"It's my old world war wound.I was hit in the shoulder."
"The humidity down here is unbearable!"
"Tell me about it.!"
"Let me take care of that."
She gently massaged his shoulder.She had a divine touch!
"You know..you can make a living out of that."
"Considering that we're under-paid..but wouldn't you be jealous,darling?"
"Not if I had part of the profits."
She smiled.
"Come here.."
He kissed the hands that were stroking him.
"I'm afraid this service is just for you,sir!"
Steed laughed.He was looking at her.She was pale,her lips were dry and he could see tiny red veins in her eyes.She never lost her courage, though.
"I think we should sleep."
"Here..take your jacket."She took off his jacket and gave it to him.
"No.You keep it."
That man had torn her catsuit.
"You need it..your shoulder.You have to stay warm."
"All right.Besides,we can sleep together."
"I beg your pardon?"
He patted the spot next to him.Some cuddling was all he had in mind.
"Sorry.I think I'll pass..and Steed.."
I can manage Steed.I don't need you or your doctor!
"Yes,darling?"
What a stubborn darling are you!
"Don't you think that one of us should stay awake?"
"You go to sleep."
It didn't take him long to guess who would stay awake.
"Wake me up when you feel tired."
She was fair,at least!
Soon,she had fallen asleep.Steed was watching her.She had gone through so much these last few days.He had to find a way to get them out of there.Even if they managed to survive that man was going to drive them crazy.
Emma was dreamingShe was surrounded by doctors and nurses.Two drops of sweat rolled down her temple.She was about to give birth.She bit her lips,her body was shaking.Shearing pain..but she wouldn't cry,she had promised herself that.They urged her to keep pushing the baby out of her body,so she did.Then she heard it crying.One of the nurses wrapped it in a green blanket and left.It was over.Now she was falling in a deep black hole.She couldn't stop..couldn't stop falling.She was wearing a black coat though.Next thing she knew,all of them around her were dressed in black.All of them were there.Her parents,Steed,Steed's family,her friends,some people from the Ministry,Jane..her much beloved nanny.They were standing around a coffin.A white,small coffin.Emma approached it.She was afraid to lift the lid.Finaly,she did.There was a little girl lying inside.Marlene..Oh!No..not her baby.She was wearing a purple velvet dress and her long red hair fell on her shoulders.Emma couldn't hold back her tears.Suddenly,the girl opened her eyes and yelled.
"Mummy!"
Marlene vanished and Emma was lost again.This time a man was standing in front of her..but he had no face.He was laughing wickedly.He cast a long shadow and it was getting larger and larger..When she tried to touch him,he vanished too.
Steed heard her whispering,saw her squirming .She was talking in her sleep.A nightmare...He approached her and drew her to him.Her head fell on his chest.He kissed her temples and stroked her arms and thighs.
"Darling.."
"Hmm.."She opened her eyes and looked at him,terrified.She tried to get away from him but Steed was holding her firmly.
"Emma, it's me!It's just me.."
She asked him gently to let her go and he respected her wish.
"Just a bad dream.Nothing more or less."
If it was just a bad dream ,he thought,she would have laughed it off.
"Are you afraid of him?..Zero?"
"No more than I should."
Fear is necessary to survive.
"Do you miss your mother?"
"My mother died when I was six."She stopped,then added:
"Why do you ask me such a thing?Why now?"
"You were calling her earlier.."
"Was I?"She pretended not to remember.Well,her dream had nothing to do with her mother.It was her own daughter calling her.
She got up,realized she was too tired to stand on her own feet and sat besides him.
"You never speak of them..you never speak of your parents."
"There's nothing to tell.They're dead.Steed.."
"Were you happy before I met you?"
"I've told you about my life with Peter."
"What about before Peter?"
"What difference does it make?Have I ever asked you how your life was before you met me?"
"You should".
"I'm not interested.Besides,I've got a vivid imagination."
She was lying.She was more than interested!Steed was smiling.Finaly ,she turned around and asked him.
"Naughty?"
"Naughty indeed..but not as much as one would think.. of course!"
"Of course."
She was smiling too.
They rested for a while and started walking again.They followed a narrow path,only to find themselves in front of a large lake.Their enthusiasm didn't last long, though.
"Mrs Peel.."
"I know..the water is too dirty."
They couldn't drink it.It was more like a swamp than a lake.
"Do you want to go back?"
"Let's cross it.Carefully."
Steed was too tired to go back.He threw a rock in and concentrated on the noise it made.
"It's not deep."
"No,it's not Mrs Peel!How's your swimming?"
"Well..I forgot to pack my bikini!"
"Do you really need it?"
"Steed!"
Steed laughed.
"Wait.I don't like it ,Steed."
"I don't like it either..but there's no other way around it."
"I'll go first."
She prefered a quick,decent death to the one Zero had in mind for them.She would always go for freedom.
She jumped in,before he had a chance to stop her.Steed followed her.Emma was swimming like a fish and in a few seconds she had already left him behind her.Steed had never asked her to go swimming together.He should do that..soon.He was daydreaming..Mrs Peel in her gorgeous swimming suit..lying on the golden sand,her auburn hair falling on her shoulders.He...sitting next to her,caressing her thigh,planting soft kisses on her knee..his own georgous..endless body burning under the sun!Steed felt something grabbing his left thigh.Something strong,quick,deadly.The pain was sharp..He realized he was fighting with a crocodile.Where was he before they jumped in?This place looked so quiet!Mrs Peel had almost reached the opposite bank when she heard him screaming.
"Emma..get out of the water!"
"Hold on!"
She didn't get out of the water.She wouldn't.Emma had taken the dead man's gun with her.She touched her belt but couldn't find it.Damn it!It had probably fallen off as she was swimmingShe dived deep in the water,reached the bottom and grabbed a heavy rock.In the mean time,Steed was trying to get hold of his own gun..to no avail.Emma approached the beast and hit the base of its neck with the rock.The crocodile started bleeding and let go of Steed.Another one attacked Mrs Peel.She felt its sharp teeth in her arm.Steed was in terrible pain but he used his right hand to reach his gun and aim at Emma and the crocodile.He couldn't see clearly.She had put her arms around its neck trying to choke it.What if he hurt her?
"Stay back."
"Steed.."
Her warm,deep voice moved him.It was a cry for help.Steed aimed again and fired twice.The second crocodile sunk in the water which had turned red.Blood..their blood..man and animal united in one.Steed looked around him,so did Emma.They were no more crocodiles.They helped each other to get out of the water.They were holding each other.She sighed.Her arm was bleeding.Steed took off his jacket and she tore it into pieces.She folded one of them around Steed's thigh,trying to stop the circulation there.Steed folded another one around her arm.He touched her..
Steed's eyes were filled with unleashed tears.He was hurting..He loved her body more than his own.She was looking at him.He had never seen her so angry before.She had clenched her hands and she was shaking.
"What is it?"He asked.
"He's going to pay for this."
"Don't waste your strength."
"It's not a deep cut..thanks to you.How's your leg?"
She managed to whisper.
"A deep cut.Darling."
"I'm not going to surrender!"
"We must.He's going to take care of us.He needs us."
"Are you willing to give him information?Are you going to betray what we stand for?"
"No,of course not.I'm going to buy us some time."
"You can't fool him Steed.One wrong move and we're dead."
"We're dead anyway.This kind of bleeding will kill us."
"I'd rather die free."
"Emma.."
"I can't stand being locked up in a cell for the rest of my life!"
He caressed her hair.He winced..his thigh hurt.She was hurting too but tried to conceal her pain.
"That is not what I had in mind."
"That's what going to happen."
Her eyes were closing.Steed was exhausted too.
"For us..so that we can have a chance.A chance in life!"
He was right.She had to admit that he was right.She felt dizzy and reached out for him.Steed hugged her and tried to hold back his tears.She kissed him gently.
"You were aware of the danger..when we jumped into the water, you knew."
"I knew..that something could go wrong..but I didn't know how much I love you."
"All right John..for us."
They started calling for help.
Zero was sitting in front of a large monitor,watching them.The dungeons were full of his cameras.The crocodiles were a great idea.They had cost him a fortune,of course.Steed and Mrs Peel have decided to surrender.He had won a battle..not the war.He was ready for the war..looking forward to it,actually.That's why he was dressed as a military man this time.He ordered two of his men and a woman to go fetch them.
"Put them in two different cells,opposite to each other..so that they can watch each other suffering..melting slowly..they will watch..feel but not touch.They'll punish themselves much better than I ever could."
The numbers were smiling.The famous avengers were in their hands..at last.
Steed was one step away from fainting.He had lost so much blood..more than her.She was trying to comfort him,keep him awake.Then,the numbers appeared out of the blue.
"We need medical care."
Mrs Peel was determined to get what they needed.
"We will..take care of you."
"I want to talk to your leader."
They didn't answer her this time.The woman and the smallest of the men grabbed her and the other one grabbed Steed.He couldn't walk..they were dragging him along.Mrs Peel tried to help him but they wouldn't let her.
"He's too weak to walk!"
"If he's the super hero he's supposed to be,he'll make it to his cell.Don't you think?"
The man who was pushing Steed ,looked at the other two numbers.They nodded.
"If he dies,he won't give you any information..Is that what Zero wants?"
"We still got you, Mrs Peel."
One of them caressed her back and she turned around and kicked him.The man fell on the ground,screaming out of pain.The woman took out her gun and pointed at Mrs Peel's temple.
"Try to behave..you see number 324 is very fond of you Mrs Peel..very.Your prince won't save you this time."
The other man who was holding Steed dropped him, approached her, grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him.Emma turned her head away.She looked more scornful than ever.
"She's tasty indeed...but I think number 1052 is more attractive."
The woman smiled,obviously flattered.
"Thank you, number 362.Too skinny for your,isn't she?"
"Like a steak without juice."
The two numbers laughed.The one Emma had hurt blushed.Afterall,he did like her.Mrs Peel was standing like an iceberg,speechless.
"Let her alone.."
Steed whispered..tried to get up ,then fell on the ground.He was outThe numbers laughed.They started kicking his body.Before Emma had time to react,a hard voice filled the dungeons.
"Idiots!Stop!"
The numbers froze..
"Bring them to me.Just bring them to me!"
They obeyed their master at once.
Emma was looking at him through her cell bars.He didn't move.The only sign that he was alive was his chest going up and down..his breathing was so shallow.She needed to hold him...so much that she had forgotten her own wounds.She realized that her arm had almost stopped bleeding.Then,she heard a noise..footsteps.He was coming.
"Mrs Peel..we meet again!"
Zero was wearing a lab coat.A stethoscope was hanging from his pocket and he was holding a small black leather bag.
"I asked for a real doctor!"
"That's what you'll get for now.Unless.."
"Unless?"
There was so much anger in her voice.She couldn't hide it any more.
"Unless you cooperate."
"What do you want to know?"
"The agent list."
"In your dreams!"
"Give me the agent list Mrs Peel.How many of you are out there?Your nicknames..your plans..your skills.Everything."
"Never."
"Then he dies..but you won't follow him.You 'll die of old age..down here."
"They're coming for us."
"They have no proof.They can't find you.Talk!"
Emma was staring at him but said nothing.She needed some time to think and Zero knew that.He left.She knelt..She was so tired..but had to stay awake.Should she talk?She wasn't a traitor.The agent list..She looked at her hands.So many lives in her hands.What about his life?Was his life more important than all the others?Well..it was to her.She was ashamed of her self.That's not being an agent was all about.It was getting to her..that's how Steed must feel,she thought.She had warned him..love would turn their lives upside down!Love was the ultimate villain, not the ones they were after!She tried to put her thoughts in order..and she heard him whispering.
"Darling.."
"Are you all right, John?"
"I've had better days.Don't tell him.."
He had heard their conversation.
"You need help.We both do."
"It doesn't matter.He's going to ask for more.He'll keep asking.."
"I know that.I don't intend to tell him everything at once!"
Another voice interfered.A weak,male voice that was coming from the cell next to Emma's.
"Even if you tell him,he'll never let you go.He needs you."
"Who are you?"
Mrs Peel asked him.Steed was curious too.
"I'm Jeffrey Miles.I 'm..I was a computer scientist."
"The famous JM?The one who founded Cryptotec?My father admired your company."
"Well.. I envied his!He was a very clever man.I've met him once..Sir Knight.Very noble too."
"Thank you."
His words had touched her.
"What happened?"
Steed asked.His leg had stopped bleeding and he was trying to convince himself that he was feeling better.
"One day I met a beautiful lady..We spent the night in a luxurious hotel.The next morning I woke up here.That's all I can remember!"
"When?"Emma asked him.
"Five years ago..I think."
"You said that he needs us.Why?"
Steed wanted to know more.
"He kidnaps people in key places..then he replaces them with his own ,with the best of his numbers..the more gifted ones.He knows how the system works and he wants to control it.He hasn't touched the government yet..He takes only a few each time...and of course there are the others too."
"The others?"
"The rest of the numbers.They have their day jobs,like you and me...but they 're spies!A secret army.."
"He's creating a circle..a small circle of people who are going to dominate,under his control.In art,in science..in politics.United we stand,divided we fall."
Mrs Peel whispered.
"Exactly.A gentle war.He controls a large school network.Hundreds of schools..all over the country.Acclaimed schools,boarding schools usually.He corrupts the children while they're young."
"Steed!The map..It's the school network."
"Right on target Mrs Peel.Maybe it's also a dungeon network."
Mr Miles agreed.
"What about the ones who oppose to him?"
Steed felt sorry for the children.
"There aren't so many of them.The punishments are very cruel..and nobody can actually know what's going on in the school or why.The children are afraid to talk and when Ministry inspectors come,everything appears to be in place.Some of them get sick and some others are expelled from the school.Doctors say they just can't stand academic pressure. "
"The parents?"
Emma was shaking slightly..
"The parents are happy because their children achieve things,find well paid jobs in the end.They don't know for whom they work for.They also create families and send their own children to the same schools they graduated fromMany children are orphans or the parents are away..or hooked on their work. "
"Not everyone can be a number!"
Steed noticed.
"Of course not.Not all of them are involved.Children are taught and tested during the night."
"That's why the school day starts a little bit late at St.Clare's.I thought it was weird..but I can't believe that whoever reaches the top is controlled by Zero!"
Emma had her doubts.
"No..not yet..but don't forget that he has connections in England..I'm telling you his people will reach the top sooner or later..all the rest will be eliminated."
"Eliminated?"
"A tragic accident will happen to them..a heart attack.Maybe they'll go mad or they'll just stay at the bottom of the pyramid."
"He wants us to teach the children..the numbers."
Steed felt dizzy again.
"Steed..I'm going to get you a doctor!"
Her voice was soft and tender.
"His next target is the Ministry,isn'it?"
"I don't have all the answers..Mrs.What's your name?I believed it was Knight."
"Mrs Peel.I'm a widow,now!"
"I'm sorry."
"Now, Mr.Miles..how do I know you're the real one?Who else is locked up down here?"
"I don't know how many of us are here.Sometimes I hear voices..in the night.Dreadful,piercing voices.Anyway, I understand why you question my identity but as you know I was very interested in cryptography..numbers..codes..secrets."
"I know what cryptography is about."
They started talking about things that made no sense to Steed.He felt terribly left out but Mr.Miles seemed to have convinced Emma.
"Who is he?"
Steed was whispering..had no strength to talk.
"Nobody has seen his face so far.All I know is that he was an actor once."
"Where did he work?Does he have a family?"
"I don't think so.He just comes and goes."
Zero appeared again..He had brought a doctor with him,a real one.He was wearing another costume,a noble one.A knight of the British Empire was standing in front of them.
"I see that you made some new friends."
Nobody answered him.
"Don't be agree at me Mrs Peel.Your dilemma is over.I came here to save you..Mrs Flack is an excellent pathologist."
Mrs Flack was a cold,strong woman.She was blonde and looked like a man.
"How very thoughtful of you!"
Emma was laughing at him.
"Please..have mercy."
Mr.Miles felt soo tired.
As Mrs Flack was taking care of Steed,Zero ordered his men to take Emma out of her cell.
"Don't you dare hurt her!"
Steed yelled.
"I won't..No more than you did."
Soon,she was in a large room with black lacquered walls and a floor that looked like a chessboard.In the middle of the room was a red armchair.Zero sat there.The numbers were holding Emma who was standing in front of him.
"I kept my part of the deal."
"Good for you."
"I can make you talk Mrs Peel..and if you break..he breaks too."
"You underestimate him."
"You believe too much in him,don't you?So much that you almost let him rape you."
Emma was silent.
"Talk!"
No answer.
He made a gesture and two men approached her.They grabbed her..She tried to defend herself but she was too weak to win .She saw her hair fall on the ground.They were shaving her head.When done,they brought her a mirror to look at herself.She turned her head away.They forced her to look at her idol.Her eyes were burning..but she didn't want him to see her cry.
"You must be a very unhappy man."
"Make me happy Mrs Peel."
"Too late for you,I'm afraid!"
"Be my lover and he's free to go.Your body for his freedom."
"Get someone at your age!"
"I thought you were in love with him.Afterall,he came down here to save you."
"Steed would never expect me to become your.."
"Prostitute is the right word Mrs Peel..but you're a well bred girl,you wouldn't know ..Aren't you?Did your father approve of him?Was he at your age?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
What did he know about Marlene's father?
"Yes,you do.You had an affair before you got married to Peter Peel.An affair with one of your professors at college.Luke Wilson was his name.Does Steed know about him?"
He had managed to upset her...not because Steed had no idea about him but because she was worried about her daughter.Her knees started to wobble.
"Women!"
Obviously Zero didn't think highly of the opposite sex.Emma was staring at him.He ignored the existence of the child,right?She leaked her lips.
"I see you're very thirsty."
"A glass of water would be very appreciated."
"I 'm always touched by a lady who doesn't forget her good manners."
One of the numbers who had brought Emma in to the room,emptied a bucket full of cold water on her head.She almost had a heart attack.
"Damn you!"
She yelled.
"You asked for water.Here it is!"
He laughed.
She was shaking.Suddenly,she felt sick.
"I need to use the bathroom."
She was whispering and this time she meant it.
"You're lying."
The door opened and Dr.Flack came in.She saw Emma trembling.She was so pale..her face looked like a paper sheet.
"This woman is sick.What do you want me to do?"
"Nothing..just take her back to her cell.She'll get over it."
The numbers dragged Emma back to the dungeons.She curled in to a ball and stayed at the corner of her cell.Something was wrong with her body.Well,it shouldn't surprise her,considering everything he had put them through.How would she face Steed?She touched her head.Nothing there..like an endless,barren piece of land.It did look ugly.She looked ugly and she was so cold!Emma started crying.Although Steed was sleeping,he heard her whimpering.
"Emma..what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"They brought us some food and water.There must be a tray in your cell."
Emma looked around her and noticed the tray.It was placed on a chair.There was also a half broken bed in there.A rat was trying to squeeze himself through the bars and out of the cell.Emma was watching him.
"I don't feel like eating."
The nausea was still there.
"What have they done to you?It's been two days since our last meal."
It's been more.The last thing she had eaten was an apple.
"You should rest, Steed."
She was trying to find her composure again.She needed him so much.Being in his arms felt so good.She was holding herself as he would be holding her.Her body was soft,open and ready to welcome him..to comfort her..tell her that everything would be all right,make her laugh..make her feel loved,beautiful.
Steed realized he couldn't see her.The corridor between the two cells was poorly lit.Why was she hiding from him?Had they beaten her up?
"I want to see you."
"Go to sleep."
"Darling..come on."
His heart was beating so fast he thought it was going to explode.Emma walked slowly to the middle of the cell..then she put her face behind the bars..looking at him.
"I had my hair cut."
She wiped her tears in a graceful way.Steed couldn't help staring at her.He was shocked.Her beautiful,auburn hair was missing.How could they?He felt sorry for her but tried not to show her his real feelings.Emma would resent his pity.
"I always thought it was about time you changed the way you wore it."
She forced a smile on her lips.She was standing there like a proud mountain..looking at nowhere.
"It will grow again."
"I know that Steed!I didn't come from Mars."
If Steed didn't know her,he would doubt about that.She did look like an alien!Poor Emma.He felt like holding her.He stretched his arm through the cell bars,so did she.They couldn't reach each other...as always.
"You must eat.You've got to be strong ,darling.We don't know what else he has in store for us."
"I feel sick."
She just wanted to get everything out of her body.
"Close your eyes."
"I'm not a little girl,Steed."
"You're my girl."
"My?"
Emma teased him.
"If I may say so."
"You may..but be careful because I come at a bargain price!"
"I never meant to buy you off,Mrs Peel!"
"Not even the day you gave me that bracelet?"
She gave him a tiny smile.
"Well..that was to celebrate our first year together."
Emma showed him the bracelet.It was hidden under her catsuit sleeve.
"I didn't know you always wore it."
"Now,you do!"
Emma was looking at her shining bracelet.She remembered everything.They had gone for a walk..by the beach.Suddenly,he took the bracelet out of his pocket and put it around her wriest.He had caught her off guard!Then,he took her in his arms and kept swirling her around.
"I have a confession to make."
"Yes?"
I know you love me,John.
"It's not real!"
"What?"
"The bracelet is not real.It's not a gold one.It's a faux bijoux!"
"Oooh,I realize that,Steed.It doesn't matter.I like it.Afterall,you do spend half of your salary on your Bentley."
"I do not!"
"Yes, you do.I went through your bills last month!"
"How?"
"You taught me how!Just put a sealed letter on steam and it will open."
"Well..you shouldn't have.I respect your privacy,don't I?"
He pretended to be very angry but deep down he did like her being naughty as she was.
"I'm sorry."
She was staring at him with wide brown eyes.She was smiling.How could he not forgive her?
"Apologies accepted..but there's one condition."
"What condition would that be?"
He pointed at the tray.
"All right.Let's see if he can cook."
Her appetite was back.Steed had managed to cheer her up.There was a steak,a piece of cake,a loaf of bred and some orange juice.Zero wanted them to get their strength back.They chatted for a while..laughed at Jeffrey Miles who was snoring..then they fell asleep too.
The next morning Marlene woke up in the dormitory.She was so glad that the punishment was over.Susan,her best friend,was helping her brush her hair.Susan was tall and chubby and her own hair was brown.She looked like a baby bear.Marlene was holding a mirror in her hands..one beautiful mirror that her parents had given her before they left.It was blue and a large moon adorned the back of it.
"Your hair is so beautiful!"
Susie said.
"I don't think so.Bobby used to call me carrot girl."
"You shouldn't listen to Bobby.He was a bad boy..really bad."
Susie nodded.
"He was not!He was my friend!"
"Am I not?"
"Don't be silly Susie.Of course,you are."
"What do you think happened to him?"
"They hurt him."
"Mrs Rutherscroft,you mean?"
"Yes.She's such a witch!"
"Aren't you afraid of her?.I wish I could be brave like you, Marlene."
"Sometimes, I'm.I want to go home."
"Your mummy can get you out.Where is she?"
"They're in..I don't remember.Let me get you their letter."
Marlene had hit her parents' letter under her pillow.
"No..I'm done with your hair yet,Marlene!"
In a few moments,Marlene was back with the letter.She read it quickly.
"They're in F-l-or-i-da.."
"That's in the United States!"
"United what?"
"In America,you fool!Don't you remember?Mr Springer told us yesterday."
Mr Springer was their geography teacher.
"I wasn't paying any attention.I don't like geography all that much,Susie."
"It doesn't matter.You are my best friend,Marlene.If you go home,will you take me with you?"
"Sure..if your grandma let you."
"She will!You know what?Your hair looks like Miss Watson's!"
"Oh my!I wish.She's very beautiful...like a princess."
She looked at herself in the mirror.
"Princess Emma left."
"What?"
"Yes,she did while you were in the isolation room."
"She can't!She wouldn't..She promised me."
Her eyes were filled with unleashed tears.She let the mirror fall and break.
"You shouldn't.."
Susie scolded her.
"I will do whatever I want."
"She's a teacher.She can do whatever she wants!"
"No.She's not gone!She's here and I'm going to find her."
"I'm telling you she isn't."
Marlene was ready to go.
"You'll get into trouble."
"I don't care. I'm going to take Sarah with me."
Sarah was her favorite doll.She was made out of china,had black hair and blue eyes and was wearing a creamy dress and matching hat.She had one leg missing,though.
"I'm going with you."
"No."
"Why not?"
"If both of us are missing,the monster will catch us."
"She will catch us,anyway.Wait!We should make a plan.That's what spies do,all the time.They meet at secret places and exchange information."
"Really?How do you know?"
Marlene was impressed.Susie showed her a book.It was "The secret seven" by Enid Blyton.
"They have maps and guns and..I don't know what else!"
"I know that!Do you know that they also carry umbrellas?"
Marlene remembered Steed swinging his umbrella.Did Miss Watson have to carry an umbrella too?
"Brollies?What do they need them for?"
"To recognize each other,probably."
"You should take mine with you,then."
Susie gave her an orange umbrella and the other girl took it
"If they ask you where I am,you'll tell them.."
"I'll tell them that an angel came here and took you away."
"That only happens in the Bible,Susie.Angels do not exist!"
"My grandma told me that they do."
"The monster won't believe you.You'll tell her that we were playing in the forest and you lost me and that I've missed my parents,so I decided to go and look for them."
"I think she'll buy it."
"If you tell her,she will.You and Bobby were very good at everything!"
"Remember that time I grabbed her glasses?"
"Right out of her pocket..but where did you find all these candies?"
Susie's pockets were filled with them.
"I stole them..there are more in the kitchen."
"You shouldn't steal."
"They say it's all right..or else they wouldn't teach us how to do it.They should know better.They 're grown ups,we're children."
"Miss Watson says it's the wrong thing to do."
"|Run to Miss Watson then!"
"I will!I know she's down there..with THE OTHERS."
"The prisoners?They're skinny and dirty and their hair touch the floor.Like ghosts!"
Susie was scared.
"They 're notHe keeps them there."
"He's nicer than Mrs Rutherscroft."
"He has no face!"
Marlene protested.
"He does have a face,you fool.He's just wearing a mask.Guess what?He told me that if I learn that.."
Susie showed her a karate chop.
"He'll get us that dollhouse I was talking to you about.It has twelve rooms and a garden..and it comes with the furniture!"
Marlene wanted that toy as much as Susie did.She kicked Susie's knee and the other girl landed on the floor.Before her friend had any time to react,Marlene grabbed her doll and the umbrella,opened one of the closets in the room,got in and found her way to the dungeons.She was yelling..
"We're going to get it, Susie!"
She liked teasing her friend like that.She was good at karate.Susie was lying at the floor,looking at the ceiling.It wasn't funny!Not funny at all.All the candies she stole had fallen on the floor with herShe got up and picked them up carefully.Then she took off her nightgown and put on her school uniform.She looked at her pocket..there was something in there!She slid her chubby,small hand in to find a lollipop.It had a lemon flavor,her favorite!Surely,Marlene had put it there.She smiled.
"Hello,Mrs Peel.You do like the accommodations,don't you?"
She didn't answer,just turned her back on him.
"I see.You worry about him.."
Emma turned around to face him.
"No.You should worry about him."
"Really?Why?"
"As you probably know,John Steed is the best.."
He cut her off."Yes..yes.I've heard it all many times before...but you forget one detail Mrs Peel.John Steed is just a man,like all the others.A great man maybe.. a man nevertheless.Great men have weaknesses too.You should know.You're all he lives for."
Emma looked at him.There was something different about him this time,but she couldn't tell exactly what.He appeared to be softer,wiser..His voice was different..in fact his voice was similar to Steed's.He was trying to drive her crazy,to break her spirit.He was an excellent actor..Who?She tried to think.He didn't remind her any of the actors she knew.
"I hate to disappoint you but Steed lives for his work,not for me."
"You're wrong...darling."
She started shaking.It was too much..having a Steed like person whispering love words to her.WHERE was the real one?
"I'm nobody's darling."
"How far are you willing to go for him?How much do you love him?"
"We are not lovers.We never were and we'll never be."
"Do you expect me to believe that?"
"I don't care what you believe in or why."
"You can't love him Mrs Peel.You're afraid of love.I don't know why..but you are."
"I need to go to the bathroom."
Maybe she could escape in this way.She couldn't stand listening to him.It was true..she was afraid to love Steed,to surrender..to let go.
Zero ordered the guard to release her.The young man was ready to lead her to the bathroom but he stopped him.
"I'll take her."He grabbed her arm.She felt his gun touching her ribs.
"Don't try to be smart.The dungeons are full of my men."
"I know."She was smiling.
Soon they were lost in the darkness,in the dungeons.This was her chance to break free.She didn't trust him at all,she was sure that there wasn't a bathroom near by.
"Are you all right?"It was Steed's voice.
Zero touched her shoulder.
"Don't!"Mrs Peel was ready to hit him.
"Mrs Peel..It's me!"
"You are not him!Now,stay away from me."
"Sweetheart..."
Zero took off his mask.Steed was looking at her now.
"How?.."Emma was at a loss.
"He gives them acting lessons.There's a lot of stuff like that,masks,clothing..anything your heart desires!"
"How could you?"
She was still the strong,confident woman who was talking to Zero a few minutes ago.
"It 's the only way out.They believed me,we are free to go.What have I done this time?"Steed was really angry.
"You were just fishing,right?How much do you love him..and..you're afraid to love!"
"If I didn't push you they wouldn't believe me! I wasn't fishing.There's nothing to catch,anyway!"
"There's plenty to catch.It depends on the fisherman!"
"What I mean is that there's nothing left in you.Nothing for me.."
"I believe in you.I've just told you-well not you-that John Steed is the best agent I've ever known."
"Is that what John Steed is for you?Just an agent?You didn't say that you love me!"
"I thought I was talking to a mad man!Why are you doing this?"
"You 're the one who started it!"
"How dare you play with my feelings?You're just like him.You'd do anything to get what you want!"
"What about my feelings?It's always about you."
"Wait a minute..that's unfair and you know it!"
"I should have left you here with him...to teach you a lesson..teacher!"
"Nobody invited you here.I certainly don't need you.You know why you came here to save me..What a hero!"
"Damn you!I told you,you're all I live for!Besides,you're the one who insists that our work should always come first."
She leaned on the wall of the dungeon.
"I have no choice but to insist.I have to take care of myself."
"I can take care of you.I want to ..so much."
He tried to give her a hug.
"No."
She pushed him away.
"I'm sorry Steed."
She was icy.
"You should be".
Emma realized he wasn't going to forgive her.He wanted to be tough like her.She used her thumb to rub his wriest but he didn't react.
"Darling.."
No answer.He was cold and it wasn't like him to be cold.He grabbed her wrists and pinned her on the wall.Then he started caressing her breasts and she let him.She wanted to ask him to stop,but couldn't.She had missed his warm,loving touch.Only this time he wasn't tender but wild,greedy.Steed was kissing her now.Emma pushed him away again but he didn't stop.He forced her to kiss him again.She spit at him and he slapped her.She slapped him back.He tried to unzip her catsuit.She tried to get away but his grip was firm and she was tired..hungry,thirsty.They were fighting for a while.Steed was furious,had lost his self control.He kept pushing her body on the wall.Their eyes interlocked.
"I want you."
"Stop."
He wasn't going to..Was he?No,she loved him.Where was the gentle man she knew so well?
"Beg me to stop."
"You're sick!"
"You make me sick.I'm in love with you."
"Let me go."
"I said beg."
"Never!"
He tore her clothes.She was left almost naked.
"Now..what ,Mrs Peel?"
"You can claim my body but not my soul!"
Proud and strong.I'm going to hurt you,he thought.
Steed wrapped her legs around his waist.She punched him and used her legs to squeeze him..so hard he thought he would suffocate.He rubbed his jaw but wasn't willing to give up.Suddenly,she felt something cold touching her stomach.It was his gun.
"Stay still."
"Steed..It's not funny.You've crossed the line.Stop!"
He touched her neck,then pulled her hair so hard she thought she was going to bleed.She tried to get hold of his gun but he twisted her wrist.Mrs Peel screamed out of pain.
"Pain is erotic Mrs Peel."
"If you hurt me,I'll never forgive you."
She felt his naked body touching hers.He was going to go through with it.She couldn't believe that there was so much cruelty in him.She had seen him kill people in cold blood..but only when and if necessary. Is that why he was so successful ?Because he had no limits?Was she in love with a crazy man?Was he another version of Zero?Emma couldn't stand the idea of him hurting her.She had the strength to go through hell,she had faced hell many times before but a diabolical mastermind was always the cause,not the man she loved.
"John..darling.What's wrong with you?"Her eyes were filled with tears and this time she let them fall.She stroked his hair and her lips almost touched his.Steed pushed her harder on the wall.
"Please.."She whispered.
Suddenly,her fear subsided.Mrs Peel was a quick thinker and it didn't take her long to realize..She scratched his face and her nails filled with rubber.He was wearing a rubber mask.It was perfect!They had used Steed's face as a mould to create it.His wig was also perfectShe ripped the mask off only to reveal an other man underneath.His eyes looked like Steed's but the rest of his face had nothing to do with him.She was sure he was an actor too and a very good one,just like his master.
"Bastard!"
"I did fool you for a while Mrs Peel,didn't I?"
"You could have fooled me..but you made a mistake.ViolenceSteed would never use violence on me!"
"Never say never.You don't know him.My master..He has the ability to transform people.You were wrong before,Mrs Peel.He can claim your body..and he can claim your soul."
She was ready to answer him when she heard a gunshot and they both fell on the ground.Someone had shot him and as he was holding her,she had fell with him.Emma got up and looked at himHe didn't move.He was dead.Soon,he was lying in a small pool of blood.The bullet had pierced his back.She sighed,relieved and scared at the same time.Who was her savior? Mrs Peel heard someone calling her.A man was approaching themShe took the dead man's gun in her hand and pointed at him.
"Don't shoot me."
It was Steed all over again..or a man looking like Steed.He was wearing an impeccable suit and a bowler.Mrs Peel was shaking.It was a game.It has been a game all along and Zero was behind it.
"One more step and you're history."
"I know you're upset Mrs Peel but the man who's lying over there could never be me .I'm Steed.I had to shoot him and I think you understand why."
"You 're not Steed.You 're one of them."
She was ready to pull the trigger.
"Emma..get a grip of your self!How could you ever believe that I..that he would force you to make love to him? "
"He was angry..that's all."
Her voice was thick.
"Why would I be angry with you?What have you done wrong?Don't you see what's going on?He wants to turn you against me."
He was very persuasive,his voice was tender.She wanted him to be real.She had missed him so much.
"Ohh.I see what's going onIt's because I see that I have doubts."
How do I know you're the real one?
"I can prove it to you."
"I don't see how."She was scornful but was hurting underneath.
"You like watching the dawn".
That was true.She liked the colours,the idea of a new beginning ,the birds singing.
"Not enough.Someone could have told you that."
"You have a mole.."
"Oh!Please..just spare me the details!"
She did have a mole at a private place,but she was born with it.What if they have obtained baby pictures of her?
"The day I met you,you were wearing a short,light green dress."
"I don't remember what I was wearing the day I met him".
That was also true.She kept changing her wardrobe and never found clothing all that important.
"You usually get your period at the end of the month."
Not always.Steed was never interested in her bodily functions ,to begin with.
"Try harder.Or else.."She waved her gun.She knew that he also had a gun and that the only reason he hadn't used it so far was to gain her trust.
"Darling..I'm tired too."
"I 'm not.Well?"
"You're allergic to oysters."
"A hit..but I guess there must be doctor's records for that one!"
"Mrs Peel..we're running out of time!They're going to get us."
"You're running out of time.Now,keep trying."
"I read my newspaper when we have breakfast together and you hate it."
A hit again...but what if they had placed "bugs" in their apartments?On the other hand ,he stoped doing that last year.How could Zero ever know about something like that?
"Why did you stop?"
"Because I want to make you happy."
"No.."
She was denying him again.
"You phoned me from the middle of nowhere once to tell me that we have children!"
I needed your help.It's you Steed,isn't?
She couldn't talk,just kept staring at him.
"You were abroad when your father died.You 've told me that you couldn't forgive yourself."
She was in Switzerland,on buisiness.He had a heart attack and died in his sleep.She had insisted on staying ,but he told her that he wanted her to continue to work,no matter what was going on.A real businessman!
"The first time I made love to you,you cried.I thought I had hurt you."
"Enough..John.."
Her gun fell on the ground.A pair of tears rolled down her cheeks.Steed hugged her.She was half naked and her body was shaking.He took off his jacket and gave it to her.He was so warm that she wanted to stay in his arms forever.He sighed,relieved to have found her,at last.He run his fingers through her hair and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Shh..It's over Mrs Peel."
"No,it's not.I'm just glad that he wasn't you.How do you know all these things about me?I thought you never noticed."
"I do notice.Did he..?"
"No.I'm all right."
"What happened?"
"He looked like you,talked like you,moved like you.We even had a fight!The things he told me!They know so much about us..I 'm twenty four hours awake..but still,that's not an excuse."
She told him how she had ended up in the dungeons.
"Zero trapped me twice and it was my fault.I don't want you to pay for it."
"It's nobody's fault and you know it.It's part of what we do for a living."
"He's mad Steed.There's no way out of here."
"Even if that's the case,I still want to be with you."
"You should be out there,trying to stop him.You should have called for help!"
"I did..but they're not going to help us."He explained her the reasons why.
"That's preposterous!"
"Hey.."
"I hoped that you wouldn't find me.That's exactly what he wanted!"
"I know."Steed was sad.
"You don't have to worry about me."
"I do worry Mrs Peel.He would have raped you."
"Uuuh!He didn't even know how to touch a woman!They should have sent someone more interesting".
"Mrs Peel!"Steed didn't share her sense of humor.
"All right.I have the strength..to fight..to survive.What matters is that I lost my faith in you.I'm so sorry, John.I should have seen him for who he was."
"I want you to know one thing.I would never hurt you."
Emma caressed his cheek with the back of her palm..then she kissed him on the lips.
"I missed you."
"Me too.I don't want you to think that I'm angry with you."
"I don't know if I can give you what you need."
"What do you need?"
She didn't answer.She had that playful,teasing look.Her lips curled to form a tiny smile.
"What?"
She leaned her head on his shoulder and put her arms around his waist.He caressed her back.
Steed heard her whispering something.
"What is it darling?"
The joy she had felt earlier disappeared in a few seconds.She couldn't go through with it.She couldn't say "I love you..I just need you."Sometimes,Emma hated herself,she hated what life had transformed her in.A cold blooded creature,an efficient agent and lover,a prestigious human being.That's the girl Steed loved and she had to keep it going...but what if another person was living underneath ?Did she love that person?Was she fair to that person? A china doll.Mrs Peel remembered that she had one of those once and she had broken it.She didn't want to break it again.Even if she did talk to him..about herself..about her daughter..he would never understand.She had the strength to survive ,yes..but there was also a price she had to pay for that.
Steed liked holding her,keeping her safe and sound.He was just wondering.What was going on in her mind?She seemed to be very upset.It wasn't like her.He wanted to stand by her,not to impose on her.She would always surprise him and he loved that!Absolutely..completely..he loved her.It wasn't enough.Was it his fault?The more he pushed..the more vulnerable she got.Why couldn't she just talk,get everything out in the open!One thing he was sure of.She needed him much more than she was willing to admit.Steed was scared because he couldn't help her.
She tried to brake their embrace,but he wouldn't let her go.
"We've got to run Steed."
"I know..but I've just got you back."
Then he continued:
"Darling,when everything is over..I think we should ask for help."
"Help?What do you mean,help?"
"Help from an expert..a doctor..a psychologist."
"Do you need a doctor Steed?"She was cold.
"I think you do."Steed summoned all the courage left in him to say what he had just said.
"How can you even suggest something like that?"She was disgusted by his words.She let go of him.
"It's obvious that you're in pain."
"I'm just tired.I'll get over it."
"I don't want you to get over it.I want you to be happy and healthy."
"That sounds like a tv commercial!"
"Your arrogance is not going to help you."
"Arrogance?You're the one who has an opinion on everything.You know what?You're not helping me either."
"I tried.I can't!"
"I'm not going to see a crazy doctor and that's final."
"A crazy doctor?Doctors are scientists like you!"
"Let's go this way."
She started walking and left him behind her.Steed was furious.How could she ignore him like that?Suddenly,she turned around and asked him.
"Are you coming?".
"Coming..".
What am I supposed to do with you?He asked him self.
They kept walking.All the dungeons appeared to be exactly the same.There was no left,no right,no backward or forward.It was dark and cold and lonely.None of them was willing to talk to the other.Mrs Peel was the first to break the silence.
"Steed..where are his men?I thought they were supposed to be everywhere."
"I think he doesn't want us to find them."
"He's testing our endurance."
"Yes.He's very cunning..and he has a deep understanding of human nature."
"He's an actor."
"I know.You've told me."
"Is that all you have to say?"
"What do you expect me to say, Mrs Peel?"
"I think hunger is making us edgy.I wish I could have.."
She started describing one of Steed's favorite meals.A roast beaf..some orange sauce..a pudding for desert.
"Oh!Just stop.."
Emma laughed.
"Snails are all we can have."
She pointed at some snails that were stuck on the walls.
"You have to be kidding!"
"Well..we've got to eat something."
She took one,broke its shell with a stone and tasted it.She spit it almost at once.
"Steed..It is really disgusting!"
"Remember that time we had snails?They're delicious..but they were not walking!"
"Remember the bill,afterwards?"
Steed smiled.
"No,I don't.You paid the bill."
"Only snails,fungi and rats can live down here."
"Don't forget roaches."
"Why did you chose to be called Ladybird?"
"Oh..please don't remind me.Why did you chose to be called Mantis?"
"The female mantis eats the male after sex".
"Poor mantis!".Steed found its fate appalling.
"Shh..listen."
Steed listened carefully.He put his ear close to the dungeon wall.
"Well done, Mrs Peel.It could be water!"
He took out his gun and fired twice.The wall started dripping.One drop fell on Steed's shoe and left a hole in it.
"It 's not water Steed."
"It's some kind of acid."
Suddenly,a group of bats attacked them.They were making awful,piercing sounds.Steed used his umbrella to scare them.Mrs Peel was trying to push them away by moving Steed's jacket up and down.Finaly,the bats left as quickly as they had come.
"They are ugly..but not dangerous!"
"Mrs Peel..we could have followed them."
"That's not a bad idea.Bats use an ultra sound device to orientate."
"Well..too late now."
They decided to rest for a while.They were both very tired.Mrs Peel sat down and Steed followed her.He winced.
"What's wrong?".
"It's my old world war wound.I was hit in the shoulder."
"The humidity down here is unbearable!"
"Tell me about it.!"
"Let me take care of that."
She gently massaged his shoulder.She had a divine touch!
"You know..you can make a living out of that."
"Considering that we're under-paid..but wouldn't you be jealous,darling?"
"Not if I had part of the profits."
She smiled.
"Come here.."
He kissed the hands that were stroking him.
"I'm afraid this service is just for you,sir!"
Steed laughed.He was looking at her.She was pale,her lips were dry and he could see tiny red veins in her eyes.She never lost her courage, though.
"I think we should sleep."
"Here..take your jacket."She took off his jacket and gave it to him.
"No.You keep it."
That man had torn her catsuit.
"You need it..your shoulder.You have to stay warm."
"All right.Besides,we can sleep together."
"I beg your pardon?"
He patted the spot next to him.Some cuddling was all he had in mind.
"Sorry.I think I'll pass..and Steed.."
I can manage Steed.I don't need you or your doctor!
"Yes,darling?"
What a stubborn darling are you!
"Don't you think that one of us should stay awake?"
"You go to sleep."
It didn't take him long to guess who would stay awake.
"Wake me up when you feel tired."
She was fair,at least!
Soon,she had fallen asleep.Steed was watching her.She had gone through so much these last few days.He had to find a way to get them out of there.Even if they managed to survive that man was going to drive them crazy.
Emma was dreamingShe was surrounded by doctors and nurses.Two drops of sweat rolled down her temple.She was about to give birth.She bit her lips,her body was shaking.Shearing pain..but she wouldn't cry,she had promised herself that.They urged her to keep pushing the baby out of her body,so she did.Then she heard it crying.One of the nurses wrapped it in a green blanket and left.It was over.Now she was falling in a deep black hole.She couldn't stop..couldn't stop falling.She was wearing a black coat though.Next thing she knew,all of them around her were dressed in black.All of them were there.Her parents,Steed,Steed's family,her friends,some people from the Ministry,Jane..her much beloved nanny.They were standing around a coffin.A white,small coffin.Emma approached it.She was afraid to lift the lid.Finaly,she did.There was a little girl lying inside.Marlene..Oh!No..not her baby.She was wearing a purple velvet dress and her long red hair fell on her shoulders.Emma couldn't hold back her tears.Suddenly,the girl opened her eyes and yelled.
"Mummy!"
Marlene vanished and Emma was lost again.This time a man was standing in front of her..but he had no face.He was laughing wickedly.He cast a long shadow and it was getting larger and larger..When she tried to touch him,he vanished too.
Steed heard her whispering,saw her squirming .She was talking in her sleep.A nightmare...He approached her and drew her to him.Her head fell on his chest.He kissed her temples and stroked her arms and thighs.
"Darling.."
"Hmm.."She opened her eyes and looked at him,terrified.She tried to get away from him but Steed was holding her firmly.
"Emma, it's me!It's just me.."
She asked him gently to let her go and he respected her wish.
"Just a bad dream.Nothing more or less."
If it was just a bad dream ,he thought,she would have laughed it off.
"Are you afraid of him?..Zero?"
"No more than I should."
Fear is necessary to survive.
"Do you miss your mother?"
"My mother died when I was six."She stopped,then added:
"Why do you ask me such a thing?Why now?"
"You were calling her earlier.."
"Was I?"She pretended not to remember.Well,her dream had nothing to do with her mother.It was her own daughter calling her.
She got up,realized she was too tired to stand on her own feet and sat besides him.
"You never speak of them..you never speak of your parents."
"There's nothing to tell.They're dead.Steed.."
"Were you happy before I met you?"
"I've told you about my life with Peter."
"What about before Peter?"
"What difference does it make?Have I ever asked you how your life was before you met me?"
"You should".
"I'm not interested.Besides,I've got a vivid imagination."
She was lying.She was more than interested!Steed was smiling.Finaly ,she turned around and asked him.
"Naughty?"
"Naughty indeed..but not as much as one would think.. of course!"
"Of course."
She was smiling too.
They rested for a while and started walking again.They followed a narrow path,only to find themselves in front of a large lake.Their enthusiasm didn't last long, though.
"Mrs Peel.."
"I know..the water is too dirty."
They couldn't drink it.It was more like a swamp than a lake.
"Do you want to go back?"
"Let's cross it.Carefully."
Steed was too tired to go back.He threw a rock in and concentrated on the noise it made.
"It's not deep."
"No,it's not Mrs Peel!How's your swimming?"
"Well..I forgot to pack my bikini!"
"Do you really need it?"
"Steed!"
Steed laughed.
"Wait.I don't like it ,Steed."
"I don't like it either..but there's no other way around it."
"I'll go first."
She prefered a quick,decent death to the one Zero had in mind for them.She would always go for freedom.
She jumped in,before he had a chance to stop her.Steed followed her.Emma was swimming like a fish and in a few seconds she had already left him behind her.Steed had never asked her to go swimming together.He should do that..soon.He was daydreaming..Mrs Peel in her gorgeous swimming suit..lying on the golden sand,her auburn hair falling on her shoulders.He...sitting next to her,caressing her thigh,planting soft kisses on her knee..his own georgous..endless body burning under the sun!Steed felt something grabbing his left thigh.Something strong,quick,deadly.The pain was sharp..He realized he was fighting with a crocodile.Where was he before they jumped in?This place looked so quiet!Mrs Peel had almost reached the opposite bank when she heard him screaming.
"Emma..get out of the water!"
"Hold on!"
She didn't get out of the water.She wouldn't.Emma had taken the dead man's gun with her.She touched her belt but couldn't find it.Damn it!It had probably fallen off as she was swimmingShe dived deep in the water,reached the bottom and grabbed a heavy rock.In the mean time,Steed was trying to get hold of his own gun..to no avail.Emma approached the beast and hit the base of its neck with the rock.The crocodile started bleeding and let go of Steed.Another one attacked Mrs Peel.She felt its sharp teeth in her arm.Steed was in terrible pain but he used his right hand to reach his gun and aim at Emma and the crocodile.He couldn't see clearly.She had put her arms around its neck trying to choke it.What if he hurt her?
"Stay back."
"Steed.."
Her warm,deep voice moved him.It was a cry for help.Steed aimed again and fired twice.The second crocodile sunk in the water which had turned red.Blood..their blood..man and animal united in one.Steed looked around him,so did Emma.They were no more crocodiles.They helped each other to get out of the water.They were holding each other.She sighed.Her arm was bleeding.Steed took off his jacket and she tore it into pieces.She folded one of them around Steed's thigh,trying to stop the circulation there.Steed folded another one around her arm.He touched her..
Steed's eyes were filled with unleashed tears.He was hurting..He loved her body more than his own.She was looking at him.He had never seen her so angry before.She had clenched her hands and she was shaking.
"What is it?"He asked.
"He's going to pay for this."
"Don't waste your strength."
"It's not a deep cut..thanks to you.How's your leg?"
She managed to whisper.
"A deep cut.Darling."
"I'm not going to surrender!"
"We must.He's going to take care of us.He needs us."
"Are you willing to give him information?Are you going to betray what we stand for?"
"No,of course not.I'm going to buy us some time."
"You can't fool him Steed.One wrong move and we're dead."
"We're dead anyway.This kind of bleeding will kill us."
"I'd rather die free."
"Emma.."
"I can't stand being locked up in a cell for the rest of my life!"
He caressed her hair.He winced..his thigh hurt.She was hurting too but tried to conceal her pain.
"That is not what I had in mind."
"That's what going to happen."
Her eyes were closing.Steed was exhausted too.
"For us..so that we can have a chance.A chance in life!"
He was right.She had to admit that he was right.She felt dizzy and reached out for him.Steed hugged her and tried to hold back his tears.She kissed him gently.
"You were aware of the danger..when we jumped into the water, you knew."
"I knew..that something could go wrong..but I didn't know how much I love you."
"All right John..for us."
They started calling for help.
Zero was sitting in front of a large monitor,watching them.The dungeons were full of his cameras.The crocodiles were a great idea.They had cost him a fortune,of course.Steed and Mrs Peel have decided to surrender.He had won a battle..not the war.He was ready for the war..looking forward to it,actually.That's why he was dressed as a military man this time.He ordered two of his men and a woman to go fetch them.
"Put them in two different cells,opposite to each other..so that they can watch each other suffering..melting slowly..they will watch..feel but not touch.They'll punish themselves much better than I ever could."
The numbers were smiling.The famous avengers were in their hands..at last.
Steed was one step away from fainting.He had lost so much blood..more than her.She was trying to comfort him,keep him awake.Then,the numbers appeared out of the blue.
"We need medical care."
Mrs Peel was determined to get what they needed.
"We will..take care of you."
"I want to talk to your leader."
They didn't answer her this time.The woman and the smallest of the men grabbed her and the other one grabbed Steed.He couldn't walk..they were dragging him along.Mrs Peel tried to help him but they wouldn't let her.
"He's too weak to walk!"
"If he's the super hero he's supposed to be,he'll make it to his cell.Don't you think?"
The man who was pushing Steed ,looked at the other two numbers.They nodded.
"If he dies,he won't give you any information..Is that what Zero wants?"
"We still got you, Mrs Peel."
One of them caressed her back and she turned around and kicked him.The man fell on the ground,screaming out of pain.The woman took out her gun and pointed at Mrs Peel's temple.
"Try to behave..you see number 324 is very fond of you Mrs Peel..very.Your prince won't save you this time."
The other man who was holding Steed dropped him, approached her, grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him.Emma turned her head away.She looked more scornful than ever.
"She's tasty indeed...but I think number 1052 is more attractive."
The woman smiled,obviously flattered.
"Thank you, number 362.Too skinny for your,isn't she?"
"Like a steak without juice."
The two numbers laughed.The one Emma had hurt blushed.Afterall,he did like her.Mrs Peel was standing like an iceberg,speechless.
"Let her alone.."
Steed whispered..tried to get up ,then fell on the ground.He was outThe numbers laughed.They started kicking his body.Before Emma had time to react,a hard voice filled the dungeons.
"Idiots!Stop!"
The numbers froze..
"Bring them to me.Just bring them to me!"
They obeyed their master at once.
Emma was looking at him through her cell bars.He didn't move.The only sign that he was alive was his chest going up and down..his breathing was so shallow.She needed to hold him...so much that she had forgotten her own wounds.She realized that her arm had almost stopped bleeding.Then,she heard a noise..footsteps.He was coming.
"Mrs Peel..we meet again!"
Zero was wearing a lab coat.A stethoscope was hanging from his pocket and he was holding a small black leather bag.
"I asked for a real doctor!"
"That's what you'll get for now.Unless.."
"Unless?"
There was so much anger in her voice.She couldn't hide it any more.
"Unless you cooperate."
"What do you want to know?"
"The agent list."
"In your dreams!"
"Give me the agent list Mrs Peel.How many of you are out there?Your nicknames..your plans..your skills.Everything."
"Never."
"Then he dies..but you won't follow him.You 'll die of old age..down here."
"They're coming for us."
"They have no proof.They can't find you.Talk!"
Emma was staring at him but said nothing.She needed some time to think and Zero knew that.He left.She knelt..She was so tired..but had to stay awake.Should she talk?She wasn't a traitor.The agent list..She looked at her hands.So many lives in her hands.What about his life?Was his life more important than all the others?Well..it was to her.She was ashamed of her self.That's not being an agent was all about.It was getting to her..that's how Steed must feel,she thought.She had warned him..love would turn their lives upside down!Love was the ultimate villain, not the ones they were after!She tried to put her thoughts in order..and she heard him whispering.
"Darling.."
"Are you all right, John?"
"I've had better days.Don't tell him.."
He had heard their conversation.
"You need help.We both do."
"It doesn't matter.He's going to ask for more.He'll keep asking.."
"I know that.I don't intend to tell him everything at once!"
Another voice interfered.A weak,male voice that was coming from the cell next to Emma's.
"Even if you tell him,he'll never let you go.He needs you."
"Who are you?"
Mrs Peel asked him.Steed was curious too.
"I'm Jeffrey Miles.I 'm..I was a computer scientist."
"The famous JM?The one who founded Cryptotec?My father admired your company."
"Well.. I envied his!He was a very clever man.I've met him once..Sir Knight.Very noble too."
"Thank you."
His words had touched her.
"What happened?"
Steed asked.His leg had stopped bleeding and he was trying to convince himself that he was feeling better.
"One day I met a beautiful lady..We spent the night in a luxurious hotel.The next morning I woke up here.That's all I can remember!"
"When?"Emma asked him.
"Five years ago..I think."
"You said that he needs us.Why?"
Steed wanted to know more.
"He kidnaps people in key places..then he replaces them with his own ,with the best of his numbers..the more gifted ones.He knows how the system works and he wants to control it.He hasn't touched the government yet..He takes only a few each time...and of course there are the others too."
"The others?"
"The rest of the numbers.They have their day jobs,like you and me...but they 're spies!A secret army.."
"He's creating a circle..a small circle of people who are going to dominate,under his control.In art,in science..in politics.United we stand,divided we fall."
Mrs Peel whispered.
"Exactly.A gentle war.He controls a large school network.Hundreds of schools..all over the country.Acclaimed schools,boarding schools usually.He corrupts the children while they're young."
"Steed!The map..It's the school network."
"Right on target Mrs Peel.Maybe it's also a dungeon network."
Mr Miles agreed.
"What about the ones who oppose to him?"
Steed felt sorry for the children.
"There aren't so many of them.The punishments are very cruel..and nobody can actually know what's going on in the school or why.The children are afraid to talk and when Ministry inspectors come,everything appears to be in place.Some of them get sick and some others are expelled from the school.Doctors say they just can't stand academic pressure. "
"The parents?"
Emma was shaking slightly..
"The parents are happy because their children achieve things,find well paid jobs in the end.They don't know for whom they work for.They also create families and send their own children to the same schools they graduated fromMany children are orphans or the parents are away..or hooked on their work. "
"Not everyone can be a number!"
Steed noticed.
"Of course not.Not all of them are involved.Children are taught and tested during the night."
"That's why the school day starts a little bit late at St.Clare's.I thought it was weird..but I can't believe that whoever reaches the top is controlled by Zero!"
Emma had her doubts.
"No..not yet..but don't forget that he has connections in England..I'm telling you his people will reach the top sooner or later..all the rest will be eliminated."
"Eliminated?"
"A tragic accident will happen to them..a heart attack.Maybe they'll go mad or they'll just stay at the bottom of the pyramid."
"He wants us to teach the children..the numbers."
Steed felt dizzy again.
"Steed..I'm going to get you a doctor!"
Her voice was soft and tender.
"His next target is the Ministry,isn'it?"
"I don't have all the answers..Mrs.What's your name?I believed it was Knight."
"Mrs Peel.I'm a widow,now!"
"I'm sorry."
"Now, Mr.Miles..how do I know you're the real one?Who else is locked up down here?"
"I don't know how many of us are here.Sometimes I hear voices..in the night.Dreadful,piercing voices.Anyway, I understand why you question my identity but as you know I was very interested in cryptography..numbers..codes..secrets."
"I know what cryptography is about."
They started talking about things that made no sense to Steed.He felt terribly left out but Mr.Miles seemed to have convinced Emma.
"Who is he?"
Steed was whispering..had no strength to talk.
"Nobody has seen his face so far.All I know is that he was an actor once."
"Where did he work?Does he have a family?"
"I don't think so.He just comes and goes."
Zero appeared again..He had brought a doctor with him,a real one.He was wearing another costume,a noble one.A knight of the British Empire was standing in front of them.
"I see that you made some new friends."
Nobody answered him.
"Don't be agree at me Mrs Peel.Your dilemma is over.I came here to save you..Mrs Flack is an excellent pathologist."
Mrs Flack was a cold,strong woman.She was blonde and looked like a man.
"How very thoughtful of you!"
Emma was laughing at him.
"Please..have mercy."
Mr.Miles felt soo tired.
As Mrs Flack was taking care of Steed,Zero ordered his men to take Emma out of her cell.
"Don't you dare hurt her!"
Steed yelled.
"I won't..No more than you did."
Soon,she was in a large room with black lacquered walls and a floor that looked like a chessboard.In the middle of the room was a red armchair.Zero sat there.The numbers were holding Emma who was standing in front of him.
"I kept my part of the deal."
"Good for you."
"I can make you talk Mrs Peel..and if you break..he breaks too."
"You underestimate him."
"You believe too much in him,don't you?So much that you almost let him rape you."
Emma was silent.
"Talk!"
No answer.
He made a gesture and two men approached her.They grabbed her..She tried to defend herself but she was too weak to win .She saw her hair fall on the ground.They were shaving her head.When done,they brought her a mirror to look at herself.She turned her head away.They forced her to look at her idol.Her eyes were burning..but she didn't want him to see her cry.
"You must be a very unhappy man."
"Make me happy Mrs Peel."
"Too late for you,I'm afraid!"
"Be my lover and he's free to go.Your body for his freedom."
"Get someone at your age!"
"I thought you were in love with him.Afterall,he came down here to save you."
"Steed would never expect me to become your.."
"Prostitute is the right word Mrs Peel..but you're a well bred girl,you wouldn't know ..Aren't you?Did your father approve of him?Was he at your age?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
What did he know about Marlene's father?
"Yes,you do.You had an affair before you got married to Peter Peel.An affair with one of your professors at college.Luke Wilson was his name.Does Steed know about him?"
He had managed to upset her...not because Steed had no idea about him but because she was worried about her daughter.Her knees started to wobble.
"Women!"
Obviously Zero didn't think highly of the opposite sex.Emma was staring at him.He ignored the existence of the child,right?She leaked her lips.
"I see you're very thirsty."
"A glass of water would be very appreciated."
"I 'm always touched by a lady who doesn't forget her good manners."
One of the numbers who had brought Emma in to the room,emptied a bucket full of cold water on her head.She almost had a heart attack.
"Damn you!"
She yelled.
"You asked for water.Here it is!"
He laughed.
She was shaking.Suddenly,she felt sick.
"I need to use the bathroom."
She was whispering and this time she meant it.
"You're lying."
The door opened and Dr.Flack came in.She saw Emma trembling.She was so pale..her face looked like a paper sheet.
"This woman is sick.What do you want me to do?"
"Nothing..just take her back to her cell.She'll get over it."
The numbers dragged Emma back to the dungeons.She curled in to a ball and stayed at the corner of her cell.Something was wrong with her body.Well,it shouldn't surprise her,considering everything he had put them through.How would she face Steed?She touched her head.Nothing there..like an endless,barren piece of land.It did look ugly.She looked ugly and she was so cold!Emma started crying.Although Steed was sleeping,he heard her whimpering.
"Emma..what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"They brought us some food and water.There must be a tray in your cell."
Emma looked around her and noticed the tray.It was placed on a chair.There was also a half broken bed in there.A rat was trying to squeeze himself through the bars and out of the cell.Emma was watching him.
"I don't feel like eating."
The nausea was still there.
"What have they done to you?It's been two days since our last meal."
It's been more.The last thing she had eaten was an apple.
"You should rest, Steed."
She was trying to find her composure again.She needed him so much.Being in his arms felt so good.She was holding herself as he would be holding her.Her body was soft,open and ready to welcome him..to comfort her..tell her that everything would be all right,make her laugh..make her feel loved,beautiful.
Steed realized he couldn't see her.The corridor between the two cells was poorly lit.Why was she hiding from him?Had they beaten her up?
"I want to see you."
"Go to sleep."
"Darling..come on."
His heart was beating so fast he thought it was going to explode.Emma walked slowly to the middle of the cell..then she put her face behind the bars..looking at him.
"I had my hair cut."
She wiped her tears in a graceful way.Steed couldn't help staring at her.He was shocked.Her beautiful,auburn hair was missing.How could they?He felt sorry for her but tried not to show her his real feelings.Emma would resent his pity.
"I always thought it was about time you changed the way you wore it."
She forced a smile on her lips.She was standing there like a proud mountain..looking at nowhere.
"It will grow again."
"I know that Steed!I didn't come from Mars."
If Steed didn't know her,he would doubt about that.She did look like an alien!Poor Emma.He felt like holding her.He stretched his arm through the cell bars,so did she.They couldn't reach each other...as always.
"You must eat.You've got to be strong ,darling.We don't know what else he has in store for us."
"I feel sick."
She just wanted to get everything out of her body.
"Close your eyes."
"I'm not a little girl,Steed."
"You're my girl."
"My?"
Emma teased him.
"If I may say so."
"You may..but be careful because I come at a bargain price!"
"I never meant to buy you off,Mrs Peel!"
"Not even the day you gave me that bracelet?"
She gave him a tiny smile.
"Well..that was to celebrate our first year together."
Emma showed him the bracelet.It was hidden under her catsuit sleeve.
"I didn't know you always wore it."
"Now,you do!"
Emma was looking at her shining bracelet.She remembered everything.They had gone for a walk..by the beach.Suddenly,he took the bracelet out of his pocket and put it around her wriest.He had caught her off guard!Then,he took her in his arms and kept swirling her around.
"I have a confession to make."
"Yes?"
I know you love me,John.
"It's not real!"
"What?"
"The bracelet is not real.It's not a gold one.It's a faux bijoux!"
"Oooh,I realize that,Steed.It doesn't matter.I like it.Afterall,you do spend half of your salary on your Bentley."
"I do not!"
"Yes, you do.I went through your bills last month!"
"How?"
"You taught me how!Just put a sealed letter on steam and it will open."
"Well..you shouldn't have.I respect your privacy,don't I?"
He pretended to be very angry but deep down he did like her being naughty as she was.
"I'm sorry."
She was staring at him with wide brown eyes.She was smiling.How could he not forgive her?
"Apologies accepted..but there's one condition."
"What condition would that be?"
He pointed at the tray.
"All right.Let's see if he can cook."
Her appetite was back.Steed had managed to cheer her up.There was a steak,a piece of cake,a loaf of bred and some orange juice.Zero wanted them to get their strength back.They chatted for a while..laughed at Jeffrey Miles who was snoring..then they fell asleep too.
The next morning Marlene woke up in the dormitory.She was so glad that the punishment was over.Susan,her best friend,was helping her brush her hair.Susan was tall and chubby and her own hair was brown.She looked like a baby bear.Marlene was holding a mirror in her hands..one beautiful mirror that her parents had given her before they left.It was blue and a large moon adorned the back of it.
"Your hair is so beautiful!"
Susie said.
"I don't think so.Bobby used to call me carrot girl."
"You shouldn't listen to Bobby.He was a bad boy..really bad."
Susie nodded.
"He was not!He was my friend!"
"Am I not?"
"Don't be silly Susie.Of course,you are."
"What do you think happened to him?"
"They hurt him."
"Mrs Rutherscroft,you mean?"
"Yes.She's such a witch!"
"Aren't you afraid of her?.I wish I could be brave like you, Marlene."
"Sometimes, I'm.I want to go home."
"Your mummy can get you out.Where is she?"
"They're in..I don't remember.Let me get you their letter."
Marlene had hit her parents' letter under her pillow.
"No..I'm done with your hair yet,Marlene!"
In a few moments,Marlene was back with the letter.She read it quickly.
"They're in F-l-or-i-da.."
"That's in the United States!"
"United what?"
"In America,you fool!Don't you remember?Mr Springer told us yesterday."
Mr Springer was their geography teacher.
"I wasn't paying any attention.I don't like geography all that much,Susie."
"It doesn't matter.You are my best friend,Marlene.If you go home,will you take me with you?"
"Sure..if your grandma let you."
"She will!You know what?Your hair looks like Miss Watson's!"
"Oh my!I wish.She's very beautiful...like a princess."
She looked at herself in the mirror.
"Princess Emma left."
"What?"
"Yes,she did while you were in the isolation room."
"She can't!She wouldn't..She promised me."
Her eyes were filled with unleashed tears.She let the mirror fall and break.
"You shouldn't.."
Susie scolded her.
"I will do whatever I want."
"She's a teacher.She can do whatever she wants!"
"No.She's not gone!She's here and I'm going to find her."
"I'm telling you she isn't."
Marlene was ready to go.
"You'll get into trouble."
"I don't care. I'm going to take Sarah with me."
Sarah was her favorite doll.She was made out of china,had black hair and blue eyes and was wearing a creamy dress and matching hat.She had one leg missing,though.
"I'm going with you."
"No."
"Why not?"
"If both of us are missing,the monster will catch us."
"She will catch us,anyway.Wait!We should make a plan.That's what spies do,all the time.They meet at secret places and exchange information."
"Really?How do you know?"
Marlene was impressed.Susie showed her a book.It was "The secret seven" by Enid Blyton.
"They have maps and guns and..I don't know what else!"
"I know that!Do you know that they also carry umbrellas?"
Marlene remembered Steed swinging his umbrella.Did Miss Watson have to carry an umbrella too?
"Brollies?What do they need them for?"
"To recognize each other,probably."
"You should take mine with you,then."
Susie gave her an orange umbrella and the other girl took it
"If they ask you where I am,you'll tell them.."
"I'll tell them that an angel came here and took you away."
"That only happens in the Bible,Susie.Angels do not exist!"
"My grandma told me that they do."
"The monster won't believe you.You'll tell her that we were playing in the forest and you lost me and that I've missed my parents,so I decided to go and look for them."
"I think she'll buy it."
"If you tell her,she will.You and Bobby were very good at everything!"
"Remember that time I grabbed her glasses?"
"Right out of her pocket..but where did you find all these candies?"
Susie's pockets were filled with them.
"I stole them..there are more in the kitchen."
"You shouldn't steal."
"They say it's all right..or else they wouldn't teach us how to do it.They should know better.They 're grown ups,we're children."
"Miss Watson says it's the wrong thing to do."
"|Run to Miss Watson then!"
"I will!I know she's down there..with THE OTHERS."
"The prisoners?They're skinny and dirty and their hair touch the floor.Like ghosts!"
Susie was scared.
"They 're notHe keeps them there."
"He's nicer than Mrs Rutherscroft."
"He has no face!"
Marlene protested.
"He does have a face,you fool.He's just wearing a mask.Guess what?He told me that if I learn that.."
Susie showed her a karate chop.
"He'll get us that dollhouse I was talking to you about.It has twelve rooms and a garden..and it comes with the furniture!"
Marlene wanted that toy as much as Susie did.She kicked Susie's knee and the other girl landed on the floor.Before her friend had any time to react,Marlene grabbed her doll and the umbrella,opened one of the closets in the room,got in and found her way to the dungeons.She was yelling..
"We're going to get it, Susie!"
She liked teasing her friend like that.She was good at karate.Susie was lying at the floor,looking at the ceiling.It wasn't funny!Not funny at all.All the candies she stole had fallen on the floor with herShe got up and picked them up carefully.Then she took off her nightgown and put on her school uniform.She looked at her pocket..there was something in there!She slid her chubby,small hand in to find a lollipop.It had a lemon flavor,her favorite!Surely,Marlene had put it there.She smiled.
