Chapter 3
Lehana drove to Darien's apartment. When she parked the car she went through her check list. "Okay, hair-do lookin' hot," she ran her finger under her lips to straighten out her lipstick, "Mmm…you're lookin' fine girl." She got out of her car and went up to the front door. Darien had given her the code to enter his building. She shook her head, "Thief who lives in a building with security like this…ain't that a blip…ex-thief…I must remember that." She entered the building and headed upstairs.
Hobbes and Darien heard the knock at the door. They both looked at each other in fear. "Oh crap, that's her!" Darien exclaimed looking at the mess he made.
"Well, just don't stand there mutton head, get to stuffin' these rags of yours back in the closet." Hobbes bent down and started to toss clothes back into the closet. Darien joined him in the frantic clean-up. Clothes were tossed about in the air to land in the closet. Both Hobbes and Darien pushed his clothes into the closet like a couple of bulldozers. They started to laugh. "I feel like Jim Carrey in The Mask," Hobbes retorted.
"God, Hobbes, I can't keep her waiting."
Lehana stood outside the door and knocked again, "Ahh…Darien? It's me Lehana."
Inside the apartment Darien and Hobbes were frantically still tying to clean up. "Ah…yeah, I'll be right there." Darien tried not to show his anxiety in his tone.
"Fawkes, you don't keep a lady waitin, where's your manners?" Hobbes hit Darien on the side of his head.
"Hey, watch the do, man! Besides, I just said that I can't keep her waiting!" Darien blurted out loud enough for the neighbors to hear.
Lehana started to giggle. She shook her head as a huge smile adorned her face. "This date is gonna be interesting to say the least."
Darien managed to get the door closed. Hobbes straightened out his own appearance as Darien attended to his own unruly appearance. Hobbes sat down at the bar and Darien stood at the door. He glanced back at Hobbes and took a deep breath. He opened the door and his mouth dropped open. "Hi, Lehana…whoa…you look so different with clothes on…"
Hobbes tried his best to keep his burst of laughter inside. He turned his head away and rolled his eyes. "Not smooth, Fawkes," he said as he coughed to hide his laughter.
Lehana stared at him with a smile on her face. Her eyes widened, "Well, I…"
Darien realized what he said and he immediately turned red, "Oh my bad, I ah…mean that you know, I saw you in scrubs and a lab coat all the time."
"Fawkes, let the lady in," Hobbes said as he stood to properly greet Lehana.
Darien moved aside and let Lehana in. She took in the sight of the small apartment. It was definitely a bachelor's pad. She smiled when she saw Hobbes. They hugged, "How you doin', Hobbes?"
"I'm fine." He looked at his partner, "Now I want her home by 11:00 young man or else I'm gonna come lookin' for ya." Hobbes patted his side arm, "Understand?"
Darien and Lehana smiled. "Yeah, I get it," Darien grabbed his jacket, "Lock up for me okay, Hobbes?"
"Sure thing, kid. Have fun you two." Hobbes watched as the couple left. He sat back down at the bar and let out sigh. "You deserve someone, so don't screw it up."
The restaurant was decorated with fine Chinese pottery and decorations. Chinese style lamps hung around the restaurant and were dimly lit giving the dining area a romantic atmosphere. Pretty landscape paintings of China adorned the walls as well as other Chinese art and writings. The restaurant was definitely elegant and comfortable with soft music playing over the speakers.
Lehana and Darien were seated at their table and their drink orders were taken by the waitress. His eyes darted around fretfully and it wasn't that he wanted to take in the scenery or was afraid that the Chinese would kidnap him again. He had been quiet in the car on the way over to the restaurant. Lehana knew he was nervous and tried to break the ice. "Are you alright, Darien?"
Darien tugged at the collar on his sweater, "Yeah...just a little nervous."
"Of me?"
"Yeah..." He laughed nervously. "I haven't had a real date in a long time and well, I'm a little rusty."
"Hmmm....you would think this would be easy, after all I did put that catheter..."
"DON'T SAY IT!" Darien buried his face in his hands, "That was more than what I needed to know."
Lehana shrugged her shoulders and smiled, "Sorry, but I am a doctor and when you've seen one…"
"Okay, can we move this conversation right along please," Darien said.
"Maybe this will help," Lehana removed her jacket.
"That works for me." Darien took in Lehana's beautiful figure that had been hidden under her lab coat and scrubs.
Lehana smiled, "Oh...thanks...but not that." She pulled out a gift-wrapped package and handed it to Darien.
Darien looked at the package and back at Lehana, "What's this?"
"B told me you were into quotes."
"B?" Darien asked with creased brows.
"Oh...Bobby...He told me about that large book of 'Philosophy's Greatest Hits' you have. I found this abbreviated version in the bookstore. I thought that whenever you felt the need for inspiration that it should be at your fingertips."
Darien is touched and it shows on his face. He opened the package and thumbed through the quotes. "Thanks."
"Sure." Now it was Lehana's turn to blush.
Darien placed the book in the inside pocket of his jacket. He rubbed his hand through his hair, "So....ah....what's shakin'?"
"Besides your hands?"
Darien looked at his hands and rubbed them together.
"You really are nervous." Lehana covered his hands with hers. "You feel cold, are you okay?"
"Oh crap...not now." Darien started to panic.
"Don't tell me." Lehana glanced around the crowded restaurant nervously.
"Yep..."
"But we haven't done anything yet," Lehana said.
"Done...forget the done, I have an imagination, it's all in my mind...ah...that didn't sound right." Darien looked as if he wanted to bolt from the restaurant.
Darien's fingers started to coat with quicksilver. Lehana grabbed her napkin and covered Darien's hands. The waitress came back to the table with their drinks. She eyed them suspiciously.
Lehana smiled at the waitress, "He's showing me a magic trick."
The waitress shrugged and walked away. She had seen all kinds of weird things that people do and this was no different.
Lehana focused back on Darien. She felt his hands getting colder and she knew eventually it will show through the napkin. She had to refocus his thoughts.
"So, Darien, wouldn't Eberts and Claire make a wonderful couple?" Lehana smiled.
"WHAT?"
"I can see them walking on the beach, hand in hand..."
"Whoa, hold on there, Ebes and the Keep? No way!"
"Why not? I'm sure Eberts would look great in a speedo."
Darien closed his eyes and tried to shake off the image of Eberts in a speedo. Lehana felt Darien's hands suddenly become warmer. She patted his hands and removed the napkin. "See....I knew that would do it."
Darien looked at his hands, "Yeah, thanks, but now I can't get the thought of a speedo-wearin' Eberts out of my head."
~*~
Hobbes had returned to his apartment. He plopped down in front of his computer and started going over any leads that he and Alex had gathered. He had called Alex to help him with the investigation. Alex had been sincerely worried over what had happened to Darien. She may not have always shown it but deep down inside, she did care for Darien. He had changed dramatically and once she understood the hardships he had gone through she realized that she had no right to judge him. So, it was no problem for her to check on her contacts as well, after all, Darien was a colleague and one that needed her help.
Hobbes rubbed his eyes. He had gone over the information so many times that they all started to blend in together. He spotted the surveillance tape and decided to watch that one again.
He walked over to his tape machine and pushed the tape in. He sat down on the couch and held the remote control in his hands, "Okay, let's see what we've got here…again."
~*~
Darien stared into his after dinner drink, "I really miss my brother, he said he cared about me even though he had a strange way of showing it. Some say that he did care, though I have to admit I doubt it."
"But you have someone who does cares for you now, like 'B'?"
Darien looked up, "Ah…'B' as in buzz or 'B' as in boring?"
"Try 'B' as in Bobby."
"Oh...right...sorry. I have to get used to your nicknames. You're right. Bobby has become like a brother to me. At first, I wanted a new partner, but now I wouldn't want anyone else but him. I trust him. I guess I care about him too…in a brother kind of way."
"Ah huh...and he's the kind of brother that would follow you on a first date?"
"What?"
Lehana nodded to Darien to look over his shoulder. Darien turned around just in time to see Hobbes rushing up to their table.
"Hey partner, Lehana, sorry to bust in on ya." Hobbes pulled up a chair.
"Hobbes..." Darien said in a very irritated tone.
"...and I know what you're going to say, you're a big boy now and can go on your dates and all, but I was thinkin'..."
"...oh...now we're in trouble..." Darien rolled his eyes.
"Okay, smart ass…for your information I was going over the intell on the investigation that Monroe and I have been workin' very hard on, my friend. I think you're in danger."
"Oh...so because of the fact that I'm always in danger you felt it necessary..."
"...imperative..." Hobbes nodded.
"...to come all the way out here..."
"...it's only a couple of blocks, c'mon…"
"...and tell me this crap now."
"Yep. You're my partner and I'm supposed to protect you."
Darien looked at Lehana and shrugged. Lehana smiled, "That's a brother alright." Lehana winked at Hobbes. Hobbes flashed her a smile. "So, B, is D really in danger?" Lehana asked with concern.
Darien folded his arms, "Oh...so now I'm reduced to a single letter too."
Lehana chuckled, "Sorry Darien, I like nicknames. Bobby knows that already."
"You got that right." Hobbes said smugly.
Darien looked at Hobbes and then back to Lehana, "So, let me guess, your nickname is 'L'?"
"No, just Lee," Hobbes answered.
"Okay, and how do you know that 'B'?" Darien asked sarcastically.
"Well when you were out with the gas and all, the doc and I had lots of downtime, so we talked."
"That's just great. Wonder what else you two talked about."
"Nothing personal, Darien, so don't worry," Lehana held Darien's hand in hers, "It's all good."
Darien smiled. He looked at Hobbes, "Okay, so what did you find?"
"I can't talk about it here, but I will tell ya this, you won't like it," Hobbes said ominously.
"I never do." Darien retorted as he took a long sip of his drink.
The three of them never noticed the door open and then shut without no one ever entering or leaving the restaurant.
~*~
Lehana dropped Darien off in front of his apartment after Hobbes told them his suspicions. He didn't know exactly who was behind the gas that nearly killed Darien, but he was close to finding the truth. He had called the Official and he ordered a surveillance team to watch Darien's every move until further notice.
She walked up to the front door with him. He took her hands in hers, "Despite Hobbes crashing our date and his grim reaper news of danger, I had a great time."
"I had a great time too." She ran a finger through the curling hair on the left side of his face.
"Uhmm…can I see you again?" Darien looked deep into her brown eyes.
"Yes, I would love that. And next time, lets not tell Hobbes where we're going," she snickered.
"Don't worry, I won't." Darien smiled. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in closer to him. Her arms went around his neck and the two of them just stared into each other's eyes. Their faces were getting closer slowly, their lips parted in anticipation of the kiss that was coming. Their eyes kept contact as their lips met. Lehana closed her eyes and sank into his warm embrace. They separated quickly and glanced at each other with neither of them saying a word. They didn't have to. The message was coming through loud and clear. They were falling in love. Darien cupped her face in his hands and smiled, his hands a contrast to the color of her skin. He pulled her in close again and kissed her deeply.
He felt the quicksilver start to trickle down his chest. "Oh crap!" Darien turned around frantically trying to find a place to hide. Lehana watched him and then realized what was happening, "Oh...I'm sorry." She felt helpless as part of his chest disappeared.
Darien looked around nervously and covered his chest with his jacket, "I ah…think I should go upstairs." He quickly pressed the code and dashed inside before any more parts of him disappeared. Lehana smiled as she watched the door closed, "Poor guy, he needs to get out more." She got back in her car and drove home. Neither of them knew that down the street a black hummer had parked. Inside, a man had watched them closely.
Darien rushed into his apartment and dashed into his bathroom, taking his clothes off as he went. He turned on the shower and stepped under the cold stream. He let the water cascade down his body. His head rested against the wall, "Man, you've got it bad."
After a few moments, he stepped from the shower and wrapped a towel around him. He walked out into his living room and got ready for bed. Dressed in only a pair of stripped pajama pants he looked out his window and stood there for a few moments. If Hobbes knew that he was standing in the window looking out, he would have killed him himself. "Talk about your open target", Darien mused to himself.
Across the street he spotted the Agency issue car with two agents inside who were visibly griping about something. Darien figured it had to do with them having to baby sit the Agency's secret weapon. He shook his head and chuckled, "The great Agency safety net." He closed his shade and hopped into bed. He stared up at the ceiling thinking about Lehana. He could definitely get used to seeing her more often. He just wished Claire could do something about that gland. He didn't know when he fell asleep but when he did he had Lehana on his mind. For the first time since getting the gland, he had no nightmares.
~*~
The following morning, the Agency's halls were eerily quiet all of a sudden. The hustle and bustle of busy agents came to a halt. Papers were strewn across the floors and agents were sprawled out on the floor. There was no sign of a struggle anywhere, it just seemed like the agents were walking down the hall and just dropped. Inside the Keep lay Claire on the floor, even her animals were out cold.
The Official's office was not immune to the catastrophe that was currently plaguing the Agency. Darien was flat out on the floor lying on his stomach; Hobbes hung over the side of his chair. Eberts lay in a heap as did his papers. The Official was face down on his desk. The door slowly opened and booted foot steps were heard on the floor as they approached the unconscious men.
A deep voice radioed to another, "This is the one we want. Tie him up and let's get out quickly, before they wake up."
Hands grabbed at one of the unconscious on the floor, "Yes, sir."
The men lifted up the form and carried him out. Once their catch was secured, the van quickly drove away.
Thirty minutes later the Agency became alive again. Eberts moaned as he tried to get up off the floor. The Official lifted his head and gazed around with blurry vision. He was somewhat aware of a soft moan that came from his right side, which he suspected was Eberts, but there was another moan coming from somewhere else in the room. His eyes focused on a pair of hands that suddenly appeared on top of his desk. Who else was in the room with him, oh yes, Fawkes and Hobbes had been there. The Official watched as a head appeared and it grew to a rather tall lanky form that stumbled backwards to a chair.
"Hmmfff!" The tall form moaned as it hit the chair rather hard. Hands grabbed at his head, "Aw, crap…what just happened?"
"Darien?" The Official recognized Darien's voice.
"Yeah, boss…it's me." Darien paused and he looked around with eyes that resembled small slits, "Hobbes…Hobbes?"
TBC….
Lehana drove to Darien's apartment. When she parked the car she went through her check list. "Okay, hair-do lookin' hot," she ran her finger under her lips to straighten out her lipstick, "Mmm…you're lookin' fine girl." She got out of her car and went up to the front door. Darien had given her the code to enter his building. She shook her head, "Thief who lives in a building with security like this…ain't that a blip…ex-thief…I must remember that." She entered the building and headed upstairs.
Hobbes and Darien heard the knock at the door. They both looked at each other in fear. "Oh crap, that's her!" Darien exclaimed looking at the mess he made.
"Well, just don't stand there mutton head, get to stuffin' these rags of yours back in the closet." Hobbes bent down and started to toss clothes back into the closet. Darien joined him in the frantic clean-up. Clothes were tossed about in the air to land in the closet. Both Hobbes and Darien pushed his clothes into the closet like a couple of bulldozers. They started to laugh. "I feel like Jim Carrey in The Mask," Hobbes retorted.
"God, Hobbes, I can't keep her waiting."
Lehana stood outside the door and knocked again, "Ahh…Darien? It's me Lehana."
Inside the apartment Darien and Hobbes were frantically still tying to clean up. "Ah…yeah, I'll be right there." Darien tried not to show his anxiety in his tone.
"Fawkes, you don't keep a lady waitin, where's your manners?" Hobbes hit Darien on the side of his head.
"Hey, watch the do, man! Besides, I just said that I can't keep her waiting!" Darien blurted out loud enough for the neighbors to hear.
Lehana started to giggle. She shook her head as a huge smile adorned her face. "This date is gonna be interesting to say the least."
Darien managed to get the door closed. Hobbes straightened out his own appearance as Darien attended to his own unruly appearance. Hobbes sat down at the bar and Darien stood at the door. He glanced back at Hobbes and took a deep breath. He opened the door and his mouth dropped open. "Hi, Lehana…whoa…you look so different with clothes on…"
Hobbes tried his best to keep his burst of laughter inside. He turned his head away and rolled his eyes. "Not smooth, Fawkes," he said as he coughed to hide his laughter.
Lehana stared at him with a smile on her face. Her eyes widened, "Well, I…"
Darien realized what he said and he immediately turned red, "Oh my bad, I ah…mean that you know, I saw you in scrubs and a lab coat all the time."
"Fawkes, let the lady in," Hobbes said as he stood to properly greet Lehana.
Darien moved aside and let Lehana in. She took in the sight of the small apartment. It was definitely a bachelor's pad. She smiled when she saw Hobbes. They hugged, "How you doin', Hobbes?"
"I'm fine." He looked at his partner, "Now I want her home by 11:00 young man or else I'm gonna come lookin' for ya." Hobbes patted his side arm, "Understand?"
Darien and Lehana smiled. "Yeah, I get it," Darien grabbed his jacket, "Lock up for me okay, Hobbes?"
"Sure thing, kid. Have fun you two." Hobbes watched as the couple left. He sat back down at the bar and let out sigh. "You deserve someone, so don't screw it up."
The restaurant was decorated with fine Chinese pottery and decorations. Chinese style lamps hung around the restaurant and were dimly lit giving the dining area a romantic atmosphere. Pretty landscape paintings of China adorned the walls as well as other Chinese art and writings. The restaurant was definitely elegant and comfortable with soft music playing over the speakers.
Lehana and Darien were seated at their table and their drink orders were taken by the waitress. His eyes darted around fretfully and it wasn't that he wanted to take in the scenery or was afraid that the Chinese would kidnap him again. He had been quiet in the car on the way over to the restaurant. Lehana knew he was nervous and tried to break the ice. "Are you alright, Darien?"
Darien tugged at the collar on his sweater, "Yeah...just a little nervous."
"Of me?"
"Yeah..." He laughed nervously. "I haven't had a real date in a long time and well, I'm a little rusty."
"Hmmm....you would think this would be easy, after all I did put that catheter..."
"DON'T SAY IT!" Darien buried his face in his hands, "That was more than what I needed to know."
Lehana shrugged her shoulders and smiled, "Sorry, but I am a doctor and when you've seen one…"
"Okay, can we move this conversation right along please," Darien said.
"Maybe this will help," Lehana removed her jacket.
"That works for me." Darien took in Lehana's beautiful figure that had been hidden under her lab coat and scrubs.
Lehana smiled, "Oh...thanks...but not that." She pulled out a gift-wrapped package and handed it to Darien.
Darien looked at the package and back at Lehana, "What's this?"
"B told me you were into quotes."
"B?" Darien asked with creased brows.
"Oh...Bobby...He told me about that large book of 'Philosophy's Greatest Hits' you have. I found this abbreviated version in the bookstore. I thought that whenever you felt the need for inspiration that it should be at your fingertips."
Darien is touched and it shows on his face. He opened the package and thumbed through the quotes. "Thanks."
"Sure." Now it was Lehana's turn to blush.
Darien placed the book in the inside pocket of his jacket. He rubbed his hand through his hair, "So....ah....what's shakin'?"
"Besides your hands?"
Darien looked at his hands and rubbed them together.
"You really are nervous." Lehana covered his hands with hers. "You feel cold, are you okay?"
"Oh crap...not now." Darien started to panic.
"Don't tell me." Lehana glanced around the crowded restaurant nervously.
"Yep..."
"But we haven't done anything yet," Lehana said.
"Done...forget the done, I have an imagination, it's all in my mind...ah...that didn't sound right." Darien looked as if he wanted to bolt from the restaurant.
Darien's fingers started to coat with quicksilver. Lehana grabbed her napkin and covered Darien's hands. The waitress came back to the table with their drinks. She eyed them suspiciously.
Lehana smiled at the waitress, "He's showing me a magic trick."
The waitress shrugged and walked away. She had seen all kinds of weird things that people do and this was no different.
Lehana focused back on Darien. She felt his hands getting colder and she knew eventually it will show through the napkin. She had to refocus his thoughts.
"So, Darien, wouldn't Eberts and Claire make a wonderful couple?" Lehana smiled.
"WHAT?"
"I can see them walking on the beach, hand in hand..."
"Whoa, hold on there, Ebes and the Keep? No way!"
"Why not? I'm sure Eberts would look great in a speedo."
Darien closed his eyes and tried to shake off the image of Eberts in a speedo. Lehana felt Darien's hands suddenly become warmer. She patted his hands and removed the napkin. "See....I knew that would do it."
Darien looked at his hands, "Yeah, thanks, but now I can't get the thought of a speedo-wearin' Eberts out of my head."
~*~
Hobbes had returned to his apartment. He plopped down in front of his computer and started going over any leads that he and Alex had gathered. He had called Alex to help him with the investigation. Alex had been sincerely worried over what had happened to Darien. She may not have always shown it but deep down inside, she did care for Darien. He had changed dramatically and once she understood the hardships he had gone through she realized that she had no right to judge him. So, it was no problem for her to check on her contacts as well, after all, Darien was a colleague and one that needed her help.
Hobbes rubbed his eyes. He had gone over the information so many times that they all started to blend in together. He spotted the surveillance tape and decided to watch that one again.
He walked over to his tape machine and pushed the tape in. He sat down on the couch and held the remote control in his hands, "Okay, let's see what we've got here…again."
~*~
Darien stared into his after dinner drink, "I really miss my brother, he said he cared about me even though he had a strange way of showing it. Some say that he did care, though I have to admit I doubt it."
"But you have someone who does cares for you now, like 'B'?"
Darien looked up, "Ah…'B' as in buzz or 'B' as in boring?"
"Try 'B' as in Bobby."
"Oh...right...sorry. I have to get used to your nicknames. You're right. Bobby has become like a brother to me. At first, I wanted a new partner, but now I wouldn't want anyone else but him. I trust him. I guess I care about him too…in a brother kind of way."
"Ah huh...and he's the kind of brother that would follow you on a first date?"
"What?"
Lehana nodded to Darien to look over his shoulder. Darien turned around just in time to see Hobbes rushing up to their table.
"Hey partner, Lehana, sorry to bust in on ya." Hobbes pulled up a chair.
"Hobbes..." Darien said in a very irritated tone.
"...and I know what you're going to say, you're a big boy now and can go on your dates and all, but I was thinkin'..."
"...oh...now we're in trouble..." Darien rolled his eyes.
"Okay, smart ass…for your information I was going over the intell on the investigation that Monroe and I have been workin' very hard on, my friend. I think you're in danger."
"Oh...so because of the fact that I'm always in danger you felt it necessary..."
"...imperative..." Hobbes nodded.
"...to come all the way out here..."
"...it's only a couple of blocks, c'mon…"
"...and tell me this crap now."
"Yep. You're my partner and I'm supposed to protect you."
Darien looked at Lehana and shrugged. Lehana smiled, "That's a brother alright." Lehana winked at Hobbes. Hobbes flashed her a smile. "So, B, is D really in danger?" Lehana asked with concern.
Darien folded his arms, "Oh...so now I'm reduced to a single letter too."
Lehana chuckled, "Sorry Darien, I like nicknames. Bobby knows that already."
"You got that right." Hobbes said smugly.
Darien looked at Hobbes and then back to Lehana, "So, let me guess, your nickname is 'L'?"
"No, just Lee," Hobbes answered.
"Okay, and how do you know that 'B'?" Darien asked sarcastically.
"Well when you were out with the gas and all, the doc and I had lots of downtime, so we talked."
"That's just great. Wonder what else you two talked about."
"Nothing personal, Darien, so don't worry," Lehana held Darien's hand in hers, "It's all good."
Darien smiled. He looked at Hobbes, "Okay, so what did you find?"
"I can't talk about it here, but I will tell ya this, you won't like it," Hobbes said ominously.
"I never do." Darien retorted as he took a long sip of his drink.
The three of them never noticed the door open and then shut without no one ever entering or leaving the restaurant.
~*~
Lehana dropped Darien off in front of his apartment after Hobbes told them his suspicions. He didn't know exactly who was behind the gas that nearly killed Darien, but he was close to finding the truth. He had called the Official and he ordered a surveillance team to watch Darien's every move until further notice.
She walked up to the front door with him. He took her hands in hers, "Despite Hobbes crashing our date and his grim reaper news of danger, I had a great time."
"I had a great time too." She ran a finger through the curling hair on the left side of his face.
"Uhmm…can I see you again?" Darien looked deep into her brown eyes.
"Yes, I would love that. And next time, lets not tell Hobbes where we're going," she snickered.
"Don't worry, I won't." Darien smiled. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in closer to him. Her arms went around his neck and the two of them just stared into each other's eyes. Their faces were getting closer slowly, their lips parted in anticipation of the kiss that was coming. Their eyes kept contact as their lips met. Lehana closed her eyes and sank into his warm embrace. They separated quickly and glanced at each other with neither of them saying a word. They didn't have to. The message was coming through loud and clear. They were falling in love. Darien cupped her face in his hands and smiled, his hands a contrast to the color of her skin. He pulled her in close again and kissed her deeply.
He felt the quicksilver start to trickle down his chest. "Oh crap!" Darien turned around frantically trying to find a place to hide. Lehana watched him and then realized what was happening, "Oh...I'm sorry." She felt helpless as part of his chest disappeared.
Darien looked around nervously and covered his chest with his jacket, "I ah…think I should go upstairs." He quickly pressed the code and dashed inside before any more parts of him disappeared. Lehana smiled as she watched the door closed, "Poor guy, he needs to get out more." She got back in her car and drove home. Neither of them knew that down the street a black hummer had parked. Inside, a man had watched them closely.
Darien rushed into his apartment and dashed into his bathroom, taking his clothes off as he went. He turned on the shower and stepped under the cold stream. He let the water cascade down his body. His head rested against the wall, "Man, you've got it bad."
After a few moments, he stepped from the shower and wrapped a towel around him. He walked out into his living room and got ready for bed. Dressed in only a pair of stripped pajama pants he looked out his window and stood there for a few moments. If Hobbes knew that he was standing in the window looking out, he would have killed him himself. "Talk about your open target", Darien mused to himself.
Across the street he spotted the Agency issue car with two agents inside who were visibly griping about something. Darien figured it had to do with them having to baby sit the Agency's secret weapon. He shook his head and chuckled, "The great Agency safety net." He closed his shade and hopped into bed. He stared up at the ceiling thinking about Lehana. He could definitely get used to seeing her more often. He just wished Claire could do something about that gland. He didn't know when he fell asleep but when he did he had Lehana on his mind. For the first time since getting the gland, he had no nightmares.
~*~
The following morning, the Agency's halls were eerily quiet all of a sudden. The hustle and bustle of busy agents came to a halt. Papers were strewn across the floors and agents were sprawled out on the floor. There was no sign of a struggle anywhere, it just seemed like the agents were walking down the hall and just dropped. Inside the Keep lay Claire on the floor, even her animals were out cold.
The Official's office was not immune to the catastrophe that was currently plaguing the Agency. Darien was flat out on the floor lying on his stomach; Hobbes hung over the side of his chair. Eberts lay in a heap as did his papers. The Official was face down on his desk. The door slowly opened and booted foot steps were heard on the floor as they approached the unconscious men.
A deep voice radioed to another, "This is the one we want. Tie him up and let's get out quickly, before they wake up."
Hands grabbed at one of the unconscious on the floor, "Yes, sir."
The men lifted up the form and carried him out. Once their catch was secured, the van quickly drove away.
Thirty minutes later the Agency became alive again. Eberts moaned as he tried to get up off the floor. The Official lifted his head and gazed around with blurry vision. He was somewhat aware of a soft moan that came from his right side, which he suspected was Eberts, but there was another moan coming from somewhere else in the room. His eyes focused on a pair of hands that suddenly appeared on top of his desk. Who else was in the room with him, oh yes, Fawkes and Hobbes had been there. The Official watched as a head appeared and it grew to a rather tall lanky form that stumbled backwards to a chair.
"Hmmfff!" The tall form moaned as it hit the chair rather hard. Hands grabbed at his head, "Aw, crap…what just happened?"
"Darien?" The Official recognized Darien's voice.
"Yeah, boss…it's me." Darien paused and he looked around with eyes that resembled small slits, "Hobbes…Hobbes?"
TBC….