Chapter 6
Later on the evening, Darien pulled the van over to the curb. He glanced worriedly at Alex. She met his gaze with a concerned look of her own, "Are you sure about this?"
"No, but it's the best shot we have right now."
"I know, but that's not what I'm talking about. You almost died a week ago. I don't think you should be doing this so soon."
Darien turned his gaze to look out the window towards the building he was about to sneak into. "I have to," he replied sullenly. He turned to glance at Alex again, "I have to do this for Hobbes."
Alex shook her head, "I knew we'd make a true agent out of you yet. You're just as loyal to Hobbes as he is to you. I admire that."
Darien cocked his head to one side, "Really?" A compliment from Alex was the last thing he expected to hear, especially one aimed at him. From the beginning there was distrust from her, but could he blame her. But he also knew that when it comes to an agent like Alex, respect is earned. Since a cure was found and his own training began, he learned that agents should trust no one. The kind of trust he has with Hobbes was earned and at times not very easily. Even they had their problems at the start of their partnership. Darien didn't even want Hobbes, now he couldn't trust anyone else like he trusts his short, bald, nutso of a partner.
"Yeah, I do. Now go see what you can find," Alex smiled as she patted him on the leg. She then tossed him the knit cap with the little turtle on it. She winked at him when he shot her a disgruntled glare. "Hey, I want to see what you see."
"Nosey." Darien put the hat on and then the ear piece. He quicksilvered and left the van. Alex got up from the passenger seat, and sat in the back of the van. She turned on the equipment and saw that the world through Darien's vision had turned silver. "Fawkes, can you hear me now?" She smiled at her endeavor of easing the situation.
"That's the funniest thing you've said since I've know you," Darien quipped.
"Ha-ha, just be careful okay?"
"Hey, this is me you're talking 'bout. I'm always careful."
"Yeah and I can think of at least three times you got caught sneaking into a building and that's since I've known you."
"For your information, I've improved."
"I'll believe it when I see it."
"You're gonna sister." Darien approached the building. "Okay, here goes, I'm going in."
Alex turned away from the monitor for a moment and placed her hand on the ear piece, "Be careful, Fawkes, I mean that."
The building was the same one that he had sneaked into two years ago when he first met Augustin Gaither. Darien wasn't sure if this would lead him to Hobbes but he had to give it a chance. He slowly made his way to the main office. Being that it was late at night there were very few staff members around. Mainly he saw the larger, burley type guards standing around talking or watching late night TV with Conan O'Brien. Darien walked by them with ease.
Darien turned a corner and started down the darkened hall which was lit by every three light fixtures embedded in the white tiled ceiling. He saw his intended target, the main office. His hope was to find where these SWRB nutcases are coming from. And that information he hoped would lead him to Hobbes.
Across town No Name sat at his desk. He had leaned back in his chair. The expression he wore on his face was that of a man in deep thought. Things were moving too slow in his opinion and that in his mind was not in his favor. He spoken at length with Dr. Bruckner earlier and regardless of the fact that Agent Hobbes had appeared to be responding favorable to treatment, it still didn't set his mind at ease. Agent Hobbes may have real life mental issues to work out but that didn't mean that he was weak mentally or physically. No, actually the other way around, Hobbes could very easily use his own mental shortcomings to his advantage. No Name suspected that Hobbes was acting. He understood the mindset of agents and knowing Hobbes paranoia would mean he wouldn't fall for the same trick again.
The phone rang tearing him away from his thoughts. He nearly threw the phone up against the wall in annoyance, he hated to be interrupted even if he was in a meeting with his own mind. "This is him," he answered, but his tone implied, 'I'm busy and you interrupted something very important.'
"Sorry sir, but we thought you'd like to know that we have an intruder."
No Name sat straight in his chair, "Who and where?"
"At the Alpha House sir, and uh…it's Agent Fawkes."
His lips curled up in a smile. "You know what to do."
"Yes, sir."
No Name didn't place the phone back on the receiver instead he dialed a number and waited patiently.
"Yes," came the half groggy greeting.
"Come to my office now. We have something to discuss."
"Yes, sir."
No Name put the phone back on the receiver and leaned back in his chair again. His elbows rested on the desk as he put his hands together. Now things were about to go the way he wanted all along.
Darien entered the main office and examined the area first. He wanted to find something that had New Arrivals or something to that effect written on it. He knew that when he was brought to prison, the records would show what jail he was transported from. Darien hoped that the mental institution worked the same way. If these were SWRB nut cases then he should find some type of paperwork stating where they were transported or picked up from. If he had that, then he could check to see if Hobbes was at that particular location.
He quickly scanned through the files trying to find any clues. Back in the van, Alex was getting nervous. She knew all to well what these people were capable of. From the corner of the monitor she saw the door open. She nearly bolted from her chair. "Oh…Fawkes…the door, someone's coming," she warned through the ear piece.
Darien put the file down and went to the opposite end of the room. He watched as a man walked in and placed a file in a box marked, 'Incoming'. He walked out without incident. Alex and Darien let out a sigh of relief in unison. He walked over to the box and pulled out the file. "I have to tell you, Alex…oh crap…I found it."
"What in the box marked, 'Incoming'?" She thought about it and shook her head, "Never mind."
"Kind of a warped sense of humor don't you think, but then we are dealing with the SWRB. I think they have a degree in warped humor…" Darien spoke as he copied down the information. He didn't want to bother with a copying machine again. He stuffed the paper in his pocket and quickly headed out the door.
Marek sat across from No Name as they waited for the phone to ring. They didn't have to wait long. "This is him...good." He glanced at Marek and grinned victoriously, "Agent Fawkes has taken the bait."
"What about Agent Hobbes, I'm not done with him yet."
"You are now, I'm changing the plan. Agent Fawkes moved sooner than I thought he would. I don't have time to wait for Agent Hobbes to have a mental break down. Take him and meet your…brother…at the warehouse. I want Agent Fawkes brought back here...alive."
"What about Agent Hobbes?"
"Who?"
Marek nodded his understanding. He rose to his feet and walked out of the office as No Name watched. Before the night was over, Agent Fawkes would be his and his paranoid partner would be gone. This marked the end of the Agency and Charlie Borden. Victory never tasted so sweet. With Agent Hobbes drugged, Agent Fawkes in a weakened state, they would be no match for an agent trained like Marek.
Alex drove the van as Darien stared out the window. Alex had been deep thought about the situation and she decided it was time to break the silence. "Fawkes…"
"I know, it's a set-up."
"You know?"
"Yeah, I mean come on, that guy just so happens to lay the exact information I needed in plain sight."
"And…" Alex shot Darien a look that showed there was another reason and she knew it.
Darien shook his head slowly, "And…when you've worked with Hobbes for years, you become paranoid and start thinking angles."
"There you go, but your first choice was right on the money too."
"So, what'd we do?"
Alex looked at Darien, "We call for back-up."
"Monroe, we both know that the Agency safety net isn't worth crap. Besides you're all the back-up I need."
Alex smiled, "Well thank you, Fawkes, but even when you're healthy you're still no match for them…we need back-up."
"Oh thanks for the vote of confidence…but you're right, I do tend to get my ass kicked a lot. But I'm better, Hobbes' been teachin' me things." Darien looked at Alex seriously, "We can handle this, I know we can."
"Darien, this is a trap…for you."
"I know."
"And if anything happens to you…my ass is on the line here."
"I didn't know you cared." Darien stated matter-of-factly rather than a question.
"I do. Granted, you were given a free get-out-of-jail card and at times you miss-used the gland, but these past couple of years you've proven yourself. I respect that." She looked at Darien more sternly this time, "I'm calling in for back-up. I'll tell them not to move in unless I say so…deal?"
Darien studied her for a moment trying to figure out if she was being honest. He had no choice, she was the seasoned agent and in charge here. "Deal," he gave in. He was tired now and it showed in his voice. He had gone back to work way too soon but he couldn't just sit around while Hobbes was in danger.
Alex pulled the van over, "We're here." She turned her gaze to Darien, "Take the gun in the glove compartment with you." Surprised, Darien turned to look at her.
"You remind me of a deer looking into headlights."
"Can you blame me?"
"Look, I know you've been in training…I trust you…and don't forget to take the extra clips with you." Alex added sarcastically.
"Right," Darien retorted. He pulled the gun and the clips out of the glove compartment. He stuffed them into his jacket and glanced at Alex. Both wore worried expressions on their faces. Darien knew that he shouldn't even be attempting anything like this so soon. But Hobbes was in danger and he couldn't just lie around in bed waiting for someone else to rescue him. Darien checked his watch and exited the van. Alex watched as the quicksilver coated the tall lanky form of Darien. She silently wished him luck and went to the back of the van to monitor Darien's movements.
Darien waited five minutes before going into the building. It was eerily quiet and dark. His eyes darted around as he walked very slowly. At least the quicksilver vision gave him the ability to see as if he was wearing night vision goggles.
In the van, Alex noticed a black van pull up and three men get out wearing combat fatigues. "Damn it, it is a trap," she said as she shook her head. She clicked on the microphone, "Fawkes."
"What's up?"
"You've got company, three bears are heading your way and they have thermals."
"It figures."
"I'll take care of them, you just concentrate on finding Hobbes," Alex said as she checked her gun.
Darien stealthily walked around some long ago abandoned shelves that were now empty and had at least an inch of dust on them. Without thinking he put his hand on one to keep his balance as he bent down to peer through them. He moved his head around a bit to get a better view and that's when he saw Hobbes just sitting in a chair. Dust slowly drifted down to his face as he moved his hand to try and get a better view. "Oh crap," Darien muttered annoyingly when he felt the familiar tickling sensation in his nose. Like an alarm going off, he sneezed into the empty building. The sound ricocheted off the walls. "Now you've done it," Darien mentally slapped himself.
There wasn't much time to react as hell broke lose inside the building. Hobbes knew Marek was around and so was Darien. "Fawkes! It's a trap!" Hobbes yelled. Darien rushed to Hobbes to untie him but the image of a green ghost stopped him in his tracks.
"Hello, brother," Marek's disembodied voice rang out.
"The only brother I have is dead," Darien spit out in a tone of disgust.
The sounds of gunfire broke the standoff between the two invisible agents. Darien lunged for Marek only to be cast aside like a rag doll. Darien was no match for the skills that Marek possessed. "You can't beat me, Fawkes. So why don't you join me and work for a real agency."
Darien got off the floor to his full height and turned his attention back to Marek, "I've seen how your agency works. No thanks. I may not totally trust the Fat Man but I'd choose him over your boss any day."
Marek approached Darien, "Your choice." He grabbed Darien and threw him across the room. Hobbes had worked diligently on the ropes and was able to get enough slack to nearly pull his hands free. When Darien slid across the floor by Hobbes, his gun came out to rest at Hobbes feet. Alex rushed into the room and stopped as silver flakes burst in the air. Marek stood there looking down at himself. The time had expired for him to use the quicksilver. He lifted up his gun to fire at Hobbes.
Darien didn't notice Alex and lunged for Hobbes. Two shots rang out. Darien felt a sharp pain in his shoulder as he knocked Hobbes down to the ground. Both men grunted when they landed. Alex kept her gun raised and kept her focus on Marek.
The quicksilver flaked off of Darien and he rolled onto his back clutching his left shoulder. Hobbes glanced up and saw Marek fall to the ground. He turned his attention and saw Alex slowly approach the fallen man with her gun still trained on him. Darien groaned in pain.
"Fawkes!" Hobbes said as he positioned himself to check his partner. "Not again."
"Yep, again."
"What were you thinking? I'm the one that's supposed to protect you," Hobbes said as he applied pressure to Darien's wound.
"Hey, we're partners, we watch each other's back." A pained expression spread across Darien's face. Alex approached the two men.
"Well, how's the wacko I-Man?" Hobbes asked.
"He's dead," Alex said. She bent down and knelt next to Darien. "I'm impressed, Fawkes, taking a bullet for your partner."
"Well, impressed or not, this hurts like hell." Darien was clearly irritated. "You know, an ambulance would be a good right now."
Alex looked up and watched the back-up from the Agency rush in. The three of them laughed. "On time as usual, I guess things haven't changed all that much," Alex muttered. She looked down at Darien and put her hand on his good shoulder, "Don't worry, Claire is on her way."
"I knew we could do it," Darien said.
Some time later, Darien could hear voices and the sound of something beeping. 'Where am I?' He questioned himself in his half groggy state.
"He's waking up." Darien heard an accented female voice announce. "Claire?" He spoke sleepily.
"Yes, Darien, can you open your eyes?"
With all his strength he opened his eyes. Blurry vision and bright lights forced his eyes closed again. But he tried again. He could see Claire's outline and someone else. Lehana. He turned his gaze towards her, "Lee?"
"Hey, boo, welcome back."
Darien smiled. "Hi."
Claire smiled and motioned for Hobbes to leave. Before he left he tapped Darien on the healthy shoulder, "Hey, you did great. Thanks…again." The two men smiled and gave each other a low five.
Lehana watched as Hobbes and Claire left giving them some time to be alone. Darien ran his hand along her face, "Still want to go out with me?"
"It's no different than being a cop's wife." Lehana bent down and kissed him gently on his lips. She raised herself partly up and smiled down at him. "I've got something for you."
"Really?" Darien seemed surprised.
Lehana got up and walked over to a table. She picked up a small container, walked back to Darien's bed and handed it to him. He looked at the small item and looked at her stunned, "The bullet? You're giving me the bullet?"
"Yeah, why not? Consider it your medal of honor."
"A raise would be better."
"Well, I could give you a raise, but just not the one you're thinking about right now." Lehana moved her hand down his chest.
Darien wiggled his brow, "I could use that kind of raise too."
"I bet you could."
The door slid open and the Official walked in followed by Eberts. Claire and Hobbes followed and they all gathered around Darien. "Just thought I'd let you know that we've taken care of the SWRB and the other gland," the Official paused and then continued, "It seems that while you were under their control, you stole the QS9300 files."
Darien's face paled. The Official held up his hand, "Don't worry, you didn't know what you were doing. That's how they were able to make a gland of their own."
"Ah, excuse me sir, but what's to keep them from making another one?" Hobbes stated.
"The Official contacted…" Eberts paused as if in thought of what to say next. After a moment he continued, "…someone high up and informed them of the mishandling of top secret Government information by the SWRB. They were ordered to hand everything over pertaining to the QS9300 Project back to us. No Name has been shall we say, put on administrative leave until the investigation is over."
"He's being investigated? I thought these guys were untouchable?" Darien asked.
"Not anymore. Not when it comes to almost killing a Government Agent and putting other agents in harms way. Darien, you acted like a true agent, good job." The Official turned and left the room. Eberts smiled at him and left as well.
Claire and Hobbes put their arms around each other and looked at Darien. "Well, as soon as hairball is better, how 'bout the four of us going out for some lobster?"
"Sounds good to me," Claire stated. "We missed the last lobster dinner didn't we Darien?"
"Please don't remind me," Darien groaned. Hobbes laughed as Lehana looked at them curiously.
"I'll explain it to you later, Lehana." Claire commented with a hint of embarrassment in her voice. Darien rolled his eyes.
A few days later, Darien sat on his couch. Lehana brought him a tray full of food. She set it down in front of him. "You didn't have to do this," he commented as he sat straight up. He could smell what she was cooking, but she refused to let him in the kitchen. The scent from the kitchen had been driving him crazy all day and now he didn't know where to begin. On the plate was fried chicken, collard greens, fried cornbread and macaroni and cheese.
"I told you I was going to cook you dinner and here it is. And I have peach cobbler for desert." She sat down next to him and ran her fingers through his hair.
"What about you? Aren't you going to eat?"
"I ate as I cooked," she shrugged her shoulders. "I'll eat desert with you and I mean the peach cobbler."
"I wasn't thinking that." Darien scooped up a helping of collard greens and filled his mouth.
"Heh, I know you Mr. Darien Fawkes."
"Hey, I'm a man of my word. I promised that we would get to know each other first and then we can decide to go that next step." Darien took a bite of the chicken.
"You're also a con."
"Ex-con thank you."
"Okay, you got me on that one." She twirled a piece of his hair with her finger. "Still nervous about meeting my parents?"
"Yeah, uh…do they know about me?"
"About you being a man?"
"Cute. But that's not exactly what I meant."
"Oh, you mean about you being a white man?"
"Well yeah."
"Yes, I did and besides, you're not white, you're mocha. Larry Bird is white."
"Ah no, he's clear."
Lehana laughed, "True that." She looked at him supportively, "You'll be fine. I promise. They don't have those hang-ups." She leaned forward and gave him a kiss on his cheek. She then cuddled next to him as he ate. Soon after dinner they had desert and nearly finished off the cobbler. Lehana checked the wound on his shoulder. He was healing nicely and should be able to return to work soon. The decided to watch a classic Humphrey Bogart movie and cuddled on the couch to watch. Halfway through the movie, they fell asleep. For the first time since having the gland implanted, Darien slept peacefully without having a single nightmare. He finally found contentment and real love with the woman sleeping by his side.
Later on the evening, Darien pulled the van over to the curb. He glanced worriedly at Alex. She met his gaze with a concerned look of her own, "Are you sure about this?"
"No, but it's the best shot we have right now."
"I know, but that's not what I'm talking about. You almost died a week ago. I don't think you should be doing this so soon."
Darien turned his gaze to look out the window towards the building he was about to sneak into. "I have to," he replied sullenly. He turned to glance at Alex again, "I have to do this for Hobbes."
Alex shook her head, "I knew we'd make a true agent out of you yet. You're just as loyal to Hobbes as he is to you. I admire that."
Darien cocked his head to one side, "Really?" A compliment from Alex was the last thing he expected to hear, especially one aimed at him. From the beginning there was distrust from her, but could he blame her. But he also knew that when it comes to an agent like Alex, respect is earned. Since a cure was found and his own training began, he learned that agents should trust no one. The kind of trust he has with Hobbes was earned and at times not very easily. Even they had their problems at the start of their partnership. Darien didn't even want Hobbes, now he couldn't trust anyone else like he trusts his short, bald, nutso of a partner.
"Yeah, I do. Now go see what you can find," Alex smiled as she patted him on the leg. She then tossed him the knit cap with the little turtle on it. She winked at him when he shot her a disgruntled glare. "Hey, I want to see what you see."
"Nosey." Darien put the hat on and then the ear piece. He quicksilvered and left the van. Alex got up from the passenger seat, and sat in the back of the van. She turned on the equipment and saw that the world through Darien's vision had turned silver. "Fawkes, can you hear me now?" She smiled at her endeavor of easing the situation.
"That's the funniest thing you've said since I've know you," Darien quipped.
"Ha-ha, just be careful okay?"
"Hey, this is me you're talking 'bout. I'm always careful."
"Yeah and I can think of at least three times you got caught sneaking into a building and that's since I've known you."
"For your information, I've improved."
"I'll believe it when I see it."
"You're gonna sister." Darien approached the building. "Okay, here goes, I'm going in."
Alex turned away from the monitor for a moment and placed her hand on the ear piece, "Be careful, Fawkes, I mean that."
The building was the same one that he had sneaked into two years ago when he first met Augustin Gaither. Darien wasn't sure if this would lead him to Hobbes but he had to give it a chance. He slowly made his way to the main office. Being that it was late at night there were very few staff members around. Mainly he saw the larger, burley type guards standing around talking or watching late night TV with Conan O'Brien. Darien walked by them with ease.
Darien turned a corner and started down the darkened hall which was lit by every three light fixtures embedded in the white tiled ceiling. He saw his intended target, the main office. His hope was to find where these SWRB nutcases are coming from. And that information he hoped would lead him to Hobbes.
Across town No Name sat at his desk. He had leaned back in his chair. The expression he wore on his face was that of a man in deep thought. Things were moving too slow in his opinion and that in his mind was not in his favor. He spoken at length with Dr. Bruckner earlier and regardless of the fact that Agent Hobbes had appeared to be responding favorable to treatment, it still didn't set his mind at ease. Agent Hobbes may have real life mental issues to work out but that didn't mean that he was weak mentally or physically. No, actually the other way around, Hobbes could very easily use his own mental shortcomings to his advantage. No Name suspected that Hobbes was acting. He understood the mindset of agents and knowing Hobbes paranoia would mean he wouldn't fall for the same trick again.
The phone rang tearing him away from his thoughts. He nearly threw the phone up against the wall in annoyance, he hated to be interrupted even if he was in a meeting with his own mind. "This is him," he answered, but his tone implied, 'I'm busy and you interrupted something very important.'
"Sorry sir, but we thought you'd like to know that we have an intruder."
No Name sat straight in his chair, "Who and where?"
"At the Alpha House sir, and uh…it's Agent Fawkes."
His lips curled up in a smile. "You know what to do."
"Yes, sir."
No Name didn't place the phone back on the receiver instead he dialed a number and waited patiently.
"Yes," came the half groggy greeting.
"Come to my office now. We have something to discuss."
"Yes, sir."
No Name put the phone back on the receiver and leaned back in his chair again. His elbows rested on the desk as he put his hands together. Now things were about to go the way he wanted all along.
Darien entered the main office and examined the area first. He wanted to find something that had New Arrivals or something to that effect written on it. He knew that when he was brought to prison, the records would show what jail he was transported from. Darien hoped that the mental institution worked the same way. If these were SWRB nut cases then he should find some type of paperwork stating where they were transported or picked up from. If he had that, then he could check to see if Hobbes was at that particular location.
He quickly scanned through the files trying to find any clues. Back in the van, Alex was getting nervous. She knew all to well what these people were capable of. From the corner of the monitor she saw the door open. She nearly bolted from her chair. "Oh…Fawkes…the door, someone's coming," she warned through the ear piece.
Darien put the file down and went to the opposite end of the room. He watched as a man walked in and placed a file in a box marked, 'Incoming'. He walked out without incident. Alex and Darien let out a sigh of relief in unison. He walked over to the box and pulled out the file. "I have to tell you, Alex…oh crap…I found it."
"What in the box marked, 'Incoming'?" She thought about it and shook her head, "Never mind."
"Kind of a warped sense of humor don't you think, but then we are dealing with the SWRB. I think they have a degree in warped humor…" Darien spoke as he copied down the information. He didn't want to bother with a copying machine again. He stuffed the paper in his pocket and quickly headed out the door.
Marek sat across from No Name as they waited for the phone to ring. They didn't have to wait long. "This is him...good." He glanced at Marek and grinned victoriously, "Agent Fawkes has taken the bait."
"What about Agent Hobbes, I'm not done with him yet."
"You are now, I'm changing the plan. Agent Fawkes moved sooner than I thought he would. I don't have time to wait for Agent Hobbes to have a mental break down. Take him and meet your…brother…at the warehouse. I want Agent Fawkes brought back here...alive."
"What about Agent Hobbes?"
"Who?"
Marek nodded his understanding. He rose to his feet and walked out of the office as No Name watched. Before the night was over, Agent Fawkes would be his and his paranoid partner would be gone. This marked the end of the Agency and Charlie Borden. Victory never tasted so sweet. With Agent Hobbes drugged, Agent Fawkes in a weakened state, they would be no match for an agent trained like Marek.
Alex drove the van as Darien stared out the window. Alex had been deep thought about the situation and she decided it was time to break the silence. "Fawkes…"
"I know, it's a set-up."
"You know?"
"Yeah, I mean come on, that guy just so happens to lay the exact information I needed in plain sight."
"And…" Alex shot Darien a look that showed there was another reason and she knew it.
Darien shook his head slowly, "And…when you've worked with Hobbes for years, you become paranoid and start thinking angles."
"There you go, but your first choice was right on the money too."
"So, what'd we do?"
Alex looked at Darien, "We call for back-up."
"Monroe, we both know that the Agency safety net isn't worth crap. Besides you're all the back-up I need."
Alex smiled, "Well thank you, Fawkes, but even when you're healthy you're still no match for them…we need back-up."
"Oh thanks for the vote of confidence…but you're right, I do tend to get my ass kicked a lot. But I'm better, Hobbes' been teachin' me things." Darien looked at Alex seriously, "We can handle this, I know we can."
"Darien, this is a trap…for you."
"I know."
"And if anything happens to you…my ass is on the line here."
"I didn't know you cared." Darien stated matter-of-factly rather than a question.
"I do. Granted, you were given a free get-out-of-jail card and at times you miss-used the gland, but these past couple of years you've proven yourself. I respect that." She looked at Darien more sternly this time, "I'm calling in for back-up. I'll tell them not to move in unless I say so…deal?"
Darien studied her for a moment trying to figure out if she was being honest. He had no choice, she was the seasoned agent and in charge here. "Deal," he gave in. He was tired now and it showed in his voice. He had gone back to work way too soon but he couldn't just sit around while Hobbes was in danger.
Alex pulled the van over, "We're here." She turned her gaze to Darien, "Take the gun in the glove compartment with you." Surprised, Darien turned to look at her.
"You remind me of a deer looking into headlights."
"Can you blame me?"
"Look, I know you've been in training…I trust you…and don't forget to take the extra clips with you." Alex added sarcastically.
"Right," Darien retorted. He pulled the gun and the clips out of the glove compartment. He stuffed them into his jacket and glanced at Alex. Both wore worried expressions on their faces. Darien knew that he shouldn't even be attempting anything like this so soon. But Hobbes was in danger and he couldn't just lie around in bed waiting for someone else to rescue him. Darien checked his watch and exited the van. Alex watched as the quicksilver coated the tall lanky form of Darien. She silently wished him luck and went to the back of the van to monitor Darien's movements.
Darien waited five minutes before going into the building. It was eerily quiet and dark. His eyes darted around as he walked very slowly. At least the quicksilver vision gave him the ability to see as if he was wearing night vision goggles.
In the van, Alex noticed a black van pull up and three men get out wearing combat fatigues. "Damn it, it is a trap," she said as she shook her head. She clicked on the microphone, "Fawkes."
"What's up?"
"You've got company, three bears are heading your way and they have thermals."
"It figures."
"I'll take care of them, you just concentrate on finding Hobbes," Alex said as she checked her gun.
Darien stealthily walked around some long ago abandoned shelves that were now empty and had at least an inch of dust on them. Without thinking he put his hand on one to keep his balance as he bent down to peer through them. He moved his head around a bit to get a better view and that's when he saw Hobbes just sitting in a chair. Dust slowly drifted down to his face as he moved his hand to try and get a better view. "Oh crap," Darien muttered annoyingly when he felt the familiar tickling sensation in his nose. Like an alarm going off, he sneezed into the empty building. The sound ricocheted off the walls. "Now you've done it," Darien mentally slapped himself.
There wasn't much time to react as hell broke lose inside the building. Hobbes knew Marek was around and so was Darien. "Fawkes! It's a trap!" Hobbes yelled. Darien rushed to Hobbes to untie him but the image of a green ghost stopped him in his tracks.
"Hello, brother," Marek's disembodied voice rang out.
"The only brother I have is dead," Darien spit out in a tone of disgust.
The sounds of gunfire broke the standoff between the two invisible agents. Darien lunged for Marek only to be cast aside like a rag doll. Darien was no match for the skills that Marek possessed. "You can't beat me, Fawkes. So why don't you join me and work for a real agency."
Darien got off the floor to his full height and turned his attention back to Marek, "I've seen how your agency works. No thanks. I may not totally trust the Fat Man but I'd choose him over your boss any day."
Marek approached Darien, "Your choice." He grabbed Darien and threw him across the room. Hobbes had worked diligently on the ropes and was able to get enough slack to nearly pull his hands free. When Darien slid across the floor by Hobbes, his gun came out to rest at Hobbes feet. Alex rushed into the room and stopped as silver flakes burst in the air. Marek stood there looking down at himself. The time had expired for him to use the quicksilver. He lifted up his gun to fire at Hobbes.
Darien didn't notice Alex and lunged for Hobbes. Two shots rang out. Darien felt a sharp pain in his shoulder as he knocked Hobbes down to the ground. Both men grunted when they landed. Alex kept her gun raised and kept her focus on Marek.
The quicksilver flaked off of Darien and he rolled onto his back clutching his left shoulder. Hobbes glanced up and saw Marek fall to the ground. He turned his attention and saw Alex slowly approach the fallen man with her gun still trained on him. Darien groaned in pain.
"Fawkes!" Hobbes said as he positioned himself to check his partner. "Not again."
"Yep, again."
"What were you thinking? I'm the one that's supposed to protect you," Hobbes said as he applied pressure to Darien's wound.
"Hey, we're partners, we watch each other's back." A pained expression spread across Darien's face. Alex approached the two men.
"Well, how's the wacko I-Man?" Hobbes asked.
"He's dead," Alex said. She bent down and knelt next to Darien. "I'm impressed, Fawkes, taking a bullet for your partner."
"Well, impressed or not, this hurts like hell." Darien was clearly irritated. "You know, an ambulance would be a good right now."
Alex looked up and watched the back-up from the Agency rush in. The three of them laughed. "On time as usual, I guess things haven't changed all that much," Alex muttered. She looked down at Darien and put her hand on his good shoulder, "Don't worry, Claire is on her way."
"I knew we could do it," Darien said.
Some time later, Darien could hear voices and the sound of something beeping. 'Where am I?' He questioned himself in his half groggy state.
"He's waking up." Darien heard an accented female voice announce. "Claire?" He spoke sleepily.
"Yes, Darien, can you open your eyes?"
With all his strength he opened his eyes. Blurry vision and bright lights forced his eyes closed again. But he tried again. He could see Claire's outline and someone else. Lehana. He turned his gaze towards her, "Lee?"
"Hey, boo, welcome back."
Darien smiled. "Hi."
Claire smiled and motioned for Hobbes to leave. Before he left he tapped Darien on the healthy shoulder, "Hey, you did great. Thanks…again." The two men smiled and gave each other a low five.
Lehana watched as Hobbes and Claire left giving them some time to be alone. Darien ran his hand along her face, "Still want to go out with me?"
"It's no different than being a cop's wife." Lehana bent down and kissed him gently on his lips. She raised herself partly up and smiled down at him. "I've got something for you."
"Really?" Darien seemed surprised.
Lehana got up and walked over to a table. She picked up a small container, walked back to Darien's bed and handed it to him. He looked at the small item and looked at her stunned, "The bullet? You're giving me the bullet?"
"Yeah, why not? Consider it your medal of honor."
"A raise would be better."
"Well, I could give you a raise, but just not the one you're thinking about right now." Lehana moved her hand down his chest.
Darien wiggled his brow, "I could use that kind of raise too."
"I bet you could."
The door slid open and the Official walked in followed by Eberts. Claire and Hobbes followed and they all gathered around Darien. "Just thought I'd let you know that we've taken care of the SWRB and the other gland," the Official paused and then continued, "It seems that while you were under their control, you stole the QS9300 files."
Darien's face paled. The Official held up his hand, "Don't worry, you didn't know what you were doing. That's how they were able to make a gland of their own."
"Ah, excuse me sir, but what's to keep them from making another one?" Hobbes stated.
"The Official contacted…" Eberts paused as if in thought of what to say next. After a moment he continued, "…someone high up and informed them of the mishandling of top secret Government information by the SWRB. They were ordered to hand everything over pertaining to the QS9300 Project back to us. No Name has been shall we say, put on administrative leave until the investigation is over."
"He's being investigated? I thought these guys were untouchable?" Darien asked.
"Not anymore. Not when it comes to almost killing a Government Agent and putting other agents in harms way. Darien, you acted like a true agent, good job." The Official turned and left the room. Eberts smiled at him and left as well.
Claire and Hobbes put their arms around each other and looked at Darien. "Well, as soon as hairball is better, how 'bout the four of us going out for some lobster?"
"Sounds good to me," Claire stated. "We missed the last lobster dinner didn't we Darien?"
"Please don't remind me," Darien groaned. Hobbes laughed as Lehana looked at them curiously.
"I'll explain it to you later, Lehana." Claire commented with a hint of embarrassment in her voice. Darien rolled his eyes.
A few days later, Darien sat on his couch. Lehana brought him a tray full of food. She set it down in front of him. "You didn't have to do this," he commented as he sat straight up. He could smell what she was cooking, but she refused to let him in the kitchen. The scent from the kitchen had been driving him crazy all day and now he didn't know where to begin. On the plate was fried chicken, collard greens, fried cornbread and macaroni and cheese.
"I told you I was going to cook you dinner and here it is. And I have peach cobbler for desert." She sat down next to him and ran her fingers through his hair.
"What about you? Aren't you going to eat?"
"I ate as I cooked," she shrugged her shoulders. "I'll eat desert with you and I mean the peach cobbler."
"I wasn't thinking that." Darien scooped up a helping of collard greens and filled his mouth.
"Heh, I know you Mr. Darien Fawkes."
"Hey, I'm a man of my word. I promised that we would get to know each other first and then we can decide to go that next step." Darien took a bite of the chicken.
"You're also a con."
"Ex-con thank you."
"Okay, you got me on that one." She twirled a piece of his hair with her finger. "Still nervous about meeting my parents?"
"Yeah, uh…do they know about me?"
"About you being a man?"
"Cute. But that's not exactly what I meant."
"Oh, you mean about you being a white man?"
"Well yeah."
"Yes, I did and besides, you're not white, you're mocha. Larry Bird is white."
"Ah no, he's clear."
Lehana laughed, "True that." She looked at him supportively, "You'll be fine. I promise. They don't have those hang-ups." She leaned forward and gave him a kiss on his cheek. She then cuddled next to him as he ate. Soon after dinner they had desert and nearly finished off the cobbler. Lehana checked the wound on his shoulder. He was healing nicely and should be able to return to work soon. The decided to watch a classic Humphrey Bogart movie and cuddled on the couch to watch. Halfway through the movie, they fell asleep. For the first time since having the gland implanted, Darien slept peacefully without having a single nightmare. He finally found contentment and real love with the woman sleeping by his side.