Faith returned from the bathroom. She walked over to the bed and picked up
the medical bag. She searched the contents of the bag and pulled out two
items; a roll of gauze and a filled syringe that she sat down on the
nightstand. Placing the bag down on the floor, she motioned Gabe to help.
They quickly wrapped Ian and gently laid him face down onto the bed. Faith
picked up the blanket off the floor, covering Ian's naked body. She sat at
the edge of the bed while Gabe stood by the door. She reached over to the
nightstand and picked up the syringe.
"What is that?" Gabe questioned.
"It's a mild sedative."
"No!" Ian had weakly protested. He tried to turn over but Faith placed a hand on his bare shoulder, stopping him. "Yes! I know you Ian and with you're stubborn streak you'll push yourself whether you are physically ready or not the first chance you will get. I am not going to take that chance. You gave me your word that you will stay here and rest. Are you going back on our deal, Ian?"
"No" Ian mumbled then added, "what about Sara?"
Faith grinned, 'the man has a one track mind.' She got off the bed and knelt in front of him. She reached out to push the loose locks away from his face and cupped his cheek. "I'm not backing out of our deal either. I gave you my word. Unless you think of me incapable of properly watching over your lady?"
Ian shook his head, "No."
"All right then. Now whatever Dr. Immo gave you seems to be working." She sneaked a glance at Gabe standing by the door; she noticed how he kept his distance. She was not sure if it was to give them some space or a head start just in case he needed to make a run for the door. Probably it was a mixture of both. Before leaving Faith was going to find out what happened between those two. Faith leaned in and whispered, "Now I don't know what happened between you and Gabriel though I will find out," Ian was about to interrupt but Faith cut him off and continued, "However he's been more then willing to help us out. I want you to be on your best behavior while I'm gone and don't be a pain in the ass, all right?" Ian smirked and nodded his head.
"Are you still going to give me the sedative?" Ian asked curiously. Hoping, she had changed her mind. With half of his face buried into the mattress, Ian attempted the 'look.' Faith's features soften and she frowned. She gently laid her hand on his cheek. "Oh Ian," she sighed her features had turned serious, "damn straight I will." Ian rolled his eye and groaned. Faith could not help but laugh.
"I'll be back as soon as I can. Sleep well, Ian." Faith injected the contents of the syringe and moments later Ian was knocked out. She pulled the blanket higher on his body. She continued to kneel besides him, watching as he slept. She reached out and placed the loose locks behind his ear. She let her fingers trace his eyebrow and then down his bearded cheek. She continued to caress his face giving her the reassurance that he was here and indeed alive. The image of his battered body hanging by those chains was still fresh in her mind. Tears began to roll down her face thinking how close she came to losing him.
"Hey he's going to be okay." Faith felt Gabe's hand on her shoulder. She nodded her head and wiped away the tears. Before standing up, she knelt forward, placing a kiss on Ian's forehead. "I love you, Ian." It was barely a whisper but Gabe could not help but over hear what she said.
"Look I'm going to make us some coffee, all right." Gabe offered trying to hide the pang of disappointment, he felt. He should have known, he stood there watching the way she treated him, how they responded to each other. There was definitely something there.
"Yeah okay. I'll be right out. I'm just going to freshen up a bit. Then I'll meet you in the kitchen."
Gabe started for the door but Faith stopped him. He turned to see the weary look in her eyes and Gabe pulled her to his arms and gave her a tight hug. "Thank you, angel." She whispered into his ear. He smiled at the endearment. No one but Faith had called him that. It was her nickname for him. At first, he had hated it but over time, it grew on him and it became something special. Something that only they would share.
"I'm your angel." He amusingly replied.
She pulled back slightly in his arms and rewarded Gabe with one of her beautiful smiles. "That's right. You're my angel." She said. Gabe could not help but stare deeply into the navel pools of her eyes. Faith's smile faded as Gabe leaned in. He stared from her lips to her eyes then back to her lips again. He paused in his decent giving Faith time to back out. When she showed no signs Gabe closed the distance and lightly pressed his soft lips against hers.
The sweet and innocent kiss quickly heated up as Gabe's tongue traced her lips. Teasing them to open and when she finally did he wasted not time to delve deeper. Using his eager tongue to explore and probe her mouth. Faith moaned, lost in the kiss. The pangs of reality began to tap her on her shoulder. The need for air and the necessity to stop finally gave Faith the willpower to break the kiss. She pulled back and lowered her head. Without giving Gabe the chance to say or do anything Faith breathlessly said, "How about that coffee."
'Coffee?' It took a minute for Gabe's clouded mind too clear. When it did, he could not believe what just happened. Did he really just kiss Faith? He pursed his lips together and the distinctive taste of her still lingered. Oh yeah, they kissed all right and what and incredible kiss it was. Gabe stole a glance at Ian's unconscious form and like a splash of cold water, it hit him. Was it not just a matter of moments that Faith had told Ian she loved him? 'What are you doing, Bowman?' His mind began to reel he did not hear Faith.
"Angel? Gabriel!"
"Huh?" He stared at her.
"The Coffee?"
"Coffee? Oh right, yeah I'll just, uh, you know." Gabe stammered. He turned around making his way out. Mumbling under his breath, "Stupid Bowman really stupid!"
Faith watched as Gabe leaves the room and when she knew he was out of earshot, she muttered to herself, "stupid Faith really stupid!" She headed toward the bathroom and attempted to cool off. She emerged from the bathroom. Faith looked down at Ian and sat besides him, running the back of her hand down his face. She turned to stare at the closed door. On the other side was Gabriel, her angel, her friend.
'Friend' she thought. Gabriel is her friend or was depending how things will turn out when she left the room. Though her lips still tingled from the kiss, she knew that in her heart nothing more was going to come out of it. Faith had always known how he felt about her and it was quite flattering that someone actually felt that way towards her.
However, she just did not feel the same way. Perhaps if he had been older or she was younger then who knows what would have happen between them. Unfortunately, Faith knew for sure that nothing but friendship was going to come out of their relationship. She heaved a sigh and tried to think about what she was going to say. She didn't want to hurt Gabriel's feelings but he needed to know where he stood in her life. She just hoped that he still wanted to remain in her life as a friend.
"Smart move, Bowman. Cannot believe I made a pass. Wonder what she's going to do?" He worriedly sighed as he aimlessly wandered the kitchen. He wrapped his left arm across his chest while he nervously bit down on his right thumbnail. He turned to look at the closed bedroom door. His heart started to beat faster as it opened. Faith quietly walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. Gabe greeted her when she turned around, "Hey."
"Hi," was her reply.
They both stood there in an uncomfortable silence. The tension had finally gotten to Faith first, "We need to talk, angel." She exclaimed. Gabe nodded his head in agreement and led her to the kitchen. They sat down near the table and faced each other. Faith started to speak but he quickly interrupted. Gabe shot up from his seat and began pacing in front of her, his head down, only glancing at her occasionally. Faith leaned back her seat, watching and listening as Gabe animatedly spoke.
"Look Faith I'm not going to apologize for kissing you. I'm not sorry that it happened." Faith remained silent Gabe knew he had her full attention now. "Why should I be sorry for something I've wanted to do for years. I like you Faith. I mean I really like you. I have had a crush on you of since the first day we met. I mean I've even fantasized," Gabe caught Faith's surprised expression. He realized he was giving just a little too much information. He cleared his throat and started again.
"But I digress. As much as I want something, more to happen in our relationship, that I know it isn't possible. You don't feel the same way as I do and I can accept that. Besides I know you're in love with Nottingham." Faith's brows shot up and her eyes widen. "Sorry I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I overheard you telling him." Faith nodded as she hid the grin behind her hand.
"I love you, Faith. You're important to me and I would hate to lose you. I hope that this hasn't ruined our friendship." Gabe exhaled as he finished. He looked questioningly at Faith's amused expression.
"What?"
"Are you done, Bowman?"
"Yeah"
Faith motioned him to sit back down. She reached forward and clasped his hands between hers. 'Here it comes' Gabe thought. She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek. "You are a true angel, Gabriel Bowman." She grinned at the bemused look on his face. "Here I was worried that I'd have to convince you that nothing more was going to come out of that kiss. Angel, look I've always known how you felt about me but as much as I want to return the feelings, I can't."
He knew there was no a chance but hearing it from her still hurt. He tried to hide the disappointment and lowered his head. Faith caught his chin and lifted his head until his eyes locked with hers. "But that doesn't mean I don't love you, angel. You're a great friend and I don't want to lose you either." He stared into those beautiful sapphire orbs of hers and knew she meant it. Faith watched as the disappointment in his eyes disappeared only to be replaced first with acceptance then love.
"So you mean I just spilt my guts out for nothing?" Faith smiled at his amused tone. She knew then that everything between them was going to be okay.
"I wouldn't say for nothing, Angel. I mean I did find out one important information." Gabe lifted his brows, "What's that?"
"That you've fantasized about me. Come on Bowman, spill." Gabe began to blush and because of his fair complexion, he glowed a bright red. Faith grinned. The tension was gone and they were left in a comfortable silence.
"Faith could I ask you a question?"
"Sure" Faith gave him her undivided attention.
"About the kiss?" He sheepishly asked.
Faith smiled, leaning in to stroke his cheek. "You're one hell of a kisser, Gabriel Bowman. That kiss is something I will never forget. Whomever you end up with angel is going to be one lucky woman." Gabe beamed proudly, "Really?" Faith nodded her head. "Now, about that cup of coffee?"
Gabe sat up from his chair and made his way over to the counter to the coffee maker. Faith had a question for him while he poured out the coffee. "Angel, what makes you think I'm in love with Ian?" Gabe returned to the table with two mugs. He placed one down in front of her.
"Well the fact that I heard you tell Nottingham that you loved him is a given and it just appeared that you two share a history together. I just assumed," Gabe trailed off as he stared at Faith's amused expression. "Okay Faith I think its time we had that talk now. You know the one where you tell me everything." She indeed promised but she was not sure what to tell him. Well first things first. Faith took a cautious sip of her coffee before explaining.
"Your right I do love Ian. I mean I wouldn't be here if I didn't. However, angel I think you might have misunderstood. I'm not in love with Ian Nottingham."
"You're not?" Faith shook her head.
"I mean you two looked I dunno. I just thought, you know, there was something going on between you two."
"You're right we do share a long history together but nothing intimate has ever happened between us. My relationship with Ian is rather," Faith paused searching for the right word, "complicated. My love for Ian is solely based on how one should feel towards a brother."
"Wait! You're his sister?!" Gabe's mouth dropped open, his eyes narrowing as he tried to find some resemblance but found none. They were complete opposites. Her blonde hair against Nottingham's darker color. Her blue eyes in contrast to his brown. Though Faith was rather tall, there was nothing he could see. Everything was just different.
"We're not of the same blood but we do share a sort of sibling bond. You could say we've grown up together." Things were starting to click but Gabe was still unsure.
"Rumor has it that Nottingham is Kenneth Irons' son."
"Believe me angel when I tell you that Irons is not Ian Nottingham's biological father."
"Is he yours?" Faith averted her eyes. "Does Irons look like father figure to you?" She said before taking a sip of her coffee.
Gabe shook his head. He had a feeling Faith was hiding something but he knew better then to probe deeper for information. It appeared she wasn't going to say anything more on that matter. Seeing the curiosity on his face, Faith added, "Don't worry angel I'll satiate that curious mind of yours and tell you everything in due time. Its just that now is not exactly the best time. Okay?" Gabe reluctantly agreed.
"Now its my turn. What happened between you and Ian?" Gabe started explaining his first and only meeting with the brooding assassin. Not once mentioning anything dealing with the Witchblade.
"So Ian threatened you to stay away from Det. Pezzini, stop providing her with 'information', and if not he'd have your head. Though regardless of his threats, you still went to see her, helped her, and ended up being friends. In addition, you still have your head. Hm, Ian must like you." Gabe nearly choked on his coffee.
"What?! Faith the man threatened to kill me if I didn't stay away from Sara."
"I'm very aware of that. Mostly likely Ian was on orders from Irons. However, believe me when I say that Ian does not dish out idle threats. He will make due on them if someone chooses to ignore it. Nevertheless, think about it Gabriel you still went to see Sara became friends with her and your head is still attached to your body. Either he likes you or he's been using you." Faith downed the rest of her coffee and got up to refill her cup.
"How could he be using me if we've only met once."
"What exactly is this type of 'information' you've been helping Sara with?" Gabe remained silent. Not sure, that he should share anything about the Witchblade or that Sara was the wielder.
"It wouldn't happen to involve, oh I don't know, a certain bracelet known as the Witchblade would it? Or the fact that Det. Sara Pezzini is the current wielder of the blade?" Gabe turned in his chair, a surprised look on his face. Nonchalantly, Faith leaned back against the counter, slowly sipping her coffee.
"Tell me angel, did you get that dossier about Elizabeth Bronte? Was it helpful to the wielder?"
"You sent that to me?"
Faith nodded her head, "Actually I sent the information to Ian and he must have sent it to you. Don't get me wrong angel, your hacking skills are exceptional but honestly do you think information such as that could be easily found on the Internet?"
Gabe felt confused, grateful, and angry all at the same time. Both Nottingham and Faith had used him.
"Now don't get mad, angel. I did not realize you were the 'angelic messenger' Ian was referring."
"Just how much do you know about the Witchblade?"
"I know enough." She vaguely answered.
"Have you ever," he looked down are her bare right wrist, "worn it?"
"Angel, you know that the blade is not kind to pretenders. They are left both emotionally and physically scarred. Do I look like I've been scarred in any way?" Gabe had a feeling that she was trying to avoid answering him. Before he could say anything, Faith placed her empty mug in the sink and said, "I have to go." Gabe shot up from his seat.
"Wait a minute you're not leaving me here alone with Nottingham are you?" Gabe followed Faith back to the computer desk where she had left her coat and weapons.
"I have to go. Angel, don't worry I've already told Ian to be on his best behavior. He won't do anything to you."
"That's a comforting thought."
"Besides he's sedated. He'll be out for a few hours. Help me with this will you." She handed him one of her weapons. She turned her arm over so he could secure the straps but immediately stopped him when she noticed where he was standing, directly in front, which was a very dangerous place to be. "It would be safer if you stepped over to the side." Gabe shrugged his shoulders and did as told. After fastening the last strap he asked, "Why did you want me to stand here?" Faith gladly showed him. Gabe stared wide- eyed as the long blade slide out. "Oh that's why." After fastening the last strap on the second device, Gabe helped Faith into her coat.
"Why can't you stay here? Where are you going?" Faith began explaining the details of the agreement between Ian and her.
"I can't stay. I gave Ian my word that I would watch over Sara. If I didn't he would have gone himself battered body and all." Plus there was the fact that there was some crazed clone with a short fuse out on the loose, and it scared the shit out of Ian to know he was out there watching over Sara. However, Faith kept that little secret to herself. She could only guess how Gabe was going to react in knowing that his friend might be in danger.
"Ah, from what I've heard Nottingham has been stalking Sara." Faith shook her head.
"She sees it as stalking, I see it as protecting. Irons are not the only evil element that wants to control the Witchblade and its wielder. Believe me he has been protecting her. Now it is my turn until Ian gets better. Here is my cell number. Call me if something happens." Faith wrote down the number. She rolled her eyes at the worried expression on Gabe's face.
"I meant if something happens to Ian, all right. Now remember no one knows he's here and I'd like to keep it that way." Gabe reluctantly nodded his head.
"I'll be back as soon as I can, angel." Gabe watched as the door closed behind her.
"What is that?" Gabe questioned.
"It's a mild sedative."
"No!" Ian had weakly protested. He tried to turn over but Faith placed a hand on his bare shoulder, stopping him. "Yes! I know you Ian and with you're stubborn streak you'll push yourself whether you are physically ready or not the first chance you will get. I am not going to take that chance. You gave me your word that you will stay here and rest. Are you going back on our deal, Ian?"
"No" Ian mumbled then added, "what about Sara?"
Faith grinned, 'the man has a one track mind.' She got off the bed and knelt in front of him. She reached out to push the loose locks away from his face and cupped his cheek. "I'm not backing out of our deal either. I gave you my word. Unless you think of me incapable of properly watching over your lady?"
Ian shook his head, "No."
"All right then. Now whatever Dr. Immo gave you seems to be working." She sneaked a glance at Gabe standing by the door; she noticed how he kept his distance. She was not sure if it was to give them some space or a head start just in case he needed to make a run for the door. Probably it was a mixture of both. Before leaving Faith was going to find out what happened between those two. Faith leaned in and whispered, "Now I don't know what happened between you and Gabriel though I will find out," Ian was about to interrupt but Faith cut him off and continued, "However he's been more then willing to help us out. I want you to be on your best behavior while I'm gone and don't be a pain in the ass, all right?" Ian smirked and nodded his head.
"Are you still going to give me the sedative?" Ian asked curiously. Hoping, she had changed her mind. With half of his face buried into the mattress, Ian attempted the 'look.' Faith's features soften and she frowned. She gently laid her hand on his cheek. "Oh Ian," she sighed her features had turned serious, "damn straight I will." Ian rolled his eye and groaned. Faith could not help but laugh.
"I'll be back as soon as I can. Sleep well, Ian." Faith injected the contents of the syringe and moments later Ian was knocked out. She pulled the blanket higher on his body. She continued to kneel besides him, watching as he slept. She reached out and placed the loose locks behind his ear. She let her fingers trace his eyebrow and then down his bearded cheek. She continued to caress his face giving her the reassurance that he was here and indeed alive. The image of his battered body hanging by those chains was still fresh in her mind. Tears began to roll down her face thinking how close she came to losing him.
"Hey he's going to be okay." Faith felt Gabe's hand on her shoulder. She nodded her head and wiped away the tears. Before standing up, she knelt forward, placing a kiss on Ian's forehead. "I love you, Ian." It was barely a whisper but Gabe could not help but over hear what she said.
"Look I'm going to make us some coffee, all right." Gabe offered trying to hide the pang of disappointment, he felt. He should have known, he stood there watching the way she treated him, how they responded to each other. There was definitely something there.
"Yeah okay. I'll be right out. I'm just going to freshen up a bit. Then I'll meet you in the kitchen."
Gabe started for the door but Faith stopped him. He turned to see the weary look in her eyes and Gabe pulled her to his arms and gave her a tight hug. "Thank you, angel." She whispered into his ear. He smiled at the endearment. No one but Faith had called him that. It was her nickname for him. At first, he had hated it but over time, it grew on him and it became something special. Something that only they would share.
"I'm your angel." He amusingly replied.
She pulled back slightly in his arms and rewarded Gabe with one of her beautiful smiles. "That's right. You're my angel." She said. Gabe could not help but stare deeply into the navel pools of her eyes. Faith's smile faded as Gabe leaned in. He stared from her lips to her eyes then back to her lips again. He paused in his decent giving Faith time to back out. When she showed no signs Gabe closed the distance and lightly pressed his soft lips against hers.
The sweet and innocent kiss quickly heated up as Gabe's tongue traced her lips. Teasing them to open and when she finally did he wasted not time to delve deeper. Using his eager tongue to explore and probe her mouth. Faith moaned, lost in the kiss. The pangs of reality began to tap her on her shoulder. The need for air and the necessity to stop finally gave Faith the willpower to break the kiss. She pulled back and lowered her head. Without giving Gabe the chance to say or do anything Faith breathlessly said, "How about that coffee."
'Coffee?' It took a minute for Gabe's clouded mind too clear. When it did, he could not believe what just happened. Did he really just kiss Faith? He pursed his lips together and the distinctive taste of her still lingered. Oh yeah, they kissed all right and what and incredible kiss it was. Gabe stole a glance at Ian's unconscious form and like a splash of cold water, it hit him. Was it not just a matter of moments that Faith had told Ian she loved him? 'What are you doing, Bowman?' His mind began to reel he did not hear Faith.
"Angel? Gabriel!"
"Huh?" He stared at her.
"The Coffee?"
"Coffee? Oh right, yeah I'll just, uh, you know." Gabe stammered. He turned around making his way out. Mumbling under his breath, "Stupid Bowman really stupid!"
Faith watched as Gabe leaves the room and when she knew he was out of earshot, she muttered to herself, "stupid Faith really stupid!" She headed toward the bathroom and attempted to cool off. She emerged from the bathroom. Faith looked down at Ian and sat besides him, running the back of her hand down his face. She turned to stare at the closed door. On the other side was Gabriel, her angel, her friend.
'Friend' she thought. Gabriel is her friend or was depending how things will turn out when she left the room. Though her lips still tingled from the kiss, she knew that in her heart nothing more was going to come out of it. Faith had always known how he felt about her and it was quite flattering that someone actually felt that way towards her.
However, she just did not feel the same way. Perhaps if he had been older or she was younger then who knows what would have happen between them. Unfortunately, Faith knew for sure that nothing but friendship was going to come out of their relationship. She heaved a sigh and tried to think about what she was going to say. She didn't want to hurt Gabriel's feelings but he needed to know where he stood in her life. She just hoped that he still wanted to remain in her life as a friend.
"Smart move, Bowman. Cannot believe I made a pass. Wonder what she's going to do?" He worriedly sighed as he aimlessly wandered the kitchen. He wrapped his left arm across his chest while he nervously bit down on his right thumbnail. He turned to look at the closed bedroom door. His heart started to beat faster as it opened. Faith quietly walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. Gabe greeted her when she turned around, "Hey."
"Hi," was her reply.
They both stood there in an uncomfortable silence. The tension had finally gotten to Faith first, "We need to talk, angel." She exclaimed. Gabe nodded his head in agreement and led her to the kitchen. They sat down near the table and faced each other. Faith started to speak but he quickly interrupted. Gabe shot up from his seat and began pacing in front of her, his head down, only glancing at her occasionally. Faith leaned back her seat, watching and listening as Gabe animatedly spoke.
"Look Faith I'm not going to apologize for kissing you. I'm not sorry that it happened." Faith remained silent Gabe knew he had her full attention now. "Why should I be sorry for something I've wanted to do for years. I like you Faith. I mean I really like you. I have had a crush on you of since the first day we met. I mean I've even fantasized," Gabe caught Faith's surprised expression. He realized he was giving just a little too much information. He cleared his throat and started again.
"But I digress. As much as I want something, more to happen in our relationship, that I know it isn't possible. You don't feel the same way as I do and I can accept that. Besides I know you're in love with Nottingham." Faith's brows shot up and her eyes widen. "Sorry I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I overheard you telling him." Faith nodded as she hid the grin behind her hand.
"I love you, Faith. You're important to me and I would hate to lose you. I hope that this hasn't ruined our friendship." Gabe exhaled as he finished. He looked questioningly at Faith's amused expression.
"What?"
"Are you done, Bowman?"
"Yeah"
Faith motioned him to sit back down. She reached forward and clasped his hands between hers. 'Here it comes' Gabe thought. She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek. "You are a true angel, Gabriel Bowman." She grinned at the bemused look on his face. "Here I was worried that I'd have to convince you that nothing more was going to come out of that kiss. Angel, look I've always known how you felt about me but as much as I want to return the feelings, I can't."
He knew there was no a chance but hearing it from her still hurt. He tried to hide the disappointment and lowered his head. Faith caught his chin and lifted his head until his eyes locked with hers. "But that doesn't mean I don't love you, angel. You're a great friend and I don't want to lose you either." He stared into those beautiful sapphire orbs of hers and knew she meant it. Faith watched as the disappointment in his eyes disappeared only to be replaced first with acceptance then love.
"So you mean I just spilt my guts out for nothing?" Faith smiled at his amused tone. She knew then that everything between them was going to be okay.
"I wouldn't say for nothing, Angel. I mean I did find out one important information." Gabe lifted his brows, "What's that?"
"That you've fantasized about me. Come on Bowman, spill." Gabe began to blush and because of his fair complexion, he glowed a bright red. Faith grinned. The tension was gone and they were left in a comfortable silence.
"Faith could I ask you a question?"
"Sure" Faith gave him her undivided attention.
"About the kiss?" He sheepishly asked.
Faith smiled, leaning in to stroke his cheek. "You're one hell of a kisser, Gabriel Bowman. That kiss is something I will never forget. Whomever you end up with angel is going to be one lucky woman." Gabe beamed proudly, "Really?" Faith nodded her head. "Now, about that cup of coffee?"
Gabe sat up from his chair and made his way over to the counter to the coffee maker. Faith had a question for him while he poured out the coffee. "Angel, what makes you think I'm in love with Ian?" Gabe returned to the table with two mugs. He placed one down in front of her.
"Well the fact that I heard you tell Nottingham that you loved him is a given and it just appeared that you two share a history together. I just assumed," Gabe trailed off as he stared at Faith's amused expression. "Okay Faith I think its time we had that talk now. You know the one where you tell me everything." She indeed promised but she was not sure what to tell him. Well first things first. Faith took a cautious sip of her coffee before explaining.
"Your right I do love Ian. I mean I wouldn't be here if I didn't. However, angel I think you might have misunderstood. I'm not in love with Ian Nottingham."
"You're not?" Faith shook her head.
"I mean you two looked I dunno. I just thought, you know, there was something going on between you two."
"You're right we do share a long history together but nothing intimate has ever happened between us. My relationship with Ian is rather," Faith paused searching for the right word, "complicated. My love for Ian is solely based on how one should feel towards a brother."
"Wait! You're his sister?!" Gabe's mouth dropped open, his eyes narrowing as he tried to find some resemblance but found none. They were complete opposites. Her blonde hair against Nottingham's darker color. Her blue eyes in contrast to his brown. Though Faith was rather tall, there was nothing he could see. Everything was just different.
"We're not of the same blood but we do share a sort of sibling bond. You could say we've grown up together." Things were starting to click but Gabe was still unsure.
"Rumor has it that Nottingham is Kenneth Irons' son."
"Believe me angel when I tell you that Irons is not Ian Nottingham's biological father."
"Is he yours?" Faith averted her eyes. "Does Irons look like father figure to you?" She said before taking a sip of her coffee.
Gabe shook his head. He had a feeling Faith was hiding something but he knew better then to probe deeper for information. It appeared she wasn't going to say anything more on that matter. Seeing the curiosity on his face, Faith added, "Don't worry angel I'll satiate that curious mind of yours and tell you everything in due time. Its just that now is not exactly the best time. Okay?" Gabe reluctantly agreed.
"Now its my turn. What happened between you and Ian?" Gabe started explaining his first and only meeting with the brooding assassin. Not once mentioning anything dealing with the Witchblade.
"So Ian threatened you to stay away from Det. Pezzini, stop providing her with 'information', and if not he'd have your head. Though regardless of his threats, you still went to see her, helped her, and ended up being friends. In addition, you still have your head. Hm, Ian must like you." Gabe nearly choked on his coffee.
"What?! Faith the man threatened to kill me if I didn't stay away from Sara."
"I'm very aware of that. Mostly likely Ian was on orders from Irons. However, believe me when I say that Ian does not dish out idle threats. He will make due on them if someone chooses to ignore it. Nevertheless, think about it Gabriel you still went to see Sara became friends with her and your head is still attached to your body. Either he likes you or he's been using you." Faith downed the rest of her coffee and got up to refill her cup.
"How could he be using me if we've only met once."
"What exactly is this type of 'information' you've been helping Sara with?" Gabe remained silent. Not sure, that he should share anything about the Witchblade or that Sara was the wielder.
"It wouldn't happen to involve, oh I don't know, a certain bracelet known as the Witchblade would it? Or the fact that Det. Sara Pezzini is the current wielder of the blade?" Gabe turned in his chair, a surprised look on his face. Nonchalantly, Faith leaned back against the counter, slowly sipping her coffee.
"Tell me angel, did you get that dossier about Elizabeth Bronte? Was it helpful to the wielder?"
"You sent that to me?"
Faith nodded her head, "Actually I sent the information to Ian and he must have sent it to you. Don't get me wrong angel, your hacking skills are exceptional but honestly do you think information such as that could be easily found on the Internet?"
Gabe felt confused, grateful, and angry all at the same time. Both Nottingham and Faith had used him.
"Now don't get mad, angel. I did not realize you were the 'angelic messenger' Ian was referring."
"Just how much do you know about the Witchblade?"
"I know enough." She vaguely answered.
"Have you ever," he looked down are her bare right wrist, "worn it?"
"Angel, you know that the blade is not kind to pretenders. They are left both emotionally and physically scarred. Do I look like I've been scarred in any way?" Gabe had a feeling that she was trying to avoid answering him. Before he could say anything, Faith placed her empty mug in the sink and said, "I have to go." Gabe shot up from his seat.
"Wait a minute you're not leaving me here alone with Nottingham are you?" Gabe followed Faith back to the computer desk where she had left her coat and weapons.
"I have to go. Angel, don't worry I've already told Ian to be on his best behavior. He won't do anything to you."
"That's a comforting thought."
"Besides he's sedated. He'll be out for a few hours. Help me with this will you." She handed him one of her weapons. She turned her arm over so he could secure the straps but immediately stopped him when she noticed where he was standing, directly in front, which was a very dangerous place to be. "It would be safer if you stepped over to the side." Gabe shrugged his shoulders and did as told. After fastening the last strap he asked, "Why did you want me to stand here?" Faith gladly showed him. Gabe stared wide- eyed as the long blade slide out. "Oh that's why." After fastening the last strap on the second device, Gabe helped Faith into her coat.
"Why can't you stay here? Where are you going?" Faith began explaining the details of the agreement between Ian and her.
"I can't stay. I gave Ian my word that I would watch over Sara. If I didn't he would have gone himself battered body and all." Plus there was the fact that there was some crazed clone with a short fuse out on the loose, and it scared the shit out of Ian to know he was out there watching over Sara. However, Faith kept that little secret to herself. She could only guess how Gabe was going to react in knowing that his friend might be in danger.
"Ah, from what I've heard Nottingham has been stalking Sara." Faith shook her head.
"She sees it as stalking, I see it as protecting. Irons are not the only evil element that wants to control the Witchblade and its wielder. Believe me he has been protecting her. Now it is my turn until Ian gets better. Here is my cell number. Call me if something happens." Faith wrote down the number. She rolled her eyes at the worried expression on Gabe's face.
"I meant if something happens to Ian, all right. Now remember no one knows he's here and I'd like to keep it that way." Gabe reluctantly nodded his head.
"I'll be back as soon as I can, angel." Gabe watched as the door closed behind her.