DISCLAIMER: Hmm....still thinking I own them, do you? Well. Bwahahaha – I
don't. Other than Ms. Brentwood, I'm a borrower, unabashed and just like
the rest of YOU! HA! Go read, review, enjoy. Be blessed.
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CHAPTER 7 - Taking Sides.
The incessant knocking was what woke her up. Shari stirred in her bed, warm and comfortable under the blankets and not necessarily wanting to open her eyes. She turned away from the intrusive sound, burrowing deeper into her cocoon. Yet, the knocking persisted, maybe even more so.
Unable to go back to sleep, now that her neurons were beginning to fire up, she resigned herself to her fate.
"FINE! I'm up already. Just HOLD yer BRITCHES!" She yelled out irritably, forcing her mind to wake even more.
Sitting up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Shari looked over at the alarm clock on the side table next to the bed. "Six o'clock! Good grief, who do they think they are, my drill sergeant?!" she complained, yawning in the middle of her rebuke. "Who could be up this early just to wake me up...oh, yeah, MR. Tello."
Grumpily, she swung her legs out from under the covers – and immediately felt the chilling bite of a room devoid of heat.
"Hoo Ya! Man, can't they afford any heat! With as much money they seem to have..." she quickly stood up and grabbed her robe, slipping it on hurriedly. She hunched just a bit against the almost frigid air while trying to find her slippers. Once she located them, she quickly shoved her feet in, recoiling yet again from the persistent knocking.
"OKAY, OKAY, I'm coming already!" she yelled out, making for the bedroom door as she finished tying off the belt to her robe.
She came into the living room and swore irritably from the continued knocking. It then occurred to her that it seemed a little lower in proximity on the door to where she thought it ought to be. Cocking her head to one side as she approached it and studying the door intently, she wondered if Don stood shorter in the morning. She opened it and expected to see him standing there, but her line of sight fell about two feet lower. There, standing just outside the threshold was the strangest creature she had ever seen. However, she knew in the next thought that she had seen something like it before – back in New York, to be exact.
"Hi," it said curtly, "Just wanted to let you know you can go home!" and with that, the young iguanid turned tail – literally – and headed back towards the stairs.
Her irritation evaporating due to her surprise and being mildly amused, Shari called out to it, "Ah, I don't have any intentions of leaving, but you're welcomed to come in and visit with me, if ya want!"
The creature turned around and scowled, "And...maybe I don't care to? Besides, this is my place and if I wanted to, I could have come in WITHOUT knocking. So, shove that up your..." but he was quickly interrupted by a stern voice that was all too familiar with Shari.
"DEVON! Get down here right now! I gave you explicit orders NOT to disturb Ms. Brentwood!" Don yelled.
Shari had to clap her hands over her mouth to keep from smiling at the brazenness of the one she now knew as Devon. The young mutant scrunched up his face in the direction of the voice and then swung a baleful glare back at the woman. Noting her amusement, he straightened up indignantly, "If you know what's good for ya, lady, you'll go back home!" Then he headed through the short breezeway to the stairs and disappeared as he clambered down, his tail twitching irritably.
Shari could only shake her head in disbelief, "Devon. Must be male, by the sound of 'em. Doesn't' take after Mike, that's for sure, neither in temperament nor looks. Must be the mom, then." That thought rooted her right where she stood, "If the son is that way, I can only imagine what the mother must be like!" Smiling in wry amusement she muttered, "Poor Mike. Oh, for that matter, poor Raph!" Chuckling to herself, Shari made her way over to the kitchen to see if she could scrounge up some coffee, yawning once more and stretching the kinks out of her back.
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Shari had her day clothes on as well as a heavy sweater, which helped to ward off the still chilly air in the room. She was well into her second cup of coffee as she sat at the dinette table, looking out through the window towards the back yard. She was taking in the magnificence of the giant trees along its perimeter. They were massive in height as well as width, certainly a sight to behold. Though she loved Croton on the Hudson, Big Sur was starting to edge its way onto Shari's favorites list. Still, the job at hand would be the deciding factor if she elected to stay. She then thought about the evening before and the fiasco that ensued with Mike's ill-timed comment. Now that she was re-considering Don's offer after he placated her, Shari saw the humor in his brother's nervous behavior. Most likely, had she bailed out and returned to New York, she was certain that Don would have ripped Mike's shell right off his back. His younger brother was the most pitiful looking mutant she had ever seen.
Then a movement down below caught her attention. Shari looked and noticed as Don was beginning to ascend the stairs to her apartment.
"Hmm...must be meeting time." She sighed, getting up and placing her now empty cup in the sink.
Before he could knock, Shari had the door opened, "Well, Devon seems to fit right in with the family!" she teased, welcoming the turtle inside.
"Humph!" was all Don would say as he came in., "The boy is one of our main problems." He admitted. "Basically a decent kid but he has a chip on his shoulder that's causing a lot of trouble."
"Well, in my generation the best way to handle something like that was to knock it off!" the woman commented, closing the door behind her.
"Believe me, we've tried." Don allowed, sinking casually into one of the two couches in the living area. "But, that's not what I've come to talk to you about."
"Oh, really...maybe it's about Rahab?" Shari asked, taking the opposite couch to face him.
"In a way, yes. But there's something else that I need to tell you." Don said with a flat expression.
Leaning back against the couch with her arms draped across it and then crossing her legs to get comfortable, Shari replied, "Well, shoot - I'm all ears."
Not wasting any time, he said in a matter of fact way, "I told you last night that this job is more than watching kids and that your skills will come into play. I want to let you know that I'm aware of your affiliation with Special Forces." Don paused to let that fact sink in.
Shari sat there and worked the inside of her cheek casually, staring intently at Don. "Hmm...really, is that so?" she said evenly and devoid of emotion.
"Yes," he allowed, "I know General Tallen personally and when he returned my call night before last he briefed me on your resume'." Don took a breath, "I have to say, I'm quite impressed." He smiled to ease the obvious tension that was slowly starting to develop between them.
"You - went behind my back, then." Shari accused; her voice currently more frigid than the air in the room. "Seems there isn't anything you won't do for information, is there, Don?" she seethed softly.
"Well, you have to admit, the skill you showed not only when you threw my brother but your recovery when he tossed you in my living room eluded to someone knowing more than your basic martial arts." He smiled. "Although Tallen couldn't tell me exactly what assignments you did, they were classified; he did give me a run-down to the skills you possess. In my opinion - you're perfect for the job!" Don relaxed against the back of the couch, now that his bit of news was out.
"How can what I know have any bearing with Devon and his siblings? There are at least two more running around here somewhere, correct?" Shari asked. "Wouldn't a woman with a degree in child psychology be more fitting?"
"Ah, well, it's not so much in raising them or in understanding them that I've selected you; however that is the capacity in which Rahab will see you. The real reason I wanted you here is for protection. We have an unsettling problem in Japan where my brothers and I are needed. Mike will stay here where he's not physically able to fight as he used to. He suffered a pretty bad injury years ago that has basically retired him from service." Don watched the woman assess his words before continuing, "So when I saw how easily you dispatched Raph and recovered from his own attack on you and then when I heard from General Tallen, I knew you were right for the real task at hand."
"What kind of service was Mike in? I've never seen him on any enlistment roster before." Shari inquired, puzzled just a little. She readjusted her position so she could lean forward, her interest peaking.
"And you wouldn't have...he only served his family – or – clan, as we like to call ourselves." Don replied. He again observed the woman as she digested this newest bit of information.
Shari ran the word around in her head. Where had she heard it before? Clan; it meant family but in some cultures it meant more than family. It meant commitment and honor and...Japan! That's where she had heard it. Didn't Don just say something about going to Japan?
"Are you telling me that you're Japanese!" she scoffed, her eyes a bit wide in merriment.
Ignoring her obvious amusement, Don explained, "We were born here in the states but our teacher, our Master, practiced many Japanese traditions. It has been ingrained into us since we were very young. It is a way of life for us." Don didn't want to say it outright but preferred the woman come to the correct assumption herself.
"Way of life?" Shari repeated. She knew of many cultures that practiced many things and attributed them all to a 'way of life' that guided them. Honor and integrity with the Japanese was quite well known. However, within that society, another sect resided that espoused such virtues above all else, even unto death! In a brief moment, Shari's eyes lit up.
"You're – ninja?!" She almost expressed a laugh but caught it in time. One thing she knew quite well amongst such groups, you never laughed at what they were, not unless you had every intention to accept their reproof. For the moment, Shari preferred to warm up to such a rebuke.
"Yes, we are. As you feel about your clandestine affairs with the government, we feel likewise about our way of life. To General Tallen and those like him as well as the public, we are simple mutants who do business, raise our families, and shop at the local grocery store. We rarely employ our skills unless our very existence is threatened or our homes invaded. This is the problem that we faced in the beginning before our discovery and one that continually dogs us even to this day."
Well, that certainly explained to her why Raph knew self-defense and it confirmed Shari's suspicions about Don, as well. Yet, it seemed that Mike was also involved with such things, although now – from what Don just shared - out of action due to injuries sustained in a past sortie. Shari was truly intrigued and now understood Tallen's expression about this being an opportunity of a lifetime. Yet by Don's account, the General was ignorant of this little known fact concerning them. Possibly just working for Don in general, whether directly or through other means – such as Devon and his family, was enough to warrant her ex-boss's appraisal.
"Why are you telling me this if you prefer it to remain a secret, though?" she asked.
"Since I now know your secret, by telling you mine, we both have something of value that belongs to the other. I am trusting you to honor our way, as I will honor you and the work you have done in secret for the government." Don entreated patiently.
Shari nodded her head, recognizing almost immediately the ploy that Don had just used on her. If she keeps his secrets, he'll do likewise with hers. However, any remiss on her part and her clandestine history would become public knowledge. At least, that was how she saw it. "So, what you've initially done is to blackmail me!" she sniffed indignantly.
Don's eyes shot up wide, "Not in the least, Ms. Brentwood! If I wanted to blackmail you, I would have held over your head what General Tallen told me just to get you to do whatever service I requested of you. I wouldn't have any reason to share with you about our ninjitsu heritage. By telling you my family's secret, I am evening the playing field. It is, after all, the honorable way to do business and the least I could do to show a sincere apology for 'duping you'."
Shari's face blushed a little bit. She had been so used to blackmail tactics herself that it never occurred to her that Don might have felt he owed her something by comparison. She smiled sheepishly, admitting, "Well, I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions. My old job sort of paved the way for that one, I'm afraid."
"No offense taken; I was more concerned about offending you." He sighed and shook his head, "We have much ground to cover before we can trust one another, that much is certain. However, I do need to discuss with you our problem in Japan." Don paused and then continued, "There is an order of ninja that involve themselves in unsavory business practices. They once had operations in New York, but when we became public knowledge we were able to bring the legal authorities in to quell their crime syndication."
Shari perked up, "The Foot, yes, I remember them quite well."
"Really?" Don was surprised, "How so?" he then asked her.
"The CIA was concerned about terrorism so they sent in a team to infiltrate the organization. The Foot were determined not to be much of a threat on the national level, so we let it go and allowed local authorities to take care of them."
Don sat there rather stunned, "Not a THREAT?!" He was more than surprised; he was somewhat offended.
"On a national level? No, not at all. Though I suppose on an individual level they could be." She admitted sheepishly. "Sorry, but that was just how they saw it."
"That organization was hell-bent on wiping us out!" Don complained, sitting up indignantly.
"Maybe so, but their method of operation was like a local gang. The Federal government rarely gets involved with thugs like that. Guess when you have terrorist willing to die and take a few innocent people with them, you have to decide on collateral damage in order to save a hundred thousand more. It's just a simple matter of numbers and logistics, Don." Shari shrugged apologetically.
"Hmm...maybe so, but if they invaded your home and threatened you with extinction, you might be more easily persuaded to see it the way we do." Don commented quietly.
"Possibly. Still, Oruku Saki and his sister were small fry compared to what we had to deal with on an international level." Shari insisted, but then changed the topic, "So, what problems are brewing in Japan that would make you need someone here to protect Mike and his family?"
Don took a deep breath to dispel his disgruntled feelings, saying, "There's been a threat against the home-front here. Indications of an invasion in Japan, though, are calling us away. My other brother, Leonardo, has a Ryu, or school, outside of Osaka. It's a well-fortified compound, but there have been Foot agents that have managed to find their way in by posing as students. Usually Leo can discern subterfuge of that nature but these soldiers were mentally well trained to shield their true intentions from my brother's discernment." Don took a breath, "They've caused a lot of problems and an unfortunate loss of life, as well. However, we have to assume that it's a diversion. Consequently, we need someone here who could hold their own. As you can well imagine, it wouldn't be easy to hire just anyone." He smiled at her now, nodding in affirmation to her.
"Yes, I can imagine." Shari thoughtfully considered this new development and starting to see it as one of her more interesting assignments. "Yet, from what I read about the Foot, they're very skilled with their ninjitsu." She looked away to gaze at the redwoods, still visible through the window from where she sat. She then gazed back at Don, "What makes you think your home here would be in danger or that I could even successfully defend it?"
"First, I was assured by Tallen that you are quite capable. He said your ability to formulate a plan of defense, as well as an attack, is highly respected within the Force. Second, we don't have any proof other than our prior experience." Don explained, "The way the Foot operate, causing mayhem thousands of miles away while the real target is more local are clues for us. I have been, on more than one occasion, such a target. However, as you noticed when we were driving up here, Mike has yet to install any gates or security fences."
"Yes, given your own line of work, that surprised me." Shari admitted, settling back against the couch once again. This conversation was more to her liking, something that she had been missing over the past several months. It was obvious to her in that moment that retirement did have its limitations.
"He's getting them installed next week. Foolishly, he had hoped to be like anyone else in this community. That is not possible, of course. This new threat has sobered him up quite a bit, but we can't wait until the fence is in place before flying out to Japan. The problem is escalating too quickly. It was just fate that you came along when you did in Croton. Validating your position at the Pentagon was just a formality. Yet, what General Tallen shared with me outside of that was unexpected and, I have to admit, I greatly appreciated it. That alone solidified my decision in trying to convince you into staying."
"Even with my tirade last evening and giving your brother a bad-ass time?" Shari teased.
"Especially because of that, Ms. Brentwood!" Don laughed. "The last person we need here is one who will back down. We fight to the death, if need be."
Shari grew more serious as she assessed the weight of Don's words. He was telling her the truth and being one-hundred percent genuine. Solemnly, she commented, "Then, it looks like we're of the same mind, Mr. Tello. I never go into battle without a prayer, a purpose, and a plan." She smiled ruefully, "You can be assured that not one interloper will get passed me and if it comes down to it...I will gladly forfeit my life to assure that endeavor!"
Don sighed in relief, content that he had indeed found the right protector.
Now, if Shari could just reign in his nephew, his world would be almost perfect.
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VESTQUEX – Yep, she's ticked off all right. Rahab and Raphy have a history of not getting along and Raph sort of went 'weird' in the third to last chapter of Rahab. This story takes place about 2-3 years after that event. Kind of sad, really, since they were deeply in love for a while. Anyway, only time and chapters will tell if Shari and Rahab have words. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed.
RAMICA – It's been while, yes indeedee, since Raph's last visit. Considering what happened then and even with his subsequent 'recovery', it's a given she would seethe to see him again. Mike does have a tendency to 'oops' quite a bit. His bubbly personality certainly is a factor! Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing! Be blessed.
BUSLADY OF SOCAL – Rahab is a mix of human psych and iguanid tendencies! Add to that certain historical – or hysterical – events and you have a gal who has her limits. Yeah, I think Shari will, too, once she sees how he's treated. Then again, once she discovers the background to it all...who knows? Well, you know me, my stories take a while to warm up. I've yet to figure out how to 'hurry it up', but I do keep trying! Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed.
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CHAPTER 7 - Taking Sides.
The incessant knocking was what woke her up. Shari stirred in her bed, warm and comfortable under the blankets and not necessarily wanting to open her eyes. She turned away from the intrusive sound, burrowing deeper into her cocoon. Yet, the knocking persisted, maybe even more so.
Unable to go back to sleep, now that her neurons were beginning to fire up, she resigned herself to her fate.
"FINE! I'm up already. Just HOLD yer BRITCHES!" She yelled out irritably, forcing her mind to wake even more.
Sitting up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Shari looked over at the alarm clock on the side table next to the bed. "Six o'clock! Good grief, who do they think they are, my drill sergeant?!" she complained, yawning in the middle of her rebuke. "Who could be up this early just to wake me up...oh, yeah, MR. Tello."
Grumpily, she swung her legs out from under the covers – and immediately felt the chilling bite of a room devoid of heat.
"Hoo Ya! Man, can't they afford any heat! With as much money they seem to have..." she quickly stood up and grabbed her robe, slipping it on hurriedly. She hunched just a bit against the almost frigid air while trying to find her slippers. Once she located them, she quickly shoved her feet in, recoiling yet again from the persistent knocking.
"OKAY, OKAY, I'm coming already!" she yelled out, making for the bedroom door as she finished tying off the belt to her robe.
She came into the living room and swore irritably from the continued knocking. It then occurred to her that it seemed a little lower in proximity on the door to where she thought it ought to be. Cocking her head to one side as she approached it and studying the door intently, she wondered if Don stood shorter in the morning. She opened it and expected to see him standing there, but her line of sight fell about two feet lower. There, standing just outside the threshold was the strangest creature she had ever seen. However, she knew in the next thought that she had seen something like it before – back in New York, to be exact.
"Hi," it said curtly, "Just wanted to let you know you can go home!" and with that, the young iguanid turned tail – literally – and headed back towards the stairs.
Her irritation evaporating due to her surprise and being mildly amused, Shari called out to it, "Ah, I don't have any intentions of leaving, but you're welcomed to come in and visit with me, if ya want!"
The creature turned around and scowled, "And...maybe I don't care to? Besides, this is my place and if I wanted to, I could have come in WITHOUT knocking. So, shove that up your..." but he was quickly interrupted by a stern voice that was all too familiar with Shari.
"DEVON! Get down here right now! I gave you explicit orders NOT to disturb Ms. Brentwood!" Don yelled.
Shari had to clap her hands over her mouth to keep from smiling at the brazenness of the one she now knew as Devon. The young mutant scrunched up his face in the direction of the voice and then swung a baleful glare back at the woman. Noting her amusement, he straightened up indignantly, "If you know what's good for ya, lady, you'll go back home!" Then he headed through the short breezeway to the stairs and disappeared as he clambered down, his tail twitching irritably.
Shari could only shake her head in disbelief, "Devon. Must be male, by the sound of 'em. Doesn't' take after Mike, that's for sure, neither in temperament nor looks. Must be the mom, then." That thought rooted her right where she stood, "If the son is that way, I can only imagine what the mother must be like!" Smiling in wry amusement she muttered, "Poor Mike. Oh, for that matter, poor Raph!" Chuckling to herself, Shari made her way over to the kitchen to see if she could scrounge up some coffee, yawning once more and stretching the kinks out of her back.
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Shari had her day clothes on as well as a heavy sweater, which helped to ward off the still chilly air in the room. She was well into her second cup of coffee as she sat at the dinette table, looking out through the window towards the back yard. She was taking in the magnificence of the giant trees along its perimeter. They were massive in height as well as width, certainly a sight to behold. Though she loved Croton on the Hudson, Big Sur was starting to edge its way onto Shari's favorites list. Still, the job at hand would be the deciding factor if she elected to stay. She then thought about the evening before and the fiasco that ensued with Mike's ill-timed comment. Now that she was re-considering Don's offer after he placated her, Shari saw the humor in his brother's nervous behavior. Most likely, had she bailed out and returned to New York, she was certain that Don would have ripped Mike's shell right off his back. His younger brother was the most pitiful looking mutant she had ever seen.
Then a movement down below caught her attention. Shari looked and noticed as Don was beginning to ascend the stairs to her apartment.
"Hmm...must be meeting time." She sighed, getting up and placing her now empty cup in the sink.
Before he could knock, Shari had the door opened, "Well, Devon seems to fit right in with the family!" she teased, welcoming the turtle inside.
"Humph!" was all Don would say as he came in., "The boy is one of our main problems." He admitted. "Basically a decent kid but he has a chip on his shoulder that's causing a lot of trouble."
"Well, in my generation the best way to handle something like that was to knock it off!" the woman commented, closing the door behind her.
"Believe me, we've tried." Don allowed, sinking casually into one of the two couches in the living area. "But, that's not what I've come to talk to you about."
"Oh, really...maybe it's about Rahab?" Shari asked, taking the opposite couch to face him.
"In a way, yes. But there's something else that I need to tell you." Don said with a flat expression.
Leaning back against the couch with her arms draped across it and then crossing her legs to get comfortable, Shari replied, "Well, shoot - I'm all ears."
Not wasting any time, he said in a matter of fact way, "I told you last night that this job is more than watching kids and that your skills will come into play. I want to let you know that I'm aware of your affiliation with Special Forces." Don paused to let that fact sink in.
Shari sat there and worked the inside of her cheek casually, staring intently at Don. "Hmm...really, is that so?" she said evenly and devoid of emotion.
"Yes," he allowed, "I know General Tallen personally and when he returned my call night before last he briefed me on your resume'." Don took a breath, "I have to say, I'm quite impressed." He smiled to ease the obvious tension that was slowly starting to develop between them.
"You - went behind my back, then." Shari accused; her voice currently more frigid than the air in the room. "Seems there isn't anything you won't do for information, is there, Don?" she seethed softly.
"Well, you have to admit, the skill you showed not only when you threw my brother but your recovery when he tossed you in my living room eluded to someone knowing more than your basic martial arts." He smiled. "Although Tallen couldn't tell me exactly what assignments you did, they were classified; he did give me a run-down to the skills you possess. In my opinion - you're perfect for the job!" Don relaxed against the back of the couch, now that his bit of news was out.
"How can what I know have any bearing with Devon and his siblings? There are at least two more running around here somewhere, correct?" Shari asked. "Wouldn't a woman with a degree in child psychology be more fitting?"
"Ah, well, it's not so much in raising them or in understanding them that I've selected you; however that is the capacity in which Rahab will see you. The real reason I wanted you here is for protection. We have an unsettling problem in Japan where my brothers and I are needed. Mike will stay here where he's not physically able to fight as he used to. He suffered a pretty bad injury years ago that has basically retired him from service." Don watched the woman assess his words before continuing, "So when I saw how easily you dispatched Raph and recovered from his own attack on you and then when I heard from General Tallen, I knew you were right for the real task at hand."
"What kind of service was Mike in? I've never seen him on any enlistment roster before." Shari inquired, puzzled just a little. She readjusted her position so she could lean forward, her interest peaking.
"And you wouldn't have...he only served his family – or – clan, as we like to call ourselves." Don replied. He again observed the woman as she digested this newest bit of information.
Shari ran the word around in her head. Where had she heard it before? Clan; it meant family but in some cultures it meant more than family. It meant commitment and honor and...Japan! That's where she had heard it. Didn't Don just say something about going to Japan?
"Are you telling me that you're Japanese!" she scoffed, her eyes a bit wide in merriment.
Ignoring her obvious amusement, Don explained, "We were born here in the states but our teacher, our Master, practiced many Japanese traditions. It has been ingrained into us since we were very young. It is a way of life for us." Don didn't want to say it outright but preferred the woman come to the correct assumption herself.
"Way of life?" Shari repeated. She knew of many cultures that practiced many things and attributed them all to a 'way of life' that guided them. Honor and integrity with the Japanese was quite well known. However, within that society, another sect resided that espoused such virtues above all else, even unto death! In a brief moment, Shari's eyes lit up.
"You're – ninja?!" She almost expressed a laugh but caught it in time. One thing she knew quite well amongst such groups, you never laughed at what they were, not unless you had every intention to accept their reproof. For the moment, Shari preferred to warm up to such a rebuke.
"Yes, we are. As you feel about your clandestine affairs with the government, we feel likewise about our way of life. To General Tallen and those like him as well as the public, we are simple mutants who do business, raise our families, and shop at the local grocery store. We rarely employ our skills unless our very existence is threatened or our homes invaded. This is the problem that we faced in the beginning before our discovery and one that continually dogs us even to this day."
Well, that certainly explained to her why Raph knew self-defense and it confirmed Shari's suspicions about Don, as well. Yet, it seemed that Mike was also involved with such things, although now – from what Don just shared - out of action due to injuries sustained in a past sortie. Shari was truly intrigued and now understood Tallen's expression about this being an opportunity of a lifetime. Yet by Don's account, the General was ignorant of this little known fact concerning them. Possibly just working for Don in general, whether directly or through other means – such as Devon and his family, was enough to warrant her ex-boss's appraisal.
"Why are you telling me this if you prefer it to remain a secret, though?" she asked.
"Since I now know your secret, by telling you mine, we both have something of value that belongs to the other. I am trusting you to honor our way, as I will honor you and the work you have done in secret for the government." Don entreated patiently.
Shari nodded her head, recognizing almost immediately the ploy that Don had just used on her. If she keeps his secrets, he'll do likewise with hers. However, any remiss on her part and her clandestine history would become public knowledge. At least, that was how she saw it. "So, what you've initially done is to blackmail me!" she sniffed indignantly.
Don's eyes shot up wide, "Not in the least, Ms. Brentwood! If I wanted to blackmail you, I would have held over your head what General Tallen told me just to get you to do whatever service I requested of you. I wouldn't have any reason to share with you about our ninjitsu heritage. By telling you my family's secret, I am evening the playing field. It is, after all, the honorable way to do business and the least I could do to show a sincere apology for 'duping you'."
Shari's face blushed a little bit. She had been so used to blackmail tactics herself that it never occurred to her that Don might have felt he owed her something by comparison. She smiled sheepishly, admitting, "Well, I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions. My old job sort of paved the way for that one, I'm afraid."
"No offense taken; I was more concerned about offending you." He sighed and shook his head, "We have much ground to cover before we can trust one another, that much is certain. However, I do need to discuss with you our problem in Japan." Don paused and then continued, "There is an order of ninja that involve themselves in unsavory business practices. They once had operations in New York, but when we became public knowledge we were able to bring the legal authorities in to quell their crime syndication."
Shari perked up, "The Foot, yes, I remember them quite well."
"Really?" Don was surprised, "How so?" he then asked her.
"The CIA was concerned about terrorism so they sent in a team to infiltrate the organization. The Foot were determined not to be much of a threat on the national level, so we let it go and allowed local authorities to take care of them."
Don sat there rather stunned, "Not a THREAT?!" He was more than surprised; he was somewhat offended.
"On a national level? No, not at all. Though I suppose on an individual level they could be." She admitted sheepishly. "Sorry, but that was just how they saw it."
"That organization was hell-bent on wiping us out!" Don complained, sitting up indignantly.
"Maybe so, but their method of operation was like a local gang. The Federal government rarely gets involved with thugs like that. Guess when you have terrorist willing to die and take a few innocent people with them, you have to decide on collateral damage in order to save a hundred thousand more. It's just a simple matter of numbers and logistics, Don." Shari shrugged apologetically.
"Hmm...maybe so, but if they invaded your home and threatened you with extinction, you might be more easily persuaded to see it the way we do." Don commented quietly.
"Possibly. Still, Oruku Saki and his sister were small fry compared to what we had to deal with on an international level." Shari insisted, but then changed the topic, "So, what problems are brewing in Japan that would make you need someone here to protect Mike and his family?"
Don took a deep breath to dispel his disgruntled feelings, saying, "There's been a threat against the home-front here. Indications of an invasion in Japan, though, are calling us away. My other brother, Leonardo, has a Ryu, or school, outside of Osaka. It's a well-fortified compound, but there have been Foot agents that have managed to find their way in by posing as students. Usually Leo can discern subterfuge of that nature but these soldiers were mentally well trained to shield their true intentions from my brother's discernment." Don took a breath, "They've caused a lot of problems and an unfortunate loss of life, as well. However, we have to assume that it's a diversion. Consequently, we need someone here who could hold their own. As you can well imagine, it wouldn't be easy to hire just anyone." He smiled at her now, nodding in affirmation to her.
"Yes, I can imagine." Shari thoughtfully considered this new development and starting to see it as one of her more interesting assignments. "Yet, from what I read about the Foot, they're very skilled with their ninjitsu." She looked away to gaze at the redwoods, still visible through the window from where she sat. She then gazed back at Don, "What makes you think your home here would be in danger or that I could even successfully defend it?"
"First, I was assured by Tallen that you are quite capable. He said your ability to formulate a plan of defense, as well as an attack, is highly respected within the Force. Second, we don't have any proof other than our prior experience." Don explained, "The way the Foot operate, causing mayhem thousands of miles away while the real target is more local are clues for us. I have been, on more than one occasion, such a target. However, as you noticed when we were driving up here, Mike has yet to install any gates or security fences."
"Yes, given your own line of work, that surprised me." Shari admitted, settling back against the couch once again. This conversation was more to her liking, something that she had been missing over the past several months. It was obvious to her in that moment that retirement did have its limitations.
"He's getting them installed next week. Foolishly, he had hoped to be like anyone else in this community. That is not possible, of course. This new threat has sobered him up quite a bit, but we can't wait until the fence is in place before flying out to Japan. The problem is escalating too quickly. It was just fate that you came along when you did in Croton. Validating your position at the Pentagon was just a formality. Yet, what General Tallen shared with me outside of that was unexpected and, I have to admit, I greatly appreciated it. That alone solidified my decision in trying to convince you into staying."
"Even with my tirade last evening and giving your brother a bad-ass time?" Shari teased.
"Especially because of that, Ms. Brentwood!" Don laughed. "The last person we need here is one who will back down. We fight to the death, if need be."
Shari grew more serious as she assessed the weight of Don's words. He was telling her the truth and being one-hundred percent genuine. Solemnly, she commented, "Then, it looks like we're of the same mind, Mr. Tello. I never go into battle without a prayer, a purpose, and a plan." She smiled ruefully, "You can be assured that not one interloper will get passed me and if it comes down to it...I will gladly forfeit my life to assure that endeavor!"
Don sighed in relief, content that he had indeed found the right protector.
Now, if Shari could just reign in his nephew, his world would be almost perfect.
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VESTQUEX – Yep, she's ticked off all right. Rahab and Raphy have a history of not getting along and Raph sort of went 'weird' in the third to last chapter of Rahab. This story takes place about 2-3 years after that event. Kind of sad, really, since they were deeply in love for a while. Anyway, only time and chapters will tell if Shari and Rahab have words. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed.
RAMICA – It's been while, yes indeedee, since Raph's last visit. Considering what happened then and even with his subsequent 'recovery', it's a given she would seethe to see him again. Mike does have a tendency to 'oops' quite a bit. His bubbly personality certainly is a factor! Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing! Be blessed.
BUSLADY OF SOCAL – Rahab is a mix of human psych and iguanid tendencies! Add to that certain historical – or hysterical – events and you have a gal who has her limits. Yeah, I think Shari will, too, once she sees how he's treated. Then again, once she discovers the background to it all...who knows? Well, you know me, my stories take a while to warm up. I've yet to figure out how to 'hurry it up', but I do keep trying! Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed.