NOIR

Chapter Four

Secrets

By Steve Edward

Mireille awoke with a start then remembered her surroundings. Getting out of bed, Mireille walked to the window and looked out. The sun was well up in the sky. Turning around to find a clock; Mireille realized just how late it was. 11:30 AM. Hurriedly dressing she exited her bedroom and passing Kirika's bedroom noted that she was already up.

Kirika was at the stable with Roberto Lopez who was doing the chores. Kirika having heard the Lopez's arrive at 9 AM, had found the note on the kitchen table from Randy telling her and Mireille that he had left for a consulting job in Birmingham, Alabama and that she and Mireille were to do anything that they wanted.

Kirika had walked through the garage and noted that the Buick Century was gone, Randy apparently having chosen to drive that car to Alabama; she found Roberto examining the Ford Crown Victoria, "Mr. Lopez? Is there a problem with the car?"

Roberto had found the note from Randy, to have him check the car as it had been put through its paces rather hard in the past 24 hours; Roberto stood and smiled, "Ms. Yumura, Mr. Baldwin left a note for me to check the car as he said it had been driven rather hard. I will have to take it to town and have new tires installed as well as having the oil changed."

Kirika offered to follow Roberto in the rental car and bring him back so he would not have to wait. Returning by 10 AM, Kirika was helping in the stable, Toby who had grown used to her presence had pestered her for apples which she finally gave to the horse. Mireille having been offered lunch by Angelina accepted and told her she would be back momentarily left the house to find Kirika.

Finding Kirika in the stable with Roberto, Mireille was informed by Kirika where Randy was, "He is in Birmingham, Alabama?" as Mireille walked back to the house with Kirika.

Kirika nodded, "Apparently it was an urgent request from a company located there, so Mr. Baldwin left early this morning, even before I was up."

Mireille sighed, "Well Mr. Baldwin does have a consulting business after all. Does anyone know when he might be back?" Kirika frowned, "His note did not indicate when he would be back, but the luggage he kept ready is gone from his closet." Mireille chuckled, "Kirika you have been snooping." As Kirika with a slight smile replied that she had.

The president of the manufacturing company, Kevin Enwall had been in conference with Randy Baldwin reviewing the findings of the audit that he had ordered conducted during the weekend. Randy agreed that the company's accounts had been manipulated and altered in such a fashion to conceal the theft. Who was involved was Randy Baldwin's responsibility.

Kirk Baum the head of the accounting department had reportedly felt ill during work on Friday and had left for home, which left Randy to interview the remainder of the accounting department since Kirk had not returned to work today. Kevin Enwall calling Baum's home only got an answering machine.

The interview with Wendy Hawke who was the second in charge of accounting had gone well, but Randy was disturbed by a statement she had made, "I had informed Mr. Baum that several account receivables were overdue; but he stated he would handle those himself and for me not to worry."

Randy reviewed the audit again and failed to match the overdue accounts to anything in the audit. Puzzled he asked Mrs. Hawke to make an attempt to access the records but when she did so she found her access blocked.

Kirk Baum's office was immaculate, nearly too immaculate for Randy's liking. Leaving Kevin Enwall in the office, Randy returned shortly with two equipment cases, and having yet not taken off his jacket; Randy did so and to the surprise of Wendy Hawke exposed his Colt Combat Commander, "Mr. Baldwin, uh do you always carry that sir?" Randy briefly smiled, "Only when necessary Mrs. Hawke." Yanking the computer desktop from under the desk, Randy proceeded to remove its hard drive.

Mireille and Kirika had driven to Atlanta, where they visited Zoo Atlanta. Mireille who normally was preoccupied with assignments to bother with any sightseeing had found it refreshing. At the suggestion of Angelina Lopez, Mireille and Kirika stopped to have a snack at the Varsity, Atlanta's famed hotdog joint. Kirika was rather fascinated with the chili-dogs and had ordered four, Mireille having ordering two of the chili-dogs herself ordered two more for the road to take with them.

Angelina Lopez preparing to leave the house for the day was stopped by a phone call from Randy, "Angelina this is Randy. Are my guests there?" Angelina replied, "No Mr. Baldwin they are not. They went to Zoo Atlanta and I made a suggestion that they stop at the Varsity."

Randy chuckled over the phone, "Ok, thanks Angelina. Leave them a message for me that I will not be back tonight. I am going to be on my way to Biloxi, Mississippi, I have to locate an individual there to wrap up the case I am on. I hope to be back by Wednesday. Take care and see you and Roberto later. Bye."

Gina Frazier missed Angelina by five minutes, her phone call routed to the answering machine, "Randy, this is Gina. I am sorry about last night. Can you please call me when you get in? I guess I should not have asked you that question. Please call. Bye."

Mireille and Kirika returned to the Baldwin farm at 7 PM, Mireille having experienced the Atlanta traffic, and witnessing the driving habits of those living in and around Atlanta came to the conclusion it must be a natural trait for people here. Kirika found the note from Angelina with Randy's message, "Mr. Baldwin is not coming home tonight Mireille." Mireille frowning, "Does it say when he might return?" as Kirika handed the note to Mireille, Kirika looked at the flashing light on the answering machine.

Kirika pressed the button on the machine, "Perhaps he called again." Mireille and Kirika listened to the message from Gina Frazier as it played; Mireille pondered "What question did she ask of him?"

Randy arrived at Biloxi at 9 PM Central time and tired from the driving. Checking in at the hotel, he took a shower and climbed into bed by 9:30 PM and fell fast asleep. Gina Frazier having put her children to bed looked at her watch. 10:30 PM. Why had Randy not returned her call? Had she made a serious error in judgment?

Tuesday morning arrived early for Randy. Getting up at 5 AM, he visited the hotel registration desk to confirm that Kirk Baum was still at the hotel, the clerk confirmed that Baum was still present. Baum had used a credit card that belonged to the company repeatedly for visits to Mississippi supposedly for business trips. Kevin Enwall had suggested that the card be voided, but Randy advised not to. Because he knew Kirk had a gambling obsession, the last thing he wanted was for Kirk to start running if he found the credit card had been cancelled.

Placing a call from the front desk, he contacted casino security and then placed a call to the Resident Agent of the FBI in Biloxi, to inform them that he had a Federal Arrest Warrant for a fugitive who was currently located in casino. The telephonic voice message he had sent was answered shortly.

FBI Agent Kelly Summers, who was of the agents in Biloxi, answered the call "Mr. Baldwin good to hear your voice again." Randy taken aback, "Kelly? Kelly Summers?"

The soft laugh from over the phone confirmed it, "Yes it is Mr. Baldwin. What can the FBI do for you?"

Briefing Agent Summers, Randy advised that with the possibility of the suspect fleeing they would have to initiate the arrest immediately. Agent Kelly Summers advised she and three other agents would be enroute to assist and to wait for their arrival.

Randy agreed to wait, and met with the head of casino security who guided him to the surveillance room. Noting that it was just past 6 AM yet the casino gambling floor was in full swing Randy pondered the implications of gambling itself. People drawn to the possibility of instant wealth more often than not, returned home with depleted bank accounts. A camera operator working from a photograph of Kirk Baum found him at a slot machine and focused the camera onto the man.

Kirk Baum was slipping another quarter into the machine as he watched the counter above continue to grow. Smiling at the 3.5 million dollar jackpot he pulled the lever again. Nothing but 75 cents. Sighing, Kirk stuck another quarter in and pulled the lever.

Randy asked the head of security, Chet Alex what machine Baum was playing and Alex glanced over, "That machine is linked to other casinos around the United States, like Atlantic City, Reno, Las Vegas, and Cherokee, North Carolina among other places. If a certain combination comes up then it will be payout time for the player especially if he or she hits the jackpot."

Chet Alex answering the phone turned to Randy Baldwin, "The FBI is here. They are at the front desk." Randy nodded, "Ok Mr. Alex, you know the game plan. Lets get this done with minimal fuss."

Agent Kelly Summers greeted Randy and with casino security in tow the FBI entered the casino. Kirk Baum too absorbed with shoving quarters into the machine took no notice of their arrival, until Agent Summers tapped him on the shoulder.

Randy took in the bloodshot eyes of Baum and the two day old growth on his face when Kirk turned to see who it was. Randy confirmed Baum's identity and then nodded to Agent Summers who made the announcement, "Mr. Kirk Baum. FBI. We have a Federal Arrest Warrant for your arrest." Kirk who was clutching a near empty bucket of coins nearly fell off the stool, but Randy gently grabbed him as did another FBI agent.

Randy sighed, "Mr. Baum. It is over. Mr. Enwall knows the truth."

Kirk Baum blathered, "Please, let me do it one more time!" as Agent Summers with the assistance of another agent placed Baum in handcuffs. Kelley Summers unsmiling gave a firm yank on the cuffs to get Kirk Baum's attention, "Mr. Baum. Your gambling days in a casino are over with. Lets go." Chet Alex standing next to Randy Baldwin commented, "Hardcore gambler to the end. Silly bastard." Randy nodded, "Yeah but hopefully he will get some help, and at least we have ended his pilfering at his former company."

Randy started to walk off, but then reached into his pocket and pulled out a quarter. Inserting it into the machine, Randy pulled the lever as he looked at the readout above, three million, five hundred ninety-eight thousand, and six hundred seventy five dollars and fifty cents.

Agent Kelly Summers with Kirk Baum in the lobby heard the cacophony of horns, bells and whistles then the flashing lights going off in the casino; Kirk Baum began to bawl like a baby, Agent Summers yelled at the desk clerk, "What the hell is going on?"

The clerk turned and pointed to a monitor above his head and yelled back, "Some lucky son-of-a-bitch just hit the big jackpot!" Looking up at the monitor, Agent Summers was at first shocked then started to laugh. Telling her fellow agents to take Baum out to the car she crossed her arms and humorously watched as Randy Baldwin framed in the center of the screen continued to watch the machine go nuts.

Randy, had frozen in place at the sound of the alarms. Chet Alex who had already walked away returned immediately and took Randy's hand and shook it, and slapped him on the back, "Damn how lucky can you be! Congratulations!"

Randy musing at the turn of events, "Oh crap what have I done now?"

Mireille rose at 5 AM followed shortly after by Kirika and prepared breakfast. Turning on the CNN Headline News Network briefly, she watched the news flashes and brief announcements. Noting that there was nothing particularly important, she turned the Television to the local news from Atlanta and watched the coverage of local events that had taken place overnight. The usual fare for a city she noted as reporters covered local shootings, fires and wrecks.

The phone rang at 5:45 AM, just as Mireille had finished her omelet and picking up the phone to answer she found herself talking to Gina Frazier, "Baldwin residence. Mireille speaking."

Gina tentatively asked for Randy, "Ms. Bouquet. Is Randy Baldwin there?" Mireille frowned, "No Mrs. Frazier he is out of state. He had an assignment initially in Alabama but he is now apparently in Mississippi."

Gina sighed wondering if it might have been because of her, "Ms. Bouquet, could I meet with you tonight? Perhaps 6 PM?" Mireille responded, "Mrs. Frazier are you in difficulty now? If so, I and Ms. Yumura can come and meet you now."

Gina Frazier replied she was not, "No Ms. Bouquet, it can wait till this evening. But can you tell me when Randy might be back?" Mireille hiding the concern, "His last message stated that he would be coming back Wednesday at the latest." Gina paused briefly then said goodbye.

Kirika had listened to the one-sided conversation, "Mireille do you suppose this might have something to do with Randy and Gina on a personal level?" Mireille hanging the phone up, "I don't know Kirika, but Mr. Baldwin was rather troubled after Mrs. Frazier left."

Randy had been tempted to plead ignorance and leave, but the jackpot was legally his. Going through the paperwork and having the funds electronically wired to one of his bank accounts Randy finally was able to leave the casino and made it in time to the Federal Court House in Biloxi where Kirk Baum was being arraigned.

After having an early lunch with Agent Summers, who was no longer involved in undercover operations; Randy said his farewells and headed eastward on Interstate 20 by 12 PM. Placing a brief phone call to Kevin Enwall, Randy Baldwin advised he was waiving his fee much to the shock of Kevin who asked twice to make sure he had heard Randy correctly. Randy decided that Kevin could take care of the hotel bills and he would call everything even and said his goodbye's and disconnected.

Gina Frazier having lunch in the staff lounge had sat with Jill Nagel who as the wife of the Sheriff seemed well informed about events going on in the county. Striking up a conversation, Gina mentioned Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura.

Jill munching on a tuna salad sandwich briefly paused but continued to eat "Gina for what it is worth both those woman have some kind of past with Mr. Baldwin. Even Phil refuses to talk about them, saying it is none of my business and he leaves it at that."

Gina removing a can of pineapple chunks from her lunch bag and opening, "I know Randy had a career in the Central Intelligence Agency. When I first meet them, it was when I, Corey and Ashley were out hiking last year near the old Martinez estate. We had been accosted by men in his employ demanding to know why we were there. Then Mireille and Kirika charged up on horse back and disabled two of the men and Randy fired a warning shot at the other two."

Jill nodded, "Yes Phil told me about that little escapade of theirs, but did not go into detail. Then a couple of days later all hell breaks loose at the Martinez estate. We found out about it when we got back off the school trip. There had been rumors of a helicopter landing at the Baldwin farm, twice in one day all of the landings in darkness and early morning. Phil refused to say if the rumors were true or not, but I know he was busy after the raid, with all the prisoners being booked into the jail."

Gina had recalled the two women the night she had been invited to the Baldwin farm, "Jill, it seemed that Ms. Bouquet had acted more in the role of hostess as did Ms. Yumura but I found it almost odd, out of place." Jill looking up, "What do you mean you found it odd? Perhaps because of time constraints Mr. Baldwin had asked them to help out."

Gina sitting back in the chair, "Well it appeared that they were playing more of a role and not their true selves. Then there is Ms. Yumura, she seems highly protective of anyone around her. When I was taken to Randy's home Saturday she had refused to leave me or Corey when we were in bed. Ms. Bouquet appeared and the way she talked it was like she was giving orders to her to leave, summoning her to Randy."

Jill snapping the lid shut on her Tupperware container thought a moment, "Well it was odd how Phil took them two out alone to his cruiser. I could have sworn when I looked out the kitchen window that my husband was swearing both in as deputies, but from the angle it was really hard to tell from where they were all standing. But you know Randy did not go with them or Phil even though he is a sworn deputy. Perhaps Phil thought with Ashley being involved it would have been too personal. Ms. Bouquet did have a way of being assertive with Randy and she apparently conveyed from someone that he should not get involved."

Gina had remembered asking Mireille to keep Randy from doing anything rash, perhaps that is the way she responded. Getting up from the table, Gina thanked Jill for the information and left. Jill now puzzled by the conversation asked a nearby teacher to cover her study hall period then walking out to her car, Jill Nagel drove away from the school headed for her husband's office in Gainesville to have a chat with her husband.

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura traveled to Commerce, Georgia to visit several outlet stores, where they both found some rather good deals on clothing and accessories that would have cost double in Paris. Arriving back by 5 PM, Mireille had asked Angelina Lopez if Randy had called, but she stated he had not. Mireille wondered just what Randy had got involved with when Sheriff Phil Nagel drove up into the farm yard.

Sheriff Phil Nagel's ears were still burning, from the tongue lashing he received from Jill Nagel. Knocking on the door which was opened by Kirika, he asked to speak with both of them.

Gathered in the sitting room, Phil tried to make himself at ease but failed to do so when he looked at Mireille and Kirika, "Ms. Bouquet, Ms. Yumura. I know Randy is not here but this is mainly about you both. I've heard about the argument that Mrs. Gina Frazier got into with Mr. Baldwin. It pertains to your true careers. Besides myself, Randy and Doctor Francis and his wife Darla no one else in this community is aware that you are assassins by trade."

Mireille smiled slightly, "So that is what this about? Mrs. Frazier asked Randy what I and Kirika actually did." Phil disarmed by the answer nodded, "Apparently Gina asked for the truth about you and Kirika, but he refused to answer or even acknowledge your identities as Noir."

Kirika smiled, "I would have expected that of Mr. Baldwin. He has been rather careful with his knowledge of Noir." Mireille thought a moment, "You are aware that Mrs. Frazier is coming here tonight?" Sheriff Phil Nagel frowned, "No I did not know that. Do you know what she wants to talk about?" Mireille nodded, "Now I do."

Phil pondered the situation he was now in, Jill still did not know the truth and he was not going to involve his wife in anything like this. Phil looking at Mireille, "Ms. Bouquet it is your decision on what you want to do, but I will draw the line at any killing to protect your identity at least while in the State of Georgia. Mrs. Frazier up to this point is innocent of any involvement with you. Do I make myself clear?"

Mireille nodded then smiled, "Phil, I have already decided that should Mrs. Frazier ask that question I will personally tell her the truth. I believe it would be in the best interests of Randy Baldwin and Gina Frazier. Do you not agree?"

Phil swallowed deeply then thanked them both. Mireille walked him out to his car, "Sheriff Nagel have you tried to reach Mr. Baldwin?" Phil getting into his car sighed, "For the past 4 hours and no damn luck. I think he has his cell phone turned off. I have left repeated voice mails for him to call but I doubt he will get them. Randy tends to turn off the phone after completing a job and will drive back enjoying the CD's he has in the car."

Randy Baldwin mercifully unaware of what was transpiring was shuffling along with the rest of the Atlanta traffic up Interstate 85. Only now passing Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Randy glanced at the clock on the dashboard noting he would not get in till at least 7 PM or later. Punching up the CD which began playing Bach, Randy settled back in the seat keeping a wary eye on traffic.

Gina Frazier had not brought Corey or Ashley with her. Parking the Ford Explorer next to the old smoke house, Gina with some trepidation walked to the house. It was precisely 6 PM.

Randy breaking free from most of the traffic, set the cruise control on the Buick to 70 MPH, and for the most part began to make good time. Crossing into Hall County from Gwinnett, his Buick was among the many cars streaming northward. Sheriff Nagel after leaving the Baldwin farm and had traveled south in an effort to locate Randy as he drove northward, Sheriff Nagel missed Randy's Buick in the gaggle of traffic that was passing Oakwood, Georgia exit on Interstate 985.

Mireille answered the door bell and ushered Gina Frazier into the house. With Kirika following bringing a serving tray, Gina was led to the sitting room where Mireille offered her a seat on the sofa, "Gina. Will you please relax? I believe you have something to ask of me and Kirika."

No one inside the house heard Randy drive up. Eyeing Gina's Explorer, Randy frowning drove into the garage and shut the car off. It was 6:30 PM.

Gina much more relaxed now that Mireille had answered her question had asked how Mireille and Kirika had met Randy, "So it was nearly 5 years ago that you and Randy first encountered each other?" Kirika replying, "Yes, at the time I did attempt to kill him, but Mireille stopped me."

Kirika glancing up the hallway having heard the front door open announced, "Mireille. Mr. Baldwin has returned." Mireille excused herself and walked down the hallway and stopped Randy in the hallway, "Randy before you become upset with Gina, it was I and Kirika's decision to reveal the truth to her."

Randy loosening his tie and removing his coat walked past Mireille without a word and entered the sitting room.

Gina Frazier her eyes downcast waited for the tirade to start but Randy only stood looking at her then joined her on the couch, "Well, Mrs. Gina Frazier. How does it feel to know that you are in the presence of the worlds most feared assassins?" Gina turned to look at Randy who was smiling.

Mireille giving a sigh of relief at his comment sat back in her chair, "I gather you are not upset Randy?" as she watched him settle back into the couch, Randy replied "Who me? Upset? No. I had a rather nice trip, caught the man responsible for absconding with company funds after tracking him to Mississippi from Alabama and while there stupidly played a jackpot machine and got a cool 3.5 million dollar payout for my trouble. The irony was the guy that I had been after had been sitting at the very same machine for two days feeding it quarters and not getting more the 50 bucks in return."

Mireille laughed, "Randy. The argument between you and Gina, it did not bother you?"

Randy shook his head yes, "At first it did, but the more I thought about it I realized I should have stopped Gina and brought you and Kirika into the study to let you make the decision, but the request for my services put this minor problem on the back burner so to speak. I had plenty of time to think about the issue and figure a way out of it but you Mireille solved it for me."

Randy turning serious took Gina's hand into his, "Gina. Anything that Ms. Bouquet and Ms. Yumura have spoken of is sensitive. Nothing must be repeated in casual conversations with anyone, anywhere; not even to Corey and Ashley do you fully understand the implications if Noir is revealed?"

Gina looking into Randy's eyes saw the concern, "I understand and will abide by your wishes." Randy removing his hand leaned back, "Ok, Gina. Just how much did they tell you about our initial encounter?" as Randy glanced at Kirika and Mireille he asked Gina another question, "Also did they happen to tell you about last October?"

Kirika giving a slight smile, "She knows about our original encounter and of course our origins, as well as the October encounter." Gina replied, "Your presence was no accident then at the wildlife preserve?" Randy replied, "We happen to be there to observe and learn as much as we could while riding along the perimeter of the Martinez estate. I do regret that his people had chosen to behave in such a manner, as it stands now all are serving very lengthy prison sentences so thankfully none of them will accost anyone again for a long time."

Gina thought a moment, "What of Sheriff Ferrell? Does she know?" Randy sighed, "Thankfully she has no knowledge of Noir or our other activities, so please make no mention of Mireille and Kirika's true identities. As far as she is concerned, they were Federal Agents. Now that you know, besides me the only ones that know of Noir in this community are Doctor Harold Francis and Darla, and Sheriff Phil Nagel. The Lopez's only know Kirika and Mireille as my associates and nothing more."

Gina absorbing the information was relieved, "So no one else knows?" Randy thought a moment then spoke, "Well the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Tabitha Alexander and of course the President of the United States, but no one else that I am aware of, unless Mireille wants to add anyone else." Mireille shook her head no.

Gina sighed, "Randy are you taking on anymore jobs in the near future?" Randy smiled, "No I am not. I need the rest. I only do the consulting jobs when it suits me."

Gina stood up then picked up her purse, "If you will not be busy, would you call later in the week? Maybe we could go somewhere with the kids?"

Randy coming to his feet nodded, "I'll setup something for the kids to enjoy, and I'll call Thursday evening."

Walking Gina Frazier out to her vehicle, Randy stopped her before she got into the Explorer, "Gina, I am sorry that I did not tell you sooner." Randy embraced Gina and then closed her door and watched her drive off.

Kirika observing from the kitchen window observed the affectionate display and smiled. Mireille entering the kitchen behind her looked at the window as well, "We did the right thing for both of them. Though Randy did mean well, it caused a rift between him and Gina."

Kirika running water over the coffee cups, "Mr. Baldwin was torn between us and Mrs. Frazier. He having to bear the burden alone, will no longer have to."

Opening the door, Randy entered the kitchen with his luggage, "So you two, have you been enjoying your vacation? You need to tell me how you guys enjoyed the Varsity."

Kirika blushing, "Their chili-dogs are rather good;" as Randy chuckled at her appearance "I thought so. I figured if Angelina told you about the Varsity, that neither of you would turn that suggestion up."

Randy turned to the refrigerator and removed a tomato and lettuce and put some bacon in the microwave oven, "Mireille? How did you exactly find out that Gina wanted to know you and Kirika's true identities?"

Kirika interrupted, "Mrs. Frazier had left a message on the answering machine for you. We had come back late yesterday and thought it might have been a message from you, but it was her instead. Mrs. Frazier mentioned it when she left the message for you to call."

Mireille pouring a cup of coffee for Randy, "We realized at that point what was going on, so when she called back earlier today I offered to speak with her and settle the issue."

Randy fixed the sandwich and sat at the table, "You have my humble thanks. I had pondered the implications of being involved with someone who had little idea or knowledge of persons being involved in careers that had been sensitive in nature."

Mireille sat across from Randy, "Have you been giving the relationship with Gina serious thought, as in proposing to her?" Randy turned a deep shade of red, "Mireille. Uh yes I have. I kind have been wrestling with it. Gina is a widow, raising two kids alone, both Corey and Ashley are well behaved considering they have been without a father figure for three years. Coming into their lives the way I did was a bit unusual to say the least. Gina has joked with me, that the only thing I was lacking was a shining coat of armor."

Randy looked at Mireille, "Have you and Kirika given consideration to your futures yet? Neither of you will be able to keep up Noir forever. It is never too early to plan Mireille; it is something we all have to plan for."

Mireille looked into the eyes of Randy Baldwin; the steel-gray eye's reflecting his concern, "Looking back to when I and Kirika began, it never crossed my mind about our respective futures. When do we decide that enough is enough and end Noir itself?"

Randy mused about his younger days, the initial unhappiness of his grandfather who had hoped for an entirely different career where the worst possibility of suffering an injury was getting a bad paper cut.

"Mireille, you and Kirika had to suffer with the decisions of others. I made my own and accepted the consequences. When you first told me of your experiences, I was filled with revulsion at how a human being had forced her will upon others with the eventual goal of selecting the final pair with a fight to the death."

Kirika replied, "Though the final trial was harsh and cruel in your view, it did forge a bond between me and Mireille, Mr. Baldwin. Neither I nor Mireille can turn back the clock to undo what has been done as our fates were sealed long ago."

Randy nodded, "True. But you both can decide your future fates. Please consider that in the months and years ahead and don't wait for the decision to be made for you, but be the one to make it on your own."

Getting up and running water over the dishes, and placing them in the dishwasher Randy turned to both, "Well I think that is enough talk for the day, give consideration to what I said. I am going to bed; as I have had a really long day. If you happen to get up early don't wait around for me, just go out and enjoy yourselves. Good night ladies."

Mireille watched Randy leave, "Kirika? Mr. Baldwin showing the concern as he has leads me to believe that his feelings towards us both transcend something far greater than friendship. He has reached a point in his life where he cares for those around him more than his personal life."

Kirika smiled, "Mr. Baldwin has become compassionate, and that is what I have observed from him. His change from a man who seemed not to care for life, but one that now values life is different from a man who we once very nearly killed."