An icy wind shrieked down the street threatening to slam the door shut on him as Tony lifted his legs carefully out of his car. He held onto it with difficulty as he pulled himself up, before locking it. The imposing building before him threw a shadow across the entire car park. Tony swallowed involuntarily, praying for divine assistance. The man who had summoned him had every reason to be displeased about his hacking and held his future in his hands, having the power to send him to prison for the remainder of his life. Come on, Almeida, if he would've wanted to, he would've had you transferred to LA Federal after the hospital cleared you. He would hardly have allowed you to go home and possibly slip away. Pull yourself together and go upstairs to apologize to him, and accept whatever disciplinary measures he sees fit to impose. You've been through the wringer before. As long as you're free and with Michelle, you're ok, even if you'll never get a position above garbage man again! 'I can live with that,' he muttered to himself, climbing painfully up the handful of stairs that led to an imposing glass door, and he knew he spoke truthfully.

'I'm Tony Almeida,' he told the security guard in the booth, pulling his jacket tighter around himself. 'Mr. Hodgeson wanted to see me.'

The guard gave him a visitor's pass and he went through the metal detector, where a second security guard met him and escorted him across a large floor and over to an elevator. To Tony's dismay the man remained with him, taking him all the way to Hodgeson's office. He settled on a couch in the secretary's office, asking Tony to sit down beside him. Tony complied, wondering what would happen should he refuse. Presently the secretary spoke into the phone and looked at him. 'You may go in now, Mr. Almeida.'

Tony glanced at his guard who made no attempt to rise. Breathing easier he walked over to the solid oak door behind the secretary. Time to face the music, Almeida! He stepped inside a modern office with an imposing mahogany desk, feeling his fingers grow clammy. 'Mr. Hodgeson, sir,' he said softly.

The secretary closed the door behind them while he attempted to wipe his moist hands inconspicuously in his trousers.

'Sit down, Almeida,' Hodgeson began, his tone reminding Tony of his first principal in LA, who had objected to his frequent absences. Tony settled on a chair and placed his hands in his lap, prepared to listen to a long lecture. 'You took it upon yourself to hack into my department, the highest level of security in this country and run a background check on my most senior employees, after which you hacked in deeper to examine their private files. Care to comment on that?' His eyes raked Tony's.

'I'm sorry, sir,' Tony muttered, his throat suddenly dry.

'I certainly hope so,' Hodgeson told him. 'That, however, is immaterial to this investigation. I understand the reason you were searching for a mole high up in this department, it was a logical deduction.'

Tony breathed out, his face hot.

'What I fail to comprehend, however, is why you neglected to bring the information to my attention.' He paused, the silence hanging between them choking Tony. 'I want an answer,' he snapped, his eyes hard.

Tony attempted to swallow in vain. 'Sir, it was wrong of me to have hacked into District in the first place,' he admitted. 'What I found led me to continue my search for a mole. You're right – I should have brought my information to you right away, but I didn't dare to.' He gazed at the polished table, sighing deeply. 'I was afraid you would ignore my information, and prosecute me.'

'As you would have fully deserved,' Hodgeson told him.

'Yes sir,' Tony answered. 'But you see, sir, this man was responsible for my brother's death. It was personal,' he finished, feeling his fists clench. A picture of Bobby sprang into his mind, bouncing his basketball in their garden, laughing at him. To his horror he felt tears prick the back of his eyes and he blinked angrily, hoping Hodgeson hadn't noticed them.

'A personal vendetta,' Hodgeson remarked, laying his hands on the desk. 'You were prepared to accept the consequences of your actions as long as you located this mole. Am I right, Almeida?' he pushed.

Tony gave a small nod. 'Yes sir, that's right,' he replied. 'I was prepared to follow my leads wherever they would take me.'

Hodgeson tapped at the desk and he looked up, meeting curious eyes. 'And once you found this man, and made certain you had the right mole, what did you propose doing to him?' he questioned, his eyes boring deep into Tony's. 'Would you then have admitted your hacking and brought him to my attention?'

Tony gazed at the table in utter silence, rubbing his chin.

'I'm waiting,' Hodgeson reminded him.

'I can't answer that, sir,' he said, red faced. 'I never got that far.'

'Almeida, what would you have done with him?' pressed Hodgeson.

Tony rubbed his forehead, exhaling sharply. 'I would've emptied my gun into him, watched him die slowly, like my brother did,' he answered. Now you've done it, Almeida! You'll be lucky to be allowed out of this building without handcuffs!

Hodgeson nodded. 'You're honest,' he said, his tone icy. 'And what then? You would've dumped the body and walked away?'

Tony rubbed his face vigorously. 'No sir,' he said, shaking his head. 'I guess I would've turned myself in.' He gazed upwards, meeting Hodgeson's eyes.

'And here you are, only without shooting anyone,' Hodgeson told him. 'You served a year of a life sentence in prison for treason,' he continued, while the blood rushed to Tony's head. 'You were extremely fortunate the president pardoned you. Reading your file, you had a quite a hard time inside. Were you really prepared to return there?' He gave Tony a searching look, noting his clenched fists.

Tony shook his head. 'No sir,' he admitted. 'I can't face that again. If you feel it's necessary to punish me with further imprisonment, let me ask you one favor. I did uncover a mole and help catch him. You got to promise the death penalty rather than a prison term.'

'Trust me, I'm considering it,' Hodgeson told him, his tone hard. 'Mr. Almeida, you're no longer a federal agent. You don't work for this government – you never will again. As far as this government is concerned, you're unreliable. A lot of money was invested in your education and you failed to reciprocate, in fact you let us down during the most critical period in this country's history! You betrayed us all voluntarily. If it were up to me, you'd never have set foot outside a prison again.'

Light from the sun's reflection caused the polished mahogany table to shine, enhancing every part of the timber. The slight shadow his body threw was outlined in clear detail, blotting the surface, removing a little of the perfection from the furniture. Tony's eyes rested on the spot. His heart ached as though it had been slashed apart in front of him. They're never going to forget about that, Almeida. You're unredeemable. That black patch there, that's you!

'President Palmer pardoned you, why, I don't know. That however does NOT entitle you to meddle in governmental affairs again. You ever hack into any department, I will personally make sure you return to prison for the rest of your life. Is that absolutely clear, Almeida?' Tony nodded, too broken to speak. 'It better be. Go find yourself a job where security isn't an issue, if there's indeed any position they'll consider an ex-con for! You had your chance and you failed. I'm going to make certain your wife discusses absolutely nothing confidential with you either.'

'She hasn't done so,' Tony managed to tell him, his eyes on the dark shadow before him that moved slightly as he gave in to his urge to rub his face. It moves with you, Almeida. That's because it is you, a blot on the nation! The fact that the grey suited man lecturing him had harbored the worst traitor in intelligence and would in fact still be doing so appeared inconsequential in the light of his previous treason.

'You're forbidden to make any enquiries about matters of national security, is that clear?' He nodded again, having lost his ability to speak once more. 'Now get out, Almeida. I don't want to hear your name mentioned again.'

Tony stood shakily, his right hand clutching the back of his chair to steady himself. 'Yes sir,' he said and almost rushed for the door, his face burning. He felt lighthearted, following the guard along the corridor and down the elevator. It's over, Almeida. They're not sending you back to prison! His future appeared secure if not rosy; he was free to return to his family. You're real lucky, Almeida! You'll start a new life. He wished he believed it.

He unlocked his car and climbed in, the wind slamming the door behind him. Resting his elbows on the steering wheel, he allowed his head to drop into his hands. Jack had been right at the hospital, it was over. Every single terrorist involved in the port explosion had been apprehended and placed behind bars. Only one thing remained to be done. Tony started his car and drove to the other side of the city. It rained during the long drive, his windscreen wipers battling to clear his front window enough to give him minor visibility. Traffic crawled.

By the time Tony arrived at the war cemetery the weather had cleared. He climbed out of the car and placed the keys in his pocket, walking slowly over to the gate. Rain dripped from the trees he passed, wetting his neck. Due to the howling wind he found he had the place to himself. He pushed the gate shut behind him and paused, shocked to see the silent rows of crosses. 302 killed in the blast, either instantly or within the next few weeks from related injuries, that's a huge figure. You just never really pictured that many graves. He swallowed a lump down, following the alphabetical lines until he came upon a grave identical to all the others, a simple white cross bearing his brother's name.

Tony sank onto the wet lawn, wiping his eyes. It was his first visit to his brother as he had been denied leave from prison to attend the funeral, and he had avoided the place after his subsequent release, unable to face the grave.

'Hey Bob,' he whispered softly, laying a hand on the earth. He fell silent, struggling with his emotions until he gave up and wept. Weak sunshine warmed the ground, the sweet smell of wet grass filling his nose. 'I got them all, a coupla weeks ago,' Tony began, chewing his lip. 'The ones who blew up the ship were easy enough to get, it was harder to find the mole who leaked info on your exact location, but I got him too. They're not gonna do it again.' He stopped, his heart aching, imagining he was making a long distance call to his brother. There was more to tell. He sighed, rubbing his face to ease the tense muscles. 'Sam's okay, Bobby, she's gone back to work. Your baby's real cute, you would've adored him. He's walking now, hanging onto the furniture. I took him outside yesterday, showed him the basketball court where we used to play. You know, I think he liked it.' He paused again, taking a deep breath before he continued. 'Marco's been real kind to them. You know he always liked her too, but she was your girlfriend. Bob, he's asked her to marry him. They'll do ok together, and he'll be great with the baby. And I'll keep an eye on him too, I promise. I won't let anyone hurt him, you can count on it.'

A deep peace filled him and he shut his eyes, enjoying the warmth of the winter sun. "You got to say goodbye and let him go." Jack was right; he had needed to do so. Tony pushed himself up slowly, his stomach muscles twisting painfully. 'Bobby, I'm going home now.' The words sounded like magic to him, he felt the last of the tension depart. 'I'll come see you again real soon, tell you what everyone's doing. Bye.'

He walked back to his car, closing the gate of the war cemetery behind him. The afternoon stretched ahead of him and he leaned against the door, uncertain where to go. A gentle hand touched his shoulder and he jumped, fists clenched, instinctively ready to defend himself.

'It's okay, sweetheart, it's only me,' Michelle's voice told him and he saw her anxious face watching him.

'I'm sorry, honey,' he apologized, drawing her closer. 'What are you doing here?'

'I kinda thought you'd come here,' she told him, stroking his hair. 'Are you ok, sweetheart?'

Tony nodded, unwilling to let her go. 'Yeah,' he said, glad of her support. 'I'm ok now.' He leaned against the door, allowing it to take his weight. 'Just, my stomach muscles are not too sure about this day.'

Michelle looked at him concerned. 'Tony, you're in pain.'

'Just a little,' he admitted, watching her return to her car and withdraw a packet of painkillers.

'Take one. I'll pour you a coffee.' He stared at her astonished, aware of her views on the amount of coffee he drank, accepting his hot drink gratefully. 'What did Hodgeson say?' she pressed, slipping her hand into his and giving him a supportive squeeze.

Tony shook his head. 'What do you think, honey?' He drew a deep breath. 'He just reminded me of exactly what I am. I was kinda forgetting over in Mexico.'

'And what exactly are you?' she asked gently, tracing the outline of his cheeks with a finger.

'We both know the answer to that one,' he muttered, avoiding her gaze.

Michelle gave him a searching look. 'He didn't bring the past up, did he?' she asked shocked. 'That was uncalled for. I hope you reminded him of the flaws within his own department.' She looked at him so fiercely he almost grinned. Tearing his eyes from hers, he shook his head. 'Why not?' she cried outraged. 'He insults you and you just take it! Tell me why, sweetheart.'

'He was right,' Tony muttered, watching the raindrops on the blades of grass near their shoes. 'Nothing's gonna change what I did sweetheart.' Once again he fell silent, relieved his tears were spent.

Michelle's hand tightened in his own. 'You're the bravest man I ever met, Tony Almeida,' she said. 'I never got to tell you that did I? Look at me,' she ordered, tilting his face upwards from where it was fixed on the lawn. 'Tony, I'm proud to be married to you. You gave up everything to save me and now you were willing to give your life to catch Lachlan. You're a good man.'

Tony blinked hurriedly, the final sentence stabbing his shattered heart. He wished he were able to believe her.

'If Hodgeson behaves like a bastard and refuses to help you, I will! You're smart, I know plenty of people who'll be glad to hire you,' she assured him. 'We'll do ok, Tony, you'll see.'

He nodded, determined to be strong for her. 'I know.' Without her support he would have been tempted to take his entire packet of painkillers together with a drink and go to sleep on the couch. She loves you, Almeida. Sure she'd be better off without you, but she wants you near her for some reason. She's not ashamed of you. The shadow beside him moved as he returned the cup to the car.

'Tony are you well enough to drive home? I thought I'll get us some take-out and then I'll put you to bed, don't shake your head,' she interrupted herself, 'and then, once you've had a long rest, we could spend the afternoon together.'

Tony glanced at her, reading the longing in her eyes. 'Sounds great,' he agreed, a little of the pain leaving him. 'I'll drive home, don't you worry!'

Michelle collected the boxes once they had finished lunch and took them outside to the garden bin, not wishing Tony to stare into the kitchen bin and comment on the amount of packages it contained. He watched her, understanding her actions perfectly, highly amused. Better get well soon, Almeida. She really needs a few good meals, and you can use some too!

He laid his hand on the banisters, climbing the stairs to their bedroom, determined to reach the landing before she returned to the house. You made it, Almeida! He heard her shut the door behind her, searching for him. 'I'm over here, honey,' he called, his eyes sparkling. 'Want to come upstairs, keep me company?'

'How did you manage the stairs?' she cried, rushing after him. 'Tony, your mom will kill me if she finds you here when she comes tonight!'

'Oh, I expect we'll be down by then,' he whispered mischievously, pushing open their bedroom door. She moved to draw the curtains while he watched her, longing to run his hands through her hair. He sank onto the covers, pulling her down after him, kissing her neck while she unbuckled his belt.

'Let me give you a hand undressing, sweetheart,' she whispered and he nodded.

'Yeah,' he agreed, undoing her blouse. 'It's been a while.'

Michelle nodded, pulling back the covers and cuddling up to him, their bodies warming each other. He noticed her fingers tracing the fresh scars across his stomach and he removed her hand gently, pulling the blanket over himself. 'I'm fine, sweetheart, the scars just a take a while to fade.' He rolled on top of her, kissing her deeply. 'Did you have something special in mind, honey?'

Michelle surprised him by pushing his chest upwards, meeting his eyes. 'Actually, Tony, I did. We're both ok, we're together again and this month made me realize life is real short. We shouldn't waste it.'

He shook his head, wondering what was coming.

'You were great with little Bobby,' she whispered, a smile across her face. 'Don't you think it's about time we tried for our own baby?'

He gazed at her speechless. 'You sure about this, sweetheart? A baby's kind of permanent,' he whispered, hope surging through him.

She nodded firmly. 'I'm sure. We're gonna be together a real long time, Tony and you'll make an excellent father.' She pulled him down towards her, opening her mouth and he kissed her hungrily.

'I'd like that,' he whispered in her ear. The shadow beside him faded in the darkness.