No infringement is intended on the characters belonging to Stephen Summers
& Universal. R.Campbell, E.Hammond,
H.Furborough A.Trigg and N.Waters are entities borne of my own imagination.
Well, General Trigg partly belongs to
A.J.Mackey. Before she mentioned him, he didn't even exist in my little
world. No money is being made from this story,
it's for enjoyment purposes only.
CAPTAIN OF HIS SOUL by Marcher
gama39@austarmetro.com.au
PG 13
CHAPTER 18 ~ O'Connell's Traitor
He knew it was much too early to be downing shots at the bar, especially at such exorbitant prices but it helped to dull his aching limbs. Oddly enough though, the Bourbon did little to lift the weight from his heart. Physical pain was an old companion and O'Connell was no slouch when it came to gritting his teeth and ignoring it. In fact, he was renowned for his resilience amongst those who knew him; and it was that very thought which evoked a dry, ironic laugh. It crept past his lips hardly recognized while he concentrated on the clinging trail left by the expensive alcohol as it rolled lazily back and forth in his glass. He mused how simple stitches and bandages were utterly useless in the emotional minefield in which he found himself. Almost two years into his marriage and he was suddenly stumbling about as if he were blind. Sure, wedded bliss was exactly that when they started out, but the physical side of life had always come easy to him. Now, stretched out before him was an uncharted muskeg of grief and heartache complete with traps and pitfalls he never could have imagined.
Deep down Rick was still angry about Evelyn's prodigious lack of common sense before Ethan was born and they had paid the ultimate price for her tenacity. And now, before any time had been allowed to grieve, the pain he was harboring over the baby's death was crushed beneath the weight of grief and guilt he felt over Furborough's assault on his wife. Lifting the Bourbon to eye level, the ex-Legionnaire watched the easy roll of the Bourbon in his glass and scoffed at the memory of some old soldier who spent an evening years ago warning him to steer clear of women lest he spent his life walking through a living hell. For a moment longer he remained lost in the past until slowly lifting the glass to toast his infant son, "Ethan!" then swallowed the contents in one go.
A firm squeeze to his right shoulder jolted the American back into the here and now and he turned his head in time to see Jonathan propping himself onto the stool next to him. "Alright Rick?"
Before he could answer, Rick spied Ross a few paces behind his brother-in- law and a grizzly curiosity washed over him. "You've left Evelyn and Alex alone upstairs?"
"Kicked out would be more to the point." reflected Jonathan tapping impatiently on the bar for service "Just like you! So we thought we'd wander down here where we could all commiserate together. Hello....Service!" Knocking loudly for the barman ahead of offering the American a sympathetic grin that faded quickly on seeing how the news was affecting him. "But there's no need to worry!" he reassured, "The door's locked and she's got the key in her pocket." Rick continued to stare in question keeping Jonathan firmly on the defensive, "She told us to get out, Rick! God's truth!"
"Yeah, maybe." Rick's ire abated slightly, "Just so long as she let's me back in!"
"Aah yes...I see your point."
A pantomime-like groan rumbled from beside them and both men turned to watch as Ross awkwardly settled himself at the bar. For just a little too long, both Englishmen sat silently either side of the hapless young husband who glanced suspiciously between the two. After a moment he enquired carefully, "So! You two came down here just to keep me company?"
"Aye. That we did."
"U-huh. Because Evelyn kicked you out?"
Ross exhaled loudly while grabbing at his lower back, "Aye."
"And you're groaning like that because...?"
"Because..." The doctor glared accusingly into the eyes of his friend, "...I spent t'entire night in a chair as no-one saw fit t'wake me t'move! So...when I do manage t'stand upright this mornin', I'm straight away faced with you in an undershirt 'n' ya arm caked dry w'blood! Let's not forget that newspapers are carryin' each n' every detail of what ye got up to night before...which I had to keep hidden from ya missus I might add. And last...but by no means least...that same, sweet little lady of yours all but slams t'door behind me because she's angry at YOU!" Stopping to sip from his own glass and quietly relish in the American's discomfort, the Doctor added "..'n' seein' that sittin' down here feelin' sorry for yaself seems to be a rule of the day, I thought I might as well indulge meself too!"
Rick delivered a snarling glare of his own, "You're very funny."
"I'm very serious, lad!" Campbell's mood took a sudden swerve, "I'm not a big believer in luck, but I do believe you need it."
"He's right." Jonathan rested his elbows on the bar and leaned his head over Rick's shoulder.
"Alright!" Rick put his glass down and straightened his shoulders, "What are you two getting at?"
Jonathan shifted his stool closer and leaned his head in towards Rick's, "Somebody must have seen you do that mongrel in last night and it's only a matter of time before they work out where to find you." He spoke just above a whisper causing Rick to smirk just a little, "Evie's already picking up enough pieces without any more trouble. That reward they've put out on your head is nothing to sniff at, you know!"
"Ya know it's true, lad. Time here for you is all but spent" Ross too had moved closer yet managed to keep one eye on the door, "They'll hang man for murder in this town, as ya well know."
Rick knew they were right...about everything, but this huddle they'd created either side of him was annoying and he pushed both of them back. He refilled his glass and drained it swiftly before responding. "Maybe so, but there was no-one last night who would have been sober enough to remember what I looked like! Besides, Evelyn isn't well enough to travel and I'm not leaving her and Alex alone again. We'll be safe enough here until this blows over.
"That's easy enough to say, but aaaah, what if it doesn't blow over?"
Rick turned his eyes toward his brother-in-law "Meaning?"
"Meaning that grubby little visitor you had last night is a perfect example of someone who'll jump at the chance of a reward. He seemed pretty desperate to me and you seemed a little over eager to get rid of him. Understand what I'm saying? He didn't look stupid, Rick!" It was one of those moments when all of Jonathan's folly disappeared to reveal the full regard in which he held his sister. "You're saying the Fort is safe but you don't like leaving her alone in it. Face it Rick, nothing's going to blow over! You have to get my sister out of here before it's too late...or I will!"
The American's reply rumbled deep and low at Jonathan's threat, "She's...too...sick! And you'd better can think twice before taking my family anywhere!" Husband and brother were locked angrily eye to eye until O'Connell dealt a blow of his own, "Nobody stopped you from going with her, ya know!" You sat here happily prepared to drink with me while she took Alex out, so don't start preaching about how you're gonna take my place if I don't follow instructions!"
Insulted, Jonathan fired from the hip, "She's been my sister longer than she's been your wife and while my track record isn't exactly spotless, in all the time she's been with me she never came to any harm!"
O'Connell seethed! Slowly and deliberately he set his glass down and turned fully towards Jonathan as Ross looked on anxiously. "The only reason you're not laying sprawled on the floor right now is because you are Evleyn's brother and I'd never hear the end of it."
"If you were more of a husband we wouldn't even be discussing this!"
In the blink of an eye Jonathan had been seized by the collar and hauled from his stool. He squeezed his eyes shut waiting for the inevitable crack of the blow to his face, but nothing, instead he was being jostled from side to side, "Let 'im go!" Jonathan peeked through one eye seeing only a struggle of arms between himself and O'Connell. Ross had hold of both the American's arms straining to make him release his grip "Let...'im...go I said! Breakin' his face will only land ya in more trouble!" The tussle continued a moment longer before Rick pushed Jonathan to the floor stepping away holding his arms spread wide to declare he had backed off. Ross kept his eye on the furious O'Connell to make sure he was done before offering a hand to Jonathan.
"It'll be a cold day in hell, Jonathan."
The threat was as cold as his brother-in-law's stare, but if Jonathan felt uneasy he was doing a remarkable job of disguising it. He held steady with Rick's menacing stare and spoke calmly. "Of course. But everything's fine, isn't it Rick?" he nonchalantly dusted down his sleeves and resumed his seat, "She and Alex are safe upstairs. Alone." He paused just long enough for his comment to take effect before adding, "I imagine there wouldn't be that many people in Cairo desperate for a break."
~o~
Emir choked against the sudden pressure around his throat and while still gagging, a sharp pain cracked across the back of his head. Pressed hard against a stone wall he clawed at the thick hand which crushed his air way. He strained to focus clearly on the thug who held him but it proved too difficult and it hardly mattered as they all looked the same to him anyway. No doubt it was one of Nasser's henchmen sent to hunt him down and ask all the unnecessary questions as to why no money was delivered last night, but this one took an obvious excessive delight in the initial beating. After another whack to his jaw, Emir was released and fell to his knees clutching at his throat and laboring for air.
"Nasser is not happy. You missed your appointment last night and now he is most concerned that he will be left holding the merchandise longer than it is safe to do.
Coughing through his continued efforts to heave air back into his lungs Emir remained on his knees and strained one pleading arm towards this hectoring messenger, "D...Double.....toni....tonight."
Squatting before him, the henchman showed renewed interest, "Explain! Where would someone like you get that sort of money?"
"Does it matter?" The air was coming easier now, enough for the Egyptian to relax against the wall but still too dizzy to stand, "All I need is today and I can deliver double what Nasser was expecting." Looking into the thug's expectant gaze, Emir bought his release, "And of course there will be a small percentage for all your trouble."
The giant smiled. Then without warning he again wrapped his bulky fingers around Hammond's throat and squeezed, "I take a big risk letting you go. I expect my money at the door before I let you in to see Nasser."
"Yes! Yes!" and Emir could breathe again. The thug stood over him in a show of power before slowly stepping away. Once he was out of view, the thief smiled at his changing fortune. Nasser, the henchman, Wainwright, they could all sit and wait in the dark. Once he had the reward money he would be free and clear! He'd be out of Cairo before anyone knew he was missing. Lady Luck was smiling on him at last.
~o~
Rick climbed the stairway in his usual manner of two at a time. By the time he reached the landing his leg throbbed against the exertion but it annoyed him more than it ached. He'd become weary of it's constant inconvenience and wished the damn thing would just heal. His arm wasn't anywhere near as much a problem unless people continued to punch or squeeze it. He was in a lousy mood! He prayed that Evelyn had not locked that door otherwise he wasn't sure how he'd react. In the bar, Jonathan had rambled on and on about how he needed to pull himself together and become the tower of dependability that he was in Hamunaptra, or some such shit! Rick had come close, perhaps too close, to punching his wife's annoying brother and Ross as well for that matter! His doctor friend had sat huffing and hmmm-ing in agreement with Jonathan until Rick could no longer take it! He would have gladly laid both of them out had it not been for the maddening fact that they were right! He did have to leave Cairo and he had to do it soon. Leaving Evelyn and Alex behind was out of the question and taking them with him ruled out seeking refuge in any of the bordering countries. The only safe choice for them was to go all the way to London, but how the hell was he going to get them there without Evelyn's health worsening over the journey? With any luck he would have at least a week left before things got too bad. It gave Evelyn precious little time to recover but it was better than nothing and it was more than enough time to organize things. They would have to travel under an alias and he would need someone to book the passage while he stayed low, so perhaps it was a blessing that he'd refrained from punching either Ross or Jonathan.
Rick tested the doorknob. He couldn't decide if he was relieved or angry to find that it turned easily. She hadn't locked it after all, though a good sign was being able to hear Alex knocking his toys around and giggling. Maybe things were beginning to look up after all. The boy squeaked with delight on seeing his father enter the room and scurried over insisting on being lifted up. Rick smiled and winked at the child, tossing him above his head to hear the squeals of laughter it produced. For a few moments he was completely lost in his young son's happy face then noticed that Evelyn was fast asleep on the couch. Putting a finger to his lips he made his first attempts to hush the boy but ultimately he was unsuccessful. Alex would not be satisfied with his limited thrill and loudly demanded more. Nothing would quiet the child and Rick playfully scolded him on seeing his wife open one eye to witness her son's demand.
"See what you've done? She's all awake now!"
"Up!" The child waved his arms furiously above his head becoming increasingly cross the longer he was refused.
"You know once you start that he never wants to stop." Evelyn's voice was croaky but she was smiling for the first time in days. The look on her face lifted Rick's heart and he needed to do something with the increasingly cantankerous child in order to get nearer to her, so he tipped Alex upside down and held him by the ankles. The squeals of laughter from the boy were ear piercing and Evelyn laughed a little as he dangled him over a bowl of fruit long enough for him to make a choice then quietly set him down. With his son occupied, Rick moved to Evelyn's side and gazed at the look on her face. "You're lucky he was hungry otherwise he'd still be wanting you to toss him about."
He traced his finger lightly down her cheek and smiled, "If it makes you smile I'll do it all day." Evelyn dropped her eyes. It was partly to watch as Alex delighted in his juicy treat and partly to avoid more tears if she kept looking at her husband. No matter though, he lifted her chin bringing her eyes in line with his and dared to place a soft kiss on her lips. Silent tears escaped her eyes and he brushed them aside insisting gently, "No more of these. You're prettier when you smile."
His words made her choke down a sob and wrap her arms around his neck. He relished it! He closed his eyes and held on to her whispering whatever reassurances he could think of. Slowly, he raised a hand to the back of her head holding her face just below his chin and rocked her. Every movement he made was slow and carefully predetermined for fear of startling her. "I'm surprised you're not angry at me for throwing you out earlier?"
'You forgot to lock me out." It wasn't a lighthearted remark though neither was there any hint of anger in his voice at discovering the door unlocked. His tone was one of worry.
Still, the connotations of his remark jolted Evelyn backward in protest, "No, Jonathan locked it behind him. I'm sure of it." Rick calmly dipped his hand into her pocket and produced the long brass key just as Jonathan had described. Evelyn watched it appear with disbelief and immediately started to defend her position, "But I was sure he didn't leave it with me...."
"Evie, it's alright." Catching her flailing hands and pressing them together to still them, Rick continued "It's alright. Nothing happened, Evie. You're still safe." Yet even as the words passed his lips he understood that she wasn't safe at all and neither was Alex. None of them would be until they were half a world away from here. He pulled her against him aware that she was still proclaiming her innocence over the key and he let her believe it still mattered, but it was the words from Jonathan and Ross that were ringing in his ears. They were right and he'd been a fool not to see it. Fort Brydon would prove no haven in the long run. In fact, he knew he'd be lucky if he had a week before the authorities came looking for him. The cold, hard truth settled on him as he gently stroked his wife's back...the noose was closer than he had let himself believe and the three of them had to be out of Cairo by tomorrow night!
A/N: this chapter has taken ages to write and I'm sorry it's so short. I've had a hell of a Festive Season and my whole family is ill (but getting better). I hope you enjoyed anyway. Next one will be longer. I normally add a list of thankyou's but just this once I'm skipping over this and will just add a sincere thankyou to everyone who has reviewed and is still reading this epic. I truly appreciate all your comments and reviews as they continue to inspire me to write. Cheers! Maureen.
CAPTAIN OF HIS SOUL by Marcher
gama39@austarmetro.com.au
PG 13
CHAPTER 18 ~ O'Connell's Traitor
He knew it was much too early to be downing shots at the bar, especially at such exorbitant prices but it helped to dull his aching limbs. Oddly enough though, the Bourbon did little to lift the weight from his heart. Physical pain was an old companion and O'Connell was no slouch when it came to gritting his teeth and ignoring it. In fact, he was renowned for his resilience amongst those who knew him; and it was that very thought which evoked a dry, ironic laugh. It crept past his lips hardly recognized while he concentrated on the clinging trail left by the expensive alcohol as it rolled lazily back and forth in his glass. He mused how simple stitches and bandages were utterly useless in the emotional minefield in which he found himself. Almost two years into his marriage and he was suddenly stumbling about as if he were blind. Sure, wedded bliss was exactly that when they started out, but the physical side of life had always come easy to him. Now, stretched out before him was an uncharted muskeg of grief and heartache complete with traps and pitfalls he never could have imagined.
Deep down Rick was still angry about Evelyn's prodigious lack of common sense before Ethan was born and they had paid the ultimate price for her tenacity. And now, before any time had been allowed to grieve, the pain he was harboring over the baby's death was crushed beneath the weight of grief and guilt he felt over Furborough's assault on his wife. Lifting the Bourbon to eye level, the ex-Legionnaire watched the easy roll of the Bourbon in his glass and scoffed at the memory of some old soldier who spent an evening years ago warning him to steer clear of women lest he spent his life walking through a living hell. For a moment longer he remained lost in the past until slowly lifting the glass to toast his infant son, "Ethan!" then swallowed the contents in one go.
A firm squeeze to his right shoulder jolted the American back into the here and now and he turned his head in time to see Jonathan propping himself onto the stool next to him. "Alright Rick?"
Before he could answer, Rick spied Ross a few paces behind his brother-in- law and a grizzly curiosity washed over him. "You've left Evelyn and Alex alone upstairs?"
"Kicked out would be more to the point." reflected Jonathan tapping impatiently on the bar for service "Just like you! So we thought we'd wander down here where we could all commiserate together. Hello....Service!" Knocking loudly for the barman ahead of offering the American a sympathetic grin that faded quickly on seeing how the news was affecting him. "But there's no need to worry!" he reassured, "The door's locked and she's got the key in her pocket." Rick continued to stare in question keeping Jonathan firmly on the defensive, "She told us to get out, Rick! God's truth!"
"Yeah, maybe." Rick's ire abated slightly, "Just so long as she let's me back in!"
"Aah yes...I see your point."
A pantomime-like groan rumbled from beside them and both men turned to watch as Ross awkwardly settled himself at the bar. For just a little too long, both Englishmen sat silently either side of the hapless young husband who glanced suspiciously between the two. After a moment he enquired carefully, "So! You two came down here just to keep me company?"
"Aye. That we did."
"U-huh. Because Evelyn kicked you out?"
Ross exhaled loudly while grabbing at his lower back, "Aye."
"And you're groaning like that because...?"
"Because..." The doctor glared accusingly into the eyes of his friend, "...I spent t'entire night in a chair as no-one saw fit t'wake me t'move! So...when I do manage t'stand upright this mornin', I'm straight away faced with you in an undershirt 'n' ya arm caked dry w'blood! Let's not forget that newspapers are carryin' each n' every detail of what ye got up to night before...which I had to keep hidden from ya missus I might add. And last...but by no means least...that same, sweet little lady of yours all but slams t'door behind me because she's angry at YOU!" Stopping to sip from his own glass and quietly relish in the American's discomfort, the Doctor added "..'n' seein' that sittin' down here feelin' sorry for yaself seems to be a rule of the day, I thought I might as well indulge meself too!"
Rick delivered a snarling glare of his own, "You're very funny."
"I'm very serious, lad!" Campbell's mood took a sudden swerve, "I'm not a big believer in luck, but I do believe you need it."
"He's right." Jonathan rested his elbows on the bar and leaned his head over Rick's shoulder.
"Alright!" Rick put his glass down and straightened his shoulders, "What are you two getting at?"
Jonathan shifted his stool closer and leaned his head in towards Rick's, "Somebody must have seen you do that mongrel in last night and it's only a matter of time before they work out where to find you." He spoke just above a whisper causing Rick to smirk just a little, "Evie's already picking up enough pieces without any more trouble. That reward they've put out on your head is nothing to sniff at, you know!"
"Ya know it's true, lad. Time here for you is all but spent" Ross too had moved closer yet managed to keep one eye on the door, "They'll hang man for murder in this town, as ya well know."
Rick knew they were right...about everything, but this huddle they'd created either side of him was annoying and he pushed both of them back. He refilled his glass and drained it swiftly before responding. "Maybe so, but there was no-one last night who would have been sober enough to remember what I looked like! Besides, Evelyn isn't well enough to travel and I'm not leaving her and Alex alone again. We'll be safe enough here until this blows over.
"That's easy enough to say, but aaaah, what if it doesn't blow over?"
Rick turned his eyes toward his brother-in-law "Meaning?"
"Meaning that grubby little visitor you had last night is a perfect example of someone who'll jump at the chance of a reward. He seemed pretty desperate to me and you seemed a little over eager to get rid of him. Understand what I'm saying? He didn't look stupid, Rick!" It was one of those moments when all of Jonathan's folly disappeared to reveal the full regard in which he held his sister. "You're saying the Fort is safe but you don't like leaving her alone in it. Face it Rick, nothing's going to blow over! You have to get my sister out of here before it's too late...or I will!"
The American's reply rumbled deep and low at Jonathan's threat, "She's...too...sick! And you'd better can think twice before taking my family anywhere!" Husband and brother were locked angrily eye to eye until O'Connell dealt a blow of his own, "Nobody stopped you from going with her, ya know!" You sat here happily prepared to drink with me while she took Alex out, so don't start preaching about how you're gonna take my place if I don't follow instructions!"
Insulted, Jonathan fired from the hip, "She's been my sister longer than she's been your wife and while my track record isn't exactly spotless, in all the time she's been with me she never came to any harm!"
O'Connell seethed! Slowly and deliberately he set his glass down and turned fully towards Jonathan as Ross looked on anxiously. "The only reason you're not laying sprawled on the floor right now is because you are Evleyn's brother and I'd never hear the end of it."
"If you were more of a husband we wouldn't even be discussing this!"
In the blink of an eye Jonathan had been seized by the collar and hauled from his stool. He squeezed his eyes shut waiting for the inevitable crack of the blow to his face, but nothing, instead he was being jostled from side to side, "Let 'im go!" Jonathan peeked through one eye seeing only a struggle of arms between himself and O'Connell. Ross had hold of both the American's arms straining to make him release his grip "Let...'im...go I said! Breakin' his face will only land ya in more trouble!" The tussle continued a moment longer before Rick pushed Jonathan to the floor stepping away holding his arms spread wide to declare he had backed off. Ross kept his eye on the furious O'Connell to make sure he was done before offering a hand to Jonathan.
"It'll be a cold day in hell, Jonathan."
The threat was as cold as his brother-in-law's stare, but if Jonathan felt uneasy he was doing a remarkable job of disguising it. He held steady with Rick's menacing stare and spoke calmly. "Of course. But everything's fine, isn't it Rick?" he nonchalantly dusted down his sleeves and resumed his seat, "She and Alex are safe upstairs. Alone." He paused just long enough for his comment to take effect before adding, "I imagine there wouldn't be that many people in Cairo desperate for a break."
~o~
Emir choked against the sudden pressure around his throat and while still gagging, a sharp pain cracked across the back of his head. Pressed hard against a stone wall he clawed at the thick hand which crushed his air way. He strained to focus clearly on the thug who held him but it proved too difficult and it hardly mattered as they all looked the same to him anyway. No doubt it was one of Nasser's henchmen sent to hunt him down and ask all the unnecessary questions as to why no money was delivered last night, but this one took an obvious excessive delight in the initial beating. After another whack to his jaw, Emir was released and fell to his knees clutching at his throat and laboring for air.
"Nasser is not happy. You missed your appointment last night and now he is most concerned that he will be left holding the merchandise longer than it is safe to do.
Coughing through his continued efforts to heave air back into his lungs Emir remained on his knees and strained one pleading arm towards this hectoring messenger, "D...Double.....toni....tonight."
Squatting before him, the henchman showed renewed interest, "Explain! Where would someone like you get that sort of money?"
"Does it matter?" The air was coming easier now, enough for the Egyptian to relax against the wall but still too dizzy to stand, "All I need is today and I can deliver double what Nasser was expecting." Looking into the thug's expectant gaze, Emir bought his release, "And of course there will be a small percentage for all your trouble."
The giant smiled. Then without warning he again wrapped his bulky fingers around Hammond's throat and squeezed, "I take a big risk letting you go. I expect my money at the door before I let you in to see Nasser."
"Yes! Yes!" and Emir could breathe again. The thug stood over him in a show of power before slowly stepping away. Once he was out of view, the thief smiled at his changing fortune. Nasser, the henchman, Wainwright, they could all sit and wait in the dark. Once he had the reward money he would be free and clear! He'd be out of Cairo before anyone knew he was missing. Lady Luck was smiling on him at last.
~o~
Rick climbed the stairway in his usual manner of two at a time. By the time he reached the landing his leg throbbed against the exertion but it annoyed him more than it ached. He'd become weary of it's constant inconvenience and wished the damn thing would just heal. His arm wasn't anywhere near as much a problem unless people continued to punch or squeeze it. He was in a lousy mood! He prayed that Evelyn had not locked that door otherwise he wasn't sure how he'd react. In the bar, Jonathan had rambled on and on about how he needed to pull himself together and become the tower of dependability that he was in Hamunaptra, or some such shit! Rick had come close, perhaps too close, to punching his wife's annoying brother and Ross as well for that matter! His doctor friend had sat huffing and hmmm-ing in agreement with Jonathan until Rick could no longer take it! He would have gladly laid both of them out had it not been for the maddening fact that they were right! He did have to leave Cairo and he had to do it soon. Leaving Evelyn and Alex behind was out of the question and taking them with him ruled out seeking refuge in any of the bordering countries. The only safe choice for them was to go all the way to London, but how the hell was he going to get them there without Evelyn's health worsening over the journey? With any luck he would have at least a week left before things got too bad. It gave Evelyn precious little time to recover but it was better than nothing and it was more than enough time to organize things. They would have to travel under an alias and he would need someone to book the passage while he stayed low, so perhaps it was a blessing that he'd refrained from punching either Ross or Jonathan.
Rick tested the doorknob. He couldn't decide if he was relieved or angry to find that it turned easily. She hadn't locked it after all, though a good sign was being able to hear Alex knocking his toys around and giggling. Maybe things were beginning to look up after all. The boy squeaked with delight on seeing his father enter the room and scurried over insisting on being lifted up. Rick smiled and winked at the child, tossing him above his head to hear the squeals of laughter it produced. For a few moments he was completely lost in his young son's happy face then noticed that Evelyn was fast asleep on the couch. Putting a finger to his lips he made his first attempts to hush the boy but ultimately he was unsuccessful. Alex would not be satisfied with his limited thrill and loudly demanded more. Nothing would quiet the child and Rick playfully scolded him on seeing his wife open one eye to witness her son's demand.
"See what you've done? She's all awake now!"
"Up!" The child waved his arms furiously above his head becoming increasingly cross the longer he was refused.
"You know once you start that he never wants to stop." Evelyn's voice was croaky but she was smiling for the first time in days. The look on her face lifted Rick's heart and he needed to do something with the increasingly cantankerous child in order to get nearer to her, so he tipped Alex upside down and held him by the ankles. The squeals of laughter from the boy were ear piercing and Evelyn laughed a little as he dangled him over a bowl of fruit long enough for him to make a choice then quietly set him down. With his son occupied, Rick moved to Evelyn's side and gazed at the look on her face. "You're lucky he was hungry otherwise he'd still be wanting you to toss him about."
He traced his finger lightly down her cheek and smiled, "If it makes you smile I'll do it all day." Evelyn dropped her eyes. It was partly to watch as Alex delighted in his juicy treat and partly to avoid more tears if she kept looking at her husband. No matter though, he lifted her chin bringing her eyes in line with his and dared to place a soft kiss on her lips. Silent tears escaped her eyes and he brushed them aside insisting gently, "No more of these. You're prettier when you smile."
His words made her choke down a sob and wrap her arms around his neck. He relished it! He closed his eyes and held on to her whispering whatever reassurances he could think of. Slowly, he raised a hand to the back of her head holding her face just below his chin and rocked her. Every movement he made was slow and carefully predetermined for fear of startling her. "I'm surprised you're not angry at me for throwing you out earlier?"
'You forgot to lock me out." It wasn't a lighthearted remark though neither was there any hint of anger in his voice at discovering the door unlocked. His tone was one of worry.
Still, the connotations of his remark jolted Evelyn backward in protest, "No, Jonathan locked it behind him. I'm sure of it." Rick calmly dipped his hand into her pocket and produced the long brass key just as Jonathan had described. Evelyn watched it appear with disbelief and immediately started to defend her position, "But I was sure he didn't leave it with me...."
"Evie, it's alright." Catching her flailing hands and pressing them together to still them, Rick continued "It's alright. Nothing happened, Evie. You're still safe." Yet even as the words passed his lips he understood that she wasn't safe at all and neither was Alex. None of them would be until they were half a world away from here. He pulled her against him aware that she was still proclaiming her innocence over the key and he let her believe it still mattered, but it was the words from Jonathan and Ross that were ringing in his ears. They were right and he'd been a fool not to see it. Fort Brydon would prove no haven in the long run. In fact, he knew he'd be lucky if he had a week before the authorities came looking for him. The cold, hard truth settled on him as he gently stroked his wife's back...the noose was closer than he had let himself believe and the three of them had to be out of Cairo by tomorrow night!
A/N: this chapter has taken ages to write and I'm sorry it's so short. I've had a hell of a Festive Season and my whole family is ill (but getting better). I hope you enjoyed anyway. Next one will be longer. I normally add a list of thankyou's but just this once I'm skipping over this and will just add a sincere thankyou to everyone who has reviewed and is still reading this epic. I truly appreciate all your comments and reviews as they continue to inspire me to write. Cheers! Maureen.