Ramon Herrera never considered himself a lucky man by definition of the word.
Yes, he dated the most beautiful women in the world, drove the fastest cars, sailed in the most luxurious yachts to wherever he chose to be that day, dined on the most exquisite food courtesy of his private chef, But never really considered himself lucky. That was until his brush with the DEA a few years ago that had forced him into this self imposed exile he now savoured. He could almost hear his fourth ex wife's cackle floating in on the breeze from the open veranda windows.
Ramon glanced up from his morning paper at the soft knock on the door.
"Yes."
The door creaked open and a middle aged Hispanic woman slid through the small gap, carrying two silver platters laden with a variety of meats, cheeses, pastries and fruit.
"Your breakfast Señor Herrera"
"Thank you, Maria" Ramon replied, as she slid the trays onto his desk. Maria took a step back and ran her hands nervously over her pristine white apron as Ramon folded up his paper and threw it to the side. Ramon paused as he reached for the pot of coffee perching on the end of the desk.
"Is everything ok, Maria?"Ramon asked with a frown when he realised his maid was still in the room.
"Lo Siento, Mr Herrera, Mr Arturo is here" she replied "With an American"
Ramon closed his eyes and massaged the bridge of his nose, mentally berating himself for forgetting the appointment he had made only days earlier.
"Gracias Maria" Ramon replied, his smile mollifying her slightly "would you please send them in"
"Si Señor"
Maria quickly disappeared from the room as Ramon reached for the freshly brewed pot of coffee and poured himself a cup. Getting to his feet, Ramon wandered over to the veranda doors, his eyes scanning the cool white sands of the beach that stretched out before him as far as the eye could see. Resting a shoulder against the doorframe, he took a sip of coffee as he watched the local fishermen loading up their boats from the rickety old jetty that served the private beach, their fresh catch he would later serve to the finest criminal minds in the world. His gaze moved along the beach, settling on a woman walking barefoot in the sand, book in hand, wearing a bikini the vivid colour of an evening sunset. His eyes roamed over every inch of her cafe latte skin, bronzed by the Cuban sun as she engaged one of the fishermen in conversation, a tiny blue sarong tied at her waist that grievously concealed the shapely thighs his own two hands had been fortunate enough to enjoy. He remembered the Thursday afternoon almost a year ago, when she had wandered into one of the small tiki bars he owned, carrying a trashy crime novel and only a small bag of clothes to her name. She had intrigued him from the start, looking to get away from the States after a bad break-up she claimed. She was beautiful, smart, funny and the more time he spent in her company, he quickly became infatuated, and realised how deeply she enriched his life. But despite the cars, expensive restaurants and lavish gifts, lately she'd begun to pull away, become secretive and aloof. Disappearing at all times of the day and night with no explanation. The thought had crossed his mind that she was a government spy but he dispelled it as quickly as it had arrived. She'd even mentioned the future, of visiting far flung places she'd never seen and it had made him more determined than ever to find out the truth.
"Ramon?"
Ramon whirled round at the sound of the voice that had torn him from his thoughts, and glared at the culprit framed in the doorway.
"Maria said to come on up.. I hope we are not disturbing you?"
Ramon shook his head as Arturo took a step into the room, his companion remaining resolutely in the doorway
"Forgive me my friend, please come in" Ramon replied, moving away from the window and rounding his desk as the two men made their way into the office. Ramon made a quick assessment of the stranger in front of him, ex military Ramon assumed, judging by his posture, yet the short, brown hair skewed at odd angles and the battered Brown leather flying jacket he wore, clearly had seen better days. Yet with his habitual scowl and the slight edge in his blue eyes, Ramon Herrera decided quickly he was not a man to be crossed.
"It's good to finally meet you Mr Hawke. Please, take a seat" Ramon said, gesturing to the two antique chairs in front of the large, mahogany desk. "Please, help yourself to some breakfast"
Ramon raised an eyebrow as Arturo slid into the chair beside the American and eagerly snagged two lemon danishes from the platter on the desk.
Taking a large bite, Arturo looked back and forth between the two men.
"What?" Arturo mumbled with a shrug, showering crumbs over the ancient Egyptian rug covering the polished hardwood floor that had survived three Herrera generations.
Ramon shook his head and turned his attention to Hawke.
"Please excuse Arturo, he is never normally this rude in front of guests" Ramon said, rounding the desk and lowering himself into the large ornate chair opposite Hawke.
"It's fine" Hawke replied "I already ate"
"Coffee then"
Hawke gave a curt nod and gratefully accepted the cup from Ramon's outstretched hand.
"So, what brings you here, Mr Hawke?" Ramon asked, picking up the Cafetière and pouring himself a coffee. He took a slow sip, surveying his visitor carefully over the rim of his cup.
"Arturo here tells me you're in the market for a pilot"
Ramon could only watch in disgust as his old friend set about devouring the second lemon danish. He took a deep breath and carefully placed his cup onto the marble coaster to his left
"Arturo always did have a loose tongue as well as questionable table manners" he replied "What makes you think you're up to the job?"
"You got my resume" Hawke shot back " I think it speaks for itself"
Ramon nodded. When his assistant had dropped the file on his desk the previous morning, he'd been sceptical to say the least.
"I can't argue that it's impeccable"
"I said Hawke was the best, Ramon" Arturo said, surreptitiously reaching for the last cream cheese bagel. "You need to have a little faith in Arturo"
Ignoring him, his gaze remained firmly on Hawke. Resting his elbows on the table, he laced his fingers together and tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"As it happens I do have a job coming up that requires a certain...skill set" Ramon said after a few moments, unfurling his long fingers and splaying them out over the dark mahogany. "Arturo tells me you flew for the Sinaloa Cartel. That's quite a big fish to fry, Mr Hawke"
"It was a job" Hawke replied succinctly "Since the federal bust in Guadalajara I've been...in between positions"
Ramon considered him for a moment. If what he'd read in the file was an elaborate trap by the American Government to ensnare him, this Stringfellow Hawke was certainly well versed. He finally asked the question that had been burning on his tongue.
"Si, Tell me, how did you evade capture?"
Hawke met his hard stare with one of his own
"Luck"
Arturo's gaze flitted between the pair as the two men lapsed into silence, the gentle crunch of pastry the only sound filling the room.
"So it would appear" Ramon replied regretfully, the knot of uncertainty in his stomach failing to ease "Maybe if I'd had you with me in Santa Fe..." he paused, taking a deep breath in " Have you any idea, Mr Hawke what it's like to live such a reclusive life?"
Hawke glanced out of the window at the beautiful white sand that stretched out in front of him, freckled with shady palm trees and the limpid turquoise waters.
"I can only imagine"
As Ramon pushed the painful thoughts to the back of his mind, his hazelnut eyes, trained on the adversary in front of him, glinted dangerously "So tell me, why do you want to work for me?"
Seemingly undeterred, Hawke simply shrugged a shoulder and smirked.
"From what Arturo told me, I figured you'd be makin' so much money I might get a nice, large tip"
Ramon sat back in his chair and couldn't help but chuckle. As much as he was suspicious of this mans motives, he could see a lot of himself as a young man mirrored back at him. The nagging voice of his slightly perfidious assistant had also told him on numerous occasions, not everyone was an undercover Fed out to get him. He truly wanted to believe it.
"I like you, Mr Hawke. I think we could come to some arrangement that would be….mutually beneficial"
Ramon rose from the chair, turning towards the french doors where his gaze fell upon the Hawaiian woman in the distance, stretched out across the sand, her face tipped towards the sun.
"I'd like to invite you to the fiesta I am holding tomorrow" he said, turning to face them "There are some people I'd like you to meet"
Hawke opened his mouth to speak before Arturo shot to his feet, sending the rest of the crumbs that had gathered in his lap, falling onto his unfortunate Egyptian rug.
Ramon looked up and frowned at his associates incongruous behaviour. Arturo had always been for the better want of a word, eccentric, but today it appeared he'd surpassed even himself.
"Mr Hawke and his carino would love to attend" Arturo bellowed, clapping his hands together. Hawke almost suffered a severe case of whiplash as he turned to face Arturo, genuinely surprised.
"My what?!"
"Ramon, Come on my old friend. They are newlyweds"
Before Ramon could digest this new turn of events, Arturo was already by his side, reaching up on tiptoes to wrap an arm around his shoulders. "You must remember the first flushes of love, no?"
Arturo angled his head towards the open window where he knew Ramon's attentions currently lie. Arturo had been the one to introduce her to him on that Thursday afternoon in the Tiki bar, three days after he'd found out his personal assistant had been a Government Spy. A nasty, messy business from which she'd proved to more than a welcome distraction.
"My friend here is certainly persuasive" Ramon replied with a small smile. "I will look forward to welcoming you and your lovely...wife to to the fiesta"
"Maravilloso!" Arturo replied, making short work of crossing the room and hauling the stunned pilot to his feet. "Come on my friend, I have a feeling your wardrobe is in need of some, how do you say it... attention"
Ramon watched with curiosity as Arturo flung open the door and addressed the confused looking guard in the hallway
"Ah, Diego. Bueno, no te quedes ahi... Mr Hawke and I are late for another appointment. If you would be so kind as to show us to our vehicle-"
"Wait-"
Half way out of the door, the two men turned to face Ramon, their expressions giving away nothing. Moving over to his desk, he opened a drawer and pulled out a notepad. Grabbing a pen from the holder on the desk, he scribbled something on the top sheet and ripped it off.
"I want you to check into my suite at the Santa Maria" Ramon told Hawke, handing him the piece of paper "Give this to Lucia when you arrive. She will see to it that you and your wife have everything you need"
From his concealed position behind Hawke, Arturo rolled his eyes and muttered a silent prayer.
"This is a very generous offer" Hawke glanced down at the piece of paper clutched tightly in his hand and gestured towards Ramon. "Do you afford all your prospective employees this luxury?"
"Only ones that have me questioning my judgement"
Ramon broke into an enigmatic smile as Hawkes gaze lifted to meet his own
"And if I refuse?"
"Then that would be a shame, Mr Hawke would it not?"
"Yeah"
Hawke crumpled the piece of paper in his balled fist and shoved it into the back pocket of his jeans.
"A real shame"
Hawke took a step out of the room, fixing the guard who blocked his exit with a perpetual scowl.
The guard looked expectantly at his boss, his fingers tightening around the AK74 slung over his shoulder. Ramon answered with a quick wave of his hand.
Ramon Herrera sat behind his desk, his chin resting on his steepled fingers. He'd been staring at the closed door for the last ten minutes, second guessing his decision to let the American walk out of his home. Hawke hadn't been fooled by his lavish gesture, he'd known instantly it was to keep him close. Where he could be in control. Hawke was a man very much like himself after all, paranoid, a man who didn't trust easily. Traits he could definitely work with.
Yet something still nagged at the corner of his mind. His resume appeared all above board, he'd had it all checked out, yet what neither of them had known was the pilot due to fly for the Sinaloa cartel in Guadalajara had been replaced at the last minute by one of his own men. His former brother in law currently serving a life sentence in a Federal prison.
Snatching the phone from it's cradle, he punched in a number and waited for the line to connect.
"Si, Felipe, get me Washington"
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"His WHAT?"
Cait stood in the middle of the penthouse suite of the Santa Maria Hotel, her hands firmly on her hips.
"W-I-F-E" Arturo spelled out carefully as he crumpled onto the sofa, immediately settling himself amongst the plush, red velvet cushions. Removing his Stetson, he swiped away a bead of sweat from his forehead. " Lo Siento I was thinking quickly. It worked didn't it? Ramon invited you to attend the Fiesta"
Cait glanced beside her at Hawke, whose familiar glacial stare had quickly morphed into something resembling homicidal.
"By pretending we're married, Hawke?"
Cait glared at Hawke as he reluctantly tore his gaze from Arturo, who watched them, surreptitiously picking at a loose thread on the inside of his Stetson.
"Wasn't my idea" Hawke replied roughly, turning to face Cait "But it does give us the opportunity for a ground recon"
Cait fell silent, the room suddenly filled with the sound of water cascading over the stone fountain in the private courtyard that filtered in through the open veranda windows. Despite the breeze, the heat in the room was stifling.
Cait's hazel eyes shifted back and forth between the two men as she took a deep breath and folded her arms loosely across her chest.
"Fine" She conceded, her Texan accent a little thicker
"You win. What's the plan?" Eyes of hazel met ones of cerulean blue. Their gaze caught and held. Cait unfurled her arms slowly
"You do have a plan, right?" Just for a moment, Hawke found himself lost in her wide, honest eyes.
"Not yet" Hawke admitted, scraping a hand across his jaw "We may have to see how things play out. Wait for Herrera to make his move"
"Make his move?!" Cait parroted incredulously, jamming a hand on her slender hip "Hawke! I've read his file. The guys a sociopath, not to mention a complete narcissist who ain't afraid of killin' people!"
Behind them, Arturo winced comically at Cait's colourful description.
"I know, Cait"
Hawke's gaze softened as he reached out and gently squeezed her shoulder "But I'll have you watchin' my back" he finished with an enthusiasm he didn't really feel. If it were entirely down to him Cait would be safe back in Los Angeles, but however much he tried to find reasons to the contrary, he knew there's nobody he trusted more than Cait to watch his six.
"Damn right you will"
The friends exchanged a warm smile before Arturo cleared his throat and pressed his palm to his chest.
"As much as this little scene warms Arturo's cold and withered heart, Miss Caitlin is correct."
Hawke glanced over his shoulder as Arturo spoke, his hand trailing down her arm to cup her elbow.
Placing his hands on the arms, Arturo made a show of pushing himself off the sofa.
"Ramon will have a job for you, an initiation if you will"
Cait glanced at Hawke.
"What kinda job?"
"I am afraid I do not know. He confides in Arturo about many things" Arturo chuckled, winking at Cait "But never about his business, but if I were to guess..."
"Please do" Hawke groused
"Chinese buyers Mr Hawke. Ramon has prototypes of the weapons you seek. My guess is he will ask you to fly him to the rendezvous, and from then, only Ramon knows"
The hand holding Caits elbow dropped to his side.
"And you're tellin' me this now?"
"You never asked" Arturo replied simply. "But Mr Hawke, you have something Ramon does not. You have Airwolf"
Beside her, Cait felt Hawke's body stiffen at the mention of the technologically advanced helicopter. They glanced at each other, before Hawke's hard gaze settled on the CIA man.
"Officially, all I can say is I don't know what you're talking about"
"Come on Mr Hawke." Arturo replied, a glint in his eye as he circled the coffee table and produced a cigar from his breast pocket "The CIA knows you have her"
Hawke remained impassive as Arturo shoved a hand into his jeans pocket and pulled out a lighter.
"Last I heard" Hawke replied, gesturing towards the spy "it's somewhere between modern history and current events. Airwolf was destroyed in Libya"
"Ah, yes. An interesting little fairytale" Arturo muttered "Well, let's just say for arguments sake she is in Cuba, it is an important part of my plan-"
"We do it by my plan, my way" Hawke bit out, taking a step towards Arturo "And I decide when, where and if any special equipment is to be used"
Arturo nodded, smiling inscrutably at Hawke as took a drag of his cigar and slowly exhaled, shrouding him in a plume of smoke.
"Of course. As you wish"
Arturo glanced at his watch and jammed his Stetson on his head.
"I must go. Sofia is expecting me"
Arturo made his way towards the door, his hand pausing on the handle
"Mr Hawke-"
Hawke looked away from Cait as Arturo bowed his head
"Just remember what I said, Si?" With that, Arturo pulled open the door and disappeared into the corridor.
"The CIA knows you have Airwolf?" Cait exclaimed, wide eyed as she perched on the edge of the sofa once the door had closed.
"Ah, he's just blowin' off steam" Hawke replied, the space beside Cait dipping as Hawke joined her. He scraped a hand across his jaw and met her concerned gaze " Right now, I think that's the least of our problems"
Giving Cait a quick wink, Hawke reached for the phone and punched in the number for Airwolf's secure line.
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Hawke sat at the bar, twisting the glass of scotch back and forth in his hand. The faint sound of jazz and the chatter of the other patrons in the hotel bar had almost faded to static as he stared down into the untouched amber liquid, seemingly under the false hope that answers would suddenly materialise from the bottom of the glass. He replayed the last few days events over in his mind, from his conversation with Arturo in the car, to his meeting with Ramon Herrera himself. Arturo had been cagey at best about the fate of his family, and how he had become so involved in his organisation and his subsequent involvement with Archangel.
Hawke downed his drink in one smooth motion, the liquid burning in the back of his throat as Arturo's words filled his ears "Here, in this business, love is weakness" and yet Arturo had deliberately chosen to reveal Cait's presence to the man that would use that weakness to his advantage. It bothered him more than he cared to admit.
"Your old man always used to say you ain't gonna find the answer to your problems at the bottom of a bottle"
Hawke glanced sideways as Dom's bulky frame slid into the seat next to him and pinned him with a paternal stare
"You ok, kid?"
"I'm fine" Hawke replied, frowning as his reflection in the Crystal stared accusingly back at him.
"And Cait?"
"Takin' a shower" " Hawke replied quietly, glancing up at Dom "Where's the Lady?"
"Ah, don't you worry about her" he replied, waving a meaty hand dismissively "She's all buttoned up" Dom lurched forward briefly as a young couple, their hands clasped together staggered into him, sloshing the remaining contents of their champagne bottle onto the sleeve of Hawke's shirt. Their giggles faded slightly, before muttering their apologies and weaving their way towards the elevators.
Dom's gaze swept around the bar, taking in the soft furnishings and the various art that adorned the walls.
"I gotta say String, this place is pretty fancy." Dom chuckled
"Courtesy of Señor Herrera himself" Hawke replied, flinging Dom a knowing look "His personal suite. Penthouse no less"
"Penthouse, huh?"Dom echoed, raising a bushy eyebrow as his gaze alighted on the woman that had bumped into him earlier, minus her companion, clattering in killer heels up the spiral glass staircase that led to the upper floors. "And was bein' married to Cait part of the plan?"
His brow furrowed as his gaze returned to his surrogate son "Are you out of your mind?!"
"I'm beginning to think so" Hawke muttered, pushing his empty glass away. Dom cleared his throat as Hawke ran a hand wearily across his face.
"Cait still havin' nightmares?"
Hawke sat up straight and shook his head slightly, wondering why he'd expected anything less from the man he swore was omniescent. As much as Cait pleaded with him to keep Dom in the dark, turns out he already knew. He gave a curt nod.
"Colombia?"
The look in Hawkes eye told Dom all he needed to know. Dom rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath.
"Ah, hell! And when were you gonna tell me, huh? I don't mind tellin' ya, I was on my fourth Hail Mary when Caitlin pulled you outta that compound. No wonder our girls having nightmares" Dom fell silent for a moment as his mind wandered back to the fateful day, the image of Cait stumbling and falling to her knees in the dirt, Hawke's battered and bleeding body weighing her down as she fought her way back to Airwolf was seared permanently into his memory. That mission had certainly left its mark on all of the crew in one way or another.
'I thought I'd lost you, kid"
Hawke flashed Dom a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"When did they start?"
"A coupla days after we got back" Hawke replied gruffly, sitting up rubbing the back of his neck in attempt to rid himself of the kink that had settled there. "She said it was no big deal"
"And you believed her?" Dom replied incredulously "Mamma Mia. Did you two honestly think I hadn't noticed? I know you kids think I'm a little too long in the tooth, but I ain't blind. You two have been mooning around the hangar for weeks, you both look like Tet's warmed up leftovers, and….and…well I don't know what !" Dom blustered, waving a meaty hand for emphasis "All I know is, it ain't good for business"
"Mooning?" Hawke raised an eyebrow quizzically, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips
"You know what I mean"
"Cait says she has it under control" Hawke scowled, ignoring him as he rubbed his chin. Dom turned to face him fully
"Oh?" Dom replied, his voice rising an octave "and what do you think, huh?"
Hawke took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly
"I think we need to find this damn microdot" Hawke replied darkly, running a hand through his hair "Sooner we get this done, sooner we can get the hell outta dodge"
"Amen to that. This Herrera guy seems a real piece of work"
Hawke almost smiled as Dom's assessment of the man who had drawn Hawke to seek solace in the hotel bar, alone with his thoughts.
"Yeah" Hawke replied roughly "A piece of work who kills people for sport"
Dom's gaze swept over the pilot, cataloguing the dark circles beneath his eyes and the fading yellow bruise on his jaw that served as a stark reminder of just his close he'd come yet again.
"We've run out guys like him before, String."
Dom flashed him a gap toothed grin as a low chuckle emanated from the pit of his stomach
"I know" Hawke admitted, his gaze shifting to the ceiling of its own volition "But it's not us I'm worried about"
"Then why the hell are you sitting here with an old goat like me, Go on, get outta here"
Hawke's lips twitched into a grin and he slid off the stool.
"Thanks Dom"
"And tell Cait I'm out there, huh"
Hawke turned back to face the older man, his lips twitching into a grin
"She knows that, partner"
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"Cait?"
His heart seized in his chest at the silence that greeted him when Hawke stepped through the door into the living area of the penthouse suite. He quickly scanned the room, his face wearing the expression it had almost four years previously when he'd returned home to find his treasured art collection missing. The sense of dread that had been gnawing at him for the past few days bludgeoned it's way to the surface as his gaze fell on the half eaten, slightly withered looking prawn sandwich and untouched glass of iced tea that sat on the glass coffee table. Hawke crossed over to the sofa and picked up the abandoned copy of The Handmaids Tale, the page marked with a slip of paper embellished with the hotels logo.
Hawke rubbed his chest and he threw the book back onto the sofa just as a faint sound teased the edge of his hearing.
Moving as stealthily as his aching legs would allow, Hawke moved towards the source of the noise, mentally cursing himself for leaving his gun on the nightstand. A small smile surfaced as he reached the bedroom, the unmistakable sound of Cait humming to herself greeting his ears through the small crack in the door. In that moment, it was the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard.
Releasing a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding, Hawke pushed open the door.
Cait looked up expectantly from the file she was reading, her pen hovering above her notebook and not for the first time, Hawke's breath caught in his chest at the sight before him. Cait sat crossed legged on the bed, wearing a pair of navy sleep shorts and a crimson shirt that looked suspiciously like one of his, with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. She'd pulled her hair back into a messy ponytail, complete with an Alice band, a functional measure to keep the hair from her face as she pored over the black and white photographs that she'd laid out neatly on top of the silk duvet. The light she'd switched on on the nightstand bathed the room in a soft, warm glow.
"Hey there" she said softly, flashing Hawke one of her hundred watt smiles.
"I thought I'd take another look at the reports, in case there's somethin' we missed" she explained, glancing down at all the black and white photos and intelligence reports bearing the FIRMS insignia, in the open file balanced on her bare legs
She looked back up at him when she realised he hadn't moved an inch.
"Where'd ya get to anyways, I got outta the shower and you were-" she finished, waving her hand at the door
"I needed some air" Hawke replied, allowing his gaze to roam over Cait's long, toned legs. He rubbed a hand wearily across his jaw and sat beside Cait.
"Yeah I figured, but I don't think there's much of that in the hotel bar" Cait shot back, raising an eyebrow as the smell of liquor immediately assaulted her nostrils. She bit the inside of her lip in an effort to suppress a smile as Hawke's brow furrowed. He'd only had one, but suddenly remembered the young couple in the bar and the offending bottle of Dom Perignon. Cait clasped her hands together and dropped them into her lap, tapping the top of the pen on her leg
"You know when we were checkin' in" Cait began, deliberately leaning closer to Hawke "The Concierge did say the use of the room minibar was on the house…"
The playful glint in her eye wasn't lost on Hawke as the intoxicating scent of the complimentary vanilla shower gel fogged his already disconcerted mind. The swish hotel and swanky penthouse certainly weren't to his liking, but the look on Cait's face when she'd walked into the marble floored lobby almost made his discomfort and vehement loathing of the suites benefactor worth it. Almost.
Begrudgingly, he had to admit the luxurious mattress and sumptuous silk sheets certainly beat another night sleeping on the ground. Reaching out he picked up the black and white photo of Cullen and Alex Marshall, and wondered for the millionth time how his old friend had got mixed up in the theft of classified Government technology. He almost laughed out loud at the irony.
Cait watched him, rolling the pen absently between her fingers.
"Y'know if you stare at that any harder, you'll burn a hole in it"
"Huh?" Hawke lifted his gaze to meet hers.
"I said- oh never mind" Cait exclaimed, flipping shut her notebook. Glancing back and forth between Hawke and the photo, Cait slid her hand onto his forearm.
"String?"
Blue eyes collided with hers as he looked up from the photo
"Is somethin botherin' you?"
Hawke remained silent, taking a moment to appreciate the soft light dancing in her eyes.
"Fine, why don't I help you out" Cait replied, biting her bottom lip as she resisted the urge to smile "There's this guy I know, y'know, the strong and silent type"
Hawke quirked an eyebrow in amusement
"Strong and silent type, huh?"
"And he's got this friend, see, who he doesn't really trust right now. He wants to but he doesn't. And this 'friend' got himself into a bit of a jam….uh uh, let me finish-" Cait scolded when Hawke opened his mouth to interrupt. "He's also kinda mad at me askin' him to help, considering everythin' that's happened to them lately, which is why he ain't said more than two words to me since we checked in, and he's wonderin' if this is all some elaborate plan to grab Airwolf"
Hawke held her gaze as the hint of smile that threatened to burst forth vanished entirely, leaving behind a thick, palpable tension in the air.
"How am I doin' so far?"
In that moment looking deep into her eyes, Hawke wanted nothing more than to grab her and show her exactly how well she was doing.
Instead, Hawke rubbed a hand across his jaw and gestured towards the Texan
"You're wrong about one thing"
"I am?" Cait raised an eyebrow
"He's not mad at you, Cait"
"He's not?"
Hawke shook his head slightly. Their recent brushes with death had caused him to question his judgement not to mention Michaels integrity, and the notion that he would deliberately put Cait in harms way shook him to his very core. Yes. He was mad.
Mad at himself for not being able to protect Cait like she deserved but down right furious that Michael would turn his misgivings about this mission to his advantage, and use his friendship with Cait as vehicle to manipulate him into accepting. He was perfectly certain that any anger he felt, fell squarely at the feet of Michael Coldsmith -Briggs The Third.
"Well I was kinda hoping I was wrong about that part" Cait smiled, opening her notebook and turning her attention back to the open file on the bed. "Ya see the guy I'm talkin' about, he finds it hard to trust people"
Cait's eyes flickered back to his
"I want him to know he can trust me. Always"
Hawke exhaled sharply at Cait's softly spoken words
"He knows"
"Y' think he does?"
"I know he trusts you with his life"
"Good"
Cait's reply was an almost whisper as her tired eyes dropped back to the same photographs she'd been staring at for the past two hours, the faces becoming nothing more than a blur on the paper. Shifting backwards, Cait sat back against the large headboard and closed her eyes, massaging the kink that had settled in the base of her neck.
"You know what else he knows?" Hawkes deep gravel tones sent shivers down her spine as he reached forward and plucked the notebook from her fingers . Cait's eyes snapped open as Hawke slid off the bed and threw the notebook onto the nightstand.
"He knows he promised you a date"
" He did?" Cait replied with a giggle as she took Hawke's outstretched hand and pulled herself to her feet. Their gaze caught and held
"Yeah" He smiled, lacing his fingers with hers . He flashed her a lopsided grin "So far he hasn't made good on his offer"
"Well that's unacceptable" Cait murmured as Hawke took her other hand and tugged her towards him until their bodies were flush. Hawke exhaled slowly.
"I agree"
"So? What's he gonna do about that?"
For a split second, Hawke's blue eyes flickered down to her lips before lifting again to meet hers.
"You hungry?" He asked, his mind wandering to the half eaten sandwich in the other room.
As if on cue, a low rumble emanated from the pit of her stomach.
"Hmmm…I could spring for a veggie burrito"
Hawke untangled his fingers from Cait's and moved one hand to cup her freckled cheek
" I know I can do better than that" He said roughly, running the pad of his thumb across her cheekbone. He leaned forward, his hot breath tickling her ear "And I hear the minibar comes with compliments from Señor Herrera"
Cait opened her mouth to speak but was quickly silenced by Hawke pressing his forefinger to his lips.
"You expecting anyone?"
"Oh yeah, sure. Just the entire cast of Eight is Enough" Cait whispered, pulling open the drawer to her nightstand and grabbing her gun. "Of course I'm not expectin' anybody!"
Ignoring the remark, Hawke tucked his own gun into the waistband of his jeans and moved stealthily towards the front door, with Cait close on his heels.
"Y'know, Hawke, Next time, when that super hearin' of yours kicks in, you might wanna give me some kinda warnin'" Cait admonished as she took her position opposite Hawke, drawing her gun against her chest
"I just did" Hawke bit back, his hand hovering above the handle of his weapon.
Cait's eyes widened at the soft knock on the door.
"Who is it?"
"Room service"
Despite the muffled reply, Cait immediately recognised the voice as belonging to the young Concierge, Emilio, who had greeted them only a few hours earlier.
"Just a second!"
Stowing her gun, Cait reached for the handle and suddenly flinched as Hawke grabbed her wrist
"What are you doing?"
"C'mon String" Cait whispered "You can't just leave him out there. He'll know somethin's wrong"
"Yeah" Hawke replied through gritted teeth "Now he will. Did you order room service? Cos I know sure as hell, I didn't"
"And it could be exactly that. We are newlyweds after all" She shot back, her hazel eyes glittering with mirth "Or had you forgotten that part, huh?"
Hawke bit down on the retort that threatened to escape and released the wrist he'd been holding. He knew she hadn't been exactly thrilled with the prospect of them posing as a married couple, but it was the fact she'd stayed mostly silent on the topic that unnerved him the most.
"I'm gonna open the door"
"Dammit…Caitlin!"
Hawke reached for her again, but she merely swatted his hand away as she flung open the door
"Howdy" She greeted, emphasising her Texan accent "Not that I'm complainin' but I'm sure I didn't order room service"
She smiled at Emilio warmly.
"Compliments of Señor Herrera, Miss Caitlin" Emilio replied, his maroon and gold uniform pristine as he sauntered through the open door pushing the trolley laden with fresh meats, cheeses and fruits and a bottle of champagne in a chiller standing next to a blood red rose in a vase in the centre.
The procession that followed, neither Hawke or Cait were prepared for. Stowing his gun in the waistband of his jeans, Hawke stepped out from behind the door as four of the hotel maids scurried in single file behind Emilio, carrying what looked suspiciously like a variety of suits and dresses which they draped carefully over the back of the couch.
"I hope we are not disturbing you Mr, Hawke"
Hawkes gaze flicked back towards the open door and alighted on the young woman framed in the doorway, a navy pin stripe suit and white blouse, clinging to her hourglass figure and her chestnut hair pinned elegantly into a bun. Certainly not the type to be on the payroll of a notorious criminal, Hawke thought wryly.
"My name is Lucia. I hope everything is to your satisfaction?"
"What's all this?" Hawke gestured, encompassing the whole room. Lucia stepped aside as Emilio and housekeeping filed out.
"Ramon wishes your stay to be as comfortable as possible" Lucia replied, stepping fully into the room."Ramon does not invite just anyone to the Fiesta and Moonlight gala, or accommodate them in his personal hotel suite"
"For which I'm deeply grateful" Hawke replied glibly, earning him an elbow in the ribs from Cait.
Lucia's expression remained unreadable as her gaze slid back to Hawke.
"The Fiesta starts tomorrow at two" She continued, nodding towards the items of clothing laid over the back of the couch. "I'm sure you will find something there in your size .A car will be here for you at one forty five sharp. And before you ask-"
Lucia plucked a grape from the bunch and popped it into her mouth "The food is exquisite. Do not be late"
And with that she swept out of the room, leaving Hawke and Cait staring at the empty space that remained.
"So that's Lucia" Cait said finally, as she closed the door "Not the type of gal you would expect to be on the payroll of a drug dealer"
"Yeah"
Cait frowned as Hawke grabbed hold of the couch and spun it round to face the door
"What are you doing?"
Hawke paused for a moment and glanced over his shoulder at her.
"Gonna sleep on the couch" he told her, leaping over the back and and placing his gun on the arm rest. "In case we get any more unwanted visitors"
Cait exhaled a heavy breath, before replying softly
"You're really worried about this aren't ya"
Hawke lifted his head and peered at her over the back of the couch for a moment, before settling himself back against the cushions, his arms folded resolutely across his chest. Cait bit her bottom lip as she picked at a loose thread of the red tablecloth that covered the food trolley.
"What if they're watchin' us" Cait asked, her eyes immediately shifting towards the ceiling and around the walls that were elaborately decorated in red and gold.
"They're not watching" Hawke said roughly "I checked the room earlier"
"Oh, sure ya did" Cait muttered to herself "Hawke?-"
Hawke pushed himself to a seated position and eyes blue as a summer sky, met her worried gaze
"I know you weren't awful keen on takin' this mission, and I know I sorta had a big hand in convincing you fellas to take it, but I can't help thinkin' ….."
"What has Michael gotten us into?" Hawke finished
Cait nodded
Beckoning the Texan over, Hawke gently took her hand as she lowered herself to the couch.
"I don't have any answers yet, Cait" Hawke admitted " but Michael knows, if he ever deliberately used you to get to me-"
"The wrath of Hawke would rain down from the sky, I know" Cait replied with a half smile, patting his thigh. She looked over her shoulder and inclined her head towards the untouched food cart
"Seems a shame to waste." Cait said, looking back at Hawke with a mischievous glint in her eye " and since we're pretty sure it ain't been poisoned-"
Hawke was off the couch before she'd even had a chance to move.
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"What has Michael gotten us into?"
Hawke was still pondering the question the following afternoon when he and Cait found themselves climbing out of the limo that had come to a halt on the impressive gravel driveway of the Herrera estate. The night had been uneventful, with no more surprise visitors or unwanted reminders of the past, and after her best nights sleep in weeks, Cait had woken to a luxurious breakfast supplied once again courtesy of the criminal they'd been assigned to apprehend. After making their excuses to the morning staff, they'd regrouped with Dom, who'd been met with an enthusiastic hug from Cait and a bag full of chocolate croissants she'd managed to smuggle past eagle- eyed Lucia at the front desk.
As they disappeared into the loose assemblage of guests making their way towards the stone steps that made their way to the marbled lobby, Cait found Hawke, hands stuffed in his trouser pockets staring up at the statuettes adorning the walls, just below the balcony that wrapped around the entire top floor. Any evidence of uneasiness was hidden well behind his aviators. Cait bit her bottom lip in attempt to stifle a smile.
'Y'know you could always swap places with Dom"
Hawke remained unmoved, gazing up at an imaginary spot in the sky until Cait's soft breath tickled his ear
"Earth to String"
"What?!" He barked, his head whipping round to look at the Texan
"I said you could always swap..oh never mind"
Suddenly she felt the warmth of Hawke's hand on the small of her back through the thin material of her floral shift dress as he steered her towards the front doors, weaving in and out of the groups of people of all ages that had congregated on the gravel driveway, laughing and hugging like old friends. Old criminal friends, Hawke thought grimly. Just in the driveway alone it was like the who's who of the FBI's most wanted.
"Is Everythin' ok, Hawke?" Cait asked finally addressing Hawke's brooding silence in the car. "You were awful quiet on the ride over"
"Yeah" Hawke replied, giving his usual, customary answer "I'm fine"
"Y'know I kinda feel better about all this knowin' Dom and The Lady are out there" Cait said, lowering her voice to a whisper "Where is he, anyways?"
"Back there in the trees, monitoring comms" Hawke replied quietly, as the staff began to greet the first of the guests at the door. Cait watched wide eyed as the guests began to ascend the stone steps and file into the villa like Noah's Ark. Although he would never admit it to Cait, with his own unease about the whole mission, knowing Dom had both their backs mollified him slightly.
"There sure is a lotta people here. Y'know I coulda sworn I saw the guy wanted for that billion dollar jewellery heist in Santa Barbara last year"
"You probably did" Hawke replied . They came to a standstill as the man on the door appeared to be in a heated discussion with the young couple at the front. Cait's gaze shifted sideways as a tall, lean man moved into view behind the doorman, his hands clasped behind his back.
The man looked formidable, his posture indicative of a well trained soldier. His chestnut hair that bore fine streaks of grey was slicked back, and the brown trousers he wore accentuated his olive skin, tanned by the Cuban sun. Cait recognised him immediately.
"Hawke, look" Cait said, nudging him gently in the ribs with her elbow. "It's the Ambassador. You really think he's capable of bankrolling Herrera's operation?"
Hawke glanced over his shoulder and gently steered Cait away from the group so they could talk freely
"I think he's very capable" Hawke admitted, momentarily distracted by what looked like two childlike stone cherubs on top of the grey stone fountain. He shoved his hands back into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. "It's part of the reason Michael sent us out here"
"Jeez, I only saw him a coupla weeks ago on the news negotiating some sorta peace deal between the government and rebel forces in Suriana." Cait sighed sadly " Doc told me he was a good man, fightin' for what he believed in. I guess appearances can be deceptive, huh?"
Hawke reached out and gently squeezed her shoulder, his heart warming once again at Cait's inherent belief there was good in everyone.
"Sometimes"
Cait bowed her head and nodded as old, painful memories of Robert, Ken Sawyer bludgeoned their way to the surface only to be replaced by new ones, Gabriel Weller, the man they'd all called a friend, who now haunted her dreams, had her doubting her own judgement. Even with a bullet wound to the shoulder, Hawke would have loved nothing more than to kill him with his bare hands.
"Hey" A calloused finger slipped beneath her chin and nudged it so her eyes met his. "Y'know a wise woman once told me that not everyone is a homicidal maniac out to grab Airwolf"
The corner of Cait's mouth twitched into a grin
"I did say that, didn't I?"
Hawke nodded.
"Just wish I could believe it, that's all"
"Don't ever doubt yourself Cait. Promise me that"
Cait gave a small nod in response to Hawke's quick wink and slid her arm through his.
"C'mon, Mr Hawke, lets get this show on the road"
"Sounds like a plan, Mrs Hawke" Hawke replied, his stomach suddenly swooping at how easily the name rolled off his lips.
"Very funny" Cait replied drily, turning her attentions back to the gathering of people at the main doors. Mercifully, she hadn't appeared to have noticed.
"This Herrera guy sure knows how to throw a party" Cait commented as she watched an impeccably dressed waiter glide through the crowds, a tray full of canapés balancing deftly on one hand.
"He sure does" Hawke replied, tugging at the collar of his dress shirt which suddenly felt entirely too tight.
"I thought y'all said he was some kinda recluse"
"A man can change his mind"
"He can, huh?"
Cait stopped and turned to face him, Hawke's hands automatically falling to rest on her hips as she smoothed out the collar of his shirt.
"Yeah" Hawke replied, tugging her towards him until she was flush against him "So I've heard"
They smiled happily at each other before Hawke removed his sunglasses, reached out and gently swept her hair off her bare shoulder, the pad of his thumb brushing deliciously against her sternum. Before she had a chance to gather a coherent thought, Hawke leaned in and kissed her gently on the cheek, leaving Cait wondering if his sudden affection was all just part of the plan. His lips lingered on her cheek for what seemed like an eternity before he pulled away, his impossibly blue eyes locking with hers
"Hawke-"
"My friends! It is good to see you!"
The couple jumped apart as Arturo appeared in the doorway and jogged down the steps, waving away the protests from burly security guard whose ample biceps looked in severe danger of bursting out of his black suit jacket. Hawke quickly shoved his aviators back on.
"Please come with me, Ramon is waiting for you"
Cait suddenly lurched forward as Arturo grabbed her arm and led them round the side of the villa down a narrow path beneath a bamboo archway, covered with the both beautiful orchids Cait had ever seen.
" This is all in honour of the US Ambassadors daughters wedding next weekend" Arturo explained as they reached the end of the pathway and an expansive lawn stretched out before them, set back from the beautiful turquoise waters of the ocean.
"The US Ambassador?"
"Si. His daughter Luisa is marrying into Cuban nobility" Arturo explained, " Her fiancé is a Mateo Ruiz. They are a big deal here in Cuba"
"How bigger deal? Hawke asked.
"Let's just say they are a family you do not wish to cross, Stringfellow"
Hawke inhaled sharply at the use of his christian name and turned to look at the Spy.
"Hawke's fine."
Arturo simply shrugged a shoulder
"Let me guess, you got a seat right at the head of the table"
"You flatter me" Arturo replied, an enigmatic grin spreading across his face "His father Javier, is El Presidente's cousin"
Hawke sighed and gestured towards the spy
"This wedding goes ahead, there will be no stopping him"
"Exactamente." Arturo replied, swiping a hand across his brow "After the wedding, there will be an announcement and the Ambassador will take his place in the Cuban government"
"Politics" Hawke muttered under his breath
"And Ramon will be his right hand man, acquitted of all his crimes and free to do as he pleases. We must not let that happen"
Cait took a step forward as the men's voices faded into the background, taking a moment to appreciate her surroundings.
The sound of a string quartet greeted her ears as the first throngs of guests began to fill the tables and marquees that were stretched out across the lawn. Pulling the cream shawl further around her shoulders, she spied the orchid covered pagoda which housed the string quartet, and the larger of the marquees nearest the villa, complete with a myriad of what she assumed were catering staff crowding round a hog roast. Her stomach rumbled with anticipation, reminding her that she hadn't actually eaten since breakfast. Cait's eyes fluttered closed as the gentle ocean breeze caressed her skin. Cait flinched at a shriek of laughter in the distance, and suddenly all the blood pounded in her ears and the shriek was replaced by the sound of her own screams.
"Dom?" Cait crouched down, laying a hand on her mentors lifeless body, sprawled beneath the wing of Airwolf. Swallowing hard, Cait swiped a hand across her face as a solitary tear slipped down her cheek. "Don't you dare to this to me, Dominic Santini. Not here. Not now"
The tears flowed freely as her delicate fingers moved to his neck in search of a pulse, only increasing when she noted its apparent absence.
"Dammit Dom!" Cait yelled, shaking his bulky frame "Wake up!"
"It won't do you any good"
Through the haze of tears, Cait could just about make out the form of her friend approaching through a clearing in the trees, some angry, bloody scratches zigzagging across his left cheek, but otherwise unharmed.
"Gabe! Thank God!" Cait exclaimed, wiping away her tears with muddy hands as she ran over to her friend. "We need to get Dom to a hospital.I was only gone for a minute…but…."
"Cait-" Gabe caught her as she cannoned into him, his strong arms wrapping around her waist, stilling her "Caitlin it's fine"
Cait pinned her friend with a stare to rival Hawke's
"What do you mean it's fine ?" She pushed away from him, her eyes scanning the tree line
"Where's String?"
Gabe sighed, a sickly smile plastered across his face
"Unavoidably detained"
"Cait?"
Hawkes deep gravel tones pulled her from her reverie and her eyes shifted to meet his. Now it was Hawke's turn to worry. He slid a hand between her shoulder blades, his touch sending a shiver all the way down her spine
"You alright?"
"Sure" Cait replied brightly, deliberately avoiding his gaze. She took a step away from him and swiped a glass from a passing waiter. "Why wouldn't I be?" Hawke frowned as she took a healthy gulp of champagne just as Arturo reappeared.
"Well my friends, shall we?"
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Hawke and Cait followed Arturo as he weaved in and out of the impeccably laid tables positioned in varying diamond formations across the lawn. Taking another sip of champagne, Cait glanced briefly across towards the main house, where a waitress that looked remarkably like Sofia lay down a platter of entrees at the table of the Santa Barbara heist guy and his no doubt equally nefarious friends. From across the lawn, Sofia looked up and caught Cait's eye, before moving along to the next table and smiling sweetly at the occupants. If she'd recognised her, she certainly didn't let it show. Cait relaxed a little, feeling oddly comforted that there was not necessarily a friendly face, but certainly an ally nearby. Maybe they might all just come out of this after all.
Cait's breath hitched as she felt a sudden chill sweep across the bare skin of her back and it took her a moment to realise Hawke's hand was no longer in it's default position at her shoulder blades.
"Relax" He whispered as he tangled his fingers with hers.
"Relax?" Cait exclaimed as she watched Arturo scurry over the orchid covered pagoda, embracing Ramon and the Ambassador like old friends.
"Comin' from the guy that's allergic to any kinda social gathering in numbers greater than ten"Hawke opened his mouth to fling back an appropriate retort, but closed it again when he saw the look that had settled across her features. He knew it well, and it rarely ended well for him.
"How is anyone supposed to relax surrounded by the worlds most renowned bank robbers and jewel thieves and some kooky guy who thinks he's Cary Grant in Notorious"
A ghost of a smile flitted across Hawke's face as she flung a hand towards Arturo.
"What?" Cait asked, at Hawke's raised eyebrow. "I like old black and white films"
"I know" Hawke replied darkly "It took me weeks to get over that Hitchcock marathon you made me sit through"
"I did not make you. Anyways, quit complainin' you enjoyed it. Boy, if my mom could see me now, you know what she'd say?" Cait asked glancing across at Hawke "She'd say Caitey girl-"
"Cait…."
"You've really outdone yourself this time. Why can't you just find a nice guy, settle down, get married, come home to Texas…."
"Caitlin!"
Cait flinched at the brusqueness of Hawke's tone as she stopped and turned to face him. She sighed as Hawke's eyes searched hers.
"I'm sorry, I'm just a little-"
"Wired? Anxious? Afraid?" Hawke offered, reaching out with his free hand and tugging her pashmina further around her shoulders.
"All of the above" Cait rolled her eyes "I'm sorry for bein' such a coward"
"Yeah"" Hawke replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Everyone knows you got a yellow streak bigger than Texas"
"Hey!" Cait exclaimed, scrunching up her nose at Hawke's soft chuckle. He squeezed her hand lightly
"But I do think you should lay off the hotel coffee for a while"
"Done" Cait chuckled. Untangling their fingers, Cait took a few steps towards the lawn and turned to face him.
"C'mon, let's get this over with, flyboy"
With a shake of his head, Hawke was at Cait's side in an instant, snaking an arm around her waist as they started up the steps strewn with daisies. This guy really has a thing for flowers, Cait thought absently as she finally relaxed into Hawke's touch.
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"Mr Hawke, I'm glad you could make it"
"I didn't see the invitation as a request"
Hawke shook Ramon's outstretched hand and tugged Cait closer into his side as he recognised the hunger in the older mans eyes as they roved over every inch of her body.
"And I see you have brought your beautiful wife. It a pleasure to meet you-"
"Caitlin" Cait answered, plastering on a smile "Hawke's told me a lot about ya"
Cait hesitated as Ramon took her hand and almost shuddered as a kiss ghosted across her knuckles.
"All good I hope" Ramon chuckled, holding onto her hand for a few minutes longer than necessary. Catching the steely gaze of Hawke, Ramon reluctantly released her hand and turned to face Arturo.
"You did not tell me Mr Hawke had a wife as beautiful as Caitlin"
" I did not feel the information pertinent, Ramon" Arturo replied, his dark eyes darting between the two men.
"No. Apparently not" Ramon took a long sip of his Martini, surveying the couple suspiciously over the rim of his glass. "I must commend you on your taste, Mr Hawke"
Hawke swallowed the remainder of his champagne and placed the glass on the tray of the waitress that had suddenly materialised beside him.
"It's a matter of class"
Hawke immediately rued the words that had left his lips, as he suddenly became acutely aware of Caitlin's hot stare burning into the side of his face.
"Indeed" Ramon replied, an enigmatic smile surfacing at Cait's obvious discomfort. Ramon cleared his throat and placed his empty glass on the table.
"Now where we're we…Ah yes… a job I believe-"
"Ramon!"
Four heads turned in unison in search of the owner of the voice, and immediately felt Caitlin's body go rigid against his side. Following her line of sight, he suddenly understood why, as his gaze alighted on the source of Cait's consternation. A woman sashayed up the winding garden path, her champagne coloured dress moulding to her body like a second skin. Dark ringlets cascaded over her shoulders, swaying slightly in her attempts to reach the pagoda in record time. He had to give credit where credit was due, he thought wryly, anyone that could move that quickly and effortlessly in six inch heels ought to be given a medal. He'd witnessed Caitlin's handful of attempts to do just that over the years, and they hadn't ended well.
"Did you tell the caterers to change the pork roast when you finalised the menu?" He heard Cait's sharp intake of breath as the woman arrived at Ramon's side, quickly followed by her small cough in an effort to conceal it.
"No" Ramon replied, his brow furrowing as he turned to face the newcomer "Hierro is in charge of the menu. You know that carino"
Hawke couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the term of endearment.
"Yes I do" the woman replied, plastering on a smile. " but Hierro is no longer in the kitchen"
"What do you mean he's not in the kitchen"
"He's not in the kitchen, Ramon. He's gone. Left. Something about pork and chicken and the head of the catering staffs mother. I can't recall the exact word that was used…"
Ramon rolled his eyes and muttered something in Spanish before clicking his fingers at a passing waiter.
"Would you excuse me for just one minute? It appears I am required in the kitchen" Ramon said, turning to face Hawke and Cait. Hawke glanced at Arturo who stood behind Ramon, the spy suddenly finding a spec of dirt under his nails particularly appealing.
"Sure" Hawke replied, shoving his hands into his trouser pockets and rocking back on his heels.
"Elena darling, will you please see that our guests are taken care of?"
"Certainly. It would be my pleasure" The woman replied, as Ramon made his way down the steps and across the main lawn. Cait remained rooted to the spot as the woman turned to face them, eyes as blue as a summer sky colliding with the familiar dark eyes that hid a myriad of secrets.
Certain Ramon was out of earshot, Hawke finally spoke
"Hello Marella"