Victor Dubenich exited the elevator at precisely 8:57 a.m., hastily walking down the hallway to his office. He walked past his secretary's desk without a second glance. He stopped just shy of his door when his secretary told him: "Your nine o'clock is here,"

Dubenich turned to the woman. "My…?" he trailed off when he was struck by the imperial image of Sophie Devereaux sitting in a chair in the corner of the entry room. From the moment he glimpsed the hypnotic creature, Victor Dubenich hadn't stood a chance.

"Mr. Dubenich," Sophie greeted, standing. Her voice lilted in a pleasant South African accent. "Anna Gunschtot, African Commercial Transport and Trade Initiative." She gave him a business card.

Across town at the loft, Hardison sat down in his desk chair. "Here comes the mountain of suck," Hardison said. While Nate paced behind the two of them, Liza pulled up another chair and sat next to Hardison, replying:

"C'mon, she might not be that bad." After her weak defense, Hardison cast her a dubious expression. "Well." she turned to face the monitors. "It could happen,"

Dubenich studied the business card before whirling around and stalking to his office. Sophie followed at her own pace while the secretary watched the other woman leave. "You government?" he asked.

"No, no. Private business consortium," Sophie answered, walking through the door of his office. She went to the windows on the other end of the office, gazing out to the towering office buildings of Los Angeles. "We are looking to encourage infrastructure development and economic renewal,"

Dubenich still held Sophie's business card and his briefcase. "I have no idea what that means in English," he chuckled nervously. "What does that mean?"

Sophie's charming demeanor relieved him of some of his anxieties. "We create jobs and trade in Africa," she replied, meeting his eyes. "Keep the graft and the stealing manageable,"

Liza stared at the screens' sound analysis in amazement while Hardison said: "She's not awful…"

Nate took another turn, his pride in Sophie showing when he spoke: "This is her stage. Sophie Devereaux is the finest actress you've ever seen…" he leaned over Hardison's shoulder. "when she's breaking the law,"

They listened as Dubenich replied cynically: "Keep graft and stealing manageable in Africa? Good luck but I don't think I can help. I don't think any human being on Earth can help you with that. Sorry."

Sophie's eyes narrowed unnoticeably before her smile widened. She stepped away from the window. "Come on. Let's go and talk somewhere a little less formal, eh?"

Dubenich shook his head, a confused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Sophie walked out of his office without saying another word. He tossed his briefcase onto the chair across from his desk, folding the business card further into his hand. "Uh, no, no, no." he followed her out of the door, taking reluctant steps. His receptionist watched in great interest as her boss trailed after the woman. "Look, I, Miss, ah…" Nearly without realizing it, Dubenich had left his office completely.

Nate paused in his pacing. "Ok." he waited until Sophie led Dubenich to the elevator. "And, now,"

Hardison leaned closer to the screen while Liza reclined further into her chair, watching the young man closely. Hardison's fingers slid across the keys, accessing the secretary's computer. With a few easy strokes, he sent the necessary commands. He only had to wait a moment before he heard the secretary's distressed mutterings of: "No. No, no." she frantically hit keys, the Blue Screen of Death lighting up her screen. "No, no, no, please." Her head fell into her palm.

In the Bering Aerospace's air ducts, Parker finished splicing wires just as the call came in. She lifted the red device to her ear while lying comfortably in the cramped space. She forced a bright, cheery smile. "Hello. IT,"

"Yeah, this is Victor Dubenich's office, my computer just completely crashed," the secretary said.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Did you try turning it on and off again?" Parker asked, ignoring Hardison's praise.

"Yes, nothing seems to be working,"

"We've got somebody on your floor already," Parker replied.

"Thank you," the secretary placed the handset back onto the receiver. She leaned back in her chair before she noticed an unknown man in khakis, a short sleeve, plaid shirt, and blue tie. Eliot hid blue eyes behind thick-framed glasses while his hair had been combed within an inch of its life. He cast a spellbinding smile.

"Somebody call IT?"

-O-

Sophie and Dubenich walked side by side as they exited the building. Cars bustled in the background while a few men and women dressed in formal business attire littered the stone platform. A mild breeze rustled both the tree leaves and Sophie's hair. Dubenich lifted his head to watch her as she spoke.

"I represent a group of investors who are looking to start an airline for short tour flights in Africa," she said, beginning down the flight of stairs which led to the lower level.

"Of Johannesburg?" Dubenich asked.

"Ok, he's testing you, Sophie." Nate directed. Liza looked back at Nate, mouthing the name of a different city. "You want Bloemfontein." Liza offered a thumbs-up before taking a bite out of her apple.

Sophie waved her hand dismissively. "Stay away from the hubs. Revitalize the regional airports. In South Africa, Bloemfontein for example. But really, it's Nigeria we're focused on,"

"Perfect," Nate said. Hardison took a drink of the orange soda next to him.

"Most of their airport runways are a mess," Dubenich disputed.

"I believe new airplanes will make people more comfortable while we renew old runways," Sophie replied, looking back to Dubenich.

Dubenich scratched the side of his head. "Uh huh. I don't recall saying anything about new airplanes,"

Sophie quirked a haughty brow, holding to the railing as she continued down the stairs. "Victor." She drew out his name, softening its harshness. "Both you and your chief engineer are scheduled to speak at your shareholder's meeting,"

"I think you know more about my business than I do," Dubenich flirted.

Liza wrinkled her nose, shaking her head. "Wow," she mumbled. "I really don't like this guy,"

"I've done my homework," Sophie responded. As she reached the last step, she turned to look at him. "I find you fascinating,"

Dubenich stopped, huffing a laugh. "You..uh?" Waiting until the woman was out of earshot, he repeated quietly, pleased with himself. "Fascinating? Hmm,"

-O-

Parker lifted one of the ceiling tiles before dropping to the couch below. The thief still retained the headlight strapped to her forehead. Eliot saw her from the corner of his eye while nodding along to whatever the secretary was saying to him. Fighting back a wave of irritation when Parker had the audacity to wave at him, he hastily pulled the secretary's chair closer to him, turning her away from Dubenich's office. "Let me show you how to- uh- reconnect with the network," Eliot said.

Hardison's brow furrowed. "Now, shouldn't I be playing the computer guy?"

Liza pushed his chair with her foot. "Dude. We actually need you to be the computer guy, remember?"

Parker swiftly moved across the office, pulling a flash drive from her bag. She sat at the desk, opening the laptop. She connected the drive, downloading the files Hardison and Liza had requested. She bent over, placing a bug beneath the desk before returning to her work at the computer.

At the secretary's desk, Eliot continued his act of IT guy while Hardison fed him the necessary instructions over the comms. He hoped Hardison was giving the right instructions, for the young hacker's sake. His eyes remained on the screen until the woman reached for the mouse. He placed his hand over hers, guiding it. Her cheeks flushed a bright pink while she gave an embarrassed smile. He caught her gaze, and the secretary found herself unable to move.

"And reboot.," he said to himself. "Voila,"

The secretary pulled her hand away, grazing his forearm. "You're pretty strong for a computer guy,"

Eliot pulled off his glasses, smiling. "Why, thank you. I like to work out. And try to stay big 'cause I love dressing up like a Klingon and going to all the conventions, you know." he explained before yelling, "Bacla!" causing her to jump back in her chair. He reached out. "Sorry."

She giggled. "It's okay." she said before returning with her own cry of, "Bacla!"

Eliot narrowed his eyes, shaking his glasses at her playfully. "Oh! Don't you tease me,"

Hardison shook his finger at his screens, his voice filled with disgust and indignation. "Oh, hold up, man, that is not … that is not cool. That is not cool. We gonna have a strong talk when you get back." he shook his head. "Disgrace to geeks everywhere,"

Liza laughed. "I seriously doubt she is checking out his geek credentials right now,"

Parker removed the flash drive before silently dashing across the room and pulling herself back into the ductwork. Eliot leaned closer to the secretary. "You've got unbelievably blue eyes."

She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Thank you,"

"They're stunning. Just breathtakingly blue," Eliot said as Parker replaced the ceiling tile disappearing from view.

-O-

Sophie walked to the railing overlooking the water and several rocking boats while Dubenich stopped a couple of meters away. "Uh, sorry, is it Gunshot?" he asked. She shook her head slightly. "I'm sorry,"

Sophie offered a reassuring smile. "Gunschtot,"

Dubenich fidgeted, shifting from side to side as he came to stand next to her. "I'm sorry. Really sorry,"

Sophie presented a compromise. "Anna,"

"Anna, thank you," Dubenich said before continuing: "How's this? If we announce a new product, then you can order as many as your little heart desires,"

Sophie heard Nate's next instructions through the comm: "Okay, you know what to do. Hit him,"

"We'd also like to build the planes." Sophie leaned against the railing. "More jobs. Build them in Africa, fly them in Africa, sell the rest around the world,"

"Well, that's very ambitious," Dubenich allowed. "You have the manufacturing facilities to do all that?"

Sophie looked at him as if he were ridiculous for even mentioning such an absurd idea. "Ah! We can easily raise the money to build the facilities if we know for certain we're going to get the contracts,"

Nate smiled. "Atta, girl,"

Dubenich hesitated, frowning. "Anna, I'm really sorry, but I can't help you,"

Liza squeezed her eyes shut, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Crap,"

Hardison sighed, glancing at Nate. "It was a nice try man,"

Unconcerned, Nate scrutinized the screen. "Wait for it,"

Sophie nodded, looking at the ground for a moment. "I understand," she said.

Dubenich examined his watch. "And I really do have…"

Sophie interrupted: "I'll take it to Pierson,"

Hardison's eyes shot to the screen in disbelief while Nate waited. Liza sank back into her chair, an appraising expression on her face. Perhaps, she had judged the former Lady MacBeth too soon?

Dubenich clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. He bit the inside of his cheek, forcing disinterest. He pushed lightly against the stone near his hand. "Pierson? Uh, sure, go ahead, Pierson's a great company, I don't think they can help you, but…" he said, averting his gaze.

Sophie nodded strongly. "Oh, they have a reputation for long-term investment, you don't. They're innovators." she pretended to contemplate her idea once again. "Yeah, it's probably a better fit."

"I know-I'm well aware that you're manipulating me, Anna,"

"Well, I should hope so. Hundreds of millions of dollars in new contracts, a lot of good press." She leaned closer while he took a half-step back. "All at your door," Sophie smiled.

"Okay, I give up, I'll take the meeting," he conceded. He reached out to shake her hand but was surprised when she walked away without taking it. His eyes lingered on her form as she walked away from him, beginning up the stairs again.

"I'll have my office call you," Sophie said.

He shook away the fog surrounding his senses. "What?" his brow furrowed before he covered his faux pas. "Yeah,"

She pulled herself up the first step. "Day after tomorrow?"

Dubenich nodded. "Uh, yeah sure," he said before saying more loudly: "Look forward to doing business with you!"

Hardison grinned and high-fived an equally excited Liza. She beamed when she saw the wide smile on Nate's face. Nate slapped Hardison on the shoulder before the two men shook hands.

-O-

Sophie remained in the kitchen, attempting to find something to eat besides Hardison's unhealthy array of orange soda, tiny cakes, and cold pizza. Parker had disappeared into the halls of the penthouse. No one would have been surprised if she had decided to explore the air ducts and fallen asleep. Eliot and Nate played pool in the back of the main room while Liza watched from her place on her barstool and worked on her accumulating file laying on the counter. Hardison sat at his desk, rubbing his tired eyes. In the next few minutes, Parker reappeared with a clear box filled with locks, collapsing onto the couch and beginning to pick the locks while timing herself. Liza decided not to ask where she found them. Sophie came to sit next to Liza, who smiled at the additional company. Sophie silently offered the young woman a piece of chocolate which Liza readily took.

"I knew I liked you," Liza told her, and Sophie snickered.

"Yo, Nate." Hardison turned his head as the older man came toward his desk. Nate leaned over Hardison's shoulder. He watched as financial records, different files, and folders appeared on the screens. "I got all his financials off his hard drive and all his passwords,"

"Yeah, good job," Nate offered a small yet pleased smile. He pivoted on his heel, leaving the hacker to his work again. Nate stepped onto the platform. He picked up his cue stick.

"Your shot," Eliot said, offering him a beer.

Nate shook his head. "No thanks." Nate lined up his next shot. "Five corner," he remarked before hitting the ball into the pocket.

"You look better than when we started," Eliot said, grabbing his beer and leaning against the pool table.

Nate sighed, standing straight. "Yeah... uh." Nate took an uneasy step forward.

Eliot regarded him carefully. "And that bothers you, huh?"

Nate set his cue stick against the pool table. "...I-I uh, well this isn't supposed to feel-"

"Good?" Eliot offered. The man's easiness threw Nate on his guard. "It's not that hard to figure out. Dubenich screwed you." he tipped his beer bottle in Nate's direction. "He cheated by stealing from that other company and your good guy brain sees him as the bad guy. Your conscience is clear." he smiled faintly.

Becoming irritable and impatient, Nate motioned to the table. "You wanna take your shot?"

He nodded, taking a drink. Eliot hesitated for a half-second before saying more quietly and sincerely. "Listen, I'm sorry about your kid,"

Liza's head whipped around, eyes flashing. Eliot caught her intended message very clearly: 'Thin ice, Spencer,'. Nate shook his head once. "You don't know anything about that,"

"Everybody knows. A guy like you goes off the street a lot of people notice," Eliot said. "And it was a bad story, too. How did they justify that, huh?" his voice became indignant. "The insurance company just not paying for his treatment?"

Nate looked to the side. The memory of his son laying on an OR table while the heart monitor flatlined sprung into his thoughts. Not meeting Eliot's eyes, he replied: "They claimed it was experimental,"

Eliot's reply was instant. "You should have kept one of those Monets you found. You fence that—"

Nate finally looked at Eliot, feigning conceit. "Eliot, you and I are not friends,"

Eliot offered a phony smile. "Right. Right. Because you have so many of them." Eliot took a few steps back, tipping his bottle in the direction over Nate's shoulder. "Incoming,"

Nate turned his head as Sophie came to stand next to him. Liza moved past them, going to the pool table, stopping Eliot from leaving. "Hey, can you help me with this earpiece?" Sophie asked, tugging at Nate's arm.

Liza listened as Nate half-heartedly attempted to pawn off the task to Hardison before he acquiesced after another gentle prod from Sophie. While Nate aided Sophie, Liza asked Eliot: "Mind if I take Nate's spot?" She moved her bangs further away from her eyes. Eliot shook his head, motioning to the cue stick against the wall. "Solids and stripes, right?" His brow rose in surprise, but he only nodded in response. She chalked the end. "Your turn," she prompted, ignoring Sophie and Nate's flirting. However, ignoring anything of interest appeared not to be within Hardison's forte as the hacker slid his chair across the room, letting out a long 'ooh'. Nate went to the couch, ignoring the young man.

Eliot took his shot, the ball missing the pocket by inches. He scowled. Liza lined up her next shot. The ball tipped into the pocket as Eliot asked: "Why are you here, Sinclair?"

Surprise transformed into a grimace in seconds. "Don't call me that." She examined the placement of the billiard balls on the green tabletop. " 's just Liza,"

He shrugged a shoulder. "Ok. Why are you here, Liza?"

"Small talk isn't one of your strong qualities, is it?" she quipped, leaning against the cue stick.

He took his next shot. "Wanna know what I think?"

She snorted. "No, but, somehow, I get the feelin' you're gonna tell me anyway,"

"Nate, I get. Dubenich brought him in to manage us. But you?" he tipped his bottle in her direction. He smiled falsely, a facade she didn't think suited him. "What's your game?"

"Has anyone told you that you have a suspicious mind?" she asked while he positioned the ball when she scratched. The smile became a bit more genuine at that.

"You didn't answer the question,"

"Well, I-I, uh," she paused. When she did, Nate called her name as he exited the room. She swiveled her head around. "Yeah?"

"Don't forget you're with Sophie on this one tomorrow,"

She saluted. "Yes, boss." She wasn't surprised when Nate didn't answer; he continued down the hall entering the room he had chosen to stay in.

Eliot set his beer on the table's edge. "Your shot," he said.

She cleared her throat, walking around to the end of the table, lining up her cue stick. "Nine, corner pocket,"

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Author's note: Hi, Guys! I can't believe this story has over 200 views. When I first posted this story, I had no idea that anyone was actually going to read it. So again I must say, thank you. :-) As always, I am up for comments or messages, even if it's just to say that you freaked out when you saw Christain Kane casually leaning against a pool table. ...ok, lemme rephrase that. Comment or message me especially if it's about Christian Kane, period. I am always 1768% down for that kind of conversation. Thanks for reading!

Guest: Liza will definitely be playing a bigger part in the story starting now. Now that she has been introduced to the team and has a semi-definitive role, she will become a main fixture. I hope you continue Liza's story with me!

wildcat717: Thank you so much! I really appreciate that! This is the first fanfic I've ever written, like ever, so I hope I do alright with these characters. Thanks for commenting! Hope to hear from you again soon. ;-)