Chapter Five: You'll Never Believe Who I Ran Into Today

Cait was sipping an iced tea trying to stay out of the sun during the break from her photo shoot. Saudi Arabia was an exciting country but very hot. Steve, one of the photographers sat down beside her.

"Ok, Cait do I have to start begging you to go out to dinner with me?"

Steve was a nice guy and handsome in a rugged way. He hadn't stopped asking her out since they arrived. It wasn't that she didn't find him desirable; she just didn't feel it was fair to start dating someone when she knew she wasn't ready. She still remembered the look on Dave's face when she told him she was leaving. She didn't want to start something that she was not ready to commit to.

"So Cait what about tonight? You, me and a romantic dinner under the desert stars."

Cait giggled. "Not tonight Steve. I kinda want to walk around the city and take in the sights."

Steve was reluctant to scold her since he didn't know her that well. "Cait I wish you would let me at least go with you. They don't see things here like we do in the U.S. It can be dangerous for a woman by herself."

Cait was appreciative of his concern. "I promise I will be careful and stay alert."

"Well I know there's no talking you out of it. Let's get back to the shoot so we can wrap up before it gets dark."

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Cait took a cool bath and changed into some modest clothes to wear out on her walk. She walked for about an hour when she came across a small shop that sold handmade jewelry. She picked each piece up deciding which one her Mom and sister Erin might like when she was interrupted by a commotion outside the shop.

Two men were fighting or at least one of them was. One was much bigger than the other. The smaller man was being viciously beaten by the other; Cait looked around as the men watched. No one stepped in to stop the attack. Before she thought she was in-between the two men trying to hold back the bigger one. The man she grabbed turned on her. He seemed to be upset that she had dared to lay her hands on him. Soon the attention was off the smaller man. He ran as his attacker turned his anger on her. She didn't need to speak the language to know she was in trouble. Some of the other men were now shoving her pointing fingers in her face. She looked for a way to escape but the group of men were pressing in on her. She tried to reason with them but no one seemed to speak English.

Just as she was about to give up hope she heard a loud gunshot, the men scattered as their attention was on where the shot came from. Panic broke out as they seemed to forget all about her. She was disoriented spinning around trying to decide the way back when she felt a strong hand grab her wrist. She had no idea who the man was. He quickly pulled her through the pandemonium into an empty building. Shoving her into a corner he shut the door and closed the blinds. Cait was just about to thank him when he ran over to her anger apparent on his face.

"What are you, stupid Lady? You don't have enough sense to know not to walk through these streets alone not to mention try and break up a fight between men?"

Cait was getting angry. She could feel the heat in her checks. "Look buster, I don't know who you are but I didn't ask you to help me. Besides no one else was going to stop that poor man for getting beat."

'Why you little…. Someone ought to tan your hide for you. Do you have any idea what those men were going to do to you? That man was getting beat because he stole the other man's wallet."

Cait cast her eyes downward but was still defiant. "No I didn't know because I don't speak Arabic.

"That's right you didn't know. If I hadn't come along you would be in the town square right now being whipped. You think because you're an American that the laws and customs don't apply to you?

Cait opened her mouth to defend herself but knew she couldn't. Whoever this man was he was right and she should be grateful that he came along but he was so damned infuriating. He kind of reminded her of someone she knew.

She started to speak but before she could he was on top of her with his hand over her mouth. "Quiet, they are still looking for you."

Cait did as he said. When the shadows and voices disappeared outside he released her." I think we should stay in here for awhile. As it gets darker the streets will empty out and I can take you back.

Cait sat up beside the man leaning against the wall. He didn't say anything else to her. He just waited and listened to what was being said. Military she thought. She could tell by the way he carried himself. The gun in his belt wasn't military issue, perhaps he was Special Forces.

"My names Catlin, most people call me Cait." She waited for a response and didn't get one. Now she was getting annoyed. "look whatever your name is, I'm sorry that I caused you trouble but that's no reason for you to be rude."

She stood up and headed for the door. "I think its safe enough for me to make my own way back."

Before she reached the door he was on her. In the struggle he pushed her back into the wall pinning her. There was enough light that she could almost make out his face. She should have been afraid but for some reason she trusted him. She tried to step out of his grasp; he effectively blocked her with his body. Holding her more firmly he locked his eyes on her. The next moment he took her lips with his. His kiss was angry but full of passion. Cait tried to break free but found she didn't want to. There was something almost familiar about him that drew her to him. He broke from her lips and studied her face until a headlight from a passing car shone through the blinds. Cait was now able to see the man clearly. Realization came suddenly as she gasp. "It's you"

The man quickly let her go not knowing if she really knew him or not. Taking her by the arm he reverted back to the same gruff man that pulled her in there. "Come on I think it's safe to leave now."

Watching his mannerisms and hearing his voice she was sure of it, he was like someone she knew. She had seen his picture at least a hundred times over the past two years. Jerking her arm from his grip she announced.

"It is you, isn't it" You're St. John Hawke."

St. Johns mind was spinning. How did this woman know him and who was she? He had to think fast. Before Cait could say another word she felt a powerful blow to her chin. Blackness was coming on fast as St. John held her as she went limp in his arms.

Putting her over his shoulder he muttered, "Now what the hell have I gotten myself into."