"We do a lot of coordination between the branches of service here at the Embassy. And frankly, it's a lot easier here, because there's comparatively very little posturing or rivalry. Everyone works together because we want America to look good. I always used to hate coordinating with the local police or with the CIA stateside, but it's very different here," Jensen was saying as he showed them to the training rooms. "We usually put on the training ourselves, when it's just a week here or there. A full month of training is beyond our resources."
"Well, I know Colby here is very happy that you needed help," Don grinned at the younger agent.
Jensen acknowledged that with a laugh, "Since you're on temporary duty here, you're free to go after the training sessions. But we won't turn down any help you're willing to give. And, there's a sign up list to use one of the two cars we have for temporary duty personnel. I'm sure you won't have a problem getting it for the weekends."
That cheered Colby up, "Thanks! That'll be handy for taking my girlfriend around without imposing on her friend all the time."
"Oh, the embassy puts on a buffet spread every Wednesday night for the students. Embassy staff, which we're part of, are also welcome. There's a formal this Friday welcoming the the students from Greece and Croatia, and it includes the representatives from the Greek and Croatian embassies. We're opening Legat offices in those countries this year and we're trying to strengthen our relationship with them. Here we are, your home for the next month. Just give me call if you need anything. Other than the training sessions and the status meetings on Friday mornings, you're pretty much on your own."
"Jensen, what's the staffing like for the FBI Legat here?" Don was curious.
"We have 126 special agents, and a small staff of about 20 support specialists, in addition to the Legal Attache herself. They're scattered in the field depending on which law enforcement agency they're assisting. We currently have a large group assisting MI-5. There've been attacks on US owned companies here in the UK, and we're working with MI-5 on that case. Our agents have been back and forth between the Embassy and the MI-5 office. We have better equipment for some things, and vice versa."
They shook hands and Jensen scurried off to his own duties. Colby and Don spent most of the day reviewing the material and putting together their lesson plan. The students, made up of local law enforcement officers from Greece and Croatia, weren't due in till the next day.
Around noon, Jensen looked up and grinned to see Don and Colby at his cubicle. "Ready for lunch?"
"Yeah," Colby was laughing, "And ready to help you out with something other than lesson plans after lunch."
-----
Hannah enjoyed sleeping late that morning. She was barely aware of Colby kissing her goodbye before he left for the Embassy, but they'd already discussed plans for the day so she didn't worry too much about it. They were used to him leaving while she was still asleep. Still, she was up and about several hours before she was due to meet Eleanor in Weybridge and spent some of that time exploring the neighborhood. She had a wonderful time wandering around the food halls at Harrods, and ended up buying several varieties of meat pies. She thought they would make an interesting snack.
She didn't have any problems finding her way back to Waterloo station for the train to Weybridge, though she was glad they'd done that together on Saturday. It would have been overwhelming for her to find it all by herself. She was glad she'd brought a fresh sketchbook, there were many things that caught her interest along the way.
Waving when she saw Eleanor at the Weybridge station, she took a careful hop off the train. She beamed at Eleanor at the success of that little jump.
"Managing more each day?" Eleanor asked, happy at the triumph in Hannah's smile.
"Yes. And I've done more without Colby today than I have in a long time."
"He's very protective," Eleanor said softly.
Hannah smiled tenderly, "Yes, he is."
"Not too much so? Is he smothering you?"
Looking thoughtfully at Eleanor, Hannah replied, "I hadn't thought so. Do you think so?"
Eleanor shrugged, "You'll have to be the one to judge." Changing the subject, Eleanor asked, "What do you have in mind for today?"
"I'm all yours, Eleanor. We can just walk around a park and just catch up, if you like. We did a lot this weekend."
"I won't be able to make it the next two days, I have back-to-back meetings. But I'm free after that. I'll even be able to stay in London if..." Eleanor trailed off.
Hannah glanced sharply at her. "It's certainly your decision to make, Eleanor, but I have to be honest. I'm a little torn, because Robin is also my friend."
Eleanor nodded. After a moment, she said, "He doesn't seem sure where their relationship is headed. And I'm quite positive that after this month, we would not see each other again. I don't see any harm in a month-long fling."
"There was a time in my recovery where I hardly spoke to Colby. I just know how I would have felt if he'd had an affair." Hannah said softly. "I did think he was leaving me, and it hurt."
They got in the car, and by tacit agreement, neither referred to the situation again.
"What are your plans for the next two days?" Eleanor asked.
"I thought I would go to Kensington Palace on one of those days, see the Diana, Princess of Wales, exhibition, particularly her dresses. Then the Museum of London to take a look at the 18th century fashion exhibit."
Eleanor laughed, "Not something the guys would want to go to?"
Hannah grinned.
"I still have that jewelry making kit you bought me years ago. You had that look yesterday. Would you want to use it or is it far too basic for your needs?" Eleanor offered.
Touched by the thoughtful gesture, Hannah replied, "I could use it, if you don't mind. I just need to get some materials and some additional tools."
"I know just the place."
-----
"Our friends, the ELM," Don said grimly, as he surveyed the pictures and notes in the files. This was the big case the Legat office was working with MI-5. "Wonderful."
"Vandalism of property belonging to officials and employees of the US companies based here in the UK, backed in part by UK money," Colby picked up where Don left off. He sighed.
"So far no one has been hurt," Special Agent Braden Creel said. Braden was the lead agent on this case for the FBI Legat. "MI-5 has been just as frustrated as we are. All we can do is patiently chase the leads."
Don nodded, "We'll do what we can to help."
"And it'll be much appreciated."
As Braden left, Don said quietly to Colby, "I'm going to call Robin, then my family."
Colby nodded and left to give him some privacy.
-----
"Robin, it's Don."
There was silence on the other end.
"Don't hang up, please don't hang up," Don pleaded, when it didn't seem like Robin was going to say anything.
"I don't have anything to say."
Don sighed, "Tell me what I did wrong. I'm still not sure why you're so angry that you won't even talk to me."
"You accepted this assignment without discussing it with me. You left without me. And you don't know what's wrong?"
"Colby asked to come to London when Hannah decided to spend a month here. When I checked into it, they asked for me too. I told you about it. I asked you to come with me. I don't know what else you expect of me."
"I can't just drop everything because you say so. Why are you more concerned about Hannah than you are about me? Hannah already has Colby at her beck and call. Did you also need to drop everything for her?"
"I didn't drop everything for Hannah!"
"You could have fooled me. We're through."
"Robin..." Don winced as the phone was slammed down on the other end. He looked morosely at the phone. He wasn't sure now if the relationship was salvageable.
Sighing, Don dialed his father's number. At least he'd feel better after talking to him.
Don was still quiet and withdrawn when they met Hannah and Eleanor for dinner.
Realizing that Don was still working out personal issues, Colby diverted the conversation away from Don, and the ladies followed his lead, respecting Don's need for privacy. They talked mostly about the shopping they had done that day for Hannah's tools and materials, and about Hannah's plans for the next few days.
But as they walked back to the flats, Don took Eleanor's hand in his. "The embassy is hosting a formal dinner party on Friday evening. I would be honored if you'd accompany me."