"Does she still have nightmares?" Bodie's second mug was on its way and he looked so tired after yet another sleepless night that mr Cowley was glad he had made more coffee already to begin with.
"Aye, she dreamt after she fell asleep in the armchair. She woke up herself, though, before I got to wake her, and calmed down to sleep in bed rather quickly. The rest of the night was peaceful as far as I can tell."
Bodie cracked his egg. "I can't even tell you how grateful I am that you take care of her like that, Sir."
That was not at all what his chief had expected to hear. But it really looked like the egg-shell was at the moment a cause of greater worry for the agent, than the fact Anna had again asked to have company for the night. "Och. Well... You're welcome. But I think she would have much preferred your company. I'm sorry the Hendley-case started to heat up right now."
Bodie shook his head. "I wish Hendley would finally act so that we could grab him, and I could have one good night's sleep. That's all there is about him. But anyway Anna is a lot better off with you than she would be with me. She feels safer with you. More secure."
His chief finished squeezing the oranges and gave a little smile. "Well that's one thing about growing old. Younger women start to consider you harmless."
Bodie chuckled but soon grew serious again. "No, I meant that she feels safe like nothing harms her when you're around."
The Scot frowned. "Well I can't agree with you. I've hurt her myself and you know that. I told you about that first night, didn't I?"
Bodie swallowed a large piece of toast. "Hurt and harm are not the same. She..." Crumb of bread made him cough and it took a while before he was able to talk again as he barely was able to breathe, and he couldn't hear a thing from his own coughing.
"Geez, Bodie, didn't your Mom tell you to not be greedy?" Teddybear emerged to the chair next to him. "Felt like the whole house was shaking." A gentle hand brushed through his hair.
"This man has always been a glutton. Tries to eat, talk and drink simultaneously." The Scot handed Bodie a glass of water and hammered his back with his hand.
Finally the dark crimson agent got to breathing more normally and nodded to Anna who had sat opposite to her. "Morning, love. Sorry for waking you up." He wiped his eyes, emptied his glass and pointed at the teddy with his thumb. "Looks like you have finally learned to delegate, Sir. Warned you 'bout this authorization though."
His chief jokingly pursed his lips and sat down. "He's got the morning-shift, sorry, lad. Anna insisted he'd be taken along yesterday as I forgot him the day before."
Bodie frowned theatrically. "Dammit, Missie. Besides, where does that Missie come from?"
Anna shrugged. "Dunno, Macklin just started to call me that when I was in London the last time, after I made his lip split."
Forks of both men stopped midway. "You what?" echoed in unison.
Anna swallowed a piece of bread in all peace. "I hit his face and his lip split."
Bodie still stared at at the woman, stunned. The Controller coughed. "Would you mind filling us in about this?"
Anna watched them curiously over the rim of her glass of juice and then licked her upper lip dry before continuing with her breakfast. "I once came to have a few rounds at the range, as you had promised I could do. Macklin was there, and came to talk after he had dismissed his group. He asked if I had anything to do as he had some spare time before the next lot, could use a warm-up he said. So we played a little." She let her spoon down and frowned at the almost gaping men. "What? It was fun, I hadn't got a decent match for a while and he's a great fighter. The lip was a bit of an accident though. But I've been Missie to him ever since. Feels like a pet-name."
Both men gave out a deep breath and exchanged a long look. Bodie couldn't remember one combat-session ever during all his years in CI5, when he had got even close to causing Macklin any damage. And it looked like his superior's thoughts were wandering similar paths. "Finish your porridge, young lady." The old Scot shook his head for quite a while.
The Controller sent Bodie to help brush Anna's hair while he himself tidied the kitchen. "Didn't know the old man is also a hair dresser. Made you nice waves to your hair."
Anna seemed to smile. "Actually, he was braiding a horse's mane. Or tail. For a farmers' fair." That made Bodie laugh and he heard Anna join him.
"Good to hear you laugh, Anna." Bodie finished with brushing and tried to figure out the technique of making a pony-tail. "He has done good to you." Ah, it had to be that way... "So there." Anna stood up and went to look at a mirror.
"Thanks, Bodie." She quickly brushed her forelock with the fingers of her left hand. Bodie waited, sitting on her bed. "Mr Cowley has been very kind to me." Her voice was quiet.
"I'm happy you've allowed him... close." Also Bodie's voice was quiet.
Anna turned abruptly. "If you mean sleeping..." Bodie had already raised his hands.
"Hush now." He stood up and Anna found herself gently but intently held against his broad chest. "I mean plain and simple close. Sleeping and awake. He has led a... varied life. Seen a lot. Been through a lot. I'd like to think he also understands a lot. And I know he cares hell of a lot. About you." He kissed her brow. "It's ok if you cuddle under his arm when you need to. It's perfectly all right, honestly." He stroked her chin. "I have to go now, briefing at the HQ. Besides, the doc should be here too shortly." Anna winced.
Bodie was at the door when Anna called him back. "I don't want any trouble for him. In his position..."
Bodie touched her cheek, understanding. "Don't worry." He heard voices. "Oi, sounds like the doc's here." Muttering Anna came along to meet Stephen.
"Say, George, how's your head? Headaches?" Stephen asked after greeting Bodie and his patient. "And no, I do the needling today, young lady, no matter how you pout."
Bodie couldn't help quipping about his chief. "The chief's head has definitely mellowed, doctor. Me and my partner were extremely worried the other week when he bellowed at us only twice."
Controller's eyes twinkled. "Must have been the week when you were in Manchester for five days and I only saw you on Saturday. Afternoon." Bodie grinned. "My head's been alright, Stephen. Besides I couldn't tell any difference when I have this walking headache for a subordinate, and his just as bad partner around. Get going Bodie, and once you're clear from the HQ, go to bed."
Bodie winked an eye. "An exceptionally pleasant order, Sir." And he left the chuckling group.
"Now, young lady..." the old doctor hesitated, then went to shut the room's door. Anna looked at the IV-tube attached to her arm and waited. "I'd like a word. Confidential, if you so wish." Stephen watched the quiet, pale woman and sat beside her on the bed. "Until this morning, I wouldn't have hesitated a second to send you back into the hospital if I had got any legal excuse to do that against your will. Even now I would be happy to send you there, simply because of medical reasons. But it does look like something has changed. Am I right?" Anna frowned, not knowing what to say. "I saw the first hint yesterday in your... attitude, and your heart-rate this morning seems to have taken direction to what is more normal to you. Unless your heart was so exceptionally strong, you... well, to be honest, you would probably have been in intensive care the same evening you signed out. But anyway, also your blood-pressure has now risen a little. These fluids will help you to be better able to do something today to keep your mind occupied, if you have interest. Still you're far from being out of danger. Now there's one question I want an honest answer to, because it's Christmas, and because I've seen how much these men care about your stubborn bottom: Can I trust you to not do anything that would hurt them during these next few days?" The doctor's eyes, usually warm hazel, were hard as teak.
There was a lengthy silence.
"Yes."
Anna was not happy. And seeing that, the seasoned doctor knew she meant what she said. "Good." His eyes got softer. "Would you instead accept something to take the worst edge away from your angst?"
Anna shrugged and sighed. "When will I see you again, doctor?"
It was the first time she had asked that and Stephen felt relief. He had been right, something indeed had changed. "When you want, dear. At the latest tomorrow-morning, if you still are able to take your medicines today without problems, but if you need me, you can call me anytime. Or, if you simply want to discuss something. We also have a house close here, moved in yesterday for the holidays so it's no trouble. I did take some supplies with me. " He wrote his number on the backside of his card and handed it over. "This is to our country-house. George has this naturally too, but in case you don't want to ask him for one reason or another." The doctor patted Anna's hand. "I'm in your full use, love." He straightened up. "And now it's off with the IV, so that George gets to take you to do your last shoppings in the village today. Besides there's a place which offers the disgusting black pudding those Scots love, that would actually be very good for your blood if it doesn't crawl back up your gullet, so you could take some of it here..."
They had got the house tidied, tree decorated, candles placed, and the Scot had yielded to Anna's plea to have some lights out in the garden, so they had also spent a couple of hours in the village, hunting for the lights, as well as cables, of course, and suddenly also goodies, flowers, Christmasy textiles to tables and window-sills, Anna skillfully navigating around several suffering, yet secretly pleased Och goodness, what next? They also had lunch in time to see a performance of morris-dancers, which made Anna paralyse on her feet and resemble a 4-year old with her wide eyes and a bar of "home-made" fudge forgotten in her hand, in her brand new multi-coloured woolly cap and mittens – I'll never get to hear the end of it, if you so much as sneeze tomorrow, lass. Also they noticed an announcement of a Christmas carol concert in the evening, and Anna agreed they could come to listen and have their dinner after that. Returning to the house, they spent quite a while out in the garden, scratching their heads when the lights didn't work, and reading the instructions before they found the one loose bulb, and finally got the lights working. Inside, the decorations were in place in no time, and even the tough Controller had to admit the place started to look Christmasy indeed, and would be nice in the evening with all the lights.
Telephone rang. It was Doyle, asking if Anna could phone Gui, who had tried to reach her. Mr Cowley took a look at the clock, and at Anna, who had dozed off in the armchair after her snack. Instead of waking her up, he phoned himself to the number Doyle had given him.
For a second it looked like Anna would get a heart-attack when she recognized the big man entering the living-room one hour later. "Dios mio..." Mr Cowley quietly retreated to kitchen to prepare the tea and took his time with it. When he finally returned, Anna was still wiping her eyes and she excused herself for a moment.
"Thank you, Sir." The big Mexican officer took the offered cup. "I almost freaked out in the morning when the hospital told Anna is out, and I then couldn't reach her. Luckily I finally got in touch with Ray. Damned muchacha... but thank you so very much for taking care of her. Bodie and Ray, they have an assignment, si?"
The Controller nodded. "Aye, they are tied up. Unfortunately. It would have been a lot nicer for her to be with either one of them. Or with you, Colonel." Mr Cowley knew that this man had been a close friend to Anna and her brother for over a decade.
But to his surprise, the Scot saw the big man shake his head. "There I disagree, Sir. With me, even if I could have used my influence to get her under my wing, I would only, all the time, have been reminding her of Mexico and especially of Anita, and she doesn't need that now. In spite of everything, you Brits are not burdened with sorrows in Anna's mind. And I agree with Ray that you are the best company for her. Friend enough to care and be allowed close, but a professional, or a soldier enough to not take her every mood, too personally, and also to push her forward when need be. Besides, you have the natural authority to keep her discipline, Sir. We others are friends but have problem with those latter parts. Especially the last."
The Scot's smile was wry. "Aye, she does have a mind of her own. Day before yesterday she called a minister an idiot. On his face."
Returning Anna heard that. "Oh and every time you mention it, I shall remind you that it had made him think I'm your daughter, dear Sir."
The Controller waved his index-finger. "If you were my daughter, young lady, you wouldn't be even close as stubborn and cheeky as you are now."
Anna shrugged and took her glass of juice. "True, I would be double that. Plus would have natural curls."
It took a while before guffawing Gui could talk. "You see now, Mister Cowley? We lesser mortals simply wouldn't stand a chance."
The Colonel took his leave half an hour later. "It was good to see you, pequenita. Oh, and there are some things for you, and for mr Cowley and Ray and Bodie in my car. From me, Esmeralda, and from your villanos, as Miquel, Tonio, Esteban and Carlos insisted you should have a decent meal today to get your strength back, and they probably stole some of our staff dinner for tonight and dishes as well." That didn't seem to bother the attaché too much, judging by the grin on his face. "Would you please give me a hand, Sir?" and they soon reappeared carrying two big boxes.
Anna was happy she had done the shopping, and she handed Gui some presents. "By the way, Gui, have you gossiped to everyone about... what happened?"
Gui frowned. "No of course not, you know those boys were there..." he hesitated as Anna was turning into a question mark. "Didn't you know?" The officer's eyes turned to mr Cowley.
"Och, she banned us all from visiting, and maybe nobody has mentioned it to her. Anna, Colonel and some of the embassy's guards guarded you in the hospital for the first days. It's a long story, we can talk more about it later."
Anna swallowed, her voice was thick. "But surely that was... against the law or something?"
Gui sighed. "Caramba, unconventional maybe, but who cares? CI5 lacked men, I and the boys were willing to give a hand. Every man from Jack's old lots wanted along. Carlos fixed their days-off so nobody in the embassy knew really anything. And CI5 arranged the weaponry and the temporary licenses, eh, sort of. Everything went fine." Gui exhanged a look with the Controller and they stayed quiet about the conflict with another MI5-man.
"And it was only for a couple of days, then things settled down, besides that made the men feel important. So no big deal... Madre de Dios, pequena, no llora..." big tears were rolling down Anna's face.
"Tell them... tell them all... Soy agradecida, mucho agradecida, yo ruego por todos los amigos esta noche." Gui grabbed her into a big bear hug which made Anna wince aloud. "Mind the ribs!" She wiped her eyes once her friend let her loose, scolded him for general stupidity, and then told him to bow down, and kissed him. "Go now before Esme gives you a spanking, estúpido." Rarely had mr Cowley heard someone been called stupid in such a tender way. "And give her my love and my very best wishes. Feliz Navidad, querido."
Gui bent down again and kissed both Anna's cheeks. "Feliz Navidad, hermana pequena. And Merry Christmas to you too, Sir, and once again, thank you for everything." He shook the older man's hand and before disappering into his car, smartly saluted them both with a bow as they stood on the stairs.
The Scot put his hand gently on Anna's shoulder. "So, do you want to go to an actual church to pray for your friends and this extra big brother, or rather do it in private?"
It took a moment before still moist-eyed Anna realised the Scot had understood the Spanish. "All right... and what else I do not know about you, Sir, hmm?"
That made the man smile. "The less you know outside the essential, the happier you will be, lass. Now, I'd like you to inspect what criminally aquired delicacies there are inside those dishes and pots, and decide how we store them until dinner..."
"Dios te salve, Maria, reina y madre, dulzura, vida y esperanza nuestra..." The Scot felt he was an intruder in something extremely private in the tiny Catholic chapel he had taken Anna in after the concert in the bigger Anglican church. He had stayed close to the door but the chapel was so small he still could hear Anna's whisper as they were at first alone. Then an old man came to bring candles and stayed listening until Anna finally tried to get on her feet again. Mr Cowley stood up, but the old man was closer and helped Anna on her feet and said something to her quietly.
"Thank you, Father, but I'm actually a Protestant. Your Spanish was very good."
Anna smiled and the old priest chuckled. "Oh my luck, when I for the first time in decades hear Plegaria in my church, said in beautiful Mexican Spanish, it's by a Protestant."
The Controller approached, annoyed by the thought Anna might have been disturbed by the curious priest. "Certainly that can't be a problem, Father O'Flanagan." His voice was sharp.
The priest turned. "Mr Cowley, is it? Oh this is a doubled pleasure, seeing you here." He extended his hand for a greeting and a bit grudgingly it was accepted. "When I was young, I spent five years in Mexico and Guatemala. Haven't heard the beautiful Plegaria ever since. Can I be bold and ask..."
Anna smiled "... why an American heretic uses it? I've spent in Mexico over 15 years and found that in certain times it is easier to find peace in talking to Our Lady first, and I learned to love the text."
The priest nodded, smiling. "I personally loved The divine flower of the mountains. And otherwise it's a very powerful simple text for a troubled soul", the old man's eyes were sharp and perceptive. "I would otherwise bid you welcome to the Mass at midnight, but I would say it's best if you are resting by that time, young lady. But please feel welcomed to enter any Mass while you are here, they are open to all. And if you would wish an intercession..." Anna looked embarrased, and the old priest understood. "Please forgive me, I didn't mean to intrude. But there are cards on that table if you start to feel like it."
Anna, on her way out, did stop by that table and wrote some names on the cards, which she dropped in a box reserved for them. And she didn't notice that her companion also wrote one name on a card he secretively dropped in.
After their return, Anna instantly placed some tamales into a makeshift steamer and proclaimed it would be a perfect time for them both to have showers, and she took the first turn. When mr Cowley had finished his, Anna had already got everything getting heated on the stove and asked her host to set the table, and again brush her hair. Joking, he braided her hair again and soon they could sit down to enjoy their meal.
"Oh Sir, there was a letter from the men. Miquel and Tonio had made the beef tamales, Carlos the chicken tamales, and Esteban had mixed the ponche con piquete, the punch, as the embassy cooks come from south and know nothing of good tamales or ponche. Chiles rellenos are courtesy of Gui's wife Esmeralda, and menudo and it's garnishes are from the kitchen. I only warmed a couple of tamales for us as they had made plenty, can offer the rest tomorrow. We can start with menudo, the soup, and you flavor it with the garnishes, there's onion, salsa, oregano, chiles..." and the Controller got a crash course on Mexican Christmas and cuisine. It was a cozy, unhurried meal in the light of candles and fire, altough he noticed Anna grew more quiet towards the end of it.
They had finished their meal and cleared the table, deciding to concentrate on the punch, when the phone rang. It was Doyle, informing that the heat was on now, Chrissake, Christmas night, but anyway it looked like the bastard Hendley was finally on the move again and up to something big, and even personally. Available agents had been called in, and they might at last be able to take the devil down and nail him with something solid. And hopefully we all get a Merry Christmas finally, Sir. Aye, he certainly hoped that too.
The Scot realised that Anna had vanished, and his pulse had already quickened before he found her outside, sitting on the stairs, a blanket around her shoulders. Stepping out he noticed her wipe her eye. He sat beside her, in silence.
"She would have loved this, our Anita. The dancers, concert, candles, these lights. At home, it still would be time for posada, José and Maria would be somewhere in our neighbourhood with all the children and teens, and later the children would have their own celebration and goodies. At midnight I, or Jack's wife, would have taken her to the Mass as it's Noche Buena, or maybe this year she would have gone all by herself for the first time, and then we would have had a huge dinner together with Jack's family in the middle of the night." She didn't look at him. "She was 4 when we got her. Last year she started liceo... high school. When I spent here a week or two she was so proud to be the lady of the house , under the eye of the housekeeper though. But how she would have loved this..." There was nothing to say so the man stayed quiet.
"I had planned everything ready. Everything in my life, future, around her for the next few years, and then she would have been ready to do whatever she wished and I would have known where to go and what to do with my life." Long silence. "And now... now I don't even know when, or if ever, I get well enough to do anything that would mean something to me. If I ever become whole again." She swallowed. "And I just miss her so terribly... miss them all..." With a huge effort she managed to gain control of her breathing. "Sir... I know I shouldn't be here. I know I'm a problem. I know you really should not have taken me, I understand your position, and I know all about gossip-mongers and ill will and plots and schemes... I know I should leave tomorrow, and go... some place...", the man waited, sensing the importance of this moment, "... but could I please stay with you for a day or two more?" She finally dared to look at him.
The Scot tried to choose his words carefully. "I hadn't meant to let you out of my sight just yet anyway. Besides, if at this age I'm not seasoned enough to handle bloody gossips, I'd better retire. But the punch is probably boiling and my bottom is freezing... Let's go in, lass, eh?" She tried to reply to his smile and he helped her on her feet. "I'm happy that you asked though." He pushed an escaped strand of hair behind her ear. Have you decided to give life a chance, little one? "Very happy indeed."
And although her lips and cheek were ice-cold against his cheek, they and the whisper in his ear Merry Christmas, Sir made him feel warm and even happier. "Merry Christmas to you too, dear child."
"I know this is not really the right time to talk about future... but have you given any thought to it, will you retun to Mexico?"
Mildly alcoholic punch had made Anna warm up a little. She seemed reluctant to reply, but as her companion on the sofa again gently moved that obstinate strand of hair, she finally sighed. "I must settle down somewhere and stop bouncing around. I guess I have to go back." Mr Cowley's heart sank and he quietly poured more punch in her mug. "I have to... sort out things. Take care of the people who worked for us, that they would end up on their feet, once I have sold the house."
His heart jumped. Careful now, old boy, careful... "Aye, naturally. Are you leaving Mexico then?"
She was quiet for a while. "Yeah. I do have friends there but still, there's too much..." she shook her head.
The Scot nudged her playfully. "But lass, think of all the smart, handsome and enthusiastic officers who would be queuing behind your door in hope of your favour..."
She snorted and grimaced. "Good grief, one more reason to escape. I already have been forced to cool off a couple of those." The Controller smiled inwardly, having been sure that a widow of a general would be considered a good catch, especially as the late husband still had some friends in high places.
"States?"
Anna shrugged. "Probably. At least I could try to work there. If I get well enough. Could refresh my physio-studies. Could stay at the ranch, too, although there's no sense in me meddling with running it, they manage perfectly well. But I guess it's pretty much the only sensible solution anyway."
He rose to turn the LP of Bach's Christmas Oratorio, and wondered whether he was trying to do something genuinely good, or simply was being the greatest bastard ever born north from Hadrian's Wall. "Do you still have friends there?"
She let her mug down. "I was away too much and too long for that. But somebody turns up eventually. Like it happened here." She huddled under her blanket.
"Still cold?" He sat right beside her.
"No, not really, just..."
He pulled her gently against his side. "You're cold", he decided. After a while she snuggled under his arm and relaxed. "With all due respect, lass, your choice of friends here is just a little bit odd. Most women of your position or class wouldn't want to let people like the lads, or even me, anywhere near them, but would find them – us – dangerous and generally despicable. And even fewer women would make such men want to be friends with them. To be honest, I have never, in any circumstances, seen Macklin as friendly with a woman, as I saw him yesterday with you." He hoped Anna wouldn't catch his faster heartbeat.
"Actually, Sir, I suppose I am the oddest of the whole lot. But you men have pretty much taken me as I am. You have taken me as a whole person, not only as some weird rich bitch, you have not judged me. Or... degraded me. And you all are good men, you are fitting in your branch of duty. I know you are... uncommon, unconventional, hard, but you need to be that to cope in your work."
Mr Cowley stroked gently Anna's upper arm. "Wouldn't you miss them - us - if you leave?"
He felt her unconsciously snuggle even closer. "Terribly."
He took a deep breath. "Why leave then?"
She was shaking her head. "I would need a permission to stay, and as far as I understand, I have no valid reason why I should be granted that. I can't work anywhere, not in this condition, and nobody would take me anyway without credentials or formal qualifications. Even if I knew what I'd want to do. And I just couldn't be idle. I couldn't..." There was pain in her voice.
The Controller's heart picked up even more speed. "Anna... could you consider working with Macklin? For CI5?"
She turned and stared at him, stunned. "What?"
He took her hands into his. "Please, listen to me. Only listen, I do not expect any decisions from you in days or even weeks. I just wish you would give it a little bit of consideration at some point, when you are well enough to feel up to it. And I give you my word that I will not press you, and will not allow anyone else to press you to say yes."
Still perplexed, and clearly uncertain, the young woman studied his face, but the old man was ready to meet her gaze. "I guess I can listen", she finally agreed.
Mr Cowley took a deep breath and thought carefully. "Anna, there is a sad and most inconvenient fact that we have lost several field agents the past few months. Some to injuries, some because they have otherwise lost their ability to work at the field. Some have simply decided to quit. And the applicants lately... well, of quality we do not have use for, or in background-checks, proven risky. That has lead to the situation where we have needed to priorise heavily the cases we take, and still the men have needed to stretch. There is no quick solution, we know that, but some hope of better would make it easier to cope." Still, Anna looked questioning and embarrassed.
"Now, Bodie suggested the other day, that we might try and find reserve inside the house, at least for surveillance, stakeouts and such tasks with lower risks. But even those people need to have some skills and good enough physical condition in case something unexpected happens. And yesterday Macklin, who is aware of the situation regarding the manpower we have, and who is very well aware of his own... ach, social limitations, kindly put, and of his lack of patience, he actually asked me to talk with you, because he is convinced you would be suitable to work with those persons who find it too difficult to deal with him and his demands." Now, Anna was frowning.
"I might not have asked this, unless you said you would need to do something with meaning. And unless I saw what you did with Jackson." The Controller squeezed gently the hands he still was holding. "If it was someone else than Macklin, I also would have hesitated. But he himself was seriously wounded years ago, with multiple injuries, so he has an understanding of that part. He could help you with his experience and I have the feeling he also is willing to do that. And Macklin said that with your knowledge and background in physiotherapy, he would be able to create new training-programs for those who need special attention, like women, or people with less active backgrounds, or recovering agents."
The Scot took a little sip from his mug. "Macklin told me you were tested before the shooting."
Anna nodded. "Yes, he asked me after we had that match I talked about, if I was interested to take some hard physical test in case he would get me a permission to participate as an extra. He wanted to know how a fit woman could do there. I said it was ok, had never been tested in any way. It took place after Anita's death, and Macklin did say that it was ok if I wanted to call it off, but I was so... frustrated, messed up, I thought it could distract me or allow me let steam out for a while, so I went there. The others were Army men, I suppose. I was the only woman."
Mr Cowley smiled. "Aye, it was a military test, and actually a close equivalent of the Personal Fitness and Combat Fitness Tests of the SAS. I have no idea how Macklin got you there."
Anna frowned. "Did that cause some problem?"
The Scot's smile was even broader. "I do not yet know the full results, but it looks like you would have passed those first stages if you were in military. And Macklin said that he would want to use your results as ground to a training-program for women, and your unquestionable talent as a teacher at the range."
The Controller grew serious again. "Even if you only could help him make Jackson a better shot, that already might help save lives. So even if you say no to the rest, would you please spend some more time with Jackson before you leave? She is the only one we can hope to get to the field in near future, and she has already been close to giving her notice as she doesn't get along with Macklin." When Anna nodded hesitantly, the Scot bitterly hated himself and his talents, as he knew he would at some point suggest someone else too, and it would be easier after this.
"I guess I manage an hour at time, if it really makes some difference. I didn't know she had it that difficult with Mac." She sighed. "As for the rest..."
She was hushed to be silent. "Let's forget the rest for now, dearie, for goodness' sake, it's Christmas! I was a bastard to take the whole issue up to begin with. I apologize. But whatever you decide about working for CI5, I will gladly help you to stay in England if you only want to, as none of us wants to see you leave." And I know a dark-haired ex SAS whose heart would break if you left for good, lass.
The Scot reached for the still warm jug. "Now, lass, the last wee dram of this quite extraordinary fruity beverage. You forget every tedious thing I just talked about, and we listen to auld Bach, and after a while you are a good wee lass and go to wash and bed. You need your sleep, I stay up for a while longer for a report in case the lads have something to tell."
Anna didn't wake up to the short ring of the phone, but she later woke up to the murmur of voices, and pricked her ears.
"How many?" Controller's voice was tired.
"One uniform. None of us." It was Ray, clearly exhausted.
"Others injured besides Bodie?"
She struggled out from her bed as quickly as she only managed, and rushed to the living-room, startling the three men there. "Bodie?" It took a moment before she realised the dark-haired man was tediously getting on his feet from the settee. "Are you wounded?"
Anna reached the agent and he gave the shaking woman a hug. "Did we wake you up? So sorry. No, nothing heroic, I just twisted my bloody ankle going down a staircase in bad light."
Ray chuckled. "One quick descend, I can tell you. He got cold compression as soon as the brawl was over so don't worry. And I take him to be checked once we leave from here, so you can breathe out, Anna."
Bodie sat down again and Anna saw the bandaged ankle. "Thank God..." Her legs felt weak and she sat down too. "Anyone else I know, who's been hurt?" Her gaze was demanding.
The two agents looked at each other before they yielded. "Murph got a blow to his head but will be ok in a few days, he's got a thick skull. No-one else." Hearing Ray, she sighed of relief and relaxed to listen to the rest of their report and nobody thought to send her away.
When the men stood up to leave, something caught Anna's eye. "Wait a second, Ray." Her voice was sharp. "What's that in your neck?"
Ray threw a quick glance at Bodie whom he was helping up. "Just a scrape, nothing to worry about."
She frowned and took a closer look at the marking. "Raymond Doyle, I would like to give you a lashing for trying to lie and being so lousy in it, if some bullet hadn't done that first. How did that happen? And you can cut the crap, I've seen those before."
Blushing Ray shrugged. "Dunno, it all happened so fast."
Bodie's eyes were angry. "Stupid berk walked straight on that guy and woke up only when Susan yelled."
Ray's eyes flashed too. "Oh yeah, says he who saw the step only after he had missed it."
"CUT IT OUT, BOTH OF YOU!" Everyone turned to stare at Anna who was pale and shaking. After a moment she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, muttered good night, turned and walked dignified back into her bedroom, slamming the door after her, leaving behind a stunned trio.
The Controller found her there, staring out into darkness from the window. He approached her cautiously. "Are you all right?" She nodded. "Anna, do not worry over the lads. These were only mishaps." He touched her shoulder.
"I know. Caused by carelessness. Tiredness." Anna was shivering.
"Under covers now, young lady." She didn't budge and the old man sighed, exasperated. "What is it, lass?"
She turned towards him but couldn't meet his gaze. "I'm sorry I yelled."
The strand of hair was helpful and required two strokes to stay put. "Och, a kiss under the mistletoe when they come to dinner, and everything will be all right for them again." But for once his joke missed.
"I was frightened when I realised how close it was for Ray... He is almost like a brother for me. Even just as damn annoying at times." The sound was something between a chuckle and a sob. "You have become like a family to me." All of a sudden George Cowley felt two arms around him. And all he could do was to hold her until he felt her tension subside.
"RAY!" Sharp pain in her side made Anna yelp and wake up, she was sitting in her bed.
Her voice and the sudden move woke up also her companion from the other side of the bed and he turned on the light. "My God, what happened?" Anna was gasping for air and holding her side, pained gurn on her wet face. "Lean on me, lie down, lass, lie down on your other side..." her pillow was removed, "that's it, that's it now, try to calm down and breathe, relax your muscles, breathe, that's my girl..." His hand was stroking her shoulder and back, and once he noticed the cramp got easier, his fingers started to probe carefully Anna's side. It was frighteningly easy to follow the ribs even through the nightgown. "Where does it hurt? Lower? Here? Hush, try to relax, just tell me if the press hurts..." Soon Mr Cowley was confident the ribs were not damaged again, gave Anna a pill, and he fetched ice inside a thin towel and placed it on the hurting area.
"Now, what happened? Nightmare?" He pulled the covers on Anna.
"Yes. New. About Ray. I had sat up. Woke up to pain, up already."
The man stroked her arm. "Hopefully you didn't pull a muscle. Any better now?" Anna looked as if she was breathing easier.
"Yes, thank you Sir. Sorry I woke you up."
They were quiet for minutes, until Anna said the ice was melting through the towel, and it was taken away.
When the Scot returned, Anna looked at him. "I'm really sorry about this, Sir. I wish I'd get rid of dreams. They often make me afraid to fall asleep." She looked mortified, ashamed. "I've become a miserable little baby..."
He turned off the light. "You could talk with Stephen, or even with our Dr Ross, if you want to, lass." The Controller touched Anna's shoulder and she gratefully accepted the offered embrace.
"Maybe I could... but Sir, I want to talk with Macklin. I need to."
He sighed deep and gave her a cuddle. "Try to sleep now some, pet. We have a turkey to tame." And even when falling asleep, Anna wondered if there was smile in the Controller's whisper.
But she was warm and safe.
END OF CHAPTER 3