Disclaimer: I own nothing – all rights go to Ally Carter

AN: Sorry for any mistakes, my beta hasn't checked this chapter...

I hadn't spent this much time with Joe in years. What we were talking about might not have been the `happiest' topic but it was the truth.

I needed the truth every once in a while, in the world that we spies lived in the truth is a very rare thing.

I was shaken from my thoughts when Joe clicked his fingers in front of my face, "Am I boring you Cam?"

I shook my head and chuckled, "No Joey, I was just thinking," He rolled his eyes, a very `me' like thing which made me laugh even more.

Joe looked thoughtful for a moment and then he said, "Your dad would be so proud of you Cammie." My laughter stopped instantly and I felt my breath hitch, "Thanks Joe," I whispered.

He hugged me again and then released me. He held me at arm's length and said "I think we need to have a little talk about your relationship with Mr Goode.

I felt my cheeks burn red, "WHAT?" I asked outraged. Joe gave me a knowing look so I glared at him, "I know what I'm doing Joe." I don't think I looked very threatening with my cheeks all red, but I gave it my best shot.

Joe laughed and said, "Yeah I know, I'm just messing with you Cam," I sighed in relief. I was so NOT going to have that conversation with him.

Joe sobered and looked serious again as he said quickly, "Seriously though, if you ever need me to kick his ass, don't hesitate to ask." I laughed at how willing Joe sounded:

"I think I can manage thanks." Joe nodded; he and I both knew that I could handle anything that came my way.

We were interrupted by a knock at my door. Speak of the devil and he shall appear, I opened the door to find Zach on the other side.

I smiled at him and held the door open for him; he smiled back and walked past me. He stopped short when he saw Joe. I laughed internally.

Joe was glaring at him and Zach looked terrified. "Zachary, if you ever do anything to hurt my god-daughter I will personally make sure that you suffer for the rest of your life!" Joe told him seriously.

I personally thought it was a bit extreme but Zach was nodding along taking in every word that my loving god-father was saying.

I went over and stood by Zach, he slipped his hand into mine and I squeezed back. He looked down into my eyes and said "You want to take a walk?" I nodded and walked to the door, dragging him with me before waving to Joe as I closed it.

We walked through the corridors to the entrance hall, down the front steps of the school and across the field and into the woods.

We stopped by a tree and sat down. I looked at Zach as he looked at me; I decided to break the silence:

"I have to go after them Zach, knowing that they're out there, I have to!" I realise that I was more arguing with myself than with him but that was beside the point.

Zach reached out and cupped the side of my face, "Cammie, you aren't doing this alone, I'll be with you every step of the way," I was about to protest when he said, "I promise!" and then he cut me off with a kiss.

We broke away to catch our breath. Zach smiled at me and I grinned back. I knew that there was no point fighting with him. It felt nice to know that I wouldn't be going up against the COC alone. I felt safe whenever I was with Zach.

"We have to go alone though Zach," I said thoughtfully, he nodded.

"They can't come with us, it's not safe and I couldn't bear it if anything happened to someone I loved," Zach kissed my hair and I knew that he had caught the double meaning in my words.

"I love you Cam," he said passionately. "I love you too Zach." We kissed again but then got up and walked hand in hand back to the school.

I knew we had to tell everyone what we were going to do, I owed them that after everything that they had done for me.

Zach put his arm around my shoulder and I leant into him as we walked through the front doors of the school.

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