Saving Grace
AU Season 6. Anson, desperate to elude prison, reveals the ace up his sleeve. There are some secrets to be brought out of the closet. He takes hostage a Catholic nun and one of her little charges. The gang races to end Anson's game once and for all.
Disclaimer: All rights and claims to Burn Notice characters and recognizable plots do not belong to me, but USA. I only borrow the characters to satisfy my own plots.
2
A shrill ring sounded in the office, silencing all speaking. The trio had conversed for two hours, re-examining every angle of the series of events.
"Hello, Pearce." Michael and Fiona took the interruption as a break and exhaled in unison as Dani picked up her phone. They shared a glance but quickly focused their attention on Pearce at her abrupt change of tone.
"I was not aware of any new development." Pearce locked eyes with Michael and moved her eyes to the door. Michael sprang up out of his seat and silently moved to lock the office door.
"Am sorry but you won't be able to do that. Ms. Glenanne is a CIA asset." Fiona locked eyes with Pearce upon the mention of her name.
"No, I cannot grant that. If you wish you will have to speak with my superior but am sure he will agree with me. Good Day to you too." Pearce simply clicked the phone off and on once more, she wasted no time hitting speed dial on her phone.
"The FBI wants to take Fiona into custody for questioning. Anson wasn't bluffing." Both Michael and Fiona wore twin grim looks on their faces. They weren't surprise, they knew they had started the ball rolling.
"How much time do we have?" Dani could read the calculating on Fiona's face and by the sharp look Michael gave her, Dani knew exactly the other woman's plan.
"I know what you're thinking but I must forbid you to leave Miami if you want my help on this matter." Before Pearce could continue there was an answer on her phone.
"Connect me to Raines. Now, it's urgent." She spoke sharply into the telephone.
"It's urgent Melinda. Interrupt hi-"Pearce was interrupted by the line switching over.
"This better be good Pearce." Dani's gaze locked with Michael as she replied in the affirmative. She prepared herself to relay the bare semantics to her superior.
Our Lady's Catholic Home for Children was located near the heart of Miami, the area was neither terribly busy nor too quiet. The Old Catholic building had been around for over 70 years, it had 3 floors and large windows etched into the stone walls. Despite the recession, large sprawling lawns in both the front and back were well kept. Many children had entered and exited the orphanage's doors, but the last few years a definite decrease in wards appeared. The orphanage was down to 12 wards, age range currently from 2 years to 14 years, and the average age was 7.
The youngest, Morgan was a very precocious and active child, it was very hard for the ladies to keep her still. The little pixie child of fair complexion had a light smattering of freckles on her cheeks. Her copper brown hair had a natural curl to it, but her eyes were a striking cerulean blue.
Morgan dashed off the porch as soon as Sister Elizabeth unlocked the door, she squealed and ran for the big Oak tree. Sister Elizabeth shook her head as she followed the young girl, running would be good for the child to use up her energy. She hardly felt her old age when she was with the child, she certainly kept her young.
"Would you like to play catch with the ball or read first, Morgan?" Sister Elizabeth asked as she spread the blanket under the tree. She smiled as the little girl's eyes grew wide in excitement at the preposition, she already knew what her young charge would answer.
"Oh pwease can we run, Sister?!" At the affirmative answer the child immediately began bounce on her feet; her words lilting with a slight lisp.
Sister Elizabeth dropped her book and pitched the ball moderately towards the fence; they had the whole yard to use because the other kids had gone on a day Excursion to Key West following Mass. All of the Sisters agreed for little Morgan to sit this trip out.
After two hours outside, Sister Elizabeth began to prep to return inside. Morgan's fair skin had began to pink even under the large tree's shade.
"Up, up Morgan. It's time I begin dinner preparation." Morgan frowned at this as she slumped onto the blanket and stared up at Sister's stern face.
"Not yet, pwease Sister. The sun hasn't gone down yet." Elizabeth frowned at Morgan, but before she could speak a car pulled to the curb; a gray hybrid car with tinted glass.
"Take the book onto the porch Morgan, now." Sister's tone left no room for arguing, Morgan promptly stood and gathered the book and walked as instructed.
Sister waited until she had made it more than halfway before making her way towards the parked automobile. Watching her approach Anson got out the car along with his partner of slim built and fair features.
"Good Day Sister, we were wondering if you may help us." Anson began, his piercing eyes deceiving.
"Good Day, am sorry but we've closed for the day. You will have to make an appointment in the morning." Sister Elizabeth's tone was sharp.
"Now, now Sister your service work can't be timed." Anson cold eyes caught hers, before sliding to his accomplice.
"Let me start over, you ARE going to see us inside Sister Elizabeth Roe. Let's make haste so as not to draw a scene, we don't want to worry little Morgan my dear." Without giving a chance for Sister to answer, Anson's accomplice gripped her elbow and led her to the porch.
Morgan stood on the porch watching the whole incident with rapt interest, her eyes curiously surveyed the individuals coming up the porch.
"Sister, I can't get the door open." Morgan's tone was soft as she lowered her gaze away from the strangers. Anson smirked as he took the last step and gently lifted her chin.
"Well aren't you just precious! What's your name dear?" Anson's tone was falsely cheerful and soft as he addressed the little girl. Morgan exhaled loudly caught off guard, her wide eyes quickly sought out Sister Elizabeth's.
"Don't you dare touch her!" Sister Elizabeth hissed at Anson and moved towards them but was stopped by the man at her side, she glared at him.
"Tut tut Sister, no need for all that. We're just getting to know each other." Anson and Sister Elizabeth held a level gaze, before Sister broke it.
"It's okay sweetheart, let's go inside." Sister fought to keep her voice calm as she allowed Anson and Morgan to enter inside first.
Once inside the foyer, Morgan yanked her hand away from Anson's and darted to grasp Sister Elizabeth's.
"Now that wasn't nice little girl." Mark lowered himself to Morgan's level and looked at her sternly. Anson quickly waved his hand to diffuse the matter.
"It's quite alright Mark. Now Morgan can you go to your room and pick out a few of your favourite things?" Sister inhaled sharply and her expression was grim and defiant, causing Morgan to seek her gaze, before she could speak Anson continued.
"Oh don't fret, we're all going together. Sister Elizabeth will be there to help you shortly." After a nod from Sister, Morgan slowly exited the room. Despite her curiosity to listen to the adult conversation, Morgan resisted and swiftly ascended the stairs to her room. Her mind was thinking rapidly of scenarios.
"I do not know of your plans sir, but neither of us is accompanying you." Sister Elizabeth spoke firmly; Mark scoffed and pushed her into the chair nearby.
"I don't know what's in your little head Sister, but we call the shots here." Mark snippily replied.
"Mark! Let me lead please." Anson glared at the man and they locked gazes, Mark scowled and gave a get on with it gesture. Anson nodded and they both revealed guns, Sister's face turned ashen.
"Now Sister Elizabeth you are going upstairs to pack 2 bags for you and your charge. I advise you pack quickly before the others return and for an extended stay."
"I shouldn't have to warn you not to leave any message and attempt to call anyone, we would hate to frighten little Morgan."
The sun had already set once Pearce had done setting things straight with the FBI. They were now convinced Fiona was a CIA asset and wouldn't take her into custody. As the three of them exited government building Fiona's cell phone began to ring, reading her Caller ID caused her to exhale and miss a step. Pearce and Michael stopped and cast their gaze on Fiona.
Fiona ignored them and answered the call, turning slightly away from her audience. "Hello, Sister Elizabeth?"
"No this isn't Sister Elizabeth, I'm Sister Amelia from Our Lady's Catholic Home." Sister Amelia paused before continuing.
"Am sorry, but why are you calling, did something happen to Sister Elizabeth." Fiona's mind raced with possibilities.
"We're not sure Miss, but Sister Elizabeth can't be found and neither can Morgan. There wasn't any message left and we can't get a hold of her. Did you by any chance speak to her recently?"
Fiona's throat instantly dried and cold fear ran up her spine. "No I haven't. When last did you speak with Sister Elizabeth?"
"We all went to mass together this morning but the other sisters and I took the older kids on a day excursion to Key West. I spoke to Sister Elizabeth after lunch, about 1pm, Morgan was napping."
"Okay, Sister Amelia can me and a friend come to the orphanage now?"
"Yes, do I need to call the authorities or are we over reacting?"
"No please don't call anyone we will be there in 10 minutes, please just ensure the doors are locked." After reassuring Sister Amelia, a frantic tunnel vision Fiona returned to Michael and Pearce.
"Michael there's a problem, I need for you to accompany me to Our Lady's Catholic Home." Michael surveyed Fi and could see she was anxious.
"Fiona what's happened, who was that?" Michael spoke slowly and firmly to soothe her. Fiona shook her.
"Time is of the essence Michael; we can talk on the way. It was one of the Sisters."
"Why would a Sister call you, what is your connection to them? Does this have anything to do with Anson?" Dani Pearce interrupted; frustrated and anxious Fiona resisted the urge to snap.
"It may or may not we can't be sure. But I really have to leave NOW!" Patience shot Fiona ripped the keys from Michael and narrowed her eyes. Quickly Michael moved to Fiona and circled her shoulders.
"Fiona, you have to calm down. I have no problem coming with you but I need more details to determine if Anson's involved."
"He may have kidnapped a child Michael." Fiona exhaled the words and clarity showed Michael why Fiona was on edge. Without speaking, they all moved swiftly towards the parking lot, Dani entered hers and Michael took the driving seat to Fiona's.
Fiona frowned as they pulled up to the Orphanage after 12 minutes, but pushed it aside and flew out the car before Michael had cut off the engine. Both Michael and Pearce arrived on the porch just as the door opened. In the doorway was an elderly Sister with greying hair.
"Are you Fiona?"
"Yes, and these are my friends Michael Westen and Danielle Pearce." Fiona answered and Sister Laura let them inside. From the foyer the visitors could hear the sounds of rambunctious dinner despite the noted disappearance. Sister Laura led the visitors to the living room and left to get Sister Amelia.
"I've still been brought up to speed what's going on here." Dani stated holding gaze with Fiona and Michael. Fiona's gaze remained impassive and neutral as she regarded them; before she could answer they all turned to the doorway for the approaching footsteps.
Both Sisters Laura and Amelia entered the room along with Sister Agnes and Kayla. The occupants surveyed the new sisters, they were all elderly women, the youngest looked around Maddie's age and they were all comfortably dressed.
"My name is Sister Amelia, I'm the head Sister here. The others here are Sister Kayla and Agnes." Sister Amelia began to steer the conversation and introduced her other sisters in turn.
"I'm Fiona Glenanne, we spoke on the phone. This is Michael Westen and Danielle Pearce." Fiona returned the gesture and pointed them out.
"Sister Amelia, are you positive Sister Elizabeth didn't take Morgan on an errand and they're late getting back?" Michael asked and each Sister shook their heads in the negative.
"I spoke to Sister Elizabeth and she didn't speak of any plans to leave today. If something had come up unexpectedly she would've left a note." Sister Kayla responded; the trio shared a look.
"We know Sister Elizabeth and we know she wouldn't leave on her own accord." Fiona eyes snapped to Sister Agnes.
"Are there things missing?" Fiona's tone was sharp and her eyes penetrating, Sister Agnes fumbled before answering.
"Some clothes and things are missing from each of their rooms, as well as 2 duffle bags." Fiona swore under her breath.
"Are you positive Sister Elizabeth wouldn't kidnap the child? Has there been any tension lately?" Pearce pressed.
"No! No! She wouldn't, she loves the girl, and we all do! That is not in Sister Elizabeth's character." All of the Sisters nodded with stern faces, Pearce glanced at Michael.
"I'm going to have to call this in. But first I have to ask, why would you first call Fiona?" Pearce questioned the Sisters.
"Sister Elizabeth said if anything was to happen to her or little Morgan we were to call Fiona Glenanne. She is even listed as proxy here." The room stilled as all eyes moved to Fiona with questioning gazes. Fiona held each of their gazes defiantly but swallowed before answering.
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