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.
Sorry for the wait. And thank you so much for all of the reviews, kind words and burning questions! ^_^
4
"Get up boy!" The harsh voice of Frank Weston shouted at his son. A young Michael lied on the floor from being struck down, his body battered yet he stood up trembling with pain.
"You want to be a man, this is what man gets!" Frank Weston rained blow after blow on the young boy who refused to cry out.
Suddenly a high pitch wailing filled the air and startled Michael, pleading for it to stop. The father was wrenched off of his child and hurled towards the wall. All throughout his childhood Michael had wished and prayed for someone to save him from his father, but he had learned that only he could save himself. The vicious face of Sam Axe glared down at the man daring him to move. Fiona rushed past them both before pulling the poor child into her arms, soothing her with soft words as she rubbed her arms.
It wasn't Michael in Fiona's arms, Morgan's pale complexion was marred with the darkening forms of bruises, her rosebud mouth now had a split lip and her eyes shone with tears as she looked at her father.
"I'm sorry Papa, I'll be good."
Michael woke up in cold sweat and fell out of the lounge chair in fright holding his head. His heart pounded harshly against his chest and blood rushed through his ears. He sluggishly moved his head between his legs and forced his breaths to slow and even out, resisting the urge to vomit. The pale moonlight was the only source of light, down on the main floor of the loft Michael could make out the silhouette of Fiona laying on his side of the bed.
Michael's worst fear was becoming like his father, Larry brought out that side of him but Fiona always seemed to repress it. After doing all they could at the orphanage the team called it a night and went home. Their drive home had been quiet, both lost in their own thoughts and neither opening their mouths to speak.
Yet the tactic only led to an explosive pow wow once arriving in the loft. Tension was palpable and frustrations rose sky high. Michael couldn't even remember the whole argument, they were both caught up anger but he could clearly remember every feature of Fiona's hurt face at his scathing words. The look had shut him up but he needed an outlet for his anger; he found it using the punchbag at the back of the loft. Each pounding punch had been loud and vicious yet it had lulled Fiona to sleep, he had decided to sleep on the lounge upstairs.
Fiona eyes flew open with a gasp as she awoke from the aggravating dream: Anson had taunted her and Michael having Sister Elizabeth hold a knife to Morgan's throat while he held a gun to her head. Morgan was bawling, begging the Sister to let her go. They had refused Anson's demands but now Fiona would grant him anything for her little girl's life but Michael was unyielding. Just as she turned and began to rant at Michael he took the shot which started a chain reaction, Sister Elizabeth got spook and her hand slipped slicing Morgan's throat. Fiona had hurled her body to wrench the child from the woman but was too late; all she could remember was Morgan's big lifeless eyes staring at her.
Fiona Glenanne was no failure nor was she a shrinking violet; she physically and mentally shook herself. She wasn't one to let her fears controlled her, she knew better than that. She couldn't focus on what ifs either, yet they plagued her waking thoughts. Although Jesse's face showed understanding, Sam hadn't expressed any comment. Sam Axe was Michael's oldest and best friend, of course he would side with Michael, but Fiona also shared a friendship with him now and it hurt. Pearce was quite professional about the whole thing and showed indifference to the situation, but Fiona found herself anxious worrying about what Madeline would think of her hiding her eldest grandchild.
Hearing the loud pants she fought to get her breathing under control but even after doing so she could still hear it. Her eyes scanned the top of the loft and she took in the shaking bent back of Michael, struggling to control his breathing. Fiona lightly got to her feet and ascended the stairs so as not to startle him.
Michael was brought out of his phase by movement to his left, on instinct his hand closed over the gun under his pillow, raised and aimed it in the direction in one fluid motion.
"Damn it Michael it's me! Put that away." Fiona scoffed as she held her hands up nonthreatening.
"Fi-ona" Clarity struck Michael as he croaked out her name.
Fiona nodded before crossing over to him; one hand rubbed his back vigorously while the other pushed his head back between his legs.
"Breathe Michael." Fiona firmly commanded him, steeling herself for a long night, knowing neither would be getting much rest.
Michael left their bed just as the sun began to rise over Miami, they both hadn't slept preferring to stare at the ceiling and lose themselves in their thoughts. After apologizing to one another, Fiona had pulled him to their bed; at least the awkwardness had dispersed. He crossed over to the kitchen and snatched a yogurt out of the fridge after setting Fiona's teapot on low.
On the balcony Michael pondered on yesterday, they had a full day. First he went to Pearce and told her everything about Anson and his plans. Just as they had convinced her, Anson's insurance came through and the FBI called for Fi, but they were able to thwart him. Yet Anson held the ace all along, he had picked up on Fiona's secret child, he had kidnapped Morgan and was now going to use her as leverage. It still bothered Michael greatly that he hadn't picked up on such a big secret these past years, what kind of spy was he? His perception was weakened around the one he cared about the most, a dangerous error in their lifestyle.
Hearing the shrill whistle of the tea pot brought him out of thought; he turned and entered the kitchen. Moving on autopilot, he grabbed two teacups and began to make herbal tea. In his peripheral he's aware of Fiona exiting the bathroom; she halts once she spots him and seems to contemplate thoughtfully.
"Good morning." Fiona exited the bathroom and gave Michael a shy smile as she cautiously approached him. They both took in the other's tired eyes and tightly wired body.
"Good morning. I made some tea." Michael's smile was small but sincere and reassuring. Fiona returned the gesture as she approached the counter to get the tea.
"You know I made an album for Morgan, everything is in there." Fiona's voice was soft as she looked at him over the rim of her tea cup.
Michael nodded before grasping her free hand, "I would like to see it, sometime."
The moment was ruined by the shrill ring of Michael's cellphone, he sighed before reading the screen.
"It's Pearce."
The room Morgan woke up in was large but dark and shadowy, although the curtain at the window wasn't thick or opaque, very little light shown through. The room's color scheme didn't help either, the walls were a deep maroon and the furniture were also deep and of earth tones. Besides the queen bed large enough for herself and the sleeping Sister, there was a dresser, night stand on one end, across the room was a small sitting area with arm chairs and in the corner a medium table with chairs.
Morgan turned to Sister Elizabeth and tried to rouse her, yet she didn't awake – she didn't even try to stop the shaking from the child. Morgan frowned before slipping out of the bed, she moved to the window and slid behind the curtains to peer outside. The window was partly open and a breeze caressed Morgan's face, she could see many trees bordering the area, more than at the Home. At her window was a very tall tree which provided shade and was the reason why so little light entered the room. She could see a garden being tended by two workers and off to the side she could see a large field with even more workers.
Marie stood by the ajar door and peered inside, she had watched the young girl fail at waking her caretaker, now she watched her at the window. The old woman in the bed hadn't showed any response and Marie wondered if it was due to her age or drugs.
Mark rounded the corner and missed a step at the sight of his Aunt by the door. His heart raced just a little as he approached her, careful not to startle her.
"Aunt Marie." His voice was smooth and ever so low. Marie turned as if exiting a trance to face her nephew.
"Good morning, Mark." Her tone was warm and low, she raised her hand to cup his cheek, yet a small frown graced her face as she let go.
"The caretaker, Anson didn't drug her did he?" Marie voice was sharp as she peered back into the room, not wanting to alert the occupants Mark cupped her elbow and moved her down the hall before answering.
"No, she just got sea sick on the boat. I guess the meds just have this slight side effect due to her age." Mark shrugged at his aunt and motioned to the tray at the door.
"Is that for our guests?" Marie nodded the affirmative.
"You arrived so late; I thought they might be hungry." Mark carefully regarded his Aunt before nodding.
"Of course, I'll take it in to them. That reminds me your husband was looking for you, he's out on the veranda." Marie nodded and left without any other words.
Mark watched her leave before moving to pick up the tray and entering the room. At the sound of his entrance, Morgan spun away from the curtain and turned but she didn't make a sound. They looked at each other before Mark placed the food on the table, as he moved towards the curtain, Morgan rushed to the bed. Mark chuckled before yanking open the curtains.
"Rise and Shine Sister!" His voice was loud and forceful but had the desired effect. Sister Elizabeth pitched up quickly, a hand on her heart. She blearily took in her surroundings, after looking over Morgan she settled her gaze on a smirking Mark's face.
"Good morning Sister. Welcome to your new quarters." Disregarding her fierce glare he gestured to the tray of food. "Breakfast has been prepared, like all of your meals will be. I thought we would go over the rules again."
His word sparked her last memory and she remembered being drugged on the boat. Sister found it hard to be slow to anger with these people. He just smiled at her before leaning against the wall.
"This isn't a prison, you have liberties or privileges I should say. You will keep Morgan with you at all times and are free to roam around in the day. Any door that is closed is off limits and you must not exit the yard, the plantation is not a place to be. You will not alert the staff or anyone else of your situation."
He paused to allow everything he said to sink in.
"You may eat meals in the dining room as long as you stay out of my aunt's way. Please remember this, she does not do well with children." Mark's tone was deathly serious at the end and his words gripped Sister Elizabeth and a cold dread filled her as she nodded meekly and regarded the man. She promised herself that she would not let Morgan out of her sight while she was here.
Dani Pearce sat on a bar stool in a modern kitchen, ignoring her view of Miami downtown she opted to study a case file. Their base of operations for once wasn't the loft. Instead Sam had found a nice upscale pad under renovations via his Real Estate buddy.
They needed to know everything they could find on Anson Fullerton, if they were to find him. She was brought out of her study by the message alert on her cell, picking it up she smiled at the text from Jesse to open the door.
She slid off the stool and promptly crossed over to the door and held it open; Jesse had planned his arrival correctly and was able to waltz in. Jesse brought with him breakfast for two from a deli down the street.
"Good Morning. I figured you hadn't eaten yet, there's croissants and coffee, lightly sweetened right?" Dani Pearce smiled at Jesse and nodded both to his question and his cheery mood.
Dani and Jesse had struck a friendship after his new job, it had helped having a CIA friend for inter-relation information purposes but now the objective had definitely changed for them.
"Someone's memory is very keen in the morning." She couldn't help teasing him before taking the indicated coffee.
"Well I like to keep it sharp." Dani just smirked and took a sip of her coffee, while Jesse unwrapped his sandwich. The pair was able to eat in relative silence for about 10 minutes before the others joined them.
Fiona raised a brow to Jesse when she spotted them, but Michael didn't comment.
"I'm going to wager a guess this wasn't breakfast for 5?" Sam teased the two who didn't even blush.
"Nope, I knew Elsa wouldn't let you out without satisfying you." Jesse shot back.
"Right in your assumption, Jesse." Dani rolled her eyes at the two and focused on the quiet two in the room, they were both lost in thought.
"Have you two had something?" They both nodded in unison.
"Any update as yet?" Michael got straight to the point.
"Nothing back from the lab, there hasn't been any calls to the Home." As if on cue two cellphones rang off. Michael and Fiona both picked up their phone and read the Caller ID with grim expressions. Without speaking everyone knew the caller was Blocked. They looked at each other in question but Michael nodded to her, Fiona answered.
"Glenanne." Fiona barked out her name.
"Beautiful morning Fiona; why don't you tell Michael to check his phone." Anson's voice was smooth. A beep alerted them to a message received, Michael immediately opened it.
It was a media message and showed Morgan and Sister Elizabeth eating breakfast, they both looked uneasy although they didn't seem aware of the photo being taken, propped on the wall was today's Miami Herald.
Fiona swore angrily into the phone, her eyes lit with fire. "Listen here you disgusting, sniveling bastard! If anything at all happens to either one, I'll show you just how the IRA dealt with their prisoners."
Michael wrenched the phone from her grasp and locked eyes with her; she looked ready to claw his eyes out.
"Tut tut Fiona, you've seem to think you're in a position to threaten, when I am the one holding all of the cards." There was shuffling on the phone before a child's scream filled the ear chilling all of the occupants in the room. "Let her go! She hasn't done anything!" A woman begged.
"Anson, don't you dare hurt her!" Michael ordered, his voice was deadly calm, but his face had a look of thunder.
A message flashed on Michael's phone and Fiona quickly opened the file, the image showed Anson hanging Morgan by both hands outside a bay window. The tree branches in the background showed how high up they were, alerting them to her present situation. Rage flooded all of the individuals, Fiona slammed her hand on the counter and Dani covered her mouth with her hand.
The screams turned to whimpers as Morgan began to cry. "Shhhh shhhhh dearie, I've got you, your naughty parents just needed to be taught a lesson." Anson's sneering voice taunted everyone.
"There's something you should know that isn't written in my file Anson, I do NOT do kindly to those threatening my family. Do NOT antagonize me! Stop playing games and state your terms, if I hunt you down Anson I promise you I WILL end it, do not mistake me." Michael was furious, his face had grown red and his knuckles were white gripping the counter. There was silence on the phone and then a light shuffle.
"We will be in touch Michael." A new voice was on the phone and the smirk could be heard in his voice and then the line went dead. Michael growled and hurled the phone at the wall causing each and everyone in the room to jump.
"Mikey you need to calm down brother, he was taunting you. Anson knows he can't hurt Morgan she's his leverage." Michael coldly regarded Sam.
"If Morgan is the leverage then Sister Elizabeth is collateral." Fiona spat out challenging Sam, she crossed the room and stood directly in front of him. Breaking up the brewing fight, Michael lifted Fiona squarely off her feet and onto the counter none to gently, she thrashed against him not caring who she fought just wanting to release her anger.
"FIONA! You are angry at Anson, do not start an unnecessary fight!" Michael addressed her harshly as his eyes bore into hers; she simply raised an eyebrow challenging him. Opening her mouth he quickly cut her off.
"We all need to be on one page, only the people in this room I trust to bring BOTH of them home and take down Anson. If you can't put aside your grievances, none of you! Do not force me to lock you somewhere because I will do it!" Michael addressed the last part to all of them. Fiona pushed the hands holding her in place away and gripped his head to look at her.
"I would love to see you try Michael Westen." The anger on her face could match his and all the occupants in the room held their breath for the fall out. Quick as a flash, Fiona pushed Michael moving him just enough to raise her feet and kick out hard into his chest, allowing him to land on his back. She jumped off the counter and sat atop of him pinning his arms down.
"I've told ya b'fore Michael, no man tells me what to do." Fiona leaned her face over his and locked eyes with him, her words were just louder than a whisper and her Irish lilt returned.
"Get ya bloody head together then." Michael grounded out matching her Irish, before flipping her over and reversing positions. Fiona frowned up at him but nodded her consent after a glaring minute; he got up and helped her to her feet. They both were breathing hard as they turned to the others.
"Who the hell is Anson working with?" Dani asked the top question on everyone's mind, as they all returned focus to the new development.
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