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.
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5
"Who do you think is working with Anson?"
"Is it possible we missed one more person in his organization?" Michael shook his head firmly in the negative at Dani.
"When we met, Anson said he was the last one we missed. So it has to be someone new."
"Yeah Mikey but who would willingly work with him. 'Cause that guy was definitely sure of himself, no force there." Jesse asked.
"We need to re-examine his life and follow every connection he has. Sam, would you be able to get Barry on board to help search?"
"Sure I'm sure I could persuade him." Sam finished with a chuckle and mega smile, lightening the mood a bit.
"I could try and search our database for more info on him. We need to use all of our resources on this one." Jesse added.
"I agree, but Michael it's time we leave. Raines and Card should be arriving now." Dani glanced at her watch and nodded.
Michael turned to Fiona and gave her a little smile. "Think you can convince one of your contacts to enhance the picture to give us some location. "
Fiona's raised an eyebrow, "Seriously Michael, how long have you known me?" and smirked causing everyone to chuckle.
*BN*
Michael and Dani walked side by side down the hall in the Miami based CIA Office. The hallway mirrored the same decor Michael was used to and there wasn't any traffic in the halls. They walked silently and stopped to an elevator, after pushing the call button Dani turned to Michael.
"When we go in there Michael, it's not to play games. I need you to be truthful and not keep any secrets." She spoke firmly and her eyes were hardened steel, Michael face was devoid of emotion as he regarded her but he nodded once the elevator opened.
"I refuse to compromise this mission Pearce. Despite me just finding out about my daughter, I will do everything in my power to get her away from Anson and to where she belongs."
Squaring her shoulders they both entered the elevator, she pressed the 5th floor and they rode in silence.
Stepping out of the elevator they entered a waiting area and nodded to the secretary at the desk. She wore a non-descript skirt suit and her hair was a bottle blonde which complemented her tan complexion. Upon seeing the visitors she sprang out of her seat and ushered them into the occupied conference room without a word.
Sitting without any emotion awaiting their arrival was Michael's mentor Tom Card; the years since he had last seen him did nothing. He didn't seem to age, except for the greying temple but his physique was still fit for the field.
At the end of the long table was Pearce's superior Edward Raines, third in command yet the next runner up for Director, if one believed office gossip. His salt and pepper hair was well groomed and parted on the side. He made a striking figure in his tailored charcoal suit but it was the sharp eyes which caught their attention, clear jade eyes which are always attentive.
"Have a seat. You're punctual." Raines voice was a deep baritone as he addressed them. They each took a seat next to their mentors as their meeting begin.
*BN*
Barry was pleasant enough when he opened the door and ushered Sam inside to his work space. He was falsely jovial once he returned in front of his laptop and his fingers were speedy as they hit the keys.
"We need a favor from our favorite little computer whiz." Barry looked skeptical at Sam.
"I launder money Sam, it's an art but I won't call it Computer Whiz."
"Yea, yea but that doesn't mean you're not adept." Sam quickly backtracked.
"You know I'm all for helping Mike, Sam but this is a busy time for me. I can't just drop everything right now that's bad business." Barry cajoled the man, happy it wasn't for once the spitfire Fiona he had to deal with.
Sam scowled at Barry, apparently it was no more Mr. Nice Guy and time for some mean Sam Axe. Using his Navy reflexes he swept Barry out of his seat and slammed him against the neighboring wall.
"You listen here Bucko, Mike has been a great friend these past years. Now you have seen what happen to people who cross us, do you want to be one of them?" Barry's eyes were bulging out of his head as he struggled to catch his breath back. But at Sam's extra eager slam into the wall he quickly nodded.
As if nothing happened, Sam dropped him and moved back to the desk. "Good, now the name you're looking up is Anson Fullerton. We need all of the information and aliases you can find on him; every money trail everywhere."
With a heave Barry pulled himself off the floor and cautiously settled in front of the computer, watching in amusement Sam slapped his back in encouragement and grinned, Sam Axe still had it.
*BN*
With no one to restrain her, Fiona let loose a world of hurt on the uncooperative contact without using her gun. It felt good to get her hands dirty and slowly the anger and fear ebbed out of her body with each blow she laid, although she was careful not to knock him out.
Stepping back to survey her work, Fiona grinned at the cowering man on the floor.
"Now Dennis, can we agree you have a change of heart." He quickly nodded to please her.
"Good." Fiona speech was cut off by the loud ring of her cell phone; she didn't even bother to glance at the caller before picking up.
"Hello."
"Hi Fiona, I've been trying to reach Michael but he isn't picking up. Is everything okay down there, he isn't in trouble?" At the sound of Madeline's voice, Fiona's body grew stiff and her blood ran cold instantly. She swayed on her feet dangerously but luckily Dennis moved her to a chair.
"Fiona? Fiona can you hear me?" Madeline's voice grew shriller at the end, prompting Fiona to swallow thickly.
"Yes I can Madeline. Michael's just in a meeting with Pearce right now and his phone is turned off. I would be happy to tell him to call you back." Fiona cringed at the flat tone of her voice, she know Madeline will pick up instantly.
"Sweetheart are you okay, Michael hasn't done anything has he?" Fiona closed her eyes and swallowed again to level her voice and force some emotion out.
"No I'm fine Madeline. I'm just on a job right now so I really can't talk. But are you enjoying your time in Vegas?"
"Oh yes! Nate works a lot, but Charlie is just a sweet thing. He loves to spend time with grandma; I can't wait to show you guys pictures we've taken. And Rose seems okay now that she's had Charlie, she takes care of him so well." Fiona nodded through the blur of tears threatening to fall and her throat grew a lump she could barely swallow.
"That's good Madeline, and I'm sure her name is Ruth but I really have to go now. Please tell them hello, bye now."
"Yes that's it, I guess age is catching up but will do. Goodbye Fiona." Fiona let out a deep breath before turning to Dennis and disregarded his concern. She got up swiftly and handed him her phone after opening multimedia.
"I need you to take apart every pixel of this image and give me a location. I know you can do it Dennis."
Dennis gazed dumbly at her thinking she was crazy after her call, but one glare from her snapped him to attention.
"I'm going to need time Glenanne. This won't be quick." Fiona's delicate control snapped.
"That is something I don't have! I want your best and efficient work Dennis; I need an answer by night fall." Dennis nodded dumbly once more and scrambled off begin, leaving Fiona to drop down onto his couch with a sigh.
*BN*
The day had been pleasant after breakfast, children were so resilient and it took no time for Morgan to appreciate the landscape. She had seemed to block out all of the negative moments of arriving at her destination and just enjoy her idea of a holiday. It didn't help that Anson had been playing with the child's head; he kept telling her she would see her father soon.
Sister Elizabeth was frantic with worry but she refused to scare Morgan once she had loosened up, instead she watched her like a hawk. Eyes suspicious of every person they encountered.
Just as Mark had said, they were welcome to roam the property so they did, but it was disappointing. He didn't have guards but the plantation workers had watched their every move but refused to speak with her, Sister Elizabeth was very uneasy of her situation.
It was easy to divert Morgan's attention on other things to keep her happy and amused. She had enjoyed being able to explore the property like an adventure and she didn't hesitate a greeting to everyone she saw. A too friendly habit the Sisters were trying to break but she was resistant, combating them with their teaching of kind manners.
Sister Elizabeth hadn't officially met the Lady of the house but she had seen her keenly watching Morgan's every move, because of this she had declined to have any meals outside of their room. She preferred to keep Morgan out of the lady's sights. She hadn't forgotten Mark's warning, his aunt didn't do well with children and Sister Elizabeth was almost positive the woman wasn't mentally stable.
*BN*
It was late once the gang had all reconvened back at their headquarters; Sam had finished first and had opted to pickup dinner for everyone. He walked into a quiet room with no sound but positively buzzing with inside thoughts, everyone was absorbed but he couldn't help but notice that Fiona was subdued.
"So I brought dinner, are we going to discuss today during or after dinner?" Sam caught Michael's gaze and quickly cut his gaze to Fiona and back to Michael.
Michael caught on, but Fiona although oblivious to the exchange spoke up.
"We have nothing else to talk about. The sooner we catch the bastard the better." A little spark of defiance returning to her.
"Fiona's right, there is no reason we can't debrief and eat at the same time. We're all veterans here." Dani supported.
After the plates had been divided between everyone they all gathered around the table.
"So I've been digging all day and I can tell you that Anson covers his tracks very well." Jesse started.
"I'll give the weasel that but everyone messes up at one point." Sam spoke up between a bite of glazed pork, causing the ladies to cringe.
"That's right and I am proud to tell you that Anson Fullerton was birthed as Anson Furlough and married to one Marie Cruz from –"
"Mexico, they own a plantation in Cancun." Fiona cut Jesse off. Sam couldn't help but let out a low whistle. The room suddenly filled with excitement at getting a break.
Dinner finished up quickly and on a lighter and energetic note. Afterwards, everyone seemed to spring into action without any instruction.
But Fiona felt like she couldn't get any oxygen in the room, it was stifling she escaped to the balcony. The cool breeze from the ocean embraced her as she gazed up at the night sky and hugged herself. Fiona kept replaying the conversation with Madeline over and over in her head, she couldn't escape it.
Michael noticed Fiona exiting the room and slipped out after her finally concerned; one would think Fiona would be gangho and ready to storm Cancun without a moment's notice but she did the opposite.
"What's going on Fi? Talk to me." Michael spoke quietly as he leaned against the railing taking her in. Fiona dropped her arms and took a deep breath before closing the distance between them until their arms touched.
Although Michael was looking at her, she didn't return his gaze but instead looked at the stars in comfort.
"Madeline called today; she couldn't reach you and wanted to know if everything was fine. And then she went on talking about Charlie and she was so happy." Fiona took a shuddering breath before continuing softly.
"I just can't get the confrontation out of my head, I wouldn't go back and change anything but Michael I do value the relationship I have with your mother." Fiona's eyes were watery but she refused to cry as Michael enveloped her into his arms.
Michael didn't know how to respond to Fiona, he just pressed a kiss to her hair as he think. He understood why she hid Morgan but that didn't ease any of the pain of not knowing his daughter.
"Once she understands your reasons Fi, I'm sure we can all work it out. I know she is going to love having a granddaughter , soon you three will go shopping together and have lunch at those cafes you like. But first we need to stop Anson for good and rescue our daughter Fi."
As Michael spoke Fiona raised her head and locked gazes with him, she smiled at the end and whispered "Together." Before leaning up and kissing him gently. Michael returned the kiss and held Fiona just a little longer before they headed back inside hand in hand.
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