AN: I'm sorry it's taken so long. I will spare you the details of writers block, work, losing the story and the plot but I hope it is well worth the wait. Enjoy. There's not many more chapters to go, about 7. Please review just so I know people are still reading it. Thanks guys x

Kallie xx


Chapter 23

Oscar's POV

Of course I didn't go right into the tree house after them, that would have been stupid and I was a spy after all. Unfortunately, from where I was, I couldn't hear them that well. After 10 minutes of being able to hear very little, I decided to move closer which was nearly the worst possible time I could have done so.
"Alright," said the girl. "I'll go tell the others."
Kittie nodded. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."
The girl smiled. "Hey, you're right. If I was in your position, I would too. I'm sorry it's come to this."
Kittie shrugged half-heartedly and I could see shadows of dark thoughts in her eyes. "It's okay. It's just life. These things happen. I should let Stark and the others know. Oscar is going to be thrilled."
I frowned. Thrilled about what?
The girl nodded. "Yep. It sounds like he can't wait to get rid of you."
I flinched, a little hurt. Is that what she thought of me now? That I couldn't wait to get away from her? That was the last thing part of me wanted – a large part. I admit I hadn't been very friendly towards her, had tried to run away and hadn't spoken to her since that night but I'd been trying to sort things out and get my head around everything. I'd never been that good at expressing how I was feeling, except maybe anger – a classic male thing Amy would say. I didn't mean to, I just found it hard to put my thoughts into words. Even when I had been really close to her, I just couldn't.

I looked up and realised that they'd kept talking.
"Okay, I'll see you later Kittie."
The girl turned to go and I tried to hide but I couldn't get back to where I was in time. She turned around fully and stared at me. Kittie turned too, unsure why the girl hadn't left and then she saw me. Her eyes narrowed and she said darkly "What are you doing here?"
Boy was she mad. I'd never seen her this cross, ever. I gulped, unsure what to do.

Kittie's POV

After I'd fully explained the situation to Abbey, she agreed to help and we came up with a proper plan. We talked for a while, finalising the details. Eventually we had a fool-proof plan, and whilst it held a lot of dangers, it would work. There were too many factors involved for it to not work.
"Alright," said Abbey. "I'll tell the others."
I nodded. They had to know, otherwise it wouldn't work. We needed them too. "Thank you. I really appreciate it." I don't like having to ask others for help. To me, it feels like I'm unable to do things, like I'm giving in to defeat.

Abbey smiled. "Hey, you're right. If I was in your position, I would to. I'm sorry it's come to this."
Come to this. Well this was my life and I was a spy. Any chance of a normal life disappeared long ago. Whilst when I was little I hadn't ever wanted to be normal, I had wanted, well still want, a family, happiness and love. To get that, you kind of need to be normal. I know it could be done not being like everyone else – I mean my parents were living proof of that but even so, they're gone now. I want to get married for soul-mate, forever together kind of love to someone who loves me unconditionally and accepts my faults and my past, someone who will grow old with me and still love me no matter what. I thought that was Robin but now he's gone and I'm beginning to wonder if it was love or me just projecting my desires on him. I shouldn't think like that. He was my first love and I'll never forget him.

Then I realised Abbey was waiting for a reply. I shrugged half-heartedly. "It's okay, it's just life. These things happen. I should let Stark and the others know. Oscar is going to be thrilled."
Who else would want to get out of here as soon as they could because they hated me? He seemed hell-bent on getting away and now he could.
Abbey nodded. "Yeah, it sounds like he can't wait to get away from you."
I'd told her about the various attempts of escape including trying to ride away when we visited the hotel once, him hiding in his room and him not talking to me. If someone who hadn't seen it all had got that, then I'd hate to think what the kids thought.
I smiled weakly. "Well luckily he won't have to stay long depending on what condition Frank is in."
Abbey looked a little startled. "He would really go stay with Frank?"
I gave her the did-you-really-just-ask-me-that look. "He hates me. Given the choice between the leader that's just come back from a SKUL cell and the person you hate, who would you choose?"
"Yeah, I know, but…"
"But what? Oscar would choose to go and live with Frank, if Stark would let him."
"I guess you're right. You know the guy better than I do."
I nodded, feeling a little… well deflated. "Yeah or I thought I did." I wasn't sure how she'd respond to that.

After a few moments of silence, she looked at me and smiled. "Okay, I'll see you later Kittie."
I waved weakly, not trusting myself to speak anymore. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Abbey turn around and stop. I frowned and turned to see what she was staring at.
I glowered. What the hell? How did he get here and why? "What are you doing here?" I asked, a little shocked at how dark that sounded. I admit, I was annoyed but not that annoyed. I wanted to scare him and I guess I did because he gulped – something I'd never seen him do before.

"Well?" I asked impatiently. "Why are you here? H-How did you get here?"
"I followed you," he replied.
I stared at him, stunned. He followed me? Why would he do that? He hated me. I thought the idea was to get as far away from me as possible. "You followed me? Why the hell did you do that?" When he didn't answer, I walked right up to him and pushed him back a few steps. I know I shouldn't have been that annoyed with him but this was the final straw. He hated me, then when he started to be friendly again, he started ignoring me. Now he was following me when I went to see my friends?! I couldn't believe it. What on earth was he playing at? "Why would you follow me?" I asked furiously, my eyes blazing.

He didn't respond for a few seconds, standing there a little dazed. Then I saw anger flicker across his face as he clenched his fists and when he looked at me, his gaze was stone cold. If this had been Greek mythology, I may very well be a statue right now.
"Because I was worried about you. You've gone off the deep end before and I was worried that was happening again, but from the looks of it, I needn't have bothered."
"No, you needn't have!" I yelled back. "I'm the one who's taking care of everyone and sorting out rescuing our boss."
He looked at me and I could see his anger fading. "You… that's what this is about? Rescuing Frank? That's why you snuck out here in the middle of a run-down house here with – Hey don't I know you?"
Without looking at Abbey, I knew she was moving away from us and I didn't blame her. Nobody liked to stick around when Oscar and I argued.

"Yes, you do although I don't think the two of you were properly introduced. You stormed off pretty quickly." I turned angrily away, realising I may have just brought the arguing full circle.
I could feel Oscar staring at her until he understood. "You were there when… when I found out about Honey."
Abbey nodded reluctantly. "Yeah, well I'd better be going. See ya Kittie." She left with one last look at the two of us before she climbed down onto the ground.
There was silence and I knew any minute Oscar would start yelling at me again, which he promptly did, but not about what I thought he would.

"Why can't you just let me leave? It's my choice and my life. Why can't I go home?"
I blinked, startled for a second. "Although you're better now than you were when you came, you'll still get locked up in a mental institution. Oscar, you can't sleep without the light on!"
He turned his head away angrily, and I hesitantly placed my hand on his arm. "I don't want anything to happen to you. You could get hurt and I can't bear to think about that. I – I don't want to lose you."
"You still care after all I put you through? No." He shook his head and pulled away. "Why would you still care?"
"Because I do. I care about you a lot. I never stopped caring, even though you hate me. Why is it so hard for you to see how much I care?"
Oscar turned to me. "Because you hurt me!" he shouted angrily. "Because you hurt me," he then repeated quietly.

I stared at him. I'd thought he'd been annoyed that I didn't tell him about Honey but never hurt. How on earth was he going to react about his dad? Then again, surely it's a good thing to find out that your dad is still alive after all. I frowned. He would have a parent but I had none. He had hurt me. All I had ever done was keep a secret for my safety.
"I hurt you? How about how you hurt me? You've ignored me for weeks, acting as though I never meant anything to you. My family, they obviously meant nothing to you because when you began to ignore me, you ignored them. Tom adores you and so does Cal. They look up to you but then you left, just like everyone else does. You left and expected none of us to get hurt? You became part of our family and you left."
"Why would you stick with someone who betrays you?"
"I didn't betray you. I never betrayed you!"
"You lied to me. You didn't tell me who you were. That's a betrayal of trust."
"No, I didn't tell you about part of me to protect myself."
"You could have trusted me. You could have told me your secret."
"I couldn't tell anyone. Honey was designed to keep me and my family safe. Honey was there so my parents enemies and my enemies didn't find out I was a spy too. Honey let me have a separate life which my family didn't, away from MI9. Honey gave me a chance to be me. No-one knew about Honey."
"Frank knew," he shot back, glaring at me.
"Frank…" I sighed exasperatedly. "Is that what this is about? Frank knew and you didn't?"
"No. I'm annoyed that you didn't tell me. I thought you trusted me." His voice got quieter and he sounded… sad.

I looked at him, my anger melting. "I do trust you. I wanted to tell you. I nearly did, several times but I was told not to. The less who knew, the better my secret would be kept safe. I wanted to tell you but I couldn't."
"Who knew?" he asked, his voice cold. When I didn't answer he yelled "who knew?!" grabbing my wrist, stopping me from moving far.
"Frank knew, Michael, Johny, my parents, my Uncle Tristan, and Uncle Max, Lexi, SJ, and my some of my old team."
"Why? Why did they know and not me?"
"It was Johny's idea after I almost, well actually did get shot on a drive-by from SKUL and I wanted to go after them. My parents and Uncle Max agreed. Tristan found out accidently. Michael was supposed to look after me, SJ was an accident, as was the people from my old team. A lot of the people who know found out by accident."
"Why did Frank know?"
"I was walking along a fence as Honey and he startled me. When I fell, the wig fell off and he figured it out. He was the one who suggested pins to keep it in place, to protect me more. It's now in my file as well because he thought others deserved to know."
"So why didn't you tell me?"
"I was protecting my family and I was protecting you. Too much knowledge is bad."
"Why would you want to protect me?"

I glared, a little angry again. "One, always keep your team safe, two, you're my friend, and three, I… I…" My voice caught in my throat. I couldn't say it.
He looked at me, one eyebrow raised and I could see the ghost of a smile on his lips. "Yes? What's three Kittie?"
I gulped and looked at anything other than his mouth. My mind was whirring. Do I tell him? Do I not and forever wonder what could have happened if I did? But then do I have to tell him? It is only fair but then again if he didn't know, that was his problem.
"Kittie." He grabbed my chin and raised it, looking me in the eyes. "What is third?"

With my heart racing, I leant forward and kissed him quickly. I felt myself melt as my lips met his and for a moment, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Suddenly I realised what I had done and honestly, I shocked myself. I opened my eyes and pulled away, blushing furiously. "Sorry," I muttered as I turned my head. I didn't want to look at him. I was far too embarrassed. What on earth had I done? Why had I done that? Granted I enjoyed it… well a lot but still. It was an amazing feeling and I was sort of glad that I had finally kissed him. It was a good kiss and at least he finally knew. I had waited weeks for this moment but now that it was here I wasn't so sure. Yes, I knew I loved him and nothing had changed that, but in the middle of an argument? Talk about bad judgement. I wasn't even sure how he'd react. I thought he would yell or leave or hit me or something. I waited, but he didn't. Instead he grabbed my chin again and kissed me back, pressing his lips against mine. I blinked, a little surprised and waited for my mind to catch up. When it did, all remaining anger vanished instantly as I kissed him back passionately. He pulled me closer, his lips caressing mine as he kissed me, becoming gentler but still with the same urgency. A hand snaked around my waist, pulling me closer, stopping me from pulling away, like he was scared I didn't want this. I kissed him back; grateful that he was holding me in place else I would have melted to a puddle on the floor.

When we both pulled back for air, we smiled at each other. I hadn't been this happy in a long time, I just hoped I wasn't grinning like an idiot.
"You don't know how long I've waited to do that," said Oscar as he brushed a few curls out of my eyes. I blushed furiously and dipped my head.
"Me too," I whispered, raising my head again. This was no time to be shy. I couldn't deny that I love him, not now, not after I had finally kissed him. Gently he cupped my cheek with his hand, his fingers lightly brushing against my reddening skin. His touch reminded me that this was real. He was really here, with me. He'd kissed me. Inside my head I was slightly screaming, okay, screaming a lot.
We stood there for a few moments, staring at each other, smiling. I just hoped he was as happy as I was. In the back of my mind there were a few niggling thoughts, but I pushed them away, well most of them anyway. Did he forgive me? He must have, right? I mean for him to kiss me like that and still be here, he must mustn't he? But I had to check. "Do you forgive me?" I whispered.

He was quiet for a moment. "Yes. I can understand why, I just wish you had told me. I admit I was annoyed at first but mostly I was hurt," he replied. I could tell that he really meant it.
I rested my head against his chest, looking down at our feet sadly. "Sorry. I didn't mean to, you just never gave me a chance to explain. I'm so sorry."
His hand left my cheek and he tilted my head up again so that I was looking at him. "It's alright. I forgive you," he whispered softly and I knew he meant it.
I wrapped my arms around him and laid my head against his chest, noticing how right this felt. We fitted together perfectly and despite the argument, we were really good together. With Robin we'd been good, but different. He'd needed me more because he couldn't see but with Oscar we just were so good together. We were like Yin and Yang in a way but then we were similar too. It was good.

He held me close and I could feel his heart beating beneath his jumper and whatever he was wearing underneath it. I felt his muscled chest quiver slightly and I'm sure I could feel his heart beating rapidly. Perhaps he could feel my own rapid heartbeat. He was obviously as nervous and excited as I was. I knew how much I wanted to preserve this moment forever – that is to say so so much. It was what I wanted from the moment I'd seen him, back when I first saw him as Honey. It was one of those rare moments where the hero and heroine's eyes meet and instantly there's a connection, and I'd known I was meant to be with him. Now I was here, with him, in the tree house, pressed up against his chest, but there was one niggling thought that flashed through my mind and whilst I didn't want to raise the question, I knew I had to.

Oscar felt me move and looked down at me. "What is it?" he asked as I moved away.
"I… Where do we go from here?"
"Where do you want to go?"
Where did I want to go from here? It would be complicated but what I really wanted… I looked up at him, my eyes bright. "You. I want you, no matter what. I want to be with you."
He held me at arm's length. "You really want me? Kittie, are you sure? You're not just saying that?"
I shook my head. "I mean it. I want to be with you. I will fight anything and everything to keep you." And I knew I meant it. I didn't want to lose anyone else, especially not Oscar.
He smiled and took my hands in his. "I'm glad you feel that way. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you ever again. I will do all that is in my power to prevent you from getting hurt."
I looked at him, wondering if he meant it. "You mean that?"
He kissed me gently and smiled. "What do you think?"

I smiled back. Then I had another thought – a bad thing I know. I frowned then shook my head. It probably would be nothing. I really don't think anyone would care except maybe Uncle Max and my brothers may want to make sure he'd never hurt me and so would Joe but nobody would have a real problem. No-one dislikes Oscar and they'd never had a problem with how close we were before. But I still had to ask the question, at least to give me some piece of mind.
"What do we tell everyone? I mean they're gonna notice. At the very least they're gonna notice we're talking again and and – "
He held up a hand to stop my panicking ramble. "Then we tell them," he answered, gently caressing my hands with his. "I don't care what happens as long as I have you. You mean more to me than what people think."
"You mean that? You won't leave?" Too many times people had said things like that and not meant it. Too many times people had left, left me to deal with things myself, left me alone. I really wanted to believe him but I couldn't get hurt again, not right now. It was too soon. I had to be strong for my family and friends. I had to be strong.

He smiled at me and I knew it was alright. "What do you take me for? I mean it and I'm not going anywhere unless you want me to."
I shook my head and rested it against his chest again. There are definitely benefits to being shorter than average – perfect height for hugs. "No," I mumbled. "I don't want you going anywhere."
"Well then I'm not going anywhere," he replied stroking my hair which I found comforting. From anyone else I wouldn't have liked it but with him it was different. I relax around him. I felt safe, like I could be myself and not have to worry about how anyone saw me. I was free.

I stood there, just enjoying the moment. Then I sighed and let go. "Come on, we better go back. I said I wasn't going to be long and the monsters shouldn't be left unsupervised for long."
Oscar nodded, smiling. "No, and Michael was in the basement. Who knows what they'll get up to."
I thumped him and he laughed. "What? You know you were thinking it too."
I shrugged. "Touché. Come on, before they all start biting each other again."
"Alright."
We climbed down from the tree house and headed home. I smiled as he took my hand in his, thinking that maybe, just maybe everything would be alright.

Barney's (Jack's) POV

Everything was ready. This had to work. We weren't ready for… well our intent yet but none of us were sure how much longer Frank would last. Millicent had taken a real vendetta out on him and he was in really bad shape. She'd allowed Pete to beat him up again multiple times and he was … well a mess. Leo hadn't been able to talk to him anymore and we were running out of time. We all knew the plan. Tyler and Leo would bring in Stark and then Abbey and Holly would get them both out. I sighed as my watch started to beep. Well, here goes nothing.

Leo's POV

Things could go horribly wrong. Our covers could be blown and it was too soon. If anyone figured out what was happening… Hopefully a real Bundles wouldn't take place and no-one would figure out how Frank got out before it was too late. Johny was risking a lot too. If they didn't believe him, he was dead. There were many things that could go wrong, many things but we were prepared for most. Here goes nothing.

Johny's POV

This had to work. Granted I was the distraction, or part of it anyway but I couldn't allow things to go wrong, not when someone's life was in danger. I sighed and walked up to the door to the base, or at least the one they were using. With MI9 closing in on them, they were forced to keep moving bases. I punched in the code and went inside. I walked forward slowly, allowing my footsteps to echo as I walked, trying to draw as much attention to myself as I could. I had one shot at getting back inside SKUL and if I messed up, it would really upset our main goal. I knew that soon Tyler would appear with the laundry basket and Leo would help him. I had my role to play, we all did. I just hope it worked.

I walked down the corridors, nodding at the SKUL agents that I passed. Some seemed surprised to see me, some angry and others, surprisingly seemed pleased. I continued walking until I reached the end of the corridor and then I saw Millicent talking to some sneaky-thug – I assumed this was the guy Kittie had managed to really annoy when she rescued Oscar from the expression on his face. Well at least that was one way to put it. Yes, I was sure this was him. What was his name? James I think. When Millicent noticed me, she scowled and watched me, ignoring the guy. I turned and headed into the large room on my right, one that was used for discussions and the one I believe that Carrie showed how strong she is in.

I walked into the centre of the room, my head lowered just so I could raise it dramatically after I stopped. You pick up a few things if you're somewhere long enough. In front of me I heard the clatter of heels as Millicent strode in and I smiled slightly. My primary goal was to keep her distracted long enough for the basket to be taken down by the cells – it would look a little suspicious if it was taken down to them. I looked up and grinned at her.
"Whotcha, Millie darling," I drawled.
She glared at me, obviously furious. "What are you doing here?" She pulled out a knife from one of her boots. "Last I heard, last any of us heard, you are MI9 scum."
I laughed and pulled the knife out of her hand easily. I didn't care as the blade cut into my palm slightly. It wasn't that sharp anyway – I could tell when I watched her pull it out. "Millie, Millie, Millie, since when did you believe rumours spun by enemy agents? They only think I'm working for them but really, my team is here."
She looked at me, not believing a word I was saying. "Really? You're working for us?"
I looked at her, my eyes steady. "Not the first time you've had a triple agent working here."

Millicent snorted in a very unladylike way. "Yeah and she is an MI9 brat's mother and is currently in Africa."
"Well I'm not a screw-up like her," I replied, pocketing the knife. This I could use later and was one less weapon they had.
"Really," she glared, really not buying my story. "So where have you been for the last 10 days? Out sunning yourself with the MI9 lot?" I could hear venom drip from her words. To be fair, I didn't blame her. SKUL was really going downhill and trust was a bit of an issue.
"No," I shot back, playing with a switch-blade. "I had to lay low, be incognito. Couldn't really come straight back here now could I? Otherwise my cover would have been blown and I would be rotting in an MI9 cell right now. I had to make them think everything was back to normal."
"You didn't call or let anyone know," came the cold reply. Wait, was she annoyed I hadn't let her know? Was that hurt I was sensing?

I tutted and stopped in front of her. "That wouldn't be very laying low now, would it?" I took her hand and cradled it in mine, massaging it gently. "Millie, darling, were you worried about me?"
She jerked her hand out of mine and turned away. "No, of course not," she lied.
I watched her stand still for a few moments, her shoulders quivering. She took a deep breath to regain her calm and when she faced me again, her face was blank, void of any emotion. She stuck out her hand. "Good to have you back Flaxx."

I ignored the hand and tipped my hat in acknowledgement. Our silent staring conversation was broken as next door came a tremendous crashing sound, like a table being broken. Quickly we hurried next door and as I went, I noticed Leo and Tyler pushing the laundry hamper. Leo stopped and spoke to one of the guards who had left the room next door, who shrugged and replied. Leo went back to the basket and I heard him tell Tyler to dump the hamper then get back up here, stat. Entering the room, I saw Jack and some brute beating each other up. I tried to hide my fear but I knew Jack was strong. He should be alright. Stage 2.

Barney's (Jack's) POV

I cracked my knuckles, knowing this was partly for revenge too. Pete and I had never had our fight outside – Leo had heard about it and called a stop to it, but now he wasn't here, and a distraction was needed. If Johny could convince Millicent, then he'd need a distraction. If he couldn't, he would definitely need a distraction. Either way this was needed and was an opportune moment. I counted to 10 then went to find Pete.

I found him sprawled in a chair like he owned the place. Around him were a cluster of the new guards who had yet to lose respect for him. I stood in the doorway and watched a couple of SKUL leave, obviously anticipating what was to come. I wasn't sure I could do it but then I clenched my fists, remembering all they'd done to my family and friends. I remembered how Kittie had been kidnapped last year under a different alias. She'd been tortured, abused and by the time we found her, she was a nervous wreck. They hurt my little sister, more than once. She'd been shot before, when she was out with Robin, just because she was our parents daughter. They'd hurt my little sister multiple times and I'd never forgiven or forgotten, just waiting to have my revenge. Now, I could.

I cleared my throat but he didn't move. I walked over to him and stood right over him, yet he barely batted an eyelid. I kicked his chair. "Get up."
He ignored me. Rolling my eyes, I kicked the chair hard, sending it and Pete skidding across the floor. I smirked. That invoked a reaction.
He snarled and jumped to his feet. "What the hell?" he yelled, grabbing me by, well the scruff of my neck and lifted me off the ground. "I'm fed up of you thinking you own this place, but you don't. It's time you know your place you little brat."
I tried to pull his hand away but I couldn't. I was surprised he was so strong. I knew he relied on his strength – he was a brute but recently he'd been lazy and I was no weakling. I mean, he'd moved when I'd kicked the chair, so why couldn't I get him to let go? When trying to pry his fingers off didn't work, I changed tactic and kicked out at his legs, trying to bring him to his knees, which kinda happened. He fell, throwing me across the room. I rolled and slammed into the wall. However I'd been expecting it and was on my feet in an instant. I kicked him hard, taking my fury out on him. I kicked him again, feeling bones crunch beneath the thick layers of muscle. The third time I kicked him, he grabbed my foot and kicked threw me over his shoulder.

I hit the ground with a loud crack, crashing into the table, barely able to avoid my head making contact with the floor. I ached all over but there was too much at stake. Lying on the ground, I watched him stand and turn to look at the others smugly, obviously thinking he'd beaten me. He was wrong. I got to my feet and tackled him to the ground. I sat on him, punching him repeatedly. That was for my parents, that was for the little ones, that was for Alan, that was for Kittie. Behind me I heard footsteps but I kept hitting him. Maybe I was a little punch drunk. Maybe I was starting to blow my cover but after all SKUL had done to my family, it was time for a little revenge.

I was pulled off from behind. Someone had grabbed my collar and pulled me off Pete. My head ached and a cut on my lip was bleeding. Well actually I was aching all over, especially after my collision with the table. I had various cuts all over me from where the skin had split which were bleeding, some heavier than others. One cut on my left eyebrow was dripping blood dangerously close to my eye. With the back of my sleeve, I wiped the blood away and looked around the room, up at Johny who had pulled me off Pete and was now glaring at me.

"What the hell are you doing?" he asked. "Inner fighting will not help us defeat MI9. We must work together. We cannot afford to have rivalries and problems within our organisation."
He pulled me to my feet and dragged me over to where Pete was being helped up by several of the guards. I looked at him and saw just how battered he was. He was worse off than me.
"You see? This is what happens when you start fighting each other. We end up with soldiers who aren't fit to fight. Then MI9 get the better of us." Johny glanced around the room and I was a little worried he was getting too in-role. I mean giving SKUL a pep talk?

I heard a noise behind me and turned to see a guard come running in – a runner, as they're specially chosen to deliver messages amongst those in charge. He skidded to a halt next to Millicent and Johny, and began whispering something in Millicent's ear. I strained to hear what was being said but the runners were also trained to be very quiet so I heard nothing. I could tell it was bad news from the way she glowered and clenched her fists. She and Johny began whispering together furiously whilst the runner left, possibly to inform someone else.

Johny strode towards me, grabbed my shirt in his fist and lifted me up off the ground. "They've gone, safe," Johny muttered so quietly and with his lips barely moving that it took me a few seconds to register he'd spoken. "You!" he snarled. "You pathetic excuse for a SKUL agent."
He struck me across the face and I winced. I knew this was all an act, at least I hoped it was, but did he have to be so mean?

Johny's POV

Millicent had just told me of Frank's escape and I silently prayed that he and Stark had got out alright. No-one would question a laundry basket, even here at SKUL. I knew I had to act correctly. I'm supposed to be one of the more in charge members of SKUL, although nowhere near General Flopsy or the Grand Master. An idea popped into my head and I hated myself for it. However I needed to get Millicent back fully on my side and had to show I'm not weak. I'm sure Jack would understand. He would if he were in my position.

With as much anger as I could muster – I'm not generally a violent or angry person – strode over to Jack and lifted him up by his shirt. I lowered my mouth to his ear as much as I could without causing suspicion and so quietly I barely heard myself, I whispered "They've gone, safe." I stood there, stunned for a few seconds then relaxed slightly as the words sunk in. Our objective was complete, I just had to wrap stuff up here. I prayed silently for forgiveness for what I was about to do and hoped I wouldn't hurt him too much. I pictured Jack as one of the scum who had hurt Kittie in the past. No, the guy James who had wanted to take advantage of Kittie when she was here recusing Oscar not that long ago. It was him I was holding up above the ground, not my cousin.

"You!" I snarled, baring my teeth at him. I watched him quiver in his boots. "You pathetic excuse for a SKUL agent." I lifted my hand and struck him across the face, hoping it sounded harder than it was. I watched him winch and I faltered for a second. What on earth had brought me to hit my own cousin? The world was wrong and I couldn't let anyone else have their lives ruined by SKUL. They had to be taken down and fast. I clenched my fist and hot white anger flashed through my mind.

Millicent touched my shoulder. I think… I don't know what had happened in the last couple of moments but something which had caused Jack and most of the SKUL present to look very scared.
"Put him down Flaxx," she said quietly. Was she scared of me? What had I done? I dropped Jack, trying not to show my horror and confusion. I had no idea what had just happened.
Millicent clicked her fingers and a couple of the black-clad underdogs rushed to her side. "Take the pair of them to get cleaned up and have them report to me when they're done."
Two guards carried Jack out on their shoulders and another two carried out Pete.

Millicent gazed around the room, looking at us like we were naughty school children. "This is what happens when we fight amongst ourselves. MI9 is our enemy, not each other. We cannot afford to fight amongst ourselves, not when MI9 are upping their game and not with the rumours of KORPS rising from the ashes. Already this fight has cost us dearly. I regret to have to inform you that Frank London has somehow escaped. Do you want to know how?"
No-one dared answer the "scary dragon lady" as Jack put it, clad head to toe in black with a voice so cold and steely, even liquid nitrogen couldn't handle her.

"It is because of fighting happening here, amongst us. This isn't the first time a fight has occurred but whilst I am here, it will be the last. Do you understand?" Heads nodded vigorously like novelty nodding heads. "Good. Now get to work. Find out how they escaped."
No, I couldn't allow that to happen. I touched her lightly on the arm causing her to look up at me in surprise. "Wouldn't it be best if they trained more? An intense program that makes them unbeatable?" I asked quietly, not wanting to undermine her in public. That I could do later.
She thought for a moment. "But what about Frank? We can't let his escape go without working out how at the very least."I smiled my "dazzling heart-breaking smile" as Kittie would call it and I heard Millicent inhale sharply. "Don't you worry. I will personally do everything I can to get to the bottom of this," – ask Leo, Abbey and Holly how they managed to get him and Stark out so quickly. It can't have been more than 5 minutes, probably less what with having to realise that Frank was gone. I tried putting as much charm in my words as I could. I couldn't afford to lose my stronghold here – the one person who was a SKUL agent who would be on my side.

I watched the cogs turn in her mind – not literally of course. She snapped her fingers and all the minions stopped and stared at her, waiting for commands from their leader. "New plan. You are weak and pathetic and useless. You will all be on a new training programme designed to toughen you up. You will be training 14 hours a day, no exceptions." There were groans from amongst the guards and I smirked a little. Millicent continued talking but I didn't hear what was being said. I nodded to her and excused myself. Now I had to find Leo or someone to find out what had happened.