Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners (Dark Angel, Fox, etc.) The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Note: Chapters from 01 to 04 had been reposted, due the fact that now I have a Beta Reader who did the amazing job of correcting grammar errors and typos on the texts.
Thanks to Kita for the great job.
Chapter 4
The Face in the Mirror
He stood at the door watching the interaction or lack of it between the other two occupants of the room. The tense environment that usually surrounded them was the best advertisement for avoiding relationships.
He will concede that with the virus in scene a lot of strain was placed on them. The vibe he usually got when hanging around the ill-starred lovers is one of blame instead of longing.
Cindy told him once that Max and Logan danced around each other for a whole year, only admitting they were attracted to each other hours before the attack at Manticore that ended up with Max back in the very place she tried to destroy.
Just by looking at them he could easily explain the 'blame' vibe in two words, timing and fear.
Having a good timing was essential not only regarding love but in all the aspects of life; obviously, neither of them considered important to have it. Humans always forget that sometimes there might not be a tomorrow, after all future is always changing and if you do not live every minute you might have not lived at all.
And that was closely related to the other half of their equation 'fear'. Fear was at the end a bigger responsible of their mess. Fear of being rejected, fear of being let down, fear of trusting, fear of caring…
One of the definitions of fear is "to be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event"; the key words here were "possible or probable". Most part of the time our fears are groundless only sustained by our own insecurities. Max and Logan were far from being fearless when it comes to admitting their feelings plus they had the worst timing in history.
He was indirectly responsible for their current situation. If Max wouldn't have chose to save his life instead of the cure both of them could be living in bliss now (or maybe not he had the feeling that these two had a thing for drama). Only that she didn't.
And that was the main reason of his personal search for a scientist who will deliver the long awaited cure. He was not the kind of person who likes owning favors. Besides, he really wanted to see if Max bitchy mood will improve if things with her not boyfriend were normal.
Alec closed his eyes for a couple of seconds, a feeling of dizziness hit him and his hand reached for the door frame in order to regain his balance. As soon as it came the light-headed sensation went away. X5's don't get sick, just what exactly had happened?
Looking up he realized that neither Max nor Logan had seen him yet. Thank god for small miracles. He should add to his previous analysis that both of them were also clueless at times. Alec cleared his throat and waited until they looked in his direction.
"Well who are we going to spy, steal, kidnap or whatever is needed this time?"
"It's fair simple. I need that both of you attend to a gathering organized by the Embassy of Georgia and get included in the after party meeting with the former Minister of Defense and current Ambassador. My source affirms that Georgia new export products are weapons and women. I need for you to confirm it."
Logan was looking at both transgenic waiting to see which one of them will start the question quiz, to his surprise it was Alec's who started it.
"Who are we playing? No offense Max but unless you're known as a power figure you're not getting in the after party."
Logan had to admit that it was a good question, one with an answer Max wasn't going to like.
"I have to play the bimbo?" Max's tone showed her enthusiasm about the whole situation.
Logan gave her a reassured smile as he continued with the explanation.
"I'm afraid Alec has a point there. You'll be the girlfriend and Alec will be the typical spoiled trust fund baby."
"You'll have to act like you really enjoy my company Max, show devotion and rapture at every word that I say." Alec couldn't help but smirk at her annoyed look, sometimes it was so easy to rile her up.
"Or I could be clingy and whinny and you'll have to put up with me the whole night."
And sometimes she reacted in a different and more amusing way. It wasn't the words but the toxic sweet voice that made him realize that clingy Max will probably be far worst than bitchy Max. Deciding that a change of venue will be better for all parties, Alec opted for keep on the questions.
"Who's the bad boy we're looking for?"
"This is Evgraf Sokolov, former Minister of Defense during the second term of Venedikt Lebedev"
A fifty year old man photo was displayed on Logan's screen.
There was something that didn't fit in Alec's mind. He had seen the man somewhere else. He couldn't place the time but he was sure that it wasn't the first time he saw him.
"So, we get to the party; mingle with the rich and famous. Alec gets in the private party while I check if there's something interesting enough for a souvenir before we have to leave?"
"Exactly, except the part where you case the place."
Logan reply had Max pouting at him. Some of their interaction and gestures really sold them as a couple, too bad they usually chose the corny ones.
"What about our names?"
"Dimitri Petrov and Emily Michaels, you are already in the guest lists. You live in Miami; your father died when you were 10 and left you as the heir of the company. You two met at a party in Los Angeles were Emily was working as an actress. You've been together for three months."
"Sounds good, time and place?"
Alec was feeling worst by the minute, his head was killing him and the dizziness had come back. His hand massaged the side of his neck; his skin was warm, warmer than usual. His heart was beating faster and he could feel the increased pressure of the blood circulating in his veins. Something was not right. He needed to get out of there and fast.
Hopefully these were the last details that he will need.
"Alaskan Way # 609. It starts at 20:00 pm"
Logan's voice had never sounded so good. It was almost over.
"Great. Then all has been said. I'll pick Max from here at 19:30, you ok with that Max?"
Max was about to reply him, but she stopped at the last second. There was something odd about the annoying transgenic besides the fact that he had been awfully helpful.
There was a thin layer of perspiration on his face, a hint of blush on his cheeks. His pupils were dilated and she could have sworn his hazel irises were invaded by golden flecks for a second or two. Something wasn't right. What did he do this time?
"Are you ok?"
Max's eyes were burning holes on him as she asked. He had been so close to get over with it, but no she had to ask. Alec contemplated the possible answers he could give her, the honest approach wouldn't get him anywhere and he didn't think that Max will appreciate a 'No I'm not, but it's my problem' kind of answer. So he went for the classic witty reply.
"Yeah, I just want to get home I need my beauty sleep."
His posture had straightened up and his voice was an octave lower.
Strike One.
Just let it goes Max and everybody will be ok with it.
"Are you sure, cause you're not looking good."
Well at least now he had positive confirmation that Max had no reading mind powers. And that she sucked at reading body language.
"I'm alright."
He stressed every syllable in an attempt to discourage this sudden interest of hers regarding his well being.
Strike Two.
Don't push it.
"No you're not. What did you get yourself into this time?"
It was useless, she wouldn't take the hint. What was the point on asking if you were not going to believe or accept the answer provided? It was just a loss of time and effort.
"Max, I said I'm alright."
Strike Three.
Last chance, be a smart girl and leave it.
"If you screw this up and I have to save your ass I rather know what you were into this time."
And, you are out. That had been enough.
"Fuck it off Max. You're not responsible for me. You don't have to care about me, and most important you don't need to "save" my ass as you put it. I'm not your charity case."
It was the rash and cold tone of his voice which rendered her silent, but it was the emptiness of his eyes which made her shiver. The patented Manticore stare had reminded her of her time inside hell, she had never seen Alec wearing it before today.
Alec could have kicked himself in that moment. The carefully built façade he had worked on during the last months was cracking. He, who had mastered the art of concealing emotions, had lost control. That shouldn't have happened, not here, not with them, not ever.
He needed to get out of here.
Turning around and without looking back Alec walked out of the room.
His final destination was getting to the bathroom and retrieving his clothes. The damp t-shirt clanged to his body as a second skin and instantly cooled him down. He took the jacket and strode past the corridor walking out of the door without a second glance.
The rain welcomed him as he stepped out of the building, this time he didn't complain about the rain. This time, the cold drops of water offered him some sort of comfort. This part of the night had been bizarre to say at least, and he only wanted to get back at his place and sleep it off.
Tomorrow he will worry about all the damage control that will be needed.
"It wasn't supposed to go like that."
A stern voice commented while looking at Alec as he walked out of Logan's office.
"It's debatable. When we were five and went under similar symptoms you thought you were dying." Neil replied casually.
"Well, we were five."
"You were the only one who came up with a dying theory."
"Still it shouldn't be like this."
"Why not? We're genetically engineered, no flaws included. We don't get sick, period. Actually I think this was a very controlled reaction on his part. How would you react if out of the blue you started feeling sick with no apparent reason?"
"I might freak out a little and had May running tests on me." Biggs conceded sighing.
"I rest my case then."
"The worst part hasn't started yet."
"I know, we better move. He might need help."
The two figures scanned the empty street eighty meters below before jumping down. The air offered a weak barrier as their bodies gained speed. Then about six feet over the ground, the density of air seemed to get thicker effectively slowing down their fall until they were standing on the street. The only evidence of their landing had been the soft sound of two pairs of shoes connecting with the asphalt.
Checking once again that no one was around, they walked casually out of the alley and into the avenue.
Neil looked with distaste as the rain kept falling down. If they were staying here he was getting a car, he was sick of being soaked all the time. His internal resolution came to an end as Biggs' voice disturbed the silence.
"Show off. We could have used the stairs or the elevator."
"It was faster this way." He replied calmly.
"Normal X5's will be dead after a stunt like that."
"Aren't you glad we're not normal?"
"You just love to show it."
"Sokolov is in town, that's new."
Neil's comment effectively changed the subject before they got in another pointless argument. Biggs was one of his best friends but sometimes talking to the guy was the same to chatting with a five year old kid.
"Yes, it is. Such a pity he got pissed off I would have liked to know why good old Evgraf picked the interest of EO."
"Some twisted theory that's for sure. Last time it was something about a major, a mistress and a stolen car."
"Good to know you were up to the latest gossip."
"You know me, always on the hype. Are running interference with Sokolov sudden visit?"
"Nope. I think it actually will work on our favor. Weren't Alec and Nicole assigned in all the missions relevant to Solokov and Lebedev?"
"Yeah. However, if the old man sees him he will recognize Alec immediately; do you think he's ready to handle that?"
"There's a good chance that he will, but we'll be there as well in case things get out of hand."
"Sound fair."
Max had been silent after Alec's sudden departure and Logan was getting worried. Usually she will be ranting about the careless, self centered X5, but she hadn't muttered a word since the guy left.
"I'll call him tomorrow." He started hopping to at least start some kind of conversation even if it was mission related.
She didn't turn around to face him, and for a while he thought that she hasn't listened to him. That's why it surprised him when he heard her voice.
"Do you think he's in troubles?"
"I don't know Max. He seemed a little bit on the edge but besides that I think he was just tired. Why don't you lay low on him for a while?"
"It's not that I hate him. He's not my favorite person but I don't hate him."
"I know that. Go easy on him for a couple of days."
Alec was not his favorite person either, but Logan had to admit that sometimes Max lashed out on the guy for the smallest and meaningless things. He had felt insecure when he found out that the young transgenic decided to stay in Seattle, but after watching him for a while he knew that Alec was more interested in irritating Max than in going after her.
The younger man was not always the bad guy or the constant screw up as Max usually described him. Alec was basically learning from the mistakes he made. He was still adapting to a life in the outside and unlike Max he hadn't have ten years of experience dealing with it.
But that was a topic he wasn't going to visit with Max any time soon. Things between them were complicated enough for him to start playing devil's advocate.
"I'll talk to him in the morning." Her gaze was lost as she watched the water drops hit the window's crystals.
"Good luck with that. Are you going already?" He commented as she stood up.
"It's late plus it's raining, the cat inside of me is cringing at the idea of getting soaked."
"You could stay in, there's a guess room."
Logan was really hoping that she will say yes. It will be a step forward, a smaller one but a step to the front none the less.
"Cindy might worry."
Logan suppressed the sarcastic response at the tip of his tongue, for god sakes from all the excuses she had to choose the most improbable one. Cindy might not even be in the apartment to begin with. And there were phones that were used to call people in order not to worry them. But this was Max and if she wasn't ready yet, he will wait.
Lately that is apparently all that he does, wait.
They had lost so much time before and he can't help but feel that they're repeating the same mistake. For now he will agreed. Tomorrow he will start all over again.
"Ok see you tomorrow."
"Bye Logan."
A leather gloved hand touched slightly his own, and he left a sad smile find its way on his face.
"Take care."
The words are said almost vehemently. She left without looking back and he stayed unable to turn around. Until she's gone and he's once again alone in the same place where everything between them began.
The mirror on the wall is the same he used to uncover her barcode the third time they met. He tracked it and purchased on an auction when Max was supposed dead. He only did it because it was another part of the memories he had of her.
The man on the mirror at that time had been over confident of his own luck and destiny, convinced of his ideals and the importance of his mission, positive about the future.
The image looking back at him now was of a man who was aware that destiny can change at the flick of a wrist, still compromised with his mission but less idealistic, and truly uncertain about the future.
The man on the mirror now could easily be a stranger to man he had been. When did he change that much?
Alec stepped out of the shower feeling a thousand times better than when he crossed the door of his apartment thirty minutes earlier.
Standing in front of his bathroom mirror he couldn't help but look at the image reflected. His pupils were still dilated but the fever was gone. Had it been a reminder from Manticore making him aware that even mad scientist made mistakes. It was probably a slip in his DNA code marking him as a faulty product, as long as it only means a fever once in a while he could live with it.
His eyes caught a glimpse of his back and the blood on his veins froze. It couldn't be possible. How on earth "that" got in "there"?
A black dragon in an intricate tribal design was covering the skin over his right shoulder blade. The black lines of the pattern made a contrast against his pale skin. There were no signs of irritation and his mind was running empty of any physical explanation for it. Tentatively he brushed his fingertips following the shape of the dragon that was now etched on his skin, his eyes following the path of his fingers as his mind took him far away.
Slender fingers traced the same pattern on his skin, soft fingertips barely brushing against it. He felt completely relaxed, in peace and at home. The same fingers change direction and started massaging his neck and shoulders. Lips lingered softly as she whispered in his ear.
'No turning back, right?'
Her question is not really a question, merely an affirmation. Both of them are aware of the consequences. It won't be easy but it will be worth it. He moved his body slightly to keep her on his line of vision; the liquidized blue of her eyes mesmerized him every single time they see at each others eyes. She's his only weakness and he wouldn't have it any other way, the important thing is that she is his.
'Never'
His words floated in the air, hazel and sapphire got lost together never breaking contact, never letting go.
Alec shuddered at the memory as his eyes focused once again on the mirror in front of him. That shade of blue made him shiver and he still felt the goose bumps running on his arms. He can't remember seeing eyes like those.
He can't help but stare at the dragon; it seems to be laughing at him, mocking him and his ignorance. He will find the true about all of this, the true about himself.
Hours ago he thought that he had time to waste, now he feels that he had wasted too much time already. There's a feeling inside of him that he's too late for something.
The click off the light switch left the bathroom in the darkness as he walked to his room. Not really bothering to get some clothes in exchange of the towel he was wearing, he fell over the bed and closed his eyes.
His body was aching; his muscles were sore and tired. He hoped that it was just an aftershock of the fever and wished that tomorrow he will be back to normal.
For now, he just wanted to sleep.
A man sat perched on a window, looking as the sky finally cleared up. The moonlight caressed the darkness of a night that will die in a couple of hours.
The light in the apartment of the building in front of them had been switched of. Alec went to sleep; he will need all the rest he can get. The chemicals will continue working and tomorrow morning Alec will be a step closer to be himself.
"We might need to become visible soon."
"What are you thinking about?"
"Signing in the same job looks like the best option."
"Heads or Tails?"
"Really? Are we doing this flipping a coin?"
"I love the guy but if there's a way to avoid riding a bike under the rain, which apparently is the only weather here, I will give it a try."
"Fine, I want Heads"
The silvery coin flew into the air for a second before falling down and spinning on the floor were it finally stopped.
"And the winner is…" Biggs moved from his spot on the sofa to get a glimpse of the coin lying over the rug. It was…
"Tails, I win. Enjoy your time as Jam Pony messenger."
"You cheated?"
"How exactly did I manage to do that if it was you who flipped the coin?"
"Telekinesis"
"Dude, that's more like your thing."
"Shut up"
"Deal with it like a man, weren't you who said those wise words?" Neil chuckled at Biggs irritated expression.
The morning came too early and for a change it was the sun that woke him up. The curtains were not completely closed and sun rays had filtered in the room and were now hitting him straight in the face.
Alec sighed; he would have stayed in bed if he could be assured that Max won't come down here to prove her point that he wasn't ok. He opened his eyes and stare at the small triangle formed between the curtain and the window frame, no more than two inches of glass let him peak at the outside.
He watched as the woman in the building in front of his, cooked something on the stove. The growl of his stomach reminded him that he skipped dinner last night. As he moved on the bed the angle changed slightly and he could see a father talking to his kids in a building…two blocks away?
That was the moment when his brain became fully aware. He closed his eyes and once again looked at the window; the man was still talking to the kids.
That was definitely not normal, so much for wishing a normal morning.
Alec sat on the bed resting his head against the headboard. He was going to take this as calm as possible, freaking out will be useless.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
He was made in a lab; there's always a catch when someone else decided to play god with your life.
His breathing was back to normal and he wondered if maybe his face had turned purple, his hand moved over his head and he laughed at his own foolishness. Did he really think that horns had sprung on his head during the night?
Delaying the inevitable wasn't going to take him anywhere, he jumped of the bed and walked to the bathroom. He eyed the mirror with skepticism before moving in front of it, to his relief there was no purple face to greet him or any other remarkable change. He looked the same except his eyes.
He got closer to the mirror in order to inspect more carefully the change. Tiny flecks of an amber golden hue were now blended with his normal hazel irises.
His gaze became glossy and he needed to grasp the sink for support. It wasn't dizziness like yesterday, it felt as if his muscles were flexing and tensing on their own. It went away after a couple of seconds.
He had felt like that before, his memory brought back the smell of medicines and disinfectant.
White walls and shiny white floors, a cacophony of sounds made by people's whispers and beeping machines, from time to time the sound fingers over keyboards broke the usual tune.
Children were lying in beds, looking scared, uncertain.
A middle age woman started talking; her voice was clear and soft as she spoke.
"Prometheus is a rather different project than Manticore. Neither of you belong there anymore. It's important that all of you understand that you will always be better than them.
Your senses of sight, hearing and smell will be increased in an 80 compared to a normal X5, as well as your strength and speed. However, you will need some time to adapt; the changes we're making are complicated. It's possible and expected that you will have problems controlling your body; therefore each of you will have a trainer assigned who will help you.
I'll see you your progress in a week"
Alec's body slide from resting against the wall to sitting on the bathroom floor, his head was pressed on the cool tiles of the wall as his arms encircled his knees. It was the second time in the last twelve hours that he spaced out like that. These memories were no longer reserved for his dreams now they made a presence during the day.
'Prometheus is a rather different project than Manticore. Neither of you belong there anymore'. The words keep running on his head, Prometheus? Not belonging to Manticore anymore.
"Why I can't remember?" Alec groaned.
He will need to be more careful from now on.
Tonight's mission was no longer appealing. Who was he kidding; the whole idea of going to work this morning was becoming a challenge. Pulling himself from the floor Alec decided that the first step will have to be a shower.
An hour and a half later a very pissed of Alec entered the domains of Normal. It had taken him forever to get there. His muscles were having small spasms at the most inappropriate moments. He had fallen from the damn bike at least three times and had successfully ruined his jeans.
Normal's voice was loud and clear.
"Pick up…411 Montgomery going to 85 Roberts"
"Hey Normal. I'm on it, just give me 5."
Usually he wouldn't volunteer for a run first time in the morning. He will chat and entertained the people and then he will decide to do something else. But the longer he avoids confrontation with Max the better it will be for both parts. Especially his, if this clumsy stage was going to last longer.
He strode toward the lockers; he opened his and left a spare t-shirt inside. He was about to turn around when he heard clearly Max's and OC's voices, his eyes looked at the door but no one was there yet.
Interesting.
And quite useful.
The voices were getting closer and he walked to the back entrance. His bike was still near the dispatch area but he was counting on retrieving it while Max went to the lockers. He walked around the block, still being able to listen to their voices. Crossing the street he stood up facing Jam Pony's door as he scanned the current location of both females. As he expected they were walking inside. He counted to five as he crossed the street at a rapid pace.
"Well I'm ready, 411 Montgomery going to 85 Roberts, right boss?"
Alec didn't wait for the confirmation as he pedaled away.
Max raised her head as she heard Alec's voice, her eyes looked up for the transgenic but she couldn't find him.
Neil rested lazily against the wall as he pressed 1 on his cell phone. Alec was retrieving a package from an old lady.
The phone was picked at the third ring.
"Our boy is a little bit grouchy right now, but that was expected."
"You're tagging him now?"
"Yes. Are you on your way to the airport?"
"Indeed. I'll see you in a couple of days."
"Sure. Send my regards to the lady."
"May should be arriving tomorrow. So you're on your own only for a day."
"I was on my own for almost a week and nothing happened." Neil added sarcastically, some times Biggs was a real worry-wart.
"It's different now."
"Your point?"
"Nevermind. Good luck with Sokolov."
"Likewise."
Both of them disconnected the call and Neil got back on his bike ready for the ride back to Jam Pony. So far, Alec seemed to be accepting his new powers quite willingly. It was going to be interesting to see if he will maintain the same coolness when the second stage was reached.
Biggs was on his way to Brussels, the former head of the Committee had requested a special meeting with all the members of the D1. It was the second time in the last three months and he suspected that she had finally obtained the evidence necessary to bring down Ackerman.
The lady had sworn to have his head after his implication on the attack at the Committee and knowing Artemis she always gets her way.
Alec's mood had improved impressively. After a couple of awkward hours his body was finally working as it was supposed to.
So far his sight and hearing were working perfectly, providing him with selected information of the subjects he was interested into. That had been a relief, for a moment he had thought that having such a sensitive hearing will be troublesome, but whoever was responsible for the enhancements did an extraordinary job. He saw and heard only what he wanted to.
It was a shame he couldn't say the same thing about the smell. He had been craving Italian food for half an hour only because he got a sniff of it while going for a delivery. He found out later that the restaurant was three blocks away from the spot where he smelled the heavenly scent of the Cappelletties.
On the bright side that enhanced sense had scored him a free meal today. Nana Valentina had laughed for five minutes when he strode in the restaurant and declared his admiration for the maker of said Cappelletti. The old woman rewarded him with a meal on the house and requested his presence at least once per week, to be able to check on him had said Valentina.
So far it had been a really good day and it was about to end in a couple of minutes. At least his work day was coming to an end and he hadn't crossed paths with Max all day. If luck keeps like that he will only deal with here later, and he preferred that way.
Max left the package on Normal's desk at exactly 16.05. Glancing around she discovered that once again she had missed Alec. She could have believed that he didn't work today if OC hadn't told her that he had been in and out all day.
She will meet him later and then they will talk.
Alec checked his reflection on the mirror, the tux he was wearing had an impeccable cut. It was almost worth the price, if he would have opted for paying for it. He picked up the bow tie and placed it on the collar; he will deal with it later.
Glancing at the clock he checked the time.
19:00
He could get to Logan's earlier for a change. Getting a keychain from his coach he walked to the door.
It was time to party.
Twenty minutes later a black Porsche parked in front of Foggle Towers. Alec took the key from the ignition and felt like a kid on Christmas, he had fell in love with that car the moment he saw it. Its sleek body sliced through the air like a knife. The car represented style, speed and quality, adjectives that he will need tonight if he was going to sell the image of the heir of a company.
He had called Logan after he left work and run the idea of needing transport, the older man contacted him with a car dealer. And he just found a new religion in the Black Porsche Carrera GT. He could have scored the car by other means, but with Logan's help he didn't need to worry about the cops.
Now let's get the girl and get over with it.
Logan was speechless as Max paced in his living room. The red silk dress brings her color and figure in a way that he's sure will make her the center of the attention.
"He better came or I'll kick his ass like there's no tomorrow"
"Max, I talked to him earlier. He's coming."
"This is Alec we're talking about"
"Weren't you going to clear the air today?"
"He was never there."
"Ahh." For Logan that explained the whole thing. He only hoped that Alec will be less sensitive today.
As in cue, his door opened and smiling Alec walked into the apartment.
"Cale, your friend is a God"
Logan laughed at the greeting. When he was younger he also had been slightly addicted to sport cars, speed and style.
"You're late."
"No Max, I'm not. I said I'll be here at 19:30. It's 19:25 so I'm actually early."
"Whatever, let's get over with this."
She walked out of the apartment and left both men alone.
"She doesn't know about the car, right?"
"I was going to tell her."
"And she's pissed at me because?"
"Yesterday."
"It's official. I do not understand your girlfriend."
Logan laughed at that. It was quite bizarre for him to be talking civilly with Alec. He blamed it on Max's erratic behavior.
"We'll be back later." Alec smirked and sauntered out of the apartment.
"Call me if you guys need something."
"Hmm." One thing was being able to have a normal conversation with the Logan Cale, another completely different was becoming another crusader. And Alec had no intention of becoming the latter.
Max was standing in front of the elevator as Alec approached her, and both of them entered it in silence. However the quiet atmosphere was soon broke by Alec.
"Max."
"What?"
"What did I do now?"
"What you mean"
"You're pissed of with me. I get it. And while under other circumstances I wouldn't give a damn, in this case specifically we are playing couple in front of possible bad guys. So are you going to be able to do it? Or you need first to lash out on whatever you think I did this time."
"I'm good at pretending for the greater good."
"Good to know that."
He should have expected that response. But still he asked. If anyone at the party asked why his lovely girlfriend looked ready to kill him he was claiming PMS.
The elevator's door opened at the lobby and Max walked in front of him. He considered the idea of letting her go, but if lady dragon was already pissed there was no reason to increase her bad temper.
"Max."
Alec called her name and walked to the passenger door of the car and opened it for her.
A raised eyebrow was her only reply before she entered in the car.
The thirty minutes drive was spent in silence, with Alec smiling as he enjoyed the drive and Max looking from time to time at him.
The valet walked toward the new arrival and opened the passenger door, helping a breathtaking brunette in a killer red dress to get out of the car.
The driver was a handsome guy in his early twenties, with a smirk that let people knows that he was used to get his will all the time. The young man exuded power and money.
Alec took Max's arm as they walked to the door of the Embassy and a minute later they were guided to the foyer. Alec scanned the room and he saw Evgraf Sokolov talking animatedly with other four men.
Max was smiling as she kept her hold on Alec's arm. Most part of the girls were younger than their partners. Not really good odds for her.
A woman in his late fifties got closer to the new couple.
"My god, you two are gorgeous. I'm IrinaCrachek."
"Wonderful event miss Crachek. I'm Dimitri Petrov and this beautiful lady is Emily Michaels." Alec smiled at the woman and watched satisfied as she blushed and laughed nervously, before recovering enough to reply him.
"Well Mr. Petrov I hope you will enjoy the evening."
Both Max and Alec were aware of the double meaning of the reply. Max couldn't believe that a woman in that age will make a comment like that with her present. Actually she couldn't believe that Alec only needed a smile to fry the woman's brain.
"I'm sure of it Irina."
Alec grinned as he pushed Max to the front.
They spent thirty minutes mingling with the rest of the guests before starting to look for Sokolov.
Max was amazed at seeing Alec's interaction with people. He always had the right word, the correct comment and the perfect smile for all of them, whether they were retired businessmen, old widows, new wives, or young executives. It only took a minute and they were wrapped at his little finger and proclaiming their adoration.
Max concluded that Alec was too good in this game. The question will probably be left unanswered, was it the result of years of practice or was it a natural gift?.
Alec had spent the last ten minutes performing the fine art of deceiving. It was like a second nature to become what people expected.
He asked Max if she wanted something to drink, at her negative he walked alone to the bar and requested a scotch. He was looking absently as he waited for his drink when a man grabbed his arm. He turned around to encounter Evgraf Sokolov in front of him and sporting a big smile.
"Nikolai, it's been too long my friend. I had no idea you were invited here."
The man was looking rather enthusiastic as if he really knew him. Deciding to play along he smiled and hugged the man.
"Yes, it's been too long. How you've been Evy?" He wasn't sure why he called the man 'Evy' but he felt that it fitted somehow.
"Not as good as you. Look at yourself all grown up. Where's the beautiful Katrina?"
Katrina?…who was Katrina?
Katrina…
February of 2015
Briefing Room
Alec, Nicole, Seth and Mark were seated at the table as Colonel Brunner walked in. He activated the holographic imager as the information and pictures emerged. He paced around a couple of minutes before starting to talk; the four of them looked calmly at him.
"A year ago Ivan Kerensky's regime was overthrown and a democratic republic was established. During this time political issues had been worked out and the economy is slowly recovering. However, we had recent Intel that Kerensky has influenced Azerbaijan's prime minister and is ready to start an armed conflict between the two countries."
"Both Georgia and Azerbaijan are under Europe jurisdiction, isn't the MI5 already on the subject." Nicole asked.
Brunner groaned audible at the comment.
"We're cooperating with them." An soft chuckle followed by an equally soft 'Ah' was heard inside the room.
"Our main concern is to eliminate Kerensky's treat?" Asked Seth whom was not fond of Europe in the winter, in his mind the faster an assignment was completed the sooner he was back on warmer grounds.
"Not exactly. The situation is fairly more complicated. Eliminating Kerensky will automatically make him a hero as well as being the perfect reason to start the conflict. Our intervention in this ordeal has to be unnoticed, no collaterals unless extremely inevitable. We had Georgia's Defense Minister providing us with all the logistic we might need. Evgraf Sokolov life has to be preserved during this mission; he's the master key in this chess game."
"Two teams?" Alec asked finally.
"Yes. You and Nicole are Alfa team. Nikolai and Katrina Meslav the youngest recruits of the MI5."
"We're switching teams now?"
"Don't ask. It's already giving me a headache."
"Yes sir." Nicole added smiling.
Alec smiled looking at an older version of Evgraf Sokolov.
"She was needed elsewhere Evy, so tell me what brings you back to the States?"
As both men walked inside the studio, four pair of eyes followed them. The appearance of the younger man had been unexpected and could be a hindrance on their plans.