A big thankyou to everyone who's read and reviewed, I can't say often enough how much it's appreciated. Inspiration finally struck again, so here's the next chapter - there may be minor spoilers from now on ...

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Chapter 5

Quinn found himself manhandled into the back of one car along with Baxter while Rick and Woody were pushed unceremoniously into the other one. He hadn't had chance to speak to Hope but he'd seen her get into the passenger side of the Mercedes in front so presumably he'd get an opportunity later. His head was still spinning from the unexpected events of the last few minutes as Baxter looked across at him in stunned disbelief, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Morocco? What the fuck are we doing in Morocco?"

Quinn sniffed and crossed his arms.

"Look on the bright side, Bax. At least it's not another bloody island …"

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They drove through a dry and dusty landscape for a while, passing the occasional car and one or two peasants on donkeys before turning off onto a smaller road. Eventually some kind of high walled compound loomed into view through the heat haze and the car in front pulled up while one of the drivers spoke into an intercom device on the wall. The big gates swung open and the cars continued on up a long driveway and into a different world. Exotic shrubs and brightly coloured blooms mingled with swaying palms, and as they approached a grand Moorish-style villa Quinn was amazed to see an expanse of beautifully manicured lawn at the front.

As the vehicles pulled up two servants ran to open the doors, and the four men got hesitantly out, glancing around them in bewilderment. At the top of the steps a tall dark-skinned man in a white suit appeared as if from nowhere, and addressed them in perfect English.

"Welcome, gentlemen. My name is Hassan. I hope you are not too tired after your journey? Mr Mackenzie has issued express instructions that you are to make yourselves at home and feel free to enjoy all the facilities while you are here. Please, follow me."

They all looked at one another, then Woody shrugged and walked up the steps after his retreating back.

Hassan led them through a vast hallway and along a sunlit corridor towards the back of the building where a vast swimming pool sat, surrounded by sun loungers. There was a large glass topped table under a shady loggia and what appeared to be a small bar to one side, and the whole area felt pleasantly cool. Quinn took a couple of steps forwards and squinted up at the fine mist of cooling water vapour above his head, making out a cleverly concealed pipe running along the edge of the roof. Hassan smiled, revealing very white teeth.

"Outdoor air-conditioning, Mr Quinn. Mr Mackenzie got the idea from a trip to Palm Springs. Effective, isn't it?"

"Very. Hassan, what are we doing here?"

Hassan bowed, and indicated that they should follow him back into the building.

"You are the honoured guests of Mr Mackenzie, Sir. Now, Ahmed will show you to your rooms so you can freshen up before lunch. Your belongings are all there waiting for you, but if you need anything else, please ask. Would you like to eat by the pool?"
Rick scratched his head in confusion.

"Hang on. Our belongings?"

Hassan turned back to him.

"Yes Mr Rick. Your cases were all flown in earlier today."

He clapped his hands and a servant appeared suddenly, head bowed in deference.

"Ahmed, please show the gentlemen to their rooms. Lunch will be ready in half an hour, Sirs."

He slipped quietly away, and they followed Ahmed up a sweeping staircase in a daze.

"He flew our luggage in. What the fuck is going on here?"

Baxter put into words what they were all thinking. Quinn pouted, hands thrust deep into his pockets.

"More to the point, what the hell does he want in return?"

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Feeling somewhat more human after a delicious lunch, Quinn contemplated the note he'd found lying on his bed earlier.

A word of warning: walls have ears. We can talk later outside.

H xx

Rick was already onto his third beer, having discovered that the bar was fully stocked and they were invited to help themselves. Hassan had also informed them there was a small library, a gym, a games room, and a TV lounge with a vast collection of DVDs available for their use.

"All we're short of now are some women. Can you arrange that too, mate?"

Hassan smiled politely at Rick.

"Of course, Sir, should you wish it."

At that inopportune moment Hope appeared, dressed in a fluffy robe with a towel slung over her shoulder. Quinn's heart leapt as their eyes met and she smiled tentatively down at him. Rick waved his bottle in her direction.

"What d'ya reckon, love? We're thinking of inviting some of the local 'ladies' over for a party later. I'm sure Quinn won't mind if you feel like joining in."

He leered at her, and she gave him a withering look.

"I'll be busy washing my hair, sadly. Do make sure you use protection though, won't you? I'm sure your wife would be delighted if you arrived home with an unexpected little gift for her."

Quinn smirked as Rick glanced after her, a sour expression on his face.

"If you'll excuse me, boys …"

He stood and followed her, his eyes glued to her lithe bikini-clad body as she slipped out of the robe and made her way down the steps into the pool. Stripping down to his swim-shorts, he watched her bobbing about lazily on her back and dived in after her, relishing the feel of the cool water against his skin.

He followed her slowly over to the side, his piercing blue eyes searching hers as they faced one another, leaning on their elbows. Quinn spoke first, his brow furrowed.

"I think you owe me an explanation."

She nodded, looking away.

"I know. And you'll get one later, I promise. Meet me back here after dark, there shouldn't be anyone around then, and the guards never come near the house."

She rested her forehead on her hand.

"God, you've no idea how glad I am to see you again, Quinn. I've been worried sick, thinking you might be hurt … or worse …"

She shuddered and he laughed mirthlessly.

"Believe me, I came pretty close on a couple of occasions."

"What do you mean?"

Her eyes were large in her face.

"I'll tell you about it later. Hope, why didn't you talk to me? Why just run off like that?"

She sighed.

"I couldn't take the risk. And I thought you'd hate me for what I'd done. Look, I've got to go, I'll see you later, OK?"

She made to swim off, but he grabbed her hand, the contact sending a shiver of desire through both of them.

"Was Mackenzie threatening you?"

She shook her head.

"Not me. My father …"

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Hope you think it was worth continuing, if so please let me know. Hoping to get some more written over the Easter break, all being well. :)