Here is chapter 2. Let me know what you think :)

The previous day

"Well that was an easy and uneventful mission.", Napoleon said as he pocketed the tape containing the information Waverly had requested. Their contact had just left and the three of them were alone in the huge abandoned warehouse where the meeting had taken place.

"Don't jinx it, Cowboy"

"Jinx what? We met with the contact, we got the tape, no one followed us here. I think it went pretty well. You should try to relax for once Peril, tell him Gaby."

Gaby was looking around her, trying to see through the dark. The only light in the warehouse was coming from holes in the high ceiling. She didn't usually get nervous during this type of mission but she couldn't shake the feeling that they shouldn't stay there for too long.

"I think we should leave now and get back to the hotel. Waverly will be waiting for our report.", she answered, wondering why she felt so uneasy. She noticed that Illya was also peering through the darkness, scanning their surroundings.

"Let's go now.", he said and started walking in the direction of the door which was at the far end of the warehouse. Gaby immediately followed him.

"Fine, we're leaving.", Napoleon said. "But you two are killjoys. By the way, I'm warning you, I'm going out tonight. To celebrate the success of our mission and experience the various pleasures that Johannesburg has to offer. You're free to follow me, of course."

Illya rolled his eyes. "No thanks, Cowboy."

"I just want to get back to the hotel, take a shower and relax. You'll have to go on your own.", Gaby added in an apologetic tone.

Napoleon shook his head. He was going to follow them, when he noticed what looked like a large mud stain on his left shoe. He bent down and unsuccessfully tried to wipe it off. Dammit! Those were expensive shoes. He straightened up and was about to voice his discontent when he realized that the others were already out of earshot. Suddenly, he heard something move, close behind him. Just as he was registering the noise he felt displaced air brush past his hair, then something was around his neck.

Garrote!

Napoleon instinctively stepped back and slammed his head backwards while raising his arms to grab his opponent's wrists. The back of his head connected with what he supposed was his attacker's nose and he felt the rope around his neck loosen. He quickly rammed his elbow into his assailant's ribs and the rope went completely slack. Before his attacker could recover he dropped to his knees to slip free from the rope. He spun around gasping, holding one hand to his throat, the other reaching for his gun. But the man was already in front of him and before he could aim, the gun was kicked out of his hand. Then his surprisingly agile attacker pounced on him.

How did he recover so quickly?

The man was now pinning him to the floor, he had hooked his own legs around Solo's to prevent him from pushing himself up. His forearm was pressed against the American's throat and his other hand was reaching for Napoleon's inner jacket pocket. A half-strangled Napoleon finally managed to land a solid punch to the man's face, stunning him enough to push him away. His attacker rolled off him and suddenly froze. Napoleon had heard it too, running footsteps and voices calling his name. The man hesitated and started to get up. Realizing that his assailant was about to get away Napoleon lunged at him. Just as he was touching his shoulder, the man turned around and Solo felt a sharp sting on the back of his hand. As he jerked his hand back, and let out a small cry of surprise, he saw something glint in his attacker's hand, it looked like a really thin stiletto knife. His eyes shifted to the man's face and for a second he thought he saw him smile but he couldn't be sure because of the lack of light. Then his attacker darted towards the back of the warehouse.

Gaby and Illya reached him just as the man was disappearing through the darkness. The Russian had his gun in his hand.

"You okay Cowboy?", Illya asked frowning at the sight of his partner's disheveled state.

"Never been better.", Napoleon groaned as he massaged his throat. "Where were you when I needed you?"

"We were waiting for you outside.", Gaby explained. "You were not showing up so we came back to check if you were okay. What happened?"

"A man attacked me. A man who was trying to get his hands on this.", Napoleon answered, taking the tape out of his pocket.

"Just one man?", Illya asked, a mocking smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You're getting too old for this, Cowboy."

"Hey, the man came at me with a garrote. He had a knife too and almost stabbed me.", Napoleon protested.

Gaby recalled the uneasy feeling that had gripped her earlier.

"He must have been there from the start, spying on us. Then when he saw you alone he seized the opportunity and attacked you. We'll have to mention it to Waverly."

"At least he didn't get what he was looking for." Napoleon concluded, returning the tape to his pocket.

They cautiously searched the warehouse but Napoleon had a feeling that his attacker was already long gone. Illya finally found a hidden opening in the back of the warehouse.

"Must have slipped out through here."

"Well, good riddance. Let's get back to the hotel and report to Waverly. I can't wait to change out of these clothes and enjoy a nice drink."

It took them two hours to drive back from the warehouse to their hotel. Gaby kept checking that they were not being followed. Only once they had reached their hotel safely did they allow themselves to fully relax.

The three of them shared a two-bedroom suite. Gaby used one room, Napoleon the other, Illya slept on the couch in the main room. Gaby had offered to take turns but Illya had insisted that it was fine. Napoleon had suggested that Illya and Gaby sleep in the same room, which had earned him a pair of glares.

As soon as they got to their room, Napoleon rushed towards the bathroom door. Illya blocked his way.

"Ladies first, Cowboy."

"You could be a bit nicer, Peril. I just got attacked, remember?"

"All right Solo.", Gaby said with a laugh. "You can go first, just don't fall asleep in there. Illya and I will call Waverly in the meantime."

After a while Illya and Gaby heard the sound of the bolt sliding open and Napoleon emerged from the bathroom. Gaby smiled at the sight of his wet hair clinging to his forehead. She knew it would soon be perfectly combed back for his evening out.

"Will you join us for a drink before you leave, Cowboy?", Illya asked, reaching for the glasses.

"Actually, I think I'm going to lie down for a bit. Maybe we can have that drink later."

"Are you okay, Solo?", Gaby asked, surprised. It wasn't like the American to pass up a drink.

"Yeah, it's nothing serious, just a headache, a bit of nausea. I just need to rest for a bit.". Then he walked to his room.

Gaby shot Illya a questioning look. He shrugged.

"CIA agents are delicate flowers", he said mockingly.

"I heard that, Peril", came Napoleon's voice through the door of his room.

Gaby smiled. She was feeling a bit sorry for her partner. Solo was always the most eager to get out and enjoy himself after a mission. But in a way it was a good thing that Napoleon took some time to rest after what had happened to him. After all, a few hours of sleep were not going to kill him.

End of chapter 2.