Alex thought about how strange his life was turning out. Recruited at a very young age out of college then sent to the farm only to meet the Dragon lady herself! She was a petite blonde very good looking sort of plain in manners though. Gina Cowell really Alex thought of so many variations of her name and was not afraid to use them. Gina ignored Alex and finally graduated from the farm to her first assignment of guarding an asset from Eastern Europe to England. She was briefed on the person she was to escort and what sort of position she would be playing. The mission was a disaster. Alex remembered sitting on the train since his books had started to sell well. He was in Eastern Europe on a book signing tour plus he was there to secretly help out an agent in trouble. Alex got up and retrieved his briefcase which contained his mp3 player and a secret earpiece. Placing the headphones over this head Alex started to listen to the voice on the other end while outwardly reciting the alphabet in Spanish then switching to broken attempts to say words in a sentence. The compartment where the distressed agent was on the train 2 cars down.

Alex listened to the man slapping her around and threatening to kill her. If she did not reveal where the man was they were looking for was located. As Alex listened it appeared the agent was unconscious and soon to be dead if Alex did not do something about it. Alex got up left one car moved though the next car stopped in between cars and climbed to the roof of the moving train car. Once on the roof he noticed a tunnel in the foreground getting closer and closer. Alex calculated where the agent was being held and securely attached a rope to an anchor on the roof of the train. Calculating perfectly he launch off the roof with the rope secured to his body in a wide arc. Alex crashed through the window at the precise time the train entered the tunnel.

The first man in the room looked up as Alex hit him feet first he went flying in to the second man holding the gun to the agent's head. Alex then spin kicked the second man's hand sending the gun sailing out of his hand. Alex satisfied that both assailants were unconscious he revive the agent in question. Alex got some rope and tied up the two thugs so that they were dangling face first at the train tracks. Alex then leaned out the window and hanging on to the rope had them start gently swaying so they were bumping into the side of the moving train. Alex then interrogated them finding out who sent them and what was so important about the man in protection.

Alex learned a powerful Chinese warlord was the man responsible for these thugs appearance. The Mission had a leak Alex thought. Looking at his bruised and still unconscious colleague. He recognized Gina from the Farm! Alex awoke Gina and as soon as she was able they exited the train together. They left the thugs to the local Authorities. Alex and Gina got a room in a nearby hotel.

The Proprietor was so happy that an World famous American Novelist would stay in his hotel! The man asked Alex to sign his copy of his latest book! The rest if the village came around to see the famous Novelist in person. Alex signed all their books and even read a chapter from the one he was now creating. Meanwhile, Gina had sent a message off to her handler saying there was a leak there were men waiting for her on the train. Alex too contacted his agent saying there was a slight delay to his next engagement in Prague. He told her that the train broke down and he was in a delightful little town about 150 kilometers from the next signing.

Alex was informed to get there as soon as possible. Alex asked around if there was any transportation he could buy to get him to his next event. The Hotel proprietor gave him the keys to his pride and joy a 1980 BMW. The car was outfitted with latest luxury items. Heated seats! Alex promised the car would be returned an the next book out he would send an autographed copy. The man was so over joyed to learn of that part of the deal he actually wept!

Alex and Gina spent a torrid night of passion in that hotel. In the morning Gina accompanied Alex to Prague.

The road trip was one of strained conversation.

"So I remember you from the farm." Alex opened the conversation.

"Yeah, I remember you too!" Gina retorted.

"Plus, you were the one to call me names! Cow Belle Cow Girl Belle, and other variants."

"Hey", Alex said, "I wanted you to feel at home! The Farm is a lonely place you know!"

"Being taunted by you the senior class president was not welcoming in the least!" Gina said visibly angry.

Alex deep in thought Yeah, I guess I WAS hard on her. Then said in a quiet voice, "I am sorry if I caused you any discomfort."

Gina momentarily stunned by Alex admission was speechless and her anger which was red hot subsided quickly. Then after a moment she said, " It was not that bad. I was a big Girl I could handle it."

"So what are you supposed to do once we get to my hotel in Prague?" Alex asked.

"I will be contacted by dead drop in Prague" ,Gina replied., "And you?"

"Oh, I got a few book signings and readings then tonight I get to mingle with Royalty." Alex said with a wicked smile.

Gina said, "Oh you get the glamorous life. I get beaten up does not seem fair!" Gina seem visibly envious.

Alex shrugged, "We all do our part. We all signed up for this life you know!"

The conversation at end. Alex got to the hotel and on with his life.

Gina left for the dead drop and he did not see her again until she popped up later as his publisher then his wife and now ex-wife.!

That marriage was a disaster as much as that first assignment which I rescued her. I remember that conversation as if it was yesterday.

Alex, my Boss, said, "Sit down Alex we need you to go on assignment soon."

Alex looked at the Boss and said," I do not do assignments anymore outside the states I have my little girl to look after."

The Boss said, "Yes I know that is why we have arranged for her to be protected by The Agency,

You know Gina Cowell."

Alex visibly was getting upset. "Yeah She my publisher and Agent."

The Boss getting serious said," You need to marry her! It comes from the Old Man himself!

Alex said, "What you have to be joking right? Gina and I are not compatible in the least!"

The Boss shook his head and said," It has to happen and within the next few weeks I need you both on that Honeymoon!"

So in three weeks we were married!

I could not believe the Old Man chose Her! I have played many roles but being Husband to Her was not one I relished in the least!