DISCLAIMER: I do not own CHERUB

This chapter contains violence which may upset some. Please don't complain, you have been warned.

Chapter six

James found Dana inside the instructor's hut in the basic training compound. She was sitting back in a large armchair, bare feet up on the rickety coffee table, watching Will and Grace reruns.

For a long time after they had broken up, James and Dana had been bitter towards each other. Several years previously, when Dana had returned to CHERUB after dropping out of Territorial Army training, they had forgiven all that had passed between them and become casual friends. Now, Dana was one of the best training instructors CHERUB had, and Lauren valued her highly.

"Alright, James?" Dana grunted, not turning her head.

"Alright," he replied, sitting on the armrest of the chair, "how's basic training going?"

"They're all useless. Every one of them, with one exception." Dana scoffed, opening a tub of Oreos. She flicked one into her mouth and then offered the tub to James, who took three.

"They're eleven, Dana. What do you expect? And who's the exception?"

"Abigail Larson. She's smart, quick, and has one of the fastest times round the assault course ever. I think she bet your time James," Dana let out a sharp laugh and flicked off the TV, "so, what was it you wanted?"

"Wanted?" James feigned innocence.

"You wouldn't have come here if you didn't want something."

"Ok," James took a deep breath, "Kerry's back."

Dana blinked at him.

"Kerry Chang?" She looked astounded.

"Yes," James snapped impatiently, "and I want to get her a present. What do you think she'd like?"

Dana sighed, stood up, dusted crumbs off her mud-stained white t-shirt and walked over to the desk. She opened the top drawer and pulled out a small catalogue.

"Its expensive stuff, but you'll find something in there she'll like…that is if she's anything like the Kerry I knew." She threw the catalogue at James, who caught it. He looked at the title. It was a Thomas Sabo charm club catalogue.

He flipped through the pages and saw a tiny VW camper van charm, identical to the one Kerry drove. He grinned. Perfect.

______________________

Kerry was listening to Biffy Clyro's Love has a Diameter when Ada screamed.

She tensed, ripped the white apple ear buds from her ears and leapt to her feet. Ada screamed again.

Kerry ran. The hallway was deserted. She pulled Ada's door open. The room was dark, and the bed was empty.

More screaming. Kerry realised it was coming from the living room. Her heart pounding against her rib cage, Kerry went back into her bedroom, dropped to her knees, and grabbed a long object wrapped in a nightdress from under her bed. She pulled the purple silk of the nightdress away.

The knife was long and sharp. She had never thought she would have to use it. Her combat skills were excellent. But something about the raw terror in her daughter's screams…

Kerry shook herself and ran into the living room.

Ada was huddled in the corner, screaming and wailing. A dark shape was hovering nervously above her, shushing her desperately.

"Get away from her!" Kerry screamed, launching herself at the shape.

"Wait-," the person was cut off as Kerry's right hand closed around his throat, brandishing the knife in her left.

Something in that voice stirred some recognition in Kerry. Ada had gotten up, still crying, and flicked on the light.

"JAMES?" Kerry dropped the knife in surprise, "what are you doing here?"

James made a choking sound.

"Oops, sorry." She let go of his throat.
"I just wanted to surprise you," he croaked, holding up a long, slim object wrapped in purple tissue paper.

"Oh, James…" Kerry sighed, taking the parcel from him.

"Mummy…" Ada whimpered.

"Its ok honey," Kerry said, lifting Ada into her arms, "he's a friend."

"Sorry I scared you," James said weakly, running a hand through his hair.

"I'll take you to bed," Kerry said soothingly, carrying Ada into her bedroom and tucking her in.

"Will you tell me a story?" Ada asked.

"It's too late, and you have school in the morning," Kerry told her, stroking her forehead, "go to sleep now."

The girl closed her eyes slowly and Kerry flicked the light off. She stood in the doorway for a moment, watching Ada. Then she slid down the wall until she was sitting on the hall carpet, the parcel resting in her lap.

With shaking hands, she pulled off the paper to reveal a white box with the words Thomas Sabo on it in silver text. Underneath were the words sterling silver. She opened the box slowly.

The bracelet was silver, beautifully crafted, with a tiny VW camper van hanging from it. Kerry's breath caught in her throat and she felt tears in her eyes.

"You don't like it?" James had appeared in the living room doorway.

"I love it," she whispered, looking up at him.

He walked over and sat down next to her.

"It's not your fault, what happened with Gwyneth," he said slowly, "it's sorted now, anyway."

"I hope it is," Kerry said sadly.

"Kerry…" James reached out and wiped the tears from under her eyes, "I love you."

"I love you too."

Thanks for reading! Please review. Thanks to Monkey, I based this chapter on your idea.