A/N: Okay so I'm a little worried about how this one turned out. It took me while to write, but I'm still not sure I like it. I hope you read it and enjoy it regardless of my doubts. I would be grateful for any comments you have to offer.

"No," Kate shook her head violently, "I don't know him." Still holding her friends hand tightly.

"No," He growled, "but I know you, I know you very well Kate Cameron, recent recruit of the United States Central Intelligent Agency, girlfriend of a certain Niko Lonza."

"Kate?" Colette gave her hand a small tug as if compelling Kate to look her in the eyes and confirm everything the man was saying.

"Not now." Kate did not turn around.

"Who are you?" Kate tried to sound authoritative although her voice shook more than she would have liked it to.

"I already told you, I am your contact." He took a step towards the two women, and it was obvious he was trying his best to intimidate them.

He succeeded. They both shrunk back. Kate was wishing she had been taught what to do in such a situation. But they had kept her ill informed. After all, she was only a low level courier: she was disposable.

"Now about that cigarette case you were supposed to deliver to me…" He took another step forward, this time prompting Colette and Kate to take a step back.

"I- I don't know what you're talking about." Kate's voice shook even more if she thought that was possible. She was sure he was lying. Somehow he had found out about the drop, but he was not the intended recipient.

"That's a shame…" He took a third step and this time something inside Colette snapped. She grew ten times bolder, she would not lose one more person she considered to be family. She hadn't been able to do anything to save her parents but she would do everything she could to protect Kate. She took a step forward and pushed Kate behind her.

The man laughed gruffly as he advanced a fourth time. "I don't have the patience for this." He challenged Colette. But she held her ground staring him defiantly in the eyes.

Without a word he raised his hand and brought it down on her cheek. She cried out as the force of his attack caused her to fly into a pile of wooden crates.

"Colette!" the shrill cry escaped Kate's mouth almost simultaneously. Her heart stopped as she rushed to her friend's side in an attempt to protect her.