"Where do you think your going?" Tony asked Michelle as he placed the paper on the counter and shut the screen door.
"We're out of milk, and I have a strong craving for ice cream."
"We have ice-cream here." He said opening up the freezer.
"I know, but I don't want vanilla. I want something different." She smiled. She knew she was being impossible, but like he'd taught her you can't fight nature.
"Well I'll go." He said closing the freezer and holding her shoulders as he escorted her back to the couch. "You're supposed to be on bed rest remember."
"It's been five days already. I'm going crazy sitting around here." She said, rolling her eyes and giving him that cheeky grin of hers that she couldn't hide when she was feeling playful.
"It's for a good cause." He reminded her.
"I'll go straight to the corner store and back. It's only ten minutes tops. I'll go right to bed when I get home. I promise."
"Michelle."
"Please Tony. After all we've been through a trip to the corner store is hardly stressful."
"All right. But one condition." He could never argue with her long. She had him wrapped around her finger and he didn't mind a bit.
"Anything."
"I'm going with you."
"Deal." She smiled, happy to be out of the house.
Pulling up to the corner store Tony picked a park right up the front next to the entry doors. He put the car in neutral and turned off the ignition.
"Straight in and out."
"I promise."
"I mean it Michelle."
"I know." She smiled patting his cheek then stepping out of the vehicle. Tony quickly joined her then together they made their way inside.
"Afternoon Sam" Tony called out. They were regulars and Sam, the store owner almost felt like family, or at least a close friend.
"Afternoon Mr Almeida, Mrs Almeida.." Michelle smiled, even though she'd never officially changed her name she loved hearing the sound of it. "How are you today?"
"We're fine thankyou."
"How are you doing?" Michelle asked. "Is Maria feeling any better?"
"She's well too, thank you for asking."
"Where's Jonah tonight?" Tony asked, noting that something was different.
"He quit on me last week. Something about moving closer to his family. I'm training Jacob here to take his place."
"You're a lucky guy Jacob. Sam here is the best." Tony told him, sizing him up. He cared about Sam and he didn't want him taken advantage of.
"Lovely to meet you Jacob." Michelle shook his hand.
"And you Mrs Almeida." He said, shaking her hand and then Tony's. At least he had a good memory.
"We haven't had a chance to tell you the good news."
"News?"
"Michelle's pregnant."
"We're going to have a baby." She continued.
"Oh. My. Congratulations." Sam said shaking their hands. "My wife will be so glad to hear that. She's been nagging me for ages." Michelle blushed at the thought of being part of their private conversations.
"That's why we're here actually."
"Ice cream craving." Michelle blushed embarrassed.
"I remember those days. You should have seen my wife when she was pregnant with our first. For her it was chocolate chip ice-cream with peanut butter."
"Hmmm." That sounded good.
"Don't even think about it." Tony warned her.
"What flavour would you like?" Sam asked.
"Do you have any of the wild berry ice-cream? The one with the real fruit pieces?"
"I think I have some in the storeroom." Sam said.
"I'll get it for you." Jacob offered going to look for some.
Tony watched as a well dressed man came in to pay for some fuel, he threw Michelle a wink then left. Michelle blushed as Tony shifted on his feet.
"Jealous?" Michelle teased.
"No. Besides. That's my son you're carrying there." He said patting her stomach, "You're mine forever now."
"Is that so?"
"You better believe it. Mrs Almeida?" He grinned as she kissed him.
"I found it." Jacob cried as he returned.
"Oh you're a lifesaver. Thankyou." Michelle said taking it from him, and checking her lipstick wasn't smudged.
"Will that be all?" Jacob asked, almost flirting with her.
"Yes. Thankyou." Michelle stepped forward, heading for the counter. Tony grabbed some money from his wallet and handed over the notes.
"Wait." He paused, "We forgot the milk."
"Jacob." Sam called him back over.
"No that's ok. Sam I'll get it." Tony said walking over to the fridges as Jacob went back to unpacking some boxes. While she waited Michelle glanced over at the confectionary aisle, a sudden craving for chocolate taking over as she went over to see what they had. Some chocolate biscuits would do nicely right about now she thought to herself.
The door chimed as one customer left and another came in. Tony heard a car start and drive away and as he looked out of the shop window, he noted the young woman waiting in the blue ute parked beside their jeep before she pulled out and drove away. Closing the refrigerator doors, milk in hand, he turned back expecting to see Michelle waiting for him at the counter. His heart skipped a beat then settled as her saw her. He smiled as he watched the perplexed look on her face as. she stared at the shelf in front of her. Giving off a quite chuckle he went to see if he could help.
Two teenagers dressed in black hoodies and dark glasses entered. Instinctively Tony sized them up, profiling who they were, what they might do and how he should react. He checked the small of his back, good, his gun was still there ready to go. The first had his hands in his pockets, the other scanned his eyes across the store, looking for something or someone. They grabbed a soda each and a packet of chips then made their way over to the counter. He watched them carefully, then glanced at Michelle who had no idea of what was going on, then back to Sam.
"Hurry up old man."
"You've got your drinks now go." Sam insisted impatiently.
"We'll go when we're ready." The first snapped at him picking up a piece of gum and opening it. Tony stepped forward to help out but Sam waved him off. Clearly he didn't think a stick of gum was worth fighting for, then remembering Michelle was in the room. Tony agreed.
"Yeah." Said the second, obviously inferior male.
"You ready." The first joked around.
"Yeah." The second repeated again.
"Good then. Let's go." He said as they grabbed their drinks, opened them and left without further incident.
"Hooligans." Sam shouted as they left. Tony relaxed his shoulders and took a deep breath. Other than the man by the magazine stand, mindlessly flipping through the latest edition of playboy, they were alone.
"Would you like me to follow them?" Tony asked Sam.
"No. They don't mean any harm they're just having a bit of fun."
"You shouldn't have to put up with that Sam."
"It's ok. Really." Sam said as another gentleman, dressed in full bike leathers entered and went to get a drink from the fridge. Not wanting to overreact twice Tony ignored the men and went to grab Michelle so he could pay for the milk and go home.
"I've go the milk." Tony told her, "But I think your ice creams going to melt before you make a decision."
"I know." She said frustrated, bitting her lip.
"I'd go with caramel myself, but then again peppermint is pretty satisfying too."
"Do you think that's helpful?" She knocked him in the ribs deliberately with her elbow. "Blame your son. His the one that doesn't know what he wants." Tony placed a hand over her womb, trying to connect with his unborn child.
"Sorry. He's not talking to me." He mocked. "Why don't you by both." Sure they were trying to save money for the new baby, the books he was reading estimated that it cost over $300,000 to put a child through school these days, but he'd made a promise when he'd first found out that she was pregnant that she would want for nothing, no matter what it cost.
"You're right." She agreed as she grabbed them both off the shelf, then hesitated. "No." She said sharply, "I'll just get these ones, she smiled knowing it was driving him wild.
"What am I going to do with you?" He scoffed, grabbing her elbow and escorting her to the counter.
"You love me, you know you do." She reached up and kissed him.
As they looked over to the counter the man from the magazine rack was waiting to make his purchase as the bike rider stood by the main doors keeping his distance. "Hang on." Tony doubled back, grabbing the other box of chocolates, "For later." He grinned. Reaching for his wallet the man at the counter undid his jacket, shifting his weight onto his left foot.
"Cold, isn't it?" Tony remarked to the bike rider as they waited in the aisle for their turn, Michelle hanging on the end of his arm like a teenage girl in love. The rider just nodded then ignored him. "Huh." Tony scoffed. Michelle rubbed his arm to tell him to ignore it.
"Thank you." Magazine guy said, taking his change and putting it in his pocket. Tony looked at Michelle then at the bike rider, waiting for him to make his move. As magazine guy turned away, glancing at bike guy, he reached behind his jacket and pulled out a revolver, aiming it at Sam. Simultaneously bike guy unzipped his jacket and pulled out a sawn off shotgun.
"Don't move. This is a hold up." Magazine guy called out as biker guy aimed his gun at Sam and magazine guy took aim at Tony and Michelle. Tony placed an arm around Michelle and pulled her down onto the ground behind the shelves. Crouched down behind the shelves, his arm over her head protecting her from stray bullets he tried to listen to what was happening.
"Sam!" Michelle called out.
"Michelle. Stay down." Tony ordered. Shots were fired in their direction, spraying biscuit crumbs over the aisle.
"I said don't move." He yelled, angered they were out of shot. Tony pulled out his gun and cocked it.
"You brought your weapon?"
"In case of emergency. I'd say this counts." Tony inched higher to get a better look.
"No!" She pulled him back down.
"Oh sweetheart." He consoled her, "Trust me. I love you." He kissed her then went up to look again.
"Give me all your money." They shouted at Sam.
"Ok. Ok. I do what you want." Sam told them as he tried to open the till. "Move." They hurried him.
Jacob looked on from the storage room where he had been when it all started. Hiding behind the storage shelf, he had no intentions of moving.
"Bloody Chinaman." Magazine guy cursed as he almost dropped the bag as it was thrown to him. He fired his gun, hitting Sam in the leg. Sam screamed in response to the pain. Afraid they'd fire off another shot Tony stood up to defend him, his gun aimed and ready.
"Tony!" Michelle screamed as the bullets from both guns flew past him, before his bullet connected with magazine guy's right shoulder. Tony ducked down low as bike guy returned fire, covering Michelle with his body then guiding her around to the other side of the shelves, his gun pointed towards bike guy, taking random aim as he drew cover fire.
"I can't believe this." Tony cursed.
"What are we going to do?"
"Where not going to do anything." Tony said looking around at his options, "I'm going to get you out of here. I'll draw his fire while you make a run for that exit." He ordered.
"No. Tony I'm not leaving without you."
"Please Michelle."
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know. I'll think of something." He said as Sam's moans could be heard in the distance.
"No!" Michelle knew he needed her help. Rule number one is you never get into a fire fight without backup. Taking a deep breath, imagining the air swirling around her unborn child like a protective air bag Michelle thought up a plan of her own. Bike guy waited patiently for a good shot as magazine guy got up, cursing from the pain in his shoulder and looking for revenge.
"Michelle!" Tony said warning her to be ready.
"No!" She insisted.
"Now!" Tony pushed her towards the door and fired on bike guy, bullets flying everywhere as Michelle made her way to the exit. Tony kept an eye on her the whole time, and another on the two men at the front of the store his gun aimed for a split second reaction. Michelle made it most of the way before changing direction and darting behind the counter to help Sam. "Shh." She whispered hoping they hadn't noticed as she applied pressure to his wound. As Sam cried out in pain she used her other hand to cover his mouth.
"Damn it Michelle." Tony cursed. Michelle had just made herself a sitting duck.
Michelle tied of his wound with his belt to help stabilise him, the air was thick with the smell of copper and it was making her sick to her stomach not to mention the cramped conditions, there was barely enough room for the two of them. She needed to get him out of here but he was too heavy, she'd never be able to carry him out on her own. Realising she had to stay put, and that she may have made a bad decision, Michelle looked around for a weapon. Sam pointed to a small revolver hidden just under the counter. Reaching over him to grasp it, she checked it was loaded and took the safety off as she aimed at the empty space above the counter.
Tony had to rethink things fast. He hated not being by her side, he should have taken her outside himself. The longer this drew out, the higher the chances that something could go wrong. Magazine guy went to see what was happening behind the counter. He leaned over and saw Michelle covering Sam's body and aiming her gun right at his head. Michelle froze for a second then went to pull the trigger.
"Oh my god. Michelle. No!" He panicked as he fired at magazine guy. Bullets flew far and wide as bike guy joined in and the three of them shot wildly at each other. Tony ducked behind the shelves and around the corner to get closer to Michelle. One of his bullets hit bike guy in the leg and he went down fast. With no time to waste Tony aimed his gun at magazine guy, who had his gun aimed on Michelle again, and with intense anger fired. Magazine guy hit in the arm, kept standing retraining his weapon on Tony. They stood there in the middle of the store, there guns aimed at each other, deadlocked. Michelle stood up and aimed her gun at magazine guy.
"I wouldn't do that sweetheart." Magazine spoke to her, not taking his eyes off of Tony. "Unless you want me to blow a hole in your boyfriend here."
"Don't do it Michelle. Stay down."
"You don't seem to understand whose in charge here." Magazine guy yelled at him. "Come out here sweetheart so I can see you both."
"Just let her go. You have me, you don't need her."
"You know you're right." Magazine guy said aiming his second weapon at Michelle.
"NO! Wait please!" Michelle gasped holding her hands out and showing him she was surrendering, her gun swinging loosely on her fingers. Tony concentrated harder, ready to take the shot. There was no way he was going to be out gunned.
"Michelle."
"It's all right Tony." She tried to comfort him as she made her way around to the front of the counter, hoping the gunman had forgotten all about Sam.
"You should have left when you had the chance." The gunman teased her, rubbing his gun down the side of her cheek and over her breasts. Michelle felt sick at his touched her slightly above the waist, and she knew it must be killing Tony to watch.
"Leave her out of this." He demanded angrily, his eye firmly fixed through the site of his gun.
"Jim!" The gunman called out to bike guy,
"I'm all right." He said getting himself back onto his feet as he came tu. Magazine guys finger twitched as it rested on the trigger. Bike guy aimed his gun at Tony. This wasn't going well.
"What do you want from us? Money? You can have it. Take my car just let my wife go, she's pregnant."
"Who do I look like? Oprah?" Magazine guy retorted unsympathetically.
A can of soup fell off of a shelf nearby distracting the gunman. On edge, magazine man fired his gun, the impact of Tony's shot hit him just as his bullet was released, sending it off target and missing Michelle by just millimetres. Concentrating on the life or death decision he had to make Tony fired again and again one shot hurling magazine guy backwards, his next hitting bike guy in the arm until magazine guy was unconscious on the floor and bike guy sat bleeding in the corner.
"Michelle." He checked on her as he lent down to grab magazine guys guns.
"Tony!" Screamed as she fired her gun, shooting bike guy who had his gun aimed at Tony, hitting him point blank in the chest three times as his gun fell and slumped to the floor.
"Oh god Sweetheart." He caught her as she stumbled forward, trying to catch her breath. "Are you all right?" He asked checking her over carefully. He couldn't believe she had walked out of the fire fight unhurt.
"I'm ok. I'm ok." She insisted trying to remain calm. He brushed the hair from her eyes. "God Michelle. I thought I'd lost you. Don't ever do that to me again. What were you thinking?"
"Oh my god. Sam." She remembered, breaking away from Tony and going to check on him.
"Michelle. Take it easy." Tony warned knowing they weren't out of the woods yet. She stepped over all the goods which had been blown all over the shop during the fire fight and squatted beside him. "Sam." She whispered, "It's Michelle can you hear me?" She grabbed his hand, "It'll be all right Sam. I promise." She said, looking at Tony for support.
"I'll call it in." Tony said, searching for the phone.
"Ambulance is on its way." Tony told them as he hung up the phone and checked Sam's wound.
"Good." Michelle let out a deep sigh. Glad it was finally going to be over.
"Let me take over." he sad lifting her up and guiding her into the nearby stool. "I've got this. You need to rest."
"I told you I'm fine." She protested, trying to help bandage Sam's wound.
"That's the adrenaline talking, your pulse rate is sky high. You need to take it easy." He'd read anything he could get his hands on when he'd first found out about Michelle. He had read about the negative impact of adrenaline and the effects it could have on the child including the added risk of miscarriage if she went into shock. As he applied pressure to Sam's wound he kept a close eye on Michelle. His own heart was racing, still surging from that primal urge to make them pay.
"Listen to him." Sam insisted through the pain. "Go. Sit." He said as her pushed her away. Michelle didn't feel like arguing, she was too tired so she settled onto the stool as much as she could and tried to relax.
"Here drink this." Tony reached around the corner and handed her a bottle of lemonade from the nearby refrigerator. Michelle opened the bottle and took a sip, the fizz sliding refreshingly down her throat as it made its way down.
"Where's Jacob?" Sam asked looking around.
"I don't know." Tony told him, remembering that he hadn't seen him since before it all had started.
"Jacob. Where is Jacob?" Sam called out.
"I'm sure his all right Sam. Just take it easy." Tony ordered him. Jacob came out from his hiding place in the storage room. "Oh my god. Mr Lee. Is it over?"
"It's over Jacob." Sam told him bravely, looking up at Jacob, Tony still leaning over him holding the wound tight. The towel he held over it soaked in blood.
"I was so scared. I've never been through anything like this before."
"Hmm." Tony scoffed. If only he could say the same. Michelle and him had seen more than there fare share over the last few years, even the last few weeks. They'd left CTU to get away from it all but whatever they did they still couldn't shake their past.
Moments later Tony breathed a sigh of relief as he heard the siren of the ambulance approaching.
"They're here Sam. Just hang on." Tony tried to keep him awake but he had lost so much blood he was starting to loose consciousness. "Sam." He shook him gently, "Sam can you hear me?"
"Mr Lee."
"Go get the door Jacob. Go."
"Ok. Ok." He repeated as he went to let the paramedics in, staring at the gunmen as he walked past them cautiously keeping out of range. As the paramedics came in they surveyed the scene.
"Are you all right sir?" They asked Jacob.
"Yes. Yes. Over here." Jacob said pointing towards the counter. The paramedic grabbed him to stop him walking away and flashed his light in his eyes. Tony knew there was no time to waist. He stood up to grab their attention.
"Over here." He called out. "Please hurry. He's bleeding out." Tony pointed down to his right where Sam lay then turned to look back at the paramedics.
"Oh my god. Tony!" Michelle shrieked. The blood on Tony's shirt hid his own, seeping from a wound just below his left ribs.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Tony panicked, grabbing her head in his hands and checking her over, his hand like a metal detector as he checked her from head to toe.
"You're bleeding. Were you shot?"
"It's just a scratch." He assured her, pretending to brush away the blood. She traced her fingers over the wound, blood trickling over them as they rested on top.
"You've been shot." She said, her eyes wide as she looked into his. Why didn't he tell her? What else was he hiding? She checked him, stopping to look at the cut above his eye that had reopened.
"Sweetheart. It's nothing I promise." Kissing her gently on the forehead. "Please. Let's just get Sam out of here. We can discuss it at the hospital." But the nearby paramedic had overheard their discussion and stopped to check the wound out for himself.
"It's just a graze." Tony told the paramedic.
"Let me be the judge of that." The paramedic insisted. Tony held his breath as the paramedic pushed his fingers into the wound, his left side threatening to cave in under the pain. Michelle looked on, trying to stay strong, but terrified. She put a hand over her mouth to try and calm her nerves but he saw right through her to the fear in her eyes.
"Oh sweetheart." He pulled her close and held her tight, holding her hand in his he whispered, "I'm ok. I promise."
"Okay." The paramedic signalled as the lifted Sam onto a stretcher,
"Hang on." Tony gave Michelle one last glance to make sure she was all right then turned his attention back to Sam. "I'll give you a hand. Manoeuvring around the debris and bodies wasn't easy. To preserve the crime scene they lifted Sam's stretcher over the area until they got to the clearing beside the front door. From there the paramedics wheeled him to the back of the ambulance and lifted him inside. Jacob followed close behind. Tony took a deep breath to help collect himself as he watched them place Sam into the back of the ambulance. Grateful, he realised, that the burden of making sure that he lived was no longer in his hands. His hands on his hips, he turned to see what was moving around inside. Not to his surprise he turned to see Michelle walking around the shop, making her way outside. He sprinted over to her side and placed a hand around her waist, supporting her weight.
"I told you to wait for me."
"How's Sam?"
"He's fine." He scoffed as he led her outside.
"Ma'am are you injured?" The second paramedic came back to see to his other patients.
"No." She said strongly, "But my husbands been shot."
"She's pregnant." Tony told the paramedic.
"Are you all right?"
"I was a little dizzy before but I'm fine now." Tony looked at her concerned, she hadn't told him.
"I'd like to take a look. Can you sit down over here for me." That paramedic pointed her towards the back of the ambulance. She took a seat, with Tony looking on cautiously, as the paramedic took her blood pressure.
"Is she all right?" Tony asked alarmed.
"Her blood pressure is a little high." He smiled at her, "But that's nothing to be concerned about."
"So she's going to be ok?"
"How far along are you?"
"Almost ten weeks."
"Well I don't see any immediate signs for concern but if you're worried then you can always get one of the doctors at the hospital to check you out."
"No. Really. I'm all right. It's Tony who was injured."
"That's going to need some stitches." The paramedic said taking a good look at his wound, "Here apply this pressure dressing. I'll let the doctors take care of that one at the hospital." He said eager to be on his way and sensing that Tony was unlikely to cooperate. As the paramedic helped Michelle into the back of the ambulance Tony noticed a van parked off in the distance, it's occupant, a man in his twenties seemed to be watching them intently then drove away fast when he realised Tony was watching him. Noting the description of the man and the vehicle, given there was nothing else he could do right now, Tony jumped into the back of the ambulance beside Michelle. Tony held her hand tight with his right, and the pressure over his wound with his left. The adrenaline starting to wear off revealing the pain he'd been trying to hide.
"Thank you." Sam reached out in one of his lucid moments. Tony let go of Michelle and grabbed Sam's hand tight
"You're welcome Sam. Just rest."
"Hang in there Sam."
"Who are you people anyway? Cops?" The paramedic asked, curious as to who had taken down the two dead gunman at the store. Given the state of the store it must have been one mean gun fight.
"We're nobody." Tony said, "Just at the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Hmm." The paramedic scoffed, noting the gun sticking out of the back of his jacket. "We'll I think Mr Lee would have something to say about that. He's lucky you were there. Not many people know how to treat a gun shot like that."
"We're just private security consultants, that's all." Michelle added, knowing Tony didn't like to talk about it.
"Well if I ever need help I know where to turn." The paramedic added, checking Sam obs.
"There could be a problem."
"Whatever it is, sort it out."
"Someone put a hit on the Almeida's."
"What do you mean?"
"Someone just tried to take them out."
"Are they all right?"
"I'm not sure, I think so. They're on their way to the hospital now."
"Keep an eye on them."
"I'll keep you posted."
"Damn it." Delton cursed, Almeida might be his only chance of getting his nephew back. There was only one possible answer for who would put a hit on Almeida, but he'd given him his words that he wouldn't take such drastic action, not yet anyway. With no other choice he had to just sit back and pray that his man could thwart any future attacks.
Tony got out of the ambulance and turned around to help Michelle out, holding out a hand for her to hold as he carefully lowered her down to the ground. They followed Sam and the two paramedics into the emergency room. A protective arm around Michelle they dodged the many busy nurses and doctors inside as an eerie sense of déjà vu took him back to Africa. A nurse ushered them to a cubicle.
"I'm sorry ma'am you'll have to wait outside."
"NO!" Tony insisted sharply. "She stays with me."
"Fine. Up on the bed." She said, doing five things at once as she placed his chart on the end of his bed. "The doctor will be with you in a moment." She said pulling his shirt up. "It's not too deep." She said, placing a numbing agent over the wound, preparing it for the doctor. Michelle passed beside the bed, bitting away the nail on her thumb.
"Sweetheart. Please, sit down."
"I can't believe you were shot and didn't tell me."
"It's just a graze."
"Don't get worked up over nothing. Think about the baby."
"Don't tell me what to do." She bit back. "You could have been killed."
"You're right, I'm sorry." He conceded, "I was only trying to protect you. What were you thinking? I told you to get out of there."
"I couldn't just leave Sam to bleed to death. He needed my help." She defended herself.
"Hmm." He held out an arm, asking her to come closer, reluctantly she did. He rand a hand across her cheek, wiping away her dry tears. "That's what I love about you Michelle. You're always thinking about the other person."
"I can't help it."
"I wouldn't want you too. It's what makes you special. But will you do something for me?"
"What?"
"Let me take care of you for a while."
"I don't know how."
"I know, but we can work it out together, all right." He said taking her chin as she shied away.
"Hmm." She smiled as the doctor walked in.
"Promise?"
"I promise." She said as he kissed her forehead and drew back she traced her fingers over his scar, he winced at the pain but enjoyed her tender touch.
"Look Michelle…" Tony wanted to tell her everything would be all right, that there was nothing to worry about but in his gut he knew he was wrong.
"What do we have here?" The doctor asked as he walked into the cubicle, interrupting Tony, as he read his chart. Tony sat up straighter and Michelle took a step back, giving the doctor some more space. The doctor looked at the wound, turned Tony over and assessed that damage.
"It appears as though the bullet has just skimmed the surface and there isn't any major blood loss so I don't think it did any real damage. I'll take a quick look then apply a sterile dressing. You'll be home in no time."
Michelle felt a little woozy.
"Miss I'm afraid you'll have to leave now."
"No!" Tony held out a hand to make her stay. He didn't want her out of his sight.
"It's okay." She comforted him, "I need to use the bathroom anyway." She blushed, embarrassed.
"It's just down the hall and to the right." The nurse told her, pointing out the way.
"Thank you." She said graciously, "I'll be right back." Tony didn't say anything, but watching her leave his heart rate increased and his body tensed.
"She'll be ok." The doctor told him, obviously wondering what harm can come to her in a hospital? As he watched her go out of site behind the curtain Tony settled back and let the doctor dress his wound. The nurse put a fresh sterile strip on the cut above his eye.
"Your wife seems lovely." The doctor distracted him. "If you don't mind me saying, you're a very lucky man."
"You have no idea."
"So tell me ho did you get into this mess?"
"I ask myself that all the time."
"Mr Lee tells me that you and your wife saved his life."
"I don't know about that?"
"Well I do. I don't know where you learned to do a tourniquet like that but you definitely saved his life."
Splashing her face with some water and cupping her hands for a quick drink Michelle turned off the tap and looked in the mirror. Her hair was dishevelled and bags were forming around her eyes. She brushed her hair back into placed, threw the paper towel which she used to dry her hands into the waste basket, straightened her skirt and walked out the door.
"Excuse me." Michelle stopped an orderly walking past her, "Where can I get a glass of water?" Her adrenaline wearing off she felt her body weakening. Her muscles ached and all she really wanted was a nice hot bath and a good nights sleep. Her hands on her hips, stretching her back as she rolled her neck back and forth she waited patiently in line at the soda dispenser. Looking for the bottle of water and memorising that it was E5 Michelle put her hand in her pocket to search for some change. She gathered the change and pulled her hand out of her pocket, the small silver coins were just enough but it was the tiny folded piece of paper that caught her attention. Holding the coins in her other hand she opened it up. She recognised it instantly, the quirkily smiley face Tony often drew when he was doodling. She wondered when she had picked it up, maybe she had just forgotten and then she remembered, a sweet grin on her face, Tony had ironed the skirt for her and placed them in the draw, he must have put it then. He was always doing little things like that. The warm memory pepped her up. She put the coins in the machine, pushed 'E' and '5' and watched the bottle drop to the bottom of the machine. Retrieving it she opened it up and took a sip, it was refreshing, just what she needed. Her thirst quenched she headed back to Tony's cubicle. She stood outside the opposite cubicle, watching throw the gap in the curtain as the doctor placed the bandage over the area. He didn't see her watching him, but Michelle took a moment for herself, to thank god she hadn't lost him.
Tony flinched as the doctors hand swiped across his torso. Instinctively looking away her saw Michelle waiting outside. She looked exhausted. "Almost done." The doctor apologised."
"When can I go home?"
"Well. If your tests come back clear I can sign you out this afternoon." Tony didn't like the thought of being stuck there any longer. The area was so busy and there were people in far worse condition than himself.
"Ordinarily something like this would shake most people." The doctor continued, "But I see you're no stranger to this." The doctor noted his prior scars, reminders of ancient battles in a past life.
"They're nothing. My previous occupation was very hands on."
"I see." He said, piecing together his own idea of who he was, where he'd learned field triage and sharp shooting like that. CIA, militia, government agent. If only he knew how close to the truth he really was. "And your wife?" He asked curious.
"It's how we met." Tony wasn't going to give much away, "She has a mean right hook."
"Well thankyou."
"For what?"
"I'm not sure. I just get the feeling like I owe you for something. Like we all do." Tony didn't say anything, but the absent look of a man lost in thought, living through flashbacks said it all. President Palmer, the hotel, the image of Michelle a knife to her face, Gael, countless interrogations and agonising meetings and all the pressure that went with organising and implementing full scale tactical assaults. He thought that once he'd left CTU it would all be behind him. Where had he gone wrong?
"Doctor!" The nurse called his attention away to something more urgent just down the corridor.
"Excuse me." The doctor placed a supportive hand on his shoulder and left the cubicle, drawing the curtain behind him. Tony let the pain med take effect. Not enough to make him groggy, but just enough to ease the pain. As the crowd gathered outside Tony's curiosity got the better of him and stepped off of the bed to have a look. Pulling the curtain open he pushed past the nurses and knelt down beside her.
"Michelle?"
"Sir. I need you to go back to your bed."
"That's my wife."
"I understand that."
"I'm not going anywhere."
"It's ok Tony." The doctor informed him, knowing it was a battle they wouldn't win, "She just feinted. It's not uncommon after such an event. It's the bodies way of resetting itself."
"Michelle." He called again, stroking her hair.
"Lets get her up on the bed." The doctor informed the nurses. "Grab an orderly."
"I've got her." Tony had her in his arms before they could argue. He lowered her gently onto the bed.
"Watch your stitches." The doctor warned him. One of the nurses tried to check his bandage but he pushed her away. His only concern was for Michelle. Another nurse took her blood pressure, it was a little high but lower than when she'd first come in.
"She'll be just fine Mr Almeida." The doctor placed a hand on his back and led him away so the nurses would be free to work. "I'll admit her overnight just to be sure but I'm quite confident that after a good nights rest she'll be as good as new."
"And the baby?"
"Perfectly healthy, like it's parents. Relax Mr Almeida. It's quite common." The nurses put a drip in Michelle's arm and gave her a nasal oxygen tube.
"Tony?" She asked as she came tu.
"It's all right sweetheart. Just rest." He said, stroking her hair. He stayed by her side holding her hand as they wheeled her to a private room for the night, she never woke, and he never slept.
"Thanks Charlie… I appreciate it." Tony hung up the phone and glanced at Michelle, she was still asleep. Impatient he dialled the next number. "Max, It's Tony."
"Tony." The voice at the other end of the phone replied cheerfully, "It's been a while."
"Yeah. Sorry about that. Look I need a favour."
"Sure Tony." Max responded, sensing the urgency in his voice. "What do you need?"
"I'm looking for someone. A man. Late 20s athletic build, a small scar above his right eye."
"Come on Tony, That describes half the people in here."
"It's important Max. Him and his mates tried to kill me this afternoon."
"My god Tony. Are you all right?"
"I need to find this guy."
"What about his mates, can they give you anything more to go on?"
"They're dead."
"All right.. I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks. You can reach me on my old number."
"I'll be in touch. And Tony."
"Yeah."
"Don't do anything reckless."
"Hmm." Tony scoffed as the call ended. It was a long shot, he knew it, but he didn't know what else he could do right now. He'd called every bar in town that he knew and asked them to pass the word around. If this guy showed his face anywhere, he'd know about it. The monitors beeped alerting him to the increase in Michelle's heart rate as she tossed, lost in her dream. Tony stroked her hair and the monitor settled again. He pulled the chair closer, holding her hand to let her know he was there as he sat back down.
"Good morning Mr Almeida." The nurse said as she checked her obs. Tony had kept watch from the chair in the corner, he hadn't moved from her side all night.
"Tony?" Michelle whispered still groggy from her sleep.
"Michelle?" Tony sat up straighter and leaned in close.
"Shhh." He told her as he stroked her hair again.
"Where am I?"
"Hospital You feinted." He told her.
"Her blood pressure is back to normal." The nurse told him as she checked the IV bag.
"You hear that. You're going to be all right."
"I'll get the doctor." The nurse said, writing her notes in the chart and leaving them alone.
"You scared the hell out of me" He whispered to her as he leaned in close, their noses almost touching.
"Sorry about that." She whispered back.
"Again." He scoffed, "You're beginning to make a habit of this." He leaned back still stroking her hair.
"I promise not to do it again if you promise not to get yourself hurt." She smiled. Tony was glad to see her back to her old self.
"Deal." Tony promised. "How are you feeling?"
"I wish everyone would stop asking me that." She said frustrated.
"And I wish you would stop putting yourself in danger like that. That's my child too you're carrying." Tony immediately regretted the accusation in his tone.
"I know. I'm sorry. It's just so frustrating…"
"What can I do to help?" Tony asked.
"Nothing… I don't know." Michelle was so confused by it all, if she didn't know what was going on then how could she tell Tony?
"You're not making this easy for me."
"Everything is changing so fast." She felt so out of control.
"We'll get through this. I promise." He grabbed her by the shoulders then placed a hand on her stomach, "One day we'll look back and all of this will be a distant memory."
"You promise?"
"Sweetheart, if there's one thing you've taught me it's that anything is possible."
"Something to tell the grandkids huh?" She smiled.
"You bet." He chuckled, "All twelve of them."
"I promised you I wouldn't let anything happen to you Michelle and I mean it. You have to believe me."
"I do. I do. It's just that sometimes …"
"I know." He said squeezing her hand as they turned to see who was at the door.
"Ahh. How's my favourite patient feeling today?" the doctor asked as Michelle shot a glare at Tony who couldn't help but grin at the irony.
"You tell me?" She hissed silently.
"That good huh?"
"Don't mind her doctor, she's just feeling a little restrained."
"I take it from your…. Lifestyle… that you're not use to taking things quite this… easy." The doctor hypothesised.
"That's an understatement." Michelle quipped
"Well having a baby makes you put things into perspective. Regardless of your condition, pregnancy makes all women re evaluate what they can and can't do and what they need to readdress. It'll get easier, especially after you start showing."
"When can she go home?"
"Well. I'm just going to get the nurse here to help us take a look at your baby, make sure everything's progressing nicely then you can check out of here. Sound good to you?"
"You have no idea."
"All right. This is going to feel a little cold." The doctor lifted up Michelle's gown as the nurse spread the gel over her abdomen. No matter how many times she went through this it was always a weird sensation. The screen came to life as the doctor pressed down firmly. Michelle and Tony looked carefully. Her womb seemed so big on screen compared to real life. The doctor moved the wand around and then scoffed.
"What?" Tony asked concerned.
"It looks like it's nap time." The Doctor smiled.
"Oh my god." Tony exclaimed as the image became clearer. The tiny being inside Michelle had its legs curled in towards it's chin, and it's thumb in its mouth. "That's unbelievable."
"It's still so tiny." Michelle commented. "Are you sure it's big enough?"
"He's doing just fine." The doctor assured her, then realising what he'd said, "Although 'he' is just a figure of speech you understand."
"Of course." They replied in unison, still no closer to deciding if they wanted to know. The doctor turned up the machine and the room filled with the feint but distinctly fast rhythm of their child's heart beating. After all they had been through, he was perfect.
"I love you." Tony said pressing his lips to her forehead.
"I love you too." She smiled kissing his lips and staring into his eyes as they shared a moment. Life couldn't get much better than this. The doctor blushed, as he had observed last night this was an exceptional couple indeed. The strength they gave each other was apparent for anyone to see. Love like that was rare, which is precisely what made him so fascinated with them.
"Would you like a picture?" He asked already printing it out.
"Um. Yes." Tony stuttered, caught up in the moment. "Thank you." Tony whispered to Michelle as he grabbed the picture from the doctor, the baby wasn't even born yet and she'd had her photo taken three times already. He thought of the child inside her, curled up sucking its thumb like it was sleeping in its cot, then wondered what all of this must have felt like to Michelle. She was definitely his saving angel, she had given him the best gift in the world.
"All right." Tony said opening the door and letting Michelle walk through first. "You go take a seat and I'll put the kettle on."
"Tony." She warned him, she thought they had agreed no more cotton wool.
"It's just a cup of decaffeinated coffee Miss Dessler. Where's the harm in one little cup of coffee?" He grinned.
"I suppose. But I'm helping you make dinner."
"If you wish. You can sit right there and peel the potatoes if you want."
"You're not going to make this easy for me, are you?"
"No more cotton wool. I promise." He said throwing his hands up in defeat.
"Tony?" She smiled.
"We never said anything about TLC." He told her cheekily.
"I can handle TLC." She grinned, sitting down at the breakfast bench opposite him. She pulled her sleeves over her fingers and played with the ends, twisting them around in her fingers. "So what did you have planned?"
"I thought we might start with a hot meal and maybe a little foot rub."
"That sounds good."
"And then…. I thought we might….." He teased leaning over the bench to kiss her.
"Yes." She smiled kissing him back.
"No." He drew back. Concentrating fully on pouring the water.
"No what?" she said frustrated, waiting.
"No. I'm not going to tell you. It's a secret." He grinned.
"You're incorrigible." She scoffed, punching him in the arm.
"Careful. You may not want to be wrapped in cotton wool but I'm still recovering from a gun shot here."
"Awe… Did I hurt you?" She teased him.
"Let's just say it's still a little tender." He feigned shyness.
"Oh. Let me make it better." She leaned in and kissed him.
"That helps." He smiled.
"And this?" She asked kissing him again.
"Hmm. Definitely signs of improvement." He smirked as she kissed him on the neck, tracing a finger over his scar. The sensation left his skin tingling as he placed his hands behind her ears. "You are the other half of me Michelle. You make me whole but this ain't going to happen, not right now anyway."
"Tony you're being ridiculous."
"No I'm being prudent. You've had way too much excitement already. I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you."
"But it's not going to."
"That's right." He said kissing her on the forehead and stepping away to finish making the drinks.
"And how long is this going to last?" She asked annoyed, her body wanted him so bad, she didn't know if it was the adrenaline or the hormones or just sheer lust but all of a sudden she just wanted to be in his arms, to be with him.
"At least three months."
"Three months?"
"This won't be easy for either of us, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to take?"
"Do I have a say in this?"
"Nope." He smiled, handing her a cup of coffee.
"Three months." She smiled.
"Uh huh." He confirmed. By then the risk of miscarriage would be smaller and all of this madness would be behind them. Besides, with this third gunman on the loose he couldn't let his guard down, not even for a second, not again. Until he could confirm that there was no longer any threat he had to remain strictly professional, without letting Michelle know what was going on. This was not going to be easy. Last time he'd kept a secret from her it had nearly torn them apart, hell it had set in motion a series of events that had led to her capture, his treason and their separation, he was taking a hell of a risk and he knew it.
The alarm clock flashed eleven thirty two am as Tony scrambled to grab his phone before it woke Michelle.
"Almeida…" He answered as he listened carefully to the man on the other end of the phone, stepping out towards the kitchen to where he could talk freely without Michelle hearing. "He's there? Right now?" Tony asked impatiently frustrated at the lack of urgency in the callers voice. "No… I can be there in five minutes. Do me a favour and watch him until I get there…. Right, of course… Thanks Max I appreciate it." Tony cancelled the call and placed the phone on the kitchen bench. Sucking on his lip, a nervous habit he'd had since he was child, and looked towards the room at the end of the hall rubbing his chin as he thought through his options, its door slightly ajar, as Michelle slept inside. The last thing he wanted to do was to wake her but if she woke up and found him gone? What if he did tell her, it could be dangerous, it would be dangerous and he knew her too well, she'd find a way to follow him there even if he left her behind. On the other hand he couldn't just leave her here, alone and unprotected. Every bone in his body screamed out that he had to keep her in is sights, it felt so important to stay by her side that even if he choose to he couldn't bare to leave her behind. "Damn it." He mumbled to himself, he didn't have any time to waist, the guy he was planning to meet wouldn't be there for long. Short on options he made his way down the hall to wake her.
Tony opened the door, careful not to let it creak. The thin white curtains covering the roof to floor French doors leading out to the patio let in just enough light to create a soft calming environment. Michelle was fast asleep in the bed, the quilt draped across her chest to keep her warm, Her book still open face down on the quilt. He picked it up and placed it gently on the bedside table and reached out to sweep that one pesky strand of hair from her face before hesitating and drawing his hand back. He couldn't do it, he leaned down and gently kissed her forehead, collected the tray of empty breakfast dishes from his side of the bed and left, closing the door behind him till it was again slightly ajar. What was he going to do? He grabbed his keys from the bowl on the kitchen bench where they were kept and wrote a quick note letting her know he wouldn't be long, checked his gun before placing it on the back of his belt and left. The sooner he left the sooner he'd be back and with any luck she may never have to know he was gone at all.
"I don't think your uncle cares very much for you." Aakash taunted him. "He still hasn't given me my money. Nathanial sat in his tiny cage, hands still bound. The sun was harsh on his skin and his mouth was dry. He had no idea what these guys wanted, but he knew enough to know that if they didn't rake good care of you then there was a good chance that they didn't care if you lived or died. He'd read about the people going missing in the papers and he'd heard his mother and uncle talking from time to time but he never thought it would come to this. He tried to stay strong, he's uncle would pay, he knew he would he was just having trouble getting the money together. Nathanial watched as the men buried another man in a shallow grave nearby, then he saw the other dirt mounds, he counted thirteen in total. He looked at his captors, wild and high on adrenaline. If he ran they'd just chase him down for sport, if he fought back they'd push harder. No. The best plan was to take it easy, say nothing and he just might make it out of this alive.
Tony walked into the bar, just like he had a hundred times before. Even though it was almost noon it was always dark inside and the air smelled of stale smoke and salted beer nuts. Several patrons sat watching a replay of last nights football match on the TV in the corner. To the rear of the building three young men played at the pool table against the back wall. Tony nodded to the barman and took a seat. The barman made his way across, cleaning the bench with an old dirty rag as he made his way over to Tony and placed a glass in front of him.
"Long time Tony. Where have you been?" Max asked casually, pouring him his usual bourbon no ice.
"It's a long story." Tony told him, "What do you know?"
"That guy over there came in matching the description you gave me. He's been here about twenty minutes. His had three whiskey shots."
"He looks nervous."
"If you ask me I think he's waiting for someone. He keeps watching the door."
"Hmm." Tony said, taking a small sip of his drink to keep up the pretence.
"So how have you been? I was sorry to hear about you and Jenny. She moved to Boston you know."
"No. I didn't. We kind of lost touch after…."
"How is Michelle anyway? I was glad to hear you two were back together."
"We got married again." He said, twisting the ring on his finger as he thought about her, "We're expecting our first."
"You don't say. Congratulations." Max shook his hand. "This ones on the house."
"Thanks." Tony said graciously as he kept a firm eye on the guy at the end of the bar.
"What are you going to do with this guy?"
"I'm not sure?"
"You said he tried to kill you?"
"And Michelle, it was a hit. I need to find out who ordered it."
"My god Tony. I didn't know, you didn't say. Is she all right? What have you gotten yourself into?"
"Your guess is as good as mine."
"Look Tony. I'm sympathetic and all but I'm trying to run a business here." He'd heard enough of Tony's drunk ramblings to know that when Tony meant business he wasn't the kind of man you wanted to mess with.
"I'll keep that in mind." Tony nodded, still watching the man carefully.
"All right. Just remember that any damages come out of your bill."
"Understood." Tony kept sipping his drink as he watched the guys every move, not too much though as he needed to keep a clear head if he was going to do this right and he'd already promised Michelle that his drinking days were over.
As the familiar pains of hunger began to stir deep inside Michelle started to rouse from her dream. With a deep yawn she opened her eyes collecting her thoughts and tried to recall her last memories before falling asleep. She opened her eyes and found the note on the pillow beside her. She looked around and listened closely not sure of what was going on. "Tony?" She called out but there was no answer. Sitting up as she unfolded the note and started to read it.
I wanted to wake you but you
looked so peaceful. I've gone out to
run an errand and will be back
soon. In the meantime I've asked
Mrs Higgins to look in on you. Be
nice, she means well. Look after
our child while I'm gone.
Your Always
T.
Michelle smiled as she read the last few lines, Tony could be such a romantic at times and she imagined him as he sat down to write the note, the look of concentration on his face. Her stomach growled and her bladder demanded to be heard. The day having been quite warm, and not expecting company she had worn her satin white camisole to bed and reached out for the matching nightgown which lay over the back of the nearby chair by the window. "Hello." She called out, just in case he had returned, "Tony?" She had the strange sensation of feeling like a stranger in her own house, like in one of those horror movies where they enter other peoples houses for help and find them completely abandoned. "Hello." She called out one last time then decided she must be alone. Walking past the bathroom she decided she couldn't hold on any longer and went inside. As she washed her hands after she finished the nausea of her hunger hit her hard. She splashed some water on her face and cupped her hands letting them fill with water before taking a sip and drawing in a deep breath. The doctor had warned her about the dizzy spells and the nausea and stressed the importance of taking it easy but it was still a big adjustment no mater how prepared she thought she was. Determined not to let it get the better of her she opened the door and headed for the kitchen.
"Oh my god!" She screamed as she opened the door.
"I'm sorry my dear. I didn't mean to startle you. I heard a noise and I wanted to make sure you were all right."
"You frightened me." Michelle gasped as she tried to gather her breath. Mrs Higgins was a well meaning neighbour who reminded her of an old busy body from one of those corny family sitcoms in the nineteen fifties. The kind of person who knew everything and was everywhere when something happened.
"You are ok aren't you my dear?"
"Yes. I'm fine." Michelle straightened her nightgown. "I was just going to get something to eat."
"Let me do that for you. What would you like?"
"No really. It's ok. I can do it." She said, moving their conversation into the kitchen as she started to put some water into the kettle to make some tea.
"A woman in your condition should pay more attention to her doctor." Mrs Higgins scorned her, disapprovingly.
"What did Tony tell you?" She wondered.
"Oh he didn't go into great details. Just that you've had a scare recently and that you were on strict bed rest."
"Uh huh." She scorned, imagining how she could make him pay when he returned.
"Oh and that I was allowed to use force if you didn't cooperate... not that I would, mind you. Oh you really should be resting my dear, babies are so precious we need to do everything we can to keep them safe now don't we."
"I suppose we do." Michelle rubbed her stomach and decided to give in.
"That's the way." Mrs Higgins said grabbing the kettle from Michelle and helping her onto the seat. "Now you take a seat and I'll get us something to eat."
"Thank you." Michelle watched this woman as she moved herself around her kitchen. They'd only been neighbours six months and apart from a little small talk over the fence and the occasional collection of mail while they were overseas they had barely started to make a relationship which would allow such familiarities.
As she waited on the nearby sofa outside, watching the valley below she flipped through some old magazines she had lying around. They'd never been home long enough to have to worry about those entertainment luxuries like puzzles, games and cards and she grew increasingly bored with her lack of options, maybe she could take up a new hobby, maybe knitting so she could make some things for the new baby she thought to herself quietly.
"Here we go my dear." Mrs Higgins came out with a tray complete with two cups of tea, some sugar and some biscuits.
"No milk?" Michelle asked, sensing something different.
"Its camomile. Good for upset stomachs."
"I didn't know we had any?"
"Oh you don't. I ducked next door and grabbed some. Try it, it has a hint of ginger."
"Mmm." Michelle took a hesitant sip but to her surprise, it wasn't half bad.
"It's an acquired taste." Mrs Higgins continued, "It saw me through four pregnancies. I don't know what I would have done without it."
"Four?" Michelle gasped. She couldn't imagine going through this four times.
"Don't worry my dear. It gets easier."
"I just feel so helpless sometimes. It's not even born yet and I'm already putting it in danger. What kind of mother does that make me?" She asked condemningly.
"Oh honey. You can't blame yourself for what has happened. It's just natures way."
"Did you ever have any… complications?"
"Me. No. I was lucky but my sister, god rest her soul, she lost three before her Mary was born. Now she has five children and seventeen grandchildren." Michelle smiled at the thought of having such a large family around her in her old age.
"Did Tony tell you we lost a child, miscarried I mean, about a year ago." Michelle asked regretfully. "Now I...we… we're just so frightened all the time." She said smoothing a hand over her child. She didn't know why she was telling her, she was practically a stranger, but it felt good to talk about it with someone.
"It's only natural." Mrs Higgins said taking her hand, "But let an old woman give you some advice. Don't live your life in fear, all you'll end up with is regrets. Cherish every moment my dear, they'll be time enough for sorrow in the future." Michelle pondered her words carefully and decided they had merit. "You can't control mother nature my child, but you do need to trust her." Mrs Higgins smiled. "Cake?" She asked opening up a cake tin trying to lighten the mood, "I made it myself, fresh out of the oven."
"It's lovely." Michelle said taking a bite.
"There we go." Mrs Higgins smiled.
Tony watched him impatiently as ten, fifteen, twenty minutes went by. "Damn it." He thought to himself, Michelle would be awake by now. What if this was all a ploy, a devious manoeuvre to split them up. Tony pulled out his cell phone and checked, no messages. He pressed the speed dial number for the house then quickly cancelled it. What if he woke her? What if she needed help? He pressed the number again and waited for the connection to go through.
"It's just me. I was wondering how Michelle is?"
"Everything is just fine. Michelle and I were just enjoying a bite to eat." Mrs Higgins told him.
"Did she get a good rest?"
"Indeed she did." Mrs Higgins found his concern refreshing.
"May I talk to my wife?"
"Of course dear." Mrs Higgins gave the phone to Michelle who had walked into the kitchen with the empty dishes.
"Tony?" She said grabbing the phone eagerly.
"Sweetheart. I'm sorry I'm not there with you."
"What are you doing, you've been gone a while."
"I know. I'm sorry" He said, relaxed now he'd heard her voice. "Look honey I have to go." He said hurriedly as the man at the end of the bar made his way to the rest rooms. "I love you, I'll be home soon."
"Love you too." As the beeps signalled that he'd hung up the phone. She was no closer to knowing where he was or what he was doing but at least he was all right.
"He loves you very much." Mrs Higgins butted in.
"I know." Michelle smiled, putting the phone down.
"I don't mean to pry." Mrs Higgins said as she placed the dishes in the sink. "But you look so familiar. You aren't the same Tony and Michelle from the papers a few years back?" She asked inquisitively. Michelle hung her head, the memory still too raw.
"Um." She haphazardly acknowledged.
"He went to jail didn't he?"
"Yes, but."
"Treason wasn't it? My memory is a bit fuzzy from time to time."
"It's complicated. We're not really allowed to talk about it. National security and all."
"I understand my dear. I'm sorry I brought it up."
"That's all right." She sighed, "Tony was placed in a difficult situation."
"But he chose you."
"And he paid for that decision dearly."
"I don't know my dear. It seems to me he done what any of us would, when a loved one is in trouble."
"But for us the rules are different. Country first and then friends and family."
"Sounds like a very harsh way of living."
"It had it's moments."
"Well your back together now and that's all that counts. I told you mother nature has her way, you just need to have a little faith." Michelle smiled as she thought about their new life, the life inside of her.
"Did he tell you where he was going?" Michelle asked.
"No my dear. He just said he would be out for a few minutes and to keep an eye on you. I was so sorry to hear about the car accident and the robbery. He said that you would insist on walking around and that I should stop you and to not let you into the kitchen. You certainly have been through the ringer lately my dear." Michelle blushed, that was an understatement.
"Oh he did, did he?" Michelle scoffed, she was definitely going to kill him when he got home.
"That's why he's so overprotective." Mrs Higgins continued. "And with good cause one should imagine." Mrs Higgins looked around for a clean dish towel, " Oh do cheer up my dear. If you've made it this far then you have a fighter in you. Much like his parents I presume."
"Hmm." Michelle smiled. 'his parents' had a nice ring to it.
As the gunman got up Tony followed him past the pool table and into the bathroom. Taking up a position at the urinal Tony waited for him to leave the cubicle, then he would make his move. Waiting patiently Tony watched as two men came and left. Wondering what was taking so long, Tony locked the latch on the back of the door and went to check on him. Looking underneath Tony grew suspicious when he couldn't see any legs, and his fears were realised when, after kicking in the toilet door, there was no one inside.
"Damn it." Tony cursed. The paper dispenser hung on its last screw after the impact of the door knocked it from the wall. Tony quickly looked around but there was no sign of him anywhere, he was all alone. He'd locked the door so how had he gotten away? Then Tony noticed the white residue on the floor, looking up the roof panel was slightly out of position. How had he missed that? Tony reached up and looked into the air ducts but the intruder was long gone. Tony had messed up, he'd had him and he'd let him get away. His previous thought played in his mind. "Michelle!" He mumbled panicked as he opened the door and ran past Max at the bar. He threw him a twenty dollar note and raced out of the door.
Speeding through the streets, weaving in and out of traffic he grabbed his phone and dialled her number.
"Dessler."
"Michelle. It's me."
"Tony." She could hear the tension in his voice, "What's wrong?"
"Is Mrs Higgins still with you?"
"Yes. Why?"
Listen sweetheart. I'll explain when I get there but right now I need you to do something for me."
"I don't understand."
"I need you to lock all the doors and windows and don't let anyone inside until I get there, do you understand?"
"Tony What's going on? You're scaring me."
"Please Michelle, If I ever needed you to trust me it's now."
"Okay."
"Go. Now. I'll be there soon." Michelle was scared, something had him rattled, and he didn't rattle easily.
"Mrs Higgins." She called out.
"Yes dear."
"I need you to lock all of the windows, I can't explain why but it's very important."
"What's the matter child?"
"Please. Tony will explain when he gets here, now hurry." Michelle urged as she went for her gun, where she kept it in the dresser draw. Pulling on a nearby pair of jeans and a shirt Michelle pulled the gun out of her holster, ready for anything. Mrs Higgins had walked in just as she was pulling down her shirt and noted the bruise on her hip.
"Are we in danger my dear?"
"I don't know." Michelle wished she could give her an answer, that she could have an answer. Michelle checked the kitchen draw where Tony kept his gun, it was gone. "Damn it." She cursed, where was he going that he needed a gun? Her heart raced as she prayed that he was all right. She looked at her wrist, still wrapped in a tight bandage, it wasn't her shooting arm, but it might make things difficult, she thought to herself. Waiting in the kitchen her body jumped out of its skin when the doorbell rang.
"Should we answer it?"
"No. Tony will call if it's him." The two woman sat there in silence.
"Margery." The elderly gentleman's voice sang out, "Margery are you there?"
"It's Benjamin." She pleaded with Michelle. Michelle knew she had no choice, she couldn't leave him out there. Cocking her gun Michelle went to the front door and looked through the curtain, he appeared to be alone as he looked around trying to find out why the house was so quiet. Undoing the deadbolt slowly she opened the door just enough to let him in.
"I was beginning to wonder where you were.."
"Come inside, quickly."
"Is something wrong dear? You look as white as a ghost."
"Just get inside." Mrs Higgins ordered, "We'll explain in a minute." She took a quick look but she couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. Hastily closing the door Michelle was confronted with the questioning glances from Benjamin and Margery Higgins. Just what was she going to tell them?
"Tony?" The phone barely had time to ring before Michelle answered it.
"Michelle. It's me. Open up." Tony warned her as he approached the front door. She unlocked the door again and stood aside as he walked through, then locked the door behind him. He put away his phone and checked that everything was all clear.
"What's going on?"
"Mrs Higgins." He ignored her, "Thank you for looking after Michelle. I'm sorry you got dragged into all of this."
"Nonsense my dear. I was put on this earth to help. What can we do?" Poor Mr Higgins had no idea what was going on. He went to ask but Mrs Higgins gestured that it wasn't the time.
"Thanks for the offer." Tony greeted her warmly, "But I'm just erring on the side of caution. I believe it would be best for you if you just stayed at home and didn't get involved in this mess."
"Are you sure?"
"Very much so. Please. Go now while it's safe."
"Will you be all right my dear?"
"I'll be fine." Michelle comforted her. "Thankyou for all your help today Mrs Higgins."
"Anytime my dear. Come on Benjamin."
"But…"
"I'll explain later." She placed a firm hand on Michelle's arm, "Call me if you need anything."
"I will. Thank you." She smiled.
"Good bye." Mr Higgins shook Tony's hand as they left. Tony made sure they made it back home safely then locked the door again.
"What's all this about Tony?" Michelle asked, scared out of her wits.
"I didn't tell you earlier because you had so much on your mind."
"Tell me what?"
"There was a third gunman. Waiting in a car outside the gas station."
"Are you sure?"
"I tracked him down to a bar nearby, that's where I was this morning."
"You went on your own? Without telling me?" Michelle felt her chest tightening and it was hard to breathe as she paced back and forth. How could he have kept this from her?
"Michelle, honey. This is exactly why I didn't tell you. Please you need to calm down."
"The gunman I can handle Tony but you put yourself in danger without even telling me. What if something had happened to you?"
"Michelle…"
"Don't you understand Tony? I'm just as scared of loosing you as you are of loosing me…"
"I'm sorry." He reached forward and held her by the arms.
"You can't do this to me Tony. You promised."
"Don't you think I know that? I agonised over what to tell you, but I knew you'd feel this way and I couldn't put you through that."
"Well what happened?" She asked, calming down a little.
"I followed him to the bar but he must have spotted me and he got away."
"Who is he?"
"I don't know his name, but I don't think that robbery was a coincidence."
"What do you mean?"
"I think it was a hit."
"On who?"
"Us."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"He had an accent."
"African?"
"First Johannesburg now here."
"They must think we know something."
"What are we going to do?"
"I'm not sure. I haven't thought that far ahead."
"Did they follow you?"
"I don't think so. I went looking for him, not the other way around."
"But…" Michelle looked at the guns in their hands.
"I couldn't be sure. I'm going to make a few calls, see what I can't find out."
"What are we going to do in the meantime?"
"Nothing. Not till we have some more information."
"Don't you do anything foolish like that again." She warned him. She was the only person who could order him around like that and get away with it, and she knew it.
"I wont. I promise." He kissed her forehead, "From now on I'm not letting you out of my sight."
"No more secrets Tony."
"No more secrets." He agreed.
Tony sat at his desk looking through the files as Michelle sat on the sofa nearby reading through their notes, looking for anything that might be valuable to Delton.
"There has to be something here we can use." Tony began, "I'm certain Delton is dealing in blood diamonds. If we can find out who his contacts are we might be able to blackmail our way out of this."
"Is that wise?" Michelle asked.
"I'm not sure?"
"But that doesn't make sense. Why would he be in business with the same men who were taking his employees hostage? And if he was why would he call us in?"
"Maybe he got tired of jumping through hoops? Or maybe he got greedy? Aakash said something about Delton owing him some money."
"But we have no evidence. There's nothing here that could tie him to any of that. It's all circumstantial."
"We just have to keep looking." The phone rang again and Almeida picked it up.
"Almeida?"
"What do you want?" The hairs on the back of his neck stood on edge as his body prepared to defend itself.
"I want you to know that I'm sorry about what happened in Johannesburg."
"Are you trying to tell me you had nothing to do with it?"
"I had no idea. I swear but I need your help."
"I'm listening." Tony wondered if he could get any vital information from him.
"My nephew, my sisters child, has been taken hostage. I tried to pay the ransom but they doubled the price. I don't know who else to turn to."
"You have a lot of nerve." Tony thought, knowing that these men obviously worked for him, or visa versa.
"Please Mr Almeida. Let's try to be civilised about this, a boys life is at stake." 'Boy' Tony wondered how old he was but after all that happened, this wasn't his fight and he'd already made a promise to Michelle. He looked at her, thankfully unaware of what was going on.
"I'm sorry but I'm not interested. I have concerns of my own right now least of which is the health of my wife, you understand." Hoping Delton got the hidden message.
"I'd be very grateful." Delton insisted, "There may even be a way for me to help, your wife I mean."
"I'm sorry. I can't. You understand." Tony knew that whatever he promised would only dig them in deeper. It wasn't worth the risk.
"I never pictured you for the guy who'd walk away."
"We'll I guess you don't know everything there is to know about me then."
"I guess not." Delton's reply was cold, "I'll just have to work this one out on my own." Tony hung up the phone and looked at Michelle, still searching through the notes with a keen eye. She rubbed a hand into the muscle at the back of her neck as she turned the page, trying to relieve the tension. Tony moved over behind her and started to massage her shoulders.
"Hmm." She said pleased, "That's feels so good."
"You've had enough for one day."
"I'm fine. Who was that?"
"Delton."
"Delton!" Michelle sat up straight. "What did he want?"
"His nephew had been taken hostage. He wanted me to go rescue him."
"I hope you told him to go to hell."
"Well not in so many words." Grinning at her spirit.
"Do you still think he's behind the hit?"
"I'm not sure. But if he isn't he knows who is." Michelle relaxed a little and Tony continued massaging her shoulders. As her muscles relaxed Michelle felt the wave of exhaustion overcome her.
"Michelle?" Tony asked concerned as he wiped the tear from her eyes.
"It's nothing."
"Uh huh?"
"I just want this all to be over. You know Mrs Higgins said something to me earlier which is starting to make sense."
"She did?"
"She said 'Cherish today because there will be enough time for sorrow tomorrow'"
"She's a wise old woman."
"I can't live another day like this Tony. Sacred about what might happen. Haven't we had our fair share already."
"I promise I'll fix this Michelle. You have my word."
"We'll fix this. We're in this together."
"Michelle." He went to protest.
"I want this baby more than anything, you know that, but not if it means loosing you. I won't make that choice, I can't so I'm with you, by your side, whatever happens."
"Michelle…"
"Promise me Tony, no more secrets."
"I promise." He said, kissing her tears. She waved her fingers through his hair as he leaned in and kissed her,
"Make love to me Tony."
"Michelle…"
"No more fear remember. I don't know what tomorrow brings but I don't want to regret not holding you when I wanted to, needed to." His body betraying him as it signalled he wanted her too. Tomorrow there was a good chance that things would become a lot more complicated, even dangerous, if the worst did happen he wanted the memory of their last night together to be a pleasant one. He didn't say a word, he just continued to kiss her gently as he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom.
"Who does he think he is?" Delton ranted as he stormed around his office, furious that Tony wasn't going to play his game.
"I take it he refused your offer." His assistant Jeremy Stutter confirmed as he stood there waiting for his next orders.
"Impertinent little bastard. We'll see."
"Jeremy."
"Yes sir."
"I need you to do something for me."
"Yes sir."
"If Tony Almeida thinks he can say no to me then we'll just have to sweeten the pot."
"Sir?"
"Make him an offer he can't refuse."
"Yes sir. What did you have in mind?"
"Bring me their files."
"Right here sir." Jeremy said handing them over. Delton looked through them, smiling as certain details caught his eye. "Yes. Perfect."
"Indeed."
"Action this right away."
"Yes sir." Jeremy grinned as he went about completing his task.