Ch 22 Revenge Note: Sorry for the delay in posting …enjoy this LAST chapter

Birkhoff adjusted the bandage over his knuckles and stretched his stiff fingers. Wincing slightly, he glanced down at his dress shirt, reaching around his back to tuck it into his belt. Clearing his throat and glancing at Alex's profile, he tried to prepare himself for what was about to happen. She looked up and met his gaze, her dark red lips curling toward a smile as her eyes traveled over his face like a caress.

"Don't worry," she reassured him, reaching for his hand. "You look great."

"I wish I hadn't shaved," he admitted, squeezing her cold fingers. "I'm dressed like some sort of Wall Street executive, for God's sake."

She swallowed a giggle and pressed against his side. "It'll grow back," she answered, eyeing his cut and styled hair. "To be honest, I kind of like the look."

He frowned, studying her expression. "Oh no you don't—don't go getting any ideas about reforming me," he warned. "I only agreed to clean up for the sake of the interviews and debriefing."

"Well you clean up nicely, Birkhoff."

"Yeah right," he muttered, "gotta look good for the upcoming confrontation, too."

She gasped in mock horror. "You don't mean you dressed up for Amanda?"

"Hell no," he groaned, tensing when they heard the metallic grate of bars clanging down the hall. He turned his head to stare down the long corridor, waiting until he saw four guards coming toward them, escorting an orange clad woman whose hands and ankles were bound with chains. Smiling sarcastically, he touched Alex's waist. "And here she comes now."

Cringing inwardly, he watched as Amanda lifted her head and met his gaze with a smug expression. Secretly gladdened by her makeup-free face and frizzy hair, he wondered how on earth she managed without all her cosmetics, heels and designer clothing. Her eyes lit up as she took note of Alex, and she smiled in challenge as she was escorted to within ten feet of where they stood.

"She hasn't changed a bit," Alex sighed, leaning her head upon his shoulder.

As she was escorted into the room opposite them, a different guard approached them. "Mr. and Mrs. Birkhoff?" he greeted them, gesturing toward the other door. "Come with me, please."

Following him into the room they glanced toward the place where Amanda was seated, flanked by her guards. Facing a table of three distinguished looking corrections officials, she lifted her chin with calm acceptance. His lawyer, Malcolm Yates eyed them without expression as they took their seats.

"And her majesty's royal court is now in session," Birkhoff said under his breath. Alex squeezed his thigh and shifted closer. He lifted his good arm and curled it around her shoulders. She pressed into his side, distracting him with her closeness and fragrance.

As the hearing was called to order he forced himself to concentrate, despite the long summarization of the charges and review process filled with legal mumbo jumbo. Amanda glanced his way with a gaze like liquid nitrogen, her lips pinched with anger. He forced a smile and shifted his attention back just in time for the conclusions.

"Based on the intricacies and long list of the accused's crimes, which span two decades and encompass an international scope," the man seated in the middle stated, "the board has decided to expedite your processing and formal extradition to face prosecution and sentencing. This concludes our review and this hearing. Good day."

Birkhoff shot to his feet. "Wait a second—you can't just let her go!" he objected, ignoring the guard who came to his side and touched his arm.

Amanda turned her head and smiled coolly at him, her brows suspended in protest.

"Mr. Birkhoff, I'm afraid the board has already decided—"

"She'll slip through their fingers before anyone's even noticed!" he shouted despite his lawyer's shake of the head. "Don't you people realize you've got the female equivalent of Mengele and Himmler sitting here?"

"Mr. Birkhoff our decision has been made," the chairman stated. "Though we realize the severity of what you've suffered—"

"She smashed my hand with a hammer and was going to lobotomize me!" he shouted, pulling against the guard's hold. "And now you're just gonna let her go?"

"I'm afraid the nature of her crimes is beyond our jurisdiction and scope. But I will allow you to speak briefly with her in private, with guards present—I'll give you five minutes."

Trying to control his anger he shook off the guard's hold and nodded. "Alright."

They waited for the board members to leave while Amanda got to her feet, eyeing him with a bored expression. He walked up to her, eyeing the guards who averted their gazes. Staring her down, he only succeeded in making her look amused.

He leaned closer. "You're sick," he said in a low voice, pointing a finger at her. "You need deep therapy, not to mention a few years of hard labor."

"I wouldn't judge, Seymour," she scolded as if talking to a child. "You were the one who betrayed Division, which hired you to perform a service to your country."

"Don't talk to me about serving my country!" he ground out.

She chuckled, shaking her head. "You're a pathetic excuse for a man, and should be the one standing here in chains."

"Yeah well you're a pathetic excuse for a shrink, you know that?" he shot back. "I wish you could just feel a fraction of the pain you caused me and countless others."

"Go ahead," she challenged, lifting her chin. "Take your best shot, Seymour—though I doubt you're man enough to do anything."

He stared at her, tempted but keeping to his rule never to hit a woman. Not even Amanda, though she certainly deserved it.

"Alex, let's get out of here," he said in disgust, turning away. He started for the door, pausing when Alex moved into the position he'd vacated.

"He's too much of a gentleman to hit you," she said sweetly, tilting her head to study Amanda's cool expression.

"Come on, sweetheart," he encouraged, waving dismissively at Amanda. "She's not worth it."

Just then Alex reared back and swung, planting her fist in the center of Amanda's stomach. Gasping in surprise and outrage, she doubled over as the guards eyed Alex in amazement. She wheezed, trying to catch her breath while Alex smiled.

"But I'm no gentleman," she chimed, brushing her hands as if finished with performing a dirty job. "That was for my husband… Rot in hell."

At that she turned and walked to his side, as he studied her in surprise, then Amanda, who drew a huge breath as she was pulled up then escorted out.

He slid his hand low around her hip, smiling down at her. "Wow," he breathed, "that was amazing, Princess."

She gripped his arm and rose to her toes, kissing his cheek. "Thought you'd like it..it was the least I could do for you."

"Oh I wanted to punch her," he admitted, walking her back down the corridor in the opposite direction. "I had all I could do to restrain myself. But thanks—I appreciate you stepping in."

"My pleasure," she sighed. "I'm thankful the guards didn't protest."

"You kiddin?" he chuckled. "They were all eyes, watching you."

They met his lawyer at the lobby. "Uh oh," he moaned, glancing down at her. "Looks like I've got more papers to sign."

"You're almost done," he reassured them, smiling as they came up to him. "You punch her?"

Birkhoff sighed and shook his head. "No—I was brought up to respect women, even if they don't deserve it."

"I just need a few more signatures before you go," Malcolm insisted, handing over the file folder. He glanced at Alex. "Make sure he reviews and signs everything during your red eye, ok?"

"Will do," she nodded, following Birkhoff into the waiting room.

He sat down and examined the documents, scanning and signing them before he handed them back. "We done now?" he asked, frowning at the folder Alex clutched to her chest.

"For now," Malcolm nodded. "Did you debrief with the Department?"

"Yeah—it took all morning," he said, getting up and draping his arm over Alex's shoulders as they turned to leave.

"How's the hand?" Malcolm remembered as they stepped out into the sunny afternoon.

"Getting there," he stated, flexing his fingers. "Still a little nerve damage but hopefully it will regenerate. Hey, thanks for all your help man."

"No problem—my bill's in the mail," Malcolm chuckled. "How long's your flight?"

"Six hours."

"Well, have a good one. You can express mail the trust and estate forms to me when you've finished."

"Alright, thanks for getting everything together for us."

"No trouble at all," Malcolm smiled. "Have a good flight, and enjoy the house hunting, ok?"

Birkhoff waved his good hand as Alex unlocked the car. "We will…thanks again."

Malcolm waved and headed off toward his own car. Climbing into the car, Birkhoff glanced at Alex. "I'm glad that's finally over."

"Yeah me too," she admitted, putting on her sunglasses. "Ready to go?"

"More than ready," he agreed, settling back. Leaning his head on the head rest, he eyed her soberly. "So ends the final chapter of our saga."

"Now it's off to another galaxy," she smiled, backing up the car. "Hold on valiant warrior—ship's about to take off."

She backed out of the space and shifted, burning rubber as she started off. "That's my princess," he laughed, eyeing the empty road ahead. "The Rebellion forces finally disperse and head home, hopefully for the last time."

"You can bet on it," she smiled, driving onto the highway and heading for the airport.

"I'm looking forward to the future, now that we actually have one," he sighed, reaching for her hand. She laced her fingers through his as he settled their hands atop his thigh. "Thanks for being part of it."

She glanced at him with a tiny smile. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

EPILOGUE

Gathering Nathan close, he slowly got up, eyeing Alex intently. Her news still hadn't completely registered, still leaving him with a sense of disbelief and wonder. As if sensing his regard she looked up from her notes and met his gaze, her expression softening to a beautiful glow. Her eyes dropped to the sleepy little boy in his arms.

"I'm putting him to bed," he whispered, cradling his son's head against the base of his neck. She nodded, watching him climb the stairs to the bedroom.

Gently laying him down, he lifted the blanket and covered him up. Nathan snuggled against his pillow, his thumb automatically going to his mouth. He sighed in sleepy content as Birkhoff gently patted his shoulder. Then he leaned down and kissed the top of his head. Marveling at the gift of his son, he stood studying him a moment, feeling a deep sense of peace settle inside him. Reaching over, he turned on the monitor and smiled as Nathan dragged his teddy bear close.

"'Night, little man," he whispered, turning and heading for the stairs. When he reached the last step Alex set aside her work and looked up, her eyes inviting. Her skin had that peachy which made her look even more desirable. Then he realized it was the glow of motherhood, one he should have recognized again.

"He settle down?" she asked as he came and sat next to her.

"Yeah…he was already half asleep," he sighed, gathering her against his side and kissing her temple. "Kid's a champion sleeper too, thank God."

She chuckled, laying her head on his shoulder. "He wanted bedtime earlier, after being up so late last night."

He stared down into her eyes, slowly lifting a hand to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. She lifted her face for his kiss, then he gently slid his hand low over her stomach. "How's our little one doing?"

She studied him a moment, then smiled gloriously, planting her hand over his. "Coming along nicely, I think…why?"

He shrugged. "It was just a polite question about your condition."

She looked skeptical. "Which you've barely acknowledged up until now."

He looked thoughtful. "I guess I'm coming to terms with it," he smiled. "You do have that motherly glow about you."

"Motherly glow?" she chuckled, shaking her head. "That's not very romantic."

"Romance? You want romance?" he smiled, kissing her lips hesitantly. "Actually, now that you mention it—"

"I knew it," she laughed, shoving him away.

He knew her teasing mannerisms well and quickly pulled her into his arms. She breathed a contented sigh as he quickly lost himself in her kiss. Leaning back, he drew her over him and closed his eyes while the magic between them built. In five years of married life their passion for each other had only grown and matured. As she teased him with her kisses he slowly became aware of a sound, his mind registering the approach of a car. His hands stilled in her hair and she even lifted her head, listening to the engine die.

"Someone's here," she whispered, dipping her head to kiss the underside of his jaw. He stiffened when three raps hit the door.

"Please God, no!" he moaned, slowly disengaging himself when more knocks followed. She got up and followed him to the door, waiting while he checked the security camera and smiled.

"Well what do you know," he sighed, opening the door.

Michael stood there with Nikita, a sheepish expression on his face as Nikita lifted her hand and flashed a diamond toward them. Alex glanced at it, eye Michael's stoic expression and squealed with delight. Rushing into Nikita's embrace, she squealed with delight as Nikita laughed happily.

Birkhoff leaned forward and extended his hand, which Michael clasped gently, a frown creasing his brow.

"It's fine," Birkhoff reassured him, squeezing his hand as tightly as he could. They shook almost as firmly as he'd done in the past before the injury Amanda had inflicted. It seemed his months of therapy had finally paid off.

"How are you both?" Michael greeted them, throwing him an embarrassed smile as Nikita disengaged herself and stared at him with a joyful expression.

"Hey Nerd," she beamed as he held out his arms.

"Hey yourself," he chuckled, hugging her as she gripped him warmly. They stayed that way longer than he felt comfortable with, then she stepped back and gripped Michael's arm.

"Can we come in?" she teased, a light in her eyes as she eyed him and Alex both.

"'course," he replied, draping his arm over Alex's shoulders as they moved aside for them to pass.

Michael whistled low as he entered and looked around. "Nice place."

"This is amazing!" Nikita gushed, glancing around but focusing on them once he'd shut the door. "Hey you guys look great—but where's Mini Nerd?"

"He went to bed early," Alex laughed as Birkhoff shook his head. "His name's Nathan, remember it."

"Can we get you anything?" Alex offered, her fingers tugging the back of his belt.

"No, thanks," Nikita waved, sitting down next to Michael.

"Yeah, we had dinner in the city," Michael nodded. "Thought we'd come up just to say hello. I promise we won't stay late."

"That's fine," he waved, feeling suddenly embarrassed by Nikita's frank stare.

"How's the hand?" she asked, eyeing it intently. "Looks a lot better than the last time we saw it."

"It's healed up pretty well," he admitted, eyeing her back as his expression sobered. "We ok?"

"Of course we are," she insisted, smiling in relief. "You're better, and you and Alex are finally together for good so everything's fine. We're practically family, right?"

He nodded. "Yeah, always have been."

"And when will you two make yourselves legal?" Alex wanted to know, meeting her husband's silent regard.

Birkhoff kept thinking of what they'd interrupted when they arrived, sending her a look of promise for later.

"We already did," Nikita admitted, turning the plain band below her diamond ring before she held up her hand again. "We tied the knot on November 20th."

"Great," Birkhoff smiled, eyeing the both. "Congratulations, and it's about time."

"Thanks—we even bought a house in Vail," Michael stated, leaning back and looking more relaxed. "Business is good too—I never have to wear a suit to go to work. Or leave, for that matter."

"Man I'm jealous," Birkhoff admitted, running a hand through his hair. "Justice Department insists on suits and ties whenever I have to appear in the main office. It's really an annoyance."

"You in a suit?" Nikita smirked, covering her mouth. "Sorry—I'm used to seeing you in skater sweats, jeans and sneakers."

"He looks amazing cleaned up," Alex sighed happily, shooting him a warm look of appreciation. "I don't even need a GQ issue to enjoy the latest fashions."

"You're looking pretty great yourself," Nikita smiled, as if knowing their secret.

"It's the glow of motherhood," Birkhoff teased, knowing Alex hated being fussed over. She stuck her tongue out at him in protest. "It's true—you glow with health, your hair gets thicker and softer and your skin is—"

"I think they get the picture, honey," Alex interrupted, blushing profusely.

"You two are so cute together," Nikita said, shaking her head. "I guess Michael and I were wrong in thinking it'd never last."

"Yeah, sorry about that," Michael sighed. "I'll admit I was judgmental and critical. Forgive me?"

"All is forgiven," Birkhoff stated, sitting opposite them. Alex settled at his side, pressing close. "So, catch us up on everything you've been doing."

"Yes," Alex agreed, taking his hand in hers.

Half listening to Michael and Nikita share their news, Birkhoff was distracted by the feel of Alex's leg against his and the gentle fragrance of her hair. He felt impatient for what they'd interrupted, telling himself he was being selfish even though he couldn't help how he hungered for Alex's touch. He'd just gotten back from a weekend trip and they had yet to be together, but listening to the sound of Nathan turning over in his sleep he felt himself calm down. Picturing his son's expression in sleep, he felt a sense of contentment and was thankful for what the changes in his life.

He had a beautiful wife and a good marriage, a healthy and intelligent son and another child on the way. He worked from home most of the time but was responsible for a staff of 20 agents, and only had to fly to Washington quarterly to brief his superiors and sit through additional meetings. His father was coming for a visit in a month and would be bringing his sister and her daughter, and he looked forward to seeing her after all these years. They had a long way to go toward being a family again, but he felt that somehow they'd find their way.

As he glanced over at Alex and thought of his own growing family he marveled at how far they'd come, not without their own hurdles and conflicting schedules. Her children's book was almost ready for release, and she was already working on the next one for her contract. And she had his full support.

"Family comes first," he agreed with Michael, glad to learn that he'd finally won full custody for his son Max and that he and Nikita were finished with the adoption process.

Michael nodded curtly while Nikita smiled warmly at them, content for once in her own little world.

Alex eyed him, lifting her hand to his cheek as he bent his head to gently kiss her lips. "That's right," she breathed, looking back at Nikita and Michael. "Don't ever let anything else come before that."

Nikita nodded. "I can see you've made it work, both of you."

"You guys belong together," Birkhoff agreed, nodding with conviction. "Anybody can see that."

"I agree," Alex sighed, scrunching up her nose. "But the real adventure starts when you have a kid."

"Oh yeah," he snorted at the stern look crossing Michael's face. "I can see it now, Michael—you and Nikita with four kids, one hanging off each limb—priceless."

Nikita threw him an insulted look while Michael sobered even more. Alex looked at him, then back at Nikita and Michael. Suddenly they all laughed.

I hope you've enjoyed this story – please review this final section— I do look forward to your comments so much! Let's hope that "Nikita "will continue to enrich our lives as its characters live on
in our memories.

c. 2012 by Christine Levitt

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