Disclaimer: I don't own Burn Notice or any of the characters featured in this story.

A/N Many thanks to bcmom, FMSMandi, coolaquarium, angiepie111, bnlove, kathykat101, and PurdysPal for their wonderful reviews.

When you're a spy you learn to separate your emotions from your work. You learn to detach yourself from your loved ones to save them from the dangers associated with working for the Government. This doesn't always work.

Mike straightened the collar of his shirt and took a deep breath. Giving himself the once over he made his way down the stairs of his loft back to the main living area where his mother and Sam were anxiously awaiting his appearance. Maddie smiled as she saw him hop skip and jump down the last few steps. She wandered over to him and straightened his collar. Michael smirked at the un-needed attention she had given his shirt.

"You look so much better Michael. I'm glad you came to your senses."

"Thanks Ma. So what were you two whispering about just then?" Michael enquired as he swept his keys and phone off the counter-top.

"Hey Nothing Mikey. Jesse called when you were in the shower about a job." Sam blurted following his reply with a swig of his beer. Michael eyed him up suspiciously "And you need my mom involved?"

"No this job calls more for the Michael Westen touch, but uh well your Mom and I are a little concerned about well, lets say your focus at the moment."

"Sam, I know I have a lot to deal with at the moment, but I have to say it a job might be what I need to get my head straight."

"Michael you need to take some time" Madeline started, but Michael interrupted swiftly "Ma, I'm fine, this is what I need." He turned his attention to Sam "You think you can meet me at Carlito's after I've been to see Fi?"

"Sure thing Brother" Sam Chirped, raising his beer to Michael in agreement.

Michael leant into his mother and pecked her cheek. "Thanks Ma" and he turned to leave.

"Your welcome. Oh Michael?!"

"Yes Ma?"

"Aren't you gonna take anything with you. For Fiona I mean."

"it's a federal prison Ma. I can't take anything in there"

"What you can't take a few photos or something?" Madeline questioned looking from Michael to Sam.

"Yeah he could but Fi doesn't strike me as the type to get all sentimental about photographs."

"No but, Ma's right. She's got some photos here of her Mom and Dad and Family in Ireland here somewhere" Michael paused. "Um can you guys take a walk out on the balcony?"

"Sure. You ok brother?"

"Yeah Fi's hiding place for stuff she likes to keep that Private you know"

"Sure thing"

The best hiding places are easy to get to but tough to find. Hollowing out the wood behind a door hinge is a great place for something you want to keep hidden, a screwdriver and the minimal amount of elbow grease allows you easy access but in a place that is hard for the untrained to find.

Michael unscrewed the hinge from the door frame and retrieved the belongings inside. He was sure Fiona wouldn't mind. He sifted through the items; a few fake ID's, her real passport, her birth certificate and some photographs. He stared at the first photo he came across it was Fiona; her arms wrapped around a younger red-head version of herself. Her head was thrown back mid – laughter. It felt like it had been an age since he had seen her enchanting smile. He missed the Irish glint in her eye that was ignited only by the promise of the use C4 in abundance. The sound of Sam's laughter coming from the balcony re-focused him to the job at hand. He put the photos to one-side and quickly shoved back the remaining items back into their hiding place. When the remaining screw had been tightened he sifted through the pictures. He stopped at the last one in the pile; it was different to the rest. He knew instantly what it was. The monochromatic design was enough to give it away, but he still looked to the name and date in the top right hand corner to confirm his suspicion. Michael's heart became heavy, he felt the emotion beginning to show in his eyes and let out a groan. He took his eyes away from the picture and roughly dragged his palm across his mouth. Taking his gaze back to the photograph he rubbed his thumb across the image trying make out the features before him. He was suddenly startled by his Mothers presence in the room, in a fluster he gathered the pictures and stuffed them into his breast pocket.

"Michael are you done I need to pee"

"Yes,Yeah sorry. I'll see u later"

Michael gave his mother his most fake smile and with greatest of ease slid on his signature shades before entering the Miami afternoon heat.