Birkhoff stood, leaning forward over his seat as he pulled up ShadowStalker. With a click he sent out the video request, strolling away from the computer to his desk as he waited for Alicia to accept it. He picked through a few of the random tech components that littered the desk, before sighing and shaking his head. It'd been quite some time since he'd last been able to whip up some interesting gadget. The best part of his job was when he was able to design something, and lately there'd been no need for his creative skills. No, everything was just another task he had to complete. Getting information and being a cyber king was all fine and dandy but sometimes he just felt like tinkering with components or writing new programs, not dealing with data that already existed. If he ever agreed with Amanda when she said he had a god-complex it would only be in reference in his need to create.
He gave the table a sour look before meandering back to the computer set up. Alicia hadn't answered the request, and as he settled into his computer chair he idly pulled up the elevator feeds. With a few strokes of the keys he had the feed running through one of his programs searching for visitors. It wasn't like her not to answer the call when her laptop was clearly on. Birkhoff already knew she hadn't left for the day. She'd told him just that morning that she planned on relaxing in her apartment to keep her head clear until he called on her next. They had no idea what the Operation, their first assignment together as a Team, would entail. All Birkhoff had been able to find out was that it would be today.
Well, that was until an hour ago. Michael had finally disclosed which Operation the Team had been given, and Birkhoff wanted give Alicia the skinny on the details. She'd filled him in on the developments in the dragon lady's little pet project. Knowing what Amanda had concocted as an approach both enraged and amused him at the same time. The woman was pure evil, and the depth of her twisted little mind games were constantly reaching new levels of crazy. Instead of locking him off and picking at his brain, which he was beyond thankful wasn't the case, she had orchestrated these crazy shenanigans. He couldn't help but wonder how things would have gone if it hadn't been for Alicia.
There was no unusual traffic in the apartment complex, and he closed out of the program to pull up her tracker. ShadowStalker continued to request a call on the center monitor, even as he turned his attention to the leftmost one. A few typed commands and Birkhoff had her tracker activated, quickly displaying her location as her apartment. Ignoring the text he opted instead for a map view, zooming in until he pinpointed her position in the living room. He'd always been through, and now was no different. With fingers dancing on the keys he went through the routine he'd quickly acquired ever since his first rendezvous over at her apartment.
Once he was satisfied that she was alone and in close proximity to the laptop her returned to the chat program and cancelled the request. Whatever Alicia was doing must have had her attention, and he unfortunately wasn't a patient man. He had to give her a heads up on the Op before she was called in. Amanda had ordered a progress update once a week from Alicia, and she was due for her next update tonight. Birkhoff trusted in Alicia's acting abilities, but it didn't come as naturally for him. It wasn't hard to keep their working relationship kosher, but throw in Amanda's little scheme and things were a little more complicated.
While he'd hoped he wouldn't have to resort to it he decided now was the time if ever. With a few keystrokes he had remote access to her laptop and was greeted with her image on his screen. A sly smile crept onto his face as he took her in. Alicia sat in the corner of the L shaped couch, legs tucked to the side and a book open in her lap. Her green eyes were focused on the pages, a serene look on her face as she read. She reached up, tucking a stray hair back behind her ear before turning the page. His eyes scanned over her, taking in the oversized sweater she wore. The neck hung low, draped over one shoulder and he wished he was there next to her instead of stuck behind a screen.
Deciding it was time to stop staring at her while she sat unaware that he could see her, he leaned forward in his seat and clicked open the com link. "Paging Agent Alicia," he said in a serious tone. Her body tensed at his voice, gaze breaking away from the book to flicker instead around the empty apartment. "Paging Agent Alicia," he repeated, a wry grin on his face, "you have a call on line one."
She'd been in the middle of reading when Birkhoff's voice startled her out of her reserve. Just when she thought she'd imagined it, his voice came again. Her eyes darted over to the open laptop, blinking in surprise at Birkhoff's amused expression on her screen. "Birkhoff?" she asked, flabbergasted at the sight.
The man smiled, watching as she slung her legs over the couch, scooting over on the couch to be situated behind the laptop. "Hey there sunshine," he greeted her playfully, "good book?"
"You-" she stopped shaking her head. Alicia had been caught up in her book, and she knew that she hadn't started up the chat program. She also hadn't accepted any form of a request. "You could have accessed my webcam at any time, couldn't you?" Alicia asked, slightly taken aback.
"Is that a surprise?" Birkhoff asked, enjoying her expression. Spying in on people unnoticed was something he did on a daily basis. It was a necessary part of his job. Still, he was thankful that she didn't appear to be upset at this revelation. Up until now he'd limited checking in on her to the Division issued camera in the keypad to the elevator. He'd never had a reason to patch through directly to her laptop before; she'd always accepted the request.
It honestly wasn't, and she a small laugh of disbelief at the man. "Truthfully I'm more surprised you haven't popped in on me before now," Alicia admitted. She knew firsthand just how easily Seymour could hijack and manipulate feeds. It was part of what made her feel safe enough to let her guard down in the apartment. Her first three weeks away from Division had been torture. Every night she'd go to bed only to wake from nightmares feeling like she had to run. She had to keep reminding herself that no one was after her and that she was free now. The night Birkhoff kissed her was the first night she'd slept soundly. Knowing the genius hacker was watching over her made her feel secure.
"I like making you click accept," he confessed with a smirk.
"And yet you also included a reject option," she smiled, "how polite."
"I have my moments," Birkhoff chuckled. Her casual teasing was something he loved. She understood his sense of humor, unlike the bland idiots at Division, and he shared in hers. Better yet was how completely she'd let her guard down around him. He didn't know when his had fallen, but he knew he could trust Alicia. The feeling was new, and he couldn't explain it, but just felt right. "Sorry to interrupt your reading toots, but I've got the specs of our Op."
This had her attention, and she slipped a bookmark into her book before setting it aside. "I'm all ears," Alicia settled into the couch, getting comfortable across from the open laptop. She made no attempt to hide her curiosity. Michael had informed them that they'd be having their first Operation as a new team. Amanda had been tickled pink when she had learned that Alicia had commandeered the mission Samson was on and Birkhoff had jumped in to assist. It hadn't been planned, but it sure had helped for the one she did have.
"It's a simple three man Op; perfect for our new Team status," he grimaced, raking a hand through his tousled chestnut hair. Having Samson as the third member of their team was infuriating. Birkhoff didn't like the Agent for a handful of reasons, but it wouldn't do any good to voice his opposition to the arrangement just yet. "You'll provide a sexy distraction while Samson infiltrates," Birkhoff gave her the low down on the basics of the Operation.
"What's the primary objective?" Alicia questioned. She knew she'd get all the details during briefing, but the more she knew now the more planning she could do. It was no longer as simple as completing a mission and giving Division her all. Every step of the way she had to keep in mind Amanda's little plan. Alicia had to treat the assignment like she would any other, and she wasn't the type of person to do anything half assed.
"We're after a list of potential targets. The guy you'll be seducing is a gun for hire, nothing impressive. What we're going for is the data on the laptop he swiped during his latest job. You keep the trigger finger busy so Samson can get to the hardware. He'll have to manually grant me access so I can work my magic from back in Operations," Birkhoff reached for his energy drink and took a big swig.
Alicia smiled, glad that it was an undemanding Operation. Keeping someone occupied was something she could easily do, and Birkhoff's role presented an opportunity. "So, ready to wow me with your skills Shadow Walker?" she teased.
Birkhoff had to admit that after getting over the initial insult of Amanda's plan he had seen the upside of it all. Now he could show Alicia just what he was capable of. Assignment or no assignment, he loved the way Alicia was always so interested in his work. When she'd filled him in on the details she had been annoyed that she'd have to act impartial to him, but openly admitted she was excited to have an excuse to see his skills in action. "Always," he shot back with playful grin.
"I have to send an update to Amanda tonight, think this Op will give me something to work with?" she asked curiously. Birkhoff hadn't given much information on what exactly he'd be doing, but she had a feeling it would make good use of his computer expertise.
"Oh I think we can do better than that," there was a mischievous sparkling to his navy eyes as he leaned towards the screen. "What do you say we bump into each other in the hall after dragon lady's done playing dress up? I have a bone to pick with her now that Samson's been dumped on me," as he spoke a smile was growing on her face, "and I bet a pretty little thang like you could talk me down."
His idea was perfect, and just what they needed. Before the pair could take advantage of being able to go out in public together they first had to reach that step. "Maybe I can practice my seduction techniques on you," she purred, playfully batting her eyelashes.
"I have heard practice makes perfect," Birkhoff shot back, scooting forward a little in his seat. His eyes flickered over her, lingering on the fair skin of her legs. It had been a few weeks since he'd last been able to visit her at home, and he had a feeling that a visit was long overdue. If the way his heart skipped a beat when he met her eyes was any indication of how quickly she could rile him up, he couldn't even imagine what this Op would do to him. "It's going to be weird," he admitted, "watching you from Operations again."
Alicia realized what he was talking about. She'd forgotten that she was going to be seducing another man while her boyfriend watched. "It's been a while since I've had you in my ear," she added with a little distracted nod.
He picked up on it easily, making sure to catch her eyes before she could let them flicker away. "It's not a bedroom mission," Birkhoff assured her, "you'll be in a club."
"Doesn't change the fact I'll have another guy all over me," she huffed.
"I don't like it any more than you do sweetcheeks," he pointed out, frowning.
Alicia shook her head, giving a little stressed laugh. "That's the whole problem. It's no fun for me, but I don't care about that. What bothers me," she admitted, "is that you have to watch it all. This may be my first relationship, but even I know usually when your girl kisses another guy you dump her."
"Well most girls aren't part of a top secret organization that's making them do it," Birkhoff pointed out with a little smile. While he wasn't looking forward to watching another guy check out his girl, he was more worried about her. One look at the disgruntled expression she wore and he knew he had to reassure her. "Babe, it's your job. You know that and I know that. I'm not about to hold it against you."
"Doesn't stop me from feeling guilty," she sighed.
"About what? I have the easy part. All I have to do is watch and keep the Operation in mind. You're the one who has to act interested in some bozo," he grimaced. He'd never considered what it would feel like to have to feign attraction to someone you couldn't stand. In fact, there were a lot of things about Division that had never bothered him before he'd met Alicia. "How do you do it?" Birkhoff asked, unable to refrain from asking.
Alicia took in his image on her screen, filing it away in her mind. After she did she couldn't help but give a little smile. "I used to spend all of my time at the library. It was my home away from the hellhole I was supposed to call home. My nose was always buried in one book or another, and I'd always picture myself as the character. When I went on the run it was the best six years of my life. Every week I could be a new person, and I could be anyone that I wanted to be. I got so good at being anyone but myself that it started to lose its fun. So," Alicia paused, an almost dreamy expression crossing her face, "I started to picture everything as a story. People were just characters and I could make them what I wanted. With next to no effort I just pretend people are what I want them to be."
Birkhoff listened with interest, her explanation giving him more insight on who she was. "The power of imagination, huh?" he mused. He idly wondered if that was how she was able to be so happy around him. He had thought he was breaking down her walls, but the possibility that she'd painted him as someone else in her mind scared him.
"Yeah," she agreed with a little nod. For a minute they were silent, just staring at each other's image on their screens. A thought occurred to her as she took in his face. "Can I ask you something?"
"Only if I can ask you something," he responded easily.
She tilted her head, a few waves of her hair falling over bared shoulder. "What is it?"
"You first," he smiled, picking up the energy drink and taking a swig.
It took her a second to decide how to ask. "You were seventeen when you joined Division," she started slowly, "and you've been in for fifteen years. Have the rules always been the same?"
Birkhoff hadn't expected this question, and he quirked a brow. "Yeah, things at Division are pretty much unchanging. Same dance different day. Why?" he asked, curious as to what lead to her question.
"Well, I just realized you basically grew up in Division," Alicia muttered feeling a little silly where she was leading with this. His look told her to go on, so she swallowed the embarrassment and decided to get it over with. "Have you ever been in a relationship before?" she managed to get the question out. It felt odd to ask. She didn't see how he could have with the rules the way they were, and yet she couldn't picture him as being as inexperienced in it as she was. The way he so naturally knew how to handle her was that of someone who knew women.
The question threw him off for a moment. He gave her a dubious look before running a hand through his shaggy hair. "There's been a few over the years," he managed to get out before shaking his head to clear it, trying to decide how to answer better. "Well, in the way that Division allows them. Action is fine," Birkhoff explained, "but connection is a no-no."
Alicia gave a little nod. It had been the answer she'd been expecting, but it didn't make her feel any better. "Why now?" she asked, once more unable to keep it in. What she really wanted to ask was why me? When Amanda had said he wouldn't be able to resist her, the little thought of him having a type popped into her mind. He had referred to her looks when she asked why he would ever want her. Division was filled with attractive people, so why should just another pretty face mean anything to him?
On his screen was a beautiful girl, his beautiful girl, and the spark of doubt in those emerald eyes confounded him. He couldn't understand how she could possibly be insecure about why he was with her. As much as he'd like to chalk it up to being a genius he knew that, unlike the character she would play for Amanda's assignment, there was more to it than that for her. She seemed to like him and though he didn't understand it, he wasn't about to reject it. "Because none of them were you," he answered simply. He leaned forward, giving her a smile. "My turn," he paused, taking in the way she prepared herself for the question, "what ya reading?"
She blinked, just as surprised by his playful question as he'd been about hers. One look at his smile and she felt oddly reassured. Her eyes flickered down to the book, before slowly raising to meet his, a smile growing on her lips as they did. "Romeo and Juliet," she lied easily. The way his thick brows rose, an almost panicked expression crossing his face, made her want to laugh. She made him suffer for a moment, letting him worry that she was one of those dreamy romantics, before she couldn't hold it in any more. The innocent smile she'd worn quickly turned to amusement as she laughed, eyes sparkling at his expression. "It's the Clockwork Vampire Chronicles," Alicia put him out of his misery, holding up the book.
He shook his head, chuckling at the enjoyment on her face. "A vampire book?" he asked, sounding a little unsure. There'd been a craze of vampire loving tweenies lately, and he desperately hoped Alicia wasn't one of them. Not that he had anything against vampires, but what the books depicted these days were closer to pixies than anything else. While she was nine years younger than him, he knew she was mature. After everything she'd been through, and was currently a part of, she'd lived more than any normal person three times her age.
"Vachines actually," she corrected him, "they're human machine hybrids that run off of a mix of blood and oil."
"It any good?" he asked, genuinely interested now. Birkhoff couldn't help but think about how it sounded like something he'd read. Unlike what Amanda may think of him, he did read more than just comic books.
Her eyes flickered down to the book in her hands, giving a nod as she smiled. "Machine integrated humans, medieval style bloodshed, a main hero who yields a double sided broad axe and to top it all off he has a kickass beard. Yeah," she laughed, "it's a good book."
It was his turn to laugh. If he didn't know better than Alicia was simply too good to be true. "So you like beards?" he asked, running his finger over his bare chin. Birkhoff had rocked one a few times, but he'd been keeping it clean for a year or two now.
Her phone chose moment to ring and Birkhoff watched as she turned, looking over her shoulder towards the kitchen. "Hold that thought," she held up a finger, giving him a sweet little smile. In a moment she was on her feet and his stalked her every move. The oversized sweater fell a quarter of the way down her otherwise bare legs, an image that made him lean in towards the screen. If there was anything he had to worry about tonight it was drooling over her. With his position at Division he saw many a sexy woman on a frequent basis; but Alicia beat them all hands down. She was something else and better yet she was his; regardless of the men he'd have to watch her seduce.
She had drawn her phone from her purse and was leaning against the island counter, talking on the cellphone. From behind his computer watched her, wondering who she was talking to. Whoever it was, it was taking longer than he'd expected it to. It wasn't until he saw her laugh that he decided to pull up her cellphone info on his righthand screen. When he read the number was assigned to Samson he grimaced, eyes returning to her image on the screen. That guy, he thought sourly, I do not like. Seymour didn't consider himself a jealous man, but he hated the young man's relationship with Alicia. The two were always together at recruits and now they were paired together once more to be part of Team, a Team that included Birkhoff.
When Alicia returned it was to perch on the couch in front of the laptop, giving him one of her famous smiles. "That was Samson," she filled him in without hesitation; "we were called in for briefing."
Seeing as she brought it up first he felt no need to hold in his question. "Isn't that Michael's job?" he asked curiously.
"He told Michael he'd let me know," Alicia responded. Before he could get upset at the man for doing that, she was distracting him with one of her playful smiles. "And beards can be sexy," she picked back up where they'd left off, "it's the man behind it and how well he wears it that counts."
"How about your man," Birkhoff smirked, "how would you feel about him having a little face fuzz?"
"I'll picture it while I'm pretending my target is you tonight," she responded with a teasing smile. "So I'll see you in the hall?"
He was still wearing the surprised grin from the first part as he nodded. "It's a date," Birkhoff shot back. He watched as she exited the program, ending the conversation.
The moment Birkhoff was no longer on her screen her fingers were flying on the keys. Learning Samson had her number had sent her into a little state of worry. Knowing that Birkhoff could access her computer any time it was on made her realize she couldn't skimp out on playing it safe. Biting her lower lip, she went through the process that she'd learned back as a recruit. It took her two tries before she got it right, and relaxed back into the couch. Thinking like her boyfriend, she had decided to take an extra precaution when it came to her laptop. If anyone logged in as her they'd be met with a second password screen; one that would wipe the hard drive if it wasn't given within twenty seconds. It gave her another idea and soon she had the cellphone plugged into the computer.
While she couldn't do the same trick for the phone, she figured she may as well play it a little safe. Any messages that she received from Birkhoff's personal number would time out twenty seconds after reading them. If for some reason anyone from Division got her hands on her phone there'd be no evidence of what his messages read. It made her feel more confident, even as she was dolled up by Amanda and informed of the spying she was supposed to be doing on the very man she was protecting. She stepped from the room, eyes flickering up to the camera in the hallway. She knew Birkhoff was waiting on the other side of it, seeing her transformation into a dolled up partygoer was complete. Any minute now he'd be meeting her in the hall as per arranged.
When Roan appeared around the corner, coning straight for her, she had to admit she was surprised. It was hidden from her face though, and she met the Cleaner with a welcoming smile. "Fancy seeing you here," Alicia greeted him playfully. She knew she had every reason to be afraid of the man, but she just couldn't manage it. If anything she was happy to run across him.
"I was looking for you," he responded, coming to a stop before her.
"Well I'm not dead yet so I take it I'm not in trouble," she responded casually. It was actually kind of comforting to know that a death by his hands would be quick. Roan wasn't the type of man to drag something out.
It was the same in conversation. He reached into his pocket withdrawing a knife sheath and held it out for her. "It's better quality than your current one," he informed her as she lifted it from his hand.
Alicia looked down at the black leather sheath for a second before withdrawing the weapon. In her hand was a ceramic combat knife, one that was much better than her current one. It was light and thin with a double edged blade coming to fine teeth near the shank. It fit perfectly in her grasp as she wielded it, giving a little swipe in the air. "Is it as deadly as it looks?" she asked with a smile, liking the feel of it already.
"They are manufactured by the same company as mine," he confirmed with a little nod.
"How do you think I'd hold up against those karambit blades of yours?" Alicia couldn't help, making a graceful swipe towards the man.
He reacted on impulse, easily avoiding her blade and donning his own in a heartbeat. Behind his glasses his cool blue eyes met hers, reading the playful expression quickly. While Roan hadn't intended to bring out his knives she hadn't responded in fear, which was new for him. Instead Alicia seemed to welcome it, making another graceful move for him. He countered it and quickly fell into step with her movements. For a minute he matched her, moving at the same pace as he mentally graded her skills. The girl wasn't as well trained as he was, but she was definitely skilled. If she were to have the proper instructor she would be quite the force to reckon with.
Roan understood her love of blades, for he too shared in it. They were more precise than a gun; and more personal. A kill with a knife was quieter, quicker and easier to surprise an enemy with. With her nimbleness and the fluidity of her movements it was the perfect weapon for the young woman. After taking not of her abilities he stopped holding back, and within another minute he had her back to the wall, blade to her throat. With face upturned, her striking green eyes held his gaze without blinking.
While she knew it had been a silly move on her part, engaging a killer like Roan, she had been confident that he wouldn't hurt her. Even as she felt the tingle of a sharp edge just a hair from her throat she couldn't stop the smile from tugging her lips upwards. "I figured as much," she responded slowly, the blade tickling as it brushed against her exposed skin.
He gave her a small respectful smile, ice blue eyes acknowledging that he was pleased at the lack of fear she showed him. He couldn't quite explain it, but he felt a small connection with the girl. While they would be considered polar opposites by everyone in Division, he knew that wasn't the case. Roan knew that Alicia was always playing a role, that while her smiles were real they weren't her. His own emotions had been hidden inside for so long that he had recognized the same was true for the young woman the first time he'd been introduced to her. Unlike the rest of his coworkers she had never once looked to him with terror, never once viewed his presence in a negative light. If he were to kill her then it would be for a reason, and she accepted that without hesitation. There was no fear where there was acceptance.
Roan's finely tuned senses picked up on the scent of cologne, and he slowly turned his head to find the source. A few yards away Division's Head IT stood frozen in spot. Evidentially he had turned the corner to the unexpected sight before him. He could practically smell the fear on the man mixed with his cologne. He returned his eyes to Alicia the same moment her eyes returned to his, having also picked up on Birkhoff's floored presence. He eased the blade down from her throat, relaxing his muscles that had been tensed and combat ready.
Birkhoff watched with eyes wide, unable to move as he stared at the Cleaner that had only moments ago had Alicia beneath his blade. The man had her pushed up against the wall, bodies flush against each others. One of his forearms was pressing across her chest, keeping her pinned even as he held the backedge blade of his famous karambit knives to her throat. Roan slowly peeled himself away a few seconds after withdrawing the weapon from her neck, taking a step back. What the hell, Birkhoff's mind repeated for the millionth time. When he'd turned the corner to be met with the sight his heart had practically stopped. His mouth had opened to call out only to close as he realized that Alicia was smiling.
"Looks like I have a ways to go," she was saying to the Cleaner, sheathing a knife Birkhoff hadn't even realized she had in her hand. He'd been so focused on the man who was pinning his girl to the wall.
"Put in a request for training. You can make it one of your specializations." Roan informed her. His weapons were already back within the folds of his long black coat.
Alicia made note of that suggestion. "When I do can I get a rematch?" she asked with a smile. They'd only been engaged for a few minutes but adrenaline was coursing through her veins. Becoming better at knife play was definitely something she was interested in. Knowing Roan believed her good enough to add it to her arsenal after some practice was a huge ego boost.
"I wouldn't expect any less," he responded easily with a small nod before turning to stride down the hall. He was still in ear shot as the pair began to talk and he listened in. The tone of the conversation didn't surprise him in the least. Percy had informed him about Amanda's little side project involving the pair. It disappointed him that the woman had gotten to Alicia first. After reviewing the Operation he'd accompanied the young woman on he saw her potential as a Cleaner. That lighthearted attitude of hers would illicit as much fear in a person than his silence.
"Birkhoff, what brings you to these lonely halls?" Alicia greeted him with a playful smile.
As much as he wanted to ask her what he'd just walked in on, he could still hear Roan's footsteps retreating down the dim hall. "I'm here to talk to Amanda about the Team she's formed," he answered after clearing his throat. His eyes danced over her, taking in the sexy club wear Amanda had dressed her in.
"You, me and Samson?" she asked, tilting her head to peer at him with wide green eyes. "Is there a problem?" she added after he nodded.
He shifted uncomfortably, running a hand through his brown hair. "No offense sweetheart, but I think I'd be better used elsewhere," Birkhoff confessed with a dry smile.
"But we'd be left with technical support," her voice was laced with disappointment.
Roan was out of range now, but he knew that once Alicia informed Amanda she'd seen him the woman would pull up the video feeds. She took pleasure in watching her mind games unfold, and he knew this little project of hers would be no exception. He was a little surprised that she hadn't tried to hide a camera on Alicia yet. She knows I'd know better, he thought idly. "There are plenty of techies," he excused her worry nervously, "you could have your pick. Like Clint, he'd jump at the chance to be your whipping boy."
"I don't want Clint," she dismissed easily, stepping closer, "I want you."
Birkhoff stared down into her sparkling green eyes, his heart picking up a little. He knew that they were just playing their parts, but hearing her say that still made him smirk. "I know I'm a big deal babe," he responded slyly, "so flattery will get you nowhere. Why would I want to be stuck with two newbs?"
"I'd feel safer knowing it's you watching over me," Alicia flashed him her disarming smile, "no one else can do the job like you can. Would it really be so bad being stuck with me?"
The slight pout of her lip at the last part won him over. He knew that he'd never be able to deny the young woman anything when she was putting on a face like that. "It's not you-"
"It's Samson?" she asked with a little laugh. "Really Birkhoff," Alicia smiled slyly, "if you think about it, being on his Team is the best place for you to be. You get to order him around and he will know the whole time that you are his lifeline. Even he won't be able to deny how valuable you are." He opened his mouth to launch a rebuttal, and she set a hand on his chest to silence him. "I have to get to transport but think about it, okay? I hope you change your mind. I know I'd love to have you on my Team," she left him with a heartwarming smile before striding down the hall.
Birkhoff's eyes followed her retreat. He couldn't help but scan over her body as she left, taking in how the dip in her waist led into the curve of her hips. He had to give it to her; she made a convincing argument- even if it was staged. So much so that when he was back in Operations situated behind his computer he was smirking as he watched his fellow teammates file from the transport vehicle. Even after seeing her on Samson's arm as they entered the upbeat club he remained in high spirits.
Samson wore a smug expression as he guided Alicia through the crowded club. With the music pumping and the people dancing he had to slip an arm around her waist so as not to lose her. The pair gained more than a few interested looks as they worked their way towards the bar. As much as he loved kill jobs he had to admit he didn't care what mission they chose to send him on anymore. Alicia being his partner down on the field changed everything. If it was with her then he didn't care what the task was; he knew they'd be successful.
The more successful they were the higher the profile of the jobs that would come their way. It was clear that Percy found potential in them for he had added Birkhoff to their team. While Samson didn't remotely like the computer nerd he did accept the man's skill. Everyone at Division knew when it came to technology Birkhoff was top dog. He may have had his issues with him during his recruit days, but now that he was an Agent he felt he was past that. Besides; he was the one down in the action.
"Target is at a table on the far south end of the bar," Birkhoff's voice informed them via their earbuds, "currently engaged with a woman in a black dress."
They slipped into position at the end of the bar, already in character. Alicia and Samson chatted softly as they shared in a drink, a little bit of a distance between them. She slipped her hand onto his chest, flirting with Samson even as he made a show of scanning other women. When Alicia's martini was down to the last few sips they put the plan into motion.
"Why don't we go dance?" she breathed, batting her lashes at Samson.
He gave her an unenthusiastic look, shaking off her suggestion. "I think I'll have another drink," he muttered instead, looking away from her.
Alicia looked frustrated, shooting him a narrow eyed stare. "Why do you take me out if you won't even dance with me?" she asked, putting a hand on her hip. When he avoided her eyes to instead flag down the bartender she gave a little growl of frustration. "You're going to do it again, aren't you?" She demanded, raising her voice a little bit.
"Target has noticed you," Birkhoff advised them. Back in Operations he watched the couple on his screen. As they bickered he had to admit they were two of the more convincing actors he'd seen. Being in as long as he had, Birkhoff had witnessed many an Agent play their part. Something about the way Alicia and Samson went about it was different. His eyes narrowed in on his screen as he scanned over their body language. They're comfortable with each other, he noticed. That was what annoyed him so much, he realized, it was how familiar they were with each other. Everything they did was so naturally choreographed. A touch here, a look there, facial expression always the correct response to what the other was saying; they were in tune with one another.
When Samson grabbed her to 'drag her home' as he had threatened, even Birkhoff found himself tensing. He knew it was all a part of the act. He knew the jealousy he felt was irrational, but all he could think about was how negatively Alicia had responded to him all that time ago in the parking lot. Granted, she had been high strung at that time and he had snuck up on her. But it didn't change the fact that no matter how Samson touched her she didn't seem the least bit concerned about it. Now more than ever he wondered just what went on in Amanda's special classes. He hadn't asked Alicia what Situation 12 entailed because he was as worried about the answer as he was curious.
She pulled out of his hold, and before Birkhoff could warn them the target had already engaged them. Completely abandoning the woman he'd been talking to he'd stepped up to Alicia's side. Through the com Birkhoff listened in on the exchange going on. It was clear Jacob Doran was a confident cocky man by the way he openly challenged Samson. He couldn't blame the man either; if he had been the man he would have jumped to her aid as well. While the plan had called for Samson to leave an upset Alicia alone at the bar, their acting had actually produced an even better result. When Samson stormed off Alicia was already in Jacob's company.
"I'm sorry about that," Alicia apologized, leaning delicately against the bar. She raised her glass to her lips, finishing off the rest of the drink.
The man watched, a charming smile on his face. "Always happy to help," he responded smoothly, "was that your boyfriend?"
"Ex- boyfriend," she corrected him bitterly, eyes flickering to find the bartender.
Jacob Doran flagged down the bartender quickly, easily getting his attention. When he approached where the pair stood at the door he asked the man what he could get him without delay. "A jack and coke for me and for the lady…" he turned his eyes flirtatiously to Alicia.
She gave a soft blush, tucking a strand of her auburn hair back behind her ear. "A dirty martini," she responded.
"And a dirty martini," he repeated back to the bartender, keeping his eyes on Alicia. The man could hardly believe his luck. He'd been talking to a hot little number when he'd caught sight of the fighting couple out of the corner of his eye. Easily tuning out the woman's talking he hadn't been able to refrain from eavesdropping. The jackass obviously thought he was some hot shit because he was treating his girl like she was a bore when all she was trying to do was have fun with him. While his eyes had scanned over Alicia a few times, quickly judging her highly attractive, it wasn't until the man had demanded they leave that he decided to step in. If the cocky man didn't see what he had in front of him then it was his own fault.
"Thank you," she flashed him a shy smile that almost melted his heart.
The girl was gorgeous and had this disarmingly sweet air around her despite her firecracker appearance. He happily tilted his glass towards her in a toast. "To ex's" he offered up, tilting his head a little as he flashed her another smile.
"I'll drink to that," she gently clinked her drink against his before lifting it to her lips. After a little sip she took a larger gulp and then another.
Even up in Operations Birkhoff picked up on the scheming glint in the man's eyes. Birkhoff was rolling his as he turned his attention to Samson's progress. He had to admit the smug kid worked fast. He'd already slipped into the back room, quickly locating the laptop case. Slipping it from the case and into his suit he disappeared from the back room, slipping instead into the restroom. Birkhoff lost a visual, but in his ear Samson kept him updated on the fact he was currently accessing the computer. The tone he used was different from the one he'd always addressed Birkhoff with in the past, and it pained him to admit he was very businesslike and efficient.
While he talked Samson through some of the more complicated steps of cracking the laptop, he brought up Alicia on his screen. Down on the floor she was engaged with the target, her drink almost finished and smiles on their faces as they talked. The man had gotten closer, close enough to ward off any other men who may look her way. It was clear the young woman had her attention, for he ate up every one of her winning smiles.
"I'm sorry, I'm usually more fun than this," Alicia admitted softly as she set down her finished drink. Despite the drug that Division had provided to soften the impact of the alcohol her part required she intake, she could still feel the familiar buzz in her veins. When she drank it was only ever wine, and just the taste of the drinks was uncomfortable for her.
"You just need to loosen up," he crooned, buying into the entire thing. Jacob's mind was far from the laptop he had waiting in the back room for his boss's appearance later in the night. He had a good four hours until the bossman would arrive, and in the meantime he had some beautiful arm candy. If things continued going as well as they were he wouldn't be surprised if he could talk the young woman into slipping into the back room with him. With a lift of his hand he had the bartender's attention again, and pointed deftly to her empty glass.
Alicia had pretended not to notice, and was instead giving him a more confident smile. "It might help if we exchanged names," she said with a soft giggle.
"Jacob," he informed her, giving a smirk. His dark chocolate eyes lit up as the drink he'd ordered for her was placed before her and her empty glass whisked away.
"I'm Alicia," she picked up the drink, looking down at it in her hand before meeting his eyes, "and I do believe you're spoiling me."
The man grinned deviously, lifting the half finished drink he'd been nursing to take another sip. "A beautiful thing like you?" he asked smoothly. "I don't think it's possible to spoil you enough."
Birkhoff was giving his screen an amused look, brows raised as he listened in on the man. "We should have just had you ask for the laptop," Samson grumbled through his headset, also able to hear the flirtatious conversation, "probably would have gone faster."
"What's taking you so long anyways?" Birkhoff questioned, waiting to play his real part back up in Operations. "You're cracking a simple encryption, not deciphering the lost language of Atlantis," he scoffed.
"Are you down here? No," he growled into the headset, glad that the bathrooms had individual stalls with no-gap doors, "so let me do my job."
Birkhoff shrugged, relaxing back in his seat. He propped his hands up behind his head, shaking his head as he watched Alicia on his screen. There wasn't much else he could do. Until Samson managed to get him access to the laptop he was on standby. That's my girl, he smirked proudly as he watched the man lead her to the dancefloor, his hand on the small of her back. The way she so skillfully managed to get his complete attention was rather impressive. She'd gone the slightly withdrawn route which had made him feel like the aggressor. From the profile Birkhoff had compiled on Jacob Doran he admired how quickly she'd put together an approach.
Down on the floor Alicia danced with Jacob, no space between them in the crowded club. His front was flush against her back, hands on the dip in her waist as he moved in tune against her. This was exactly the moment she was thankful for her odd habit of taking mental pictures. Any time she'd run across interesting she'd always done it; she even remembered doing it of Birkhoff before she knew him as anything but her moody teacher. But now she had an entire file of Seymour in her memory and the man behind her melted away. While some may consider her ability to play make believe a psychological problem, Amanda had assured her it was an amazing asset. That rung true as she pretended it was Birkhoff's hands that were running up and down her curves. The warmth of the alcohol coursing through her was more of a help than a hindrance now that she was dancing.
When Samson managed to get past all of the security the laptop had thrown up to keep him out, he plugged in the USB and handed over the virtual reigns to Birkhoff. Now he was the one with nothing to do as he sat in the bathroom stall and waited. On the screen before him he could see the progress of the computer whiz as he gained remote control access of the server. He couldn't even make sense of the figures that were going over his screen. Glad that his part was over he focused his attention instead on the music coming from Alicia's end of communications. It was faint due to the voice detection software the nerd had enabled in order to deal with the loud atmosphere. The only clear sounds were that of the man whispering in Alicia's ear.
She didn't have the choice to reject when he grabbed his hand and lead her through the crowd in the direction of the rest rooms. Her small size and the amount of drinks she'd consumed pointed towards her being loose and willing; regardless of the fact this wasn't the case. Division's pill helped greatly and though she did feel the tingle in her veins it only resembled that of being tipsy.
Still, she had to ask where he was taking her as his arm snuck around her waist pulling him to her side. "Where are we going?" Alicia questioned with a giggle and a wide eyed smile up at the man.
"I do some side work for the owner of the club," Jacob answered with a secretive smirk, "so I have access to some more personal rooms."
"I'd love to freshen up quick. Will we pass the little girls room on the way?" Alicia asked biting gently on her lower lip as she peered up at him. He gave a nod of his head, graciously leading her right up to the door. "You ," she breathed before rising onto her toes, not that it made much of a difference in the killer heels she wore, and planting a soft kiss on his lips, "better be here when I get out." With a wink she disappeared into the bathroom, quickly ducking into one of the stalls and pulling the door closed. "How are we doing?" she asked into her headset, adjusting the short dress.
"Birkhoff's still looking for the file," Samson answered first.
"I've almost got it sweetheart," Birkhoff's voice followed quickly, "you'll be home in no time."
In the room beside Samson he was still in the bathroom stall, rolling his eyes at the Head IT's voice. Just because she feels sorry for you, he thought bitterly, doesn't mean you can call her pet names. It annoyed him how the computer geek didn't seem to realize out of his league Alicia was. While Birkhoff had seen her during class and a few missions after she was Activated, he didn't know the woman the way he did. Samson had been in the program for two months when Alicia had shown up. Her very first day she was paired together with him, compliments of Michael. His power was the perfect contrast for her amazing agility. As if all the hours they'd shared training in hand to hand combat wasn't already enough, she'd then been admitted into Amanda's special lessons. Once more he had found himself happily paired with the girl.
Together they had perfected the art of seduction on each other. More than that, they'd also practiced how properly to be the one seduced. Alicia excelled in her acting skills and Samson had developed alongside her. They'd been through every one of the Situations together; all 52 of them. The lessons ranged from seducing to intimidating and everything in between. Mind games were their specialties. Any role they were given they would be able to fill it without so much as batting a lash. Now that they were partners he realized how easy she was to work with. They knew all of each other's tricks, as well as the perfect way to respond according to the current situation.
"I'm moving with the target to a personal room," she mimicked Jacob's low tone. "Are there cameras in those Birkhoff?" Alicia asked, fixing her hair. With all the dancing she'd gotten a little ruffled.
While he was in the middle of working and unable to pull up the cameras he went over the floorplan in his mind. "It depends on which room he takes you to," he answered a little hesitantly, not liking the idea of her going in blind, "there's a VIP room that doesn't have one."
"How will I know which that is to try and avoid it?" she questioned, disliking the idea as much as he did.
"There's a plaque on the outside," Samson answered for her, "I passed it on my way to the back room."
With a little breath she readied herself to return to the waiting target. "Not to rush you Birkhoff," she purred into the mic, "but any idea on time?"
His fingers flew over the keys, all the more motivated to get it done quickly. "Ten minutes tops," he answered, reaching to slam down some of his energy drink.
"Okay, I'm going back out. Wish me luck," she teased before slipping from the stall.
"You don't need luck," Samson responded smoothly, smirking even though he couldn't see her.
Birkhoff's fingers danced on the keys as he rolled his eyes once more. He'd never wished Alicia wasn't friendly before now. It was hard not to with Samson's annoying voice in his ear. As irritating as it was he wasn't going to let it get to him. Instead he focused intently on his work. The sooner he could get Alicia out of there the better. All he had to do was get the list and they'd be done for the night. She'd report back to Amanda and they'd be that much closer to being able to see each other in public. While her little Romeo stunt had been cute, he wanted to show her that he could surprise her with a little romance. It would be his own personal flavor of it, and he had a feeling that would only make her enjoy it all the more.
When Alicia passed the VIP room she inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, only to take it back the moment she made it to the room that Jacob Doran had in mind. "This is…" her eyes flickered around the room, "not what I expected," she finished giving him an embarrassed smile. They'd bypassed the rooms all together and instead of a club side room he'd lead her into the backroom. The walls where whitewash, a table up against one the far wall along with a couple stacks of money beside a wall safe. The chairs were all lined up against one wall, a coat and laptop case sitting on one of the seats.
"Don't worry beautiful," he grinned down at the young woman, "I just need to check on something for the club owner. This is just the saferoom, our room will be much more accommodating."
Thinking quickly she grabbed his hand, stopping him from crossing over to the chairs. His eyes moved from her hand clasped on hers up to her eyes with a satisfied glint. "We're in the saferoom?" she breathed, making a show of her eyes flickering around the room. "Could I get in trouble for being in here with you?" Alicia asked as her wide eyes lingered on the money before returning to Jacob's.
"Not when you're with me," Jacob responded smoothly, giving her hand a gentle tug. She gave in without hesitation, letting him pull her to him. He slipped his arms around her waist, hands resting on her lower back. "Unless you plan on trying to get your hands on the man's money," he teased, making it sound like this was as likely as her growing a tail, "then no one will ever know we were here."
The man clearly didn't know about the cameras. While Birkhoff had already made sure Samson entering was as undetectable as he would be when he returned the laptop, he wouldn't be able to erase her image. It was too late to worry about that and so she decided to focus on the issue at hand: Jacob Doran was about to find his laptop case was empty. "This is kind of dangerous," she giggled, biting her lip as she stared up at him playfully.
"I'm a dangerous man," he growled back, hands sliding down to squeeze her ass.
Birkhoff swiped his hair angrily from his eyes at the voices in his ear. "You have to get him out of there," he urged, "I've almost got this in the bag and we're good to go." Not being able to keep an eye on them as he worked was maddening.
"He won't leave without checking the package," Samson groaned. "If he put it before sex with her in the first place then he's not going to forget it and walk out now," his fingers balled into a fist. Sitting and waiting was infuriating. The entire point of the route they'd taken was so no one would ever know they'd gotten a copy of the list.
Alicia could hear them, even if she couldn't contribute to the conversation. She knew what she had to do though, and met the deep brown eyes that stared into hers with a mischievous glint. "Show me how dangerous," she breathed, lifting her lips up to his. He eagerly returned her kiss, quickly deepening it. In her mind she focused on Birkhoff's image, and had no problem playing her role. Despite her relationship she owed Division and holding back would only do harm.
"I've got it!" Birkhoff exhaled. He was so wound up that he felt too relieved to do his usual gloating. "Shut the sucker down," he instructed briskly as he pulled up the video feed in the back room.
"I have to reinstate-"
"Already did it," he cut him off, "just get it done."
Samson didn't hesitate to close the laptop, pocket the jump drive and slip the laptop under the strap that held it to his back beneath the suitcoat. He slipped out of the bathroom, slowly making his way to the back room keeping a low profile. "Birkhoff," he planned as he went, "do you have a visual on Alicia?"
"Uh, yeah," Birkhoff said, pointing out the obvious.
"Describe what she's doing," Samson ordered.
At this he leaned forward, eyes narrowing his eyes in on Samson's image on his screen. "Newb Agent says what now?" he scoffed.
Finding a camera he glared up at it, squeezing past some girls that were chatting up one of the so called security team the club had. "If I know what she's doing I can work out how to do this. We can't hear her, but you can see her," he growled angrily.
Birkhoff groaned. He never thought he'd miss working with Michael, but he desperately did. He'd know just what to do if Nikita was stuck. Only it wasn't Nikita down there; it was Alicia. And it was Samson who was relaying an order in such a Michael-esqe manner. Nevertheless he focused on Alicia on his screen. "He has her against the wall," Birkhoff described the scene before him, "guys practically panting like a dog."
"Alicia, get him to have his back to the door," Samson's cool, confident tone came through her earpiece.
Easy enough, she thought grabbing hold of the open collar of his shirt. When Jacob pulled his mouth back to look down at her it was to meet her emerald eyes. The look in the consumed him, and when she set her free hand on his chest and gave a push he followed with a step back. It was easy from there to lead him by the collar to the table, his hands eagerly lifting her onto the surface. The man smirked at her and she returned it with a seductive smile, reaching out to run her fingers down the side of his clean shaven face. Her eyes flickered to the camera the moment he buried his face in his neck, littering it with kisses as his hand hitched up her dress.
Her eyes said what she couldn't. It was almost as if Birkhoff had felt her fingers trace down his face, and he switched over to her private channel. "I'm thinking of growing it out again," he said softly. Quickly flipping back to the team line he informed Samson, "She's got him in position."
Once more he was left sitting and watching as Samson seemed to communicate in code with her. In a well coordinated move Alicia played the man like a puppet. She had him so well distracted, removing his jacket to reveal a firearm at his side. Alicia reacted accordingly with an awed yet startled reaction and a moment of smirking from Jacob, he had the gun set off to the side. Samson got in position at the door, counting to three before slowly opening it up. She had the man so busy with her feverish kisses as her hands unbuttoned his shirt that he was unaware of the Division Agent stealthily returning the laptop to its case behind him.
In a casual motion she pushed his shirt off to the side the moment he slipped his arms out, and it moved the gun out of reach down the table. Samson made himself known, playing the jealous role quite convincingly. He had his hands on the man's shoulders, dragging him roughly away from Alicia as he tossed him to the floor. "What the fuck is this?" he growled over at Alicia as he loomed over the man, pointing down to him angrily.
"Don't you look at me like that! You're the one who left me here," she snapped back, hopping to her feet.
Jacob had risen, falling into a fighting stance that looked like he leaned towards boxing. "How the hell did you get in here?" he demanded, a dark look on his face.
"My girl's got a pretty memorable face," Samson flashed him a wicked smirk.
"We're over Tyler," Alicia shot back as she glared at him, "I told you if you did this to me again we were done."
"You heard the lady," Jacob scoffed, "scat while you still have the chance."
Birkhoff watched as they started fighting. Samson was holding back, mimicking the boxing style the man had started in on him with. A few well placed punches and Jacob Doran hit man for hire was down for the count and Samson was grinning at Alicia. "You know I love you babe," he crooned, stepping over the man who was letting out a pained groan as he held his ribs. "Come on, what do you say we go home and make up?"
She crossed her arms, striding purposefully past him. "Next time I really am gone for good Tyler, I mean it," she complained stepping around the man on the floor and straight for the door. Samson didn't need to be told twice, and Birkhoff wished that he was the one giving Jacob an extra kick on his way out the door, not the cocky Agent.