Just a quick note –Yes I've started writing TrixieFic again (I sincerely hope this will make some of you happy!). In order not to disappoint my very wonderful and loyal audience, I've decided to finish my stories before publishing them one chapter a week starting with this fic. This way you get to actually finish the tail without the horrendous wait, well maybe only between full stories. Finally, I'm currently working on finishing Revelations and before turning my attention to the last book in the series – Ramifications.

Peking Duck Cantonese Restaurant, Chinatown, New York
2048hrs Sunday 20th February 2005

Johansson lingered in the well-appointed restaurant fifteen minutes beyond the appointed hour. He intended meeting Samantha O'Brien for an update on the Terror Bug case. Looking out the window into the rain filled evening irritation began to infuse his mind. Not used to waiting on the pleasure of others, the head of IA made a call and his underlings ran to do his bidding. The power and prestige of his position normally allowed access to every aspect of his operative's intelligence and their network of information sources. With Belden currently off the radar, her venture compromised and the virus running rampant in London, it left Johansson in an untenable position. He didn't like it.

Enrich Johansson could be a patient man when he felt the need fitted the purpose. After all, he'd needed determination and astute timing to earn his current position. This role, Johansson knew, would not be his last within the CIA or the intelligence community. His aspirations reached much further than Chief of IA. Tonight would be one of those times he'd be forced to linger and wait on the pleasure of another. Belden's operation too important to go unmonitored by the Western World, so he'd sit, anticipating Samantha O'Brien and appear to be patient.

Another ten minutes passed before his cell rang. Glaring at it, Johansson placed it to his ear. 'Yes,' the only word, said with a bland expression.

'The Little Sparrow is flying high with the Package,' Tim's disemboweled voice informed him on a line filled with static.

'I understand,' Johansson enunciated carefully, his mind awhirl.

'Do you have any information on the packages origin?'

'The preliminary results are in favor of Wheeler,' Tim answered neutrally, reluctant to give anything away. He treaded a very fine line, following Belden's plan while keeping his boss in the dark. 'The formal results can be leaked to the New York press as early as tomorrow evening. At this time, I wouldn't suggest it. It might compromise a delicate situation.'

'Then everything is going according to plan.' Johansson, about to terminate the call, felt a chill premonition run the length of his spine. Turning, he surveyed his surroundings as inconspicuously as possible. Nothing, and yet the feeling refused to leave. 'I'll have Robinson go back and clean the Apartment.'

'Robinson and his companion were unavoidably delayed on Saturday morning,' Tim informed him in an icy tone.

'How unavoidably?' Enrich asked annoyed he hadn't been told. Somehow the lack of knowledge made him feel more exposed. Once again he appraised the street with a critical eye. Nothing out of place and yet someone was watching him from a distance. He could feel it.

'Permanently,' Tim confirmed Johansson's worst fears.

'The Little Sparrow?' Incredulation filled Erich's voice as he refused to panic at this unexpected development.

He'd always believed Belden to be one of his best operatives, but questioned her ability to eliminate the opposition. Her biggest weakness, Johansson discovered over the last two years, a strong personal sense of morality and justice. They'd argued about involving James Frayne in her covert operation until she seen the setup from Sabina's point of view. The terrorist needed to embroil the young heir to Bathurst Corporation in her web of deceit and lies for her plan to work. He'd been an obvious choice of next target and entry point into the USA.

'MVA, no evidence,' Tim didn't elaborate. He heard the sigh of resignation and understood Johansson to be on their side, which further complicated matters. Their boss wouldn't be happy when he discovered he'd been deliberately left out of the loop. 'Both the surveillance apartment and Belden's have been fumigated. I'll be spending the rest of the week mopping up any other details that come to my attention.'

'Good,' Enrich managed, understanding Belden still hadn't made her first kill. He needed to consider that before her next assignment. She'd be more effective as a consultant yet her field instincts and skills were impeccable making her the ultimate paradox. 'Contact my office if there are any problems. Otherwise I will consider our association on this assignment terminated. You're next project will be in DC. You'll be contacted in due course. When you next see the Little Sparrow, tell her to report to the London office when this is finished. Her new orders will be waiting for her there.'

'Well,' Trixie demanded, hands on hips, as Tim put his cell phone back into his jacket pocket.

'He brought it.' Tim sighed.

'Good,' Trixie nodded.

'He's not the mole, Belden,' Tim stated.

'It took me a while, but eventually I realized he wouldn't be that stupid,' Trixie grinned, 'it's too obvious. He's being used. I just wished I'd recognized the fact before he gave the delivery to Sam. It means Robinson had access to my apartment, computer and movements. Worse still, he knows Jim's involved and traveling with me. I just not sure if Sabina's been informed of the fact yet. It could complicate my tactics.'

Shaking his head, Tim wondered if Belden's plan would work. With no better alternative he had to play along with the hazardous and foolhardy strategy, placing Belden and Frayne's life in danger. Yet, the Little Sparrow hadn't failed an assignment to date, even if some of her ideas were unique.

'Sam?' Trixie questioned, a quizzical look entering her eye as she watched Tim's reactions.

'Safe with her husband. Robinson…' Tim shook his head. Belden had never liked this seeder side of life as an agent. Unlike him, she hadn't lost her innocents, yet. The first time was the worst, Tim remembered, after that it becomes easer to live with.

Trixie shuddered before looking back at her fellow agent. 'You really think you and Jake plugged the leak?'

'Yes,' the expression on Tim's face told Trixie not to ask how. 'Sam stated he didn't get time to contact anyone which means Jim's secret will be safe until he wishes to reveal it. I can't vouch for your travel plans. Robinson may have squirted the data without Sam's knowledge.'

Nodding her head in acknowledgement, Trixie hugged her mentor of the last eight years, catching him by surprise with the spontaneous action. 'See you in London,' she called over her shoulder, making her way through the crowd to stand beside a tall red haired man dressed as a chauffeur.

He watched her climb into the limo beside James Frayne. Their newly wed friends in the back seat, Tim wondered what the future would hold for Agent Belden. A crowd surrounded the car headed for Newark Airport and Tim couldn't get any closer. He would follow in an hour or two. Plenty of time, he reminded himself, to catch the same plane to London.

For the first time in years, Tim allowed his personal feelings to conflict with his professional ethics. His feelings proved to be far stronger than he suspected. Seeing his protégé on the arm of her childhood sweetheart made his job that much harder. He'd promised to protect her from both Johansson and herself because Trixie Belden had a habit of getting in a tight situation. She also has a habit of getting out of them, he remembered, without anyone's help.

Jake Hanky became aware of the older Agents protective feelings for his naïve partner and Johansson's use of Belden soon after her graduation from college. He'd played along for a while, waiting and watching which way Belden would go. The older agent noticed inconsistancies in the documents Belden squirted Tim convincing Jake of Johansson unintentional duplicity.

And now, Tim shook his head at the irony of the situation, Belden's come across enough evidence to place suspicion on Johansson's relationship with Sabina Malic because of James Frayne. She's also uncovered the ultimate traitor in Robinson whom Johansson trusts implicitly.

It is a tangled web we weave, Tim thought sarcastically, and how I wish it were me in the front seat of the limo. I can't believe I'm still jealous of a man ten years my junior.

35000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, 0042hrs Monday 21st February 2005

At last, Jim stroked the blond hair cascading across his lap, she sleeps.

Several hours earlier, Honey and Trixie followed Mrs Di Roberts up the winding staircase at Castaways. With the old clock chiming eight in the evening, Sally, Jo and Linny stood back, realising the three friends needed to talk. Even Sarah Lynch and Elinor Robert's intuition served them well, recognizing the girls' desire for a private moment before their worlds change irrevocably and forever. Yet they stood anxiously at the foot of the stairs to waiting for Di to return in her traveling clothes.

The girls took half an hour to reappear. The wait worth it, in Nick's estimation when Di appeared in yet another creation by Honey-girl designs looking amazing. The guests crowded around the newly weds, eager to give their last well wishes. Climbing into the limousine, Mr and Mrs Roberts left for the airport and a two week vacation in the Bahamas.

Jim's emerald green eyes focused completely on Trixie the moment she'd appeared at the top of the stairs. She'd gone with Tim when he'd reluctantly let her go after their dance earlier in the evening. Returning, he'd played the role requested of him. Dressed in an ill-fitting chauffeur's uniform, complete with cap to cover his shock of red hair, Jim watched the happy couple and contemplated everything that occurred over the last two days.

This will be us in less than a year, Jim promised determinedly. Putting the thought from his mind, he knew it didn't do to dwell on such things. He'd take every opportunity over the next week in London to cement his relationship with Trixie, especially after the discussion with Honey this morning.

Appearing suddenly at his side through the crowd, Trixie climbed into the front seat with a grin on her face. Jim couldn't remember her looking so carefree and relaxed in a long time. Still, a strained tightness played about her lips, suggesting her mind diverted some of its resources to her current case. Otherwise, no one would have guessed at the plans she mentally put in place.

Calling out a last goodbye to the assembled friends and relatives through an open sun roof, Jim started the big car down the drive. Di and Nick collapsed back in their luxurious seats with a sigh.

'Am I ever glad that's all over!' Di exclaimed, rolling her expressive violet eyes.

'I never though they'd leave us leave,' Nick smiled down at his new bride, taking her hand and covering it with his larger, stronger fingers. 'Now I have you all to myself,' he told her in a husky voice.

Diana giggled, which turned into a high pitched squeal as Nick took the opportunity to unrestrainedly kiss her.

'I think we've seen enough,' Trixie commented dryly. Pulling her gaze from the rear view mirror, Trix found the button on her first attempt and raised the privacy screen.

Jim nodded and turned his attention to driving the big vehicle. The journey passed in relative silence. Secretly James Frayne considered his next move, one he'd carefully planned after learning of his enforced trip to England. Finding an odd moment here and there, they'd talked about the subjects that mattered over the weekend when they had the opportunity to spend a few minutes alone. Trixie's company enough to please Jim, he found himself reluctant to ask for more on the drive.

At one point, Trixie turned the radio up in the front to drown out the sounds of smooching in the rear of the car. Her eyes told him they didn't need to know what their friends were up to in the back. Jim heartedly concurred as images containing his ultimate hopes assaulted his mind. Images he desperately tried to keep locked in the recesses of his subconscious. On their return from London, James Frayne meant to find the time, opportunity and freedom to do everything in his power to make them come true.

Pulling into the curb at Newark Airport, Jim stayed in character. Taking Mr and Mrs Roberts's bags from the boot, he loaded them onto a trolley. Jumping out of the car, Trixie took her friend in a bear hug.

'Di,' Trixie fussed, a delighted smile covering her face, 'I'm really happy for you.'

'I'm just glad you could make it,' she returned. 'Honestly, you gave me a heart attack so many times over this weekend. I knew it would be hard getting you to come along, especially if you knew Jim would be there.'

Neither young woman needed to say more. The bond they'd shared since childhood finally mended, another round of farewells and good wishes ensued. Finally Nick and Diana headed into the terminal and step closer to their private honeymoon destination.

Letting out a big sigh as she climbed back into the Limo, Jim couldn't resist taking the opportunity to tease his Shamus. 'Wishing that were us, Trix,' he asked, stealing a glance at her. The words out of his mouth, his active mind began planning the rest of his strategy.

A blush crept over Trixie's cheeks, before she could completely hide her emotions. 'Mr McKenna, we have a story you need to become comfortable with before getting on that plane to London.' Only Trixie wondered who she tried to convince, Jim or herself. 'Let's go and find a café to have dinner before we head out to JFK.'

'Trix,' he started only to have her glare at him. Now he'd commenced his campaign to recapture his Shamus's heart, Jim couldn't stop. Waiting until he found a break in the airport traffic, he looked over at the woman beside him with a quelling expression. 'I'm not,' Jim's tone sounded slightly angry, 'calling you Sarah.'

'Jim…' she warned.

'You have a choice here. Either I'll go back to calling you Shamus or Sweetheart.' Jim saw the barb hit and had to admit to being pleased. The names he'd used for Trixie six years ago came easily to his lips. 'That,' a slight menacing growl entered his tone, 'is all the choice I'm allowing you.'

Nodding, her lips in a grim line of determination, ignoring the memories of their past crowding her mind, Trixie began their cover story once again to cover her waring emotions. 'We met at a friend's party in London three years ago and were married three months ago in England. We have been on a belated honeymoon in the US because your business wouldn't allow you to take time off over Christmas.'

'I've memorised all the details, Shamus,' Jim turned his sardonic green gaze towards the woman sitting next to him. 'I really like the way I proposed, while at the top of the London Eye.'

'It's a story,' Trixie reminded.

'Yet,' Jim managed a sly smile, 'we'll soon be in London.'

Sighing to relieve her frustration, Trixie stated, 'just drive, Jim.'

They stopped at the pre-arranged destination. Leaving the Limo to be picked up later, Jim and Trixie changed into comfortable clothing and drove away in the non-descript SUV. Dinner passed with in an uneasy silence. Jim tried his best to act normal, while his companion watched the people around her. Scrutinising Beatrix Belden, he waited until their eyes met. Allowing an enigmatic to play around his lips, she looked at him with a questioning expression.

'Even as the factious character you've created, I still would have given you an engagement and wedding ring,' Jim announced suddenly. Not sure where the comment came from, he knew exactly where he'd take this conversation.

Gulping, Trixie nodded. She hadn't forgotten any of the little details needed to pull this off. Still she felt loathed to give Jim the gold band hidden in her jacket pocket. After this afternoon… Trixie suddenly found it hard to meet Jim's steady gaze or stop the blush she felt rising on her cheeks.

'Here,' she shoved the box across the table, towards Jim. He refused to take it and Trixie knew he'd force her to place it on his finger. I can't do it, she realised, not without losing part of myself to him once again.

'Scared,' Jim asked, forcing her gaze to his by placing a finger under Trixie's chin and tilting her head up. He'd created this opportunity and wouldn't give it up.

'Terrified,' she heard the squeak uttered from her parched lips.

'There's only one way to overcome your fear.' Jim couldn't make this easy for her. They'd come too far in such a short time for him to stop now.

Trixie realised his intentions earlier in the evening when he had spoken of his deepest wish. Until now, she'd misinterpreted how far Jim would go to secure the object of his affection. Taking a deep breath, she pulled the thick gold band from it velvet case. Fate chose the exact ring she'd have picked for him if this were real. It proved to be solid and honest, just like Jim. Taking the hand held out to her, the ring trembled in her unsteady grip. Unable to watch James Frayne's expression, it took two goes to force the band over his enlarged knuckle.

Sighing with relief, Trixie took her time to look up into pools of green desire. He seemed to be asking something of her, something she couldn't quiet define. Quickly releasing Jim's hand, she felt unable to tare her gaze away.

'My turn,' Jim whispered into the deepening silence.

With several days warning, he'd been able to organise a surprise. Pulling a tiny envelop from his pocket, Jim paused before tearing it open. A shocked gasp, followed by a hand covering her lips escaped Trixie as the antique diamond ring fell out onto Jim's palm. Gently reaching for her wrist, James Frayne guided the token onto her left hand.

'Jim,' Trixie tried to pull away.

'It's always been yours, Trix,' Jim confessed, a mixture of emotion and sentiment clouding his gaze. 'This ring's tied and bound us together since the day we met. It looks perfect on your hand and I don't want to see it taken off now I've officially given it to you.'

'I can't accept it,' she stammered.

'Yes, you can,' he answered, a steely determination playing about his features, 'because you want too. I see it in your eyes, Shamus. You need me in your life as much as I need you in mine. No matter what's happened in the past, or will happen in London, or to either of our careers, we'll work it out.' Pausing to let his words and the promise they contained sink in, Jim asked, 'where is your wedding ring?'

She hadn't been able to look at him as it joined its partner on her digit. Having pushed Trixie this far, James Frayne didn't want to push his luck any further. Calling for the bill, he paid it and led his girl to the waiting car. Gathering their bags, Jim acted as he'd always done on their dates. Opening doors, placing a hand at her back, guiding Trixie into the airport, his behaviour reinforced the relationship they'd just entered.

Tim watched the young couple from his vantage point four places behind them in the que. One look at James Frayne's possessive green glaze ensured he understood the new relationship between them. Frowning, the older agent bided his time, finally getting Trixie alone when Jim went to the men's room.

'Belden,' he cautioned.

'If it comes down to the wire,' she returned, sighting Jim, 'you save him, understand? This will all mean nothing if he pays the ultimate price for my mistakes.'

Nodding, Tim wouldn't mention it again. Blending back into the crowd, he watched the lanky man take Trixie's arm and lead her to the concierge desk. The thought of spending the next seven hours cooped up in economy became too much for Jim and his six foot frame. He talked the young attendant into upgrading them, at a cost.

'I'll repay the government,' he whispered into Trixie's ear as they headed for immigration, 'when we get back.'

Deciding not to give him any ammunition, Trixie didn't retort although she sorely wanted to say "it could cost me my job." At this juncture in time, she figured Jim would be delighted to take up the offer.

How he managed to keep a straight face through customs Jim didn't know. Glad Trixie took the lead and handled the passports, he smiled at the appropriate times, concentrating on the woman at his side whenever possible. It made acting the lie easier, forcing his mind to consider this a dress rehearsal. The next flight they took together would be their honeymoon but in much more comfortable surroundings. Accompanying Matthew Wheeler on frequent business trips to Europe, they only ever took the company jet, avoiding the mass of humanity and the official procedures. On their return, he'd be ordering the usual mode of transport if only to avoid the crush and spend more quality time with his new Fiancée.

They made it through take off, levelling out before Trixie's eye lids finally started to droop through sheer fatigue. Unable to help himself, Jim pushed up the arm rest between them and snuggled her into his side. Tensing at the contact, she didn't fight it. Finally asleep, he rearranged her. Still stroking the blond hair cascading across his lap, Jim wondered how long she'd give in and allow herself to rest. His Shamus had been on guard duty more than two days with only a few hours sleep. While considering it, he slipped into the most peaceful slumber in years.