AN – Thank you for the reviews and ongoing support. Yes this is finished. Three more chapters to go! I've also written a new chapter of Repercussions but want to finish it before publishing. Not much longer to go, I promise. Now on with the show.

The Garden Hotel, London. 0952hrs Monday 21st February 2005

'So,' Jim asked as they shared a coffee in the hotel's foyer café, 'what's the plan now we're here, Shamus?'

'We wait until the room is ready,' Trixie answered easily with a shrug of her shoulders.

Boarding the flight after midnight New York time, they arrived three hours later in London thanks to the time change. Landing at Heathrow Airport a few hours ago, customs took exception to their lack of luggage. Trixie's smiles and bright eyes managed to stave off too many intrusive questions when she stated they hadn't needed that many clothes for a honeymoon.

Finding the tube station, Jim and Trixie discovered they needed to wait another half hour until the underground commenced running for the day. An hour later they appeared above ground, close to their hotel. Now they waited for their accommodation to be ready. Arriving so early, the young couple enjoyed breakfast while Jim relished the opportunity to discuss their plans in London.

More than aware of Jim's tactics, Trixie attempted to keep the conversation on neutral topics. Rejuvenated by four hours sleep, the agent mentally listed her tasks for today. Jim deliberately made the take more difficult with the expression in his emerald eyes. Attempting to ignore the fact they were alone in London, Trixie suggested, 'take a shower, catch up on some sleep if you want too.'

'What about you?' Jim queried. He wanted to know if Trixie intended to leave him hiding in the hotel room or drag him around the city.

'I need to meet my contact at MI5 in a few hours,' Trixie replied with an easy shrug of her shoulders. A quick glance at Jim and she understood it wouldn't be a simple matter of keeping the man at her side. Neither of them used to considering a significant other in their daily routine, they'd both have to learn to give a little. 'Until then I don't have any plans.'

'Are you up for some sightseeing then?' Jim managed a mocking smile, safe in the knowledge he knew Trixie's response. 'Maybe we could revisit the London Eye, take a long walk in Hyde Park or a visit to the museum? Aren't those the things tourists do while in London?'

'Not,' Trixie managed to find a tight grimace in return, 'for the next few days. It would leave us exposed.'

'Perhaps when we come back to London in a few months?' Jim's ironic tone stated, reaching out a hand to cover Trixie's for a moment, 'or would you prefer a different location for your actual honeymoon, Sweetheart. Personally I'd like to go to The Netherlands, see where my mother's family comes from. It's one country I've never seen.'

Completely ignoring the statement, Trixie felt her heart beat a rapid tattoo at the thought. Disregarding it and the fact Jim had become better at the emotional blackmail thickening the air between them, Agent Belden's voiced wavered. 'Tomorrow I want to check out a few leads. There are two or three major companies I suspect might be the next target. I need to find out what they're working on.'

'You're aware,' Jim lent back on his chair, crossed his arms and glared, 'I'm well known in the business community. Dad and I come to London at least three times a year.'

'Meaning?' Trixie returned his stare with one of her own.

'It would only take a single person I knew to recognized me, notice this gold band on my finger and put two and two together,' Jim commented allowing the metal to catch the light and glint. 'As you want me to cling to your side like a limpet and you're wearing matching jewelry, you do the math.'

'You know why I can't leave you,' Trixie retorted, her tone slightly peeved. They'd been over this, several times. 'I know you didn't ask for this Jim,' she leant in, whispering so as not to be overheard, 'but you're involved all the same and I'm going to do everything in my power to see you survive.'

'Tr…Shamus,' Jim remembered just in time. He'd always used her name when the situation became emotionally charged. Right now he had to get his point across. 'I'm not trying to be deliberately obstructive. Being well known might prove helpful. It gives us an advantage I don't think you've considered.'

Body language opening up just as her curiosity increased, Trixie enquired, 'how?'

'It'll open doors you'd need weeks or months of careful undercover work to expose. I know these people and who's likely to be targeted. Firstly, they know and trust me. Second, I can let them know I'm here discreetly. No one's going to interrupt me if I'm on my "honeymoon". Thirdly, I can take an educated guess at the businesses under threat because I'm involved with all of Bathurst Corporation's deals. Dad's company has contracts with most of the major European players. Finally,' Jim gave a sardonic smile, 'if you chose not to use my contacts, dragging me around will get you caught in a web of deceit and lies.'

'Where do you think she's going to be?' Trixie decided Jim made a very compelling argument, one she couldn't dispute. Choosing to utilize his knowledge, she might be able to solve this case in record time. Then James Winthrop Frayne would be back on a plane to New York and safe in his old life.

Nodding, Jim took his time to answer. 'I've been thinking about this since Friday night. The truth, I really don't know Sabina all that well, so I'm just guessing. I'm not so sure she'll eliminate evidence of her tampering, especially if she's become aware her plans have been uncovered, it would leave her wide open.'

'You don't think she'll return to the scene of the crime?' Trixie asked incredulously. Nothing Sabina did made sense. Jim's relationship with the woman gave him an insight she needed to explore. The thought gave Trix a moment's pause. She really didn't want to know about the relationship between the man she'd always loved and another woman.

'No,' Jim shook his head. 'If your right, this isn't the first time Sabina's killed or gained access to confidential information. She's always been confident, almost over confident. I'm guessing she'll be sure there's no recall on her work, nothing to link her to the crimes you believe Sabina's perpetrated. You found hardware imbedded in my personal computer. That's the weak link in all of this. It needs to be removed if they want to keep their interference covert.'

'Covered,' Trixie stated. 'We have an agent on staff at Bathurst.'

'What about the companies here in England?' he asked.

'MI6 have this end secured,' Trix reported. 'When we've discovered an infection, the intelligence agency in that country is taking care to ensure we apprehend anyone removing hardware.'

'Have they caught anyone so far?' Jim continued to question.

'What are you thinking,' enquired an intrigued Trixie. Something in Jim's expression alerted her.

Shrugging his shoulders, Jim asked casually, 'so we wait for her to come to us?'

'No,' Trixie answered, a frown covering her face. 'You know me. I hate waiting for anything. I have an idea to draw Sabina out of hiding. It's dangerous, that's why I need to go to MI5 later today. I'm hoping Robinson gave away our travel plans and Sabina finds out I'm here with you under a false name. She'll need to know how much you've told me, what proof I've gathered to contemplate the level of threat to her plans. I need her to make a mistake.'

'You're using me as bait?' Jim managed to hold on to his anger by a thread.

'No,' Trixie shook her curls, 'I'm using me as bait. Unfortunately I need to protect you incase Sabina decides to eliminate the last of her state side connections.' Pausing, she noticed the contemplative mood Jim entered. 'What's going through your mind?'

'You're barking up the wrong tree with the hardware,' he decided. Known for his intuitive and accurate judgment, Jim often told his father to drop a deal for no other reason than his gut feeling. It always turned out to be in Bathurst Corporation best interests. 'We'd know if Sabina discovered the program Mart created. It serves no purpose to expose operatives collecting ineffective evidence of their tampering if we've already taken steps to attenuate the threat. Besides which, that part of their operation will be defunct the moment Sabina realizes the funds stop rolling in. It won't take much for her to assume the program's been found and an antiviral solution distributed. I'd be asking, what next? How is their modus operandi going to change with the discovery?'

'Any ideas?' Trixie asked.

'Plenty,' Jim smirked, 'but I need time to analyze them. I think we've interrupted their intelligence gathering program earlier than they anticipated. The question you need to ask - exactly what have they discovered to date and are they after something specific?'

Shrugging her shoulders, Trixie wondered. Mart, the only programmer to discover the secondary and more important effect of the Terror Bug, would give Sabina a surprise the next time she logged on. He'd encrypted any outgoing information and incorporated a tracer subroutine. They'd be able to locate the computer downloading information from Bathurst or any one of the European companies infected before it finished the data dump. Hopefully the authorities would have enough time to catch the thief red handed.

Few companies could afford the new fiber optical networks allowing superfast data transfer. Sabina would be forced to deal with current dial up speeds, unless she had access to a connection. Grinning, Trixie knew what she'd be doing for the rest of this morning.

'That,' Trixie spat after visiting the public offices of MI5 three hours later, 'was a complete waste of time. It looks like you're right again. Sabina abandoned the virus and the hardware after discovering we'd exposed it.'

'At least you got the information you requested,' Jim tried to console while hiding a smile. It'd been years since he'd seen Trixie this riled. It appeared something's never changed.

'There are only three registered companies with superfast internet connections,' she allowed her thoughts to become words in the hope Jim might point out any inconsistencies. 'Lenard International has already been infiltrated. Yet if she knows we're aware of the infections, would she bother collecting the stolen data?'

'Only Mart found the cleverly imbedded second virus,' Jim commented. 'If it where me, I'd lay low for a while, see the official reaction before trying to collect the data.'

'Then we're back to waiting,' Trixie sighed, 'and hoping Mart's plan works.'

Jim attempted to lighten her mood, 'where to next, Shamus?'

'American Consulate,' Trixie moved off at such a rapid pace, it forced Jim's longer legs to work hard to keep up. 'I'll report in, pick up a coded cell and get a weapon there. How am I supposed to keep anyone, myself included safe without protection?'

'Stop, Trix.' Finally catching up, Jim spun the woman around to face him. 'Talk to me. You're tense. What's wrong?'

'I've got this feeling,' Trixie hung her head. Suddenly looking up into green eyes, she placed her fingers less than an inch apart. 'I think I'm this close to solving this case. I need to get inside of those last two companies. I know we'll find the answer but only if I can get to their core systems. I have a feeling they're not infected and I have to know why. It could provide the clue we've been looking for.'

'Get me to a phone,' Jim offered, 'and I'll see what I can do. Bathurst has contracts with both Lorrie-Lynton and English Aeronautical Engineering. If you're right, Sabina is targeting either Richard Lynton, which I find very hard to believe or Henry Reiner. I'm on good terms with both, Trix. Oh,' a lopsided grin lit James Frayne's face, while a mischievous twinkle entered his green eyes, 'Henry's known for his continuous parade of female companions. He'd be an obvious target.'

'Embassy first,' decided Trixie, linking her arm through Jim's. 'While you're waiting for me, you can make your calls. Hopefully we can catch up with both today. I get the feeling time is running out.'

Ushered into the building via a secluded entrance, the CIA operative on duty signaled Agent Belden to join him. Watching, Jim realized they'd been waiting for Trixie to appear. Whispering together, Trixie pointed to Jim. Disappearing to give her report, she left him in the company of another employee who appeared from nowhere. The young man indicated a phone and moved a discrete distance away, allowing Jim to arrange meeting his counterparts later in the afternoon.

Half an hour passed. Wondering how long Trixie would take, Jim stood to ask as her voice echoed from an open door. Weapon tucked snuggly into the middle of her back, Trix signaled for them to leave.

'I think,' Jim took Trixie by the arm, knowing they needed to enter a different phase for this investigation to proceed in the business world. Directing his girl towards the nearest cab, Jim requested the driver head for Slone Street. 'We need to do a little shopping before meeting with Richard,' he grinned wolfishly.

'Shopping,' stunned by the comment, Trixie gazed at Jim with confusion.

Smiling down at her, Jim nodded. Finding herself in one of London's most upmarket fashion districts before she could protest, Mr Frayne picked out his favorite clothing shop. Pushing her inside, an assistant came to their assistance. She recognized Jim immediately, eyes lighting at the rare sight of a woman by his side. Commenting they both needed something suitable for a business meeting followed by an intimate dinner, the pair exited suitably attired an hour later.

'If Sabina didn't know we're here,' he smirked, putting away his personal credit card. No longer willing to hide his presence in London, he signaled a cab, 'she will if she checks into my bank accounts.'

Wisely, Trixie decided to say nothing. Staring out the window, she watched the business district come into view. Shifting uncomfortably on her seat, Agent Belden wondered if her discomfort stemmed from the expensive suit, the designer gown sent to their hotel or Jim taking complete control of the situation. Trixie Belden began to suspect he'd changed in some aspects, most especially the business arena. Perhaps she'd be better staying in the background during their interviews with Richard Lynton and Henry Reiner. It appeared Jim could more than handle both himself and the situation.

Lorrie-Lynton Office, London. 1546 hrs Monday 21st February 2005

'Richard,' Jim shook the hand of Lorrie-Layton's Executive Officer. Dressed in a formal suit, he'd informed Trixie that conducting business in England occurred in a time honored fashion. In order to take them seriously, James Frayne set the scene.

'It's good to see you, Jim,' the thirty something man smiled back. 'I have to say, I'm surprised to find you back in London so soon. What brings you here?' The astute man's gaze didn't miss the twin flashes of gold.

'I'm afraid it's not for pleasure,' looking down at Trixie, he stated, 'I'd like you to meet my Fiancée, Trixie Belden.'

'Fiancée?' Richard took her hand, eyeing the band.

'Trixie works for the American Government and this,' Jim held up his left hand, 'is part of her cover while we're in England. It's a long story. Short version,' pausing he ensured Richard understood the seriousness of the situation, 'Bathurst's been attacked by hackers and they've done a lot of damage. We're not the only major company, but the first in the States.'

'You're suggesting Lorrie-Lynton is in danger?' Richard's demeanor changed from friendly to pure businessman.

'Yes,' Trixie nodded, finally entering the conversation. 'I've been investigating this situation for two years. The programing is very sophisticated, evolving and changing. Twenty nine separate infections have been found in some of Europe's oldest and most well established research and development companies.'

'I'm sorry,' Richard broke in, intrigued, 'who exactly do you work for?'

'I'm with the CIA,' Trixie stated.

'Interpol and MI6?' Richard's apprehension increased as he began to understand the level of suspected threat.

'Are monitoring the situation,' Trixie soothed, attempting to keep the man on side. 'I don't want to alarm you. I need five minutes access to your mainframe. I have the antivirus if we find your systems been infected. However this goes deeper than industrial espionage.' Bringing out several pictures of Sabina in her various disguises, Trix laid them on Richard's desk. 'This woman targets a large corporations, in particular the current successor. She engages them in a relationship, gains access to the companies IT network, then inserts the virus. Once the successor becomes surplus to her needs, she disposes of the problem, permanently. We believe she's linked with Al Qaeda'

'Her name,' Richard pointed to a red haired, green eyed woman, 'is Ann-Marie Kelly. At least that's how I know her. She and Ed Whitmore were together until last year, just before his death. You're suggesting Lenard's been infected and Ed targeted?'

'I'm not suggesting,' Trixie stated. Leaving the rest to Richard's imagination, she asked, 'have you seen her recently?'

'Yes,' Richard, obviously confused, took the picture and examined it closely. 'Henry Reiner from English Aeronautical brought her to a function we both attended Saturday night.' Feeling the emotionally charged atmosphere, he finally asked, 'you think Ann-Marie has something to do with this?'

'This woman,' Jim pointed to a blue eyed blonde, 'attached herself to me some time ago. It's the same individual, only she called herself Sabina Malic. She left New York Tuesday, returning to London on business. All I'm asking is give Trixie five minutes with your computer system. I'm sure she won't mind if you look over her shoulder while she ensures you're not at risk.'

'Well,' Richard felt the sweat running down his back. He'd taken a big chance, allowing the unknown woman access to the most confidential areas of his business. Jim's recommendation had always stood up in the past, and Richard placed all his trust in the young man now.

Jim and Trixie continued to explain the situation as all three hovered around the terminal in his office. Richard began to feel horrified at the terrorist organizations audacity. Face schooled in a neutral expression, he watched the grimace on the young woman's face as her fingers flew over the keyboard of his personal computer.

'Nothing,' she turned to stare up at him with a slight smile. 'You're not infected. I only have one question. You're Layton. So who is Lorrie?'

'My father-in-law,' Richard, surprised at the question, answered with astonishment. He'd assumed Jim would have discussed the relationship with his fiancée.

'Trix,' Jim gained her attention with a touch of his hand, 'Richard is married to Charlotte, William Lorrie's only child. When he became a full partner in the business, the name changed.'

'Did this woman ever…' unsure how to ask the question, Trixie looked embarrassed.

'Yes,' Richard answered with a smirk, understanding the subtle innuendo. 'I don't think she took the rejection very well. Charlotte and I are expecting our second child next month. I won't tell you what my wife would do to me, if she thought I'd so much as touched another woman.'

'Thank you for your time, Richard. Jim, we need to go,' Trixie stood abruptly. 'It's been nice meeting you,' she added with a glimmer of a smile. 'I hope it's under better circumstances next time.' Looking confused, the man watched the petite woman turn towards his friend. 'Jim,' the agent in Belden all but ordered, 'please call Henry. See if he'll meet us in a public place with Ann-Marie tonight, but don't let him tell her who he's meeting.'

'Trix,' Jim growled. Glaring at him, he gave in and pulled the cell phone from his pocket.

'Richard,' she ignored the tall redhead by her side, 'could you please contact this number for me. I can't afford to have the call traced back to me. Would you give Tim the address and time of our meeting? I'd appreciate it,' Trixie used a pleading tone, 'if you don't let anyone know you met us tonight, or that Jim is in London for the next few days.'

Nodding, Richard saw the pair out. Wondering what he'd become involved with, he made the call. The older voice on the line thanked him and hung up. A shiver ran down his spine as he thought about Jim's fiancée. He wondered how on earth an astute businessman like James Frayne became in involved with a spy.

'Trix,' excitement shone in Jim's green orbs as they exited the building.

Turning to look at him, she placed a finger over her lips. Something indefinable in his features informed Agent Belden they'd finally found the key to this mystery. James Frayne's very logical and analytical mind extracted facts to find a pattern. Nodding his agreement, Trixie force her hand into his. Linking their fingers, she gently squeezed his digits. Allowing her to take the lead they found a small café on a very busy street. After ordering and receiving their coffee, she finally allowed him to speak.

'Sabina, or what every her real name is, has fallen into the trap we've used as an advantage.' Looking at Trixie, delight lit his eyes. 'The business community in London isn't big. She's had to use the same identity to snare Henry as her latest victim.'

Looking at him blankly, Trixie already understood this. 'Why is that important?'

Moving in closely, Jim signaled Trixie to do the same. 'Because I finally worked out what she's after. It didn't make sense, one woman targeting so many different men from varying businesses, unless you know they're collaborating on a single project.'

'And what,' Trixie asked, astounded, 'are they collaborating on?'

'DART, Drone Aerial Radio-opaque Tracking system,' Jim delivered with a delighted grin. 'In other words, the ultimate weapon able to deliver a specifically targeted payload while avoiding radar detection.'

Finally, sorry if this seems like the tone and/or characterisation have changed. I wrote the first fifteen chapters ten years ago. I've tried to keep the story flowing. I don't think it's quite as intense as my writing has changed in this time. I hope you're all still enjoying the story.