I'd like to thank dmc6792 for picking up on a very small clue in the last chapter and commenting on it. That would be the only way Sabina managed to capture Jim, at least in any universe I write! A very big thank to everyone for continuing to follow this story and write a review. It's appreciated more than you know.

Knightsbridge, London, 2316hrs Monday 21st February 2005

'All right,' Henry exploded the moment they walked into his townhouse. He'd begun fuming about the time Jim stated he'd met Ann-Marie two years ago. Good manners and a fair dose of astonishment kept his lips smiling throughout the emotionally charged meal and drive to his home. Waiting until they were alone, he now expected answers to the many questions cascading through his mind.

'I'd like to know what tonight has really been about?' Henry found himself ranting when his companions stared blankly at him.

Glaring at his colleague, Henry demanded answers from the astute man. James Frayne never played games. Tonight he'd kept Henry in the dark which confused him and, to a lesser extent, Ann-Marie. He noticed the mystification in her green gaze, resting on the man throughout the meal. The businessman took note of her very telling reactions toward Jim. They most defiantly knew each other, in the biblical sense if his instincts didn't miss their guess. Ann-Marie wanted to reveal the fact, which begged the question, why. It also explained the immediate animosity between the women. An animosity Trixie Belden held at bay with an almost inexplicable smirk.

Allowing the expression of incredulity to enter his chocolate eyes, Henry uttered, 'Jim you never ask favors, especially in the business arena. It's usually the other way around. All that nonsense about meeting Ann-Marie at one of Ed's parties, you couldn't be invited, living and working in New York. I could have staked my reputation on the fact you'd never met Ann-Marie until tonight. Now I'm not so sure.'

Jim gave Trixie an "I told you to expect this reaction" look, followed closely by "you're on your own, sweetheart" glare. Arching her eyebrow, she turned her cerulean gaze on Henry. Before Agent Belden ordered her thoughts or managed to get a word out, the young man sighed heavily.

'I get the feeling this is going to be a very long explanation,' he muttered, his stare boring into Trixie.

He hadn't missed the moment of private communication between the pair. The intimate atmosphere surrounding them made Henry wonder at the length and depth of the relationship. He also wondered how Ann-Marie fitted into the equation as Jim obviously knew his fiancée for some time. Curious still, James Frayne could be tighter than a clam with information, yet Trixie Belden quite clearly held his confidence. The young Bathurst Heir managed to keep the woman in his life out of media and away from unwanted public attention, quite a feat in this paparazzi fueled age.

'I'd get comfortable with a cup of coffee,' Jim managed in a neutral tone while the expression on his face stated the exact opposite, 'if not something a little stronger. It took me a while to comprehend Trixie's investigation and the implications, professional and personal for the both of us. Believe me I wouldn't be here if I could avoid it. Circumstances make it impossible not to be.'

'Investigation?' Henry shook his head, disbelievingly. Making a gesture to follow him, he led the way into a comfortable lounge room, indicating they should sit. So many questions crowed into Henry's mind. 'So are you really engaged?' he asked, intrigued. It seemed as good a place as any to start.

'Yes,' Jim answered immediately, placing a hand possessively around his fiancées' shoulder.

'No,' Trixie replied at the same time, fiddling with the diamond on her left hand. The wedding bands remained in their hotel room.

'Well,' Henry stared at the pair sitting cozily on the couch together, 'you certainly cleared that up. I'm guessing its coffee all around?' Gaining nods of agreement, he muttered, 'then you can explain your behavior towards Ann-Marie tonight, young lady. Anyone would think she's the subject of your investigation!'

Two hours later, pictures of Sabina in her various disguises strewn on the coffee table, Henry understood the reasons behind Jim's call. Trixie outlined their current working theory, careful not to mention DART. She didn't need to. The expression in Henry's gaze stated he'd worked that part out for himself.

'You have to be engaged,' Henry stated, sitting back in a seemingly relaxed position. The ridged way he held his body at odds with his posture. 'Jim wouldn't reveal what I think he has to anyone he didn't trust with his life. From what I've heard tonight, you hold not only your Fiancées life in your hands, Agent Belden, but future of most of the major Corporations in the Western World.'

'This places Sabina in a dilemma,' Jim broke in before Trixie could comment. Until now Henry and Trixie discussed the implications for English Aeronautical most without his input. As he did in business, Jim only spoke when he had something important to add. 'Either she has to continue to worm her way into your life, Henry or discover how much I've told Trixie. The net is closing around her rapidly and she doesn't have time to do both. As you can see,' his tone turned satirical, 'there's not a lot of love lost between my Fiancée and Sabina.'

'I'm sure few could have missed the antagonism,' Henry smirked, remembering the banter he'd allowed to continue between the opponents. A curious expression clouded he eyes. Somehow this woman captured James Frayne, while still dating Ed Whitmore. For the young man across the table to be ensnared in her web, Henry admitted he wouldn't have stood a chance.

'I've known Trix twelve years,' Jim turned his gaze to the woman sitting beside him. The feelings communicated in that single glance had Henry wondering about Ann-Marie. Perhaps he'd misread the previous relationship, or Ann-Marie deliberately attempted to mislead them. 'I've never known her to let the crook get away.'

'Which do you think it will be?' Trixie asked, valuing Jim's unique insight. Trying not to colour under his rarely gained praise, Henry couldn't help smile at her innocent reaction. 'I'm sure Sabina didn't enjoy the way tonight ended.'

Shrugging his shoulders, Jim stated, 'I'm redundant to her needs. Sabina needs to gain the plans off Henry or she's failed her assignment. I'm not sure what the penalty will be for that within her organization. Either way, I don't think her boss will be lenient if she fails.'

'You don't think you're a target any longer?' Henry asked. Analyzing the data, he'd come to the same conclusion as Jim.

'Tonight confirmed Trix and I are together,' Jim counted points on his fingers.

'Together?' questioned Henry. Yet another look passed between the pair, this time melancholy.

'Let's just say,' Trixie's blue gaze didn't leave Jim's started green eyes, 'this woman is very good at getting what she wants, no matter the cost to anyone else.'

Choosing to say nothing, Henry indicated Jim should continue. 'By reconciling, I've given the investigation credence, allowing Trixie to connect the dots. Killing me only serves a purpose if they're cleaning up loose ends and intend to start again, which they can't, under these circumstances. They need to extract as much information about DART as possible in the smallest amount of time. Meeting you for dinner tonight stopped any hope of that occurring. Leaving with us, Sabina can't be sure we're not having this very discussion. Exposure means a single remaining target, Richard Lynton. From our earlier discussion with him, she'd tried to entice him and failed. That leaves her very few options.'

'We visited Richard this afternoon. He's aware of our plans,' Trixie informed Henry. 'I've contacted MI5. You'll be protected for the next few days. As I've explained, the moment Sabina attempts to log on and retrieve any data, we should have her.'

'Leaving you to protect Jim alone?' Henry added in a cynical voice.

'One agent can't possibly guard an asset 24/7,' Trixie stated, hoping Henry didn't give her plan away. If Jim suspected anything, he'd never let her out of his sight. Later tonight, Tim would take over the protection detail while she went in search of Sabina. 'If Jim's right, then Sabina will cut her loses and disappear.'

'I didn't actually say that, Trix,' Jim captured her blue eyes in a fierce green gaze. Pulling her closer into his embrace, the concern in his facial expression made her shudder. 'You've ruined all her plans. Sabina's not one to go down without a fight. I've come to the conclusion she'll want revenge on the person she perceives as responsible for her failure no matter what the personal cost.'

'Make's perfect sense to me,' Henry agreed. 'I'd say she's got nothing left to loose, which makes her both desperate and dangerous. Maybe the both of you should stay here tonight.'

'Thank you,' Trixie suddenly broke away from her companion, 'but I'd always planned to be the target. Jim and I staying here will increase the risk to you Henry. There might be more than one operative working on getting the plans. I don't want anyone else hurt if possible.'

Once again Jim gave the woman at his side the most incredible look. 'It's been a long time since the case of the kidnapped schoolgirl, Trix. I know you've learnt a lot since then. I trust you,' he whispered the last. This confession caused a major issue between them in the past, Henry noted by Trixie's reaction to the softly spoken words. 'I've been meaning to tell you for years now.'

'I hope you're right, Jim,' Trixie smiled timidly, acknowledging the apology. Anxiously she stood to consider her next words. It would kill the growing emotion between them. 'It means you're safe and can return to New York tonight. I'll have Tim make arrangements for your immediate removal back to the States. I want you safe, Jim.'

'No,' the anger in Jim's voice exploded in the quiet room, just as he erupted from the sofa. Gripping one of Trixie's arms, he spun her around to face him, 'you dam well won't, Trixie Belden. I let you out of my sight once and look what happened.'

Thinking they still spoke about California, golden curls shook with disappointment. Realizing his mistake, Jim placed a finger under her chin forcing their gaze to lock. 'I won't stand for a repeat of your freshman year and what it cost us. There isn't a hope in hell of Tim what's his name pushing me out of your life again, with or without your permission. In spite of everything that's happened to us, I love you and I'm not letting you go again.'

'Jim,' Trixie pleaded, looking at Henry to gage his reaction. She didn't need an almost complete stranger learning about their private issues.

'I learnt a long time ago,' Henry found amusement in the situation, 'not to cross Matthew Wheeler's protégé. Once Jim's made his mind up, it's impossible to change it. I get the feeling you're stuck with him.'

'You'd better learn to believe it,' Jim towered over her with a menacing expression on his face. 'There is no way I'm letting you out of my sight, Trixie Belden. I won't lose you again.'

The Garden Hotel, London, 0326hrs Tuesday 22nd February 2005

The cab ride back to the hotel occurred in virtual silence. Trixie rested her head on a hand, watching the buildings out the window and contemplating her next move. She needed Jim on side to slip away in the early hours of the morning. Understanding the need to use the emotions he'd openly expressed this evening, the young agent found herself in the biggest dilemma of her career. Did she take the path she knew to be right, or appear to give in to her yearning for a normal life staring Jim? Either way, at least one of them would finish up hurt.

Serendipitously, he watched his girl from under a heavy brow. He didn't like the distance created at Henry's or the contemplative expression on her face. Jim noted the exact moment the atmosphere changed between them. Instinctively he understood why. James Frayne also knew how he could remedy the situation.

Reaching across the back seat, which might have been a thousand mile chasm, he took Trixie's smaller hand in his. Lacing their fingers, he willed her to look at him. Allowing his eyes to communicate what words would never be able he set about creating an intimate atmosphere.

Once inside their small room, Jim didn't give Trixie time for second thoughts. Taking her in his embrace, he kicked the door closed. Before the woman in his arms could protest, he took advantage of her open mouth. Expecting an initial protest, he almost jumped for joy when Trixie invited further intimacies. Not wanting to question her capitulation, he found his emotions and hands swept away in the attempt to express his passion.

Once upon a time, Jim's mind stated, you tried to tell me how much you loved me with your actions. It feels like a lifetime ago. This time I'm going to make sure you know just how much I care for you before this night is over, in actions and words, Trixie Belden. I'm going to wrap you up in me like a Christmas present so you'll never want to be anywhere else.

Allowing her eyes to adjust to the moonlight cascading through the open window several hours later, Trixie Belden held her breath for a few moments. Lying perfectly still, she knew she'd been irresponsible letting things get so out of hand. Taking in the sight before her, memorizing every detail, she wanted to reach out and touch Jim's features. Softened in slumber, this might be the last time she managed to capture him in such a vulnerable position. Whatever Sabina planed, she'd put into action tonight, ending any chance of an association between them. It gave Trixie this last opportunity to remember the man she'd always loved.

'Goodbye,' she whispered, the tears valiantly kept behind her eyelids. 'No matter what you and I want, this is bigger than the both of us. I love you Jim, I always have. I wish this could have ended another way, but it's impossible. We're impossible. I hope you can come to terms with that one day.'

Careful not to disturb the man, she slipped out of his arms and out of the bed. Dressing quickly, she took one last long look. Tim would soon be here to take over the protection detail, allowing her to disappear into the night. Storing memories for the many lonely years ahead, Trix closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she wanted to remember everything, even the subtle smell of musk still loitering in the air.

Only the second time she'd slept with a man, Jim performance proved he'd learnt a lot in the intervening years. It saddened Trixie who thought they'd teach each other the art of loving and being loved. Still she understood the reasons a young man needed companionship, especially with the emotional turmoil Jim experienced in his life.

And I'm about to create so much more, breaking her contemplation, Trixie picked up her weapon. Looking around, she shoved her belongings into her bag. Leaving the dress she'd worn to dinner last night draped over the bed as a reminder of the last time they'd be together, Agent Belden removed any trace of her habitation in the room. With a look of regret, she stepped out of the door soundlessly.

'Belden,' Tim greeted, 'your ten minutes late.'

'Look after him, Shadow man,' Trixie wiped away the single tear able to escape her tight control.

'I promise,' he nodded in the dimly lit hall.

'Is she here,' Belden switched to professional.

'Not yet. You don't have to do this alone,' a note of sadness entered Tim's tone. In his heart he knew the final showdown needed to occur between Belden and Sabina. She wanted to do this personally, for her own reasons and to stop more agents falling victim.

Steeling her expression into neutrality, Trixie cocked and loaded her weapon. Moving down the hall towards the stair well, she exited the building. Huddled in an alley across the street, she waited patiently. Cold and restless, Trixie's attention wandered. She just wanted this over, to start the next chapter in her life. Then she heard it, footsteps reverberating on the pavement. Listening intently, she discerned two distinct tread patterns. One set, lighter, almost but not quite noiseless, the other heavier. Sabina brought help. She'd need it to subdue a trained agent and the man who'd do anything to protect his lover.

Flattening herself against the wall, she saw the shadows approach the hotel staff entry. Three seconds later, the code for the pin pad broken, they entered quickly and efficiently. Trixie followed, catching the door just before it locked her out. Neither Sabina nor her companion attempted to disguise their intent, they moved through the change room. Ignoring the uniforms, they started up the workers staircase.

Cautiously Trixie approached the banister. Biting her lip, Trixie listened intently. She couldn't hear anything. The pair had become soundless. Losing sight of Sabina, the agent made her decision. She needed to take the terrorist out now, to take her life in cold blood. Shaking with fury and reluctance, Trixie Belden didn't want to do this, yet knew she had no other choice. This woman would eliminate Jim without a second thought. Anticipating a flash of red hair as she placed her foot on the first step, the bullet coming from the opposite direction caught her off guard. And so it ended suddenly with a bang, then a thud. Just before half past three in the morning, Trixie found she'd walked into Sabina's unwitting trap.

I made a fatal mistake, Trixie's mind informed. Sabina once again played me. She must have seen me in the alley, waited in the change room and then pounced.

Pain exploded in Trixie's stomach. Not willing to look at the warm wetness spreading across her abdomen and down her legs, Agent Belden's training and survival instincts took over. Turning as she fell backwards, Trixie intuitively fired her gun at the approaching individual. She must have considered the young agent beyond the ability to pull the trigger. An expression of surprise encompassed her assailants face.

Sabina mouthed something through the hole in her throat. In her final moments of consciousness, Trixie would never know what the woman said. Lost in the fact she killed someone, Agent Belden found the tears streaming down her face, blurring her vision. The footsteps issuing from the stairs above her position hurried toward Trixie. She knew Tim would get Jim out before he saw her lifeless body. She just hoped it would happen before Sabina's accomplice found them.

Tim waited before entering the room Belden shared with Frayne. Until the man realized he'd been abandoned, agent O'Hara happily let sleeping dogs lay. His instincts on high alert, he decided to watch from the window. Rewarded by the sight of Trixie racing across the street, he started down the service stairs hoping to help resolve the situation. On the second floor landing, he heard the gun shot. On the first floor landing he took out Sabina's colleague with a choke hold and collected his gun. Firing the weapon, he'd stopped the woman taking the second shot at Belden.

Sweeping his gaze to the landing below, Tim saw the two entangled bodies. He couldn't take the time to grieve for Belden or check to see if his shot met it mark. He'd made a promise to get Jim out unscathed, and he'd grant Trixie her dying wish. Besides, he didn't want James Frayne in the building when the police showed up. It would be hard to explain the false passport and the death of his "wife".

Precious seconds ticked by as Tim took the gun from Belden's lifeless hands. Tucking it into his belt, he wondered what the authorities would make of this situation. Orchestrating the accidental shooting of Trixie Belden, he set the scene for the police to assume the conclusion he wanted. It would appear Sabina murdered Trixie before turning her gun on the man. He'd defended himself but paid with his life. His job done, Tim glanced once again at his protégé. Pale, her rib cage unmoving, he wouldn't allow any remorse as he mounted the stairs to complete his mission.

Pounding on Jim's door, he shoved it backwards the moment he saw the first tremble of the handle. Catching the sleepy redhead off guard, Tim barged in. Agent O'Hara's left hand quickly wrapped around Jim's torso, trapping his arms at his sides. Covering his mouth with the other, he hissed into the struggling man's ear, 'you can't help her.'

'Trix,' Jim attempted, eyes wildly looking towards the bed then bathroom.

'She loved you,' Tim took valuable seconds to explain, allowing the shocked man to come to the conclusion his lover had gone, 'more than she should have. She wanted me to get you out, to save you if this all went south. Trixie's dead and we have to move.'

Stunned into immobility, Tim loosened his grip. 'I'm going to let you go Jim,' he softened his voice. 'You need to get dressed so we can get out of here.'

Watching the man, the shock and devastation covering his face, Tim threw a set of jeans, shirt and jacket at him as he collected the bag Belden packed with Jim's belonging earlier. Not wanting to leave any evidence of their habitation in the room, he waited for Jim to dress before handing off the bag. 'We have to move now,' Tim hissed, going to the window as police sirens echoed in the distance. They'd been called more quickly than he'd anticipated.

Finally understanding, Jim looked towards the door as if waiting for Trixie to enter and tell them it had all be a bad joke. Taking the time to finger the fine silk dress Trixie wore to dinner last night, he stuffed it in the bag. When she came back to him…

'Move,' Tim hissed, pointing to the hallway. 'We're going up two levels. This building is connected to several other Hotels on the same block. Originally they belonged to a single estate. We'll exit through the combined laundry room in the basement. Once we're on the street, we'll take a cab to London City Airport. Trixie arranged for your father to place the company Jet at her disposal. We need to get you out of the country as soon as possible.'

Shell shocked, Jim openly glared at Tim. He wanted, needed to see Trixie, to believe it. The events of the last few hours hadn't sunk in yet. His mind demanding this must be a sick joke after they'd made love. It took several seconds for Jim follow the agent. The expression of sorrow and regret on Tim's face finally convincing Jim his life too might be in danger.

Changing plans when he noticed the number of police cars responding to the reports of gunfire in central London, Tim grabbed Jim as they exited the building. The streets empty at quarter to four in the morning, he took to shadows and alley ways in the hope of remaining unseen. Finally, five blocks from the scene of the crime, he hailed a cab, pretending to be drunk. Jim's long face and leave me alone attitude helped. The cabbie didn't bother asking more than their destination.

With the limited traffic, they made it to the airport before the pilot could file a flight plan. Onboard, seated in one of the deep leather couches, Jim finally allowed the events of the last hour to permeate his conscious. He couldn't believe it, he wouldn't believe it. Trixie, the love of his life, dead, it just wasn't possible. His heart and soul rebelled at the idea.

Tim had lied to him before. Berating himself for trusting so implicitly, Jim remembered every moment of that fateful trip to Washington DC so many years ago. He'd been made to feel Trixie blamed him for their pregnancy. That she'd been aware of their child growing inside her but still continued to keep that information from him. Initially Jim's anger made him act coldly, until he'd seen her lying in that hospital bed, crying her eyes out. Pale, almost lifeless in her despondency, Tim convinced him to leave her to grieve in peace. As naive as Trixie, he'd given into what he'd considered her wish.

'Not again,' Jim suddenly exploded. Launching himself from the seat, a security guard watched him carefully. 'Tell the pilot we're staying in London. Have a car ready to take me back to The Garden Hotel.'

'I'm sorry sir,' the agent now assigned to protect him stood between Jim and the plane's exit, 'I can't allow that.'

Astounded, Jim opened his mouth, only to find no words would come out. Until he saw Trixie's lifeless body, until he felt her cold hand in his, until he'd buried her, he'd never believe her dead. They wouldn't allow him that comfort, that grief in this moment of utter sorrow so he wouldn't believe them, not after they'd lied before.

Quashing the overwhelming emotion threatening to swamp him, Jim knew he had to think. After all, Matthew Wheeler, his biological father employed him for his skills as a master tactician. His father believed in Jim's intuition. With that thought, Jim knew what he had to do and he knew he'd have more wealth and power to achieve his aim from his office in New York.

'We both know,' Jim glared at his protector, 'the only reason you won't let me see her.'

Turning away, Jim sat back in his seat. Arms folded, he glared at the wood paneling separating the cockpit from the passenger section. Mind working furiously, he used the entire five hour flight to plan his next moves. Touching down at Westchester Private airport, Tom met the aircraft. He drove Jim directly to his New York office.

'Dad,' Jim picked up the phone before sitting behind the massive desk, uncaring of the early hour, 'I've come to some decisions. Firstly, I'm changing my name. From now on, I want to openly acknowledge the blood bond between us. I'll have my sectary change my business cards to James Wheeler and start the legal documentation to have my birth certificate changed. Also, I want you to introduce me to your political connections in Washington. I need to speak to the head of the CIA before the week is out.'

I know, you're thinking you can't do this to Jim and Trixie. This can't possibly be the end. Well, I'm sure you all agree tenacious Jim won't give up that easily. I'll post the next chapter in one week, giving you plenty of time for a review!