Uzbekistan Desert
September 23, 2002
A large splash of water hits Vincent face and body as he abruptly wakes up. The rude awakening was the new standard procedure for the last three days as he was bound to the chair. The only respite was an occasional sip of water and food that was not fit for consumption by any being. The cold splash was a refreshing liberation from the sweat and dirt cake spread over his body. However, a sadistic laugh replaces the shock of the cold as the man who laid siege on the camp rips the hood off Vincent's head.
"Wakey wakey….eggs and bakey!" the leader taunts him with an excruciatingly high pitched voice that irritates the hell out of Vincent while making the others gathered laugh harder. "Rise and shine pretty boy, today you are going to be a big TV star!"
Vincent frantically gasp as he gauges his surroundings.. He appear to be inside a large tent with at least 2 dozen men dressed in Afghan robes with their faces covered.
When these men invaded the camp, Vincent did notice that the leader did not resemble the locals with no olive skin and an accent that seems like a mixture of Cockney and Southern Twang. Once that realization came through, the rest of the group stood out as non-locals. The darker ones sound like cases in the ER that had a chemical reaction to spray tan than natural skin.
"What the hell is this?" Vincent thought as he stares at each of them. "There is something very wrong here."
His head been covered in darkness, but he was staring at a bright light on a camera. His surroundings had a small studio with an flag he did not recognize. However, the setup was familiar to him. It was the setting for a live execution for broadcast.
"Oh God! Please do not let mom and dad see this." He whispers to himself as he felt the tears starting to brim over. Losing his brothers was horrifying and his death would cause his parents further anguish. He would accept his fate, but he didn't want his family to suffer anymore.
Blinking quickly, he took a deep breath and swallows hard to retain any composure he had left. They may take his life today but he would go out standing on his feet with his dignity intact as he spits into their faces and rip off their identity shrouds. These assholes were not local terrorists and he wanted to know exactly who they were.
The leader addresses the crowd in front of him and shouts something with a salute, which the other repeat and cheer! Once everyone settled down, the red light on the camera came on.
"Smile, pretty boy." the leader leers at him. "Everybody in your filthy country can see you, which includes you hillbilly president."
Vincent wanted to scream as a man holds a serrated blade against his throat. However, Vincent would not allow himself to give these bastards the satisfaction to give in to fear. He might be terrified, but he remains stoic.
The leader stood off to the side of him with arms folded behind his back, which reminds Vincent of the raid on the camp. The leader spoke into the camera. Vincent was unable to understand what was being said, but it was very clear that it was hostage demands. Once the speech was finished and the camera light was off, the men put a shroud over his face again. It was dark and quiet once again.
It is sheer hell to be left alone in the darkness, but this is why the terrorist chose this tactic. However, Vincent is determined to not to be daunted by the so-called terrorists, but it is a matter of staying ahead of the game. He must keep looking for a way out. He could break the chair, but he did not know exactly where he was. He could die from any number of unknown variables before reaching a town or being rescued.
"Does anybody even know I am here?" He whispers to himself. He had no way of knowing if Team Charlie or the other squads were rescued. If he counted right, today was the extraction day and he prays that there were no corpses of his friends.
He had hope by a miracle that Fiona survived. He knew she would keep her promise to find him no matter what. A sacred non-verbal promise was made by two friends who promise to have each others back. All Vincent could do now was pray that somebody was coming for him.
Vincent and Catherine's Apartment
Present Day
"Wait! Hold up! You two know each other?" Tess spoke in a loud voice over commotion created by Vincent and Alex's unexpected reunion. Vincent's arm was still draped around Alex's shoulder as he turns and grins.
"Yeah…ah…Alex and I served in Afghanistan together." Vincent was still clearly stunned by Alex's presence, especially in the midst of the recent developments. JT and Cat looked at each other with downright bewilderment; this was quite a twist of fate considering the timing.
Vincent could see that Cat is getting ready to speak. Knowing his wife, she is likely in the process of asking if this was "That Alex". Before she could get the words out, Vincent shook his head and slid the side of his hand across his throat gesturing her not to ask just yet. He could not recall the last time he had seen Alex or how close he had gotten with Fiona, so bombarding him with questions the moment he saw him would put him in more of an awkward situation than he already was in. Cat nods in understanding.
Alex shook his head and chuckles.
"I can't believe it's really you!" He looks him over then frowns. "I don't mean to drudge up bad memories, but after what happened…" He didn't know how much the others knew and was unsure of how to proceed.
"Alex, it's ok." Vincent half smiles pressing his lips together. "Everybody in this room knows what happened and what I am capable of when somebody pisses me off." With that he chuckles before continuing. "After I returned from Afghanistan, I spent over 10 years hiding from Muirfield living in sheer hell never knowing if I would be caught, or kill somebody without intending too. But, I would do it all again to get where I am at this moment. I met the love of my life who helped me fight to learn to control this curse and fight to get my life back." He looks over at Cat and pulls her to him. "And speaking of which…I would like you to meet my wife, Catherine Chandler…Keller." He smiles at her proudly and back at Alex.
"Hi." Cat extends her hand warmly to give a firm handshake. "It's nice to meet you…" Although her statement sounds more like a question, she gave him a polite smile then turns to Tess with a peculiar expression and shrugs as if to say "where did you find this guy?"
Taking that as her queue, Tess spoke up.
"Well I brought Detective Faulks over to meet his new partner and I had no idea that I was reuniting him with an old army buddy. So Detective Keller meet detective Faulks."
"It's a pleasure, ma'am." Alex gave her a polite nod.
Tess facepalms and scoffs. "Alex…we talked about this ma'am business." She folds her arms across her chest playfully. "No woman under 35 should be called ma'am."
JT clears his throat and approaches Alex.
"Hey, I'm JT Forbes." He extends his hand. "Vincent's best friend, Tess's significant other and Cat's..." He struggles to find an adjective to describe his relationship with Cat.
"Brother." Cat smiles as she approaches JT giving him a hug around the waist and a kiss on the cheek. "Or brother in law since you are like a brother to Vincent."
JT smiles and even blushes a little. Cat just always made him feel good about himself.
Alex grins then took the hand JT offered with a short, but firm shake.
"JT Forbes. I already know so much about you from Vincent's stories of growing up in Queens. You were mentioned often in his antics."
JT cleares his throat and glares at Vincent.
"Just know that whatever he told you, everything was always his idea! He was the troublemaker, and I was just his geek best friend."
"Who needed to get his face out of the books and live a little!" Vincent gave a mischievous grin. "Admit it, If it weren't for me, your childhood would have sucked balls and you never would have gotten laid!"
"HEY!" JT shouts back. "I will have you know that I happen to have my own ways with the ladies." He places his arms around Tess and kisses her. "As you can see I do just fine."
"Well to be fair…" Tess giggles as she gave him a squeeze. "You probably wouldn't have met me if Vincent wouldn't have met Cat."
"Traitor." He scowls and turns his back on her as they all laugh..
Alex watches all of this with a sad smile on his face. Vincent had everything he had hoped with Cat. Their laughter lifts his spirits briefly, but he could not help but think of what his life would have been had things been different. Would he ever find this kind of contentment in his life? His life had become only a bleak existence with very few moments that brought made him smile. He could not even recall the last time he had been happy. Vincent places his hand on Alex's arm and jolts the big man out of his thoughts.
"Alex? You ok, buddy?"
"Yeah." Alex nods quickly. "I'm great." He looks at Vincent and shrugs. "And how are you?"
Vincent laughs.
"And there is that dry wit I've come to expect."
"Glad I could help." JT answers looking uncomfortable. A tall, handsome dude will be working with Tess everyday.
"Well, Cat and I were just going to go out and eat…" He gestures his hands at them all. "Would you like to join us?".
Tess snickers at Vincent's comment thinking of the variables of the statement.
"You know me…I'm always hungry."
"I can eat." Alex shrugs then looks back at Vincent.
But Cat has another agenda.
"Hey…I'm really not hungry and I'm not really feeling like going out." She looks at Tess and JT and smiles. "Why don't we stay here and get a pizza and let these two catch up. I'm sure after all these years there is a lot to talk about."
Tess looks confused and feasibly disappointed that they weren't going to go out, but from the way Cat was talking she knew there was a valid reason for the request.
"If we get it from Martini's and at least half has lots of chorizo, I'm game."
JT nods then rolls his eyes.
"Yeah, but I won't be eating any chorizo unless somebody brought the Beano." He looks at Tess who pulls a small bottle out of her bag, shakes it, and puts it away.
"Take Beano now! There will be no toxic farts later." Vincent's face turns red as he tries not to laugh too hard.
"Yeah, very funny." JT snarls as the others broke out laughing. "Glad to be the comic relief tonight."
Tess giggles and gave her man a one-armed squeeze.
"JT is the target of our jokes, but it is only because we love him so much. I just use him as my sex slave."
"And even more information I could have gone the rest of my life without any knowledge of and still be ok." Alex sighs looking somewhat uncomfortable but gave a smile showing he was being humorous since Tess had been giving him way too much information about her life on the ride over. He then turns to Vincent. "Ok, I'm ready when you are."
Vincent leans in to kiss his wife goodbye.
"Thank you." He whispers to her.
"You can thank me later." She smiles impishly causing her nose to crinkle. "Have fun." She leans in and whispers.. "If this is the Alex I think he is, don't bombard him with questions about Fiona. It may stir up bad memories."
"Hey, I'm a married man now. I know how to tread." He smiles wide. "And yes he is the same Alex. A little strange, huh?" He cocks his head and folded his arms. "There is a reason he is here and hopefully he can help us."
"Yeah." Cat looks in Alex's direction who was in a conversation with Tess and JT. "I don't really think he is involved in anything sinister, but it is a coincidence that he has moved to the precinct at this point in time."
"Well hopefully he will feel ok to confide in me." He shrug. "Or over time." He leans and kisses her. "I love you."
"I love you." She smiles then jumped as he slaps her ass.
"Ok Eskimo boy! Are you ready to hit the town?" Vincent rubs his hands together.
Alex raises an eyebrow.
"You do realize by now I am Inuit, right?" he said with a smile. "Born ready in either case." he spoke before turning to the others to wave. "It's great to meet you guys. I won't keep him out too late."
"You should probably take a baseball bat to fend off the women." Tess calls after them as they walks out the door.
"Oh. My. God!" Cat was starting to sound more like her sister than herself. "Do you guys have any idea who that is?"
Tess rolls her eyes around then shrugs. "Justin Timberlake?" She replies sardonically. "I have no idea, and why in the hell are you acting like Heather?"
"Do you remember this morning when Vincent was telling us about the Captain that Fiona was in love with?" She looks at them both and points to the door where Vincent and Alex had just exited. "That smoking hot guy that just left here with Vincent is him!"
Tess nearly chokes out the beer she was sipping on.
"Shut the fuck up!" She shouts. "He just happens to show up now? And he is the boyfriend of Vincent's elusive friend?"
JT shook his head.
"So I agree that the timing is a huge coincidence, but let's not jump to any conclusions. Fiona's brother just had the living shit beat out of him and it has been in the news. It stands to reason that he has been looking for her too and when he caught wind of this, he felt being closer to the scene would help him find her."
"I agree with JT." Cat folds her arms and leans back against the counter. "His arrival is a coincidence, but I do not get the impression there is any malice behind it at all. I think he is a lost dove looking for his mate."
Both JT and Tess looks at her.
"Really?" Tess gave a short laugh. "You are really the romantic on this, aren't you?"
Cat just beams happily.
Bagram Airfield Afghanistan Desert
September 24, 2002
Tears rolls down Fio's cheeks as she sat in the waiting area of the General's office for her debriefing that morning. It was not the fear of having to relive the nightmare they experienced during the survival training exercise in front of Brigadier General Weller that was creating distress, but the news footage on CNN displaying Vincent Keller's pictures all over the news. He was being called a hero as he sat there stoically with a knife across his throat as the leader made a speech. Heroic? A soldier feels their least heroic when they stand helplessly at death's door not knowing if anybody is coming. The least Vincent is feeling is heroic.
While CNN constantly played footage of that piece of shit who ordered their deaths standing in front of the camera telling whoever was listening over and over again in Pashto, the English caption flashed across the bottom the screen translated his words - Vincent would be executed if their demands were not met by 9/26/2002 at 08:00 hours.
"Conner! You're up!" Phillips shouts louder than he needs to since she was sitting right outside the door.
"Yes Sir!" She quickly wipes her eyes with the tissue she was holding then stood and salutes before briskly walking into the general's office. Since this had been classified as a formal debriefing, Fio was wearing her dress whites that made the young girl appear more mature than 21.
As she entered the office, General Greg Weller stood up as did the assembly of various ranked officers seated at the conference table. She assumes this was due to her being a woman. As she approached Brigadier General Weller, she stood at attention pulling her knees and feet together and offering a salute. "SIR!" The higher the rank of the officer, the louder her cadence. Much to her chagrin, she notices some of the officers, including Weller, were giving her the once over. Although she held her poise and expression, she did not appreciate being eyed by her superiors like she was a prize in a slave auction.
"At ease, Lieutenant Conner." General Weller returns her salute then motions her to take a chair.
"Thank you, sir." Fio sat down next to Phillips. Across the table was Captain Faulks. Despite Fio's half-smile, he continued to stare in the General's direction as though he did not see her; it was either that, or he was purposely avoiding her stare. "Another problem for another time." She thought to herself. She was not aware of anything she had done to offend him, and right now her focus was on getting through this debriefing and Vincent Keller's rescue.
Alex had a lot on his mind only part of which was his intense feelings for Fiona and the hurt her felt upon seeing the Vincent and Fiona embracing each other back at the camp. This thought occupied his mind, but he could not look Fiona in the eye knowing his role when the camp was attacked and the event that took place during the rescue.
Weller clears his throat and leans forward.
"Lieutenant Conner, let me start out by saying that I am deeply regretful of the events that took place the night of the 21st. I know firsthand the horror you experienced; as a young soldier in the first gulf war, I was held at gunpoint for over 30 hours while the lives of my team and I hung in the balance." He offers a respectful nod. "I am very proud of you and your leadership during the siege."
"Thank you, Sir." Fiona sat with her legs crossed and hands neatly folded in her lap. "But my team should receive all the credit they are due; each and every one of us reacted in the only way we felt was necessary to keep ourselves and each other safe and they all held their strength as best we could. I am very proud of them, Sir."
Weller flashes a grin in a manner that made her very uneasy.
"Ok, we will ensure your team is recognized for their uncommon valor, as will you."
Fiona presses her lips together and smiles. "Thank you, sir."
"Conner, why don't you tell us the events that took place that night from the moment they entered your camp until you were rescued." The General ask as she looks to Phillips who gives her an encouraging nod.
For the next two hours, Fiona provided all of the details that happened that night stopping to just before the moment they were rescued. She would never forget that moment, or the feral growl they all heard. None of them saw what happened or what made that sound, and she especially did not relish being discharged with a section 8, which would result if they were to find her mentally unfit to serve. For this reason, she felt it best to leave that out of the details.
"How were we rescued? I really don't know. We all heard the guns fire. I know when I woke up in the infirmary I was shocked that we survived the attack, yet thrilled that we were alive."
Weller sat back listening to Fiona watching her carefully. Once she had finished he pauses for a moment before taking deep breath and speaking.
"Lieutenant Conner, may I ask why there was not a lookout rotation during the night?"
"Well, with all due respect, sir, this was for survival training outside of enemy territory." She replied evenly. "I really didn't see the point of a lookout rotation for what was basically a camping trip." This made Phillips, the General and others around the table chuckle, except for Captain Faulks who continued avoid her eyes by writing something in his notepad and exhaling deeply after doing so. Something was clearly bothering him
"Well I suppose you can't argue with logic so simple." The General smiles at Fiona then broke out laughing joined by others, except for Alex who rolled his eyes uncomfortably then glanced at Fio who was without a doubt seething by the laughter and he did not blame her. He really hated the way the "Old Boys" treated women in the military.
"Permission to speak freely, General Weller?" Fio interrupts the laughter making it very clear she was not thrilled by reaction. Weller looks surprised by her response.
"Of course, Lieutenant."
"I believe your reaction to my account of the events was very condescending. Did I say something humorous, about a group of terrorists kidnapping a member of my team while the rest of us were left to be murdered?"
"Conner, mind your tone!" Phillips gave her a warning that reminded her of how her father used to scold her for mouthing off to adults.
Weller tugs on his short mustache and smiles apologetically.
"Lieutenant Conner, I meant no disrespect. I have met many people since joining the Army, but I cannot say I have met anybody as candid as you. I apologize if I have offended you in any way."
"Not at all, sir." She replies with polite curtness while folding her arms across her chest; Weller was becoming a colossal, narrow-minded prick in her book. Weller exhales and looks at his watch.
"Ok Lieutenant Conner. I appreciate you taking time out of your day to talk with us. Our committee will meet and discuss what we have learned from you and the rest of your team about the events that horrific night. It was a horrible state of affairs and I apologize that your team had to be subjected to this nightmare. If we have any other questions, we will be in touch. And if there is anything we can do to make this time easier, please let us know how. You are dismissed."
But Fio did not stand up.
"Sir, before I go, may I inquire about status of Vincent Keller and if the rescue party has been deployed?"
Weller looks very uncomfortable with the question but leans forward folding his arms in front of him.
"Due to the special circumstances involved, Keller's rescue mission has been aborted."
Fio sat motionless. She could not believe she was actually hearing this. She looked at Phillips who shook his head and ran the side of his hand across his throat.
"I see." Was all she could manage to say. "Thank you, sir." She stood up to leave, but inside she felt the room spinning around her with the bottom ready to fall out.
"Conner?" The General calls after her. She turns in his direction to face him. "You have been a great leader to this team. I know it is never easy to lose a member of your unit. And I know you and Keller were very close. Please know that this decision was not made lightly." He pauses momentarily. "Unfortunately as soldiers, this goes with the territory and sometimes we have to make the hard call. All we can do is accept this and move on."
Fio gulps keeping back the lump in her throat and nods.
"Yes sir." Her answer was very weak. Once again, she saluted General "Dick Head" and walks out the double metal doors.
Once Fio had left, Weller sighs heavily and looks at Philips. "She took that better than I thought."
Phillips shook his head slowly. "Don't let her reaction fool you. She is very close to Keller and I am willing to bet an entire month's pay that she is going to go to rile up her squad and they will be at our doorsteps holding pitchforks and torches. I tell you what!"
Weller nods and now looks at Faulks. "I trust Delta Force is on deck and ready to go when the call is made?"
"Yes Sir." Alex replies quickly still hating the fact he had to lie to Fiona. "The team is locked and loaded, just waiting on the order to move."
"Glad to hear it." Weller half-smiles looking at Faulks as though he could read his thoughts. "Do I sense any uncertainly on your part, Captain? Speak now or live with it. You may speak freely."
Alex sighs and leans forward folding his arms across the table.
"There is no doubt in what we are doing and I am always ready to rescue a brother; but I am not going to lie, I hate sitting across the table from someone and looking them in the face while they believe we are going to leave their comrade out there to die knowing well what the truth is. They trust our group to go through hell and highwater to get their comrade out" He pauses and stares at Weller's face before continuing to gauge his reaction. "And I especially hate seeing the pain these soldiers are going through. They were nearly murdered that night…"
"That will be all on that subject, Captain Faulks." Weller interrupts him sternly. However, Weller is learning no one shuts up the Captain.
"What they were put through was torture! What Keller is going through is torture and if you think Conner is going to go quietly into her barracks and forget about this, then you do not know Fiona Conner. She will not let this go!"
A coy smile crept across Weller's face.
"If Fiona Grace Conner is half the soldier I think she is; that is exactly what I am counting on."
Faulks folds his arms and leans in giving a look that few people seen and lived to talk about.
"Meaning?"
Weller presses his lips together cryptically and shrugs. He seems very unconcerned with the look that Alex was giving him, while Phillips discomfort was very readable.
"It means whatever you think it means." With that, he stood up, as did all of the officers providing the customary salute which Weller returns. "Dismissed." He mumbles before picking up his hat and exiting the conference room.
Once Weller had left followed by the others, only Phillips and Faulks remained.
"What the hell?" Alex asks Phillips as though he could not believe what he just heard. "Did he really just say he WANTS the kid squad to tag along on this mission? After subjecting them through major trauma?!"
Phillips twists his lips perplexedly then chuckles.
"I believe that was his way of saying, let our future Deltas show those terrorists who they are reckoning with…"
His face went serious as Alex gave that glare again.
"Each field-ready special forces member on my squad knows how to compartmentalize their feelings. We also know when to put some distance away from someone so traumatic experience does not jeopardize tactical operations. I have had more psych evals than any soldier on the planet and it because i have a tough job to do. I go over those front lines and experience more risks, which means parts of me have to stay in check. If Conner went through a psych eval right now, she would be on leave or minimized duty." he sighs and cringes at a thought. "I cannot play babysitter. Each member has to be coordinated, which is not possible if Conner decides to go rogue. That type of action gets people killed, which I will not putting up with for the sake of her boyfriend. Let me make that clear right now!"
"Boyfriend?" Phillips nearly sputters. "Now where in the Sam Hill are you getting this crazy idea that Fiona Conner is hitting boots with Vincent Keller? Because…"
"May I be excused sir?" Alex retorts abruptly. "Because if I'm going to be forced to babysit the young guns, I have a lot of preparation to do."
Phillips blinks because Faulks had never given him that sort of tone before.
"Dismissed." Phillips nods before Alex and stands to salute before starting to leave..
"Alex." he calls before the big man reaches the door. Alex stops because the Colonel never called him by his first name. For three years, it had been Faulks, Lieutenant, Captain, and the occasional knucklehead. He turns around and faces the Colonel, but remains silent. At least that was consistent with what the Colonel knew. The strong silent type.
Phillips took a moment to compose him before standing up. He knew that using Alex's first name, or the one everyone else knew him by would cause some confusion. He would not dare try to say his true name because he would screw it up and that was sacred to Alex.
"I'm not blind." he speaks as he moves closer and keeps hush tones for their conversation not to leave the room. "I have seen the way you look at Conner and the way she looks at you. Man to man, I see the potential for something amazing." he takes a deep breath. "As your commanding officer, I must remind you that she is under your command, which present a conflict within the U.S Military Code of Justice as well as conduct. I am not going to pretend I can make you all believe to every letter after hours, but I do expect you to hold yourself to the oath you swore."
Alex just nods. Phillips sighs in relief before continuing.
"Now, I don't believe for one second you will share classified information her, but the joints chiefs only see your jacket. They don't see the man of honor that I know, and they certainly don't know her. Now I apply the rules as necessary, but give some leeway when other superior officers are not looking. If you are in love, I am not going to stop that, but I am going to tell you as your superior officer to back off." he stops for a moment to let that sink in. "As your friend, I need you to step away for other reasons. Once Muirfield injects the soldiers, many of them will be part of your squad. As you said earlier, they need to be task oriented and that cannot happen if there is conflict of feeling. If she is shot or in peril, you cannot jeopardize the rest of the squad to save her from impossible situations. You understand?"
"Affirmative. That will not be a problem. Conner is a soldier and understands her role." He then shrugs. "And Conner is Keller's girl, so nothing to worry about."
Faulks walks through the door as Phillips sighed. Faulks is a good soldier, but he can sometimes let his feelings get the better of him. He chuckles knowing full well there was plenty to worry about.
Bagram Airfield Afghanistan Desert
September 25, 2002
SLAM!
The door hit the wall in such a way it caused the plaster to further crumble to the floor as she stomped inside the gym heading right for the boxing gloves.
Fiona Conner had learned to hold her spirited, Irish temper since joining the army, but after what just happened, she wants somebody to physically feel the pain she was feeling inside herself. It was likely to lead to a Court Martial and prison, so the gym sounded like the sanest option. Once she had taped up and put on her gloves, she looks around the gym to ensure nobody else was looking before she let out a scream that would have frightened a Banshee as she ran full force attacking the 250 lb wavemaster where she spent the next 20 minutes unleashing all of her rage before finally collapsing on the mat catching her breath.
Once recovered, she gathers her gear and starts to walk away. Realizing the rage had not fully left her she gave the dummy several more hits before finishing up with thrusting side-kick dead center which sent the heavy bag off its balance that went into rolling slide across the hardwood floor that narrowly misses Captain Faulks as he walks through the same doors Fio had slammed moments earlier.
"Impressive." He knew she was angry and why but did not want add to her rage. They each seem to be on edge around each other lately which usually ended up in harsh words being exchanged, but today he felt it best to steer clear and out of her way unless she asks him to stay.
Fiona just nods.
"Thanks." She mutters as she took off her gloves, giving him a quick salute before heading to the showers.
"Lieutenant Conner." He spoke her name softly, but she stops and turns to him.
"Yes." Her reply was respectful, but with enough brusqueness to know she just wants to get out of there.
"I'm sorry." He answers quietly. "I know how much Lieutenant Keller meant to you. I know he was very special in your life…"
Before he could even get the words out, her green eyes flashed like balefires.
"Permission to speak freely, Captain?"
Alex nods.
"Yes, Lieutenant."
"You are in a position where you can do something about this. Why did you just sit there like a sack of flour and do nothing? You can speak! Why didn't you stand up to those assholes? One of your men is about to be murdered by terrorists and you are going to let it happen!" Her eyes began to fill up with tears. "How is it that you could you just sit there and let this happen?"
Alex sighs and drops his head. He wanted more than anything to tell her about the rescue mission. Phillips was very specific that they keep mum until after their marching orders were confirmed. So for now, he would take whatever harsh words Fiona had for him hoping she would soften once she learns her lover would be rescued. Before speaking, he presses his lips together and looks up at her.
"Are you finished making me the scapegoat in all of this? Or do you want to blame me for anything else? How about the twin towers?"
Taken aback, Fiona blinks repeatedly.
"What are you talking …"
Before she could get her words out, he shouts over her.
"If I was in any position to rescue Vincent, don't you think I would?"
Fio blinks at his reaction.
"What in the hell is your problem?" She retorts.
"What is my problem?" He laughs in amazement while folding his arms. "You are the one yelling at me, yet I am the one with a problem? I don't know what kind of power you think I have Fiona, to a 4 star General, I might as well be an E1. So when General Weller tells me we are not going on a rescue mission, then I sure as shit am not going to be going on a rescue mission."
Fiona laughs spitefully.
"That is a load of shit and you know it! You are in charge of training the recruits for this fucking circus! When we signed on for this project, we put our trust in Colonel Phillips and we put our trust in you. And now one of those people who laid his life on the line is about to be murdered by the very same people that killed thousands of people just a little over a year ago! I still remember that day and my blood boils every time I think about it! Vincent Keller lost his brothers that day! Did you even know that? And now, his family is about to lose the last son they have! Can you live with that Captain? Can you sleep at night knowing that you had an opportunity to do something about it by even as much as speaking up just a little? I couldn't!"
Alex sighs. He hates fighting her this way, causing her additional pain. But he also knew that her pain was causing her to lash out at him and it was not him she was angry at. He checks his comm several times to ensure it was on and the volume was turned up.
"I can assure you, Lieutenant, I have had more than my share of sleepless nights since arriving in Afghanistan…I do not think I have slept well once since…" He pauses for a moment as his mind drifted to the events of the night her team was rescued. Not wishing to spill classified Intel, instead he closes his eyes and continued. "…since arriving in Afghanistan. And since you appear to be judging me on how I cope, based on my hours of sleep, to answer your question, I don't." He stares hard at her. "Happy?"
At a loss for how to respond, Fio hesitated then drew a deep breath and exhaled. She had allowed her temper to take over yet again. Although Faulks had been distant with her since she had returned from the Uzbekistan Desert (it hurt her), he did not deserve for her to lash out at him. They had grown close on a personal level and felt there was something brewing between them. They often took late night walks where they talked about everything from being in the army, to growing up, to their thoughts on the future and where they wanted to be. She looks forward to their time together and did not understand what changed. She was angry and wanted to scream at him "What the hell did I do?" But this was the army. Whatever reason he had, she had to let go of it and focus.
"I'm sorry Captain." She gulps audibly partially due to his recent coolness toward her and her embarrassment of lashing out that way. " That was incredibly uncalled for and disrespectful of me. I suppose because I can't shout at Weller, I was taking it out on you. But regardless, I was out of line. Please forgive my poor lack of judgement, Sir." She offers a salute, then turns to leave
While Alex believed the apology to be sincere, she clearly was not ok and did not feel he would be doing the right thing by letting her leave. Alex Faulks was a man of few words, and not the type to "talk it out", so he was going to help her in the only way he knew how.
"It didn't work then?" He calls out after her as she heading for the gym door.
Fio turns around with a puzzled frown across her face.
"Um…" She stammers as to how to respond to his statement. "…I'm sorry?"
Alex was not softening his stance as he gestures toward the wave master that had now rolled to the other side of the gym. "Your workout. You were beating the shit out of that wave master before kicking it in the nuts and sending it flying at me."
"I did not kick it at…." She pauses momentarily, and then folds her arms across her chest. "Hold it a minute! Were you watching me?"
"Yes." His response is cool and nonchalant.
Fiona shook her head.
"Unbelievable! Can a girl get any privacy around here?" Her spirits had picked up some, but he could still see the pain lingering in her eyes.
Alex shrugs.
"This is the United States Army, Conner, you left your privacy back home when you arrived for officer training. And it is a public gym. Besides that, I am your SO and trainer so I was checking your form. You are coming a long way in your fighting skills. I am very impressed by your progress."
Fio's eyes narrows to slits.
"I'm glad you approve." She applies the snark thick.
"It's my job as your trainer." He repeats his previous statement, but even as the words left his mouth, he was not speaking the truth. The truth was that he had been following her closely since she had left the general's office. While it was true he stares at her often admiring her form and beauty, it was out of concern that he stay close. Although she did her best to hide it, she was very distraught over learning they would not be rescuing Vincent Keller believing she loved him; he did not want her to be alone if she fell apart.
Without warning, Alex slap her on the shoulder somewhat playfully; just enough to make her stumble then fall on her ass.
"OW!" She shouts then jumps to her feet looking like she wants to throw him across the room as her green eyes lit up like balefires. "What in the hell is wrong with you?"
He stood firmly with his legs apart and taunts her to come at him. It was all he could do to keep from laughing. He knew he was creating a shit storm of rage, but he would rather her disperse her emotions on him instead of in a brawl at the tavern later that evening.
"Com'mon." He shoves the other shoulder. "Give me your best shot."
Fiona gasps at him with a peculiar scowl.
"You want me to hit you?"
Alex nods and flashes a grin.
"Yeah. Let's see what you got. Let's just see if my instruction has paid off " He pushes her in the chest just to taunt her, but his touch was harder than he intended and knocks her onto her ass again making him laugh out loud which seems to annoy her. "What are you doing? Are you just going to lay around all day?"
"Are you out of your mind? I'm not going to hit you?" She crosses her arms and gave off a smirk. "Do you recall the last time we went one-on-one? I got that rifle away from you with very little effort."
Alex scoff and laughs.
"You realize I am a Captain in the Special Forces right?" he said taking a stance. "Throw a punch at me and we will talk while doing this. I am mastered in 7 disciplines of Martial Arts. The only reason you were able to get my weapon out of my hands was because I let my guard down and you got the hook. I will not make that error again."
This made her smile. Even just slightly he was glad to see he was helping to alleviate her spirits.
"You thought I was going to take off my shirt and show you my boobs."
Alex allows a smirk to creep across his face then points to himself.
"I'm a heterosexual male. A pretty girl begins to disrobe in front of me; of course I'm going to look."
The smirk disappears as his face became equable once again. "I am not infallible. I let my guard down, but it will not happen again. If you want to take me down, you are going to have to do it by fighting me this time." He shook his head in a condescending manner. "But I don't think you have it in you to even come close to taking me out." He moves in closer and scoffs as he folds his arms. "At the end of the day, all you are is a little girl with a few trophies for making fancy jumps over a few walls faster than the other kids. That will not save your life when faced with your enemy standing in front of you with a high powered assault rifle."
His plan to get her riled up was successful.
"You underestimate me, Captain. I may not be able to go toe to toe with you in a fancy hand-to-hand battle, but I am quick on my feet and agile. And don't forget I grew up in Hell's Kitchen. I can defend myself against the toughest thugs on the street." She grins proudly before she lunges toward him.
Alex watches her come at him preparing himself for whatever moves she brought at him. To his astonishment, she rolls to his right then quickly stood up and thrusts her foot against his shoulder blade. While it made him stumble, he was prepared for the force of her kick as he grabs ahold of her leg while attempting to spiral her toward the mat.
Fio hit the mat, but recovers quickly as she arched herself forward thrusting a kick toward the bottom of his chin. Alex seizes both of her legs then grabs her at the hip. Fio spun out of his clutch landing with her legs wrapped at his shoulders jerking him into a twist at his neck; had this been a real fight, she would have snapped his neck. Alex ducks out of it and lunged forward as Fio fell on the mat.
The contest of skills lasted several minutes with both of them taking turns outmaneuvering each other's action. While Alex was at the top of his game with his Martial arts skills, Fio did not lie; with each attempt to subdue her, she was able to react with an evasive tactic.
The match finally ended with Alex applying a roundhouse kick that Fio was not prepared for into her left shoulder that she was unable to block. This caused to her to lose her footing sending her flailing onto her side to the mat
Alex's face fell as he realizes he had hit her harder than he intended. As she hit the mat she winced before curling up into a fetal position moaning in pain.
"Conner?" He quickly made his way toward her. "Conner, I'm sorry. I thought you had that." No response came from Fio. There was only painful wincing noises. "Ok? Are you able to get up? Let me help you." He bent down and went to grab for her arm.
But just as he leans down, she turns onto her back and thrust her heels into his calves in just the angle that made him fall forward landing right on top of her, both of them laughing.
"Ok, that was a cheap shot." He playfully chastised her.
She raised her eyebrow and offered a smile.
"I got you again, didn't I?" A immodest smirk played across her face. "So what was that you were saying, Mr. I am mastered in 7 disciplines of martial arts?" She lowers her voice mimicking him playfully making him laugh.
"Ok…ok…yes! You got me!" He continues to chuckle while looking into her eyes enjoying being this close to her. "Your combat skills have improved, but your ability to avoid your attacker's strikes is amazing. I suppose I owe you an apology for the trophy crack I made earlier."
"Yes you do." She smiles speaking in a soft voice as they stare at each other. "A very big one."
"Sorry." He replies. "I will never doubt you again."
Without even realizing it, they were slowly gravitating toward each other as though the moment was propelling them together; neither of them making any attempt to pull away.
"It's ok." She whispers as he places his hand on the back of her hair stroking it gently as their lips drew closer to each other.
Before the moment could be conceived, a loud, squelchy, static came from the direction of his duffle bag. He sighs and dropped his head then looked at Fiona who laughs nervously.
"Sorry." He shrugs as he stood up, careful not to touch her inappropriately in the process.
"Duty calls, we answer." She smiles as she watches him take device out of his duffle bag.
"Yeah…Faulks here." His usually soft spoken voice barked into the speaker as he walked out of her hearing distance.
Fiona remains on the mat watching him. On the outside she was cool and calm but on the inside she was doing cartwheels. She could not understand why he had been treating so coolly, but their near-kiss reaffirms that his interest in her was not misinterpreted. Although he had stepped out of hearing range she watched him pacing back and forth. He was ridiculously good-looking, tall and muscular; this alone made her swoon whenever he was in her sight, but he was also intelligent, sensual and even though he could turn a man into a bloody pulp with one hand, he was gentle, kind…and incredibly sexy.
Fiona was thinking of the latter as she watches him standing there with one hand placed on his hip and the other holding the comm, but she was more interested in his muscular legs being offset by an equally fine toned ass under his shorts. She saw him looking in her direction several times during the conversation which made her realized she was staring and quickly redirected her focus by stretching out her muscles. She wanted to wait for him, hoping to make that kiss a reality, but did not want to appear too eager. Yet, she did did not want to pack up and leave to give him the impression she wasn't interested either. Instead, she followed standard protocol by packing up her workout gear and stood with her legs apart with her hands folded behind her back.
Once he was finish, Alex shoves the device back into his pocket and walks back toward her smiling. But this smile was not because he was happy. In fact inside he was at war with himself. He was still elated by the almost kiss; yet the guilt of falling in love with Vincent Keller's girl as he was being tortured and holding onto his life by a thread was tormenting Alex's soul. However, loving her also meant he wants her to be happy. It meant sacrificing his own heart to bring back the man she loves. He is a man of honor and he knew that despite the moment they shared, she was not his and this meant letting her go.
When he approaches her, she stood at ease waiting for him to return.
"SIR!" She shouts as she goes to attention and offers a salute. The kiss would not be continued…not today. His game face was on and so was hers.
Whatever that conversation was about brought him back to being her SO; his conduct is all business.
"At ease, Lieutenant!" The cadence echoed off the walls as he spoke. Fio returns to relaxed mode, hands folded behind her back and feet apart awaiting her next command. After pacing back and forth for several moments, he came to a stop in front of her and spoke. "Lieutenant Fiona Conner, you have been chosen to accompany 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta on a surreptitious maneuver to rescue an American hostage being held by a terrorist group. You are ordered to put together a team of no more and no less than 10 recruits. You will then bring your team to the airfield for deployment to the Uzbekistan Desert at 0100 hours."
The perplexed scowl on Fiona's face slowly turned into a wide grin as Captain Faulk's directive became clear They were planning to rescue Keller. How could she not know they would never leave their man behind? OF COURSE! Special Forces will only divulge details on a need-to-know basis. Clearly his conversation informed him that she was among those that needed to know.
Before Alex could finish speaking, Fiona excitedly embraces him. Although his presence remained stoic, the slightest smile plays across his lips enjoying the moment. No matter the circumstances, he is content that this news gave her hope, hence ending her grief. His only reaction is to place a comforting hand on her back before he stiffens up again.
"Lieutenant, fall back please." He asks softly not wishing to display any anger.
Fiona quickly pulls back and stood at attention quickly providing a salute.
"Please forgive my conduct, Sir. It was inappropriate behavior of an officer and it will not happen again."
Alex nods.
"It's ok." He replied gently. "You are dismissed Lieutenant. Welcome to Delta Force." He returns her salute and began to walk away.
"Captain?" Fio calls after him to which he stops and turns around. She notes his eyes displayed sadness, at the moment and she was unsure why, but this would not be the time to ask; all emotions must be placed on hold until after the rescue mission.
"Yes?" A hard sigh could be noted when he turns around.
"Thank you." She offers a wide smile laughing nervously. "I feel like a total asshole for the way I spoke to you earlier. Again, I'm sorry."
Alex presses his lips together.
"It's ok. And we're going to get your boyfriend back." He offers a polite nod before exiting the gym.
Captain Faulks was gone before the realization of his last words hit her.
"Hold up! He's not my b…" she starts to call out after him, but abruptly stopped herself. Her focus needs to stay on the rescue mission. She had no details of the mission that awaits them, but she would never forget the thugs that took her team hostage. They would likely keep him closely guarded and this would require precision. Instead, she went back to the mat to gather her gear and heads out the door feeling like the weight she entered with had been lifted from her shoulders.
On her way out. she caught her reflection in the glass door. A look of pride came over her as she pictured herself wearing the special ops gear she would be donning later as a grin spread across her face.
"Delta Force." She whispers in disbelief once the reality hit her. "This is not un-cool."
With that, she flung her duffle bag over her shoulder and left the gym. She had only 7 hours to gather a team and get some sleep before it was time to deploy.
It was going to be a long night.
O'Mally's Pub
Hell's Kitchen, New York City
Vincent and Alex sat across from each other at the table laughing as they recall stories from their days in Afghanistan while munching on appetizers and working on the pitcher of beer in the middle of the table.
"Busy place." Alex notes as they watched college students dancing to the band called Elton Joel who seemed to be making a name for themselves in covering songs by Billy Joel and Elton John. Each of the members wore jeans, white tee-shirts and leather jackets in the style of Billy Joel back in the early 80's while wearing the eccentric glasses once worn by Elton John during his hay day. The dancers were covered with glow paint being tossed at them by the band members causing them to cheer.
Vincent shook his head with amusement as he watches them then turns to Alex.
"Yeah, it's a popular place for the college kids to come in and blow off some steam." He chuckles then grinned. "You know…" Vincent pops another pretzel bite and finishes chewing before continuing. "…the thing about you I remember the most is when you were not teaching us how to use our fighting skills and weapons…you barely spoke two words. But the moment you stepped into the dojo, you turned into a hard ass!" He grins.
Alex took a sip of beer and shrugs..
"I store it up for the show." He taps on his left temple. "There is a lot of activity that goes on up in there. My mother called me the strong silent type…" He gave a laugh. "But my dad used to tell me it's better to keep your mouth shut and look like an idiot than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."
Vincent laughs and gave him a thoughtful half-smile.
"It is really good to see you again, man…I can't even remember…" He stops talking because he really did not remember the last time he had seen Alex. Taking a deep breath, Vincent leans back in his seat and exhaled audibly. "Ok…I really hate to bring this up, but it is time to talk about the elephant in the room." He looks to Alex as to gauge his reaction, to his relief he remains calm. Alex just leans forward and folds his arms before nodding.
"Fiona." he spoke with a faraway expression that appears to remind him of a time he was happy, but his blue eyes grew solemn. It was different from when Vincent was in Afghanistan. While he did accuse Alex of being a hardass, there was a warmth when you caught up to him on base. Now, he sees an expression that Vincent is familiar with. The trouble was that he knew Alex went into enemy territory a lot and faced many challenges. Therefore, he wonder what happened that surpassed that and change the man.
Vincent nods slowly as he looks directly at him before leaning forward.
"Listen, I really don't want to make this uncomfortable for you. I know you tried to keep things on the down low, but you were crazy for each other. Anyone who was around you for ten seconds and paid attention knew." he pauses for a moment as he thinks hard about what to say next. "Now I have to be honest. Until a few days ago, I forgot she even existed. However, a patient named Jake Conner shows up in the hospital. I haven't confirmed yet that he is her brother, but I remember the picture she showed when we were in survival camp and the guy has a dark reddish hair and green eyes, which also includes facial features you can guess once you take away the bruising."
Alex nods as he listens intently.
"However, I have been having flashbacks of those events, which are giving me migraines and other symptoms. It is like I went on vacation ad had this horrible feeling I was forgetting something. As a doctor, I see this as a possible manifestation of repressed memories trying to get out. It is like I want to remember, but there is something blocking it." he speaks placing his hand over Alex's wrist. He was trying to be reassuring, but it was hard to tell with the stoic man. "I'm sorry to put this on you like this, but I need to know if you know anything."
Alex sighs as sadness shadows his blue eyes; Vincent watches intently as he lowers his head staring into his beer for a moment. Vincent could hear his heart rate speeding up as Fiona's name was mentioned and given Alex's clearance in the military and now the NYPD, this told him he was not going to be too forth coming with any known details. Alex simply shook his head.
"I'm sorry. I do not know where she is."
Vincent cocks his head. He could not put his finger on it, but there was something that Alex wasn't telling him. However, he did not want to push the man too far, so he shifts in his seat and folds his arms across the table.
"Alex. It has been almost 15 years. I know you were close to her. I don't know how close you got with her, and that is none of my business. I really just want to know if you remember the last time you saw her because until I started having these nightmares I had no memories of her until Jake showed up." He stops talking and took a deep breath. "Look man, I only am trying to figure out what happened to her…."
Vincent stops talking and places his hands over the side of his head wincing in pain. Alex cocks his head and blinks at Vincent's sudden change of state.
"Vincent?" He places his hand on Vincent's shoulder deeply concerned as he watches his eyes turn to amber balefires. To an outsider viewing the situation, Alex would not have appear surprised by the change in Vincent's appearance. "Hey Keller…Vincent? What's going on?"
But Vincent could not hear him. The band played Elton John's Crocodile Rock that triggered a memory of his Afghanistan days that took focus. This one was different than the others as it seemed to play out in slow motion. He recognized the setting right away; the ballroom at Bagram base. It was decorated and the men were in their dress uniforms while the women wore formal gowns. The Military Ball. Although he recalled the event which took place the night before they had finished their training and received the Muirfield injection, the images which now flashed before him he did not remember.
Fiona walks in wearing a beautiful black gown, her hair pulled into a neat updo. The effect was complete with makeup and even nail polish. She was laughing as she twirls around showing off the look.
The next memory was on the dance floor with Fio; they were laughing as they dances to the very same song that triggered his memory. It was a jitterbug which Fio seems to be taking the lead.
He then recalls Alex cutting in then watching while they look into each other's eyes as they dance close together. Moments later he watches them leave the ball as Fio clutched his arm. Before they left she turns around and smiles at him.
He knew somehow that this was the last time he had ever seen Fiona Conner.
Vincent came out of his state to Alex lightly slapping him attempting to wake him up. They were no longer inside the pub, but outside in an alley where he was propped up against a wall.
"Hey…Vincent…common." He prods him.
Vincent gasps as he was now fully awakened from his state.
"What the hell happened?" He looks around at the alley around him and then to Alex completely confused. "How in the hell did I get out here?"
"You were transforming." He replies in his usual vague accuracy without going into detail.
Vincent cocks his head and stares curiously at him. "Did you actually carry me out of there?"
Alex shrugs then flashes a grin.
"I told them my friend was drunk and pulled you over my shoulder." He smiles. "Nobody even asked me any questions after taking one look at you."
Vincent begins to speak...but before the words could come out as the memory of Alex leaving the ball with Fiona at his side came flooding back to him. "Ok, I have some questions that I need you to answer."
Alex's smile quickly fades as he cocks his head looking perplexed at Vincent's sudden change of disposition toward him.
"All you have to do is ask." He replies evenly. "I have nothing to hide from you."
Vincent slowly stood up.
"The military ball. You danced with her that night. I saw the way you looked at her. You loved her. And then you left with her." His tone had grown accusatory. "You may be the last person to ever see her alive. Where is she and what in the fuck did you do to her?"
Alex's face went from deep concern to shock as he stood there blinking repeatedly as though had been punched between the eyes.
"What did I do to her?"
"Yeah." Vincent quipped. "The last time I saw Fiona was when she was leaving the military ball on your arm. She left that night with you and nobody ever saw her again! You have to know what happened! You must know something!" He steps closer to him looking directly in his eyes. "And it is kind of a coincidence that you just 'happened' to show up as I was having these memories!" He snarls and grab Alex's collar. "Who are you really? Have you been working for Muirfield this entire time?"
Alex stares deeply into Vincent's eyes. It was half the stoic stare, but there is a bit of tears in his eyes. The spiteful animosity from a brother in arms is always the hardest to hear.
"You know very well who I am, Vincent." He replied quietly.
"Do I really Alex?" Vincent's tone resounded venomously. "I am starting to wonder if I ever knew you."
Vincent's articulation became louder, offset by a disconcerting reverberation as his hands transform into claws, then backhands him. The force sends Alex flying quite some distance before colliding with a brick wall. Vincent is quickly aware of the horror he had done. He quickly shifts back and moves towards Alex to aid him. The last time he had hurled an ordinary man that far, he had killed him; an act that took awhile for Heather to understand.
Before Vincent could reach him, his ears heard a faint whisper coming from the street.
"Oh my God." A woman's voice gasps in horror. He could not see anybody, but a fast heartbeat came from around the corner. Before going to find to woman he took a look at Alex who was groaning and rolling his shoulder like someone who is very sore. Vincent's logical mind couldn't understand what happened. As a doctor, he knew that Alex should not be getting up when injured like that; a fact which Vincent would have expressed quite adequately. He was torn between aiding his friend and finding the woman who had witnessed his shift. He knew he did something terrible to a man who would lay down his life to protect him, but he also knew he had to find this woman and stop her before this information became public.
"I'm sorry…so sorry." Vincent grovels apologetically to Alex then ran off in the direction of the heartbeat
It did not take long to locate the woman who is crouching against the wall in fear.
"Oh God!" she stammers and moves away from Vincent in terror. "Please don't hurt me! I have 2 babies…they need me…"
"Shhhh….shhh…shhhh….." Vincent held out his hands defensively in an attempt to comfort her. "It's ok…please ma'am, I won't hurt you! I'm so sorry you had to see that, but I promise I am not going to hurt you."
"Go away." She backs still hovering against the wall. "I said go away! What the hell are you?" she pulls out her cell phone and began to dial.
Before she could do so, Alex appears between them, seemingly to have jumped from above them. But at this moment Vincent was more apprehensive about this woman's fear of him and what she would do with this information to give it much thought.
"It's ok." Alex spoke to the woman. It was calm, soothing, as he lifted his hand gently reassuring the woman. It was like a documentary on The Discovery Channel that show how zoologists would speak to a wounded animal. "You are in no danger. This man will not harm you. You are safe."
The woman relaxes before nodding her head. She moves from the wall and Alex walks slowly towards her.
"That's it." He smiles at the woman as he got closer. "No harm will come to you." Once he was directly in front of her he gently and carefully places his hand on his shoulder. "You may go home to your children. And as you walk, this moment will cease in your memories and will be completely forgotten. Do you understand what I am saying?"
The woman nods and looks into Alex's eyes then blinks as she looks back and forth between Vincent and Alex.
"Uh…" she stumbles with her words. "Were you saying something?" She asked as though she had awakened from a trance.
Alex recovers quickly as Vincent stares at him still wondering just what the hell had happened. Alex just flashes a grin and laughs apologetically.
"I am sorry to disturb you. We told our wives we'd be home by 11 and I wanted to know if you could tell us the time?"
"Oh." She smiles looking at her phone seemingly with no memory of the events. "It is only 10:13. You have 47 minutes to spare." She smiles and places her phone back in her pocket.
Vincent was still dumbfounded, but he did his best to play along.
"Well I guess we don't have to sleep at the bar again, eh buddy?" He chuckles and slaps Alex's back harder than normal.
"Yeah! That booth has my butt print dead center." Alex snorts when he laughs which amuses Vincent and woman.
"Ok." The woman looked back and forth between them peculiarly. "Well you boys behave yourselves and you should tell your wives to keep a close eye on you."
"We will do that." Vincent chuckles as he places his hands on Alex's shoulders to drag him away. "Have a great evening and be careful!" he spoke before dragging Alex around the corner so they are out of sight.
"What in the hell was that?" He hisses. "And what kind of Jedi mind fuck voodoo shit are you into?"
Alex gives a short laugh. "It's an old Shaman relaxation technique. Don't worry she's fine. The mind sometimes does not want to remember the unexplained, so I just replaced one memory with another."
Vincent shook his head incredulously. "What do you mean you replaced her memory with another? Is that even a thing? What in the fuck are you?"
Alex's smile quickly fades and is replaced ba spiteful sneer. "I am a man Vincent, same as you. You are not the only one that had their DNA messed with. But as for your question, I am Alex Faulks. I was born in the Alaskan Aleutian Islands and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. Like you, I joined the army for reasons of my own. I am a man, Vincent. We are very much alike in so many ways. Maybe someday we can talk about it more and maybe someday we will both learn where Fiona is and what happened that night. But listen to me very carefully…" Vincent gasps as Alex grabs his collar. His usually soothing voice was emitting a raucous growl characteristic of his own and his bright blue eyes slowly changed to yellow before they glow orange. It was as if Alex needs him to see him this way. "I did not kill Fiona. I loved her and she loved me." He could feel Alex's hand press solid against his chest. Vincent notes to his hands did not shift, only his face. "I would have never hurt her. But you are correct that my appearance at this time is not a coincidence. When it is safe, I will give you the answers you seek, but trust me when I say that is all you need to know."
And then he was gone. He had not blurred. It was as though he was there and then he was not. There was not even evidence or a scent to follow.
He could still smell Alex's blood in the air from where he had hit him. But how could the scent be so strong? He only directly contact the nose and the blood dried quickly. There was also the matter of him healing the blunt force trauma of the wall.
He healed. But how?
What had he done to that woman to make her forget seeing Vincent in Beast mode?
There were so many questions running through his mind of what he had just witnessed. He said it was a Shaman trick, but what exactly did that mean?
His blood scent was still lingering in the air as Vincent looks down at his chest where Alex had touched him answering his question; the pocket of his green plaid shirt was wet with blood. Furrowing his brow, Vincent pulled up his shirt by the lapel to examine the blood closer. It was then that he saw a folded piece of paper inside his pocket. It became clear to him; Alex had wanted him to find this.
Gently and carefully, he removes the paper realizing it was a cocktail napkin from the pub they had just been to. Only 2 words were scribbled on the back of the napkin – le bhfeice.
Vincent stares at the napkin attempting to sound out the words. The origination of the consonants made pronunciation difficult; perhaps it was greek or latin phrase. Maybe even of Gaelic origin.
Fiona was A Gaelic name – This was a clue. He picks up his phone and quickly dialed.
"Hi, this is Cat, leave me a message." He was usually thrilled to hear his wife's cheery greeting, but he really needed to talk to her.
"Hi baby, it's me. I'm on my way home. I'm sending you a photo, please look at it when you get this message and see what you can learn. I'll see you soon. I love you."
After hanging up, he took a photo of the scrawled text on the napkin and quickly sent it to her via text before heading home.