Chapter 6

The shock wore off surprisingly soon, but it was quickly replaced by horror.

All that Alex had been through, all that they'd all been through together! While they were still children! While she'd known him! And she could tell they were leaving out the worse parts.

'Are you mad I didn't tell you sooner?' Tom asked finally.

Steph immediately shook her head. She'd been thinking about it as they told their story.

'Like you said, you did it to protect me, and to protect Alex and Kyra. Not to mention this is a matter of national, probably global, security. I understand.'

'But?' Kyra prompted.

Steph took a breath.

'I don't want to be in the dark anymore. I want to be there for Jack, and your other children. I want to be there for both of you. And I want to be there for you, Tom. I don't need to know all the details, but I want to be able to help. You've already done so much for us, so if there's anything I can do, even if it's just bringing a meal to family dinner– which I expect to be invited to from now on.'

'Of course,' Kyra said grinning and Alex nodded, 'We have to celebrate Tom's birthday after all!'

'I also… I need,' Steph paused to take a breath before looking Alex in the eye, 'I want to say I'm sorry Alex-–'

'There's no need to apologise–'

'Yes, there is! I believed those awful rumours at school. I never wanted anything to do with you. I never asked Tom if you were alright or even alive even though it was plenty strange that after being so close all through high school you seemed to completely disappear. You weren't even at the wedding. I'm sorry for all those people put you through, and I'm sorry for what we, what I, put you through. And I'm not saying this because you're some super spy that's saved our lives countless times or whatever but because I should have been a better friend to someone who was doing it tough.'

Alex smiled.

'Thanks Steph,' his smile turned into a smirk, 'But do you really think I missed my best mate's wedding? I had front row seats!'

Realisation dawned on Steph.

'You were Keith! The best man, no wonder Tom wasn't that sad when you, well Keith, died- you didn't actually die! What's the matter Tom?' Steph asked, realising he didn't look too good.

Alex grew solemn.

'He just doesn't want you to get hurt because of us.'

Tom jerked his head up and glared at Alex.

'No,' he said firmly, 'Not because of you. Because of them,' he spat, venomously, 'And what they did to you to make you the best in the world so you and everyone you love becomes a target just to get to you. It's rotten is what it is. I'm tired of meeting in safe houses–' he said, gesturing to the room, 'And not inviting my best friend to my birthday parties and directorial debuts, and that when we have kids they won't be able to grow up with yours, and that this is never going to end because you're too good at your job and MI6 will never let you go.'

Tom put his head in his hands and Alex put his arm around him.

'I know mate, I know.'

Alex and Kyra exchanged a glance.

'But never say never.'

Tom looked up at his best friend.

'What are you talking about now?'

'I'm retiring.'

Tom's jaw dropped.

'You're joking. Don't joke about something like that. You're only thirty-three, you can't retire? Is he joking?' Tom asked Kyra.

She grinned and shook his head.

'That's why I finally decided to convince you to tell Steph. I'm retiring from active duty. I'll stay on as a consultant and give the odd lecture or two, but I'm out.'

Tom stared at him.

'You're joking. There's no way they'd let you out that easily.'

'Turns out that the new Prime Minister doesn't like the fact that MI6 used a 14-year-old and blackmailed him into continuing to work for them,' Kyra said.

'How'd she find out? I thought this stuff was beyond classified,' Tom asked.

'It was,' Kyra said, stretching her fingers.

Realisation dawned in Tom's eyes and he grinned.

'No way. No way! You hacked MI6! Again!'

Steph gaped at Kyra who just smirked.

'Anyway, upon receiving this "highly disturbing information" she decided it was time for it to end,' Kyra said.

'So what, she's going to expose our intelligence organisation and tell the world they used a minor to do their dirty work? That doesn't sound like the best political move,' Tom said.

'No. She's given them a stern talking to and threatened to replace those who oppose her and make sure they never find work again. The Government is providing us with the best security and enough to live comfortably,' Kyra looked at Alex and smiled, 'It's finally over.'

'It's finally over?' Tom asked, looking at Alex.

Alex nodded, smiling.

'It's finally over.'

Steph never forgot the radiant expressions on those three faces that night.

It was freedom