Apologies for the late update, i'm currently swamped with work and home life but i finally got it ready to go! thank you for reading!

Chapter 7

Gordon had driven a considerable distance on the freeway before pulling over to let Tin-Tin to drive when they neared her village. It was a different style of driving out here, for one they drove on the left. Secondly, they chopped and changed lanes like no tomorrow, with zero warning. Tin-Tin didn't bat an eyelid, but it made Gordon extremely hyper vigilant. He was glad she had taken over.

He surveyed the view out of his window, the height of the SUV giving him a good vantage point. Gordon watched the grey concrete jungle give way to clustered tree canopies and vines, the dwellings becoming sparser as they neared their destination. It was a charming place full of sweeping valleys and an electric mix of several cultures represented in the haphazard buildings and architecture that they passed.

He turned his attention back to Tin-Tin. Her hair was pulled into a sophisticated bun with a decorative enamel stick pin that he just wanted to pull out and let her hair tumble freely over her shoulders. She wore a high collared, gold blouse with ruby red slacks. She simply looked exquisite, as always. At this point she turned slightly towards him, snapping him out of his daydreaming. "It's not far now. Just over this hill and down into the next valley then we will be home." Her eyes shone with a happiness that was infectious. Gordon felt his lips tug into a smile as he beamed back at her.

They turned onto a slightly narrower road; the potholes occasionally large enough to rock the SUV. A few minutes later Tin-Tin swung onto a small gravel driveway that faced the dense forest. Gordon pushed open the door to carefully step down. His condition was much improved, but it wouldn't hurt to air on the side of caution. Certainly, he was well enough to be annoyed at Tin-Tin refusing to give him any of the bags to carry.

Gordon took in the exterior of Tin-Tin's home which was a historic gem. Tin had explained on the way over that it had a protective heritage order on it, which placed several restrictions on the property to ensure it was historically preserved. Built in around the 1940's, the wooden house sat on a foundation of exposed stilt beams so that you could walk under the house. There was also a veranda that ran parallel to the side of the building which faced the road. As he walked up the steps his jaw gaped open in wonder at the intricate hand-hewn carvings in the bannisters and fascia's of the pitched roof above. The house was painted a deep cream with dark mahogany edging. Tin-Tin had turned in the hallway to face him and beaming from ear to ear.

He exclaimed in wonder, "Wow Tin, what a beautiful home!"

"Thank you."

He shuffled through the narrow corridor past what he assumed was a bedroom before it branched open into a cosy living space where Tin-Tin was in the process of opening up the wooden shutters. The bare timber floors felt warm underfoot and a large, patterned rug with a scattering of bulky cushions arranged under the window dominated the room. A small armchair and a low-slung sofa hugged the periphery. It felt welcoming, despite the lack of recent habitation.

Tin-Tin made to cross the room to collect the bags off the floor but felt herself being clinched round the middle. Gordon drew her into a close embrace, her body melting to his touch. He gently massaged the small of her back, his fingers gently but firmly gravitating in small circles. "So, we're finally alone." He murmured against her neck.

Tin-Tin turned to face him so she could toy with his lapel affectionately. "We are, isn't it wonderful?" She gazed up at him adoringly. A soft smile spread across his lips in response. Tin-Tin felt her knees weaken as his hands continued to soothe tense muscles after a night on a thin mattress. His touch was nothing short of divine.

Gordon bit back a groan as she pressed into him, feeling the soft curves of her body meld into him. Every area she inadvertently touched thrilled him. He warred between a deep instinctual need and wanting to savour her touch all at once.

"It certainly is." He whispered, one hand now cupping her neck before starting to massage the skin between her neck and shoulder. She let out a soft sigh, now she felt like putty in his arms. Gordon watched her lashes close in sheer bliss, feathering her cheeks. She was so perfect it took his breath away. When she opened her eyes, she saw his rapt expression.

Stepping closer, she let her hands trail down his back, tracing the spots that she knew bothered him. She was rewarded with him relaxing into her hold, his face resting in the crook of her neck, his soft exhale setting her skin tingling. His lips pressed closer to her neck as she tilted her head, his kiss ghosting across the sensitive skin like electricity sparking along a current. Moments later and his mouth was on hers as they stumbled against the wall. Gordon removed the pin from her hair, the soft scent of Jasmine flooding his senses. In a mad scramble of hands and soft curses from Gordon, they tripped and crashed through the bedroom door, Tin-Tin's giggles muffled against his lips as the bed abruptly hit the back of her knees, taking them both down in a heap.

Some time later they emerged, flushed but filled with a great sense of tranquillity. Tin-Tin re-did her elaborate bun in the hall mirror before popping into the kitchen to make them some drinks.

"So does anyone look after this place while you're not here?" Gordon called through to the kitchen as he lowered himself gingerly onto the sofa. He might have overdone it, but boy was it worth it! He ran a hand across his lips, still slightly fuller than usual.

"A distant cousin who lives locally checks in on it occasionally but she's very elderly now so it's fairly infrequent." Tin-Tin reappeared with a tray in hand, coffee for Gordon and a tea for her with biscuits. They sat companionably for a short while snuggled into each other before Gordon tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and asked, "So what would you like to do today?"

Tin-Tin sat for a moment deep in thought, how different this was! She couldn't remember the last time she had been asked what she would like to do. It was always decided upon with little input from herself and not from lack of ideas. She had been ready to ask Gordon what he would like to do. Taking a breath she considered a few options. "Well, I don't think the carpenter arrives until tomorrow so we could maybe we could pop down into the village? The market will be on today so we can get some fresh food for the week and there are a few clothes and other stalls. Then you can get a feel for the area. We could go out for dinner tonight too."

"Sounds good."

"And… I could take you for a stroll through the forest now?"

"Yeah! I want to see the monkeys! Dad said they gave him the creeps."

Tin-Tin laughed. "They can be a bit intense if you're not used to them."

Tin-Tin stood and went to grab a small bag with a bottle of water and a few snacks. Gordon went and collected his tactical bag; he hefted it onto the sofa to take stock of his supplies. Tin-Tin tried her hardest to supress a laugh.

Gordon heard her huff which was unlike her. He looked up quizzically. "What's got you?"

"Don't you think this is a bit overkill? Its only a short walk."

"Over kill? Tin I'm about to walk through a jungle not central park."

"The jungle is like central park to me; I've been walking through there since I was a toddler."

"And that may be, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared." Gordon tucked his first aid kit back into the top pocket where it was most accessible, along with his hydration reservoir, torch, compass, notebook, pen, rations and spare waterproofs. He hoisted it up on one shoulder. "Right let's go!"

Tin-Tin shook her head. "You are making this so much harder for yourself."

"You'll thank me when you get soaked through or trip and cut yourself, or lost in the dark, or when you run out of water and" –

Tin-Tin shoved him playfully out the door cutting him off.

They spent a wonderful morning exploring the perimeter of the forest, it had rained heavily overnight but thankfully remained dry whilst they walked. Gordon was glad he had brought the torch, the light barely penetrated to the forest floor and with it being a dull day, visibility was especially poor. They saw a gibbon which he was very excited by and a few snakes which caught his interest. He asked Tin-Tin if she'd ever seen a big cat, but she explained they were extremely rare these days and fairly elusive. She may have seen one as a child, however she could have been imagining it too being so young.

Initially Gordon was in awe but as time went on it seemed like the forest was closing in on them, the vegetation creeping closer to them with silk spiderwebs brushing his shoulders on more than one occasion. Moisture dripping on the back of his neck startled him enough to ask if they could return towards the village. If it felt like this in the day, he couldn't even imagine it at night. It took a lot to rattle his father, but he could see now why he had been so alarmed at finding himself stranded here. Danger lurked in the gloom; Gordon could sense it watching him, but it still didn't compare to the deep recesses of the ocean where he was convinced the world's worst incubuses were still waiting to be discovered.

After the enlightening trip through the forest, they headed into the village centre past the market stalls where Gordon was quickly lured into sampling some local delights. "Gordon, you won't want dinner if you're not careful." Chided Tin-tin as he popped another popiah in his mouth after paying the lady stallholder.

"Oh, don't worry I will, that hike worked up my appetite." Tin-Tin shook her head smiling; to be fair they boys could eat most people under the table when they were together. Gordon probably would be fine, but she couldn't indulge herself despite the delectable aroma.

They wound their way through the narrow aisles, stall holders shouting about their wares, small groups of people congregating at various fishmongers, street food vendors, fabric and antique wares. Gordon found the atmosphere invigorating after so many months sheltered on the island with no one for company other than his family and close family friends. On their way out of the main throng they bumped into some old family friends of Tin-Tin's father. The grandchildren loved Gordon's American accent and his strange ginger hair. He let them ruffle it and to their great delight pulled a range of silly faces that had them falling about laughing. With good natured goodbyes they continued onwards down to the coast where the golden sands were waiting, overshadowed by a storm that appeared to be brewing at sea, the trees were just starting to whip and thrash together as the winds rolled off the ocean.

Gordon zipped his jacket collar back up to brace against the winds now they had no shelter. Tin-Tin had warned him the weather could be volatile at this time of year on the coast. He took deep lungsful of briny air; rough weather didn't bother him.

Noticing a soft shiver run through Tin-Tin, he drew her close under his arm steering her under the awning out of the worst of the chill. They pushed through the door of the restaurant together before waiting in the foyer to be seated. Tin-Tin was glad to be inside as the wind rattled against the windowpanes. The restaurant was tastefully decorated with burgundy and gold hues, fairy lights hanging from the ceiling creating a soft ambience. They were led over to a table that looked across the bay, the waiter warmly greeting Tin-Tin.

"Does everyone know you here?" Gordon asked as he watched the waiter turn away.

"Well, we are one of the oldest families in the area. The Kyrano's span back generations. Some of them have even been village elders."

"That's a lineage to live up to."

"It certainly is my father was well respected here too for his dedication and kindness to the community."

"Your father's kindness saved my father. I know he and we are forever grateful. Without your father's friendship I don't think dad would have ever recovered like he has." Gordon was referring to the day the Kyrano's had found his father in the forest hurt and alone after the loss of his wife had derailed him completely. Kryano had been able to reach him when none of them could.

Tin-tin placed her hand over Gordon's with a gentle squeeze. "My father was suffering too, too proud to despair in front of his only daughter, me being too young to understand his loss, our loss. As I got older, he started to lose control of his grief. Your father's companionship and shared circumstances brought him peace and joy once more."

Gordon knew Tin-Tin's mother had passed away when she was just a little girl. Apparently, her mother had been terribly ill before finally succumbing to it. He ran a thumb across her hand in a soothing gesture, then the drinks arrived causing them to break away momentarily.

Lashings of rain struck up against the windows, exacerbated by the searing gale. Sheeting downwards the visibility was completely obscured. Tin-Tin sighed. "I was hoping the bad weather would hold off long enough for you to enjoy your stay. This is the best view in the bay – well usually but this time of year it can be terrible." Disappointment flickered in her gaze.

Gordon grinned. "Don't worry we still have some time yet and It's still a great view, mother nature at her wildest."

Tin-Tin smiled in contentment. Gordon really was wonderful company. She was glad she had been able to bring him home, to show him all the places where she grew up. She was interrupted from these pleasant thoughts by the arrival of food. They'd opted for the buffet menu so Gordon could sample as many delights as he could, and Tin-Tin preferred the smaller portions to pick at.

Gordon's plate was soon piled high with satay, coconut rice, spring rolls, dumplings, pork and chicken. Tin-Tin thought he would never finish it but as he used the rice the mop up the last of the sauce, his plate was swiped clean, and he was grinning like a Cheshire cat.

They settled up, Gordon paying for it all – against Tin-Tin's protests before they stood to leave. Gordon scrabbled in his bag and pulled out his spare coat offering it to Tin who gratefully accepted the extra layer.

It was darker now, the night drawing in as the lights hanging over the bar veranda swung wildly in the wind, becoming entangled. The rain was lashing across horizontally as they splashed through the large puddles. The main throughfare was now deserted, people having abandoned the market due to the weather. Only a few stall holders under larger awnings remained, securing their wares for the night against the oncoming storm. They quickly made their way back through the streets, water spraying up their legs as they hurried back. Tin-Tin held onto the hood of the coat trying to protect her hair. They raced back up the veranda steps shouting and giggling at the absurdity of it all as they fell into the hallway. Tin-Tin reached for the lights whilst Gordon removed his shoes. By the time she'd turned round was peeling off his jacket and bag as one. "Ugh!"

"Let me go and get some towels, hang on."

As she headed off to the bathroom, Gordon wandered across the hall to the sideboard trying to avoid the rugs his trousers were soaked, and he was dripping water everywhere. Pushing his hair out of his eyes he noticed some family photos. The first was obviously Tin-Tin aged about eight maybe ten years. It was a classic school portrait side on, her raven hair pulled back into high pigtails, her top teeth missing as she beamed widely. Her eyes were instantly recognisable with that heartwarming curious gaze that he adored.

The second smaller landscape image was obviously the family together. Tin-Tin was a toddler on her mother's hip, A very young Kyrano had one hand around his wife's waist, the other holding Tin-Tin's arm who was obviously trying to slip into her father's grip. Gordon had never seen Tin-Tin's mother before. She was a beauty, deep emerald eyes set within a heart shaped face with high cheekbones. She stood a shoulder shorter than Kyrano. She was staring at the camera directly, it almost felt as if she was scrying his soul. He made a silent promise to her that he would love her daughter unreservedly. Gordon's heart ached for Tin-Tin at losing her mother so young. Losing his mother was devastating but at least he'd made it out of childhood with hundreds of memories. Tin-Tin had told him she couldn't even remember her, it saddened him that she didn't have those core memories with her mother to look back on.

Then his eyes fell on the third picture. A teenage Tin-Tin stood in front of her father in an elegant red floor-length, long-sleeved silk dress with gold embroidery. Kryano in a cobalt blue kimono and a third man in Black. Gordon's breath caught in his throat before he knew what he was doing, he extended a shaky hand to pick up the picture off the mantle. The man towered over both Tin-Tin and Kyrano, uncharacteristically tall with large hands and a bald head but those eyes! He'd know them anywhere for they had haunted him since that fateful day when his world had been shattered again.

Tin-Tin re-emerged through the doorway, towels in hand. She cringed inwards seeing Gordon holding the picture. "I was only fifteen there, I look awful with that terrible bob." She passed him the towel before scooping the picture softly out of his hands and popping it down. She was expecting him to tease her. Instead, he looked as white as a sheet. Worried about his previous injuries making him more susceptible to the cold she commented "You look like your freezing, maybe you should go and get warmed up with a nice shower?" Maybe they had overdone it with the trek through the forest. She bit the edge of her lip in concern.

He grinned, rubbing the towel through his hair, the motion concealing his shaking hands. "That wouldn't be a bad idea. It's a lovely photo, is that one of your father's friends?"

"Oh no, that's my uncle."

"Your uncle! I never knew."

"Not many people do, he's my father's half-brother. They were very close when I was young but not anymore. Father rarely speaks about him. I'm not sure why but I think my uncle had a hard life being a stepchild, I think he resented my father a little for it."

"When was the last time you saw him?" Gordon turned his back to dry his neck.

"Oh, not since the day he came to help your father."

Gordon stilled. "My father met him?" he strained to keep his tone of voice light.

"Yes, my uncle was the village spiritual guide and healer. Father told me he was able to purge the infection from your father's leg wound."

"That's impressive. You know I think a shower would actually be a great idea. Do you mind if I do?"

"Not at all. I can use the ensuite."

Gordon turned around with a smile. "Great, I'll catch you in a few."

With that he strode off to the bathroom. He shut and locked the door, chucking the towel on the floor. His hands went over his head as he paced. He caught his face in the mirror, the shock evident on his features. That monster was Tin-Tin's uncle! He couldn't believe it! How could his sweet, beautiful girlfriend be related to that psychopath? To Kyrano who was the gentlest soul to grace the earth!

There had to be some mistake, but he couldn't see how and why hadn't his father mentioned him? Tin-Tin obviously had no idea of her uncle's heinous crimes but did Kyrano and his father? If they knew…...it changed everything.

Gordon slapped on the shower for some background noise before sliding down the back of the door. "No no no no no." he groaned. This couldn't be happening, that man had caused him so much anguish already, now the bastard was still ruining his life from the grave just when he'd finally made some sort of peace with it all. Gordon stifled a sob with his fist. He was sworn to secrecy, embargoed from sharing any of his former service history, he couldn't tell her but how could he keep this from her? The trail of destruction this man had left in his wake murdering his comrade, attempting to murder him, leaving him paralysed to killing Scott's former squad mate and being complicit in the attempted murder of his wife when he tried to steal Thunderbird One by holding Scott's wife, Rose to ransom. They'd got her back but barely alive and Thunderbird One was destroyed. He had blown it up on his brother's command with the murderous fiend inside. "Oh god." His breath hitched as the memory hit him. I killed her uncle!