Choices


"Petzini, my office, NOW!"  Dante screeched as I entered the office.  Not a good way to start the morning.  I steeled my resolve to at least pretend to be nice.  I had promised Joe, not that it was going to be an easy promise to keep.  "Close the door and have a seat."  Dante eyed me warily as I sat down.

"Is there a problem?"  I asked as patiently as I could.  

"You've been re-assigned.  You will be protecting a witness in a safehouse for a while."

My temper raged, "what about my cases?  We are already short seasoned detectives in  homicide."

"Look, I'm not happy about this either, I'm sick of being yanked around by the higher up s but you've been requested for this and you will do it.  Understand?"  On the one hand he was happy to have her out of his hair or the other she was dedicated to the job.

"Who am I protecting?"  

"Ian Nottingham."  Dante leaned back in his chair waiting for the meltdown he knew was coming.

"WHAT???!!!!  He's a freaking trained bodyguard, why does he need police protection?"  Irons had sunk to a new low to try and get to her.

"He foiled a bank robbery, saved a bunch of people this morning.  It was not going to be a pretty heist, they weren't planning on leaving witnesses.  He systematically took them out.  No civilians killed, 4 bad guys killed, 6 subdued, no money stolen, all caught on tape so he's a hero.  He is not happy about being in custody and not cooperating.  Mr. Irons felt that he would act better for a woman, the higher ups threw your name out since you've dealt with him and Irons before on the Boucher case."

"Tell me you're joking?"  Trapped in a safehouse with an unhappy freak was far from being a dream job.

"No, I'm not.  Go home, pack some clothes, Burgess will pick you up and take you to the residence."

I pushed past Jake snatched my helmet off the desk and stomped downstairs.  I cursed the day Nottingham and Irons had been born.  I tossed some clothes in a bag and a couple of books, secured my bike and locked up the loft.  Burgess was waiting for me in an unmarked Caprice.  "Pezzini, you don't look to happy."  I just shot Burgess a look and stared out the window.  We drove out to the middle of nowhere or so it seemed.  My anger had abated some when we pulled into the drive.  It was a nice little house, nothing like the usually seedy out of the way safehouses I was used to.  Burgess pulled into the garage and I grabbed my bag, they opened the back door before I had the chance to knock.  "You, Pezzini?"  I nodded, "have fun."

I walked through the kitchen to the living room, shocked at the scene before me.  Nottingham was shackled to a ladder back chair, his head down concealed by his dark curling hair.   "He's the witness correct?"

"Yeah, a hostile one.  He beat up five of our guys, so we subdued him and chained him up."

I knew Nottingham well enough to know he wasn't one to attack without provocation.  Something was very wrong here.  I walked over to him and kicked his booted foot lightly, "you gonna play nice if I let you go?"

"Yes, Sara," he said never looked up.  I took my index finger and lifted his chin so he would meet my gaze.  The moment I touched him the Witchblade came to life showing the officers pushing him, asking him who the bad ass was.  One of them telling him they were going to find something to pin on him to put him away while they had him under their control.  Ian took a lot of grief and punishment from them before he struck back.  One of them pulled a taser and held it to his side, they then piled up on him and cuffed him.  

I took one look at his bruised face and split lip, the rage was back.  "Look at me."  He complied and I stared into those intense light brown eyes, doe eyes.   There was an underlying sadness in them but also a feral fury.  I couldn't say I blamed him.  "Do I have your word you aren't going to cause any trouble?"

"You have my word, Sara, as long as you keep them away from me."

I nodded, "I will."  I turned to the blonde officer who had done the most damage to him, "give me the keys and I suggest you take your buddies and leave."

"Your funeral, Pezzini."  He tossed me the keys and they walked out with Burgess leaving me alone with Nottingham.  He had lowered his head in that subservient defeated bow I had come to despise.  I unlocked the cuffs and the leg irons, tossing them on the couch.  Ian slowly flexed his arms easing tensed muscles.  "How long have they had you chained up?"

"It does not matter."

"It does to me!  You are in protective custody and they attack you for no reason, it matters."

"Sara, please, don't."  Those soulful eyes met mine again, pleading.

"Fine but I'm sick of cops like that giving the rest of us a bad name."  I flopped down on the couch.  "You want to tell me why you need protection?  I mean that mansion is a fortress."

"I am being punished for my involvement today.  I drew undue attention to myself.  May I stand?"

"Yeah.  Punished?  I would think Irons would be pleased with what you did.  You can't buy publicity like that."

"The focus is on me, not him.  That is the problem, it will be hard for him to put a spin on this that makes him look like the hero."

"What a jerk.  You saved lives, he should be proud of you."  Ian just looked at the floor.  "Hey, for what its worth, I'm proud of you."

He glanced over at me with a shocked expression on his face, "thank you."  He smiled wincing slightly as his split lip began to bleed again.  

"Why don't we get you cleaned up?"  I pushed him gently down the hall searching for a bathroom.   I waited outside the door while he washed his face.  "You know you should do that more often?"

"Allow myself to be beaten up?"

"No, smile, at least when you don't have a busted lip.  I've never really seen you smile before."

"The same could be said of you."

"I haven't had a lot to smile about lately."

"Neither have I.  Is it ok if I take a shower?  It's been a long day."

"Sure, I'll see if there's any clean clothes for you."  I  wandered off into the bedroom as he closed the bathroom door.  I found some jeans I figured would fit him as well as a tan sweater.  I knocked on the bathroom door, "hey, I'm going to put these on the counter."  I heard a muffled, thanks.  I tossed the clothes on the vanity and pulled a chair into the hallway.

Burgess walked up, where is he?"
 
"Shower."

"They hurt him bad?"

"Some bruises, how'd you know?"

"Bastards are proud of it.  The rookie with them admitted to me he didn't even try to fight back until they all ganged up on him.  I sent them away, called Dante, we'll be moving him somewhere else."  I arched a surprised brow at Burgess who just held out his hands.  "Look, I know the guy has a questionable career but I also saw the tapes from today and he saved about 30 lives including a bunch of kids and the people sent to protect him beat him up?  It's not right."  They both turned towards the kitchen when they heard a car drive up.  "Probably Dante.  I'll check it out."

I let the water stream down my back, it ached where they had used the taser.  What a day.  A simple errand, that was all.  Take this to the bank, Ian.  As a child I had played sheriff, I wanted to be the good guy.  My wanting to help people always made Irons furious.  Playing the good guy got me in trouble then and here I was twenty years later in trouble again.   I had told Sara the truth, this little idea of Irons to place me in protective services was a punishment.  He enjoyed his petty torments, I wondered what would be next.  Sara's reaction surprised me, I had not expected abuse from her but I had not anticipated concern.  It pleased me that she was proud of me, I had never heard those words before.  I stepped out of the shower and wiped the film of steam from the mirror, my lip was swollen and I had a black eye.  I took stock of all my bruises and inspected the burns, with my genetic enhancements it would not take long for them to heal.  I towel dried my sopping hair then my body.  I slipped into the clothes Sara left for me.  It had been years since I wore blue jeans.  Years since I wore anything that wasn't black.  I listened at the door before I emerged from the bathroom.  Bruno Dante had joined the party.  Burgess I didn't know but Dante, was under Irons's thumb. No one could remain entirely pure under Irons's influence, I knew this first hand.  I wasn't proud of  the things I had done, but I was a soldier, I did as I was told.  Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and quietly padded down the hall.

I glanced at Nottingham coming down the hall then did a double take.  I had never seen him out of his black uniform.  He looked like a normal human being not some Goth freak.  "Feel better?"

"Yes, thank you."  

Dante looked him over, "due to the incident that took place with the earlier unit, we're moving you."

Ian glared at me.  "I didn't say a word."

"You had no injuries when I saw you this morning, you've got them now, it's pretty obvious what happened. Grab your stuff and lets go."

I picked up my bag while Ian tied his boots.  "You ok?"

"I do not trust Dante," he said casting a furtive glance in his direction.

"Me either."  I winked at him.  "So stay sharp."  I thought I heard soft chuckle as he turned around.

We were settled into yet another safehouse, Dante pulled me aside, "will you be ok on your own with him?  I can't really spare anyone else."

"I'll be fine.  He's not going to hurt me."  It was weird, Dante actually seemed concerned.  "So who did you put McCarty with?"

"Orlinski for now.  Kid's not happy about your current assignment."

"I don't understand why everyone is so scared of Nottingham, ok so he's a little weird...."

Dante stopped me mid sentence, "I'll send over the video of what he did to those people in the bank.  Then you can see him in action."  He and Burgess left.  I didn't bother telling him I had seen Nottingham in action before.

I bolted the door after him and turned on the security system.  Nottingham appeared behind me.  I nearly jumped out of my skin.  "Damn, why do you have to do that?  I'm gonna put a bell on you."

"I apologize for startling you.  I did not mean to."  He hung his head.

"Just make some noise, next time."  He followed me to the living room, shuffling his feet.  I sat down on the couch, "cute."  I thought I saw a brief smile cross his features before he seated himself in the recliner across from her. "So, what happened at the bank?"

"You haven't seen the tape?"

"No, I haven't.  You must have really pulled some stunts."

"I did what had to be done.  I really do not wish to discuss it now."

"Sure.  I'm gonna raid the fridge, want something?"

"Whatever you have will be fine."

I fixed us both a turkey sandwich with ranch dressing instead of mayo, my personal favorite.  He took the proffered sandwich without a question as to what it was.  I was sort of surprised.  I expected him to be more suspicious.  He practically inhaled it.  "Have you eaten today?"

"Not since breakfast, why?"

"You want another sandwich?"  He shook his head.  He just sat there like an obedient schoolboy.  "Look, Nottingham, as long as you don't try and leave, you've got the run of this place.  Do what you want, watch tv, go to bed, fix something to eat, you don't have to just sit there."  This was beginning to get on my nerves.  He didn't answer.  "You once said not to compare you to Irons, well, don't compare me to him either.  I don't appreciate you doing the subservient kicked puppy thing you do around him, to me."

"I think I will go to bed.  Which room do you want?"

"I'll take whichever one is left."  

I took the smaller of the two bedrooms hoping that would please Sara.  My position of respect had earned me nothing but scorn.  She was the person I most respected in this world and she allowed me to pay no homage to her.  I did not understand how to act around Sara under these conditions.  Rather than risk making her angry with me, I decided retreat would be the best tactical move.  Wearily I sat down on the bed.  It wasn't as comfortable as mine at home but better than I expected.  I knew sleep would probably be a lost cause.  I could never sleep until all my work was done and this entire day had been a fiasco.  I wondered who if anyone had walked the dogs, run diagnostics on the security and computer systems, and archived the video surveillance from both the mansion and Vorschlag.  Stop it Ian, I told myself, it is out of your control.  If things fall apart perhaps Irons will gain some appreciation for everything I do. That thought made me laugh out loud, hell would freeze over first.  I'll just have more to do when I get back.  I attempted meditation but Sara was dreaming and I was unable to concentrate.  I had not heard her go to bed, she was forever falling asleep on her couch or in her easy chair in positions that would make a contortionist cringe.  I hopped out of bed and made my way silently down the hall, I went in the other bedroom and pulled back the covers.  I shook my head when I came to stand before Sara, she had fallen asleep watching tv.  I took the remote from her hand and slipped an arm under her knees and behind her back.  She murmured but did not awaken.  I placed her gently on the bed and tucked her in.  This is getting to be a pleasant habit, Sara.  I watched her sleep for a while, her dream had subsided, perhaps now I could concentrate.


I woke up tangled in the sheets of a strange bed.  It took me a few minutes to remember yesterdays events.  I was protecting my stalker.  How rich was that?  Funny, I didn't remember going to bed much less falling asleep.  That was happening a lot lately.  I like sleeping in my chair but for the past few months I wake up every morning in the bed.  Its weird kinda like the milk in the fridge that never goes bad and the bread that never molds.  The smell of coffee pulled me out of bed.  I brushed my teeth, washed my face and went in search of the smell.  Nottingham was going through a martial arts routine.  He was wearing loose cotton pants and no shirt.  I stood there and gawked at what was hidden under all those layers of black.  He had a body that was perfection, every muscle stood out.  I poured a cup of coffee and hopped up on the counter thoroughly enjoying the show.  He finished up and cocked his head in my direction.

"Good morning, Sara."

"Morning.  Nice routine you got there."

"Kata, its called a Kata."

"Oh."  I pushed myself off the counter and walked over to him, "let me see those bruises this morning."  I reached up to tough his swollen cheek, he jerked away." "Wow, easy.  I just want to see if its broken."

"It isn't."

"It's really swollen," I pressed my thumbs on his cheekbones, "you're right, I don't think it's broken.  You should put some ice on it."  He had various bruises all over his torso and the burn from the taser looked nasty.  He stood patiently while I inspected his wounds.  "How long did they hold that taser on you?"

"A minute or so."

"Looks more like four or five to me.  You should really have that checked."

"It will be fine in a few days."  He shifted on his feet.

He had that deer in headlights look he got every so often.  He was embarrassed, it was nice to have him off guard for once.  He caught me unawares so often.  "Looks like you've spent plenty of time in the gym."  

He nodded, "are you done yet?"

I looked him up and down again, doubting I'd get to see this much of his flesh again.  "Yeah."  As he turned to go I noticed the tattoo on his lower back.  "Freeze." He stopped frozen in mid-step.  He tried his best not to flinch when I lightly touched the tattoo.  It was an elaborate dragon outlined in black and shaded in grey's.  "That is beautiful."

"Thank you."

"Did it hurt?" I always wanted one but could never decide on a design or an area.  

"No."

"How long did it take?"  It was so detailed, it must have taken a while.

Ian lost his patience, "if you are done with your thorough exam of my form, may I please get dressed?"

"I wondered how long you would put up with it."  I laughed as he stalked off.  It was nice to have him off balance.  He stayed in his room for the next two hours.  I got bored with am talk shows and pseudo courtroom drama's.  I figured I better go check on Nottingham.  I knocked on the door.  

"Come in."

He was sitting on the floor at the foot of the bed in the lotus position..  "Look, you were my only target this morning."

"Would that be your version of an apology, Sara?"

"Call what you like, just stop sulking."

"I am not sulking, I am meditating."

"Yeah, whatever."  I grinned at him he actually smiled back as he unwound himself from his position.  "You want some breakfast?"

"Yes."

He watched with a slightly amused expression on his face while I scrambled some eggs.  "What you don't like eggs?"

"No, I've never seen you cook before, I was expecting you to call for take out."

I tossed a plate piled with eggs in front of him, "eat your breakfast."

"Yes, Ma'am."  

My phone rang before I could shoot back a smart ass retort.  "Pezzini."

"We'll be there in ten."  Dante's voice came on the line.

"We?"

"Mr. Irons wants to see his bodyguard."  He hung up.

"We are being graced with Irons's presence in ten minutes."   I informed Nottingham, who immediately bowed his head.  I punched him on the arm lightly, "not who I wanted to see this early in the morning either."  

His entire demeanor had changed, the playful banter was gone, he sat quietly at the table eating his breakfast. I noticed he didn't have any coffee, "you want a cup?"

"No, I do not drink coffee.  This is wonderful, Sara."

"Thanks, you mean you made coffee just for me?"

"You seem rather cranky when you haven't had a couple of cups, I figured this would avoid a potentially dangerous scene."

I was happy to see him open back up some, "forever on duty, huh?" We both heard a car drive up and he stood and assumed his soldier stance.  I peeked out the window seeing Dante opening the door for Irons, I keyed in the alarm code and opened the door. I enjoyed the disgusted look on Dante's face as he followed Irons.

"Good morning, Sara."  Irons was all smiles.

"Mr. Irons, Captain Dante."  Irons brushed past me and honed in on Ian.  I watched as Ian followed Irons obediently to the living room.

Dante leaned over to me, "He give you any problems?"

"None at all."

"There's an FBI agent coming by to question him.  I'll call and let you know when.  If you want to go shower while I'm here and I can keep an eye on him."

"That would be great."  I dashed off grab my bag and headed to the bathroom.  I quickly showered wishing I could linger a little but knew my ass would be in a sling if I did.  I towel
dried my hair and put it in a ponytail.  Irons and Ian were still in the living room, Dante was sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee.  Irons glanced up when he saw me coming down the hall.  

"Sara, Ian tells me you have been taking excellent care of him, I do so hate to be without him but his safety is my deepest concern."

Did he really think I was buying that crap?  I shot a look at Ian who just rolled his eyes.  "Just doing my job."

"I know this does not utilize your tenacious detective skills I do appreciate it.  Good day."

"I'll check in with you later, Petzini."  Dante said as he and Irons left.

"You know where I'll be."  I bolted the door and set the alarm then turned to Ian.  "Your safety is my deepest concern?"  Ian rolled his eyes again and flopped down on the couch, looking very much like a disgusted teenager.  I couldn't help but laugh.  

"I wouldn't laugh too hard if I were you, Sara, my next punishment will be yours as well."  He rolled to his side to get a better look at my reaction.

I arched a questioning eyebrow at him, "well?"

"He is throwing a party for his friends and the people that were in the bank to honor my bravery."

"What's that got to do with me?"  I didn't like the little half smile on his face.

"I will need protection.  Oh, and of course it will be formal so I have to wear a tux and you get to wear a dress, he is having something sent over Friday morning.  We get a bullet proof limo to pick us up with a police escort...."

"Ok, ok I get the picture."

"No, Sara, it gets even better.  I get an award and have to give a speech in front of all those people.  I get to be the center of attention."

"For most people that's not a bad thing, Nottingham."

"I am not most people and it is a bad thing.  I do not like speaking publicly."

"You don't like speaking at all, in fact this is most I've ever heard you speak."  It finally sunk in, "you mean I have to wear a dress?"

Dante called to let me know the FBI agent was on his way.  He gave me his badge number and a good description of the guy.  Ian was flipping channels on the tv, obviously bored.  "An FBI agent is on his way to question you."

"Why?"

"Apparently the sound wasn't working and they want you to give them any insight into what was said."  He gave me a blank look.  "All you have to do is be nice and answer the mans questions, it won't kill you."

"Will you stay with me?"

I was kinda surprised by is request, he sounded so alone and lost.  "Sure, you think I'd miss my chance to see this tape everyone is talking about."  He just nodded and gave me a brief smile.   I wondered if he was scared after the cops went after him, if he was just that insecure around people, or if it was something else all together.  Irons had said the Witchblade was a mystery wrapped in a riddle and cloaked in a conundrum, I thought it more aptly described the man seated across from me.    We both jumped when we heard a car door slam.  I went to the door, the agent held up his credentials and badge.  I turned off the alarm and let him in.

"Detective Pezzini, I am Agent Jason Cameron."  He held out his hand, I shook it. He spied Ian on the couch and strode towards him.  "Mr. Nottingham, I'm Agent Cameron, and may I say what a remarkable job you did at that bank."  Ian reluctantly shook the proffered hand.

"Thank you, Agent but it was all a part of my training."

"How long have you studied the martial arts?"  Cameron looked young, with his ruddy Scottish complexion and orange hair, it was difficult to tell.  He showed no fear of Ian and was handling him well, so far.  I sat down beside Ian who looked visibly relieved.

"Since I was five.  I've studied with Masters of various forms."

"Do you teach yourself?"

"No."

"You should, that was amazing."  Ian just sat quietly and looked at his feet.  "Well, do you mind going over this tape with me, the audio did not work and since they wore masks we can't read lips.  There was a lapse in video surveillance and we haven't figured out what happened."

"They entered the building, knocked out the guard then disabled the security system.  I was waiting down the hall, I slipped back into the shadows so they would not notice me.  When they were reasonably distracted I reconnected the video wires but did not have time to fix the audio."

I must say, I was impressed with that as was Cameron.  "Quite a presence of mind.  Now what's say we go over this tape."  He opened his briefcase and took out a laptop and placed it on the coffee table. He typed in a few commands and in seconds a dvd of the crime was rolling.  We watched as the ten offenders forced bank employees to one side of the bank and customers to the other.  Ian pointed out where he was hidden.  "What were they saying, do you remember?"

"They had vocal distorters on under their masks and they spoke in code, it was not a standard military."

"You were in the military correct?"

"Yes, Special Forces.  This was a highly organized unit, however they did not have the discipline of  seasoned military operatives."

"Why?"

"They were easily distracted and did not have a command breakdown.  This man," he pointed to the screen, "was the one they all looked to.  If they had been commando's there would have been a chain of command.  There was none, when the leader was taken out, they were loose cannons therefore easy targets."

The leader threatened a bank official, when he received no cooperation, he shot him.  "Now what's going on here?"  Cameron looked to Ian.

"There were seven school children and three teachers on a bank tour, while the one watching over them turned to see what was going, I got them to crawl behind the teller station, it was the most secure location for them.  The other patrons I motioned towards the hall."  The tape showed Ian cracking the man on the back of his head rendering him unconscious.  Ian then took the sub machine gun and crept behind the next closest criminal.  As the leader threatened another employee, Ian chocked another one from behind.  One of the workers made a noise and alerted the remainder of the unit to Ian's presence.  Chaos ensued.  Shots were fired at Ian who whirled out of their path, he shot back and killed the two he had a clear shot at.  Three ran after him and he jumped four feet off the ground whirling, he kicked one of them in the throat and struck the other against the temple, dropping him to the floor, and spun again snapping the third ones neck. He then ran at the leader who sent a spray of bullets at him, Ian did a drop and roll, hooking his legs under him and knocked him down.  The man pulled a Glock that Ian swiftly took away and shot him with.  Ian backed the remaining five members against the wall.  Cameron paused the video and looked at Ian.  I didn't know what to say.  

Ian was apparently unimpressed with his actions and began to narrate, "at this point I got the bank employees to join the customers in the hall, but one of them got a little close to this attacker and he grabbed her.  I met her eyes and dropped my gaze to the floor several times, luckily
she caught my meaning and went limp in his arms, I was able to shoot him.  The others remained where I ordered them to and the police arrived shortly.  Cameron played the rest of the video showing what Ian had just described.  

"That was incredible, Ian."  I grabbed his arm, "you were remarkable."

"Thank you, Sara."

"I agree with Detective Pezzini, I've never seen anything like it.  You took out a heavily armed ten men unit alone and no civilians besides the bank president were harmed and no money was taken."

"I do not think that money was what they were after.  They never made any demands for money, all they ever asked was where.  Over and over again, where where where.  Are the children alright?  They could not see anything but the sounds and chaos must have terrified them."

"They are all in therapy, but none were harmed physically."

"Good.  I've been worried about them."

"Anything else you can tell me?"

"No, Sir.  I told you everything I know, as I said they spoke in code, the rest is on the tape."

"He can't be charged with anything can he?  He struck back in self defense."  

"No, certainly not, in fact he will probably receive a medal of honor from the FBI and the city."

"I do not wish to be honored for killing people."

"Well, I don't think you have much of a choice Mr. Nottingham.  I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me.  If you think of anything else please give me a call."  He handed Ian his card.

"I will."

I escorted the Agent out and reset the alarm.  "You did good.  Don't let Irons convince you otherwise."  

I watched Sara as she paced with the phone to her ear.  She was annoyed, I assumed Dante was attempting to get additional information about our visit by Agent Cameron.  I flipped channels as she gave monosyllabic answers along with plenty of un-huhs.  TV was not my favorite thing in the world, so much of my programming came from subliminally enhanced videos.  Sara tossed the phone on the kitchen table and hurled herself in the recliner.  "Problems?" I asked

"Yeah, Irons wasn't joking about the party.  We have to go to a formal dinner then a damn ball.  Will you pick a freaking channel?"

I handed her the remote, "nothing seems very intriquing.  I am sorry you are involved in this ridiculous affair."

"I'm no mad at you, I'm pissed at Irons.   How can you put up with him?"

"He is all I have ever known," I said simply. Not really knowing how to answer her.

"What do you mean?"

"I have been his ward ever since I can remember."

"You don't remember your parents?"

"No, he is the closest thing to a parent I have ever had so to answer your question, I am used to his attitudes and hissy fits over things like this, as well as his petty torments.  I only wish he had not placed you in this situation."

"I can't imagine what growing up with that man was like.  Guess you got all the good toys, though."  She smiled at me.

"I have nothing else to compare it to and no, I never got good toys."  I never got toys at all, unless they were guns. "I preffered books." I had no choice but to prefer books, it was either books or nothing.

"Where did you go to school?"  

I could tell she was surprised that I would give out this much information but I was already in trouble, why not enjoy it.  "I did not, I had private tutors who went with me when I was training overseas."

"No wonder you have no social skills," Sara quickly covered her mouth, she hadn't meant to say that outloud.

That struck me as extremely funny and I burst out laughing.  Sara looked at me strangely before she joined me in laughter.  "I am so sorry, Ian, I didn't mean...."

"To say that outloud?"  I tried to retain a stern visage but seeing Sara tearing up in gales of laughter was to much of a challenge.  "You are exceptional at stating the obvious, Sara."  She tossed a pillow at me.  I caught it and decided to use one of Moby's favorite line, "I wonder if  that is why they call it a throw pillow?"

She shook her head at me, "that is terrible, you are hopeless."

"There is always hope, Sara, it springs eternal."  I was enjoying this, she usually was so much on edge when I was around, but when had I ever not put here there?

"Completely hopeless, utterly hopeless."  She stopped laughing but her eyes still glittered with amusement.

I couldn't help but stare at her, she was stunning.  I had never seen this side of her, I felt honored to be included in the small group of people allowed to see this.  I suppose I stared a bit too long because she kicked at my foot.  "What are you looking at?"

"You, the you rarely seen by others.  I imagine you were like this with Danny, uncensored and comfortable."  I truly expected a stinging retort but none came.

"Yeah, I guess so.  I'm seeing a new side of you as well, somehow I doubt Irons likes your attempts at humor."

"No he would not."

"Ian, I still don't understand why he is angry at you for what you did."

"I am not suppose to interfere, but there were children involved.  I will not stand idly by and watch a child harmed, knowing that I could do something to help."  

She opened her mouth to respond but the cell rang stopping her.  "Pezzini.  Hey Jake.  Yeah, yeah.  No, no.  Not bad, no.  How are the cases going?"  She tossed the remote back to me as she walked to the kitchen.  There was a partially interesting news report about a treasure hunter finding part of a Spanish Galleon off the Cuba.  It showed them pulling up large urns, wine jugs, and various other artifacts.  I was waiting for them to show something interesting when they broke in with a special news report.  A jet had been hijacked, it landed took off again and shortly after the second take-off it crashed leaving a gigantic smoking crater in the countryside.  All 84 passengers were believed dead.

I noticed Ian transfixed on a news report.  "Hang on Jake.  What is it?"  I stood beside Ian.

"A hijacked plane went down 83 people were killed."

"That's terrible, was it a commercial flight?"

"Yes."

"Jake, you know anything about this hijacking?"  He was ranting on about me being stuck alone with Nottingham.  I could take care of myself and was sick of listening to it.  They started to show a video feed from the plane, the hijackers were dressed and armed exactly like the ones from the bank.  The sound wasn't clear so you couldn't tell what the leader was saying as he looked at the camera then reached up and ripped it from the wall.  Ian shot up from the couch and  flew to the TV.  "I gotta go, Jake."  I flipped the phone shut.  "What is it Ian?"  They were showing the feed again.  Ian pointed to something on the man's hand.  

"Call Agent Cameron, I need a copy of that entire video on a high quality enhanceable computer."

"Why, you know who this is?"  I didn't like the worried look on his face or the fact that the Witchblade remained silent and cold against my wrist.

"Possibly."

I called Cameron who showed up within minutes.  Greeting were at a minimum.  He placed the computer on the table before us and ran the tape.  "They haven't cleared the sound yet, just the vid."

"That is all I need."  Ian apparently didn't see what he was looking for in the first ten mintues.  I had seen a lot of horrendous sights in my career but nothing compared to the one that played out before our eyes.  The hijakers took the pilots, crew, then passengers and systematically executed each one.  Cringing I spared a glance at Ian, he steadily tensed at every person shot.  "Can we fast forward this to just before he turns off the feed?"  Cameron did as he requested.  Ian pointed to the screen.  "Stop it, right there.  Enhance.  To the left.  Enhance.  Enhance.  Keep going.  Stop."  Ian had focused in on a ring.  I couldn't make it out, but he knew it.  He bowed his head shaking it slightly.  "Rochester."

"You know who it is?"  Cameron and I both asked.  He was dropped out of the Black Dragon program early on, his name was Rochester, used the code name Serval.  He defected to a Russian faction and created a unit of his own.  It was rumoured they hit on some of the technology Vorschlag was using on us.  My first mission was to destroy that unit.  It looks like I failed."

"Rochester a last name?"

"Yes, I do not know his first, neverdid.  I recognize that ring, however.  It was the reason he was kicked out of the Dragons, he refused to take it off.  Noncompliance was not an option."

Cameron stepped away cell phone glued to his ear.  I looked over at Ian who was bent over with his face in his hands.  He flinched when I patted him sympathetically on the back.  "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you."  He just nodded.  I reached over and closed the computer.  "What do you think they want?"

"I can't tell you now," he said quietly looking over at Cameron who was steadily telling someone on the other end everything Ian said.

"Do you think he knows it was you at the bank?"  Ian might actually be in danger.  This guy was a nutcase.

"Undoubtably, thanks to Irons's petty behavior."

"How much danger are you in."

Cameron came back to where we were silencing any answer Ian may have given me.  He held out his hand to Ian.  "They are busy checking out leads that you gave us.  I appreciate it.  I will be in touch."  Ian shook his hand and thanked him.  Cameron packed up his laptop, "is there anything you two need?"

Ian glanced over to me I knew what he was thinking, an aresenal.  "No.  Thanks, though."

Cameron left, he was barely off the porch when I set the alarm.  Ian was leaned back on the couch watching me intently.  "Well?"

"Pour yourself some coffee, we need to have a long talk."  I did as he asked a sense of impending doom settled in my stomach as I sat beside him on the couch.

I had no idea how to begin to tell Sara.  "Rochester's ring is sentient."

"What do you mean, like this?"  She asked holding up her wristclad Witchblade

"Yes.  I am not sure of its origins or how he got it.  I have no sense of its true nature or power.  I only saw it in action twice.  Once when a doctor administering drugs to us missed a vein, you can not imagine the pain, it armored him just before he thrust the hand through the man's chest and pulled out his heart.  He attempted it on me when we fought.  I severed the arm from his body at the shoulder then relieved him of his head.  I stood there staring at the body, before my eyes the head and arm rolled back and reattached itself.  I sliced the ring off his finger when I knelt to examine it vanished leaving me with a dead body, minus one finger."

"You're sure he was dead?  I mean you were on those psychotrophics the head and arm reattachment thing could have been a hallucination."  She was having a hard time believing this.  "I think you were shown one to many of those sci--fi flicks."

"I can show you."  

"How?"  

"Give me your hand."

"No."

I was disappointed and hurt, I was foolish to expect trust from her. I coudl hardly contain my shock when she held out her hand and said, "you give me your hand."  How that made a difference in her mind I did not comprehend but I held my hand out and she took it willingly.  I closed my eyes forcing out her memories, our shared memories and delved into my own.  

I cringed as the visions assailed me, the things that were in this man's mind was worse than any sixties rocker flashback could ever be.  It was all just as he had said, although he left out a good deal more of the actual gore when he told me.  As quickly as they came the images vanished.  Ian slowly opened his eyes and stared into mine.  We looked down at our joined hands as the Witchblade swirled in a blaze of warm colors, it hissed and sighed growing hot on my arm.  Ian pulled one hand away from our clasped ones and reached towards the swirling stone.  It blazed a brilliant orange red, it grew so hot on my wrist I yanked my hand out of his.  Both of us were shaken by the experience, neither of us spoke, just sat there with our own thoughts.  My cell rang loudly we both nearly jumped out of our skins.  "Pezzini.  Yeah, right, I forgot." I slapped the phone closed, "damn.  Dante will be bringing our party clothes over."   Ian groaned.  "Why don't you go take a shower, you look like you could use one."  He nodded and headed to the bathroom.


Dante was particularly surly when he dropped by a half hour later.  Ian hardly acknowledged his existence which made it worse. "Your limo will be here in 3 hours, keep him in line, and Petzini, try to look like a girl."  I slammed the door behind him and yelled out to Ian that I'd be in the shower.

"Try to look like a girl," I muttered under my breath as I dried my hair.  Irons had sent a variatable salon in the small suitcase.  I hated wearing make up but I applied it darker than usual, trying to look elegant, I felt more like a hooker than a socialite.  I took some bobby pins and rolled my hair back from my face, pinned it, leaving the back down and pulled a few stray tendrils to frame my face.  Pleased with the result, I slipped out of my t shirt and into the burgandy silk dress.  It was v cut in the front with spaghetti straps and was backless.  It fit like it was made for me.  I turned around the curve of the dress rested a scant inch above the base of my spine.  I slipped on matching high heels.  When I straightened up, I saw Danny in the mirror.

"Wow, Pez, you look hot.  Can't wait to see the look on Goth boy's face when he gets a load of you."

"Cute, Danny, real cute.  Look, what can you tell me about that ring Ian was talking about."

"All I can say is to be careful and don't let your guard down.  Forewarned, forearmed."  With that he was gone.

"Thanks a lot, wise Asian master."  I took one last look at the woman in the mirror before taking a deep breath and walking down the hall.  Ian stood at attention in the living room, he looked up when I entered the room.   I have to say I enjoyed the look of utter disbelief on his face.  I was barely able to keep a straight face when I heard Danny laughing.  Ian shot an annoyed glance in the direction of the sound before returning his gaze to me.  I grinned at him, "you ready to go?  Limo just drove up."

"Ready as I will ever be.  You look lovely, Sara."

"Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself."  He was a heartbreaker in that black tux.  The jacket was a gambler cut three quarter length and the shirt was a silver grey silk.  A tap at the door revealed Burgess waiting for us.  "Let's get this over with."

We were halfway there when a wicked thought crossed my mind.  I leaned over and whispered in Ian's ear.  "Want to get back at Irons for this?"  He jerked away a first but then relaxed he turned towards me with an intriqued expression and nodded.  He whispered back that the car was probably bugged.  I nodded, "I figured.  Let's act like we're together."  I couldn't stop thrill that worked its way down my spine when he leaned close, his close cropped beard brushing against my cheek as he whispered, "it will drive him mad and there is nothing he can do about it."  I hadn't actually expected him to go for it, shocked, I sat back wondering just what the hell I had gotten myself into.

I took Sara's arm as we were escorted by armed guard from the garage to one of the sitting rooms.  I knew Sara had a mischievous side but I never expected her to suggest something like this.  I wondered about my ability to pull this charade off but all doubts fell away when she slid her arms around my waist and smiled up at me.  "You up for this?"

"Yes, My Lady,   I am quite a performer."  She had no idea about the many roles I played.  Each errand Irons sent me on called for a different player.  With Gallo and his men, I needed to be the ultimate street fighter bad ass, go in take no prisoners.  When I was after Moby and his crew, I was the Black Dragon again, fearless, the hunter in search of his prey.  There were others, I was thorough in my preparations for whatever situation I was placed in.  I would be what she wanted tonight, a smooth attentive gentleman, very much enchanted with his companion.  Not that it would be a difficult act to pull off.  I felt a tickle in the back of my mind, I knew he was coming.  I brushed Sara's cheek with the back of my hand, smiling seductively she laughed and placed a  hand on my chest.  Irons cleared his throat less that discretely.  Before I turned to face him I whispered to Sara, "don't say a word about Rochester."  Putting on a game face I wheeled around to see the concealed fury on Irons's face.  "Mr. Irons.

"Hello, children.  Sara, you look stunning.  And Ian, my dear hero, we have missed you so.  The mansion has been so empty without you," he covered his shock well.   "Ian I hope you have prepared a short speech, you will be expected to give one when you receive your medal of honor."

"I believe I will wing it."  That will drive him nuts.

"Very well, just do not make yourself look bad."  Which of course meant do not make me look bad.
"I would never do such a thing, Sir."  His gaze darted from one of us to the other in an attempt to decipher what he could about our sudden togetherness.  The butler, Simons, entered the room to announce the next guests to arrive.  Irons excused himself to greet them.
Sara burst out laughing and whirled in my embrace, "did you see the look on his face."  Her laughter was infectious and I found myself joining her, which only served to further infuriate Irons more when he re-entered with several of his business associates in tow. 

Despite my misgivings in the limo, I was having fun.  Pissing off Irons could become a hobby.  I was surprised at Ian, I never expected him capable of this sort of duplicity, at least not against his Master.  What had he said, he was quite the performer?  He was playing this role to the hilt.  I was shocked at how comfortable I was in his embrace.  Irons introduced us to people left and right, he was quite slick, stealing Ian's thunder.  Ian however did not seem to mind.  We suffered through dinner then the bank employee's and customers began arriving for the presentation.  Ian and I were separated for a few minutes, Irons cornered me chattering on about wine and dinner.  I eventually escaped to find Ian in an alcove surrounded by several children.  I stood and watched for a while, they  must be the kids from the bank, the way they gazed at him in frank hero worship.  He was telling them the legend behind a painting that hung in the alcove.  He must have sensed my presence because he looked up at me, smiling broadly.  I was utterly enchanted, he seemed so happy and open with them.  He was very much like a child I had to remind myself.  He excused himself from them and sidled up beside me.  "You could have rescued me you know."

"You seemed to be handling him fine, besides I did save you, indirectly.  I sent over one of his associates allowing you to escape." 

"You seemed to enjoy being with those kids."

"Unlike adults, children have no agenda, they want nothing from you except attention and love, it is not something I am used to.  Their honesty is refreshing."

"Ian, do come here, they are about to make the presentation."  Irons lilting self satisfied voice grated on my nerves even more than usual.  Ian tensed visibly.  I took his hand in mine and squeezed it tightly, to annoy Irons even more I brought Ian's hand to my lips and kissed it gently. 
"You will do fine."  His caramel eyes widened at first.

"Thank you, Sara."

"Yes, thank you, Sara, your continued support of my servant is admirable.  Just be sure not to neglect your duties "

"My duties are not to protect your servant, they are to protect Ian."  I leaned my head on his shoulder.  "Isn't that right, dear?"

"Yes, it is.  Shall we?"  He held out his arm for me and we walked towards the podium, leaving Irons to trail along behind us.  Several people spoke.  They would briefly touch on Ian's bravery but quickly turned to the graciousness of the host.  Irons of course was the last to speak.  Ian leaned over to me and whispered, "this should be interesting."

Irons surveyed the crowd, like a king holding court, taking stock of his subjects.  "When Ian became my ward, I was amazed at the warrior spirit that resided in such a quiet reserved child.  I asked him what he wanted to do when he got older.  He said he wanted to be a soldier.  Every night he would ask me when do I learn how to fight.  He stunned multiple Sensei's of various martial arts by his swift mastery of their art.  When Ian was eighteen he joined the army and soon became involved in an elite Special Forces unit, so when I was contacted Tuesday with his heroic act, I was hardly surprised.  I, the FBI, and the New York Police Department are doing our best to assure that Ian will remain safe from those monsters that perpetrated such a heinous crime.  Ian, on behalf of Vorschlag Industries and the state of New York, I present you with this medal of valor."

I pushed him slightly, "go."  He took a deep breath and stepped up to the podium.  Irons hung the medal around his neck.  Ian glanced around at everyone clapping looking over at me last.  I winked and mouthed, "you can do it."

"Thank you, everyone.  I appreciate all the fuss, but I did only what I was trained to do.  I will forever regret that a life was lost that day.  I hope that the terrorists and their backers are found and brought to justice.  Thank you, all."  Everyone clapped, Ian did his little bow, and returned to my side.

"Good job, short to the point."  I took his hand in mine and squeezed.

"Now, if everyone will follow me into the ballroom, we shall dance."  Irons led everyone away. 

I placed my arm around Sara, "how is my performance?"

"I think you could rate a Soap Opera award, you haven't made it to Emmy status."

"Yet.  He's coming shall we put on a show?"  She arched an eyebrow daring me, I was never one to back down from a dare.  I placed both hands on her face, framing it.  I bent my head slowly giving her time to back out, she didn't, in fact she smiled and tilted her head upwards.  I kissed her lightly savoring the jolt of electricity that sizzled between us.  I was shocked when she kissed me back.  We both felt the rage emanating from Kenneth Irons as he came through the doorway. 

"Ian!"  He hissed.

Sara gazed up at me then peeked over my shoulder at him, "oops, we got a bit carried away.  I apologize.  Tell me, is this like the prom?  Do the king and queen get the first dance?"

"The guest of honor takes the first dance, unfortunately not the king and queen."  He leaned close to Sara, "you will be my queen, do not forget that."  He glared at Ian, "you either."

Everyone clapped as Ian led me out on the dance floor.  "Ian I don't know how to dance like this."

"If I can give a speech, you can dance.  Just follow my lead."  We danced to several waltz's I suppose you would call them, then the musicians picked up the pace.  I imagine it was at Irons's request, he was seething with annoyance. Everyone was a buzz over what a stunning couple we made which only angered him more.  Ian was graceful on the dance floor as he was fighting, I only stepped on his feet once or twice.  He pulled me through the throng of party goers and well wishers into an alcove.  "When do you think we can leave?"

"I'm not sure.  Look, there's Agent Cameron."  He caught sight of us and headed our way.

"Mr. Nottingham, Detective Pezzini.  Good evening."

"Any news on Rochester?"

"None so far, I wanted to let you know that we saw a couple of people milling around the limo's, so it may be best if you take another vehicle to the safehouse."

"Ok, Irons has plenty at disposal, I'm sure."  Ian nodded in agreement.

"Sara, I want to retrieve a few items from my quarters and I think it best if we leave."

"I agree, you lead the way."  I followed Ian up the stairs to his room. It was nearly as large as my flat.  "Wow."

"You like this?"  He seemed amused.

"It's massive and very dark." 

"Like the rest of the mansion."  Ian packed a few clothes and several books.  "Ready?"

"Sure, let's get out of this place." 

"I imagine it only proper that we say our goodbyes."  He placed his bag in the back stairwell and approached Kenneth Irons who was ensconced with his court.  Ian spoke to him briefly the returned to my side. He led me down what I assumed were the servant stairs then through the kitchen.

"Mr. Ian."  A slightly chubby middle-aged woman called out to him.

"Yes, Claire."

"Mr. Ian, I just wanted to say on behalf of the staff that we are extremely proud of you and we will be glad when you return to us.  I packed you some food, all your favorites."  She handed him a basket.

"Thank you, Claire, please give my thanks to everyone."  He kissed her on the cheek, "thank you for the basket, I have missed your cooking."

Ian took my arm and led me to the garage.  He popped the trunk of a sleek black Jaguar and placed his bag and the basket inside.  Ever the gentleman he opened the door for me.  We were back at our new home, shortly.  I was happy it was all over with.  I scrubbed the make up off my face and changed into some sweat pants.  Ian was in normal clothes as well when I ran into him in the hall.  "I'm beat, I'm going to hit the sack."

"Goodnight, Lady Sara."  I was just to the door of my room.  "Sara?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for making this evening so pleasurable."

He retreated into his room and I to mine.  I fell fast asleep then the dreams came.

Sara's screams yanked me from my meditation.  I rushed to her room, she was thrashing about tangled in the covers.  "Sara, Sara.  It is just a dream.  Wake up."  I shook her gently.  She fought me or rather her nightmare.  I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her against me, holding her until she wore herself out.  I rocked her gently murmuring soflty to her.  Very softly I heard her say my name.  "Yes, sweet?"

"What are you doing?"

"Keeping the demons at bay as best I can."  I could still feel the tremors of fear running through her.

"Don't go, just yet."

"I won't."  I leaned back against the headboard Sara still in my arms, her head resting against my chest.  She finally fell asleep.  I watched her features in the moonlight and in disbelief I stared for a moment as a red dot formed on her forehead. Laser sights, I rolled over pulling Sara off the bed and onto the floor a split second before the room was pummeled with bullets.

"What the hell?"

"Stay down, Sara."  As quickly as it began it was over.  "Come on, get your things, we can't stay here."  She tossed some things in her bag, I grabbed my stuff as well.  Taking her by the hand, we snuck out the back door and into the darkness.

"The car?"

"Probably not safe."   I saw searchlights in the house.  "Give me your bag."

"I can carry it."

"Sara, now is not the time to argue, look."  I pointed towards the house.  "I just need you to keep up, can you?"  I knew that would make her mad, but I needed her focused.

"I think I can manage."  She slapped me in the chest with her bag, I tossed it over my other shoulder and took off running.

We ran about half a mile before we got to an embankment, I stopped for a moment to get my bearings.  "Can you see in the dark?  What are you part cat?"

"How are you rock climbing?"

"Not great."

"Ready for a crash course?"

"Doesn't look like I have much of a choice."

It took about thirty minutes for us to get down the ravine.      "You alright?"

She looked from me up to the to of the embankment, "I'm not sure you'll be getting a second date."

"Not exciting enough for you?" 

I couldn't believe it.  He looked like he was actually having fun.  "You're enjoying this aren't you?"

Ian grinned, "a little, come on, I see a place where we can hide."  I followed behind him on shaky legs.  He disappeared into the side of the ravine.  "Sara, come on."  I took his outstretched hand and he pulled me up into a little cave. 

"Nice place you have here."  He retrieved a light from his bag and shined it down the narrow cavern.  It was damp and dank.  I can't say I was pleased with the surroundings but was happy to have a place to rest.

"Stay here, I am going to do a little recon and see if they are still after us."

"Here," I handed him one of my guns.

"If you hear a shot, Sara, promise me you will stay put."

"I can't do that, Ian."  He sighed deeply.  "Would you rather I lie to you?"

"No, just promise you will be careful if something happens to me."

"I promise."   He was gone in a flash leaving me alone in the cave.  I wasn't a fan of dark, cold, wet places, I would have to be sure to point that out to my companion when he comes back, if he comes back. The temperature was dropping rapidly and the fact that I was soaked in sweat didn't help matters.  I reached in my bag and pulled out a change of clothes. That helped a little.  I heard footsteps at the mouth of the cave and a soft whisper, "it's me."

Ian crept slowly to where I was, "they are about six minutes behind me.  We need to get farther back in the cave."  He shined his light for a minute, "I have a idea.  See that little lip sticking out?  If we can get behind that and place some rocks up, it will look like the back of the cave."  He took in my worried countenance.  "Are you claustrophobic?"

"A little."  I had never admitted that to anyone before.

"We can run, but tactically this would give us a better chance."

"You first."  He climbed in, having to work his way in the small crevice.  I handed him our bags and took a deep breath once I was in, I helped him pile up rocks to cover the entrance, essentially walling us in the small space.  Once that was done I settled into his embrace, leaning my back against his powerful chest and pulled my knees up to my chest.  We were both shivering, Ian wrapped his arms and legs around me in an attempt to share body heat.  I put my arms over his and grasped his hands in both of mine. 

He buried his face in my hair.  "Are you doing ok?"

"I've been better.  Your nose is cold."

"Listen."  We heard footsteps and loud voices.  The Witchblade began to swirl out a warning.  I let go of his hand and pulled my sleeve down over it so it wouldn't give off any light.   I pulled my gun when we heard a voice demand that someone check the cave. 

I could see the spotlight shining down the length of the cave.  Then we heard footsteps getting closer.  I felt Ian tense and wondered if he was rethinking his plan.  He pulled me a bit closer giving me a reassuring squeeze.. 

"Nothing here, Sir."

The man sounded as if he was standing right in front of us.  "Lynx to Serval, no sign of the Dragon, over."

"Keep looking, I want him and the woman alive."  A gravely voice stated over the radio.  The Witchblade grew warm on my wrist and visions of Serval and Ian's fight.  Footsteps and voices retreated, leaving us alone in the cave, shivering .

"Ian?"  I heard Sara say my name.

"Yes?"

"How much longer are we going to stay in here?"

"It would be best if we remained here the rest of the night."  I knew she wouldn't like what I had to say, but there was a good chance they would back-track. 

"I was afraid you'd say that."  She relaxed against me.

"Why don't you try and get some sleep?" 

She ignored my suggestion, "what is our plan tomorrow?  Get in touch with Cameron?"

"I do not know if I trust Agent Cameron He is one of the few people who knew the location of the safehouse.  He also knew when we left the party."

"As did Irons."

"Yes, I do not trust him either."

"Who do you trust."

"At this moment, Sara, you are the only person I will place my trust in."

I let what Ian said sink in, I honestly felt the same but wasn't about to admit it to him.  "So, what do we do?"

"I think the wisest course of action would be to still lay low, rent a cheap hotel room, get what info we can and go from there."

A low rumbling startled both of us.  "What was that?"  A crack of lightening followed yet another round of rumbling.

Ian banged his head against the wall of the cave, "can tonight get any worse?"

"Don't you know to never ask that?"  I snapped as we heard the rain begin.

Ian kicked away the rocks that hid us.  "We've got to get out of here."

"I thought you said we should stay?"

"We are in a ravine, if that is a flash flood we are dead."  He pushed me up, once I was out he handed me the bags then extricated himself.  I trailed along behind him to the mouth of the small cave.  He peeked out looking up and down the ravine.  The rain was gettting harder, it plastered his long dark curly hair to his head.  "What would you rather fight, the flood or Serval's men?"
"You think they will double back now that it is raining, because if they do, we'll get trapped between them both." 

"So, to the water we go."

Again Ian took both bags and trudged ahead.  I followed behind him.  Wishing I was wearing boots and not tennis shoes. The rain was freezing, it poured down soaking us both to the skin.
We walked for what seemed like miles before getting to a fence that led to a stairwell up the side of the ravine.  Ian tossed a shirt out of his bag over the razor wire and jumped higher than any human should be able to.  He climbed back up the opposite side of the cyclone fencing and laid across the wire and reached down to to catch me as I vaulted up and hung on for dear life as he pulled me easily over the fence.  Just before daylight we made it into a town and found a motel.  The desk clerk didn't even wake up all the way to give us the key to our room and take our money.  Ian collapsed in a chair after pushing me towards the shower and told me to go warm up.

"I'll make it quick."  I showered fast, careful not to use up all the hot water.  Ian was asleep in the chair when I emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel.  He had the heater going full blast and our clothes hung up in the closet dripping dry.  "Wake up, go get in the shower, you are frozen solid."

"No, I'm fine," he murmured sleepily. 

"Come on, get up."  I started untying his boots he roused up some and look down at me. 

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to get you to take a shower before hypothermia sets in."  I got his boots and socks off and started on his shirt before he sat up.

"I can do that." 

"Then do it."  I knew his natural shyness would kick in before I got any further.

"Ok, ok."  He stood up and wandered into the bathroom. 

I checked our clothes, they were all soaked, so I got in the bed still wrapped in my towel. 

I woke up to the sound of a squeeking door closing and the smell of coffee.  I rolled over to see Ian in a baseball cap, when he turned to place a cup of coffee on the bedside table.  I gasped in shock when I saw his face.  "What have you done?"

"I shaved.  Under the circumstances I thought it best to alter my appearence."

"Good idea.  It's quite a difference.  I wouldn't even recognize you on the street."  I stared at him while I sipped my coffee trying to decide whether I liked this change or not.  The difference was remarkable.

Ian sat down in the chair beside the bed, he unfolded a newspaper.  "I see it was a wise decision.  We made the news."  He held up the paper.  Sure enough the attack was front page news.  A picture of us from the party was front page center, I had to admit it was a good photo.  Ian read aloud, "In a shocking turn of events, Ian Nottingham, who thwarted a bank robbery earlier this week and his police escort, Detective Sara Pezzini, were attacked at a safehouse after returing from a party in his honor.  Both are believed alive however there current whereabouts are unknown.  In a phone interview, Kenneth Irons, said of his security chief, "Ian Nottingham is  intelligent and highly resourceful, as is Detective Pezzini.  I have every confidence that they are alive and well." 

"How very kind of him.  Do I smell food?" 

"Yes, in the bag on the dresser."  Ian didn't look up until I went to get out of bed and retrieve the bag.  He all but fell out of his chair when he glanced up to see me get out of bed.  "Sara!" 

I was so intent on food, I hadn't realized I was naked.  At some point durning the night my towel had worked its way free.  I wheeled around when he shouted my name, giving him and even better view than he previously had.  It his slow wide eyed perusal of my body that made me look down.  "Shit!"  I snatched the spread off the bed and wrapped it around me.  It was now easy to see the blush that covered his face since his beard and mustache were gone.  "Sorry, my clothes were wet last night."

"No need to apologize."    I stared at the newspaper attempting to feign interest, the image of Sara, nude would remain burned into my memory forever.  We sat there in awkward silence for a while.  Sara finished breakfast and retreated into the bathroom with her now dry clothes.  I breathed a sigh of relief, perhaps with her properly clothed I would be able to think straight again.

Completely over what happened moments earlier Sara strode confidently out of the bathroom, "so, what's our next move?"

"I need access to a computer so I can tranfer money into an untracable account for us.  I only had eighty dollars on me, what's left won't last much longer.  After that I think it would be best for us to get out of New York for a while."

"Ian, we've got to let someone know we are ok."

"We can not risk being tracked.  For all we know Serval could be working for Irons."

"Fine, don't let him know a thing, but I have friends and co-workers that will worry about me."

"Sara, I do not want to risk any of your friends, if we contact them, we could place them in jeopardy." 

"You can time the call, it takes 2 minutes for a trace."


"Vorschlag has a device that can lock a trace in 30 seconds."  Sometimes it paid to be involved with cutting edge arms technology dealers.

"I'll call the station, tell Jake we're fine and hang up, how's that?"

"He has to pickup on the first two rings,  no more than that, understand?"  I did not care what happened to Jake McCarty, if Serval got him, fine, he was an expendable traitor in my opinion.

"I'm not stupid, Nottingham."

"I never said you were, you are however impulsive and do not follow orders at times."  I knew I was making her angry when she reverted back to calling me by my surname. 

"Fine, so, I'm going to get packed, call Jake and we'll leave. Alright?"

"Two rings, Jake we're fine, hang up." 

"I've got it. What makes you think that Serval may be working with Irons?"

"I was thinking last night how odd it was that Irons sent me to that bank.  It was a simple transaction that could have been done over the phone.  I think he set it up to test my loyalty.  He has been displeased with me since I failed so miserably with my pursuit of Mobius."

"Ian, you're just paranoid."  She looked at me quizically when I grinned at her.  "What?"

"You called me Ian, you aren't angry with me anymore.  You call me Nottingham when your annoyed with me."

"You are so weird."

"I know, make your call and we will be on our way."

I walked beside Ian, I still wasn't used to the lack fo facial hair.  It made him look younger and less mysterious, I decided I liked the beard and mustache better.   He was quiet when we got on the bus to Albany we hit the library.  I was amazed at what Ian could do with a computer.  Within ten minutes he had transferred funds from a Swiss account to a Western Union nearby.  I waited at a coffee shop while he went to pick it up.  I felt bad for being so short with Jake on the phone, but Ian was right, neither of us knew who to trust.  We had each other, it felt strange and familiar all at the same time.  When had I come to trust this man so much?  True he had saved my ass more often than I care to admit but I always though he had ulterior motives.  Now I wondered what drove this complicated creature whose life was so intricately entwined with mine.  I saw him coming towards me, carrying an office depot bag.  He handed me a cell phone.  "What'cha got in the bag?"
"A laptop.  I activated the phone, my number is in the  memory.  I think it wise if we buy a used car and drive up to a park.  We can rent a cabin, have internet access to keep track of things.  I need to try and figure out Serval's reasoning behind all of this."

"I guess a room at the Ritz with room service is not an option, huh?"

"No, sorry.  I think we should take a bus to the next small town.  Find a car some has for sale in their yard pay cash..."

"No record, just a bill of sale," I inturupted.

"I'll make a special ops soldier out of you yet."

"Cute, real cute."  

We found a 4 wheel drive 91 or so model Jeep Cherokee just outside of Whitehall.  Ian sent me to buy us clothes and linens while he got food and supplies.  The man obviously had no concept of money or how much things cost because he handed me five thousand dollars, "is that enough?"

"More than enough, meet you back here in an hour?"

"You have my number if you need me.  Be sure to get yourself a heavy coat and boots."  I smiled at his mothering. 

"What did you do, buy the entire grocery store?"  I shook my head as Sara gaped at the back of the Jeep. 

"Better safe than sorry."

"Were you a boy scout or did they drill that in your skull when you were in the Black Dragons?"  She asked as she got in the vehicle.

"Cute, real cute," I shot back at her.  She fell asleep soon after we got out of the city.  I woke her up when we got to a ranger station.  "I am going to go rent a cabine I'll be back in a few minutes."

I secured us a cabin and rented it for a month, I told the Ranger we were newlyweds, I could only
imagine the Hell Sara was going to give me about that.  She waved and grinned at the Ranger as he walked out to give me directions to the cabin   He waved back, "you two enjoys yourselves." 

"So, what's the story you gave him?"  I said nothing, just began driving.  "I know you, you've got a story and a back up plan."

"I told him we were just recently wed."  I tensed waiting for the onslought but it nevcr came.  "You are not angry?"

"No, I figured as much, it's the simplest explanation, would cause the least amount of questions."

Relieved she wasn't furious I tossed her the key to the cabin, "you check it out and I'll start unloading."

"Wow, Ian, this isn't bad."  I followed her in carrying grocercies, I was pleased it was a nice little cabin.  Sara began unpacking bags as I brought them in. 

"What do you want for supper?"

"That steak looks good."  

"I thought so, you do know how to cook?"  I asked innocently know she would take the bait.

"I doubt seriously that you'd appreciate what I do to steaks."

"Can you at least build a fire?"  I pretended to be disgusted.

"Nope, you've saddled yourself with a sad excuse for a frontier wife, can't cook, can't build a fire.  Looks like you've got your hands full."  She placed her hands on her hips pleased with herself. 

I ran up and grabbed her.  I swung her around the small living room.  She slapped at my back laughing at me.  "Put me down."

I was in tears laughing at this silly impulsive side of Ian.  It was a side I imagine no one else had ever seen and I was pleased he felt he could show it to me.   "You are a silly, silly man."  He stopped and looked up at me. 

"I've definately got my hands full."  He let go of me and I slid down his body.  I wrapped my arms around his neck smiling.

"So you've got me, now what are you going to do?"   He got that deer in headlights look for a moment, I had to admit I liked being the cause of that expression.

"Since you are basically useless, I suppose I will have to cook you dinner and build a fire."  He grinned down at me.  "Come on, I will show you about the fireplace."

Dinner was great.  Ian was quite a cook, was there no end to this man's talents?  We talked a little but neither one of us was in a particularly chatty mood.  Ian had found an old beat up Louis Lamour novel and lay down in front of the fire.  Having nothing else to do I decided to go to bed.  I tossed for about an hour, I had left the bedroom door open, but it was still freezing.  I heard a mournful howl from outside.  I wrapped a blanket around me and walked over to the fireplace.   "Did you hear that?"

 Ian regarded me thoughtfully, "it was just a wolf or coyote.  Can you not sleep?"

"It's too cold.  Scoot over."  He moved away from the fire and patted where he had been.  I sat down shivering.  He wrapped his arms around me, I leaned against him.  "You are warm."

"You are very cold.  Why did you stay in there for so long?"  He rubbed my arms and pulled the blanket around us both.

"I don't know, I kept hoping Danny would pop in for a chat." 

"Need to talk?" 

"Just wanted some perspective.  Plus I'd just as soon get the newlywed jokes out of the way."
Ian chuckled, I enjoyed the low rumbling of his chest agains my back.     "Book any good?"

"Not my favorite Lamour but worth a read.  Want it?"

"Nah.  Thanks. Dad burned me out on them when I was a kid.  "Lamour and Agatha Christie were his favorites."  I had spent many a cold sleepless night listening to Dad read aloud from those  authors.  "I loved him reading to me but he would always stop after three chapter, no matter what was going on, so the rest of my night was spent trying to figure out whodunit.

"That must have been nice," he said softly.  It always amazed me how gentle and guiet his voice was.

"It was annoying, although I would give anything to have him read to me again."

"I meant having him read to you."

The wistfullness in his voice got to me and I turned around to peer at his face, "did anyone ever spend time with you, not lecturing, trainging or teaching you just playing or reading, anything?"  I already knew that answer, I wasn't sure why I even asked it. 

"No," he reached out and brushed my cheek with the back of his hand.  "You should not concern yourself with things that can not be changed."

Every so often I'd see the little boy inside the serious man, he came out to play occasionally.  I wanted to strangle Irons for his lack of emotion or care for the child I imagine was as willing to please as the man was.  I suddenly had the desire to give him back a small piece of his childhood.  I jumped up, startling him.  "I'll be right back."  I dashed into the bedroom.  I had found an old Scrabble game in the closet.  I layed it out in front of him. 

"Scrabble?"  He picked up the box and glanced at me.  He picked up some of the tiles and fingered them.  "What are the rules?"

I took the tiles from him and put them in the bag, "ok grab a few tiles and fill up your little wooden holder.  The object is the spell words in English, whoever has the most points when the tiles are all gone win.  He nodded taking everything in.  I started with the word mold.  "Now you build off that word using whatever letters you have."  He pondered over his tiles and glanced up at me as he placed them on the board, smart.  "Excellent."  He grinned.  "Now draw four more tiles."  Halfway through the game we both started yawning.  "Want to finish this tomorrow?"  He picked up the board carefully and placed it on the table.  I went and got all the covers off the bed and made a pallet in front of the fireplace.  Ian checked the doors and windows.  He put a chair under both doorknobs and some boards he found and jammed them against the window frames.

"Not a top notch security system but we shall know if anyone tries to ge t in."

"Come on, lets get some sleep."

"I will watch over you while you sleep."

"Have you even slept since this all happened?"  I had a feeling he hadn't.

"I do not require much sleep."

"Then lay down beside me and mediate."
 
I laid down beside Sara and pulled her close, she rested her head on my arm.  Within minutes I heard her deep even breathing.  I told myself I wouldn't fall asleep, I would just rest for a while.  I gazed into the fire, the glowing embers reminded me of the various moods of the Witchblade.  It was the last thing I remember before slipping into a dreamless deep much needed slumber.

Something tickling my face and an ache in my hip woke me, the hardwood floor of the cabin was not forgiving.  At some point I had rolled over and was facing Ian, my head was nestled in his neck, some of his curly locks were brushing against my face.  I pulled away enough to study him and shifted my weight slightly, Ian never even moved.  Dark circles smudged beneath his eyes, he looked worn out.  I felt bad that I had not realized his lack of sleep, he went above and beyond to keep me safe, despite the fact I was the one suppose to be protecting him. His loyalty to Irons seemed to be in question, I wondered if this was just a spat or something more permenant.  I hoped it was lasting, Ian really was a nice guy, a little weird but if his childhood was half as bleak as it sounded, I could understand.  I reached up to brush the offending curls from his face, when I did the Witchblade fed me various erotic experiences.of different Weilders, some I recognized, others I did not.  Their lover however, each time was the same.  I gasped in shock as I saw a succession of flashes of Ian Nottingham.  The last one shook me to the very core, I had finished the gauntlet to find him at the end, he pulled back his visor and gazed at me with those intese copper eyes.  Then he took off his helment, held out his arms and smiled, a broad beautiful heartfelt smile.  I felt the sudden need to see that expression in this lifetime, to see the same pride and wonder in his eyes, to make him happy.  I took a deep breath and snuggled closer to him.  Was I meant to be with this man?  The way the Blade purred anytime he was near and the video's it showed me when we touched certainly led me to believe in destiny.  I cupped his cheek in my hand the stubble from his formerly clean shaven face poked me and he stirred slightly opening sleepy eyes.  "Sara?"  He smiled slightly.

"Go back to sleep, sweetie."

"Mmmmm, ok, my love."  He rubbed his cheek in my hand and fell back to sleep.

A tremor ran through me as his lips brushed my palm.  I had to wonder if it was a real attraction or just past life memories or the fact that I had not been with anyone in more than a year.  I  watched him for a while before sleep took me as well.  I woke up comfortable and warm, it didn;t take me long to realize that my relatively soft bed was Ian.  I looked up into coppery eyes.  "Comfortable?"

"Yep are you?"

He grinned wickedly, "my front is but my back isn't.."

I slapped him on the chest, in repsonse he flipped me over on my back and laid gently down on me.  "Hey, get off me."  I pushed at him laughing.

"You were not planning on returning the favor?"  He tried his best to look hurt.

"You are a lot heavier than I am."

Ian rolled off me and sat up stretching, "I am moving the mattress in here.  I am either getting old or soft, this floor is hard."

"I know I woke up with a sore hip earlier."

"And you decided I would be more comfortable?"

"I just rolled over at that point, I have no idea when I started using you as a cot.  I need coffee."  I stood up and walked to the kitchen.

"I need a shower."

"You need to shave too you are all prickly."  I shot back measuring coffee grounds into the battered pot we found stuck in a cabinet.

He rubbed his hand over his face, "I hate shaving."

"And I thought you just liked the beard but you're really just lazy."  He shot me a dirty look before he went into the bathroom.  I had to laugh, he was such an easy target sometimes.  I was scrambling some eggs and frying bacon when I heard him come up behind me.

"That smells good."  He leaned over my shoulder and rubbed his now smooth cheeks against mine, "better?"

I never could tell whether he was deliberately trying to be seductive or if it was just a childlike need to be close to someone who wouldn't harm him.  "Much, but I do like the beard better." 

He whispered in my ear, nuzzling my hair out of the way, "I just can not seem to make you happy."  I shivered in response, trying to come up with a searing retort but I was too focused on the feel of his breath tickling my neck.  "Sara."

"Hmmm?" 

"The bacon is about to burn."  He chuckled as he walked off to tend the fire.  I wanted to do nothing more than smack him with the hot frying pan.  Two can play at this game.

I watched as snow fell in huge flakes outside the window. I laced up my boots, planning on a short run. I was unused to this much inactivity and Sara was still angry at me for picking on her. She could dish it out but was not good at taking it, so I figured it would be best to give her some distance. "I am going to go for a run. I'll be back in a little while."

"So, you're leaving me here? I could use some exercise too."

"Grab your shoes." We jogged along for a few minutes before Sara took off at full speed. I was surprised at first then gave chase, she veered off the snowy trail and ran through the woods. I lost sight of her and sped up my pursuit, following her tracks in the snow. I barely dodged a limb that hurled towards me. I lay there in shock for a moment, I couldn't believe Sara had done that When I heard her giggling, I just lay there. I heard the snow crunch after a minute or so and her approach. From her hesitant steps I knew she couldn't decide if I was faking or not.

"Nottingham?" She edged a bit closer, "Ian? Are you ok?" She kicked at my foot then jumped back. It took every bit of my training not to laugh. "Ian? Crap!" She knelt at my side and felt for a pulse, then ran her fingers through my hair feeling for any injuries. "I am so sorry, I didn't mean to hit you that hard. I thought you'd dodge it."

I grabbed a handful of snow in one hand and pulled her to me with my other arm. I put the snow down the back of her shirt. She screamed in rage and began hitting me. "You big jerk. I thought you were hurt." I grabbed both her hands and flipped her pinning her to the ground. She struggled for a couple of minutes then went limp. "Ok I'm sorry. It was a mean trick."

"It was a mean trick, Sara. What do you think your punishment should be?"

"You put snow down my shirt and made me think I really hurt you, isn't that enough?"

"No, it isn't." Her face was flushed, her hair fanned out in the snow, and green eyes glittered, I had never seen her more beautiful. A suddden flush of desire I had never felt before ran through me and I brushed my lips against hers. When she didn't protest or pull away I deepened the kiss. I traced her full lips with my tongue. I was surprised when she leaned up a bit and took my tongue in her mouth and gently sucked. I groaned letting her hands go, I shifted so my weight wasn't entirely on her. She wound her fingers in my hair, holding me in place. I could not believe she was encouraging this. This was nothing like the kiss we shared to annoy Irons. We broke the kiss and stared at each other.

"Ian, I think we better go back to the cabin."

I sighed deeply knowing she was correct. I stood up and reached down to help her up. She didn't let go of my hand as we walked back. The wind picked up and I wrapped my coat around her shoulders pulling her close. She nestled against me . "I'm sorry I slung that limb at you, I really thought you would see me before I let it go."

"I should have anticipated you causing some type of trouble." I opened the door to the cabin and held it for her. "You should get out of those wet clothes. I will make you some coffee." She went off to change and I stood at the sink filling the coffee pot. I was having a difficult time dealing with the kiss, she had willingly participated. Perhaps it was just proximity. I could not deny that I loved her, but how did she feel about me? She was certainly comfortable with me now but was she attracted to me? None of my training prepared me for these types of emotions, I remember feelings from our past lives. I catch myself doing little things without realizing it, nuzzling her or embracing her. There wasn't a problem when I was watching her from afar but living with her was becoming more difficult every hour.

I watched Ian making coffee, deep in thought. I hoped he was as confused as I was. I wanted nothing more than to guide him to the mattress and continue what we started out in the woods. Did I want him or was it the Witchblade? I had always been attracted to dark bad boys as Danny called them. Ian looked the part and in ways he fit it but he was extremely innocent and unsure about his interpersonal skills. He turned to see me standing in the doorway and smiled, "better?"

"Much." He was so damn handsome, that familiar ache rose in my belly. I strode across the room and took the Witchblade from my wrist and placed it on the table.

Ian looked at me puzzled, "Sara?"

I captured his face between my hands, "consider this an expirement." I kissed him hard, putting all the longing and desire I felt into it. He was still for a moment before returning the kiss with passion. He slid his hands around my waist and pulled me closer as his tongue met mine. I pulled away slightly we were both gasping for air. He laid his forhead against mine and gazed into my eyes.

"What type of expirement was that?" He asked quietly.

"I wanted to see if it was the Witchblade or me that wants you."

His eyes widened, "and what conclusion did you reach?"

"The feeling is mutual, we both want you. The question is who do you want?

"You, Sara, I want you." 

I pushed Sara against the wall kissing her with an intensity I had never felt.  Every nerve ending in my body was tingling.  I could not believe this was happening.  I pulled away to look into her passion filled eyes.

"Lift me up."  She guided my hands to her thighs, I lifted her, pinning her against the wall.   She wrapped those long muscular legs around my waist.  She pressed her hips to my ever-hardening erection.  I kissed my way down her neck, to the base and sucked lightly just above her shoulder.  She hissed out my name and wound her hands in my hair holding me in place, I nipped her and laved the spot with my tongue then drew upon it again.  I placed one hand under a thigh and lifted it above my hip bringing us closer, grinding against her.  "Jesus, Ian.  The mattress, I want you naked."

He let go of my thigh and I unwound my legs from his waist and he led me to the mattress.  I was busy pulling at his clothes.  We were both a frantic tangle of hands trying to get remove clothes.  He finally relented and stood still while I took his off.  I kissed my way down his chest after tossing his sweater and shirt to the floor and knelt down to unbutton his pants, I slid them down his narrow hips and he kicked them aside.  I looked up expecting him to be embarassed at being almost naked but all I saw was the flush of desire and a searing heat in his passion darkened eyes.  He bent grasping my shirt and pulled it over my head, held up my arms aiding him.  I unlatched the front of my bra, suddenly wishing I had a penchant for slinky sexy lingerie and not servicable plain white cotton.  I stood slowly letting my nipples graze up his chest.  He pushed the loose hanging undergarment from my shoulders.  "Sara, you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen." 

"You aren't so bad yourself," I said fanning my fingers over the sinewy muscles of his chest and arms. I undid my pants but got sidetracked when bent his head down to suckle one of my breasts.  He slid his hands down my back and inside my pants and beneath my panties cupping my buttocks and pulling our hips together.  I moaned and clutched at his shoulders, I was frustrated , I wanted to explore him, to taste him.  I grabbed two handfuls of hair and pulled his head from my breast.  He looked up at me with an expression fear and disbelief.  I saw the words I'm sorry form in his mind and didn't give him time to say them, I drew his lips back to mine, devouring him.  Our tongues met in a mini war, he pushed my jeans down to my knees.  I kicked my way out of them, Ian groaned, scooped me up in his arms and laid me down on the mattress.  He knelt to sit between my knees, before he could I stopped him, "take the shorts off first." He blushed slightly a grin flew across his face.  He stood and dropped his boxers and stood before me in all his naked glory.  He was incredibly well endowed and I licked my lips at the sight of his bloood engorged member.  He dropped to his knees between my legs and ran his hands up the inside of my thighs stopping just below the place I wanted them the most.  "You are a damn tease Nottingham."

He gave me a wicked smile, "just what would you have me do, my Sara??  He lightly ran his index finger between my lower lips, "is this what you want?"

I arched my hips giving him easier access.  He spread my legs opening me up to his now searching tongue.  I moaned out his name and tangled my fingers in his hair.  He ran his tongue along the edge of my labia, teasing me.  Then he began to circle my clit.  "Ian," I pulled him closer thrusting my hips in time with his tongue.  I was about to reach my peak when he slowed, pinning my hips to the mattress with his hands.  He glanced up and me and grinned then began to suck lightly on my clit.  He increased the pressure then sent me over the edge when he scraped his teeth over me.  Writhing beneath him riding the waves of pleaseure that shook me I cried out his name.  He crawled up my still quaking body, nibbling and kissing as he went.  He explored my bellybutton and nipped my sides gently. I was eager to get my hands on him, I could feel his hot steel hard manhood against my leg.  I pushed at his shoulder urging him to turn over, I climbed upon him when he did.

I watched Sara straddle me and begin to kiss down my chest.  She suckled my nipples before journeying lower.  I had never known anything like this in this lifetime, passion and love had simply not been a part of my training.  I was going on instinct and things that I had seen in the myriad of erotic dreams from previous Wielders and their lovers.  I heard a throaty laugh as Sara wrapped both hands around my straining shaft.  "What do we have here?"  Her gaze never left mine as she licked the droplet of moisture.  I could do nothing more than let out a strangled moan when she sucked lightly on the tip, she then took as much of my length in her mouth as she could.  She alternated between swirling her tongue around me and scraping me with her teeth.    She cupped my testicles with one hand and squeezed them lightly speeding up her ministrations on my manhood.  "Sara," I rasped, "I can not take this much longer." She slowed down and crawled up my body.  Before I could react, she took my shaft in her hand and guided it into her body.  She lifted her hips and I slipped almost out of her then she slammed down on me taking me as deep as she could.  I ground my hips up to meet the cradle of hers reveling in the tight wet feel of her surrounding me.  Her astride me was arousing but it was not filling the raging need I felt to pound into her, I flipped her to her back, hooked my arms beneath her knees, and began to thrust deeply into her.   She was writhing beneath me as I thrust harder and faster.  I hit a spot that caused her to scream.

"God, right there, do that again." I did as as begged.  She clutched at my back, clawing at me wild in her passion.  "Yes, Ian, yessssss."  She began to shudder her head thrown back.  She contracted so sharply around me that it was painful.  I thrust a few more times and joined her in exctasy.  Her tight sheath milked me sucking the fluid from my body.  I collapsed on top of her enjoying the small aftershocks.   When I caught my breath a bit I rolled to my back bringing her to lie on top of  me.  We lay there still joined.  "Sara?"

"Hmmmm?"

"Are you ok?"  I was a little worried she may regret this.

"I have never been more ok in my life."  She nuzzled around on my chest getting settled before she fell asleep.  I pulled a blanket up over us and watched her sleep along time before I joined her in slumber.

"Hey, Nottingham," I opened my eyes to find myself staring into sultry hazel eyes.

"Hey, Sara."  He ran his hands up and down my back.  I shivered at the feel of his calloused fingers.  "Expirament a success?"

"You know science, sometimes it takes many many repeats to analyze a hypothesis thoroughly."  I laughed outloud at the stupid grin he had plastered across his face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ian went for a run while I made an attempt at dinner.  Joe's wife, Marie had once showed me how to make chicken and dumplings.  "So, how's fake married life treating you?"

"Danny, damn it.  Do you have to do that?"

"Pez, if that poor guy actually eats that stuff, you need to marry him for real, that looks awful,"  Danny looked sadly into the pot.

"Hey, at least I'm trying."

A loud knock at the door made me jump and Danny blinked out.  "Ranger."  I eyed the door suspiciously and looked at the Witchblade it was beginning to swirl an angry red.  Danny popped back in, "It is a Park Ranger, but I think you're boy is in trouble."

My heart dropped at that statement, but I plastered a smile on my face and opened the door, "hi."

"Hello, Ma'am, just wanted to let you and your husband know that this storm front that is moving through will be a bad one, if you want to come up to the community house, you are welcome."
"Thank you."

"You're welcome." 

I waited until he was gone, grabbed my coat and boots, Danny pointed towards our make shift jogging path, "he's that way, under a tree."

"Is he hurt?"

"I don't know."

I ran about a quarter of a mile until I found him and the storm had hit with full force, lightening lit up the sky making him easier for me to spot.  I found him under a large cedar tree, his coat over his head.  "Ian?"

"Sara, get back to the cabin."

I knelt down beside him and tried to pry his hands off of his tucked down head.  "What is wrong with you, look at me.  Are you hurt?"

"No."

His lack of explanation made me furious.  "Then why are you sitting out here in the middle of a storm?  Scared of a little thunder?"

"Lightening.  Quick flashes of lights cause me to seizure.  I tried to get back to the cabin but I couldn't see and kept running into trees."

Black Dragons training and Irons's conditioning, it's a wonder the man was still alive.  "Come on.  I'll lead you back."  I rubbed a hand over one of his and he slowly unwound himself from the tight ball he was in.  It took a while but we finally much to my relief made it back to the cabin with minor difficulties.  The electricity was off when we got back, we were both shivering and soaked.  I helped him take his sodden clothes off and pushed him towards the shower, "I'll join you in a minute, I'm going to add wood to the fire."  I tossed a few more logs on and stripped.  The heat of the water was a welcome relief from the cold.  Ian wrapped his arms around me and held me close, we let the shower spray us until the hot water threatened to run out.  We both dressed quickly and went to sit before the fire.  Ian was still not himself.  "You ok?  Can I get anything for you?"
"In my bag there is a bottle of pills, will you get them and a glass of milk?"

"Yeah."  I poured his milk and went in search of his bag, "where is it?"

"In the bedroom, but I don't remember where." 

I finally found it and brought it to the fireplace, I dug through it until I found them, "how many do you want?"

"Four for now." 

I watched him in the glow of the firelight for a minute, he seemed disoriented.  "What was that?"

"Tryptophan, it helps with the seizures, sometimes."

"That's what's in turkey that makes you sleepy right?"

"Yes and in milk."

"Did you have a seizure?"

"A minor one."  Some of his words slurred.

"Black Dragon thing?"  He nodded.  "Why have soldiers you can disable so easily?"

"It was a major flaw in the drug therapy but they had to have some measure of control over us."
He yawned and I pulled him to lie back against me.  "Come, on, lay down sweetie, get some rest."  He rolled over and buried his face in my neck.  He relaxed into sleep quickly but everytime a loud boom of thunder would sound he would jump and whimper.  Finally the storm passed and we were both able to sleep.

I woke up long before Ian did, I watched him sleep for the longest time.  I moved to get up but he wouldn't let go of me.  He was so very much a child at times.  From what I gathered he had been forced to go from 4 years old to adulthood.  He never got time to grow up, he was a child in a very dangerous man's body.  An image flashed of him about six years old, dressed in black sitting alone in his room.  One day Irons will pay for everything he has done, I promised him silently.

My head was throbbing when I woke up.  I was still groggy, the tryptophan never worked as well as Immo's remedies.  I reached around sluggishly for Sara.  I could hear her moving around the cabin but could not see her.  "Sara?"  My voice croaked out her name.

She was by my side in a heartbeat, "hey baby.  How you feeling?" 

"Groggy, how long have I been out?"

"Awhile, the storm is over, a few trees down so we will be without electricity for a while longer."  She ran her hand through my hair, "you hungry?"

"Not really.  I am sorry for all this."

"Ian, this is not your fault.  You can't help being sick, you can't prevent the seizures."

"I know it just makes me feel foolish."


I do hope to finish this at some point.....me muse abandoned me at this point and no chocolate, ammaretto, or fantasy's of Ian have coaxed the fickle creature back......