Alright ya'll... i'm gonna take a stab at this writing thing...

* * * *

"Nate!"

"Huh?" replied Nate.

"Pay attention," snapped Natasha as they walked down Sunset Drive. She was losing patience – the day had not turned out at all like she expected. Running into Michael Westen of all people!

Nate had almost walked right into a parking meter – she swore, sometimes going out with Nate was like running an obstacle course. She had to get rid of him soon – plans needed to be changed, and fast!

"Hey, how about that – you and my brother knowing each other! That was wild!" said Nate.

"Yeah, small world, isn't it?" said Natasha, looking around, trying to spot someone.

"How did you two – " he tried.

"Oh, that was ages ago -- I barely remembered him. Totally forgettable."

"What'd he call you? Natasha? That's pretty hot," Nate said, giving her a wink and moving in for a kiss.

"Aw, thanks, darling!" Natasha replied, ducking left and avoiding the smacker.

A woman down the street waved at them.

"Oh, look! It's Trinity!" exclaimed Natasha gratefully. She yanked Nate along with her.

"Trinity! Darling!" Natasha squeed, giving the gorgeous girl a hug. "Where have you been?! I haven't seen you in ages!" then growled, "You're late!" under her breath.

"Great to see you -- " Trinity started, unsure of what to call her, and unsure of what scheme Natasha was up to now.

"Natasha," Natasha supplied, "I was just telling Nate all about you, Trinity!"


"You were?" queried Nate.

"Yes remember, she's the girl I was telling you all about – the one who works with exotic pets."

"Yes," said Trinity, begrudgingly playing along. "Exotic pets… are… so exotic."

"That's great! I LOVE exotic pets!" Nate said, his eyes flashing. "I always wanted to get a Burmese python growing up but my brother would never let me. Man, I bet there's some good money in your biz!"

Trinity had done some crazy ruses before for Natasha, but at least this one was interesting – this Nate character was pretty good looking. She hoped she wouldn't have to hurt -- or worse, kill him.

"Why don't you tell Nate some more about it, Trin – and isn't there a cute little pet shop down the beach? I've got some errands to run, I'll catch up later! Bye! Smooches!" Natasha said and dashed off.


****

****
The Charger pulled up just down the street from The Stokes Gallery.

"Remember – we're just here to get information," said Michael, dressed in Armani. "I'm the big art collector and you're my ditzy fiancée – I distract them – you snoop -- got it?"

"I still don't know why I just can't be your wife," Fi sulked, wearing her own designer drapery.

"Look -- we're just pretending to be a couple – "

Fi shot him a deathly glare.

"I mean, we are –"

Fi's eyes lighted up.

"Not that I mean – well, you know what I mean. Fi, just focus, alright? We've got a job to do."

"Fine…" said Fi, and then she pulled out a diamond ring and plopped it on her wedding ring finger.

Mortal terror flashed across Michael's face. "What – Fi – ?"

"You like it?" she replied. "I got it as payment for a pawn broker job I did. I just keep it around for practice… We have to make it look believable, right? Just playing my part," stated Fi. "Your adoring fiancée," she finished, as she stepped out of the car and slammed the door.

"Fi!" shouted Michael as he hopped out after her. "Behave! I mean it!"

"Sure thing, Boobookins!" Fi tossed back and headed towards the gallery.

"You're not calling me that!" steamed Michael.

"Whatever your say, Pookie!" Fi retorted

* * * *

V, bedazzling in a low-cut high fashion dress, sashayed up to the clients who just walked into her gallery.

"Welcome to the Stokes Gallery! I'm V," she said and firmly grasp the strong hand of the handsome man.

"Luke Spencer," Michael introduced himself. "Nice to meet you, V. This is Laura – " .

"His fiancée," interjected Fi, shoving her wedding-banded hand forward.


"A pleasure," V said, beaming a smile at Michael, then tried to release her hand from the vise-like grip of Fiona. "Well, please feel free to have a look around, " V said.

"We'd love to," beamed Michael, as he dragged Fiona away from the gallery owner. "Honey, why don't have a look around, see if there's anything that catches your eye?"

"Sure thing, sugarmuffin," growled Fi, planted a kiss on his cheek, and sauntered away. "Oh, look," she faked, "A pretty purple painting!"

Michael recomposed himself and turned back to V.

"Looks like you've got a lot of nice work here."

"Thanks," purred V, "We aim to please."

"That's great…," Michael said, figuring this dame was exactly what he needed. "Actually, I heard you had an auction recently. It's it a shame I missed out, because there were quite a few pieces that I was very very interested in. There's a few that would have completed my collections, and I was hoping to spend a lot of money to get them."

"Oh, that is a shame, Mr. Spencer," cooed V. "But I'm sure there's something I can do to help you out." V snapped at her gallery staff, "Ladies can we please get Mr. Spencer the auction books from last week?"

"Thank you – I'd love to hear more…" Michael answered as the gallery staff flocked around him.

****

Hehe! Luke and Laura, a pretty purple painting, "smooches"--awesome addition, Natasha!

Love that line! Thank for tossing me into the story Natasha!

I think I'll take a shot at the next part.

Nate blinked, watching Natasha scurry off. He then looked to Trinity, who smiled at him awkwardly, "Umm.. Pet shop.. Beach. Let's go." she said sweetly and started off for the beach.

Nate followed along, raising questions, "So what's it like working with the animals?"

"Oh..it's very..rewarding. Animals are a passion of mine." she said convincingly, "But it can be dangerous.. burmese pythons..mongooses... I mean mongeese.." She glared at the horizon, mentally chiding herself. "Anyway, enough about me. How about you and my pal Natasha? Getting along well?" she asked, pretending to care.

"Yeah she's great... smart and beautiful.. But, ya know, sometimes I feel like she's hiding something from me."

'Sharp kid..' Trinity thought.

"I'm sure it's nothing.." Nate added after a moment of thought. Trinity nodded in agreement.

lol Yum.. Although I wouldn't want Nate to catch what I've got..

yay xTrinityx! I'm so glad you and Nate are getting along! Great part you added!

Thanks! Glad you like it.

I love this chain story!

I was just thinking that we can't forget about Nate's ability to read people. I almost forgot about that.

A GH moment. Cool. Circa 1977

Sam smiling as he listens to a cell phone message.

"Hi honey, made it to Atlanta, the rest of the team was here and we went straight to work, it's a mess here. Haven't got to the hotel yet, but when I do I'll call with the info. We've got a couple of more hours' work here until we break for the night or morning; it is morning isn't it? I'll call you later, (pause) Sam…be careful. Bye."

"Good news?" Michael inquires watching Sam's face.

"The lady friend was calling to let me know she got to work ok." Grinning like a Cheshire cat, "She likes me bro, and I really like her. I don't wanna screw it up. I just feel its right this time. I just have to convince her that she can trust me and I won't hurt her. Her last relationship ended badly, and she's been cautious about getting too involved ever since."

"Like you didn't have the same feelings with all the others. So tell me about her." Michael matter of factly states.

"Come on Mike, this is different, we can actually carry on a conversation, I mean, its not that I couldn't before with my other lady friends, but she is different, she's beautiful and smart, and she's not falling all over me, she's subtle, she's making me work for it. I can't explain it there is this chemistry…"

"Didn't you fail chemistry in high school?"

Sam sneers: "ha ha"

"Ok, did you check her background?"

"Yea, I feel awful about that now, but she's got a pretty solid background."

"What does she do exactly?"

"It's some kind of computer programming/network analyst job, she's really good and she gets to pick her assignments and gets to travel. She might be taking some more local jobs so we can spend more time together. I want you to meet her, you know I value your opinion, hey, we need to invite you over for dinner one night."

"we? This is starting to sound serious, Dinner with you two sounds like fun, let me check my social calendar." Fiona chimes in as she joins them at the table.

"Enough about me, what did you two find out at the Gallery?" Sam glances at Michael as he ignores Fi's attempt to garner any more information about his personal life.

((I should really be going to bed, but Debra inspired me.))


“I think your hunch about art theft was right,” Michael told Sam. “The Stokes Gallery has a lot of pieces that shouldn’t be in a gallery outside of the Louvre. One-of-a-kind pieces.”

“So you think they’re making two, or three, of a kind?” Sam surmised.

“It’s not a bad racket,” Fiona added. “Rich people like having obscure artwork on their walls. Usually they don’t care enough to check the authenticity.”

“Exactly,” Michael nodded. “Someone well-respected like V tells them it’s an authentic Mondrian from his pre-Cubist days, and they can’t write a check fast enough.”

"Also, top of the line security," Fiona said. "Lasers, movement and sonic vibration detectors, even a temperature monitor to sound the alert should the room rise above 60 degrees."

"Which it would if anyone with a pulse went walking in there," Michael completel

“Nice,” Sam remarked. “It’s a good thing I called in Tibbs then.”

Michael turned to look at him with a frown. “Excuse me?”

“Tibbs,” Sam repeated. “Interpol.”

“You called a Fed?” he said slowly in disbelief.

“Ah, she’s not your normal Fed, Michael,” Sam assured him. “Turns out Natasha, aka Nancy aka Naomi aka…probably a dozen other names…she’s been pullin’ this game all over the globe. Selling off artifacts to the highest bidder and hittin’ the road before the mark knows he’s been had. They almost caught her in Eastern Europe but she escaped.

“Plus, Tibbs owes me a favor. If I say she never met you, she never met you,” he declared.

Seemingly satisfied but still a bit wary, Michael returned his focus to his glass of tea. “The question remains, what is Natasha doing in Miami? And why involve Nate?”

“And the other question,” Fiona interjected, “is when do we get to meet Sam’s new lady friend?”

“Uh, when she gets back from Atlanta,” Sam answered hesitantly. “Say, you guys don’t know about koi, do you?”

Michael and Fiona both stared at him blankly.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“The word ‘koi,’ or more specifically ‘nishikigoi,’ comes from the Japanese,” Trinity was saying, as she and Nate watched flashes of blue and red and orange and black dart around in the water. “The original Japanese word koi simply means ‘carp,’ and a homonym of koi means love or affection, so koi are actually symbols of love and friendship in Japan.”

“Cool,” Nate commented, as they continued on to another part of the pet store.

“Koi breeding first became popular in the 19th century in the Niigata prefecture of Japan,” she continued, “but the outside world didn’t know anything about it until 1914, when the Niigata koi were exhibited in the annual exposition in Tokyo. Now they breed them to achieve all these different color combinations. They can be worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars.”

Nate’s ears perked up. “Really?”

“Mm-hmm,” she nodded. “And if kept properly, koi can live about 30, maybe 40 years. Some have even lived up to 200 years.” She raised her eyebrows at this impressive fact.

“How do you know all this stuff?”

She shrugged. “It’s my job. Oh, and photographic memory,” she confided, tapping a well-manicured finger to her temple. “Once I see something or read it, it just kinda’ stays there.”

“Yeah, I think my brother has the same thing,” he remarked. “Only he remembers in vivid detail all the times I screwed up.”

“Well, I’m sure that’s not true.”

“No, believe me, it is. Y’know, I been on the straight and narrow for weeks now, and what do I get? Accusations about Nancy,” Nate scoffed.

“Accusations? What…what sort of accusations?” Trinity inquired.

“Oh, she’s a spy, she’s a thief, she kicks puppies,” he rattled off. “I think Michael’s just jealous. I mean, come on. Why would I not trust Nancy?”

Trinity smiled politely. “I can’t think of any reason at all, Nate. Ooh, look—iguanas,” she cried excitedly, grabbing his elbow and dragging him along.

"Kicks puppies".. I didn't expect to read that. Another part that made me snicker was the photographic memory bit. Lately I can't even remember what I had for breakfast..
Anway, great addition! I saw that you were posting and I couldn't wait to read it!

Yay DebraL & NCTibby! you just made my night! thanks for adding on to the story!

and hats off to you, NCTibby, for tying in the 'exotic pets' and 'koi' storylines so well together! that is hilarious -- so is: "Ooh, look - iguanas!"

but "kicks puppies" has to be the topper! ROTFLMAO i am laughing so hard i'm having trouble tyiopng!!!! (i just like to state for the record: no animals were harmed in the writing of this fanfic - that goes for the koi too! right Sam?..... Sam????)

yes, "kicks puppies", has to be in the top 10 lol of this thread. Did you keep a straight face when you type it?

Love how these stories are entertwining.

No koi have been harmed during the creation of this story. The koi are safe with Sam, for now, bless his heart he's trying to figure them out. I've got a couple more chapters up my sleeve, just have to figure out where to put them.

It seemed like the dialogue to both parts signified an end. Or at least I thought it did.. I couldn't think of anything to move on to just yet though.

here is another chapter, everyone is gonna fit in together, somehow, lol



Moonlight is streaming in through the open window of the bedroom, like the soft notes of music; a light breeze gently stirs the curtains. Sam is sleeping peacefully in the bed; the other side of the bed still holds the recent impression of another warm body that was there. Sam rolls over, subconsciously reaches over to the other side of the bed and feeling nothing next to him, drowsily startles awake.

In the living room a lone figure is curled up on the couch, wearing a fluffy terry cloth robe, holding a mug of hot chocolate, feeling mentally and physically exhausted, yet here she sits reading and re-reading an email and just sitting and thinking. "I've been in Atlanta for six days, and here I am, back home, sitting on the couch instead of in bed asleep. Whats wrong with this picture?" she thinks to herself. She hears a noise and instinctively reaches her hand in between the cushions.

Sam, clad in only his boxers, stumbles into the living room and mumbles; "what are you doing in here? Was I snoring?"

"No, I just couldn't sleep, just wanted to sit up for a bit." As she removes her hand from the cushions and quickly hides the email in the pocket of her robe.

"Your side of the bed is getting cold" as he joins her on the couch and puts his arm around her.

"Just a few more minutes" Debra pleads, as she puts the mug, of now cold, hot chocolate down and rests against him.

After a few minutes, Sam starts to say something then stops because he knows she will talk about it when she gets ready to. He is curious about the paper she put in her pocket. He pretends to yawn and stretch, "since I'm awake, I'll get something to drink, do you want anything?"

"No, I'm ok."

"Are you sure? It's not a problem to fix you something, water? juice? milk?" as he heads to the kitchen.

Debra smiles to herself, he's really trying, and gets off the couch and joins him.

cute

I don't think she's gonna be as nice as I write her to be, lol

Somewhere after Nate shaves off the ferret. I know they didn't show him without it till the finale but there were quite a few episodes that he was not in before the finale. And I know I said I liked the facial hair before but after seeing this picture:
I changed my mind.

But um..Debra is back from Atlanta then? Or was that a flashback?

Nice Pic of Seth/Nate.

Here goes the new commer....(and i'm including myself in.... )

...............................
"We got some info on Natasha. Apparently, she was selling some of her 'own' work to the studio...and thus where Nate s-" Michael was answering Sam's question when the door opened, and the person opening ducked at the shotgun blast, just barely avoiding it.

Sam stood with a smile. "Tibbs!" he grinned. Michael glared at Sam.

"Saammmm.... You told a Fed where I live!" Michael growled dangerously. Sam cringed.

"C'mon Mike... I had to give her some HQ to come to. Besides, it's like I said. She owes me big time. You'll be fine..." Sam said cautiously. He could see the anger flicker in Mikey's face, as he tried to keep somewhat calm.

"Oh, don't worry Michael...She looks to be trustworthy...." Fiona butted in. She gave the agent the once over before sitting down on the chair where she was cleaning her S & W.

"You must be Michael. Sam has told me so much about you... I apologize if i have been of any inconvience to you..." Tibbs said warmly. She stuck out her hand, but Michael just turned away and started the breifing again...adding in the old parts for his new 'friend' to hear.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Vigilante's are dangerous. Highly volitile, easily set off at any moment. Especially if they have been doing it for years. There's no way to negociate. The hard core ones will just hack you up first for getting in their way. Best thing, if you want to keep your arms... step to the side and let them pass.

Natasha sat, annoyed at how Nate fell all over her. Wanting some 'space', she stood, and looked down on him as he sat on the couch.

"I'm gonna get some air baby. Don't wait up for me." she said coily. Nate nodded and went back to his drowsy sleep. Natasha smiled and walked out the door, pausing to grab her bag.

Opening the door to Madeline's house, she saw a young figure - teens perhaps - standing in the shade of the dead tree, red hair tied into a bun, but bangs swaying in the ominous wind. Natasha gasped.

"You can't run forever." the figure growled. The female voice was filled with cold that seemed to seep into Natasha's spine.

Trying to put on a brave front, she advanced toward the shadowed figure, when a black charger pulled up on the side of the street. That Michael got out, along with that Irish girl. The figure glanced over without moving her head.

"Get out Rose. Miami isn't your place." Natasha said, hoping the words sounded braver than she felt. The figure did not move.

Michael was right upon the girl, when she moved, dashing to the side, into the moonlight - revealing her identity.

The Black Rose. Extremely dangerous vigilante in the New York area. She had been rumored to come down to Miami every once in a while to 'excape'. Natasha shivered and touched the back of her arm where she remembered it had to be re-constructed due to the Rose's daggers.

The Rose looked over at Michael, before dashing off into the Miami night.

"What the hell was that?" Sam asked, trying to break the silence. But no one spoke.

Ok, Debra is back from Atlanta after 6 days of work. She gets up at night, sits and thinks when something is bothering her.

Yea, Sam noticed her putting the paper in her robe pocket, but he knows that she'll talk about it when she's ready. It's a small price to pay for their unique relationship.

Sam feels bad because she has promised to clear some time for him, now he and Michael are working on the gallery case, she will have to wait. Then he gets a brainstorm, if he can convince Michael that she can help out, she's got the computer smarts and access they could use to their advantage, even some tricks he probably doesn't even know about…he also has to talk her into it. Sam and Debra have agreed to keep out of each other's way when it comes to work.

Maybe if he invites Michael to dinner he can smooth the way for the favor? That just might work. If Michael asks, she just might say yes. Sam starts to put his plan in action.

hn. ok.

As they are walking toward the door, Michael begins reciting the rules for the visit "no asking personal questions, no snooping, no embarrassing questions or stories"

"Are you listening?" Mike coming to a standstill. "Mom?"

"Yes, Michael, I was listening and I do know how to act like a guest." Maddy responds sarcastically.

"And no smoking in her place, if you have to, go outside."

"I don't understand why you felt you had to bring me if you thought I didn't know what to do."

"Mom, I wanted to bring you, you are my date, and we are Sam's guests. We haven't had much personal time together, and I thought this would be nice."

Maddy smiles and pats Michaels face, as he grimaces, "thank you Michael, I do appreciate it."

After introductions have been made, and Debra and Maddy are in the kitchen, Sam gives Michael take a quick tour of the house and Michael can't help but notice the discreet security measures she has in place (security camera, alarms, the layout of her place, secure phone and computers.)

"Mikey, you understand why I had Tibbs meet at your place, I don't think Debra would've been as understanding if she showed up here. And Deb may be able to help us out by getting into the gallerys computer and finding a weak point, some files, or just something to start with. She is pretty good with computers" Sam is trying tell what Michael is thinking, the look on his face is telling him nothing.

"And so I have the honor of being "banned for life" from those two bars, and I wasn't the one who was drinking" as Debra finishes telling a story during dinner, her dining companions break out in laughter, "it's not funny" she protests amid the comments and jibes at her expense, but even she can't help but joining in with the fun.

"This has been fun, we should get together more often" Maddy comments "Are you two..."

"Mom!"

"What? I was going to ask if they were busy next week, I was going to invite them over for dinner."

As the table is cleared, Sam takes Maddy out to take a look at the koi pond, while reciting a brief history of the koi. "The word 'koi,' comes from the Japanese, koi are symbols of love and friendship in Japan..." Leaving Michael and Debra in the kitchen, "we'll be right out" Michael says as he helps Debra load the dishwasher, Michael begins to casually talk computers and is gauging her knowledge. Once he is satified with her answers, he begins to wonder if she can help with their plan. "Would you be interested in a free-lance job? We can get together later this week and talk about it."

"But for now, lets go join them" as he escorts her outside to join Sam and Maddy.

In a rented car parked across the street and a few blocks down from the Stokes Gallery, sat two women. One was nibbling methodically like a squirrel on potato chips, the other was throwing death glares at the noisy nibbler.

"Must you do that?" Tibbs sighed wearily.

"Is my snacking bothering you?" Fiona asked innocently.

"I've had to listen to your 'snacking' for the last half-hour."

"It bothers Sam, too," she continued, still nibbling away. "All you Feds are alike."

"Yeah, remember that part where I conveniently forgot you were ex-IRA?"

"Remember that part where I promised Michael not to put C4 under your car?"

"Fair enough," she relented, putting up her hands apologetically. Her eyes went back to the gallery as Fiona went back to munching.

A knock on one of the rear windows made them both snap to attention, and they both turned around as Nate slid into the backseat. He handed over a black plastic cylinder to Tibbs. "That's the package Nancy wanted me to deliver to V. I think she said it was a Cassatt," he informed them.

"She's letting you walk around Miami with a Cassatt?" Tibbs asked incredulously.

"Definitely a fake," Fiona declared.

"Question is, what does V want with it?"

Nate, getting antsy, edged himself toward the car door. "Anyway, you two have fun. I got dinner plans." Before they could protest, he was out the door and walking down the sidewalk.

"That guy is actually related to Michael?" Tibbs asked, furrowing her brow in confusion.

"Hard to believe, I know," Fiona agreed.

"Speaking of, who was the girl outside Madeline's house? Are there that many people in town who want to kill him? I mean, I did almost take a faceful of buckshot when I opened his door...."

"It's a small but decidedly determined part of the Dade County population, yes."

Oddly enough I'm starting to feel angry that Natasha is using Nate like this weird...

so am I, I hope he doesn't get hurt.

Oddly enough, I'm perfectly fine with it.

"Hey Mike, here are copies of the papers..." Sam boasts proudly as he enters Michael place, he abruptly pauses as he sees Tibbs and Fi in the room.

"What's this?" Tibbs demands, grabbing the stack of papers and scanning the contents. "These are computer records from the gallery, names, dates, meetings, order requests, emails." Eyeing Sam suspiciously, "How did you get your hands on this? I know you're not that computer literate."

"I got this from one of my contacts…" he pauses and adds " Gus"

"Your contact is your bowling ball?"

"No, it's just the name I gave to protect he..his identity."

Leafing through the pages, "it stops at page 21 of 45, where is the rest of it"

"He wanted to know if this is worthy stuff or not, he's not gonna give everything up until he has a deal."

"So what does "Gus" want?" sighs Tibbs.

"Nothing much, immunity from testifying and a reciprocity agreement."

"Reciprocity?"

"Yea, that means…."

"I know what it means." Interrupts Tibbs "It's just an unusual request." her voice has turned cooler as she narrows her eyes while talking to him.

"Well that's what he wants and I'm just the messenger." Sam sits down and smiles at her.

"When will you see him again?"

"Dunno, depends on his schedule, depends on my schedule." As Sam picks up a handful of cashews and starts to munch "He has the computer set up to copy everything each night, he called it a…a… "

"An automatic backup?"

"Yea that's it; you know I don't understand computer stuff like that. So if their computer gets damaged you will still have copies of everything up to a point, he'll even put it on a personalized cd if you want. "

Tibbs concedes, though not finding humor in this exchange.; "Yes, I'm interested. I want to see the rest of the papers and whatever else he comes up with." Looking at her watch, "I need to get going, I've got another meeting to get to. So we'll continue this tomorrow morning. I'll come up with an agreement, in writing, with certain conditions, ready in a couple of days."

"Whew that was close" sighs Sam, as soon as the door is closed behind Tibbs.

"Gus?" "Sam what was that about? " Mike exclaims.

"Look bro, I didn't know you were gonna have a full house when I got here, you asked for the info, and I had to think fast when she grabbed it, so I decided to play her game, not getting any more info without getting something in return. I wanted to throw her off track a little and she bought it. I've got to protect "Gus", you know how much trouble we could get in for hacking a computer?"

"Anyway, I can't believe they were more concerned about having the gallery art protected but they didn't think of the computers. Real smart move on their part, she got in with no problem. As long as they don't catch on, we should be ok... Wait til you read some of that stuff. Hey, no need to thank me, I can get another copy and get two copies of the papers from now on."

"So who is "Gus"" Fi inquires.

Sam and Mike exchange glances "Just one of Sam's informants."

"Michael, why do I feel you are keeping something from me?" questions Fi.

"Because I probably am…Anyone hear from Nate? How is he holding his own with Natasha?"


Note to reader:

"Gus" is Debra. If you played Sam's stash, Gus is the name of Sam's bowling ball, hence the bowling ball reference, even though Sam slipped and said she.

So the writers are going on strike tomorrow, I hope that doesn't include us.

Next chapter is:



"Here's the latest papers" as Sam passes a large packed envelope over, between bites of a chicken salad sandwich.

As Tibbs quickly glances at them. "This is good, it gonna take some time to match them, but its more than we had to start with. Gus is sure he's not gonna be discovered?"

"As long as no one else knows, it's been safe so far. If he suspects something's wrong or they are on to him, he'll back off. But you never know what tomorrow brings"

"Quoting a classic? I'm impressed. "

"Just something I heard somewhere." Sam stops the waitress and asks for another sparkling flavored water.

"Sparkling water? That's not like you."

"Yea, thought I'd try something different."

"Ok, here is my part of the agreement" as she hands over a sealed envelope, "its odd that he didn't ask for anything more, usually these are a lot more involved."

"Yea, I talked to him and told him not to be greedy, but if you want I can get him to change his mind"

"that's ok, lets leave it as it is" Tibbs replies sarcastically.



Meanwhile in another part of in Miami…


Sitting in the non-descriptive, practically sterile, reception area, in anticipation of her appointment, Debra is patiently sitting, well trying to be patient, and waiting for them to call her back. It's more than likely that when you have an appointment, you are rarely called back at the designated time, maybe she should have brought a book, then smiling to herself, knowing that with her luck they will call her back as soon as she gets to an interesting page. In hindsight, it was probably it would probably be in poor taste, but it's too late to think about that now.

"Debra Miller?" the silence in the room is disrupted by her own name recognition, as she is called; "this way please" Debra glances at the clock and is pleasantly surprised, right on time, just blew that theory away. She obediently follows her escort down the hall, she can't help but notice all the doors look alike, how does she know where we're going?

They finally stop in front of one of the carbon copy doors; her escort knocks on the door, waits for it to open and then leaves her there. Debra is greeted by a well dressed male, who ushers her into the same type of characterless room "there you are, thank you for coming in." As he closes the door behind them, he steers her to a chair at the small conference room table. Debra begins to contemplate if it's not too late to change her mind, maybe fake a panic attack as an excuse to leave, could she be that convincing?

"I'm Agent Abbott" offering his hand in greeting, "and this" motioning to the second person in the room, a well dressed woman already seated at the table "is Agent Norman" who also extends her hand in greeting.

"Would you like some coffee? water?"

"No thank you, I'm fine" take a deep breath, stay calm and smile!

"Just let us know if you want anything."

Agent Abbot takes the seat across from her, opens the folder sitting in front of him "well, lets get down to business, Ms. Miller, we'd like to ask you a few questions."

"Do I need to obtain legal counsel for this?"

The two agents exchange glances, "do you have something you want to hide" Agent Abbott snaps, as Agent Norman quickly tries to diffuse the situation "Ms. Miller, we just want to ask you a some questions, please hear us out and if you are uncomfortable and you want to leave, obtain legal counsel and return at a later date, that is acceptable. We have a non disclosure agreement you will need to take with you" as she passes a form to her.

Following a deliberative pause, Debra consents "Ok, I'm just a little nervous. Go ahead and ask your questions."

Back at the Stokes Gallery, V quickly types on the laptop on her desk, then grabs the telephone and punches in some numbers. "Miami International. British Airways."

As V waited to be connected she thought about where she went wrong. First of all depending on Natasha was her biggest mistake. She is the one that opened Pandora's box. Bringing that hare-brained Nate in the picture was the beginning of her end. Micheal Weston. Oh my!!!! Natasha is an idiot if she thinks the infamous spy was not on to her. She has no idea who she's dealing with. If there's time I'm going to take Nasty Nat down a peg or two. She's ruined too many of my setups. This was the most lucrative of all and it hadn't really gotten rolling yet. The bosses will NOT be happy with this. Some heads will have to roll and it might as well begin with Nate.

"Yes, reservations for 1 adult on the next flight from Miami International with final destination Paris." V scribbled down the information provided by the agent, hung up, then punched in another number.

"Natasha, darling. Yeah, V here. We need to talk. At my place in an hour. Bye." Hanging up the phone, V grabbed her handbag and quickly left her office.

Natasha and Trinity are enjoying a cappuccino break and friendly chat near the front of the Gallery. Natasha is still stinging from the admonition V gave her last night before taking off on her business trip, she needs to do something and quick. Their attention is drawn to a strange car that pulls up in front of the gallery, and they are even more surprised as Nate jumps out the passenger door and after a couple of minutes of animated conversation with the female driver, the car pulls back into the flow of traffic.

"I'd love to hang around and hear him talk his way out of this one" chirps Trinity.

"I'll take care of it personally" Natasha glares at her.

"Make sure you do, V doesn't want any loose ends this time" Trinity's parting shot as she scurries away.

Nate bounds toward the Gallery and finds Natasha standing by the window, "hey baby, I missed you"

"You did? Didn't look that way to me, she seemed awfully friendly" Natasha coldly comments.

"Who? Oh her? Uh, she's a friend of the family's and gave me a lift; otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get here would I?" Nate wraps his arms around Natasha, enjoying the sudden streak of jealously she is displaying.

"I'm sorry," Natasha quietly says as puts on her sad face and pouts, she turns to face him as she dramatically wipes her eyes, an act that could have earned her an emmy nomination, "I just get jealous when someone tries to take what is mine. "

"You don't have to worry about that" Nate reassures her "anyway she's more Mike's type."

Natasha (inwardly groans) winks at him; "Let's get to work shall we? So tell me about her."

Natasha starts to tune Nate out as he starts babbling on about whatever. She's getting another headache, she has to come up with a plan; and fast.

"Ok, we've got GPS on the car, trackers on the cell phones, the keys and surveillance on you and Nate when you get there. We can hear everything within a ½ mile radius so you two will be ok. And we can track and hear you with these" as Agent Tibbs adjusts the listening device on Debra's shoulder "That's an unusual scar on your back, and your arm" she comments. She feels Debra tense up, "I fell a couple of years ago, tripped over my own two feet and landed on something" as she gives up a forced laugh. Tibbs has been in the business long enough to tell when someone is hiding something; and Debra just sent up a red flag.

Quickly changing the subject, but not before making a mental note to ask some questions of her own. "These are top of the line, clear enough to be natural looking and thin enough not to be obvious. We're gonna be waiting when you get there. Don't worry, you won't see us but we'll be there. Its gonna be a walk in the park. Any questions?"

"Yea. Tell me again why I agreed to do this?" she asks sarcastically.

Sam is pacing as Michael is fitting Nate with the same set of devices "I just don't like the idea of sending her in."

"Sam, they are both gonna be wired, we can track their every word and every move and can get them out of there in no time. Nate has made the pick ups before, and all he has to play it like we talked about, and there won't be a problem, right?" as Michael glares at Nate, who gives him a wide grin "Yea, bro, don't worry, we can pull this off." "You'd better" Michael mutters as he pulls absentmindedly pulls off a strip of tape off Nates chest. "oops, sorry"

****

Sam takes a few minutes to be alone with Debra, he gives her a hug and kiss to reassure her "Sugar, I'll be listening to everything as soon as you get there, the minute anything goes wrong, we'll get you out of there. You know I wouldn't put you in harms way."

"I can handle it, its Nate I'm worried about. I've seen what he is capable of." As she returns the affection.

"Yea, I know. Have I thanked you again for agreeing to do this? I hate getting you involved but it should be a text book job, in and out."

And I would feel better if I could just take my gun" she says pleadingly, while pouting and giving him the sad puppy eyes.

No, no gun because you would probably end up shooting him. Just remember your role, and no excessive force, unless you have to keep him in line."

**********

"Are you sure we're not lost? "

"These are the directions Natasha gave you, there it is, turn there"

Nate turns into another road, and after a few hundred feet when the truck suddenly loses power "I don't get it, everything just died" a bewildered Nate explains as he tries to restart the truck as Debra frantically checks the other equipment.

"We've been hit by a EMP" a disbelieving Debra swears.

"A what?"

"Its a type of electro magnetic pulse interrup (thinking quickly, remember KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid, don't give up to much info) ugh… something/someone has knocked out all the electrical circuits; to the truck, to the phones, gps, everything. We're dead in the water, they can't hear or track us, we need to get out and make a ru…" The sound of the windows being smashed out drown out her last words.

****

Sam glances at his watch while talking to the others via the phones, "they should have been here by now, I don't like this."

"They probably ran into traffic or stopped to get something to drink. They'll be here." Fiona boredly comments as the sound of her snacking on something is echoed through the lines.

"We have them about four minutes out, they were just arguing over directions" Tibbs laughs while sharing the details…."wait a minute…CRAP!! Abandon the operation, close ranks, and get them out of there. Last known location was…" as Tibbs voice comes over the phones, the urgency in her voice was unmistakable "We've lost contact. Something's wrong. We've lost everything, audible, GPS, phones, everything, just get them out of there."

The team races from their respective locations, Sam gets there moments before Michael, and find the truck sitting idly. As they rush over, they are forced to stop in their tracks when take in the scene, windows bashed out, blood inside the driver and passenger sides of the truck, but no signs of the former occupants.

Fiona shows up a few minutes later, "I've done a perimeter check, there's no sign of them, or anyone else."

Tibbs quickly surveys the damage "this wasn't a random attack, someone knew what they were doing, and moved fast. This was a set up."

Sam is furious and lashes out "I told you I didn't want her to get involved. It was a set up from the beginning. Now how are we gonna find them?"

"Sam we're gonna find them. Don't beat yourself up over it." Michael tries to reason with Sam and he tries to take his arm and lead him away.

Sam knocks his arm away "how? She didn't wanna do this but I talked her into it, it's my fault. I promised her I'd keep her safe, and I failed her."

*****

Tapping her silk-wrapped, manicured, nails on the table as she listens to the mindless drone of yet another customer on the phone, Natasha's attention wanders to the time on the clock sitting on the desk in V's office, and she quietly smiles to herself, one loose end should be tied up by now.

V grimaced as she listened to Nastasha describe her take down of Nate and Debra. 

"Natasha, who is this woman that was with him? Did the team have time to check out the truck to make sure they weren't being tracked? Are you sure you left NO witnesses?" V quizzed.

Natasha sighed then reminded V that all electrical systems were shut down via the EMP and that they were certain no one witnessed her little mission. She was so proud of herself. She had not let V down.

Still not sounding happy, V replied, "You finally got your act together. Great. Now I need you to stay at the gallery until you hear from me. I have a package being delivered that you need to take care of. Stay there until it arrives then call this number: 646-555-1555. When you hear the beep, enter this pass code: 5970."

Bewildered that V was still angry, Natasha stuttered, "Sure, sure, V. I won' let you down."

After hanging up Natasha frowned at the phone. What was up with V? The last few snafus were not entirely her fault. Also, why was V being so secretive. She was still pondering her friend's strange behavior when there was a knock at the gallery door.

Natasha quickly rushed to the door and signed for the package. Thinking this was not the usual company V used for deliveries, Natasha watched as the delivery man practically bolted from the gallery door to his truck. The package was the size of a shoebox and was addressed to the V Gallery with a return address care of LuLuNY, New York city. Taking the package to V's office, she set it on the desk, reached for the phone, then stopped. Something didn't feel right about this. 

Slamming the phone back down, Natasha grabbed the paper with the phone number and pass code, her purse, and cell phone, then quickly left the gallery. Rushing to her car she got in then laid her head on the steering wheel. 

"No way! V wouldn't do this to me!" she cried. Tears streaming down her face, she raised her head, looking at the numbers on the paper, she punched them into her cell phone. Shortly after entering the pass code she heard a click on the phone, then a huge explosion ripped through the gallery. 

Natasha was so startled she tossed her cell phone into the air. Quickly starting her car, she sped away from the burning gallery. Her heart thumping a mile a minute, Natasha suddenly stopped the car, backed back to the parking spot, then jumped out of the car and ran down the street. At the last second she decided to let them think she had gotten incinerated in the gallery. Leaving the car there would give her more time to decide her next move. 

excellent job of continuing the story DebraL & vestokes!

YAY for Action! Lies! Exploding shoeboxes!!!

LOL!!! you make me laugh

Hey, I know when I go to NY, I definitely shop for shoes. LOL!!!! 

beware of shoeboxes bearing gifts, lol

I agree, this story is great! I just got caught up. You all are great writers! I can't wait to see what you guys come up with next. I'll be sure to be wary of shoeboxes from now on!

Hey, if you are going to use NYC as a delivery place, You gotta know. the new area code is 646. but if you wanna number to call, use this one for amusement purposes only for the story. . 212-749-9447. I made it up. But I am sure it's like Tommy Tutone's number 867-5309. hey, you can send me the shoebox.

Ditto. Am going to have to go back over this holiday weekend and reread from the beginning. Awesome, you guys!!!

Okay. I'll update the area code. I should probably use 666. LOL!!!

LuLuNY, the fictional V should be careful to not point the finger in your direction. I wonder why she would do such a thing? mmmmm

I really liked this part. It was really interesting to read.

Idly sitting on the floor, Nate, feeling defeated, sits against the wall in the stark, windowless room. He has tired from pounding on the door trying to get the attention of the captors. He knows they are out there, he's talked to them. But they aren't listening now.

Natasha. Of course, she'll be getting worried if he doesn't call or show up soon. All he has to do is get hold of her somehow, or maybe she'll start looking for him. Yea, she can explain everything and get him out of this mess. Must be a misunderstanding with her suppliers, probably something simple.

The silence is suddenly shattered by the sounds of a female screaming, chills run down Nate's spine as he rushes to the door and starts yelling "Debbie?? is that you? Debbie!!" He begins frantically beating on the door again as he hears footsteps "leave her alone! just let her go, she has nothing to do with this."

*******

"You are trying my patience. You pull another stunt like that and it may be your last, do you understand me" The man has her pinned against the wall with one of his hands around her neck, "I. Said. Do. You. Understand. Me?" he repeats the words slowly and deliberately "You can make this easy on yourself or you can make it difficult. It's your choice" His cold eyes burn into hers, watching and waiting for any movement, any reaction. He gets his satisfaction when he feels her body begin to quiver in fear "Yes, yes, I understand, please stop" Debra tearfully begs.

His tirade is interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. Releasing his grip on her, he barks orders as he storms out of the room. "Keep her restrained from now on, and be in pairs when checking on her, this better not happen again."

"Yea" The man responds gruffly into the phone.

"Did I catch you at a bad time?" He hears the playful tone in her voice "How are our guests holding up?"

"The guy's gonna be a piece of cake to handle, the girl, on the other hand, might be a problem. She's no girl scout."

"Don't do anything foolish, you do have a tendency to make people nervous." She chides "Who is she?"

"All we can get out of them is that she's a friend of his, said he picked her up at bar a couple of weeks ago, but with those wires we found on them mean there's more to the story."

"There is, but we'll find out what that means later. I've already heard that someone is looking for them. Hmmm, get me something with her fingerprints on it, and I'll have one of my contacts run them. Maybe I'll have to talk to her. Do you still have the wires?"

"Yea."

"Good, I want to have them delivered to someone; I'll email you the directions. You know the routine. Oh, and I'll be flying back tomorrow because I got a message from my Business Manager, Fruity Nut, seems there was a fire at the Gallery. It did a lot of damage. I left Natasha in charge and I can't get hold of her. I wonder what happened." V tries to sound sincere and caring, she has made sure all her ends are covered, and she is still trying to clean up Natasha's mess.

"What a shame, it was a nice place too. Now you mention it, I haven't heard from her either since I told her we picked them up."

these all keep me amused since the show isn't on. And having burned out my computer watching the series online.

"Hold your horses, I'll be there in a minute." Trinity says to the door of her apartment, and unheard to the visitor, who is incessantly knocking "this had better be important." She peers through the peephole and jumps back as if the door is electrified. She looks through the peephole again as the knocking resumes. She opens the door to find a weary Natasha.

"Natasha you're alive" Trinity excitedly starts to babble" I've been so worried about you, there was the fire and your car was there and the reports have said…"

"Yea, yea, I know what the reports have said." An annoyed Natasha replies " Aren't you gonna invite me in? "


********************


"Mike, just a heads up, my girlfriend said V is due back in town today, to look into the Gallery fire. And I've made some discreet inquiries and I'll call you as soon as I hear anything, someone is going to say something and we'll be right on it.

"Thanks Barry" Michael responds distractedly as he closes his cell phone and studies the contents of the anonymous brown envelope that was found sitting at his door. The envelope contains the tracking devices that Nate and Debra were wearing, and pictures of the bruised and disheveled pair, the time stamp shows the picture was taken less than 3 hours earlier.

The last item is a typed note "Do we have your attention now?"

This is really good. I don't have time to add today but will try to help soon. Great job DebraL. I snickered at the deviousness of V. She's something, isn't she?

Thanks for the compliment TrinityX. This is more fun then I thought it would be.

why do I feel like I am reading a James Bond script??? I can hear the music in my head. And of course Mikey in a tux with a dirty martini and two olives wouldn't hurt either.