After a fair amount of family time, Kusa sent the boys back downstairs and Ashley into her crib for a nap while she finally took a shower and got dressed. After Samoa, she thought a while about bringing the crib into the bathroom with her, or maybe switching Ashley into the bouncy seat and bringing that in, to make sure the baby was safe…But with every incident that occurred during the trip, Bill installed a new piece of security equipment on the premises. There was a greater chance of one of the local birds setting off the electronics sending everyone full tilt into a false alarm than there was of someone getting through all these systems and out with Ashley undetected in the time it would take Kusa to take a shower…



Nonetheless, she would make it a short one….



When she came back out, all was well. Jenna and Ric had even stepped in to check on Ashley. Ric gentlemanly averted his eyes as Kusa stepped out in her bathrobe.



“I’m not sure if I should be flattered or offended…” she teased…giving Jenna a wink.



“Neither…umm…all that much…umm…I was just…” giggles inside both girls were growing by leaps and bounds….and Ric could sense it….”I’m getting out of here….See you both downstairs…” With that, he slid out the door as quickly as possible…

“I wasn’t making uncomfortable, was I…” Kusa asked, playfully, ”I mean, I could see a problem if I had come out like this…” She dramatically dropped her robe to show her bra and undies already in place…”…but in fully fluffed terrycloth???”



Jen could hold on no longer, muting a hollering laugh directly into the thick comforter atop Sam and Kusa’s King size bed…Even Ashley joined in the frivolity with a delighted coo…



“My sentiments exactly, baby-girl…”



“Sam!!!” Kusa’s eyes leapt up in shock as she gathered the robe back around her…”Close that door!!!”



“I just figured if you were putting on another show…Like the ones the girls gave us back on the island…or you might have…back in Japan” he joked. Apparently the shot struck a little hard…Kusa reeled back in, head down and dashed for the suitcase in the farthest corner of the room, ducking behind the others beside her as she dove into it to find the rest of the clothes she planned to change into…



Jen switched from her gaze of concern at Kusa to a pleading glance at Sam. Sam’s eyes did the same switch back from Kusa to Jen with a nod and milimoment look of ‘scoot out, don’t worry, I’ll fix it…” Jen wrapped Ashley in her arms and made a silent exit…



“Brandi I…”



“I didn’t want…”She stumbled her words over his…”I never meant to embarrass you…I did what I did…and that’s it…I should have told you…everything…but there’s so much of everything to tell…I know all about your history…all your…buddies…there’s probably nothing you could surprise me with…But my…past…there’s just….”



“Whoa there missie…” Sam comforted, drawing her out of hiding and into his arms…This girl’s attitude could flip faster than a flying Walenda! “Embarrass me with what….?”



“The situation in Japan…Tori, the Yakuza, Hayato’s place…my….experience…with him and that place…I”



“There’s truly very little in this world you haven’t done, is there…”



“I was….”



“I don’t need explanations, Brandi…You did what you did because you needed too…Just like me…Although I doubt I would have looked half as good as you up there…”



Kusa couldn’t figure out if she wanted to laugh or cry…The idea of Sam on an exotic stage was totally ludicrous…but in a sweet way…it kinda turned her on all the same…

Just like he said…she did what she had to and he did what he had to…Either one had events in their past they might not want to remember again…This was more than likely not the worst of them for her….Had the situation been different…maybe he would have gone up on that stage himself…certainly if it meant saving Kusa…or Ashley…That would have been quite a show to be sure!!!!



“And I’m sure I couldn’t look half as ominous as you coming out of the deep surrounded fifty pounds of massive artillery…” She wasn’t quite sure what she was trying to do…maybe ‘butch up’ the conversation….



“Woman, I’ve seen you in action…I wouldn’t be so sure about that…” he smiled…



“You might have a point…” She laughed back…”But there’s one in the group who would probably have us both beat for either occasion….”



They looked straight at each other, and said with the same smile….”FI!”



MTC

After Kusa had finally gotten dressed, with a sort of reverse strip-tease for Sam’s sole benefit, they finally made it back to the others downstairs…







“There she is…” Maddie announced as they came down the stairs



“We were wondering if the ocean had swallowed you up…” Tom teased.



“Nope, still here….” Kusa smiled, gathering Ashley back from Phi…Sam then grabbed her from Kus’ arms…now it was HIS turn…



“So….what’s on the agenda for tonight???”


(ok, here's where the real adventure starts....)

Just a little bit of ‘starter’ Theme music NOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!





“Maddie, It’s not all guns and ammo out there, they need to know how to handle the masculine element….”



“You don’t think these girls know how to deal with men….?”

“Men outside our group…no…Granted, they each seem to have their respective partners wrapped around their fingers…and when it comes to the club scene…well they’re unstoppable…but they all need to know how to keep their emotions out of it…Especially Jen and Debra…”

“Why those two?”



“Di plays it pretty tough, and Trin’s the party girl…Gia…h#ll, even I can’t tell anymore when she’s really drunk or faking it…so they’ve each at least got a persona down…But Jen and Deb try to ‘be themselves’ too much…They need to learn how to totally shut it off and become someone else….”



“Is that why you still have everyone call you Kusa, Brandi…So they won’t know the real you….”

That slammed Kusa back to reality…She was so used to using her codename…she didn’t even think about why anymore…But Maddie was right…Maddie knew her name. Sam knew it, Bill knew it (even if he never used it right!), 23…well, his name was almost a bigger secret than hers, but she knew his, and she was pretty sure he knew hers…But all the others…Mike, Virgil, the girls…Even Fi, she was pretty sure…only knew her as Kusa…And she couldn’t really say why, but she felt better with it this way…



“What can I say…” She responded, trying to make light of the matter. “I’ve always had a flare for the theatrical…If you start with a character name….It’s just easier to transfer from there to wherever else you want to go…”



And in the mean time, where does that leave the real you….Maddie asked in her head…



“After all, do you really think ‘Trinity’ is her given name….”



“Her parents were hippies…so Yes…It’s possible…” Kusa was stumped…she had apparently missed that line in the woman’s dossier…



“That aside, we knew when they started Jen and Deb would have the most to work through…Deb has experience…but not for the extreme deep cover work we’ve been involved in…and with all this recent business with her paranoia over Sam and blacking out…and…whatever…happened in Kiev…She needs to either take herself out of rotation and settle in for some serious counseling…Or find away to take herself out of herself and into someone else when she’s working….Though the counseling may still be required, when it’s time to put that genie back in the bottle…”



Maddie had to admit, she couldn’t agree more…Deb had away of disguising her feelings, it was true…but there was only a thin veil between what you could see and what was really going on inside…When Kusa shut the door on things in her past, they never got in the way…unless someone managed to pick the lock that opened Pandora’s box…For Deb, though the silken veil was strong…it was not impenetrable…



“So, just how do you intend on having these girls work this ‘role-playing’ out… Dungeons and Dragons????”



“No…something a little more live action than that…But I couldn’t make it happen till we got here….” Maddie was already suspicious…”Just trust me….”



How she had grown to hate those words!


MTC


KA23

Earlier, during their two day stopover in Tahiti (Yes, dear fans of “Sneakers”…this has been a trip around the world…AND TAHITI!!!! ), the girls had taken a great deal of delight in putting on the traditional grass garb and shaking their stuff for all they were worth…The funniest part had to be Sam and Virgil’s ‘attempt’ at doing the same….It was probably, once again, one of the few circumstances where Kusa was PRAYING Sam was Totally Toasted!!! It was that night, by the blazing fires that Kusa had this plan come to mind…







The following morning, Kusa arranged for Bill to take Fi and the boys for a deep-sea fishing expedition….Jackie was taking Angela, Phi, Maddie and the baby shopping (that would DEFINITLY take all day!)…Kusa and the girls…well, she had another ‘field’ trip planned for them…



They arrived at the establishment…before hours….it was clean…plain, but nice…They almost didn’t recognize it in the day time….



“Private party???” Di joked, making like she was going to lift the divider and make herself at home behind the bar…



“Drinks later…” Kusa insisted, putting her hand down on the dark wood to prevent any attempt….Much later…



“So, why are we here???” Gia chimed…



“To learn to…dance….”



They all looked at each other quizzically…Kusa continued…



“You all know that while you made your various entrances into Hayato’s ‘phorbidden pleasures’ palace…I walked right in the front door…as myself…well sort of…”



The confused looks remained. They knew Kusa had had many personas in many different places, often like Mike would put together…But they weren’t quite sure what she was getting at…



“How can I put this…there’s no way ‘Ashley’s mother’ could ever set foot on a stage like that…But Kimiko had no problem with it…She could get up there, tease, taunt and tantalize those boys till they could hardly stand let alone walk…” A giggle grew from the crowd…Then the challenge appeared ”I know all of you love teasing the boys with your tight dresses and nearly-non-existent swimwear…and sometimes totally non-existent swimwear…but just how far are you really willing to go…when it’s not just yourselves or our ‘family’ you’re surrounded by…and they won’t be leaving your life ten seconds later” The laughter was stilled…did Kusa really expect them to….



“Each one of you is going to go backstage and choose an outfit…and believeyoume there’s quite a selection back there! Then step over to the jukebox and pick out a song….You can go for silly, seductive…sweet...saucy…whatever you want…but then your going to put together a routine…and impress me…



They all looked at each other….exotic dancing for another woman…?



“You’re not going to turn me on…but I want to see if you can keep my attention…There aren’t going to be just men in your audience…In a dancehall like this or in the proverbial ballrooms of life in the organization…you’re going to get yourselves into unusual circumstances…you’ve proved you can do that certainly, but now you’re going to need to know how to work your OWN way through them….Remember the Moroccan Restaurant back in Miami? Forget about your personal discomfort…focus on the job at hand…Now get to work…you have one hour…”



At first they took it as a game….’testing’ out the most ridiculous songs possible… Though on the inside, Kusa was falling apart with laughter, she kept a stern expression Mother Franco would have been proud of. Shortly there after it was show-time!

Trinity was up first ...Having put together an outfit with more yellow feathers than Big Bird, she tumbled onto the stage, and went about smiling and skipping around, throwing off her wardrobe piece by piece as she went…by about half way through, she had more song than she had paraphernalia….Kusa pulled the plug before things got too far…



“Points for originality, I must say, but planning was a whole other issue…What if the song was still going…where would you have gone from there…



“I don’t even want to think about it” Di chimed in…the others all laughed…



“Exactly my point…you left yourself without a place to go…you threw everything out there and made a big splashy entrance, but once you had us, you had no where to go…you were exposed with nothing left to offer…” Trin stomped her feet, which set the girls laughing again. Kusa quickly corrected herself. “…well nothing you should have needed to at least…You can’t plan for everything, but don’t put all your cards on the table till you have a better idea of the hand the others are playing…” Trin stepped off the stage quietly….”Keep working on it, you’ll have another try later…who’s next…”



Gia stepped up next in a multi layer number and a faux fur boa that nearly choked her…Though her moves attempted elegance, the dress was extremely long and she tripped over…well everything…Kusa thought she’d better pull the plug on this one before the young woman broke her neck…



“Ok, good try, but you looked more like you wanted to winter in Siberia than dance in Hawaii…” The girls all laughed. Gia smirkingly blushed. “You were prepared for what you felt you had to do…but you were over-prepared…I dare say, you looked like you were wearing everything but the hangers themselves…Travel light…in the words of one of my favorite movies…’Take only what you need to survive…’ And NO, that doesn’t include the industrial strength hair dryer! Don’t get so focused in the end result that you have no chance to enjoy the ride…Don’t try to take it all with you…there will be things around you will be able to use along the way…And if your that good, your mark may be getting them for you…Who’s next”



Deb stepped up to bat. Her outfit, impeccable, her moves…incredible…but unlike Trinity, she didn’t ‘run out’ of material…she really was ready to let it all go…Kusa quickly waved a hand at Sandy, the bartender who had just arrived to set up…who, though thoroughly enjoying Kusa’s fluster, begrudgingly pulled the plug…



Kusa had to gather herself for a minute…”Ok, not necessarily an original choice, but you definitely got my attention…though that song better NOT be directed at Sam…” Deb didn’t shy away from Kusa’s menacing glare, though she was quite relieved by the joking wink that followed….Everyone was already tittering at what they at least hoped was a joke…



“The routine was spot on, and I’m not all that surprised you were ready to go ‘all the way’ with just us girls around…but remember, we’re practicing for real life here….What if it wasn’t Sandy in the room…what if her name were George…What if it was Virgil, or Mike…” The last name made Deb blush severely…Kusa pretended not to notice, but made note of it for later inquiry. “What if it was your target…If he sees you’re willing to do all that in public…right out of the starting gate…What might he think you’d be willing to do later, in private…Dance, exotic or club…is the invitation to seduction…you don’t want to say ‘come and get me’ as much as ‘come…and see if you can get me…” Now, in the better clubs, no matter how much you appear to put yourself out there, the bouncers should see to it that the patrons know it’s just an act, not open season…But nonetheless, you want to hold yourself a level above…As a wise woman once told me…’always leave them wanting more….’”



“Who taught you???” Jen asked…



“Mother Franco…” Kusa responded, matter of factly…”Your turn…”



“Kus…I don’t know if I…”



“Jen…it’s a mission, just like any other….”



“But Ric…I don’t know if he’d…”



Kusa curled her arm around the younger’s shoulders as she lead her to the steps…and whispered in her ear,”Just pretend your dancing for him…Only…for him….”



Jen slowly took the stage, and nodded to Sandy, who started her song. What took place was an air and sea ballet, performed on land…each stretch, leap, bend and glance was breathtaking…she was gentle, but alluring…seductive…yet innocent… Items dropped lithely from her limbs piece by piece till all she was left with was a semi-translucent sequined fleshtone leotard, in which she curled herself to the floor, then stretched out across it, on her side, seeming to reach out to a singular person in the audience….who wasn’t there…



Again, Kusa had to gather herself…She had never expected this from her young ‘sister’…She needed to say something…critique something…but she was totally blown away…



“That was…very good,…Jenna…incredible in fact…but now…” Think, Kusa…THINK!!! “You’ve got everyone tied into your performance, how do you move from that back to the mission….”



“Right now, I’d settle for just getting off this floor…it’s FREEZING!!!!!” Laughter busted out once more….Even Kusa allowed for a chuckle…but went right back to business…



“Jen…the mission…Your target’s in the far back stage right corner of the room…Make your way to him…” Sandy cued up ‘background’ music, as Jen slowly came to her feet and stepped lithely off the stage, flirting with imaginary patrons along the way, till she found the booth in question, and sat down, facing the group, with a completely business-first expression…



This one was going to make a First Class agent yet!



“Hey!!! What about me!!!” Di demanded….



“Ok, kid, let’s see what you’ve got…’’



She jumped on the stage with fearless flare…As the music started , the performance that was given was….unimaginable….





Yup...still MTC

With a half hour stop for lunch, and ONE drink allow a piece…Kusa kept them rehearsing…even allowing for a second routine each if they got too bored with the initial one…but no one was allowed to leave the premise.



“What if we want a cigarette break…” Di chimed.



“You don’t smoke…” Kusa answered.



“We’ll be smokin’ pretty good when we’ve got these routines down….” Trin responded…













Afternoon turned to evening…Kusa directed them all to the manager’s office…where ‘drinks’ were readily available…The girls were so tired, they didn’t even bother (which was just fine, because Kusa already had that portion of the booze watered down to the point they would have thought she was one of the ‘Hoggs of Hazzard’!). So they just talked for a few hours…Then Kusa got them prepped for ‘phase two’…



“Ok, girls, you’re audience is waiting….”



“WHAT!?!?!?!?” Came a chorus of panic.



“It’s time to show the world what you’ve learned. There will be two shows tonight…Each time there will be someone in the audience wearing a scarf or tie that matches your costume…That is your mark…After your performance, you are to make your way over to them and start a conversation…They will be expecting you…but they know the game and will treat you like a complete stranger…It’s up to you to get, keep, and hold their attention till I, AND ONLY ME!!! come to get you…On the off chance something goes afoul and I don’t see that you’ve met up with the wrong person, make no mistake.. you are to leave with NO ONE…If you must go to the ladies room, do even that in pairs…”



“Is there any other way…” Deb joked.



“Just remember…Should you leave your target that leaves them open for other lovelies in the house and you may not get a second chance…I will be watching closely and getting a report back from all my shills…from the first and second shows…”



TWO SHOWS??????? The girls all wanted to get a swig of the stuff in the manager’s office, but Kusa had already locked the door behind them, and not a one had so much as a viable hairpin to get back in with…

Kusa knew the club…and the crowd…There wasn’t anything seedy about the place… Even the bouncers were friendly…well, to the girls at least…The majority of the patrons were very respectful of the ladies, and those who weren’t were shown their way to the door post haste….



Each of the girls came out, called by the respective ‘stage names’ Kusa had given them. For one day of rehearsal, their routines came out near flawlessly. They spotted their targets without issue and each made their way to their own without the slightest hesitation…



When Jen discovered hers was Kenny…She nearly died!!!! But, she kept it professional…and walked up with out the least faltering…business was business…

Kusa was very impressed…



When the time came for the girls to get ready for the second act, mother hen gathered all her chicks back to the nest…They had the option of staying with their first routines, or going with their seconds, for those who had created one…



“Just remember…if you want to keep a target’s attention, keep them guessing…always let them believe, but never quite know, what you are thinking…or what you might do…”



Di got the message….Ya gattem…smoke em!



By the second show, as expected, some of the first audience had left, which allowed for new patrons to enter the establishment…The boys were elated when they arrived… thinking the girls would never have a clue where they were…but were totally confused when they were each escorted to separate tables….not to mention the bizarre ‘fashion accessories’ they were instructed to display.



When Di was the first to come out, Kusa couldn’t decide who was more terrified, her or the boys! But she pulled it together nicely...


At the end, she started to make her way to Enrique, but she could see Kusa in the back, shaking her head….That’s when she noticed…he wasn’t wearing her color…Stunned for a moment, she stopped herself…half-bluntly scanned the room…Virgil???? This was going to be an interesting night….



Jen came out…she only had the one routine…so she stayed with it…Everyone was floored…It wasn’t until after she got up that she realized the constitution of the room had changed…She spied Ric, smiling sweet and devilishly…Quickly trying to exchange his satin cloth for the one Mike wore…but Kusa pushed it right back at him…ok…so Michael it was…



Next was Gia …Sticking with what she felt she knew best, she went with a comic faux-blunder-filled piece that while it was considerably low on the seduction scale, did an amazing job at keeping everyone’s attention….Having already spied her landing party…She finished with an aerial flip…right into Nate’s lap.



[/size]

[size="3"]Trin came out next. By the color of her costume, Kusa wondered if she were going from Big Bird to Kermit the Frog…Well, while the song was what she might have expected… the dance, was much more. Tom told her flat out how impressed he was when she stepped up to him….Didn’t Kusa say they were…Oh, never mind…For an older dude, this guy was HOT!!!!!!



When Deb came out, she surprised Kusa with a song she hadn’t rehearsed on the outside…only in her mind (and NO I’m not trying to get rid of you )…Same singer, same costume, same amazing, though more demure performance than her first outing…As she stepped from the stage to come upon her prey, she was nearly breathless…The one Kusa had chosen for her…was Sam…



As the last of the performers for the night finished their numbers, Kusa stepped up from the table she was sharing with Bill, when she was pulled aside by Fi…



“Why couldn’t I come out and play…” she pouted…Kusa promised to add her to the finale…She then made her way to the mic to thank everyone for coming and to congratulate all the ‘rookies’ on their first performances…But as far as the crew was concerned…she wasn’t getting away that easy…



“One more Song!!!!” Trin cried from the back of the hall….



“Kusa! Kusa! Kusa!” Jen started a chant that grew to ear shattering proportions, till Kusa finally put up her hands…



“I’ll be right back….” She announced, to a roar of applause…Sam and the others could only imagine what was next…



Yup...more...(hope I'm putting all the connections in the right places!)


KA23

A few minutes later, the room was darkened and the crowd began to still…In the quarter-light, no one could see the lone cloth covered figure make her way to the stage…



The lights came up quickly….the small bundle grew in leaps and starts, till Kusa flew out of it…reaching and spinning…though it was more drama then clothing reduction, not an eye left the performer…by the end, Kusa fell beneath the same black sheet she had entered in…the lights dimmed once more…As the applause rose and the lights returned…she was gone…



Just as a mild panic was about to settle into the group…Kusa reemerged from backstage, the cloth following behind her like a cape….She returned to the microphone and settled the crowd to their seats once more…



“And now for the Grand Finale…I’d like to offer this up to our fine protectors…The ones who have kept us safe…” The girls started getting restless…What was Kusa talking about, they didn’t need protectors…The guys were wonderful, and they loved them all but they didn’t need….



“…This evening…” Kusa accentuated…seeming to once again, know what the others were thinking…”Ladies, will you please come up and join me as a preselected member is brought forth….from the brotherhood….of BOUNCERS!!!!!”



The GalPals all rushed the stage. They weren’t sure what Kusa was planning, but they definitely wanted in on it, whatever it was…whoever it was…



When they got there, the bouncers all made their way from the door into the main room, shoulder to shoulder…carrying one among them high above…..23



Coming to the stage themselves, they sat him in a strategically placed office chair. Kusa walked to the back of the stage where Sandy handed her a ‘bag of tricks’. Stepping up to the front again, she drew out about twenty feet of gold lamiae rope…Moans and wolf whistles sprang out from every direction…



“Tie him up good girls…We don’t want this one getting away…”



23 was being an impressively good sport about things…but these shenanigans were starting to get a little wearing…Kusa just patted him on the shoulder and whispered “Just wait till we get started!” she drew the bag behind his back, and flipped up the side of the pouch, revealing to her fellow performers what they’d be up to next…Deb was laughing so hard, she nearly fell off the stage….



Each of them drew out a prop and turned around to hide it, and themselves…plotting out how they’d each handle their verse….





Then the fun began…

(Epilogue )

The next morning, the whole team pretty much slept in. Between the guys’ early morning exit for the fishing trip and the gals’ all day workout in the malls or the club, to partying it out late into the night, not a one of them wanted to get out of bed for anything…There was only one exception to that rule….



Ashley was hungry….



“I’ll get her…” Sam groaned, his eyes still closed…



“No, I will…” Kusa responded, blinking…



“You got her yesterday morning…”



“You’re right….And what she wants now is the same as then, if you catch my meaning…”



As she spoke, he had started to sit up, but as the last of her words registered…Sam fell right back down…”You’re right…You go…”



Kusa rolled over slowly, and started to playfully rub his chest…”You see…I love this right here…but I’m pretty sure they’re non-functional as far as the baby’s concerned…” She smiled and rolled back, starting off for the crib and leaving Sam with a light tremble of laughter…



Kusa drew the infant up to her breast once more…She loved these quiet mornings, and knew to treasure them well, not just because Ashley was growing quickly, but because with lives like theirs, you never know when your next quiet moment may appear…She thought of the raucous night before…talk about mixing business with pleasure…but she was glad of it nonetheless…It had been quite some time since she had bonded with the girls like that…even if she was the boss, even in that situation…They could be a mountain of trouble, but they were an absolute blast to be around…With or without Fi’s handy C-4…



There had been one thing she missed that night….the moment just never felt right to come out and say it…But she knew it had to be done…this wasn’t just a squad…this was her family now…Maddie was right…There was nothing for them to hold over her by knowing her name…It was more than time she had told them…though even she didn’t know what she would say if they asked why it had taken so long….



The baby fell back to sleep in her arms. She laid her back down in the crib, and smiled…She was looking more and more like her father every day…the feminine version of course…Lucky girl…Those eyes would one day just melt the heart of some poor sap, just like they did hers, and make him fall head over heels in love with her…. Then…they’d have to deal with Daddy!!!! What a sight that would be!



She softly strolled back over to the foot of the bed…Sam was fast asleep again…His expression nearly as angelic as his daughter’s as he slept…Little would the unsuspecting passerby know the devilish grin that same heavenly visage could hold…She thought of crawling back into bed and wrapping herself in his arms…but it seemed ashamed to wake him, and at this point, there was no returning to dreamland for her…So she decided to let him be and head to the shower and on with her day….











As the day progressed, she found the galpals gathered to themselves poolside…



“Don’t tell me…let me guess” Fi chimed in…”Their next mission…Synchronized swimming…” the whole group busted out…



“Gonna need to hire a trainer for that, I generally just focus on getting from Point A to Point B…” Kusa smiled. “But in truth…there is one little something I did leave out from last night…actually…for several nights…”



“What’s that, Kus…” Jen asked gently, curling her legs in to offer the new arrival a seat.



“Gia, do you remember, back in Miami, when you and, I think it was you, Jen, thought you knew my name…”



“Yeah…Of course we know it…”She bounced in the rubberized chaise. “We all do now…It’s Sabrina……Right?”



“….Not…really….”



“But Bill…He calls you Bri…all the time…” Deb responded



“And you said it was old fashioned…that you were embarrassed by it and…”



Kusa started to tug at the charm on her necklace…She wished Sam were here…But this was something between her and the gals…She had to make this right…then with the others too…



“It is ‘old-fashioned’….kind of…but mostly…Iiiiiee….I don’t know…”



“What is it???” Phi asked…



“I’ve kept my name a secret from most everyone I’ve known…for most of my life…Both people I’ve worked with and, well, I don’t think that being undercover counts but…Bill didn’t even know my real name when we first met…but that may be going too far off track…Sam knows it…but he didn’t until around the time we were engaged….I don’t think I ever told you, Fi….or your sister…Adam’s mom…she never seemed to care…But…my life was different then…and there were very few people I could trust…I guess you could say ‘Kusa’ has been my longest standing ‘cover’ of all…”



“Kusa…I meant…What is it??? What is your real name….” Phi corrected, though she had already gotten that bit of information with Kusa’s file…



Kus tried, but she couldn’t get the word out…Slowly, she drew the necklace out from her tee-shirt…



“Neclace…Nancy????” one attempted…



With a soft, huffing laugh, Kusa shook her head



“Charm…uhhh, Charlene…???” another tried…



“No.” she whispered…



“Silver…Silvia???” came a third…



“Think…music…” Kusa reminded…not sure any of them were old enough to remember the song…



“Locket, silver…” You could almost see the wheels turning in Jen’s mind. “Where did Sam get….wait…..Brandi?????”



Kusa’s lips curled up in a smile as she nodded….



“YOU’RE BRANDI???? Stephen used to tell me so much about you…I never imagined you were…so YOUNG!!!!”



“Flatterer!!!!” Kusa teased…the gang laughed together…



“Why didn’t you just tell us…” Deb asked



Tears started to well up in her eyes…she wanted to give them an answer…but it was an answer she didn’t have anymore…



“It doesn’t matter…” Gia responded, jumping out of her seat to give Kusa a hug…”A rose by any other name…”



“Still stinks…” Kusa responded…Gia looked at her face to face and pinched her nose…



“Still smells as sweet…Bri, Brandi, Sabrina, Kusa, Belladonna…WHOEVER the heck you are….You’re one of us now…You’re a GALPAL!!!!”



With that, a resounding cheer rose up from the crowd…Though the tears couldn’t be stopped, Kusa was smiling broadly…



“Hey, what’s all the hollering about…” A male voice broke in…”And why is my wife crying….again….”



“Guess after all these years of hiding them, I’m just getting used to it…” Kusa laughed as Sam pulled her up next to him, with the baby in the other arm…



“Well, spread that smile and wipe those tears away, because I’m about to make your wildest dream come true…”



“You already have….She’s sitting right there, in your arm…”



“You other dream…”



“Well, that, we shouldn’t be discussing in front of her, never mind them…” The galpals all laughed. These two were a pale blue Burns and Allen…



“Not THAT dream…well, at least not right now…”



The crowd gave up a loud OOOOOOOOOOOOooooooohhhhhhhh….



“I’m taking my two favorite ladies shopping…we’ve only got a couple more days and I don’t think you’ve gotten a thing purchased, never mind wrapped…I’ve taken the liberty of talking to Tom, and he’s agreed to hold our plunder at his place to avoid prying eyes…” He leaned in with a mock-sinister glare at each of the girls as they laughed in response. “Where the rest of you manage to hide your stuff from each other, well that’s up to you…but Tom’s pool house is OFF LIMITS…you HEAR ME!!!!”



With that the three strolled off, making for Bill’s Beemer.



“Before you ask…” Sam whispered in her ear…”No I’m not that dense…I’ve got a stash-house for the stuff, but it’s not Tom’s Pool house…it’s Kenny’s guestroom….Figured I’d throw them off the scent…”



Kusa nearly doubled over in laughter…”My hero…” she answered, kissing his cheek as they drove off…

*stands on table and applauds* Wow, Kusa!!! Absolutely fascinating, girl! Love all the songs and the dance routines. So funny!! Must say it's especially remarkable that you had me dancing gracefully...have to be the world's biggest klutz. So Michael was my second target? Do I get to take him home??? Great story, Kusa. You wrote a BOOK!!

"Deborah" Deb sighed inwardly, she knew she was in trouble with Madeline pronounced her name like that accompanied in that tone of voice. She had went through the wringer for the beach incident, the girls had kept to the same story each time they were asked. And she'd been keeping a low profile, so what did she do now?

After Debra is ushered into the now designated boardroom, the door closed behind them, and is seated before Madeline talks. "I need you to perform a special assignment for me."

Her ears perk up. What was going on?

"This is private, between the two of us, any questions from the rest of the group will be directed to me."

"Yes ma'am."

"Good this is what I want you to do." Madeline hands over some papers and explains everything. "You will meet with them, may be one or two people. Not sure yet. They know you will making contact with me on a regular basis so they won't be alarmed. You know what to say, and once you complete business, It's up to you to arrange transportation back here. You have street smarts, you can do it."

"Yes Ma'am." Is all Debra can say. She is pleased and nervous. She doesn't want to let her down.

Madeline takes the unusal step of following Debra to her room and approving of her clothing and accessories. "Wear the two inch heels, those would be more appropriate for this meeting."
-
-
"I don't understand - - Jen fusses at Ric as they walk around the grounds finishing up an argument.

"I know" Ric tries to explain that in this game you don't always just get verbal recognition.

"Bill and Jackie gave us a discreet monetary award, we didn't expect the money, we didn't want it, we even gave it back to them and they refused to accept it. I felt awkward accepting it, its like they paid us to do our job. I would have been just as happy with - -" Jen stops in mid sentence as she sees a suitcase being put into the trunk of a sedan in the driveway and the trunk slammed shut. Then she watches in silence as Deb gets into the back seat of the car and the car pulls away before she could get another word out.
-
-

Jen takes off running, unable to catch the car, Jen turns and runs into the mansion, running right into Kusa. "Why did you send her away?" She spits out accusingly.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Kusa looks at Jen, then throws a glance to Ric who has caught to her, they both think Jen needs to take a long rest.

"Deb, she just left with her bags packed."

Kusa is as surprised as Jen is. "Jen, I assure you I had nothing to do - - "

"You always - - "

"Ladies" Madeline's sharp tone interrupts the confrontation "May I have a word with the two of you."

They follow Madeline into another room and before Jen can get one word out, Madeline explains "I sent Debra to handle a private matter, she was instructed not to say anything to anyone. That's why she left on such short notice."

Kusa was taken aback, it wasn't like Madeline to override her and send one of the girls out on their own, without consulting or advising her.

"She's not fired?" Jen asks confused.

"Of course not, where'd you get that idea."

Jen just looks at her feet and mumbles incoherently.

"She may be back later tonite." Madeline continues "or tomorrow. I'll be in constant contact with her and we'll be able to track her."

After Jen left the room. "Where'd you send her?" Kusa asks. "Shouldn't I have been in the loop on this one."

Madeline just smiles and lights up a cigarette. "I already told you I sent her on a private mission."

Kusa was steamed that Madeline wouldn't share the intel. She wasn't used to being left out and Deb was one of the pair of hot ones. Something was bound to happen with either one of them. And she would find out what was going on.

After Deb arrives at the hotel and checking into her room, she using her handheld detector to ensure no sure no hidden mikes or cameras in the room. After she was sure it was clear. She texted Madeline to advise that she had arrived and all conditions were go.

She took a few minutes to freshen up before heading down to the dining area.

She takest he elevator downstaris then makes her way over to the Maitre’d at the hotel restaurant. "Yes Madam." He smiles brightly at the lovely lady making his view more pleasant.

"Yes, Mrs. Karen Roberts, I have a reservation."

He looks at his seating chart. "Yes, you’re party is already here."

Already here? She smiles politely at him.

"Please follow me." She lets him take her arm as he leads her through the dining area to meet her "party."

While Kusa was pondering what was going on. Sam had showered and dressed in semi-casual clothes, he was even wearing cologne. Kusa smiled wishing him a wonderful night out with the boys.

Funny, she thought, how he just happened to be in contact with some of his old buddies the same time that Deb takes off on a "private" mission.

Kusa was monitoring Debs' phone transmissions and she texted Maddy that she had arrived at the hotel. The same area that Sam was gonna be near with his buddies.

Coincidence? she thinks not.
-
-
She gave Sam a 10 minute head start, then sent 23 following him in another car, the GPS keeping track of his every turn.

23 reported that Sam showed up at this bar where he slapped backs and gave man hugs to several men. They sat there for a couple of hours drinking and eating then onto another bar where they played darts and pool

Sam called her a couple of times, unaware that someone was watching him just feet away.

"Honey, we've had a little to much to drink and we're staying at John's room. That ok?" He tries not to slur? He gives her the hotel and room number in case she needs him.

"Yes, baby. Get some sleep." Kusa smiles into the phone, feeling silly for not trusting him. "See you tomorrow, get some sleep."

"Luuuvvv you too." Sam mutters as he disconnects the call.
-
-
23 stopped at the bar of the local hotel where Deb was reported staying and saw something interesting. There was Deb walking through the lobby with an older man. His arm was around her waist and he was leading her to the elevator, their heads were bent together in quiet conversation, then was laughing at something he said.


"Well, well, what do we have here?" 23 tells himself as he discretely took pictures of the couple as the entered the elevator and got full face shots so there would be no doubt about who one of them was, and the beauty of photo shop could put a new face on the other one, hehehe.

Late the next morning, Sam returns to his wife and child. Telling her of the night of him and his buddies. She was happy he was home and he was happy to be home.

What Sam didn't tell Kusa was he saw Deb, standing at a bus stop on his way home. He was two lanes over and couldn't get her attention. He beeped his car horn at her but she didn't even react. The driver of the car in front of him thought the horn was meant for him and responded with a couple of finger gestures.

If she needed a ride back to the place, why didn't she call someone, she shouldn't have to wait on the bus, he was right there. What harm could there be to give her a lift? And besides they hadn't talked since poolside in India, yea they spoke small sentences when they saw each other, but theu hadn't sat down and really talked again. He kinda missed that.

A couple of blocks up he made a U-turn but as he approached the bus stop from the other side he saw a dark green sedan stop and she hopped into the back seat and it drove away. By the time he got turned around, he lost track of the car.

She still wasn't back by the time he got home, and he knew better than to say anything.

Weird huh?
-
-
After breakfast Jen knocked on Deb's door and poked her head in. She didn't come home last night and wasn't answering her phone. She hoped Maddy knew what she was doing.

That night Madeline and Virgil were all dressed up. "Going out to dinner with some friends, don't wait up for us." She tells the group and smiles as Virgil leads her to the car.

Madeline fusses as they get to the restaurant a few minutes late. Virgil reassures her "Mads, they aren't going to leave without us, the worse case scenario is that they'll order before we get there."

Madeline stops in the ladies room for a quick freshen up. "I want to look presentable to them." She explains.

"You always look good to me darlin'." Maddy blushes as his hand starts to move south down her back.

"There they are." He points to a table of three sitting on the deck animatedly talking.

"Madeline, Virgil!" Debra jumps up, gives them a quick hug and makes introductions. "This is Madeline and Virgil, and this Glen and Charlotte Miller. Debra beams proudly. "My parents."


-
-
"Hello"

"Nice to meet ya"

"Call me Charlie. I only get called Charlotte when someone is mad at me."

"Were you surprised?" Madeline asks Debra.

"Oh Madeline, you don't know how much." Debra gushes as she jumps up to give Madeline a big hug. "How did you do it? How did you guys keep it a secret?"

"The look on her face was priceless!" Glenn tells them. "She walked around the corner and she kept a straight face until the waiter walked away. Here's a picture" he passes a small picture over. "Allow me to embarass my daughter."

"Glenn, don't embarrass her." Charlie chides him and comes to her daughters rescue. "We've been in touch with Maddy since you started this little trip. Seems that your father and Bill were going to be at the same conference so we decided to surprise you for Christmas."

Madeline was glad too. She hasn't seen Debra's face light up that like since Kevin.

They get down to business, order dinner and talk the night away. Sharing stories and then retelling stories with their own version of what happened.

On the way out of the restaurant, Glen reminds them "Oh we need to stop by the hotel, Debbie, could you run by our room. There's a package in there with your name on it. You'll have 5 minutes to find it."

Deb knew the code. Calling her Debbie and giving her a time limit meant the adults wanted some time to talk privately. Even though she was an adult she was still excused so the other adults could talk. She'd wait in her room until she got the all clear, which meant it would be awhile. "Of course daddy.' She took the keycard and kissed her mom, "See ya in a bit."

They settle down at a table in the bar. Madeline knows why they sent her away for a reason and she waits for them to ask the questions.

Charlie takes a drink and deep breath before turning to Madeline and asking seriously "Do you know?"

"Yes" Madeline answers her with one word answer.

Charlie." Glen holds his wife's hand. Then he turns to Madeline. "Does she know?"

Madeline shakes her head "I don't think so."

"Oh thank goodness." Charlie breathes a huge sigh of relief. "You could have knocked me over with a feather when she approached the table. She looks just like Svetlana, with the hair color, style and make up."

"That is something I've tried to discourage her to do, but sometimes it's a losing battle." Madeline apologizes. "She does change her hairstyle and color often though."

"We've been so worried when she was younger that Svetlana would tell her, but she kept her word and never did." Charlie looks tearful. "Even though they were close, I don't know what I'd do or how she'd take it if she ever found out."

"Is there any way anyone could trace them to each other?" Virgil asks.

"No." Glen tells them. "Her true birthdate is within days, on either side of whats on her birth certificate, her weight, height and even time of birth were changed to protect them. No one would be able to track her down that way."

"After Svetlana died, Debra wouldn't speak Russian anymore." Charlie adds as an afterthought.

Madeline was surprised. Debra would not give up much information about her past and though she hated to, she had a lot of questions to ask her parents. She knew Svetlana, though she had her run ins with her, she didn't wish ill on her like that, she still knew her.

"How... did she die? There have been differing stories."

Glen cleared his throat and looked around before continuing. "The official version she has been told is that it was a car accident. The real story… was she was killed by someone she trusted. Her body was cremated within hours of her death."

"Debra could speak Russian?" Madeline was still surprised at that little tidbit of information.

"A little more than she admitted to, 'like your burro is standing on my foot'." That brings a laugh to the table. "Doctors said it a mental block and was related to her death, and she would eventually get over it, if not, not to pressure her."

"Then...Ryan's death…really took the wind out of her sails." Charlie says quietly. "It took almost a year for her to get back in the saddle. She was still good, very good at her job, had had the same drive but she didn't have the same temper she did before, it took that to calm her down. Maddy, the worse feeling in the world is when your child is hurting and you can't do anything to help."

All Madeline could was nod and wipe some tears away before trying to change the subject.

"I think she got her groove back now." Madeline jokes.

"I know, Madeline we are so sorry she's been so trying. She's a good girl, and she gets the job done." Glen tells her. "If you had said something to us, we could have had a talk with her to straighten up. Thank you so much for taking care of our little girl."

"No need to explain. She must be making up for lost time. It's gonna take time to train her." Madeline smiles warmly. "I wouldn't let her go for anything. She's got a job with me as long as she wants it."

"Well, we'll have a little talk with her anyway." Then Glen starts to laugh "Ok, I've got to ask you, first how did she get that poison ivy/oak rash and did she really tie a guy up in a mens room and put makeup all over him?"

They end up talking for another three hours, Madeline had questions about her employee and found out quite a bit that she could use. Maybe that will help keep her in line. At some point Madeline remembers they had sent Debra up to their room. "Won't she be worried?"

"No, we have a code. She knows not to come down until we call her. She's probably asleep up there anyway." Glen explains. "Want to go for a walk on the beach? It's a beautiful moonlit night."

"Let's." Charlie and Madeline say in unison and they grab their men and head outdoors.

"Come on." Ric grabs Jen's hand and hands her a blanket.

"Whas'up?" Jen asks confused.

"You're going down to the beach and talk to Deb."

I am? Jen brightens up. "She's back?"

"Yep, and she's waiting on you."

-

-

Jen runs down the beach and finds Deb sitting on a blanket, with a picnic basket, watching the stars and moon.

"Hey girl!"

"Hey you made it. Ric didn't know how long you'd be in the shower so - - "

"That's ok. So where ya been? No one would say anything."

"My parents are in town, spent a couple of days with them."

"You have parents?" Jen spits out, then backsteps. "Oh I didn't mean it like that."

"Yes." Deb laughs. "I do and that's ok I understand. We'll have to get together for lunch tomorrow…if you're free…if you want to meet them."

"Sure."

They are quiet for a few minutes as they eat from the picnic basket, Deb reaches over and turns on the radio. "23 is keeping an eye on us so we don't wander off." Deb whispers maybe this will distort what we say.

They are quiet for some time when Deb makes a confession. "Jen, I was married before, I'm a widow."

"What happened?"

"We were married for 9 days. Coming back from our honeymoon, a drunk driver blew through a red light, hit Ryan's side…the drivers side…of the car. Snapped his neck…said he died instantly."

Jen couldn't say anything. 'Ryan' she had heard Deb mention that name only once since she's known her. All she could manage was to scoot over to hug her friend.

"What happened to…the other driver?"

"He was a freakin' Diplomat!" Jen watched Deb as angry tears run down her face. "They said he got out of his car first thing he said was that he had diplomatic immunity and the second thing was who was gonna fix his car."

Jen stayed quiet but tears were forming in her eyes. "I'm sorry."

"Almost three weeks later, Mr. Diplomat gets killed in an apparent mugging. Of course I was a suspect, but I had an iron clad alibi."

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Jen whispers, wishing there was something she could do to help her friend.

"I didn't wanna remember it, like I didn't want to remember other things." Deb finally looks at her. "Do you forgive me for not telling you?"

"Of course" Jen sees something in Deb, she slowly changing back to where was she was…before this all started.

"I know where you were coming from when you talked about Stephan, I just could never bring myself to talk about it." Deb sighs. "And I have you to thank for helping me."

"Anytime girl." Jen brushes her own tears away. "That's what I'm here for."

They talked for awhile about things and when they stopped crying, Deb remembered something "Oh yea, and I heard Madeline has scheduled us for another psych eval, its gonna be an overnight one with a sleep study. We have time to study this time." Deb laughs.

Deb and Jen talked on the beach for hours that night. Amazingly, 23 let them have their time with no interuptions and no complaints. For that, both girls were greatly indebted.

Deb told Jen about her parents and what life was like for her growing up. She talked, too, about Svetlana, and her memories of their visits together. She finally talked about Ryan and the kind of man he was. Jen listened quietly, but with tears in her eyes the entire time. She realized what a rock he had been for Deb, how he had captured her heart, and how they had been everything to each other.

Deb talked about the wedding, too, and their honeymoon. She cried when she did so and Jen told her she could stop, that she didn't have to go further, but Deb told her she wanted to talk about it, that she needed to talk about it. It was the first time she ever had. Then she paused again.

"Jen, is this too hard for you to hear? I'm sorry. I can stop."

"Deb, it's hard because I'm so heartbroken and devastated that you went through this, but I want to hear it. Please...please go on," she said gently.

So she did. 23 looked over several times to see the two girls hugging and crying. He prided himself on being a hard core unemotional ass-kicking guy, but something about the two of them got to him. He coughed back a bit of emotion and turned his attention to scoping the perimeter, wondering just what the hell that conversation was all about.

When the two girls got up a while later, gathering the blanket and picnic things, they made their way over to him. He stood quietly, waiting.

"Thanks, 23," Deb said to him as she stopped in front of him.

"You're one heck of a good guy, 23," Jen told him.

The two girls walked on toward the house with 23 standing there, mouth slightly open in shock...brain reeling. Had they just been nice to him? WTH??? He turned and followed them to the house. Government secrets, conspiracies, wars, coups, subterfuge, okay...but, women, he swore, were the greatest enigma of all.

A while later, after sliding into bed next to Ric, Jen's mind wouldn't leave Deb. She lay awake all night thinking of the things she had learned and grieving for her friend. She knew first-hand of that huge empty hole which invaded the heart, and of the darkness that could consume a person when losing a partner, a soulmate, the love of your life. She had lived with it for years and thought she never, ever could love again.

She realized that Deb's response to loss and her own response had been similar, but yet different. They had both closed in, both found it hard to give their heart again. Deb had, at times, turned to casual relationships with men, but never, ever, opened up or wanted anything more than that momentary experience. Jen had flirted with men, but always felt sickened when she did so, thinking of her mother, and then rejecting being anything like her. So, she would flirt, but then quickly withdraw and become cold, not letting any man get close. Until Ric, that is. He seemed to understand her soul, her mind, all her inadequacies and trauma and loved her anyway. He had brought light and hope back into her heart again. And, she hoped now, more than anything in the world, that someone would come along for Deb and put her heart back on solid ground.

ROTF LMAO!!!!!!!!

Loved it Jen, glad to see you gals are finally warming up to the poor guy!!!!



KA23

Being in Hawaii for a length of time was great for the entire group. They felt like they were "home" again and less like weary world travelers. Lengthy, strong workouts were what they all craved and Phi obliged. She set up the trainees, plus Kusa and Gia, too, on a running regiment, with Agent 23 always dutifully bringing up the rear. Secretly, he enjoyed the view up ahead, but he never let the girls in on that.



One of their favorite runs was up Tantalus Drive and down Round Top Drive, a loop of about nine miles…four uphill, two flat, and another 4 or so downhill. The road wove through tropical rainforests fragrantly scented with eucalyptus, tropical flowers, and guava...



After the first time on this loop, the girls carried cameras with them. Stopping at Puu Ulalakaa Park at the top, they enjoyed some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu...



They'd occasionally do an early evening run up this route to catch the sunset...









Kusa wanted Di and Trinity to take advantage of their time on the island to become certified in open water diving. Gia, although certified in the past, wanted a refresher class and took the dive instruction along with the other two. Deb and Jen were extremely supportive, happy that it would be another activity they could all do together.

Once the three had passed the open water diving, the girls would continue to work on other certificates, getting in the necessary hours of dives to finally qualify in Nitrox certification, meaning they could take deep water dives using rebreathers, if necessary, along with the rest of the team. It would take longer than their time in Hawaii to complete the necessary hours, but the three were well on their way. It took Gia no time at all to rebound, and Di and Trinity took to diving like the proverbial fish to water.

They loved the underwater experiences...







H snapped a favorite underwater photo of Gia...








While Enrique, Nate, and H went with the three on their dive lessons, Michael and Kusa would often organize wreck diving or cave diving outings for Deb and Jen. Ric and Shawn went along on these trips, too. Sam and Virgil both took to diving again and showed the group some of the wrecks they had explored while stationed in Hawaii early in their careers...



Kusa was delighted to be back in the saddle again...



Unlike some of the other dives on their world tour, their Hawaiian dives were full of enjoyable, happy memories...



tbc...

To further maintain the group's fitness, Michael and Phi arranged a kayaking trip along the Na Pali Coast on Kauai. This was to be a strenuous, all-day workout in heavy seas, so tandem kayaks were rented for the group and everyone partnered up.




The group spent the night at a hotel on the island and left Poipu in kayaks at six in the morning. Coupled together were Phi/Barry, Kusa/Sam, Di/Enrique, Gia/H, Trinity/Nate, Jen/Ric, and since neither Maddie nor Fi went along on this trip, Michael paired with Deb, and Shawn was given the choice of Virgil or 23. He chose Virgil, but kept telling himself there was no doubt he had to get himself a girlfriend soon. He'd for sure have to find himself surfer girl when they returned to Oahu. This pairing up with Virgil stuff was getting old fast.






It was a one hour trip up the coast to the Na Pali Sea Caves, where they did some exploring and ate energy snacks in preparation for the long haul to come.











The next leg was an eleven mile stretch to Milolii, paddling along the base of 3000 foot tall sheer rock cliffs.








The group rested on the beach in Milolii, where they ate lunch...



While there, Sam challenged the group to cartwheel and handstand competitions. Kusa laughed, not believing he was doing this.



Some were great, like Trinity and Phi...







And Enrique and Shawn...








Kusa could walk on her hands...




And Sam was great himself...






But then there was Virgil...






And Jen, Gia, Di, and H...




Yeah .....However, Michael and Deb did very well for themselves...






tbc...

The final leg was four miles in calmer waters to Polihale...








There, a cookout on the beach had been prepared for them as the group rested, laughed, danced, and toasted each other with tropical drinks from the makeshift bar.








Kauai's sunset, though, was the piece de resistance of the evening...along with other lovely moments of importance...

Jen - LMAO!!!these were awesome!!! was that the hokey pokey by sunlight??!
Great Story Deb & Great Story Jen!!! Let's Party on !!!!

The diving training/re-training went well. And the gang seemed to be getting back in the groove of things. All was going well, for once. The beaches in Hawaii were beautiful, especially at sunset. It was hard to believe it was December already, this trip, mission, job ....was something else. December... almost another year down.

Jen and Deb decided it was time to get some shopping done. The holidays were approaching so fast and they weren't exactly prepared. So, the gals, even Maddie, all planned to meet up shortly and head out on a huge shopping excursion.

"G what's the matter?" H said while getting ready for another poker night with the guys.

"Nothing," she mumbled and put her head back down on the arm of the chair, in a slump.

"G? You miss them don't you?"

"Yep." She said, fighting the tears in her eyes.

He squished himself into the chair with her, pulling her into a hug. "Baby. The time will fly by. And then when we get back home, the first weekend we will take a drive up, and see them." She leaned her head on his chest, as he continued "If you want, we don't have to even celebrate. We can separate from the group if you want?" She smiled up at him. Unbelievable, he was willing to skip celebrating Christmas, just so she wouldn't be sad, missing her little nephews and cousins.

Every year for the past, well as many Christmas Eve's as she could remember. They all got together at her Aunt's house and she played the games with all the little ones. She was so close with her family and it was the one time out of the year she got to see all of them. No troubles, no worries. Just fun and family.

But this would be the second Christmas in a row she would miss seeing those adorable little faces light up when they opened their gifts. And always some stuffing their faces with cookies and sweets. And she'd even miss her crazy drunken Uncle's stories. And even missed the snow. Christmas in Hawaii? This was gonna be strange. But thank goodness for H. This would be their first Christmas actually together.

Although last year, they did spend together, but they were working. Christmas Day undercover in Miami. The mission was a take down of a Cuban drug smuggling operation. She was under as one of the "runners." Wired and slipping information back and forth. H and Captain Wolf were monitoring her every move. The whole thing was long and complicated but it ended in H having to arrest her like one of the rest of them.

He was just sitting there holding her, also thinking about the past…."Well, remember last year baby? Ha, you in handcuffs and in a cell. That was something!"

She smiled a little, "So you are saying lighten up it could be worse?"

"Yep! Exactly!" He got up and went over to his computer. "This should get you in a better mood!"

He put on one of her favorites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1YbfCQmr4o

He grabbed her hand and pulled her up, dancing her around the room comically. She couldn't help but laugh. He pulled her in tight and whispered "So. What are you doing New Year's Eve?"

"I am celebrating with the sweetest man ever, and …uh… a bunch of nuts that I love like family!"

He laughed and kissed her. Then came a knock on the door and Jen yelling "G! We are busting at the seems to get shopping girl! Are you ready?

Kusa's thoughts are interrupted by a heated discussion outside the door. She walks out of the boardroom to find the four girls arguing over something.

"You take him."

"No, we had him last time, its your turn."

"Nuh uh"

"Uh huh"

"What is going going on? Kusa walks up to them.

"It's their turn for 23 to follow them." Comes the voices of the four girls.

"Wait one at a time." She holds her hand up, time to play referee.

"We're going to be splitting up for shopping." Deb tells her.

"And its their turn to have 23 shadow them." Di points at Deb and Jen.

"And we say its not because he shadowed us the other day." Jen adds.

"That didn't count." Trinity argues.

"Yes it did!"

"No it didn't"

Kusa laughs quietly, if nothing else, they have interesting arguments, if this was the biggest disagreement they would have, she would be happy.

"We need you."

23 looks up from his book in surprise. He likes to be needed, especially by women.

"We're going to town, for shopping and a late lunch with someone." Deb gives him the agenda.

"And we need to know if you're available to accompany us." Jen says boringly.

23 was getting suspicious. They had been nice to him lately, but he was sure it was gonna change. He had to stay on his toes with these two. "Sure. Just say when."

"Now."

"Ok, let me…"

"It's been approved through Kusa, if you wanna confirm."

"Uh, ok."

"Try and keep up with us this time." Deb says with a smile in her voice.

-

-

23 followed the girls as they window shopped, and then they really shopped, keeping him at bay while they tried on clothes in the changing rooms. They didn't manage to embarrass him though, though they did manage to split up a couple of times giving him reason for grief but he would find one of them and get them within a few feet of each other.

He ended up carrying their bags, that wasn't part of his job description, but he was trying to be nice. He did make them follow him to the car so he could put them away.

They finally made it to their lunch date and he observed them meeting another couple with open arms. Must be old friends.

He sat a couple of tables away during the late lunch, eating and keeping an eye on things and them.

Glen and Charlie welcomed Jen with open arms. "So you're the one who my daughter has been dragging into trouble with her?"

"Don't mind him dear" Charlie chides him.

"No its ok." Jen laughs. "Its mutual, we drag each other in."

Jen took an immediate like to Debs parents, they were warm and welcoming. The girls shared stories of their adventures and places they've visited, of course leaving out quite a few of the dangerous details. And of course her parents were more than willing to share a couple of stories to embarrass her too.

"So what is Santa bringing you this year? Does he know you won't be home?"

Talk turns to the holidays and what the New Year would bring. When would they be back in Miami? How did they like their job? How many diving hours have they gotten in? And all kinds of technical stuff.

After a long leisurely lunch and a long walk and still talking, they rest on some benches, eating ice cream cones and enjoying the sights.

"Well, should we invite your bodyguard over for dessert?"

"Do we have to?" Deb rolls her eyes.

"Where are you manners!" Charlie reminds her.

"But he. . ."

"Young lady!" comes her fathers stern voice. "Remember, you need to respect those who watch over you also."

"Yes Sir." Deb grumbles but still gets up and politely invites 23 over to join them.

You guys just keep this poor kid too busy...I'm going to have to hunt down some reinforcements!!!!!


KA23

Thinking he heard something, 23 walks around the hallway when she runs into him waving her hands.

"Help, please help me!"

"What's the problem?" He's immediately on alert.

"I...I was doing my nails" She flashes her hands around "And they're still wet and I want a drink of soda, and I can't open it with my fingernails, they're still wet." She gives at him with a pleading look. "Could you?" She turns to her side to show him the can of soda under her arm.

"Of course" He slowly reaches for her arm for the soda, she quickly moves away just as he grabs it.

"Thank you." She coos and bats her eyes.

"No problem." He flashes his disarming smile at her as he pops open the soda...only to be sprayed by the built up pressure. Soda all over his good white shirt and pants. As he wipes the fizzy dark liquid from his eyes, he hears several doors slamming shut and the sounds of giggling coming from behind the closed doors.

He starts to head for one of the doors before he realizes what he planned on doing is not a good career move.

He storms away, heading back to his room to change. He's not gonna fall for that again.
-
-
Sam was trying to keep a straight face as 23 explained what happened next.

It's not funny man, I made sure the girls were in their rooms, they were turned in for the night so I went out for a night swim. Ya know my routine." Sam just nods. "Well I get outta the water, and my swimsuit and towel are gone."


Sam's body starts to shake as tries not laugh in his face, cause he knows what happened next.

23 takes no mind to Sam "So I'm on the beach, looking for my stuff, when this spotlight is on me. It stays on me and follows me. Man it was weird. It would go off then come on after I moved a few feet, no matter which way I went, it was like they could see me in the dark."

"How'd you get back in?" Sam tries to ask with a straight face.

"Well I finally made it to the patio, but Mrs. Weston was there and I just couldn't walk up there with my hands covering my - -"

"Yea, I get the picture."

"So I had to wait until she went inside, meanwhile those bugs were eating me alive." 23 subconsciously scratches his rear.

"So you think the girls had something to do with it?" Sam reaches the conclusion for him.

"Who else would have been that bold?" 23 seethes.

Sam leans back with a beer. "You gotta point, but don't go accusing them or telling Maddy anything until you've got proof."

Jen discovered 23 sitting on a deck chair, alone by the pool, rubbing his neck. "Hey, 23, wassup?" she asked.

23 looked her way, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Are you really interested or just planning on pranking me again?"

"Pranking you? What are you talking about?" Jen gave him innocent wide eyes. She hoped Michael and Kusa's lessons on lying effectively were paying off.

He studied her for a moment and then shrugged. "Oh, nothing." He went back to rubbing his neck.

"Something wrong, 23?" she asked.

"Woke up with a crick in my neck…haven't got it worked out yet."

"Here, let me," Jen came up behind him and began massaging his neck. 23 almost told her to forget it, but the second she touched him, her fingers began performing magic. He relaxed into it.

"That getting it?" she asked.

"Yeah, that's nice." He closed his eyes and let her continue. His mind started going other places and if Jen had the slightest notion of where, she'd use those hands to punch the living daylights out of him. Not that she really could, he reminded himself. Still, he had observed her at the punching bag the other day working out and this girl could throw a pretty decent left hook, not to mention a darn fine uppercut.

"That's really nice," he said again, totally relaxed, eyes still closed. "You do this for Ric?" he asked, settling into a state of nirvana.

"Sure. All the time." Jen told him, working that deep tissue. "Oh, here he is now!"

23's eyes flew open and he sat up straight in the chair. Ric Ibarra was almost as big as he was and not one he wanted to mess with. Ric stopped directly in front of him and leaned across the top of 23's head to kiss Jen. "Hey, hon," he said. "Ready to run the beach?"

"Yep," she said. "Hey, 23, you okay here, now?" she asked, giving his shoulders a pat.

"Good as new," he said, awkwardly.

"Wanna run with us?" Ric asked him.

"Oh, no…you two go on," 23 responded. He watched them take off together hand-in-hand. Slinking back down in the chair, he let out a deep breath. "Oh, sh*t," he said.


--


"Maddie, please…it's really important!" Di told her.

"We need him, Maddie." Deb reiterated.

"Well, okay. But you girls have been shopping 24-7, it seems, the past few days. Are you about finished so we can tend to other matters?"

"Maddie, it's the holidays. And there's lots of people to buy for," Jen said. "We're planning a big surprise for someone. We need 23!"

"Go…off with you!" Maddie shooed them out of the room. "Just be nice to him, you hear me? And he's not a pack mule, girls!" she called as they dashed out the door.



23 pulled the SUV up the circular driveway to the front door and the girls piled in. They had planned this outing at a time in which Kusa was off with Sam and Ashley, because they wanted to keep the surprise from all three of them.

Gia had done some research online and had found just the place they needed in downtown Honolulu. First, though, they decided to take 23 out for lunch and drinks. He might need a few under his belt when he heard what was coming up later.

They took him to Duke's in Waikiki and ate on the patio deck. Before 23 could protest that he didn't want a drink, Deb ordered for all of them. Trinity followed the server out and tipped him to make all of 23's doubles, saying that he loved them that way. Lunch was great, the drinks were greater, and three doubles later, 23 was feeling no pain.




Taking the car keys from him, Gia announced she was going to drive. As 23 protested, the other girls opened the passenger side door and shoved him inside.

"You can ride shotgun." Deb told him. "You'll like that, won't you, muscle-cakes?"

23 just grinned at her and took his seat. Jen reached across and fastened his seatbelt for him. "Friends tell friends to buckle up," she told him with a grin and a cheesy wink.

23 caught her arm for a moment and smiled at her. "You's are sooooo nice to me," he slurred.

"We've got a big surprise coming up for you, 23. Something we bet you've nevvvvver done before!" Di told him, reaching in to pat his cheek.

23 smiled, shut his eyes, nodded off, and was snoring in no time. The girls absolutely shook with laughter, trying not to laugh out loud.

"Stop!" Gia finally laughed outloud. "I can't concentrate on driving!" They made their way through Waikiki and into the shopping district of Honolulu. There, they pulled up in front of a large costume shop.

Coming around to the passenger door, it took Deb, Di, and Jen to unload 23. He leaned on them as they guided him into the store. "Where'we?" he asked, his head lopping over to one side.

"The surprise!" Trinity told him.

Inside, the girls approached the counter with the mostly upright 23. The clerk looked a little wary of 23's condition, but the girls assured her that he usually wasn't this inebriated, they had just taken him to Duke's for drinks because it was his birthday.

"Oh, of course," the woman said, as if that made his drunkenness okay. "Well, a Santa costume, then, right? Yes, I have lots on hand. What size is he, you think?"

"Big." Di said.

"Extra big," Deb told her.

"With lots of room for a big fat tummy," Jen added.

"Okay, let's see," the clerk said, moving hangers across the Santa rack. "Here's an extra large, extra tall. Does this look right?"

Gia took the costume and held it up to 23's shoulders. "Is the length right, girls?" she asked.

"Perfect!" Trinity exclaimed.

"Where can he try it on?" Di asked.

"Do you think he's in any condition?" the clerk asked.

"Oh, yeah." Deb said. "He'll wake up any minute now. Watch."

Deb went over and gave 23 a little slap on each cheek. "Wake up, Sweetie!" she said. "Time to try on your Santa outfit."

23 stirred a bit. "Huh?" he said.

"SANTA outfit!" Deb said loudly. "You know, to surprise Ashley?"

23 scratched his head. "San-ta?" he said drowsily.

"That's right, Angel Buns…you're gonna be Santa!" Di told him. 23's head fell to his chest.

"Oh great. We should have stuck to two doubles," Trinity said.

Jen looked around for something to use to wake 23 up. She spied the clerk's glass of iced tea sitting on the counter. "Excuse me," she said to the woman. "Do you think we could borrow some ice from your glass?"

The woman looked flustered. "Well…sure. I was finished anyway. Uh…have all of it."

Jen got the glass and gave ice to Deb, Gia, Trinity, and Di. "Here you go. Let's ice his back, chest, face, butt, and…."

Simultaneously, ice was dropped down the front and back of his shirt, stuffed down the back of his shorts and the front (they argued over who'd have to do that one…Di lost), and the rest was rubbed across his face.

23 woke with a yelp. He jumped around in his hiking shorts, trying to get the ice out.

"What the heck?" he shouted.

"You wouldn't wake up, 23! You're supposed to be protecting us, but you're drunk as a skunk!" Trinity told him.

"Wha???" he said, confused and stumbling across the floor. "And what's this Santa sh*t?"

Jen and Di caught him and propped him up. "You're going to be Santa for Ashley, 23! Her very first Christmas…her very first Santa. Now shape it up and try on the costume!"

"Like h*ll I'm gonna be Santa!" 23 told them, fighting to break Di and Jen's hold. Trinity and Gia joined in to restrain him. The clerk looked like she was going to either pass out or call the cops.

"Read my lips, 23," Deb told him. She grabbed his face and turned it her direction, his lips puckered out. "This is Ashley's FIRST Christmas and you're going to make it a happy one for her! Aren't you???"

Trinity got up in his face. "Look, 23…I took pictures." She held up her digital camera. "Pictures of us helping you into the car 'cuz you couldn't drive. What's Maddie and Kusa gonna say about that, I wonder? What's Michael gonna say when he finds out our bodyguard was sloppy drunk??"

"Yeah," Di chimed in. "What's Kusa and Sam gonna think when we tell them you refused to be Santa for their little girl?? Think they're gonna like that?"

"You girls are making this all up," he told them, becoming more sober by the second. "They don't even know about the Santa thing!"

"Well…maybe not," Gia said, "But they can certainly find out about your blood alcohol level and how I had to fight you for the car keys. Girls, shall I arrange for a breathalyzer test?"

Hoots and cheers went up from the girls. 23 looked mad as heck. "OKAY!" he shouted. "I'll do it! Where's the freakin' costume???"

"Right here, Spunky-pie. Can you show us where the dressing room is?" Di politely asked the wide-eyed, nervous clerk.

"First door on the left…" she squeaked.



All five girls escorted 23 to the dressing room, handed him the complete Santa's outfit, including beard, and pulled the curtain, allowing him his privacy.

Minutes went by. The girls were getting impatient. Finally, Deb pulled the curtain aside and looked in. 23 was laying on the floor, head propped up against some packaging material, wearing nothing but the Santa's hat and silky white boxers, which were half-on, half-off.




"This is disgusting!" Deb exclaimed loudly.

"Let me see!" Trinity and Jen said at the same time, worming their way inside the curtain, as Gia and Di did the same.

"Oh, wow," Jen said, eyeing his boxers. "I lose that bet!"

"No, it was me who said commando," Deb told her.

"I thought I said it!" Jen argued.

"Pay up, Jen," Deb laughed. She plucked the Santa hat off 23's head and tossed it down to cover his South Pole.

"And she scores!" Di applauded as they all broke up laughing.

"23, get up off that floor NOW," Gia told him. "We need to be getting back." She turned to Trinity. "Get pics?" she asked.

Trinity held up her camera and let her look at the screen. "Check 'em out," she said.

"Hey! Give me that!" 23 said, scrambling to his feet. He reached out to swipe the camera, but Trinity was too fast for him. He started out of the dressing room in his skivvies, but then thought twice of it.

"Okay, get the heck outta here!" he yelled at the girls. "I'll get the costume on. Then can we go?"

"That's all we ask, 23. See how hard you make things?" Di commented as they left him alone to dress.

Three minutes later, he stepped out of the dressing room, but with the Santa shirt unbuttoned. "How's this?" he asked.



"23, are you serious? How's Ashley supposed to have good memories of her first Santa if all she feels is your rockhard six-pack? Not to mention how frightening that would be for a little one like her. Where's all the padding to fatten you up?"

"I don't want to be fat!" he told them. "It goes against my religion."

"That's complete B.S. if I've ever heard it," Jen told him. "Santa has to be plump. A bowlful of jelly…that kind of stuff," she said.

"All right…all right! I'll put on the padding!!" 23 yelled, retreating behind the curtain.

"Yay!" Cheers and rolled eyeballs went up from the girls. Even the clerk applauded and looked at each of them, grinning.

Five minutes later, 23 appeared, all fat, plump, and Santa-y. "Okay?" he asked, turning for them like he was on a fashion runway. Trinity snapped away, taking several poses of him. He played to the camera like a Victoria Secret model.



The girls then circled and conferred. 23 kept leaning forward, trying to hear. Finally, they broke rank and told him to put his street clothes back on. That was music to his ears.

Bringing the costume out with him, he handed it to Gia. She took it to the clerk and thanked her profusely for her help. The clerk said she understood perfectly and waved goodbye to them, telling them to stop in next time they were in Honolulu. The girls all said thankyou's and goodbyes and started out of the store.

"Wait!!" 23 called to them, still standing inside, jaw dropped. "What about the costume? Aren't you going to rent it?"

"Nah." Deb said.

"Why not? Didn't I look good?" 23 said, his pride beginning to take a nosedive.

"You looked great!" Jen said, coming to take his arm. "Come on, 23, let's get you home."

"But why…" he trailed off, confused.

"We decided Ashley may be too young for Santa Claus," Di told him. "You know how babies cry in terror during those Santa photos at the mall?"

"No," he said.

"Well, they do, 23, take my word for it. We decided not to risk Ashley having a traumatic first Christmas," Deb spoke up.

"But.."

"No buts about it, 23. Case closed. No scary Santa for Ashley!" Jen said firmly.

"I was scary?" he asked, bewildered.

"As hell," they answered.

With such a ultra modern group…Tradition often wasn’t high on the agenda…Kusa wanted to change that, at least for this holiday….After all, this was going to be Ashley’s First Christmas…



Bill was already arranging for the tree which Jen, Deb, Di and Trin were busily decorating…Phi, Shawn and Sam were handling the full day’s menu, with plenty of help from Barry, Fi and a few of the others…Tom made his way over around eleven, sans pups since there was no room for them what with the tremendous overflow of gifts that threatened to topple the low-riding vette. After unpacking and settling into the living room with the coffee Jackie offered him…He proceeded to regale Sam on the variety of attempts the girls had made to grab a glance at things that were no where near where they were looking…



Shortly after, Kenny arrived…with the rental truck he needed to bring over all the gifts he, Kusa and Sam, Bill and Jackie, AND Maddie and Virgil had had squirreled away at his place…The girls all looked at each other…Why hadn’t anyone thought to look THERE!!!!!



Once everything was unloaded…The remaining residents all went for their own hiding places to draw out their own well manicured wares…Then it was time for opening…



For a ‘change of pace’, or so Maddie claimed, she made the executive decision that they would all open gifts from the highest ranking member down….Which meant Hers went FIRST!!!



The guys all got new high end multi-functioning cell phones….”These have all been programmed to trace the tracking devices for your significant others….so you WILL know where to FIND them!!!!” Then the girls all opened their gifts….Each had a set of three turtleneck sweaters…”So you can get ‘undercover’ and stay there!!!!” There was low grumbling….attempted thank yous…but not much else…”Oh you know, for investigative agents…you all really don’t dig that deep!!! Look inside the REST of your boxes!!!”



The sound of mashing tissue was heard throughout the room…they found….magazine clippings…Sandals…Beaches…all the all inclusive places…from every point on the globe…”You don’t have to stick with what it is…but think of it as your coupon…When this trip is over, Lyla’s off our backs and Michael’s Burn Notice is resolved…Virgil and I are treating each couple to an extended weekend stay at the resort of your choice….”



A resounding cheer went up…Only Michael stayed serious…



“Ma….the size of this group alone…that’s going to get pretty expensive…”



“Oh, Michael, don’t worry about it…having to play the part of a frugal middle-class widow in my ‘real life’ for so long…I’ve had plenty of time to stash some money aside…did you really think I WANTED that clunky 80’s VCR in our living room because it gave such a quality PICTURE?????”



The look of astonishment on Michael’s face could not be matched…Finally, things were starting to fall into place with his mother…or were they????



Next came Sam and Kusa…their gifts were not as ultra-deluxe, but they were a bit more personalized…



Trin & Nate opened theirs first…a Gift Card for Victoria Secret “Sam wanted to shop for your gift there personally...” Kusa commented. “ But I put a stop to that…I thought you might have a bit more fun putting on a ‘fashion show’ for Nate yourself…” Trin blushed into her hands as she doubled over in laughter…Nate just bobbled his eyebrows…



Di and Enrique were next. In theirs they found a set of Designer Ballet style shoes and a bottle of champagne. “In case Enrique ever wants to toast the best dancer in the squad…the French way, I believe…” Sam added. Enrique proceeded to mime pouring the wine into the shoe, then drinking from it…Di just shoved him for silliness.



Then it was Jen & Ric’s turn. Each opened a matching set of state of the art scuba equipment…”We weren’t sure what you had and what you didn’t…If we’ve duplicated anything, just think of it as an overgrown gift certificate…”

“Does that mean I get to have the fashion show this time???” Jen asked…Ric grabbed his mouthpiece, popped the opening on the far end, and blew right into her face till her hair flew back…



The lot was then cast for Gia & H. They opened their package to find a book on alcoholic beverages…



“Do you really think she needs HELP with this???” H asked….



“Well, she’s very good at the bar, as a matter of fact…but seems to lose her touch a little when she reaches her own fifth or sixth glass…We thought, with this…at least she’ll have cliff notes…”



“If I can read them straight…” She started to comment till Sam pointed out the pictures…”You just think of everything, don’t you…”

“D#mn straight Skippy!”

MTC

Phi & Barry received a multi-shot picture frame and satin covered album from the newlyweds. “You took the most pics during the trip, now you have a place to put them…” Kusa smiled…Phi was glad their gift was so sweet, thoughtful and simple…though Barry had been hoping a little scandal was to be headed their way too…



When Fi opened hers, she found beautiful books on Ireland, ones that were only available in her home country…”I saw your face when you were looking them over…then you put them back…There was no way I was going to let you get away with that…” Sam spoke softly as he could see the normally tough as nails hellion getting misty-eyed.



“We just weren’t sure if we were going to be able to hide them from you for the entire trip..” Kusa added. Fi was speechless.



Mike opened his simultaneously…and read the title off the cover…”How to Win Friends and Influence people….” The whole room laughed…



“Maybe you can learn not to piss off who ever you did piss off to get yourself into this mess…” Kusa teased…



“That’s from Kusa…” Sam commented. “Dig deeper…there’s more…”



Michael did just that…It was a bottle of 20 year old scotch…



“That’s to give you a little help with the party of the first part…”





Virgil had to practically tie Maddie’s hands together…she was so anxious to open her present…He couldn’t stop laughing when she did…



“The Kama Sutra???” Maddie noted, with more than a hint of surprise



Sam was the first to respond…”So the next time you want to get adventurous…you can keep it in your OWN room!!!!”



The entire place just fell apart…Maddie went red as a beet…



Angela and Kid opened theirs next. Angela received a freshwater pearl necklace, and Kid, a gift Certificate from Orange County Chopper…



“It doesn’t work on the internet…so you’ll just have to go up there yourself…” Kusa commented. “Ehhh...dig a little deeper there’s more…”



Kid did just that…There were a set of 5 gas cards…”That’s for the trip north…We figured you’d want to take the bike….From what Kusa tells me, you’re almost as bad about flying as Gia and Jackie…”



The group all tittered, but Kid let the slam slide…”After what went on recently, I thought we were both in for a lump of coal and an onion….”



“Believe me…I thought about it!!!!” Kusa added. “But when push came to shove, you didn’t run…and when we needed you, you both came from across the globe to protect and take care of her…We know it was a mistake…And you’d better NOT DO IT AGAIN!!!!...But, all in all, family is family…” Kid leaned in as Kus reached up for him to give him a big hug and kiss on the cheek, Sam did the same with Angela…



The couple had even gotten 23 something…”We don’t know you well…YET…but something told me you would enjoy these…” (tried getting pictures of the covers, but the %^&*( security on the internet wouldn’t let me!!!). He pulled away the paper to find a 5 book set…written by Mick Foley….



He began dashing his eyes around nervously…just how far into his past had Kusa found out about…He thumbed through a couple of pages and gave a mild, nervous, but sincere smile. “…thanks…”

[/size]

[size="3"]Bill and Jackie were next…”What do you get for the couple who has, or at least can easily acquire, everything….?” Kusa asked the crowd, as Sam disappeared to the other room, reemerging wheeling in a box that was at least half his height and about four feet square around…When they opened it, it was full of adoption books, agency information, and a ‘starter set’ baby bag with wipes, diapers, bottles formula, baby store gift certificates and a variety of other items…



“I was kinda hoping for another copy of the Kama Sutra…” Bill teased…Maddie started to turn red again, but it was Kusa who blushed the most…Jackie was just laughing…



“Well, if you’re going to get into that…better make it BEFORE you adopt…cuz once the baby gets here…” Sam shook his head and his wrist back and forth…This time it was Kusa that gave him a shove that nearly sent him flying…



Shawn didn’t really expect anything…but he got something anyway. A three inch tome of a Cookbook from Sam’s favorite cooking show. “Now you can learn how to make more than waffles…” He jested…Shawn sneered back into a laugh, then offered a real thank you…

MTC

Then from out of no where, a siren blast was heard from the driveway…Guns were drawn from out of every corner at all sides…Sam had Bill hold Kusa back with the baby as he, Mike, Fi, Gia and H all went for the front door and windows to find out what was going on…Phi and Deb hit the back door to make sure an escape route, should it be necessary, was available…Jen and the rest of the girls all crowded around Kusa while the guys took to the remaining windows…To Kusa’s complete shock, even Jackie was brandishing a pistol…a brand new Smith & Wesson style revolver…Hadn’t she had enough of this, just being around them?



It wound up being a complete false alarm though the cause himself was made more alarmed than those he had first surprised…Wolfie, with a large sack over his shoulder and in complete holiday regalia, made his way jollily (if that’s a word ) into the front door Tom and Kenny had left open after their arrival…Santa Claws was greeted by at least 6 Glocks a-clicking as he walked through the entryway…He dropped the bag and raised his hands…



“If this was supposed to be a private party…I wish somebody had said something…”



Recognizing the voice behind the beard…Kusa took command….”Pencils down, Kids…Santa Claus had made it to town…”



As the others lowered their guard and returned to their seats…Kusa got up with the baby in one arm, grabbing one of the smaller boxes with the other hand, and moved forward toward the foyer….



“I thought you said I was….” Wolfie asked…still in a bit of stunation…



“You were…you are…Merry Christmas…” She said…handing the box over to him…She directed Adam and Boomer, who had just come in from the game room after the sirens, though thankfully stopped by Nate by the time they made it to the kitchen, to bring the bag into the living room, once they were certain it wasn’t ticking, as she walked the newest guest in there herself.



Wolf opened his gift. It was a mini-magnaphone (ok don’t know if they exist….but they do here )…untraceable, with a direct link to Kusa’s CPOJ…



“If you need something from the group…or if you have some project in mind…Call me…We’ll arrange it together….”



Finally…this chick is STARTING to trust me!!!!! Wolf thought…



After Sonja and Sherri…the boys got to open their presents…



Boomer got a book on the stars and planets…and an invitation to meet his favorite Astronomer at Sadowski Park when they got back to Miami…



“Some follow Rock stars…Some, Movie Stars…My son just follows THE stars!!!!” Sam announced proudly…



“THANKS DAD!!!!!!” Boomer announced, in an excited voice that probably could be heard in Miami from where they were…



Adam opened his…It was the black cape from his Zorro costume…This was one confused kid…



“Gramma Sonja was telling us how you have…shall we say…your father’s flare for the dramatic…So we enrolled you in that acting school you’ve been asking her about… You’ll be starting in their summer course, since we weren’t sure when we’d be back or which side of the state you wanted to live once we got there…” Sam was a little bummed by the thought of having his son, the one he had already spent so many years away from, far away once more for another three months…But the excitement in the boy’s eyes, made it all worth it…Adam donned his cape once more and started flying around the room, using a nearby candy cane for a sword…



“I never knew….” Kusa breathed with a smile as she watched the young one run off…



“What’s that baby girl…”



“All this time…Zorro’s real last name…” She turned to meet his gaze. “…Was Finlay….”



The room lost it once again as Kus grabbed a smirking Sam by the chin and kissed him good.

Then, it was Sam’s turn…He gave Kusa a look of mild confusion as she handed him what was likely the smallest box of the bunch…They had agreed not to exchange gifts with each other this year…Being they had been giving and getting so much for and from everyone the entire time…This was against the rules…Kusa really was turning into a GalPal…The little sneak!



He unwrapped and opened the box, and pulled back the tissue to reveal another box… He unwrapped and opened the box, and pulled back the tissue to reveal another box… He unwrapped and opened the box, and pulled back the tissue to reveal another box…



This was getting ridiculous…and Kusa was enjoying every second!!!!



He finally got into the last box…inside…was an envelope…When he flipped open the note inside, it read…



“Nope…far from done…To get to where you need to be, walk forward and move on in the direction of that which flies….but never lands….”





























Well, Sam may have been slightly out of practice, but he was no navigational numbskull! He was also very familiar with his sea lore too…’That which flies but never lands’ was often a reference to the wind…and the wind on this part of the island, mainly blew in a singular direction….Giving his bride a look of suspicious disbelief, he stepped off the sofa, made his way to the back deck, and accompanied by much of the group, made his way down the beach in the direction of the wind…



Reaching the farthest point of the property, as the tide was lowering, he discovered a big X mark in the still damp sand….and a child’s shovel at the far side…No doubt his own two boys had been a part of Kusa’s tom-foolery! As the others gathered around, he had no other choice….He started digging…



A couple feet in, he hit pay-dirt…well, pay-plastic….When he cleaned it off, he found a yellow play pail with a cover…he could hear there was something inside…when he opened it, it was another wrapped box….



“Oh, not this again….” He sighed….



This round it was only one box, One envelope, and two rhymes…



“To find the gift you have been given

Go back to the place in which you’re livin’

Return to the most wonderful place you know

To find the one that loves you so…”



Simple, sweet…and ohhhh so tacky….that was his wife alright….the most wonderful place on this whole island…that would have to be the room he shared…with her….



He trudged up to the house again, and traipsed up the stairs to the room…No Kusa…only a small, cooing form in the crib at the far end of the room…When he reached it, he found Ashley, with an adorable bow on her head, and one that just laid beside her. In her mighty little grip, she held a familiar looking envelope….As he gently withdrew it from her tiny hands, he opened it up and read it once again…



One bow is for Ashley

One bow is for you

The wonderful gift you’ve given me

Is in everything that you do

The lives we’ve shared and have today

No one could ever know

But these silly trips and rhyming verse

Are just because we love you so…







As he reached the final stanza, Brandi, with a satin ribbon that wrapped her own flowing tresses, stepped softly from the bath to stand beside him, held him in her arms and whispered softly, “…Merry Christmas, Darling…”



He turned back with a smile, and a tear that only she could see…”Merry Christmas, Baby Girl…”



The others made their way out quietly, to allow the couple a special moment together…

One More....

When they made their way back down stairs…the others had already started opening the rest of the gifts…But Kusa had one left yet to give…She pulled Debra aside into the hallway, and handed it to her….



It was the full, unabridged file on Svetlana…Not so many of her ‘cases’…but personal information, where she had been, who it was believed she was related to and present day contact information on those beside Wolfie who knew her the best…



“I was wrong about you, Deb…” Kusa confessed. “Aside from just the competition, I was scared to death you might be out to hurt Sam, and I couldn’t have that…But now I know…you’re true blue, and really do care about him…And if anything should happen to me, I want you above all, above everyone here, to be there to take care of him…Ok, you’ll have your hands full trying to get Jen away from Ashley…but that aside, I want to know YOU will be there for him…Do I have your promise on that?”



Deb was speechless…She and Kusa had been at odds over Sam…over practically everything…since the woman had joined the group…And now…What could she say to all this…?











What else....





Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!





KA23

The Christmas celebration and dinner held by the group was wonderful enjoyment for all. A peaceful, relaxful time with warm tropical breezes coming through the open doorways of the mansion. The girls tried to make things look as Christmasy as possible. The main living room's tree was quite elegant...



But, the girls created a children's Christmas room for Ashley and Adam. Ashley loved to be held, looking at the pretty lights and listening to Christmas carols being sung to her...



When gift-giving time came around, Jen and Ric had picked out most of theirs together. For Maddie, an Oscar de la Renta handbag she had had her eye on...



For Kusa, Jen had found an Afghani antique necklace in a little shop when visiting that country...



There was another gift for Kusa. Besides being a coral reef researcher, Stephen was also an artist. Many times he would paint what he saw underwater. After he died, Jen had put many of the paintings he did in storage. She had Elena, Ric's sister, locate these two and ship to her in Hawaii. This one, one of the best that Stephen had done, she wanted Kusa to have...



There was also a painting she wanted Kusa to pass on to Ashley in memory of the uncle she never knew...



Jen and Ric also gave Sam and Kusa a membership for infant swim lessons for Ashley. Even though both parents were expert swimmers and divers, the coach from the infant program would be able to teach them special techniques in working with a baby. This company had programs in both Hawaii and Florida, so they would be able to transfer the membership when needed...



And for Ashley, a little stuffed pug puppy, so she that when she met Yuma and Tequila, they would look familiar to her and not scare her...



Also for Ashley, a Tummy Time Farmyard Play Set. Sam liked Tummy Time, too...



To Michael, Sam, and Virgil they gave Suunto Vyper 2 Dive Computers for use with multiple gases when diving...



To Sam, they also gave a Christmas Aloha shirt. It may have been bright, but Ashley loved when Daddy wore it because she had lots of pretty colors to look at...



For Shawn, a Channel Islands Flyer surfboard he had tried out once...



For Enrique, Nate, and Barry, Ric had selected Deep Sea Fishing Gear...




For Phi, a pair of sexy black Tango shoes and some Tango earrings from the Lace Collection...



tbc...

For Trinity, Jen found a Jimmy Choo evening bag...



and, of course, some shoes...



To Gia, their peace-loving friend, Jen and Ric gave a 14k gold world peace necklace made by Yusuko Azusa...



And, because she was such a fan, two front row tickets for Gia and H at the B.B.King concert on February 7th in West Palm Beach...



For H, Wolves, and Agent 23, they gave state of the art Digital Camera Binoculars which they thought might be useful in their work...



For Di, Jen had a harder time choosing. Because her friend often quoted famous authors and poets to her, especially Lewis Carroll, with Ric's help Jen was able to locate two old editions of his two classics...

An 1898 edition of Alice in Wonderland...



and an 1893 edition of Through the Looking Glass...



Also, what she hoped was the perfect Jimmy Choo handbag...



For Deb, Ric helped Jen pick out a top-of-the line dive watch...



Wanting to find something especially meaningful for her friend, she presented her with two small pendants...

One was a diver. "You helped me more than anyone to face my fears and get back in the water again, Deb," Jen told her.



The other was a tiny heart, fastened back together. "I am not trivializing what either of us went through," Jen told Deb. "I hope you know I could never do that. This is just a gift of encouragement and hope, because I know it will come true." Around the edge of the heart was engraved "We both will mend..."




Merry Christmas...Happy Holidays...to you dear friends and writing buddies!!!

Jen....the paintings were beautiful (I almost started crying, missing a fictional character I had never met....then again, I think it might be a little scary had I MET a Fictional Character ), and I love all the stuff for Ashley (figures YOU'D spoil her so!!!! ), especially the Hawaiian shirt...ok, so that was more for Daddy...but Mommy might be borrowing it once in a while......


Great Job!!! (NEXT!!!! )


And oh yeah.....MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!



KA23

There was an underlying flurry of activity going on the past week. Secrets whispered, express packages coming in, shopping bags full of wrapping paper and ribbons and bows being shared.

Each one received a unique exquisite Bone China English Tea set, decorated with flowers that they each loved, with an assortment of imported Indian teas and the most beautiful, delicate Capodimonte flower ceramics from Italy.

"I did my Christmas shopping while on the trip and had the stuff stored until I needed it." Deb explains as they thank her over and over.

In addition to those two items she gave several boxes to the couples, the boxes ranged from small to large.

In the boxes were envelopes. "I just love wrapping presents." Deb smiles as they rip through layer after layer of wrapping paper.

One box held an envelope for 6 visits to the Indoor Skydiving pavilion. "It's skydiving without the plane." Deb excitedly tells them. "It's safe and you can do with without having to jump out of a perfectly good plane."

The box's second envelope contained a gift certificate good for 12 theme meals, at the Five Star Dinaro Restaurant in Miami, prepared by your own personal chef during your visit. "How'd you get these? That place is impossible to get into." Di squeals in delight. "Their desserts are to die for!"

And the third and final box held the last envelope…. Which was in the shape of a hot, muscley Santa, the arms folded around the middle, they were expecting eye candy when the moved the arms away but instead found Four-day passes to Disney World! The girls jump up and down like they've won the lottery. "We're going to Disney World!"

They crowd together and jump up and down.

And finally "You know how we like certain scents but wish it was less or more. Since we are ladies and we love perfumes and colognes. We're going to be able to create our own scent through a designer factory." The girls were thrilled and couldn't wait to set up the appointments for it.

"Merry Christmas everyone." Deb makes a toast, with tears in her eyes. "You don't know how much you and your friendship means to me."

Oh gosh, the presents and the company is wonderful. This is so touching. Thank you all.

[Oh my gosh you guys I love these stories!!!You all are great! & Jen the necklace & BBKing Wow!!!! Love it!!!]

The holidays were always a commotion, but the good kind! While everyone was exchanging gifts, Gia made her way over to her boss. She handed him a Christmas card: I would be lost with out your instructions. & You wouldn't be laughing this hard without me. Happy Holidays. He looked up at her and chuckled, then he opened her gift, and laughed loudly.

"I appreciate all your help Wolf. Thanks." Not one for emotions, he just shoved her a little and laughed again. She knew that was code for thanks.

For Fi, they got a gift card for Astoria Designs in Miami.

For Maddie & Virgil they got a gift card for South Beach Grille.

For Shawn, G & H bought him a lesson with Kelly Slater, pro surfer. "Dude really? Whoa!"
G laughed, that also was code for thanks.

For Di & Enrique …they got them:


"Oh my god, G?!?!" Di yelled as she opened it. Gia just laughed.
"Ooh yeah baby! Thanks guys!" Enrique said after reading the labels, causing Di to actually blush.

For Deb, they got:

With a card that read: To Deb a member of OUR family always. May you have many wonderful memories to cherish. Happy Holidays, Love, G & H.

For Michael- Gia got a miniture Angel pin; with the card that read May you always have protection.

For Kusa/Sam/Ashely:
A book for Kusa The Parent on the Go: Raising a child in a stressful life.
A book for Sam Fatherhood - by Bill Cosby
And for the little one a Stuffed Miami Dolphin and:


For Phi & Barry; A print of one of their favorite villages in Italy:


For Ric from H, a book on Scuba gear maintenance.
And for Jen from Gia a plaque:




G started to tear up, this gang had become her family. She loved each one of them for who they were and she'd be lost without them. H spotting her tears, came up alongside her, hugged her whispering "You okay baby? You still sad about missing the family?"

"No baby, I am crying because I am so grateful for my new one!"

[Love you buds! Hope you all have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!!!!! Peace, Gia]

Thank you...all of you...for the gifts! I loved reading them all and what everyone got. Gia, the plaque made me cry, girl! Thank you! Also the angel pin for Michael. Deb...you must read my mind. I've always wanted an English bone china tea set. This may be hard to believe, lol, but I'd rather be in an English tea room than a bar. Kusa, you know I love the dive equipment!!

Going to the sky diving pavilion, Disney World, and the designer perfume factory sound like stories in themselves, Deb! We'll have to write about those experiences, for sure!! And the Dinaro Restaurant in Miami? That sounds awesome! Your own chef, really???

Gia, love how you wrote Enrique and Di after getting that gift! Since Maddie and Virgil received the book and Enrique/Di the oils...they'll have to compare notes... Or not. LOL

Kusa, loved how you had everyone pulling out their weapons when the siren sounded--even Jackie. Personally, would love to be soaking up that warm Hawaii sun right now!

Have a wonderful holiday, everyone...you are truly special friends!!!



edited to be Maddie/Virgil on receiving the book! Thanks, Kus...sorry about the error, girl. Di...just think all you and Maddie will have in common now!!

When the day’s celebration’s and evening’s festivities quieted down, Sam knew, it was his turn to offer his gift to Brandi…



As she was placing everyone’s favorite elf back in her crib for a long, warm, winter’s nap, he crept in behind her, slipped his arms under hers, and held before her a small, velvet box…



“I tried wrapping it, but it never came out quite right…so I thought maybe you’d be ok with it just as it is….”

“Sam…” she whispered back, heart already beating hard within her chest as she turned slowly to stand face to face with him…”We made a deal…You promised…No gifts….”



“You already broke that promise this morning….And every morning I wake up with you in my arms…..”



And he says I get SAPPY!!! She laughed to herself. She gently grasped the box with her fingertips…and opened it slowly….Diamond earrings, in a silver heart shaped setting that matched the locket he had given her…



“There’s more…” he encouraged…”Look at the backs…”



She drew the one on her left out first. The backings jingled behind the cardboard as the stud came easily up in her hand…A small but legible inscription read ‘For…’ As she replaced it and drew out the other…it read ‘…ever!!!’



The tears started all over again….



“By the time we get back to Miami….I’m going to be totally USELESS!!!!”



“That….Will NEVER Happen!!!!” Sam insisted, valiantly kissing her tears away as he held her even closer…



After a few moments of sweet silence….Two simple words floated up from her lips to his ears…



“Thank you…”



He drew his hand up her back and into her hair…first pressing her closer to his chest, then drawing her head back and leaning in for a first gentle kiss, that grew so in passion till he swept her up and laid her gently on the bed…From there, gifts were exchanged with the most fervent adoration….And Ashley slept….All…the way…through….










Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone....And to my fellow wundiferous writers....It's been (sometimes sur-)real...It's been fun....And yes, It really has been REAL FUN!!!!!!




Whether 23 would agree, remains to be seen







Here's to much more fabulous insanity (on and off the island:D) in the year and years to come!!!!


KA23
[size="3"][/size]

Am glad you stated that last comment, Kus! With what you told Deb at the end of your Christmas gift post about her taking care of Sam and Ashley if anything ever happened to you, thought you might be planning to jump ship...literally. LOL

As for 23, we LOVE 23!!! He is so fun to toy with. Don't worry, he'll know he's liked. Hassled, harried, and harassed...but liked. May take him a while to figure it out, but...

BUCHAREST 1980

He could hear the laughter from the girls ......the sweet sounds of loving friends exchanging gifts, making memories to share, lights twinkling on Xmas Trees. His mind drifted back to Dec 24th 1980 in Bucharest Sector 6. Irina Pata AKA Svetlana had been waiting for him in her flat. "If only fate had been kinder" he thought for the Millionth time. He pushed aside his melancholy with a fatalistic..."gotta play the hand your dealt"

Svetlana had been dealing arms and trading secrets for over a decade. She had her tentacles everywhere ....especially in the crumbling Soviet Empire....how she got those contacts was no mystery to Wolves. She was a rare combination of calculating intelligence and sensuous feminimity, in leather satin and lace. He often surmised that only his boyish cham, je ne sais qua, and unlimited cash resources could have made her let her guard down.

"Don't kid yourself it was mostly the CASH"....but then again his thoughts trailed off. "Water under the bridge now" he thought sadly. His agency handler had said she was targeted for termination. Who knows why...clearly she was an embarressment to almost every male in the Intelligence Community....now if that wasn't an oxymoron! Maybe it was the Americans...maybe the Russians....maybe a joint effort......for all he knew it was SMERSH! Regardless she had to go....too much of a Dangerous Maverick ....wildly entertaining and unpredictable....in every way his kind of woman.

Posing as an IRA arms buyer he had infiltrated her organization. THEY had wanted him to EXTRACT information from her....by ANY means necessary. But he couldn't. The poison he had used worked swiftly. She had died with that same sweet smile and gleam in her eyes that had charmed every man she had ever met. Maybe her belief that NO man could resist her was her ultimate downfall. And Wolves may have been seduced by her charms if it hadn't been for HER! ....She would always be the only one.

So he lifted a glass to both of them......MERRY XMAS Lady's .......

Merry Cmas Kiddo *SWAK*


KA23

Helpless.

That was the best word to could describe how she felt.

While helping the group clean up the Christmas wrapping, Madeline walked over, and like she was homing in on a signal, Madeline walked right over to Deb's stash and found the file Kusa had just given her.

How'd she do that? It was hidden. Deb hurried back downstairs to join the rest of the gang, carrying the file close to her heart, then hiding it under the two of the turtleneck sweaters in the box, they would serve purpose after all. Maybe Madeline saw Deb come downstairs with it.

Deb watched the chain of events, in slow motion as Madeline picked up the file, opened it, and glanced inside… then at her. The temperature in the room immediately dropped 20 degrees.

"Madeline, she just gave it to me. I haven't read it yet. I - -" Deb explains as she tries to get it back.

Madeline holds her hand up to silence her. "Deborah." Uh oh, the pronunciation of her name and the tone of her voice again. "We will discuss this later."

But Deb has to have the last word. "Please don't be mad at her, I - - - "

Madeline just took the file and walked out leaving Deb standing there.

-

-

Deb was at a loss of what to do, she didn't want Kusa to be mad at her for letting Madeline take it. And Madeline would be mad because she didn't tell her about it.

Since Kusa, Sam and family were still celebrating privately, she couldn't interrupt them so slipped her a note under her door to explain what happened, but didn't know if she got it or how she would respond.

Then she broke her own rule, she was going to eavesdrop, and she just had to hear what was said…. So in the early morning hours, Deb snuck into the boardroom and set up a digital, voice-activated recorder, hoping that the room wasn't set up to block the signal. Deb hoped that Madeline would pull Kusa into this room to talk about her "gift." She knew what she was doing was wrong, but why wouldn't anyone talk to her about it?

Deb also knew they were monitoring her phones and computer, so she couldn't risk getting caught sending a message. It was over 24 hours later that she had the chance to retrieve the recorder. Deb locked herself in her room to listen to the recording.

The voices were weak; sounding like were standing at the other end of the room, and something was messing with the signal. Could be something as simple as a radio or cell phone interference…or she put the recorder in a bad location.

"You had no right to give her this!" Madeline's shrill voice was heard as something landed on the table. "How much does she know?"

"She has the right to - - " Kusa started to defend her actions, then the voices stop as the door opens. "Oh sorry, we didn't know this room was taken." H's voice is heard.

"That's ok." Madeline's voice has turned soft and calm. "Do you need this room?"

"Well yea, we've got a briefing to sign in to." Gia tells them.

"We'll go talk elsewhere." With that Madeline and Kusa walk out and Deb turns off the recorder. So close yet so far.

Deb lies back on the bed, feeling defeated.

She's worked so hard to make progress with Kusa and Madeline….

And…and in moments she destroyed it.

She suddenly felt the need to get out of the room, out of the house. She sneaks downstairs and walks out to the patio and stares at the starry sky, was alone for a good while when Virgil walks up behind her.

Deb knows he's there, but doesn't say anything. "Debs, you know Maddy means well. She doesn't want you to get hurt." He explains.

Deb nods, so he's heard about it too.

"We'll both be in the doghouse if she finds out I was involved with you finding out."

Deb nods again, assuring him that she won't betray him. "We'll figure something out." Deb confidently tells him, giving him a kiss on the cheek before heading back into the house.

Virgil just watches her sashay away leaving him wondering what she meant by that.

Ladies... I'm sooo sorry I missed the Christmas party...

I won't hit you with a bunch of lame excuses.. but I will admit my internet and phone connection konked out for 4 days, coming back sporadically for a few hours at a time... I just read the last two pages of posts, and I am shattered that I couldn't contribute..

Loved all the gifts:

Kusa, How did you know Di was on pointe as a kid... you scare me girl... How detailed are your intelligence reports anyway???????????

Gia, Loved the oils couldn't you just see Di enjoying a long sloooow rubdown from Enrique with a little..er..uh.. well you get the picture. Maybe you and H would care to join us sometime? In the hot tub that is...


Deb, your gift of Disney World is AWESOME, we could really cause a lot of... well, uh, we could have a ton of fun there... sounds like a future story to me

Jen... What can I say... your reflective and thoughtful nature is my best gift. Only you would find and give me first editions from your own favorite author. How hard were they to give up?

Okay I know I missed my opportunity, but I don't care.






As everyone sat in the great room, and the fire roared in the large woodstove. Di glanced around the room taking in the 9ft Christmas tree in all its glory, it took up a prominent place in the room with gifts strewn all around and the lights and precious ornaments strung delicately about it. The room itself was exquisite. Dark teal embossed panels lined the walls and the bar area. The majestic draperies were done in muted tones of brown and gold that hung from ceiling to floor in elegance. The sofas were all silk leaden and full. They were expansive, comfortable and inviting. They complimented the bold charm of their setting. She looked around at all her friends laughing and opening gifts. Some were sitting on the large hand woven rug from Iran, playing with Ashley. Some lounging on the sofas, and some were seated at the bar enjoying top shelf liquors an engaging each other in funny stories of their past adventures. She felt a calm come over her and gave up a smile... It reminded her of her large family back in NY., and suddenly... she missed them, her old life, the one she fought desperately to get away from, not for any bad reason.. she just wanted more... She missed her Gma spewing curses in italian at her aunt because she undercooked the Struffoli... again, and her crazy uncle and his stories about the family. She missed the arguments over whose St. Joseph statue was placed correctly in the yard, and whose lasagna was really great gma's recipe. Yet there was always the family and the closeness. Her older brothers and sister teasing and fighting and laughing over who got what. Yes, there was plenty of screaming and hollering in their house... But there was also love and the kind of close knittedness only an extremely large italian family from the Bronx could bring. The knot in her throat was palpable as she realized that although this was her new family, there was no reason to give up her true one and nearly cried at the thought. She made a mental note to call her Mom and Dad and her Gma's, first thing in the morning, knowing she'd hear a TON of sh*t.

A gift was placed in her hand jarring her back to reality, then another and another...

As she opened each one she laughed and realized she was so happy that her new family knew her so well. Their lives had intertwined in ways no one could have predicted, they were all from such diverse backgrounds, yet they were a family. She proceeded to crawl under the tree and took out many small packages. Standing up she walked around the room handing each off to her pizanos, her sisters, her nalla's.

Each bag held a digital scrapbook of all their adventures thus far. Their voyages around the world, the beautiful and not so beautiful places they visited, the astonishing journey's and amazing histories they explored. Their successes and failures in all of their times together. Some were painful.. others hilarious. It was a compendium of their time together.. a history... their history...

Last but not least was the gift Di was dying to both give and get...




A total day spa at the Delano when they got back to Miami... All inclusive and limited to only the most patronizing of clients... Oh yeah!



As she lay on the floor next to Jen tickling Ashley's cute little belly, she realized something else and looked over at Enrique... could he be the one? Quickly pushing the thought out of her brain because she knew she was no where near ready for that, she subtlety filed it under the to do list of her life, than got up and handed Kusa and Sam the Sony Wii they bought for the babe.

"What?" Di asked as Kusa looked at it.

"Don't you think she's a mite bit young for this?" Kusa asked.

"Nope" Replied Di. "It's the gift that keeps on giving.. trust me, I have loads of nieces and nephews" Di said with a wink grabbing Ashley and settling down next to Enrique cuddling her between them and looking up at him... someday she thought... someday...

Di, I hope Sam knows how to put that thing together, cuz I don't have a clue!!!!!


Wonderful story....Guess "Disney World" may have a sub plot involved


KA23

"I want Debra here!" Maddie told Michael firmly. "I may need to talk with her. Send Di and Jen. They'll do fine."

Michael agreed, but in the back of his head he knew the trouble, intentional or not, the two of them could rack up when they were together. No one had forgotten the walk-in refrigerator incident on the ship. He sighed, picked up his cell, and called them both.

Jen, who had been worried about Deb's sudden withdrawal from the rest of the group after having been so happy earlier Christmas Day, texted Deb again and then made her way to the command center where Michael was waiting. Di, who had been deliciously involved with Enrique at the moment, dressed quickly and arrived at command within minutes.

Di sat down next to Jen in the waiting area. "Know what this is about?" she asked.

"Nope," Jen answered. She sniffed the air a little, then leaned over toward Di, sniffing some more. "You smell like peppermint. In fact, you reek of peppermint!"

Di grinned and batted eyelashes Jen's way. "Yeah, well…"

"Yeah, well…what?" Jen asked her, smiling at her with an eyebrow raised.

"You know those oils from Gia? Well, let's just say Enrique loves…."

The door opened and Michael waved them in. Jen and Di giggled together as the two got up and followed him.

"…human candycanes?" Jen finished for her, laughing.

"What?" Michael asked absently, picking up a white paper bag from his desk. Di put her finger to her lips to shush Jen and they looked questioningly at Michael. He let the question drop and addressed the girls.

"I need the two of you to do a dead drop in downtown Honolulu this afternoon." He pulled a data card out of the white bag. "This is the item and it stays in this bag," he said. "You'll be tossing it in a trash receptacle at the corner of King and Richard Streets near the Iolani Palace. 23 will drive you within two blocks and you'll walk the rest of the way on foot. Pose as tourists taking pictures of the palace. Grab an apple from the kitchen before leaving, pull it out of the bag near the trash container, crumple the bag and toss it in. That's the cue for the pickup. Any questions?"

Di and Jen looked at each other and shrugged. "Easy, Michael," Jen told him.

"Where will 23 meet us afterwards?" Di asked.

"Two blocks down at the corner of King and Bishop. I've asked 23 to have the car out front in ten minutes. And by the way, under no circumstances are you to hang around to watch for the pickup. Is that clear?"

They both nodded. "Should we carry, Michael?" Jen asked.

Michael paused. "Yes. And don't forget your cameras." His cell rang and he checked the display. "I've got to get this. See you back here in a couple hours."



The girls ran upstairs to get their purses, cameras, and handguns, then made their way to the kitchen. They picked up apples from the bowl on the counter and headed out the front door to meet 23.

He had already opened the two passenger side doors for the girls, but both of them began to climb into the back seat.

"Hey, neither of you want to sit by me?" 23 asked, sounding a little hurt.

Di looked at Jen and winked. "Promise you'll behave yourself?" she asked 23.

"Don't I always?" he asked, playing innocent.

"Well, there was the time you grabbed Trinity's knee instead of the gear shift," Di reminded him.

"Yeah, and how about the time you leaned over to pick up something and whoops…there was my ankle? How 'bout that, huh?" Jen asked him from the backseat.

"I was trying to watch the road at the same time," he said, defending himself. "Couldn't help it if your ankle was in the way, Jen."

"Yeah, right. Well, just make sure your hands stay on your side of the car this time, 23," Di told him, looking back at Jen with a laugh.

23 leaned Di's way for a moment, causing her to scoot over toward the door. "Is someone eating something?" he asked. "Mint flavor?" The girls cracked up.

"Not doing any eating right now," Di laughed, looking back at Jen.

As 23 drove toward the Honolulu city limits, Di reached over to switch radio stations. He promptly switched back.

"23, that's bubblegum…come on!" Di exclaimed.

"Bubblegum?" 23 shot back increduously. "This is the best R&B station on the islands!"

"You're listening to "ABC", 23! You have a special thing for early Jackson Five?"

"It gets better. This station plays a lot of Barry White and Luther Vandross," he said defensively.

Di rolled her eyes. "Well, I wanna listen to rock!" She pushed another numbered button on the dashboard. As soon as 23 stubbornly retrieved his original station, a button war ensued. Both Di and 23 were punching buttons like madmen.

"STOP IT!" Jen yelled. She reached across the seats and pushed the middle button. "Now leave it there or else!" she said threateningly.

Di and 23 settled back for a moment. Don Ho's "Tiny Bubbles" filled the airwaves.

"I think I'm gonna be sick," 23 said.

"Just don't throw up in the car," Jen told him. "Hey, Di," she said reflectively. "We ought to take hula lessons before leaving Hawaii, ya think?"

"Sounds good, Jen," Di told her. "We'll get 23 to drive us."

"I don't do hula lessons. What gives you girls the big idea that I'm your chauffeur and all-around flunky?" he asked derisively.

"Since Kusa hired you," Di told him.

"Yeah, she said you're our Go-To guy," Jen added.

23 made a mental note to talk to Kusa ASAP. He knew the girls had seemingly made it their life's mission to try to put as many things over on him as possible and generally harass the hell out of him, but he was getting more than a little annoyed with the endless shopping trips and superfluous outings. He had never been happier than to have Christmas over with. Granted, they had given him nice gifts, but he never figured for one minute he would have the entire Ala Moana shopping mall map memorized and probably stuck in his brain forever. If his special forces buddies could see him now, he'd be the butt of nonstop jokes.


In a short while, 23 pulled curbside two blocks from King and Richards. "Here we go, girls. Do your stuff."

Di and Jen exited the SUV. "Don't forget to pick us up, 23!" Di called. They laughingly blew him kisses as he drove off, shaking his head.

The girls oriented themselves and started for the designated corner. Just before they reached it, they went into tourist mode. "Oh, look!" Jen exclaimed excitedly. She stood at the edge of the curb pointing her camera toward the magnificent Iolani Palace.

Di took a couple of shots, too, then reached in her purse for the white paper bag. She pulled the apples out and handed one to Jen. Taking a bite of hers, Di wadded up the paper bag and threw it into the trash receptacle. The girls turned and started walking down King, talking, laughing, and chomping away on the apples. By the time they had crossed the street, they were both flat down on the sidewalk, heads riveted back to the trash can which had just exploded in flames…


go for it, Di...

Chaos broke out with people running and screaming. The sirens were coming from all directions. The girls were still flat on the floor looking at each other wide eyed,

"Did we just do that?" Di asked Jen.

"I don't think so." Jen replied "Let's get the heck outta here!"

They jumped to their feet and Jen pulled out her camera she began snapping shots of everything.

"Uh.. Jen, I think we should leave." Di prodded her. "Jen we gotta go.. NOW!" Di said again with urgency. There were two men in black suits and sunglasses bearing down on them. They quickly spun around to see two more coming from the opposite direction. They looked at each other and ran for the Palace. The guards tried to stop them but they each used the quick takedown technique Phi had been drilling into them over the last few months.

"Works like a charm" Di said smiling

"Thank you Phi!!" Said Jen

The girls ran down the stairs into the gallery. It was a museum filled with priceless artifacts dedicated to the last two monarchs of the Hawaiian royal family. They heard a scuffle on the stairs behind them and one of the guards came rolling into the gallery. The girls hid behind one of the large sideboards and palmed their weapons. Shots rang out shattering glass and sculptures "Uh Oh King Kalakaua just lost an essential body part" Jen said ducking back behind the dresser. The girls returned fire taking out the glass cases holding the royal crowns.

Alarms were blaring and security was tight as automatic gates started to roll down.

"We have to find a way out of here.. Now" Di said

"Let's reload and jam them up as we make a break for that door." Jen said

"Ready.. on three..one, two, THREE..." bangbangbangbangbangbangbang glass and plaster were flying everywhere as the girls ducked the gate and ran into the next room. It was filled with historic documents. "I hope their not really attached to all this" Jen said, as more shots came at them taking out the large glass case and penetrating the document held therein. The girls again returned fire destroying whatever was left intact as they ran across the hall into the... kitchen. "Oh no not another kitchen!" said Jen smiling at Di. "Why does everyone always have to bring that up?" Di replied while discharging the rest of her ammo into the remains of the gallery.

"How you doing on ammo?' Jen asked

"I'm dead" Di answered

"Okay lets head for that door, I got us covered for now" Jen said. Just then a barrage of shots came flooding into the kitchen and the girls jumped back.

"Okay just like before.. ready?"

"Ready"

Jen unloaded as they took cover behind the kitchen equipment and ran for the next door. It led to an underground passageway. The girls looked at each other and they both said "South" and ran in that direction knowing their pickup was waiting on King and Bishop. Jen took out the overhead lights with what she had left as they hauled a** down the corridor. They heard heavy footfalls from behind and then bullets whizzed by them, but they kept their heads and ran flat out smashing into another door. An alarm sounded... But they were outside and running down a narrow alley. A car pulled up and 23 leaned over and opened the door. The girls leaped inside the car as two men came running out of the door and into the alley. The bullets were flying and 23 took off as the girls legs were hanging out of the car. Jen was on top and wiggled her way in pulling Di's legs up just as a truck coming from the opposite direction sideswiped them and took off the passenger side door.

"Are you driving on the wrong side of the street?" Di yelled at 23

"Evasive maneuvers" Said 23 calmly "Hold on tight, this is gonna be a rough turn" He yanked the wheel to the left and Jen nearly flew out. Di grabbed her and held on tight.

"Geez 23 could you slow down?" Jen asked wide eyed.

"Not yet, hold on again"

"YOW!" both girls hollered as they grabbed whatever they could and held on for dear life. They turned into an underground parking garage and 23 found a spot quickly. They all jumped out and 23 busted the window of a nondescript GMC vehicle. They piled in and he popped the ignition, wiring it in under 10 seconds flat. Then they slowly cruised out and made their way back to the group.

Gia and H were walking the front grounds of the mansion as the stolen car carrying 23, Di, and Jen came nonchalantly moseying up the circular driveway. The car dieseled as 23 cut the ignition.

Gia and H gave each other a look and came up to the driver's side window. "Something happen to the SUV?" H asked quizzically.

"Oh, you know…a little engine trouble," 23 explained. "We left it at the shop and got a loaner."

"Oh." H said dubiously. As the three slunk quietly into the house, he turned to G and said, "Something's up. Maybe you need to question Jen. She'll probably break in five minutes."

G hit him playfully on the arm and told him to stop it. "I'm curious, too, though," she said. "I know it was a simple dead drop they were sent on. Something's not right."




Trying to avoid any of the group, the three snuck upstairs and changed into swimwear, then headed for beach. Passing Sam, Kusa, Trinity, and Nate by the pool, greetings were called out.

"How'd it go?" Sam asked.

"Perfect," Di called back.

"Easy as pie," Jen remarked. "If any of you see Michael, would you tell him all's good?"

"The girls want to lay on the beach a while," 23 remarked in passing.

The four by the pool exchanged looks as 23 and the girls headed toward the sand. "Do they look a tad guilty about something?" Sam asked.

Trinity came to her friends' defense immediately, "Oh you know Di and Jen…they'd rather be without the bodyguard. They're okay."



Di, Jen, and 23 were soaking up some major rays. The sound of the surf and of children playing down the beach lulled them into a false state of security. Almost asleep, the three of them woke, startled, as Sam's voice boomed overhead.

"Hey, kids! Michael wants to see you now. Make that NOW he said."

Jen shielded her eyes from the sun, looking up at Sam. "Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Not that I know of…he just has a couple of questions about the mission. Oh, and the car sitting out front." Sam chuckled as he helped Jen and Di up. The three of them followed Sam back to the house, giving each other nervous looks.



In the command center, Michael was waiting for them. He looked up from some paperwork as they came in and stood silently before him.

"How'd it go?" he asked. "Any problems?"

Jen cleared her throat. "Um, we did exactly what you asked, Michael," she said.

"Okay, good." His cell rang and he checked it. "I want to hear about the car trouble," he said, signaling to them to hang tight a minute while he answered the call. He listened silently for a moment. All of a sudden his face paled. "What?" he said, in disbelief.

Michael listened some more. "WHAT??!!" He seemed to be in a state of shock. His eyes flew to the three of them. He closed his eyes a minute later and rubbed his free hand over his forehead and then down his face. "Okay, I'll take care of this," he said and hung up the phone.

He looked at the three incredibly guilty faces in front of him. Di and Jen didn't think they had never seen him so angry. "Start talking and I mean start talking NOW!"