Dangerous Liaisons

Into Action

Guillaume walked back to the boat where Jonathan waited, t-shirt as a pillow, basking in the sunshine.  Yes, he WAS aware they should be in a hurry, but since he had no control over how long Guillaume took with his contact, he didn't worry.  He'd long since learned not to worry about things he couldn't control.  Wouldn't make them happen any differently.

Now though, as the large shadow blotted out the late morning sun, he opened his eyes and looked up.  His friend smiled and sat down on the nearby bench.  

"Ok, so we leave at 1300.  The airfield is only about ten minutes away so we can easily walk it. I've arranged a flight that will land at a small strip near Pollensa. There's a finca there we can use as a temporary base till we spec out the area. "

"Thank you - now are you absolutely sure you want to do this?" Jonathan had to give him one last opportunity. His conscience wouldn't let him leave it alone.

"Of course I am, you fool!" Guillaume laughed good naturedly "What else would I be doing?  Oh yes, I would be up to my knees in cowshit and getting an ear chewed off by a hormonal wife.  Facing Roper and his crew is a welcome holiday!"  Despite his jovial attitude, Jonathan could see the real emotion behind the smile.  They both knew the risks, but neither was willing to let the other see it.  Equally, neither was willing to let Roper win. Jonathan decided to just let it go and concentrate on getting Kate home in one piece.

"Well, when you put it that way!" was all he said as they sat in silence for a few minutes.  He grabbed his t-shirt as he stood up and left the Frenchman to his thoughts.  Pulling out his phone he sent a brief text to Angela.

'ON THE MOVE TODAY. DEPARTURE 1PM GMT. CONTACT YOU ON ARRIVAL.'

He slipped the phone into his pocket and headed below decks.  He flung himself onto his bunk and lay looking at the ceiling, head on his arm. What would they be facing?  How many men?  Would Frisky be there?  If Roper and Price were out, so would he.  He thought about the man with cold detachment.  Frisky hadn't turned a hair when he'd discovered Corky's body.  Just looked at Jonathan and nodded before informing Roper. He also had stood impassively when Jeds was "persuaded" that Jonathan should be betrayed.  He knew, because it was from his phone the photo had been sent that Roper used to threaten him with.    Jeds, there she was again, popping into his mind unbidden.  His stomach churned and it had nothing to do with the motion of the boat.

She'd fallen in love with him, he knew that.  What he had felt for her, he was less certain of.  Yes, she was strong, beautiful and loyal - to her son and latterly to him - but no.  He hadn't loved her.  Perhaps he'd felt sorry for her?  She'd needed kindness and understanding in a world that was judgemental and harsh.  He'd given her that. He'd tried to let her see they weren't all Roper.  He had hoped that he hadn't led her on, he still knew what he felt for Kate, but...  he stopped.  He was at it again, trying to justify it to himself.  He had been unfaithful to Kate.  Weeks into their relationship.  He had to make it right.  Somehow.  Maybe he would never tell her, was it selfish to destroy her world just because he wanted to feel better about himself?  But then, maybe she hated him now and it would make no difference. No, he had to believe she at least still liked him. That beautiful girl could never hate anyone - well except Roper and Price.  He knew she hated them!

As he sat up and put his shirt on, getting his things together to leave, he did know one thing.  He would NEVER let himself get in that position again.  And how did he know this?  He scrabbled in his jacket pocket, pulling out the now dog-eared photo and held it carefully in his hand, a soft smile on his face.  He knew this because, as he told the slightly crumpled smiling face on the beach, this was the last one.  The last mission, ever. He was getting out, Angela and River House could go to hell. He would take her somewhere safe and get out.  He held the photo to his chest, eyes closed.  "I promise" he whispered and folded it carefully, slipping it into his wallet.