Welcome to the Cassadines: Book II of Kismet

Chapter Ten

***Connections***

The dock gave them privacy with the added benefit of fresh air. Keesha sat on a bench and watched Stefan closely as he reviewed the dossier. The WSB had been collecting information on bizarre abductions for quite awhile. The home office in Europe worked day and night, searching for a break in the case.

The head agent in charge at the London office, Ross O'Malley, believed the groups' headquarters were on the European continent. His top profiler compiled a list of traits she believed the abductors possessed. That information was also in the file. Keesha wanted Stefan's opinion on what had been gathered so far. Once she had it, she and Jagger would join O'Malley's team in London.

"This is quite extensive," Stefan commented. He handed the file to her and stood. "The WSB believes these miscreants are behind Sabrina's abduction?"

Keesha slipped the folder inside her briefcase. "Yes, they do."

"Do you?" A slight frown marred his brow.

"Yes." She rose from the bench and took his hands. "Maybe it would be more comforting to believe that what happened to her is an attack against your family instead of some random act of violence."

"It would be," he agreed. "The enemies we have are ones that I know well. I know how to counteract their assaults and how to retaliate in return. An unseen enemy is dangerous. I don't know what to do."

His voice cracked. His emerald eyes became bright with unshed tears. Keesha released his hands to wrap her arms around him. "Would you like for me to stay with you? I asked Frisco for this assignment because I wanted to help, but if you need me here..."

"I need you to find my sister and bring her home." He cupped her face and held her gaze with an intense stare. "I will be fine as long as I know that you are safe."

"I will be. Jagger and I look out for each other."

That seemed to offer him little comfort. "I should accompany you."

Keesha shook her head. "Your sons need you here. It's best that you stay. We'll find her and we'll do it soon."

"What time is your flight?"

"Jagger is waiting for me. I wanted to see you first. We'll lift off almost as soon as I get there."

"I'll see you off," he said.

"I'd rather you didn't. Saying farewell to you is always hard. Jagger's nice, but I'd rather he didn't see how leaving you shakes me up."

He smiled. "Saying goodbye tears at my soul, too. Do return safely and in one piece, my dear Keesha."

"I will," she promised.

Stefan bent forward. His lips claimed Keesha in a kiss that overpowered her senses. A low moan sounded deep in her throat. When he raised his head, her mouth tingled and so did the rest of her.

She rode with him to the Port Charles Hotel. He got out and instructed his driver to deliver her to the airport. They shared another kiss and then, she was alone again.

The ride from the hotel to the airport was long enough for Keesha to cry and dry her tears. Leaving Stefan to pursue her assignments became increasingly difficult. He was protective and loving, but very encouraging about her career. Never once did he suggest that she slow down or consider a desk job. Of course, their relationship was still in the honeymoon phase. However, considering he was older and worldlier, Keesha expected him to make demands no matter how minor. Thus far, he hadn't.