Brave Enough

Fourteen

      "Good morning Miss Malina. We are currently at our personal base of operations. Here we will be teaching you some self defense," James walks around the control room looking at various weapons and workout gear.

      "This is incredible," James says in awe.

      "Thank you. Now let's get ready for training. We're going start with some martial arts and warm ups. I want you to run five laps around this gym. You don't have to go fast just enough to wake up your muscles," Shepard says walking over to her.

     "We need to get her prepped fast. I want her to start training with weapons," Zedd says walking into the gym.

     "Zedd I don't know about doing that. She's so young and..." Shepard starts. Zedd puts his hand up to stop him.

     "She's young which means she's at the perfect time to learn. She also has potential and we've been looking for another one. I've already talked to Jerome, Talia, and Thena. It won't be like last time. James go ahead and start your laps. Shep and I have something to discuss."

     "Zedd. I don't think it's a good idea to get her involved. She's just so innocent. I'm surprised Athena okayed getting her involved."

     "Shepard. Look at her. She's determined and is full of so much potential. Obviously we won't tell her until she's stable enough. Plus it's always an option we aren't going to force her into anything she doesn't want to do. Just think about it." Zedd watches James as she starts her third lap. "I can tell she won't be like Amberlie. She's stronger and more determined. Considering Athena is okay with what we do not too much is surprising anymore. Have faith Shep." Shepard sighs.

     "She is strong. She's doing everything in her power to keep her kid sister alive and safe. If I agree to this lets wait two months and build up her abilities. We'll also have to be extremely careful her father is an agent with the FBI undercover I believe. Do you really believe she's the best candidate?"

      "Yes. I think we should wait a little longer. Maybe six months. So we can test what she is capable of while also working on this case. She needs to breathe and not be worried about anything else right now."

     "Okay in six months we will talk to her. We'll possibly have a third member." James finishes her fifth lap as Shepard finally agrees.

                  ****

      "Man I didn't realize how out of shape I was. This workout has kicked my ass," James says trying to catch her breath. Shepard laughs.

     "We'll do this twice a week for about two months then we will up it as you become more comfortable. Alright go ahead and get cleaned up. I'll drop you off at your apartment. I think Buckley has plans to meet you there today," Zedd says. "Alright let's get you home."

"Have you girls made any more progress on your case?" Zedd asks once they're in the car. "I'm also sorry about everything you're having to deal with."

"Not much. But we are still looking. I'm terrified of Buck finding out about the other women right now. He'll lose it. He's so protective of Cleo and I. I'm worried he's going to stress himself to death. I love him to death but I don't think I can let him take on more stress inducing information."

"I understand that. You do tell Thena right?" He asks.

"Of course. She's also looking into other similar case across the country. And trying to track his whereabouts when she can," James says.

"Good. Alright I'm going to walk you up and wait until I see Buck. Then I'll leave. Shep and I have some business to attend to. When you plan on leaving send one of us a text. If you're. Not with Buck, Eddie, or Athena we need to be with you. Do you understand?" She nods. "Good."

The door opens as they approach. Buck stands shirtless in the doorway smiling. Cleo wiggles past him running towards James. "Aless!!!" She wraps her little arms around James. "Buck's making us lunch. I accidentally spilled sauce on his shirt." James stands their struggling to free herself from her younger sister.

"Is he now? Common on kiddo. Is Thena still here?" James asks lifting Cleo into her arms. She rubs slightly at her chest wound.

      "No I sent her off to her shift. Are you alright? Is something wrong with your wound?" Buck asks jumping into medic mode.

       "It's fine Buckley. It just itches a little. A little bit of a sting to it. Nothing I can't handle," James says cautiously not wanting to alarm him over nothing. Buck takes Cleo from her and leads them to the living room. "Thanks Zedd. I'll let you know if we need you."

       "Have a good day Miss Malina," He says walking out of the apartment.

       "Sit down and remove your shirt. Last time you said it was nothing you were unconscious for ten days. I'm checking your scar and then the three of us are going to go have some fun. I was thinking a picnic on the beach. Cleo said she wanted the beach and I chose a picnic. We've been making the food while we waited for you." James's heart melts.

"How long have you been here? And can I shower? I probably smell awful after working out," James says with a laugh.

"Not long maybe half an hour. That's fine. Cleo and I still have to finish what we're doing anyways," Buck checks the wound and after he's satisfied he pulls James's face up to his lips and kisses her gently. "Go on babe we've got it from here. Right Cleo?"

      "Yes!" She shouts. Hugging Buck who kisses her forehead.

      "Alright peanut. Let's go finish lunch and give your sister some alone time," Buck scoops her up and throws her over his shoulder jogging to the kitchen area and setting her on the counter. "You've got the best sister in the world Cleo. And I'm going to love her for the rest of my life," Buck says quietly to Cleo. She smiles at him.

       "Me too."