V

And if you're up there you'd perceive,
That my heart's here upon my sleeve

- A. Partridge, C. Moulding

Julio Martinez sat nervously wiping the sweat off his forehead in one of the chairs in front of the assistant's desk as he waited for the Princess to arrive. He had spent a great deal of time wondering if he could find another job as good as the one he currently held and had come to the unpleasant conclusion that if he was fired, he'd be lucky to make three-quarters of what he made now.

"Good morning, Mr. Martinez," Bailey said as she rounded the corner and walked passed him into her office. "Join me."

Julio got up apprehensively, more than a little surprised to see the Princess in faded blue jeans and a baggy black turtleneck sweater; she even had on a pair of black hiking boots. He marveled at this never before seen wardrobe and reluctantly walked into her office, taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of her desk.

"Mr. Norvath informed me you wanted to speak to me."

"I did indeed," Bailey purred as she seated herself behind her desk. "Lose the tape recorder."

"Excuse me?"

"Lose it," Bailey said and stared at him nonchalantly until he sheepishly pulled the micro recorder from inside his jacket and turned it off.

"How did you know?"

"I didn't," she said. "It's come to my attention that you have a problem with Miss Tate. Would you care to share with me exactly what that problem is?"

"Nothing I can't get over."

"I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Martinez," Bailey said, locking eyes with the man. "I suggest you do so immediately."

Julio noted uncomfortably that he couldn't look her in the eye for more than a second. "Is that all?"

"Not quite," Bailey said. "I don't like to see anyone leave the company, but if you persist in your disrespect for Miss Tate, you'll find yourself out of a job. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes."

"Good, and on a personal note," she said with a smile that didn't even come close to reaching her eyes. "If you involve yourself further into my personal affairs, you'll not only be unemployed, but I'll break the fingers on both your hands."

Julio's eyes shot up at the threat but his outrage died with a pathetic whimper almost immediately. He looked at her carefully and with an effort he met her eyes briefly before dropping his own gaze back to the floor in front of him. The glance was all he needed to realize that her threat was not an idle one. He had no misconceptions; she could and would do exactly as she threatened.

"Do you have anything to add?" she asked.

"No, I believe you've made yourself very clear."

"Good, carry on then, Mr. Martinez."

He got up and silently walked out the door, acutely aware of her eyes following him. He traveled stiffly to the far end of the floor and entered his office with a relieved sigh, circling his desk and falling ungracefully into his chair. Shaking his head as his arm snaked out to dial a number into the phone.

"Kurt Norvath."

"Hi, Kurt."

"That was quick," Kurt said. "You still have a job?"

"Yes."

"I'm glad to hear that. How did it go?"

"She told me to get over any problem I had with Piper immediately or she'd fire me."

"That it?"

"Oh no," Julio said. "She told me if I involved myself any further into her personal affairs, not only would she fire me, she'd break the fingers on both my hands."

Kurt laughed. "No shit?"

"I'm not kidding. She was serious."

"I'll bet she was," Kurt said, amused. "Just do your job Jules and don't rock the boat. If you ask me, she let you off easy. Keep your nose clean and she'll forget all about you, although I'd suggest you put on your best smile around Piper."

"I can't believe she threatened me."

"Get over it and be glad you still have a job."

"I'm an employee. I can't believe she threatened me like that."

"You stop being just an employee when you butt into someone's personal life, Jules," Kurt said. "You can expect personal repercussions."

"Yeah, but…"

"No buts," Kurt interrupted. "She's warned you. If you don't like it, I'd start looking for another job right now. And if you decide you want to test her resolve, you'd better update your resume and have your doctor take a current x-ray of your fingers so he'll know how to put them back together."

The line went silent for a long moment.

"Do I need to start looking for a replacement for you?"

"No."

"Good," Kurt said. "Button up your act for a few weeks and you'll go back to being anonymous."

"Alright, Kurt."

"Look, I gotta go. I don't want to get another call from her about you. Understand?"

"I got you, it won't happen."

"Glad to hear it," Kurt said. "Have a good one."

"You too."

He leaned forward in his chair and placed his palms flat against the desk in front of him, spreading his fingers out as far as they would go and studying them quietly for a long moment.

"Fuckin'A."

"Good morning," Terry said as he seated himself in his chair. "What's the news?"

"Yesterday afternoon Cameron and Tate left C-Corp where they proceeded to the Tate residence. They left the Tate residence a little over an hour later with several pieces of luggage and returned to C-Corp," Bob said. "No movement since then."

"Excellent news," Terry said. "Bob, do we have separate surveillance on the Tate residence like I asked?"

"Yes."

"Fantastic," Terry said. "Have Robards put a three man team on stand by."

"What for?"

"If Tate returns to her residence without Cameron I want to grab her," Terry said. "Alive. Make that perfectly clear."

"She has a roommate, Terry," Keith asked. "What if the roommate is present as well?"

"Eliminate the roommate," Terry said. "But I want Tate in our hands."

"Jesus," Keith said. "What do we hope to accomplish by kidnapping Tate?"

"Cameron loves her."

"So?" Bob asked. "We can assume she loved her family too, but that didn't keep her from going rogue."

"Tate is a completely different monster," Terry said. "Cameron was accustomed to having her family used against her. And when she went rogue, she knew that we couldn't afford to carry out any threat against her family. She was in too good of a position. If we harmed her family at that point, she would have buried us."

"If we harm Tate, she's still in the position to harm us, Terry," Bob pointed out.

"This is a completely different animal," Terry said. "I believe any threat to Tate would force her to negotiate."

"You said she never negotiates, Terry," Keith said. "What makes you think she'll change her tune?"

"Because she's never had a lover before," Terry said. "I believe that she would sacrifice herself to save Tate. And Tate obviously loves her or she would have left her when Cameron eliminated Mr. Nguyen."

"You set up Nguyen to die just to see if Cameron and Tate would stay together?" Keith asked.

"Exactly."

"Cameron knows we would never allow Tate to survive once we had possession of her, Terry," Bob said.

"I'll guarantee Cameron that Tate survives if she turns herself in with Satterfield and the file," Terry said. "I'll also inform her that we know where her family is and will let them finish their lives free from harm or our influence."

"Do you think she'll go for that?" Keith asked.

"More than likely," Terry said. "It's a promise I'll keep. She knows I will too."

"Would the Director allow that, Terry?" Bob asked.

"The Director will honor any promise I make if it resolves the situation."

"Have you considered our options if she refuses or allows Tate to die?" Keith asked.

"She'll never allow Tate to die if she loves her and has the opportunity to save her. Cameron has lived her entire adult life in sacrifice and I believe she'll do no less in regards to Tate."

"You seem rather convinced, Terry," Keith said. "She's been rather effective in finding alternate options before."

"I believe this is the only shot we're going to get without a confrontation," Terry said. "Bob, get a dossier to our other Free Agent so he can acquire Cameron. Make it clear that he's not to make any attempt on her unless he gets a green light from us."

"Very well," Bob said. "I'll inform Robards."

"Tell them to put on the kid gloves, we don't want to harm Tate in any manner."

Piper sat worriedly next to Bailey on a bench outside Potomac Airfield while they waited on the embassy car. Bailey had grown very withdrawn since landing and periodically squeezed her hand, sometimes painfully. An ache that she silently endured, knowing that her lover was extremely nervous and she suspected, more than a little afraid.

"It'll be okay," Piper comforted. "You'll see."

"Piper, she believes I've been dead for the last fifteen years," Bailey said. "What if she… what if she doesn't care about me anymore?"

"Oh, baby," Piper chided. "That's just nonsense."

"Is it?"

"What if…" Piper started knowing she was on shaky ground, "…you suddenly found out that your father was still alive after all of these years? Would you not care about him anymore?"

She didn't say anything in response but Piper saw her nod slightly.

"You look great today. I love that poncho."

"Thank you."

Piper brought their hands to her mouth and kissed Bailey's. "I'll be right next to you the whole time."

"I'm considering calling this off and going home."

"No you're not," Piper said sternly. "Your family deserves to know you, Bailey."

Bailey just squeezed her hand tighter and began to rock herself gently back and forth on the bench. An action that Piper was familiar with as a sign that she was in extreme emotional distress. She was relieved greatly when she saw a black limousine with diplomatic plates pull into the parking lot.

"They're here," Piper said pulling Bailey gently to her feet. She saw her take several deep breaths and close her eyes behind her sunglasses, standing perfectly still until spoken to.

"It's good to see you well," Jeremy said to Bailey with a quick look at Piper.

"Hello, Major," Bailey said. "Allow me to introduce Piper Tate."

"A pleasure, Miss Tate," Jeremy said, noting their joined hands.

"It's nice to meet you," Piper said.

"Are you ready?" Jeremy asked, opening the door to the back of the limousine.

"Thank you," Piper said, hopping in and pulling Bailey in behind her.

Jeremy got in as well and sat across from them, knocking on the window to signal the driver who immediately pulled away from the curb. He wasn't sure what he could say in front of the Tate woman so he remained silent and waited for them to start any conversation.

"Piper knows everything, Major," Bailey said, watching the scenery go by.

"I see," Jeremy said wondering if she could read minds.

"Does my mother know she's going to have company?"

"No," Jeremy said. "I've arranged a private room; when we arrive I'll have someone escort her there. Would you like to see your brother at the same time?"

"I'd like to see my mother alone first if it's not a problem."

"Of course not."

"How is she?"

"Full of piss and vinegar," Jeremy said and Piper chuckled. "Like I said, I'm not one of her favorite people."

"Sounds like my Mom."

"She's a handful," Jeremy said. "Her stinging tongue has traumatized most of the staff."

Piper chuckled and turned a smile on Bailey. "Does that sound like your mother?"

"I can't remember," Bailey said and Piper's face fell.

"I'm sorry," Piper said, squeezing her hand tightly.

Bailey continued to stare out the window and Piper gave Jeremy a little cock of her head in silent explanation, receiving a nod in reply. The rest of the trip was completed in an uncomfortable silence and Piper was relieved when they passed through the gates of the embassy.

"If you'd like to wait in the car, I'll have your mother escorted and return for you shortly," Jeremy said.

"Thank you, Major," Bailey said and he nodded politely as he exited the car.

"You okay?" Piper asked when the door closed behind Jeremy.

"No."

"Baby, I promise everything will turn out fine. Have I steered you wrong before?"

"No."

"Trust me."

"Okay."

"Here comes the Major."

Bailey took a deep breath and got out of the car when he opened the door for her. She waited for Piper and took her hand in a death grip as she got out and stood next to her.

"This way," Jeremy said, leading them into the entryway where two guards stood.

Piper noticed the guards start to close on them and a scowl etched its way on to her features.

"Stand fast," Jeremy said to the guards and they retreated to their original positions.

When they got inside, he turned to Bailey. "I apologize," he said signaling to Andrew who was following at a discreet distance.

"Andrew, please inform all personnel that Miss Cameron and Miss Tate are not to be approached or hindered in any manner."

"At once," Andrew said, turning to carry out his orders.

"Follow me, please," Jeremy said and led them through a long hall with several doors, eventually coming to a halt. "Your mother is in that room," he pointed. "Take all the time you need. You won't be disturbed."

"Thank you," Bailey said with an effort and Piper turned a worried look on her.

"Major, could we have a moment?" Piper asked.

"Of course," he said walking back down the hall until he was out earshot and seating himself in one of the chairs that the lined the hallway.

"Piper, I don't think I can do this," Bailey said, struggling and beginning to breathe erratically.

"I know you're scared," Piper said, rubbing a hand over her back. "Would you like me to go in and talk to her first?

Bailey nodded.

"I'll be back in a minute, okay?"

Another nod.

"Don't go away," Piper said sternly and stood on her toes to peck her on the cheek.

As soon as the door closed behind her, Bailey collapsed into one of the chairs and put her head in her hands.

Jeremy watched in concern and curiosity as Piper went to work on her and was a little taken aback when she almost fell into her chair. He couldn't comprehend how hard it would be to reunite with a family that thought you long dead, but watching a person he knew was far from weak so close to shattering, he understood it was not an easy thing for her to do. He watched covertly as she began to rock a little in her chair and he wondered if there was anything he could say or do to help her. In the end, he decided that any effort he might make would be for naught, so he studiously ignored her and hoped that she would see the situation through. He smiled in relief when Piper reappeared and dragged her almost bodily into the room.

Doreen looked up in irritation as the door opened, surprised to see a pretty redhead step into the room and look at her with smiling pale blue eyes.

"Hello there," she said with the hint of a Cajun accent. "I'm Piper Tate."

"Hello," Doreen said as the woman bounced across the room and sat in the chair across from her.

"How are you today?"

"I'd be better if you'd tell me why I was dragged over here," she said in a slightly annoyed tone.

"You were brought here because you have a visitor and she would like to see you. Would you like to see her?"

"Who?" Doreen asked suddenly knowing, her chest tightening and her eyes growing moist.

"Let me get her, she's a little scared," Piper said, rising from her chair and going to the door.

Doreen's hands came to her mouth and she let out a strangled cry when Piper fairly pulled Bailey into the room.

"It can't be," Doreen said, the tears starting in earnest.

Piper gave Bailey a little shove in her mother's direction and she took several steps before losing her resolve.

"My daughter had black eyes," Doreen choked over a sob.

Bailey took a ragged breath and stepped forward, closing the distance between them to kneel in front of her openly weeping mother. She slowly removed her sunglasses and tentatively raised moist and frightened eyes.

"Hello, Mum," she croaked.

"My beautiful baby," Doreen cried, crushing her in an anguished embrace. "My baby, my baby, my baby…"

Bailey buried her face in her mother's hair and helpless to prevent it, she began to cry herself.

VI

Understand what I've become,
It wasn't my design

- D. O'Riordan

Piper slipped quietly out of the room and sat in the chair that Bailey had waited in, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. She was startled to suddenly find the Major standing in front of her and extending a handkerchief.

"Thank you," she said with a sniffle.

"Quite welcome," he said. "I take it everything went over all right?"

"Yeah."

"They'll be a little while I'm sure," Jeremy said. "She'll need you back in there shortly I'm afraid. Why don't we take a walk and I'll tell you how I came to meet her?"

"I'd like that," Piper said, standing to take the offered arm.

"You care for her, don't you?" Piper asked as the Major finished his story.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't," Jeremy admitted. "She's a remarkable person."

"Yes, she is," Piper said, zipping up her jacket against the cold.

"She's lived a long time in a profession with a spectacularly short career span," Jeremy said.

"She didn't have the option of dying, Major," Piper said. "They would've killed her family."

Jeremy went silent as he considered Piper's words grimly. "My God," he said finally. "What an unholy burden to have to bear."

"It's unimaginable to me," Piper said. "She has to be the strongest person I've ever known, but at the same time she's astonishingly fragile."

Jeremy just nodded as he absorbed the information.

"Thank you, Major," Piper said. "But I should get back to her."

"Of course," he said and walked with her back into the building, stopping when they reached the hall. "I'll be right here if either of you need anything."

"Thanks," she said with a grateful smile as she traveled down the hall and tentatively entered the room she had left them in.

She found Doreen still sobbing and stroking Bailey's hand, who was seated next to her on a sofa. Bailey looked up when she entered and waved her over, which she did and quietly took a seat next to her on the couch.

"Mum, you've already met Piper," Bailey said. "Piper, this is my mother, Doreen."

"It's very nice to meet you, ma'am."

"How do you know my daughter?"

"She owns the company I work for, Mrs. Cameron," Piper said, not elaborating.

"I see."

"Mum, I need to speak to Major Watts," Bailey said. "I'll be back in moment, alright?"

Doreen strengthened her hold on Bailey's hand. "You come back."

"I'll just be a few moments," Bailey promised and with a helpless look at Piper she rose from the sofa and exited the room.

Doreen waited for the door to close and turned a glare on Piper. "What have they done to her?"

Piper debated with herself before she answered. "It's a long story, Mrs. Cameron. And not a very pretty one."

"I can see that much in her eyes, child."

Piper took a deep breath as it dawned on her that Bailey didn't have the emotional stamina to explain anything to her mother and had purposefully left the room to leave her holding the bag.

"I know about your husband and son, Mrs. Cameron," Piper said slowly. "Bailey survived the shooting and killed the man that gave the order to fire two days later."

"Sweet Jesus," Doreen said, bursting into a fresh bout of tears and Piper scooted closer and took her hand.

"When you're ready," Piper said. "I'll tell you what I know."

Doreen just nodded and wiped at her eyes.

Jeremy saw Bailey exit the room and he gave her a moment to compose herself before he turned in her direction to find her coming down the hall towards him.

"You've something for me?" she asked with a rough voice and he noted that she had put her sunglasses back on.

"Yes," he said and walked into the foyer to signal Andrew who approached and looked at him expectantly. "Please retrieve the dossier I requested yesterday."

"Back in a moment," Andrew said.

"Major, I don't have the words to express how much your actions have meant to me."

"Call me Jeremy, please," he said. "I stopped being a Major many years ago."

"Jeremy," Bailey said with a grin. "Call me, Bailey."

"That would be a pleasure," he said. "And my wife and two boys are glad they still have a father and a husband."

"I was glad to be of assistance."

"I think assistance isn't a big enough word," he said. "How far did you drag me across the sand?"

"Twelve miles."

"Good Lord,." he chuckled, shaking his head.

"Sir," Andrew said from a distance as he approached and Jeremy waved him forward, taking the file from him and handing it to Bailey. "Thank you, Andrew," he said in dismissal and Andrew returned to his distant shadowing.

"Shall we take a walk?" Jeremy said, gesturing outside and Bailey nodded.

"How long ago was my paper picked up?" she asked thumbing through the file casually.

"Less than a week," Jeremy said. "You said you've already met Mr. Nguyen?"

"Yes," Bailey said. "He's dead."

"I see," Jeremy said. "Is there any other way I can be of assistance to you?"

"Perhaps," Bailey said. "I'm expecting the best, but I need to prepare for the worst. Would it be possible to offer sanctuary to anyone I might need to send you?"

"I can arrange that," Jeremy said. "Do you expect this to happen soon?"

"If anything happens, it'll be in the next two weeks," Bailey said. "I'm hoping to end this quietly around that time, but I don't know how much longer they can be patient."

"I'll be prepared," Jeremy said. "And I'll inform the Ambassador."

"Much appreciated."

"Is Piper with your mother?"

"Yes, I rather cowardly left her in there to explain things."

Jeremy chuckled. "Your mother is a formidable woman."

"Yes, she is."

"Any thoughts on the Italian?"

"He won't risk getting close to me," Bailey said. "If they utilize him, he'll play the sniper. He shouldn't be a problem."

"I'm glad to hear that," Jeremy said. "Would you like to head back inside?"

"It'll be awhile," Bailey said, pulling her cigarettes from under her poncho. "It's a long story."

"I see," Jeremy said reaching for his own cigarettes. "There's a bench around the corner, would like to swap lies to pass the time?"

"Alright," she said with an amused smile. "But first, I think I'd like to hear how you managed to find me and how you knew who I was."

"Ahh, that would be a pleasure," he said with a grin. "I seldom get to discuss my own ingenuity."

"My baby," Doreen said. "She was Daddy's little girl you know, she adored him."

"She still does."

"She had a dark spot even when she was a child," Doreen said. "Every once in a great while, she would retreat in there and not even her father could pull her out of it until she was ready."

Piper said nothing and let Doreen work things out in her own way. She had watched Bailey's mother run a gambit of emotions in the last two hours; from all out grief, to a somewhat frightening bright anger.

"She left you in here to tell me this didn't she?"

"Yes. She was terrified to come here today."

"Why?" Doreen asked, a little hurt.

"Mrs. Cameron, she may be thirty-one years old but in a lot of ways she's still very insecure and emotionally inexperienced. She's isolated herself from the world for most of her life, she's never had friends, or relationships; in essence, she's had no one to guide her," Piper said softly. "She's incredibly intelligent and can deal with any situation, but she's almost completely at a loss on how to handle things on a personal or emotional level. And coming to see her mother, who has believed her dead for so long, was very difficult for her. She asked me before we arrived what would happen if you didn't care about her anymore."

"God," Doreen said, her eyes beginning to water again.

"She's not pleased with how she's lived her life, in fact I know she's ashamed of what she's done and it hurts her," Piper continued. "She doesn't want you to be ashamed of her too."

"How could I?" Doreen asked. "All these years and she was fighting to make sure her brother and myself got a chance at life. She would have never allowed any of this to happen if Ryan and I weren't in the picture, she would have killed herself first."

"Maybe."

"No maybe about it," Doreen said. "You couldn't cage her even as a child. She had a horrible temper and was very obstinate, no amount of threats or promises could get her to give in. If she was trapped and had no other concern but herself, she wouldn't have tolerated any of this. Even if that meant she had to die to escape."

Piper considered her words thoughtfully.

"What happens now?" Doreen asked after a moment, wiping at her eyes.

"I guess we need to ask her that," Piper said. "Let me go find her, I'm sure she's close."

Doreen nodded and Piper lifted herself off the sofa and made for the door. She entered the hall to see Bailey speaking with the Major a short distance away.

"Bailey," Piper said and Bailey nodded to the Major before she approached and let Piper pull her into the room.

"Come sit beside me," Doreen said and Bailey walked uncertainly over to the couch and sat next to her mother. "Piper told me everything," she said and Bailey's eyes immediately dropped to study the floor.

"Wipe that look off your face," Doreen said sternly. "I know that everything you did, you did for Ryan and I, and I won't have you being ashamed for saving us and that's exactly what you've done. You've carried a weight on your back that I think few could've endured. So, I'll not hear of it anymore." Her hand came up to cup Bailey's cheek. "I'm proud and eternally grateful that I have my little girl back, and that you were strong enough to persevere and return to your family. I love you child, and nothing will ever take that away."

Bailey let out a sob as she fell into her mother's waiting embrace. Doreen kissed her hair and rocked her silently until she regained some composure and sat up wiping at her eyes.

"You're more beautiful than I could've hoped," Doreen said, brushing the hair out of her face tenderly before standing and walking over to enter the hallway. She saw who she was looking for and made tracks in his direction. He saw her approach and turned to her expectantly.

"Mr. Watts, would you see that my son makes his way here, please?"

"Of course," he said, a little surprised that she was speaking to him.

Doreen spun on her heel and made her way back to the room. She had left the door open and she entered to see Piper sitting behind Bailey on the sofa and redoing the braid in her hair. She watched curiously for a moment as Piper whispered to her comfortingly and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, taking her hand and pulling her gently to her feet.

"I want you to see Ryan," Doreen said as they turned to her. "Only for a moment, and I'll talk to him later about things. After I see him away, I'd like to find out what you've in mind for us."

"Okay."

"How long can you stay?"

"We have to leave tonight."

"We?" Doreen asked, smiling at their joined hands.

"Piper and I."

"I see," Doreen said. "Come give me a hug, Piper," she added with a smile and chuckled when Piper bounced away from Bailey, wrapping her arms around her as the door opened and Ryan entered, taking in the scene with a puzzled expression.

"What's going on, Mum?"

"What's it look like?" Doreen asked.

Ryan looked from person to person until his eyes came to rest on Bailey and he stared at her confusedly, cocking his head a little.

"Don't be rude, Ryan," Doreen admonished. "Say hello to your sister."

"Sister," Ryan said slowly. "But…oh my God." His eyes widened as it all crashed in on him.

"Hello, Ryan," Bailey said, trying not to shuffle her feet.

"My God, Bailey?" he asked and she nodded her head. "I don't understand."

"I'll explain later," Doreen said. "Give her a hug, you dolt."

He crossed the room and tentatively embraced her, backing away slowly and looking into her eyes. "Jesus please us, it really is you," he said and embraced her again, earnestly.

"Ryan, this is Piper Tate," Bailey said as he released her and began to study her at close range.

"Hi, Ryan," Piper said, stepping forward and extending her hand to give Bailey a little space.

"Hello," he said distantly, shaking her hand, slowly tearing his eyes away from Bailey and looking at her. "Uhm… Who are you?"

"She's my girlfriend," Bailey said, taking her hand when Ryan released it.

Ryan shook his head and fell bonelessly into one of the chairs. "What the hell is going on?"

"Your sister's alive and she has a girlfriend," Doreen said dryly. "I'll explain the rest to you later."

Ryan spent a moment looking from person to person. "I think I need a drink," he said quietly.

"Ryan, I wanted you to see her," Doreen said. "There's a lot you should know but I need to talk to her for a bit, she needs to leave soon."

"Alright," he said slowly, rising from his seat to stand in front of Bailey again. "You're beautiful, sister," he said with a smile. "I'm not going to pretend I've a clue about what's going on, but it does my heart good to have you back," he said and tenderly embraced her. "Will we see you again soon?"

"I hope so."

"I hope so, too."

He turned to Piper. "It's very nice to meet you."

"Thank you," Piper said.

"Be on your way, Ryan," Doreen said. "I need to speak to your sister. I'll talk to you shortly."

Ryan nodded and beamed a smile at Bailey as he left the room, throwing a parting glance over his shoulder.

"He looks like Da," Bailey whispered.

"Yes, he does," Doreen said. "Doesn't have his smarts though, but he's a good man."

"He has a fiancé?"

"Yes, Fiona. I would've sent for her too, but I didn't want to overwhelm you."

"It's been a tough day," Bailey said. "Thank you."

"Take a seat, child. And tell me what we should expect," Doreen said padding over and sitting down on the sofa.

"I expect everything to be finalized in the next two weeks," Bailey began, seating herself on the sofa across from her mother with Piper. "Once it's done, you and Ryan are free to live anywhere you choose under the Cameron name."

"Even America?"

"Yes, anywhere you'd like."

"Where do you live?"

"In Atlanta.

"I'd like to be near my daughter," Doreen said. "But I'm afraid we've little money, no jobs, and aren't citizens."

"You don't need jobs, you'll be citizens of this country if you like and I've more than enough money for you to live anyway or anywhere you want."

"Then I want to live in Atlanta."

"I'd like that, too."

"Both Mr. Watts and Piper say these people want to kill you," Doreen said. "How do you plan to survive?"

"I can't tell you that because too many things can change," Bailey said. "But I'll win and I'll get what I want."

"What do you want?"

"I want a normal life with Piper and my family," Bailey said. "And I'll get it, one way or another."

"Alright, when do we know it's over?"

"I'll either come for you myself or I'll send word through Major Watts."

"I hate to even ask this, but what happens if we never hear from you?"

"I've made arrangements for everyone's welfare if I don't survive," Bailey said and Piper looked at her sharply. "The Major will be contacted by someone else in that case. But I don't expect that to happen."

"These people are obviously very powerful," Doreen said. "Can't we just run now that we're together?"

"No."

"Why?" Doreen said. "I don't want to chance losing you to these people again."

"Because they've stolen too much from me and I've no intention of running. It wouldn't be fair to Piper, you and Ryan, or myself."

"Is there no changing your mind?"

"No."

"Alright," Doreen said. "I'd like to spend Christmas with my daughter."

Bailey exchanged a quick look with Piper.

"Mrs. Cameron, I believe my family would be delighted to have the Cameron family for Christmas at their home," Piper said. "If that's alright with you?"

"Will you and Bailey be there?"

"Of course."

"I think that would be very nice."

"Me too," Piper said, squeezing Bailey's hand.

"We should go," Bailey said and Doreen's eyes instantly filled.

"You come back to me."

"I will," Bailey said. "I promise."

Doreen stood up. "Give your Mum a hug."

Bailey rose and embraced her tightly. "I'll see you again."

"I love you, child," Doreen said, squeezing her tightly before letting go. "Give me a squeeze too, Piper."

Piper smiled and embraced her. "Don't you ever let her go," Doreen said so softly in her ear that Piper barely heard it.

Bailey took Piper's hand and leaned quickly over her mother, planting a kiss on her cheek. "Goodbye, Mum."

"Bye, love," Doreen said, wiping at her eyes as they walked to the door but Bailey turned as she crossed the threshold and beamed a winning smile in her direction.

"Wait!" Doreen said. "I've something for you," she said as she began frantically looking around for her purse, and finding it with a relieved sigh, she dug through it furiously, walking to the door to hand Bailey a picture.

"What's this?"

"Look at it."

Her eyes fell to the photograph and grew moist as she viewed the features of her family in its entirety.

"Thank you," Bailey said, her voice cracking. "I've no pictures to remember them by."

"I thought as much," Doreen said. "I look at that one everyday and ask God to watch over those no longer with us and tonight I'll not be grieving for you. Now be on your way so I can have another good cry," she said with a shooing gesture.

Bailey could only nod and Piper shot her another smile in parting as they entered the hall. Jeremy saw them coming and signaled to Andrew.

"Have them bring the car about," he said and Andrew instantly disappeared.

He turned back to the women to see that Piper had brought them up short and was whispering to Bailey. He waited patiently until they arrived.

"Would you like me to accompany you to the airfield or would you like some time alone before your flight?" Jeremy asked.

"Would you be offended if we left alone, Major?" Piper asked.

"Of course not," he said, offering his hand. "It was a pleasure, Miss Tate."

"Yes, it was very nice to meet you."

"Bailey, I hope to see you soon," he said, offering her his hand as well.

"Thank you for everything, Jeremy," she said as she shook his hand. "You've my number if you have any questions?"

"I do," Jeremy said, surprised at how soft her hands were.

"Take care," Bailey said, releasing his hand and taking Piper's again.

"You too," he said as the car pulled up and Bailey opened the door for Piper and got in behind her.

"Sir?" Andrew said appearing at his side as the car pulled away.

"Yes, Andrew?"

"Who was that woman?"

"Which one?"

"The dark one," Andrew said. "She's dangerous."

"Yes, she is."

"Who is she?"

"The Wraith."

VII

She was a fast machine, She kept her motor clean,
She was the best damn woman I had ever seen

- Young, Young, Johnson

Piper rinsed the shampoo out of her hair and stepped out of the shower, her thoughts centering on Bailey as she dried off. She had been extremely quiet since they had left the embassy and upon arriving home, she had declined an offer to join her in the shower and had immediately crawled into bed. Wrapping a towel around her, she left the bathroom and found her asleep fully clothed. She gently sat down beside her on the edge of the bed and carefully took the photograph from Bailey's fingers, knowing that she had fallen asleep while studying it.

She looked at the photograph for the first time and saw a Bailey that made her breath hitch. She was smiling widely and her eyes sparkled in way that she had never seen. The Bailey that she knew had eyes that made her seem centuries older than her physical age and she wondered, not for the first time, what she would have been like with a different life. With a pained expression, she reverently put the photograph on the nightstand next to the bed and set the alarm. Shrugging out of her towel she crawled into bed beside her, snuggling up to her back and softly stroking the ebony hair until she fell asleep herself.

Piper slapped the alarm three times in irritation before she succeeded in turning it off and grudgingly opened her eyes. She rolled over onto her back and fanned her arms out on either side of her, scowling upon discovering she was alone. With a sigh, she got up and into a pair of sweats, grinning when she spotted Bailey's sleep shirt hanging from the bathroom doorknob. Pulling it over her head and practically swimming in the black shirt that was several sizes too big for Bailey, she inhaled deeply of the scent that still clung to the fabric.

Smiling, she ventured out of the bedroom and, as she approached the kitchen, she found Martin sitting at the table poking at a bowl of cereal. She could hear the pounding bass of a song being played loudly down the hallway.

"Morning," Martin said.

"Good morning."

"That shirt is huge on you," he observed with an amused grin.

"It's Bailey's," Piper said. "What's she doing?"

"I don't really know," Martin said with a shrug. "She came through here with her sword about half an hour ago and asked not to be disturbed."

"Her sword?" Piper asked with a scowl.

Martin shrugged. "Did everything go alright yesterday?"

"Yeah. Yeah, it did."

"I'm happy to hear that."

"Did she seem upset when she came through?"

"Nope, she smiled at me."

"Hmmm," Piper said. "I think I'll look in on her," she added, following the music down the hallway until she came to a set of double doors.

She entered slowly and with a raised eyebrow, observed a very large room with a wooden floor and exercise equipment on one side. Stepping all they way in she saw her at the far end of the room with her back to her. Her eyes widened as Bailey swung the sword about her so fast that it took her a second to realize what she was doing. Abruptly, she cart wheeled in the air to her side and upon landing began performing the same series of exercises with her other hand. She watched in fascination as Bailey sped up her motions and switched the sword back and forth between either hand, eventually gaining enough speed that she gave up trying to follow the blade and thought she could hear it whistling in the air over the music. Her mouth dropped open at the display of technical skill, gasping when Bailey ran at the wall and upon contact kicked herself backwards in a flip, landing easily on her feet. The song came to an end and she sat cross-legged on the floor, laying the sword across her lap.

"That was friggin' amazing," Piper said and Bailey sprang to her feet in a catlike motion, walking over to grab a remote from the window ledge.

"Good morning," Bailey said after she clicked off the stereo.

"Good morning," Piper said as her eyes took in the approaching sweaty form dressed in a black muscle shirt and sweats. "You sure are limber."

"Be quiet."

Piper chuckled as she received a quick peck on the mouth. "What was that you were listening to?"

"Juno Reactor."

"Hmmm, catchy," Piper said. "What ya gonna do today?"

"I've got to see to some things downstairs, but other than that I've no plans."

"We didn't talk much last night, are you okay?"

"Never better."

"Sure?"

"Yeah."

Piper wrapped her arms around waist. "I'm concerned about you," she said. "Tell me this is all going to work out okay."

"It will," Bailey said. "I promise."

"I don't want to lose you, Bailey."

"You won't."

"You sound so sure," Piper said. "This is a scary thing you're… I mean we are involved in."

"Piper, promise me something."

"I'll try."

"Don't ever give up on me," Bailey said. "No matter what happens."

"I promise."

"Good, because things aren't always as they might appear to be."

"What does that mean?"

"It means I never quit, Piper," Bailey said. "I play to win and if it looks like I've lost, its only because its not over yet."

"Could you be a little more cryptic?" Piper asked with a little scowl.

"Perhaps."

"What if they kill you, Bailey?"

"The odds of that are vanishingly small."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Because, for the first time in my life," Bailey said placing a kiss on the top of her head, "I've a future, and no one will take that away. No one.

Piper embraced her tightly. "You'd better not leave me."

"I won't."

Piper held her quietly for a long moment before she sniffed loudly. "You stink."

"Thank you."

"Well you do," Piper said with a smile. "I've got to get ready for work, wanna take a shower with me? I'll make sure you're not so stinky."

"Hmmm," Bailey considered and Piper sighed. "Okay, but only if you beat me there," she said quickly and ran through the door.

"No fair," Piper yelled after her in pursuit.

Martin looked up from his cereal in alarm when Bailey raced by him without a word and vanished rapidly down the hallway.

"Cheater!" Piper yelled from behind him.

He watched as Piper ran by him without a glance as she chased after Bailey. He grinned in amusement and returned half-heartedly to his soggy cereal.

Bailey sat down behind her desk with a smile and punched a number into the speakerphone, spinning playfully back and forth in her chair as she waited for an answer.

"Brad Stiper."

"Brad, Bailey Cameron."

"Yes, Miss Cameron, what can I do for you today?"

"I need to see you today."

"My office or yours?"

"Mine, please."

"Alright, I can be there around one," he said. "Is that acceptable?"

"That would be fine."

"What's the order of business?"

"I need to transfer all of my holdings."

"I see."

"I need this done discreetly and I need to set up several accounts."

"Very well," he said. "I'll be there at one," he added as her cell phone rang.

"Thanks, Brad," she said and hung up while pulling her cell phone from her pocket.

"Cameron."

"I got your plans," Thumper said in greeting.

"Any problems?"

"None," Thumper said. "It's state property, current blueprints, nothing available at this time on recent renovations."

"Great, where will you be today?"

"Personal visit?" he asked slowly. "I thought we were getting along so well."

"We are, Thumper," Bailey said with a little grin. "I need them as soon as possible. I'll send someone for them."

"Very well," Thumper said, trying to keep the relief out of his voice. "I'll be at the club we met at from one to three today."

"Okay," she said, amused. "Could I ask another favor, a personal one, completely optional?"

"Hit me with it."

"Could you put a scare into the man I send you?"

Thumper laughed in spite of himself. "I didn't know you had a sense of humor. Big scare or little scare?"

"Oh, give him a big scare, make sure you let him know it was the Princess's idea afterward."

"Alright, I can do that, the fellas will get a kick out of it," he said chuckling. "Who should I expect?"

"Mr. Anderson."

"Will do," Thumper said. "Anything else?"

"Nope, that'll do it," Bailey said. "Thanks, Thumper."

"Anytime."

Bailey put the cell phone back in her pocket with a snicker and punched Josh's number into the speakerphone.

"Good morning, Princess," Josh said jovially.

"Could you come to my office, please?" Bailey asked with narrowed eyes.

"At once, my Lady."

Bailey nodded to herself thoughtfully; thinking her joke on Josh was coming at just the right time to knock him down a peg or two. She waited almost five minutes for him to poke his head into her office and she waved him to a chair.

"Progress?" she asked.

"Yes, but I've run into a little roadblock," he said leaning forward to hand her a piece of paper from his little notebook. "The ones in red I have no doubt about, the ones in blue are possibilities."

Bailey looked at the paper to see four names in red and twelve in blue. "Hmmm," she considered and handed the paper back to him.

"Here's what I need you to do," she said pulling out a sticky pad to write on. "Go to this address at one this afternoon and ask for Mr. Washington, he's expecting Mr. Anderson," She paused and handed him the note. "He has some blueprints that I need returned to me tonight and I want you to give him a list of the names you have in blue. Ask him to run a records search, a passive one, and wait for him to give you the results. The names that come up with nothing prior to three years ago will be our guys."

"Alright."

"How much did you want to leave your wife?"

"One third."

"Done," Bailey said. "I'll take care of it this afternoon."

"Thank you."

"No, thank you," Bailey said. "I'll also arrange to have your fingerprints and criminal record disappear at a later date, so you can become Mr. Anderson without worry of being discovered."

"Much appreciated," Josh said. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Your call the other night from the mall. Did you run into trouble?"

"A contractor who jumped the gun," she said casually. "No trouble."

"Do I take that to mean he's now permanently out of the picture?" he asked, trying not to wince.

"Yes."

"They've put a contract out on you, too?"

"Yes, only two have picked up the paper though," Bailey said. "Which reminds me," she added as she pulled the file the Major had given her from her desk and handed it to him. "If you see this man, let me know immediately, please."

"Alright."

"Any problems I should know about?"

"None that I'm aware of."

"Good," Bailey said. "If these names turn out alright, I believe you're done inside the building. You have your package?"

"Yes, let me know when I need it."

"I will," Bailey said. "I should be in my office all day, bring the blueprints here when you get back, please."

"Okay," Josh said, rising. "I'll talk to you shortly, Princess."

"I'm letting you get away with that for the time being, Mr. Anderson," she said with an amused smile. "Carry on."

He grinned. "At once," he said coming to a rigid attention before he departed with a chuckle.

Bailey watched him go. "Just you wait," she mumbled.

Leaning back in her chair, she realized she had nothing to do for several hours so she hopped up and made sure the hall was clear before she closed her office door and locked it. Seating herself again, she rummaged through the bottom drawer of her desk and produced a joystick, which she attached to the back of her computer. Smiling, she turned her complete attention on the monitor in front of her.

VII

In the midnight hour, I can feel your power

- P. Leonard, Madonna

Josh confirmed the address for third time as he drove slowly by the nightclub that had two very intimidating men at the door even at one in the afternoon. With a sigh and figuring he had nothing to lose, he parked the car across the street and walked briskly up to the two enormous black men blocking the entrance, one of which stepped forward to meet him.

"You in the right neighborhood, Uncle Salty?" the man asked.

"Mr. Anderson to see Mr. Washington, please," Josh said.

The other man stepped forward. "He's expecting you, follow me," he said and his companion stepped aside to let Josh pass.

Josh followed the man into a surprisingly large club that had a few people milling about at the bar and a few others setting up equipment on a large dance floor. He uncomfortably noted that he was the only white person in sight and he received several puzzled or outright hostile looks as he was led down a short hall in the back of the establishment.

He shortly found himself in a room with seven less than friendly looking people, including a huge bald man that towered over everyone else in the room. Suddenly feeling as if he were under a microscope, he willed his forehead and upper lip not to sweat as he put his most indifferent expression on his face.

"You done walked into the wrong room, paleface," Thumper said jovially.

"I'm Anderson," Josh said. "I'm here to see Mr. Washington."

No one answered him and with a super human effort, he kept his face calmly indifferent as the man on Thumper's right produced and began to lick the edge of a large hunting knife.

"He's kinda scrawny, Thumper," the man licking the knife said. "Can I fuck him anyways?"

"Sure, Jaime," Thumper said. "But let one of the smaller guys have him first, that dick of yours will probably rupture something."

Jaime smiled cruelly at Josh and took a step toward him. "Hold on a second, Jamie," Thumper said grabbing his arm. "Cut his balls off first," he added with a dismissive wave.

"I wouldn't touch me if I were you," Josh said calmly, surprising even himself since he was hanging from the cliff of panic by only his fingernails.

"Why's that?" Thumper asked as he picked up a magazine to browse through.

"Do you know who I work for?"

"Don't know, don't care," Thumper said and nodded to his men who rushed forward and grabbed Josh by the arms and legs.

He struggled madly but uselessly, his eyes widening in alarm as his shoes were taken off and he felt hands start to undo his pants. He rallied in a burst of adrenaline and managed to shake two of the men off but they immediately rejoined the fray, lifting him off the ground and forcibly removing his pants. He heard someone unrolling tape and before he could scream a large piece of duct tape was placed over his mouth and he was slammed into a chair, dressed from the waist down in only his boxers and a pair of black socks.

"Randall, go get a jar from the bar to put his balls in," Jamie said stepping forward. "And get some towels too, we don't want him to bleed to death before we bust his cherry."

Josh's eyes traveled wildly around the room, noting with a wave of despair that Thumper was indifferently looking through a sports magazine as if he didn't exist. He struggled against the men holding him in the chair, forcing another man to come over and assist. He fought with renewed strength as Randall returned and set a Mason jar at his feet and unceremoniously dumped a pile of white towels on the floor next to him. Experiencing a brief but fleeting taste of freedom as he almost got away, but was caught and forced back into the chair with his legs held open.

"Damn, he's stronger than he looks," a voice said from behind him.

"Yeah, he'll last a long time," Jaime said seductively. "Time for me to carve some white meat," he added, stepping forward to kneel between Josh's legs.

Josh went into a frenzy of resistance, screaming and grunting behind the tape in an effort to free himself.

"Don't jerk around or I might take the frank with the beans," Jaime chided as he ran the knife up the inside of Josh's legs.

Josh closed his eyes, screaming as loud as he could manage through the tape on his mouth and suddenly all the weight holding him down was gone. He reluctantly opened his eyes several seconds later to see everyone standing in front of him and grinning like idiots.

Thumper got up from his chair and walked over to tear the tape from his mouth. "The Princess says hello," he said and the room erupted in laughter.

Josh sat stupefied in his chair and gaped at all the laughing faces unbelievingly for a long moment, catching his breath.

"She put you up to this?" he asked finally, his voice hoarse from screaming and beginning to scowl as everyone in the room started laughing again with new enthusiasm.

"Alright fellas, give me some time with Mr. Anderson here," Thumper said.

Josh sat breathing heavily, watching with supreme irritation as the laughing men began to file cheerfully through the door. Jaime paused to ruffle his hair playfully as he passed and he jerked his head away from his hand in annoyance, eliciting another burst of laughter from the man as he exited the room.

"Fuckin'A," he said crossly as he stood from his chair and collected his pants.

Thumper chuckled and took a seat behind a desk in the corner of the room and waited while Josh put his pants and shoes back on. "I sent the other guys out of the room because any dealings I have with your employer are kept strictly between her and I."

"My employer has a fucking twisted and cruel sense of humor."

"I thought it was funny."

"You weren't the one sitting in the chair," Josh said tucking his shirt back in with sharp agitated bursts.

"Ya got me there," Thumper admitted with a chuckle. "Can I ask you a question, just between you and I?"

Josh stared at him for a moment, finally shrugging and seating himself in front of Thumper's desk. "Sure."

"I'm curious, but this has to go no further than this room. I don't want anything getting back to that lady."

"I can relate to that."

"Who is she?" Thumper asked. "I mean I know her last name and that's all I want to know, but who is she?"

"You've met her?"

"Once," Thumper said. "She killed six of my guys faster than chain blue lightning."

Josh shook his head. "All I can tell you is she's gotta be about the last person you would want to seriously fuck with."

"I figured that much out myself."

Josh shrugged. "She's really a rather likable and good-natured person, although I wouldn't recommend teasing her, as I found out a few minutes ago."

"I find that hard to believe."

"A few weeks ago and I would've found it hard to believe as well."

"Curiosity killed the cat," Thumper said with a shrug and reached below the desk to produce a long cardboard tube that he handed over the desk. "Here's what she asked for."

"Thanks," Josh said setting the tube between his legs and handing Thumper his list.

"What's this?"

"She asked me to have you run a passive records search on those names and to wait for the results," Josh explained. "She's looking for anyone who has no history prior to three years ago."

"Alright, go grab yourself a drink at the bar," Thumper said. "This'll take me a little while."

"Fair enough," Josh said. "Do I get one on the house for being a good sport?"

Thumper chuckled. "Sure," he said, waving Josh away.

"Cameron."

"Hey, where you at?" Piper asked.

"In my office."

"Oh, well stay right there, I'm on my way."

"Okay."

"See ya."

Bailey put her cell phone back into her pocket and got up to hide behind the door to her office.

"Bailey?" Piper said confusedly as she entered the room.

"Boo!" Bailey said loudly jumping out from behind the door.

Piper hopped forward with a startled shriek. "Shit!" she said, turning an annoyed glare upon her laughing lover. "You're not funny," she added with a slap to her shoulder.

"Sure I am," Bailey said chuckling. "I'm laughing aren't I?"

Piper huffed and sat down in one of the chairs in front of Bailey's desk. "You're mean."

"I am not."

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not."

"Are too."

"Am not."

"I hate to interrupt such an intellectual discussion but…" Josh said from the doorway with a bemused expression, getting an embarrassed chuckle from both women.

"Come on in, Josh," Bailey said walking around to sit behind her desk. "Joshua Anderson, meet Piper Tate."

"Hi," Josh said.

"Hello," Piper said. "You look very familiar to me."

"I've got a common face."

"Hmmm," Piper grunted.

"Shut the door and take a seat, Josh," Bailey said.

He closed the door behind him and crossed the room to hand her the cardboard tube. "Here."

"Thank you, Mr. Anderson," she said, smiling brightly at his annoyed expression as he took a seat. "It's okay to talk in front of Piper, do you have a list for me as well?"

"Yeah," he said taking it from his shirt pocket and leaning forward in his chair to hand it to her.

"You seem a little out of sorts, Josh," Bailey said. "Everything go okay with Thumper?"

Josh glanced at Piper uncertainly.

"Piper knows everything," Bailey clarified.

"She knows about your little joke?" Josh asked with narrowed eyes.

"Well, she doesn't know that," Bailey admitted with a chuckle.

"Do you know what they did to me?"

"No idea," Bailey said with another chuckle.

"What joke?"

"You heard me talk to Thumper the other night about the blueprints. I sent Josh to go pick them up today and I asked Thumper to give him a little scare," Bailey explained with a widening smile as Josh's eyes narrowed to slits and he grunted in annoyance.

"A little scare? They manhandled me, took my shoes and pants off, and were going to cut off my balls and rape me."

Piper gaped at Bailey. "That's awful," she said and then chuckled. Surprised at herself, she covered her mouth with her hand and looked sheepishly at Josh who scowled at her.

Bailey snickered then outright laughed when Piper chuckled. "I'll have to give Thumper a bonus."

"Yeah," Josh said irritably. "I'm so happy everyone got a good laugh at my expense. They thought it was hilarious; one of Thumper's goons even ruffled my hair on the way out."

"Bailey, how mean," Piper admonished but couldn't quite keep a grin off her face.

"It was just a little revenge, Josh," Bailey said. "He's been teasing me for days," she explained with a look at Piper.

"Uh huh," Josh said, looking away.

Bailey smiled and looked at the list he had given her. "How many out of the twelve names you gave Thumper came up?"

"Three."

"So these seven people are my guys?"

"I'm fairly confident they are, yes."

"I only know one name on this list," she said handing it over the desk to Piper. "Do you know these people?"

Piper looked at it curiously. "Most of them," she said. "Are these the people here to watch you?"

"Yes."

"What are you going to do with them?"

"Put a freeze on hiring and fire them."

"When?"

"Monday I think," Bailey said. "Well done, Josh."

Piper got up and walked around the desk to whisper in Bailey's ear and Josh watched curiously as they communicated with each other through whispers and facial expressions until Bailey finally shrugged and gave Piper a smile.

"Josh, would you like to join us for dinner tomorrow night?" Piper asked.

Josh blinked in surprise. "Okay."

"Good," Bailey said. "Give me a ring at seven and bring a Monopoly game."

"Monopoly?" Josh asked. "I haven't played that since I was a kid."

"It's Piper's favorite," Bailey teased. "If she wins that is."

"Be quiet," Piper said with a playful slap to Bailey's arm.

"I'll be in the building around seven." Josh said, trying not to gape at how easily Piper interacted with Bailey.

"Great," Piper said. "We'll see you then," she added pulling Bailey out of her chair.

"Alright," Josh said, rising himself.

"Have a good evening, Mr. Anderson," Bailey said as she locked her desk and picked up her tube of blueprints.

"Nice to meet you, Piper," Josh said, leaving the office with an amused look.

As soon as he left, Piper slapped Bailey on the bottom. "I can't believe you did that to him."

"You laughed."

"It just took me by surprise, that's all."

"Whatever," Bailey said with a knowing grin. "You ready to go?"

"Yep," Piper said, making a production out of ignoring Bailey's grin. "Lead the way."

"How many stereos do you have?" Piper asked as she exited the bathroom to find Bailey lying on her stomach in the middle of the bed, wearing her sleepwear as she watched a muted television and listened to music.

"One in every room I spend the majority of my time in," Bailey replied, lowering the music volume with a remote.

"Hmmm," Piper said launching herself onto the bed and climbing on top of Bailey's back to lie down. "Whatcha watching?" she asked when she situated herself.

"Some animal show," Bailey said. "Are you comfortable?"

"Very," Piper said. "Whatcha listening to?"

"Vangelis."

"I see," Piper said as she moved aside Bailey's hair and chewed on her neck.

"That kind of tickles," Bailey said with a little squirm.

"Sure tastes good though."

"Did you have any problems today?"

"Nope," Piper said, biting on Bailey's earlobe.

"Did you ask Martin if he wanted to join us tomorrow night?" Bailey said, cocking her head a little to give Piper better access.

"Yep," Piper said, sliding down to Bailey's waist and hiding her head under her T-shirt.

"What are you doing?" Bailey said with a chuckle as Piper left a trail of kisses up her back.

"Marking my territory," Piper said from under the shirt. "Any objections?"

"Not at this time."

"How fortunate," Piper said, emerging from under the shirt and tugging on it. "Take this off."

Bailey lifted herself slightly and pulled the shirt over her head, letting it drop to the floor at the foot of the bed as Piper situated herself in a straddling position on her rear.

"That's better," Piper said as she began to massage her back and shoulders.

"Hmmm. That feels good."

"Yes, it does," Piper said, leaning forward and placing a tender kiss between her shoulder blades.

Piper began a slow trail of kisses and gentle bites down Bailey's back until she came to the waistband of her shorts, where she brought both hands up and tugged gently on either side in request. She smiled when Bailey raised her hips and she pulled the shorts off excitedly, taking a playful mouthful of her left cheek.

"Hey," Bailey said with a surprised jump and a giggle.

"I couldn't help myself," Piper said, placing a kiss where she had bitten her. "You're so beautiful."

"Am I?"

"Yes you are," Piper said as she tenderly kneaded and placed intermittent kisses on her backside. "Great ass too."

Bailey smiled into the mattress and enjoyed the sensation of Piper's ministrations; her breath hitching uncertainly when Piper grabbed her waist and pulled up gently in request. She started to roll over but Piper pressed her softly back into the mattress and silently repeated her request.

"I don't…"

"Bend over."

"Uhm… Piper."

"Show me," Piper demanded, pulling on her hips.

Bailey's eyes widened a little at her tone and she timidly brought herself to her knees when Piper's weight suddenly vanished from her legs. She started to breathe excitedly, finding herself in a totally new and vulnerable position with Piper's hands roaming over her.

"Spread your legs."

"Piper…"

"Let me see everything."

Bailey fretfully, but excitedly obeyed, bringing herself up to her elbows as she spread her legs widely and arched her back to prominently display herself. She gasped when she felt a gentle finger touch her sex and she looked over her shoulder to see Piper insert the finger in her mouth, an action that served to electrify her unimaginably and she moaned softly at the sight.

"You're very wet," Piper said. "And you taste divine," she added, kneeling behind her and centering her face between the parted legs.

The words only succeeded in stimulating her even more and she relished the sensation of the wandering hands roaming over her as she uninhibitedly exhibited herself. She gasped loudly when she felt Piper's mouth on her and she pressed her weight into the contact. Her breathing became heavy and erratic as Piper lovingly applied her attentions, her breath stopping altogether when thumbs began to gently spread her apart. With no small measure of anticipation, she felt Piper's tongue probe teasingly before it entered her.

"Oh, my God," Bailey gasped, pressing her face into the mattress in pleasure.

Gasping for breath, she rested her cheek on the sheets as she experienced Piper thoroughly, and greedily explore her as far as her tongue would allow.

"You taste so good."

Bailey arched her back and spread her legs as far they would go in offering, balling the sheets into her fists when Piper moaned her approval.

"I love you so much," Piper said exclaimed feeling Bailey's surrender and she ravenously ran her hands, mouth, and tongue over everything that had been submitted for her attention.

"Piper," Bailey moaned when she felt her release coming.

Piper quickly repositioned herself on her back between Bailey's legs and began to hungrily lap at her.

Bailey groaned loudly as hands slid over her hips in a journey that ended with a possessive grip on her breasts, the fingers pinching her nipples gently.

"Come for me," Piper demanded tenderly and the words triggered a violent climax that she extended as long as she could. The body above her shook and Bailey lost control with abandon, screaming her release loudly.

Piper refused to let go of her prize and clamped both hands on the hips above her, resiliently hanging on until Bailey rolled away trembling and gasping for breath. She gave her a moment before she rolled over herself and began placing kisses on the heavily breathing back displayed to her.

"Catch your breath, love," Piper said. "Because we're just getting started. Tonight, I make you mine."

"I'm already yours," Bailey said, rolling over into her waiting embrace.

Continued