Natalie's Enigma

Natalie’s Enigma

By:  Cat Walker

Chapter One

She was still working early in the morning – Very early.  And she needed Coffee.

As she waited for a fresh pot to finish brewing, she heard the front door open and shut.  Frowning, she glanced at her watch.  4:00 am.  Who besides her would be at the office this early on a Saturday?

Leaving the coffee room, she headed down the hall.  The men with semi-automatic weapons had her cursing and turning to run out the back door.  But when she opened it, she was brought to a halt by two other men, each carrying weapons of their own.

Their surprise was evident, but it didn’t last long, as she was pushed up against the wall.  “Who are you?” she was asked by one of the men.  Before she could answer, another man came around the corner and addressed the man holding her.  “I thought you said that no one would be here.”  His voice was low, but the anger was definitely there. The man holding her stepped back and addressed the man who had joined them.  “That was my understanding Coronal.”

Natalie remained quiet, trying to take in what was happening.  The men were dressed in army fatigues, each carrying a semi-automatic weapon and acting as if they were preparing for a lock down.  Or at least that’s what it looked like to her, as she saw the men checking out the other offices.  The man who was apparently in charge looked like he had stepped out of a GQ magazine; Tall, dark and definitely handsome.

Coronal Cameron Samson turned toward the woman and addressed her.  “The man asked you a question.  Who are you?”  Natalie swallowed hard and tried to get her voice to work.  She hadn’t said a word yet this morning and without her morning coffee she knew her voice would be a little hoarse.  “Natalie.”  She tried to clear her throat again, trying to sound less husky.  “Natalie Chambers.”

Cameron studied her for a moment.  The husky voice surprised him – she didn’t look more than 30, and at 5’4 and approximately a hundred and ten pounds, the husky voice didn’t match.

“Why are you here?”

She didn’t like being out of control of the situation, and felt her anger rising a bit over her fear, she tilted her head and said, “I work here.”

‘A temper.’  He could see it in her eyes. Cameron smiled.  “I assumed that.  What are you doing here so early?” 
“Working, but I’d be happy to leave if you’d like.”  She offered.

Grabbing her arm, he led her into one of the large executive offices and pushed her into a chair.  When he slammed the door, she jumped up, but was pushed back into the seat.  Leaning over her, he placed his hands on the armrest on either side of her and leaned toward her.  Natalie pushed as far back in the seat as she could but she refused to look up at him.  “I’m not playing games Ms. Chambers.  I want answers.  Now!”

She hated being bullied and despite his obvious advantage, she could feel her temper rising out of control.  Taking a deep breath she tried to calm herself.  Natalie finally looked up at him.  The look in his eyes had her holding her breath a moment before she slowly released it.  He was definitely angry.  “I had to get some work done.”  She knew he was waiting for more of an explanation.  “I work in IT and it’s easier to get things done when nobody’s on the system.”  Satisfied with her answer, he straightened and leaned back against on the desk behind him to study her.  She was a beautiful woman.  Confident, yet cautious.  He could see that in her eyes and how she held herself.  He had to admit he admired that.

A knock at the door drew his attention.  “Enter” was all he said, but she could tell that he had regained control of his anger.

One of the men opened the door and reported. “The area is secure sir.”  Nodding, the man continued to look at her.  “Get Jamison in here.”

“Yes sir.” was the reply and they were left alone for a moment.  Natalie kept her eyes on the man before her.  She could tell he was studying her, possibly trying to decide what to do with her and she wanted to be ready incase he made an unwelcome move.  She knew she really didn’t stand a chance against him, but she wasn’t going to be hurt without landing a few punches of her own.

When he suddenly smiled, she thought that perhaps he could read her intentions.  Frowning, she was about to ask him what this was all about, when the man named Jamison appeared at the door.  “You wanted to see me Coronal?”

“Yes, it seems that you are going to have a little help.”  He said with a smile as he continued to look at her.
“Sir?”  Jamison appeared a little confused.

“It seems that Ms. Chambers is with the IT department.  I believe she could be persuaded to lend you some assistance with your assignment.”

Natalie slowly started to shake her head.  She didn’t know what this was all about, but she certainly didn’t want to get pulled in deeper.  In her opinion, the less she knew about what was going on, the safer she was.  Cameron raised his eyebrow at her shaking head.

Natalie moved quickly to get a little more space between her and the two men.  Bolting out of her chair, she spun the chair between them and herself.  It was a small move, but she felt a little safer on her feet.  “Listen,” she hoped to reason with them.  “I really don’t want to get in your way, so why don’t you just let me hang out in here while you conduct your business.”

Cameron slowly unfolded himself from the desk.  “Jamison, why don’t you get your equipment and we’ll meet you in the computer room.”  Then he turned toward her.  He studied her again.  Natalie hands gripped the back of the chair, turning her fingers white.  Her eyes were wide and intently watching him.  She was frightened.  Of that he was sure.  But she appeared to be tired and angry as well.

She was.  She had been working on the new server all night and most of the day before and she was beat.  Her head pounded and despite her situation, she was angry as well.

She really needed her morning cup to get her charged up, and she hadn’t had it yet.  These yahoos had come bursting in instead - and she was angry about it.

The large man currently studying her worried her too.  She couldn’t read him.  She was good at reading people; understanding their emotions, picking thru their thoughts. It was something she had always prided herself on.  But not with this man; his eyes held a mystery that she couldn’t read.  They were dark and dangerousness.
Cameron could see her mind was working.  When her eyes seemed to droop a little, she frowned.  He could see that she was in some pain. “Would you like something for your headache?”

The frown deepened and she tilted her head a little higher.  She was angry again.  “What I’d like is a cup of coffee and for you to leave.”  Cameron smiled.  She really was beautiful when she got angry.  “I think I can accommodate at least one of your requests.”

“Great!  Since I already made the coffee, I take it you’ll be leaving.”

“Cute” he replied.  “Natalie, I really don’t have the time right now to dance around with you.  If you’ll just be a good girl and come with me, we can get started.”

“I don’t think so.”  She said quietly.

Cameron frowned, “Why not.”

Clearing her throat, she hoped that she wasn’t making a mistake when she answered him.  “I can’t help but think that in this case, my position would be a little less precarious if I didn’t know what you were up to.”  She took a deep breath and added.  “So, I’d rather just stay here if you don’t mind.”

Cameron nodded.  From her perspective, he could see her point. - Misguided as it was.  But he couldn’t correct her.  Not just yet anyway.  He had a job to do and he knew that she could be helpful.

Cameron held her gaze as he walked up to the chair.  There was determination in her eyes.  She held her ground and he had to respect her for that as well. Reaching down, he gently pulled the chair out of her grasp.  “Let’s get you that coffee.”  He said quietly.

Natalie suddenly felt completely exhausted.  Looking down, she closed her eyes briefly.  She knew that he wasn’t going to let her go and that he would insist that she help them. She also knew that she wasn’t going to convince him otherwise.

Taking a deep breath she opened her eyes again. “Alright, and then are you going to tell me what this is all about?”

Cameron took a hold of her elbow and led her out the door.  “Coffee first” was all he said.

In the corridor, they were met by another one of his men.  “Coronal.  We have a slight problem.  The code has been changed on the computer access door.”

Cameron looked down at her, “Looks like we’ll have to have that coffee to go.”

Natalie looked up at him but said nothing.  What could she say?  ‘No?’  She didn’t know whom she was dealing with and she didn’t really want to rock the boat.  Not just yet anyway.  Always know your opponents first, and then make your move.

While she was lead to the computer room, she tried to figure out what these men could possibly want from the main computers.  This was a relatively small advertising firm.  What would armed gunmen possibly want?
When they reached the locked door, the man named Jamison turned around and addressed the Coronal again.  “I’ve tried bypassing it, but I keep running into a snag.”

“Miss Chambers?”  Swallowing back her apprehension, she looked up at the Coronal and said, “We change the access code every few weeks.  That was one reason why I was here.”  Taking a deep breath she added, “Are you sure you want to do this?  You could just leave now.”  The lack of response told her all she needed to know.  Shaking her head, she turned and typed in the new access code.  Once again, the Coronal took a hold of her arm and led her thru the doorway.

The hum of the computers was the only sound they heard as they entered.  The glow of the screens, the only lights.

Natalie was guided into one of the chairs as Jamison took the seat in front of the main terminal.  As he started to search her databases, Natalie felt her frustration level rising again.

“Why don’t you just tell me what you are looking for and I can see what I can do to help.”  Cameron looked down at her and asked, “Why?”

The anger was back in her eyes.  “Because, I’d rather you not mess up my systems.  And I really don’t want to spend my entire weekend cleaning up the mess he’s making!”

Cameron raised his eyebrow “Are you always this cranky in the morning?”  Her eyes narrowed. “Only when I haven’t had my coffee.”  Cameron chucked.

“Damn”  Jamison had hit another roadblock.  “Stop, please let me help.” she pleaded.  That system was her baby and she wasn’t going to let some Tech School drop out mess it up.

“That won’t be necessary.”  Jamison said without looking over at her, as he once again reached a block.
Taking a deep breath she tried to calm her nerves and cool her anger.  “Look, just tell me what you are looking for.”

Jamison looked up at Cameron, who nodded his approval.  Turning toward her he said, “It’s code.”

“What?  Like a virus?”

“No, not a virus.”

“Damn straight it’s not a virus.  There are no viruses on my system.” She said with pride and conviction.
Jamison shook his head, “It’s a different kind of code.”

“Like what?"  Jamison looked up at Cameron again.

“Come on gentleman, give me a little clue.  How am I suppose to find this ‘code’ if I don’t even know what I am going to be looking for.”

“It’s classified.” Was the response.

“Classified!  What the hell does that mean?”

When she was met by silence, she let her anger win.  Pushing her chair back she turned and faced the Coronal.  “Listen you,”  She pointed at his chest,  “ I don’t know who you are or why you are here, and I really don’t have any idea of what you could possibly be looking for, but this is my baby.” she gestured toward the computer.  “I designed it, I wrote it and I know it inside and out.  If there is code that in there that shouldn’t be there, I’ll find it.  I’ll flush it out and expose it.”  Then flashing him a thin smile she added, “It’s what I do.”
Cameron studied her for a moment.  The lady sure had a temper.

“Jones, get the lady a cup of coffee,” He said to the man waiting by the door.  “Jamison, brief her only on what she will be looking for.”  Then he took a hold of her shoulders, forcing her to look up at him.  “If you try anything that is out of the ordinary.  Anything.  You won’t like the consequences.  Is that clear.”

Natalie tried to push down her anger, but could only nod in compliance.  “Good.” he said and then left the room.  Natalie stared at the doorway after he left. ‘The man certainly had some nerve.’ She thought.

“Miss?”  Jamison called her attention back to the task at hand.

After giving her a description of the code.  “What is its’ purpose?” she asked.  Jamison remained silent, and she just shook her head “I know, it’s classified.”

Picking up the coffee that had finally arrived, she took a big drink and moaned with pleasure before taking several more drinks.  Then she picked up her headphones, cranked the music and went to work.

Cameron smiled at the door.  The lady did like her coffee, and that moan….perhaps when all of this was over ….

About an hour later, Natalie was still at it.  She liked a challenge and this was one.  She had tried several conventional methods to find the mysterious code, but nothing had panned out.  Now she was taking an unconventional route.  Nodding her head to the music, she let herself forget what was going on around her and did what she did best.  Decode.  It was a skill she had learned in her first job out of college.  One that she would rather not have the man next to her know she possessed, but she didn’t have the luxury of privacy.  She just hoped he wouldn’t learn what she knew, what she was.  Correction, what she once was; She had given up that life more than five years ago.  Web design and tech support was what she concentrated on now.

Rolling her head to ease the tension in her neck, Natalie closed her eyes and allowed the music to roll over.  Clearing her mind and letting the answer come to her.  She was listening to a Carbon Leaf song, and without thinking about it, started singing along.  ‘Let your troubles roll by…’ opening her eyes she focused on the screen again.  Humming along again, she started to type on the keyboard again.  “Now wait a minute.” she said to herself.

Her fingers sang on the keyboard as she typed in another search code.

‘Gottcha!’  She thought triumphantly when she finally found what she had been looking for.  She quickly highlighted and printed out the code she had found.

Cameron had the paper in his hand before she could grab it.  But her eyes never left the screen.  “Good God.” is all she said as the purpose of the code revealed itself.

She was pushed back from the keyboard before she had a chance to delete what she saw.  Ripping the earphones off of her head, she jumped out of her seat and tried to run for the door.

Cameron grabbed her by the arm;  Swinging her around, he pushing her up against the desk.  He had been watching her for the last twenty minutes and had seen the change in her when she had found the code, when she had recognized it. “Who the hell are you?” he asked – barely holding his anger in check.

“Who am I?  Who the hell are you?” she countered, “and what the hell is this all about?”  Natalie could feel his anger grow as the pressure on her arms increased under his hands.  “You are going to answer my question Ms. Chambers.  Now!” he shook her.

Natalie flashed him a look of angry determination before setting her eyes on the wall behind him.
He had had enough.  He wanted answers.

Pulling her from the desk, he pushed her into the man who had been guarding the door and ordered him to take her back to the office.  After they had gone, he turned to Jamison, “What do you know?”

Jamison had been studying the code she had been using.  “She’s well trained sir.  That’s for sure.  She’s a decoder.  Of that I’m confident.”  He said, looking up at his commanding officer.  “And she’s damn good.”  He said grimly.

**************************

Natalie was push back into the executive office she had been in before and the door was shut behind her.  She noticed that both the phone and the computer had been removed.  “Damn!” she said under her breath.  What kind of a mess had she gotten herself into?  And who the hell had she just handed some very vital information too?  If she was right, she had just decoded some launch codes and that scared the hell out of her.  Walking over to the desk she opened several drawers, finding them empty of their contents.  Not one item could be used as a weapon.  “Damn!”  “Damn damn damn!.” she muttered again.

Rubbing the palms of her hands over her face, she tried to figure out what she was going to do to get out of this mess.  A headache was building again and she massaged her forehead with her fingertips, willing it away.
When the door opened, her head shot up and she saw the Coronal enter the room.  Lowering her hands, she braced herself for whatever happened next.

Cameron had seen the look of fatigue in her eyes before she pushed it aside and put on another look of determination.

Closing the door behind him, he walked up to one of the chairs and patted the back of the seat.  “Sit down Ms. Chambers.”  Natalie remained where she was.  “I’d rather stand.” She said.

Cameron’s eyes narrowed as he walked up to the desk and grabbing her by the arms, pulled her around the desk and into the chair.  “I said sit down.”  Her yelp of surprise had been her only sound.

Leaning over her, he tilted her chair back and looked hard into her eyes.  “I want some answers lady.  And I want them now.”

Once again she shifted her gaze from his eyes to the wall behind him.

Cameron shook her chair and swore before pulling her to her feet.  “Lady, you are messing with the wrong man.”  He said before bringing her up against him. That had her eyes shifting to his and the anger back in her eyes.
“And you are messing with the wrong woman.” she said angrily.

She saw the look change in his eyes.  From anger to desire and she knew he was going to kiss her.  It shocked her and excited her and she realized that she wanted him to kiss her.  Looking down at his lips she wondered briefly what it would be like. Then she gave herself a mental shake.  What the hell was she doing?

Looking back up into his eyes she placed her hands on his chest and pushed herself back.  “I think we are both messing with something we shouldn’t be.” she said simply.

Cameron still held her, although he had allowed her to push some distance between them.  The desire to kiss her was still there – he couldn’t explain it, but he had wanted to plant one on her since he had first seen her.  He had seen the desire in her eyes as well…it pulled at him from the pit of his stomach.  But now was neither the time, nor the place for this.

“I want some answers Natalie.” he said quietly.  Tilting her head she studied him before replying.  “So do I.”

He allowed her to step away from him.  Walking up to the window, she ran her hands thru her hair and tried to get a hold of her emotions.  She was tired.  She knew that.  She also knew that she wasn’t equipped right now for an interrogation.  She needed time to get her mind in the right place for that…she had been out of the field too long.
Turning back toward him she crossed her arms in front of her – forming her first shield of defense.  “I need to know who I’m dealing with.”  She looked him in the eye and waited for an answer.

Cameron smiled, “Coronal Cameron Samson”

Natalie frowned, “Coronal for whose Army?” she asked quietly.

Cameron’s smile slipped from his face.  “Which Army do you think?”

Natalie shook her head, “I’m not going to play a guessing game with you Coronal.”
Cameron looked into her eyes hoping to see some sort of indication of what she was thinking.  “United States Army”

Nodding, Natalie looked down and tried to gather her thoughts.  ‘OK, the good guys. That was good.’  She thought.  “What is your mission here Coronal?”  She asked when she looked back up.

Sitting down on the edge of the desk, Cameron motioned to the chair again and said, “How much of that code did you understand?”

Natalie kept her eyes on his, but didn’t answer.  “Listen Sweetheart, we can do this the easy way, or we can do it the hard way.”  Natalie’s chin moved up a notch.  “But I will get the answers I need, one way or the other.”  Standing up he asked, “So which will it be?”

Taking a deep breath, Natalie repeated her question.  She needed to know more about what side of the table this man was working from, “Coronal, please.  What is your mission?”

Cameron shook his head.  “Lady I don’t know if you’re stupid or stubborn, or both but I guess we’re going to find out.”  Standing up, he walked to the door and called to one of his men.

She couldn’t hear what he said to the man, but when he closed the door, he had a look of determination on his face that was unmistakable.

Unfolding her arms, Natalie waited for him to make the first move.  She hadn’t even realized that her hands had formed into fists.  But he noticed it and smiled.  “What do you know about hand to hand combat Ms. Chambers?”  He started to circle around her.  “What do you say we do a little dance?”  Natalie remained silent.  She knew better than to say anything that he could derive any information from.  Taking a deep breath she waited for him to make his move. When he did, she was ready with a counter-move that surprised him.  But only briefly and he went on the attack.  She was out of practice and she knew that she was out matched, but she fought hard until he finally had her pinned face down on the floor with one arm twisted behind her and the other being held in a biting grip above her head.  The bulk of his weigh pressing down on her legs and one knee pressed into the middle of her back.  She tried again to buck him off, but he pulled her pinned arm up to insure compliance.  Natalie tipped her head back trying to relieve some of the pressure in her shoulder.  Closing her eyes, she tried to ignore the pain and concentrate on what she had learned about surviving an interrogation.

Leaning over, he whispered.  “You’re good.  Now darling, are you going to tell me where you learned to move like that?”

“I have big brothers.” she bit out angrily.  Shaking his head he pulled up on her arm again.  “Let’s try that again.”  He drawled.

The sharp bite of pain had her sucking in her breath.  “Damn it.”  She bit out.  “If you’d just answer my question, I’d know if this was all really necessary.”  Cameron leaned into her back slightly, increasing the pressure on her spine and on her lungs.

‘Ok, this wasn’t good.’ she thought to herself.  She was having trouble breathing and the pain in her shoulder was becoming unbearable.  She knew what her bargaining chip was, but she wasn’t certain that now was the time to pull it out.  He leaned more on her back and she fought to catch her breath. Now was the time she decided. “If you keep this up, I won’t be able to find the rest of the code for you.” she spoke thru shallow breaths.  Closing her eyes again, she tried to concentrate on her breathing and not on the pain.

Cameron could see the concentration in her face, as well as the pain.  ‘Who the hell was this girl?’ he asked himself, ‘and why wasn’t she cooperating?’

“It really doesn’t have to be this way Natalie.”  He whispered in her ear as he eased back off of her back.  “Believe it or not, I’m one of the good guys.”  “Ha” he heard her laugh beneath her breath.

Natalie opened her eyes and turned her head to look at him.  “You really have a way with the ladies don’t you Coronal.”  She struggled to catch her breath.

Closing her eyes again, she fought back the desire to cry out as he once again increased the pressure on her arm.  The burning in her chest and her shoulder was becoming unbearable.  She felt him releasing the pressure on her back and on her arm.  He hadn’t released her completely, but at least he wasn’t causing her any more pain.

Turning her over, he quickly reestablished the hold he had on her by straddling her and drawing both her arms above her head. He pinned her legs with his legs.  “Natalie, I really don’t want to hurt you, but I do need you to answer my questions and I’ll do what ever I have to do to get those answers.”

Natalie took a couple of deep breaths before opening her eyes.  She looked directly into his eyes.
With a single knock on the door, the man Cameron had spoken to, reported. “I have the information your requested sir.”

“Put it on the desk”.

The man walked past them and put a file on the desk, then turned and left.  Cameron had never taken his eyes off of hers.

Leaning within a few inches of her face, he whispered, “Now, are you going to answer my question or do I have to use other methods?”

Natalie’s eyes flared with renewed anger and she said, “Just as soon as you answer my question Coronal.”
Cameron chuckle.  “You really are a stubborn one aren’t you. I do believe you enjoyed our little dance; and I think I’d enjoy dancing with you again.”  He leaned closer until his lips were inches from hers.  He heard the intake of her breath and smiled.  “But since I really don’t have time right now, this will have to do...” and he crushed her lips with his.

He had meant to merely get a taste of her, but the heat that met him was his undoing.  Her mouth was hot and ready for him and he felt himself drawn into the fire of it.  His hands itched to touch her, but he couldn’t release her just yet.  He heard her sigh and felt her passion as she too was caught up in the kiss.

Raising his head, he studied her face.  She quickly opened her eyes and the flash of anger was instant.  Smiling, he leaned closer to her ear and whispered, “Lady, you certainly have some hidden talents.  When we are done here, I’m going to look forward to exploring all of them.”

Natalie tried to buck him off again, but once again was unsuccessful.  “Now, now temper.” he chuckled.  Closing her eyes she tried to gain control of her anger.  She needed all of her emotions under control.  Her response to the kiss had surprised her, then it had angered her.  Taking a deep breath, she started to count backwards from 10 to calm down.

Cameron studied her a moment more before quickly moving off of her and pulling her to her feet.  Her eyes were open in a flash and she tried to brace herself for whatever he had in store for her next.  Pushing her down into the chair, he told her to ‘sit and stay’, which brought her anger screaming to the surface again.  He saw the look in her eyes and leaned toward her, imprisoning her once again in the chair.  “Let me rephrase that, sit there and don’t move.”  The angry glare in her eyes clouded slightly and he was satisfied that she would do as he had ordered.

Straightening up, he walked to the desk and picked up the folder that had been delivered.  “Now, let’s see what we have here.”

Reading quickly, he glanced up and stared at her for a moment before looking back down at what he was reading.  Natalie couldn’t help but be curious about what he was reading and when he looked up at her, she thought she had seen surprise in his eyes.

Looking up again, he caught her eyes in his gaze, “More hidden talents.” he said in a husky voice.  Then looking back down at the folder in front of him he started to list off what he read.  “Graduated third in your class at MIT with a degree in Computer Science and Foreign Languages.  Fluent in several languages including Russian, French, German and Italian.  Impressive.  Entered the Army, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, where you used your talents as a decoder.”  Looking back up, he grinned, “Jamison figured that one out on his own.”  Continuing he smiled again, “and you received several medals for marksmanship and hand to hand”…looking up again he added…”I told you I knew you liked to dance.”

Natalie glared at him.

Chuckling, he looked back at the folder…and his smile slipped away…  “It seems that you even saw a little combat action.  You received a purple heart.”  Setting the folder down, he studied her again,  “Your file ends there.  Care to elaborate.”

Natalie shook her head, “Not particularly”

He decided not to press the issue.  “Perhaps later.”  He replied before standing and crossing the room.  Opening the door, he said something to the guard at the door before turning to regard her again.
“We still need your assistance, if you will come with me.”

Natalie stood up and walking to the desk, picked up the folder.  Opening it she saw that the information inside were copies of her military files.  She recognized them, because she had the exact same copies.  Setting the folder back down on the desk, she turned and leaned back on the desk.  Tilting her head, she studied him a moment before saying, “You still haven’t answered my question.”

Closing the door, Cameron walked slowly up to her.  “No I haven’t.  But that’s classified.”  Natalie looked up at him.  “You’ve seen my records.” she nodded toward the file.  “Unless you glossed over a good portion of it, you know that I have the clearance.”

“Ah, but there is still that matter of what is missing from your file.”  Cameron tapped on the folder.  “For instance, what is your current status?”  “Retired.” she said simply.  “Maybe.  But I don’t think so. There’s more there.” He said, studying her eyes for some answers.

Natalie smiled and shook her head.  “I work here now Coronal.  I maintain this company’s computer and occasionally I get to write some fun web designs.  I haven’t been on active duty for over five years.”  Standing up she stood her ground.  “I proudly served my country and unless I know we are on the same team, I’ll be damned if I do anything that could go against that.”

Cameron nodded.  “Now that, I can believe.”  Smiling, he continued, “We are definitely on the same team Natalie.  And although I can’t go into the details just now, I assure you that your help will not be a conflict of interest.”
Natalie searched his eyes for some sign of deceit and couldn’t find any.  Looking down, she focused on the floor before her and weighed her options.  What if she refused to help him?  If he was lying, then he would have to try and use force to get his way.  While he couldn’t exactly force her to find the code, he could make things painfully difficult for her if she didn’t cooperate.  She didn’t really relish the idea, but she felt fairly sure she wouldn’t buckle under the pressure.

If he was telling the truth…looking back up at him she studied his eyes again.  ‘I’d like some verification of that if you don’t mind.”  His eyebrow was up again. “Such as.”

“I’d like the name of your commanding officer.”  “General Todd Becker” he replied without batting an eye.
Natalie smile and said, “That’s too bad.”  Cameron returned her smile.  “Ya, he can be a real SOB if he wants to be.”

Natalie was satisfied.  At least for a little while.  Becker’s was not a name that would have been easily faked.  She knew that her records never mentioned Becker, or her link with him.  And while she had just possibly opened herself up for further scrutinization, it was the answer she needed.  Nodding, she said, “Yes, he can be.”

Cameron took another step closer to her, “…and you would know him, how?”  Natalie smiled up at him. “Now that Coronal, is definitely classified.  And since I haven’t had the benefit of looking at your file, I suggest ask him.”
“Oh, I will Ms. Chapman.  I will.” He said with a glint of humor in his eyes.  “In the meantime, I suggest we get to work on that code.”

Stepping back from her, he motioned toward the door, “Shall we?”

***********************

The second code was buried even deeper.  She had been at it for over eight hours and still the code hadn’t revealed itself.  With several hundred thousand lines of code to go thru, it wasn’t surprising that it was being evasive.

Natalie looked over the first code again; hoping for some clue as to where it could be hidden.  Rubbing her eyes, she leaned over onto the desk and rested her head on her forearms.  God she was tired.  She knew that she was just too beat to concentrate.  She needed to get some rest.  She needed sleep and she needed food.  But the good Coronal hadn’t been back for her to post her complaint.

Turning the volume up a notch on her headphones, Natalie pushing back from her computer and stood up.  The action made her a little dizzy.  Maybe a little movement would help relax her fatigued muscles and rejuvenate her.  Reaching up over her head, she stretched as far as she could and then with her eyes closed she let the rhythm of the music work it’s magic as she began to sway and dance to the music.

Cameron stood mesmerized in the doorway.  He had come by to see if she had made any headway.  He had seen her with her head on her arms and could see that she was beat.  He had been about to tell her that she could take a break when she had started to dance.  Now his heart seemed to stop and he couldn’t draw his eyes away from the tantalizing sway of her hips.  Yes, this woman definitely had some hidden talents.

Sensing that she was no longer alone, Natalie swung around to confront whoever was there.  But the move made her dizzier and she groped for the table for support.

Cameron caught her as she missed her mark and started to fall.  “Easy”  he said and sat her back down on the chair.  Crouching down in front of her he took her headphones off of her and forced her head down between her legs as he saw that she look ready to faint.

“Take some deep breaths.” He commanded her.  Natalie took several deep breaths and began to feel better.  Pushing up against his hand, she felt his resistance.  “I’m ok now.” She said quietly.  Allowing her to sit up, he studied her face.  She did look a little better.  The color was coming back in her cheeks and her eyes look a little clearer.  “Are you alright?  What happened? “

“I’m touched that you are so concerned Coronal.”  She smirked.  The hoarseness was back in her voice.  Shaking her head, she smiled. “Sorry. I’m just a little tired.”  Pulling up another chair, he sat down and said, “You look it.” “Gee, thanks” she smiled.  “When was the last time you got some sleep?”

Natalie sat back against her chair and rubbed her temples.  “What time is it?”  She glanced at the computer, did some quick math in her head.  It was after 2 o’clock, which meant that she had been up for nearly 35 hours. “A while.  Yesterday -  I think.”  Her head was beginning to pound again, so she closed her eyes and rubbed her temples even harder.

“And a meal?  When was the last time you ate anything?”

Eyes still closed, she smiled, “Does coffee count?”

Cameron shook his head.  She was dead on her feet – he wondered if she would even have the strength to open her eyes again; and she wasn’t even complaining.

Standing up, Cameron said, “Come on.”

Natalie opened one eye, closed it again and then forced both eyes open.  The double vision cleared after she shook her head slightly.

“Where to?” she asked quietly, but cautiously.

Taking her by the shoulders, he helped her to her feet.  “To get some rest.”

“Sweet!” she said half-heartedly.  Cameron shook his head again and smiled.  “You really are something else.”  He said.  “Yah, wait until you really get to know me.”  She replied.

Cameron led her back to the executive office and sat her down on the sofa.  “Get some rest.”  Natalie nodded, her eyes had already drifted close.  “Natalie,“  She looked up at him, “we don’t have a lot of time – and we really need that second code.”  Nodding again, she closed her eyes and laid down.

Cameron grabbed a man’s suit jacket that was hanging on the back of the door and draped it over her.  Turning to leave he heard her call him. “Coronal.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t let me sleep more than three hours.” 

Smiling, he left the room.

**********************

Opening the door, he peered into the room he had left Natalie sleeping in.  He had let her sleep longer than the three hours she had specified.  She had look so darn tired and he wanted her fresh to complete her task.
Night had fallen, leaving the room dark. 

Leaving the door open to light his way, he walked around the desk to the sofa.  It was empty.

Turning, he found Jamison at the door.  “She’s back in the computer room sir.”

****************************
Natalie had woken to a darkening room and while she still felt exhausted, she knew that her mind would not let her rest any longer.  She had a hunch and she had to check it out.

Opening the door, she had found a guard posted.

He still didn’t trust her, she thought and shook her head in disbelief.  “Care to escort me to the computer room?” she asked sweetly.

Now, she had been back at it for over an hour and she felt sure she was making some progress.  Sitting in her office, she had the music cranked -  no longer caring if anyone liked her music or her singing and she was grooving along.  The young soldier that had escorted her to the computer room had also managed to find her a sandwich and a fresh cup of coffee.  Now she felt ready to tackle the task before her.  Her theory was that the code had been placed on a backup tape.  Her first obstacle was to find out which tape.  She had gone back over the first code and determined the date it had been added to her system.

That still irked her.  She wondered who the hell had been messing with her system.  More importantly, she wondered who the trader was that had stolen this information and placed it there.  Shaking her head, she focused again on the task at hand.

Once the date had been determined she started to methodically go thru each back up tape from a few days before and a few days after that.  It was her theory that the thief wouldn’t have taken the chance of getting caught and would have tried to complete his mission quickly.

She had decided to use a stand-alone laptop for this task. Not wanting to risk a trigger to another possible code on the system.

She was sitting on the floor in her office when Cameron walked in.

On the way to the computer room he had heard the music blaring from an office and looking in, he found Natalie sitting on the floor working on a laptop.  He couldn’t help but smile at the image she portrayed.  With her head bopping to the music and her slender foot, now out of her shoes, tapping away she looked young.  And desirable.  Looking around her office he was awarded with another view of who this woman was.

Her walls were decorated with maps of hiking trails, paddling trips and a large map of the world which had several colored pins pushed thru it where she must have traveled.  The photos showed pictures of her camping, kayaking and on several other trips. There were pictures of friends, family and pets.

Feeling his presence, Natalie looked up and watched him. He was looking at a photo of her on the Appalachian Mountain Trail.  It was the trip she had taken five years ago, right after leaving the Army.  She had done a solo trip, needing the solitude, the peace and beauty of the wilderness to help her heal.  But that was something she didn’t allow herself to dwell on.  The photo was taken by a couple of fellow travelers she had run into while she stood at the top of a mountain peak.  The memory brought a smile to her lips.  Turning the music down, she said " The Applachian Trail.  If you haven’t been there, I highly recommend it.”

Cameron turned and looked at her.  The smile was still on her lips.  “Who took the picture?”  Shrugging, she said, “A couple of hikers.”  He was going to ask her whom she had traveled with when one of his men appeared at the door.  “The perimeter has breached sir.  They’re here.”

“Signal the copter and get everyone out.”  He ordered and then Cameron reached down to pull her up.  “We’ve got to go.”

Natalie slapped his hand away.  “Not yet.”  She said as she worked quickly on her computer.  Cameron grabbed her arm and started to pull her up.  “No now!”

She twisted her arm out of his and glared up at him before continuing with what she was doing.  “I’m not leaving without the code.”  She said as she closed her laptop and shoved it into her backpack.  Standing up, she shut down her pc and ejected the back up tape.

She had already copied and deleted the first code from the server and now she grabbed that disk and put it in her backpack along with the back up tape and zipped up the bag.

When they heard gunfire, he grabbed her again, “NOW!”  He grabbed the bag from her and slung it over his shoulder as he pulled her to the door.

With her in tow, he looked both ways down the hall and then took the hall on the left, before ducking into the internal stairway.  Running up several flights of stairs they emerged onto the roof.

A helicopter was just landing on the tarmac and they raced to it.  Pushed into one of the seats, she held on as the copter took off and banked hard to the left.  The helicopter door was still open and she saw several armed men burst thru the same door they had just came thru.

When they were fired at, Cameron pushed her down to the floor of the copter and told her to stay down as he returned their fire.

The helicopter banked again and they were finally out of firing range.

Pulled back up to her seat, Cameron took a quick look at her and assessed that she had not been hit.  Looking up at her face, he could see that she was watching him.

“I’d like my computer back.” she said over the roar of the copter.

Cameron sat back and regarded her.  “Sorry, but this computer is now the property of the United States government.”

Natalie’s eyes flared.  “Damn it Coronal! “  She swore under her breath.  Looking away she closed her eyes and took several deep breaths to calm herself.  By the fifth breath she had managed to take the edge off of her anger and her reason kicked in.  Smiling, she sat back and looked at him.  Cameron frowned.  “What are you up to?”  He asked, not trusting that smirk she had plastered on her face.  “Nothing.” she said sweetly.  Cameron’s eyes narrowed. “Natalie…” he warned.  Smiling sweetly she said, “It’s just that I was thinking.  You’ll need to know my password to get the information you’re looking for…”

Cameron grabbed her shirt and pulled her to with in an inch of his face.  “Don’t play games, Natalie.”  Her temper flared again and she let it ride.  “Don’t mess with me Coronal.  That’s my computer and my hard work.  I’m not going to hand it over that easily.  At least not until I know it’s in the right hands.”

“Oh, it’s in the right hands sweetheart and you’re trying my patience.”  Natalie pushed him away from her and sat back in her seat.  “I haven’t even begun.” she said quietly.

“We can dance again Natalie if that’s what you want. But I promise you, I will get what I’m looking for.”

Natalie nodded her head.  “Do whatever you feel is necessary Coronal.” Then tilting her head she added.  “But before you pull out the thumbscrews I think it’s only fair to warn you that now that I know what is at stake, I won’t break. I promise you that. You see, I’ve already seen hell and I know what to expect.”

“I wouldn’t be as easy on you this time Natalie.”

“I wasn’t referring to your interrogation Coronal.  I’ve seen combat before remember?  I didn’t earn my purple heart for my good looks.”

Natalie saw him blink in surprise and then he covered it by saying.  “We’ll just see about that.”  Natalie nodded and said, “I suppose we will.” then she leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

Cameron watched her for a moment.  ‘Was she bluffing?’  The implications of what she was saying had surprised him.  Time would tell, he decided as the base came into view.  Time would tell.

As they touched down, Natalie opened to eyes and found the Coronal looking at her.  She tried to read his eyes.  ‘What was he thinking?’ she wondered.  It didn’t matter she decided.  She had to concentrate on what did matter- keeping the information locked away on that computer from falling into the wrong hands.

Looking outside, she saw that they had landed at the nearby Army base.  Ushered off of the copter, she was quickly handed into a jeep and taken to the headquarters.

Upon arrival, she was lead into a briefing room and told to take a seat.  It was a standard room, with a metal table with four chairs sitting in the middle of the room.  A large white board was on the wall to her left and a wall of windows was to her right as she was told to sit in the first chair, so that now her back was to the door.
She knew that the seating arrangement was part of the interrogation technique and she made a mental adjustment for it.  Folding her hands before her, she waited.

Half an hour later, Cameron entered the room and sat down in front of her.  Setting her backpack on the table, he sat back.  Looking up at him, she could see that he was angry.  ‘Good.’ she thought.  At least their temperament would be the same.

When they had gotten to headquarters, Cameron had gone to his office and pulling up his security clearance, had gotten the rest of Natalie’s file.  He hadn’t like what he found.

Now sitting before her, he could feel his anger growing.  He was angry that she hadn’t leveled with him and he was angry at what she had gone thru.  She had earned her purple heart all right.  She had earned it by being captured and interrogated by Guerrilla soldiers in Panama.  They hadn’t gained the information they were looking for, but they had nearly killed her.  The photos taken of her at the hospital after her rescue had stuck him like a blow to the gut.  A year in the hospital had been her price; that and more.  She had gotten her purple heart and had been given an honorable discharge, against her wishes.  Her psych report had shown no evidence of problems, but General Becker had insisted on her discharge.  He would have to ask the General about that.
They had been sitting there for just a few minutes when Natalie heard the door open behind her.  Cameron stood at attention, as General Becker walked in the room.

“Coronal Samson.” he nodded to him, “At ease.“  General Becker looked down at Natalie and put his hand on her shoulder.

“Hello Natalie.”

Looking up at him, she took him in and said, “Hi Dad.”  Frowning, he studied his daughter’s pale face.  “You look tired.” He observed.  “I’m fine Dad.”

Cameron looked from the General to Natalie and back again, “Sir?”  General Todd Becker looked back up at Cameron,  “Have a seat Coronal.”

Natalie looked over at Cameron as well.  If she had thought he was angry before, he was furious now.
Sitting down in the chair next to Natalie, Todd Becker took his daughter’s hand in his and addressed her. “How are you doing?”  Giving him a smile she said, “I’m fine Dad.  Really.  It’s good to see you.”

Cameron cleared his throat.  He wanted some answers and he wasn’t about to wait for the family reunion to get into full swing before he got them.

General Becker regarded the man before him.  He noted that Cameron’s eyes were on his daughter and that he was definitely angry about the situation.  The girl did have a way of stirring up a hornet’s nest.  Swallowing a chuckle, he addressed the officer.

“Coronal Samson, I’d like to preference this conversation by saying that everything we are about to discuss is highly classified. Is that clear?”

Cameron turned his eyes to his commanding officer, “Of course sir.”

“Good.  Natalie, as you have just learned, is my daughter; a fact that I am very proud of.  However, for obvious reasons, she was given her Mother’s maiden name at birth.  We would like to keep our relationship under wraps.”  Cameron nodded his compliance.

Patting her hand, he released it and pointed to the backpack.  “I take it that’s yours young lady.”
Nodding she smiled, “Yes it is sir.”

“And I take it you are able and willing to access the information that the Coronal needs?”
Looking into Cameron’s eyes she said, “I am now sir.”
“Good.  Now that wasn’t too difficult was it?”

Standing up, the General motioned to Cameron to remain seated.  “Coronal, I expect a full report on my desk by the morning.”

“Yes sir.”  Cameron nodded to the General.

“Natalie, your mother and I will expect you at dinner on Sunday night.” 

“You can count on it Sir.”  She smiled up at him.

With his hand on the door, he turned back to them, “Coronal, if you aren’t otherwise occupied, you are welcome to join us on Sunday.  Dinner is at 6:00.”

Natalie’s head swung around to look in shock at her father.

Cameron nodded and said, “Thank you sir.  I would be delighted.”

Natalie looked back at him and her eyes narrowed.

The General chucked as he closed the door.  Cameron was just the right man to rein in his daughter.  And if he wasn’t mistaken, the sparks had already begun to fly.

Cameron settled back in his chair.  Natalie glared at him.  Pushing her chair back, she stood up and reached for her backpack.  Cameron moved fast and grabbed her wrist before it closed on the strap.  “I’m not finished with you yet.”  He hissed.  Natalie looked at the hand that now covered her wrist and took a deep breath.  She was tired and this man was really pushing her to the limit of her patience.  Slowly she raised her eyes to meet his.  “Coronal, if you would kindly release my hand, I’d like to get my work done and go home.”

Cameron held her a moment longer before slowly releasing it.  Sitting back, he allowed her to pick up her backpack and turn to leave before he spoke.  “You can’t leave.”

Frowning, Natalie turned and studied him.  “And why not?”

Cameron stood up and walked around the table to stand next to her. “It isn’t safe.” then looking down he added, “And you don’t have any shoes on.”

Natalie looked down at her stocking feet and shook her head.  “Well, you’re right about that at least.”  Looking back up at him she added.  “You owe me a new pair of shoes.”

Cameron smiled and stepped back.  “I think I can handle that.”

“Good.”  She walked past him and opened the door “Now, if you can just show me where the computer room is, I can get my work done and call it a day.”

As they walked down the hall, Cameron continued.  “I’ll need to get your address, so we can have someone drop by and pick up some of your belongings.  Billeting will have a room for you set up by the time you are done with your work.”

Natalie smiled.  Did the man really believe she was just going to let him keep her there?  She could take care of herself.  And she’d be damned if she was going to stay in billeting for, God only knew how long.

Reaching the computer room, Cameron opened the door for her and she stepped past him.  After a brief introduction to the technician on duty, Natalie turned and offered her hand to Cameron.  “Coronal,”  “It’s Cameron.” He smiled at her.  “Cameron, it’s been interesting.  I’m sure that you are a busy man, and have several important matters to attend to.”

Cameron knew a dismissal when he heard one, and not wanting to make a scene in front of the Lieutenant, he took her hand and squeezed it.  “I will see you later Natalie.”

Natalie took her hand from his and smiled.  “Goodbye Cameron.”  Turning, she addressed the Lieutenant.  “Where can I set up shop?”

************************************

Cameron had finished the last of his reports and had made one more call to check the status of the manhunt.
With the evidence they had gathered, they had Stephen Ridder on all counts.  Now, if they could just find the man.
Checking his watch he saw that it was nearly 9:00 pm.  Natalie should be about done with her work.  He would get her address and escort her to her accommodations.

As he rounded the corner to the computer room, he smiled in anticipation of catching Natalie off guard.  She had given him a definite dismissal.  But he wasn’t done with her.  Not by a long shot.  He still had some questions that remained unanswered; and he was going to get them.

Opening the computer room door, his smiled faded into a frown. “Lieutenant, where is Ms. Chapman?”

“She left sir.”  “When?”  Cameron’s frown deepened.  “About half an hour ago sir.  She said that she was finished, filled out the log and said she was going to go home.”

“Damn!”  Cameron swore as he turned and stormed to his office.

*********************************

God, she was tired.  All she wanted to do was crawl into her bed and sleep the sleep of the dead.  Then she’d wake up, eat something, take a nice long bath and do it all over again.

It wasn’t like she had to get up and go to work.  She was fairly certain that her job at the agency was over.
She still couldn’t believe it.  Stephen Ridder.  Traitor.  Somehow she just couldn’t see it.  But then again, that was why he had nearly gotten away with it.

She knew that they hadn’t found him yet.  They would.  She had confidence in the system; Confidence in the government.

Pulling into the garage, Natalie turned off her rental car, but kept the lights on while she found her flashlight and her spare key on the shelf next to the garage door.  Turning off the headlights, she switched on the flashlight and headed out across the lawn.

Gingerly picking her way up the front steps, she stepped in and fumbled for the light switch.
‘Home’ she thought, looking around the rustic cabin.

Locking the door behind her, she made her way to the back bedroom.  As she walked, she pealed off her clothing, leaving a trail in her wake.  Hitting the switch next to her bedroom, she threw the cabin into darkness again and crawled into bed naked.  She was asleep in moments.

*********************************

It had taken Cameron nearly half an hour to find out where Natalie lived. When he hadn’t found her at her apartment, Cameron hadn’t thought twice about whom he would call.

“General Becker.”

“General, Coronal Samson.  Ms. Chapman has taken off on us sir.”  Todd looked at the clock and noted that it was nearly 10:00 pm.

“What do you mean.?”

“I’m sorry sir.  Let me explain.  I had explained to Ms. Chapman that for her safety, we would be putting her up in billeting.”  Todd smiled as he heard the frustration rising in Cameron’s voice.  “Ms. Chapman has neither checked in with billeting, nor is she at her apartment.”  Cameron took a deep breath trying to calm down.  “Sir, is there any place you know of that she could have gone to?  We haven’t apprehended Ridder yet sir and I am concerned for your daughter’s safety.”

“She does have a will of her own doesn’t she son.”  Todd smiled into the phone.  Cameron rubbed his face, “That she does sir.”

“I may know where she has gone off too.”

****************************************

He parked a quarter of a mile away and had hiked in.  If there was any chance that Natalie had told Ridder about this place and if he had followed her up here…  He wouldn’t let himself think of that.

Checking the garage, he saw that her rental car was indeed securely parked in the garage.  There were no other signs that she had any other visitors and with the new snowfall, it looked like she hadn’t moved her car since she parked it.

Finding the door locked, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the key the General had given him.
The first thing he saw when he stepped in the door was the boots Natalie had gotten from Social Services.  The snow was already melted and dried which told him she hadn’t been outside since she had gotten there several hours earlier.

Slipping out of his boots, he began to walk into the cabin when he saw the trail of clothing.  Picking them up as he went, he held up a sexy black bra, which brought his eyebrow arching up.  When he picked up a matching pair of panties, he couldn’t help but groan.  How was a man supposed to concentrate with this laying around?

Stepping into the moonlit bedroom, he caught the sight of her leg laying outside of the large down comforter.
Dropping the clothes next to the door, he walked up to the bed and gazed down at her.  Along with her leg, one arm had also escaped the covers.  She was laying face down on her bed and her head was buried under one of her pillows, the curve of her body barely visible under the large comforter.  Unable to resist touching her, he softly slide his finger along the side of her exposed arm.  The skin was so soft, silky under his touch.

He nearly missed the movement of her leg as she turned to kick him.  Catching it, he spun her over.  “Easy lady.”  He said to her still buried head.  Fighting with the covers, she peered her head over the mound of blankets and looked blurred eyed at him. Blinking to clear her vision, she let her head drop back on the pillow.  “This had better be just a bad dream.” She said, her voice husky with sleep.  When he drew a line down the inside of leg, her head came up again giving him her full attention.

“Listen Samson, this is known in the legal circles as breaking and entering and it’s generally frowned upon by the local cops.”

“Na na…  I had a key.” He smiled.  Her eyes narrowed.  “Your father.”  He added.  Her head hit the pillow again, “Damn that man.” She said under her breath.

He drew another line down her leg, which awarded him a groan.  “ Listen Samson.” 

“It’s Cameron, remember?” 

Opening one eye she glared at him.  “Right now, I’m having trouble remember why I didn’t have my father put you up on charges.”  Closing her eyes again, she flung her arm over her face.  “Cameron.  I’m tired.  Please, just go away.”  She pleaded.  Cameron shook his head.  “I don’t think so.”

“Fine!” She said and sat up.  “Then I’ll go.”  She started to push the comforter away when she caught the look in his eyes, and it was in that instance, that she realized that she had forgotten to put on her nightgown.
His eyes had turned from playful to dark and she was drawn into them.  The hunger was there.  The desire.  “Cameron,” she had to let him know that she hadn’t meant to… but her voice sounded like a purr as she was pulled into his arms.  Lost in his eyes, her lips parted in an invitation.

His lips sought hers and she was lost in the heat.  She felt herself drowning in it and she reached out to pull him closer.

He gathered her up into his arms and gave his full attention to her beautiful mouth.  The heat.  Hadn’t he known it would be like this? He felt it before when they had kissed; even then, he had felt himself being pulled into the heat of her.

Sliding his hand down the length of her, he couldn’t touch enough of her.  Her hands too, seemed to be busy.  Dragging thru his hair, down his neck, under his shirt.  Laying her back down on the bed, he drew back and looked down at her.  She was beautiful.  Reaching out, he traced the beautiful curve of her breast and then his lips followed the path his fingers had found.  Natalie arched up to meet him when his tongue touched her nipple and sucked it into his hot mouth.  “Cameron” she breathed his name.  She could feel the heat building deep within her and she rushed to meet it.  Needing to feel his body.  To feel skin against skin, she dragged his shirt up his back and over his shoulders  “Please, I need to feel you.” She whispered.  Sitting up, he pulled the shirt over his head.  She sat up and kissed his chest, his nipples as he had kissed hers.  With a primal moan, he grabbed her head between his hands and devourer her mouth.

Hugging his body next to hers, she savored the feeling.  But the heat was building, and couldn’t be ignored and their hands once again began to explore.  Her hands, impatient, tore at the last of his clothing.  “I need to see you.”  He whispered as he pulled back from her.  He pulled his pants off and drew the last of the blankets away from her body.  “God, you’re beautiful.”  He said - his voice drunk with desire.  Trailing kissed down her stomach; he looked up at her as he reached the core of her desire.  Her breath was a shallow pant of wonder as he kissed her wet center.  Her cry was his reward when he drove his tongue into her wetness.  She climaxed immediately. Drawn back like a bow she arched her body up to meet his busy lips.  “Cameron” she needed to touch him, to join with him.  Sitting up, she pushed him onto his back.  Holding him down, she shifted positions and kissed him wildly until he understood her needs.  Grabbing her hips he guided her onto him. Her eyes flared open upon their joining and he thought for a moment she would regret the decision.  But as she looked in his eyes a seductive smile played across her lips and she started to move in nature dance.  Slowly at first, until the heat overwhelmed them and they rose up together to meet the fire of their desire.

*******************

She lay on top of him.  Her hair splayed across his chest.  His hand was softly caressing her shoulders.  Not to arouse, but to sooth.  Kissing the top of her head, he couldn’t quite explain his feelings at that moment.  Natalie kept her eyes closed and savored the luxurious feeling of his caress.  She felt sated and happy.  She couldn’t explain it, but she felt at home here in his arms.  Smiling, she chuckled.  Tilting his head, he kissed her again and asked, “What’s so funny?”

Shaking her head, she kissed his chest. 

Grabbing her long hair in his hand, he drew her head back and looked into her eyes. “What?”

Smiling she said, “I really like dancing with you Coronal.”

Arching his eyebrow, she laughed again and kissed him full on the lips. He looked into her eyes.  She was beautiful.  That brilliant smile of hers seemed to light up the room.

Pulling away, she rolled off him and onto her stomach.  Grabbing a pillow, she stuffed it under her head and smiling closed her eyes.  Grabbing the sheet, he began to pull it up around her when he noticed the scars.  Several cuts and burns were still visible on her lower back, and he recognized them as whipping marks and cigarette burns.  Opening her eyes, her smile faded when she realized that he had discovered her scars.  Rolling over onto her back, she drew the sheet up to her chin.  The hurt look that fell upon his eyes bit into him worse than the scars had.  Frowning, he knew he needed to ask her about them.

Natalie saw the question in his eyes and closed her eyes to the tears that threatened to spill.  “Don’t.”  She said roughly.

Taking a hold of her hands, he spoke firmly.  “Natalie, we need to talk about it.”

“Why? “  She swallowed back her tears.  “So you can have a reason not to touch me again?”

She felt her hands crushed in his hands as he gave way to a string of oaths.  “Damn it Natalie.”  He studied her face.  ‘God, she was beautiful.’  And he knew that he was drawn to her.  More than he had ever been drawn to a woman before in his life.  “Open your eyes Natalie.”  He spoke gently.

Biting her lip, she opened her tear filled eyes and looked into his eyes.  “Sweetheart, we need to talk about this,” she shook her head no and he laid his finger on her lips and whispered, “Yes.  We need to talk about it, so I’ll know the next time I touch you that I won’t be hurting you more than you have already been hurt.”

He saw the look of understanding cross her eyes and then she closed them again as the tears once again threatened to spill.

Lifting her chin with his finger, he kissed her softly on the lips.  “Natalie.”  He whispered. He kissed her again and felt himself loosing himself again in her sweetness.  Drawing back, he took her hand into his and started to kiss her fingertips.  “Natalie, talk to me.” He coaxed her.

Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes.

“Talk to me.” He commanded again. 

Standing up, she gathered the sheet around her and then she went to stand in front of the window.
Outside the moonlight was shinning on the white snow.  It looked peaceful.  God, she wanted to feel at peace. 
Slipping into his pants, he had walked up to stand next to her. He didn’t touch her.  He wanted to… his fingers itched to touch her soft skin, but he knew somehow that she could not welcome it right now.  He waited for her.  Knowing now from the rise of her chin that she was gathering the strength to tell him what he wanted to know.
Natalie had heard Cameron get up from the bed and felt him walk up behind her.

“I’m sure you read the report.” She said quietly.  “I was working undercover.  We had found evidence that the Guerrillas were using a code to send messages to their field agents, detailing the times and places of their planned attacks.”  She took a deep breath to control the shaking that she knew would come when she remembered the details. “I was sent in to find the code.  It seemed like a simple assignment really.  Low on the danger scale.  I wasn’t even in their compound.”  She shook her head, still surprised by her discovery.  “I hacked in.  It was as simple as that.  But what we didn’t know is that they had a very sophisticated firewall.  They found me.  It was like following a damn map back to my hotel room.”

She smiled grimly.  “Damn good system.  We got it by the way. “  Swallowing, she tried to control the trembling that was already threatening to take over.  “I discovered it shortly before they could find me.”

Drawing the sheet closer to her body, she shivered.  “And they found me alright.”

Staring out at the snow, she could remember it all.  “There was a knock at the door, and I knew they were there.  And there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.” Smiling she said, “I poured a coke over my laptop.  Damn good way of messing up the system by the way.  I really don’t recommend it if you like your computer.”
Closing her eyes she continued  “But it really didn’t matter.  They had me red handed.”

“They threw me into a cell and told me that they were going to throw away the key.” She reached out and touched the cold glass of the window.  “I wish they had.” she whispered.

She fell silent then… deep in her thoughts.  “I’d like a glass of water if you don’t mind.”
“I’ll get it.”  He whispered.

As he walked out of the bedroom, he saw her move to the chair in front of the fireplace.

In the kitchen he drew a glass of water from the tap and drank it down in one gulp. Then refilling the glass, he took it back to her bedroom.

She had started a small fire and now she was sitting in a chair, staring at the flames. Handing her the glass, she thanked him and took a sip.  Setting it down on the table next to her, she drew the sheet around her even tighter.
Cameron sat in the chair next to her and waited.

Taking a deep breath she whispered, “They left me there for three days.  I thought that perhaps they had forgotten about me.  Or maybe I had hoped that they had.  But they didn’t.  I guess it was part of their interrogation technique.  When they came back and saw that I wasn’t a blubbering idiot I guess they got a little peeved at me.”
Taking a deep breath, she continued. “You know, they try to teach you everything you could possibly encounter if you are ever a POW; but they really can’t prepare you for the truth.”  She turned then and looked at him.  “They aren’t civilized.  They are vicious and cruel and they most certainly do not abide by rules of the Geneva Convention.”  Her voice shook with emotion.

Closing her eyes, she tried to gather her strength again.  Reaching for her water, she drank deeply.
Focusing on the fire again, she took a deep breath.  “Needless to say, they weren’t gentlemen.  Panama is a third world country.  I’m sure you know that.  Women mean less than nothing there.  They are valued less than livestock.  I was a very unpopular nothing.”

“Nero had a thing for toys.”  She closed her eyes to the memory, “He was the head interrogator, and he had a fondness for the Inquisition. He used to come into the room and carefully select the toy of the day.  Sometimes he didn’t even bother asking me any questions.  He would just pick a toy and start playing.”

Natalie shuttered at the memory.  She felt Cameron move and held her hand up to stop him.  Closing her eyes she tried to regain her composure.

Opening her eyes again she stared into the fire, willing the strength of the flames to wash over her and help her thru this.  “I had made my mind up early that I wouldn’t break.  I knew that they would kill me no matter what and I guess it was just my stubborn streak, but I was determined not to give them a damn thing.”

Natalie picked up her water again and took a sip.  Turning the glass between her hands she said,  “They say that when a marathon runner reaches his limits that he hits the wall.”  Setting the glass back down, she looked over at him.  “I wanted nothing more than to hit that wall.  I pushed for it.”

Looking back into the fire she shook her head.  “When you hit the wall, you can’t feel the pain any more.  I wanted that more than anything else in this world.  I crawled into a shell and I reached for the wall.”
Standing again, she walked to the window and looked out.

“I really can’t tell you everything that happened.  I’m told that they had me for over a week before the Calvary came and got me. I don’t even know how they found me.  I do remember waking up in the hospital.  My mother was there, and so was my father.  God, he looked so scared.  When I opened my eyes, I was so out of it.” Chuckling, she said, “I tried to salute him, but my damn arms were broken and in casts.  I ended up knocking myself out.”  Shaking her head she smiled at herself.

Raising her chin, she turned and looked at him.  “I’m not sure if you were privileged to my medial records, but they have assured me that I was not raped.  I guess that never crossed their minds.”

She fell silent then.  Her voice was raw from the unshed tears and emotions.  The room was dark and she couldn’t see him clearly enough to gage his expression.

Feeling suddenly exposed, she crossed the room and grabbing her robe, wrapped it around her sheet-clad body.
“Why did you fight the discharge?” Cameron asked from the darkness.

“I didn’t want them to win.” She whispered.

Standing up from his chair, he slowly walked up to her.  “Look at me Natalie.”  He whispered.

Slowly, she raised her tear-streaked face to look into his eyes.  “They didn’t win.”  He whispered.  Her breath hitched and he understood that, that had been her real fear.

Reaching up, Cameron gently drew a tear from her cheek.  Natalie closed her eyes and waited.

Slowly, gently, Cameron gathered her face into his hands and he kissed each tear from her face.  He wanted to show her that nothing had changed.

No, he wanted to show her more than that.

Lifting her face up to him, he whispered, “Open your eyes Natalie.”  Her eyes opened slowly, hesitantly.

Holding her eyes with his, he reached out and slowly untied the knot of her belt.  Lifting his hands, he slipped the robe from her shoulders, slipping the sheet down with it to the floor.  Now, naked before him, he reached down and lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bed.

Gently laying her down, he shed his clothes and then he began to shower her face with kisses, whispering soft words of tenderness.

Finally capturing her mouth, he kissed her deeply.  He fought hard to keep his desire in check.  God he wanted her.  But he wanted to caress the fear, and the doubt from her first.

Reaching for her hands, he brought them above her head and skimmed his fingertips down the sides of her arms, touching the curve of her breasts, down her slim waist to her lovely hips, before grabbing hold and kissing her deeply again.  He felt her move beneath him, in invitation.  Lifting his mouth from hers, he moved his mouth to her neck and he nibbled at the soft meat he found there.

Natalie felt herself swimming in a sea of desire and she wanted to drown in it.  She had long forgotten to think, she could only feel and want.

As he nibbled his way down her neck to her shoulder, she lost track of where his mouth was kissing, where his hands were touching as she swam in a sea of desire.

When he gently urged her to turn onto her side and then on to her stomach, she had no clear thoughts.  Only desire.  It wasn’t until she felt him kiss one of her scars that she understood what he was doing.  With a word of protest on her lips, he leaned forward and swallowed her protest with a kiss.  Reaching under her, he found the core of her desire and gently slid his fingers home.  Natalie arched her back toward him in sudden, undeniable desire, calling out his name!

Burying his head in her neck, he closed his eyes to his own needs and helped her ride the wave of desire.  As she peek, he burned a trail of kissed down her back, over her scars and when he could take it no longer, he lifted her hips to him, driving himself home.

Natalie cried out as she felt him enter her, calling his name in demand as she climaxed.  And he called her name out as he reached his peak as well.

They laid together in silence.  Each gathering their strength again.

Kissing her shoulder, Cameron slid out of her and slowly lifted himself away from her.  Taking her shoulder, he turned her over and looking in her eyes, he took her again.  Gently loving her.

*******************************
Stretching, Natalie smiled. ‘Coffee.’  She could smell it.

Pulling on her robe, she padded her way out of her bedroom and found Cameron standing in the living room looking out at the lake, drinking a large cup of coffee.  Walking up to him, she slipped her hands around his and took a long drink from his cup.  Eyes closed she moaned with pleasure.  Then, she slowly opened her eyes to look up into his.  “Good Morning.”

Cameron smiled down at her.  “You really like your coffee don’t you.”  Smiling back, she nodded, “And you really brew it well.”

Taking his cup from him, she sipped it again and walked into the kitchen.  Opening the refrigerator she started to take out eggs, cheese, and several other items.  He watched as she took her time, grabbing one item at a time, not willing to put the cup down.

Walking past her, he opened the cabinet and took out another cup and filled it for himself.

Taking another sip and offering another moan of delight, Natalie nodded toward the table and said, “Have a seat.  I’ll make something for breakfast.”

*******************

She heard the shower running in the downstairs bathroom and hearing some humming, knew that Cameron was there.

Turning on her computer as she passed her desk, she continued into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.

She’d have to make a grocery list and get to the store before too long.  She probably had enough in the cupboards to make a pizza or tacos for lunch, but if Cameron was planning on staying for dinner she would definitely need to go shopping.  She’d have to see what Cameron’s plans were first. She wasn’t about to make any assumptions just because they had slept together.  Keep it simple she reminded herself.  Her feelings for him may be getting a little messy, but she didn’t have to get him involved with them.

Back at her computer, she turned on her CD player and logged on to check her company email.  She had started a freelance web design company six months ago and she wanted to keep on top of the few clients she had.  That meant keeping on top of their requests.  As expected there were a few emails to address and she went to work completing their requests.  Turning up the music, she was deep in her work when Cameron came back upstairs.
Leaning against the wall, he studied her.  She was once again singing, and bopping to the music.  Totally unaware that he was there watching her.  She really sunk into her work.

“What are you working on?” he finally asked.  Reaching to turn down the volume, Natalie smiled up at him and said, “A web design for a new client.”

“For the Agency?”

“No.  I started my own company about six months ago.  It’s still in the infancy stage, but I’m starting to pick up some more business. It’s all about referrals at this stage of the game, so I’m trying to keep on top of the requests.”

Frowning, Cameron walked over to look over her shoulder.  “Does Ridder know about this little venture?”
Shaking her head, “No, and don’t worry.  It’s totally untraceable.  I started a foundation under a Sub S corporation.  The tax-ID number can’t be traced back to me.”

At his raised eyebrow she laughed, “When your father is a general who works directly with the President, you tend to cover all your bases.”

Turning back to her computer, she saved her work and logged off.  “What are your plans?” she asked as she looked back up at him.  “When do you need to head back?”

Laughing at herself she added, “I’m not trying to kick you out or anything.  I just figured you probably need to get back.  I talked to my Father, and he said that Ridder still hasn’t been apprehended, so…”

Cameron nodded, “Well, that all depends on how soon you are ready to leave.”

Standing up, Natalie shook her head with a smile.  Walking past him she said, “Nice try.”

Cameron grabbed her arm, suddenly very serious.  “I’m not leaving you here alone Natalie.  It isn’t safe.  Not while Ridder is still on the loose.”

Natalie laughed off his seriousness.  “Cameron, I’m safe.  No one can find me here.”

“I did.”  “Yah, with my Father’s help.”

“Natalie,…”

“Cameron, listen.  I appreciate your concern.  But I really can take care of myself.”

Cameron shook his head.  “What if Ridder does know about this place?  Then what?  He’s not going to be very happy with you Natalie.”

Natalie considered what he was saying, before putting her hand over his and pulling loose from his hold.  “That’s highly unlikely. But since you’re worried about it,” she flashed him a smile over her shoulder as she headed for the kitchen, “then I’ll just have to take a little trip.”

“What kind of trip?” he asked suspiciously.

Leaning against the counter she considered the question.  “Oh I don’t know.  Maybe someplace warm?  Mexico or the Caribbean?”

For some reason the idea didn’t warm her as it should have.  In fact, it made her feel a little lonely.  Shaking off the feeling, she turned toward the kitchen window.  ‘What was wrong with her?  She liked to travel.  One romp in the sack with the man and she’s suddenly dependent on him for company?’

“Natalie,” Cameron had walked up behind her and laying his hands on her shoulders slowly turned her around.  “I need to know you’re safe.”  He said in a quiet voice.

Natalie looked up into his eyes and her breath caught in her throat as he brought his head on down to kiss her.
It was a gentle kiss; not a kiss meant to seduce.  One meant to show her how important she had become to him.
He couldn’t explain it, not to her, not even to himself, but there was something about her that had him wanting, needing to protect her.

Lifting his mouth from hers he looked deep into her eyes.  Natalie swallowed back her emotions and tried to make light of her feelings.  “I can’t help but wonder if you don’t have some other ulterior motive.”  She smiled at him.
“Damn it Natalie, I’m serious!”  Cameron grabbed her tightly.  “I want you - Yes, but that isn’t what this is all about.”

Natalie pushed herself away from him.  “Cameron, please.  Don’t you see?  I need to take care of myself.  Damn it.  I don’t want things to get confused between us.” she admitted.  Fearing the tears that seemed to be threatening to spill, she twisted out of his grasp and put some distance between them.

Walking to the large window that looked out at the lake, she wrapped her arms around her body and tried to regain control over her emotions.

“Natalie?”  Cameron had walked up behind her, but didn’t touch her.  “What do you mean?’

Taking a shaky breath, she shook her head.  “I don’t know.”  Then turning to face him she decided to level with him.  “Cameron, to be honest, I’m a little messed up right now.  Last night,” she smiled at him, “meant a lot to me.” tilting her head she added, “ Perhaps more than it should have.”

Natalie searched his face for some sign that he felt something for her as well,  and then when it looked like he was going to say something she held up her hand.  “I’m not trying to tie you down or make you feel guilty or anything like that.  I just wanted to be honest with you.”

Taking a deep breath she pushed forward - needing to get it all out before she lost her nerve.  “Talking about what happened to me was hard.  God, it was more than that.  It took a lot for me to do that.  I don’t expect you to understand.  The Doctors warned me that I would have to face it again, and they told me that when I did, that it would bring up all the old doubts and uncertainties. And believe me, it did.”  She closed her eyes to the memory.  “But you helped me through that.”  Looking deep in his eyes she tried to explain it to him.  “God Cameron, you don’t know how much you helped me.  You gave me something, that… I can’t explain it, but it’s made my feelings for you very intense.  And that’s what I don’t want to get confused.”

Cameron reached out and touched her cheek.  He could see the unshed tears in her eyes and he wanted to pull her into his arms and make them go away.  It was then that he realized that just as she couldn’t explain her feelings for him, he couldn’t explain his feelings either.  He was drawn to her, he knew that, but what he felt for her was something he never felt for another woman before. Looking deep in her eyes he found himself drowning in her loveliness.  “Natalie.” he whispered and then he felt himself crushing her to his chest, he kissed her head, her cheeks, her lips.

Leaning his forehead on hers, he tried to control his breathing.  “God, I guess we’re both a little messed up.”  He smiled.  Then opening his eyes, he looked deep into her eyes.  “I can’t explain any of this either honey, but I do know that I don’t want to let you out of my sight, and it has nothing to do with honor and loyalty.  I want you.  I’m not going to deny that, but it goes much deeper than just wanting to be in you.  I want to be apart of you.  Of your life.”  Closing his eyes again he shook his head in disbelief.  “I know that this is all happening fast, maybe too fast, and I know it sounds unrealistic,” pushing her away so he could look at her whole face and not just her lovely eyes, “but I feel caught up in you too.  And sweetheart, I’m not in any hurry to get my feet back on the ground where you’re concerned.”

“I don’t want to get hurt.  I don’t want either one of us to get hurt.”  She whispered.

Cameron put his finger on her lips to stop her. “Natalie, I’ve felt drawn to you since you first opened your mouth.”  He smiled at the memory.  “I wanted to kiss that attitude right off of your face, and then I realized that I just wanted to kiss you.”

Stepping back from her, he took her hands in his and said, “Let’s just take this one step at a time.  Right now we have to get you to a safe place.”  When she started to protest, he shook his head and smiled.  “You really are a stubborn one aren’t you?”  She laughed. “Natalie, I know that you feel you are completely safe here.  And you may very well be, but I need to know for sure.  So, we’re going to take you someplace where we can keep an eye on you…”

“We?”  Natalie’s smile started to fade. “Who exactly is this ‘we’ you’re talking about?” She tried to pull her hands out of his grasp.

Cameron held on and frowned.  “Natalie, it’s ok.  Your father and I agree that protective custody was the best option here.”

Something popped deep with in her and anger flashed thru her eyes and she finally twisted her hands out of his grasp. “Not on your life buddy!”  Storming from the room, Natalie tried to slam the bedroom door, but his hand stopped it.  Whirling around, she faced him in full fury.  “Out!” She demanded. 

“Natalie, listen to me.”

“No, you listen to me.  My father.  Ha!  The nerve of the man!”  She began to pace back and forth.  “The man hasn’t a clue sometimes.”  Then she turned on Cameron.  “And you!  You’ve really got some nerve discussing my well being with my father.  What’d you do, report back this morning that you slept with me?”

Cameron couldn’t understand why she was so angry, but now he was angry as well.  Grabbing her by the arms he held her still.  “Damn it. Natalie.  If you really believe that I would have told your father anything about our relationship….”

But Natalie wasn’t thinking straight.  Not by a long shot… she was running on emotions… emotions that she had no wish reliving.…. “Relationship?  Is that what you call this?”  Pushing away from him, she tried to break free from his hold.  Her breath was coming in quick pants, and Cameron realized that she was starting to hyperventilate.

“Natalie, stop.”  He pulled her back into his arms and held her tight.  “Please honey.  Just relax.  Breathe.”
Natalie tried to catch her breath but couldn’t and she started to squirm in panic.  “I … can’t…. breathe.” She finally said.

Cameron helped her down on her bed and laid her back down on her bed.  “It’s alright honey; you’re going to be alright.”  Cameron softly caressed her hair, trying to calm her.  Her eyes were closed and he could see that her breathing was finally coming under control.

He sat there in silence, watching her, waiting for her breathing to get back to normal.  Leaning over, he kissed her gently on her forehead. Then he showered her face with small, carefully placed kisses.  Natalie started to respond.  Opening her eyes, she reached up and pulled his mouth down to hers.  She wanted to draw strength from him.  She needed his strength.  She didn’t want to think about what she had felt, what had gone thru her mind.  She only wanted to feel the sensations he was creating deep with in her.

**************
When he lifted his head, she looked back into his eyes.  The question was there.  And she knew that she owed him an explanation.  “I’m sorry.” she whispered as the tears started to run down her face.

“Oh, honey, don’t cry.  Please.” 

Smiling thinly she nodded and brushed the tears away from her face,  “I know, ‘Guy’s don’t like tears’.”  Then she looked at him again “But I really am sorry.  I said some horrible things to you.”

Pushing herself up into a sitting position, she rubbed her face with her hands and swore under her breath.  “God, I hate this.”  Then she stared at her hands.  It wasn’t his fault.  She hadn’t explained everything to him.
“Natalie, what happened?”

She shook her head.  “You didn’t do anything wrong.  OK?” she looked up at him.  “I should have told you.  I don’t know, maybe it wouldn’t have mattered.”  She looked back down at her hands.

Cameron knelt down in front of her and took a hold of her hands.  “What is it Natalie?”

Taking a deep breath she looked at him again, “It’s a trigger word.”

Frowning, Cameron said, “What’s a trigger word?”
He felt a shutter run thru her body as she said, “Protective.”

Frowning, “I don’t understand.”

“Neither do I.  Not really anyway.  It’s part of what I can’t remember from my interrogation.  But from what I’ve been told, the bastards wanted to really mess with my mind when I wouldn’t give into them, so they tried to brain wash me.  They gave me a trigger word that would make me remember the pain.”  Swallowing hard, she continued, “Protective was the word they decided to use.”

“Honey, I’m sorry, but I still don’t understand.”

“After I was rescued and in recovery, the Army was afraid that Nero would try to get to me again.  When they rescued me, he had slipped away.  I guess they were afraid that in my weakened state that I would finally buckle under.  So they told me they were going to put me under,” taking another shaky breath, she continued “protective custody.  That was when we figured out it was a trigger word.  I went ballistic.  I started to scream and tear the place apart.  I felt like I was being tortured again.  That’s what a trigger word does.  They put a suggestion in your brain, and no matter how logical you are, when the word is said, you think that you really are getting punched or burned or cut.  I could actually feel the pain.”

“And just now…” He cursed himself.

“No.” She hurried to reassure him.  “Now I just get angry.  I don’t feel the pain anymore; just the anger.  Therapy taught me to do that.”


Taking her in his arms, he held her tight.
"Are you alright?" Cameron asked after a few moments.

He felt her nod the affirmative against his shoulder.

“Good.  Listen, I need to call in and let them know I've found you."

Natalie sat back from his embrace.  "You'll have to go into town.  I may get the internet up here, but the cell reception sucks."

"Ok, I can pick up some supplies while I'm at it." 
He saw that she was about to protest, but he stopped her.  "If I can't talk you into coming back with me, then I'm staying.  Is that clear?"

"Ok." she agreed.

"Do you want to come into town with me?" he invited her?

"No, you go ahead.  I have some work to get done on the computer and it would be good to get it out of the way."



********************************************************
She had been busy working on one of her web designs when her music was suddenly turned down.  “Cameron?”  Natalie looked around to the CD player.

“Hello Natalie.”

Her heartbeat bumped up a notch and yet she felt frozen in her chair.

“I told you we would meet again.”  Nero smiled at her.  It wasn’t a kind smile.

“I see you like your music loud.”  He commented as he turned the CD player off.  “is that your way of getting over the isolation we put you thru?”  Natalie blinked, but she wasn’t able to mask her confusion quick enough.  “Don’t remember that one do you?”  Walking toward her he continued, “I wonder how much you do remember?”

She stood up and braced herself.  “I wonder how much of your ‘protective’ shell I can still break through.”
Natalie started to shake.  The combination of his voice and the trigger word was overwhelming.  She felt paralyzed, but in her head she was screaming to run.

Forcing a smile, she laughed.  Nero frowned.  “What do you find so amusing?”

Hoping her voice won’t betray her, she said, “You.  Don’t tell me that you still think I’ll have any pertinent information after six years.  I’m retired Nero.  I don’t have any information that could possibly help your pathetic cause.”  Then she frowned.  Tilting her head she added, “Or has Ridder hired you for this little job?”

“You catch on quickly.” She recognized the voice behind her.

Natalie turned to find Stephen Ridder standing in the doorway, with two other men.  The guns they had pointed at her told her that escape would be futile.

Looking back at Nero, she tried to swallow her fear and said, “Looks like you teamed up with the wrong side again Nero.”

He grabbed her arm and smiled down at her.  “It’s all about the money Natalie.  I thought you understood that.” Then he leaned closer, “The thought of having another go at you really sweetened the pot.”

Natalie looked up at him and said, “You couldn’t break me before Nero.  What makes you think you’d be able to now?”

Guiding her to one of the dining room chairs, he pushed her down and started to tie her to it.  “I’ve learned some new tricks.” he said. “Besides,” grabbing her hair, he pulled her head back, “who says I want to get anything from you?  Maybe I just want to hurt you some more?”

Stepping back, he slapped her across the face.  Her lip stung and she tasted blood.  Looking back up at him, she took a deep breath before saying, “That was a sissy hit if ever I saw one.”

Ridder stepped in, “Don’t let her push you.  You can do what ever you want to her, but only after you get the information I need.”

Then Ridder turned his attention to Natalie.  “I want those launch codes Natalie.”  Natalie shook her head in disbelief.  Angry, he grabbed her by the hair.  “I know you have them.”  Tapping her forehead, “Up there in that pretty little head of yours.  And I’m going to get them.  I won’t let Nero kill you until I have them.  But you’re going to wish you were dead before we’re done with you.”  He knocked her head forward, releasing his hold on her.
Natalie had seen something in his eyes that sparked a memory.  A memory that frightened her, and gave her some hope as well.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and looked over at Nero.  Gathering her courage she looked into his eyes and held his glance.

Nero could sense a change in the woman.  She had made a decision.  He just didn’t know what it was.  When she looked down again, he knew she was ready to tell him.

Natalie turned her head to look at Ridder.  She knew that no matter the consequences, her decision would be the right one.

Looking back up at Nero, she glanced down at his side arm and then slowly raised her eyes to his.  Hoping he understood that he should be ready to use it.

“I was sorry to hear about your sister Nero.”

The anger was instant.  She read it in his eyes.

“No one should ever have to deal with that kind of loss.”

Ridder back handed her.  “Just answer the damn question!”

Shaking the stars from her eyes, she focused once more on Nero.  The man was watching her.
He had not experience cooperation from this woman before – but somehow he knew that now she was giving him vital information.

“You are a very surprising young lady Ms. Chambers.”  He finally spoke.  “I wonder what you are trying to achieve by bringing up a subject which you know will anger me.  Senor Ridder has just warned you that it will be a long interrogation.  What do you possibly have to gain by angering me?”  Natalie continued to look him in the eyes, when she said, “I suppose I was just curious why you would allow yourself to be hired by the same man who raped and murdered your sister.”

Natalie felt the pain rip thru her head as Ridder punched her in the face.  He was reaching back to punch her again when Nero stopped him.  Grabbing his fist mid air, he looked at him.

“She’s lying!” Ridder claimed and tried to pull his fist from Nero’s hold.  Nero motioned to his two accomplishes, who grabbed Ridder by the arms - holding him.  “I would have assumed the same thing.” Nero said quietly as he pulled out his weapon. “That was, until you started hitting her.”  Then Nero focused his attention back on Natalie.
Sliding the barrel of his gun along the side of her neck, he drew it down the front of her shirt, stopping at the top button and popped it open.  “I never explored that avenue of interrogation with you did I Senorita?”
Natalie looked up at him.  “No you didn’t.”  She admitted.

“Pretty clumsy of you to introduce it.”  He said as he popped another button open.  Natalie continued to watch his eyes.  “It was a gamble I had to take.  I believe in Justice Nero.  Your sister never got her justice.  Ridder got away with what he did to her.”

As he popped a third button off her shirt he said, “What makes you think I care?”

“Because she was your sister, and she was an innocent.  You’re in the business of getting things from people who know vital information.  What information did your sister know Nero?”

“Nothing” he said and turned his gun toward Ridder and shot him in the head.

Natalie shut her eyes and tried to push down the scream that was pushing its way to the surface.  She was fighting for control and she felt herself loosing.  She felt Nero lean close to her and he whispered in her ear. “I own you for my sister’s revenge.  I want those launch codes Senorita, and I’ll get them from you.  But I will not rape you to get them.  You have my word on that.”

Nero straightened and told his men to get rid of the body, and then he turned back to Natalie.  Her eyes were still closed.  Her nails were digging into the arms of the chair, as she fought for control.  If he pushed her now, he was sure he would get the information he needed ….but he felt that he needed to move the interrogation somewhere more private.

Reaching into the bag he had brought with him, he drew out a vial and a needle.  Emptying the contents of the vial into the needle, he walked up behind Natalie and put his hand on her shoulder.  She jumped, telling him that she was indeed having a hard time gaining control over her emotions.  “Just relax Natalie.  I’m not going to start just yet.  We need to take a little trip first, and this will help me in the transition.”  Natalie’s eyes flew open and she looked back just as he jabbed the needle into her upper arm.  She jerked, but the serum was already rushing into her bloodstream.  He saw the tears before she closed her eyes.  Squeezing her shoulder he said, “Don’t give up on me Senorita.  I’ve looked forward to this fight.  Don’t disappointment me.” As her head drooped down he knew she was under the drug’s spell.

****************************
Cameron smashed his hand on the table.  The forensics team was taking their own sweet time with the investigation.  All he wanted to know was if the blood he saw spilled on the cabin floor was Natalie’s or not.
The technician looked up at him shaking his head.  “It’s not female.”  he said.  “We won’t know whose it is until we get back to the lab, but I can guarantee that this is not from Ms. Chambers.”

“We’ve found several sets of prints.  She definitely had company.”

Cameron stared at the chair that still had ropes dangling from it.  She had been tied to it.  He was sure of that.  Damn it.  Why hadn’t he been here?

As he started to turn away, something caught his eye.  Leaning closer to the chair he nodded.  “I understand honey.” he whispered.  Looking up he caught General Becker’s attention.  “Nero’s got her Sir.”  Todd Becker looked down to where Cameron had been looking.  Scratched out in the arm of the chair were the letters NERO.  “And we know where he’ll take her.”

******************************
Natalie felt the heat and knew she was back in hell.  She was lying on her side on the ground and she knew that her hands and feet had been bound together.  She tried to listen to see if she was alone or not.  She needed more time to prepare for what was to come.  She really didn’t believe she would be rescued this time.  But she had to push that thought from her mind.  Right now her goal was survival.  And that meant keeping her mouth and her mind shut.  She couldn’t think of anything.  If she did, she might say something, and that would be a mistake.  ‘Sleep’ she told herself.  ‘You’re going to need it.’.

********************************
She felt someone reaching for her hands and tried to remain limp as they cut the ropes.  Then they left her.
“I know that you are awake Senorita.”  She heard Nero close by.

Natalie opened her eyes and sat up, and looked around the room.  She couldn’t help the shiver that ran thru her as she recognized the interrogation room.  “I see that you recognize our little game room.” Nero chuckled.  Standing up, Natalie faced him.

Nero walked over to a table that held a number of devices.  Looking down at them, he ran his hand over several of them.  Picking up one that looked like a meat tenderizer he said, “If I remember right, you weren’t particularly fond of this little toy.”  He turned and looked at her.  Natalie raised her chin.  “You still bare the scares don’t you?”  He nodded to himself.  “I wonder what your lover thought of them.  Did you hide them from him?  Was Cameron repulsed?”

Natalie felt her stomach constrict with pain that had her bending and clutching at her side.  Trying to catch her breath, she looked up at him; a look of worry evident on her face.  Nero laughed. “Trigger words are a handing little tool.  Don’t you think?  I’m sure Cameron would agree.”  She fell to her knees, the pain once again taking her breath away.  Closing her eyes, she felt her heart breaking.  Dear God, what had been happening to her?  How long had she been out?

Picking her up from the floor, he put her on the chair and allowed her to catch her breath.
“I’ve been waiting a long time to work with you again Natalie.”  He smiled. “I hope you have as much respect for my work, as I have for your, what should I call it - Strength?” He laughed.  “You are a fine opponent Natalie.  I want you to know that.  I really do respect that about you.”  Then he sobered.  “But I will win this time.  I promise you that.  I will get the information from you.  It is just up to you whether or not it takes time.  Personally I hope you don’t give in too easily.”

Natalie opened her eyes and watched him as he once again approached the table of ‘toys’.  “Why the trigger word then?”  She asked.

Turning around, he studied her for a moment.  Her question had surprised him.  In his previous interrogation of her she had remained silent.  He wondered it she was already giving up.  “Let’s just say that I like a back up plan.”
Natalie sat up and leveled her eyes to him, “I find that pathetic.  But then again, I did win the last match.  I suppose you would have to resort to less sportsman behavior.”

Nero’s eyes narrowed.  “Don’t try to play games with me Natalie.  You won’t win.  Trust me on that.”
Natalie stood up and addressed him.  “I’m not playing any games Nero.  If you want any information from me you’re going to have to work for it.  And I can promise you, I’m not going to make it easy on you.  I won’t give in.  You will lose.  Guaranteed.”

Nero took a step toward her and she held her ground.  “I wonder Nero.  How many times have you lost?”  Nero took a swing at her and she moved out of his way and kicked him in the crotch.  He bent over in agony, and she hit him on the back of the neck knocking him down.  Turning, she grabbed her chair and brought it down on his head.

He was out cold.  Quickly bounding his hands and feet, she gagged him and then slowly opened the door.  No one stood outside the door, and she quietly slipped from the room and entered the room next door.  Locking the door behind her she allowed herself a moment to catch her breath.  She hadn’t been surprised that Nero had been alone with her for the interrogation, he liked to work alone.  The fact that she had overpowered him, had surprised her but she didn’t want to count herself too lucky just yet.

Walking up to the window, she looked out to see that she was in a well fortified camp.