A third season story...  Part of the Sabrina Meadows Series and follows my second season story, Just Another Job.  The reader should be familiar with the entire series to understand the growing relationship between the main characters.

 

 

One of the Good Guys

 

by Lynn

 

 

“Lee?”  Admiral Harriman Nelson said, rounding the door and entering the darkened hospital room. 

 

The lights were dimmed and the drapes closed as a subdued light over the bed offered the only luminescent in the room.  Lee Crane wasn't in the bed however, as Harry spotted him in a chair in the darkest corner of the room sitting in a white hospital issued terry cloth robe.

 

Lee looked up and spotted Harry with hurt etched in every line on his face as he lowered his eyes and studied the floor before him.  Harry crossed the floor dragging a chair with him as he positioned himself across from Lee and leaned forward.  Lee barely acknowledged his presence and continued staring at the spot in the floor he had picked out.

 

“Did Johnson call you?” He asked in a small voice, very uncharacteristic of Lee Crane.

 

Harry nodded as he answered.  “Yes, and if you don't start talking soon he's going to turn you over to the shrinks, Lee,” Harry offered, hoping to reach past the obviously wounded soul to reach the strong good common sense he knew Lee possessed.

 

“I know,” Lee answered and then closed his eyes and expelled a slow breath.  He had returned from the mission with only collateral damage physically but wounded in spirit.  He didn't want to talk about it, so he had just gone “silent”.  He completed the mission, they had the Intel; did they really need to have the AAR just now?  Lee sighed audibly and raised his eyes to meet Harry's, connecting as he spoke with the man he knew he could trust with his life.

 

“Get Johnson, Sir... because I think I'm only going to tell this story once.”

 

Their eyes remained locked for a brief moment as Harry nodded his understanding and stood, stopping to place an understanding hand on Lee's shoulder as his head dipped once again.  Harry added a small squeeze and then withdrew, leaving to retrieve Admiral Gerald Johnson, the Director of the Office of Naval Intelligence.

 

* * * * *

 

Admiral Johnson must have been waiting in the hall because it was only a few minutes before he and Harry returned, both pulling up chairs next to Lee.

 

“Commander,” Johnson said by way of greeting as he lowered himself into a chair and placed a small tape recorder on the table, which Lee saw but ignored.

 

“Sir,” Lee replied professionally as he looked away taking a deep breath and obviously resolving within himself to get the After Action Report over with.  He returned his eyes to Johnson and began to speak, his voice strong and composed as he recounted the events of the last week from a clinical, cold perspective; taking his emotions out of the report, speaking almost as if he were an observer and not an active participant in the mission...

 

One week earlier...

 

Commander Lee Crane sat in the office of the Director of ONI reading over the mission folder before him.  He perused the documents quickly as Admiral Johnson sat waiting for Lee to finish.

 

“A very big overhang,” Lee commented referring to the subject photo with a steel canopy over what appeared to be a dry dock.

 

“Aye and very much out of place on the island whose sole industry is tourism.  We need to know what's under the covering,” Johnson said pointing at a specific spot on the photo below his finger.  “The overhang prevents the satellite from getting a clear picture, but if we get the photos from this ridge...”

 

Lee looked over the ridge, there was cover everywhere but where he needed to be to get the photo.  “I don't think I can get a photo without a telescopic lens and without exposing myself.”  He wasn't worried about himself per se, but the mission would be a failure if he couldn't bring the photos back.

 

“Hence your cover,” Johnson replied tossing a second folder in front of Lee.

 

“Rich Spencer.  Photographer.”  Lee read out loud. 

 

Lee was a self-proclaimed “amateur photographer” but Johnson was well aware of his flair for the hobby.  He was actually quite good, and his ease with the equipment made him the right operative for the job.

 

“You'll go in with full credentials from Perfect Trend as one of their lead photographers.”

 

Lee's eyebrows raised in question.  “Isn't that a fashion magazine, Sir?”

 

“Aye, and as such you'll need a high fashion model, that way you can position her for the photos with the overhang in the background.”

 

Lee looked back down at the aerial photos and nodded his head in agreement, he wondered who his fashion model might be, however.  ONI had several very lovely operatives, but the world of high fashion would call for just the right look.  Johnson, as always seemed to read Lee's mind.

 

“I have just the operative for your model, she's been with us for a little over a year now.”  Lee raised his head, furling his forehead trying to recall such an operative.

 

“She's very skilled and has just the right assets to pull off the model cover,” Johnson added without emotion.

 

“Do I know her, Sir?”

 

Johnson pursed his bottom lip and nodded.  “Aye.  Sabrina Meadows.”  He supplied without any further fanfare.

 

Lee thought his chin must have dropped to his knees, but he managed to keep decorum as he probed deeper.

 

“An operative, Sir?”  Lee hadn't seen Sabrina since their “old times sake” reunion after the mission last year and he was rather surprised at the idea that Sabrina had been working for ONI for over a year.

 

Johnson sighed and sat back.  Sabrina Meadows was a tightly held secret that he had managed to keep quiet for the last year.  She had agreed to further missions after her pardon last year, not because of her deep patriotic sense, Johnson realized.  Though he hadn't quite figured her out yet she was proving to be an extremely valuable asset to ONI, her motivation to take the missions as much a mystery to her as anyone he surmised. 

 

“Miss Meadows agreed to further missions after your successful retrieval of Nelson in France last year,”*  Johnson stated flatly as Lee's face must have registered his shock at the news.  “She has behaved herself, as far as I can tell, and has taken four assignments with this office since then.  She is paid per job, a bit pricey but her skills are reputable.”

 

Lee let out an audible blow of breath.  “Begging the Admiral's pardon, Sir.  I'm just a little shocked at this revelation.”

 

“Well get over it, Commander.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee replied returning to full decorum as Johnson continued.

 

“Special Agent Meadows will be your partner.  She has agreed to wear a transponder during the missions at my insistence, and I am confident she will complete the task as she has done in her past missions.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

“Now,” Johnson rose, a clear signal for Lee to do the same, “I'll turn you over to the Handlers.  Remember Commander, I need clear photos of what's under that covering and any personnel milling about.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee replied.

 

“Very well, Commander.  Dismissed.”

 

Lee saluted, collected his mission folders under his arm and left still trying to wrap his mind around the idea that Sabrina Meadows was an ONI Operative.

 

* * * * *

 

“Hello Richie.”

 

Lee turned toward the familiar voice to catch an incredible view of Sabrina Meadows in a sleeveless black dress with large white polka dots.  The extremely in vogue dress was fitted to perfection and was topped off by the large oversized floppy black hat with a white flower accessorizing the look.

 

“My name is Rich,” Lee corrected and then offered a smile with a raised eye brow.

 

“You approve?” She said spinning to give Lee a 360 degree view.

 

“Who wouldn't?” He answered honestly as his smile faded and his countenance reflected his many questions.

 

Sabrina raised a hand and took a few steps toward him.  “Don't ask, because I really don't know why.  It just feels.... right,” she answered vaguely.

 

Lee nodded, it was nice to hear that Sabrina cared about what was right.  He knew it was a totally foreign idea and he didn't want to analyze her steps toward the lighter side of her conscious, so he dropped it.  Maybe as the mission progressed he would understand more.

 

Lee's smile returned as he let out an audible sigh.  “Well, you ought to keep everyone's attention off where my camera is pointing.”

 

Sabrina took his comment for the compliment that it was but smiled deviously.  “You know I tried to get Johnson to play this the other way around.”

 

Lee's forehead furled in question as she continued.  “I thought you could be the male model and I could be the photographer.”

 

Lee rolled his eyes and let out a humor-filled scoff. 

 

“No, I mean it.  I think I could have come up with a photo spread that would have sold all over the world,” she teased but knew he had the right assets to pull it off.

 

“Well we can both be glad that Johnson operates in the real world,” Lee quipped as he bent over the table looking over his equipment.  Sabrina raised an eyebrow in approval of her view, and quickly composed herself as the photographer and his model entered the room.  They had each flown to New York City to get in a little “field training” before the mission.  First they would watch the photo shoot, then the photographer would work with Sabrina and then with Lee.  They needed to be well versed in the lingo of the trade and completely at ease both in front of and behind the camera.

 

Lee watched Sabrina get her tips from the model and it only took a few shots for her to melt into her role.  She was a natural posing for the camera and definitely had the striking looks the cover called for.  Next, the photographer worked with Lee and before long they were using the lingo and looking like the parts they were sent in to play.

 

“Well, I think you're ready.  Are you sure you've never done this before, Serena?” the photographer asked as Sabrina flashed her seductive smile back that made most men fidget when directed at them. 

 

“Not for money anyway,” she quipped.

 

“Well, if you ever decide to become a model, I'd love to do a shoot with you,” he added, handing her his business card.

 

“Thanks.  I'll keep that in mind,” she said, as if she were really keeping her options open.

 

Lee watched the interplay between the two and shook his head.  He wasn't jealous, they didn't have a relationship to protect other than the strange friendship that had begun to bud over their last two meetings.  He'd be lying if he said he wasn't attracted to her physically, but he really didn't want a series of one night stands with Sabrina, he respected her too much for that.  Even that thought caused him some confusion.  Why should he respect a woman who had gained her skill stealing US secrets in the past?*  But she had saved his life from Peter on the boat two years ago, even though her hypo nearly got him killed.  And she had stepped in to help when the mission at the Embassy Ball went bad.  That one could have been real bad if he had been taken back to the Boss's hideout.  He had no doubt that he wouldn't have returned in one piece once Harry found him, literally.  Then her skill to rescue Harry in France last year... No, there was more to Sabrina Meadows than the adrenalin charged life that seemed to envelop her.  He couldn't put his finger on it, but something told him he could trust Sabrina... well trust was a strong word, but he'd figure it out eventually, he thought silently as he put away his silent contemplations.

 

“Are you ready?” Lee asked, gathering up his equipment in the many padded cargo bags prepared for a full scale on-site shoot.

 

“Lead the way, Richie,” she replied ignoring Lee's glare at her insistence to play with his cover name.  Her inward smile matched the bright, happy smile she plastered on her face playing the carefree, ultra-photogenic model as she thought how much fun this mission was going to be rattling Lee's cage. 

 

Lee smiled back as they made their way downstairs where a cab was waiting.  He helped Sabrina into the cab and then supervised the loading of the equipment bags playing the part of the concerned photographer for the expensive tools of his trade.  It was important to sell their roles from the get-go.  They would check into the high priced hotel this evening then depart in the morning, leaving New York City and taking a commercial flight to Greece.  From there they would hop their commuter flight and arrive on the small tourist island of Alembic.  From this point on he was Rich Spencer, photographer for Perfect Trend magazine and she was Serena Hall, high fashion world-class model.

 

* * * * *

 

From the moment they boarded the plane until they landed, first in Greece and then with their connecting flight to Alembic, they stayed in perfect character.  They were greeted by representatives from their high-end hotel and treated with all the fanfare of the exciting photo shoot they would be conducting, some on their very grounds.  As agreed, Perfect Trend had arranged for the shooting details giving their cover complete validity as both Sabrina and Lee were treated nearly as Hollywood stars and most certainly as jet-set trend-setters.

 

“Hello Miss Hall,” the awkward young bell-boy greeted, awestruck by the model's beauty.  “My name is Alek and if I can be of any service to you, please call,” he said stumbling over a few words to his well-used and rehearsed speech given to all hotel guests.

 

“Thank you, Alek,” Sabrina said offering him one of her “smiles” that left the young man clearing his throat and adjusting the tie about his neck as he walked down the hallway.

 

Sabrina smiled and closed her hotel door behind her, leaning back against the door for a moment.

 

What was she doing?  She asked herself in self-contemplation, wondering just why she was taking these ONI missions.  She didn't understand the decisions she had made this last year and simply reasoned she was taking a break from her “normal” life of espionage and thievery to explore how the “other half” lived; the “other half” being the good guys.  Sabrina pushed off the door and moved toward her many bags, suitcases and trunks littering the floor of her large suite and laughed silently at the fact that she had never traveled with so much “stuff” before in all her life.  All of which was necessary not only for her cover as a model, but for the actual photo shoots themselves. 

 

She began unpacking, careful not to pick up the large trunk as she was sure it was too heavy, she'd leave that for Lee to help her with, or maybe that nice kid, Alek.  She put away her clothes and hung her garments in the ample over-sized walk-in closet and then sat heavily on the bed with her legs folded indian-style as she continued to ponder the path her life was currently taking.  She shook her head and drew her knees up to her chest, she was pretty sure she wasn't really a “good guy” more like that TV commercial she saw once... “I'm not a doctor, I just play one on TV...”  Yeah, that's how she felt when she was on the ONI missions, like she was playing a good guy.  Since when did it matter to her?  If she was honest she could take it all the way back to two years ago when she and the sexy, dark headed Captain of Seaview engaged in their seductive game, each working their own missions; hers to steal the secret plans Admiral Nelson was working on, his to deceive her into believing he was a disgruntled employee willing to sell Nelson out.

 

Maybe it was the Embassy Ball.  It wasn't that Lee was so utterly dashing in his tux, or that it excited her when he held her close to dance.  No, it was more what happened afterwards, when she saw Lee “in-action” then taking a beating in order to buy a diversion for Admiral Nelson.  But it wasn't really her physical attraction for Lee, they both knew they were incompatible for a real relationship.  What really shook her world was what happened in France last year, when she helped to rescue Harriman Nelson.  He had been tortured with drugs for five days to keep his secrets... secrets she would have stolen and sold without a single question of morality or ethics, much less patriotism.  He was in bad shape when they found him and it touched her, stirring up emotions she wasn't used to dealing with. 

 

Lee had encouraged her to use her talents for “good” and she blew him off.  She remembered well her reply, “Just because I played with the good guys for a while doesn't make me one.”  It was cold and sterile and had managed to keep Lee from pressing, but inside she was messed up.  Now it was even more...

 

The rap on the door shook her from her contemplation as she opened the door to a casually dressed Lee Crane.  His dark denim jeans were accented by the hunter green shirt worn tucked into his belted waist.  The green brought out the corresponding color of his eyes as he greeted her, staying in cover.

 

“Hi Serena.  Let's go check out the grounds for shooting sights.”

 

“Sure Richie,” she replied having already changed into a bare shouldered sun dress for the warm Mediterranean climate, every item in her possession at the height of the current fashion season.

 

Lee rolled his eyes at her insistence to call him “Richie” and waved his hand in an, “after you” pose as he followed Sabrina out the door.

 

* * * * *

 

They toured the grounds as Lee raised the camera he wore around his neck to get a feel for what the shot would look like and selected several locations on the well-manicured hotel grounds.  The shoot the next morning would establish their covers and provide enough attention to decrease the likelihood of suspicion when they moved to their shooting location on the ridge.

 

They had dinner in the hotel and retreated to the lounge to establish the fact that they had a working relationship as both Lee and Sabrina danced and mixed with other hotel guests.  At eleven o'clock, Lee found Sabrina and tapped his watch, playing the photographer who didn't want his subject to have bags under her eyes in the morning.  Sabrina smiled and said goodbye, promising dances the next evening for several men enjoying her company as she and Lee headed up to their rooms.

 

Lee, ever the gentleman, walked Sabrina to her door and waited as she inserted the key.

 

“Would you like to come in?” She invited with a playful smile.

 

Lee smiled back politely.  “No thanks, Serena,” he answered, reminding her to stay in their cover and stepped away to his own room two doors down.

 

Sabrina stepped inside and bolted her door then leaned back and sighed.  If only I could tell you that this was my last job, she thought silently.  If only I could tell you how sorry I am for what I'm about to do. 

 

She pushed off the door and walked resolutely toward the large bathroom in her suite.  No time for that, she reasoned, she had a big day tomorrow.

 

* * * * *

 

“Good... now move... hold it,” Lee directed as Sabrina struck pose after pose at their first shoot location near the fantastic indoor fountain.  The indoor location necessitated the need for the lights he had brought as the extra equipment did their job in attracting a crowd to watch the fashion magazine's photo shoot.  The fast paced music playing on the tape deck Lee brought fueled Sabrina's enthusiasm providing enough photo stills to make any photographer happy. 

 

When the shoot was over the crowd clapped appreciatively for the opportunity to watch the professionals in actions as Lee smiled, rolling up his cords and repacking his gear.  Sabrina stopped to sign a few autographs and then moved toward Lee who was giving instructions to Alek about storing his equipment.

 

“Let's take a break for lunch and then we'll move outside,” Lee suggested.

 

“Sure Richie, just let me change.”

 

“Alright, I'll meet you at the restaurant in a few minutes.”

 

Forty-five minutes passed as Lee stood looking at his watch when he finally spotted Sabrina.  She caught the fact that he didn't think it should have taken that long to change as she flashed a “woman's prerogative” smile at him.  They ate lunch, with Sabrina being careful to stay within her cover and eating very lightly to avoid even an ounce of unwanted fat. 

 

Sabrina had an appointment with the hotel salon for an exotic hair style for their next photo shoot outside, so Lee took the opportunity to have the hotel shuttle him to the ridge to check out the picturesque ruins that overlooked the ocean and their next shooting site.

 

Alek drove Lee up to the ridge as he walked the ruins and nodded in approval for the location.  They headed back down in perfect timing to see Serena leave the salon, her long blond hair shaped elegantly on her head with small well placed strands of hair falling gracefully across her shoulders.

 

Lee raised an eyebrow in approval and followed her to the elevator. 

 

“I'll meet you downstairs, I've got to grab the cameras and more film,” he offered.

 

“Okay, it won't take me long.  I just need to change,” she added as the salon had also applied her make-up and would receive full credit when published.

 

* * * * *

 

Oohs and aahhs accompanied her entrance into the foyer where Lee was waiting as Sabrina arrived in a fantastic black ball room gown with bare shoulders and a huge fashionable bow placed on one hip.  The shoots were drawing quite the crowds as the tourists added this excitement to their travel plans, completing their cover and making way for their shoot on the ridge the next day.

 

Lee used soft, romantic music in the tape deck and employed a fan to blow Sabrina's hair, giving movement to the photos.  He moved around the photo “set” taking shots from various positions as Sabrina moved with the music and his cues.  They worked together like a well-orchestrated dance, even though the experience was new to the pair.  The session came to a close as Sabrina headed to her room and Lee made the final arrangements for tomorrow's shoot on the ridge.

 

That evening they performed again by enjoying the night life in the lounge, which Lee cut short again at 11:00 pm. 

 

“I'll be glad when the shoot is over tomorrow,” Sabrina said casually as they rode the elevator up alone.  “I'm really getting tired of salad and no butter on my bread.  What I really want is a cheeseburger and fries,” she finished rolling her eyes upward as she fantasized about the fat filled meal she was clearly dreaming about.

 

Lee smiled and answered in a form true to the modeling industry, “Once on the lips...”

 

“Cool it, Buster,” she glared back and then smiled.  She really had enjoyed the last few days, but the salads simply weren't cutting it.

 

“Richie, be a dear and sneak me up a sandwich and potato chips.  I'm going to keel over eating like a rabbit.”

 

Lee chuckled.  Sabrina had never had trouble keeping her perfectly trim body, but their cover called for her to eat light.

 

“I'll tell you what,” he compromised.  “I'll order up room service to my room and you come over for a midnight snack.”  Lee figured his eating habits weren't under scrutiny and her presence in his room could easily be accounted for as preparing for the next day's shoot.

 

“In that case, make it a double cheeseburger and fries,” she replied in anticipation.

 

“You got it,” he answered mercifully as the elevator doors opened and they spoke for the benefit of any listening ears.

 

“Stop by my room in a bit and we'll run through tomorrow's session,” Lee said casually.

 

“Sure Richie.  I'll see you in a little bit.”

 

* * * * *

 

Lee entered his room and thought about these last few days.  Everything was going as planned and Sabrina was a natural in front of the camera.  He lamented for a moment that she had so many talents that were wasted working for the highest bidder, but consoled himself in the fact that Johnson said that she had been “behaving” herself this last year.  He raised his eyebrows at the thought of Sabrina Meadows “behaving” herself and moved to the phone to order up a double cheeseburger and a side of fries.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee watched with amazement as Sabrina finished off the last french fry by using it to scrape up the remains of the ketchup on her now empty plate.  She popped it in her mouth and closed her eyes in satisfaction, opening them to Lee's smirk.

 

“What?” She asked innocently.  “You'd be hungry too if all you had was greens for two days.”

 

Lee laughed.  “Yeah, I guess you're right.”

 

He picked up the tray and placed it on the dresser.  “You know, you're really good at this modeling business.”

 

She shrugged her shoulders, “You're not bad yourself.  I'm kind of curious how the photos will turn out, although...” she let the last word hang for a moment as she added a perfectly devious smile to her next words.  “I still think you would have made a fine specimen to photograph... maybe in a Speedo down at the pool?”

 

Lee rolled his eyes.  “It's getting late, and tomorrow's a big day.”

 

Sabrina got the hint and stood.  “Alright Richie, but you know what they say... All work and no play...”

 

Lee smiled and opened the door for her as she slid out into the hall.  He watched from his doorway to make sure she made it back to her room and then closed the door when he heard her door latch.

 

* * * * *

 

Alek drove Lee and Sabrina up to the ridge where the ruins were a popular tourist attraction.  The tourists on the hilltop were only too happy to give way to Lee's request for certain backgrounds.  The hotel had set up a small enclosed pavilion to act as a dressing room as Lee worked her around the hill-top where they were now facing toward the ocean and their target reconnaissance.  Sabrina's outfit had been chosen to be especially provocative for this shoot to deflect attention away from Lee as the men eyed her and the women envied her. 

 

“That's right... work it, give me that smile,” Lee coaxed as his attention was on the large covered dock below.  He fired off as many pictures as he could without over-doing the shoot area.  He focused for one final shot, a close up on Sabrina as she threw back her head and the breeze caught her hair.  He lowered the camera just a bit to admire the view as Sabrina's hair fluttered with the sea breeze.  Sabrina caught his expression and smiled just for him, appreciating her view at the moment as she briefly considered how the rust colored shirt brought out the olive tone to his skin.

 

“Perfect,” he said summing up the mission and the shoot in one word.  “That's a wrap.  Go ahead and change and we'll head down for a rest.”

 

The tourists on the hill again displayed their delight at having watched the professional photo shoot and offered their appreciation as Sabrina made her way to the pavilion and Lee ensconced the digital data card into his pocket.  The camera looked like a professional and very expensive 35mm and it did indeed have a roll of film inside, a decoy.  He rolled the film as if it were spent and ready for the darkroom and slid it into one of his many pockets on his khaki vest, stuffed with supplies for the shoot.  He looked as much the part of the photographer as Sabrina did the model.

 

Sabrina exited the pavilion looking perfectly stunning in a stylish sundress and its matching hat as Alek helped to load the shuttle van.

 

“Thanks Alek, you've been a great help,” Lee said offering an extra twenty spot for the young man's trouble.

 

“Thank you Mr. Spencer,” the tall, lanky but handsome young man returned.

 

“Just call me Rich,” Lee offered with a pat on the back as he moved to open the door for Sabrina.

 

“You sure were pretty today, Miss Serena,” Alek said looking through the rearview mirror as he spoke.

 

“Why thank you Alek, and thanks for the 'dressing room',” she offered kindly.

 

Alek blushed, he had set up the small enclosed pavilion at the hotel's request.  “No problem, Miss Serena.”

 

Sabrina smiled innocently at the young man, she didn't want to lead him on... he was a good kid. 

 

* * * * *

 

As soon as Lee hit his room he pulled out his satellite phone and dialed up ONI.

 

“I need a courier as soon as possible, Sir,” Lee reported.  “What I got is hot.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“It's not a pleasure cruiser under there Sir, it's a dry dock and one of the most sophisticated submarines I've ever seen.  By the looks of it, it's nearly ready to put out to sea.”

 

“Sophisticated?  How?”

 

“No propellers, it has turbine engines.  It will run tight and silent and its design is pretty familiar.  It looks somewhat like a scaled down version of the Seaview, though I don't think it has windows.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Its bow comes to a point, almost like a bullet.  I think it will run sleek and fast once it's under way.”

 

“Any markings to denote its allegiance?”

 

“Not that I could see, Sir.”

 

“Alright.  Your Courier is already on the island.  Tonight, a young man will ask to dance with your partner.  He will address her as 'My Fair Lady,' and call himself 'Higgins',** she'll pass the Intel during the dance.  You will continue with your cover in the event we need more Intel.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee answered, impressed that Johnson trusted Sabrina to the point of turning the disk over to her for the exchange.  A lot must have happened in the last year, he reasoned.  Still, he'd keep the disk until this evening.  Perhaps too much water under the bridge, or perhaps he just wasn't being fair, but he'd play it safe just the same.

 

* * * * *

 

“They just left for dinner.”

 

“Good.  Search his room.  I want that film and make sure you leave the room as you found it, I don't want to raise any questions if he is who he says he is.”

 

The phone went dead as the two men in dark suits made their way to Rich Spencer's room.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee and Sabrina had dinner on the restaurant terrace, the dress was formal and so a tux was in order for Lee as Sabrina continued to dazzle everyone around her with her high fashion attire.  He enjoyed his time with her as they had settled into a “work” relationship with less provocative play.  It wasn't that he couldn't fall into it easily, but if Sabrina Meadows really was an ONI operative then it was even more important to keep their relationship professional.  It was a tall order, especially with her looking so beautiful in the moonlight with the soft music playing in the background.

 

“Will you excuse me, Richie?  I just need to powder my nose,” she said as Lee rose with her in a gentlemanly fashion.

 

“Of course, Serena.  If you're up for it, we can hit the lounge in a bit.”

 

“Sounds good.  Save at least one dance for me,” she teased as she walked away.

 

Yeah, it's a tall order, he reiterated concerning his desire to keep it “professional” as he watched her depart with everyone seeming to part for her to pass through, as if she were royalty or something.  Lee shook his head and sat back down.  She had done a good job keeping her cover, though he never doubted her abilities.  She wasn't a new player to the spy-game, but her attention to detail was admirable.  She had ordered broiled chicken, salad with lemon juice for a dressing and steamed vegetables with no cheese sauce; and she hadn't drank any alcohol at all, not even wine, keeping her calorie count low.

 

Lee took a sip of his own glass of wine and looked out over the horizon toward the dark ocean lit only by the occasional pleasure craft anchored just off shore.  When Sabrina returned he would pass the Intel and they would head to the lounge.  Their presence here each night made it a likely and easy place to make the exchange without arousing suspicion.  Tomorrow he would need to schedule another shoot to keep their appearances up.  A smile crossed his face when he thought of the perfect place for their next shoot.

 

“Penny for your thoughts?” Sabrina asked with Lee rising to slide her chair back in place as she returned to the table.

 

“Just thinking about tomorrow's shoot,” he said not even trying to hide his mischievous smile as he returned to his own seat.

 

“Just what do you have in mind?” she asked with a raised eyebrow as she tilted her head fidgeting with her diamond clip-on earring.

 

“Not now, I'll tell you about it tomorrow,” he answered vaguely.

 

“Oh dear Richie,” she said as the diamond earring fell off and rolled under the table.

 

“I'll get it,” he offered dropping to one knee to reach under the table.  He retrieved the errant earring and then sat back down reaching over the table to hand it to her; effectively and efficiently palming the small disk at the same time.

 

“Thank you,” she replied innocently as she attached the earring in such a fluid movement that Lee wasn't even sure where she stashed the data disk, though he was certain it was indeed stashed securely.

 

“Ready to go dancing?” He asked standing and taking her hand into his as she responded with a wink and they moved toward the lounge.

 

* * * * *

 

“My fair lady,” the hunky thirtyish man with sandy blond hair and a dimple in his chin said as he bowed with a one hand across his middle and the other swung out to the side.  “May I have this dance?” he finished as if she were a damsel in a medieval castle and he were her knight in shining armor.

 

“But of course Mr....?” she drew out the Mr. to get the other half of the code word.

 

“Higgins, M'Lady.  Jeffrey Higgins.”

 

“I'd be delighted Mr. Higgins,” she said playing the part of the princess to his knighthood and allowed the ONI operative to guide her to the dance floor.

 

* * * * *

 

The night had gone pretty much as planned with Sabrina passing the Intel and Higgins leaving half an hour later with the goods.  What wasn't planned was the pretty woman who had latched on to Lee.  They had a few dances and since he and Sabrina weren't supposed to be an “Item” he thought he'd enjoy her company since she was clearly interested.  Sabrina had plenty of suitors to keep her busy and he was enjoying getting to know Mara, all of which made for a pleasant evening as he strengthened his cover.

 

“Richie,” Sabrina said interrupting their huddled conversation in the corner.  “I'm going to turn in for the night,” she said tapping the dainty gold watch on her wrist, indicating it was 11:00, their usual night life quitting time when they had a shoot the next day.

 

Mara reached for Lee's hand.  “Just one more drink, Rich,” she added with enough charm to keep him interested.

 

“One more drink and I'll call it a night,” he said to Sabrina and then turned to Mara apologetically.  “I have to work tomorrow,” he explained.

 

“Suit yourself.  See you in the morning,” Sabrina added and headed to her room with just the tiniest hint of jealousy.  She knew that she and Lee were better friends than lovers as his honor would demand a relationship beyond the physical, and that just wasn't possible.

 

The cocktail waitress brought another drink as he took a few swallows and blinked.

 

“How about one last dance?” Mara asked standing and reaching for Lee's hand before he even answered.  She led him to the dance floor as Lee felt the room start to spin.  Before long she had efficiently “danced” him to the corner of the room where several men guided him into the Gentlemen's Smoking Room and laid him on the leather bench seat.  The door was locked from the inside and a “Sorry, closed for cleaning” sign was hung on the door.

 

* * * * *

 

The drug affected Lee by the second swallow as the room began to sound hollow and disorientation sat into place.  He realized immediately he'd been drugged but seemed to have no will power of his own to call for help, before he knew it he was laying on his back in the Immaculate Smoking Room, rich with burgundy fabrics, deep leather furniture and mahogany wood.   As soon as they started asking him questions he knew it was a truth serum of some kind.  Not like MI Dioxide, a drug he had intimate experience with as he had special training with ONI to combat that drug and was subsequently immune to its properties.  Mi Dioxide merely produced an uncomfortable feeling followed by compliancy, this drug was completely different and far more distressing.  He was completely disoriented and looked very much inebriated.  It had been easy for Mara to lead him to his captors as he took shallow breaths trying to curb the pain inside.  He knew he needed to bury himself in his cover so he used up every bit of concentration he had pushing Lee Crane down to fully become Rich Spencer.  He concentrated so hard that he hardly noticed being hustled into the side room and his new position lying on his back.

 

His sleeve was rolled up and a needle inserted as the drug's effectiveness was enhanced.  He groaned trying to roll into the pain but his captors held his shoulders down.

 

“What's your name?”  Lee heard in hollow echoes that insisted he answer.

 

He swallowed and answered, “Rich Spencer.”

 

“What are you doing here?”

 

Lee groaned again as the question was repeated.  “I'm on assignment... for... Perfect Trend Magazine.”

 

“Give him another injection.”

 

Lee could hear his interrogator's voices but he couldn't see past the hazy world the drug had created for him as he continued to blink trying to clear his mind.

 

“What do you do for your employer?”

 

The drug etched up in intensity as Lee's grunts became insistent.  “I'm a photographer.”

 

The men nodded to one another and conversed lightly amongst themselves, all of which Lee couldn't see or even perceive at the moment.

 

“Where are the film rolls of today's shoot?”

 

“Already been sent back to the publisher.”

 

“So soon?  Why?”

 

“They're anxious, want to start the layout process,” he answered with every bit of concentration he could muster to stay in cover.

 

“Are you done with your shoots?”

 

“No,” he answered trying hard not to lose the small hold of his cover, Rich Spencer.

 

“What do you have left to do on your assignment?”

 

Assignment was a buzz word, a word that Lee had to fight in order to keep ONI's mission from being exposed.

 

“One more shoot,” he answered barely holding on to what was now just a thread to his cover.

 

“What?  What will complete your assignment?”

 

“Feel strange.  Hurts,” he said as the question was repeated.

 

“What is your assignment?”

 

Lee blinked again and answered in airy breaths.  “They want a swimsuit session by the pool.  Maybe even out on the beach,” he finished as he vaguely heard chuckles from his interrogators and felt the hands release his shoulders; the men apparently deciding that a swimsuit session with Serena Hall would be a must-see.

 

“He's legit,” he vaguely heard the main voice say as he moaned and rolled into the pain now that he wasn't restrained any longer.

 

“You've had too much drink, Spencer.  You'll wake up not remembering any of this,” he suggested as the interrogators left the room.

 

Lee looked toward the door; he thought he was alone and tried to sit up leaning his cheek heavily into the side of the mahogany wall trim.  He needed to report to Sabrina before he passed out as he feared he would indeed have no memory of the interrogation.  He stumbled to the door and exited barely standing on his feet and looking as if he was entirely too intoxicated to be patronizing the ritzy hotel lounge.  As he stumbled along the wall he felt someone supporting him and wondered if his interrogators had returned.

 

“Mr. Spencer?  It's alright sir, I'll help you to your room.”

 

“Alek?” Lee said barely holding onto his faculties.

 

“Yes sir, just lean on me.”

 

Lee leaned heavily on Alek and hoped he was one of the “good guys” because right now he was completely at his mercy.  He was relieved to find himself in an elevator going up as Alek continued to steady him.  The elevator came to a stop, the motion nearly knocking Lee over as his equilibrium was sorely affected by the drugs. 

 

“Your key, Mr. Spencer?”

 

Lee thought for just a moment and then reached inside his pant pocket producing the silver, square-headed hotel entry key.  He lost track of the time between the door opening and Alek placing him on the bed and knew he was fading fast.

 

“Alek... get Miss Serena, please... I'm sick,” he said with nearly the last of his strength.

 

Alek said something that Lee didn't quite get as he struggled to stay awake, lucid and aware.

 

* * * * *

 

Sabrina was already in bed, though not asleep yet.  Even her nightgown was high-fashion, long silky and desirable as she immersed herself completely in her role.  She was so tired, a feeling she was trying to get used to.  She was usually so full of energy, and calling it a night at 11:00?  Not at all like the Sabrina Meadows she was used to.  A knock on the door interrupted her reflection as she rose pulling the matching silky robe over her shoulders and opening the door expecting to see Lee.

 

“Miss Serena?” Alek said with real concern in his eyes, so much so that he hadn't even blinked at her curves pressing against her silky gown.

 

“Alek?” She replied slightly confused to see the young man on her doorstep.  She hadn't thought he would “hit” on her, especially on duty.

 

“Miss Serena... it's Mr. Spencer.  I thought he was just drunk, but I think he's real sick.”

 

Sabrina's concern etched up immediately.  “Where is he?”

 

“In his room, he asked for you.”

 

She grabbed her room key and moved hastily to his room knowing something was terribly wrong; the Lee Crane she knew wouldn't get drunk while on a mission.

 

They entered the room and Sabrina saw at once Lee's distress.  She reined it all in and shook her head turning toward Alek.

 

“The idiot did it again,” she said offering an explanation for Lee's condition.  “Alcohol interferes with his medication.  He knows he shouldn't drink too much, but... well he'll be paying for it tonight,” she added wistfully while shrugging her shoulders to indicate something like, The fool, you gotta love him.

 

“He doesn't need a doctor?” Alek inquired.

 

“No.  We've done this before, and if the magazine ever found out he'd be in real trouble, so let's just keep this to ourselves.  Okay?”  She added with her extra special “pretty please” smile that usually melted men.  She wasn't disappointed as Alek responded, pleased that Mr. Spencer was going to be alright and feeling special that Miss Serena had flashed that extraordinary smile his way.

 

“Okay, Miss Serena.  You just call me if you need anything.  I took an extra shift this evening to help a friend out, so I'll be around for a few more hours.”

 

“You'll be the first one I call,” she promised as she ushered him to the door and then planted an innocent kiss on his cheek.

 

“Thanks for being such a sweetie,” she replied as Alek left, floating down the hallway.

 

* * * * *

 

As soon as she closed and bolted the door she ran to Lee's side.

 

“Lee?” She said quietly certain they were under suspicion for Lee to be in this condition, she'd been in the espionage game long enough to know what his glazed eyes meant.

 

Lee struggled to speak, “Truth serum...”  He groaned and rolled to his side as Sabrina recognized the sounds of his distress and ran for the bathroom, returning with a waste basket just in time for Lee to wretch violently.   She left his side and returned with a cold wash cloth blotting his face as he held his mid-section.  Slowly he rolled to his back.

 

“I gather by the fact that you're not lying dead in some alley somewhere, you kept your cover?”

 

He nodded in the affirmative.  “Fishing expedition.  They wanted to know if we were really who we said we were,” he got out a few words at a time.

 

“...Said I wouldn't remember what happened in the morning...”

 

His eyes were getting heavy as Sabrina probed, looking for information before it was lost to the final stages of the drug.

 

“The woman Mara?”

 

He nodded.

 

“How many men?”

 

“Don't know,” he breathed out.  “Hazy... disoriented.”

 

“I understand,” she said blotting his face.  “Johnson will want to know, did you break cover at all?”

 

“No.”  Lee cracked a smile that caused Sabrina to wonder if the drug was doing something strange at the moment but then Lee continued.  “But you're going to have to do one more shoot before we leave.”  His tired smile grew as his eyes fell almost closed, “A swimsuit shoot,” he said chuckling as he succumbed to the drug.

 

Sabrina sat back and shook her head at her “partner”.  He was just too sexy, even lying there completely affected by an unknown drug, unconscious and still obviously uncomfortable as his hand laid splayed over his stomach and his forehead beaded in pain induced sweat.

 

She returned to the faucet cooling her rag and wringing it out and stopped to look in the mirror.  Are you sure about this, Sabrina Meadows?  Her eyes diverted to her stomach where she reached and rubbed unconsciously and then moved back to care for Lee.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee woke the next morning with a groan as he reached for his head and tried to sit up.

 

“Whoa there,” he heard as he felt Sabrina guide him back to the bed.

 

“Before you ask, 'no you're not hung-over'.  Do you remember what happened?”  Sabrina asked, now wearing a chic, smart two-piece hot pink skirt and jacket.  The skirt flared and was worn above the knee, the jacket was worn buttoned but without a blouse underneath and was meant to be a casual outfit, in a formal sort of way.  It was 10:00 am now and she had thought it was prudent to return to her room and change so that others didn't see her leaving Rich Spencer's room wearing a clingy silky gown and robe.

 

Lee worked to pull the night into focus.  “Some of it,” he answered furling his eyebrows.  “I was drugged...”

 

“And interrogated,” Sabrina finished, sitting on the edge of the bed beside him.

 

Lee smiled and chuckled.  “So I guess that means you'll be posing for me at the pool,” he finished demonstrating his knack for beating the drugs the bad guys seemed inclined to use on him.

 

“Yeah, you did mention something about that last night.”

 

Lee looked down at his covers, realizing he was dressed only in his skivvies underneath.

 

Uhhhh...?”

 

Sabrina rose from the side of the bed and smirked.  “Come on Lee, it's nothing I haven't seen of you before.”

 

Lee's embarrassment turned to a smile.  “Thanks,” he said sincerely for the care she'd given him and then rose to sit up in the bed, unconsciously pulling the blankets with him to keep himself covered; a modesty move that Sabrina thought was cute, as if they weren't intimately familiar with each other's bodies.

 

“Well I guess I better play a man with a hang-over.  I'll make an appearance downstairs for a late breakfast and we'll schedule the shoot for three o'clock.”

 

“Alright, call me when you're ready.”

 

“I'll need to make a call first.”

 

“Already done.  Johnson wants you to check in but I reported everything you told me last night.”

 

Lee gazed at her with an appreciative smile.  “You're really good at this, you know?”  Lee offered in a sincere compliment.  “I like this side of you Sabrina.”

 

“Well don't get used to it, Lee.  I really don't know what I'm doing here.  I'm just taking one job at time.  I like the charge I get and maybe this will be enough... maybe it won't,” she said rounding the door and closing it behind her.

 

Lee shook his head, understanding Sabrina didn't consider herself a “good guy” yet.  He really hoped she would, it didn't change his expectations of a relationship with her but he was fast regarding her as a true friend, and as her friend he wanted what was best for her.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee made his appearance downstairs wearing casual slacks and a pull over polo shirt, accessorized with dark sunglasses to hide the “red” in his eyes from his night of “excessive drinking.”

 

“Feeling better this morning, Mr. Spencer?” Alek asked cautiously.

 

“Much better,” Lee replied with a hand on Alek's shoulder and then leaning over to finish.  “Thanks for helping me out last night.  I owe you one.”

 

“No problem, Mr. Spencer,” he replied and nodding his head to indicate it was just between them.

 

* * * * *

 

Serena Hall's one piece bathing suit was nearly as revealing as a bikini sending shudders up the men watching the shoot at the pool.  Her long legs were accentuated by the ultra-high hipped bottom line that plunged in the back barely keeping her “assets” covered.  The dramatic “cut-outs” revealed her bare skin on both hips and the plunging neckline was supported only by a thin string tied neatly in a bow around her neck.  The stylish swimwear the latest being paraded on the Paris “ramps” this year as her spiked high-heeled shoes added to the seductive swimwear.

 

The pool area was packed for the shoot as news that Serena Hall was posing in a swimsuit made the rounds.  Though she was thin enough to play the model she was also endowed with pleasant curves to produce the perfect “10” in anyone's book.

 

“Good... good,” Lee coaxed.  “Okay lift the chin... got it.  Now no smile, give me the 'look',” he said watching as Sabrina turned on her most effective seductive face.  A series of breaths were blown out around the shoot as the men cleared their throats and their wives elbowed them.

 

“Okay that's a wrap, good work Serena.”

 

Sabrina smiled. “Thanks Richie,” she replied as she donned a robe and the crowd dispersed figuring the show was over.

 

“Let's have an early dinner and get packed up, we have an early flight tomorrow,” Lee suggested for the sake of listening ears as he packed his gear.

 

“No dancing tonight?” Sabrina asked feigning disappointment.

 

“Not for me,” Lee returned, implying last night's partying was enough to last him for a while.

 

They headed back up to their rooms, having established for other's benefit that they wouldn't be in the lounge this evening.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee made his way in the dark alongside the rocks as Sabrina followed close behind.  Tonight they were embarking on the most dangerous element of their assignment as Lee and Sabrina attempted to plant a locator beacon on the sub before it was launched.  Indications were that the new sub was endowed with a new Whisper Drive that would not only run silent but faster than even Seaview.  If this information wasn't enough for concern, the photos had also revealed torpedo bays.  The Powers that Be decided that they needed to learn more about the force behind the sub as it was apparent they were well funded and had a military goal.  To this end Lee and Sabrina had been employed to “tag” the submarine.  If it was a legitimate sale to a country they wanted to know which one, if it belonged to the underworld they needed to know who.

 

Lee and Sabrina were both wearing their black spy gear and moved along stealthily having cut their way through a perimeter fence as Lee etched his way toward the sub.  He had determined the best location to tag the sub in the least likely place to be discovered before launching.  Sabrina followed, watching Lee's back and ready to alert him to the guards should their patrols wander his way.  He attached the device and backed off retreating to Sabrina's position and indicating they should backtrack to the fence.

 

They waited for security to make its expected rounds and passed back through the fence.  They used the shadows and made their way along the beach to their backpacks as Sabrina shed her black gear down to a bikini with a colorful short sarong that showed more than it covered as Lee replaced his black knit turtleneck with a bright blue button up shirt and donned his familiar khaki vest.  He grabbed his backpack where his cameras were stashed and slung several over his shoulder as the two made their way successfully along the beach just below the resort hotel.

 

He took enough shots of her to validate a late night shoot on the beach and started to head back to the hotel, talking and laughing casually as if no subterfuge had occurred.  They nearly made it to the walkway that connected the beach to the hotel when they were attacked.  Lee was clubbed from behind taking a brutal hit first on the back of the head, followed by a double-fisted slug between his shoulder blades.  He vaguely heard Sabrina scream his cover name and felt the cameras being pulled roughly from his neck.  He heard Sabrina struggling with her assailant, but just as he was making a serious comeback to lucidness he was lifted by the collar and dealt an uppercut.  The last thing he heard was a gunshot before he lost his hold on consciousness.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee woke to first aid responders hovering over him and the red glow of emergency vehicle lights illuminating the night.

 

“Don't move Mr. Spencer,” the hotel manager pleaded as Lee realized he was being readied to be loaded into an ambulance.

 

“Serena?  Where's Serena?” He asked as he looked desperately around him.

 

The hotel manager swallowed hard, not sure if he should tell him as a local police officer leaned over and placed a hand on Lee's shoulder.

 

“I'm sorry Mr. Spencer... Serena Hall is dead.  She struggled with the muggers and was shot.”

 

The officer moved for Lee to see behind him as a sheet shrouded body was loaded into a coroner's van.

 

“No.  I have to see her,” he said, not taking “no” for an answer and pushing his way off the cot and moving toward Sabrina.

 

He reached for the sheet and pulled it back.  There lay Sabrina Meadows with a large blossom of red covering her bathing suit cover-up.  He was weak from a concussion as he nearly collapsed, held up only by the first responders urging him back to the ambulance cot as Lee wept silent tears.  He shrugged off their well-meaning help and sunk to the curb watching the doors slam shut on the coroner's van, and refusing further medical care.  A blanket was wrapped around his shoulders as he tried to pull himself together and a familiar voice was heard in his ear.

 

“Mr. Spencer?  Let me help you to your room.”

 

Lee nodded absently as Alek helped him stand and guided him with a hand to his shoulder.

 

* * * * *

 

The night had been a long one as Lee stayed in character giving a police report to the “late night photo shoot” that had left his partner dead.  The incident had been deemed an unfortunate “mugging” gone bad, but Lee knew that it was more.  The bad guys must have spotted them, thought they had gone in for pictures and stole the cameras.  Unfortunately, they hadn't planned on Sabrina's self-defense capabilities and somewhere along the line she'd been shot.  The fact that their assailants didn't know about their real mission to tag the sub was apparent as they had gone for the cameras, it was small consolation for Lee.

 

Once the necessary reports were taken by the police and Lee was finally alone he retrieved his satellite phone and made a brief report to ONI's Communication's Officer.

 

“This is Shutterbug.  The fish is tagged, but we were spotted.  Agent Meadows is dead.  Cover is still secure.”

 

With that he signed off, not allowing the Communication's Officer to question him.  He sunk to the bed staring up at the ceiling fully clothed, and let the tears fall openly.

 

* * * * *

 

The next morning the newspaper headlines told the story to the world:

 

Fashion model murdered while on shooting location...

 

A publicity photo sent ahead to the hotel was used and there were various candid shots from amateur photographers taken during their stay at the hotel. 

 

Lee packed the newspaper but didn't bother to read it as he piled his bags at the door.  He'd been cleared to leave the country by the local officials and couldn't leave Alembic fast enough.  He was still in cover, necessary to keep the true nature of their late night subterfuge hidden.  The bad guys would develop the film and find only beautiful shots of the gorgeous model.  Someone would say, “What a shame,” and that would be the end of it.

 

It wouldn't be much better when he got back to Washington.  The mission was a success with the Intel being obtained and the sub tagged, everyone would say, “What a shame,” and that would be the end of it.

 

Alek drove Lee to the airport and helped Lee check his and Sabrina's baggage in.  Sabrina's body was still scheduled for an autopsy, it would be sent later. 

 

Lee turned toward the tall lanky bell boy who had followed Sabrina around like a puppy dog.

 

“Thanks Alek,” he said offering his hand for a shake.

 

Alek's eyes glistened.  “It's just not fair,” he got out as tears streamed down his face.

 

“No it isn't,” Lee replied, patting him on the back and turning for his gate.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee endured the commercial flight back to the states, lost in his own thoughts, trying to think if there was any way things could have played differently.  He shouldn't have brought her with him to the sub...  He should have heard his assailants, instead of being blindsided the way they were... He should have protected Sabrina... It should have been him...

 

Nothing made sense anymore.  He wasn't in love with Sabrina but should that matter?  He had lost not only a partner, but a friend.  What's more, she was coming around; leaving her old life behind and embracing something worthwhile.  True it was foreign to her, but Lee could tell she was on a new path.  In his book she was one of the good guys.  That's how he would remember her, not as the thieving espionage agent who would play the spy-game for the highest bidder; Sabrina Meadows died a patriot for her country.  A star would be added to the “Fallen” monument, though it wasn't marked or even observed by anyone.  She would be an unknown star on an unknown monument and there wouldn't even be anyone to say, “What a shame.”

 

Lee was met in DC by an ONI escort.  He got in the car dutifully as he was driven to a Naval base for an After Action Physical and his After Action Report.  He was examined and found to be suffering from a mild concussion and a nasty bruise across his shoulder blades but he had done little but answer his doctor's direct questions concerning his well-being.  He went totally silent when he was asked to give his AAR.  He didn't know why, he just didn't feel like talking.

 

He hadn't even brought her body home, he chided himself as he sat in the darkened room.  He'd been here for two days and he knew he couldn't keep this up forever, it was time to move on... he wasn't sure if he was mourning or just angry at the world, angry at ONI, angry at himself.

 

He heard the door open and a familiar voice and raised his eyes to meet the concerned blue eyes of Harriman Nelson.  Immediately he let out a sigh and lowered his eyes to the floor.

 

“Did Johnson call you?”

 

“Yes, and if you don't start talking soon he's going to turn you over to the shrinks, Lee.”

 

“I know.” Lee answered and then closed his eyes and expelled a slow breath.   Lee sighed audibly and raised his eyes to meet Harry's, connecting as he spoke with the man he knew he could trust with his life.

 

“Get Johnson, Sir... because I think I'm only going to tell this story once.”

 

* * * * *

 

Harry left to summon Gerald.  Seeing Lee torn up was excruciating and from the moment he had gotten the call he was concerned.

 

“Harriman, I need you in DC... it's Lee.”

 

Harry sat forward in his chair expecting the worst as Admiral Johnson continued.

 

“He's physically okay, just a concussion, but he lost his partner and he's taking it hard.”

 

Harry sighed and sat back in the chair, knowing intimately the feeling.  “Who was it?” He asked, needing the facts.

 

“Sabrina Meadows,” Gerald supplied as Harry blew a breath out.

 

“You know they had a 'history' together, Gerald?”

 

“I figured as much, was he in love with her?”

 

“I don't think so, but he cared for her deeply.  I know that.”

 

Gerald proceeded to give Harry the details and the official report of the mugging, but didn't have Lee's AAR yet to fill in the rest of the details.

 

“I'll have FS1 prepped for the flight.  I'll be there in six hours.”

 

“Good.  I don't want to lose two Operatives Harriman,” Gerald said realizing that Lee might just be ready to walk away from ONI and possibly from the Navy altogether.

 

“I understand, but I'm more concerned about Lee Crane right now, not ONI,” Harry let out with a little too much emotion.

 

“As am I.  Johnson out.”

 

* * * * *

 

Lee sat recalling the mission details, not leaving anything out.  His cold, sterile approach faded as he recounted the night that Sabrina died and the wall he erected began to fall.  He knew he couldn't live behind it forever; he didn't want to, he just wasn't ready to talk about it yet.  But as talking about it had been forced on him he realized this wasn't what Sabrina would want for him.

 

He blew out a breath as he finished.  “When will her body be returned, Sir?” He asked looking Gerald in the eye and returning to full decorum.

 

“Within a few days.  She'll be buried... as Serena Hall,” Gerald added gently.

 

Lee nodded, he understood and as he didn't think Sabrina had any family that he knew of her passing would have gone completely unnoticed had it not been for the headline news and magazine spread that would be published to complete the cover story. 

 

“Her instructions to me, should she ever not come back from a mission, was no open coffin.  I will honor that request,” Gerald stated flatly.

 

Lee nodded his approval, he'd rather remember her full of life.  He was also well aware that he couldn't attend the funeral, not even as Rich Spencer.  Serena's story had made headline news around the world,

 

“Aspiring world class model suffers a tragic death as her life was cut short during a botched mugging...”  

 

All of Sabrina's contacts from her previous business dealings would recognize the beautiful spy, possibly even monitor the funeral.  There was too much of a chance of his cover being blown, he'd just have to say his good-byes here.

 

“She had turned, Sir,” Lee offered leaning over to rest his elbows on his knees.  “I know she didn't understand it, but I believe she was making a real change in her life.”

 

Gerald nodded.  “Perhaps.  We'll never know for sure, but I can say that she died for country and her service will be honored with a Star.”

 

“Thank you, Sir,” Lee offered as Gerald stood.

 

“Don't get up, Commander,” Admiral Johnson said with an uncharacteristic hand on Lee's shoulder.  “You've been medically cleared for release and there's no need for any further evaluation.”

 

Gerald turned to address Harry.  “Harriman, I'll turn him over to your CMO, inform me when he's fit for duty.”

 

Harry nodded.

 

“Thank you, Sir,” Lee added as Admiral Johnson left the room.

 

Harry moved to sit in front of Lee as the two locked eyes.  “Are you ready to go home, Lee?”

 

Lee nodded.  His eyes still full of the pain one feels when you know a friend is never coming back.

 

“Aye Sir.  Home sounds good,” he replied with a weak smile that said, “Thanks for being here,” as Harry nodded his understanding, having been down this road himself.

 

“Let's go, Lad.”

 

* * * * *

 

Admiral Gerald Johnson walked to the car waiting outside the hospital and climbed into the backseat.  The windows were tinted and the occupant of the car completely hidden from view as Gerald slid in next to a woman wearing a scarf around her head and wrapped around her shoulders.  Her dark glasses were large and covered most of her face as she spoke softly.

 

“How is he?”

 

“Taking it hard, but Lee Crane is a fighter.  He'll be alright,” Johnson assured her as she pulled off her dark sunglasses and Sabrina Meadows looked him in the eyes.

 

“I'm sorry it had to be this way,” she said.  “I never meant to hurt him.”  She thought back over the night her death had been staged.  They were walking back from the beach when the “mugger”, an ONI Operative hit Lee from behind, only Lee was resilient and didn't go down easily.  It had taken a concussion and three heavy blows to finally take him out.  A shot was fired innocently in the air, and the blood pack was popped to produce an effective show of the wound's damage.  The first policeman on the scene as well as the first aid responders were ONI and she had been covered with a sheet before other real responders arrived.  She had given the performance of her life when Lee pulled off the sheet and remained “dead” as she heard his anguished response.  It was the only way to fully leave behind her life as a spy for the highest bidder.  She was too well connected, she knew too many people.  It would be dangerous for her to just walk away.  Impossible in fact.  Everyone had to believe she was dead.

 

“Are you sure about this, Miss Meadows?  There's no turning back.  If you change your mind about this and return to your former life I can't help you, and I will in fact do everything I can to put you away and throw away the key.”

 

Sabrina reached for her stomach... her womb.  A damaged womb that she was told would never bear a child and yet here she was, almost three months pregnant. 

 

“I'm sure Admiral... for the first time in my life, I'm going to do something for someone else.”

 

She was turning over evidence that would bring down a myriad of underground connections and several big bosses.  Her information would be assimilated slowly and carefully so as not to allow anyone to connect the dots and suspect her death was a set-up.  Her transponder would become a permanent implant, it was the price she was willing to pay to give her child a good and proper life, something she never had, something she desperately wanted to give her baby.

 

Gerald nodded.  He motioned for the driver to move along as Admiral Johnson briefed her on the process the identity change would take:  Plastic surgery after the baby was born, a new name, new papers, and a new job working for ONI... as one of the good guys.

 

 

The End

 

One of the Good Guys

 

 

 

* See the entire Sabrina Meadows Series, in sequential order for the entire story between Lee and Sabrina:

Compromised

Spy Games

Just Another Job

 

** My Fair Lady, a hit musical based upon George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, written by Alan Jay Lerner, music by Frederick Loewe, and later made into an academy award winning movie starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison.  It tells the story of a Cockney flower girl who dreams about living the “comfortable, proper life” and is transformed to enter high society by a bet between two linguists that she could be transformed into a lady simply by teaching her how to speak properly.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Fair_Lady

 

 

 

Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and her main characters belong to Irwin Allen