Brodie hung up the phone and thought about her two prisoners. Well, Addison, I guess for you there are a few things worse than death.

General Blithe and Marlene Tidwell returned to his office. Miss Bakersfield was sorting reports and files in the outer office as they entered.

"Oh, General, I've completed arrangements for Professor Tidwell to have accommodations in the most secure wing of our facility and have arranged around the clock protection," Miss Bakersfield informed him.

"Right on top of the situation as always, Antonia, but this time it isn't necessary. Professor Tidwell will be staying at my home. Please arrange for surveillance outside my house, but I will be seeing to her safety personally this time."

Marlene looked surprised, but Antonia merely took the change of plans in stride. "Certainly, General, I will take care of it immediately. What time would you like your car to arrive, sir?"

"Half an hour should do it. I would like to have Marlene get some rest as soon as possible. She's had quite the time of it recently."

Miss Bakersfield nodded. "I understand, sir. Everything will be ready when you are prepared to leave."

Marlene spoke then. "General, I appreciate your offer, but it isn't necessary for you to go out of your way like this. I don't want to impose on you."

"It's no imposition, it's a pleasure. My guest room hasn't had such a lovely occupant in a long time. We will have a secure line there and I will be kept up to date on the situation with Skyler. Please say you'll accept my hospitality," the General said in his most persuasive manner.

Marlene smiled at the man. "You're very kind and I accept with grat.i.tude." Marlene turned to the a.s.sistant. "Thank you also, Miss Bakersfield. I know you arranged for the medical check-up and the change of clothes and so much more."

Antonia blushed a little. "I'm just doing my job, ma'am. If I may say something to you?"

Marlene nodded.

"I know you're worried about your daughter," Antonia said, her voice softened with sympathy. "I daresay I would be also if I were in your position, but if there is one thing I know...no, one thing we all know here... is that Addison Black is the very best there is. She can do things that would seem nearly impossible for another agent to accomplish. Around here, that skill is known as 'Black's Magic' so try to keep your hopes up and believe in that."

"Magician or miracle worker, I have no choice but to believe in her," Marlene said. The General took the American's arm and guided her into his private office as the phone rang at Miss Bakersfield's desk.

The phone in the inner office buzzed and the crisply efficient voice of Miss Bakersfield was back. "Line three, General. Secure line, routed through the satellite and the Tel Aviv office. Agent Yamburg of Mossad calling and will speak with only you."

"Very well, Antonia," the general replied. He looked at Marlene and picked up the phone.

Opening slowly, Addison peeked around the door from their makes.h.i.+ft bathroom. Locating Skyler she grinned and emerged from the part.i.tioned room, fully dressed. Standing to attention, Addison saluted the doctor.

"Decontamination complete, ma'am. Sweaty odours neutralised." She lifted her arm above her head and sniffed her armpit. Addison frowned. "Almost completely!" Allowing her arm to fall back to her side, the soldier swooned as a feeling of dizziness overtook her senses. She lowered her head, and adjusted her position to lean against the wall. Addison knew the bullet wound on her side had become infected and was beginning to affect her body. She wasn't going to let Skyler know how ill she was beginning to feel. Addison needed to keep her sprits high for the blonde. Although the soldier was formulating a plan, the notion of how well she would feel when that plan was put into action crossed her mind several times.

Looking back to Skyler, Addison smirked as she cleared her senses. "I didn't think I would smell that bad after a shower!"

Skyler narrowed her eyes in suspicion but then shrugged. "Imagine what it was like for me before you were decontaminated!"

"So that was why you came into the room while I was naked. You wanted to see whether I really was getting clean. And here was I thinking you were out to catch an eyeful!"

Her jaw dropping, Skyler shook her head. "I heard a shriek. Not that I would have expected such a sound to come from a tough ex-marine!" She placed her hands on her hips.

"Pure exaggeration." Addison shook her head. "Besides, that sure as h.e.l.l wasn't concern I saw in your eyes!" Her own eyes scanned the ceiling in thought. "In fact, if I remember correctly, your eyes did linger in certain areas lower than my face for a couple of moments."

"You are incorrigible!"

"I try my best." Addison's 'Ches.h.i.+re cat' grin gave away her playful banter.

Skyler scowled and folded her arms. A witty comeback died on her lips as the door to their room was unlocked. She moved a step backwards and Addison turned, standing two steps in front of Skyler in a protective stance. She waited silently, their humour of moments before, all but done, as the door opened.

Three people stood in the doorway, Brodie, Shamus and a second man neither woman was previously familiar with. By the way he was dressed, Addison was correct in her a.s.sumption that he was a medical doctor. The traditional gentleman's suit and semi-circular gla.s.ses, from which he peered over, reminded Addison of her own childhood G.P.

"Two visits in as many hours," the agent remarked. "Why, aren't we the lucky ones? I never realised how much you cared, Agnes."

Brodie ignored Addison's comment and stepped into the room. "If she so much as takes one step towards me, Shamus, shoot out her knee cap. In fact... shoot both of them... We might as well take advantage of Doctor Richardson's presence while here, eh?"

Aiming his AK-47 lower, Shamus grinned and Skyler gasped. Addison held up her hands in a gesture of compliance. Now was not the time to anger Brodie, and if Addison was to admit it to herself, she really had no inclination to at that point. Her plan wasn't ready, plus the infection caused by the gunshot wound was taking its toll on her body. The soldier just hoped her body would be able to fight it quickly.

"Now, if I were you, Agent Black, I would behave. I don't bring my own personal doctor to treat all my... guests."

Though remaining outwardly cool, Addison was surprised by that comment. A number of questions rose in her mind. Not only, why would Brodie enlist the aid of a doctor to check up on her, but also, what was the point considering her intention was to kill them both. What was Brodies plan now? What had changed, and what was possibly more important... if the 'Dr Kleein' was Brodie's superior, what did he want? Externally, however, Addison's questions were a little different.

"Personal Doctor!" She turned to Dr. Richardson. "So when did you lose your licence to practice?"

"Shamus!" Brodie called. "Warm up that trigger finger."

Addison carried on regardless. "Unless... hold it... I refuse to be treated by a Veterinarian. That may be adequate for Agnes but I..."

"One more word, Black, and it's bye-bye kneecap!"

The soldier remained silent. She folded her arms across her chest and looked back at the doctor, her brow arched in expectation.

Realising that was his cue, Dr. Richardson adjusted the spectacles on the tip of his nose, ran a hand through his receding, grey hair and stepped forward.

"I was told you were shot in the side. How severe was that? I would like to take a look at it, please."

Addison considered Dr. Richardson's request for just a moment. "Sure," she said and began unfastening the b.u.t.tons on her s.h.i.+rt. "We... well Skyler, did the best she could in st.i.tching it together. There does seem to be an infection forming though." Releasing her last b.u.t.ton, Addison slipped the s.h.i.+rt from her shoulders. "I do have a fever rising in me." The soldier looked over to see Brodie smiling haughtily.

Dr. Richardson removed the covering Skyler had placed over Addison's wound. The area was extremely red and angry. He placed his fingers around her wound and felt the heat. Remarking only in a string of hums, Dr. Richardson placed his hand upon Addison's forehead. He took a thermometer out of his breast pocket, and shook it. Addison opened her mouth and the doctor placed it under her tongue. He then commenced a general inspection of the soldier's remaining injuries.

Sighing, Addison gazed around the room. Her eyes landed on Brodie and she noticed the redhead's stare... or more importantly, what that stare was fixed upon. Feeling somewhat amused, Addison looked down at her b.r.e.a.s.t.s and back to Brodie. She waited for the Irish woman's sight to move higher and when it did, Addison winked, wiggled her eyebrows and smiled broadly around the thermometer sticking out of her mouth.

Brodie flushed, appearing momentarily fl.u.s.tered. She turned away, gained her composure and looked back at Addison. "So," she asked. "What is the verdict, Doctor?"

Dr. Richardson took the thermometer from Addison's mouth. "She has a fever, just like I suspected when you informed me of her injuries." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, brown plastic container. "These are a strong antibiotic; I would like you to take one three times a day, preferably with food." He handed the bottle to Addison who inspected its label cautiously.

"With all intents of offence, Agnes, why should I trust you with this? You want me dead, not that you will ever succeed, but you really think I will willingly take pills offered to me by an employee of yours? The guy's probably as bent as you are." Addison began to put her s.h.i.+rt back on but Brodie s.n.a.t.c.hed it from her hands.

"I would adore more than anything to see you endure a long and painful death, Black. I have many pleasant daydreams of ways in which I could take your life. The only reason you are alive right now is because my superior has better plans for you. Don't push me, Black. However much I am looking forward to your demise, your head on a platter would be just as satisfying and worth it." Brodie looked to Skyler who had been standing silently behind Addison. "She on the other hand is expendable. When I am sure I will have no more need of her, you may watch her die!"

Addison looked to Skyler. She saw the alarm and fear in her eyes and tried to offer her a silent message of a.s.surance. She wouldn't rile Brodie just yet. She decided to continue with her compliance.

"So has your doctor finished yet? I do so despise this tedious talk."

Brodie smiled with an air of self-righteousness. She looked back to Dr. Richardson. "Will she live?" she asked, inclining her head towards Addison.

Dr. Richardson swallowed. He seemed uncomfortable by the threatening speech being tossed back and forth. Adjusting his spectacles once again and peering over the golden frames he looked Addison up and down. "Yes, but I was curious as to the gloves you are wearing, Agent Black. It seems you're using them as a protective covering. I can see several cuts upon your fingers."

"Oh that's okay, Doc." Addison slipped off the finger-less, leather gloves and showed her palms to the Doctor. "They are healing fine."

"Hmm." Doctor Richardson took the soldiers hands to closer inspect her palms. "Yes they are healing nicely. Clean cuts," he remarked. "Are you up to date with your teta.n.u.s injection?"

"Yep."

"Were these cuts the result of gla.s.s shards?"

"Sure were."

"Well they don't seem to show any signs of infection." He dropped her hands and as Addison replaced her gloves Dr. Richardson looked towards Skyler. "And what about you, Miss?"

"Skyler," the blonde supplied, speaking for the first time.

"Her well-being is of no concern, Doctor."

"But..."

"Excuse me?" Brodie asked. "Are you questioning me, Dr. Richardson?"

The greying man shook his head. "Of course not, ma'am, but I am a doctor. It is my natural inclination to..."

"Your natural inclination is to follow my orders. There are plenty of other doctors I can put on my payroll. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Miss Brodie."

Addison cast her gaze around the occupants of the room. "Well this is nice. I almost feel like one of the family. All we need now is for one of us to throw the first punch!"

"Shut the f.u.c.k up, Black," Brodie snapped. "Were finished in here. Let's go... I have many more important things to be doing." Walking towards the door, Brodie stopped when Addison called her. "What is it, Black?"

"My s.h.i.+rt," the agent replied.

Looking down to the black garment in her hand, Brodie shook her head. "No... I'll keep it. A little memento to tide me over until I really do have your head on a platter."

"It gets cold in here at night," Skyler said.

"This isn't the Hilton, Miss Tidwell. Why would cold desert nights be of any interest to me?" Delivering one final, malicious smile, Brodie closed and locked the door.

Addison turned to Skyler in silence. She smiled. "Believe it or not but I actually knew somebody worse than her!"

Releasing an anguished sigh, Skyler slumped against the wall. She pursed her lips, holding back a trembling lip. "I've never had anybody want to kill me before, Addison. It scares me. What if she..."

"She won't."

"But you can't..."

"Yes... I can."

Skyler gazed at Addison. However much she wanted to believe her, fear overrode her instincts. Not only did Brodie intend to kill her but also she was looking forward to it and taunted that fact in front of them both. That certainty didn't fill the American with ease.

Skyler was pulled from her thoughts by a warm palm cupping the side of her face. Addison gazed deep into her eyes. Her other hand brushed stray locks from her brow. The agent licked her lips as she wondered how to ease Skyler's fears. She could see Skyler was waiting for her to do or say something but not knowing how best to convey her a.s.surance, Addison pulled Skyler into a hug. She closed her eyes as she felt Skyler's arms wrap around her back. Warm hands seeped soothing warmth into her flesh and it was only then that the soldier realised she was still topless. She took a deep breath before speaking.

"There probably isn't anything I can do or say that will stop these fears from surfacing... but every time they do... just remember that I swear with everything I am I will get you out of here alive." Addison paused as she considered her plan. "No matter what I do or say when Brodie is around... it is important that you remember that, Sky." The agent felt Skyler nod against her. Pulling back, Addison looked at her. "You okay?"

"I will be," Skyler said. "As soon as we get out of this place."

Addison forced a pout, dropping her bottom lip. "What, you are not happy with my company?" She smiled playfully. "Anything I can do to..." Addison wiggled her eyebrows, "lighten your mood?"

Skyler looked down at Addison's unclothed torso. "Well... this is quite an experience."

Casting her eyes in Skyler's direction, Addison tried to hold back her smile. She pursed her lips together but the sides of her mouth still managed to quirk into a tiny grin. She looked back at Skyler. "That doesn't sound like a complaint!" Addison's smile turned into one of bemus.e.m.e.nt as Skyler's eyes remained upon her chest. Placing two fingers under the blonde's chin she said, "I've never had to tell a woman that my eyes are a little higher than that!"

Skyler blushed but laughed. "Well it is the most decent view in the place!"

"What?" Addison asked. "Did you find my third nipple?"

"Where?" Skyler looked back to Addison's chest and searched the area in question. Several bruises and old scars marred her flesh. "I don't..." Skyler frowned. "You just tricked me. Admit it... you actually like me... um..."

Addison chuckled and ran a hand through Skyler's hair. "Checking me out?" She shook her head in amus.e.m.e.nt. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Better."

Both women took a step away from each other and Addison looked around the room for her discarded white tank top. Apart from the blood-stained tear and dust covering it, it was still moderately wearable. Addison slipped it over her head and tucked it into her trousers.

"What do you think?" The agent gave a mini twirl. "Bruce Willis, Die Hard, or what?"

"Very macho!" Skyler responded. Shaking her head she sat down upon the mattress and bolstered her back against the wall.

Addison sat down beside her as a feeling of comfort eased over them. Skyler sighed and closed her eyes. "You know... we are very close to Egypt now. Do you think we could go for a visit when we get out of here?"

"You and me?"

Skyler shrugged. "I could be your official tour guide."

"As tempting as that sounds... especially being able to fulfil a childhood dream, I doubt General Blithe would be happy if you and I scampered off to the land of the Pharaoh's when I am supposed to bring you home safe and sound."

Opening her eyes, Skyler peered over at Addison. "Some other time?"

Addison arched her eyebrows. "Seriously?"

"Why not?"

The soldier nodded with a genuine smile. "I might take you up on that!" Addison crossed her legs and leaned back against the wall. She looked up through the skylight to the clear blue sky. The black outline of a soaring bird glided overhead. Addison watched it disappear out of view and then looked away. Sliding her tongue over her front teeth, she began to wonder what the situation was like outside of Brodie's compound. She wondered what Alon had told General Blithe and more importantly, what his reaction had been. After his explosion over Skyler's second abduction, the soldier hoped he would remain confident in her judgement.

"Can I ask you something?" Skyler inquired out of the blue.