C. Paradee - Deep Cover

"Yes! Am I ever ready to get out of this car." Shelby lifted up in her seat, and murmured, "My poor butt!"

"Aw. You want me to kiss it and make it better." Kris laughed quietly at the startled expression on Shelby's face.

Recovering quickly, the analyst teased, "Well, I can think of places I'd rather have you kiss, but if that's what turns you on..."

Kris purred, "Oh honey, everything about you turns me on."

The seductive tone of voice had its desired effect and Shelby flushed, complaining, "You are a tease!"

Kris' face was the epitome of innocence. "Moi?"

"Okay, Ms. Innocent. Paybacks are a bitch."

At the unintentional double meaning, the operative trapped a guffaw in her throat, but couldn't stop the snort accompanying it. Ms. Innocent? Nothing could be further from the truth.

Shelby chuckled. "Just wait, you'll see."

"I'm..." Kris stopped, suddenly all business. "He's here already. He's coming from the same direction he did last time. You ready?"

The analyst had automatically reached for the camera the moment her partner's expression changed and it was now in position and focused on the tall man walking up the sidewalk. She snapped away, hoping to catch Maggie on film when the door opened.

She set the camera down after Michael entered the apartment and closed the door. Shelby glanced at Kris. "I got the apartment number and I might have gotten a clear shot of Maggie. We'll have to wait and see."

Kris reached over and squeezed Shelby's hand. "Good job."

They didn't have long to wait before Maggie relayed the information Shelby had fed her. Kris started the car. "The other tape player will pick up anything else they talk about. But we've got them cold with what we've got right here."

Shelby nodded in agreement. "Too bad it's too late to take the film to the one hour developing at Wal-Mart. I don't want to take a chance on just dropping it off. I'm not letting it out of my sight."

"We can take in tomorrow morning." Kris placed her hand on the smaller one resting on her thigh. "Thanks."

"You're welcome, but just remember - I've got a personal stake in this." Shelby glanced at Kris and smiled. "You."

Kris didn't answer, but wrapped her hand around the one beneath hers, knowing Shelby would understand her feelings.

"I'm going to call Earl when we get back to the apartment and set up a time to meet with him tomorrow, too. I'll wait to see how that goes before calling Sergei."

"Sounds good. I'll just be glad when this is all over."

Sighing, Kris said, "You and me, both."

A short time later, they were sitting on the couch unwinding after the long day and lavishing attention on Stormy.

Shelby glanced over at Kris, her eyes faraway and dreamy. "I wonder what it would be like if we were just two normal people who met someplace and were attracted and fell in love? Like maybe while we were on vacation or something, and we got to do fun tourist things. And we moved in together, and there were no people shooting at us, or spies after us. If I didn't work for the CIA, and you didn't...you know..."

Kris raised an eyebrow, and smiled. "If everything works out, I won't be doing any more...you know." Turning thoughtful, Kris said, "I guess I never thought of that because nothing about my life has been normal for so long." If we get out of this, I'll take you on that vacation.

Shelby's expression turned puzzled. "What will you do? What do you want to do?"

Kris shrugged. "I don't know. I like electronics and computers, and I've always been amazed at how easy it is to crack any security system I've come up against. I've often entertained the idea of developing one that can't be easily breached and then marketing it. It would be a lucrative business because I know the weaknesses of most of the others on the market."

Gregor sat in the car indecisively, weighing the risks. Sighing, he decided that although the odds were not favorable, the only alternative was death. So, ignoring his apprehension, he opened the door and began walking across the street to the apartment complex.

He paused at the bottom of the steps, squared his shoulders, and began the short climb to the second floor, rehearsing his approach one final time. Rapping on the door, he waited impatiently for it to be answered, not wanting to remain exposed any longer than necessary.

Shelby stopped mid-sentence when the knocking occurred, and shook her head when Kris looked at her questioningly. Watching Kris stand and pick up her gun in one fluid movement, she was once again amazed that the tall woman could react so quickly and instinctively. The analyst tracked her partner's movements to the door, curious about who could be visiting so late, but apprehensive, too.

Blue stood to one side of the door and raised her voice loudly enough to carry beyond the barrier. "Who is it?"

"Bear."

She narrowed her eyes at the familiar voice and glanced quickly through the peephole. "Why are you here?"

"Let me in. I can tell you where your mother is."

Blue thought rapidly, refusing to get her hopes up. She had no idea what Gregor was up to, but felt she had little choice except to play along. The operative unlocked the bolt, leaving the chain in place. Keeping her gun aimed at the opening, she ordered, "Throw your guns in here. Both of them."

She watched a 44 Magnum slide across the floor, followed by a 38 Special. Keeping her eyes trained on the opening, she waved to Shelby and pointed to the weapons, smiling her thanks when the analyst picked up both guns and set them on the dining room table.

She released the chain, kicked the door open, and aimed her gun at Gregor's chest. Once he crossed the threshold, she said, "Close and lock the door."

Gregor followed her instructions with slow deliberate movements. At her command, he faced the wall and placed his hands against it. The cold steel of her gun against his neck brought home the harsh reality of just how precarious his situation was.

When her frisk revealed no other weapons, Blue told Gregor to turn around. "Start talking."

Gregor shook his head. "I want to make a deal. I will tell you where she is in exchange for political asylum."

Blue snorted derisively. "Don't you think you're coming to the wrong person for that?"

"No. Your superiors do not know of our connection."

"Why now?"

The Russian thought over his words carefully. He hadn't expected instant cooperation, and what he related now would be the deciding factor. Knowing she hated the man he knew as Dimitri, he decided to be honest. "Dimitri will kill you and your mother once he has what he wants. He is also planning my termination at the end of this mission."

Blue wasn't surprised at Sergei's plans for her and her mother. She'd already figured that, and it was one of the primary reasons she was having so much trouble coming up with a feasible plan not only to save her mother, but to ensure their and Shelby's safety afterwards. What did surprise her was that Gregor had been included in the execution order.

"Why has your death been ordered?"

The Russian looked at Shelby. "I knew how valuable she was. I failed to relay that information. Dimitri found out."

Blue laughed coldly as the puzzle fell into place. "You're a fool. Thought you'd go over his head, and it backfired." She knew Sergei would never tolerate disloyalty. "You tell me where my mother is, then I'll talk to my boss about your request."

Gregor looked at Blue angrily. "I am not stupid! I have no guarantee that you will help me once your mother is released."

"What about the risk I'm taking by approaching my superiors about you? You know who I am. The only risk you're taking is losing your bargaining chip for my help. I arrange a meet between you and my superiors, I risk my life and freedom."