TREACHEROUS ALLIANCES

Washington D.C., the capital of the United States of America. Home to such national monuments as the Lincoln memorial, the Washington Monument and of course the White House.

Also clearly known for the Capital and Congress. The building for Congress was as impressive as any in the city and while many visitors come for the tours it was far less impressive to one who seen it everyday.

Congressman Shaun Richardson was bored to tears. As he usually was when he wasn’t on the floor listening to his fellow politicians bicker.

Today the young black man was leaning back in his office chair; throwing darts at the dartboard on the back of his door.

The board had a photo of this week’s latest less than popular elected official hooked to it and was littered with darts.

He had aimed and tossed a particularly well-placed shot when a quick knock sounded and the door opened.

“Spit!” he hissed, feet hitting the floor and shouting the warning. “Duck!”

A leather briefcase raised in reaction to the warning and the dart hit it squarely in the center.

Charles Fitzhugh Murdock, a well-respected Congressman from Virginia lowered his briefcase and eyed the dart before closing the door, seeing the board with the photo.

“I think this could get you fired, son.” He chuckled, amused by the younger man’s nerve.

Shaun smiled dryly, waving a hand to a large safe in his office. “Oh, please. You would be shocked how easy it is to get into the offices in this place. I have so much on so many people in this city that I’ll be in office longer than I’m alive.” He grinned.

His voice still carried a Southern tone from being born in Alabama. Only in times of stress or with friends does his speech often reflect growing up in the projects of Chicago.

Shaun’s life of a street-wise boy from the Windy City to his current place as a specially elected Congressman from that State is confusing and well hidden.

So his smile for the older man was one of modulated caution. “So, what I can do for my fellow Congressman from Virginia?” he asked curiously. “I can offer you coffee or soda. Nothing stronger cause it still goes against the charter.”

Charles Murdock shook his head as he looked around the office.

Most offices in the building were neat and well organized. This one was cluttered with boxes, crumpled paper around a wastebasket and video games.

“Do you do any actual work here, Shaun?” he asked, hesitating on getting to why he was there.

“Hell no.” Shaun laughed, leaning back again to stretch and wince. He shouldn’t have played basketball last night. “If I did my real work here then I’d have to kill somebody and, as I was told once, dead bodies are too easily found in the hollowed halls of Congress.”

Charles could have found that amusing if he hadn’t known the boy was serious.

“Ruby and I have to make an emergency trip out to California, Shaun.” He spoke suddenly, looking grim.

“Something wrong with Blake?” Shaun was immediately serious, pushing a button under his desk that turned on a private speaker in his best friend’s office across town.

Charles and Ruby Murdock’s only son, Blake, was a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy and the platoon leader of a unit of SEALs.

More to Shaun’s concern is that his son was only romantically involved with the person to whom Shaun was actually employed by.

“He’s been accused of murdering Senator Manchester’s daughter.” Charles explained, deeply concerned. “The police got a tip and when they got to the woman’s hotel room, they found her dead and my son unconscious.”

Shaun swore silently, going to a file drawer to remove a bottle of scotch and two glasses.

“I thought you weren’t allowed to have anything with alcohol.” Charles blinked as the young man poured the drinks.

“I think we both need a stiff drink.” Shaun muttered, picking up his phone to call his secretary. “Hey Buffy? Hold all my calls unless it’s from the boss or Steven.”

Charles frowned as he drank. “Shaun, I thought your secretary’s name was Margo.”

“Oh it is.” Shaun replied easily, explaining with a bit of embarrassment. “When I hired her I was deep in my Buffy the Vampire Slayer phase and she reminded me of Buffy so that’s what I call her.

“Now, back to Blake.” He wanted to get the man on track again so he had something to work with. “What was he doing in a woman’s hotel room and how does he explain this?”

He figured his boss, who had been blackmailed into taking a job with her long time partners wasn’t going to care for this news.

“My wife and the Senator have been trying to get Blake to date Ardith but he refused since he’s been seeing Morgan. He told me the morning it happened that he was going to see her to explain the situation.” Charles spoke grimly then he looked up, adding. “As for his explanation, he doesn’t have one. Shaun, Blake has no memory.”

The Scotch burned as he drank but Shaun kept the words he wanted to say inside. Instead he asked, “What can’t he recall?”

“Anything.” The older man replied. “He doesn’t know who he is, his squad or anything.

“They want to charge him with premeditated murder and murder one.” Charles shook his head. “He doesn’t know anything and he’s locked in a cell.”

Shaun knew the legal system inside and out and he was well aware that either of those charges carried a death sentence in the Sunshine State.

“Alright, Charles.” He began slowly, feeling a headache beginning. “You go to California. I’ll pull together some help and find the boss.

“We’ll get Blake out of this.” He promised, standing to take the hand the other man extended.

After Charles Murdock left, he slumped down into his chair with a curse as a side door opened without a knock.

“You get all that?” he asked without looking up.

Colonel Steven Michaelson nodded, tossing a file on the desk. “It’s been covered well. Someone here in Wonderland didn’t want us to hear of this.”

The same age as Shaun at 32, Steven came from a different background than his friend.

Raised in a military family, he joined the Marines and partly through hard work and partly through influence did he gain the rank he had so quickly.

Dressed in jeans and a uniform shirt, he sat on the desk to tap a finger on the photo in the file.

“Convenient how this happened while the boss is away, huh?” he asked lightly.

Shaun looked up, his green eyes getting angrier. “He knew.” He whispered.

“Without a doubt.” Steven agreed, tossing his keys in the air. “Want to take a drive to scenic Virginia?”

“Hell with driving.” Shaun snapped, grabbing the phone. “Buffy, get me a helicopter ready in 15 minutes and cancel all my plans for the rest of the week.”

He looked at his best friend with heat. “Stony Man will burn for this one.”

Steven grinned; figuring it won’t have to. The Queen’s Court Raiders will rip it apart from the inside.

The Shenendoah Valley somewhere in Virginia.

Housed in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain Range of Virginia and close to where General Stonewall Jackson fought in the Civil War stands a lovely farm like place.

Complete with farmhouse, outbuildings, crops of beans, strawberries and other assorted items along with trees of orchards, Stony Man Farm looked like a working farm.

In fact that was the cover it was meant to portray. No one was supposed to suspect that this enclosed space was actually home to a very covert and specially funded special action team formed to tackle the worst in today’s modern terrors.

Created by the President of the United States and Hal Brognola to give Mack Bolan, the former Executioner, and a base from which to strike out at new enemies, this Farm held more secrets than any mere bystander should want to see.

Underneath the main floors of the big house was the War Room where meetings took place, missions given or debriefings held.

A debriefing was being held today and for Harold Brognola, the top Federal Agent in Washington, it was another chance to remind himself why he was getting too old for these things.

“The head of the local New Orleans branch of the DEA was not and is not happy that one of his agents got tossed into a bayou.” He spoke evenly to the people spread out around the table, swearing he would not lose his temper.

“The guy was useless and a klutz, Hal.” Carl ‘Ironman’ Lyons spoke up from the end of the table. “Not our fault he….fell in.”

Low laughter could be heard despite the looks the Fed was shooting them, eyeing certain people.

Lyons was the leader of Stony Man’s domestic team of warriors, Able Team. He and his normal two partners were highly amused by the situation but it was clear his boss already knew it was the young people who had been working with them that had done the act.

“Who maced the Mayor’s wife, Kelly?” Hal demanded lowly, remembering also why he didn’t like these two groups to work together.

If they weren’t fighting amongst themselves then it was like having a group of teenagers on the loose.

Kelly Robinson, leader of one of the world’s best and more ethical mercenary teams, leaned back calmly in his chair. “How would I know?” he replied innocently. “I don’t make it a habit of carrying mace with me.”

“Yeah.” Gadgets Schwartz, Able’s electronic wizard, chimed in. “If Kel needs to fend of women he usually pulls his Magnum.”

Brognola felt like banging his head on the table. “C’mon guys” he pleaded. “All you had to do was complete one assignment.”

“What’s the issue?” Morgan Harrison demanded from where she sat, fingering a gold charm bracelet. “We did the DEA’s dirty work. The drug cartel got shut down.

“The Feds are happy. The boys in blue are happy and the Big Easy survived having Able Team in town again. What’s the bloody big deal?” she demanded.

The youngest member of Able Team at 29, Morgan’s voice still had the soft British lilt she had been born with. 5’4 with long auburn hair and blue eyes that could change with her mood, she also owned not only her own corporation but also the Queen’s Court Raiders.

Though recently she had been away from Stony Man and working with the Navy SEALs. Something she was very anxious to get back to.

“The big deal is while you got the job done the locals seemed to think it could have been done with a lot less… damage.” Brognola wasn’t sure which group to blame that on since both his team and the mercs had a fondness for causing property damage.

Before Lyons could break in with that smart remark he was considering the door to the War Room slammed opened.

“If you’re worried about property damage, Hal. I suggest you start worrying about this place.” Shaun Richardson spoke from the door, eyes flashing and face hard.

“Oh and Hal?” Steven Michaelson spoke cheerfully from behind his friend. “I’ll apologize now for breaking a couple of Buck’s blacksuits up top.”

Brognola was staring at both young men, not caring for the tone but wary as Shaun threw a file on the table in front of him.

“How long have you known about the Ardith Manchester murder, Hal?” Shaun demanded coolly, eyes steady as he seen Brognola flinch.

Pol, Able Team’s third member, frowns as he thought. “The name sounds familiar.”

“She’s the daughter of a Senator from Oregon.” Morgan told them, rolling her eyes. “Blake’s mother wanted him to date Ardith because she doesn’t like me.”

“So, who killed her?” Kelly wanted to know, still leaning back as he took a drink of coffee.

Shaun held Hal’s eyes as he answered. “Blake.”

Silence hit the War Room as Kelly bolted upright in his chair, spitting coffee as he choked.

“Excuse me?” he sputtered, grabbing the folder.

Morgan had paled, looking at the young Congressman. “What the bloody hell’s going on?” she asked, eyeing the men then looking at Brognola. “Did you know about this?”

Hal cleared his throat as Steven shook his head in mild warning.

“It took me a hell of a lot of favors just to find out what I did.” He spoke casually but there was no missing the meaning in his words. “Someone in Washington went to a lot of trouble to cover this so we wouldn’t hear it in casual talk.”

“Don Stroh said he only learned of it because Gardner finally got through to him.” Shaun leaned closer. “You knew.”

The Head Fed considered his choices before finally sighing. “Yes, I knew what had happened in California.”

“There’s gonna be blood.” Gadgets muttered, sliding lower in his chair.

All three Able Team fighters knew the Queen’s Court Raiders. They knew their tempers, their moods and how they would usually react to something.

This scene had all the makings of a huge disaster and factoring in Morgan’s reaction, Lyons decided his team was steering clear.

“How long ago?” she asked, meaning how long since this had happened.

“Murder took place 2 weeks ago.” Steven replied grimly. “According to Murdock’s father Blake has no memory of the event of anything. Total amnesia.”

Glancing over what was in the file, Kelly passed it to his other men. “Not good. When does the trial start?”

“Arraignment’s tomorrow.” Shaun told him. “His parents are going out but I talked to Stroh and he’s learned of 4 failed attempts on Blake’s life was in jail.”

A harsh oath as Kelly looked at his employer. “Somebody set him up.”

That was clear and she turned cold blue eyes on Brognola who shook his head.

“I admit to withholding certain things from you but I would have no reason to do this.”

“You didn’t tell me because you knew I’d go back to Coronado.” She accused angrily, glaring at the man. “You should have told me.”

Brognola sighed. “Morgan, your original assignment with the Navy was a temporary thing. Your main duty is here with your teams, not playing with the Navy because of a fling you’re having.”

“Geez.” Gadgets groaned, covering his head. “Someone tell me what part she rips off of him first.”

Lyons grabbed his sister before she could either lunge for their boss or pull her sidearm.

“Calm down.” He urged, not believing he had said that. “Hal could have phrased that better.”

Morgan fought the fury. Fought the sudden blind rage as she shrugged his hand off.

“I chose to stay with the 3rd Platoon because at least I get respect from them and I’m not treated as a child.” She replied, eyeing Brognola. “You check with your boss, Hal. I have his authority to stay with Blake’s team.”

She reached for her jacket but paused to level a firm look at him. “The ‘Raider’s and I will handle this because he’s my friend but you had better pray I don’t find anymore of your handiwork involved cause if I do I’ll bury you.”

“Morgan.” Brognola snapped, frustrated. “Eventually, you are going to have to choose which path you’re walking.”

Groans from both teams could be heard because as Lyons knew well; his sister did like being backed into a corner.

“Don’t tell me to choose between Stony Man and the SEALs, Hal.” She answered softly, not looking back at them. “Because you won’t like my choice.”

As the young woman and the ‘Raiders left, Shaun Richardson coughed. “By the way, Hal? I think the man in the big White House may want a few words since when we got a hold of Stroh that was where he was.”

Brognola groaned, stomping out of the room and praying things didn’t get worse but knowing if even half of what he was hearing was true, they would.

Coronado, California- the next afternoon:

“You have friends. You could do something.” Ruby Mae Murdock sat in the hall outside the public courtroom and glared at her pacing husband.

Charles Murdock sighed and wished he could. But even though he had tried, nothing had worked.

It seemed his son was bound to go through a very public and very humiliating trial.

“Do you know what others will say back home?” she demanded, sitting stiffly.

Always worried about her image, he thought bitterly to himself. Thinking that it had been his wife’s harsh and stubborn ways that had caused the bitterness between mother and son.

“I’m more worried about our son right now.” He sighed, looking up as footsteps approached. “Shaun.” He greeted in surprise.

Congressman Shaun Richardson hated courthouses and he really hated this one. It was like a maze that could house any number of hidden foes.

“I told you I’d find help.” He spoke calmly, ignoring the cold look from the petite looking woman. “Let’s go in.”

The inside of the courtroom was like any other he had ever seen. Judges bench, jury box, tables for the lawyers and seats for the crowds.

Many of those seats were already filled with members of Blake Murdock’s SEAL platoon.

As he passed, Shaun exchanged a brief nod with the platoon’s 2nd in command, Chris Gardner.

Shaun saw that the prosecutors were already present and the court appointed lawyer was sitting beside his client.

Blake Murdock was a tall man at 6’2. Lean and athletic, weighing 210 pounds. His hair was a dark brown that brushed his collar with eyes a lighter shade.

Usually a healthy looking man tanned and fit from training in the sun. Now as he sat, he seemed pale and sickly.

Shaun didn’t like that and he really didn’t like the look that passed between the Prosecutor and Blake’s lawyer as the judge entered.

“All rise.” The bailiff called, standing stiffly in front of the bench.

Judge Henry Comstock was a longtime judge. Having held his seat for close to 25 years. A man known for being hard and uncompromising he had a special resentment toward people of wealth he fell before him.

As he took his seat and eyed his courtroom he knew this would be another such case.

A high ranking military officer got caught and no amount of his Daddy’s fancy money would buy him a way out.

“Be seated.” He waved the gavel roughly, eyes hard as he glanced at the lawyers. “I’ve read your motion Mr. Leeson.” He spoke to the well-polished Prosecutor, eyeing the court appointed attorney. “How does your client plead?”

A city defender, he was tired of getting all the lousy cases. He figured the deal he had struck with Leeson would get him into better cases and maybe a firm.

“We plead guile..-“

“Not guilty, Your Honor.” A sharp voice declared from the rear of the room.

Heads jerked while Shaun released a breath of relief.

Judge Comstock glared at this newcomer, hating interruptions. “And you would be?”

“L.M. Davenport. Lt. Commander Murdock’s attorney.” Lee Sung smiled easily as he walked toward the front of the room. “I apologize to the court for my delay but there was fog in Heathrow.”

What Lee didn’t reveal was that he had been delayed in New Orleans’ and had flown straight over.

Handing his lawyer credentials to the bailiff, Lee eyed the glaring public defender. “You can feel free to check my references by calling the number on the back.” He spoke easily, sitting his briefcase down on the floor.

Lee hated playing lawyer without his suit but he hadn’t had time to change. So here he was facing down a hostile room dressed in jeans, T-shirt and black leather jacket.

“I object to this, Your Honor!” the public defender cried but couldn’t hold the cool black eyes of this new man.

“Oh, I bet you do, mate.” Lee murmured, leaning closer to the man. “How much did the Prosecutor pay to get you to sell your client out?”

Seeing it could be better off if he just quit, the man gathered his things and quickly left.

“You have an impressive record.” The judge eyed this British man with the Oriental eyes harshly. “For someone I’ve never heard of.”

“I prefer to let my work speak for me.” Lee returned, eyeing his client and frowning. “A moment to confer with my client?”

The judge nodded as the bailiff whispered something. “We have a 15 minute recess while I take a call.”

Smiling silently, Lee quickly knelt down next to Blake Murdock. “So, what’s up?”

As Blake lifted his head to stare blankly Lee swore and motioned over his head.

“He’s not even in here.” The ½ British third in command of the Queen’s Court Raiders muttered as the man he had motioned to hurried over.

“Blake, what happened?”

“They say I killed a woman.” The SEAL murmured, eyeing the two men curiously. “Do I know you?”

Stanley Blackwell pulled one eyelid back and quickly shined a penlight at it, frowning. “Pupil is dilated.” He pulled a sleeve up to reveal bruises on his arm but what Stan was looking for he found on the under side of the arm.

“Needle mark.” He looked up at the senior merc grimly. “He’s been drugged and looks like used for a punching bag. He can’t stay in a cell, Lee.”

As Lee agreed with that the judge returned, looking more cautiously now.

“Mr. Leeson, go on with your opening.” He muttered.

Donald Leeson was an up and coming State Prosecutor and he was looking forward to this case. A chance to finally take those bigshot Navy SEALs down a peg.

“Your Honor, the State has hard and clear evidence that Mr. Murdock not only went to Miss Manchester’s room with firm plans to kill her but probably other motives as well.”

He flipped open the file on his table. “Autopsy reports have stated that the lady shows clear signs of a forced sexual assault before her death. We will show Mr. Murdock raped and killed the woman for no other reason than she rebuffed his attempts at a relationship.

“That being the case and the charges we are filing we move for no bail being set as the defendant is considered a flight risk.”

As the smug looking Prosecutor sat back down, Lee slowly stood up and had to keep his temper from showing.

“All due respect to this court and my… ‘Esteemed’ colleague,” Lee breathed out air slowly, “But that’s a load of crap.”

Silence was evident in the courtroom after that except for a few bursts of clapping and laughter from SEALs, which the Judge quickly silenced.

“There isn’t one single shred of hard ‘evidence’ anywhere to be found. It is so clear that Lt. Commander Murdock has been framed, a trained monkey should see it.” Lee had stressed Blake’s rank because it bothered him that the other man hadn’t used it.

“The autopsy shows signs Ardith Manchester had sex before she died but we can’t tell how long before or if she was raped and there is no proof my client did it.” He glared at the opposing lawyer, looking down to see Blake watching the procedure in a daze.

“As for being a flight risk, what planet you living on? He’s a Lt. Commander in the Navy. It is unlikely he’ll risk going AWOL on top of this mess.” Lee eyed the judge. “My client is at risk if he remains in a cell. Certain people have already stated how 4 attempts have been on his life and he shows signs right now of having been drugged.

“If it will make both this court and the State happy, my employers will take full responsibility for Commander Murdock while this matter is under investigation.”

As the Prosecutor stuttered how wrong this was, Judge Comstock leaned forward to examine this Briton.

He had always considered himself a shrewd judge of character and as he sat watching this man he sized him up to be more than a smooth talking lawyer.

If his clothes and looks didn’t make one see that, the recent call from the Governor’s office certainly would.

“I’ve been informed that an independent investigation will take place.” He mused, cocking his head. “Don’t you trust the police department to a good job?”

Lee met the older man’s stare fully and without blinking. “I make it a habit of using the best possible men for a job and given the stakes of this case, I’d say my client would be better off with some other form of help.”

“The Governor’s office said to cooperate with you.” The Judge didn’t care for that as he considered. “I’ll set bail at one hundred fifty thousand dollars.”

Gasps and groans went up from the crowd as Charles Murdock shook his head.

“I’ll never raise that much.” He muttered.

If Lee was shocked at the amount he didn’t let on. He just nodded, seeing the Prosecutor sneer.

“Fine, where do I pay the bond?” he asked curiously.

“When you get it, come back to the courthouse.” The Judge replied as Lee shook his head.

“I’m prepared to pay my client’s bond now, Your Honor.” He replied, pleased to see the other man blink.

Comstock leaned over the bench. “You do understand that bail is one hundred fifty thousand, don’t you?” he asked. “In cash.”

Lee looked amused by this as he reached for his briefcase to snap it open, showing several stacks of 100 bills in neatly wrapped stacks.

“I do.” He smiled calmly. “Who do I pay?”

“Pay the bailiff.” The Judge snapped. “We’re adjourned for 2 weeks.” The gavel banged and he stormed off.

“Stay with him.” Lee ordered Blackwell as he crossed to the where the bailiff was sitting.

The bailiff was a short stocky man with thinning black hair. A former SEAL himself he had been hardpressed to keep from laughing.

“I don’t think they expected him to make bail.” He wrote a receipt as Lee quickly and expertly counted out the bills he needed.

As he took the receipt, Lee met the man’s smile. “That’s why I did it.”

Nodding kindly at the fuming Prosecutor as he passed Lee went back to where Blake was still sitting with his parents hovering over him.

“Back to jail?” he asked numbly, figuring it wasn’t so bad it he ignored the other things.

Lee tossed his briefcase to Shaun Richardson. “Nope, paid your bail. We’re outta here.”

“We have a nice hotel room, dear.” His mother spoke calmly. “You need a bath and maybe a hair cut and…”

“Afraid not, Mrs. Murdock.” Lee interrupted, listening to the earphone he had slipped into his ear. “Blake was placed in our custody so we’re responsible for him.”

Ruby glared at the man. “My son needs a real lawyer. Not some…”

“Ruby.” Charles Murdock took her arm as he seen Lee’s eyes grow sharp. “Where can you take him?”

Lee sighed, turning as Lt. (j.g.) Chris Gardner approached them. “You have an idea?”

As second in command of 3rd platoon for SEAL team Seven, Chris Gardner had seen a lot in his years in the Navy and as a SEAL. But this past week had all but worn him out.

It hadn’t taken long for it get around the base what had happened and the Platoon of men he had were quick to temper anyway. So when men on base teased or taunted them about their perfect CO getting arrested a fight was sure to happen.

While Gardner was still wary of the young mercs, he could count on if they were back then so was the platoon’s co-commanding officer.

“Actually, the Chief and I thought Blake’s condo would be good for now.” He finally replied, looking at his friend.

This was not the Blake Murdock he had come to know and respect. This man was a shell.

Lee had spoke softly into his throat mic and nodded. “O-kay, that’s a plan.” He looked around. “Full platoon?”

“Would I bring anything less?” Gardner smiled, nodding to the few men with him. “Miguel’s up on the roof and the others are scattered.”

Lee had a firm hold on the Blake’s arm as he made choices. “Odds of anyone attacking now are slim but why take chances.

“We’ll split the squad up to follow the lead car with our people spaced out. Shaun will go with Blake, his folks and Mr. Ching in the lead car.” Lee slipped on a pair of glasses as they stepped outside and he caught sight of several cars, the ‘Raiders motorcycles and more SEALs.

“Jaybird! Anything going on?” Gardner asked a young blond man who was leaning against a pillar.

David ‘Jaybird’ Sterling shifted his Heckler and Koch MP-5 machine pistol on his shoulder.

“Lot of curious people but after the Chief snapped a few times they dispersed.” He grinned, nodding up to the roof. “Miguel says he hasn’t seen anything but frankly sir, my gut tells me something’s wrong.”

Gardner had the same feeling and he could tell by the way the ‘Raiders were acting they had the gut instinct.

“Well let’s get this party on the road.” Lee urged, wanting to be moving. “The boss is driving.”

Jaybird, who had been a step behind his dazed officer, paused in mid-jog to mutter something.

“Yeah, I’m aware of her driving habits, mate.” Lee assured him, adding to himself. ‘I just have to hope she remembers who her passengers are this trip.”

As the reached a shiny black SUV with blue and silver trim, Ruby Murdock stopped to eye it with disdain.

“I believe we should have police protection.” She sniffed, hearing the bikers snicker at the thought.

“May I remind the lady that her son was in ‘police protection’ when he was almost killed four times?” Kelly Robinson spoke as he rounded the SUV, eyeing Blake closely and seeing no recognition. “Stick with my boss and your SEALs, Blake.”

Blake Murdock frowned, straining to recall any of these people but failing. He hesitated on getting in the vehicle.

“How do I know you people aren’t going to try to kill me?” he challenged, seeing the blond man grin.

“Cause if I was your enemy I would just slit your throat now instead of promising myself that you will owe me big for this mess.” Kelly returned, leaning in the SUV. “Be careful.”

Morgan Harrison threw him a grin that faltered as she seen Blake, forcing herself to focus as his parents climbed in after him while Kenneth Ching took the passenger seat and Shaun Richardson climbed in back.

“Stay close behind the lead car and keep your eyes peeled.” Tim Sadler, the Senior Chief of the 3rd Platoon ordered as he got behind the wheel of one of the SEAL Hummers

Miguel Fernandez had been packing up his sniper’s rifle when something caught his eye. Looking through the scope he frowned then swore.

“Lt., I’ve got two cars that could be trouble.” He reported, sliding down the fire escape ladder to hit the ground when he heard the reply.

“Damn! All units get it together!” Gardner snapped, knowing this had been too easy. “We need to get to them before they can cut us off from Morgan.”

Unaware of the possible tail, she drove carefully through the quiet streets of Coronado toward Blake Murdock’s condo.

“Hey Shaun, just so I know before Justin throws a fit. How much did we pay to get Blake out?” she called back to the young back Congressman.

Coughing, Shaun took his time to answer. “Oh, one hundred fifty grand.” He heard a soft oath.

Blake had been sitting quietly listening to the people around him talk but his gaze kept going to the woman at the wheel.

“Why so much?” he asked, not understanding that and not understanding why strangers had so easily paid it.

Ching glanced back at his leader. “Cause that Judge figured no one would have that kind of cash.” He grinned. “Poor deluded fool didn’t count on our co-commander though.”

As he let his eyes roam the vehicle, Shaun happened to glance out the back window of the SUV and frowned.

A black four door sedan with tinted windows was coming up on them fast and Shaun’s old street senses told him that it wasn’t a car full of old ladies.

“Black, 4-door. Two cars back.” He called grimly, still watching the car intently as Ching glanced in the side mirror. “Staying back but it’s got my bells ringing.”

Morgan’s eyes flicked to the rearview, her own sixth sense screaming. With a practiced twist she easily eased the SUV off onto another section of highway to see what would happen.

“Well?” she asked calmly, meeting Blake’s eyes in the mirror with a smile.

“It didn’t turn.” Shaun called, relieved but still felt his inner alarms buzzing.

With a short sniff, Ruby Murdock shifted so her silk slacks didn’t touch anything with grease on it.

“You all make out like this is some sort of spy game.” She scoffed, shaking her head.

Before a reply could be given Ching let out a shout. “Look out!”

The 4-door sedan had a friend that had suddenly veered from a side alley and nearly collided with them.

Only a burst of speed and Morgan’s quick driving had them swerving away in time.

The driver of the second sedan wasn’t ready to call it quits as he kept up with them and rammed them again but the SUV had more weight so that didn’t bother them. The first bullet did.

“Where the hell are you guys?!” Ching yelled into his radio. “We’re taking fire!”

“Keep ahead of them!” Gardner ordered. “Jaybird’s coming up on the turn off now.”

Morgan muttered something about but fought the wheel, not really worried about the gunfire yet.

“Congressman, get your family down.” She spoke calmly, but still flinched when a bullet bounced off her side window.

Ching was staring. “What’s this thing made of?”

“Armor plated to withstand anything short of a rocket, windows are extra heavy duty. Tires are special military rubber meant to withstand bullets.” Shaun replied while crawling over the seat to reach the back just as the first sedan got behind them again. “Company!”

Morgan swore. “Mr. Ching, open the sunroof and see about discouraging the bloke next to us.”

Ching had serious doubts about sticking his head out. “With a handgun?”

“Congressman, see the pocket on the back of my seat?” keeping her eyes on the road, she swerved again just the sedan began her let loose with a rattle of autofire. “Take out a couple of those round things and hand them to Ken.”

To Ching she just said. “Frag them.”

Taking the two fragmentation grenades, Ching opened the sunroof and slid his body half way out but ducked down as bullets went by.

“Hey Charles?” Shaun called, opening a small hole in the back window. “Get in my duffel and hand me that thing.”

Charles Murdock reached down into the duffel bag and was amazed when he lifted out a heavy powered rifle.

“What are you going to do with that thing?” Ruby shrieked where she huddled on the floor of the backseat.

Shaun took the rifle, chambered the first round and slid it out the hole. “Buy us some time.” He muttered, closing on eye as he focused on the car behind them.

The first shot went wide as the SUV swerved. “Hold it steady!” he snapped.

“If I hold it steady the bloke next to us will have an open shot.” Morgan countered, seeing the side window get cracks in it. “The windows are heavy duty but they won’t forever. One of you get rid of one of these cars!”

As Shaun fired again, his shot hit close enough that the gunner in it decided to get back inside which allowed Ching a chance a pop out of the sunroof and quickly throw both his grenades into the car next to them.

“Bonzai!” he yelled, dropping back down as the SUV surged ahead before the sedan exploded. “One down!”

Morgan was about to say something when a huge truck suddenly blocked the road they wanted and was forced onto a smaller side road which would make maneuvering harder.

“Gardner! Where the bloody hell are you people?” she snapped, as a crack sounded and her window shattered. “Damn!”

Ching had ducked, as another car shot from somewhere and the shooter was a lot better.

“Get us outta here.” He urged, trying to get a shot off as more shots could be heard bouncing off the side and rear.

“Trying.” She hissed, ignoring the blood she could feel running from somewhere.

Shaun twisted, firing again at the car behind them when his window went to shards. “Kel is going to be ticked.”

“Kel is going to be dead if he doesn’t show up soon.” Morgan gritted, spinning the wheel hard suddenly to put them into a crazy spin. “Hell with this.”

“Boss?” Ching frowned, realizing they were driving the wrong way. “Wrong way.”

She waited for the first car to near them to spin them again onto another street and stepped on the gas.

“When I’m driving and people are shooting the shit out of my car, anyway is a right way.” She returned glancing up and back. “These lads don’t know when to quit.”

A military Hummer suddenly screeched out to ram the car buzzing their side.

“Finally.” She muttered but knew the first sedan was still a problem just as the pavement exploded in front of them. “Shit!”

“Grenade launcher.” Shaun announced with a sigh, closing his eyes as the SUV went around the sudden hole on two wheels and their passengers cried out.

Ching leaned out his window and fired from his handgun but swore. “We need to end this before we become street pizza.”

She knew that, fingers tightening on the wheel. “Shaun, just like San Antonio.”

The Congressman groaned but reached over the seat for his duffel bag, digging in it until he found what he wanted.

“May I remind you that was in an open area and not in an enclosed car?” he asked, screwing the launcher onto his rifle.

“So noted.” Morgan nodded; swinging the car through a turn just as a tire blew. “Screw it. Shaun, burn ‘em!”

Not needing another order, Shaun slammed the grenade he had chosen into the launcher and surged up through the sunroof.

“How we going to explain it if he gets killed?” Ching asked curiously as the SUV skidded into a turn that brought them face to face with the sedan.

“Shark attack cause if he doesn’t pull this off there won’t be enough left of us to identify.” She replied, slowly down just enough to give her friend a clear view.

Waiting a second to be sure he had the target lined up; Shaun took a deep breath. Letting it out halfway, he squeezed the trigger and prayed.

The grenade launched with a soft ‘whish’ and hit the sedan square on the hood, exploding into a brilliant white flame and sending shards of metal and pieces flying.

Shaun dove back into the SUV to avoid any flying metal, wincing. “We need to get clear!”

With a sharp oath Morgan considered their options. That car was going to finish blowing when the flames hit the gas tank. Depending on the explosives they had then it was going to a blast that could still take them out.

With a quick glance the girl eyed a stretch of road ahead of them. A long enough stretch to give her speed.

“Shaun, car has 4 independent axles. So even with 3 tires, the suspension should handle a small fall, right?” she asked calmly, eyes locked on what she wanted.

“Sure, these things were tested to survive falls from at least 20 feet.” Shaun shrugged, frowning. Of course, it’s also supposed to be bulletproof and the tires shouldn’t blow…” he stopped suddenly. “Morgan.”

Ching was eyeing her warily. “Boss, tell me you aren’t thinking about what I think you are.” He pleaded upon seeing her eyes. “Morgan?”

“If you’re a religious man, Ken. I suggest you talk to him.” She grinned; stomping on the gas pedal just as the sedan exploded in a serious blast. “Get them down!”

Even as she was saying that, Shaun was swearing but making sure the Murdock’s were down and holding on while Ching let out a oath that was part prayer and part curse.

Morgan knew what was beneath the half completed bridge she was under. Her issue was just making sure to hit the jump the right way.

The SUV hit a small curb and shot into the air, out into clear air and then it was falling down toward the ground.

“Oh my GOD!” Ruby screamed.

The battered SUV landed hard and twisted on two tires but didn’t roll as it finally slid to a stop in the soft sand of a section of unused beach.

After several moments and when she was sure she could speak normally, Morgan turned to give Ching a shaky smile.

“See? I told you it would be alright.”

Lt. Chris Gardner was still silently going around the near totaled SUV, making different sounds in his throat as he poked a bullet hole or touched a scorch mark.

The SEALs and a few mercenaries had arrived shortly after the SUV had made its trip down from the road.

Gardner had made sure his leader and his parents were safe in one of their Hummers’ before approaching the SUV.

“He’s ticked.” Ching muttered out the corner of his mouth.

Morgan was sitting on a rock letting the platoon’s medic Jack Mahanani check to see where she had been grazed.

“Chris! Say something before your head explodes.” She called, wincing. “Watch it, Jack.”

The ½ Hawaiian, ½ Tahitian medic gave her a grin. “You’re lucky you have a hard head, little skipper.” He remarked, using the squad’s nickname for her. “If not, that glass shard might have done more than just give you a small gash.”

As she shot him a sour look, Gardner walked over slowly. A look of extreme patience straining his normally pleasant face.

“O-kay, I’ve talked with Congressman Richardson. I’ve talked with Blake’s family and Blake himself. I’ve even pinned Ching down. Now, could you possibly answer me one small question Commander?” he asked.

Mahanani nudged her arm. “He used your rank. You’ve had it.” He whispered.

“What is it, Lt.?” Morgan returned calmly, slightly amused to see the man taking deep breaths while the other SEALs hovered around nervously.

“Why, after the threat was taken out, why did you drive your vehicle off the road into thin air?” he demanded loudly, staring at her.

Morgan waited until she was sure he could hear past his temper before replying.

“I knew the blast would be in a greater radius than I could get away from so it seemed easier to just have the SUV take the brunt and go over the side.” She shrugged calmly, standing up shakily. “I knew the beach was down here and it worked.”

Gardner blew air out from between his teeth. “Blake once said that when you’d drive you would scare the hell outta the platoon but I never understood that. Until now.”

“These damn things were promised to be as near to indestructible as possible.” Kelly Robinson was griping as he examined the wreckage while his master mechanic swore. “Someone will die for this.”

Brian Farnsworth slid from underneath, grease on his face. “Hell, she’ll still run. Get her a new tire and some windows and she’s as good as new.” He grinned happily.

“Get outta my face, Brian.” Kelly growled, staring at his boss. “You alright?”

“Fine.” She replied, watching Blake. “We need to get him home.”

Jaybird had her arm. “I’m driving.” He decided, also choosing to get her out of Gardner’s sight for a short while.

Not feeling like fighting, she settled in the passenger seat of the Hummer while Blake’s mother ranted from behind.

Morgan shut the woman out. Shut out the recent events to focus on the man behind her.

How could she explain what was happening to him when even she wasn’t sure.

It surprised her how much it hurt that he didn’t know any of them and that would make things even harder to explain since she lived with him.

“Y’know, that drive off the road was something like Razor would have pulled.” Jaybird’s voice brought her back to the present as they neared the condo. “Don’t know if he would have taken you doing it any better than the LT.”

“Live and learn, Jaybird.” She sighed, stepping from the Hummer to eye the condo cautiously. “Take Miguel and Bradford and secure it.”

He nodded and went ahead to make sure the condo was safe as Blake stepped from the vehicle to look around.

“My place?” he asked her, waiting to see anything seemed familiar to him but it didn’t.

“Yeah.” Morgan replied, turning as Bill Bradford called down it was clear. “Let’s get you settled in.”

Blake watched her closely as the others arrived. He stepped into the front of the condo.

“While Blake settles in we need to draw up a plan.” Sadler decided. “We need to investigate things, find out who framed him, who’s trying to kill him.”

“What if I did do it?” Blake asked, turning as he started away from them. “The cops seemed convinced I did and why was I there in the first place?”

“That’s what I’d like to know.” Morgan muttered softly, feeling Miguel squeeze her arm.

Lee Sung shook his head. “Cops want you to believe it cause you don’t remember anything. Trust us, mate, you didn’t do this.”

Blake didn’t seem convinced as he went to find his room while the other talked.

“We’re so screwed.” Kelly muttered, slumping on the couch. “We need to know why he can’t remember.”

“Drugs are a possibility.” Mahanani spoke thoughtfully.

Charles Murdock seemed shocked. “Blake doesn’t do those things.”

“Who knows what he does since he’s been seeing…her.” Ruby slid her eyes to where Morgan was standing.

Stanley Blackwell saw his leader go rigid and chose to cut in. “No, what Jack means is that Blake could have been drugged. Certain drugs would induce memory loss.”

“Yeah, but not after one dose.” Mahanani shook his head. “It would have had to have been given over a long period of time.”

“Well, how long was Ms. Manchester in town?” Kelly demanded, figuring she had to tie in this somehow.

It took the SEALs a few minutes to consider that. “About a day or so after Morgan left.” Sadler mused. “So let’s say she was here 9 days, would that have been enough time?”

“Depends on the drug.” Stan sighed, considering. “I’ll need to do lab work on him or check to see what the doctor’s found when he was arrested.”

“You’re talking like Ardith did something wrong.” Ruby Murdock was horrified. “The girl was murdered.”

Gardner exchanged looks with Morgan. “Yeah. Could be she had outlived her usefulness.”

“Cops are going to pitch a fit.” Luke Howard, a big black SEAL, shook his head. “They won’t like us butting in.”

“The locals are my problem.” Kelly replied, eyeing his 2nd in command. “You just love playing diplomat with cops, don’t you Patrick?”

Pat Anderson rolled his eyes. “Besides having a hot poker in my eye, sure.”

“I’ll take the Murdock’s to their hotel.” Shaun Richardson declared, figuring the faster Blake’s mother was removed the better things would be.

“We’re not leaving Blake.” Ruby refused with a huff. “I will not leave my son with you people.”

Charles sighed. “They’re his people, Ruby. We’ll just be in the road.”

“You may trust them Charles just like you accepted Blake’s choice but I do not.” She snapped, whirling. “We don’t know if any of these people could turn on him.”

Ruby sneered at she glanced at Morgan. “Don’t think I’m not aware you haven’t been living with me son but you won’t be now.” Her stilted voice almost was mocking. “Ardith was better for him and now that he doesn’t know anything I can make him see that.”

“Ruby!” Charles snapped, horrified as he turned to see the girl’s eyes shift from anger to pain.

Morgan fought past the pain, blinking at sudden burning tears. “No, Blake doesn’t know who I am or what we were and if he ever will I don’t know.” She sighed, facing the woman. “My job right now to help him and I’ll do that. You and your opinions of me and mine can go straight to hell.”

She turned and walked out of the condo with Miguel following closely at Gardner’s nod.

“Well, that just made this 3 times harder.” Kelly decided, eyeing the older Congressman. “I think you better take your wife and leave.”

Charles nodded, taking his wife by the arm and ignoring her protests led her to the door. “Tell Blake, I’ll call him tomorrow.”

After they had left, SEALs and mercs were silent until finally Jaybird couldn’t stand it.

“What’re we gonna do?” he demanded.

Morgan had stayed alone outside for as long as she thought she could get away with before going back in.

It had been decided, the platoon would stay around the condo in case it was attacked again while the Queen’s Court Raiders went to begin their investigation.

Being told from Chief Sadler that Blake was asleep, she chose to look through the papers Lee had them.

Reading the police report made her blood boil again. She was reading lies and she knew that.

Blake was a SEAL, a professional soldier who killed and was good at it but he wasn’t a soulless killing machine.

He wouldn’t kill an innocent woman and he sure as hell wouldn’t have assaulted her.

“Damn.” She let the papers drop from her fingers as she curled on the sofa, not aware of her tears or his presence.

“People say I killed a woman and they leave you alone with me.” He thought that was odd but also thought it was odd his reaction to her tears.

Morgan’s head snapped up when he spoke. “You didn’t kill anyone.” She told him firmly, angrily wiping her cheeks. “Somebody just made a good show of making it seem like you did.”

Blake had taken a shower while the others had talked and though he had heard most of what they had said, especially his mother’s words, he didn’t let on.

He felt better after he had woken up and discovered he was hungry. Blake had gone out to watch the girl sit on his sofa and cry softly.

“Why do you believe me?” he asked while watching her eyes.

“Because I know you, mate.” She replied, looking away from his gaze to go into the kitchen. “Hungry?”

Slowly he nodded, sitting on a stool at the counter between the kitchen and living room to watch as she easily found things in the cupboards

And refrigerator.

“Boy, I leave for awhile and you forget to shop.” She muttered with her head stuck in the icebox, scowling at what she saw. “I can make sandwiches, salad and…this goo has eyes… forget that.”

“Sandwich is fine.” He kept watching while she put together the pieces for the sandwich, sitting it front of him with milk. “You eating?”

The very thought of food right then made her ill. “Ate before.” She lied, hoping his amnesia would also keep him from knowing when she was lying.

“My mother said I was involved with the woman they say I killed.” He bit into the sandwich and realized it had been some time since he had eaten anything decent.

So engrossed in the food that he missed her expression or how she nearly dropped the jar of mustard.

“Can’t say anything about that.” She finally muttered, refusing to be angry but it still hurt.

She went around him to pick up the papers she had dropped, wondering if it wouldn’t be better to let Gardner or one of the others stay inside.

“It didn’t feel right when she said it.” Blake sighed, obviously frustrated by his lack of memories. “Seems more like the woman and I were fighting but…I can’t remember anything else.”

Morgan looked at him, sitting on the stool and thinking how lost he looked.

“Get some more sleep. You’re safe here.” She assured him, adding with a nod outside. “I’ll be in here and there are 14 SEALs outside who will shoot on sight anything that could be a threat.”

“Like my mother?” his question was asked easily but it still bothered her.

Hesitantly, she laid a hand on his arm and felt him jerk. “No, your mother is….your mother.”

She waited until he was back in the bedroom before sitting back down with a muttered oath.

“I can’t handle this, Chris.” She knew he was there.

Gardner had waited before entering; now he sat on the back of the couch. “We’ll pull him through this.”

“It just hurts so damn bad.” She whispered, knowing she should be stronger than this. “I can’t stand looking at him and knowing he doesn’t know me.”

“I know it doesn’t seem like it now but it’ll be fine.” Gardner assured her, letting a hand rest on her shoulder. “Unless you give me a stroke.”

A small laugh escaped her lips, shoving his hand away. “Go away, Lt.” She told him. “I’ll yell if we need you.”

Nodding, he went back outside to check on the platoon who had settled on sleeping bags when not on watch.

“Skippers alright?” Derek Prescott asked from where he was checking his weapon.

“He’s lost and she’s hurting.” Gardner sighed, sitting down and reaching for a cigarette. “I think a mission would be easier.”

Jaybird turned from watching the water, a devil’s look in his eyes. “Permission to slug the Commander’s mother the next time she pops off?” he requested hopefully.

Chief Sadler looked to see how their second in command would reply since the Chief had been telling the boy to ask him.

Gardner opened his mouth for a negative then closed it. “Permission...

Under consideration.” He finally replied, looking up at the condo in grim silence.

Morgan had lain on the sofa for a short time before drifting off to sleep. Her sleep was uneasy as thoughts drifted in and out.

If she had refused Hal’s orders to help Able Team then she would have been in Coronado and Blake wouldn’t have been anywhere near Ardith Manchester.

Her guilt ate at her and woke her up before the shout from the bedroom did.

“Oh, Damn.” She muttered, pausing to reassure the men outside things were still alright as she knocked lightly on the door.

Not getting an answer, she opened the door to see him sitting on the edge of the bed with his head down.

“Blake?” slowly she approached him, seeing he was shaking badly.

“It hurts.” His voice was a jagged whisper as he finally spoke without looking at her. “I can hear them.”

Morgan frowned, kneeling by the bed to lightly touch his hand as she looked his face.

“You had a bad dream, that’s all.” She assured him. “A nightmare.”

He shook his head. “I heard them, the shadows. The men in the shadows who did this.”

Before she could ask, he lifted his T-shirt to show the wounds. Some were small jagged white scars now while others were clearly fresher.

Feeling her breath catch, she was cautious as she lifted a hand to run a finger over the marks and felt a chill go through her.

She had seen marks like this before and didn’t care for the questions seeing them now brought up.

“Who did this, Blake?” she asked gently.

He only shook his head. “Shadows.” He insisted in a whisper, staring at her eyes. “They were shadows and…I can’t remember.”

The pain and frustration in his voice made her hurt, sitting next to him to both reassure him and because she wanted to check something.

“Can I see your back?” she asked, recognizing his caution but he did slowly lift the T-shirt and she saw what she almost hoped she wouldn’t.

The marks were in a different order from a different technique but the main mark she was looking for was at the base of his neck. Tiny little holes were little daggers were attached to the skin.

Forcing back her emotions, she lightly ran a hand over his shoulder. “You’re safe here, luv.” She promised. “Try to get some sleep.”

“No.” Blake’s hand shot out to grasp hers, holding it with a strength that almost made her wince. “Stay.”

Thinking about asking Gardner to do this, Morgan bit her lip as he stared into her eyes and her love and emotions overrode her common sense.

“Yeah. I’ll sit in here.” She promised him, starting to move to the chair in the corner of his room when his fingers tightened. “Blake.”

He didn’t ask, remaining silent as he held her hand until with a sigh she gave in to sit on the side on the bed next to him.

“No one will hurt you tonight.” She assured him, blinking as he lay back down but eased closer to her.

His eyes met hers calmly, a deeply buried emotion hidden there. “I know you, don’t I?”

The question surprised her. “Yes, Blake.” She finally replied, not wanting to confuse him more. “You’re gonna get your memories back.”

“I…I remember your touch.” He murmured, closing his eyes. “Your voice. I can remember focusing on your voice in that place.”

Barely stopping herself from asking what place, Morgan kept silent as he talked while he fell back to sleep.

“So dark and cold and what she did…but I kept thinking about this voice.” He looked up at her a final time before settling himself against her, laying his head in her lap. “So soft and loving. Your voice.”

Morgan stayed still until she was sure he was sleeping again before letting her fingers brush his hair. Blinking back the tears she felt and swallowing the anger she was feeling she sat and held him while reaching for the phone by his bed.

A quick consideration of time between East and West Coasts let her know she would be waking Don Stroh up but that’s what she wanted.

Letting the phone several times before a sleepy and very angry voice finally snatched up on the other end.

“What?”

Don Stroh was the CIA agent who handled all the missions that the 3rd Platoon was given from the Agency and, unlike most Spooks, he was honest.

Though often grumpy and did things backwards, he was a friend to Murdock and that was what she was going to use.

“Hello Don.” Morgan greeted softly, looking down at her friend as her eyes went steely. “I think it’s time you called in some favors and pulled Senator Manchester in for a little chat.”

Silence was heard as Stroh woke up enough to understand what she was saying. “What’s wrong?”

Morgan recalled the marks on her friend’s body and replied with a single word. “Tong.”

Washington D.C.:

“Shit!” Don Stroh sat up with a quiet oath so he didn’t wake his wife as he went to his office downstairs.

The last word Morgan Harrison had spoken had filled his blood with ice.

Tong meant Chinese Triads and that spelled trouble in no uncertain terms. What he couldn’t figure out was the connection between a Chinese gangster outfit, the murder of a Washington socialite and that socialite’s powerful father.

The more he thought about it the more inclined he became to have that talk with the Senator. But to do that he would need to call in a few favors. The first of which was to call a man who could get him 3 men he knew could handle this sort of job.

Calling a private number for Leopold Justice would, in fact, put him in touch with a powerful man in the Justice Department.

An inside joke he always thought that Leopold Justice worked in the Justice Department but he knew it had meant as a joke since the little man hadn’t always been on the side of angels.

In fact Justice was a name the government had given Leo Turrin when he had gotten out of being their number 1 man in the Mafia.

Turrin was still a big Family man but now his connections were merely ceremony.

What Stroh wanted with Turrin was that he knew the man could get him the help he wanted.

“This vital?” Turrin sounded disgusted as he answered with a yawn.

“Y’know Leo, it occurred to me that I haven’t called in any favors from you recently.” Stroh was loading the gun he rarely used as he talked, pleased to hear the pause on the other end.

Turrin ran a hand through his graying blond hair, not liking the tone in the CIA man’s voice. “I don’t think I owe you any favors, Don.” He remarked carefully.

“Sure you do.” Stroh laughed. “Consider what it would do to your big image as a fancy man in Wonderland if it got out that you used to be the big man for the flesh trade in Pittsfield or if it got leaked to the Family who you really are.”

Swearing could be heard as Turrin cursed him. “What the hell you want, Stroh?” he demanded.

“Able Team.” Stroh countered swiftly, grinning. “I need to take advantage of Lyons’ penchant for unbridled mayhem and you can get them without going through Brognola.”

The silence was longer this time as Leo rubbed his face. “Damn. What you need ‘em for?”

“Morgan may have stumbled onto something nasty out in California with the SEALs and I think Hal may already be aware of it. Before I corner him I need proof and for that I need Lyons.” Stroh explained, playing his trump card. “Morgan’s Bolans’ little sister, Leo. I could go through him.”

Leo could picture the hassle if that happened and since Bolan was one of his closest friends, he finally sighed.

“Give me an hour.”

“You have half that. I’m in a hurry.” Stroh hung up and closed his eyes. “Why can’t these guys just find normal trouble?”

Arlington, Virginia: early morning EST:

Senator Mitchell Manchester sat tied and blindfolded in his living room after having his private residence attacked by unknown attackers.

“I have powerful friends, you know.” He called loudly, fighting not to show his terror. “This will never hold up in a court of law.”

He was sure this was a local matter. The others had no reason to mistrust his intentions.

“A terrible misunderstanding.” He continued almost to himself.

Don Stroh was standing in the hall, listening to the man rant and turned a curious look toward one of his companions. “What’s he babbling about exactly?”

“Oh, he thinks this is a vice raid.” Pol told him easily.

Able Team had been reached through Leo Turrin and had only been too happy to agree with Stroh’s plan of visiting the good Senator from Oregon.

Once the man’s living security guards had been dealt with by a few simple darts, the electronic devices were just as easy to bypass.

Of course to make things look good and official, a loud of things that went ‘BOOM’ was used.

“Is there a reason for him to think this is a vice raid?” Stroh wanted to know, raising a curious eyebrow as Carl Lyons approached with a handful of pictures and videotapes.

“If his private pleasure room is any indication, oh yeah.” The blond ex-cop growled, eyeing the Senator with a dark look.

Lyons had been a cop on the mean streets of Los Angeles before joining the Justice Department and then Able Team. He had seen a lot of things that bothered him but things like this still turned his stomach.

“Guy’s a pedophile. Room’s full of tapes and…” he closed it off before his temper blew.

Stroh hadn’t counted on that but figured it might have been good they showed up. “Tell me we have a warrant so at least this will be legal?”

“Sure we have a warrant.” Pol assured him, waving a piece of paper. “Never leave home without them.”

“Great.” The CIA man looked around grimly. “Anything that could tie him to this mess with Blake?”

Lyons took another folder from inside his shirt. “Got this but I think most of his important stuff is in the computer.”

The folder contained items Stroh would go over later but at a glance it didn’t explain or show if the man was involved with Tong.”

“Why did Morgan think the Senator was involved with the Tong?” Pol asked as they went to find Gadgets.

“Just a feeling.” Stroh sighed, knowing that wouldn’t hold much weight if they didn’t find something.

Lyons rolled his eyes. “Girl’s feelings are going to get her killed one day.” He muttered darkly, glaring. “Hal isn’t going to put up with the SEALs much longer.”

“Though on a brighter note,” Gadgets called from the computer he was working on. “With the kid hanging out in Coronado so much it means Ironman and Kelly can’t kill each other.”

“Yeah but I was just getting used to the brat pack.” Lyons returned, not bothering to mention his concern for his sister.

Stroh caught the underlying tone anyway. “Murdock cares for her.” He spoke carefully, seeing the other man take a deep breath.

“Yeah, I know.” Lyons muttered, coughing. “Gadgets, you got anything or are you just playing solitaire?”

Gadgets clucked his tongue at his boss. “Manchester has a whole section of files that were locked but they’re so encoded it would take me a week to get at them so I sent them on to the Farm.”

“You did what?” Stroh could have died. “I wanted Hal kept out of it and Kutrzman will…”

“Chill dude.” Gadgets grinned, turning on the chair. “Figuring that, I sent the files to Akira. Since he technically works work the kid and Kelly I figured he could…what the hell?!”

The computer screen suddenly had gone blank then started making weird noises and Gadgets held his earphone. “Akira, what the hell you do?” he demanded, listening with a groan. “O-kay, hold those files. We’ll be there.”

“What?” Pol asked, not caring for the look on his friends’ face. “Akira trip an alarm?”

Gadgets was grim as he gathered his tools. “Sort of.” He admitted, looking at Stroh. “He triggered a loophole that Stony Man had set up in Manchester’s system and it set off the bells back home.”

“How’d that happen?” Lyons wanted to know, seeing Stroh’s face grow red.

“Because they were watching the old man.”

Deciding it would be better to take the tied up Senator with them; he was given a sedative and stashed in the rear of Able Team’s van as they made a quick return to Stony Man.

The computer Annex for the Farm had been given a separate section since it had been expanded so much.

Now it was a huge room with several of the world’s largest and most powerful computers, databases and some of the best computer brains to be found.

One of those was a young man of Japanese descent. Akira Tokadio was an unorthodox young man in his middle 20’s with a mess of short black hair and could be counted on blowing gum while working and the ever present CD player that would be blaring the latest hard rock sounds.

Right then he was being growled out from the man behind the Annex. Aaron ‘The Bear’ Kurtzman was a large powerful man who had been crippled in the raid that had nearly destroyed the Farm.

A brilliant man behind a computer, he rolled his hackers with an iron fist and this little blunder did not make him happy.

“Ironman!” Akira was thrilled to see Able Team, hoping it would get him off the hook.

Seeing the tension in the room, Lyons decided to get the attention on him. “Hey, Bear. Cool off. The kid was doing us a favor.”

“He triggered an alarm for a very sensitive piece of information.” Kurtzman snapped back, seeing Stroh and not getting happier. “What’s going on, Carl?”

“That’s what I’d like to know.” Brognola growled as he entered, eyeing the men. “Care to tell me just what the hell you three have been up tonight?”

Stroh met the glare fully and with his own. “They’ve been with me and I think you know why.”

“I know a United States Senator has gone missing and you’re trying to get into his private files.” Hal returned, surprised when Stroh didn’t back down.

“Like you’ve been doing?” Stroh countered sweetly, sneering. “The boy wouldn’t have triggered your systems if you hadn’t already been watching Manchester and I don’t think you were watching him for kiddie porn.”

Watching the altercation go back and forth, Lyons turned to Akira. “You get anything my sister can use?”

Akira coughed, looking around. He knew he was in trouble as it was and this could make it worse.

“You had no right to get Akira involved!” Bear bellowed.

“We needed this done quick and sense it involved Morgan, I figured it was just easier to send the encoded files to Akira since he technically works for Kelly anyway.” Gadgets shrugged.

The boy groaned. “Quiet with that, huh?” he urged. “That’s not supposed to be public knowledge.”

“Oh please.” Lyons snorted, rolling his eyes. “That why you do everything but jump up and salute when Kelly walks in here?”

“Whatever is in those files, does not involve Morgan or those overly hyped up mercenaries of hers.” Brognola snapped.

A sudden loudness came from one of Akira’s earphones and he jumped, wincing. “Geez, tone it down.” He grimaced, shaking his head at something. “Uh-huh, I will not repeat that, Kelly.” He refused, sighing. “Hal, I don’t think it’s humanly possible but Kel still suggests you try.”

Eyes turned to stare at him. “You got Robinson on that thing?” Pol asked, eyeing the little CD player. “I thought it only blared music.”

“When I’m working it does.” Akira shrugged, adding. “But when I need it to or they need it to, Kelly can use it and since he’s fighting with the chief of police right now he’s not happy.”

“Neither am I.” Stroh hissed. “You have information I need, Brognola you damn well shell out or I’ll burn you.”

Brognola eyed the man. “You don’t have anything to use and considering this stunt I think …”

Akira listened to his earphone then shrugged and hit a button. “On.”

“Is this damn thing working, Akira?” Kelly Robinson demanded from across the country.

“Hey, Kel.” Gadgets grinned. “What’s up?”

Kelly eyed the man he was holding a gun on to what he had to deal with in other places.

“I don’t have time to mediate with you jokers. Hal, if you have something I need then give it to Don.” Kelly’s voice was normally mild now it went ice cold. “If you don’t, Don has a key to a safety deposit box. Remember, I have enough on you to blow you out of the water without touching the guys.”

As Brognola sputtered in a rage, Lyons grinned as Akira touched keys on his keyboard.

“Tell them.” The Head Fed gritted.

“Well, before I sent off the alarms here I had just cracked the codes the Senator put in.” Akira spun in his chair to get the hardcopy of the files.

“Looks like the old man’s up to his ears in so many covert moves he’s losing track. He’s working with the House Committee of Military Affairs to pull the plug on the SEALs.”

Stroh snorted. “That would be Congressman Farnum. He has a major hatred for all special ops groups.”

“He’s focusing on Seal Team 7 though.” Akira was grim as he went on. “But the part that was under heavy guard and the part that blew the bells here is when I got to this part.”

There was silence as the file was read and then read again until finally Gadgets blew out a breath.

“Sweet Jesus. He’s in league with the Triads.”

“Heavily.” Brognola sighed, grimly taking a cup of coffee and handing one to Stroh. “We’ve been watching his movements for months.”

Stroh considered the files and what it meant. “Blake’s unit has encountered Triads before so revenge could be a factor here but why would Manchester involve his daughter?”

“Maybe he figured she could get Murdock to spill some secrets.” Bear suggested, fingers tapping on his wheelchair. “Bedroom talk.”

“So when that didn’t work they would have had to have done something else to try for information.” Stroh nodded, pieces fitting. “Drug him senseless then try to torture him.”

Pol frowned. “As a SEAL, he could have fought the interrogation but the memory loss is the odd part. Why?”

“That’s what we can’t figure out.” Stroh sighed, eyeing the coffee. “This stuff combustible?”

Able Team laughed as Kurtzman glared. The Bear’s coffee was legendary at Stony Man and a long standing joke.

“There are a lot of questions still unanswered.” Lyons decided, raising a finger for each point. “Why kill the woman? Why not kill Murdock? Why drug him to torture him?”

Stroh finally shook his head. “I don’t know. I’ll get this stuff to Morgan and Gardner and let them run with it.”

“She’s had run ins with Triads before.” Hal warned him. “Something doesn’t smell right in all this.”

“Well, ask the Senator and dig the information out of him.” Stroh suggested as he took the files and prepared to leave.

Brognola halted in mid-swallow. “Manchester? Where is he?” he demanded warily seeing his men exchange looks. “Oh no.”

“At least we don’t have to go far to ask him the questions.” Gadgets grinned. “He’s outside in the van.”

Stroh left on that and could hear Brognola yelling even on the main floor.

Coronado California:

Waking up on his own and not feeling tired or overly cautious was strange for him.

Blake Murdock woke slowly but lay still for a long time, content with listening to the soft breathing of the young woman with him.

He was mildly surprised to see she had stayed but she was still sitting was she had been when he had fallen to sleep.

Blake knew she was going to be sore for having sat in that position all night long so as he slowly eased up he gently laid her over on the pillows.

Wanting a shower and clean clothes before having to deal with the day, Blake left her to sleep and went in the bathroom.

He considered it odd that for all his recent fears and confusions that he felt none with her.

Maybe it because there was something so comforting about that soft British accent or the gentle way her hands seemed to touch him or the smell of…

Blake frowned, stepping under the shower spray. The smell of strawberries and roses made his mind think back.

Forcing his mind to focus and ignore the blank spots or the pain this caused he made himself think back. Made himself try to remember why that scent was so important.

Slowly it started to come. That scent, those eyes, the laugh. Why what his mother had said last night had angered him so much and why the sight of her tears had hurt him.

They were closely connected. How close he wasn’t certain of right then but he knew she was important to him.

Morgan was waking when he reentered the bedroom after having shaved and slipped into cleans slacks.

Their eyes met and she silently cursed herself for falling asleep. “You should have woke me up when you got up.” She finally stated.

Reaching for a shirt in the closest, he looked at the marks in the mirror. “These meant something to you.” He had seen it last night. “Why?”

“I’ve seen those kinds of marks before.” She sighed; wincing as she stood and figured that was the last time she slept sitting up. “We’ll have Jack or Stan look at them.”

Blake slowly turned to look at her. “Which ones are they?”

“Jack’s the big looking guy outside and Stan is my medic.” Morgan replied, telling herself to get out before he asked anymore. “They won’t hurt you.”

She was almost to the door when his voice stopped her. “Who are you?”

He saw her falter and could tell somehow she was warring with herself over something.

“Those boys obey you and those men outside, the SEALs, jump at whatever you say.” He went on carefully as his mind worked. “I didn’t think there were any female SEALs.”

Morgan let out a breath before turning. “There aren’t and technically I’m not.” She admitted. “I was specially assigned as co-commander of 3rd platoon of SEAL Team 7. The men accept that and the boys are my private people.

“Blake, I know after all you’ve went through the past few weeks it’s a lot to trust men you don’t know but none of those outside will hurt you and my men are here to help you.” She assured him, wishing he would stop looking at her with that stare.

He could always seem to see right through her with that look and she wanted out before he asked again.

“So, who are you?” he asked again, leaning against the dresser. “My mother says not to trust you.”

This time Morgan couldn’t keep the look from showing but she turned quickly and hoped he hadn’t seen it.

“Your mother is welcome to her own opinion.” She returned evenly, not hearing him approach until he touched her shoulder and her heart stopped.

“Morgan!?” Jaybird’s voice shouted from the front of the condo. “Where you at?”

Grateful for the interruption, she started to move but his hand held her still.

“Morgan.” He repeated quietly, taking a strand of her hair and touching it to his face. “Tell me what you are.”

The tone of his voice could always make her weak and with his being this close she could feel herself losing herself in it.

“What I am is almost late to boss your Platoon.” She finally broke the spell and with a shaky smile back at him, she hurried into the living room to find the men and food.

“The local restaurant is going to love us before this is over.” Paul Jefferson, a skinny black SEAL, declared while digging in a huge box of takeout containers.

Chris Gardner looked up as she entered and instantly read her look. “O-kay?” he asked with concern.

“Fine.” She replied quickly, eyeing the food warily. “Everything cool so far?”

Chief Sadler took a container and looked at the contents. “Stroh called and said he’d be in by tonight. He sounded grim.”

“I bet he did.” She muttered, avoiding Miguel Fernandez’s eyes as she headed for the kitchen. “One of you will have to do grocery detail cause this place is empty.”

“Probably cause the skipper was hardly here while you were gone.” Derek Prescott replied, wincing as he was kicked from two directions.

Morgan slowly eyed the men. “Give me a timeline.” She ordered. “Just how much time did he spend with Ardith?”

Gardner quickly heard the change of tone and interceded. “It’s not like that, Morgan. Blake was…gone for 3 days and we can’t account for it.”

“He says he didn’t know where he was even though Ardith tried hard to make us think he had been with her in the mountains.” Jaybird sneered. “Skipper has better taste.”

“None of the lodges we checked had any record of their stay and when we started to push is when Blake started having more trouble.” Sadler poured salt on his food.

Morgan didn’t like that. Not on top of the marks he had. “He’s got marks on his back and chest.”

“Probably from the attempts on his life.” Joe Lampedusa said with a mouth of eggs.

“These were made by Tong.” She spoke slowly so they could catch the meaning.

Kenneth Ching nearly spit his breakfast out, staring at her. “You sure?” he demanded.

A full blooded Chinese, he knew the implication of this better than the others did.

“I’ve played with Chinese Tong before. I know what the mark of one of their torture rooms looks like.” She returned, hearing the bedroom door open. “He doesn’t.”

The last part was hissed in warning for the men to keep quiet.

As Blake entered his living room, he caught the tension but ignored it in favor of the coffee he smelled.

“This’ll help start the day off, Skipper.” Mahanani handed him a container of food and hot coffee. “We figured this would be easier than flipping to see who would burn breakfast.

Murdock took the food but glanced to see that Morgan was hovering over some papers Sadler had handed her.

“Food.” Miguel put a container in front of her and frowned deeply when she pushed it away. “Morgan.”

A founding member of the Platoon, Miguel was one of the few men on the squad who knew the girl well.

“Ate already.” Was her reply, not looking at him and prayed that Murdock kept silent..

Blake eyed her curiously. He knew she couldn’t have since she had just woken up but as he was about to comment on it something else dawned on him.

“I thought my system would be missing the injections by now.” He mused.

Eyes shot up to stare at him as Morgan turned and Gardner lowered his cup while Mahanani stepped closer.

“What injections, sir?” he asked carefully.

“Oh, those special injections a base doctor had been giving me before all this started.” Blake stirred runny eggs with a fork and wondered if starving was such a bad plan. “He said my last physical was low on iron but the shots would clear it up and the base CO wouldn’t have to know.”

There was silence for a long time until Morgan swore, grabbing her jacket. “Bravo squad, except Jack, stays here with Blake. Alpha comes with me.” She snapped, turning to Gardner. “Call Kelly, tell him to get Mascarelli online. I want a squad of base cops with a search warrant ready when we get there.”

Lt. (j.g.) Chris Gardner was reaching for the phone as the squad took off and Blake eyed him curiously.

“Got some time to answer a few questions?” he asked innocently.

Figuring what one of those questions would be Gardner chose to focus on the phone and off what none of them could change.

Coronado Naval Base:

“We go in guns drawn this dude will know something’s up.” Jaybird Sterling spoke as he drove onto the base.

Morgan looked at him as she checked the 9mm Browning Hi-Power she always carried.

“I figure he may suspect that if he sees his building surrounded by base cops.” She countered, stepping from the vehicle and seeing a trim uniformed officer approach and salute.

“Commander Mascarelli thinks this is overreacting but he followed orders.” He held out a slip of paper. “Do you want us to go in first?”

Eyeing the building and the base cops. “No Ensign. Keep your men outside for now.”

Timothy Sadler entered the building and looked at the office doors. “Could be a simple matter.”

“Yeah and I can sell you a bridge in London, Chief.” Morgan smiled, seeing the office they wanted.

Luke Howard frowned, looking down at the small young woman. “I thought it was a bridge in Brooklyn.”

“I was born in London, mate.” She countered, opening the door and stopping the secretary from standing. “Doctor in?”

The woman, a short middle aged woman in a trim Navy outfit, shook her head. “He stepped out to take a call. Can I take a message?”

“No, thanks. We’ll look around.” Morgan tossed the search warrant on the desk as Jaybird opened the door to the main office.

“What are we looking for?” Bill Bradford asked as he eyed a shelf of medicine.

Jack Mahanani had been looking around when the trash can caught his eye. “Well, well.” He held up some bottles and syringes. “These are brand new and yet he tossed them.”

“Label says its sodium saline.” Ching read, seeing the amber liquid. “I thought saline was clear.”

“It is.” The Platoon medic frowned as the door opened and a tall skinny Navy medic stared at them. “What’s up, Doc?”

The man looked at the SEALs then turned to take off running up the corridor.

“Why do they always have to run?” Sadler sighed, jerking his head at the door. “Jaybird.”

Jaybird grinned and bolted after the man, easily overtaking him even before he got halfway down the hall and sending him to the floor with a crashing tackle.

“Gee, Doc.” He grinned at the panting man while jerking him to his feet and back towards the office. “That’s some bedside manner you got.”

The Doctor, Lieutenant Andrew Greene, was sweating when Jaybird pushed him onto a chair in his office.

“So, Dr. Greene.” Morgan sat on the desk and calmly eyed the man and what she held. “Why don’t you tell us who you sold out to?”

The man made an effort of looking indignant. “I don’t know what you’re referring to. I refuse to be…” his eyes caught sight of the syringe in her hand.

“What have you been giving Lt. Commander Murdock?” Chief Sadler demanded harshly.

“The man was low on iron…I’ve been giving him…” he haltered as he stuttered.

Morgan looked at the trashcan. “Why would a doctor throw away supplies?” she asked curiously.

“Um, those items had expired and…” the medic licked his lips nervously.

Mahanani eyed a box. “They don’t expire for 6 months.”

“Liquid sodium saline is clear, this is amber.” Morgan handed the platoon medic a syringe. “Since the doctor is so sure his labels are right, let’s see if he needs some saline.”

Dr. Greene stared at the large SEAL with the needle, trying to bolt but Howard held him firm. “You can’t… that…”

“It’s what, Doc?” Jaybird asked curiously, leaning against the door.

As Mahanani advanced on the man with the needle held ready, the doctor finally couldn’t handle it and screamed.

“Don’t! That isn’t saline!” he eyed the people surrounding him and slumped in the chair. “It’s… a rare form of opium mixed with a type of steroid.”

Stepping back, Mahanani considered that. “What in hell is it used for?”

“Interrogation.” Morgan’s voice was ice as she eyed the man. “Right? And remember, Doctor, you lie to me your life ends a second later.”

Greene swallowed, breathing quickly. “Yes, it’s used to prepare a subject for interrogation and in used in large qualities causes temporary memory lapse.”

“Can these memory lapses become permanent?” Ching asked.

“If the subjected is given large doses for extended periods then yes, the memory loss could be sustained.” Greene looked up. “I was ordered to inject the Commander with the drug but after he was taken, I have no idea what they injected him with.”

The SEALs stared at the man. “After he was taken?” Bradford asked, leaning over the scared Navy officer. “Taken where and by whom?”

Greene swallowed again. “My orders came from a source in Washington but the men who took Commander Murdock one day were Asian.”

“Whoa, sport.” Morgan waved a hand, trying to piece this together. “Blake was taken off base by Asians?”

“No, no. From Miss Manchester’s room.” Dr. Greene corrected, explaining when he realized he had no other choice. “Aside from the daily injections, every night I was called with Miss Manchester’s hotel suite. Commander Murdock would be already unconscious from, I assume a drug she had slipped him during dinner, and then I would administer the drug again before several Asian men took him away.”

Morgan was softly swearing while the SEALs exchanged looks. “Do you know where they took him?” she asked tightly.

“Miss Manchester told me the less I knew the better off I was.” Greene sighed, looking at her. “I’m assuming I’m under arrest.”

“Buddy you’ll be lucky if she doesn’t let Howard and Bradford tear your arms and legs off.” Lam muttered, seeing the girl’s face.

As she considered all this Sadler had summoned the base police and gave them orders to make sure the good Doctor didn’t have any accidents.

“This is not good.” She whispered, still trying to figure out how this could have happened without anyone knowing.

“Looks like the Tong is definitely involved.” Jaybird eyed his bosses. “Ideas?”

Morgan paused by their vehicle. “Yeah, tonight we’re going to Chinatown.”

“I was afraid she would say that.” Ching groaned.

Murdock’s Condo that night:

“You need more than half a squad if you’re going to hunt Triads on their home turf.” Chris Gardner argued, not pleased about any of this. “Leave a few of Kelly’s boys with Blake and his parents. Congressman Richardson will be here.”

Learning that Blake’s parents were coming for dinner had made Morgan all the more determined not to be in the condo that night.

She turned from reloading the Browning and slipping it into the shoulder holster.

“A large group of Occidentals show up in Chinatown is going to draw more attention than just a few.” She countered, grinning at his curse. “But the Squad can stay outside and avoid her. I pay Shaun to deal with diplomacy.”

Gardner knew something else was bothering her. “He’s asking questions.”

“I know.” She sighed, looking up at his expression. “I don’t want him knowing in case he doesn’t regain his memories.”

She sat on the twin bed in the spare room to finish dressing when she heard the knock.

“My lawyer is bossy.” Blake complained but there was no heat in his voice.

“Lee was born bossy.” Morgan replied, feeling off balanced by his presence. “He’s just doing his job.”

Blake watched her from the door, surprised by the various weapons she had. “I saw some of the guys out there with fewer weapons.”

“Yeah well SEALs and mercs can depend on strength and height against a foe. I have to settle for whatever I have handy.” She slid a boot knife into her boot. “Most terrorists tend to underestimate a woman. They learn quickly.”

“I bet.” He noticed her hands shook. “Do I make you nervous, Commander?” he asked, smiling at her sharp look. “I heard one of them call you that. Title real or honorary?”

Morgan stood to reach for her jacket. “Depends on who you ask.” She replied, knowing he was trying to throw her off balance. He had done the same things when he had first come to the platoon.

“Still not going to tell me what happened this afternoon?” he asked while casually blocking her exit, slightly pleased to see her eyes flash in mild annoyance.

“For a bloke with amnesia you sure are full of questions.” She muttered, going to walk past and discounting his speed until his arm reached to grab her waist and soon had her pinned to the wall. “Blake.”

“How am I going to remember anything if no one will tell me anything?” he countered quietly, feeling her tremble under his hands as he leaned closer. “You’re scared of me, Commander.”

Morgan shook her head, knowing he was testing her but cursing her body for reacting and cursing him for smelling so damn good.

“Ask your folks. They know all about you.” She finally declared, biting her tongue when he pressed her harder against the wall. “Blake, stop. Please.”

It was her tone that caused him to ease back, not releasing her yet but easing back because he heard something change in her voice.

“I want to know about you.” He stated, meeting her eyes. “Why you seem so familiar to me. Why I have this strange need to kiss you to take the fear from your eyes and knowledge that if I did kiss you that I would know what you tasted like.”

Still holding her hands against the wall, he spread her fingers under his so they would mesh as he held her eyes, seeing mild fear forming in them.

“I dreamed of you this afternoon.” He told her, pleased to hear a soft sound escape her. “Took a nap while you were gone and dreamed of you. Lately my dreams have been dark with shadows and pain but today I dreamed of you.

“Gentle and soft in my arms while we made love. I could feel your skin on mine. Smell the scent of your hair. Strawberries and roses.” He leaned down to lightly, without touching her throat, brush his lips against her and felt her shiver. “What are you to me, Morgan?” he asked softly.

Morgan bit her lip, fighting her emotions to his needs. “Blake, please.” She had promised herself she wouldn’t add to his worries.

“My teammate?” he asked, shifting his grip so he could hold both her hands with one of his so his other was free to cup her chin. “A friend?” he paused a beat before adding with more heat. “A lover?”

Fighting an inner battle she was losing against the heat of his gaze she finally closed her eyes. “Yes.”

His fingers tightened slightly so her eyes opened to meet his. “Were we lovers?” he demanded tightly, seeing her fear.

“Yes.” She whispered, sagging slightly against the wall. “I didn’t want to tell you because you have too much to worry about now but…I never could say no to you.”

“Oh yeah?” she heard the challenge in his tone and her eyed shot to his, a mild warning in them.

“Back off, Murdock. I could hurt you before you could think about it.” Morgan warned, tensing but found she couldn’t break his grip on her wrists and for the first time with him she felt a slight panic. “I won’t make love with you while you have no clue who I am.”

Blake was calm as he adjusted so she was pinned firmly but he wasn’t hurting her as he held her gaze, recognizing the look he saw. “Cops say I raped that woman in the hotel.” He spoke carefully, feeling her tense but he held firm.

“Yeah and I say you didn’t.” she snapped, anger warring with fear. “I know you didn’t because you wouldn’t hurt a woman like that…just like I know you…won’t force me.”

He met her eyes and held them for another second before releasing her hands and stepping back. “You trust too much.” He muttered, sitting on the bed to stare at her. “I could have taken you like that.” He snapped his fingers.

“Yes, you could have.” Slowly she agreed, approaching him to sit beside him. “Do…do you want to?”

“Do you mean, do I want you?” Blake looked at her with a small smile. “Hell, yes but…” he paused to catch her gaze. “That same part that wants you also knows I won’t touch you until I know myself again.”

A moment of silence then he reached over to pull her into his arms, holding on tight. “God, I want to remember so badly.” He whispered against her hair.

“I know, luv.” She murmured, holding him. “You will soon.”

They stayed like this for a long while until a light knock sounded and Kelly Robinson’s voice spoke from outside.

“Yo, boss. The guys are itching to get a move on before Mrs. Godzilla…I mean Blake’s mother shows up.” He called, coughing. “Let’s shake a leg, huh?”

Morgan eased back to see humor in his eyes. “Sorry. Kel’s cranky.”

“I have a feeling they don’t care for my mother.” Blake returned, lightly touching her face before placing an awkward kiss on her lips. “Be careful.”

“Blake, that’s my middle name.” She smiled; shooting a warning look as several voices could be heard snickering. “Did I ask for one bleedin’ opinion from you lot?”

After they had gone, Blake stood on his patio in silence. “Tell me what’s going on, Chris?”

Gardner paused, not certain if any of them had used his first name in Murdock’s presence recently or not.

“We’ll still not sure, Blake.” He admitted hearing Don Stroh arrive just as Blake’s parents and Shaun Richardson. “Oh joy.”

Chinatown:

“I still have a bad feeling about this plan.” Lee Sung muttered, adjusting his leather jacket over his sidearm.

Jaybird narrowed his eyes at the merc. “Only good feelings allowed around here.” He snapped, groaning. “I hate Doc.”

“Our plan is simple, you, Ken and I go in and ask some questions while the rest of you hang around and make like shadows.” Morgan made it sound simple which to the Queen’s Court Raiders meant it was sure to blow up in their faces.

Chief Sadler eyed the large ornate Chinese restaurant they were in front of. “We’re looking for Chinese gangsters, why are we here?”

“Even the worst of the Tong and Triads have legal business fronts.” Ken Ching wiped his damp palms on his pants. “But to confront them so openly is…”

“The height of bad manners and a major no-no.” Morgan looked at him with a grin. “That’s the plan, Ken.”

Bradford groaned. “We’re going to level the block.”

“Bloody well better not, mate.” Justin McDowell snapped. “As her accountant, any major damages you lot do I take outta your hides.”

Morgan shut the bickering out of her head, eyeing the men. “You know the signal.”

Kelly and Sadler exchanged a look. “Sure, either the first gunshot or when a body comes flying out of the building.”

“So smart.” Morgan muttered, stepping through the doors to the restaurant to look around. “Lo-sing Jahn is said to the local godfather in this neighborhood and if any major Tong enforcers are in town he’ll know about it.”

“Chinese Tong is like American Mafia. They cover for each other.” Ching spoke softly, eyes looking for trouble. “What makes you think he’ll even talk to us?”

Morgan smiled calmly, seeing a table in the back. “Because he won’t want the type of trouble we can cause.”

“Huh?” Ching blinked, looking at Lee. “Should I ask?”

Lee’s handsome face scowled. “No cause if she pulls that card we’ll have gunfire a second later.”

The Chinese SEAL rolled his eyes and considered if he shouldn’t find a safer life.

Sitting at the table surrounded by young Chinese in dark suits and glasses with equally young girls on either side was a wrinkled old Chinese man.

“Ahh, the fabled benefactress of the Queen’s Court Raiders.” Lo-Sing Fahn looked up with a smile on his much wrinkled face.

The man looked to be over a hundred when in fact very few knew his true age and those that did were dead. He seemed like a picture of a typical Chinese grandparent when he was, in fact, the head of a very dangerous Triad front.

On instinct and out of years of habit, Ching bowed to the man while Lee remained very still and Morgan seemed amused.

“Ah, a mannered one.” Lo-Sing smiled again, nodding in approval. “He is not one of Kelly’s boys.”

“No, Ken is a Navy SEAL and we need to talk about a few things.” Morgan leaned on the table but flicked a cool eye to the girls. “Lee.”

Lee smiled dangerously and murmured a very precise phrase that had Ching blinking and the girls leaving.

“Those were my companions.” Lo-Sing sighed, leaning back in the booth. “Why have you come to humble me, Morgan Harrison?”

She looked at him fully. “Tong enforcers moved on a mate of mine. I want names and to know why.”

The old man looked at his guards then back at them. “I have heard of no Tong enforcers in the city.” He shrugged, smiling blandly. “Perhaps your friend is wrong or..

The dagger landed in the center of the table near his hand as Morgan’s eyes flashed. “Play with me Lo-Sing and I don’t miss next time.”

Ching hadn’t seen the girl move but heard Lee hiss as he looked closely at the dagger to see it was a type used by a Japanese underworld clan.

“You own this town. Whoever is after Blake would have had to go through you.” She saw she had his attention as she eased the dagger from the table and held it loosely. “White Tigers don’t play nicely, mate and they don’t take it well when Tong touches what is ours.”

The threat was plain in her voice and her words even as Ken Ching began putting things together and he swore under his breath.

Lo-Sing held back his anger but he quivered from it, unaccustomed to such a base lack of respect.

“Major General Kim Han has had dealing with this American Platoon of SEALs. He and his Tong friends from mainland China decided if this unit was discredited it would begin his revenge for a loss of honor. He also has a deal with an American in power who wishes the SEALs destroyed.”

“Why’d this General drug Murdock to so he’d lose his memory?” Lee asked, watching the young men carefully. “He was drugged and tortured and then framed for the murder of the Senator’s daughter.”

Lo-Sing smiled easily. “Ah, but certain things are not always as they appear to be.” He sipped his wine. “It was only too easy for the woman to lure this American to her room but he spurned her advances so other plans had to be set in motion to get the information needed.

“As for the woman’s death…we will see in the end of all things how this plays into the act.” Lo-Sing stood up, signaling the end of his talk. “I do not know where Han is currently at but I am sure he will make contact soon.”

As the old man walked off with his guards, Ching let out a visible sigh of relief. “I can’t believe that went so well.”

“You think so, mate?” Lee muttered, jerking his jacket off to get to his gun. “Look around you.”

As Ching looked, he saw the once filled restaurant was now empty. “I know what I think this means but someone tell me for sure, what does this mean?”

“Trouble, as usual.” Morgan sighed, slipping the dagger back in the hip sheath and pulling her Browning.

“You just had to play the White Tiger angle, didn’t you?” Lee snapped angrily, black eyes darting for foes and wasn’t disappointed.

Several black clad men had appeared in the restaurant with a varying degree of weaponry.

“I got a response out of him.” Morgan shot back, seeing Ching eyeing them curiously. “Questions?”

Ching came from a long and traditional line of Chinese but even he knew of other Oriental gangs like the Japanese Yakuza but he had heard of the White Tigers in whispers.

“White Tigers aren’t supposed to Yakuza but that’s a Japanese blade.” He eyed her warily.

“The White Tigers are a ninja clan, Ken and they answer only to one person.” Lee shot a dark look at his employer. “Your commander.”

As Ching goggled, Morgan sighed. “Not a big thing.” She returned, seeing the first string of men begin to circle. “Here we go.”

“I just knew this was going to be a bad idea.” Ching muttered, ducking a high kick as a black clad assassin screamed a high kaii shout and the fight was on.