The rain pelted on the window pain as Willow Green emerged from the bedroom and turned on the light in the bathroom. Glancing at the clock the garish red numbers read 4:33 am. "How can anyone possibly wake up this early, and in this weather to boot." She said to her reflection. Her red hair was pulled back into a long braid with small wisps of bangs falling about her face. She always hated seeing her reflection in the mornings, Willow always saw herself as gangly and rather plain. She knew her opinion was wrong since there were so many people that told her how nice she look, she just had a hard time believing it. Her parents always used to tell her she was beautiful. Willow had a hard time thinking of her parents even now after they had been gone for so many years. She could never remember them without remembering how they had died. It was raining then too. With a sigh she started unbraiding her hair, and got into the shower.
Pulling on her robe on she picked up her hairbrush and walked back into her bedroom. “Todd had better be worth the bother of waking up this early.” She said laughing to herself, knowing that he was so worth the bother. It had been two weeks since her brother had called her from out of the blue. "Willow is that you? I can't talk long but I'm coming home for a few days then it's off to London. And I was umm … I was wondering if you'd like to tag along…" Todd wasn't actually her brother, he was the Campbell’s only child, and though he was six years older then Willow he was always her protector, even when her parents were still alive. He'd always been there for her even when she was stubborn and didn’t want him, he had always been somewhere in the background. About six months after her parents died, Todd took off to see the world. He ignored the protests of his mother, and Willow had watched from the stairs as he said goodbye unable to look at him for fear that he’d see her cry. His dad had left the room in a huff and his mom had tears rolling down her cheeks. He took her in his arms, his height towering over her, he kissed her on the top of the head and said, “don’t worry mom, I’m not going to be gone forever. I’ll be home soon.” He let her go and picked up his bag passing the stairs on the way out. He turned and looked at Willow with no expression on his face looking as though he wanted to say something to her but he shook his head and reached out for the doorknob. He paused his head falling to rest on the doorframe for a moment before looking back over his shoulder at her. “Stay outta trouble okay kid.” He opened the door and was out before Willow could make a move. Her support had just walked out on her and she wanted to throw her arms around him and hang on. No one had seen him since and Willow was curious to know why he'd just pop up now.
In the random phone calls through the years he'd tell his parents about the places he'd been and how he had a job doing this or that. Something to do with exporting goods. She never quite understood what it was that he did, nor could she get a civil explanation from him, but that's just the way it had always been. When an opportunity came up for him to take her along, she jumped at it. Spending a month abroad with Todd was going to be an adventure. She tried not to admit it to herself or say it out loud, but Todd was her first love. She actually had a picture of him on her desk at the printing company she worked for, all be it an old one, but a picture of him none the less. He was always the older man with a slightly tainted smile and mysterious ways about him that had all the women flocking to his door even when he was just a teenager. Willow was never like that though, she'd quietly wait by the wayside and when he was ready he'd talk to her.
She finished drying her hair and was just pulling it up into a black clip to get it out of her face when doorbell rang and Willow realized that she hadn't even gotten dressed yet. Quickly pulling an over sized sweater over her head and her jeans, she turned surveying the room to make sure everything was in place. Her bed still looked slept in with the maroon comforter hanging off the bottom of the bed and her luggage was sitting unzipped on the gray carpet. Other then that, the room was clean with the dressers lining the walls and the closet wide open showing off her extensive shoe collection. For a moment she had the odd feeling that it'd be a long time before she would see it again. "Don't be silly, it's only a month. Besides this is what you've always wanted."
Leaving the room she walked across the little one story house she lived in. She had moved into her parents house not long after graduating from high school so that she could pretend she was an adult but having the Campbell’s close enough incase she needed anything. She’d inherited the house when her parents had died and it stood untouched for almost 5 years before she decided to move back in. Her parents had never been big on having too much so the little 3-bedroom house was always more then enough for them. It had a large living room and a good-sized kitchen, which always made Willow happy to be in because she and her mother had always loved cooking together. She had to stop behind the door to calm her breathing before opening it. Reaching out she grabbed the knob and pulled the door open. Standing there with his back to the door Todd looked out towards the street where she could see the rain falling in the light cast by the street lamp.
Todd turned to her. A smile brightening his face and causing Willow to forget about the rain behind him. He was dressed in a charcoal gray suit and black trench coat. His dark brown hair cropped short but still unruly due to a permanent cowlick above his left eyebrow. Todd was taller then Willow by 6 inches topping off at about six four with a muscular build. His face was a handsome one, he had strong features, his arched eyebrow that matched hers just enough to make people wonder if they really were related. He had a crooked smile and a nose that looked as though it had been broken once of twice with a small scar cutting diagonally across it. His was an overall friendly face, a lot like she remembered him, all except for his black eyes that showed too little emotion.
"Wow." Todd said, after a moment of stunned silence, "Mom said you had changed, but she didn't tell me how much. How ya doin' kid?" Laughing to himself he noticed how she still looked rumpled from sleep and remembered how she had never liked to get up. She had changed after her parents died, he'd always wanted to comfort her and tell her it was going to be all right, but he was twenty and she was this fourteen year old who didn't like to smile anymore. He had missed that smile, but all he could do when he was around her was to crack a joke hoping that she'd laugh. Usually she would. Now before him was a beautiful woman standing where his little freckled sister should have been. She looked so much older then her 21 years. Her tall lean figure so much different then the uncoordinated child he’d laughed at for tripping over her own shoes, but she still had a certain aura about her that reminded him of the 10-year-old he'd given someone a black eye for. It was his Willow, still as pretty as ever, and yet so much more. “5:30 on the dot.” He said looking at his watch then stepping forward to envelop her in a hug.
"I’m so happy to see you.” she said when he finally let her go. “You haven’t changed a bit. How are you?” She prattled on with questions, hardly allowing him a space to answer in so he resigned to just yes and no answers as she ushered him into the house and took his coat. “Wonderful day to start a trip wouldn't you agree. But for some reason I had always thought the day you came back for me would be bright and sunny.” She walked ahead of him leading him into the living room. Small shaded lanterns hung about the room giving the powder blue walls a glow that made the whole room seem calm. The white couches were sitting in the middle of the floor surrounding an oak table that was covered by books resting in the center of it all.
"The day I'd come for you? What do you mean by that?" Todd asked with a curious look on his face as he watched her glide across the room to place his things on a chair next to the kitchen door.
"Oh… umm… nothing really" With a wink and a smile Willow turned on the lights and entered the kitchen. He watched her flit behind the counter opening the refrigerator and pulling out a bottle of water to place on the counter. "I don’t have much, I cleaned out the fridge yesterday not realizing that I’d have to eat today… whoops… oh well. I'll get you a warm cup of lemonade to warm you up while I finish getting ready. I feel slightly underdressed to go out with the likes of you."
Rolling his eyes at the offer that he’d gotten used to as a child when he’d come in from the rain, Willow had turned out to be a lot like his mother, yet so different. He feared that by the time she was home again she’d be much different still. As she worked in the kitchen, dropping things as she reached into the cupboard, Todd scanned the room taking everything in and mentally commending her taste in colors. He walked over to the fireplace noticing the arrangement of pictures that were there fanned out around a picture of Willow. A picture of her parents, a picture of his parents, and pictures of him, Todd picked one up wondering if Willow still had that old crush on him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, Ezra stands looking out the window of his hotel room, watching the crowded city below and listening intently to someone on the phone. His shirt partially unbuttoned showing off his well-built torso. A tie hanging loosely around his neck as if the phone had stopped him in the middle of dressing. Resting the phone on his shoulder he turns from the window and retrieves a belt from the bed.
"Is that all there is to it?" He asks, his voice gentle yet firm in its resolve. "It's a complete in and out job. Is there anything else I should be aware of?" There was a pause while he listened carefully nodding in agreement, then suddenly he stopped and the belt slipped from his fingers as his face darkened in rage and a look of animosity flashed in his eyes. "The Fox…" he simply said in reply.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Willow emerged from her room not long after and gave a little twirl to show off for Todd. She had changed from jeans into a long sleeved turtleneck that stopped short of her waist where her trousers picked up showing off just a little bit of midriff when she moved. He noticed how the black of her clothes set off the sparkle in her brown eyes. Her hair had been pulled back and repositioned in the clip so just a few strands were dangling over her shoulders and in her eyes. "You are a vision." he smiled getting up from the chair he had taken residence in. "Ready to go?"
"Absolutely." She said cocking her head to the side, "Come Jeves, the bags are in the bed room." Flourishing her hands she turned dramatically and walked back into her room with Todd close on her heals.
The drive to the airport was like the many other times he'd driven to the same place. The freeway was packed with construction and traffic even this early in the morning. Traffic had come to a stand still where the interstate merged with the 215 The wipers on the windshield pushed the water around but it was still falling so hard that it didn't make much of a difference whether they were on or not. Looking at Willow who had fallen back to sleep beside him he thought of the little kid she once was. But seeing her now after so many years he couldn't deny that he was attracted to her. He noticed her hair had fallen across the delicate features of her face, but resisted the urge to brush it away fearing that his touch would wake her up.
Finally reaching their destination, they checked in their bags and started walking to their departure gate. The hustle and bustle of the airport was a little too much for Todd to handle and he kept scanning the crowd for threats to jump out at him. He assumed there weren't any, but his keen mind was always on the lookout for what could be around the corner. Killing someone in a crowded airport wouldn't be beyond his enemies.
For being only 27, Todd felt old and very tired. The work he did seemed to do that to men. He'd only wanted to play spy for a while, he hadn't thought that it would engulf his whole life, taking him away from his parents, away from Willow. When he first came in contact with the Genesis Group he'd wanted nothing more then an adventure. Something that would take his mind off the sad girl his family had taken in, and the loss of her parents who were the only other people in the world who seemed to care that he existed.
He'd been little more then a courier for a few years relaying messages from Genesis to his men throughout the world. Until he got in the middle of a project and found he couldn’t get out. Genesis always sent his messages through others or over the phone. Todd had never actually seen the man, only heard his voice. That harsh Scottish brogue telling him to bump off this person or that person. Lately he'd heard that voice in his nightmares ordering others to come after him. He hoped they were just nightmares. The day Todd got a call from the boss telling him he was to take over eastern operations was a dark day to him. He’d finally decided that he’d go home for a little while and see his family for the first time in three years. He’d been so close to home so many times, but was never allowed to go and see them. He missed his mother and the way the house always felt safe with her there. If his father had known where he was and what he was doing Todd could see the unapproving stare, he wouldn’t say anything, he’d just give that look. That’s what had kept him away for so long, his father’s disappointment. He’d worked hard at this, the opportunity to be advanced so young was a once in a lifetime chance. It had only gone up hill from there, he was now in charge of his own ring of men. He’d gone from being a runner for others to a cushy office in London where he had the right to decide who lived and died. He was comfortable there until once again Genesis gave him a new job. Stop Ezra. Todd had no idea how he was to do this, he didn’t even know what Ezra looked like. He knew he was no match for Ezra, he was a man that even the bravest of Genesis wouldn’t go up against, and here Todd was doing it alone. He had thought long and hard about how he was to do this unapproachable task, and the only thing he could come up with was the blatantly obvious disguise of being tourists. But how? He was known by many to be what he was so he needed an alibi. Enter Willow. Perhaps is his cover would keep him hidden.
Todd's mind was reeling. He wasn't expecting that the slightest thought of Willow, of what he had in store for her, would make him sick. This was turning out to be a bad idea. No one had told him that the life of espionage and thieving was going to end him up here, standing in an airport with a very charming and beautiful woman. No, she was his sister and he couldn't think of her as anything more then that. He didn't have time for how he felt, or what his heart thought. His orders had been simple and clear. He was to see that his dark rival Ezra wasn't to leave the country with the film, and if needs be, he wasn't to leave alive.
He jumped at a touch on his arm pulling him from his thoughts. "You looked lost in your thought's are you okay?" Willow leaving her hand where it rested.
Looking to his charming companion and seeing the worried look on her face. Bringing himself back to where he was he looked into her eyes “I’m fine, just a little distracted. Don’t worry about me.” He shouldn’t let himself get distracted, that was a deadly habit in this game. Taking her hand he pulled Willow closer to him just to keep her close and to not lose her in the crowd, knowing that she was his only salvation on this mission.
“Oh, sorry to bother you then.” Her features softened as she let go of the worry and leaned into his shoulder giving him a friendly bump.
"You're never a bother kiddo.” A semi-sad smile appeared on his face that made Willow wonder at his thoughts. “Have I mentioned that I'm glad you could come with me?"
"Umm... actually no you haven't but I'm glad you're glad" she said giving his hand a squeeze, her brown eyes taking on a sparkle of sarcasm. "I wouldn't want to be with anyone else." With Willow in tow Todd started walking towards the terminal where their flight would be boarding soon.
"Oh Willy, I'm hurt.... You wouldn't even want to be with me?" They both turned to the see who had spoken and a bright smile lit up Willow's face as she saw who it was. A tall, well-dressed man stood with a smirk on his tanned face and a smile dancing in his ice blue eyes. His sandy blond hair hung neatly to the middle of his ears and had a look to it as though it was still wet. Wearing a white dress shirt and slacks that lightly clung to his hips so they bunched over his shoes making his 6'2" frame seem shorter somehow. Letting go of Todd’s hand Willow covered the distance between her and the stranger quickly and went willingly into a very friendly embrace.
Todd was a bit confused, he couldn't think of who this new arrival was. Somehow he seemed familiar to him, like he had seen him before, but he'd been gone for seven years. How could that be? Perhaps Willow had told Him about this other man, but he'd had hardly talked to her for all those years either. Todd was uneasy about this, he could sense that beneath that cool exterior there was something dark and frightening. His instincts told him to run, but he couldn't see the sense in that without making Willow more suspicious then he feared she already was.
"Oh I've missed you," she said to the man who was now stepping away from her with his hands still resting on her shoulders he was smiling down at her. "You disappeared without saying goodbye. I must say I was hurt by that."
Stuart relaxed as soon as he had Willow within reach and in his arms. He'd seen her through the crowded airport and had been following for quite sometime hoping that she was alone, but knowing better. When he finally caught a glimpse of the man with her, his breath caught in his throat and he had to remind himself to breathe. The man was no match for Stuart in brains and cunning, but he was dangerous. He wondered if Willow realized this. She was so innocent in his eyes, knowing nothing of the drama that was playing out around her. All the time he had spent with her hoping to get the upper hand on the Fox he'd come to appreciate her lack of knowledge on the subject. Standing here talking to her now almost made Stuart wish that he wasn't doing what he was, almost made him wish he truly could go back to being just a computer programmer and living a normal life like so many other people. He was pushing 30 and the fast life just wasn't as appealing to him anymore. He'd known this day would come when he would finally see them together, but he'd blocked the thought out of his mind not wanting to be the one to hurt Willow, he understood how she felt about her "brother".
"I'm so sorry Willy, but you know, the life of a Computer programmer is nonstop adventure." He said giving her a wink, and brushing a lock of her red hair out of her eyes and tucking it behind her ear. "There was a slight emergency on the mothership and I was called back to help" The sarcasm practically dripped from the man and Todd wasn't impressed. But Willow laughed whole heatedly at his euphemisms.
"Todd, this is a friend of mine, Stuart Kent, Stuart, this is my brother Todd Campbell."
"At last I get to meet the ever famous Todd," Stuart extended a hand out to Todd who looked at it for a split second as if it were a viper about to strike. "Your sister says nothing but good about you. I wish I had such an adoring fan."
Todd covering his thoughts took the offered hand, smiled and said. "Unfortunately I can't say the same about you. I've been gone for quite a while I've been a little out of touch with Willow's world."
“Stuart and I met at work. He was the one who came in and set up our network. We just happened to pick the same place for lunch one day and it all kinda went from there." Willow smiled up at Stuart, and Todd could see something in her demeanor that had changed when the other man arrived. She was beautiful before, but he saw her in a different light now It was as though she turned on every womanly instinct in her power, the graceful movements of her body could catch any mans eye. She had a grace about her that he’d gotten used to in the past few hours that they’d been together, and yet every thing she did caught his attention in a much-unneeded way. Todd was having a hard time concentrating on the conversation at hand.
“So where are you off to?” Willow asked Stuart as he moved back to where Todd was standing, he took her hand as soon as she was close enough giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“I’m on a flight to London this afternoon. I’ve been asked to work for a company called Lawrence Enterprises doing in house programming. It’s a bit of an office job, but I’m getting old, I need a chance to sit down every once in a while.” Stuart said with a wink. “What about you. Where are you headin’?”
The foreboding sense of danger filled Todd again as Willow answered that they were also going to London. She told him of how they were just touring for a while until Todd had to return to work in a few months. Todd wanted nothing more then to be away from this man and on his way but all he could do was stand there and smile. Finally his opportunity came when their flight was called. “Come one, Love, that’s our ride.” Pulling her gently towards the open door she looked at his astonished at his actions and wondering at his hurry.
“You go on a head Todd I just want to say good by to Stuart.” Letting go of his hand she stepped back towards the other man. “Since we’re both going to be in London, perhaps we could meet for lunch one day. Wouldn’t that be nice Todd?” looking back over her shoulder, she didn’t think she’d get his agreement so she just finished her sentence for him, “of course we would.” He walked away from her then, wondering what he’d gotten into. Willow gave Stuart the number to their hotel and giving him a final hug she turned and started walking towards where Todd had stopped just out side of the boarding ramp door.
Stuart reached out then, grabbing her wrist. “Willy….” She looked back wondering what else it was that he needed seeing a concerned look on his face. “Be careful okay.” He let go without saying anything else and walked to where he’d left his bag on one of the seats behind him, leaving Willow to wonder at his meaning.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After a very long flight, and a transfer in Atlanta, Willow and Todd finally reached their hotel seven miles out side of main stream London. It was an old manner house that was converted into a bed and breakfast, surrounded by green hills and a beautiful view of the Thames River. The house must have been there for hundreds of years. There was ivy growing up the walls making it look almost as though it had grown there also. The extensive gardens could be seen just beyond the west wing blossoming with heather and crocus. A mist hung lightly in the air, giving the impression of rain. The view of it all was breathtaking. Willow could not remember the last time she saw such a beautiful place. She wanted to relish in the moment and just stand outside in the crisp April air.
“Beautiful isn’t it?” Todd said putting an arm around her shoulders. “I stay here a lot when I’m in town. It gets you a way from the bustle of the city.”
“I love it.” Willow gushed looking to Todd; “It’s better just because you’re here though. “I have missed you.” Wrapping her arms around him she gave him a hug of thanks. Holding on for a moment longer then she usually would have she relished in the time spent in his arms. She leaned her head on his shoulder breathing in the smell of him as he wrapped his arms around her in return. She’d gotten nothing more then the little sister treatment since they had left home, and she was thinking that maybe, just maybe, there was more to life then just Todd, but as he held her now her resolve was dissolved again and she couldn’t let her childhood dream go. Todd was here with her now, and she was going to make the most of it. Who knows when she’ll ever get this chance again.
The lobby was exquisite. White marble floors broken only by area rugs placed at the bottom of the grand staircase. The high domed ceiling gave the room the appearance of being much bigger then it was. Walking to the front desk Willow surveyed the room taking in the beauty of it all. She had been in some rather nice hotels in her life, but this was so much more then that. To the right was the biggest fireplace Willow had ever seen, carved with stone lions and cherubs it was at least eight feet wide and tall enough for an average sized man to walk into without having to stoop. The lounge was to the left of them, just beyond the front desk, soft music floated out as Willow noticed a lone man sitting at the bar. His auburn hair was cut long passing his ears and brushing the collar of the light gray suit that he wore. Todd noticed the man too and grimaced, knowing who it was immediately. Filling him with hate and not a little fear at the thought of him knowing where they were staying. As soon as he had the key to their room in hand he quickly directed Willow up the stairs and out of view of the man.
Todd unlocked the door to the suite. Leading the way he entered the room and turned on the lights. Willow stepped around him and got her first glimpse of the place she’d be calling home for the next few weeks. The room took her breath away, it was almost as big as her own little house back home. It's crystal chandelier hung just above an elegant table in the middle of the entrance with a white couch just beyond. Two wing back chairs sat to either side of it. There were two doors on the right and a small kitchen area to the left with a table and chairs in the breakfast area. It was all done in oak and glass, with slightly patterned wallpaper the color of roses. The phone was situated on a table in the far corner leading out to the balcony, which was completely enclosed in glass. Potted plants hung from hooks on the ceiling giving it a natural feel that seemed to fit well in this house. Todd walked ahead of her into one of the bedrooms carrying her bags for her. She followed close behind with wide eyes and wonder at all that lay ahead. The bedrooms were both decorated with the same beige carpet and light blue textured wallpaper. A large four post bed took up most of the far wall jutting out into the center of the room covered in seafoam green bedspreads. Setting the bags down Todd went over to the bed and turned on one of the small crystal lamps.
“Well kiddo, it’s been a long flight. I was thinking of taking a nap, how does that sound to you?” Smiling at Willow he walked back to where she was standing trying to decide if she was tired or impressed, and patted her on the head. “Good night Hun, If you need me I’ll be in the other room.”
“Good night Todd.” Willow said as she watched him leave. She then went to the bed, laughing at the little stairs leading up to it. Ignoring them she hurtled herself into the middle of the bed. She was so tired she could hardly keep her eyes open.
As soon as he was away from Willow's room took a deep breath and walked into his own room closing the door behind him. 'This is going to be bad.’ He thought as he pulled a small cellular phone from his pocket and dialed.
"What?" answered Genesis, his voice deep and threatening.
"Shepherd is here." Todd said quietly so that Willow wouldn't over hear. "He watched us check in."
"Who is ‘us’ Fox?
"No one... just a term of reference." Fox could have ripped out his tongue, he hadn't meant to let that slip, Willow was a minor addition that he’d forgotten to mention in his plans. "I haven't had a chance to check with anyone since I got in town."
"I'm not a fool lad, who’s there with you?" McBain asked angrily, he had been fleeced by one of his men recently and wasn't about to stand for it again.
"I'm here with my sister. She’s not much. Just a cover."
"Have you lost your ever lovin' mind boy?" he asked savagely looking down at the phone with disgust.
"How much does she know?"
"Nothing. We're on holiday, that's all this is to her a jaunt into the unknown with her brother."
"And just how long do you think you are going to keep her in the dark?" Genesis asked.
"She won’t know anything. As long as she's near me, she won’t learn a thing."
"You are a bloody fool." he was told sharply. "She may know everything already. You should never take ignorance for granted." Genesis grimaced, he had learned that the hard way.
Todd shook his head realizing that maybe McBain was right. He couldn't keep it from her forever. "She isn't ignorant. Just innocent. She hasn't seen me in Seven years!"
"I don't care if she hasn't seen you in seven hundred years lad, get her out of the picture."
Todd steadied his voice. "She won’t be a problem Sir, and if she is then I'll send her home. Easy as that."
"Are you willing to stake your life on that?"
"My life is at stake everyday. Why should this be any different?"
"Keep that in mind, if you screw this up you won’t have just Ezra to worry about. I guarantee you that."
"I was just telling you the facts, Sir. If that's not what you want to hear then why don't I just hand the Shepherd your plans and call it good.” Todd said, his voice laced with ice, to the man on the other end. McBain wasn't one you wanted to cross. That's exactly why Todd had been called in in the first place. Isaiah had been nothing more then a janitor to those he worked for, but deep under that foppish man was a master mind planning to steal what Genesis had been planning for the past five years.
“Is that a threat?” Genesis shot back his voice showing the anger that was burning in his eyes.
“No it’s not a threat. I just need you to trust me on this and let me handle it the way I need to.” Todd tried to keep the anger and exasperation out of his voice, hoping that his calm would ease the old mans mistrust of him. He had little patience when it came to this man, McBain had always trusted Todd in a line of work where trusting someone else wasn’t always the smart way to go. But now after being crossed by someone he thought was his ally, McBain treated everyone the same, with anger and suspicion no matter who they were.
“You have four days Fox. Either the film is on its way to me, or your mistress is gone. Either way you have four days.”
“Yes.” Hanging up the phone Todd walked over to the wall and slammed his hand against it. Growling deep in his throat he fought to contain the anger that was building up inside of him. Each time he talked to Genesis he found it harder to control his temper. This life was wearing on him, he had to get out somehow but the only way he’d found so far was death. “I can do this. She’ll not learn a thing and neither of us will get hurt in the crossfire. Please let this work.” He whispered to himself before walking to the bed and lying down. He had his means and he knew what he wanted done. He just had to figure out how to make it work. Going over again in his mind the list of who he was to meet and what he was going to do. Four days… four days… how could he manage? He worked it all out before finally giving in to sleep.
The next morning dawned brightly, Willow had been awake for quite a while and was sitting in the patio watching the sun rise. She couldn’t help but think that she had to be one of the happiest women alive. She’d looked in on Todd before coming out here. He looked so peaceful while he was asleep and his countenance not so stressed as when he was awake. She wondered what it was in his life that could cause him to be like that. As a child Willow had always looked up to Todd because of his kind smile and the patience he had dealing with her. She knew she wasn’t the easiest person when she was little, always full of questions and Todd was the one she would go to for answers. No matter how her mother would try to tell her to come to her with her questions, if one came up it was out the door and into Todd’s lap.
She hadn’t thought of any of this for years, but having Todd so close at hand it brought back so many wonderful memories. She wished she could have that Todd back. Sitting there contemplating on it all she didn’t hear Todd come up behind her until he laid his hand on her shoulder.
He had seen her sitting there deep in thought and he hated to disturb her so he watched her from a distance. Her hair had been pulled back into a braid that hung over her shoulder hanging past her breasts the tip of it moving as she breathed. Her pajamas were nothing more then a over sized T-shirt and baggy plaid pajama pants. She still looked like a teenager curled up in the chair. He wanted to go to her and share the sunrise, but his conversation with Genesis the night before had he spooked of getting to close to her. He felt better when they were together, sure it had only been two days since he’d first laid eyes on her after seven years, and yet she had such an effect over him that he just wanted to be near her. He hated the feeling of needing anything but with willow he’d fallen so fast back to the stupid young man he was when he’d left home. For the longest time after leaving he could always see her sitting on the stairs by the door, her brown eyes wide and misty struggling so hard not to cry. He had thought for a moment as he paused by the door that if she would just say something maybe he could stay, but she just sat silently and let him walk away.
She looked up to him and smiled. This was going to be a hard day, Todd sensed that already. There were so many things he had to do today and he almost felt guilty for having brought her along. He was to meet an associate near the Tower of London. Razor was to have the location of the film, which Ezra was to pick up. If Todd could manage to get there first this could be over and done with in no time, and he could get Willow back home and safely out of his reach.
Willow took his hand pulling him down to kneel on the ground next to her. "Hey Todd do you remember when we were kids and I used to follow you around like a lost puppy? I loved that. Always knowing that I had you for a friend." She looked deep into his eyes. With those beautiful brown eyes peering into his soul he couldn't find his voice so he just nodded. "I have always wondered... why did you leave?"
This was the question he'd feared answering for the past seven years. He'd always come up with some excuse about what he did some how or another but here he was with no way out. He realized that she was still holding his hand so he studied her fingers for a minute before saying anything. "I was young and stupid. I was out for adventure and money. A friend of mine told me about this company and I figured I’d try my luck. I never thought that leaving then would end me up here now."
"Where are you now?" she asked trying to catch his eye and make him look at her.
Todd took a deep breath trying to find a way to skirt around the truth but trying to not be far off. "You know, that's the hardest question that you have ever asked me." Looking anywhere but in her eyes he settled into a more comfortable position on the floor. Holding Willows one hand between the two of his, they were so fragile next to his. Tilting his head side to side to relieve tension he glanced up at her for a moment before dropping his eyes back to their hands. Taking on a thoughtful tone he began. "I work for a company here in London. I'm sort of into property recovery. You could say that I'm a bit of a repo-man. I have a nice office and my own employees so I guess I can't say I'm too bad off. I just needed a vacation for a while but still be close to work if I'm needed. I should actually be working now, but I have wanted to see you for so long. I figured we both could use a break." He looked back to her then, hoping that his explanation was close enough to the truth that she'd believe it.
Willow studied him as he spoke. His body language and his words seemed to give the illusion of truth, but his eyes never rested on the same spot for long. That had always been something to give Todd away with his lies. He could get away with almost anything when someone asked him what he had done, but he could never look his mother in the eyes and lie to her. Why should he lie to her. She wondered which she should believe his word or his eyes. Those eyes that showed no emotion and in the few days they had been together, they showed no light or glimmer of happiness. She wanted to know what he could have done or seen to cause him to be so cold. She wanted to trust him so she forced herself to believe his words even though her gut feeling was to dig deeper into the man and find out the truth. She had so many questions filling her mind but they were all blotted out by the touch of his hand. It felt as though they were the only two people in the world. He looked up to her as if in a dream where time seemed to stand still. She hoped that the pounding of her heart wasn't loud enough for him to hear.
There was silence between the two of them. Todd knew that he needed to move, to get away form her before he did something he regretted, but his legs wouldn't respond to his need. He couldn't let go of her hand or her gaze. He found himself shifting from where he was sitting to his knees before her. He was so close that he felt her breath on his face. His hand went to her neck and then he gently traced the line of her jaw with his fingers. He couldn't see the rationality in what he was doing, but it felt so right. He knew that she still loved him, that was apparent in everything she said and did, so why shouldn't he take this chance that he had. He just wanted to be needed by someone, and her she was, all he wanted was to be near her. He leaned in and her eyes fluttered shut wanting this as much as he did. The moment was perfect and all he had to do was kiss her when his cell phone rang. Pulling back suddenly he cursed under his breath using the armrest to push himself from the floor he walked back to his bedroom leaving behind a very confused and breathless Willow.
She couldn't breathe. Todd had been so close it could have worked had it not been for his phone. Her heart spun out of control and she didn't quite know what to do with herself. She'd been left cold and wondering if it had ever really happened. The lingering smell of his cologne hung in the air around her and she drank it in running through her mind what could have happened if it wasn't for that infernal ringing. Willow cursed modern technology and most especially his cell phone. She could hear his voice filtering out of the other room and she couldn't hear the words, but the tone of his voice told her it was something important. "I should actually be working now... he says," Willow said to herself, imitating his words of only a few moments earlier. "Somehow I think that's what he's doing right now." She repositioned herself in the chair pulling her legs up and hugging her knees. Resting her cheek on her knees she closed her eyes and listened to the sound of his voice trying to concentrate on what he was saying.
"What time?" Todd's voice floated out to her. "I'll be there, where should I find you?" there was a long pause while he waited for the answer to come and once received he answered with "yes, I'll be there." There was silence in the other room and she assumed that his call was over. Willow didn't want to open her eyes again not caring to come back to the real world again, she had been so close. When she did, there was Todd standing nonchalantly in his doorway completely dressed in black jeans and a long sleeved black crew neck shirt, and once again wearing his cold mask of indifference that she had come to despise in the past few days. When they were kids he would always have a ready smile and a sly sense of humor, she wondered where that had gone. Covering her hurt she raised her head and smiled at him. "Where are we off to today, Todd?"
With a barely perceivable nod he Walked over and offered to help her out of her chair. "Why, we're off to see the Queen... that's what people come to London for isn't it?"
"Yeah... okay Todd, if you say so." She said in an exasperated tone. Willow ignored the extended hand and stood in one fluid motion, throwing a completely fake smile over her shoulder as she made her way to her bedroom door. She couldn't see what had come between them, more then anything she wanted her Todd back, the one who used to protect her, or the one who had almost kissed her, but she could see that his armor was going to be harder to crack then she thought. She was almost through the door when she heard Todd call her name. Willow bit back the spiteful comment that jumped to her lips and just closed the door behind her. "I must be the worlds biggest moron."
She took her time in showering all the while trying to relax and forget about what had almost happened this morning. But her heart wouldn't leave her alone. Her head told her that she was in danger somehow, but she couldn't see how any of this revolved around Todd. She loved him or at least she wanted to make herself believe that she did. This was all she ever wanted.
Willow dressed herself in a maroon skirt with a light gray sweater that highlighted the color of her eyes, making them seem darker and more mysterious. She had just finished drying her hair and was about to curl it when there was a knock at the door. Willow glanced up sharply taking a deep breath she called out a response. "Come in." she stated flatly cursing at herself for letting him get to her. When she heard the door open her she put on a smile and walked from her bathroom to meet Todd who was standing just inside her door. He had put on a black leather jacket and was standing with the car keys jingling in his hand. The over all black of his clothing gave him a look of evil that almost made willow want to take a step back and avoid going anywhere with him, but she knew he was harmless. It was Todd.
“Are you ready?" he asked with out looking from the spot he had been studying on the wall. Todd realized the he was just being foolish not making eye contact with her. What had happened this morning was as much his fault as it was hers, if not more. He took a deep breath and finally looked at her, focusing on her face trying to see her as his little sister and not as the woman she had become, the woman he wanted to take in his arms and protect. Todd covered his feelings and shoved them down to the farthest reaches of his heart where he hoped that they would stay. Snapping back into his cautious self he looked at her as anyone else would look at her, his cold eyes taking in her appearance and measuring her up to what lay ahead.
Willow nodded and walked towards him. “Let’s go,” she said, and Todd took her arm and led he out of the room and towards the car. They walked down the main stairs and out through the lobby, but this time neither of them noticed the two men sitting at the bar.
**************
The two men both dressed in business suits, one in light gray and the other in a dark blue. The older of the two turned to his companion, brushing a lock of his long red hair from his intense blue eyes. “She doesn’t know anything yet I’m assuming?” Casey Steiner asked in soft German accent.
“Not that I’m aware of. Casey, I’m convinced that she has been pulled into this without knowing anything.” Stuart’s blue eyes flashed with disbelief at the thought of anyone thinking Willow could be a part of it. “I’ve been tracking this man for years. I know him almost as well as myself. The time I spent checking his family brought me to the conclusion that none of them know.”
“I believe you Ezra, I just needed to hear it.” He waved his hand to the bar tender signaling for another glass of water. “Don’t think it foolish of me to say, but I know she’s not with him. Not because you told me, but because I can feel it.”
“Now Casey…” Casey had a way of following his intuition more then following what the set plan told him to do. Stuart knew this, and in Willow’s case he believed Casey, but he had experienced first hand Willow’s charms and didn’t see any good coming out of Casey’s involvement with her.
“Stuart please. Just believe me. She is in danger, and I believe that the two of us are the only ones who can help her.” Casey had been there the day before waiting for the Fox to check into the hotel. He wasn’t expecting him to show up with a partner. He hadn’t taken into account that there might be more of them. Ever since Isaiah had disappeared with a roll of film containing copies to McBain’s assassination plot the men of Genesis had been dropping like flies.
Casey wanted to laugh at the old man’s stupidity in letting little more then what appeared to be your average idiot into his personal life. Isaiah had a way of getting people to trust him through all the different characters he played. For McBain he had played a half-insane idiot who walked into the line of fire saving him from a certain death at Casey’s hands. But it was all planned to the tee and the bullet did nothing more then graze the Isaiah’s shoulder and he was in. McBain always fulfilled life debts a fault that Casey had been planing to use for years.
Isaiah was one of his best men. He’d been picked up years ago when He and Casey had been in College together. Oddly enough it was there in a drama class where Casey had seen his potential. Casey had been raised in the world of espionage and knew that when his farther passed away he would inherit the family business. MI-6 would go on forever. He was the head of a huge spy ring. Leading the good guys triumphantly into battle all with the blessings of the Queen. That’s why this mission was so important to him. The Queen’s life was at stake this time and it was his duty to stop it.
The Shepherd was a feared man. No one but his closest confidants knew what the man behind the name really was. Casey Steiner had a charm that was unsurpassed by many. He always had a quick smile and a whitty remark for his friends, but all his enemies saw was a stern man in the shadows with no care for life or death. Not accounting for the fact that not one man had lost his life at the hands of the Shepherd.
“Stay with them. I’ll be in touch.” Casey got up from where he was sitting pulling some change from his pocket and leaving it on the counter. “Their going to the Tower, he’s there to meet someone. Keep your eyes open and don’t loose him. You know where the film is but keep away from it for another day or two. He’s on your tail and I fear nothing good will come of this.”
Stuart nodded and the two men exited the building together.
**********************
Tower of London, a massive structure that held the Crown Jewels and had held Queens and peasants captive, stood high above the city of London. Willow and Todd had joined a tour group that had arrived the same time they did. They entered and followed the guide as he expounded on the history of the building and all that had been done there and what it held now. Willow was atapsimized by the grandeur of it all and each room they visited had a story to it. She didn’t notice that she had lost Todd somewhere in the group. Until she turned to make a comment and couldn’t find him. She broke off from the group and headed back through the empty hallways from which they had come.
Listening for his voice and looking into every open door that she came across. She had started to wonder if he had even been behind her, perhaps he was a head of her with the group still. Willow almost turned back when she heard voices from around the corner a head of her. She walked to the corner and stopped just before going around to see if she recognized who was talking.
“He’s here in London already,” one voice said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if he was following you.”
“But he’s the one with the film,” Todd’s voice shot back, “I’m the one following him.”
“The Shepherd works in mysterious ways and this whole situation stinks to me. I wasn’t able to get a clear picture of Ezra when I saw him. But here’s what I have right now.”
Willow peeked around the corner trying to get a look at who was talking to Todd, she wasn’t going to be fooled into thinking that there was nothing going on when everything about Todd screamed danger to her. How had he changed so much from the man she had been in love with all her life. Todd was speaking to a shorter man with a beard. He looked as though he spent his life hiding in dark corners from the tone of his pail skin and the way his eyes darted from place to place never resting on one spot for long as though her were always looking out for something. Willow sunk to a crouch and tried not to be seen.
The short man handed Todd a packet of pictures and Todd flipped through them pulling one picture from among the group and handing the others back. “ That’s the best one I have right now. You can see a little bit of him. He’s bout 6’2” and has blond hair. This was taken at the airport last night. We have a man on him right now and by tomorrow we’ll have him for you.”
Todd’s face darkened with rage and he shoved the man violently against the wall. “You get me a picture and nothing more. Ezra is MINE.” He growled through clenched teeth. He held the man against the wall but his shoulders. “If anyone takes down Ezra it’ll be me.” He punctuated the end of his sentence by pulling the man towards him and then shoving him back into the wall hard enough that the other man’s eyes shot open in pain. “Keep your distance and I’ll do the rest.” Todd let go and his companion slumped against the wall.
Being a witness to all of this Willow was shocked. She slid back from the corner and stood to go back to the group and pretend she had seen nothing but when she turned she saw a man standing at the other end of the hall. She was frightened by what she had just seen and couldn’t move from where she stood until the figure at the other end of the hall turned and walked away. He seemed almost familiar but in the dim lighting she couldn’t tell. Her heart was beating rapidly and all she could think of was running back to the group and trying to block it from her mind. She’d just seen what she feared most and it was in Todd. Willow was almost back to where she had broken off from the group when she heard footsteps behind her.
“Willow,” Todd called out behind her. Seeing her alone he wondered why she had left the group and quickly formulated a lie to cover his whereabouts. He hurried to her side a smile of relief plastered on hi face. “Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you.” He reached out and touched her arm, but she flinched away from him. “Willow?”
“Todd, I saw you.” She turned on him trying to calm her voice but he eyes betrayed her outward calm. “Who was that man, and what were you talking about?”
Todd was taken aback, “Willow… it’s not what you think.”
“It’s not what I think…. It’s not what I think!?!” there aren’t many explanations for hiding in dark corners with strange men. I’m sorry Todd, but there is something going in that I have become a part of… Just so you know, I don’t take lightly to being lied to, or followed.”
“Followed?” Todd’s eyes scanned the corridor and when he saw no one in site he grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the exit. “I think it’s time we left.”
Willow was so confused and he had such a tight grip on her arm that it hurt and she couldn’t stop the tears that were forming in her eyes. They had only arrived yesterday and it had all started out so bright but she wanted to go home. He opened the car door and practically pushed her inside. Walking around he got in the driver’s seat and started the car.
Willow looked out the window not wanting to see Todd anymore she spoke softly “You aren’t the Todd I thought I was coming here with.” Her words struck a blow to him that pierced his heart but she missed the fallen look in his eyes because she was watching the city pass outside her window.
The ride back to the hotel was silent, Todd had beaten himself up every time he looked at Willow. He hadn’t meant for her to see him, and he hadn’t meant to lose his temper. He’d hurt her. He knew it and even though she was wearing long sleeves he could see the bruise that must be forming on her arm. He wanted to send her home right then, but she was his lifeline one way or another she was going to be the one that saved his life, and his career.
As soon as the car came to a stop Willows door flew open and she ran into the hotel leaving Todd sitting in the car alone. She took the stairs two at a time and was to their room before she knew it rifling through her purse she found the key and went in. She had stopped crying on the ride home but now that she was back in the room she couldn’t stop them from coming back. She went to her bedroom and locked the door behind her. Climbing onto her bed she curled herself into the fetal position and closed her eyes letting the tears fall.
It was hours before Todd could bring himself to knock on her door. When she had first ran from him he had thought of just driving away and leaving her here where she would be safe, but her comment about being followed scared him. He knew he couldn’t leave her behind but he couldn’t take her with him. His plans had all come crashing down on him today when she had accused him of being what he was. He’d never let it get to him before, lying was his way of life but having Willow fling it in his face was almost too much for him to handle.
He knocked gently and waited for her to answer or scream at him or something but all he was meat with was silence. He put his ear against the door and listened intently for any sound to come from the room but there was nothing. He knelt before the door studying the lock for a moment, pulling a leather pouch from his coat pocket he pulled out the tools he’d need to pick the lock. Using a thin flat rod to hold back the lock cover he used a long needle shaped pick to run across the gauges and he heard the click that announced the lock was open. Standing up he hesitated before turning the knob but then opened the door silently.
There she was, curled up on her bed still fully dressed but sound asleep. Her long hair trailed across her face and spread out over the pillows. Willows eyelids fluttered with her dreams and from the look on her face he could tell that they couldn’t be good ones. Black circles under her eyes held what was left of her makeup and it trailed down her face making his heart hurt at the thought of making her cry. He walked over to the bed and silently so as not to disturb her he leaned over and touched her cheek brushing the hair back and studying her features closely.
Todd was never the apologizing type, he’d gotten so used to having things his way no matter what that ‘I’m sorry’ seemed to completely disappear from his vocabulary. But being here with Willow he wanted nothing more then for her to open her eyes so that he could apologize to her. That seemed impossible now. She was going to wake up and probably call their father and ask to come home, that was something Todd couldn’t have happen. His father had always been disappointed in Todd before what would his knowing the truth do to their little family.
Getting a blanket from the closet he covered Willow and left the room leaving the door open behind him, he’d lived too long being shut off from his family and he wasn’t going to let a door keep him from Willow now.
********************
It was late when Willow finally woke up. She was lying on her side with her face towards the open door that she knew she had locked behind her she could see Todd sitting in a chair facing her room. He was asleep he had been waiting for her to wake up she assumed, but he had opened her door and given her a blanket. She was hurt, she could still feel his hand on her arm where he had grabbed her and forced her to go with him. She pulled the blanket off and got to her feet. Walking to the bathroom she picked up her pajamas and closed the door behind her. Pulling her sweater over her head Willow wasn’t really surprised to see a purple band around her arm in the shape of Todd’s hand. It hurt her to move her arm but she tried convincing herself that it wasn’t as bad as she thought, and that if she hadn’t butted in where she wasn’t wanted it never would have happened in the first place. It was all her fault she told herself rationalizing it in her mind.
Washing the tear streaks from her face she put on her pajamas and walked out to the sitting room where Todd was still sleeping in the chair. He was such a confusing person to try and figure out one minute he’s hurting her and the next he’s making sure that she isn’t too cold. She tried being quiet as she passed him on the way to the kitchenette to get a drink, but he opened his eyes and sat up.
“Are you alright Willow?” He asked getting up and moving to her side. He could see the bruise from under the sleeve of her T-shirt. He couldn’t believe that he’d done that, especially not to her. “I didn’t mean to……” his voice trailed off as he reached out to touch her arm but she flinched away.
“I’m fine,” she said. Looking him in the eye she could see that he was trying to be sincere but he’d over stepped himself. “Todd, I think I’d like to go home now.”
“Three more days Willow, can you give me that? After that I’ll see you safely on a plane and on your way home. You’ll never see me again after that. I promise, just give me three more days.” Todd almost pleaded with her. This was the only chance he had to retrieve the film and see Ezra dead, he needed her now more then ever.
“Why?” she said in return, “what’s so important to you. What’s going to happen in three days?”
“I can’t tell you that. I will tell you though, that I’m in the middle of trying to get something back for someone I work for. In three days it’ll be back where it belongs and I’ll be gone.” She looked at him not believing a word, but he was close to begging. She rolled her eyes and turned from him. He touched her shoulder lightly “Please”
She nodded, not trusting her voice to stay calm. Todd stepped forward and embraced her in a hug from behind she let her head fall back against his shoulder. She couldn’t believe how stupid she was being he’d threatened a mans life and came close to ripping her arm from it’s socket and yet she was agreeing to stay with him.
“Willow,” Todd said just before letting go of her, “at the sake of sounding like a stupid kid…. Please don’t tell mom.”
************************
Yesterday had turned into a mess, he’d nearly blown his cover and he’d hurt the woman he loved. How could he face any of this today? Pulling him self out of bed he let his automatic habits take over. He showered and shaved all the while thinking of what he was going to do with her today while he met with Jeffrey.
He had breakfast alone on the patio all the while keeping an eye on Willows bedroom door that hadn’t opened since she went back in the night before. He hated admitting it, but McBain was right, he was a bloody fool. He had thought he could keep her out of this and do his job with no troubles. He hadn’t counted on her still being the curious kid that she was before. “People never change.” He said out loud to his toast.
“People do change, Todd, it’s a fact of life.” He was startled to hear Willows voice. He’d been so preoccupied that he hadn’t heard her door open. She was dressed in jeans and a blue button down shirt he looked as though she’d been up for hours or perhaps she hadn’t slept at all last night. She made herself a bowl of cold cereal and sat across from the table from him. “I don’t think I feel like going out today. I’ll just stay here if you don’t mind.” She didn’t look at him as she spoke but she wasn’t angry. She was the picture of calmness.
“Okay” Todd said flatly. Willow glanced up for a moment to see if he was serious but quickly dropped her eyes back to the bowl in front of her.
He couldn’t stand to be near her but having her so distant from him. He got up to leave the table “I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere today either.” Walking towards his room Todd stopped at the chair where his coat had ended up and pulled his phone from the pocket. Walking the rest of the way to his room he shut the door behind him he dialed Jeffrey’s number and waited for an answer.
“Hello?” the voice on the other end answered.
“This is Fox. Do you have it?” Todd said coldly to the man on the other end.
“Yeah boss we got it. Nice and clear. I’ll have it for you this afternoon I’ll bring it out to you.”
“Yeah, yeah fine, I’ll meet you in the lobby.” Todd heard the phone ringing in the other room and quickly ended his call. “Two o’clock.” He said just before hitting the end button. He couldn’t believe the way he was acting. He went to the dresser and picked up his brief case from the ground he opened it and started rifling through it to find Willow’s ticket home.
"Todd," Willow opening the door as she knocked. "Stuart would like to take me out to lunch today, would you like to come?"
He put down the papers he had been looking at and ran his fingers through his hair before he turned towards her, his face pail and drawn. “You go. I have something that has come up.”
"Are you okay?" Walking to where he was standing Willow peered into his haunted eyes wondering what was going on in his head. "You're not sick are you? You don't look so well."
"Yes, I'm fine." He said with a forced smile brushing away the hand that she had extended towards him. "I’ll meet you at the restaurant later if I can." He hated sending her out with Stuart. He was a punk and Todd couldn’t stand that he was Willow’s friend, but he had to get this done and he needed her out of the way.
"I’m going then." She said with a sigh. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
"I'm fine Willow, really I am, don't worry about me." Todd couldn't understand why he was treating her so coldly. He didn’t know what she had heard, but she’d seen enough. He hadn't meant for any of what happened to bring him to the point of wanting to just leave her and do what he had to. She had barely talked to him all day and she had the right to after what had happened. They had been getting along so well up till then, why did he always have to ruin the good things he had in life. Seeing the fallen look on the girl's face his heart wanted to break, but he had to stand strong. I'm sorry Willow, he cried out inside, but outwardly he said, "I will try to be there. All right?"
He was worried about her, she could tell that from the look in his eyes, he hadn’t meant for her to see who he really was, and most of all he hadn’t meant to hurt her. Trying to remove the contentions between them Willow stepped closer and hugged him quickly before fleeing the room.
Todd stood in the middle of the room with a forlorn look on his face and a hole in his heart. This was not going the way he had planned. Willow knew too much, and she was slowly breaking down the walls he'd spent years building. She was a distraction and he'd learned from experience that distractions could kill. He was seeing how right the warning was. How allowing someone to get close to you was always a bad idea. "I'm supposed to be a spy," he said to himself, "I don't have time for this crap."
Upon entering her room Willow walked to her dresser and started unbuttoning the shirt she had on. She was confused. Todd had been acting so strangely these past few days and she couldn't get the reason why out of him. He'd had so much work to do, when he'd told her that this was his vacation time. His phone seemed to ring constantly when they were trying to enjoy a moment alone. She shook her head, it wasn't her place to wonder. He'd made it clear to her that she was nothing to him. Just his sister, and since yesterday he hadn't even given her that recognition. She had half hoped he would be jealous of Stuart's interest in her, but he'd actually encouraged her to go with him. She felt so alone at that moment, she had hoped for so much to come out of this trip, but now she had nothing. Tears spilled from her eyes and she did nothing to stop them letting them flow as she finished getting dressed. She was going to look terrible by the time Stuart got there, but in her mind all she could see was the look on Todd’s face as they drove back to the hotel last night. He'd turned so cold and so not like the Todd she remembered from her child hood. He frightened her.
**************************
Having been tailing the couple for the past few days, Stuart was finding out more about this Fox that had him watching every corner he turned, knowing that Fox was coming ever closer to finding out the true identity of Ezra. He was tired of playing this cat and mouse game he knew the location of the plans, he was just biding his time until he could grab them and get out without causing too many ripples. Shepherd wanted Fox watched that job had fallen on Stuart also since he’d been trailing the man for years, but more then that he'd been watching Willow to make sure that she wasn't a part of it too. He'd been there yesterday when she'd come upon the Fox and one of his sneaky informants. He’d seen the fear on her face as she turned and saw him standing at the end of the hall. Willow knew more then she should now and it put her in danger too. Hiding in the shadows he watched Todd grab her and force her out of the building and into the car. He’d tried to stay out of it, but that was the end of it. He had to get Willow away from him and make sure that she was okay before he did anything else. His concentration went fully to her. He couldn't say exactly why, but he feared for her life more then his own. He didn't plan on falling in love with her, but he had and now he had to figure out a way to save them both. More then anything he wished that he could finish the job and take her away from all of this. He and Todd both knew the location of the plans it was a race now to see who would survive this.
The elevator beeped the floor and the doors opened bringing Stuart back to the here and now. Putting on his smile and clearing his head of everything other then his plans and Willow he strode to the door knocking loudly.
He waited a few minutes before knocking again, he wondered why no one was answering and if Willow was alright. Finally the door opened and Todd stood on the other side with an annoyed look on his face. Looking past him Stuart scanned the room for Willow.
“She’ll be out in a minute.” Todd said stepping out of the doorway and allowing Stuart to enter. “Come on in and make yourself at home.”
“Thanks” Stuart smiled as he clapped Todd on the shoulder in passing. “Don’t mind if I do.” He walked in and took the chair in the middle of the room that was facing the two rooms he waited for one of the doors to open and reveal a healthy happy Willow. “I hope I’m not butting in on any of your plans today, I just thought it was a nice day to have lunch with a friend.”
“No, we were planning on staying in today.” Todd took the chair directly across from Stuart so that he could study the man who he was sending his most precious possession out with. “It’s actually a good thing you called maybe you can show her something of London that I don’t know about.”
Willow’s door finally opened and she walked out in jeans and a the same gray sweater she had been wearing the day before, throwing her hands in the air in an exasperated gesture. “No where to classy I hope, this is all I feel like wearing today.”
“But you’re beautiful none the less.” Stuart said getting up from the chair. She actually looked terrible to him, her eyes were red and puffy as though she had been crying and her hands were shaking even though she was trying hard to hide it. Had Todd’s reaction yesterday actually shaken her up enough for her to be this way almost twenty-four hours later. He crossed the distance between them and kissed her lightly on the cheek. “Ready to go Willy?”
“Yep, lets go.” He offered his arm and the two of them strolled out of the room together and out of the hotel.
An hour later they were sitting in a corner café in a booth next to the window. “So how are you really?” Stuart asked. Willow had been uncommonly silent the whole time they were together.
“Fine.” Willow answered shortly not looking at him, instead she played with her straw causing her drink to sputter onto the table.
“You know, for some odd reason I just don’t believe you.” He said sarcastically as he grabbed her hand with the straw in it, pulling it away from the cup. Reaching across the table with his other hand he lifted her chin so that she was looking directly at him. Tears filled her eyes and she tried looking away but Stuart was quicker, he moved to the other side of the table so he could sit next to her. Putting his arm around her shoulder she collapsed into his chest in a fit of sobs that shook her whole body.
