Back to the Acropolis

by B. Benson


Disclaimer: The Equalizer and all its characters are property
of Universal, no copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Notes: I don't remember if I came up with a last name
for Sydney or if it was actually mentioned in the episode 'Bump and
Run'. They also never specified where she came from, so I
have set her home as Lille, France.

Winter in the northern part of France wasn't much different than back home in New York. It was wet and cold. Mickey Kostmayer was watching the rain from the window of his second floor hospital room. Michael (Mickey) Kostmayer was an agent for the Central Intelligence Agency. He had been sent to Belgium to meet with a highly placed official to pick up microfilm of some important documents and smuggle them across the border into France where he would turn them over to another courier.

There had been no problems in the pick up or in getting across the border. The trouble had come when he contacted the courier. Somehow the courier had been spotted by the KGB and followed. Mickey had just handed over the microfilm when they were surprised by two KGB agents. Mickey held off the two agents, while the courier escaped. He had not been as lucky.

It was only a minor flesh wound. The bullet had gone clear through his thigh and he didn't plan to stay in the hospital more than one night, despite what the doctor said. He had been watching the rain for about an hour when the orderly brought his dinner. Hospital food sure looks the same everywhere, he thought, but actually it didn't taste too bad. An aide brought him an English newspaper which he read until the nurse came in with his medication and told him it was time to go to bed.

He woke early the next morning and was already dressed to leave when a nurse came in to check on him. He tried to tell her that he was fine and was going to be leaving, but she didn't understand English. She finally went to get her supervisor who spoke English.

* * * *

Sydney Blake had been at the Lille hospital ever since she finished her nurses training six years ago. She did so well in school and then on the job, that she won a scholarship to attend an 18 month specialized training program in the United States three years ago. When she returned 15 months ago from New York, she was promoted to an assistant nursing supervisor.

When she arrived at work, someone told her there had been an American admitted the night before, which started her thinking about her time in New York. She remembered her last few weeks there. She'd had trouble with a couple of street hoods who tried to kill her--but she didn't want to think about that. She was remembering the two wonderful weeks afterwards that she had spent with Mickey. He had been hired by the Equalizer, Robert McCall, to protect her--and sometime during that time they had fallen in love.

Stop thinking about him, she told herself, it's time to get to work. She began working on the paperwork on her desk. It was about seven o'clock when Marie, one of her nurses, came in and told her the American needed to talk to someone who spoke English. Sydney had not seen many Americans since she had been back and thought it would be nice to talk to one. She wondered if he might be from New York. She told the nurse she would be there in a few minutes.

* * * *

Mickey was standing, staring out the window when Sydney came in. "Monsieur, is there something I can help..." She stopped as Mickey turned around. "Mickey," she whispered as she realized who the American was.

"Sydney!" He had known she lived in Lille, but he had not planned to see her. He hadn't forgotten her, in fact, he had been thinking about her a lot since this trip to France had started. But he had never expected to see her again, no matter how much he might have wanted to. Their last goodbyes had been just that he thought--their last. He didn't have the right, with his kind of life, to ask anyone to share it.

Sydney was staring at him as if she was seeing a ghost. She had no more expected to see Mickey ever again than he had of seeing her. She had resigned herself to that fact when he had let her leave New York. Later, when she had more reason to think about him, she cherished the memories of their time together, but had gone on with her life.

What's he doing here? she thought. Had he come to see her--from his shocked reaction at seeing her, she doubted it. What is he doing here in the hospital? At that moment Marie came into the room. Her presence broke the spell that held them both motionless. Sydney was finally able to react normally. "Mickey, are you all right?" she asked as she walked over to him.

"Yes, I was trying to make the nurse understand that I was fine and that I was ready to leave."

"You can't, not without the doctor's permission," Sydney answered.

The nurse looked at the two of them. She asked Sydney in French "Do you know this American?"

"Yes," Sydney answered in the same language. "We met when I was studying in the United States."

"When will the doctor be here?" Mickey asked. He was trying to maintain some semblance of normality. It was as if it were 15 months ago. Nothing had changed. Looking at her, all those feelings he had buried came back--and she looked at him the same way. He forced himself to remember that his feelings weren't the only things that hadn't changed; neither had the fact that he still couldn't become permanently involved.

"Wait here. I will see if I can find him." Sidney motioned to Marie to follow, then left the room. Once in the hallway she turned to her and spoke in French. "He might try to leave but don't let him." Sydney hesitated a moment, "Marie, don't mention my little Michel to him or let anyone else say anything about him."

"Sydney, is he..." Marie didn't finish, she saw the answer to her question in Sydney's face.

Sydney returned to her office after Marie went back into Mickey`s room. She picked up the phone and dialed her home number. Her sister answered. "Franci, I have a big favor to ask you." Sydney talked for about five minutes to her sister. After she finished she went to find Mickey's doctor. She found him ready to start rounds and asked if he could check on Mickey first. He agreed and headed towards Mickey's room.

Sydney went the Matron's office. "Madame Boveirt, something important has come up. Could I have the rest of the day off?"

Sophia Boveirt felt towards all her nurses like they were her daughters. Sydney had always been a favorite since she had first come to work there. She could tell Sydney was upset. "Is there something wrong, Sydney? Is it little Michel?"

"No, he's fine. It's just..." Sydney hesitated. She didn't know what she was feeling and really wasn't ready to talk to anyone about Mickey. "An old friend is in town and I'd like to show him around."

The Matron seemed to understand. "Yes, you may have the rest of the day off and, if necessary, you may have tomorrow off too."

"Thank you, Matron"

As Sydney was leaving, Madame Boveirt said "Sydney, if you need to talk, just call me."

"I will. Thank you." Sydney headed back to Mickey's room.

* * * *

She entered just as the doctor was finishing. "He'll be fine. He should take it easy and stay off that leg for a few days," the doctor informed Sydney.

"He will. I'll see to it. He can stay at my apartment."

Marie looked at Sydney sharply as if saying 'are you sure?' Sydney read the look correctly. "I talked to my sister to see if she would mind, since she and her son are living with me for a while. She said it would be all right with her." Sydney turned to Mickey and spoke in English. "I'm sorry we weren't able to talk in English. The doctor was saying you could go if you promised to stay off your leg for a few days. I told him you could stay at my apartment and I would make sure you do. You will stay for a few days, please?"

Mickey wasn't sure it would be a good idea for him to stay with Sydney. He still wasn't sure of what to do about their relationship. All his instincts told him to run but his emotions wanted him to stay. He wanted to spend some time with her--that is, as long as she realized it was only to be a short time.

"Okay."

"Good. I have the rest of the day off. We can go to the apartment. You can get settled in and rest a little while. Maybe later we can drive around Lille and I can show you my city."

* * * *

Sydney's apartment was in a modest section of town. It was in a small two story building with only eight apartments in it. Sydney's was on the second floor.

"I have a two bedroom apartment. My sister and her baby are living with me so you'll have to sleep on the couch. It's fairly comfortable," she was saying as she unlocked the door.

The apartment was painted in light pastels, which made it look spacious and open. There were plants of all sizes around the room and on the balcony. The furniture was semi-modern.

"Nice," Mickey said as he looked around.

"Thank you. Can I get you anything?" Sydney asked.

"No." They looked at each other and started laughing. It was an almost identical conversation to the one they had when they first met. "Well, okay, coffee maybe. You said your sister lived here, where is she now?"

"Out shopping probably. She said she might be out, but would be back in time for lunch." Sydney went into the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee, then took Mickey's suitcase to one of the bedrooms. She came back with a couple of pillows which she arranged on the couch. When she looked up after fixing the couch she found Mickey standing at the mantel.

"You still have it?" Mickey said, sounding surprised that she would have kept the toothpick model of the Acropolis. He remembered how he had rushed to finish it so he could give it to Sydney the day she left New York. At the time he hadn't known whether she would keep it or smash it. He knew she had been hurt when they said goodbye.

"Yes, I still think it's very beautiful." She came over and led Mickey back to the couch. "Now sit and I'll go get our coffee." She gently pushed Mickey down on the couch.

When she returned with two cups of coffee, she asked, "what are you doing in France, Mickey?"

"Nothing now. I had a job to do, but it's finished."

"What kind of job? You never did tell me what you do."

"Like I told you before, whatever needs to be done. There was a sort of delivery I had to make here."

"Is it dangerous work you do?" she asked.

"Well... sometimes. But let's talk about what you've been doing. Are you happy with your new job?"

"It's not all that new anymore. I've been back over a year, remember." They talked more about Sydney's job.

It was a half hour later when they heard a key in the door lock. Sydney was in the kitchen refilling their coffee cups. She looked at the clock as she headed to the door and said, "That's probably Franci."

"I hope I'm not back too early. Michel was getting a little fussy." Franc' went over to the couch as Mickey stood up. "Hi, I'm Franci. This is my little boy Michel," indicating the baby in her arms. "You must be Mickey. My sister has told me a lot about you."

"All bad I expect," Mickey replied. "It's nice to meet you. I hope my staying here won't inconvenience you?"

"No, not at all. After all, it is Sydney's apartment." Franci was about the same size as her sister but had dark hair, whereas Sydney's was light. She was vivacious and much more outgoing than Sydney.

Sydney asked Franci, "Would you like me to help you with the baby?"

"Yes, why don't you put him to bed while I get to know your friend." She handed the baby to Sydney who took him to Franci's bedroom.

Twenty minutes later she returned. "He's all cleaned up and almost asleep. Are you ready for lunch?" She went to the kitchen. Calling back through the door she asked Mickey, "After lunch, do you think you'll feel like going for a drive? I'll show you around Lille."

"Sure."

* * * *

The courier was having trouble getting out of town. His planned route had been compromised--he spotted two KGB agents at the airport watching his flight when he arrived to catch his plane. He quickly left before he was sighted and headed for the train station. There were agents there too. What is this information I'm carrying? They're using a lot of manpower to get it.

One of the agents at the train station was one of the two that had been following him the night before. Unfortunately they saw him at the same time he saw them. He turned and made a run for it. He had to ditch the microfilm somewhere before they caught up to him. There were several standard drop sites around the city in case of emergencies. He had been briefed on their locations before the mission. He made his way to the closest. He shook his pursuers long enough to make the drop, but they picked him up again almost immediately. He made several more decoy drops, losing his tails temporarily, but never completely able to get away from them. Each time they closed in closer and closer.

The two that had sighted him at the train station were joined by the two from the airport. He was almost back to the airport when they made their move. The four men surrounded him and he felt a gun poked in his side. They quietly led him to a waiting car.

* * * *

Later that night, the courier finally convinced the KGB agents he never had the microfilm. He thought Kostmayer would be long gone. He convinced them that he never made the pick-up and the microfilm was already out of the country.

But the KGB agents knew different. They knew Mickey was not gone yet--and they knew exactly where he was.

* * * *

Mickey and Sydney enjoyed their afternoon touring Lille. They returned to the apartment for dinner, Franci joining them. After dinner they sat in the livingroom talking. Finally, Franci indicated it was getting late. "Well, I'm going to bed. I'll see you both in the morning," she said, then went to her room.

"Do you want some more coffee?" Sydney asked, getting up to get his cup.

"No." Mickey pulled Sydney down next to him on the couch. "I've been wanting to do this all day." He gently turned her face towards his and kissed her. He wasn't sure how she'd react, but she hesitantly returned his kiss.

"Mickey, I don't know..." Sydney started to pull away after a few minutes.

"No. Let's not talk now."

"Stop. We have to talk now." Sydney rose and went over to the window. "Mickey, I can't do this again. It hurts too much. I thought I'd die when you let me leave New York. I've got a life now, and friends. I'm beginning to think I might find someone else. I'm ready to heal, Mickey."

Mickey sat, staring at the floor. Oh God. She's right. I have no business coming back into her life. It was selfish he knew. But she's a part of me. I haven't felt whole since she left.

Sydney watched Mickey. She walked back over to the couch. Her hand reached out, almost touched his shoulder, then fell away. Her eyes traced his head, his neck, his shoulders. Michel's hair curled just right there, just like Mickey's. Her son was her lover made over. Michel helped ease her pain. But just ease it--never erase it. It was only in Mickey's arms that the pain could, would ease.

Mickey stood up. "I'll leave," he said. "I've no right to be here." He went to the bedroom to get his suitcase.

Sydney followed him, stopping at the door. Her mind flashed back to another time, another bedroom. No one could make her feel like Mickey. Before she realized what she was doing, she was beside him. He pulled her to him and kissed her again. This time she willingly gave in to the kiss as Mickey pulled her down on the bed and held her close in his arms.

"Sydney, I can't stop. You have to help me."

"Oh, Mickey. No, don't stop. It's okay."

* * * *

It was about 7:00 the next morning when Sydney quietly slid out of bed, trying not to wake Mickey. She made a pot of coffee and was pouring herself a cup when Mickey came up behind her. He slid his arms around her waist and started nibbling at her neck. "What's for breakfast?" he asked. "You?"

She turned and gave him a quick kiss, then laughingly answered. "No, but what else would you like?"

"It doesn't matter. Whatever you want to fix."

Sydney pulled away and poured Mickey a cup of coffee too. "I'll fix something in a few minutes. I need to call hospital first." She called Madame Boviert to check that she could still have the day off. When she hung up, she turned to Mickey.

"Madame Boviert couldn't find someone to work all day. I have to go in until noon."

Franci came into the kitchen carrying Michel. "Good morning." She looked at Mickey and asked, "How's your leg this morning?"

"Feels a lot better," he answered.

"Good." She put Michel in his high chair then went to pour herself a cup of coffee. "Do not bother about breakfast for me. As soon as I have fed Michel, we're going out."

Franci had finished her coffee and fed Michel by the time Sydney finished fixing breakfast. "Are you sure you don't want some?"

"No, thanks" Franci called back as she carried Michel out of the room. "I'll see you sometime this afternoon."

Mickey and Sydney lingered over breakfast talking about what they had been doing for the past year. Suddenly Sydney looked at the clock and exclaimed, "Oh no, I'm going to be late." She quickly cleared the breakfast dishes and rushed to her bedroom to dress. Mickey poured another cup of coffee and went into the livingroom.

"I'll be back around 12:30," she said when she emerged five minutes later. "You make sure you stay off that leg and rest. There are some books and magazines on the shelves over there. I hope you won't be too bored." Mickey started to get up from the couch, but she pushed him back down. "No, don't get up." She leaned over and kissed him goodbye, then headed to the door. "See you later, bye." Then she was gone.

Mickey leaned back and started thinking about what he had gotten into and how he was going to handle it when it was time to leave. Every minute of the last twenty four hours had been special, but he realized he'd made a mistake in staying and was going to have to deal with the consequences. He hated hurting Sydney again. Selfish son-of-bitch, he called himself. For some reason, a thought of what McCall would say sprang into his mind, "You're going to tear that girl apart again, just because you wanted to spend a few more nights with her." What he wanted was to spend a whole lot more than a few nights with her.

Well, I'm going to have to think of something, he thought as he lay there.

* * * *

Sydney had been gone about two hours and Mickey was dozing on the couch when the sound of the door opening woke him. Not expecting trouble, he didn't bother to get up. "Didn't expect you back this soon," he called out. When no one answered, he had a brief premonition of danger. He quietly lifted his head to look over the back of the couch and looked straight into the barrel of an automatic.

"Hold it right there." Mickey recognized one of the KGB agents from two days ago. "Sit up. Put your hands in front where I can see them," he said as he moved around to the front of the couch, keeping the gun trained on Mickey. A second man came around the other side of the couch and slapped a pair of handcuffs on Mickey's wrists.

"Hey, what's going on here?" Mickey asked.

"Where is it?" the first man said.

"Where's what?"

"Do not play games with us. We know you have the microfilm. We want it."

Mickey realized he couldn't play dumb with these two. He knew they recognized him from the earlier pickup. "You don't really think I'd tell you where it was, even if I did still have it."

"You will tell us," the second man said.

"Sure," Mickey said sarcastically.

"He will not tell us anything here. We will take him with us. If we don't find it here, we can make him talk," the first agent said. "Sedate him."

The second agent pulled out a hypodermic. He went around the back of the couch so he wouldn't be between the gunman and Mickey. He grabbed Mickey's arm and before Mickey could struggle, jabbed the needle into it. Before he lost consciousness, Mickey was vaguely aware of the KGB agents tearing apart Sydney's apartment.

* * * *

Sydney arrived home around one o'clock feeling radiant. She didn't know what the future would be, but she decided to enjoy having Mickey around as long as she could keep him there.

"Mickey," she called as she entered the apartment. "Mickey, I'm ..." She froze in the doorway of the livingroom. The room was in shambles--books and plants knocked off shelves, the cushions of the couch slashed. "Mickey? Mickey?" she whispered. She walked slowly into the livingroom, every nerve taut. The apartment was silent. She had to force herself to continue through the apartment. She was afraid of what she might find in the bedroom. What if the men who shot Mickey came back. A mental picture of Mickey lying on the bedroom floor, crossed her mind. "Mickey? Mickey?" she kept whispering as she pushed open the door. Relief flooded through her when she found the room empty. It too had been torn apart. She stood staring into the room for several minutes, her mind racing. What's going on here? Where's Mickey? What?...

Her reverie was interrupted by a scream coming from the livingroom. She ran back to find Franci with little Michel standing in the doorway. "What happened?" Franci asked.

Having someone else in the apartment shook Sydney out of her fear. As she looked around assessing the damage she answered. "I don't know. Mickey is gone. I think he's in trouble." Michel started crying and Sydney took him. Comforting him, trying to quiet him, comforted her too. She sat on the couch rocking the baby, talking to him softly, but trying to convince herself. "It's all right. Everything will be fine. We'll find out what happened to your daddy. Everything will be fine."

Franci knelt beside Sydney. "Are you all right? Tell me what happened?"

Sydney looked up. "I don't know. I just came in a few minutes before you. It was like this when I got here."

"We must call the police."

"No!" Sydney replied quickly, not really understanding why. Then with a second thought replied again. "No, I don't think they could help. This has something to do with why Mickey was in Lille." Then more to herself, "but what?" she mused.

"What are you going to do?" Franci asked.

Sydney didn't answer. She was thinking about Mr. McCall. Would he come if I called? He could help. He could find Mickey.

"Sydney?..."

"What?... Oh." She looked up at Franci. "I know someone who can help. That is if he will come. I'll put Michel to bed then we will call him."

"I'll start cleaning up," Franci said.

"No, wait until I talk to Mr. McCall."

"Who's he?"

"A friend."

Sydney went to put Michel to bed. Franci sat down and stared around the room while she waited.

Five minutes later Sydney returned and went to the telephone. She still remembered the phone number. She prayed that Mr. McCall still used the same number. When she got an overseas operator on the line she said, "I would like New York City. The number is 202-555- 4200." Please be there, please, she prayed. She heard the phone ringing. Then she heard the click as it was answered.

"Robert McCall speaking. May I help you?"

"Thank God," she whispered.

"Can you speak up. I can't hear you."

"Mr. McCall, this is Sydney Blake. Do you remember me?"

"Of course. I thought you were in France."

"I am. I need your help. There is no one here I can turn to. It is Mickey. He is missing." Sydney broke down and started sobbing.

"Take it easy. Tell me what's happened."

"I don't know. Mickey was staying with me. I came home this afternoon and found my apartment torn to pieces and Mickey gone. Mr. McCall, Lille is my home, but I know no one here like you... no one who could help me find him."

"How long ago did this happen?

"I don't know. I came home about a half hour ago. I was at work for a couple of hours. I don't know how long he could have been gone."

"Have you touched anything in the apartment?"

"No, not yet."

"Good. Don't. Leave everything as it is. I will be there as soon as I can. Give me your number and I'll call you as soon as I've made arrangements. Don't worry, we'll find him."

"Thank you, Mr. McCall."

They hung up after Sydney gave McCall her address and phone number. Sydney turned to Franci. "He said not to touch anything. We'll just have to wait until he gets here."

* * * *

McCall sat staring silently at the phone for several minutes. It had been over 20 years since he had been to France. The last time was when he said goodbye to Manon. He shook his head. Snap out of it old boy. That was a long time ago. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. He thought about Yvette. Although some of the memories from France were not good, he had a beautiful daughter to be thankful for.

McCall quickly packed and called the airline for reservations on the next flight to France. He had about two hours before he had to be at the airport. He headed first to Control's office.

"Robert. What can I do for you?"

"Have you heard from Kostmayer in the last couple of days?"

"Yes, yesterday morning in fact. He's in France. He finished his assignment and was going to spend a few days vacationing there. Why?"

"What was his assignment?"

"Robert, I can't tell you that. Again, why?"

"I had a call from a mutual friend. He was staying with her. He's disappeared."

Control reached for the phone. "Let me check on something." He made a few calls, then replaced the receiver. "Okay. Mickey was picking up some information in Belgium. I can't tell you what it was. He told me he'd passed it on to the next courier." Control looked at Robert. "That courier hasn't checked in yet. He should have been back yesterday. You think Kostmayer's disappearance has something to do with his assignment?"

"It's a place to start."

"You're going over there? How long has it been?"

"You know as well as I do. Anyway, this mutual friend called me for help and Mickey is my friend."

"You might be going on a wild goose chase. If the assignment went sour there's a good chance Kostmayer's already dead."

"And the Agency isn't going to do a damn thing about finding out I suppose?"

"You know the routine, Robert. We'll make inquiries, be we can't make any overt moves. You know that."

"Well I can do something. And I don't have to be so damned secretive about it either." McCall came back angrily as usual when dealing with the Agency's bureaucracy, but after a look from Control continued. "But I will be discreet, although mainly for Kostmayer's sake if he isn't already dead."

"Okay," Control conceded. "Whatever you need, ask."

They talked for a few minutes more, McCall getting more background on Mickey's assignment and information about the other courier. He left with just enough time to get to the airport.

* * * *

When Mickey regained consciousness, he was in a small stone room. It felt like a basement, it had a musty smell and was damp and cold. He was seated in the middle of the room with his arms and legs tied to the chair.

One of the KGB agents was seated by the wall. "Ah... You are finally awake." The agent went out of the room, the reentered with the other one. The two of them stood around him.

Mickey knew what was coming. They thought he still had the microfilm and were going to try to get it from him. "Where is the film?" one of the agents asked, "it will be much easier on you if you tell us now."

Mickey didn't say anything. As long as these two think I still have the microfilm, he thought, it will give the courier more time to get out of the country. Besides, if I convince them I don't have it, they'll probably kill me. What he didn't know was that the KGB had already found the courier.

The second KGB agent slapped him a couple of times, but he still didn't answer. "You will tell us what we want to know," he threatened. Mickey just smiled (a little painfully), which infuriated the agent hitting him. They worked him over for about an hour, then quit when he feigned unconsciousness.

Mickey had been worked over by experts before--luckily these two weren't. When they were through, he had some cuts and painful bruises, and a couple of broken ribs, but nothing he couldn't live with.

After they left, Mickey started working on the ropes that held him, but they didn't budge. He looked around the room to see if there was anything he could get to that might cut them. He didn't see anything.

He started thinking about Sydney. What would she think when she returned and found him gone? Would she think something had happened to him and go to the police or think that he had just decided not to stay? It was a good thing neither she nor her sister had been home when the two KGB agents grabbed him. If he had been expecting trouble he would never have agreed to stay there.

He had no idea how long he'd been unconscious earlier so he had no idea what time it was. There were no windows so he couldn't tell if it was day or night. His stomach told him it was past time to eat, but he hadn't been offered any food.

When the two KGB agents didn't return, he decided to see if he could get some sleep despite the position he was sitting in. He would need it when they came back for a second try. He managed to doze on and off.

* * * *

McCall reached Lille a little over ten hours after Sydney's call and he took a taxi to her apartment from the airport.

Sydney met him at the door. She had little Michel in her arms.

Robert's eyes narrowed at the sight of the baby, a quick calculation going through his mind.

Sydney noticed the look and quickly introduced her sister who had followed her to the door. "This is my sister, Franci, and her son." She indicated the baby in her arms. "They are staying with me. Come in," she finished as she ushered McCall into the living room. She handed Michel to Franci.

"We haven't touched anything--like you asked," Sydney said. "I was so frightened when I came home and found this. Why would someone search my apartment like this?"

"I imagine it had something to do with Mickey," Robert replied. "Tell me how you and Mickey happened to get together and everything he told you about why he was here."

"He didn't tell me anything about why he was here. He said he had a job to do but that it was finished." She continued to tell him about meeting Mickey at the hospital.

"You're sure he told you nothing else?"

"I'm sure."

"Well, I know why he was in Lille. I know a few places to start looking and have been given names of some people I can contact." McCall was searching the apartment while they talked. He paused before the model of the Acropolis. "You still have it?"

"Mickey asked the same thing. I will always cherish it." Her eyes saddened as she looked at it. "I love Mickey. I didn't tell him that though. When I came back to France, it was all I had of his." Not realizing it, she looked over to where Franci was playing with the baby.

McCall noted the look in her eyes while she watched the baby, then quickly turned away before she realized he was watching. He continued with his search of the apartment. "They were very thorough, but they didn't find what they were looking for." To himself he added, which is good. That means Mickey may still be alive. He continued out loud. "Unfortunately, they didn't leave any clues behind."

Sydney was finally able to voice the fear she'd had since she first found Mickey gone. "Mr. McCall, do you think Mickey is all right? He isn't ... He...?"

McCall went over and stood in front of Sydney. "No, I don't think he's dead. Everything so far points to the fact that they, whoever they are, are looking for something and they think Mickey knows where it is. They'll keep him alive until they find it. What I have to do is either find him or it, before they do."

"Do you know what they are looking for?"

"I think so. I'll start with the contacts I was given and go from there. I'll check back with you by morning whether I've found anything or not. You can go ahead and clean up now." With a quick glance around he continued, "They searched thoroughly. I don't think they'll come back here again."

After Robert left, Sydney took Michel from Franci. She sat rocking him to sleep and thinking about Mickey. Franci watched her sister for a few minutes, wishing there was something she could say to help. She went over and gave Sydney a hug, then started cleaning up. A half hour later Sydney got up and put the baby to bed, then started to help clean.

* * * *

McCall's first stop was a bar where he had been told one could sit and listen. And, if one was a good listener, one could learn most of what was going on in the city. It didn't take him long to find his first clue. A dead man had been found earlier in the day and it was rumored he was a foreigner with no identification. McCall stayed at the bar a half hour longer, but after hearing nothing else of interest to him, he left. He went to the police with a story he concocted that got him in to see the body of the dead man. He was relieved to see that it wasn't Mickey, but he recognized the courier from Control's description. He did not tell the police he recognized the fellow. He would pass on that information to the right people in the agency and let them worry about claiming the body.

He now knew Mickey's disappearance had something to do with the microfilm he smuggled out of Belgium. He knew Mickey had passed it on to the courier, yet the courier was dead and the KGB had gone after Mickey. That meant the courier had stashed the microfilm before he was picked up and then convinced his captors that he had never received it--which is why they killed him. He hoped Mickey didn't make the same mistake.

McCall looked over the list of contacts given him and recognized a name on it. An old friend of other places and days long past. He found the address given with the name and softly knocked at the door.

The knock was answered almost immediately. "Yes, yes. Who is it?" came a querulous voice from behind the door.

"An old friend, Yusaf."

The door opened a crack. "No one has called me that for twenty-five years." Then the door opened wider as the wizen old man inside recognized his visitor. "David, my friend. Come in, come in." The old man looked up and down the street. "You wish not to be observed, yes?"

"No. And it's Robert now."

"Oh, yes, I remember, but it has been so long. What are you doing in Lille? Come sit down. Would you like some coffee?"

"Yes, it's been a long night," Robert answered as he sat in the tiny kitchen. "I need some help. I'm looking for a friend the KGB have. I need to know where they might be keeping him. I know you're retired, but I was hoping you might still hear things."

"How long have they had him?

"Fourteen, fifteen hours."

"I have heard."

"You know where he is?"

"No, but I can guess. The local KGB here are lazy. They do not change their headquarters very often. They have been in the same building for six months now."

"Where is the building?"

"You will go after him alone?"

"Yes."

"I will do what I can to help. I have been in the building. If they have him there, he would be in the basement. There is an old entrance from the sewers. It was boarded up a long time ago."

"Do they know about it?"

"Maybe yes, maybe no. I do not know. Still, it is the best way in. If they do not know, easy to get in, easy to get out. If they do..." The old man shrugged his shoulders. "Come, we will make a plan. It is like the old days, no?"

"Yes."

* * * *

They entered the sewers a block away from the building. It was about 3:00 am. How Yusaf had obtained the necessary equipment so fast Robert didn't know, but he had everything they would need to get through the boarded door--and to do it quietly.

"There used to be a small closet on the other side that hid the door. That is why I believe they do not know about it," Yusaf told McCall as they worked on the small hidden door. It was only four feet high, more of a swinging panel than a door. It took them only fifteen minutes to get it open.

Yusaf pulled the door back as McCall quickly scanned the darkness inside. Between a dim light entering from under the other door and the light from their lantern, McCall could see several old rusty pails and mops. It didn't look like the closet had been used recently.

McCall stepped across the closet and put his ear to the outer door. He stood motionless for five minutes listening for any indication that they had been heard. Finally he tried the door knob, silently thankful when it turned. He waited again, listening. When he heard nothing for a full minute, he slowly opened the door just enough to see down the hallway. There were stairs leading up at the other end. There were four other doors, two on each side.

McCall signaled an all clear as he left the closet. Yusaf joined him, closing the door behind him with a barely audible thud, which sounded like a shot to their taut nerves in the still silence. They stood motionless waiting to see if anyone else had heard. They finally moved down the hallway. Only one door had light emerging from under it. Robert motioned that they would check that room first.

McCall crouched to one side, ready to spring into action as Yusaf pushed the door open. He dove through the door with a fast moving roll, his gun ready as he sprang to his feet with a turning motion scanning the room as he rose.

"McCall? Whatcha doin' here?" came a voice from the center of the room.

After assuring himself no one else was in the room, McCall turned to Mickey. "Looking for you," he answered as he took in Mickey's battered condition.

"Well, you found me. Now, as soon as you untie me, we can get out of here."

"How bad?" McCall asked as he untied the ropes that bound Mickey to the chair.

"I'll be okay," he said, although his legs belied his words when they gave way as he stood up. "Well, I will be as soon as my legs decide to work," he added wanly.

"We don't have time to wait." McCall grabbed Mickey's arm and put it over his shoulders. He helped him to his feet and supported him as they joined Yusaf in the hallway. With McCall and Mickey leading and Yusaf guarding the rear, they made it back to the closet. McCall helped Mickey into the closet and through the hidden panel door. Yusaf followed after a last check down the hallway, then closed the outer closet door.

"We must put this door back as we found it. They don't know about it yet and we must keep them from finding it if we can," Yusaf said as he joined them.

Robert helped Mickey to the ground where he sat and watched as McCall and Yusaf boarded up the door again. "How did you ever find this place?" he asked McCall while they were working.

"Yusaf knew of it. He also knew about this old door," McCall answered, then with a gesture introduced the two. "Yusaf, Mickey Kostmayer. Mickey, Yusaf, an old friend."

"Glad to meet you. Very glad McCall had your help. Thanks."

Yusaf nodded an acknowledgement as he finished putting the last board into place.

They left the sewers at the same point McCall and Yusaf had entered less than hour before.

"My old friend," Robert said as he shook Yusaf's hand. "Thank you. It was as good as old times, wasn't it."

"Yes," Yusaf answered. "It was good to see you again. If you are in France again..." he added, even knowing he probably would not see his old friend again.

"Yes, if..." answered Robert, also knowing how unlikely it would be for them to meet again.

They parted quickly, neither being good with goodbyes. Yusaf went back to his small apartment. After a quick call to Sydney to let her know that Mickey was all right, McCall and Mickey went to look for the microfilm.

The next step was plain old leg work. Control had supplied McCall with a list of safe 'drops'. All they had to do was find the one the courier used. Two hours and half the city later they found it.

* * * *

It was 5:00 am when the KGB returned and found Mickey gone. They went back to Sydney's apartment looking for him.

Sydney had fallen asleep on the couch while waiting for Mickey and Mr. McCall to return. The sound of the lock turning in the door woke her. Expecting Mickey, she ran to the door and flung it open. She tried to close the door, but hesitated just a moment too long when she realized it was not Mickey. One of the men had time to get hold of the door and yank it out of her grasp while the other grabbed her and put his hand over her mouth just as she started to scream. He dragged her back into the livingroom, while the other man closed the door and silently started searching the apartment for anyone else.

Franci was awake and heard the suddenly muffled scream. She quickly hid in the closet behind the hanging clothes, hoping whoever was out there would not look in it. The KGB agent opened the door to her room and saw the baby in the crib and the unmade bed. He crossed to the closet and swung the door open quickly, his gun leveled. He didn't see anyone, Franci had done a good job of hiding.

The agent left the room and continued searching the apartment. Sydney's room was neat, the bed made and no one was in it. After he finished searching, he returned to the livingroom and went over to where the other agent was still holding Sydney. "He will let you go if you promise not to scream again," he told Sydney.

Sydney nodded yes.

The man holding Sydney removed his hand, but didn't let go until he was sure she was not going to scream again.

"Are you alone here?" the agent asked.

Sydney didn't know what had happen to Franci, but it was obvious the man didn't find her.

"Just me," she started answer when she heard Michel starting to cry, "and my baby," she added. "Can I go to him."

The man motioned her to go ahead, then followed. Sydney went into Franci's room and managed a quick look around as she picked up Michel. I hope you can get away, she silently prayed for Franci. She realized her sister must be hiding somewhere in the room. If I can keep them in the livingroom, maybe she can get out the back door and bring help. She led the agent back into the livingroom.

The other man was standing at the door, ready to jump anyone who entered. The agent motioned for Sydney to sit on the couch. "We are going to wait here until your friend returns. You will be quiet--if you don't want any harm to come to your baby. Otherwise..." he let the rest of the sentence hang between them. He sat in a chair across from Sydney with his gun loosely pointed at her.

"I.. I will be quiet," she said, as she sat holding Michel close. She was frightened for her baby's safety and would do anything to protect him, including letting Mickey walk into a trap.

"Good, we'll just sit here and wait."

Franci emerged from the closet after Sydney left the room with Michel. She listened at the door and heard the man's words. Hoping he was sitting facing away from the hall, she slowly opened the door until she could see. Luck was with her. The agent was sitting out of sight. She tiptoed to the kitchen where the back door was. She made it out the door without being heard and ran down the back stairs.

Sydney had told her enough about Mr. McCall to make her hesitate in calling the police. She stood in front of the building waiting, trying to decide what to do. Should I call the police, she thought, or just wait here for Mr. McCall? She had just made up her mind to call the police when McCall and Mickey stepped out of a cab.

"Oh, Mr. McCall," Franci cried as she ran to him. "They have Sydney and Michel." She started sobbing.

"Calm down. Who has Sydney?"

"I don't know. Two men I think. They broke into the apartment a half hour ago."

"Are they okay," Mickey asked.

"Yes. They are waiting for you. They said they would not hurt her if she kept quiet," she told Mickey.

"I'll kill them if they hurt her." Mickey wanted to rush right up to the apartment and bust down the door, but McCall stopped him.

"We have to have a plan. We'll just get someone hurt if we go rushing in there. We have to think about Sydney and that baby." McCall had been wondering if Mickey suspected that the baby was his, but Mickey's next words answered that question.

"You're right," he answered, then turned to Franci. "Don't worry. We'll get Sydney and your baby out of there."

"You wait here," McCall told Franci.

"So what's the plan," Mickey asked.

"Simple. I'll go in the back door quietly and wait for you to enter the front door and draw their attention. Franci, do you know where the men are?"

"I think one of them is in the livingroom. I don't know where the other one is."

"Probably by the door. Mickey, assume he is, be ready for him. I'll take care the other one when you enter."

"So I'm the bait?"

"Aren't you always?" McCall came back.

"Okay. Let's go," Mickey said as he went to the front door.

"Give me five minutes to get into place, then go in," McCall told him, then headed around to the back of the building.

Mickey entered the building and went up to the second floor. He waited at the end of the hall for four minutes.

McCall climbed the back stairs and quietly slipped into Sydney's apartment. He crept up to the doorway leading to the livingroom so he could see into it. He was right. The second man was standing to the side of the door. The other was seated across from Sydney, sideways to the kitchen. No chance to sneak up on him. I'll have to rely on his attention being diverted by Mickey, he thought. He glanced at his watch-- four and a half minutes. He tensed, ready to move when the front door opened.

At five minutes, Mickey put the key Sydney had given him into the door and turned it. McCall watched as the two men tensed. The man holding the gun on Sydney aimed it at her and whispered for her to stay quiet. The other man crouched to the side of the door, his gun ready.

Mickey opened the door slowly, hoping the man waiting would move prematurely and give away his position, but he didn't. "Sydney," he called as he entered, trying to sound as if he wasn't expecting trouble, but he was prepared when the man came up behind him after he had taken a step into the room. Mickey sensed the man's position as he stepped forward and was already turning. He grabbed the man's gun hand and forced it back, banging it against the doorjamb. The man dropped the gun and Mickey managed to kick it out into the hall.

The agent watching Sydney stood when Mickey opened the door. He started towards him, his gun leveled at Mickey but afraid to shoot for fear of hitting his comrade. He stopped suddenly as he sensed a presence behind him and felt something poking into the small of his back. "Hold it right there," McCall said. "Don't move another step."

The man stood still, looking back behind him at the gun in McCall's hand.

"Drop it," Robert said, indicating the gun. The man obeyed. "Now, back up slowly and sit down." Again the man obeyed and sat down resignedly.

Sidney had left the couch and retreated to a corner out of the way. She watched Mickey and his opponent with wide eyes, still not having spoken a word.

Once his man was seated, McCall edged over towards Sydney, but not taking his eyes off his prisoner. "Sydney, get out of here. Go out the back door. Call the police, then wait outside with Franci."

Sydney ran out through the kitchen with Michel.

Mickey was having a tough time with his opponent. With the beating he'd been through, the lack of sleep, and his bad leg to start with, he was no match for the KGB agent. Although the agent's gun had been kicked out of reach, the gun McCall had forced the other man to drop was suddenly within reach when the two rolled away from the door in a deadlock hold. The agent saw it first and letting go of Mickey, reached for it. He got his hand around it and tried to turn it towards Mickey, but Mickey got a hold over the other man's hand and pushed it up. The gun went off while they both had hold of it. The shot went wild somewhere towards the fireplace.

McCall decided that was enough. "Mickey, please get that gun and get away from him so I can shoot."

"What do you think I'm trying to do?" Mickey grunted, while trying to force the agent's gun hand down.

"Oh, well," McCall said to himself as he took aim and fired. The bullet hit the floor just inches from where the two were struggling. It distracted the agent enough that Mickey finally forced their hands down, hitting the gun hard on the floor. The agent's hold loosened slightly and Mickey was ready. His hold tightened and he pulled the gun from the other's grasp as he rolled away from his opponent. McCall's words stopped the agent from following.

"Hold it. I've got you covered." Robert fired a second shot that hit the floor between Mickey and the agent. "Now stand up and join your comrade. Both of you move over and sit on the couch." They did as they were told.

McCall stood where he could keep an eye on the two on the couch and still see Mickey, who was now sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall. "Well, are you going to sit there all day?" he asked.

"Actually, I'd rather not, but I don't think I can get up," Mickey answered. He winced as he tried and then fell back. "Damn, I think that guy cracked a couple more of my ribs," he stated.

Just then the police entered the apartment. "Ah, the calvary has arrived," McCall said.

"Please, Monsieur, put down your gun," an officer asked McCall, his own gun pointed at Robert.

"Yes, certainly. But please keep these two covered," he indicated the two on the couch. "I'm sure the young lady outside will press charges. They forced their way into her apartment and were holding her hostage at gun point. Those are their guns." He pointed to the two guns an officer now held.

"And would you please hand over your gun, Monsieur." the officer said, extending his hand.

Robert handed it to him. "I do have a French permit for that gun."

"Then I shall return it to you shortly. Thank you."

Robert went over to Mickey and helped him to his feet. The officer outside let Sydney in and she ran in calling. "Mickey... Mickey, are you all right?"

"Over here," he answered and she turned. She ran to him and flung her arms around him. He winced slightly, then put his arms around her and held her tight. "When I heard the shots, I was so frightened," she said.

"It's over now," he told her softly. "It's all over."

"Is it?" she whispered, but he didn't hear her. They stood there holding each other, while Robert dealt with the explanations and clearing things with the police. Franci had come in and was sitting in the corner with Michel in her lap, quietly waiting. Finally an officer came over to them.

"I'll need a statement from you, Mademoiselle," he said to Sydney, "but I can wait until later." Then to Mickey, "It looks like you need some medical attention. Would you like me to call an ambulance?"

"No, it's just a couple of broken ribs. I can get there myself."

Sydney noticed for the first time Mickey's condition. "You're hurt," she cried.

"Not bad. As soon as they're finished, McCall can drive me to the hospital. Honestly, just a couple of broken ribs, that's all."

Sydney was trembling now, finally reacting to all that had happened. Mickey just held her tight.

When the police were finished, they escorted the two prisoners out. Robert indicated he would like to say something to them before they left. "These two women have nothing to do with you. I'm sure your superiors won't let you stay in jail long, but we," he indicated himself and Mickey, "will be long gone by the time you get released. DO NOT BOTHER THEM AGAIN."

The two agents nodded their understanding, indicated their acceptance of defeat. "We will not come back," one of them stated.

* * * *

After the police left, McCall drove Mickey to the hospital. Franci took Michel and went to a friend's to wait, not wanting to stay in the apartment alone even though she knew the two men would not be back. McCall and Sydney waited in the hospital lobby while Mickey was checked out by the doctor.

They had been sitting quietly, each with their own thoughts, for about ten minutes. Robert had been watching Sydney. She's not taking this very well, he thought.

Sydney looked up and saw Robert watching her. "He will be all right, won't he? she asked.

"What?..." Robert replied absently, being lost in his own thoughts. "Oh, Mickey? Yes, of course. But are you all right?" he asked pointedly.

"Me? They didn't touch me. I'm all right."

"You know that's not what I mean."

"I know," she sighed. "I don't know how I am. I'm just sort of numb right now."

McCall decided it was time to talk about Michel. "Are you going to tell him?"

Sydney looked at him trying to look as if she didn't know what he meant.

"Michel is his son, isn't he?" McCall asked, although making it more a statement than a question. "He should know."

That was what Sydney had been thinking about for the past ten minutes. In fact, she'd been thinking about it ever since Mickey had entered her life again. She had just about decided to tell Mickey the truth, then all the trouble began. She had thought she would never again be as afraid as she had been in New York when those two men had been chasing her, but she was earlier when she and little Michel were held hostage. She was afraid not just for herself, but for her son and for Mickey as well. She looked at McCall. "I had almost decided to tell him. Now... I can't live with the fear he brings. I let him walk into a trap because I was afraid. For our son's safety, and his, I think it is best he does not know. Promise me you will never tell him unless it is absolutely necessary."

McCall now realized how Control must have felt those many years ago when Manon had made him promise never to tell Robert about Yvette. Now he was being asked to make the same promise.

"No, I don't think I can promise that."

"Please."

Robert didn't answer.

"Then at least think about it. We can talk about it later, please," she was almost begging.

McCall looked around the waiting room. "All right, this isn't the place to talk about it anyway. I'll think about it and we'll talk later."

McCall sat back. Why is it, he asked himself, that two people who are so totally wrong for each other are the one's who usually fall in love? He thought about his past loves, Manon being right out there in front. He hadn't allowed himself time to think about her while he'd been in France. Were we not really suited for each other? He decided not to get into that. He needed to decide what to do about Mickey. He thought about his marriage. He knew what would happen to Sydney if she stayed with Mickey. His own wife had gone through it, and he doubted Sydney could take it even as long as Kaye had. And what about Mickey. He knew his friend well enough that if Sydney talked him into leaving the Agency, he doubted Mickey would be able to live with that.

He regretted the years he had missed in Yvette's life, but the pain of that loss had gone over the last year. He had found a new type of joy in getting to know his daughter now, as an adult. He also remembered the kind of father he had been--not a very good one. His work always took priority. He had hardly ever been there when Scott needed him. And the one time he was there for his youngest daughter, he had been helpless and hadn't been able to do a thing to save her. No, I can't compare what I've done with what Mickey might do, he realized.

The only things I can be sure of, knowing the two of them as well as I do, is that Sydney cannot live with Mickey's work, and Mickey cannot live without it. As he thought about it more he realized that they were both ready to say goodbye forever--NOW. Would it help to prolong that? Then again, how could he say they wouldn't be able to work things out?

It all came down to one basic question. Did he have the right to make that decision for Mickey, as Control had for him?

NO. I don't, he thought emphatically. Although he and Control were more alike then he would ever admit, even to himself, that was one area where they differed. Control would not hesitate to make another man's decision for him if he thought it best. Robert could not do that. Mickey will have to make his own decisions. If she doesn't tell him, I will.

They had to wait about an hour for Mickey to finish with the Doctor. The Doctor followed Mickey out and spoke to Sydney. "I wanted him to stay, but he refuses. He needs a lot of rest. You will see that it gets it?"

"Yes," she answered as she went over to Mickey. "I will put him to bed as soon as we get back to my apartment," she promised.

Mickey was quite willing to rest. In fact, that was all he wanted to do, but he didn't want to do it in a hospital. He didn't think he'd even be able to stay awake long enough to get back to Sydney's.

They were all quiet during the ride back. Mickey, concentrating on trying to stay awake, was not aware of the tension between Sydney and McCall. As soon as they were back in the apartment, Sydney led Mickey to her room and helped him get settled. He fell asleep almost immediately.

Sydney sat by the bed watching him sleep for a long time. Everything she had been thinking about for the past hour ran through her mind again. This time though, with Mickey there in front of her, could she make the same decision? But it all came back to that one thing. She was terrified, and that fear overrode her love and she didn't know how long it would take to get over it.

She heard a soft knock at the bedroom door. Robert poked his head in and whispered. "How is he?"

She rose and went to the door. "He's sleeping. I think he'll be all right."

"We need to talk. I think now would be a good time."

Sydney glanced back at Mickey, making sure he was still asleep. "All right," she said, joining him in the hall and closing the door behind her.

Robert started as soon as they were seated. "I think you should tell him. If you don't, I will."

"No, please don't." she begged. "I don't want him to know. He'll insist on staying and I'm not sure that would be best."

"He has the right to make that decision. I understand how you feel." Sydney started to protest, but McCall stopped her. "No, I really do. My own wife went through what you're going through. She didn't have as traumatic an experience as you have, but she had to live with the same fear you're going through now. I do understand. And I can accept your decision, if you stick with it, not to stay involved with Mickey. But that's something the two of you have to work out."

Sydney got up and went to stand by the fireplace, thinking. She gazed absently at the model of the Acropolis. It was her symbol of their love and for a moment her resolve weakened as she listened to McCall. He was telling her about his own daughter, Yvette, and how he had felt when he found out about her.

Then her eyes widened as she realized what she was seeing. There, right through the middle of the model was a hole, as neat as if it had been purposely drilled there--but it hadn't. She realized immediately what it was. The stray bullet fired from the gun Mickey and the KGB agent had been fighting over had gone through the model and embedded in the wall behind it.

"No, no. I can't," she cried. She didn't want to deal with it all right then. The sight of the bullet hole brought back all the fear. All she wanted right then was for Mickey and Mr. McCall to leave so she could feel safe again. She turned around and faced McCall. "No, I can't tell him now," she said flatly.

"Then I will."

"Please, not now. Give me some time... Yes, that's it, time. Give me a month before you tell him. Let me get over what has happened. Please," she begged.

Robert looked up at her and decided. "Okay, one month. But I will tell him."

"Thank you," she answered, relieved that any decision was postponed and that the discussion was finally over. Then changing the subject, she asked. "When do you plan to leave?"

"Tonight. I take it you want Mickey to leave with me?"

"Yes."

"I'll call and make arrangements right now." McCall called and made reservations for two on a flight leaving in the early evening. When he was finished he told Sydney what time they had to leave and they decided they had time for Sydney to fix dinner before they left. "I'll call Franci and tell her to come home. She'll want to say goodbye. I also don't want to deny Mickey a last chance to see Michel before you leave, even if he only thinks of him as my nephew."

After calling her sister, she told Robert she wanted to be alone for a while. She went to Franci's room and sat down at her desk. She pulled out a pad of stationary and started to write. My darling Mickey, then crumpled up the paper and threw it away. She sat thinking a few minutes, then started again.

Dear Mickey,

If you are reading this, I know Mr. McCall has told you about Michel, that he is our son. Do not be angry with him for not telling you right away. I made him promise to wait a month to give me time to get over everything that happened. I didn't want to hurt you by lying, but I wasn't sure what was going to happen and I didn't want to force you into anything because you thought you had an obligation to me. I had decided to tell you the truth, then with everything that happened I decided not to. But Mr. McCall told me I had to, and if I didn't, he would. He told me about his daughter. Maybe he is right. Right now, I do not know. I have been thinking about it all day, but do not know what I will do. I do not know if I will still be in Lille when you return, as I know you will when you find out about our son. I love you. But I am not brave enough or strong enough to live with the fear for our son's safety or for your's. I will let him know who his father is and will try to explain to him when he is old enough why you are not with us. I pray that I will be able to teach him to love you as I do so that if you ever do meet he will accept you as his father. Please, Mickey, if we are gone do not try to find us. We will be fine. Thank Mr. McCall for everything. I love you.

She signed the letter, then folded it and put it in an envelope with several pictures of Michel. She sealed the envelope and took it to give to McCall. "I wrote him a letter. It's all I can do right now. Give it to him when you tell him. But remember, you promised me a month."

Robert took the letter. "I remember," he replied as he put the letter in the small travel bag he had brought with him. "One month, but that's all."

The tension in the room suddenly eased as Franci came in the front door. "Hi. Is everyone okay? Where's Mickey?"

"Still sleeping," Sydney answered as she went over and took Michel from her sister. "How's my little boy," she cooed. She spent several minutes playing with him, Franci and Robert watching, then took him back to Franci's room for a nap. When she returned she asked Franci, "Isn't it time we start dinner?" She wanted things to get back to normal and keep things light for the rest of the evening.

"Yes. Come on. I'll help." They both went into the kitchen leaving Robert alone.

The smell of food woke Mickey about a half hour later and he came limping out of the bedroom. "That smells good. I was so tired earlier, I didn't realize how hungry I was."

Franci and McCall had been sitting in the livingroom talking. Franci had Michel in her lap, since he had only napped a little while. She held the baby out to Mickey. "Would you hold him while I go help Sydney."

"Me? I'm don't know anything about kids. Ask McCall."

"Oh, no," McCall answered. "I've had enough of holding babies in my life. It's time you had the experience," he laughed.

"Okay," Mickey said. Franci handed Michel to him. The baby smiled up at Mickey and laughed as Mickey bounced him on his knee. "Hey, this isn't so bad after all."

Sydney stood at the kitchen door watching, transfixed, trying to memorize every detail of Mickey playing with his son. It was going to be a memory she'd need to keep for a lifetime.

Franci went in the kitchen to finish getting dinner ready while Sydney and Robert watched Mickey engrossed in playing with the laughing baby.

"Dinner's ready," Franci said ten minutes later as she started bringing the food out to the table.

Sydney went over and took Michel and put him in his playpen. They had a leisurely dinner, talking about inconsequential things, McCall and Sydney trying to avoid any tension for Mickey's sake. After the meal, McCall told Mickey, "I've made plane reservations for us tonight. We have to leave in a half hour."

"We?" Mickey looked at Sydney who was staring down at her plate. "I'm not ready to leave," he said.

"We both have to leave. If you stay, you'll just put these girls in danger again. The police didn't think they could hold those two more than 24 hours. I told them we would both be gone. I know they said they wouldn't be back, but they will at least check to see if we're gone. I've asked Yusaf to keep an eye on the girls for a few days, just in case. They'll be fine." Robert had told Sydney about Yusaf earlier.

"Sydney?" Mickey looked over at her again.

She looked up at him, tears starting to fill her eyes. She got up from the table and went to stand by the mantle. Mickey followed her. McCall and Franci began clearing the table and went into the kitchen.

"He's right, Mickey. It is best you leave now with Mr. McCall. I need time to get over what has happened."

"But..." This time he didn't want to leave her.

"No," she put her finger against his mouth. "In New York, I felt safe and protected when you were with me. Here, now, it is different. I am afraid. Go back now, give me time to sort things out. Please don't make saying goodbye any harder than it already is."

Mickey held her tight, not wanting to let go, but knowing he had to do as she asked. "Okay, just remember that I love you."

"And I love you, but I am not sure that is enough." They stood holding each other for several minutes.

"Uh, um," McCall coughed in the background. "It's time to go. I've already called a taxi, it'll be here any minute."

Sydney gave Mickey a final hug then let go. "I packed your bag while you were sleeping." They heard a honk outside, indicating the taxi had arrived. Sydney went over to Robert and gave him a hug. "Goodbye. Thank you for everything," then went back to Mickey.

Franci gave Mickey a quick kiss goodbye, then McCall. "Goodbye."

Sydney and Mickey embraced again, their kiss lingering, hungerly. Sydney was trying to fight back her tears, but not doing a good job of it. Mickey was doing a little better. "I'll call you in a few weeks," he said. "Will you be ready to talk then?"

"Maybe," she answered evasively. They parted as Robert opened the door and picked up their bags.

"We have to go."

Mickey followed him out, looking back at Sydney standing in the door. He continued to look back as the taxi pulled away from the apartment building until he could no longer see it. Sydney watched from the window as the taxi went out of sight. Both of them silently saying I love you to each other.

* * * *

It was a little over a month after they returned from France. Mickey had been out of town on an assignment. When he returned, he had a message from McCall to come see him. He went over to McCall's the next evening.

"Got your message. Whatcha need?"

"Sit down, Mickey. I have something to tell you."

"You sound serious. Is everything all right?"

"Yes." Robert went over to his desk and pulled out a letter. He came back and stood in front of Mickey, gazing at the letter. "Sydney gave this to me before we left France. I promised her I would wait a month to give it to you." He handed the letter to Mickey.

"What's in it..." Mickey started to ask, but Robert was already leaving the room so Mickey could read it alone. Mickey stared at the letter a while, remembering what had happened in France. He hadn't talked to Sydney since he'd been back, there had been no answer the times he'd tried to call. He slowly began opening the letter...

The End