Hostile Takeover - Fanfic

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by Stacey March 2002

Cecilia stepped from the limousine and walked up to the fresh mound of soil and placed a single white rose upon the headstone that bared her lover's name. "Well Charles, once again you have managed to suprise us all, I will miss you." She turned and walked back to the car and got in. Upon her entrance she discovered a passenger. "Who are you and what are you doing in my limo?" The woman who seated herself across from Cecilia had helped herself to a drink and handed one to her. "I am someone who also knew and cared for Charles. I'm his sister, Penelope." Cecilia was a bit shocked, "I didn't know Charles had any siblings. Then again I really didn't know much about him period." Penelope smiled at her, "You often bring flowers to dead men you hardly know?" Cecilia replied, "Well your brother and I had a unique relationship." Cecilia told her how she met Charles on one of his "quests" and the consequence of their meeting.

Theirs was a relationship of convenience, at least for Charles. For Cece (his pet name for her), it was a love-hate relationship. She adored Charles; he was very charming, when it suited him. He was also very temperamental and demanding, this could be frightening and deadly at times. This did not stop her from inviting him into her bed. He was a difficult man to refuse. Penelope replied rather harshly, "I wish I had a nickel for every one of Charles' conquests. However, you are one of the few he returned to. You really must be something special to have kept his interest for such a long time." Cecilia retorted, "Actually, I was more than just a warm body for his entertainment, I was quite beneficial to him on several occasions outside of the bedroom." She gave no further information as to how; she wasn't about to give up any secrets now, even if Charles was gone. If it got out that she had been assisting a world-renowned terrorist, she could not only lose her career, but also most likely be killed by any number of persons. "Well Charles was a mysterious individual and only he knows his reasons for keeping me around, and that secret died with him." Penelope smiled coyly at her, "Not exactly. Here, I was instructed to give you this. It's from Charles. You know you're the first of his associates that hasn't turned on him or tried to run. I had to kill three people last week. Charles did say he could count on you, that you would stay loyal." Cecilia began to speak but Penelope cut her off, "Please, just read the letter and follow the instructions inside, I can't tell you anything more, oh, and good luck CeCe." Penelope let herself out of the car and left Cecilia to her questions. Cecilia instructed the driver to take her to back to the hotel. She held the envelope in her hand, running her fingers over her name. It was in Charles' handwriting. She opened the letter and began to read.

Dearest Cece,

If you are reading these words, than my plan fell into place and I am presumed dead. In truth, I am not. My escape as haphazard as it was, was quite successful. I should first thank you for the parachute vest you gave me, it actually worked. I feel that I have explained enough for now, and will tell you about everything another time. Right now, I need your assistance. Please meet me at the location on the back of this letter. I'm counting on you Cece.

As Always, Charles

She held the letter to her breast for a moment, trying to comprehend it's meaning. She had just spent weeks trying to convince herself he was actually gone. She had taken a leave of absence and traveled over an entire ocean to see for herself he had been buried. If her Uncle, or his associates knew what she had been doing and with who she would lose everything she had worked so hard for.

Once at the hotel, she made arrangements to fly to the appointed meeting place. She then decided she should call her associates and her uncle. Being in the security business always meant checking in (more like checking up) often. The company motto was "Trust Us." Her own personal motto was, "Trust no one." Cecilia earned a rather prestigious and risky position as Vice President of her uncle's Security Business. His company was rated #1 in Fortune 500 and Forbes as the best in militant and civilian sales, as well as the toughest security systems available anywhere in the world. Cecilia adored her uncle. He had raised her since her mother ran off with some guy she had met on a vacation in Jamaica. However, that adoration was short lived. The older she got the less admirable he became. She soon discovered a darker, twisted side to her uncle. He began taking advantage of her as she developed into womanhood. If she fought him, he punished her. She learned to tolerate him, how to put her mind somewhere else. She swore to herself that she would one day make him pay for his behavior. She endured years of abuse and came up with a plan to trump the old man by being the perfect little girl, became his mentor and learned everything about the business and then some. She studied at Harvard and was every bit his equal. She hope that one day to use this knowledge to take the business from him and be rid of him once and for all.

She packed her things and her mind wandered through the day's events and always her thought found their way back to Charles. It was by accident that she met Charles Rane. She had been on a flight from Japan to L.A. when a lay over in Honolulu crossed their paths. She sat in her first class seat working intently at her laptop when a very handsome man sat himself next to her. She remembered his face vividly, striking blue eyes, teasing smile, all surrounded with sunstreaked blonde hair. She kept quiet most of the flight, working on her computer and reading. It was Charles broke the silence, "Your working very hard at ignoring me." Cecilia looked up from her laptop, "I'm not ignoring you. I'm just working." Charles had leaned over and peeked at what she had been doing which prompted her to quickly close her computer. "Is there something I can do for you?" she snapped at him. Charles smiled, "You can tell me your name." She blushed slightly at his flirtation and responded with an introduction. She had offered her hand for an obligatory handshake however, Charles kissed it instead, which caused Cecilia to pull back. She was not accustomed to such gentle responses, she was used to being treated like one of the guys. It was the only way she could gain respect among her peers. Charles looked a bit offended by her response. "Do you have the time?" Cecilia looked at her watch and realized it was still set on Tokyo time. "Well, it's almost midnight in Tokyo. Let me check my computer." She opened it up and Charles leaned in once more. His breath was warm on her cheek and it made the hair on her neck stand up. She quickly closed out the file she had been working on, a purchase order for several million dollars in security equipment and weapons for the Sony Corporation Security division. Cecilia had been trying to win them over for months and finally acquired the account. She gave Charles the correct time and closed the laptop and put it away. "Your in the security business?" Charles quipped. "Yes, and it's impolite to be in other's private business." Charles looked away, still talking, "Well I have never been accused of being polite." He looked over at her and winked, "You may want to put on your seatbelt, it's about to get turbulent." She was about to ask him what he meant, but he put a finger to her lips to stop her. He pulled out a gun, "Be a good girl, I'll be back."

Charles left and went to the back of the plane. Suddenly Cecilia heard screams and panic from the passengers. She reached under her seat for her bag and pulled out a Glock 20. She made sure it was loaded and ready to fire, then quietly sneaked through the curtain and past the boarding door. She peeked around the corner and saw that Charles and several other men had apparently decided to takeover the flight. Charles shouted a few orders and the passengers quieted themselves. He turned and headed back to first class, Cecilia quickly returned to her seat and hid the gun. He walked past her and kicked open the cockpit door. "Who's in charge?!" The captain quickly replied, "Your the one with the gun, You're in charge." Charles cocked his head and smirked, "You're a very smart man." He gave the captain new flight coordinates and spoke to someone on the radio and exited the cockpit. He stopped long enough to wink at Cecilia and ask her if she needed a drink. She shook her head yes, and he walked back to the rear of the plane once more. She quickly reached for her laptop and began to email her uncle, but then decided against it for fear that Charles or one of the others would catch her. She put it away and put the gun away as well. The other first class passengers were trying to remain calm. Cecilia got to thinking about the situation and she thought it best to wait and see what Charles was going to do before trying anything that might jeopardize the others. She explained this to the others and they seemed to agree with her thinking. One of the men made a comment about how easy it seemed to be to smuggle guns on the plane. Cecilia laughed out loud at the statement and Charles entered the section just as she was doing so. "Do you find this amusing?" He also handed her a drink. She took it gratefully and couldn't help but think to herself how charming he was. She also couldn't believe she was falling for it. He was a terrorist, He was a bad person and capable of great evil, but he did look damn good doing it. He stood over her waiting for her reply to his question. "Well actually yes I do. I am the Vice President of one of the most prestigious security companies in the world, and I'm being held hostage in a hijacked plane. " Charles pondered her statement, "Well you and I may have to get better acquainted. However, I can't take any chances, so I need to confiscate your computer." He took the bag from her and began to walk away with it. "Please wait, can I at least have the battery packs to it. I can't let you walk off with my life's work to just do with as you please." He turned and faced her, "Actually I can." She implored with him once more. "You don't understand, I could be killed for letting that kind of information into the wrong hands. Please, Please let me have them. They are harmless by themselves and it would at least insure my lifeline if I make it off the plane alive." He turned and walked out. She was now very worried. Even if she does get off the plane alive, her uncle will surely make her life very miserable and very short. She decided to get up and follow after him. She just reached him when one of his colleagues stopped her with a gun to the head. "Get back to your seat or die." Charles turned to discover her there. "Please, I can't let you have that information. If I had wanted to sabotage your plan I would have done it already. I almost did, I was going to email my uncle, but I didn't. But if I let you have those files, I might as well let your friend here shoot me now. I'll make you a deal, I'll assist you any way I can but please, let me have the battery packs." Charles commanded for the man to let her go. He reached into the bag and pulled the battery from the computer and handed her the spare as well. He discovered the gun in the bag as well. "Well you are a tough one aren't you?" He waved the gun at her. "Now go back to your seat, we will be landing soon." She went back to her seat and sat clutching the battery packs. Instead of landing in L.A. the plane was fueled in the air and flew to Alaska. Everyone was let off the plane, and Charles had disappeared. Her only clue of his existence was in her bag, which he had left for her by the exit. It was a simple note that said he would call on her whenever he felt he needed someone of her expertise. That was the beginning of an affair that would prove to be exciting and dangerous for both of them.

Cecilia finished packing her bags and looked once more at the letter from Charles. She committed the location to memory and burned it. If he were indeed alive, she wanted to see it for herself. Not just for proof, but they did have unfinished business and she missed him. She called her uncle and informed him that she would be delayed a few more days. He was very perturbed and kept probing her for reasons why she was not returning. She reminded him that she was a grown woman and could go wherever she pleased and she only keeps him updated out of courtesy and nothing more. He argued with her further until she promised a new account upon her return. He let her go and she was on her way to the airport to catch the first flight to Honolulu. Once at the airport she approached the ticket counter. "I need the first available flight to Honolulu please." The woman asked for Cecilia's name and information to reserve a seat. When she input the information into the computer she discovered she had already had a flight reservation. She told this to Cecilia and handed her a ticket and took her luggage. Cecilia laughed to herself, thinking it was rather presumptuous of him to think she was coming. But then again, she was going. She walked through the airport found the gate and then the closest duty shop to purchase a few things before she boarded. Once on the plane, she ordered a drink. She sat staring out her window thinking about the chain of events over the last few hours. She still couldn't believe he had survived. What if it was some kind of hoax, or trap? Would he be the same? Would he finish his end of the bargain they had created so long ago? Would he kill her this time or bed her? She often had these thoughts about their escapades. They were much like the kind of jitters one would get before performing in front of thousands of people. The way Charles made her feel was always exciting and nervous. He had such a charming and intimidating personality. He has an ability to pull a person in which could be deadly if not handled with great caution. Charles was the kind of man who had to have things his way or no way. He was volatile, but also very intelligent. He was not always as cold or indifferent as he let on. He sometimes had such a gentle touch that it was hard to believe that so many have died at his hands. The flight was long and uneventful. She was sure that he would appear somehow. By the time she landed in Hawaii she was tired and irritable. At the gate were tour guides and dancers handing out leis and collecting tourists. A man stood holding a sign that had Cecilia's name on it. She approached slowly, keeping one hand in her shoulder bag on her gun. "I'm Cecilia Taylor." The man replied by telling her he worked for Mr. Rane. He also handed her another letter from Charles. He said he would take her to the Turtle Bay Resort, where she would be staying. He helped her collect her bags and drove off towards the resort.

She rolled down the window to the car and breathed in the serenity of the ocean breeze. It permeated and refreshed her senses. The sun was warm like a lover's kiss and the scenery was just like a postcard. After taking in the moment she let her attention fall to the letter in her lap.

Dearest CeCe,

I knew you wouldn't let me down my sweet. I need you to do me a favor. I want you to arrange a meeting with one of your clients. He is an Asian fellow who resides on the island. His name, Brian Matsuko, he of course you know, is the director of flight security at the Honolulu Airport. I have a proposal for him. Tell no one else. I will see you very soon.

As Always, Charles

She was curious as to why he wanted to meet with Mr. Matsuko and why he would put himself in harm's way in such a manner. But then again, no one ever really questioned Charles' motives. He was a genius in his own right, and she hated to admit it, he was the best at his "business".

The hotel was in a secluded yet beautiful part of the island. She checked in and was given a key to the room. It was a large penthouse suite, once again Charles shows his taste for extravagance. She put away her things and immediately ran a hot bath. The sun was just setting, and the jet lag was catching up to her. The only thing she wanted to do was get some rest. There was one thing she had learned about working with Charles, sleep wasn't always an option. She laid out some clean clothes on the bed and undressed. As she slipped into the bath she closed her eyes, it was the first time in weeks she had been able to relax. Within minutes she was lingering on the edge of sleep. She let her mind drift in and out of dreams and was genuinely content for once. As she lay there enjoying the peace, the noise of the door opening and closing roused her from the moment. She moved just enough to slip her hand under the towel that was folded above her head. She heard the footsteps of the intruder move near. They stopped just short of the bathroom door. She quickly turned over in the tub and aimed at the figure in the doorway. "Now that's how I like my women, naked, wet and violently armed." Charles was standing before her, smirking as she put the gun down and wrapped herself in a towel. She stepped out of the tub and wrapped herself in a towel. She approached him, "You look very good for a dead man." She let her emotions get the best of her and slapped him. He grabbed her fiercely and pulled her in close, which caused the towel to fall away. "Don't ever hit me again." He relaxed his grip and Kissed her. She laid her head on his chest. "I'm sorry I didn't mean it. It's just been so hard dealing with your death. But you're here now, and you're alive. I'm so happy to have you near me." She walked over to the bed and put on sundress she had laid out. Charles poured himself a drink and one for her as well. They sat talking for sometime getting caught up with one another. Then Charles changed the subject, "have you made arrangements with Mr. Matsuko yet?" Cecilia replied, "No, I only just arrived myself and the bath was just too tempting. I promis to call first thing in the morning, let's just enjoy one night of tranquility before you begin blowing things up shall we?" She leaned in and caressed his hand, "Isn't there anything else you want to do first?" Charles also leaned in and whispered into her ear, "Well, there is something I would like, how about you and I have...dinner." He leaned back in his seat and gave her that smirk he was so famous for and waited for her reply. She laughed at him and said "Perfect". She changed into something more appropriate and they left.

They sat outside at the hotel restaraunt, the view was spectacular. "So what is it that you need that involves Mr. Matsuko?" Cecilia was curious as to what Charles had planned. "I thought we weren't discussing business tonight?" Charles stared out over the ocean as if to contemplate it's meaning for existance. "No, I said I wasn't conducting business, I didn't say we couldn't discuss it. I was just curious that's all." Charles looked at her for a moment and went back to the view. "Well, Mr. Matsuko, is going to help me complete what I have been striving to accomplish for so many years. I have travelled the world wreaking havoc, all in the name of my own personal glory. I have supported many ill-fated causes to better my own lifestyle. No one has ever questioned me, or my motives, and I am not about to explain myself now." Cecilia retorted, "You have often made it very clear that you are not to be questioned. I have never asked you about anything, for fear that you might make good on all those threats to end my life. As hellish as it is working with you, I really don't prefer a permanent vacation home in a cemetery. Would you please look at me when we are talking, it really is quite annoying." Charles turned and faced her, "I'm finished with this game CeCe. I am ready to leave this life. I'm already "dead", but I have some unfinished business. There will be a flight coming in a few days, on that flight there is some precious cargo that I will need to acquire. Mr. Matsuko, and you my dear, are going to help me get it or I will simply remove the Honolulu airport and everyone in it from existance." Cecilia probed further, "Are you going to tell me what this cargo is that I am risking my neck for?" Charles smirked, "That is on a need to know basis. Now come, let's go for a walk." They walked along the shoreline for sometime in silence. Cecilia never knew what to say to Charles if it didn't pertain to business. It wasn't akward really, just quiet. "So, when this is all finished, what then? What will you do?" Charles took her hand absently as they walked and let her question hang there like the last rays of sunlight that sparkled across the ocean. Finally he responded, "I'm going to disappear. I'm nothing but a ghost now, just a legend to vanish in history." Cecilia replied, "So it's as simple as that. You can let it go like that. I'm suprised Charles, I never knew you had it in you."

"Had what?" He quipped. "A conscience." She threw him a sidelong glance. "I don't. Come on, let's go upstairs." He tugged at her hand and led her across the beach and back to the room. They stepped inside and Charles shut the door. It was not entirely dark as the moon shown brightly through the balcony doors. It was Cecilia who noticed the figure standing across the room first and she quickly pulled the Glock out her holster. "Who the hell are you?!" Charles also drew out his gun and turned on the light. "I believe the young woman asked you a question." The man slowly put down his weapon. "Your uncle Morris sent me to track you down, he wants to know why you're here. I'm sorry I didn't know you weren't alone." Cecilia backed up a bit, "Is my uncle with you? Is he on the island?" The man explained that once he found out she was in Hawaii, he did indeed inform her uncle and he decided to fly out to confront her. Cecilia was clearly nervous now, "You go to him and tell him I am here dealing with a client, Mr. Christian the man you see here. He was seeing me to my room." The man moved to the door and Charles stood there for a moment before letting him pass. Cecilia sat on the bed, one hand on her head and the other still gripping the gun. "Oh god, what am I going to do? I have to get out of here." She jumped up and grabbed a suitcase and started to throw her things into it. Charles came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her to pin her and stop her frantic activity. "Just stop." He spoke softly and firmly into her ear. "Charles, he will kill me if he finds out about you and I. My career, everything I worked for, it will all be over." Charles spun her around and took the neglige from her hand, shot her a smile and continued to intervine. "You are one of the strongest, most intelligent and ruthless women I have ever had the pleasure of sharing a bed with. Cece, don't you think it's time you quit letting him treat you like the little girl you aren't? Don't you think it's time to make him pay for the way he has treated you?" The look in her eyes shifted from one of fear to the fierce look of anger that fuels the desire to kill. "You are absolutely right. It is time uncle Morris was punished. You always bring out the bad in me." She kissed Charles and pushed the suitcase off the bed. He picked up the nightie he had confiscated and tossed it to her. "Put it on, I'll be waiting." She went to the bathroom to change and Charles immediately got on the phone. He called one of his collegues. "I need you to search the island and locate a Mr. Morris Taylor. When you find him, detain him and report to me at once." He hung up the phone and undressed. He lay on the bed sipping a glass of wine when Cecilia entered the room. He sat down the glass and held out his hand. She walked over and took his hand, he pulled her down on top of him. He began kissing her, running his hands over and down her back. He wrapped his hands around her bottom and grabbed the nightie and pulled it up over her head and threw it on the floor. "That looks good there." He teased her and roused her slowly, working her into a frenzy. She returned the favor as well, and they made love until they were drenched with sweat and their muscles could no longer support them without trembling. Once Cecilia was asleep Charles showered, dressed and left.

The next morning when she woke their was a plumeria garland and a note on the nightstand. She read the note and it simply stated to be sure to make arrangements with Mr. Matsuko. It also had a phone number to reach Charles. She got dressed and ordered room service. while she ate she went through her files and found the information on Brian and called him. Once on the phone, she explained how it was time to check and upgrade all the security systems. She and her collegue would be in to discuss the details that afternoon. Once he agreed on a time she let him go and called Charles. "Goodmorning Charles, I got you a date with Mr. Matsuko. He thinks we are coming to discuss security upgrades. Now, where did you get off to?" He replied, "Don't worry love, you'll soon find out. Join me here, I've got a suprise for you." He gave her an address and she went to meet him. Charles hung up the phone and turned to the gentleman currently bound and gagged to a chair. "Well, Mr. Taylor seems you will have a visitor shortly, then it will be time for you to die. I'm going to enjoy watching you expire. I hope she does it slowly." Mr. Morris lunged forward in protest and began to yell incoherently through the gag. "I'm sorry what was that? Here let me help you." Charles pulled the gag away. "You phsychotic bastard, I don't know who you are but you will not get away with this. You don't know who you're messing with!" Charles put a gun to his head, "Lets get one thing straight, I AM NOT CRAZY! Second, I know you very well. I know you like little girls. You like them so much you can't keep you're hands off them." Morris replied, "I don't know what the hell you're talking about." Charles backhanded the man. "Liar! Your niece would like to say otherwise. I know the dirty little secrets you hide. I know the pain you have placed in her. The fear you created for her. I have news for you Mr. Taylor, she isn't afraid of you any more. She is very angry and she is on her way here to put and end to you and the hell you have created." He returned the gag to his mouth and walked away. "If he tries anything, shoot him, don't kill him, just make him hurt." He left Mr. Taylor with the guard and went out to the patio and poured himself a cup of coffee. A few moments later, Cecilia arrived. She walked up behind Charles and wrapped her arms around him, and kissed his neck. "Hello there, You look delicious as always." Charles simply replied, "I know." and offered her some coffee. She graciously accepted. "Now, what is this suprise you have for me." Charles leaned forward, "Did you mean what you said last night, about your uncle?" She shot him a concerned look, "Why, what have you done?" He smirked at her, "I have done nothing more than located him and invited him to join us for brunch, he's in the other room." Charles sat sipping on his coffee and behaved as if everything were normal. Cecilia immediately rose from the table and began searching the house. She came across a room at the end of a hall, she stood for a moment gathering courage then opened the door. There indeed was her uncle. He began to struggle against the ties when he saw her. She closed the door and walked back to Charles who was now buttering a croissant. "Are you having a temporary lapse of sanity?" Charles put down his breakfast and grabbed her wrist, "What are you implying?" I did exactly what you wanted. You and I had a deal remember? You have been very helpful and I thought I'd repay you by holding up my end of the bargain. Are you backing out now?" She looked away briefly then returned to his gaze. "No, I am just a bit shocked to see him there, that's all. I'm sorry. " He took her hand, turned it over and kissed her wrist. "Now, what are you going to do about Uncle Morris?" She sat down next to Charles. "I don't know, I never thought about it. Well, that's not true, I've thought about it a lot, I just never thought I'd ever get to do it. But now, when it comes down to it, I just want it done. " Charles sat in silence for a moment thinking on the situation. "You shouldn't do it, you should not kill him."

She was confused now, "What? Why not?" Charles raised from his seat, "I have an idea, come with me, and play along." He let her in front of him and she walked towards the room where her uncle was being held. "Like I said, Play along." Charles put a gun to her head and instructed her to open the door. They both entered and Charles threw Cecilia on the bed. "Well, now I have you both here. Seems like your neice has had a change of concience Mr. Taylor. She doesn't want to keep up her end of the bargain, so it looks as though I will have to kill you both. What a shame I rather enjoyed her. (he licks his lips.) I know why you did what you did, she was very good." He walked over to her on the bed and took a handful of hair and pulled her to him and kissed her violently. She mocked disgust and struggled against him. Charles threw her back down and straddled her and began to tie her up. He leaned in close and whispered in her ear as he tied her hands, "Remind me of this later when we are alone." He winked at her and she stiffled a giggle. He placed his gun on her jawline and turned her head towards her uncle. He got up and walked over to the dresser and put his gun down. He then reached beneath his pant leg and pulled out a knife. He circled Mr. Taylor and stopped directly behind him. "Give me a reason not to kill him, Ms. Taylor!" She began to spew out a plethora of derogetory remarks. "Not good enough!"

!" He leaned back the man's head and slowly sliced open his throat. The blood began to trickle then flow freely as Charles slowly went from one side to the other. She begged him to stop, secretly she was actually enjoying the moment. So many years she had endured the torture her uncle had done to her, she was glad it was him for once. She had assasinated people before, but never anything like this. She was amazed at how Charles truly enjoyed the moment. The look on his face was cold, yet serene, as if her were performing some sort of divine, twisted ritual. He looked up at her, "Why do you care if he lives or dies? He has committed unspeakable crimes against you and countless others. He is corrupt, he deserves to die." She looked up at him and smiled, "So do you, you psycho son-of -a-bitch." Charles stopped what he was doing and crossed the room and hit Cecilia, she passed out. He turned to Mr. Taylor, "She will die slowly, however you will not." He picked up his gun, "The game is over." He shot Mr. Taylor in the head. As his body slumped down in the chair Charles instructed his men to get rid of him before he bled all over the carpet. Once he was removed Charles untied Cecilia and began to revive her. She slowly came to, her head was pounding. "Damn it that hurt!" She lay there trying to regain her senses. "Where is he?" Charles stroked her head, "He's gone, don't worry. I'll take care of everything. Do you think you'll be able to recover well enough to see Mr. Matsuko later?" She assured him she would be fine as soon as she recieved some aspirin and an ice pack. One of the other men brought her what she had requested. she lay in the bed holding the ice to her face, thinking about what to do next. "Charles, I think after we meet with Mr. Matsuko I will go home. I can do better to cover my ass there and you don't need me in the way." He sat down next to her once more, "I'm afraid I can't let you do that just yet, I will need your services to complete my mission. If you are worried about being blamed or caught for what just happened, I said I would take care of it. Trust me." She looked him in the eyes, "I would really like to do that, but I'm afraid it's not that easy." Charles kissed her hand, "I know." He left her to rest. A few hours later Cecilia was recovered well enough to continue on as planned. "It took quite a make up job to cover the bruise, but I think I did very well." She checked her reflection in her compact. Charles looked over, "Yes, you look fine." She put away her things and prepared to leave. "Charles, are you going to tell me what you need from Mr. Matsuko?" He stared ahead as he spoke, "There is a plane that will be arriving in two days. Mr. Matsuko is going to assist me in acquiring a certain package on that plane. you are going to be my safety net, just in case Mr. Matsuko decides to do anything that would shorten his life expectancy." She probed further, "What package? I would like to know what I'm risking my life for." Charles went on to explain how the Asian military was secretly smuggling a large shipment of diamonds from Cuba in exchange for weapons systems and how he found all of this out from a certain Mr. Castro, while on vacation in Cuba. Cecilia was genuinely surprised. "Wait, you know Fidel Castro? You just met up with him and he told you all this? Why? What's in it for you?" He went on to explain how he gets a nice portion of the goods and gives the rest back to Cuba. "You would be surpised at the political figures I have worked with." Cecilia went back to the package in question, "Do you know what this package looks like?" Charles smirked, "You can't miss it, the diamonds are hidden in a compartment of a casket. No one of consequence, but who's going to think of tampering with a dead man's final resting bed? The perfect hiding place, don't you think?" She just sat there staring at him, "Wait, you are stealing diamonds from the casket from some unknown dead guy. Did you stop to think that maybe it would be rigged or booby trapped?" His smirked turned into a full smile, "That's where you come in. You see, you're so brilliant I know you will have no problems disarming anything we come across." She sat there mouth a bit agape.

"Please dear, it's not very becoming for you to sit there like that." Charles said. "You mean, I have to get on the plane with you?" Cecilia was a bit nervous, she had never accompanied Charles directly. She always worked from the sidelines. They arrived at the airport and proceeded to Mr. Matsuko's office. "Okay, let me introduce you and break the ice. I'll get him warmed up and then you can start probing him. Maybe come up with some kind of story how we are just running through routine checks on the flight grounds and such. If he asks for credentials, use this." She handed him an Identification badge that looks like hers. Charles looked over at her, "You are getting good at this." She smiled, "I have you to thank for that. And Uncle Morris of course, may he rest in peace." She laughed. They spoke briefly to the secretary and she led them to a conference room. Mr. Matsuko entered and greeted Cecilia. They made small talk and she introduced Charles. "This is Albert Christian, he's working with me, I expect you to show him the same courtesy you do me, please. He knows all about the area and the systems." Mr. Matsuko replied, "It's about time your uncle let you have someone to help you." She laughed, "Yeah how nice of him." They discussed what would occur and how they would need access to all gates and flight grounds. Brian gave them all the information they needed, and they began to stake out the runway and went through the security systems. Cecilia was of course the expert. She had sold and supervised installation of most of them. she recommended several revisions to Mr. Matsuko and set him up with updated equipment for his crews. It was all legitimate offers, but this time also bought Charles time to figure out his plan of attack. After about an hour and a half, Charles had everything he needed and they left. Mr. Matsuko was none the wiser and had bought more than enough security gear to stop any terrorist. That evening Charles and Cecilia made plans with his men to recover the diamonds.

With her uncle out of the way Cecilia was free to be more open with her obtaining of supplies and the use of company goods. She gathered communication devices for Charles and his men and confiscated other useful items as well. Including weapons that were top of the line and virtually untraceable. Charles planned a simple and quick in and out plan, they had no use for anything other that since Mr. Matsuko was more than cooperative. Charles who was usually quite elaborate was not willing to take any chances this time. He just wanted to finish the job and disappear. Cecilia assumed that like all great bad men, he was growing tired of the running and the constant worry of being caught. She often wondered how many times he had just barely slipped under the hands of the law. She knew of the tangle with Cutter, but none of his other trists had ever been told to her. Charles kept his adventures to himself, he kept a lot of things to himself. She laughed to herself as she analyzed her relationship with this man of mystery, and intrigue. They were quite a match the two of them. She was just as withdrawn as he was they shared very little secrets with one another. The only reason Charles ever found out about her uncle and his dirty deeds was during another of their meetings when she had been drugged by a captor and was being interrogated when Charles came in to save her. He sat up with her all night and took care of her during her stupor and she revealed her past during a talking spell while she slept. She wish she knew more about him, if he would only give in a little she might be able to trust him more. He would never give in, she knew that.

Cecilia finished her tasks and was about to leave to return to her hotel room, when Charles stopped her. "I'll be in later, leave the key at the desk." She agreed and left. The ride was a welcome break. She was tired and the day had been stressful. Her head was fogged over with the day's events, it was almost like a bad dream. She hated this part of working with Charles. There were times when she had to remove herself mentally from the situations just to make it. Sometimes she wondered why she let herself get involved at all. She could walk away anytime she wanted, she often thought on it during her escapades with him. Sure he threatened once or twice to shorten her lifespan, but she always thought it more of a joke than anything. But she always returned, always complying with his requests and demands. She entered the hotel and did as Charles asked and left a key at the desk for him. She went upstairs and went straight to her room. She was feeling on edge and once she checked the room and locked the balcony door she made a drink. She sat on the bed and kicked of her shoes and forced the drink down. She was so tired she didn't even bother undressing and fell asleep. It was about three a.m. when she woke to find Charles sitting in a chair at the end of the bed. He was watching her sleep. She sat up, "What's wrong?"

He came over to her and caressed her cheek, "I'm sorry." Cecilia was taken aback and a bit confused. She had never heard him say anything of the like, he never apologized for anything. "Are you ok, Charles?" She stood up and began to remove her clothes and find something more comfortable to wear, spying his shirt hanging over a chair she grabbed it and buttoned it on. She went back to her place in the bed and lay herself on his chest. "I'm fine, I just wanted you to know that I feel bad for bringing you into this, and for all the times I used you. I've been just as self-serving as your uncle, maybe not in the same sense but nonetheless I have wronged you. I'm sorry." He kissed her head and was about to drift off when Cecilia intervened. "I don't know what you are trying to pull but it's not going to work. I don't know much about you but I do know you well enough to hear a cop out. You have never said you were sorry for anything, ever. Now you expect me to just take what you've just said at face value? Do you actually think I am that niave? Listen, I can take it if you tell me that you are never going to see me ever again after this is done, but don't try to sugar coat it. Be honest about it, we have always had that, don't change it." He laughed, "You don't get it do you? I really am being honest, for once. I mean what I say. And yes we may never see each other ever again when this is all done, but maybe we will. If we do, I want it to be for the sake of friendship, not because of a debt or because you feel obliged." It was Cecilia's turn to apologize, "I'm sorry, I just have never seen you behave this way, it's something I will have to get used to. Hmmm, Charles Rane developing a conscience. It must be getting awfully cold in hell right now." Charles rolled onto his side sliding his arm around her waist, and she conformed to his body position. "Shut up and get some sleep, we have a busy day ahead." He kissed her neck and they slipped into unconsciousness.

In just a few hours they were up again and preparing for the arrival of the plane. Cecilia called Mr. Matsuko to let him know they would be coming to finish what they had started and to give his men a few lessons about their new gear and weapons. He agreed and Cecilia and Charles were on the way to the airport. Charles made arrangements for a few of his men to meet them, just in case anything might happen. He was sure the Asian government would have someone watching over the casket as well as someone in the airport. However, if everything was accomplished according to plan, no one would ever know what happened. Cecilia had set up a plan that would put both her and Charles on the ground just outside the gate when the plane landed. Charles had made arrangements with one of his connections to have access to the cargo section of the plane. The only obstacle would be if there were someone guarding the casket. But Charles was not worried, he would do whatever it took to get what he was after. They arrived at the airport about an hour before the plane was to land. Cecilia did as she promised and gave several security supervisors some pointers and lessons on the equipment they had purchased. She distracted Mr. Matsuko so that Charles could sneak away and make sure his men were in their appointed places. Just before the plane landed, Cecilia excused herself and went to meet Charles. She sneaked down the back stairwell to the gate and Charles was waiting for her just outside. He handed her a blue jumpsuit, it matched the ones the ground crew were wearing, she quickly put it on. The plane pulled in and came to a stop. They walked out and joined the cargo crew and went to work. After pulling out several suitcases and working their way to the back of the storage area, they found the casket. Indeed there was a soldier sitting next to it. He stood up put his hand on his gun. He asked what they were doing back there, that there was no luggage but his only reply was from Charles gun. The silencer on the gun and all the noise from the plane made them undetectable. Cecilia approached the casket and began searching it for traps and locks. She found a very tiny set of wires near the bottom and proceeded to find a way to try and figure out what they were for. She found that there was a small compartment that pulled out just at the head of the casket. It was what seemed to be a complex explosive device. It was connected to the locks on the casket and if anyone had opened it, they would have been needing a box of their own. She had seen the kind before and was about to get to work on it when Charles interupted. "Well, can you get it?" She leaned back, "Yes, if you would leave me the hell alone so that I can concentrate." She studied the wires and dug through her bag to find the right tools. "If I disconnect these two wires and cross them over before thirty seconds, it will disarm." Charles had to ask, "If not?" She smiled, "Then they will be picking pieces of us out of the walls for some time." She pulled out a small set of tools and proceeded to unscrew the connections. A tiny beep came from the device and continued, "That's our counter." She was in the process of crossing the wires and screwing them back down when one of the cargo crewmembers found them. "What are you doing back there?" Charles replied, "Someone lost a bag, we were looking to see if it was here." Cecilia finished and pushed the drawer back in and picked up her duffle bag. "Yes here's one, it looks like the one that was described." She handed it to the man and he turned to walk away, and Charles shot him in the back of the head. "Is it ready?" He asked. "I think so, you should just be able to open it." He reached down and lifted the lid, inside was indeed a dead man. Charles proceeded to feel the liner around the body and found that there was a small compartment just under the pillow. "I'm going to lift him up and you need to get the package inside." He reached around the man's shoulders and pulled him up, straining against the weight. Cecilia lifted the pillow and a small beep sounded. "Oh shit. Backup device." She pulled the box out of the drawer and Charles dropped the guy. "Run!" Charles and Cecilia quickly exited the plane, and just as they reached the cargo doors the bomb exploded. Everyone began to flee the area, Charles and Cecilia managed to get out just in time. They hid behind one of the luggage trains and removed the jumpsuits. "You go, I'll take care of this." Cecilia handed him the box and went back to the plane. She met up with security and made like she just got there. Within minutes there were FBI and Military Police and other government personnel all over the airport. She spent sometime with several men taking reports and answering questions. Mr. Matsuko never suspected a thing. She wondered how Charles was. Once she finished at the airport she went back to the hotel. Once inside her room she began packing her things. The quicker she was off the island the better. She figured that everything would be back to normal at the airport soon and she would be able to leave by morning. After packing up most of her belongings she went down to the bar to have a much needed drink. She walked down the hall to the bar and was about to enter when she saw Charles at the desk. She went over to him. "Well, glad to see your still in one piece. What are you still doing here? I thought you would have disappeared by now." He smiled at her, "I had some unfinished business to take care off first. You looked as if you were going to have a drink, shall we?" He took her hand and led her to the bar where they sat at a table in a secluded corner. They both ordered drinks and waited for the waitress to walk away before speaking. Charles slid a small box across the table to her. It was a small velvet box, the kind that usually contained jewelry. She tilted her head and glared suspiciously at Charles. He smiled, "For your trouble." She took the box and opened it. It contained a small pendant shaped like a smiling crescent moon. It had a diamond for the eye and two more at each point. "It's beautiful, really. I love it." He replied, "I knew you would." The waitress returned with their drinks and walked away once more. Charles raised his glass, "To new beginnings, may we both have everything we want." They drank to the toast and Cecilia's curiosity got the best of her. "The diamonds, are these from the box we got today?" He smirked at her, "Yes. It was the least I could do, after all you did most of the work." She finished her drink and invited Charles upstairs. "I wish I could, but I have a boat waiting for me. I'm leaving soon. Would you like to come along?" Cecilia wanted nothing more than to follow him to the ends of the earth. "I can't you know that. I have to go home. I do have a business to take care of now, and not to mention uncle Morris will be missed eventually. I'll have a lot to take care of." Charles got up and took her by the arm. They walked out of the bar and up to the main doors of the hotel. He kissed Cecilia long and hard. "Goodbye CeCe. I'll miss you." He began to walk away when she stopped him, "If you ever need anything Charles, you know where to find me." He smiled, "I know." He got into a taxi and she watched him ride away. She shook her head and walked back to her room and made the call to the airport and arranged a flight back home. She spent her last night on the island walking the beach and staring at the moon. Would she ever see him again, maybe, maybe not. You could never tell with Charles.

Fin.