Chapter 1
Natalie Buchanan sat in a richly appointed apartment at The Watergate in Washington DC and was nervous as a cat. The apartment belonged to old friends of the Buchanans and she was in DC because her fate was currently being discussed behind closed doors all over this powerful town and beyond. A decision would be forthcoming within 48 hours and she had to be ready to move immediately hence her presence in DC. The apartment was truly beautiful, but it felt a bit like a gilded cage. She knew no one in DC, at least not well or to her knowledge. Plus, not for the first time she wrestled a bit with what she hoped the decision would be. Would it be better for her and everyone if she was turned down?
Natalie had joined the Llanview Police Force about 2 years ago and had been an exemplary officer, to the point where she had begun to do some undercover work which shed hoped would lead to a detective promotion some time in the not-too-distant future. A year ago a young female federal agent Morgan Brody had come to town on a case to which Natalie was assigned and the two women had become quite friendly. They were discussing their career goals, aspirations, challenges, etc. and Morgan had told Natalie about a major disappointment in her career that had also made her furious. She swore Natalie to secrecy and told her about a top-secret new team that had been created at FBI in the wake of September 11th. Very few at the FBI even knew about it at least very few knew if there were facts behind the rumors and it was simply known as the Special Branch. The best way to explain it was that it was to be almost like the FBIs version of Navy SEALs, or Army Green Berets but typically without the heavy artillery and out-and-out combat. This elite group would be placed in the most challenging situations from undercover intelligence gathering, to taking down the bad guys, to the extraction of key operatives, witnesses and even terrorists. While the team would get involved in international situations, at least half their work, sadly, was to focus on the threat within the US borders. But to date, no women had been allowed to even go through training and try to pass. The fear was that the stakes would be so high that putting women in those situations would be akin to signing them up for the most vicious torture since much worse could be done to them than their male counterparts or so the conventional patriarchal wisdom went, and it wasnt completely devoid of truth.
There were some who truly were chauvinists, but others argued that there were plenty of women agents who were up to their eyeballs in danger and would contribute greatly to Special Branch operations but would at least be a step or two back from the abyss. The working assumption in the Special Branch was that you had an unfortunately high likelihood of being captured, depending on the mission, and you would therefore have to survive unspeakable torture even if you would eventually be rescued and there was no guarantee you would. It just felt wrong to knowingly put a woman in such a situation similar to the ongoing reluctance to put women in pure combat roles in the military.
Interestingly, the Special Branch was an unusual example of inter-agency cooperation perhaps best evidenced by the fact that its existence did remain relatively secret, or at least everyone tacitly agreed to pretend they knew nothing. This was especially the case on the grounds of Quantico where most pretended not to notice what seemed like special training going on in their midst they believed it when they were told the classes were made up of law enforcement professionals from around the country who were being trained specially as the front-line of defense in the event of domestic terror events. Those going through the training were taught by members of the FBI, CIA, NSA, Britains MI-5, and even Israels Mossad.
For some reason, when Natalie heard about this team and the ban on women she felt a sudden desire to become part of it. Certainly it made her bristle when something was declared off limits due to gender. But she was deeply intrigued by the mission of the group, the training the challenge She had been looking for a challenge to which she could dedicate her energies. She had spent a good bit of her life feeling out of control, and then had become the victim of some horrible crimes far too many times. To become a member of an elite and powerful group, well trained, taking on some of the most dangerous people
Of course, Natalie told no one this. Instead she decided to get herself as ready as she could physically and then shed decide whether to actually try for this. She had been in decent shape and had stepped things up when she became a cop, but she was smart enough to realize that something like the Special Branch would take things to an extreme level. Like everyone, she had heard about the arduous training that SEALs went through and it didnt take a mental giant to realize any woman candidate for the FBI equivalent would be relentlessly scrutinized in terms of physical capacity. On that basis alone theyd try to exclude her. So, over the past 12 months Natalie had become dedicated to reshaping her body and maximizing her conditioning. Most had no clue how much work she had done in that regard. They thought she looked a bit leaner, but since she usually had a t-shirt and long yoga pants on when she worked out, the amazing transformation of her body was largely unknown.
During that time she had not been intimate with anyone either her heart just wasnt ready. After she had learned that her husband Cris was actually alive, and he got out of prison, they were estranged for a while before they could get past the anger and feelings of betrayal. They then tried to date again and see if they had a future and it had almost felt like old times when they had made love, but the operative term was almost. It just wasnt the same, and a pale imitation of what theyd had the bond theyd shared, the dreams it wasnt enough. Natalie sighed as she thought back on that.
Finally, about 2 months ago, she began to ask around to see how anyone might even apply for this non-existent program. She had started with Morgan who explained that people were invited to apply she had gotten wind of it and gone to a supervisor who shed known had been scouting out some possible invitees, and he had simultaneously turned her down and denied what was going on. She explained that they looked for possible recruits inside the FBI and even in local law enforcement agencies where officers/detectives may have captured the attention of the FBI on a joint case or task force. There were also back-door referrals, too, made by powerful people in DC who had kids, friends kids, etc. who wanted to be considered. Natalie considered all of this and then had a eureka moment. One of Pennsylvanias US Senators was a woman who had served in the first gulf war perhaps shed be willing to take this on
And so began this crazy journey. Natalie had met with Senator Peg Harris and the woman had taken an immediate liking to her. Harris saw the steel and resolve in Natalie. She learned of her history and realized that if she could survive that intact well, she might just be able to handle the worst. She might actually be even more battle-tested than any of the men Senator Harris began to agitate to push, prod, plead, cajole and it seemed to be working. There was now a better-than-even chance that the FBI would take Natalie on board for this program. And Harris had summoned Natalie to DC and told her to be prepared to stay in the area for the better part of a year if she was selected for training.
Natalie arrived yesterday morning and met with Senator Harris.
Start Flashback
Natalie, its great to see you we seem to be in the home stretch, so I have to ask you are you sure. You are a smart young woman so youve probably already figured it out, but you will be the exemplar for all women, and if you fail it is unlikely anyone else will ever get the chance, at least not for a very long while. Now, I know that from a physical standpoint you are in exceptional shape I appreciate you working out with my experts so I could get an independent assessment but are you mentally, emotionally ready? To be hated on sight in some cases, barely tolerated in most. To have your instructors possibly work actively against you while supporting the rest of the class to be isolated and alone
Senator Harris, I truly believe I am I am not kidding myself I know that this will be 100 times harder than Ive imagined but I still dont think the training is going to be worse than spending a week in a cold, wet pit certain I was going to die..
End Flashback
But as Natalie sat in the fancy apartment, she wondered if she was ready. She couldnt pull the plug on herself at this point but would she be relieved, just a little bit, if she was turned down?
She suddenly couldnt stand it anymore she had to get out so she headed to the fancy complexs equally fancy gym working out had become her refuge over these months and she needed it desperately right now
Chapter 2
Mark Mason walked into the gym at The Watergate looking forward to a long workout. He had just come from court and the tension had been running high. At 38, he was a successful US Attorney whose specialty was taking down child predators and pornographers, but he also did a good bit of anti-terrorism work. He had the physique of a football player or professional wrestler who put in the time to keep himself in top-flight shape. He stood about 6 5 and his frame was 250 pounds of solid muscle. He had incredibly broad shoulders and chest, a narrow waist, 22-inch biceps, massive forearms, large, strong hands, and thigh and calf muscles that were powerful and well-defined. He had blond hair he kept tightly cropped, chiseled very handsome features, and gray-blue eyes. He was so used to, well, being himself and looking this way, that he truly didnt register the appreciative glances he always drew from women and the blend of awe and envy he inspired in some men.
As he stepped into the work-out area he noticed that there seemed to be a bit of a crowd around one piece of machinery, which seemed odd. It wasnt a new piece that needed some sort of tutorial. He recognized an acquaintance standing nearby and asked, Whats going on?
Some hottie who knows how to do it is working out and some of these guys are acting like theyve been in a desert for weeks and shes a drink of water
Mason laughed and stepped a bit closer. The womans back was to him and she was sitting on a bench, pulling a significant amount of weight down behind her neck, her muscles flexing throughout each smooth repetition. The first thought that went through his mind when he saw her back and shoulders, exposed by her tank, was Linda Hamiltons body in Terminator Two. She was like a piece of wire not bulky, but everything taut and her definition was enviable. A long, fiery red braid fell down the middle of her back, but he couldnt see her legs since they were clad in a light cotton pair of yoga pants. It was true, you didnt see this sort of woman in this gym that often. Most of the women who worked out here were more concerned about their outfits coordinating and the precision of their hair and make-up it was essentially a meet-market, but it was handy since he lived in the building. And he enjoyed the eye-candy like any red-blooded male. He did notice that the other women were not thrilled about the attention centered on this interloper. The redhead finished her set and turned to get off the bench, and Mason realized why else she had drawn a crowd she had amazing breasts. Somewhat surprising given the rest of her frame and body, but he could tell they were real hed seen enough bolt-ons in his life, heck hed touched more than a few sets, to know that these were the real deal and even a tight sports bra underneath her tank didnt diminish them. As she went to stand up he finally got a look at her face and he was shocked it couldnt be. Could she really be little Natalie Buchanan?!
Without realizing hed spoken he said, Natalie?!
Natalie had been in her own little world, trying to ignore and tune out the growing audience she seemed to be gathering. She might have to find a more hard-core work-out gym where she wouldnt stick out so much. It was therefore a shock to hear her name. She looked at the large and decidedly handsome man whod said it and after a moment realization dawned.
Mark? Mark Mason, right? she said as she stepped towards him and completely missed the deflated groans of the other guys who realized theyd have no chance against him.
Yeah wow, Im surprised to see you here
Its been a while a couple of years at least I think last time I saw you was at a fundraiser for my brother Kevin, when he was Lieutenant Governor
Right
Mason and Kevin had worked together on a task force and had gotten to be somewhat friendly. Natalie had met him a couple of times, but once Kevin left politics hed not really kept in frequent touch with Mark.
So do you live here now, Natalie in DC?
No, not really. Its a bit of a long story but Im in town for at least this week staying in a family friends apartment here, and I was going stir-crazy so decided to work out its a great outlet
I totally understand just came to work out myself want to do it together, maybe get a bite or something after?
Mason was bit surprised by his invitation, but he just found her fascinating at this moment she had been a very attractive young women when hed met her, but she seemed to have changed quite a bit and she was, frankly, hot
Natalie was a bit surprised as well, but the chance to be with someone she at least knew a little bit, and to get out of that apartment plus he was, frankly, hot
Id really like that
They worked out together for the next hour, and while Mason clearly used a lot more weight, he was truly impressed even surprised by what Natalie could handle. They finished with cardio, running side-by-side on treadmills, and he was again surprised by her conditioning she barely broke a sweat and was moving fast on an incline. She was the real deal.
They opted to shower in their own apartments since they were in the building, and Mason said hed pop by Natalies door in an hour to get her they were just going to go to a casual bar for a burger or something. A splurge was OK every now and again
Mason knocked on Natalies door and about 30 seconds later she opened it up, and they stood openly looking at each other appreciating each other. They were dressed pretty similarly, jeans, v-neck cashmere sweaters Natalies a peacock blue, his grey, and she had no shirt under hers while he wore a white oxford underneath his. She had on 3-inch boots, but even with those she barely hit 57 and was dwarfed by him even in his flat topsiders. She wore her hair flowing around her shoulders, the perfect amount of makeup to set off her eyes and lips, and simple diamond studs in her ears. He motioned for her to step in front of him and then he appreciated the way her jeans molded her tight behind she had chanced a glance at his own, and liked what she saw as well.
Mason and Natalie walked to a restaurant four blocks away that reminded her a bit of Rodis except it was more yuppified. Still, it was cozy and low-key, and they settled into a back booth and ordered beers and burgers but skipped the fries.
So, Natalie what brings you to town?
She had tried to think if a good answer to this when shed been getting ready, and decided to toss out what shed thought was the best one, Well, I am a police officer in Llanview now, and theres a special program the FBI is doing to help train local law enforcement on some anti-terror investigative techniques, and Im
She didnt get any further because Mason broke in saying in surprise, Oh my God its you youre her the one everyones buzzing about!
Natalie looked at him with her mouth agape but then tried to cover, What are you talking about?
Oh, no Buchanan, you cant snow me youre Peg Harris little project I cant believe I didnt put it together, especially after seeing you work out how youve transformed yourself into the woman from T2
Natalie allowed herself a brief moment to be flattered by the comparison that had been her goal, her vision for herself as shed trained her and Madonnathen she said, Mason, seriously
Forget it babe, you are SO busted wow so when will you hear?
She surrendered, but whispered, Within the next 48 hoursbut how do you know about the program?
Natalie, I am very connected at Quantico I help put away many of the people they catch plus I teach some legal classes in that program that cant be named you may end up my pupil care to earn any extra credit with your teacher ahead of time? He said that with a stagey leer on his face and she had to laugh.
She felt herself relaxing as they talked and ate it was a relief to be with someone who knew the full story, and they had fallen into an easy banter with more than a little bit of overt flirting going on. It had been so long since Natalie had let herself even look at another guy and Mason was a sight to behold. He was sending her clear signals that he was interested too but what perhaps made her possibly most interested in return was the fact that it would be just for the fun of it, clearly with no strings attached. Would that be so awful? Just a fun romp? She was very attracted to him who could blame her? But she also felt equally comfortable with him
Masons thoughts were running along the very same lines. She was a good bit younger than him 12 years, since she was only 26 but she was mature and had been through plenty and she was hot! Her body was beyond ridiculous and hed love to spend some time putting it through its paces having her exerting herself in a whole other way and bringing her as much pleasure as he could hed been told he was quite adept in that department, thank you very much!
Mason suggested they walk a few blocks further to a small jazz club and when they settled in a quiet corner, this time he joined her on the same side of the banquette, and their bodies were close together. After another few drinks this time vodka for both of them they were totally relaxed. Not drunk, but a little bit buzzed, which only served to heighten their flirtation and attraction to each other. Eventually Mason just had to kiss her and he did, while she was mid-sentence, and after a small pause of surprise she returned it. The band had begun to play some more bluesy selections and a few couples were dancing closely on the small dance floor, and Mason pulled back from the kiss and simply grabbed Natalies hand to take her there. He had decided he was going to go into full-on seduction mode not in some cheesy overwhelming way, but just close proximity, a few kisses, and the rest would be up to her but somehow he had a feeling she wasnt going to be fighting him too hard or herself for that matter
Natalie felt a thrill of excitement run through her when Mason had grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor, and it revved up when he pulled her close in his arms, and began to sway back and forth with her. He was all man, and she had never been inside such a strong and complete embrace before. Her head was resting on his broad chest, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, and she knew he was feeling some of the same things she was due to the tell-tale hardness that pressed high on her stomach. Some things about being a woman were better he could only guess if her body was responding similarly until they were somewhere much more private and he could know for sure. She was feeling a bit impish, and pressed her stomach against him eliciting a very soft moan from him against her hair.
Mason was pleasantly surprised that she seemed to be signaling awareness if not yet interest but he could certainly take it that way. He also decided that two could play at that game, so he moved his right hand to her hair and pushed it off her neck and then placed a scorching open-mouthed kiss on the exposed skin. He smiled to himself when he felt her knees buckle just the slightest bit before she locked them again. And then she pressed herself even more tightly against him, so he added some gently nibbling teeth to his kiss. She finally had to look at him so she tilted her head up and barely had time to register the desire in his eyes before his mouth had moved to hers and practically forced it wide open to accept his probing tongue. She moaned and then joined in a heated exploration of each others mouths while the hardness against her middle grew even more so. When their mouths parted they were both breathing hard, and he whispered, Do you want to come home with me, to my place, Natalie?
She appreciated the directness and decided to be the same, Yes I do
He smiled at her and kissed her briefly again, and then took her hand so they could settle the check and walk home. They didnt hold hands along the way, but occasionally when they had to stop for a light hed plant another kiss on her, and she gave as good as she got in return. By the time they were in the elevator as The Watergate they were all over each other. Mouths melding, hands groping and Natalie was having a hard time catching her breath. She knew he was going to take her on a wild ride and she was determined to just go with it. Neither was pretending this was all about hot, pleasurable, recreational fun, and Natalie was surprised with herself because shed never actually done something like this. Just for the sheer fun and sexual release and pleasure, but she was starting with a pretty good partner, that she knew. Mason was a man, not a boy, a hot man at that and he clearly knew what he was doing. And that gave her a moments pause as she wondered if she could keep up
Chapter 3
They entered Masons apartment and once again he had her in his arms, his tongue plundering her mouth. As much as he wanted her, and would hate to have to end this now, at the end of the day Mason was a decent guy and he felt he needed to make sure she was really up for this they didnt know each other all that well, she didnt seem like she was the type to sleep with someone on a first date, and sometimes reality set in once you got back to a quiet apartment as opposed to a club where you could push the boundaries on flirtation but were still safe.
He pulled back and cupped her face and said gently, Natalie are you sure you want to be here to do this? Its OK if you want to change your mind, but please make it now if you do
She looked at him with wide eyes and swallowed and said, No, Im sure
But what? Natalie, you can say anything to me ask anything of me if we are going to do this the best way is to be totally open and honest, no embarrassmentno holding back
Somehow she felt she could be open, Im not exactly a convent girl I was married even! But I havent racked up a long list of partners either and honestly, I havent been with anyone in the past year
Mason felt a bit of tenderness work its way through him and he rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks Well, Im glad you felt you could tell me that I promise Im not going to be trying to get you to do crazy things you dont want we can just let it go where it does and you can tell me all along the way what you want what you dont want its about us having some fun together bringing each other pleasure do you want that Natalie?
She closed her eyes and whispered, Yes
He moved his mouth to within an inch of hers and whispered in return, Then just let it happen let go let me take you where you want to golet me make love to you, every inch of you
Mason claimed Natalies mouth in a soulful, hot, yet gentle kiss and she felt herself responding in kind immediately. And she turned her brain off and shifted into sensation mode. It had been so long too long Without breaking the kiss Mason picked Natalie up and it registered that she was completely pliable as he did so she was already letting herself go. He carried her into his bedroom and put her down so they could stand and face each other. She was truly beautiful, especially with her lips swollen from all the kissing they had already done. He ran his fingers through her hair and drew her to him for another kiss and as he did that his hands went to the bottom of her sweater and began to tug it off her. Again, she put up no fight, just moved her mouth off his and raised her arms up so he could remove it from her body. He sucked in a breath when he saw her magnificent alabaster breasts barely encased in pale blue lace. Her entire upper body was stunning. Her frame was tiny, but her curves and the definition in her arms, back and abdomen was perfection. She was not big at all, but was toned, taut, and incredibly strong, he knew. She would surprise some people because pound for pound she had built quite a bit of strength perhaps even more than a typical 190-200 pound man who played at working out. All that in a 54, taut body. He reached behind her and unsnapped her bra and he saw her breath catch in her creamy throat as he did so. To his delighted surprise she beat him to the punch and removed the scrap of lace from herself before he could move his hands to do so.
Mason wasted no time in moving his open mouth to her left nipple and bathing it with his tongue and he increased the pressure at her groans while his large hands spanned her tiny waist to hold her up and hold her in place where he wanted her. When his mouth had taken her breast Natalie felt an electric charge between her legs and she knew she had become exponentially wetter. That only increased when his mouth moved to her other breast and it stoked an incredible desire within her and she craved more. Without conscious thought her hand moved to the hardness between Masons legs and she grabbed it through his jeans.
Mason was again surprised, but incredibly turned on. Clearly Natalie was not holding back, and he realized he didnt have to go quite as easy on her as he had thought. He pulled his mouth away from her breast to smile at her seductively and say, Oh someones getting impatient, are they? Well all right, darling, we can speed this up a bit
Then his hands had moved to her jeans and before Natalie knew what was happening they were down around her ankles, but stuck on her boots. Mason grabbed her around the waist and hoisted her onto the bed almost tossing her there and then he was yanking her boots and socks off with her jeans following behind. She propped her upper body up on her elbows and Mason felt his erection jump at the sight of her half sitting/half lying on his bed, clad only in the smallest scrap of blue lace panties, her hair wild around her and her nipples hard and red from his attentions. And she was softly panting which caused him to moan in his arousal.
Mason took a step closer to the end of the bed and Natalie kneeled up straight on it, right at the edge and fell against him as his arms wrapped around her and pulled her oh so tightly against him. She sighed at the feeling of his sweater against her highly sensitive nipples and then his right hand was holding the back of her head and pulling her mouth to his in a searing kiss that made her thighs quake. It registered to her that his hand was so large that her entire head fit within it She began to tug on the bottom of his sweater and he stepped back from her to pull it off but first had to put a steadying hand on her because shed almost fallen without his body to lean on he found himself chuckling but in short order had pulled his sweater, oxford and t-shirt off and then he gasped because Natalies mouth had attached itself to his right nipple and for a second he was sure he was going to burst the zipper on his jeans. He had barely completed that thought when it registered that Natalies hands were opening his button and zipper and he was as ready as she was to be free of his confines.
He removed her hands from him and said, Let me on a husky breath, and she sat back on her feet as she watched him, the move flashing him just a bit of the crotch of her panties. He pushed his jeans and boxers down together and kicked them off and noticed the mix of desire and twinge of fear that played across Natalies face. She swallowed hard when she saw him and felt an incredible stab of excitement and then a bit of fear. He was, well, huge. And she wasnt really surprised given his overall size and physique, but seeing him close up again, arousing and nerve wracking. She knew shed never experienced anything like him.
Mason was surprisingly devoid of arrogance when it came to his physique and certain endowments. Though he worked hard to make the most of his physical gifts, much of it came down to genetics. He was, however, aware that he set the bar decently high when it came to his manhood, and he had seen a similar expression on the faces of some of the other women with whom hed spent some time. Based on what Natalie had shared about her somewhat modest sexual experience, he could understand why she might be apprehensive and he wanted to reassure her.
He moved closer to the bed and took her face in his hands and kissed her passionately, and he felt her relax into it. Then he moved back and asked, You still OK remember we promised wed be totally honest
When Natalie was nervous she sometimes fell back on humor so before she could stop herself she said, Is that thing registered as a lethal weapon?
Mason just shook his head and laughed she really was something else, and he liked it. Buchanan, you are a piece of work
Well.. and before she could say another word he had pulled her up to a kneeling position on the bed again so he could band his arms around her and take possession of her mouth again in a toe-curling kiss, and the mood was once again seriously erotic all humor gone. Natalie felt his naked hardness pressing into the space between her belly and pubic bone and she suddenly wanted nothing more than to feel every blessed inch of him fill her She moaned deeply into his mouth and finally he pulled away and said, Dont you worry Ill make sure youre up for it when the time comes.. and she had zero doubt that was true, in fact she was pretty sure shed be begging for it. He was kissing her again and she was losing all train of thought, but she did realize that he was now moving her panties down her hips and thighs and she shivered in response. When they were resting in the middle of her thighs he all of a sudden pushed her back onto the bed so he could yank them off the rest of the way.
With amazing speed Mason had moved onto the bed and spread her legs open, and then Natalie felt the head of his penis running along and through her moist folds and she gasped in both surprise and pleasure. She felt herself quake a bit because it felt so good, but it also seemed like he was just going to take her here and now, and she wasnt sure she was near ready yet she felt more moisture flood between her legs. With his eyes locked on hers, pure desire in both of theirs, he gently pushed just the tip of his penis partially into her wet opening and her head fell back as her hips bucked in response but she also cried out, Mason! on a note of fear.
He moved a calming palm to her stomach and then removed his himself, rubbing exquisitely against her folds again, as he said, Natalie honey, dont worry I promised Id take it slow I just wanted to see how much work I had to do to get you there His voice was seduction itself as he said this.
A shudder of relief and arousal went through her as she heard his words, his tone, and contemplated exactly what sort of work he was going to doand he didnt take long to get started. Natalie surrendered herself completely and lost track of time as it seemed like he was everywhere. His hands, his mouth and every now and again shed feel his hardness make contact with her body sometimes pressing into her arm, her thighs, her stomach, and devastatingly, sometimes with purpose against the seeping wetness between her legs. What did register was how masterfully his hands took control of her after spending a full year feeling totally strong and in control, she now felt small, delicate and at the delicious mercy of this man. His hot mouth had been almost everywhere on her body as he moved her around, sometimes flipping her onto her stomach so he could kiss and lick her back, her shoulders, the taut cheeks of her ass but the whole time his mouth and fingers avoided the one place she was now burning for him she could barely catch a breath around the ache that had moved from her center and up into her chest, her throat. She clung to him when she could grab a hold and returned the kisses hed bestow on her mouth ardently and she was nothing but quivering, questing nerve endings and desire.
Mason had made love to his fair share of women, but he was inordinately turned on by Natalie. Her body was a marvel, but it was her passion that truly lit the match to his own desire. She had literally surrendered herself, and her movements, her noises, her kisses were of someone whod literally let herself become her desire, her passion, her need He found himself dragging everything out as much as he possibly could because he was enjoying every response he was drawing out of her even if he was now in more than a little pain from his own arousal. He would never tell Natalie this but he wasnt sure hed ever been quite so hard and engorged before so, darn, he was just going to have to work a little harder a little longer on her
Mason moved so he was lying on his side on the bed, along Natalies left side while she was on her back, her legs slightly bent. He leaned over her and their eyes met, and hers were clouded with passion and she whispered his name. He gently spread her legs wider, and then one of his thick fingers was moving into her wetness as far in as he could go and her hips bucked while her knees fell completely open. He moved another one inside her and she groaned deeply and began gyrating her hips, unable to help the instinctive response aimed at deepening his hold, heightening her own pleasure. He loved watching her her reactions it spurred him on as he began to drive his fingers inside her and he whispered, Do you want to let go, Natalie let yourself go sweetheart let it happen Then he plunged his fingers all the way in while rubbing her clit with his thumb and her hips shot off the bed as her orgasm ripped through her entire body. Mason kept up the pressure of his fingers to draw her out relishing the feeling of her flooding over him, contracting around him, and he moved his mouth over hers to capture her cries and tease more shudders out of her with his devastating tongue
Natalie felt as if her body had turned to liquid and she wasnt sure which touch was more intoxicating at that moment his fingers inside her or his magical tongue in her mouth and then she had an incredible thought what would it feel like to have that magic tongue where his fingers were It appeared that Mason was a mind reader because while she was still trembling, but regaining some of her faculties, she realized that he was on the move again. He was moving down the bed and stretching out with his mouth positioned between her legs. She whimpered when she felt his strong hands move under her to grab her ass and lift her exactly where he wanted, and then his tongue was diving inside where he fingers had just destroyed her. She screamed out his name and was stunned when she felt another climax tear through her with even more intensity than the last he was going to kill her before they were done Her entire upper body writhed in her inability to contain herself as he continued to work his mouth on her, his tongue inside her one moment and then pressing against her engorged bud as she begged him for what she didnt know, but all she could whimper was, please
Mason could wait no longer. He was more aroused than he could ever remember being and he knew where he had to be he also knew shed probably become a bit tighter due to her contractions, but couldnt wait any longer. He moved so he was kneeling between her legs and he rasped, Look at me, Natalie and she did. Once again this tip of his penis was at her now-soaked opening and then he was pushing inside her.
Natalie was craving this moment and his inch-by-inch possession of her was torture. She knew he was stretching her carefully, but experience told her it would be better to do it fast and then move on from there and that was how she was dying to feel it she moved her legs tightly around him and forced him inside her in one searing move and they both cried out at the sensation of him tearing into her. For a brief moment Natalie thought it almost felt like it was her first time again, but the stab of pain was momentary and she also found it strangely erotic. And then they were moving together and she felt the molten ache begin to build inside her again.
Mason had planned on taking it slow and had been blown away by the decisive way Natalie had virtually forced him to claim her body using the strength of her gorgeously sculpted legs. He could feel himself pushing past her bodys resistance but then was within her within her incredibly tight, hot walls, and he almost came as soon has he felt his tip hit deep inside her. But he held his breath for a second and willed that not to happen because he wanted to savor every single second he could of this erotic possession.
He began to drive into Natalie as her legs remained like a vice around his hips and she met him thrust for thrust. He had been holding his upper body off her with his strong arms, but he desperately wanted to kiss her at this moment and he moved his upper body down on hers and his arms underneath her so he could wrap them around her and pull her up closer to him. Their passion heavy eyes locked on each other for a long moment as their lower bodies continued to drive and grind against each other, and she whispered his name, Mason and was rewarded with a devastating kiss.
He could feel her begin to convulse around him and he was dying for his own release. Suddenly he was rolling them so she was on top and in a swift move he pushed her upper body off him and then grabbed her hips and rammed her down onto him, holding her in place and thrusting up into her while he ground her against him and her scream split the air as her head fell back and her entire body shuddered while her walls grabbed him inside her and he was well and truly done. He exploded deep inside her while unable to stop the ongoing rutting and grinding of his hips his hands had tightened around her waist like a vice to keep her supported.. to keep her in place and then she was falling forward onto him, completely and utterly spent, her third orgasm bringing her to a heated exhaustion shed never before experienced. He held her for long moments caressing hertaking deep breaths as he felt her continue to tremble against him her own breaths coming in gasps.
Finally she could at least move a little bit and she pushed herself off him some so she could look at him. That was that was amazing Ive never
He had a tender expression on his face as he reached a shaky hand up to push her hair back a bit and he said in complete honesty, Ive got news for you kiddo me neither.. me neither Then he kissed her softly and turned them so he could spoon her from behind, and they fell asleep. Her final thought before she drifted of was she couldnt remember ever feeling so held before.
Chapter 4
Mason and Natalie had slept for a few hours, and then they were at each other again. At first it had seemed like this time around theyd be calmer, gentler, but that was simply not to be. Natalie quickly took control this time around and when shed pushed him down and taken all of him in her hot mouth he felt the sensation down to his toes. The whole idea of this little bitty thing being so strong as to almost manhandle him well it just did something to him. Of course, he eventually turned the tables and left her in a quivering heap again but he wasnt much better off, and it was fabulous.
Finally they slept until he was jolted awake by his apartments intercom. Natalie didnt even stir and he chuckled as he headed to stop the noise hed obviously, eventually, worn her out.
Yeah
Hey, Mason, its John McBain I was in the area and thought I could just pop by for a second to go over things for court on Monday
Mason rubbed his face, glanced back at Natalie and said, Sure, come on up and buzzed him in.
He quickly grabbed a tank and cotton pajama bottoms and headed into his living room to wait for John. Theyd known each other for the better part of 10 years, and though not exactly friends, they were more than acquaintances. They were the same age and had had similar life experiences or more particularly, similar attitudes. They were married to their work and enjoyed the company of myriad ladies on the side. He had heard that John had been engaged once, but his fianc had sadly met an untimely end. That would be a life-altering experience so Mason decided not to put himself at risk to experience such a loss. Though even as he lived his life that way, he knew there was always a chance that some time in the future hed change his mind.
He heard John approaching and pulled the door open before he could knock or ring the bell he didnt want to disturb Natalie. John was dressed in jeans, button-down shirt and his black leather jacket, and he took in Masons relative state of undress and took a pointed glance at his watch which showed it was almost 10 oclock. He was going to razz Mason a bit Hey, you normally are up and at em at the crack of dawn even on a Saturday you feelin OK?
Mason shook his head and chuckled Yeah, McBain, Im fine just a bit of a late night early morning
John raised his eyebrows but said nothing he didnt need a picture drawn for him.
John and Mason sat talking for a bit John was to testify Monday against one of the kiddie-porn kingpins hed taken down, and Mason was prosecuting.
Natalie woke and stretched, and winced a little bit as she felt the after-effects of her night with Mason. She realized she was alone in his bed and took a moment to reflect on the hours they had spent pleasuring each other, and she flushed a bit at the memories. It had been a truly amazing experience, just letting herself go like that. It was also a bit odd, because she barely new Mason but felt like she could trust him to do that she realized that the situation was probably a big part of it being here alone, wondering her fate, no strings attached. She thought she heard voices in the living room but figured it was likely the TV or radio. She climbed gingerly out of bed and saw Masons oxford shirt tossed on a chair, and she grabbed it and pulled it on. She giggled when she realized how huge it was on her. It fell down to her knees and she had to roll back the sleeves at least 4 times. She went into the bathroom quickly and took a look in the mirror. She looked a wild, hair flying in every direction. Her lips were still a bit swollen and redder than normal, and she could also see that there were some marks on her neck and chest and she assumed elsewhere from Masons mouth and his five oclock shadow oh well she thought. She took a swig of mouthwash and then headed into the living room.
Natalie walked into the living room but stopped dead when she realized that it wasnt the TV shed heard, but that Mason had company. She was about to turn around but they both looked up at the same time, giving her a thorough once-over.
Mason thought she looked adorable and incredibly sexy in his shirt which swallowed her up.
Johns thoughts werent too far off. He looked at her intently hed been trained to observe and immediately thought she looked like she was barely college-age. But the other thought that came immediately to him was that he was not a bit surprised that Mason had had to sleep in, because this pretty and yes, sexy - young thing looked like shed been well and truly at the risk of being indelicate fucked. It wasnt just the shirt, though that was part of it. Her gorgeous red hair had clearly had hands working their way through it, pulling it, throughout the course of the night and into the morning. Moreover, he too noted her swollen mouth and the markings on her neck which were quickly being covered up by the blush that was moving over her neck and face. John felt a twinge of jealousy and then a slight tightening in his pants, and he then felt like a total reprobate but, hey, he was a man.
Mason could tell Natalie was uncomfortable, and he moved over to her and put an arm around her and said, Hey, this is John. Were working on a case together on Monday and he popped by unannounced, I might add to go over a couple of things. John, this is Natalie
She just waved a bit at him, not feeling it appropriate to go over and try to shake his hand or anything. She said softly, Hi, John and he replied, Hello, Natalie and she was struck by the tone of his voice which was smooth and confident, almost like a purr and she was reminded that she was only in Masons shirt, though it certainly more than covered her. Natalie turned to Mason and said, Why dont I just go wait for you inside leave you guys to it
Mason smiled and said, Great idea please do wait for me, Natalie and he couldnt help the leading tone of his voice as he said it, and she blushed even more and bolted out of the room.
As soon as she was out of earshot John said, Geez, Mason, are you trolling for coeds now? Have you finally worked your way through DCs women and are having to start with girls
Mason took the ribbing good naturedly and said, I assure you Natalie is well above age a whopping 26 AND she is ALL woman every delicious inch of her
John just laughed and then they returned to their conversation, but he made it relatively quick because if he had a woman like that waiting for him in HIS bedroom, sitting with the likes of him would be the last place hed want to be
Mason returned to his bedroom and found Natalie sitting back against the pillows, still in his shirt. When she saw him walk in she said, Well, that was a bit embarrassing
Hes a big boy Natalie same age as me he was hardly shocked or put out by the sight of you probably enjoyed it actually glad you waited for me and as he said this he was pulling off his tank and pushing his pajama bottoms back off him. Again Natalie marveled at his physical perfection, and also felt herself grow wet again He moved slowly in her direction and said, Funny, I dont remember telling you that you could borrow my shirt, Natalie
She felt a thrill run through her as she whispered, Well then youre just going to have to take it off me
Then she was off the bed lightening quick and made it all the way to the living room before he caught her. He tore the shirt off her as her pulse jumped and then he tossed her down on the couch and took her in one swift move. They were so ready for each other that just half a dozen thrusts later they were climaxing together, writhing against each other in surprised pleasure. When they were finally breathing normally he stood up, tossed her over his shoulder and carried her into the shower.
Later they were both dressed and he asked, You feel like grabbing some lunch?
Sure Id just like to run downstairs real quick and change my clothes, though
OK, Ill swing by in 15?
Deal.
She traded one pair of jeans for another, pulled on a black suede work shirt and her boots, and was ready when he came calling. She was glad that they felt incredibly at ease with each other and Mason picked up on it too. She hadnt turned into some clinging vine just because theyd spent such an incredible night and morning together and that made him want to spend MORE time with her, because it wasnt fraught with all kinds of crazy contextual issues.
They headed to a local deli where they grabbed salads and drinks and Mason asked, So, by Monday or even tomorrow evening you might know something?
Yes. They have to decide soon because rumor has it the non-class for the non-program starts Wednesday.
Mason chuckled and she asked, Whats funny?
We could have blown Johns mind and asked HIM!
Why would we do that?
Natalie, rumor has it that hes involved in the program that he and I have in fact co-taught a course or two
Hes a federal agent?
Big time one of the bestbut dont worry, there are a number of them involved in the program and they rotate instruction duties and heard he may be sent overseas for an assignment that could last up to 3 months
Natalie felt her heart unclench a little bit it would SO be her luck if she got into the program and realized her instructor had already met her, standing in mans apartment wearing his shirt after an endless sex-fest
So, Natalie, you either get in to this thing, or, what?
Well, I head back home and bust my butt to make detective
Thats my girl go get em but while youre hanging in town my weekend is actually completely unplanned
She smiled at him and shook her head, but she couldnt call him on his attitude and behavior because she was right there with him. You want to spend the rest of the weekend with me? Think you can handle it?
Bring it on, Buchanan I want to see everything you got
Chapter 5
It was 9 oclock Sunday night, and Natalie was again naked in Masons bed. They had spent virtually all there time there except for breaking for meals and showers which they took together. She had become a wanton hussy, and he had fully embraced in fact had willfully coaxed her fall from grace.
You are such a bad influence on me, Mason youve created a monster Im going to be pouncing on anything whether Im in the program or back in Llanview
Natalie love, dont even bother you know those boys wont live up to the standard Ive set better that you cling to your memories
Ego much? she laughed But then again, maybe I need to shore those memories up some
They were in the midst of a heated kiss that held the promise of oh so much more when Natalies cell phone rang. She sprang away from Mason to answer it.
Hello?
Natalie, Peg Harris here
She held her breath and said, Hello Senator
Are you lying down, Natalie it took all her willpower not to laugh at the embarrassing accuracy of that question, and she said nothing, so the Senator continued. Youre in, kiddo. Youre in. You need to keep this under your hat until Tuesday because only the Director and his Deputy at the Bureau know at this point. Tomorrow theyre going to tell one of their best agents, whos been one of the most frequent and successful instructors in the program, that youre going to be in his class lets see, I believe his name is John McBain, yep, John McBain congratulations, Natalie. Why dont you come by my office for lunch tomorrow say, 1pm so we can celebrate and discuss what this all means
Yes, Senator, thank you
I hope youll still be thanking me when this is all over
Mason had been looking at Natalie intently and he gathered that she had been accepted but she seemed shocked. Again, not all that surprising.
Well? WELL?
Im in Wow Im in
He grabbed her to him in a tight hug and in total sincerity he said, I know you are going to kick ass you belong in that program as much as anyone, and dont let ANYONE try to tell you differently even your instructor
She was touched by his confidence in her and returned the hug, but then pulled away and said quietly, Yeah, about that tell me what is your buddy Johns last name
Mason had a flash of comprehension and knew why she was asking. He looked at her intently and grimaced a bit as he said, McBain
Oh FUCK! Oh, I am dead before I even get started
Wow, you drew him, huh?
Oh, yes, he was specially selected but Im not supposed to say anything because hes not been told yet thats happening tomorrow I should just forget it
Natalie, hes a fair guy, plus in the end, whats the big deal so he knows you and I had sex so what? Is virginity a requirement for this non-program?
No its just that everything about me has to seem serious committed above reproach. You only have ONE chance to make a first impression, and what is his of me at this point?
I see your point but I think youll get past it in the meantime why dont we celebrate work out some of your tension
His mouth was on her neck as he was saying this and she laughed at him while her body couldnt help but respond You are incorrigible
AND encourage-able, fair Natalie
Natalie spent the night with Mason, and after he headed off to court, she headed back to her apartment. But she didnt let him go before warning him that he couldnt even HINT of anything to John because he may not know and might not put it all together anyway at least not until he saw her
Once she got to her place her borrowed place she whipped out her phone to call Rex, who knew why she was in DC.
Speak.
Rex, its me!
Me who?
REX!
OK, Natty, geez. Whats up?
Well, you cant tell ANYONE yet but Im in Im IN Rex but I need you to do me a favor. I need you to pull anything you can find on my drill sergeant, or instructor, or whatever the hell theyre supposed to be called his name is John McBain and hes a respected FBI agent, but I need you to dig beyond the official stuff anything dating back as far as you can help me understand him maybe even have something I can hold over him at some point if he gives me too much shit like maybe hes a bed wetter or something.
Rex listened to her going on until his head was spinning...Nattie what the hell are you talking about why do you need to know all this stuff..
Because so much of it is psychological a test of the wills and hes going to know tons about me more than I can tell you, she thought to herselfPLEASE just help me
All right all right itll take me a bit of time though but later today
OK!
Natalie got dressed into a black pantsuit and charcoal blouse and headed to meet Senator Harris. She was ushered in the moment she got there and the Senator stood to greet her and took Natalies hand in both of hers.
So, my dear, how does it feel after a nights sleep?
Still overwhelming, but mostly exciting
Good. GOOD. We can still undo this up until the end of the day, but after that its game on, Natalie and you are in until you wash out or quit
I understand.
Good. I ordered in sandwiches, lets sit and enjoy a bit
Natalie did enjoy her visit with the Senator she felt she was as in her corner as she could be, but it ultimately it would all rest on her and her own resources. Senator Harris gave her a tight hug before she left, and said, Natalie I know what its like to feel isolated. Feel like no one wants you around when youre just trying to do exactly what they are serve your country, make a difference. But if you keep your resolve, most will see it and come to respect it. Those that dont theyre just assholes that arent worth a damn. But heres my personal cell phone. And you use it, you USE it any time day or night you feel weak you need someone wholl really understand Im youre man
Natalie couldnt help the tears that pricked her eyes and she said, Thank you, for everything especially that Then she headed back home, anxious to see if Rex had anything.
Mason and John were meeting for a quick sandwich themselves before court resumed and John would take the stand.
So, Mason hows your redhead? Did you guys get out of bed at all this weekend?
Actually, quite a bit lunches, dinner all quite civilized
But what was she wearing when you left for work this morning?
A weak but satisfied and happy smile! he responded in total guy mode before he could stop himself. Damn!
John just shook his head and Mason was trying to think if there was any way to do damage control without seeming like an idiot, but he decided to just let it all drop and hoped John would.
Thankfully their conversation turned to the case, then John took the stand as his normal, dependable self, and headed back to Quantico where Mason was sure he was going to be quite surprised about his next assignment.
Natalie called Rex from her cell phone as soon as she cleared the Senate building. Anything Rex?
Well hello to you too
Look, Im sorry I just have so little time less than 2 days
Oh, I found some very interesting stuff. He is indeed a top agent, but he had some interesting odd jobs when he put himself through school. I emailed you some stuff check it out and then call me
Natalie raced to back to the apartment and booted up her laptop logged on and felt intense frustration at how long it was taking, even though it really wasnt that long She finally opened up Rexs email and he had written, Nattie, keep in mind these are from his poor college student days, when lots of people did whatever they had to in order to make some money. See 2 attachments.
She held her breath as she clicked on the first attachment and then she was laughing her ass off. John McBain was a CHIPPENDALES DANCER!!!! Oh, my GOD. Wow, he was HOT. Fabulous tattoos and from the looks of what was in his G-string But OH. MY. GOD. It took her a full minute to stop laughing long enough to click on the next attachment, and she assumed it was going to be another Chippendales shot but when it opened she gasped in total shock and slammed her laptop shut for a second, her eyes wide and her hands over her mouth in stunned amazement.
She slowly opened her computer and there he was posing in all his naked and incredibly aroused glory. He actually gave Mason a serious run for his money in the manhood department maybe even had a slight edge, for the love of God and he was five inches shorter than Mason and at least 60 pounds lighter but why? What? Then she realized, he was a nude male model in an art class. Wow. She had a friend whod done that but who the heck took a picture and howd it get on the net?
She phoned Rex immediately. How the hell?
Some girl from his class had him on her myspace page I guess he blew her off 20 years ago and modern technology gave her a way to get revenge poor bastard probably has no idea
And I kinda wish I didnt either how am I NOT going to see that image both of those images when I see him have to listen to him
Hey, Nattie, you asked
I know I know... but I guess its a clich for a reason be careful what you ask for
When she hung up, as mortified as she was, she sat looking at the picture. There was a smoldering quality to him, where Mason was more the clean-cut jock type then she chastised herself and slammed her computer shut but she didnt delete the images from her computerand she couldnt wait to jump Mason when he got home
Chapter 6
John headed back to Quantico in quite a good mood. He had done well on the stand ably guided by Mason and another piece of human garbage was going away. When he thought about Mason, he thought about his redhead and laughed Mason was a bit of a cad, but a good guy overall. And who was he to talk. He was glad that his next assignment would take him abroad for a few months he was trying to extricate himself from a woman in his neighborhood whom hed dated a few times and who seemed to think it as supposed to head somewhere. Yep, a few months away when he got to his office an assistant said, Deputy Director Chase wants to see you immediately
John about-faced and headed down an adjoining hall, knocking on Chases door. He really liked and admired him considered him a mentor at 10 years his senior Chase told him to enter.
Oh, John greattake a seat.
John did and said, Whats up you finally briefing me on my new assignment? What far-flung post am I headed to?
Yeah, John, about that
John felt his heart sink a little bit OK, give it to me straight, Chase
We need you to take an extra rotation of the Special Branch training an unusual situations come up
What?! Ive taught more rotations than anyone, and there are plenty of good instructors why am I suddenly indispensable?
Chase took a deep breath because he understood Johns frustration and he was trying to choose his words very carefully.
You know that there has been some strong agitation for us to let a woman into this program?
Yes he said carefully. John and Chase were essentially on the same page where that was concerned. They werent emphatically against the notion, but also had some serious concerns. There were the sheer physical requirements, with strength and conditioning and then the added extra elements of torture that could be used against a woman should she be captured. But did they have the right to play daddy if a woman could make it through the rest of the program with no special accommodations, of course. He rubbed his hands over his face and Chase continued.
Senator Harris has finally pulled it off
Johns head snapped up, but when he said nothing, Chase continued. She has managed to get enough support for her favored candidate and she is to be part of the class starting Wednesday. John, we need this to be as fair as possible you are the best person to take her on. You wont baby her, but you wont have it in for her from day one I believe shell get a fair shake from you and that is critical. I honestly doubt any woman can withstand the physical rigors unless she has been training like a demon for, well forever but unless and until we prove that, we are going to have to deal with this bubbling up as an issue
Shit, Chase are you saying that ALL the other instructors are too biased?
Maybe, maybe not but the fact of the matter is, no one can touch your track record in terms of number of class members succeeding AND at the highest level of achievements. We want to show that we put her in the best possible setting for success and that is you, whether you like it or not
Well then I hope she is like the equivalent of a guy that just happens to be female
When Chase said nothing, but had a funny look on his face John groaned and said, Oh, Lord, please dont tell me shes some pretty little thing whose favorite movie is GI Jane
Well, her name is
You know what, dont tell me. I dont want to know a THING about her you want impartiality, fine. Then I will hold off all opinions until the moment I meet her and will move on from there
Chase said nothing and then sighed and said, Fair enough. But I am going to have her file put in your office in the event you ever need to refer to it I know this is a lot to ask, John, but it really will be the best for everyone
OK, but I have a favor can I stay in an on-campus apartment during the training program? I kind of need to avoid a situation in my neighborhood for a bit
Chase just laughed out loud because he knew exactly what sort of situation John was referring to, and he said, Hey, buddy, its the least I can do
After John left, Chase looked again at Natalies file and thought, Boy, this is going to be VERY interesting
As Mason was leaving his office he dialed Natalies cell and she answered after 3 rings
Hey, Natalie, its Mason you doing anything for dinner?
No, after lunch with Senator Harris I pretty much just worked out had a lot of energy to burn off
Well I hope you saved some for me to help you with
She laughed and said, Im sure I can find a kink or too
No doubt but seriously, I was going to whip up some chicken, maybe some rice how about it?
Sounds great, actually. Tonight and tomorrow are my last two nights of freedom, then Im in lockdown, I guess
Rumor has it you get SOME liberty every now and againI might be persuaded to take you in
She laughed again and said, What time, Mason?
I should be home in about 20 minutes why dont I swing by your door and get you on the way
Sounds good.
Natalie had just showered and tossed on a white tank and matching yoga pants no bra, no undies and decided shed just go like that, except she did throw on an oversized black cashmere cardigan, which hid the fact that she had so little else covering her. She had flip flops on her feet, and opted to leave those as-is, too. She wanted to be comfy, and she knew she wouldnt be in whatever she put on for much of the night anyway. No use pretending otherwise. Her hair was still wet and she left that loose and to dry naturally, and had just put the slightest bit of make up on her eyes and a bit of gloss on her lips.
Mason knocked on her door and he couldnt help the smile that lit his face. She looked fresh and sexy and, as always, adorable at the same time. He moved his right hand to the back of her head and pulled her to him for a soft kiss and asked, Ready? and she nodded her head. As she walked with him back to the elevator, she realized she had come to genuinely like him he was a very decent person, and a wonderful interlude as she waited for this crazy new chapter in her life to start. By tomorrow shed be allowed to tell her family as long as they were sworn to secrecy. The government would continue to deny the existence of the program, let alone that theyd let a female in.
Mason asked Natalie to open a bottle of Chardonnay while he went to get changed, and he came back out in a tank, cotton pajama bottoms and bare feet, and then with a true comfort and ease he began to prepare their meal while she helped under his guidance. Within 40 minutes they were enjoying Chicken Piccata, seasoned rice, salad and wine.
So, Mason.. hmm I just realized that I always call you by your last name is that common or does anybody call you Mark?
My mom and dad call me that but pretty much everyone else calls me Mason always have. I think its because there was another Mark in my grammar school class, and then it stuck.
Well theyre both nice names anyway, do you cook for all your conquests, Mark Mason?
He laughed and said, NO. I avoid it at all costs because women think youre trying to impress them and read into things as to why youre trying to impress them and to me, dinners just dinner you know?
Funnily enough, she did. And in a strange way it pleased her that he wanted to cook for her and knew he didnt have to worry about what shed think.
Well, it is all delicious and I appreciate your doing it and read absolutely NOTHING into it at all
And thats one of the reasons I totally love hanging with you Buchanan
After they had eaten, Natalie got up to begin cleaning off the table and Mason came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, kissing the side of her neck. Those will keep, Natalie He ground himself into her back, her knees went weak and she leaned her head back against his broad chest. Then she turned around and stood on tiptoe so she could reach her arms around his neck and kiss him. As their kiss deepened his strong hands gripped her at the top of her thighs, just under her butt, and he lifted her up so she could wrap her legs around his middle and their mouths grew more intent, more passionate against each other. She loved the feel of his massive arms banding around her back, and she couldnt help wriggling around to reposition her center over his erection, and he moaned into her mouth. He moved over towards the island in the kitchen and sat her down on it, and moved his mouth to her neck. Then he pulled back to look at her as he moved his hands under her cardigan to the waistband of her pants and began to yank them off. Her breath caught in her throat and she was soaking wet in her anticipation. As Mason pulled her pants over her ass he realized that his hands were making direct contact with her soft skin, not the expected bit of silk, and he grew harder at the knowledge that she hadnt bothered with panties this evening and he looked forward to finding out what other pieces of clothing shed dispensed with.
While his mouth latched onto hers again, he pushed his pajama bottoms off and kicked them from around his feet, then picked Natalie up off the counter and pulled her down onto his hardness as her legs again wrapped around him. She moaned as she enshrouded him, taking him in to the hilt and ended their kiss so she could look at him, her arms entwining more tightly around his neck and shoulders. His hands moved to her ass and began to grind her against him as he walked them towards the bedroom and she again marveled at his strength his ability to fuck her magnificently while almost nonchalantly strolling through his apartment she felt her temperature spike as he did that. She moved her hands to the back of his head and pulled his mouth to hers in a heated open-mouthed kiss, and she could feel him grow thicker inside her in response.
When they got into the bedroom he placed so that her upper body was across the bed while her tush was just at the edge, and he began to pound into her in long sure strokes while her hands clutched at the comforter, her breath coming in gasps. He had to see all of her, but not wanting to lose his rhythm he rasped to her, take your shirts off I need to see you, Natalie She was helpless to do anything but obey his heated command and she ripped her sweater and tank off in one fluid motion and tossed them onto the bed behind her. He moaned when he saw her full breasts and hardened nipples and drove into her harder so he could see them bounce in response. Her passage was so tight and hot around him, and he could feel her earliest contractions. He knew her well enough to know it wouldnt take long for her to convert to a full-blown orgasm, and that suited him fine because the ache in his groin the fire he felt for her was reaching the point of no return.
Suddenly he withdrew, flipped her over and pulled her hips up so that her tight ass was at the perfect level in front of him, her face buried in her forearms that were planted on the bed in front of her as she moaned his name in surprise and aroused anticipation. He ran his tip along her wet length and then plunged right back into her, grunting at the extra depth this angle gave him. Then he was thrusting forcefully into her, his body slapping against hers as her screams were captured by the comforter. In a heartbeat he was overcome with sensation the feel of her gripping him further and harder in her body, almost as if to keep him from withdrawing only to welcome him back with his return stroke and he exploded violently within her. Natalie felt the rush of liquid heat flood over her quivering muscles and she was done, too. She shoved herself back hard against his pelvis and ground herself against him and her walls contracted with heated intensity around him.
Shit, Natalie... you are going to do me in honestly he rasped and she could only muster a shaky laugh in return. His legs were not much stronger than jello at this point, so he removed himself from her and climbed up on the bed, flopping onto his back beside her, and she eased her upper body forward so she was stretched out on her stomach next to him. He couldnt help it, he reached a hand out to rest it on her gorgeous ass and she managed to say Mmmmmm and nothing more. They stayed that way for a good while, actually nodding off for a bit. Then Mason sat up and said gently, Come on, lets get under the covers Ill even snuggle
She giggled but did as she was told, and after a very comfy, cozy few minutes said, Not that Im going to rat you out or anything but youre a really good cuddler And boy he was.
Chapter 7
Natalie spent most of Tuesday a nervous wreck, so she tried to burn off her energy with an hours long workout. She was to check in at Quantico at 9am sharp tomorrow morning, and she had no idea how things would go once McBain realized who she was because he most surely would. Mason had told her that he wanted to send her off with style tonight and she knew exactly what that meant and she was totally on board with one exception they had to be done by 10pm so she could get a good nights sleep, even if it meant she had to sleep in her own apartment for a change.
Mason had agreed and was true to his word he was home by 6pm, take out sandwiches in hand, which they promptly neglected, and he had carried her into bed by 6:10. He had whispered seductively to her, Your bodys going to take a beating these next monthsso allow me to bring it nothing but pleasure for these next few hours And he brought all his considerable strength and conditioning to that task. When Natalie was again capable of conscious thought she knew she was going to miss him and not just his touch, which was addicting. She felt so comfortable with him, and liked him enormously and she knew that what made things so easy was that neither of them had any expectations for each other, about each other. Still, she was going to miss having him in her daily life these past several days had been great. Almost as if he read her mind Mason said, Hey, lets keep this between the two of us, but Im going to miss you
She smiled at him and said, youre secrets safe with me, and in the spirit of total honestly, Im going to miss you too She kissed him softly on the mouth and moved her head back to his chest, and he tightened his arms around her by 10:05 they were fast asleep.
Mason had set his alarm clock for 6am and made Natalie a breakfast of oatmeal and bacon and she was touched by the gesture. Didnt you ever learn the value of a good breakfast? Hed also wanted to drive her to Quantico but she graciously declined all she needed was John McBain to see him dropping her off. He had insisted on arranging for car service to take her, and she found she liked the little ways he was trying to take care of her without smothering. Natalie had been instructed to show up with nothing but a single overnight bag with a few civilian clothes and personal items the rest would be provided for her. She tossed on yoga pants, sneakers, a sports bra, t-shirt and sweatshirt all basic black and had pulled her hair into a braid. No make-up. And still Mason thought she looked stunning. She couldnt help it.
He found he was actually worrying about her a bit, yet he believed she had a real shot at pulling this off. He admired her courage to take it on and he told her that, which he could tell meant something to her.
Mason then pulled her into a tight hug and held her against him for a long while. When he pulled back he gripped her upper arms in his large hands and looked at her intently, Natalie, I believe you are going to do great. But if you find it isnt happening for you, dont kill yourself trying just to prove a point. Give it your best I know you will but listen to your gut your body about whats right. And I want you to promise me, if you need anything, day or night, you call me you come straight here whatever you need whenever you need it. Because he thought the moment might be getting too serious he said, And if you play your cards right young lady, I just might let you spend your liberty with me and take liberties with me
She laughed and then pulled him back into a tight hug. They kissed softly and then she was heading out the door, to the car to Quantico.
John was in his office by 7am that morning, reviewing the curriculum for the upcoming training. They were learning as they went and after each class graduated all who had been involved de-briefed and discussed what had worked, what didnt, how training needed to be expanded, etc. Between the last graduation and this incoming class they had significantly retooled and lengthened the formal training. He had been one of the biggest proponents of that, and now he felt like hed tied a noose around his neck because Quantico training would now last six months, and then training would continue with newbies assigned to field work with experienced Special Branch operatives. John would be the lead instructor in charge, though he would be assisted by a strong team and their efforts supplemented by subject matter experts. His eyes briefly dwelled on a purple file halfway down a stack on his desk it was the file on his female recruit, and he studiously ignored it.
Natalies car pulled beside the entrance to Quantico at 8:30 am. She was due in the main administration building in 30 minutes, and was glad shed be walking from here because she hoped it would burn off some of her nervous energy. The driver had wanted to drop her off at her final destination, but she knew the last thing she needed was anyone seeing a limo deposit her like she was some princess. As she walked, she began to wonder what her other classmates would be like how many would be in the group she had spent so much of her time worried about John McBain and at the thought of him her stomach twisted a bit. At this point she just wanted this first meeting to be over with.
Fifteen minutes later she was at the main reception area, and when she told them she was there for Training Class Alpha the guard looked at her in surprise and asked her name. Sure enough, it was on his list. Wow, he thought, this was a shocker. He had her sign in and gave her a temporary pass part of todays processing would include getting a more permanent ID and told her how to get to the appropriate training room.
Natalie got to the room with about 8 minutes to spare. When she walked in there were already five guys standing around talking and they looked surprised when she entered. One of them quickly detached himself from the group and headed her way. She knew in an instant this guy was the bully sort who liked to appoint himself leader the big dog in the packAND that he also considered himself Gods gift to women. From 20 paces that image might hold, but one look at his swagger and the impudent way his eyes raked over her body proved that no woman in her right mind would want to waste her time. He was on the shorter side about 59 but he was powerfully-built, shed give him that. He probably weighed about 200 pounds and he was quite muscular and full of obvious pride in his physique given that he didnt so much walk as strut her way. She couldnt help wondering if hed practiced John Travoltas strut in Saturday Night Fever. He had shaved his head, his eyes were a chocolate brown, and his faced missed being handsome because of his somewhat puggy nose, but he wasnt ugly by any means at least not externally.
At that moment she appreciated Mason even more now he was a man who had every reason to strut, but he was totally down to earth about his physical presence.
Listen, dollface you are a vision and all that, but youre in the wrong place, so why dont you run along, but do leave me your number so I can get to know you in a more appropriate location a more appropriate time
John had arrived at the room just in time to hear that, and he pulled back against the wall so he was out of sight, but could listen. He knew there would be some issues like this, but was a bit surprised it was starting so quickly. He was curious to see how his mystery recruit would handle herself.
Natalie looked the guy directly in the eye, then turned away and headed to take a seat. Cro magnon man didnt like that much and he gripped her upper arm hard while he jerked her around to face him.
Listen, BITCH, Im not sure what you think youre doing but you are intruding here
Natalie looked at his hand on her arm, and then directly in his eye while she flexed the considerable muscle his hand had banded around. She could see the surprise in his eyes at that, and she said softly, in a cold tone of voice. Not sure who designated you room monitor but if this is Training Class Alpha then I am exactly where I belong your HAND however does not belong on my arm, or anywhere on me, dont make me remove it for youand dont make that mistake again.
Cro was so surprised by her words and attitude that he did remove his hand and took a step back, YOU are in this class wait wait wait thats impossible, theres never been a split-tail in this program
Until now, and I cannot tell you how impressed I am with the quality of at least one other recruit right now.
John had listened to this exchange and was at least a bit impressed by the womans ability to handle herself. And he was also making a mental note to find out who that asshole was a bit of hazing and swaggering was to be expected, but this guy was so over the line, he seemed to have a deeply ingrained anti-woman streak, and THAT could be a problem even if this class was all men. There was a certain decorum and self-control expected from everyone in this elite group. He decided it was time to make his presence known so he quickly entered the room.
He first studied the idiot and was not surprised a bit by what he saw. When he moved his eyes to the other party to this altercation he was shocked to the point he rocked back on his feet a bit. Without a shadow of a doubt he knew he was looking at Masons redhead. The first thought that ran through him was that this had to be some kind of a joke, but based on how shed been handling things before hed walked in, he new that wasnt the case. He stared at her and she returned his gaze, but was clearly uneasy since she knew he had recognized her instantaneously and they were both remembering the context of their first meeting. He ran his hand over his face, his mouth, and needed to buy himself a bit of time to regain his figurative footing so he barked, Everyone sit down!
Chapter 8
Natalie took a seat about three rows back from the front, while the idiot returned to his buddies and they moved into the row behind her guess who opted to sit directly behind? More recruits began to file into the room and take seats. It was clear that some of them already knew each other had probably been pulled from the FBI itself while others were in the same boat as her, and had been sourced from other law enforcement agencies around the country. Then again, no one else was in her particular boat. What had she gotten herself into? Every single one of them did a double-take when they saw her sitting there and no one sat near her, either. Great, it was like she had cooties or something what was this, second grade?! She could feel Johns eyes on her as he sat at the desk up front, but she just couldnt bring herself to look at him yet.
John sat at the desk and watched everyone coming in, observing if they were alone, in small groups, feeling awkward or ridiculously cocky like the idiot. Then he thought perhaps he was being unfair already saddling that guy with that title in his mind nah he was surely an idiot, but now he was going to be Johns idiot, at least for a while. He looked down the list of names 25 in all and there it was Natalie Buchanan her last name sounded familiar, and then he put it together, Senator Harris was from Pennsylvania and the Buchanan family one of the worlds wealthiest was based there. Great, the first female they were going to try out relying on him to make the most of her and theyd saddled him with a sex-kitten heiress. Fucking brilliant.
John also noticed the looks Natalie was getting, and the fact that she was being avoided like she had the plague. For a brief moment he felt a little bit sorry for her and then thought, fuck it. She asked for it she couldnt be surprised, surely He resumed staring at her, seeing how long she could go without looking up at him. Finally she did and their eyes remained locked for a good 30 seconds, and he was struck by how blue and clear hers were he hadnt exactly paid much attention to her eyes the other day he flicked his glance over the rest of her, and since her clothes were more fitted, he could see that she was tiny in stature great, it all just got better and better. He certainly understood that strength and conditioning was not just about size and mass but, well SHIT. How did he get stuck with this
Damn it two days ago he was razzing Mason about whether hed let the poor girl out of his bed all weekend and he barely had! and now he was supposed to mold her into an elite, hard-core agent Mason gets all the fun molding OK, he thought, he had to stop thinking like thatforget how he first met her what she was and wasnt wearing. DAMN! There he was going again Then he thought more about Mason and wondered if that bastard had realized Natalie was going to be in his class hed just have to have a word with him next time they talked.
It finally dawned on him that his entire class was present and accounted for, and looking expectantly at him, waiting for him to say anything to look up from his desk He sighed deeply and then got up and walked around to the front of his desk and sat on it. He was at heart a casual person he could be as intimidating as he needed to be, but why not start off easy. He looked at Natalie again, who once again met his gaze head on, and then he scanned the entire room. Definitely a diverse group ages ranging from mid-twenties to mid-thirties, it seemed. Some pretty big guys some much slighter but only the prick whod been giving Natalie a hard time whod sat his ass directly behind her seemed overtly like a jerk. John knew from experience that others would prove to be just as bad, they just were better about hiding it. Finally, he spoke.
Im Special Agent John McBain and your instructor in charge. This group is known as Training Class Alpha. That better be the ONLY name I hear any of you use to describe this program what were doing OK, lets start by addressing the elephant in the room then he couldnt help but smirk because Natalie was far from an elephant and he said, Sorry, poor choice of words
Until now, the only candidates oh, and by the way, that is your official title until you pass for this program have been men. That changes with this class, as you all have noticed. Now I am stating this for everyone to hear so there is no mistake everyone in this room has to pass the same tests, be they physical or intellectual in nature. There is no such thing as special treatment in this class but you all need to hear me now his eyes locked on the idiot as he said this that ALSO means that no candidate should be singled out by his or her peers for extra grief. Becoming a TEAM is one of the most important things that will happen over the next six months. I expect you all to act like professionals that is a requirement and expectation of this program. You need to comport yourself as the elites you are to become at all times you need to show judgment balance maturity any lapse in that is grounds for dismissal the same as if you flunked any other part of this program. I am not fooling, and I dont like to give warnings consider this it.
Now Id like you to stand up one and a time and introduce yourselves name and what you were doing before you were selected for this program. Why dont we start with you, Ms. Buchanan
She had a feeling shed be the first called on and that was better than waiting until the end she slowly stood up and turned around to face her 24 classmates. Some actually had encouraging expressions on their faces, many seemed skeptical, and a few pretty dismissive like the idiot whod given her a hard time. She said in a strong voice, Im Natalie Buchanan. I was an officer at the Llanview Pennsylvania Police Department
Cro Magnon piped up and asked, You work Vice, baby go on the stroll trolling for Johns?
John felt his back stiffen a bit this guy was a total moron.. hed just been WARNED but John held back because he knew it would be better off for everyone especially Natalie if he only intervened in truly egregious situations.
Natalie smiled sweetly and said, As a matter of fact, yesI was pretty good at it scumbags have always underestimated me to their own detriment She let that lie there, and everyone new exactly what she was saying, and John saw the flare of anger in the idiots eyes, but he said nothing. Maybe he had a few brain cells after all.
Natalie sat back down and John said to the idiot, Well, since youve already spoken up, why not take the floor now and tell us who you are
He shot out of his chair making sure to flex his muscles and John could barely contain an eye roll, Dan Gentry, Virginia State Police
It took about 30 minutes to complete introductions, and then John resumed his standard spiel.
Training Class Alpha will last for six months the first three are focused primarily around physically oriented pursuits strength training, conditioning, various martial arts and other fighting skills, and even some soccer to allow further aerobic conditioning while building a sense of team. Also heavily emphasized will be working with firearms, small explosives and the like things you might have to do to get yourselves out of trouble before the big guns arrive, if thats the particular scenario. Again, nothing to the extent of Navy SEALs or Green Berets, but a heck of a lot more than any of you are used to from your previous positions. There will be some introductory courses on such things as behavioral psychology, legal issues, interrogation techniques and such but those will delved into much more deeply in the final three months. That will also include some training on how to personally deal with capture torture being interrogated yourselves
The room had suddenly gotten quiet.
The dividing line between the first three months and the next three will be something called hell night. It is when we simulate a mission and you all will spend the entire night as if you are under siege, trying to gain the upper hand, take prisoners as opposed to becoming prisoners, etc. Well go over a lot more about that as it draws near, but it will be intense, and in essence a final exam for the first three months to determine if you get to proceed. That said, some of you wont make it that far. You may withdraw yourselves, or we may determine that we just dont see you making it and let me say this one more time and it IS your final warning: we will be evaluating your character, judgment and integrity at least as closely as everything else. If you get through these six months then you will be assigned to the field, but also to an experienced operative who will continue your training for the following six months
He let that sit with them for a moment, and then continued.
You are all staying in a barracks together. ALL of you He looked at Natalie when he said that. You are all adults and I expect zero trouble with that. We have assigned bunks to everyone no switching, no exceptions. When we break from here you will head over to get your pictures taken for your IDs, and then on to get your regulation clothing. You will wear what I tell you to wear for every session. For example, you will get jeans and denim work shirts for class when we hit the gym I want to see everyone in their tank tops and gym shorts your sweat suits and t-shirts will be largely for outdoor use unless I say differently. Youll have sneakers and boots as well as full camo outfits and eventually youll get some firepower assigned to you too There are some cafes and a pub on campus, and you can wear any of your assigned clothes there that you choose. But after today, the only time you are to be seen in your own civilian clothes is if you are heading off-site for designated liberty time. You get your first night off in two weeks and then periodically after that
Folks, this wont be easy. It isnt our job to go easy on you because if we do that we are possibly setting you up to be killed. The work you will do make a huge difference to your country to our safety and we will do our best to prepare you. I have a strong team of instructors who will work with me to help you get where you need to go dont let me hear that you have given them any trouble, or you can get your ass out of here. Now, agent Markus is waiting outside the door to shepherd you through getting your IDs, clothes, getting settled in your dorm, and all that lets break for now and Ill be by your dorm to get you later Ms. Buchanan, can you please stay for a few minutes Id like to talk to you then Ill make sure you get caught up
She said, Sure very quietly. Everyone in the room gave her a look as they left, and she knew they were curious but glad they werent the ones being singled out
Chapter 9
John and Natalie looked at each other again, him still sit-leaning against the edge of his desk her sitting in her chair Finally he spoke, Sooo Natalie its uh interesting to see you again I must say, it never occurred to me that if I saw you again it would be here under these circumstances tell me, did you know about all this the morning I first met you?
Natalie swallowed and said, No I didnt find out until Sunday night that I was going to be allowed in and I didnt even know your last name then
True, we didnt exactly spend a lot of time chatting or bothering with formal introductions before you headed back to Masons bed
Natalie couldnt help the flush that moved up her neck and into her cheeks, but she said nothing.
Does Mason know now? Did you guys put two-and-two together? Have you even seen him recently?
Natalie was getting irritated because she was also feeling a bit embarrassed, so she answered in clipped tones, Yes, Mason knows. We put two-and-two together Sunday night. And I last saw him was this morning when he made me breakfast before I headed here.
John digested all of this, the meaning behind her words, and then said, Why do you want to do this, Buchanan? He had converted to her last name to try to ease the tension that was building shift things to a more impersonal level
Why does anyone want to? Why do my motivations have to be any different?
A fair point but are you really prepared for this?
Im sorry to be answering your questions with more questions, but can anyone know if they are until theyre in it? I think Im up for this challenge I will do everything I can to measure up beyond that, what can I say?
John sighed, Nothing, really look, Buchanan youve already started getting shit from Gentry, and hes not going to be the only one. You seem to be able to handle yourself and that is the best way to do things, by and large. But if anyone seriously crosses the line, let me know. I wasnt kidding when I said that the integrity and character thing is so important and anyone right for this program wont cross a certain line
Natalie nodded and then he said, Well, lets get you caught up with your class
They walked silently across the building and when she was back with her class John headed back to his own office with a see you all a bit later tossed over his shoulder.
As he sat back in his chair, his eyes fell on her purple file again, and once again he ignored it. This afternoon he was essentially going to inspect his troops and see what he had to work with get a look at them in their tanks and shorts to assess overall fitness, and then have them work a bit in the gym see about their level of conditioning. He thought that Natalie may be screwed literally and figuratively, he thought sarcastically in that department because of her busy weekend well, it went over the weekend Mason may have worn her out guess she didnt know the conventional wisdom about abstinence before a big game but, shit, Mason shouldve known better CRAP! He had to stop thinking about that
Natalie was trying to steady her nerves as she went through all the processing. Overall, things hadnt gone too badly with McBain he got a few digs in about how she spent her time with Mason, but he actually seemed like a decent guy overall who wasnt stacking the decks against her that was really all she could ask.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didnt realize at first that one of her classmates had spoken to her. she finally focused on him.
Natalie, right?
Yeah
Im Scott Turner from California my buddy over there is Jason Bradford we both just punched out of the marines anyway, if youll pardon the expression, some of the most righteous dudes we knew in the corps were the women were glad to have you around just know you have at least two friends here, OK?
Natalie was so grateful for his words and she gave him a genuine smile and said, Thank you so much. He was a bit like a mini-Mason 6 tall, probably 200 pounds, but same coloring His buddy was the opposite, dark hair and dark eyes, but he gave a small wave across the room at her which she returned.
If you want at least until you figure out some of these other guys you can hang with us eating and what-not
I would really appreciate that
Natalie proved to be a bit of a wardrobe challenge because the stockpile of clothes ordered for this program were all geared towards men. She requested large shirts which was fine, but even the smallest pants were a bit big on her which wasnt a big deal with the sweats since they had a draw string or the gym shorts for that matter but jeans and stuff finally the guy helping her suggested she take a bandana and tie a couple of back belt loops together, and she might be OKIt also occurred to them that they had an endless supply of boxers and t-shirts, but no womens underwear or PJs (the men were assumed to sleep in boxers and Ts). She had brought her own underwear let McBain try to check if she was out of regulation but did grab some boxers and extra T-shirts and tanks since she would sleep in those
Finally they were brought over to the dorm, which really was much like a barracks. There was one very long room that was quite large, and it was with great relief that Natalie saw that these were a bit nicer and much more private than standard military barracks. On either side of the aisle that ran the length of the room were what looked almost like sleeping berths on a train, lined up side by side. The junior agent showing them around opened the first one he came to so they could see inside Not much bigger than a closet itself, it had a small desk and closet on the main level, and then a bunk suspended above the desk with a ladder to access it. The walls of these berths or cubbies as the agent referred to them didnt go to the ceiling, but it really did afford some privacy, and there was a light door almost like a screen door but with solid wood panels at the entrance. No locks, however. Still, this was a great surprise. On each door a name had been affixed, and they were told to find their cubbies.
Natalies was all the way down the end, near the bathrooms, and she was glad to see that Scott was on one side of her and Jason directly across the way. Maybe she would get a bit of luck on her side. Her faith in that was a little bit shaken when she realized that Gentry was assigned to the berth next to Jason, but what could she do? He eyed her up and down per usual but she flat out ignored him.
Their guide she thought his name was Agent Hart asked them to gather around for a second. OK through that door over there is a common area with some tables, chairs, soda machine and a TV. In there is the bathroom sinks , toilets, showers. Some of you may be relieved that the showers are as private as your cubbies here floor to ceiling wood doors that lock, and a small dressing area with the shower beyond it He had looked at Natalie when he said this, and she was relieved. Agent McBain will be here shortly. Hes requested that you all change into your shorts and tanks with your sweat suits over them. And sneakers. OH! About cellphones, blackberries, etc. you are allowed to keep them but you cannot have them on your person while in class. One of the drawers in your dresser has a lock. Stow them in there And with that he was gone.
Gentry swaggered over to Natalie and asked, You need any help getting changed? I can unsnap a bra in two tenths of a second
Natalie smirked at him and said, That doesnt quite work with a sports bra, but if I decide to go all Victorias Secret Ill let you know
With that she retreated into her cubbie and wished it had a lock. It felt great to be away from everyones prying eyes for a few minutes. She pulled out her phone for a second and had a sudden urge to call her mom it felt like forever since shed seen her family, but it had just been a week She realized she had a text and smiled when she saw it was from Mason. It read: Hey, Natalie knock em dead! She felt better.
She had changed quickly and decided to stretch out on her bunk to calm herself further. Her nerves were so on edge and shed never make it through if she didnt settle down. She was almost there when the sound of a whistle shrieked over the conversations that were ongoing in the main area, followed by McBains voice he had such a great voice
OK. Lets see everybody out here, front and center!
Natalie climbed off her bunk and walked out to stand in front of her door. McBain walked down the line, eyeballing everyone he finally noticed where Natalie was, and then inwardly sighed when her realized how closely Gentry was billeted to her luck of the draw could be a bitch theyd just have to see if Gentry was smart enough to have listened to Johns warnings
Were going to head over to the main gym, so you can familiarize yourselves with it, and we can get a handle on where everyone is in terms of what they know already, general conditioning, etc. Besides martial and fighting arts, youll be doing some wrestling grappling like collegiate wrestling... It helps in toning and also will give you some critical skills for when any fights you might end up in then end up on the ground. Anyway, lets get going.
They began the quarter mile walk to the main gym, and Natalie fell in step with Scott and Jason, grateful for their companionship. They were actually a lot of fun, constantly ribbing each other theyd gone through boot-camp together right here at Quantico 6 years earlier. Natalie found herself laughing out loud a few times, and looked up to find Johns eyes on her when she did. He was glad for her that she seemed to have found at least a couple of allies shed need them
Natalie felt she had a chance of holding her own when it came to physical conditioning and even strength training. She had begun to take some martial arts classes several years back, and in the past 12 months had really stepped it up shed done some sort of that training 4 times a week since then. She was lucky that she had found a dojo that offered a wide range of fighting types, from the classic tae kwan do and judo to krav maga and basic street fighting. Even better, her instructor had suggested she learn the basics of collegiate wrestling for exactly the same reasons McBain had just mentioned, so she had a hopeful edge there, too Only time would tell
Chapter 10
John led them all into the athletic complex and walked them through a quick tour. It was open and airy, with some of the work-out areas set in a mezzanine that overlooked a traditional gymnasium. There were plenty of other special purpose rooms some with mats for martial arts, fighting and wrestling, for example, or lined with mirrors for aerobics and perhaps boxing training In addition there were squash, tennis and handball courts, plus several of the gyms had basketball hoops, too. There was also a large in-door pool plus steam rooms, saunas, whirlpool baths, etc. Happily there were lockers for women and men since the entire FBI had access so shed not have to hang just with the boys.
John stopped when they were in one of the smaller gyms that had basketball hoops on either end, but had also been set with mats across almost the entire surface.
So, youve just had a quick tour of the main athletic center you can hang out here as much as you want in your off time. I should also mention that the other side of the campus which is about 2 miles from here is the original gym. It is much smaller and not nearly as well equipped, but if you find yourselves over that direction not sure why you would you can also use those facilities.
Natalie made an immediate mental note that shed check that out she preferred a quieter place when she worked out.
John continued, Agent Hart, here, is going to take you guys through some warm up exercises, stretches and whatnot, before we ease into a little physical activity, so off with your sweat suits, youll need the freedom of movement in your shorts and tanks and leave your shoes off too for now John knew that some might think it was ridiculous being so directive about their clothing really, what difference would a t-shirt make compared to a tank but this was one of the subtle ways they would communicate to the candidates that they were essentially property of the FBI and this program for now and had to do what they were told.
He did a quick scan of the group and realized that most of them were watching Natalie with baited breath, while slowly shedding their own cover-ups. The slight flush on her cheeks told him that she was aware of the scrutiny, but she was very matter-of-fact in her movements. She kicked her sneakers off, ripped her sweatshirt over her head, and not looking up moved her sweatpants down over her hips and thighs and carefully stepped out of them. She felt her heart pounding as she did so, and realizing there were a few guys standing behind her was careful not to bend too far over when she reached down to remove her sweats she didnt need to give them too much of a show of her butt. The good news was, she had spent so much time in gyms dominated by guys that she pretended that was where she was right this second and was able to keep her nerves decently in check.
Natalie stood up straight and decided to just let everyone get their looks in until it wasnt a big deal until they were over it. John swallowed hard and immediately began to question the wisdom of the wardrobe dictatorship because it didnt take into account the potential for out and out distraction depending on who was wearing what, until then, had sounded so innocuous. As he looked at her, her toned body, ripped muscles which were prominent but not bulky he had the same thought that Mason (and others) had when they first saw her: Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2. But with a significant exception or exceptions Natalie was decidedly NOT small breasted. The outline of her sports bra was visible under her white tank, but it did nothing to hide those curves. Even though her tank and shorts were on the loose side, there was also no mistaking her whittled waist and gently rounded hips and her legs were perfect too From the expressions of the guys standing behind her, and where they were looking, her backside probably wasnt too shabby either.
As John further surveyed the reactions of Natalies classmates, he had to bite his cheeks to stop from laughing and groaning out loud, because the gym shorts did little to hide the physical response some were having to her. Truth be told, at that moment he was very glad he still had his own sweat pants still on and he understood even better why Mason had spent so much time with her, lucky bastard. He thought back on his statement to Chase that he hoped the first female recruit would essentially look like a man who just happened to be a woman, and again he could have laughed out loud because Natalie was about as far away from that as one could get.
His eyes finally connected with hers and he read and impatient, Well?! within hers, and decided to move things forward. OK, Agent Hart will be leading you guys for now Ill be roaming around observing
Hart led them through a variety of stretching exercises on the mats, and Natalie tossed herself into them, tuning out all around her including the ongoing stares of her classmates who couldnt help watching her kick-ass body in motion as it bent and stretched. John noted that she was incredibly flexible and used all his strength to avoid the gutter that thought almost steered him into He sighed deeply how could he expect the rest of his class to act accordingly if he was handling this like a junior high school boy just hitting puberty. Surely the novelty would wear off soon
Hart was also going to get a sense of what sort of training the candidates had had. John knew that theyd all likely had some sort of martial arts or hand-to-hand combat training some more than others but they would really step it up and expand on that here taking at least 3 hours of it per day during the first three months. Also, an ongoing requirement of those who made it through the program was to continue to advance all those skills and abilities. And even during the second three months that sort of training would remain extensive.
OK, Hart said. I believe Agent McBain told you that we would be training you in basic collegiate wrestling along with all the other fighting techniques. How many of you have already had significant training in that discipline?
About 5 hands went up and John was surprised to see that Natalies was one of them. So, too, was Hart. He had some frankly mixed feelings about a woman being in the program particularly one who looked like she had T2 fantasies so he decided to see what she had to offer. Great, well, why dont we have a couple of you give us a brief demonstration of a few positions and holds and such lets see, Buchanan and Nero
Natalie felt some butterflies attack her stomach and tried to just breathe deeply. She had a feeling this was going to happen a lot shed always be the one asked to demonstrate her skills before anyone else. She took a look at Nero and he seemed like a classic New York guy of Italian descent, but he also seemed a bit shy nervous and she actually felt a bit worse for him than herself. Wrestling holds were pretty darn close almost intimate in some ways all sorts of interesting body parts were grabbed, bodies held close together, writhing around a bit. Guys were used to grabbing their wrestling buddies that way though Natalie had always wondered if the Greeks and Romans had invented some of that stuff as a way to sneak in some man-on-man action that was sanctioned. For them to grab a woman that way unless it was in private after a few beers well, most guys would be a bit rattled. Probably not your Gentrys of the world, but fate smiled on her today and he had not raised his hands as having any experience in this he looked more the football type.
When Natalie and Nero were standing in the center of the center mat, everyone gathered around. Hart looked at John and gave him an almost imperceptible wink and said, OK, Buchanan, you assume the Defensive Starting Position, and Nero will take the Offensive Starting Position. Natalie held in a groan and Nero looked stricken, but she took a deep breath and got down on all fours both hands and knees planted firmly on the mat. Nero hesitated. Shit! he thought to himself how was he supposed to do this Nero Hart prompted. Nero kneeled down to Natalies right, and began to coach himself through the hold, trying to draw breath. He planted his right foot firmly a few inches from Natalies right leg, and his left knee was on the mat behind her. He gulped a breath and took his right hand and put it on her right elbow. Then he began to snake his left arm around her body, knowing he was supposed to rest it on her stomach and then put his head in the middle of her back, on her spine, not too far below her neck but he found himself freezing He thought maybe hed change the position of his knees and feet, maybe put his right knee on the mat instead but knew he was stalling
The rest of the class and John had been watching this with rapt attention. Natalie had remained still on all fours a sight to behold while poor Nero looked like a clumsy guy trying to put the moves on his girlfriend in the back of his car. A few snickers were audible, but John actually felt a bit badly for Nero. He realized this whole thing could spiral out of control so he stepped in.
Nero, out of the way. Please. Guys, its just wrestling are you men or pre-pubescent teens? And putting his money where his mouth was he decided to show how it was done. He very quickly got into the same position Nero had started but with no hesitation completed it, moving his left arm around Natalie so that his hand rested on her stomach, over her navel, and pressing his head into the middle of her back.
When Natalie realized that John was planning on taking Neros place, she was shocked and realized she felt at least a bit of excitement course through her, but told herself quickly it was just nerves. As he knelt beside and behind her and wrapped his arm around her, it took all her control not to shudder just a bit in response his hand felt so warm on her stomach, her thin cotton shirt blocking none of the heat. She needed even more control when his head moved to her back and she could feel his hot breath on the bare skin above the neck of her tank. John was fighting a similar battle, especially with his groin which he felt tightening. Shit! Whyd he think THIS was a good idea?!
John could feel Natalies tension as well, but fair play to her, she seemed to be holding it together.
Hart spoke up, Well executed, Agent McBain. This, gentleman is the classic starting position. Buchanan is in the Defensive position while Agent McBain is in the Offensive Starting Position. Once a match got underway, Buchanan would want to try to get out from under her opponent as quickly as possible and try to gain an advantage. Both would want to avoid getting pinned. You guys care to try a few moves?
John said, What do you say, Buchanan, you game?
Natalie closed her eyes at the sound of his voice and the feel of his breath on her and then said, Sure, why not.
Hart said, Great. Youll go when I blow the whistle.
As soon as Natalie heard the whistle blow she was on the move and John was surprised that she managed to pull of a pretty quick reversal and get out from under him. No more holding back on his part. For the better part of a minute they wrestled in earnest, grabbing against each others legs, arms, torsos, necks, trying to gain the advantage, sometimes seeming stalemated he was suitably impressed by her He had to outweigh her by a good 70 pounds, but she was strong and agile, flexible and fast. She managed to sustain a bridge for a while so he couldnt fully pin her. Ultimately he did, deciding their brief match, but hed had to work for it, and that surprised him a bit.
Natalie knew it was unlikely shed win a formal wrestling match against the much larger John. She couldnt fight dirty like she would if this was a real fight for her life but she had not wanted to go down easy and she hadnt, and she knew he hadnt held back either.
They had been oblivious to the cheers and whistles, while they wrestled, and Hart had been quite surprised. Natalie had a lot more to her than hed thought. After John held her shoulders to the mat for the requisite time, he got off her and jumped up, and held his hand out to her. She accepted and he helped haul her to her feet.
Great job, Buchanan
She gave him a genuine smile and it was stunning, Thanks Agent McBain
He noted she wasnt even winded, and that was notable too. She seemed to have taken all of this pretty seriously
Soon the group was in the weight room and they were told to just go ahead and work out like they normally would, and McBain and Hart were going to observe. Natalie fell in with Turner and Bradford as her work out buddies, and they were pumped at her earlier performance.
Buchanan Bradford said You rock!
A few pieces of equipment away Gentry seemed to be holding court with a few guys who went along with his fantasy that he was some big deal. No coincidence, one was another muscle-bound moron from Chicago who used muscles to compensate for esteem issues she thought his name was Bobbie Yates. Another little guy from Tennessee Billy Ray was also hanging with him, and finally a very quiet Asian guy named Stan Han. The older guys in the group in their early-to-mid thirties were hanging tight, but a few of them had said a kind word to her and it seemed like they were open-minded to her being there.
John noted that Natalie kept pace with her partners and moved a good bit of weight for someone her size. Finally they were all doing cardio some treadmills, some bikes, some elliptical machines and Natalie ran flat out on an inclined treadmill for longer than anyone else could keep up. Maybe they had a contender but he wasnt going to assume so until he saw more from her
At 4pm John shouted out for their attention. Not a bad first day, folks. Deputy Director Chase wants to meet you all for dinner tonight so you are going to be saved from the dining hall. In the pub theres a back room that hes reserved be there at 6pm sharp. And remember you can wear any of your regulation clothes.
Chapter 11
The 25 classmates headed back to their dorm and swarmed the showers. There were 20 of them, so not much waiting was involved, but Natalie decided to stretch out for a little bit and shower after most were done. She grabbed her phone out of the drawer and decided to text Mason back.
still alive actually wrestled mcbain today literally long story at least 1 turbo-jerk here
About 1 minute after she sent it he replied
wrestling nother guy already?!
And so began a 5 minute conversation:
relax not special moves only uve seen or felt
phew relief but now all I can think about ur movesmy lethal weapon misses u
Natalie giggled when she read that
back at u!
would u b ready for me right now?
Natalie felt her face flush a bit and indeed she thought she probably would be ready for him
totally
damn ure killing me oops, due in meeting embarrassing tent problem now ull pay for this
cant wait
Natalie stowed her phone, grabbed fresh clothes and headed for a cold shower.
She opted for jeans and a denim work shirt, plus her boots. She pulled her wet hair into a quick pony tail and just put a bit of lip gloss on, and headed back towards her berth. Turner and Bradford were waiting for her.
Hey, Natalie, were heading over a bit early for a beer want to come?
John had headed back to his on-campus apartment and right for the showers a cool one at that. He was going to have to watch his step, carefully. He wasnt even going to try to convince himself he didnt find Natalie attractive. But she was in his class he was her instructor she was the first female in this whole program and hed been trusted with her plus, he did consider Mason a decent friend, and he knew Natalie wasnt just his platonic friend maybe Mason wasnt the settling down type hmmm, wonder if Natalie knew that but he had certainly staked a claim, so to speak then John tried to purge every fleeting image of the type of wrestling Mason had engaged in with Natalie.
He dressed quickly in jeans and a sweater he didnt have to stick with any wardrobe and headed to The Pub. He was meeting Chase in the VIP room for a beer to give him his first thoughts about the class. Chase was already there when he arrived. After they got settled with their drinks Chase asked, So?
Well, it was certainly interesting. He decided it made no sense to tell anyone hed already met Natalie before. It is still very early, but I am beginning to think that Buchanan will be able to go the distance on the physical stuff of course that doesnt mean shell deal with the psychological stuff as well as necessary. That is often what separates the men from the boys, if youll pardon the expression.
You havent read her file yet, have you?
Nope.
Well, I have and I think shell probably lap the field on the psych stuff so if she can keep up on the strength and endurance, plus the fighting and guns we may actually have ourselves a real candidate.
John thought that might be a bit overly optimistic a bit too soon but, heck, who knew at this point.
How about the rest of the class, John?
Well, theres at least one total son of a bitch that gave Buchanan a hard time on sight. And not in a generic hazing sort of way. Im going to watch him closely because I think he could end up the kind of guy that gets into the shit and blows it all up because he gets off on hurting people especially innocents
Yeah, keep a tight watch on that
With that Chase looked at his watch and signaled that it was time for them to head to their private room to meet the class.
The room was buzzing when they got there, all 25 candidates present and accounted for. Johns eyes immediately found Natalie she was laughing with Turner and Bradford, and one of the older candidates a good looking, very talented African American named Justin Rich. He had been a detective in NYC who also had a law degree, and John knew he was the type whod just do what he had to in order to succeed and stay away from the BS. He was a mature and talented individual who didnt care for drama. John took it as a good sign that Natalie was hanging with such a group.
His gaze then slid to Gentry who seemed his normal self hanging with what John could only think of as his posse and he felt bad for the hangers on because they had no clue they were likely backing the wrong horse, who was likely to take them all down in the end. He actually had a lot of respect for most of the group here, who seemed to be holding back a bit to observe before deciding if it made sense to bond with anyone and with whom.
The tables had been set up in a U shape so theyd all be able to see each other when they ate and had to listen to Chase of John A small bar was set up in the room and a few snacks laid out but he was glad to see that no one appeared to be diving into too much alcohol that wasnt what they were here for.
Chase called the room to order, asking everyone to grab a fresh drink if they needed and to sit. Natalie ended up between Bradford and Turner and far away from Gentry, so she was quite happy. Chase had been stealing glances at her and thought that the pictures in her file didnt do her justice. He was struck by her relatively tiny stature and it made him take seriously McBains feeling that she had the physical stuff to go the distance, because he would never say it if he had real doubts.
OK, I know that youre probably tired of hearing us talk at you. And I will remind everyone that you can only refer to what youre doing as Training Class Alpha. But for a moment, while in this room, Im going to speak openly drop the coy act. Those of you who make it through are going to be doing an incredible service for your country. Youll be elite among elites even if most of the time your very existence is denied. But if this class pans out like the first 6, then less than half of you will make it through. But for those who dont theres no shame, because even being in the class to begin with says something about you
Under his breath Gentry said, Yeah, for one of us it says we should have stayed a Hooters waitress
Natalie just rolled her eyes when she heard that. She wasnt even bothered by Gentry any more because he was such an over-the-top moron.
Chase heard it too and locking eyes on Gentry he said, One thing Id like to reiterate, that Im sure McBain has already underlined for you. The ability to handle yourself in a mature way, with integrity, is most important more than anything youll be measured on. It would be a really good thing if some of you figured that out right this second. We can start thinning this heard tonight if need be
The rest of the evening passed with everyone on their best behavior even Gentry. He stayed mostly with the couple of people hed already bonded with, but did speak to a few others. Natalie was branching out a bit as well, talking with some other classmates and carefully remaining on the other side of the room from Gentry. A healthful dinner of chicken and vegetables had been served, and that suited Natalie just fine. Every now and again shed look up and make eye contact with John, but they didnt speak at all during the evening. He had to get to know some of her other classmates. By 9pm Chase and John were leaving, and some of the candidates were going to hang at The Pub in the main bar area, but Natalie really wanted to get some rest. She and Justin walked back to the dorms together and she really liked him. In some ways he reminded her of a much younger version of Bo just solid.
So, Natalie this must be a bit overwhelming?
A bit but really, isnt it for everyone?
Yeah, I suppose. I have to say though, you really did great with the wrestling thing that earned you some respect, and thats the name of the game
Well, I appreciate that but its going to be a long 6 months if I even make it that far
I hear that Buchanan.
Natalie washed her face, brushed her teeth and headed for her cubbie where she slipped into bed with a grateful sigh. Shed grabbed her phone from the drawer and saw she had new text message.
LW still misses U
She couldnt help but laugh he was hysterical and he sure knew what to do with her and his lethal weapon on that thought she fell asleep.
Start Dream
Natalie was lying back on the bed, her body quivering from the trail of kisses Mason was placing as he moved down it. She knew where he was headed and she shuddered harder in anticipation. She closed her eyes and felt his strong hands push her legs open wider, then move under her ass, squeezing hard. She felt his hot breath move over the moisture between her legs, and next his mouth was on her massaging her with his tongue and lips, and then plunging his thick, strong tongue deep inside her as her hips bucked.
She was familiar now with the touch of his mouth, but it had lost none of its power to arouse her drive her to her climax but all of a sudden it felt new again somehow different and she realized it was the heat the intensity There was an urgency in his mouth, in his hands and she felt his heat flow through her entire bloodstream, not just over her on herbut a part of her now
She was moaning without control and then he was taking her breath away she could only manage a few pitiful whimpers as his mouth and tongue possessed her her legs began to quiver and turn to jelly and in a burst of scorching energy her orgasm erupted through her as strong hands kept her center tightly in place while the rest of her writhed as if floating on a sea of sensation.
He detached himself from her and began to move up her body while she looked at him, her body starting to quake again just from the look in his eyes which was pure desire and intent. He was coming to claim her mouth and she was felt her heart race, and then his lips were on hers his tongue plundering the recesses of her mouth and she moaned his name, John John
End Dream
Natalie sat bolt upright in her bed She had clearly lost her mind too much stress but as she drifted back of to sleep, and began to let her defenses down again, her body remembered the heat of his hand on her stomach his breath on her neck
Chapter 12
Two weeks later Natalies body felt like it had been through the ringer, but she also felt as if she had truly settled into a routine and a comfort level with this part of the program. They were at it 8am 6pm at a minimum, and sometimes went on lengthy night runs as well. The days were taken up with strength training, cardio, wrestling and then all manner of martial arts and other fighting techniques. They were spending most of their time learning various forms and the nature of various potential moves, and trying them out, but were still very much holding back no real sparring per se no true simulation of a real fight that would come in another 4-6 weeks when the class had developed some mastery of the basics, and their muscles had had a chance to memorize the moves make them part of their instincts that they would automatically call upon if faced with certain situations.
Next week they would add firearms/munitions training, which sounded like it could be interesting.
What made her most relieved happy even was that she didnt feel like she stuck out like a sore thumb anymore. She was no where near the bottom of the pack in terms of performance, and the bulk of the class had become at least cordial to her, seeming to accept her presence at this point. Of course, Gentry had a snide remark for her every chance he got, but she just let it roll right off her. She had become quite close with Turner, Bradford, Nero and Rich and one of them was typically willing to partner with her in anything that required the classmates to pair off. She usually ate with them as well at the dining hall the food was decent but wholly unremarkable.
McBain was a constant presence throughout everything, and he treated her just like everyone else even tossing her a good job, Buchanan when shed earned it. Because the class had an odd number of students he always made up the extra partner, and took turns with everyone. He had not yet made his way around to her because she had, in fact, been his first partner for that memorable wrestling match. She had taken some delight when shed seen him take Gentry down a few pegs during a krav maga work-out
This particular night, Natalies buddies were heading to The Pub and had invited her, but she was not in that kind of mood. She found herself craving alone time and also the chance to work out for the pure pleasure and relaxation of it, and not under the direction and scrutiny of a drill sergeant, however decent he was overall. She had been meaning to check out the old gym on the other side of campus, but this was the first night when she felt she had any extra energy she was finally adjusting and not simply crawling back to her bunk and crashing
Natalie was pleasantly surprised to find the weight-room completely empty. She did a quick tour of the area and saw a small in-door pool, and then went into the locker room, realizing there was only one. Same for the shower area this really was a throw-back to the early FBI days when there really were only men. Apparently this facility only saw any real action before 6pm when people from the nearby offices grabbed a work-out immediately before or after work hours, or during their lunch. Since it was now 8pm, she figured shed have the place to herself.
She was right. She spent a full hour working out, first with light weights, more to stretch out her muscles, work off extra energy, and then she walked on the treadmill for 4 miles at a relatively slow pace. Still, she had worked up a decent sweat and craved a shower. She decided to chance it because there had been no sign of anyone and surely shed hear them if anyone came in. She grabbed two towels from the locker room and continued on into the tiled shower area a large open space with 10 shower heads and turned the water on as hot as she could stand it.
John had grabbed a bite out with a couple of the agents he worked with in his real job at the Bureau as part of a special task force targeting child predators and pornographers. He had been co-leading that for several years, but from 2001 2004 he had spent almost all his time on anti-terrorist work, during with time he had also helped develop the program for the Special Branch. Still, it felt good to just hang with some colleagues as opposed to being on the whole time with his class sometimes he felt like nothing so much as a glorified babysitter. By 8:30 he was back in his apartment on campus and began to feel a bit stir-crazy. It was convenient and it kept him away from his overly-amorous neighbor (please let her move soon), but he missed his home the space and feel of it. He needed to burn off some excess energy so he decided to head to the old gym, which was right by his apartment. It had long been his practice to grab an evening work-out there, when it was deserted. It was particularly handy that he didnt have to drive all the way home like he normally did
John headed to the treadmill to start with a light jog.
Natalie was feeling more relaxed than she had in ages the hot water was like heaven over her tired muscles she had been facing the wall and had finally gotten all the conditioner out of her hair, and then she shut the water off and turned around to head to the bench just outside the shower room where her towels sat. And then she shrieked! SHRIEKED. Sitting just three feet away, staring at her with what she read as malevolent intent, were two of the biggest most awful rats shed ever seen. And they were between her and her towels and the only exit from the showers and showed NO signs of being afraid of her or planning to move away any time soon in fact, she could swear theyd stepped even closer to her.
John almost fell off the treadmill when he heard a bloodcurdling screams and lost his footing. He righted himself and then headed to the direction from which the sound had come it seemed to be the locker room.
Natalie had backed up until she hit the quickly-chilling tile behind her, her hands spread against the wall as if to brace herself. Her breath was coming in gasps breasts heaving and that is EXACTLY how John found her, his eyes wide in surprise, and hers equally stunned.
He groaned inwardly she was even more amazing naked than hed imagined and YES, hed imagined he was human a man But it finally got through to him that she was terrified of something and she was pointing sort of in his direction, only downward. His eyes finally rested on the massive rodents and he even felt himself recoil a bit. Yikes they were big. He quickly looked around and grabbed the first thing he could find the towels Natalie had left on the bench. He got to work swatting at them and they finally got the hint and decided to leave of course heading in Johns direction since that was the only exit. He moved quickly out of the way, which brought him towards Natalie finally they were gone, and he turned to face her and at the same instant it occurred to them both that she was standing there, stark naked.
John gulped and felt himself harden a bit and averting his eyes reached his hand out with the towels
I cant use those they, they touched the RATS she said.
Oh OH right.. OK Ill go get you fresh ones and now he bolted out of the shower area, grabbed two towels and tossed them across to her from the doorway and fled back into the gym. He sat on one of the workout benches with his head in his hands, trying to grab a hold of himself. Shit. SHIT! He had actually been doing all right as of late convincing himself that Natalie was just any old recruit forgetting what she looked like in a mans shirt, hair mussed, lips swollen, skin marked from endless hours of being made love to forgetting what it felt like when he first knelt behind her and moved his hand to her stomach during their wrestling match and now this. CRAP! How was he supposed to get the image of her totally naked perfection out of his mind? And now should he wait for her make sure shes OK or flee like a scared 15 year old?
Natalie fell back against the tile wall and buried her face in one of the towels John had tossed her. Sweet mother, how would she shake this off like it was nothing? She had been stark naked in front of him for what seemed like HOURS but it was at least a few minutes. And she had been screaming over a couple of rats yeah, she was sure hed have no trouble believing she could handle two TERRORISTS coming at her. She toweled off and dragged her clothes back on, so glad she had her sweats and not just a tank and shorts. She was pretty sure hed be waiting for her why wouldnt he? Hed probably want to ask what other small creatures she couldnt handle. But those had been big-ass rats and impertinent, too. Staring at her like that. Perverts
Natalie walked into the weight room and Johns eyes met hers the moment she did. They stared at each other for a long moment, then they were both laughing so hard that tears ended up streaming down their faces. Natalie literally had to double over since she wasnt sitting like John wasFinally she walked over and sat on the far end of the bench he occupied.
He said, wiping a tear from his cheek, So, I guess you dont like the newest recruits
And they were laughing again..
Then she said, Well one Gentry per class is enough, isnt it?
More laughter.
Finally they were laughed out, but at least things felt totally comfortable at this point.
What are you doing here any way, Buchanan?
Getting a work out in
Havent you been working out enough?!
Well not in a more leisurely way that I sometimes like at home I regularly went to the gym later at night for more of a winding down work out
I do that too and normally find no one here Typically I dont bother to shower here I wait until I get home so I had no idea that there were awful creatures that come out and into the shower
She joked, Well, hey, thats not a very nice thing to say about me
Suddenly he grew a tad more serious when he looked hard at her and said, Buchanan, theres nothing awful about you, and she felt herself blush a bit.
To change the subject she said, Well, if this is your place to come I dont want to intrude I can do my late work-outs over in the main gym
He was quiet for a moment and said, Well, there must be a reason why you chose this place to begin with
I like the quiet getting away from the crowd for a bit
Then you should still come here you wont bother me unless Ill get in your way
No, not at all
Well, then I guess well bump into each other here periodically. But if youre going to use the showers again
Ill bring something to throw at interlopers
Well, nothing thats going to hurt my face
They chuckled a bit and then Natalie said, Id better get back to the dorms
You OK walking back by yourself?
She smiled at him and said, Fine see you tomorrow.
See you, Buchanan.
Chapter 13
Another week had gone by and John and Natalie had bumped into each other twice at the gym since their original, highly memorable meeting there. They greeted each other and gave each other room to enjoy their solitude, but every now and again their eyes would meet. Both times theyd done cardio at the same time, jogging beside each other on the treadmill, chatting about upcoming training exercises and such keeping it all very light and relatively impersonal. Both times John had also volunteered to stay while she showered and make sure no unintended parties crashed in on her. She had taken him up on it because just knowing he was hanging in the weight room did make her feel a bit safer. She had come to realize how isolated and empty except for icky creatures this building was.
This particular morning they were all up and out early for a pre-dawn run 20 miles over rough terrain. John and Hart were along for the duration and Natalie was running in the front of the pack with John, Turner and Nero. She had a smooth, efficient stride, and once she hit her zone, with her breathing under control, she felt like she could go forever. At the 10-mile mark they were to stop at a small rest area where there was a water fountain and a decrepit outhouse that would be better off to avoid. Most of the guys found a convenient tree a bit off the path on which to relieve themselves. John went around the bend a ways, and Natalie contemplated where she could find some privacy she had remembered to bring some tissues but finally decided to bite the bullet and seek the relative security of the outhouse. She remembered she had a small thing of hand lotion in her pocket and put some under her nose to blunt the smell she was sure awaited her and headed in. As quickly as possible she got done and rushed back out into the fresh air, sitting down against a tree about 20 feet away from everyone and drawing in some deep breaths.
Gentry had been watching her run in the lead pack the entire morning and he was pissed. The bitch actually had some skills and it infuriated him that she was better at some things than him he glanced around and realized that everyone was zoning out, or a decent distance away, chatting and there was no sign of McBain he decided to have a little funhe thought he could pull it off in a way that gave him a bit of deniability or reasonable doubt
Natalie had closed her eyes and was leaning back against the tree when she heard rustling in the leaves nearby. When she opened her eyes Gentry was just 3 feet away facing her, with his back towards everyone else. It was with shocked disgust that she realized he had his pants open and his hand was holding his almost-hard penis, almost stroking it like he was jerking off She couldnt believe he was actually doing this Leering at her he said, Sweet cheeks you dont mind if I relieve myself, do you? Ive had so much water But he continued to hold himself, move a bit on himself, making no move to urinate which she was glad of even though his ongoing actions were hardly preferable. She was trying to figure out what to do or say when John was suddenly rushing up on them and before she knew what was happening he was smashing Gentry up against the tree and she had to scramble away from it so as not to get run over a bit.
John was the definition of fury as he held Gentry against the tree and thundered, What the FUCK do you think youre doing?!
Gentry had a spark of fear in his eyes for a second but then tried his hand at slithery back-pedaling Man, Im sorry I didnt even realize she was sitting there until it was too late I had to go so bad, man, I wasnt thinking about anything else figured no one would be sitting this far out
John let out a bark of laughter which had no humor whatsoever. Gentry, you are a lying sack of shit. You and I both know what you were doing. Now, I really hope that you hear what I am saying because I am through giving you chances. If you cant act better than a low-life piece of scum then you dont belong in this program and you WONT be in this program. Consider yourself on probation and steer as far away from Buchanan as possible. Now get out of my sight.
John turned to Natalie who was still sitting on the ground about 5 feet away from the tree. He reached his hand out to her and she took it, and he helped her to her feet.
You OK?
Yeah, but her voice shook a little. She was frankly furious and furiously upset. He was so vile, and she had done exactly nothing to deserve it
Natalie he said her name so softly and that made her a bit more emotional because she was so used to him calling her Buchanan.
Ill be fine, I I was just surprised, and now Im not sure why
Well, maybe because something like that shouldnt even occur to you as possible look, I can bounce him right now
No! Dont get me wrong, I loathe him and would love him gone but not because of me something related to me let him go down for other things
Fair enough, but I need you to tell me if he gets out of line again and thats not about you its about the character of the people we can and cant afford to have in this program
Natalie just nodded.
John was still furious with Gentry but what he really felt at that moment was an incredible urge to pull her into a hug just out of comfort. Not because she was weak far from it but because she was this amazing blend of strength and tenderness, and the latter was very evident at that moment. She would shake this off, he knew, but it had also bothered her. He let himself go so far as to put his hand on her upper arm and squeeze it for a moment, and then he asked, Ready for the return 10 miles
Sure, lets go
As Natalie ran, she realized that John was making sure to keep pace with her. Rich, Nero, Bradford and Turner didnt know exactly what had happened, but the entire class was aware that something had occurred between Natalie and Gentry that McBain had had to put a stop to so her buddies closed ranks around her, too, and each made a silent pledge to keep her shielded from him as best they could.
They took an early lunch break and then were brought down to the shooting range where they would start working with handguns powerful handguns, such as 44s and 357 magnums. John loved the range he was an expert marksman and was always able to help the candidates improve their skills, no matter how much experience they had.
Natalie seemed to have recovered and was doing a good job with her target practice. He did notice she sometimes pulled up a bit at the last moment so he approached her.
Hey, Buchanan, nice job overall, but I did notice something with your form
Oh anything I can fix?
He appreciated her openness to coaching and said, Easily, I believe. Take your shooting stance
She did and then he stepped behind her. OK, now, what I see you doing sometimes is at the very end, pulling up just a little bit. Hard not to do with the power of this piece, but just a bit of concentration and awareness can help. Im going to hold onto your arms for extra control and you can feel what youll need to do to stay totally fixed on your position.
Natalie swallowed carefully as she felt John step up against her. He was so close, his chest was actually against her back and she could feel the muscles there. He was in a tank and sweats and his biceps and tattoos were in beautiful close-up as his arms bracketed hers, his hands lightly supporting under her wrists. OK, Buchanan he said softly against her ear, Let er rip.
Natalie squeezed the trigger and she felt his hands tighten on her a bit and the report moved her back a bit, further against him, and she couldnt control the slight tremor that went through her at the extra contact. She felt like she was losing her mind because for some reason this whole thing felt almost erotic her holding a powerful gun, him up against her and helping to support her arms as she shot, while his warm breath was on her neck
John felt the shudder and his own body reacted as well, and he was careful to make sure that his pelvis remained at a small distance from her back and backside, or she would have had no doubt about his reaction. What surprised him was that she was affected by this by him and though he knew he should try to ignore that, that knowledge excited him The silence between them went on for another 10 seconds and then he cleared his throat and stepped back.
Did you feel that, Nat- Buchanan?
I did she said softly.
Adopting a very business like tone he said, Just concentrate on keeping yourself taut your arms taut And with that he went to help another candidate.
Natalie shot a few more rounds but found it almost impossible to steady herself at this point. What was wrong with her?
Chapter 14
Natalie tried to throw herself into her work the rest of the day, and avoid looking at John, but she couldnt rid herself of thoughts about what it had felt like to have him so close the heat she felt coming off him shoot, he was just another guy
As she ate dinner and contemplated the evening ahead, she wrestled with whether to go to the gym for a late work-out as she had planned. Would she be disappointed if he didnt show up, or relieved? Should she just forget it, even though she was craving some quiet gym time since she hadnt been in two nights?
John was wrestling with much the same thing. But, he thought, a bit of attraction isnt so unusual its not a big deal its not like they had to act on it or ever would and spending time in normal situations could help help desensitize them
As it turned out, John and Natalie arrived at the gym at the exact same time, and smiled a bit awkwardly at each other. Soon they were both working weights but with a bit more intensity than normal. John saw Natalie loading up a good bit of weight on the bar, and as she went to lie down on the bench underneath it to bench-press it he said, Thats quite a bit of weight, Buchanan
Its my normal amount
But do you usually do it without a spot?
Well, no
Then let me spot you
He did and was impressed with her ability to handle the weight, her arm muscles moving smoothly but rippling with exertion, a light sheen of sweat covering her. Their eyes locked a few times as he looked down on her and he wasnt sure why he felt hotter because he wasnt exercising.
Without either of them talking about it, they began to work out together using the same machines one after the other, trading off reps, spotting each other. John was truly beginning to feel ridiculous because for some reason what in the past had just seemed like a basic work-out to him suddenly seemed intensely sexual in nature. Body movements, sweating, heavy breathing and their periodic eye contact didnt exactly help. He had to turn away when Natalie was working her legs on a thigh machine, pushing them wide open to move the weight, then reversing the action, sitting with her legs spread and then pushing them inward.
Natalie was stealing plenty of glances of her own when it was his turn. He was not as overtly muscular as Mason but he was definitely built and solid as a rock. His long-ish brown hair and blue eyes, combined with his tattoos for a smoking quality that was just, hot And damn it if in that moment she didnt flashback to the images Rex had sent her and she had to turn away she bolted for a new piece of equipment and John wondered if maybe, just maybe, he wasnt the only one feeling as if the air was slowly leaving the room.
Natalie was definitely feeling rattled and when she went to adjust the plates on the next piece of equipment she some how managed to squeeze her right index finger between two of them and she yelped from the pain. It looked angry and red and she instinctively put it in her mouth to suck on it.
John had shot up and over to her, Are you OK what did you do?
She was looking at him with large pain-filled eyes as she sucked on her finger and then she pulled it out to show him. A nice blood-blister was growing.
Shit, come with me then John had grabbed her hand and dragged her into the locker room over to the sinks. He turned the water on and standing behind her held her hand and finger under the cold spray. It stung at first and she couldnt help writhing a bit from the pain, but soon the water was making it feel so much better and she sighed
Thanks, that feels so much better
Well leave it under a bit longer better to keep the swelling down and diminish the blood flow because I believe thats your trigger finger Buchanan, youre going to need to use that a lot with your weapons training.
As they were talking their eyes were meeting in the mirror over the sink. He kept her hand under the water probably twice as long as necessary, but then again, she didnt seem in any hurry to pull it away either. Finally he said huskily, Thatll probably do it for now wrap a band-aid tight around it.
He stepped back from her but only a little more than a foot, so that when she turned around they were suddenly very close together, but neither of them moved. He could see the pulse jumping in the base of her throat and was sure it was keeping time with his. Everything got quiet, hot and his eyes slid from her eyes down to her mouth, which slightly opened in response. He exhaled a breath and suddenly their mouths were moving closer. When they were less than an inch apart they both noticed something in their peripheral vision and their heads snapped around to look at it it was a rat!
They sprang apart and Natalie jumped behind John as a shield while he grabbed some paper towel, wadded it up and threw it at the intruder, which scurried away.
Natalie laughed softly, shakily and they looked at each other for a long moment. It was awkward, the mood had been broken. She stepped back and said, Good night, McBain
See you tomorrow Buchanan.
They both struggled with the same thought as they made their separate ways home should they curse or bless the damn rat?!
John pounded back three beers to steady his nerves, then swallowed 2 Advil and a liter of water. He climbed into bed and drifted into an uneasy sleep
Start Dream
He heard a voice scream his name and he went running towards it he ran down a hall and through a door and found himself in the locker room. Natalie was standing up on a bench, a look of fear on her face as she glanced at the floor. He ran into the room expecting to find a rat but was jolted when he realized it was Gentry, crawling towards her like a menacing cat.
John moved forward to grab Gentry but as soon as he touched him he turned to dust. Natalie was still standing on the bench, trembling and she cried out his name, John! and he went to her. He pulled her close and his head was wresting against her tank-clad chest as her arms went around his shoulders and her hands into his hair to pull him closer against her. He could feel her trembling but now it seemed to be out of want versus fear.he turned his head and moved his hot open mouth over her nipple and began to suck her through the thin fabric. Her knees buckled and her moan set him on fire. He plucked her off the bench and moved her over to sit her on the sink where he stepped between her legs and ground himself into her as she gasped.
Next his mouth took forceful possession of hers, capturing the moans that would have reverberated off the tile if they had not tumbled instead into the moist heat of his mouth. She had locked her arms and legs around him and was rolling her hips against him and he felt huge hard
He opened his eyes to look into hers, their mouths still fused, when he noticed a dark figure in the mirror. He pulled back from Natalie and in the mirror his gaze met the thunderous eyes of Mark Mason
End Dream
John awoke with a start and then rubbed his face as he groaned. Fucking brilliant, he thought and fell back into a sleep that held little respite.
Chapter 15
Two days had passed since theyd last worked out together at the gym and both were relieved to find that theyd managed to slip back into what had become their normal attitude towards each other, namely friendly professionalism. Towards the end of the day John had gathered the class together.
OK, folks, a slight change of plans for tomorrow. We are going to spend a bit of time in the classroom tomorrow. One of the most important weapons we have in our fight against terrorism, especially domestic terrorism, are our own laws those already on the books and those that are on the agenda, hopefully. Tomorrow we are going to have a senior US Attorney Mark Mason spend a good part of the day with us hell be back to teach more after Hell Night, but were getting the ball rolling on it with a few basics..
Natalie hadnt been totally successful in hiding her surprise, and John had watched her closely and saw it. And that in turn surprised him a bit because he would have thought Mason would have told her this had been set up 2 days ago interesting.
John continued, Tomorrow night youll also be allowed your first bit of liberty you can leave campus as soon as classes are over but you must be back by midnight no exceptions.
Natalie walked back to the dorms and headed into her cubbie. She turned on her phone and realized she had 2 missed calls both from Mason. She was about to call him back when he beat her to the punch.
Hey, Mason rumor has it youre coming to teach us tomorrow
Yes! I tried to reach you a few times
Its been a bit crazy and we cant take our phones out of the dorm
So, hows it really going?
Honestly, overall much better than Id thought by next week things will get more intense as they step up our fight training, do some simulations, and start giving us some insight into torture tactics that could be used against us.. good times, huh?
The best hows McBain treating you?
Natalie found herself a bit tongue-tied for a second then said, Very fairly. He doesnt give me any extra attention in class or anything which is great he doesnt hover and act like hes waiting for me to blow it
What about the guy you described as a turbo-jerk or something like that?
He still is but I pretty much avoid him and Ive gotten pretty friendly with 3 or 4 of the guys and I know theyre keeping an eye out for me, even if they dont think I know
Mason sighed in relief, Thats good, Natalie. So, listen any chance you get any of your liberty tomorrow night?
Actually, yes from the end of class until Midnight
Hmmm, just until midnight well, would you feel like having dinner with me? I can find a place not too far off campus so we dont have to waste too much time driving any where
She realized she really would like to just hang with him, have some dinner he was so easy to be withI would love that so much, Mason so much
Good! So as not to cause any issues, why dont we meet at the restaurant - Ill text you the info tonight after Ive made reservations. I can drive you back, but this way no one will see you leave with one of your teachers and assume youre bucking for extra credit.
You sure you meant to say bucking.
He laughed and said, You are a naughty girl Buchanan Im going to have to discipline you
Promises promises
The next morning Mason arrived about 30 minutes before class started and McBain was already in the room. They looked at each other for a moment and then both smirked at each other.
John said, You bastard. Not even a heads up?
Hey, I was sworn to secrecy I couldnt divulge anything Id learned from pillow talk I dont kiss and tell
John chuckled but for some reason didnt find it entirely funny. Well, to say I was surprised would be an understatement, but Buchanan may in fact be the real deal
I have no doubtIm betting on her to go the distanceBy the way, she had mentioned that some guy is giving her shit not complaining about it, just a quick overall summary of things how bad is it?
John sighed, Hes a total prick but believe me I am all over it. Plus, she has a core group of guys whove closed ranks a bit around her but my personal hope and expectation is that he will flame out
You have to point him out to me
I wont need to, Mason, youll just know
They stopped talking about it because the class was beginning to file in. Natalie came in a few minutes later and Mason gave her a quick wink which she met with a quick smile, and that was it. No one would think there was a thing between them that theyd even met before.
Five minutes later Gentry swaggered in and Mason caught Johns eyes and he nodded imperceptibly. Mason felt his spine stiffen when Gentry pretended to smell Natalies hair as he walked by her.
Mason took control of the class and everyone was clearly paying attention. He had a natural style, great command of his subject and obviously a compelling physical presence. He was giving them an overview of relevant legal issues that theyd delve much more deeply into in the future.
Then he decided to emphasize some things he felt were important due to the presence of Gentry in the room and anyone like him who was better at hiding it.
Well, Ive talked so far about laws that are available to help you do your jobs but there is something critical to address and that is the laws that govern you more personally the ethics you are expected to adhere to there is no room for people who play fast and loose and do gratuitous harm to others, expecting to be able to claim heat of the battle and get away with it. He had been working his way around the room and came to a stop directly in front of Gentry. You all are a reflection of our government and this organization. I promise you we will cut you loose, and help prosecute you if your behavior goes over the line. There is no margin for error in this regard. None.
He had locked eyes with Gentry and as he suspected the guy was ultimately a coward because he looked away with discomfort as Mason continued to stare at him. John was glad that Mason had emphasized that, but he doubted it would have any lasting impact on Gentry.
Mason and John headed back to his office to have lunch with a couple of other agents who were going to testify in one of Masons upcoming cases. Natalie went to lunch with Nero, Bradford, Turner and Rich. Gentry and his shadows opted to sit at the same long table as them, but thankfully Natalie was several seats away.
Turner said, So, Buchanan I think I caught that Mason guy eyeing you a few times he may like our little GI Jane
Natalie just laughed and thought to herself, If you only knew
Nero jumped in, Im sure youre not allowed be the teachers pet or anything, but maybe you can pass him your number for when youre finished with the program
Gentry being Gentry couldnt hold back, Maybe you can find a closet somewhere so you can ball him real quick get some extra credit youd get something out of it too, cause I doubt hes a small fella get you to scream some as he splits you in two
Before anyone even realized he was moving Rich was standing over Gentry and had his neck squeezed between the strong fingers of one hand, and he said between gritted teeth, Gentry, you need to find yourself some manners and leave Buchanan the FUCK alone your act is tired and infantile. Give it a goddamn rest! Then he let him go and sat down and Gentry just huffed but did nothing.
As it turned out, John and Mason had walked in just in time to hear what Gentry said, and then to see Rich step in. Mason wanted to rip Gentrys head off and John did as well but he put a hand on Masons tensing forearm and whispered, Better off to let them handle it amongst themselves but I promise Ive got my eye on this Mason nodded. Then John sauntered over to the table and with his eyes locked on Gentry asked, Some trouble here?
Everyone just shook their heads and John nodded.
They returned to class for a few more hours and finally the day was over and spirits were running high because people were getting off campus. Natalie got showered, and was so excited to put on her own clothes! She donned her favorite jeans (Mason was arranging something casual), a light blue cashmere v-neck and her trusty civilian boots and wore her hair down it felt amazing to have it free for a bit. She finally put a bit of makeup on her face, eyes, and mouth and was done. She was so intent on getting out that she didnt even notice all the stares that followed her as she walked through the dorm they had never seen her like that and she was beautiful
Mason had made reservations in a great little Italian place 10 miles away and had arranged for a car to pick her up just outside the gate. She scooted in it without anyone catching her and was soon on her way. Mason was already seated in a quiet booth in the back which was more like a mini private room it even had a curtain you could pull across. It reminded her of the snugs shed read about in some British pubs As soon as she neared the table he reached his hand out and pulled her onto his side of the booth and then his arms were around her and his mouth had moved onto hers in a heart-stopping kiss which she instinctively began to return with passion. This was going to be a fun night
Chapter 16
Natalie and Mason finally broke apart and she said, Wow
He smoothed her hair back from her face and said, Ive wanted to do that all day and I swear I wanted to kill that bastard Gentry he really concerns me Natalie
Well, it really is sweet of you to worry but I dont intend to tangle with him
They enjoyed a leisurely dinner with plenty of wine Mason had already decided to arrange for car service to take Natalie back first and then him on home. Hed get his car tomorrow right now he just felt like kicking back he totally enjoyed Natalies company it still felt so easyThey hadnt closed the curtain but the booth was so private, and the restaurant so dimly lit that they felt no qualms about sharing kisses between bites courses Natalie was once again just letting herself be not thinking or caring about the future. It just felt good to be with someone who made her feel so feminine where she could feel totally safe to let her guard down She also wanted to do more than kiss him some of it had to be the wine, but the truth was, she enjoyed how he made her body feel
Once dessert and coffee had been put on the table by the friendly but not hovering waitress, Natalie reached over and pulled the curtain closed. Mason just looked at her with a raised eyebrow and felt himself grow even harder than hed been since hed laid eyes on her when shed first walked in the door. Natalie moved so she was straddling him and she wound her arms tightly around his neck, bringing her mouth within an inch of Masons and he banded his arms tightly around her lower back. They looked at each other intently for a moment and then Mason took possession of Natalies mouth in a hard, hot, plundering kiss as she began to grind down against him. Things were getting heated in a hurry as Mason tore his mouth from Natalies and said against her neck, God I want you, Natalie
She pulled his mouth back to hers and whispered against it, I want you toobut we cant here
I know I know
She tried to move off him saying, Im sorry I shouldnt have started this
She didnt get very far because his arms tightened around her, Where you think youre going Buchanan he said as he began to kiss her neck and she gasped..
I dont want to be a tease
Teasing isnt always a bad thing Then they were kissing heatedly again and grinding against each other.
Finally Mason moved Natalie off him and onto the bench, panting a bit for air, OK, Im not that strong and she giggled.
In the car on the way back to Quantico Mason just held Natalie in his strong arms as she relaxed into his hug. She was trying to soak up every bit of his strength she could. He noted how quiet shed gotten, and how she was burrowing in against him and somehow he just understood and wrapped his arms even tighter around her while kissing the top of her head. When they pulled up by the entrance, where Natalie wanted to be dropped off, he kissed her with tremendous tenderness.
You take care of yourself and anything you need, Natalie
She touched his face and said, Thank you, Mason
She climbed out of the car and Mason wasnt sure why but he felt the need to just hold her one more time he had a sense of foreboding he couldnt quite shake. He hopped out behind her and surprised her when he pulled her back around and into his arms, but she fully embraced him as well. Then she tipped her head back and he took her face in both of his hands and kissed her gently.
And at that moment Gentry and his boys came strolling by. They were stunned for a second and then Gentry cackled and Mason and Natalie ended their kiss but Mason kept her drawn tightly against him. He looked coldly at Gentry and said, You move along now or you wont get another chance
When they had skulked along Mason looked at Natalie, Im really sorry but shook her head.
It will be OK
Then she was walking through the gates and hoping she was right.
They were, of course, waiting for her when she got to the dorm. As she walked past Gentry said, So, Buchanan, you work fast, Ill give you that you were all over the strapping US Attorney
A few other classmates standing around looked at her in surprise, and shed had enough.
Not that its any of your business but Ive known Mason for 3 years and started seeing him before I was even accepted into this class. Sorry if youre two juvenile to understand what happens between two consenting adults but thats your problem, not mine
Then she stalked to her cubbie, changed into her tank and boxers and climbed into bed, wishing at that moment that she was back at The Watergate and crawling into Masons bed with him
Chapter 17
John and Hart had the whole class meet at the soccer field 8 oclock the next morning. John dove in, All right for the duration of this first three month period we will be playing soccer twice a week. It will enhance conditioning, build speed and coordination and also build teamwork. Hopefully some of you have played this, but you will get better and were not here to become expert players
Gentry couldnt help himself, he piped up, Well, if Buchanans as good at soccer as she is at playing tonsil hockey with a certain US Attorney, then I expect her to Bend it Like Beckham
Natalie gave him an evil eye and then moved her gaze and it collided with Johns who had clearly heard what was said and he looked pissed. Which she didnt quite get because it seemed to be directed at her maybe he was afraid of the perception of a conflict of interest? Great. Just great. Shed been doing fine no bumps with McBain or any of the instructors now this. Of all people to see her last night it had to be that indiscreet idiot.
John was fuming, but trying to hide it. She should know better than to be seen with an instructor that way and damn it so should Mason and he quieted the snarky inner voice that said, Yeah, McBain, THATS why youre pissed!
He snapped, Look enough bullshit, OK. Liberty is liberty stop being such a tattletale Gentry. Now were going to split into 2 teams Ill have to play on one to even it up Hart you divvy us up
As it turned out, Natalie ended up on Johns team, while Gentry was on the other but she ended up feeling they were both against her. Natalie had actually played on a soccer team in a local Llanview league made up mostly of police and firefighters. She knew what she was doing and was better than decent at it but John was barking endless orders at her. She was more than keeping up with Nero and Turner and even managed to outflank Gentry a number of times but still McBain was griping.
When the whistle blew for a short break she whipped around to him, Whats up with you?
Excuse me, CANDIDATE Buchanan he said with bite.
Her eyes widened a second and then narrowed, Oh, excuse me SIR. It appears you have endless trouble with the way Im playing care to give me some constructive feedback?
Just watch your flank, Buchanan you shouldnt be exposing it! And then he stalked off and she couldnt help but think his words actually had a triple meaning and she was pissed now too.
Natalie threw herself fiercely into the game, doing whatever she could to support and assist her teammates, get clear when she could, and play good defense, too. She was swift and decisive in her play and it galled John because at that moment he didnt want to feel positively disposed towards her. If he hadnt had been so irritated, and trying not to wrestle with why, he might have noticed how erratic Gentrys play was getting because of his own mounting anger. And not surprisingly it was focused on Natalie.
John snapped out of his preoccupation when he saw Natalie take a bad spill, hitting the ground and actually continuing to roll a few times. He hadnt seen exactly what happened, but he pretty much knew when he saw Gentry beating a hasty retreat with a grin on his face. Nero helped haul Natalie to her feet and she shook it off.
A couple of plays later Gentry had gotten one of his buddies in on the act. Bobbie tripped Natalie as she was running and Gentry timed it so it looked like he was running too fast to stop as he came up on her prone body and he was going to land feet first on her ankle. Natalie saw this at the last moment and knew hed likely break her ankle if he did land on her and she managed to grab her leg towards her body. He still trod on her but it wasnt a direct hit. His cleat dug into the flesh around her ankle though, ripping into it and she felt a harsh sting, and she couldnt help the cry of pain that came from her. In a nanosecond Nero and Turner were in Gentrys face, Turner screaming, You did that on purpose you sick son of a bitch! While Gentry shouted back that it was an accident.
John had been looking towards the goal and was unaware of what had happened in those few seconds until he heard the shouting. He noticed Natalie on the ground, her leg drawn up towards her and as he got closer he realized her white ankle sock was red with blood. Shit, he thought as he ran overwhen he reached her he knelt in front of her and he could see the pain on her face and knew it must hurt badly given the way her breath was coming in gasps.
What happened let me look
He gently took her lower leg in his hands and carefully moved her sock down and couldnt help cringing a bit it was a nasty wound, her skin was pretty damn chewed up.
What the fuck happened he snapped in the direction of the still-arguing men when he was fed up with the din he said, You know what, forget it just forget it!
By this point everyone had stopped playing and was gathering around to see what was going on. HART! John yelled. Please oversee Gentry as he does 100 push ups. And 100 crunches. The rest of you, get back to playing soccer.
He helped Natalie get on her feet and put his arm around her to help her off the field. She was shaking and he knew she was in pain, and how could she not be. He didnt want to be seen to baby her too much so he waited until they were just out of sight, and then surprising her greatly he picked her up to carry her the rest of the way.
Natalie was touched that he did that and grateful because it was killing her to walk at this point and it made her bleed worse. She let herself give into the need to just rest her head against his chest and shoulder as he carried her in that moment she just felt so tired.
When they reached the health center he carried her right into an exam room, put her gently on a table and told the nurse whod appeared in the door Im Agent McBain. Please get a doctor in here as soon as you can tell him a candidate from Training Class Alpha has been hurt
As they waited John gently removed her cleat and then peeled back her sock, and couldnt help the breath he inhaled through his teeth Natalie this looks pretty torn up does it feel like he sprained or broke your ankle or is it just a flesh wound?
She said shakily, I managed to pull back before he landed square on it so he just scraped down it its mostly just a flesh wound at least I hope so or I guess Im out of luck
She couldnt help that her voice broke just a bit at that thought and he reached a hand out and touched her cheek, Hey hey, look at me well figure it out, OK. We will we arent letting that bastard win in fact I may talk to Chase about cutting him loose right now
She didnt have the energy to argue that point because she really wouldnt mind him gone
The doctor came in and John stood off to the side but didnt leave. Natalie was given a tetanus shot, her wound was cleaned and debrided and she couldnt help writhing in pain a bit. The doctor stitched up a few of the deepest cuts, then he carefully examined her ankle. He then told her he wanted to take her to have an x-ray, and John waited for her in the room.
John was pissed beyond belief at Gentry and he wanted him gone, but it was complicated he had been crafty enough to have little clear-cut that could be used against him. Natalies injury was not totally unusual for a rough and tumble soccer match. He sighed deeply and was determined to figure out how to get the goods on Gentry. He had no doubt that he would probably flame out during the second three months when they got into the psyche profile of the candidates and more classroom work. But for now most of it was based on physical capabilities, and while comportment was important, it could be harder to prove a breach in that regard. And they had to be real careful if they cut someone because of his behavior towards the first female recruit it couldnt seem theyd shut down what for anyone else would be construed as routine hazing
Soon the doctor and Natalie were back and John helped her back on the table. The doctor said, Ill have the x-ray results in about 15 minutes, so why dont you try to relax for a bit. I am going to give you some painkillers because while youve been very stoic through this Ms. Buchanan, I am quite sure it is very painful. Why dont we start with an injection since it will work almost immediately and then you can take the pills with you... Natalie just nodded and then felt the cool of an alcohol swab and the pinch of the needle. The doctor said, Lie back here for a bit and let the medicine take effect.
As Natalie lay back, slightly reclined, John stood down the end of the table so they could see each other. She was already starting to feel the effects of the medicine, Wow not sure what he gave me but remind me to get injured every day I could skate through torture simulations on this stuff
John chuckled at her, glad to see she was relaxing. He leaned his hand on a piece of metal protruding from the table and said, Im glad youre feeling better Ill feel better when we know that nothing is broken
She looked at him and couldnt help giggle when she realized what he was leaning on.yep, she was definitely punchy now.
Whats so funny?
What youre leaning on its not for your hand, McBain
He looked at her puzzled because he actually wasnt sure hed ever seen that apparatus not in his regular doctors office
She giggled again and said, Its a stirrup, silly, for your feet?
Your feet?
Yeah move your hand a sec she now was slurring her words a bit, yet still giggling.
He did, looking puzzled, and then Natalie moved her feet into the stirrups like every female of a certain age had learned to do. Then she tried to explain helpfully, This must be a co-ed room these are used by the girls when they come for a special kind of appointment but see, then the hard part comes because you always have to scoot down the table, and man its hard to move down the table and not just jerk your hips up instead and in her drug-induced liberation she started doing just that in order to demonstrate.
John had watched this with increasing fascination, a modicum of embarrassment, and to his additional embarrassment, a bit of arousal. Holy crap! And he felt badly, almost like a voyeur, because Natalie was only doing this because she was drugged up. If she remembered she would truly be mortified.
He quickly broke in and said, OK, OK, got it I get the picture had no clue and then he stepped away from the front towards the side of the table.
Natalie giggled again, saying, Oh sorry I embarrassed you youre turning red, McBain, my bad and thankfully she returned to a normal position on the table.
Thirty seconds later the doctor bustled in again.
OK this is a very nasty flesh wound, but you managed to avoid any real damage to bones, tendons, ligaments, etc. Very very lucky. You dont need to stay off your feet but Id avoid any high-impact exercise for a week. Use a recumbent bike swim but no pounding exercises. You need to change your dressings regularly and are welcome to swing through here for us to do it.
Now, perhaps Agent McBain can see you back to your bunk
With that the doctor was gone again. John helped a decidedly woozy Natalie back to the dorms, which were quiet since the rest of the candidates were still playing soccer and would then head to the shooting range for a bit. John was glad because he was reluctant to leave Natalie with Gentry hovering around while she was so out of it. He had supported much of her weight, which didnt amount to much, as theyd walked across campus. They got to her cubbie and he opened the door.
OK, Buchanan, you need to lie down and sleep some of the drugs off and then he helped steady her as she climbed up the ladder to her bunk. She hadnt really said much of anything since theyd left the health center and she simply stretched out on her bed and sighed, and he could tell she was almost asleep. The drugs had apparently taken full effect and he really didnt want to leave her in such a defenseless state, so he decided to sit for a while in the chair by her desk. Hed wait until everyone had come back and then ask Bradford, Turner, Rich and Nero to keep an eye on her, because he had a feeling shed be at least semi out of it for a good part of the night. He sunk down into the chair and drifted off himself and didnt realize it until the sound of the returning men woke him. He rousted himself and looked up at Natalie and she was still out cold.
John stepped out of Natalies cubbie and drew a number of surprised and intrigued stares. He glared at Gentry and then asked Natalies buddies to step closer. He explained the situation and they promised that one of them would be watching over her at all times, and then he left but not before another glare at Gentry.
Chapter 18
Natalie slept straight through until a little after 7pm, and felt groggy, muddled when she woke up. She gingerly got down from her bunk and opened her door and found Nero sitting on the floor outside it.
He sprang to his feet, Hey, youre up!
Yeah
McBain told us about your injury so great it wasnt worse. Anyway, he didnt want to leave you unattended while you were drugged up and out of it so he asked me, Turner, Rich and Bradford to keep an eye on you until you were awake
Natalie was touched by all of their concern and efforts to keep her safe especially Johns for even thinking of it. Sal, thank you so much I feel practically normal now so why dont you go join the others where are they at The Pub?
Yeah, but are you sure
Totally. And thanks again.
No worries, oh, and you dont have to worry about Gentry hes at The Pub, too...
Natalie thought about taking a cool shower to wake up, but suddenly thought a swim sounded like heaven. She went back into her cubbie and put her swimsuit on regulation, of course and then tossed her sweats on over it. The old gym was empty when she got there and she grabbed a towel from the locker room, and then looked in one of the cabinets for a first aid kit. She wrapped some plasticized first aid tape around the gauze covering her ankle and headed to the pool which was also empty. She dove in and exhaled deeply at the wonderful feel of the cool water engulfing her body. She relaxed back into it for a few minutes until she felt restored, and then started swimming laps, setting a fast but not overly-taxing pace.
John arrived at the gym and saw it was empty and after carefully nosing into the locker room found it was too. His eyes were drawn to the window that overlooked the pool because the light was on down there and when he walked over and looked down he saw someone was swimming. The telltale whip of a red braid told him who it was and he smiled to himself she didnt stay down for long. He headed to the pool and stood on the side watching her body slice strongly, rhythmically, through the water, and she swam a good ten laps before she noticed him.
Natalies body felt so strong and light at the same time that she was glad she had decided to come for a swim. She was slowing a bit when out of the corner of her eye she realized someone was standing on the left side of the pool, and after a momentary start she realized it was John. She swam over to meet him as he walked over and squatted down.
You must be feeling better
I am I woke up feeling so groggy that I needed a jolt of something. This feels like heaven
Im glad..
Yeah, and when I got up Nero was sitting on the floor outside my door on guard duty thanks for thinking of that
He smiled a little, No problem. Seriously Buchanan, I couldnt leave you out cold knowing that Gentry has free run of the place so when the guys got back I asked them to keep an eye out and left...
You stayed all that time, until they got back?
Uh, yeah I sat on your chair truth be told, I nodded off myself
Natalie laughed softly and said, Well, thanks for playing guardian angel hope I didnt say anything weird in my drugged up state
John flashed back on her stirrup demonstration but decided to let it go, but wanting to razz her a little bit, he said, No you just kept saying Masons name over and over
She looked up at him in shocked embarrassment and then realized he was kidding and she stepped back and splashed him with a bunch of water. He fell back on his ass and sputtered, laughing, Hey, thats insubordination Candidate Buchanan as he stood back up.
So write me up her teeth were starting to chatter since the water was cool and she was not longer moving to warm herself up
You done in there, Buchanan?
Yeah
Well you better come out, youre turning purple and he reached a hand down to help her out. As he was yanking her out his foot slipped on the wet decking beneath his feet, and she fell back in as he tumbled head first into the pool.
He came up sputtering and Natalie was laughing hysterically.
Oh, you think this is funny, Buchanan? he asked as he moved closer to her.
Actually, yes she continued to giggle.
Its your fault, you know , he said in a faux-menacing tone.
MY fault? I didnt ask you to help me out of the pool.
No, but YOURE the one who splashed all the water up there
Oh well she said and made a break away to swim for the other side.
Even though he was weighed down with his sweat pants on, he managed to catch her and he grabbed her as she squealed, and the he dunked her under the water. She wriggled against him to get away, but he held firm. A few seconds later he pulled her up and it was her turn to sputter.
He kept his arms around her while she wiped some water off her face and he said, Say youre sorry
Never
Buchanan, Im warning you
Never
And he dunked her again. They did battle in the water, wrestling for supremacy for about five minutes. Natalie finally broke free and got as far as the side, half way scooting out, when John reached her and pulled her back in, turning her to face him. Their laughter died in their throats as their eyes locked in that instant, the cool water suddenly feeling hot around them. Natalie was leaning against the wall of the pool, her breath coming in gasps from her exertion, and now something more. John had boxed her in with an arm on each side of her against the edge of the pool and he was standing so very close to her. His breath was as labored. His eyes moved to her mouth and she nervously licked her lips John couldnt help reaching out a thumb to follow the trail left by her tongue, and she inhaled at the contact and closed her eyes.
Then Johns lips were on hers in a gentle kiss, and on a soft moan she opened her mouth to him, and next he had moved both hands to the back of her head while he deepened their kiss, his tongue slowly exploring her mouth while hers melded with his. A part of Johns brain was screaming for him to stop this it was wrong on so many levels but it felt nothing but right at that moment.
Natalie was blown away by the feel of his mouth on hers he was taking her breath away while she felt a heat a hunger spread throughout her entire body. The intensity of his mouth was creating a riot along every nerve ending. She couldnt even think, she could only react, and she wound her arms around his neck and her legs around his middle, and now it was Johns turn to moan. And then turned his brain off completely. His hands moved through the water to cup her ass and he pressed her against him as he ground into the space between her legs which tightened even more around him in response. She had moved her hands to the back of his head to deepen their already-profound kiss even more, and he felt her moans vibrate down his spine and into his erection where it was tightly pressed against her.
Natalie could feel his hardness against her and she yearned for him she felt him intensely through her thin swimsuit, and his wet sweatpants couldnt hide his desire.
They finally broke apart to look at each other and there was nothing but desire in their eyes, no hesitancies at all. Their mouths began to move towards each other again when the sound of an opening door made it through their passion-induced haze. They turned and looked at the approaching security guard who quickly excused himself. They didnt have to worry about being identified it was so dark and with their wet hair and all but the moment was broken.
They looked at each other for a second and Natalie moved her legs down straight, starting to feel a bit embarrassed by her behavior. John wasnt sure exactly what to say, but felt he should figure out something since he was technically the ranking elder and should know better. But the truth was, he couldnt bring himself to say he was sorry to outright lie.
Natalie she looked up at him with her eyes huge in her face. She was going to be mortified if he began to backtrack now
Natalie I shouldnt have done that but I cant quite bring myself to say Im sorry about it either
She smiled softly at him, because that was actually the perfect thing to say.
I understand same for me but I guess itd be best if I leave now
He just nodded and watched her go. And decided to stay in the cool water for a bit.
Chapter 19
The next morning when Natalie had to face John, she felt incredibly nervous. She had tossed and turned most of the night because her body still felt the reaction to him and it was powerful, and she didnt understand that hed just kissed her
When she stepped into the gym for that mornings karate class, she felt his eyes on her almost immediately. She looked at him and he gave her the tiniest wink, and she grinned just the tiniest bit in return, and things felt almost back to normal again whatever that was. She had to tread a bit gingerly on her ankle, but by and large she was able to keep up. Gentry had shot her a look and a smirk, but for a change he stayed well away from her. Could he finally be getting the message?
John called everyone together. OK, just want to summarize the next several weeks that are leading up to hell night. While that is the line of demarcation between the two three-month modules, truth is, most of the two weeks leading up to it will be hell as well. Most of this week will be pretty normal what youve become used to. Thursday and Friday we will simulate what will be pretty close to the knock-down/drag-out fights you would experience in defending yourself in the field. We will obviously have safety words and hold back from total devastation, but I have to worn you all, not by much or else it wouldnt exactly prepare you. This weekend you will get your first significant period of liberty from 7pm Friday until 7pm Sunday. That means you can leave campus for the whole time, or you can come and go, or just stay put. You are free to do whatever you want, wherever you want, HOWEVER your behavior should befit the elite group youre trying to become part of. When liberty is over, the tough stuff really begins. You will do more real fighting. We will spend time in class next week learning about the various ways and instruments of torture. You will see actual footage. I warn you now, it is horrific. But, again, as part of this group you are potentially signing up for that to happen to you. After those classes are when we typically see a number of people pull the plug on themselves there is NO shame in that. Then, the following week, we basically torture you and Im not kidding. As with the fighting, there will be safety words to stop it but if you stop it too soon, we will have to dismiss you. We give you 24 hours post-torture to recover a bit you still have to work out and such and then comes hell night. After that a lengthier liberty which well describe closer to the time and then those who made it through will be back for the next part of the program. Any questions?
There was dead silence in the gym. Reality had set way in. They had been working with intensity in their training, but it was only really taxing them physically the next would show what they had, or didnt have, mentally and emotionally.
Folks, this wont be fun and I guess I should ask, though you dont have to say if you dont want, but has anyone here ever been tortured to any extent? Part of his rationale for asking was to learn the information, but also to observe reactions to the question and answers. Even though it was a very private matter, teams like this couldnt really afford secrets once out in the field.
Natalie held her breath and kept her hand down, wondering if she should say anything. Turner and Bradford both raised their hands and then explained that they had been taken hostage in Afghanistan for a bit and what had been done to them in very brief terms. Another guy had been tortured by the mob a bit when hed gone undercover.
John asked, Anyone else? and everyone was surprised when Natalies hand went up, and at that moment he wished hed read her file. Buchanan? he asked softly.
Before she could answer Gentry had to step up to the nasty plate again and said, Hey Red, your boyfriend cumming before you do doesnt count as torture
Without even looking in his direction John snapped to Hart, Get him OUT of here please escort him on a 20-mile run, and load up a heavy back-pack for him if you will
Buchanan?
Natalie swallowed hard and said, Well, I was strangled and then had a explosives strapped to my chest, then was kidnapped, tied to a burning stake, re-kidnapped and after being held for a week tossed into the bottom of a pit and left to die
No one said anything for long moments, but many realized that she had faced and survived more than any of them likely would in their lifetimes and maybe it wasnt so crazy that she was here
John hated the very thought that shed been through that, and he felt a cold chill as he realized what else might have been done to her while she was held captive.. .If theyd been alone but they werent, and people were looking for him to lead Well, you may know better than most whats coming anyway, why dont we all get to work now
The next few days went uneventfully, and the work outs had stepped up so much the training had so intensified that Natalie couldnt even bring herself to go for an extra workout. In moments of honesty she also knew she was being a coward because she didnt know what she wanted or didnt want to happen if she bumped into John at the gym but she knew the RIGHT answer so she avoided the angst of a decision. She also avoided having to deal with it if he didnt even seem to have an interest in going there again
Thursday came and it was the first fight day the guys were all calling it Fight Club. Natalie felt nervous but she also knew she had had decent skills when she got here, and they had been honed significantly. She wasnt sure how McBain and the other instructors were going to choose the order theyd fight in, but if she could she wanted to go today, as early as possible and get it over with not have to have it weigh on her when she watched everyone else. There were only going to be two fights going on at any given time, so that each candidate could get feedback from an audience of peers on what they could have done differently. A total of 12 instructors were going to take part so most would only have to do two fights John would take three. He already had decided that Buchanan was going to be one of his he would steel himself not to hold back but he knew hed be a bit more careful, especially about her ankle. He knew some of the other instructors who would take part in this had had very little contact with her, and a number of them still felt she shouldnt be here he knew they wouldnt be able to help being even harder on her than the others in order to prove a point.
Hart walked in and posted fight rosters which listed the instructor, candidate and the appointed time of their battle. These first fights were going to go for just three minutes because that was a very long time when it was pretty much no-holds-barred. For these first fights they were also going to be given head gear and have their hands taped, but no gloves since hands were required for grappling. As most now understood from training, out and out punching wasnt necessarily the best way to go
Natalie looked at the roster and saw her name under Johns and that she was going to be his second fight of the day she sighed and wondered how this was actually going to go. She felt herself get even tenser when she saw the first rounds of fighting they were so real looking. The skills being emphasized by most were krav maga and the mixture of other pure street-fighting skills theyd learned. She felt like those were strong suits, but why was she doing this again?
Finally it was her turn. She approached John and he could tell she was nervous and though he never would have admitted it, so was he. Did he have it in him to treat her like one of the guys especially since hed actually gotten to know her a bit liked her even
He taped her hands, handed her a bite guard and then put her head gear on her. He could see most of the class and instructors gathering around to watch. He said softly, Buchanan, Im going to have to flip a switchwe have to go for this no holding back
Absolutely!
He looked at her for a moment and wondered if he should give her any warning of what was to come. Chase had called him last night and had told him of a few tweaks the shrinks wanted to make to what Natalie was put through because she was a woman, and had to be prepared for what the enemy might do to her. As they fought, it was supposed to seem as if his aim might actually be to rape her not ripping her clothes off or anything that was what the torture module was for but the way he grabbed her, positioning himself between her legs, perhaps it was supposed to be indicative of that possibility so they could look for how she held up. All these battles were being filmed.
There was supposed to be another fight ongoing simultaneously, but the instructors had given up the proverbial ghost everyone wanted to see how Natalie held up so they all crowded around.
John looked at Hart who set the time clock at three minutes. He looked intently at her and she returned his gaze steadily. Then Hart blew the whistle. They assumed a fighters stance with knees slightly bent and started moving around each other slowly taking each others measure. Natalie felt her heart pounding in her chest this was always the way it was as you were waiting for the first contact to occur. At some point someone has to make the first move, however, and she decided to try to gain an upper hand through the element of surprise and make that first move she assumed John might think her too nervous to do so, or wanting to delay the inevitable.
She was quick as a cat and moved her right leg between his slightly open legs and hooked it sharply around his left leg to get him off balance and then pushed hard with both hands against his chest. He was surprised, and though he didnt recover quickly enough to save himself from falling, he was able to grab her upper arm as he fell and took her down with him. She landed in a heap on him and he felt a lot of his air leave his lungs, but not all of it.
Then it was on. For the next minute they fought in a way that was half wrestling half street fighting, not punching but grappling, pushing, twisting, and rolling around At one point Natalie began to crawl away and John collapsed on her back, crushing her into the mat, his arms banding around her upper body like a vice so she couldnt use her arms. Remembering what he had been told to do and his adrenalin well and truly pumping at this point while still laying on her he moved a leg between hers and jerked them apart, and then settled his other leg in between herswhich was designed to simulate that he could be contemplating assaulting her from behind. He felt a shudder go through her and she began fighting again hard, pushing up against him as if to try and roll him over. But she had little leverage because her arms were trapped inside the circle of his. She used all her strength to try to bend up on her knees and then hooked her feet around the back of his legs trying to strain them and cause him to loosen his hold on her. He pulled back on her while starting to sit up to sit back on his feet, which gave her a bit of room maneuver her arms, and he felt her elbow make hard contact with his ribs.
Johns arms loosened enough for her to briefly free herself and she tried to scramble forward. She almost made it to her feet entirely, but John managed to grab a piece of her foot and she fell back down, but moved forward quickly on all fours. He recovered himself enough to surge forward and he wound a hand around each of her narrow ankles. Natalie winced where his vice like grip surrounded her injury, but he didnt even seem to register at this point. He jerked on her legs until she fell flat on her stomach again and then he flipped her over and dove on top of her, again pinning her to the ground. He could feel her begin to tremble in earnest but continued on unmoved. He used his knees to push her legs open and then he was resting between her legs pushing against her. Without warning he kneeled up and hooked his arms under her legs and roughly hauled the lower part of her body off the mat and hard up against him. While her upper body was writhing in reaction she was trying to use her hands to loosen his grip on her legs. She whimpered as she did so and that small noise finally broke through to John and he realized that she was shaking almost violently though she continued to fight. And his blood ran cold because it dawned on him that her body was not reacting to their fight, but to something horrible from the past that had been burned into her muscle memory.
John began to lose his resolve and he leaned towards her as if to speak and she said through her gritted teeth, her voice shaking, Dont you DARE stop fighting me! When he still hesitated she used it to her advantage and reached up to grab the back of his hair, hard. That caused him to loosen his grip on her legs and she managed to free one enough to bring her knee up towards his groin. He protected himself at the last moment but she was able to scramble out from under him. When he took a lunge towards her she deflected him and before he even totally knew what had happened he was on his back and she was straddling his hips as her hands closed around his neck. He could still feel her entire body quaking but she was continuing to fight through it all, and she was in this victorious position when the buzzer sounded after three hard-fought minutes.
They were quiet for a moment, nothing but their rasping breaths for sound. Then he quickly made a move to get up because he could tell his body was about to react to where there bodies were connected and neither of them could afford that - not here, not now. She realized his intent and moved off him, getting shakily to her feet with him following behind. She ripped her headgear off and removed her bite guard, then she smiled a bit at the rousing applause she was getting but John was close enough to tell she was still well and truly rattled, notwithstanding the fact that she pushed through it to ultimately win.
There was so much he wanted to say to her, but it wasnt the time or place, so he just said, Good job, Buchanan She smiled at him and then made a bee-line for the restroom, though she was stopped with congratulations along the way. Except, of course, by Gentry who stood quietly thinking how hot it had been to watch her fight for her life
Chapter 20
Natalie was sitting on the mat, watching the other fights going on. Immediately after her own fight she had gone into the ladies room to splash cold water on her face. She felt tremors still running through her entire body but she was going to keep it together she had to. She kept reminding herself that she was safeit was just memories, and she wouldnt even let her mind go there even if her body did.
She had been quiet during lunch and then while she sat with a few of her friends as the fights continued. Each of them had done well, too, although some had lost on close calls and there was at least one true draw. She was calmer overall, but still a bit rattled. She had felt Johns eyes on her a number of times and knew he was concerned. She appreciated that she really did but in that one moment when he had stopped fighting her, she knew that HE knew what was going on with her and she wasnt ready to deal with that to have to talk to him about it because she had a feeling he wouldnt just let it go.
John kept a watchful eye on her from across the room and he was concerned. She looked pulled together overall, but her characteristic vitality was missing she was incredibly subdued and he hated having had any part in that happening. He wanted to talk to her but in a private setting he was going to ask her to come to his office after the fighting was finished for the day.
Finally the last fight was over and Natalie got up to leave, and spotted John heading out with one of the other instructors. She found herself a bit surprised and had decidedly mixed emotions about him not approaching her at all since theyd fought. As she was pondering that Hart came up to her and handed her a note, said, Good job, today, Buchanan and walked away. She opened it and it said,
N Id like to see you in my office ASAP. Main administration building, 5th floor, room 510. J
She sighed deeply and felt her stomach twist. She might as well get this over with after a quick pit-stop to splash some water on her face.
John sat in his office waiting for her and mulled over exactly how to approach this meeting. He glanced at her file in the stack still untouched but was pretty sure the answers he really wanted were not in there. It probably went into more details about what Natalie had already shared, but left out quite a bit perhaps the most important stuff. He needed to know the truth as the lead instructor of this class, and he wanted to know it well why exactly did he want to know it? That was a loaded question so he quickly skirted it. He had been through extensive training on interrogation techniques including with the CIA and he focused on that as he thought about the best approach, trying to ignore that Natalie was going to be the subject of the interrogation. His gut told him the best way to extract what he needed see how she reacted but that didnt make him like it.
He heard a tentative knock on the door and called out Come on in! and then there she was. She looked apprehensive so he smiled at her and said Take a seat, Buchanan, you earned it for kicking my ass today
Natalie stepped into his office and the door closed behind her. She moved to the chair hed pointed to in front of his desk and sat on the edge of it, looking at him expectantly. You wanted to see me?
Yeah, Buchanan, I did He swallowed hard and dove right in I was wondering who raped you and when did it happen?
Natalie reeled back as if she had been struck and looked at him utterly speechless. He found it interesting and telling, and his gut twisted a bit as he continued. I will give you all the credit in the world you fought right through it all, but you were quivering, shaking badly and it wasnt because you were afraid of me it wasnt adrenalin flowing through you your body was remembering something from the past something horrible ingrained in your muscle memory you were reacting to that experience
He said this all very softly and she felt a lump form in her throat, but no words. She looked at him with a beseeching look on her face and he truly didnt know if she was begging him to stop or to get her to talk to let it out He wanted to walk around the desk to go to her, but felt that would potentially seem invasive, so he leaned forward on his elbows and looked at her and said as gently as he could, Natalie you can tell me I think you need to tell me
She looked intently at him when he said that, trying to ferret out the exact meaning of his words, because there were a couple of interpretations, but she couldnt help but think that he was right on both counts she needed to tell him as her instructor and she NEEDED to tell him because it was now weighing on her and it would likely get worse it would be a bone of contention or an open item between them and she couldnt afford for that to play into her making it through this program. She sighed deeply and made her decision.
Did you ever here of The Killing Club Killer Hayes Barber, otherwise known as Ivan Potter?
John nodded that had been a huge bureau case that one of his friends worked on. He tried to remember the name of what was almost his final victim. Who he threw down a pit as John had that thought his blood ran cold because he remembered Natalies quick catalog of her previous experiences with torture but the victim wasnt Buchanan it was Vega it was N NATALIE Vega
Natalie saw his mind processing everything and realization dawn and he looked at her with shock and a bit of horror. He whispered, Vega?
That was my married name.
They were silent for several long moments and Natalie started to talk again, somehow feeling like she could, He had me for a while I lost track of exactly how long before he finally tired of me and tossed me in the pit to die He didnt pass the time with me playing cards I was his recreational outlet for the duration of my staythe first few times I fought harder than I ever had, but that just enraged him and I paid dearly for that I had realized I might just need to go with it but thankfully he had the great idea to drug me into submissiveness, so except for the first few times my memories are blessedly vague and drug-tinged, so not as horrifying
She went silent and sat looking down at her hands. John finally did move around the desk and squatted in front of her, taking her hands in his. She looked up at him and the gentleness and concern on his face drew one of the tears pooling in her eyes down her cheek. Im so very sorry, Natalie
She gave him a tremulous smile and clung to the warmth of his hands. So, you see why I kind of rolled my eyes when everyone I talked to about being in this program went on and on and on about my ability to stand up to and get through whatever unspeakable things might be done if I was ever captured? Oh, dont get me wrong, I know that at the end of the day Barber went easy on me compared to what is done to agents who are captured there was little outright torture but I know what it is like to feel the hands of someone who meant me mortal harm on my body to know that that person was taking pleasure in hurting me and then intended to kill me no safety words no whistle going to blow in three minutes.. the training we are doing is effective in so many ways it will get everybody close but there is nothing like the real thing and half of these macho guys who think they are so tough and they are in many ways they are the ones, not me, who will have to get over the greatest shock the first time they are confronted with reality with the feel of those hands
John looked at her intently as she spoke and he knew she was right. He had been in that sort of situation and he knew that all the training in the world didnt fully prepare you Youre right, Natalie but knowing what you know having felt what you felt can you handle really putting yourself situations where that and worse can happen to you?
For the right reasons to do what is important I think I can I will
It must have been such a shock when Hayes took you
Natalie sighed and said, Yes and no sadly Id been through it twice before once at the hands of Flynn Walker, and the other when Stephen Haver strapped explosives to my chest.
Natalie was startled at the quick intake of breath that came from John as his hands, which had still been holding hers, jerked free and he almost fell back. He had a look of shock on his face and she reached a hand out to touch his shoulder, suddenly frightened. What, John what.
He thought, Of course VEGA Natalie Vega
Id never made the connection with Haver either your name
Did you work on the earlier cases involving him? John?
She said his name so softly and he looked at her, and realized he could share his truth, too. He sat back on the floor and leaned against his desk and looked up at her.
I was I took the lead on the White Rose murders and got my fianc, Caitlin, killed in the process.
He looked so broken when he said that, that without thinking Natalie moved off the chair and knelt in front of him this time it was her taking his hands in hers. Oh, God Im so sorry what happened?
John haltingly explained, and when he finished Natalie questioned, You blame yourself?
Of course I taunted him and he killed Caitlin to prove who had the upper hand
I cant even imagine how Id feel if it was me but you didnt create Haver he was an evil man you tried to bring down
But I didnt did I? He killed Caitlin and got away and I still couldnt get him if I had he wouldnt have been able to torture you the way he did
John Im not your fault your responsibility but I am so sorry for your loss
He looked at her and felt a twinge in his heart where there hadnt been one in years. Where did she get the strength? Not just physically, but emotionally to go through what she had and still have the openness and compassionUntil he felt Natalies fingers reach out to wipe them away, he hadnt even been aware hed been crying. It was soundless, just a few errant drops but he hadnt shed a single one in years. He wanted to crush her to him and hold on for dear life but it just wasnt the time the place but he did take both her hands again and held them squeezed them just a little bit
Argh, Buchanan, weve both had too much time spent with lunatics
She smiled, understanding that he was trying to steer them to less damaging subjects now lessen the intensity... She stood up and he followed suit, and they stood looking at each other for a moment. He put a hand on each of her shoulders and said, Natalie the torture in a few weeks its going to seem like like its heading in a certain direction
I understand Ill Ill just have to see what I can handle
If you need to use the safety word Natalie this sort of thing can break you because once youve taken a bunch of blows you just never know what will be the last straw the one that finally takes you all the way down no program no job no mission is worth that worth your being broken beyond repair
She was genuinely touched by the concern she saw in his eyes and he saw that. And finally he couldnt help it he pulled her into a tight hug. It was borne of comfort and solidarity and she let herself bask in it, return it for several moments because it was such a blessed relief. Then she pulled back and said, Thanks for the talk it actually helped
Likewise, Buchanan
Then she was gone. And he sat back on his desk and stared into space for a long while after.
Chapter 21
Friday evening arrived and spirits were high overall, even if some had not performed as well as theyd have liked in the first round of fighting. Those disappointments began to fade into the background as the weekend of liberty approached. Natalie had decided almost immediately that it made no sense to traipse all the way back to Llanview there really wasnt enough time. In addition, she knew that Mason was heading out of the country tomorrow afternoon for a quick trip to meet with a witness on an upcoming case hed be back by Wednesday. So, Natalie was staying put, on campus, and though it was a bit of a depressing thought in the end she thought it would be better, because it might be harder to come back and face what was coming if she spent any time in a normal environment.
Adding to her pending sense of loneliness was the fact that her closest buddies were all heading out to various places to catch up with their friends and loved ones shed just lay low, work out, maybe even take herself to a movie read a book whatever. By 7pm she had said goodbye to her friends and was heading into her cubbie when one of the guys she knew decently well approached her. Nick Jacobs was about thirty and everything about him was medium height, build, the color of his brown eyes and hair but he was a solid, decent guy who pretty much kept his head down and worked hard. He had a few friends hed made who seemed just like him and they were all hanging around for the weekend, too.
Hey, Natalie Nick said.
Hi, Nick.
Listen, a bunch of us well my buddies and I we were going to head into DC for a few hours, grab a bite, a couple of drinks theres a great place called Oscars not too far from Embassy Row do you want to come along?
At that moment Natalie thought that sounded perfect. She was suddenly in need of at least a short break from here, and it wouldnt be bad to get to know Nick and his friends a bit better.
You know, Id love to!
Great. Well head out in about 30 minutes, OK?
Perfect.
Natalie and Nick went into their respective cubbies, neither one of them having noticed Gentry standing off to the side and listening. He laughed to himself as he now knew exactly what he, Bobbie and Billy Ray were gong to be doing tonight.
Natalie tossed on jeans and a beige suede work shirt that was nicely fitted and closed up with snap buttons. She laughed a bit to herself because Mason had enjoyed ripping this particular top open at the most inopportune times because it was so easy. She put on her high-heeled boots, took her hair down (she had showered and dried it earlier) and put on a bit of make up. Finally she put in her diamond stud earrings.
She was in high spirits by the time they made it to Oscars Nick and his friends Steve, Zeke and Matt reminded her a bit of Kevin and Joey when they got together and bantered. Oscars was half restaurant half-club, and they first were seated for dinner the menu was heavy on steaks and seafood. By 10 oclock they were ready to push back from the table and head into the club part, where there were multiple bars, a dance floor and a DJ spinning tunes. They managed to snag a table and ordered their drinks, and then Nicks back stiffened when he looked across the room. Natalie noticed and followed his gaze and groaned Gentry and his goons were coming over. Nick turned to her and said, Dont worry, weve got your back
Gentry, Bobbie and Billy Ray came over and were all smiles and friendly greetings, and they sat two tables down from the others. Thankfully as the evening went on it was clear that he was trying to be on his best behavior, which was a relief. As it was approaching midnight Natalie and her friends were ready to go. She had to head to the ladies room first and they agreed to meet by the front door. As Natalie used the facilities, washed her hands and checked her hair, she had no idea that events were in motion that would take her to a completely unexpected place.
Nick was waiting by the door when one of the bouncers approached him.
Hey you Natalie Buchanans friend?
Yeah why?
She asked me to do her a favor said to tell you that she bumped into a guy shed been seeing uh Mark Mason. Anyway, shes going to hang with him for a bit and hell make sure she gets back home
Are you suremaybe I should go check
The bouncer chuckled and said, Hey, if you want to, but if you get my drift it seems like they havent seen each other for a bit and are making up for lost time
Oh Ok well, thanks. Nick glanced back towards the club, but then shrugged and headed out.
As the bouncer moved towards the restrooms he held his hand out and Gentry placed $200 in it and said, Now the second part of your assignment
Natalie was leaving the restroom when she almost bumped right into one of the bouncers
Are you Natalie?
She was a bit surprised and said, Yeah. Why?
The guy youre with Nick he asked me to do him a favor he pulled his car around back and asked if Id show you out that way the valet line is ridiculous so I hooked him up and snuck his car around back
Uh. OK sure, which way?
The bouncer escorted Natalie out back, and she couldnt help a feeling of apprehension that was making its way up her spine. The bouncer pointed towards a car, but Natalie knew that wasnt Nicks she turned to look at him but waiting by the club door, blocking her re-entry was Gentry. She turned to walk out through the alley but was faced with Bobbie and Billy Ray so she turned back to Gentry.
What do you want, Gentry?
Well, Natalie, I think that weve been on the wrong foot with each other since day one and maybe its time to bury the hatchet
Fine, lets consider it buried, now please get out of my way I have to meet Nick and the others
Oh sweetheart theyre already gone He smiled at the look of surprise on Natalies face.
Yeah, somehow they got the idea that youd run into your good old buddy Mark Mason, and were spending some quality time with him in a back corner and that hed be seeing you home eventually
Why are you doing this?
I told you Id like us to be friends so WE are going to give you a ride home so we can all get to know each other better. Well all be very close by the time we get back to Quantico
You know what, I appreciate the offer but you really did have a great idea Mason lives close by and he had told me to call when I was in the neighborhood
Oh, I BET he did but no dice sugar. You dont want to offend us now, do you?
Ill just have to risk it
Gentry took a menacing step towards her and said, Sorry thats not an option and then before she even knew what was happening he had hauled her over his shoulder and was walking fast towards the car.
Chapter 22
Natalies heart was about to jump out of her throat as she pounded on Gentrys back and started to scream, but there was no one around to hear it not over the noise of the city and the pounding music inside. She was unceremoniously dumped in the back seat as Gentry climbed in behind her, and with Billy Ray at the wheel the car squealed out of the alley. Natalie went to grab for the door handle and her heart squeezed painfully in her chest when she realized it had been removed.
Look, I dont know what you think youre doing, but you let me out now and no one has to hear a thing
Gentry shot her a nasty look and snapped, Just shut up!
She recognized nothing about where they were, but when they had driven a mile or two Billy Ray pulled into a lot behind a closed shopping center and pulled into a spot in a corner away from any light. Gentry said, Great. Now, you guys start walking back and Ill pick you up a bit later Without a word Billy Ray and Bobbie got out of the car, leaving it running.
Gentry was on her so fast she didnt even have a chance to say another word to him. He essentially threw himself on her and pushed her face down into the back seat, and used one of his strong arms to yank her legs up so that her whole body was along the bench and he was then on top of her. He banded his arms around her upper body, pinning her arms in that embrace as well, and the she could feel him pressing his erection into her backside. She shuddered in disgust, and then his hot breath which smelled of stale beer was against her ear as he said, Do you feel that what you do to me I know you want me too or you will by the time were done
She still couldnt believe he was going to do this this was insanity
Do you really think youre just going to get away with this? I thought you wanted to be in this group pass this program. Her words were breathy due to the fear she was trying to hold in check.
Well, Im just betting that you arent going to say anything do you want everyone to know that I managed to get one over on the amazing Natalie Buchanan? Do you want people to know what I did to you? Plus its your word against mine that we didnt just get carried away our first night of liberty
You are so wrong I wont keep this quiet!
A risk Im wiling to take and with that his hands had moved under her to grab at her breasts through the light suede of her shirt. That spurred Natalie to fight and she began to push her hips up, using her strong legs as leverage, to try to get him off her. He roughly flipped her around so that she was on her back and placed himself between her partially open legs, pinning her lower body effectively. He leaned forward and licked her face, then down her neck to the opening of her shirt and she wanted to vomit. She was using her hands to push him off, but he had so much extra weight in his upper body and it was a battle she was sure she couldnt win. Gentry had a huge, hard grip and he quickly had both of her wrists locked in his right hand, pushed up over her head and partially against the side window of the car. She continued to jerk her lower body trying to dislodge him but it only seemed to excite him more. Still holding her wrists in his vice-like right hand, he moved his left to her shirt and yanked all the snaps open with one great tug and then she felt his hot, awful mouth moving to the flesh of her breasts that was not fully captured by her bra.
Natalie thrashed whatever part of her she could even more and screamed, Gentry, you fucking bastard, just get OFF me stop it and we can just walk away from this forget all about this
He pulled his head back, and laughed at her. He shifted his hands so he now had one of her wrists even more tightly bound in each of his hands and he said, No way am I stopping, I am taking my sweet time and dont stop fighting on my account, its HOT dollface Then his mouth had moved to hers in a brutal kiss that was all aggression. She felt bile rising in her throat and she bit his tongue and he pulled back and yelled BITCH! and slapped her so hard her teeth and eyes jarred for a moment. He sat up so he was straddling her, his two hands still keeping hers up over her head, pressed against the side of the car. Her breath was coming in a combination of gasps and semi-sobs because not only was she afraid but she was incredibly frustrated. In such a small space his much bigger bulk gave him such an edge over her so she tried to calm herself and remember whatever she could from her street-fighting classes.
Gentry again moved both her wrists into his right hand, and then he moved his left hand to her bra which he yanked below her breasts and she bucked up with all her strength underneath him and shrieked, NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! And she continued to thrash and writhe as he moved his mouth down and took her right nipple roughly in his mouth a switch seemed to flip in him and he began to get more excited, as if he was actually making love to her and a part of her brain marveled at what a complete sociopath he must be to not get the true nature of his behavior. He released her hands and moved his down to cup her ass while his mouth was still on her and she wasted no time moving her hands to his head to try to yank him off her she began to pummel his back and then punched the side of his face, but it seemed to have no effect so she moved her mouth to his ear and bit down hard on the cartilage and he screamed out and reared back off her and then he wrapped both hands around her neck and started squeezing.
She moved her hands to his to try to loosen them while she kicked her legs up a bit, but he was unmovable You GODDAMN BITCH FUCK you FUCK you He removed his right hand and his left loosened a bit, but then she felt his right hand on the button to her jeans and she knew she was just not going to let this happen. She was at an added disadvantage because he was still fully-clothed and there wasnt much she could scratch or bite, but she was going to do whatever she could. He was intent on her button and zipper and her hands were free, so she quickly moved her thumbs to the soft bed of nerves under each side of his jaw and pressed with all her strength That cause him to yelp in pain and stop what he was doing to try to move her hands off him, but before he could grab her wrists again she managed to drag her nails down both sides of his neck, ripping open his skin and leaving bloody tracks behind.
He was enraged and her grabbed her hair and yanked roughly back on it as he said, Oh, you want it rough, bitch! Then his head was moving down towards her breast again and Natalie felt his teeth bite into the soft flesh above her left nipple and she screamed. But she was done now totally done she took both her hands and with palms flat smashed them against his ears as hard as she could and it was his turn to shriek in pain he felt like both his eardrums had popped. He was holding his ears in agony, writhing around a bit and that gave her the opening she needed. She yanked her legs out from under him pulled them back and kicked both feet into his chest as hard as she could, and she heard the air leave his lungs. Then she was scrambling over to the front seat of the car. He momentarily tried to grab her ankle with one hand but she kicked back and caught him in the mouth and he let go. With shaking hands she opened the driver side door and then she was running for her life.
She didnt know where she was and it was cold and had begun to rain, but for a bit it felt like heaven on her skin as she gulped in as much air as she could possibly tolerate. She was shuddering violently but ran back the way they had come, hoping she wasnt too far from some sign of life. But where could she go she wasnt thinking straight any more shock was beginning to set in she immediately thought of John and wanted to be in the safety and quiet of the gym with him but Quantico was so far away but if she got a taxi and then she saw some of the DC skyline in the slight distance and began to run in earnest towards Masons apartment at The Watergate.
Chapter 23
Natalie ran five miles to Masons apartment, a deadly cold seeping into her bones a cold that had little to do with the rain or weather. She was feeling the shock set in more deeply, still unable to believe what had just happened, what WOULD have happened if she hadnt gotten away from him he was actually going to rape her really do it She almost cried with relief when she reached the entrance of The Watergate, but realized she didnt want to have to approach the doorman and ask him to announce her, buzz her init was almost 2 in the morning and she knew she looked like a crazed woman. She pulled out her cell from her back pocket, thankful it and her wallet had survived the evening, and dialed his number, praying hed be home.
Mason was still up, but finally getting ready for bed. He was a night owl anyway, and always stayed up extra late the night before an international flight so hed be tired and hopefully sleep. He was padding around in his pajama bottoms and tank when his phone rang, surprising him. He smiled a bit when he saw it was Natalie calling, but also felt a moment of tension as he wondered why she was calling at this hour
Natalie!
As soon as he heard her broken Mason he felt his stomach clutch.
Natalie! Whats wrong whats happened? Where are you?
She was obviously crying when she said, Downstairsoutside the front door
Here? At The Watergate?
Ye..yes
Well Ill have the doorman buzz you up!
Can can can you come come get me?
On my way
He grabbed his keys and flew out of the apartment, not bothering with shoes let alone other clothes.
He got down to the lobby in record time and tore through the front door and stopped dead when he saw her he had no words so he just pulled her into his arms and she clung to him like a drowning victim as she cried her poor heart out. Mason picked her up like an exhausted child and carried her into the elevator. The entire time he pressed gentle kisses into her wet hair and said over and over Shhh shhh. Shhh Ive got you now, sweetheart Ive got you and he had to hold tightly to her because her body was trembling so badly, and she was crying so hard she couldnt catch her breath.
He carried her into his apartment and walked right to the couch and sat down with her in his arms, just wanting to hold her and try to comfort her communicate his strength to her. But he also realized that she was soaking wet and he had to warm her up because what ever had happened to her had likely caused a bit of shock as well.
Natalie we have to get you out of these wet clothes get you warmed up Im going to draw a bath for you He began to move her off him, onto the couch, so he could head to the bathroom, but she clung to him and said, Please dont leave me so he carried her with him.
OK, Im going to have to put you down a second to turn on the bath and he gently placed her down on the side of the large Jacuzzi tub. He finally got a good look at her and he felt a wave of emotion wash over him shock, hurt and fury. Who did this to you Natalie?! he said fiercely, and she blanched a little and just shook her head. He realized that could wait until later. As the tub filled he took her hand gently and was glad to note she wasnt crying as hard any more she seemed to be calming down.
Natalie, sweetheart We need to get you undressed now do you want me to go?
No!
OK, can I help you get undressed? And she just nodded.
He started with her boots and socks and gently, slowly removed them. His hands moved to the button on her jeans and he felt her tense a moment and his heart plunged at what that might mean. Natalie look at me honey
She did and her eyes showed near total devastation. He sucked in a breath and said softly, Is it OK? You sure? and she nodded her head. He opened her pants and stood her up so he could remove them, gently tugging them down over her hips and thighs, then off her completely. He moved his hands to her shirt which was haphazardly buttoned and slowly unsnapped it and when it fell open his eyes fell on the bite mark on her breast and he couldnt help the Natalie that fell from him. She looked at him and took in the pain in his eyes and reached a hand out to rub his cheek as if to say it was ok and he gently kissed her palm. He slid her shirt from her and pulled her into a light hug so he could unhook her bra and slowly pulled that off her as well, then he moved his hands to her panties and removed them. He picked her up and bent over to place her in the warm water. It took everything in him not to shudder as his quick glances took in the harm done to her poor body which he was sure would only look worse tomorrow. She had bruises in the shape of hand marks on her neck, chest, arms her wrists were almost raw looking, though thank goodness there was no broken skin. She had bruises lining her legs where knees had dug into her a bruise was high on her cheek from being struck, her lips were swollen, and that bite
Natalie sank back gratefully into the warmth. Mason had been so wonderful to her, and she had begun to calm a bit inside feel less scared She looked at him and said softly, Thank you Mason and he took her face gently in his hands and said, Oh, Natalie sweetheart I told you to always come here Im just so sorry it had to be like this He was dying to find out what had happened and his gut couldnt help thinking it had something to do with that animal Gentry. But he didnt want to pressure her
Im going to go find you something warm to wear Ill be right back
He came back with a soft cotton rugby shirt that would probably fall down to her knees, and a pair of warm socks. Then he kneeled beside the tub and helped her rinse her hair, and she leaned against his chest as he did so, reveling in the warmth that came off him. It was an amazing feeling to have her body so gently cared for after the beating it had taken
Finally he helped her stand and wrapped a massive bath sheet around her, lifted her out of the tub and put her down so he could help dry her off. Then he picked up the rugby shirt and she held her arms up so he could put it on her and she smiled softly at him as their eyes met. With that done he sat her on the edge of the tub so he could put the socks on her feet and then he winked at her. There all done with that, I dont know about you but I could use a drink take a bit of the chill off want to join me? She nodded and took his hand when he held it out.
He walked her to the couch in the living room and she sat down, tucking her feet under her. He went over to the bar and poured two healthy measures of brandy and walked over, handing one to her and then sitting beside her.
Natalie do you want to talk about it?
She took a deep breath and said, Its a long story but Gentry set me up and God I just cant talk about this right now
He pulled her into a hug and said, OK OK not tonight or this morning rather but Natalie you are going to have to make a detailed formal statement
Her head snapped up and she looked at him and he was surprised, Natalie you arent going to hide what he did thats not what youre thinking I hope even if you were, you cant hide the bruises the marks
She sighed and leaned back against him, I know I know I just hate everyone knowing seeing me as a victim
Well, well talk with McBain and see how he can keep it as under wraps...at least until after the program is over
McBain?!
Hes head of this program this time around he has to know
God, I guess but is it going to make me seem like I shouldnt be in the program? Theyll think Ill be too rattled
Well, that would be unfair for them to decide on your behalf but you do need to see how YOU feel about it all, Natalie
They sat quietly for a little while, Natalie in his arms resting against his chest, the two of them sipping their brandies, and Natalie sighed deeply as she finally felt warm again safe and she drifted off to sleep. Mason gently lifted her and carried her to his bed, putting her carefully under the covers and then he kissed her forehead and pulled the covers up.
He went into the living room and made two calls the first to move himself to the later flight tomorrow, then he pulled out his blackberry and called up another number, not caring that it was the wee hours of the morning.
John was jolted awake by the ringing of his cell phone on his bedside table he noted that it was between three and four in the morning and groaned because no good ever comes from such a call.
McBain.. he rasped.
Its Mason I need you to come by my apartment tomorrow well this morning.. say around 9 10
Uh, Mason, whats up we dont have a case together right now
Its about Natalie.. shes here and
John felt a jolt of anger or something surge through him and said a bit sarcastically, Well, thanks for the invite but Im not sure its on top of my list to hang with the two of you and know Im probably just in the way
Mason sighed in irritation and said, Look dont be a prick. This is important and make sure you bring an official incident report blank
That got Johns attention and he was suddenly awake, Wait, what
See you in a few hours McBain
And then the line was dead and all John could think to say was, FUCK!
Chapter 24
Mason headed back into the bedroom and watched Natalie by the soft light coming from the bathroom hed left a small light on in there so the room wouldnt be in total darkness. He still couldnt believe what had happened tonight and if he wasnt leaving the country in few hours on a trip he couldnt get out of he would be tracking down Gentry himself alone but he was going to have to leave this in McBains hands he knew McBain could handle things, but if they werent well in hand by the time he got back on Wednesday
Natalie was such a curiosity to him because she was different than anyone hed ever met. That certainly set a few alarm bells off for him, but he still found himself wanting to spend time with her maybe because she didnt seem serious about him he knew she genuinely liked him, but she didnt get all moony and dream of a future when she looked at him. Honestly, he wasnt sure he was 100% happy about that, but in the end it was likely for the best
He climbed into bed and moved closer to her and watched her a bit more. She was sleeping calmly, and of that he was very glad. She had looked haunted, broken earlier, and that was so different than her normal fiery look but she had seemed like she was edging back away from the cliff by the time shed fallen asleep against him on the couch. He leaned down to kiss her cheek and she came semi-awake and snuggled into him, so he felt it safe to wrap his arms around her gently it made him feel good that she felt she could trust him that she came to him and let him help her at such a fragile moment. Maybe it was because she knew he believed in her strength and ability.
He could tell from her change in breathing that she was waking up, and then he felt her eyes on him and he met her gazeHey, sweetheart you feeling a bit better?
Yes thank you for everything I didnt know where else to go I dont know what I would have done
He pulled her a little tighter and said, Im just so glad that if it had to happen it was last night, not tonight when I would have been over the Atlantic somewhere I just wish you had never had to deal with anything like this
Hmmm, I know but you helped me so much She had her head on this chest and she could feel the steady beat of his heart and it was so comforting she pulled up a little and kissed his chest right over his mighty heart, and she could feel his large body shudder just a little bit at the contact, his arms tightening around her a bit, so she did it again, this time letting her tongue dart out for just a second.
Mason was surprised, but moved at the same time. He felt himself harden at her touch but couldnt help feeling that was wholly inappropriate on his part, but her mouth on his chestHe didnt want her feeling she owed him or that he had any expectations of her, and he whispered, Natalie, you dont have to do thisanything
She picked up her head to look at him and said, I know I want to but then she felt an insecure pang and said, um, unless you dont want I mean now that She sounded so sad when she said that, as she thought about whether that animals touch made her somehow dirty or undesirable at the very time she needed to banish his touch from her body.
OH, God no, Natalie my desire for you has not changed I just I dont want to be this selfish pig with everything youve gone throughseeming like I had this insensitive one-track mind that couldnt overrule my body because it always wants you.. he said with a chuckle.
Then make love to me, please Mason. I cant handle having his touch the last one on my body
Mason moved them so they were lying face to face on their sides he didnt want to cover her with his body make her feel trapped. Are you sure, Natalie?
In response she sat up for a second and removed the rugby shirt, and she was totally naked underneath. It was his turn and he quickly removed his tank and pajama bottoms and then, back on their sides, he pulled her against him in a hug to accustom themselves all over to the feel of their bodies their skin against each other. They looked at each other for several long minutes, Natalie was relieved to find that she still loved the feeling of Masons body against hers and she reached out a hand to cup his cheek. Then his head moved down so his mouth could claim hers gently, and she deepened the kiss by wrapping her arms around his neck. As they kissed his hands fingertips were tracing gentle paths all over her body, touching her with infinite tenderness where before she had been touched out of malice and a desire to hurt. She sighed softly into his mouth and he continued. He had grown so hard that it was difficult to ignore. It was pressing into her stomachand Natalie reached down to gently take hold of him. Mason removed his mouth from hers so he could ask, Are you sure, Natalie? And she was, so she nodded softly and pressed another kiss into his chest.
Mason knew tonight was about connection and healing, not acrobatics and stamina. She whispered his name, Mason and it was both a question and a request. He wanted to make sure she was ready for him, so he gently moved his hand between their bodies and pushed a finger in the heated place between her legs, and he knew that she was. She moaned softly and then he carefully lifted her right leg over his hip as he gently pushed himself inside her, and she just whispered, Mmmmm, so good They tightened their arms around each other, molded their mouths together and Mason began to move in and out of Natalies body with deft strokes. She marveled that he had found the perfect way the perfect tempo and intensity and her body was quickly heating up under his touch, his desire for her. She could feel the wonderful tension, a heated ache, begin to build inside her and each move of his hips massaged it, kneading it while stoking its attendant heat simultaneously. She could feel her inner muscles begin to burn and then to quiver, and he kept up his sure rhythm and next she felt a blessed release, a warmth flow through her, finally banishing the chill from her body. Mason! she cried out as her orgasm claimed her and he tightened his arms around her and took her mouth with his, absorbing the aftershocks that worked through her. When her tongue mated forcefully with his, it combined with the intimate, quaking grip she had on him to bring him to his own end and he shuddered as he climaxed deep within her body.
They gripped each other tightly, and Mason bestowed endless tender kisses while his fingertips massaged the pleasure back into her nerve endings. Then they were asleep
Chapter 25
Mason and Natalie slept for several hours, with him waking at about 8am. She was soon stirring as well and they looked at each other for a few seconds as he took in her bruised face and neck, and then his eyes couldnt help traveling down to the bite mark on her. He ran a fingertip every so gently over it and said, We probably should have taken you to a doctor to look at that probably still should you dont need an infection
I guess but maybe if you have some Neosporin or something Im glad you didnt drag me to a doctor you took such great care of me
Natalie snuggled into him and he closed his arms protectively around her and figured he needed to break the news about their imminent guest. He pulled back to look at her. Earlier, while you were first asleep, I took care of a few things I washed and dried your jeans and underwear so youd have something to wear I can give you a shirt or sweater. And, I, uh I called McBain and hes going to be over here in an hour or so
She pulled back off him in surprise, What? Hes coming here? But why...?
Natalie, this has to be handled carefully, appropriately there needs to be some sort of official process. I thought that McBain coming here, taking your statement and stuff in this setting as opposed to back at Quantico we dont know where that bastard is youve not yet made and official statement about him being the one what he did
Natalie sighed deeply and said, I get it its just that so much of me wants to forget it even happened
You cant and Natalie this isnt just about youthe FBI this country cant afford to have animals like Gentry roaming around, doing our bidding but then leaving a path of destruction
I know I just wish she sighed, it doesnt matter it is what it is
Mason knew exactly what she meant, but there was no good answer. Why dont you go get showered Ill bring your clothes in and then Ill make us some breakfast and lots of coffee
She did as he suggested and she stopped in shock when she caught sight of her naked body in the mirror, then stepped closer to see the damage. As she was being attacked, she hadnt consciously catalogued all the places Gentrys knees, hands and elbows his body in general had been pinning hers, grabbing her hurting her. She had been so focused on the bigger things hed been doing and trying but they had truly done battle as evidenced by her body. The left side of her cheek was dark gray from where he had hit her so hard, and her lips were still swollen though thankfully not cut hed had little interest in having his mouth on hers he had other targetsDark bruises were prominent along the softer flesh of her inner thighs, and there were many smudge-like bruises there that must have come from when hed shifted around. Her arms had a few dark bruises that looked like the grip of fingers, and a smattering of the smudge-bruises as well. Her wrists sported the most devastating markings at first glance it almost looked as if she was wearing two dark bracelets that were mottled with some red marks. No wonder why they hurt! Then there was her neck wow the outline of two sets of finger tips was painted in bluish black as if still choking her. Finally, she couldnt avoid it any longer she looked at her breasts and felt tears sting her eyes. Her nipples looked a bit raw and her soft skin was chafed from his five oclock shadow, but it was the bite mark that made her stomach churn. A perfect outline of his teeth was embedded in it, and it looked both bruised and red an angry wound if ever there was one and it perfectly captured what it is he tried to do to her. And she still didnt really understand why probably never would
Mason had come into the bathroom to give her the clothes and stopped dead when he saw she was inspecting herself when he saw the reflection of her expression in the mirror. It was clear reality was back in force in the cold, unforgiving light of day. He plopped the clothes on the edge of the tub and moved to her as she turned around and looked up at him with pained eyes. Then he drew her softly against him. All he could do was hold her and he could feel her tremble some but then wrap her arms around him tightly.
You see what I mean, Natalie you cant brush this off cant hide this
I know even if I wanted to my body is shouting the story for everyone to see its written all over it in black, blue and red
She pulled away to step into the shower she was trying to get a grip on herself because she had to face this head on and figure out how shed get it together enough to continue in this program because she was not letting that bastard win
Mason had given Natalie a heather-grey Henley shirt that just happened to be made of the softest cashmere, and it felt like a comforting hug when she put it on. It fell down straight to her mid-thighs, and the sleeves were well below her hands, but she just pushed them back. Mason had taken a quick shower and changed into comfortable jeans and a button-down shirt that he wore un-tucked, and then they had coffee and ate some oatmeal while they waited for John to arrive. They didnt talk much but every now and again hed give her a supportive smile.
John had tossed and turned since Masons call and gave up trying by 6am. While his mind didnt want to go there his gut was telling him that this had something to do with Gentry. He went by the dorms and found just a few people left, most still sleeping though some were up for an early run, but no one had seen Gentry. Just as he was about to leave he spotted Billy Ray coming out of the bathroom. Billy Ray tried to turn back around as soon as he noticed John, but he was busted and John strode towards him quickly.
Billy Ray! Wheres your buddy Gentry?
He shifted nervously and said, I I dont know
You guys go out last night? Run into anyone we know? John had stepped close to him and was asking these questions in a menacing tone. The fear and agitation in Billy Ray told him that he was on the right track.
We went out but just had a few drinks
John realized that he was in no mood to play 20 questions with this prick so he decided to just give him a hint of what was to come. He got in Billy Rays face and said, You need to listen to me carefully Ive gotten some early reports of an incident that happened last night something horrible. And your buddy is in the middle of it. I will find him I will find out exactly what happened and if you dont want to find yourself with some jail time as an accomplice then youd better get religion and tell me what happened before Monday morning or you will be in the same boat as that piece of scum youve been hanging with. Then John shoved him hard out of the way and stalked out of the dorm.
He swung by his office and went to his file cabinet and found his hands shaking just a bit as he pulled out the official forms used to take down information on an incident that needed investigation. He tried to tell himself that it couldnt have been too bad if Natalie was at Masons, not a hospital or doctors office, but maybe she had been there first Could it really only have been two days ago that they were in this office together when she had told him about Haver and Barberand hed opened up about Caitlin he felt a coldness gather in his stomach and he was afraid afraid of what he was going to hear that had happened to her afraid to see if it had been that final blow that broke her
He sucked in a deep breath and noticed the small digital camera sitting on his credenza and his stomach clenched. Standard procedure in the case of an assault was to take photos of the injuries he picked it up and shoved it in his pocket and said a silent prayer that that is where it would remain.
Natalie and Mason were sitting in the living room, trying to read the newspaper, when the doorman buzzed to announce John had arrived, and Mason told him to send him right up.
You ready for this?
No she said with a shaky chuckle.
Mason grabbed her hand and squeezed it, then went to answer Johns knock on the door, while Natalie stayed in the living room, her heart suddenly racing.
Mason looked at John and could tell hed gotten little sleep since hed called him, and he felt a bit bad just a bit. They talked in low tones.
What happened, Mason?
I havent heard the whole story yet she wasnt in any shape for me to grill her, and I figured it would be better to have her first recount on the official record anyway
John shook his head and asked, Was it Gentry?
Yes. He set her up somehow not sure, but well find out now Mason trailed off for a second and said even more quietly, John, you need to prepare yourself shes pretty banged up
John felt his gut seize but just nodded, and then Mason turned to lead them into the living room. John felt the air rush out of his lungs when he saw her. While much of her was covered, his skilled eyes did a quick assessment and saw her bruised face, the outline of hands on her neck, and since she had nervously pushed at the cuffs of her sweater her wrists were in full view.
He couldnt help the Natalie! that escaped him on a whisper, almost a groan, and he slowly walked over to her. She had been staring back at him, meeting his gaze though she felt a few tears gather. When he reached her he took one of her hands in his and squeezed it for a moment, then lifted it to inspect her wrist while his jaw clenched.
Finally he asked quietly, Are you OK?
Natalie just nodded while he kept hold of her hand for an extra moment, then he let go and, gathering himself together, he turned back to face Mason.
Mason had watched all that play out and felt a variety of emotions compete within him. He was glad that John was being so solicitous, but couldnt help but wonder what the basis of that behavior was. Johns and Natalies eyes seemed to communicate quite a bit as they had looked at each other, and that wouldnt come from a casual arms-length student-instructor relationship. They seemed to have developed a bond, and while Mason didnt believe they had become physically intimate he knew Natalie well enough to know she wouldnt have been making love with him a few hours ago if that was the case there was a closeness between those two. Mason was nothing if not a practical, level-headed guy who understood how the world worked. The sort of training that Natalie was going through part of its design was to create bonds between and among those who were going through it, and who would then serve together. The clich of foxhole buddies was a clich for a reason. John was leading Natalie through what would increasingly amount to a bit of hell on earth and he was a very decent guy who was likely doing his best to give her help as appropriate he looked out for her
Mason understood all of this so he was a bit surprised at the quick stab of jealousy that he felt especially given his philosophy on romantic attachments and he could almost detach himself enough to be amused at his predicament almost
As John turned around Mason cleared his throat and asked Natalie, Where would you prefer to sit here or the dining table?
Chapter 26
Why dont we stay in the living room, Natalie said. She went to sit on the couch and Mason quickly joined her on it, sitting to her left, while John sat on an armchair to her right. Mason knew it was petty and again he had to laugh at himself a bit because it was not his usual style but he liked taking the supportive boyfriend seat. John had taken a small spiral bound notebook out along with a pen, and then looked at Natalie.
Do you want to just start telling us what happened, where you went, who you were with, and how you ended up with Gentry?
She nodded and told them about going out with Nick and his friends and the evening starting out so fun but then Gentry and his boys showing up. You know, he seemed to be on his best behavior, wasnt giving me any shit but it must be because he knew what he had planned so he could sit back and relaxhe already had the bouncer in his pocket
Mason and John both looked surprised at that and she saw that and explained, Gentry paid the bouncer to tell Nick that I had run into you, Mason, and that you and I were making up for lost time that youd take me home THEN he had the bouncer intercept me coming from the ladies room and tell me that he had helped Nick jump the valet line and had pulled his car around the back and the bouncer led me out to the back alley. Her breathing was starting to grow a little erratic so she took a deep breath and then continued. When I saw the car I knew that it wasnt Nicks so I turned around to question the bouncer but he was already heading back inside, and Gentry was standing between me and the door. I turned back around to head out of the alley and Billy Ray and Bobbie were blocking that direction.
Mason and John locked eyes and both were stunned and furious. That bastard had truly set her up in the most pre-meditated of ways it wasnt some random twist of fate that put Natalie in his path.
She tried to continue, but her voice was wobbling. Mason halted her for a second and stood, saying, I know its early but I think you need a drink I know I do how about you McBain? John nodded and Mason quickly poured three glasses of whiskey. He handed Johns to him then sat back beside Natalie a little closer and she accepted the glass and took a decent-sized sip, appreciating its warmth spreading through her body.
John asked quietly, after taking his own grateful gulp, You OK to continue?
Natalie just nodded. I told him that Nick was waiting for me and thats when he told me what hed had the bouncer tell him that Nick was long gone. He said that he and his buddies were going to give me a lift so we could become friends. I told him that was OK, that Id find my own way back and in fact that maybe I would call you, Mason but he told me that wasnt an option and before I could even form a fight plan in my mind hed grabbed me and hauled me over his shoulder, brought me to the car and tossed me in the back seat he climbed in behind. She took a larger gulp of the whiskey. Billy Ray drove us out of the alley fast, but I didnt care I was thinking Id jump out of the moving car, except when I reached for the door handle I realized it had been removed and I was truly trapped
She was growing increasingly upset and Mason took her hand and said, Natalie
She shook her head and said, No, Im OK After another sip of her drink she continued, We drove for about a mile and Billy Ray pulled into a deserted parking lot behind a strip mall over into a dark corner. Then Gentry told him and Bobbie to get out of the car to start walking back to Quantico and that hed pick them up later down the roadthen he moved so fast and hes so big and strong and before I could catch a breath I was face down on the back seat, his entire body holding me down his arms wrapping around me and trapping mine against my body then we fought it seemed like forever but I finally broke away, got into the front seat and out the door and then I just ran.. it was raining and cold but I ran here about five miles
John was almost speechlessshed fought that bastard off and then run five miles in the rain after midnight, through the city
Natalie, Im going to need more detail from you about the attack itself
He saw her tense, so he said, But we can come back to that lets talk about your coming here and what happened then did you seek any medical attention have evidence collected? A rape kit done?
He didnt succeed in raping me.
I know that, but with the way you fought, Im sure you probably scratched him some blood DNA might have been drawn
No I just came here stayed here
Mason broke in and said, John, not surprisingly Natalie was more than a little bit upset when she got here and she was also freezing cold dangerously so so the first thing I did was put her in a hot bath to get her warm so, yeah, I guess we washed away some evidence in the process
John understood why that would be the case, yet he was surprised that Mason had been the one to do this he had a legal mind like a steel trap and John almost would have expected him to scrape under Natalies fingernails himself and deposit the results in a plastic baggie or something
Mason could see the thoughts crossing Johns face and he snapped a bit saying, Look, excuse me for acting like a caring boyfriend first, and not a prosecutor You try have a woman you care about show up at 2 in the morning, soaked and beaten, crying so hard she could barely catch a breath, frozen to her core - and see if the first thing YOU do is interrogate and collect evidence!
John sniped back, I GET that, OK its just that I would think wed want to GET this bastard and it will be harder without physical evidence
Natalie had watched this back-and-forth initially with surprised curiosity, and then she found herself growing a bit angry since they were now almost oblivious to her presence. So, when John said what he did about the lack of physical evidence she could be quiet no longer and tossed out,
We have the bite! An almost-complete impression of his teeth.
Mason nodded in remembrance but John whipped his head around and said, BITE?!
Without thinking without a moments hesitation, Natalie pulled down the collar of her shirt to expose part of her breastthe bite and Johns eyes grew large and fury sparked in them while his stomach churned so badly he thought he might vomit on the spot. He had no words but she was right theyd have him dead to rightsHis eyes locked on hers and they were full of compassion for her
Before anyone could say another word they were interrupted by the doorman buzzing, announcing the arrival of Masons sister and her husband. Mason blanched and then groaned he had totally forgotten Mason asked the doorman to have them wait down there a moment that hed be right downasked the doorman to stow their luggage
He turned to Natalie and John, Shit, I totally forgot. My sister and her husband are going to spend a long weekend in DC and are staying here since Ill be away we arranged for them to come early to have brunch before I headed to the airportI can have them head off to brunch themselves explain something came up but I had been thinking that you could have just stayed here for the rest of the weekend until you know whats going on you cant go back to Quantico
Natalie stood and walked over to him, Its OK I can stay at a hotel or something but I think you should stick to your original plans to have brunch with them Youve already done so much, have been so good to meand this way you wont have to hear every gory detail youve handled enough of this mess for me
Mason wanted to talk to her privately for a moment so he said to John, Will you excuse us for a minute? and he led her into the bedroom.
Natalie are you sureI dont want to abandon you
She took his face in both hands and said Youre not! You have been amazing Mason I was I was teetering on the edge last night I KNOW I was you saw me.you rescued me from that you were everything I needed, so gentle and strong I needed to feel safe and cared for and you did all that for me we got to a good place and I dont want us both dragged back down as I have to tell what happened thats Johns job, it doesnt have to be yours
He pulled her close against him and then they shared a wonderful, passionate yet gentle kiss. As he was enjoying the feel of her lips and tongue against his, Mason had a sad premonition that this might be the very last time he experienced this and the squeeze in his heart was a new feeling for him.
They walked back inside and while Natalie went to sit on the couch, John walked Mason to the front door. The two men looked at each other and then Mason said, Ill be out with my family for two hours or so you can stay here to finish taking her statement, and if youre not done by then I can bring them somewhere else but Im concerned about where Natalie stays tonight what happens when she has to go back tomorrow
John nodded and said, Ill figure something out I wont let anything else happen to her
Mason looked long and hard at John and said, Im leaving her in your hands, McBain take care of her or Ill come looking for you, too
I will, Mason, you have my word
Mason and John were both left with the feeling that the subtext of their conversation was saying a lot more than the actual words then Mason was gone, wishing he was staying behind with Natalie but knowing right now for so many reasons it was best if he left.
Chapter 27
John walked back into the living room and looked over at Natalie. He felt relieved a bit not having Mason there, and refused to examine that. Instead he walked over and this time sat on the couch beside her, took her hand and looked at her intently.
How are you? How are you really?
She tried to give him a small smile and said, Overall, all things considered, not too bad but I think Im still a bit in denial because even after everything that Gentry said and did to me over these past months I cant believe he tried what he did last night he really seemed to think hed get away with it that I wouldnt tell anyonebut things went so far, I couldnt exactly hide all these bruises even if I wanted to
Natalie, I want to get this bastard so and I know this wont be fun I need you to tell me everything dont leave a single thing out. And to make sure we cover everything, Im going to ask all the questions on the official form I apologize in advance if I come across as too official or anything
Over the course of the next 30 minutes Natalie gave a detailed account, surprised in a way that she remembered so much so clearly. It was almost like she was back there watching it happen and shed do so well in relating it shed be so strong for a while, until shed remember that it had really happened TO her, and shed have to fight back the tears steel her voice again. John knew enough to let her fight for her composure, but it was hard not to want to comfort her.
Finally they were done with that and he had a few more questions on the form to go over things that would be helpful for a prosecutor building a case, or anticipating arguments the defense might make.
OK, Natalie, in the 24 hour period leading up to or immediately following your attack, did you have sexual intercourse consensual or otherwise with anyone? As John read that question he felt tension gather in his neck given that they were in Masons apartment but then again, after almost being raped would that even be something?
Natalie swallowed hard and for a number of reasons felt tremendously uncomfortable answering that question. John looked up from the paper and the look on her face her ongoing silence, answered for her.
Somewhat harshly he said, So I guess thats a yes, huh? Was that before or after the assault?
Natalie was put off by the tone of his voice and she asked, Why is this even relevant anyway?
Because a defense attorney might argue that some of your injuries came from your other activities, and also might suggest that the attack couldnt have been all that bad if you were willingly screwing someone else within hours of it happening.
Natalie felt shock, anger and more than a little bit of hurt course through her. The point he was making might be apt but his tone and use of language She jumped off the couch to get away from him and walked across the room.
John was surprised at his own behavior as well and he stepped off the couch, took a step towards her and started to apologize, Natalie
She wheeled around to face him, angry tears in her eyes, No, NO YOU dont get to JUDGE ME you have no right. You will never understandNEVER I got out of that car, into the dead of night and I didnt know if that animal would be on top of me again any second so I ran I ran without knowing exactly where to go and then I realized I was only a few miles from here and I came here because I needed her voice was breaking now , I needed someone to hold to hold me to tell me I was safe to take care of me and to not have that bastards touch be the last one on my body, and I dont CARE if you dont get that!
John kept to within a foot of her and was watching her closely, he felt terribly but also understood she just needed to get all this out and he needed to just keep quiet.
Where should I have gone? Where else could I have gone? Back to Quantico where HE might have been? Should I have knocked on YOUR door and said, excuse me Special-Agent-McBain-Instructor-sir, Ive had really REALLY bad night and Im not doing too well not to worry, Ill handle being tortured by terrorists SO much better but for now can you just would you just hold her voice broke and tears started down her cheeks as she said over a sob, just hold me
And he did. John grabbed her to him fiercely as her tiny body was wracked with sobs and she clung to him. They stayed that way for five or six minutes, as he held her, rocked her, absorbing every quake that shook her. And he kissed her hair, rubbed her back anything he could do to comfort her.
Natalie finally pulled away and used her hands to wipe her tears away, saying softly, Im sorry
You have nothing to be sorry for I do
No, John its OK what do we have left to do?
He sighed and said, I have to take some pictures of all your wounds, bruises and such
Well theyre everywhereI guess we have to do this, though
Yeah, but if youd feel more comfortable we could have a doctor do it
No, lets just get it over with plus youve seen it all before when you rescued me from the rats
They shared a small laugh which lightened the mood a bit, and he pulled the camera out of his pocket. He saw her hands hesitate on the bottom of her sweater, and said gently again, Natalie, we can go to
But she shook her head and lifted her sweater over her head and tried to put herself on automatic pilot. She undid her jeans and shimmied out of them and was then standing in her bra and panties. She hesitated once more but then realized that she needed to remove her bra so he could capture all that had been done to her.
John stared at her with compassion and tenderness and that made her feel better. He felt a lump in his throat when he saw what had been done to her beautiful body, and only then did he fully realize what a battle shed been through.
Ill make this quick. He took some photos at a distance to take in her whole body and then moved near her to take close ups of the marks on her neck, her wrists and then her breasts. As he took the photos he made himself a promise that he was going to bring Gentry down if it was the last thing he did and he also made a decision about what they should do between now and the end of liberty tomorrow night.
OK, all done then he averted his eyes as she got dressed again.
Mason and his family will probably be back soon we should head out I I dont want to go back to Quantico yet, so Ill just find a hotel nearby
Natalie, Id like you to come with me
To your apartment? But I really dont want to go back to Quantico yet, John
He took her hand in his and said, Not to Quantico, to my house my real home
She was touched and her initial thought was that it sounded perfect, but she didnt want to put him out, John, that is so nice but I dont want to put you output you on the spot
Youre not Id like it if you would I want to know where you are that youre all right.
She smiled softly at him and said, OK, thanks.
Lets go.
Chapter 28
John and Natalie headed to his house in his SUV he lived in Virginia about 15 miles from Quantico, and they spent the journey in relative silence. Events were propelling them in a direction neither could have contemplated 24 hours ago. Natalie thought about yesterday when she agreed to go with Nick and his friends, and knew she hadnt had the vaguest notion that a few hours later shed literally be fighting for the very sanctity of her body. Life was full of those moments out of the blue that become the defining line the demarcation of before and after and once youd crossed it everything changed youd always think of your life with that fault line running through it
Her cell phone rang, jolting her out of her reverie, and she saw it was Mason.
Hey, Mason.
She was aware that Johns head had turned slightly in her direction and then he looked straight ahead again.
Hi, Natalie. Im heading to the airport and just wanted to check in see how your are and whats going on
Im doing OK finished my statement and all. Listen. Thanks again for being there for me She needed to say that even if she wasnt alone.
Natalie, always any time. Have you figured out where youre staying?
She hesitated a second and said, Johns house.
I figured that would be the case thats good. You shouldnt be alone, and hell look out for you Ill be thinking of you, and Ill call when Im back.
OK, safe trip OK?
Bye Natalie.
Mason snapped his phone shut and smirked a little to himself. He had absolutely assumed that was where John would take her it made perfect sense. Truthfully, had it not been for a vibe he was picking up between them he would have suggested it himself. He might not be able to fight the inevitable, but he sure didnt have to aid and abet it either
Truth was, he had come to like Natalie a great deal he really cared about her. In unguarded moments he let alien thoughts enter his brain like IF he was ever going to be open to a long-term committed relationship, Natalie would be one heck of a choice. Hell, it was because it was HER that he was having those alien thoughts he hadnt realized someone like her could exist. But he also knew that he wasnt there yet maybe never would be. In the end, though, his gut told him he was very lucky he didnt let himself really fall for Natalie, because there was something brewing between her and John that had become clear, even if it hadnt yet been acted upon.
He sighed and pulled out his file to review the background of the new Assistant US Attorney who would be coming with him Angela Mauro. Seemed like she had a decent background time would tell
John had listened to Natalies side of the conversation and he asked, Was Mason OK with my plan?
Yeah, he said hed figured that might be where wed end up going
Listen, Natalie. Im really sorry about before. It makes perfect sense that the first person youd think of the first place youd think to go, would be Masons and
Natalie cut him off. It wasnt.
Wasnt what?
Masons wasnt the first place I thought of As I got out of that car the place I wanted to be more than anything was in the peaceful quiet of the gym working out with you it always feels so safe there. But it was so far away I was so cold and scared, and I knew that Gentry was headed back that way I saw the skyline and realized The Watergate wasnt that far, and I ran
John reached out a hand to cover one of hers where it rested on her thigh. He didnt know what to say exactly, but her words had touched him. I wish I couldve been there for you, Natalie. But Im glad that Mason was hes a good, quality man. John realized he meant what hed said. As much as he wouldve loved helping Natalie through it, he was glad someone like Mason was there to pull her back from the edge but now it was up to him to get her through the rest of it
Johns neighborhood was quiet and charming it wasnt one of the newer neighborhoods full of McMansions, but instead had wonderful craftsman bungalows/cottages. Johns house was white with black shutters and accents, set back from the road with an inviting front porch, and it was impeccably maintained. They pulled into his driveway and John groaned when he saw a certain neighbor from down the street happening by at just that moment damn timing! She was giving him a big smile and wave and had headed in his direction when shed noticed him pulling into the driveway.
Natalie looked at John and said, Whats wrong?
Nothing, just a neighbor I was hoping to avoid until maybe Id get lucky and shed decide to move
Natalie peeked out the window and put two-and-two together and she couldnt help giggling at his predicament.
You think this is funny, Buchanan?
Yeah, at least a little
He sighed deeply and got out of the car and Natalie could hear the chirpy excitement of the neighbor. She decided maybe she should help him out a bit. She had grabbed a wool scarf of Masons to hide her neck, and her hair hid the bruise on her face, so she looked decently presentable. She climbed out of the SUV and walked around to where John was chatting awkwardly with the neighbor, who was undressing him with her eyes. Natalie heard her say something about dinner and John was searching for a response, so she walked over and wrapped her arms around him from behind saying, Hey baby you going to introduce me to your friend?
John and the neighbor were both startled by Natalies approach, but the neighbor didnt notice Johns reaction because her eyes were focused on Natalie. Natalie moved to Johns right side and tucked herself under his arm and he wrapped it around her with a squeeze.
Oh, this is Tara she lives down the block.
Natalie looked at Tara and thought she was quite attractive. She was in her mid-thirties, trim, with brown hair and eyes, but there was an almost desperate quality about her and it came across uncomfortably clearly.
Hi, Tara Im Natalie.
Hi, Natalie she said almost waspishly, continuing to give her the once over.
Tara then ignored Natalie and still tried to engage John in conversation and said, Well youre obviously a little busy NOW, but Id love to cook for you on your next free night
Natalie almost rolled her eyes and was pissed at how she was being dismissed by the witch, so while John was trying to hem and haw out an answer she stood on tiptoe and kissed him on his neck, saying seductively, John you promised me a nice long napas SOON as we arrived. I cant wait any longer baby she kissed his neck again and I cant sleep by myself
John felt his temperature shoot up along with other things and it was all he could do not to laugh at the expression on Taras face. He responded, Youre so right hon. Gotta go, Tara see you soon! And then he was pushing Natalie towards the house. As soon as they got inside she was laughing her head off, and it was a welcome sound and sight.
You are evil, Buchanan
Hey, it worked, right?
She glanced around and said, Your home is beautiful.
Thanks you want a tour?
Sure, and they began to walk around.
The leaded glass front door had deposited them in the main room which was a good size. There were wood floors throughout the entire first floor. The walls were all off white, which threw the natural wood door frames and moldings into sharp relief. In the middle of the main room was an oriental rug dominated by browns, creams, black and a dash of deep red. Facing each other on the rug were two oversized brown leather couches and two massive leather ottomans stood side-by-side between the couches in lieu of a coffee table. However on one of them was a large mahogany tray that converted it to that purpose as needed, and a beige chenille throw had been tossed across the other one. The couches each held several throw pillows in colors that picked up those in the rug. There were a couple of wood end-tables and matching wood sofa tables behind each sofa they were all mission-style. On all four tables were lamps that had almost a Frank Lloyd Wright feel to them, and scattered across them were a few books and coasters. On the walls were tasteful prints mostly cityscapes and street-scenes from around the world. Natalie could see through the double-wide door-jamb which was door-less to the dining room whose long wooden table and six chairs was also mission style and consistent with the living room furniture.
They walked into the kitchen which was a very good size enough for a four-person table and chairs. The cabinets and island were a warm maple color and the countertops were black granite. He then led her down the hall a bit to a small but nicely done powder room, and finally to the back of the house were there was an office/den that had a red leather couch and several red-leather club chairs plus a large flat-screen TV. It had a big desk angled in the corner, too. The walls were lined with bookcases that were chock-full. John held her hand as they walked back into the main room and to the wooden stairs that led to the second floor which also had solid wood floors throughout. The staircase bisected the upper floor and to the right was the master suite which took up half the second floor, and to the left were two spare bedrooms that shared a full bathroom. The bedrooms were relatively sparsely furnished but still nice beds, dressers, and armchairs. He told her she could pick whichever she wanted.
She followed John into the master suite, which was also wonderful. A mahogany four-poster bed dominated half the room and it was luxuriously turned out in taupe colored duvet and pillow shams. A large upholstered bench was at the foot of the bed. The room had great natural light through great windows framed in wood and a window seat ran the width of the large window that looked onto a small but pretty backyard. On the other side of the bed was a small seating area with two armchairs and an ottoman, all covered in a beige and brown brocade. She followed John into the master bathroom which had a large stall shower and an equally sizable Jacuzzi tub both of which, along with the floor, were clad in taupe marble. The two vanities that were at right angles to each other were maple, and their counters were off-white marble. Mirrors ran the entire length of each. And finally, there were two large walk-in closets.
John, your home is beautiful... honestly. Its so warm and cozy and inviting
He smiled and said, Thanks, Ive enjoyed living herewhen not accosted by pesky neighbors
They laughed at that.
If you give me a couple of minutes I will raid my closet a bit for you give you some things to wear today tomorrow. Too bad Im not a closet cross-dresser or I could give you some appropriate underwear to borrow, but you may have to deal with boxers I do, of course, have a washer and dryer
Thanks and for some reason I AM glad to hear youre not a cross dresser.
He disappeared into his closet and came back with sweat pants, t-shirts, tanks a white button-down, black merino wool turtleneck, some socks and the afore-mentioned boxers.
She laughed as she took it from him and headed down the hall to one of the guest rooms. John said he was going to head down to his office to call Chase and fill him in on everything it was way passed time and also to see if Gentry had surfaced. Come join me there when youre ready
Chapter 29
John headed to his office and called Chase. He gave him a rundown on all that had happened and Chase was blown away.
Is Buchanan OK?
Amazingly so I tell you, Chase. She has more grit than almost anyone Ive ever met. She took a real beating, literally and figuratively.
John, this could get very complicated in a hurry the first female candidate for this program and this happens to her
I know, but we cant let this guy get away with this.
Oh, God no! I just wonder if shell feel the need for any special recompense
John actually felt a bit offended on Natalies behalf. Chase thats not her at all she has all the money in the world already, and
Im not talking about money Im talking about something like an automatic in to the program
I think thats even LESS likely. Chase, she wants to EARN it, and youve seen her scores her resultsshes regularly in the top 5 sometimes at the top. And youre the one who told me, based on her history, that the non-physical aspects were unlikely to be a problem. And in my opinion that has become even more clear. She just went through her own personal hell night and night of torture for REAL, not knowing deep down it was a simulation and she came out of it fighting. Do you realize that after fighting that animal off she had to run in the cold rain for five miles until she got to Masons place?
All right I see your points
What we need to do is have some of our people see if they can locate Gentry, and if not, then wait until liberty ends tomorrow night and see if he has the balls to show up again like nothing happened. We also need to take action on Billy Ray and Bobbie We might need to involve the DC police especially if we want to go after that bouncer and state police and our own agents if Gentry appears to be running
John do you think that Natalie may be in further danger from this guy?
John cringed a bit as Chase gave voice to a fear that had been nagging the back of Johns brain. She might be especially if in some warped way he blames her for the trouble hes in now
OK, heres our temporary game plan. You guys stay there until tomorrow, but make it back here by 7pm so no one can say anything about her getting any extra time off campus. BUT until we know hes been apprehended we cant leave her like a sitting duck in the dorm. The apartment next to yours is open, and Im going to assign her there until Gentry is in custody. But we are going to need to meet with the rest of the class tomorrow night well call an impromptu meeting and let them know whats going on. The only way not to is if Buchanan drops out of the program, but if she stays, its all going to be obvious any way How do you think her classmates will handle things?
I think theyll rally around her. She has gained EARNED their respect. And except for his 2 asshole friends no one liked Gentry I should have figured out a way to cut him loose weeks ago
John you were walking a very fine line and I dont think any of us could have imagined hed go this far
Maybe not but, Chase I cant help but wonder if he would have stopped at raping Natalie
Chase sucked in his breath, You think he would have KILLED her?
I dont knowmaybe not, but Ill tell you what I know in my gut this isnt the first time he did this. The way he set it up with the bouncer the fact that hed removed the door handles in the back of his car we need to dig deeper and see what we missed when we went over his application materials and did a background check.
Ill work on that
John had just hung up the phone when Natalie walked in. He motioned for her to sit in one of the club chairs and he claimed another, and then told her what he and Chase discussed except for their concerns as to whether he still was a danger to her, and whether he might have killed her had she not gotten away.
I guess we have to tell everyone what happened
I dont think theres any way not to
I know
Natalie, these plans assume that you want to remain in the program is that still the case?
Yes, I do
Even with whats coming up the next few weeks?
You mean the torture?
Yes your body wont even be fully recovered
I know but I guess we just wont know until I try it I have to know
I wish I could get what happened to you with Gentry classified as your official torture because it more than qualifies in my opinion.
Well, I wont argue with you there and if thats a rabbit you can pull out of your hat, well I wont look that gift horse in the mouth hows that for mixing metaphors?
Incredible, and its made me very hungry you up for ordering in Chinese for an early dinnermaybe we can watch a movie after
Sure, sounds great.
John went into the kitchen to order the food and Natalie curled up into the large red leather chair, and promptly drifted off to sleep. When John returned to find her like that he pulled a throw off the end of the couch and covered her, then headed to his desk to return some emails and do some planning for the courses coming after hell night. Every now and again hed glance at Natalie but she remained asleep and he was glad she needed it. She could sleep until the food came.
The doorbell rang and Natalie eased back to consciousness at the sound, sitting up as John was heading towards the door. You OK to eat? We can sit in the kitchen.
Sure
They unloaded the bag chock-full of food, Are we expecting several others McBain?
He laughed and said, No, but its my favorite take out and now well have leftovers.
They found it blessedly easy to talk to one another over a few beers and tons of Chinese food. John was self-deprecating as he explained his own early FBI training and his experiences going through Special Branch training. He had been earmarked as an instructor even a co-creator of the program from the beginning, but they all had to pass the training first. They also talked about the fact that theyd both grown up in AC and John was blown away by her growing up as a Balsam with Roxie and then finding out she was a Buchanan.
All this has happened to you by age 26?! Shit, Natalie, I had thought Id led an eventful life and after all that you signed up for this?
She was quiet for a moment and said, Well, in some ways it is BECAUSE of all that so much of my life just HAPPENED to me things were done to me decisions made by others that warped my life I got tired of feeling like a victim, so first I became a cop, and then when I heard about this program, I thought I at least needed to try.
Buchanan, you are about as far from a victim as anyone Ive ever met. Now, I say we watch a low-brow movie. I am going to get changed into sweats for that if you want to get changed yourself, lets plan on meeting in the den in 10 minutes. You want a beer or whiskey to drink during the movie?
Surprise me.
They both headed upstairs and she tossed on sweat pants and the oversized button down shirt hed given her. He was already in the den when she got there, in sweat pants and a t-shirt and holding two glasses of whiskey. The lights were down low, and they both piled onto the large couch and John turned on the latest Batman movie.
John woke up a couple of hours later to find a blank blue screen in front of his eyes. He had stretched his feet out in front of him, leaned his head against the back of the couch, and that was it. He was a bit surprised hed fallen asleep he couldnt even remember seeing the first 10 minutes of the movie but then again, he hadnt slept much after Masons call. That made him think of Natalie and he realized she, too, had fallen asleep. She had fallen sideways against him and her head was now in his lap, while her feet were tucked up on the couch. He felt a wave of tenderness as he looked down on her face, which looked so young as she slept. She must be knocked out too he briefly tried to wake her to no avail, so he slowly moved himself from under her and off the couch, and then picked her up to carry her to her bed. As he did so, in her sleep she moved her arms around his shoulders and said on a sigh, John but didnt stir otherwise. The sound of her sleepy voice saying his name that way made him happy for reasons he also wouldnt be examining right now. He put her in her bed and pulled up the covers and she remained asleep. Then he headed to his own room.
Chapter 30
Natalie woke up with a start, her heart pounding in her chest. A sheen of sweat covered her whole body and it took her a second to realize where she was. She wasnt exactly sure how shed gotten from the den to here, but at least she knew she was in Johns house, safe. She had been reliving being attacked by Gentry but this time it was even worse than what had happened and it has seemed so real. Her body was shaking almost violently and she kicked her sweatpants off trying to rid herself a bit of the trapped feeling that had followed her from her dream. But notwithstanding the fact she was sweating, deep inside she felt a cold pit of dread in her stomach. She needed something to calm her nerves if only she had some of those great drugs from when shed hurt her ankle. Then she remembered the whiskey and decided to grab a quick swig.
She was making her way slowly, quietly down the hall towards the stairs when she tripped over the leg of a small bench she didnt see, and had forgotten was there. It happened so quickly she couldnt save herself and landed in a noisy, painful heap on the wood floor, not too far from Johns door which goddamn it he had left ajar!
John was startled awake at the noise and reacted quickly as he sprang from his bed and into the hall. Natalie was trying to drag herself off the floor when he got there and he scooped her up in his arms. She was still shaking badly and the fall didnt exactly help.
Hey hey are you OK?
She nodded, but the fact that she was so shaken didnt exactly support that affirmation. John carried her into his room and sat down on the edge of the bed with her still in his arms, so that she was now sitting across his lap, and her arms had tightened around his middle.
What happened, did you have a bad dream?
Yes it woke me up thank God because it was so real
About Gentry and what happened?
She shook her head and if anything began to tremble more at the mention of his name.
Where were you headed?
She laughed a little and said, I was going to raid your liquor cabinet thought a shot of whiskey might steady my nerves. But then I tripped over the leg of the bench sorry I woke you
Not a problem, truly. A drink, huh? Probably not a bad idea. He stood up with her and then deposited further up on his bed, so she could lean back against the pillows. Dont go away,
Then he walked over to a wood corner cabinet and opened the upper door to reveal a decently stocked bar. It also had a small coffee maker.
Wow, thats some set-up McBain
He laughed and said, Well, sometimes you dont want to have to travel far for a drink
He poured out two half glasses of whiskey and brought it to her. Wow, thats a healthy pour
Strong medicine for bad dreams
He sat back on the bed as well, but kept his distance.
You want to talk about it?
Not much to talk about it was just like being back in the car, but this time it seemed worse like he was going to succeed She exhaled her breath and took a swig of the whiskey. Now thats good that jolt of warmth is perfection in and of itself
Want to watch a cheesy late-night movie?
Sure Lifetime has all the chick-flicks
You want me to watch a chick-flick?
Arent you man enough?
John laughed You are a real piece of work Buchanan well, lets see what weve got
Soon they were laughing at the over-the-top acting in some melodrama about some woman trying to bring down an evil infertility doctor. Of course it was made all the funnier since they had each had a full glass of whiskey by this point. Before it was over Natalie had fallen asleep and John figured why not just leave her where she was, and he clicked off the TV and fell asleep himself.
In sleep their bodies sought out the warmth and comfort of each other, entwining arms and legs. Some time later John found himself in the hazy state between sleep and wakefulness as if suspended in a dream which was enhanced by the remaining alcohol in his system. The only thing really getting through to him was the feel of Natalies body against and wrapped around his the feel of her warm breath on his neck and of its own volition, his mouth moved to claim hers. Natalie exhaled on a moan at the contact, and then her mouth was fully engaging in the process of exploring his while she, too, remained in that dreamy twilight. Their eyes remained closed, extending the dreamlike state, but their tongues became increasingly active against each other. Johns body rolled a bit and Natalies instinctively responded, flattening on her back but bending and opening her legs so Johns hips could find a home between them, his incredible hardness pressing against the thin cotton of her panties. Natalies hands massaged their way down his broad back to press against the small of it, and his moved under her to cup her taut behind and pull her tighter against him. They both moaned at in response but it did not hamper the languid exploration of their tongues, and their hips began to mimic that tempo in gentle, perfectly matched undulation. The heat flared between them and their mouths and hips became more urgent, along with the moans that poured into each other, echoing down their throats.
John and Natalie were so lost in sensation in their wonderful world of dream and reality blurring that Johns doorbell pealed three times before it registered. Their eyes flew open, mouths broke apart and they looked at each other in surprise, but with eyes still hazed with passion. They became intensely aware of the position of their bodies against each other, but before they could say another word the doorbell rang again. John, now fully awake, rolled off Natalie and reached into his dresser drawer to grab his gun.
Stay here, Ive got to go see who it is
When John left, Natalie was lying back in his bed, knees still bent, and she could still feel his mouth on hers, his deliciously hard weight between her legs. She covered her face with her hands in mortification what was she doing?! She told herself she should flee to her room but then again, John had told her to wait hereand she knew it was the thinnest of rationalizations, but she clung to it and stayed where she was.
John ran downstairs on shaky legs and deep down knew Natalie had taken that toll on him, not the sharp sound of his doorbell in the earliest hours of the morning. He peered out a side window, out of sight from the door, and recognized Chase standing on his porch.
He pulled the door open and stood aside to let him in.
Geez, Chase I didnt think you made house calls
Well I was finally on my way home for a couple of hours sleep and there was some news I thought you should know. Gentrys car was found parked not sure whether we should classify it as abandoned or not about three blocks from the main entrance to Quantico. No one knows exactly how long its been there
John could tell there was more. What else what?
Chase reached into his pocket and took out a folded piece of paper and said, This is a copy of what was found tacked to Buchanans door about an hour ago
John took the paper, a copy of a digital picture. It was of Natalie, sleeping in her bunk, her bedclothes tossed off her and her tank and boxers doing little to hide her body from the intrusive inspection of the camera and the person who took the picture. It was clear it was taken when someone snuck into her cubbie and they all knew it was Gentry. She looked so completely vulnerable as she slept totally oblivious to the malevolent presence just a few feet away. That was bad enough, but the Word scrawled out in thick marker across the image of Natalies body made his blood run cold: MINE.
Chapter 31
John ran his hand over his face, his mouth, trying to calm himself. He said to Chase, Lets go inside and ushered him to the den. He walked to the bar and poured two glasses of whiskey and it occurred to him that hed had more of this to drink in the past 24 hours than the previous 24 days.
The two men sat in the club chairs and didnt say anything for a moment, then Chase spoke.
This could simply be a last gesture, meant to rattle a final salvo before he disappearsbut it was a risky move for him to come back on campus
Any chance he had one of his boys do it?
None I had them cleared off campus within an hour after you and I first spoke. They admitted everything we have their signed, sworn statements. And it was pretty clear they have no loyalty to Gentry.
Do you really see him coming back on campus to try anything against Natalie?
I find it hard to believe he would, once he knows were on high alert and looking for him. Tonight he might have taken a calculated risk that the news had not yet completely spread that he had a window of opportunity. But we also cant ignore this and completely write it off. The way he set her up shows a certain level of seriousness obsession even. Frankly, Im not sure if shes safer staying at Quantico or if shed be better off back home where her family could hire full-time protection.
John looked at Chase in surprise, You want to try to send her home? Make her leave the program?
I dont know what the right answer is, John but if anything really bad happens to her
John laughed without humor Do you not see the irony here. She is in a training program for a special team that is dedicated to taking down some of the most ruthless criminals in the world. Her class is full of capable guys whove already proven themselves in their prior careers and are stepping up to this place. ALL of this is taking place on the campus of the fucking FBI, which is crammed with plenty of tough, well-trained agents and assorted others and were saying all of that isnt enough to ensure Natalie is safe enough to finish this program? And Natalie herself is a force to be reckoned with
I see your point but what do we do?
We tell everybody everything put them on notice. Most of the time Natalie will be in class she pretty much never was alone anyway ate meals with her buddies every now and again went to The Pub with them
And worked out a couple of nights a week at the old gym with a certain instructor
John looked at Chase in surprise and then said, Ive always worked out nights there she started doing the same, so, yeah, we worked out some together
Relax John, Im not suggesting anything its clear youve gotten to know her and respect her a great deal. And youre not alone in that. She has won the regard of virtually everyone whos seen her in action. But theres a reason why were not supposed to become too friendly with ANY of our candidates. We have to be as tough on them as we can be so they are prepared for what they may face. The more you get to know someone, the harder it is to torture them, for example. The harder it is to fight them hard without hesitation. That is an issue from square one when the candidate is a woman it just becomes worse if you are too friendly.
I know but I also feel like as her instructor I have a responsibility to her to help keep her safe now
I agree and I think you did the right thing bringing her here and, remember, Im the one whos moving her next door to you but just be careful. Draw a line and keep re-drawing it. Over these next few weeks leading up to hell night that will be even more important less so once were mostly in classroom mode
John was silent but nodded. Chase stood saying wearily, Well, its coming up on 4am going to grab a few hours I asked Hart to post signs that were having a meeting at 8pm tomorrow night I decided to book the private room at The Pub again I want it to be serious but at the same time in an atmosphere that emphasizes solidarity. Plus its a final breather before all hell starts breaking loose next week.
OK thanks for letting me know. Ill tell Natalie.
John showed Chase out and headed for the stairs, not sure exactly how to explain all this to Natalie.
Natalie had intended to head downstairs to see who had come calling who John was talking to but she felt so warm and safe lying in his bed. Though part of her was mortified, her body was still aflame from his touch and she closed her eyes to savor it soon sleep had claimed her again.
John stepped in the room and saw that Natalie was sleeping peacefully at that and it wasnt in him to wake her to show her the invasive image that had been posted on her cubbie to have it dawn on her that Gentry had been in her private space, watching her sleeping so vulnerable. John felt a sick rage twist his stomach as he thought about that. He also heard Chases words echo in his head about the need to draw a line. But hed be damned if he was going to do that right now. He climbed into bed and gently moved behind Natalie, spooning her from behind. In her sleep she sighed and relaxed into his hold. He inhaled her scent and then closed his eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep.
Chapter 32
As John awoke he became aware of the fact that he and Natalie were once again wound around each other, her head on his chest. He loved the feeling of it, and knew that was a huge problem and one he had to start to deal with. Chase was right, for Natalies sake more than anyones he had to put a bit if distance between them tip them back to a student-instructor relationship because they had grown genuinely close. That was especially so over the past 24 hours or so but with what she had to survive the next few weeks, and his role in it... Reluctantly he slowly moved from under her, shifting her carefully so as not to disrupt her sleep. He wanted her to have as much of that as she could shed need all of it. He grabbed a quick shower and then headed downstairs to make some breakfast and coffee for them.
Natalie woke a few minutes after John had headed downstairs, and realized she was alone in his bed. She knew that was for the best, even though she couldnt help missing his presence, his warmth. She had woken up a few hours earlier to find that he had come back to bed back to her and was holding her close to him. She had promised herself shed go back to being strong when the sun rose on a new day that shed go back to seeing him as a supportive instructor but until then, she was going to soak up every ounce of his warmth and strength that she could.
She got out of bed and walked down the hall to her own room, grabbed her things and headed into the shower. She dressed quickly in the cozy turtleneck he had given her, along with her jeans, and left her hair down to air-dry. Feeling suddenly shy she forced her feet to carry her to the kitchen where she heard him rattling around. He looked up when she entered the room and they stared at each other for a moment, and finally he gave her a small smile and asked, Coffee?
Sure.
I made some bacon and eggs, too plus some toast
John busied himself with getting their breakfast served while Natalie clutched her coffee in both hands. She couldnt help feeling they should somehow talk about what had happened, so she said tentatively, quietly, John uh about last night, or this morning
Natalie, for now why dont we just think of it as a wonderful dream we both happened to have at the same time? Are you OK leaving it there?
She nodded, feeling relieved that he wasnt awkward about it and also relieved at his characterization of it, because it had felt like a wonderful dream for her, but she found it so hard to read him sometimes.
He put their plates down and sat across from her, debating the best time to drop the next bomb on her should he do it now or after shed had a chance to eat? But she took the choice away from him when she asked, So, who was at the door this morning your neighbor Tara for a booty call?
He couldnt help but laugh at that, along with her, and it eased a bit of the tension.
No, it was Chase.
Natalie stiffened because she knew it had to be serious for him to come calling in the wee hours of the morning.
Tell me.
Gentrys car was found near Quantico, and just after midnight this was found tacked to your cubbies door
He handed her the picture and watched carefully as myriad emotions swept her face. Shock, disgust, comprehension. When she looked up at him her eyes were moist but that couldnt hide the hurt there. She was swallowing hard and he knew she was trying to keep a hold of herself not break She finally put the picture down on the table with a shaky hand, but her eyes remained locked on his.
Finally she said with a trembling voice, He was in my cubbie when I was ASLEEP? He waswatching me God how long was he there?
I dont know, Natalie we dont know when this was taken how often he did this
She shuddered at that thought. Then she asked point blank. Do you think hes coming back for me?
I honestly dont know. I think he is largely a coward, so theres a very good chance this was his final hit, and hell use his brain and disappear. But we also cant count on that
John went on to explain the rest of the plan that Chase had outlined this morning. Natalie, I think youll find that your classmates and your instructors he said this with a small smirk will rally around you but you have to let us we of all people know the fight in you, and that you will be your own last line of defense but you cant do this alone you arent alone
I know I just hate that I hate that I need anything extra at all. That that bastard can change everything. And the thing that I just dont know how to deal with is I did NOTHING to him. All I did was walk in the classroom that first day, and that was it. I was prepared for people to decide right off the bat not to like me to avoid me give me shit. But this
Natalie, its him. He is diseased, and unfortunately you have become the outlet for that right now but everyone will understand that this is not you bucking for special treatment or anything this is you finding it in you to continue to not give up and we owe it to you to help make it work. So the next question is, do you want to be at tonights meeting?
I dont think I should hide I want people to see Im OK
Agreed. But why dont you show up about 8:30 let me and Chase explain everything, and then you can come in and they can see for themselves that you are doing remarkably well.
I dont feel like Im doing so well
Are you kidding after everything, you arent drugged up in a corner somewhere. THAT is remarkable.
In tacit agreement they spent the rest of the day in the comforting quiet of Johns home, not venturing out since they knew that nothing but reality was outside the confines of the house. John worked at his desk while Natalie stretched out on the couch in the den reading a spy novel she had grabbed from the bookcase. That was when she wasnt dozing on and off, and when she was in one of her wakeful periods she realized that John had once again covered her with the throw, and that small gesture meant so much it made her feel cared for. They ate leftover Chinese food for lunch, made small talk, and then went back to the den.
As Natalie slept again, John found himself watching her for a very long time feeling such a mixture of things, but most of all he wanted to spare her from any and every hurt that could ever come her way. And in that moment he let himself know that she was in his heart. He was dismayed blown away and felt incredibly vulnerable. He wasnt sure how it had happened because he had built up some of the most amazing defenses an incredibly strong resistance to lengthy romantic attachments and matters of the heart. But as he looked at Natalie he realized the error in his thinking because Natalie was like no other woman maybe no other person he had ever met, and he had no antibodies to her she was able to get into his blood before he even knew his immune system had been compromised. But for now, he had to shake it off. Maybe he could fully succumb later maybe it would destroy him down the road, but for now he had to do anything to mask the symptoms, drive them to dormancy. Not only could he not shield her from any more pain, but he was going to be the architect of it the perpetrator of it how could he find that in himself? How could she not hate him for it in the end? And wouldnt that be his undoing
John was so lost in his thoughts that he hadnt realized that Natalie was awake. She could see the turmoil on his face and she said softly, John?
He looked at her for a long moment and said, I think its time we get ready to head back
She nodded and got up from the couch. Do you have an old sweatshirt or t-shirt I can borrow so I dont abscond with such a nice sweater?
He smiled softly and said, Keep it
They quickly gathered their things and as they were near the door, about to walk out, Natalie turned to face John and said with absolute sincerity, John, thank you so much for opening your home to me it it really helped.
Im glad Natalie it was good for me to get a break too Listen this morning when I was talking with Chase he made it clear that he wanted me to make sure we looked out for you that I continued to look out for you but well, Natalie with whats to come these next few weeks, I need to pull back a bit. I have to do what you need in terms of this program to give you the best shot of coming through it and then surviving whatever could happen to you once youre in the field I cant do that the way we are now I cant I have to
Natalie walked over and took one of Johns hands in hers and said simply, I understand. I promise.
She turned to head to the door and he just couldnt do it he wasnt ready yet to let her walk out that door to begin drawing those lines. John grabbed her hand and she turned around again. Their eyes locked and then John pulled her tightly against him as his mouth took possessive hold of hers. Her mouth immediately opened to him and they began to kiss each other as deeply, hungrily as they could. There was an absolutely desperate quality to the movement of their mouths, the sounds that were torn from both of them. They clung to each other, pulling their bodies together as if literally trying to meld themselves into one. And as passionate and full of desire as the kiss was, it was more about emotion, communication saying what could not be verbalized. Finally they broke apart, breathless, and it was only when Johns hands had cupped her face and his thumbs began wiping her tears away did Natalie even realize shed been crying.
With anguish on his face John said, Natalie
She moved a hand to his mouth to stop whatever it was he might say. She took his hand in hers and kissed its palm, and then laid it over her heart and said, I know I know as a few more tears fell.
Then she backed away, turned and walked out the front door.
Chapter 33
John and Natalie were silent during the 15 mile ride to Quantico. There were no words They were sailing into uncharted waters in every aspect of their lives at this point. He parked near their apartment building and they went inside, checking through security who had the key to Natalies apartment and heading into the elevator and to the 5th floor. John had a one-bedroom apartment with a small den, while Natalie would be right next door in a studio. John handed her the key and she opened the door, realizing that someone had moved her few belongings from her cubbie to her new digs. It was small, but cozy and palatial compared to the cubbie. There was a main area that had a sofa and an armchair, with a little galley kitchen off to the side. The bedroom area was separated by a wood and beige-fabric screen, and to the right of the bed was the entrance to a small bathroom that had no tub but a decent sized stall shower. Most importantly, the apartment had a real door that locked, and 24 hour security downstairs.
John said, Well, this is it nothing fancy, but it works. Uh, I believe that your bed backs up to mine and the walls are pretty thin, so if you need anything Ill hear you, OK. But you should be fine safe
Thank you
Chase is sending an agent over to escort you to The Pub hell probably be here about twenty after eight so you can get there about 8:30. By then well have explained everything to your classmates. Then tomorrow, hopefully some semblance of normal he chuckled then As normal as learning about torture can be.
She smiled a bit at that, but hated the awkwardness that had cropped up between them. Prior to this weekend they had found a rhythm between them, and even if there were times that it felt like there was more bubbling beneath like when they happened to start making out in the pool -- they managed to find a top note to their relationship that was comfortable. But everything had changed this weekend, however briefly it became so much more while also forcing them to retreat. She missed him already. Somehow she hadnt realized how much she had come to rely on his presence and his easy way of supporting her for almost three months nowshe knew hed still do what he could and she even understood why he had to pull back she did too but it left her feeling bereft nonetheless.
John hated how stilted they were as well, and hoped that they could find a new normal over the next few dayswell, I better go get ready you OK for now?
Yeah fine. Ill see you at The Pub.
He started to leave and Natalie called him back having had a thought that shed wished shed had earlier. John, is there any way you can tell Nick privately? I dont want him to feel badly about everything he was set up as much as I was
He gave her a soft smile and said, Yeah, Natalie, I can do that its a good idea
Thanks.
It was almost a relief when he left, and she hated even thinking that. She flopped back on her new bed and willed the next hour to pass.
John dropped his things off and headed out for the meeting. He stopped for a second in front of Natalies door, but expelling a sigh he headed to the elevator. Thankfully when he got to The Pub he noticed that Nick was already in the main lounge area, hanging with a few of his buddies likely the ones Natalie had spent the first part of Friday night with. John approached him and asked if he could talk to him privately for moment.
He hated having to tell Nick what had happened because he knew in his shoes hed feel terrible and Nick was a very decent guy. They walked off to the side of the bar where there were still empty seats, and John just dove in and told him everything like ripping off a band-aid.
Nick looked devastated. Oh my God I was going to go checkmake sure. But I didnt want to intrude. Is she OK?
John clasped Nicks upper arm for a moment and said, More than I think I would be in her shoes. Shes actually going to be here at 8:30 she wants to continue in the program, but we are going to have to take some extra precautions shes going to need our help.
Anything she needs this is all my fault
NO, Nick it isnt. This is all on Gentry and we will get him.
Soon it was time to head into the private room and Chase was already there. As the candidates filed in Chase advised them to grab a beer or soft drink from the tubs of iced-down beverages that had been set up, and to take a seat. When that had been accomplished, Chase got down to business.
OK, welcome back from your liberty I hope you all enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it wasnt the best of times for some of your classmates, one in particular. You may have already noticed that four are missing right now Buchanan, Gentry, Yates and Ray. Buchanan will be here shortly, the other three are gone and Im going to let agent McBain fill you in on the chain of events that led to this.
Chase nodded in Johns direction and he moved to the front of the room.
Buchanan went out Friday evening with Nick and some of his friends. Unfortunately they ran into Gentry and his two friends. I know you are all aware that Gentry had been giving Buchanan a hard time well he crossed the line in an egregious manner Friday night. He paid off a bouncer at a DC club to lie to both Nick and Natalie, and he upshot was Natalie ended trapped in a car with Gentry, Ray and Yates. Once Ray had pulled behind a deserted strip mall they left Gentry and Buchanan behind at which point he tried his level best to rape her.
Gasps went through the room and shocked discussion erupted.
Please I know its a shock, we can talk about this all once I finish the overview. I am not going to lie to you he beat Buchanan pretty badly. You will see for yourself shortly. But she managed to escape and then ran five miles after midnight in the cold rain to a friends DC apartment. I went there the next morning to take her official statement. Yates and Ray were interrogated, admitted everything, signed official statements and have been summarily dismissed. Unfortunately, Gentry is still at large. But he did reappear briefly to tack something of a warning on Buchanans door.
He nodded at Chase who passed a single copy of the picture around which he would be taking right back so it couldnt make the rounds and again the dismay, and anger, was evident among the men in the room, particularly her closest friends.
It is clear from this picture that on at least one occasion Gentry went into Buchanans cubbie and observed her when she was sleeping. Completely vulnerable. His scrawling of the word mine on that photo has to be taken seriously as an ongoing threat, though we hope it was a last cowardly act and that he has fled far from here. But we cant take the chance, so we are taking a few precautions to protect Buchanan while she continues in the program. And I think it is notable that she wants to because as far as Im concerned I think a case could be made that she has already passed her torture and hell nights rolled into one. Be that as it may, she is still going to have to do exactly what the rest of you will no special treatment with one exception. She has been moved to a studio apartment on campus for security reasons. Clearly we cannot assume she is secure in her cubbie. I cant imagine any of you have a real issue with that if you do I am happy to listen, and we can do that privately so you can feel free to come forward. What we need from all of you is to be aware of your surroundings at all times and if you notice anything strange if you catch what may be a glimpse of Gentry let us know. And please, can we all make sure that Buchanan has one of us with her at all times she shouldnt be out roaming aroundAnyone have any questions?
No one did, they were all shell-shocked. Then Rich raised his hand and asked if he could speak, and John gave him the go-ahead.
We probably all feel the same way shocked, appalled, furious. Buchanan is one of our own she has more than kept pace with and in many cases out-paced all of us. For her to stay in this program after all shes been through we have to rally around her and do whatever it takes
There were nothing but nods from the group and words of affirmation. And at that moment Natalie walked in.
She felt incredibly self-conscious as she entered the room. She had changed to regulation clothes in this case her sweats and pulled her hair back in its standard braid, and the bruise on her face and the blackly bruised outline of Gentrys hands on her neck were starkly visible against her creamy skin. A murmur went through the room, and to break the ice a bit Chase approached Natalie with a beer in hand which she accepted gratefully. She took a sip and raised it and said, Welcome back hope your weekends were less eventful than mine That got a chuckle and soon she was being swarmed with well-wishers who were pledging their support.
John and Chase huddled to go over plans for tomorrow, and when John looked up a few minutes later he noticed Natalie and Nick in a private conversation that was clearly intense, and Natalie then hugged Nick which he returned fiercely. It was clear he felt horrible about having been duped.
Soon they called it a night classroom work started at 8am sharp the next morning. John signaled for Natalie to wait for him, and then they were walking across campus to their apartments.
That went better than Id feared. They didnt look at me like I had 12 heads or anything
No. I think they think youre something else, but in a good way.
She smiled at that. Well, I had some really great support in the first 48 hours it made all the difference.
Im glad
By then they were in front of their neighboring doors and Natalie said softly, Night McBain
Night Buchanan
And then they were in their own places.
Chapter 34
The candidates streamed into class with coffee in hand, a bit of tension in the air because of the topic of the day torture.
John was leading class this morning, though there would be other experts brought in as they got into this subject area in more depth over the days ahead especially psychiatric experts who would talk about the ways in which you could try to break someone, or avoid being broken.
All right. We are moving into the most intense couple of weeks of this program, from a physical, emotional and psychological standpoint. Now, just to make things clear, we arent going to be training YOU guys how to torture others
A few chuckles.
There is a chance that at some point you could find yourselves captured and tortured for information and for sport, frankly. We will spend some time in class this week showing you the various ways that captives are tortured around the world, along with defense mechanisms that you could employ or try to to maintain your sanity and hopefully not divulge information to the wrong people. Next week we will spend some time, well frankly, torturing you. There will be boundaries we will not do some of the most extreme stuff. But it will be intense, it will be painful. Blood will be drawn. If any of you, facing that reality, decide its time to go, I cant say I blame you not one little bit.
He took the time to look everyone in the eye individually and saw that some were handling things better than others, but all were subdued. Natalies face was almost expressionless and he wasnt sure if that was good or bad
OK, to enhance the role playing and reality of the torture sessions, you are all going to be given cover stories and top secret information that you are trying NOT to divulge to the torturers, for as long as you can take it. We will also suggest some false info you might toss out to buy yourself some time. In addition, there will be a safety word in this case it will be Rosebud. We tried to come up with a word you could remember, but that would not sound like any other word youd likely be saying so thered be no confusion as to whether you were invoking it or not. If you invoke the safety word all torture will stop immediately. And it is a virtual certainty that you will be out of the program. We do look at every case individually to see if there were extenuating circumstances such as a torturer getting so carried away that they push a candidate much harder than all the others. Divulging your secret information is more of a gray area. It isnt good, but depending on how much you manage to survive before doing so, it wont be an automatic dismissal. That said, if you sing like a canary the first time youre stripped naked and tossed in a cell well, pack your bags. I need you all to start learning your back stories and secret info today tonight there will be a quiz tomorrow. We want you to have time to ingrain it as a virtual truth
The group was even more somber at this point.
Now, the first thing Im going to show you is footage of some of the torture sessions from the last class. We have obscured the identity of the candidates, and the torturers wear hoods. Some of your current instructors will play those parts but we also leverage some of the talents of colleagues in the Navy SEALs program, the Marines and the CIA. Folks, this is serious it wont feel like a drill. I cant stress that to you enough. But enough talking, seeing this will show you what I mean.
The lights went dark and a series of images, each more dark and disturbing than the next, played across the screen for the next 30 minutes. Natalie wasnt sure if the images were the worst, or the sounds of flesh being hit, whipped, punched of screams, moans, voices pleading for mercy. And then the footage of some of those whod been beaten, lying naked on the floor, seemingly broken. She was rocked to her core. It all hit so close to home, and it was REAL. Maybe not at a 30,000 foot level because eventually it would stop and you wouldnt be killed, but the blows, the bruises, the cuts the brutality. It was breathtaking. And she understood why all of this was kept under such tight wraps because most people would never understand their government doing this to their own people. But to send operatives out with no notion of what could happen and how theyd react
John never got used to inured to this sort of footage. He couldnt help stealing a glance at Natalie to see how she was taking all this in especially in light of her own incredibly recent experiences. Maybe he was a chauvinist, but it did make a difference to him whether this was being done whether he was doing it to a man or woman. And with that woman being Natalie he could never pull back far enough to handle it well
He also felt a pang of guilt because they were setting the class up as they always did. They were letting them believe they had this week to just have to worry about being in class, learning about torture, and then working out, too. They were girding themselves for torture sessions next week, with a brief break, and then right into hell night. In fact, they would all be taken out of their beds tomorrow Tuesday night. Well, more particularly, in the early morning hours of Wednesday. Then the torture sessions would begin. This was to catch them completely off guard as would happen in the real world. They would last for 48 hours which would seem like a lifetime. On a more practical level, it would give them more recovery time before hell night.
Finally the DVD was done, and John turned the lights back on. It was an understatement to say that everyone without exception looked shell-shocked. John knew that feeling personally he had been through it all himself. Once in the real world, too. He spoke with a somewhat gentle tone when he said, I know that was a lot to take in. It is at this point in every class where some decide not to continue. Perhaps those are the most sane in the bunch. I will be in my office tonight from 6-7 in the event anyone wants to see me to discuss that as an option, or definitely pull the plug. Now, go eat some lunch if you still have appetites. And spend the afternoon working out and reading the information youve been given. Then tomorrow well spend more time here going over various techniques to fight through the pain and hold onto your information and your sanity.
On that note, class dismissed.
Natalie headed out with her usual lunch gang, but none were in much of a mood to talk, nor did they end up with much of an appetite. She then went on to the main gym with them for a work-out, which helped the stress.
John grabbed a quick sandwich and then headed to the conference room by Chases office. The instructor team with some Navy/Marine/CIA buddies was going to spend the afternoon planning the torture sessions. Those buddies always had some new things they wanted to try. John typically found them horrifying. Also there would be an agent from the Behavioral Analysis Unit to talk through the psychological aspects.
John walked into the conference room and immediately groaned inwardly. His least favorite CIA guy was there Bruce Hawkins. As far as John was concerned, he liked his work far too much. He was a sociopath, minimum, and John actually thought he could be a psychopath. He was always trying to up the severity of the torture during these sessions, as if the candidates were nothing but guinea pigs in his sick lab. Hawkins was about 510 but he was built like a bull and had black buzz-cut hair and black eyes that were soulless. John liked the BAU shrink (Chris Crawford); the Navy SEALs rep (Zack Ryder) and the Marine rep (Rafe Hernandez). While they were all contributors, the FBI and Chase owned this program, so he ran a pretty tight ship.
OK Chase said. We have done this enough to know the drill pretty well, but there are a few things that are different- most notably, Natalie Buchanan. She has made it farther than anyone might have thought, and I will tell you now she is a real contender. I know you all saw my email briefing you on what happened to her over the weekend, and she has come through it remarkably well. Especially in view of her history prior to entering this program.
Crawford broke in, The real issue will be if it has taken a greater toll than even she knows for her to be tortured literally within days of being brutally assaulted, almost raped and in some ways is begs the question as to the fairness in holding her to the same standards as the others who are not coming off anything like that
Before anyone could answer Hawkins tossed out, Too bad. She wanted to play with the big boys, let her play. If she were in the field, on a key mission, and had that happen to her she wouldnt be pulled home shed be expected to keep going.
John bit the inside of his mouth.
Chase continued, Well, lets take it all one step at a time. From a logistical standpoint, shes not going to be in the dorm when all the extra agents swarm it to kidnap the candidates. John youre going to have to handle her abduction youll be given a copy of the key to her apartment.
John nodded.
As per usual, the first 12 hours they will be in stripped down to their underwear, or whatever theyre sleeping in if its less substantial than underwear. They will have hoods on for several hours they will be isolated in separate cells, unable to see each other they will be able to hear the screams of their classmates once things get under way. During those first 12 hours they will be bothered with intrusive lights, loud music, shouting, etc. Just when they fall asleep, theyll be woken up again. Second twelve hours water-related torture. NO water boarding just dunking. Thats bad enough for our purposes. Thatll be for 60-90 minutes. Then back to the cells for a while. Then taken again and beaten whips, hands. Sometimes theyll be tied up, sometimes blindfolded, other times not. We are just going to keep changing it up catching them off-guard. All the while of course theyll be interrogated. Those first 24 hours will be bad, but not as bad as the second 24 when the intensity of the beating and the interrogations will pick up dramatically. For part of that time they will be stripped naked. We will do things to begin to suggest might I emphasize SUGGEST that things such as rape, for the males and the female, could happen. That will involve some degree of fondling.
John never felt good about this entire part of the process, but his stomach was truly twisting as Chase re-capped what would happen.
Over the course of the 48 hours they will lose track of time and be sleep deprived. They will only be given water and some gruel to eat. They will be cold no blankets, just their underwear, and sometimes not even that. At times groups of them will be in the same big room being tortured so that they can see the impact on their comrades. Other times they will be alone. Sometimes there will be many torturers other times just one. We will all wear hoods at all times Comments? Questions?
Hawkins immediately jumped in, I think we should up the ante on some of the instruments we use some of our enemies are using tasers against genitalia and Ive heard that some women are being tortured with a cattle prod
He didnt get that out before John said, Are you crazy?
No! Look, McBain, even some serials have used cattle prods as a weapon of sexual torture on women it is painful but hardly deadly and this is our chance to see how a female would react
Chase and the others were looking at him with horrified expressions as well, but let John handle it, So, are you going to shove it up the guys rectums, too? You willing to be a guinea pig first?!
We can taser the guys balls and cattle-prod the girl
HAWKINS! Chase barked, Absolutely not. That would cross the line.
Do you think the enemies draw any lines?!
No, but WE do what we are doing is going to give them a real taste it isnt meant to exactly replicate it. Please dont mention it again.
Fine but I want to do the girl I want to be the one who handles her initiation.
Chase glanced at John and knew his friend enough to know that an explosion was coming so he jumped right in Forget it. The Director and I had a long talk about Buchanan and he has asked me to handle that personally
John was surprised. Chase never got his hands so dirty any more but he felt a twinge of relief that it wouldnt be him, and he knew Chase wouldnt go easy but hed be fair. Then John thought about the absurdity of anything about torture being remotely fair.
I will be assisted by McBain to an extent John, you will abduct her, strip her down when required. Bring her to and from the rooms whatever else I need. Help hold her down when necessary. But I will be doing the rest of it. Strict orders from the Director.
Hawkins was clearly pissed, and at that moment John loathed him. He realized that this guy was just an older version of Gentry. Maybe he didnt start out that way his work, his own history doing wet work with the CIA it had to have warped him. John didnt care at this point, he was a diseased soul that should be culled from the herd
The team went to tour the special facility that had been created for this training used mostly by Marines and CIA, but still on the larger property that was Quantico. It was like a stone jail with cells, interrogation rooms, larger rooms where a group could be held and tortured. Everywhere was wired for sound and with cameras because they would have a large team observing the candidates for their performance and any signs that the plug should be pulled even if the candidate wasnt doing it themselves. Medical personnel would also be on site. Banks of monitors were set up in the control room to capture all this.
As John looked at all this he wondered if there was any way he could talk Natalie into dropping out.
Chapter 35
The next day was relatively uneventful. More class time talking about ways captives withdrew into themselves, into their own worlds, to get through the torture. As Natalie listened she couldnt help thinking about her time with Hayes, and then in the pit she had certainly retreated a good bit, but she knew that there was a fine line you had to come out every now and again, or else you could slip the bonds of reality totally never find your way back. But it was so tempting to cut those ties just let go. The blissful release of your mind snapping. Shed felt herself close a few times, but something always drew her back. But it was always back to pain, and that was hard to return to what if things were so bad that she didnt this time
Natalie shook her head and tried to concentrate on what John was saying.
You should all pay as much attention to these hints these techniques as you can. They could be your salvation. One other housekeeping item we will regularly check to make sure that you are ultimately tracking with reality. If you seem really out of it well use smelling salts or the like, but we will then ask you who you are and you need to tell us your name and your rank in this case Training Class Alpha if you dont get that out within a certain window, well pull the plug on you.
Surprising himself, he said This afternoon Id like to meet one at time with each of you in my office. You have this afternoon as work-out and conditioning time please sign up on this sheet of paper as you pass it around the room, and come in that order. He was going to talk to each and every one of his candidates about their feelings regarding the next 2 weeks and when he got to Natalie he was going to see if she was receptive at all to dropping out. He thought he knew the answer, but he had to ask more to the point, he wanted to gauge if she was doing all right. He couldnt go just to her, so hed give them all this chance
At 4pm it was finally Natalies turn. She felt nervous as she knocked on the door and he called for her to enter. She did and he was sitting on a chair next to his couch when she walked in, and he gestured for her to sit on the larger piece of furniture. She did and they sat looking at each other for what felt like forever but was likely only a minute. Still, long enough when no one was talking. Finally he asked, How are you, Natalie? Really?
Im OK
Which means?
Which means OK I feel stable. I am not even going to try to lie and act brave Im scared shitless about this torture stuff. But Ill be no more or less ready next week as opposed to tomorrow theres no way to know.
Ever think of quitting?
Her head snapped up and before she could say a word he said, Ive asked everyone that question not just you. You saw the footage
Yeah, I did. And now well see what mine ends up like.
I guess we will.
Anything else?
No, Natalie, thats it.
Again, they looked at each other and John understood a new form of torture, not being able to reach out to Natalie. She did, too.
OK, well, Ill see you later.
Then she was gone, and he knew she had no idea the context within which shed be seeing him soon.
At 1am Wednesday morning John put on his camouflage pants, long-sleeve t-shirt, combat boots and ski mask. His heart was pounding. He always felt the adrenalin rush when it came to this part of the program, but knowing he was about to grab Natalie made everything more intense and hed stopped kidding himself that it made no difference. He knew that at this moment at least 30 people were swarming the dorm and grabbing the other candidates from their bunks. Would that have been more or less frightening for Natalie?
He quietly let himself into her studio next door and walked carefully towards her bed. She had left the bathroom light on with the door 90% closed on it, creating a night light for herself, and that got to him since he knew what had happened to her that might have made that not just a comfort, but almost a necessity for her. He walked quietly as a cat and stood looking down at her, then slid onto the bed, held his breath and in one quick motion slid his right arm underneath her body while his left hand clamped tightly over her mouth.
She came awake instantly and he could feel the violent shudder of fear that ran through her and he was sure he could feel it coming off her in waves. She whimpered against his hand and her body tried to writhe but he hadnt left her much room to do so since his whole body was lying on top of hers. She was whimpering softly and he had to break out of his role for a moment. Not removing his hand, arm or body, he whispered in her ear, Natalie, its me Im sorry, torture starts tonight now
She groaned in a mixture of dread and fear and he removed his hand for a moment. Her body was trembling and she said, Oh, God, John now?
Im sorry, NatalieIm sorry. I shouldnt have even told you what I did but I I just had to
OK OK. I can do this, right? Oh God
You dont have to
Yes, I do take me John do it do it
Natalie
Its only 48 hours, right?
Nat-
Just do it what youre supposed to do
John moved off her and pulled the bedclothes off her. She was wearing a tank and boxers. He hesitated for a second. Natalie, do you have underwear on?
What? Uh, no
Put them on. Hurry a bra and underwear under your shorts and tank just do it!
She rushed to her dresser and grabbed a sports bra and panties, and after a moments hesitation got undressed and re-dressed where she was. It was dark, and she knew that in a relatively short period of time shed have no more modesty to cling to.
Then he moved to her and grabbed her arm tightly. Come on.
John said nothing else as he pulled Natalie out of the apartment building and into the back of a car that was waiting for them with an agent at the wheel. Natalies heart was pounding because it wasnt that long ago that she was in this exact situation with Gentry so she reminded herself that it was John no matter what he was going to do, it was still him
It seemed like they drove forever, but it was only about 20 minutes. The car stopped in front of a stone fortress-like building and John took a deep breath and hauled her out of the car. Her feet were bare and the ground was cold and rough under her feet. He dragged her inside the building into a cavernous room and she saw that it was full of her classmates who looked like they were doing about as well as she was. There were almost as many hooded protagonists and Natalie couldnt help the gasp that came out of her when she saw what else was in the room along the walls were cuffs and chains, in the middle were tables that had slight inclines and she also saw large vats of water. She felt her breath become shallow.
Before she could take in another thing a hood was pulled over her head and strong arms closed around her from behind as she instinctively began to writhe and fight in fear. She felt so disoriented, and she was jerked off the floor and tossed over someones shoulder she couldnt be sure if it was Johns at this point, but she clung to the idea that it was. Next she knew she was tossed on a thin mattress that seemed only inches off the cold, hard floor. Based on the relative quiet she thought she might be in a small room maybe a cell like she saw on the torture DVD. Trying to get her bearings she was shocked when she felt rough hands yank her tank top over her head and then her shorts over her hips, down her legs and off her.
She tried so hard to clamp down on her fear but she couldnt help the whimper that came out of her, yet a part of her silently thanked John for making her put underwear on, otherwise shed be totally nude already. Talk about thanking God for small favors As that thought entered her head it quickly fled as she felt someone push her so she was lying flat on the mattress and then clamber on her to straddle her before she knew what had happened. Strong hands grabbed her wrists and forced her arms above her head, her wrists onto the cold floor above the top of the mattress and she winced in pain since they were still so raw from her previous attack. She could feel the man lean close to her as he whispered, Think about what youre going to tell us when we ask we can make this a lot harder or easier. It all depends on you.
Then he was gone and she was left shivering on the mattress out of cold and fear.
Chapter 36
Natalie felt so cold lying on the mattress, which had a sour smell to it. With her hood on it was dark and almost deathly quiet, which was unnerving in some ways. Later shed come to crave the silence as the noises shed hear were so much worse. She had to control her breathing so she wouldnt feel so trapped by the hood. She drifted into an uneasy sleep which was disrupted some time later when she felt hands grab her roughly, flip her on her stomach and stretch their entire weight on her. She began gasping for air but got a mouthful of hood instead and coughed. Tight arms banded around her upper body and then someone else ripped the hood off her and her eyes stung from the bright lights that were beaming down on her face now. She tried to bury her head in the mattress but the man lying on top of her moved one of his hands to her hair and yanked back hard to make her look up. Then he whispered against her ear, Are you ready to talk, princess.
She shook her head but said nothing and her hair was yanked even harder as the man said, Cat got your tongue? What do you know?
Nothing! she gritted out.
A second later she felt the weight shift off her but her relief was short-lived because she was flipped onto her back and the man straddled her lower body, and then nodded to the man standing at the head of the mattress the one whod removed her hood.
The man straddling Natalie was Chase, but hed be referred to as Blue. The other was John, who for the purpose of this exercise would be called Black. This was an effort to hide the identities of who actually tortured which candidate, and it also heightened the drama somewhat.
When Chase nodded at John he moved towards the mattress and grabbed Natalies writs, yanking her arms over her head and holding them in a tight grip. He could feel her wince from the pain. He wasnt exactly sure what Chase was going to do the overall schedule was pre-determined, but the individual torturers had a lot of leeway in terms of what they did to attempt to wrest information and response from their subjects, especially during the sessions that were more about interrogation than torture. They could do a lot to loosen them up for interrogation. Some would try to be almost gentle at first others went right for something designed to shock. They had all been trained extensively on a wide variety of things they could try and there were pretty heavily drawn boundaries not to be crossed.
Chase looked down at Natalie and saw her pulse jumping in her neck heard her erratic breathing as her eyes remained locked on his ski-masked face, trying to see something in his eyes. He had already flipped a switch and was seeing her just as a subject, so he didnt really react when he saw how bruised her body already was the ugly bite partially visible over her sports bra. While John kept firm hold on her wrists Chase began to essentially massage Natalies upper body, which she found surprising and off-putting because of what it suggested. His fingers caressed her chest, then went down to her rib cage, purposely avoiding her breasts, but then trailed down her abdomen, to her belly button and then the skin just above the band of her panties. Her skin jumped in response but as if it was crawling. He moved off her for just a second, but it was only so he could jerk her legs apart and push her knees back so her legs would be bent on either side of him as he knelt between them. She gasped, but then felt a bit of relief because he remained several inches away from the junction between her legs. Then his hands were massaging her knees and upper thighs as his eyes remained locked on her.
Natalie found this to be strangely difficult to take because it was catching her off guard. In theory it seemed his intent might be to violate her, like Gentry had tried, but his approach was so different Yet the feel of his hands on her was as bad as Gentrys, if not as painful. She was shaking but said nothing as his hands continued their work, now moving down the back of her thighs towards her inner thighs then up onto her rib cage and then the clamped hard down on her breasts in a rough massage and she couldnt help the instinctive writhing motion. Chase shot John a look and John moved so he could partially kneel on her shoulders to keep her upper body more still, and Natalie could feel his knees pressing into her clavicles and it hurt.
Then Chase said, almost in a purr, This doesnt have to be painful we can keep it just like this you can tell me everything I can reward you tell me what I want to know then this can all be over before it even starts
She shook her head and without warning Chase shifted both his hands to her throat, his fingers almost perfectly aligned with the marks previously left by Gentry. He didnt squeeze hard but firmly enough to make his point, and then his right hand slapped her, hard and her eye felt like it would pop out of its socket for a moment. Then he said with menace, Oh, you disappoint me Im going to have to do this the hard way Ill be back for you, and you wont like it
With that he climbed off Natalie and signaled for John to let go too. They headed out of the room, leaving the bright lights on Natalie, and two seconds later ear-splitting music was echoing throughout the entire cell-block area. That was bad enough, but about an hour into it they started to alternate the music with tapes of screams. Natalie curled into a ball and tried to block it all out, but it she felt the beat of the music vibrate through her.
She wasnt sure how much time had passed but then a figure was stalking in her cell, saying nothing. He reached down and grabbed her arm, hauling her off the mattress, out of the cell and through the cell block. It was dimly lit and she was moving too fast to recognize anyone, but she could see that the cells occupied by her classmates, some of whom were currently being roughly interrogated and she blanched at some of the shouts and screams she heard as she was dragged past. She was back in the large room and saw that a few of her classmates were chained to the walls she recognized Nero and Turner and they were being whipped with rough ropes that left raw marks. She couldnt help the trembling in her body as she saw this and heard the agonized sounds coming from them.
She barely had time to process this when she was tossed on the ground, hitting hard. Then a second man, the one who had been straddling her before, grabbed her by the back of her neck and pulled her so she was in a kneeling position. What do you think, Black? Think shes up for some water sports?
Sure, Blue he roughly rasped.
Then Natalie was being pushed forward and she realized it was towards a trough of water. Next her head was submerged and she was struggling for freedom, for breath she kept trying to tell herself to calm down and it would be easier, but THAT was easier said than done. When she thought her lungs would burst she was hauled back out, and just one ragged breath later she was submerged again. This went on four or five times and then she was dumped on the cold stone floor, gasping for breath. Not even knowing where exactly she was heading, she started crawling away and they let her get a few feet as Blue laughed at her as if it was the funniest thing hed seen. Where you think youre going, princess? He was on her like lightening, dunking her again and again. She was sputtering more with every dunk, and her stomach hurt from the water shed swallowed. Again she was tossed on the floor.
Blue turned to Black and said, You think she might be ready to talk to us a bit? Black just nodded and picked Natalie off the floor and brought her over to what looked like an examining table in a doctors office, with a slight incline for her upper body. She was shoved roughly on that table and Black walked behind it, once again dragging her arms over her head and holding her wrists in a tight grip. Blue came walking over and stood close, just staring at her for a moment. She was still gasping for breath but was now quite lucid and she wished she wasnt somehow it had felt better when shed been in a hazy state.
What do you know about the identity of the mole? he asked which was the piece of information she had been given in her package. She shook her head, but said nothing. Then her breath caught in her throat as Blue picked up what looked like a wooden stick almost like the handle of a wooden spoon, but longer, and he rubbed his fingers over it for a few seconds. He walked to the end of the table and before she knew what was happening he hit the sole of her right foot so hard that tears sprung to her eyes and she let out a loud yelp. She had jerked her foot away, but he grabbed her ankle and did it again, then grabbed her left ankle and gave that foot 2 good whacks. By this point Natalie was seeing stars, but the pain was such that all sounds seized in her throat.
Tsk, tsk see what you made me do and all you have to do is tell me a name just one little name As he said those last four words he underlined each one of those with a stinging blow from the stick against each of her thighs, and her hips bucked a bit as she cried out. Angry red welts now overlapped Gentrys bruises.
Then Blue was talking again, Oh, dear that awful bite you have looks infected, dear heart we must take care of that please, Mr. Black, hold tight to the princess for a second, will you Blue came back with a bottle of rubbing alcohol and Natalies eyes grew huge as she began to struggle against Blacks hold, saying No no no Then she shrieked in agony as the stinging liquid burned into the angry, still-painful bite mark. Black closed his eyes and held onto her fiercely writhing body it was as if her body was trying to escape from itself from its pain.
Natalie thought the burning would never stop and she began to feel herself losing consciousness from the pain. Next her nostrils were burning from smelling salts that Blue had broken under her nose. Now now you dont think Im letting you off the hook that easy but first your name and rank, please
Natalie at first missed the cue, but remembered when he repeated it, Buchanan, Training Class Alpha John (Black) and Chase (Blue) glanced at each other and Chase gave a small nod. So far, she was tracking with them.
Anything you need to tell us, Buchanan?
No she said through her teeth.
Oh, thats just too bad honestly
Once again she was lucid and everything felt too real. She could again see some of her classmates hear them but Blue had a way of claiming her undivided attention every time it wandered, and this time it was with a massive, incredibly sharp looking Bowie knife. She gulped as he approached and then he was back to gentle massage mode, but this time with the tip of his knife roaming around her body. Black had to hold tight on her because she was quaking in earnest and that could end up getting her cut more than Blues intent. As his knife continued its sick caress, he asked, Remembering anything yet, Buchanan?
Knowing her voice wouldnt work at this point she just shook her head again and could only let out a deep-throated moan, as her head fell back, when she felt the tip of the knife open the smallest little slice of skin on her shoulder. It wasnt much more than the head of a pin would, but it stung and small drops of blood popped up along its one-inch length. She felt a similar sting on her other shoulder, and then on one of her thighs. Blue was very careful and adept. It would be unlikely shed even have the tiniest scar, but the sting would be memorable. Rather than the pain pushing her into a haze, it once again brought everything into sharp focus and she wished she could just slide away into unconsciousness.
Hmmm Blue said. Perhaps a little time on the wall
Before she knew what was happening, she was yanked off the table, thrown against the cold stone wall and her arms were pulled over her head and secured with chains. Blue came walking over with a riding crop in hand, and delivered a few stinging blows around her body as she screamed and her entire body jumped. Then he picked up a coarse rope, yanked her around and delivered two lashes to her back, with angry welts cropping up immediately in their wake as she screamed and her body again writhed in pain.
Over the next ten hours, Natalie was in that room. They alternated back and forth between the vat of water, the table and the wall. Smacking her, whipping her, pricking her skin with the knife other times with a pin Intermittently theyd question her and still she gave them nothing. When it seemed she might pass out theyd bring her back with smelling salts, and then theyd ask her her name and rank, which shed give them without hesitation, all the while knowing that would just bring more of the same. Occasionally they would leave her on the table, strapping her down, and do nothing to her for the better part of an hour just long enough for her to begin to feel solid again then theyd interrogate her again and begin the torture process over.
Finally she was hauled over Blacks shoulder, carried back to her cell and tossed on her mattress. She would be given about an hour to rest until the music and lights would start again and an hour later shed be back in the torture room, with everything intensified. But by the time she was brought back in there, she would have survived her first 24 hours.
Chapter 37
Though her body was quaking and part of her felt exhausted, Natalie was too alert her mind jumping. Except for a few brief moments when pain was causing her to slip from reality, she had felt fully present for every single moment, and she knew she couldnt keep that up and survive what would come next. She had seen the tapes and knew that the second round in that room would make the first seem easy in comparison. She was experiencing this all as if it were the equivalent of stark black and white photos taken in unforgiving desert light. Instead she knew she needed to find a way to retreat within herself pull back from reality and keep a distance from it. She needed to see it and experience it as if it was an impressionist painting with form and focus softer, more illusory and suggestive, versus a searing reality.
She thought back to her final days in the pit, when she had done just that. She had created her own little bubble world where she remembered happy times where she sang favorite songs to herself where she would quote favorite movie lines (or ones that popped into her head) anything to buffer her from the reality that she knew was warping her but as she had considered before, it was such a fine line because you could retreat too far
She began to think about the first time she had felt that Vikki loved her when she had given her a wonderful and supportive hug and started to let the feeling of that take hold. She could picture Roxie at her hair salon her niece Bree Rex being Rex Uncle Boeven Cristian because at one point he had helped her feel so safe
By the time the lights came on again and the music began to blare, Natalie had withdrawn to a great extent within herself, to create a buffer that might help her survive.
John held his breath as he walked down the hall towards her cell. He was trying to steel himself and just be Black, but it was incredibly hard. What Chase had done to her was not so much different than what he had done to other candidates with the exception of the slightly suggestive, sexual overtones with some of it. But John was glad that he was more of an observer and assistant in this case it was hard enough to hold her still so it could be done to her. She had handled it amazingly well, but he knew the hardest part was yet to come. He counted to ten and walked into her cell.
Natalie felt her heart race when she saw Black enter the cell. Since Blue wasnt with him she knew this meant that shed be going back to the big room the torture room. Too much reality. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing and then soundlessly began singing to herself, starting with a song shed learned in school couldnt even remember the words, or the title but it was soothing somehowShe was aware of Blacks hand gripping her tightly on her upper arm but it felt like had lost some of its power
The next twenty hours passed in a blur for Natalie and increasingly for Chase and John, who got precious little rest themselves. Natalie could feel the weight of their touch on her the pressure of things hitting her skin piercing it the impact of whips, hands a fist or two she could even hear the sound of the blowsbut her pain was being partially filtered as she clung to the sounds of her songs in her head as she tried to substitute the feeling of her mothers touch for the vicious ones assaulting her. She was moved from the water, to the table, to the wall, to her cell though the latter only for brief stints and it almost settled into a monotony. She was intellectually aware of the screams that came out of her sometimes she could feel her vocal chords straining her neck muscles tightening but the sounds were diffused by the veil she desperately tried to keep between herself and reality. It was as if the sound was traveling from a very long distance away Everything was coming to her in disjointed fragments perhaps she was living within a Fellini or Buuel movie
But every now and again, the sharpness of the pain the pitch and volume of her screams -- would pierce that veil and reality would swamp over her, threatening to take her under, and she would desperately try to find her way back inside her bubble. At some point, during one of her distant moments she had been stripped naked, and that only added to the sense of atrocity and devastation that she tried to flee. A deep coil of dread would tighten when the way Blue was moving her naked body registered, as he positioned her as if to rape her, only to back away and grab some other instrument of torture.
Often it was Blue who would drag her into the truth with his smelling salts and increased brutality so he could ask her once again if she had anything to say so he could question her name and rank and see if she had slipped her hold on sanity. Every now and again, though, shed have a moment where a hand would touch her and it would feel softer like a touch of care and comfort, even though it was holding her down and accountable to this reckoning and somehow it was enough to remind her that there would be an end to this if she could only hang on
At first Chase and John werent sure what to make of her behavior her state of being and mind but they eventually realized that she may actually be succeeding at what only a lucky few could tunneling deep inside and away from what was happening to her. The longer her torture went on, the more she seemed to retreat into it and they were worried that she was losing it going past the point of no return. Sometimes they just saw her mouth move other times theyd hear, oh so softly, the song she was singing. Yet every time they forced her out of herself every time they asked her for her name and rank shed come fully conscious again and answer them, the deep pain clear in her eyes. Then theyd interrogate her again and though her voice was sometimes weak and often trembling, she seemed to take delight in tossing a classic movie line at them as opposed to the name of the mole they sought I never did mind about the little things Frankly, my dear, I dont give a damn! You talkin to me? Say hello to my little friend Run Forest Run! and shed laugh to herself and slip away again unless they held her firmly with them.
Still, they knew the toll that it was taking, because they were not hearing her screams, her desperate moans and pleading whimpers, from a distance they saw the marks piling up on her body felt it tremble and shudder violently had to clean the vomit off her when some of it had gotten just too much to take John felt and heard everything and if hed let himself hed have known that perhaps it was his own heart and soul that was bearing the brunt of every blow. But he couldnt dare entertain that thought that knowledge right now
At 22 hours into this second session, Natalie was returned for the last time to her cell her weary body, naked, was deposited onto the mattress and this time a very thin blanket tossed over her The cell block was quiet except for low-grade moans coming from the battered bodies that inhabited them.
For the next 2 hours they would all be observed on close-circuit TVs listened in on sometimes in the quiet hours after lengthy torture is when people finally snap, or give way and tell what needs to be told its as if once they arent proactively fighting the pain fighting the will of others, it all gives way. So, just before the end of the final hour, they would be visited again not tortured, just questioned, almost gently then theyd all be shipped to the infirmary where beds were ready for them extra doctors and nurses waiting. They would be thoroughly examined treated given some drugs to ease their pain and help them sleep. They would be nourished and hydrated intravenously, and most importantly, just be given this peaceful respite for the following 24 hours. Of course theyd be observed for any serious lingering effects.
John and Chase headed wearily to the control room where the other torture leaders were waiting. All had the same exhausted weariness, except for Hawkins who somehow seemed refreshed, and that thought sickened John.
John and Chase huddled in the corner and Chase finally seemed to be coming back to himself, and feeling a bit of the reality of what hed done. John could see the slightly haunted look around his eyes, and knew his own looked the same. Jesus, John she she took everything we I gave her John could only nod as he took in how shaken Chase had been by all of this, and he could also detect the admiration in his tone. The instructors/torturers began to discuss their sessions informally in 2 days there would be a much more formal and official de-brief, where footage would be viewed, analyzed, etc. They had headed into the torture module with 22 candidates, and were now down to 15 seven had not made the cut. Two had used the safety word within the first 24 hours 3 within the last 12. There were two others who had divulged their information, but there was a chance they would be spared which would be determined at the de-brief.
The mood was lightening as the final hour began
They had a few more minutes until they had to go down and question their candidates again, and then it would all be over. John was finally starting to unwind a bit when a pain-drenched, blood-curdling scream shattered the relative silence of the control room. His gut knew before the rest of him did that it was Natalie and he and Chase rushed towards the monitors as the tech pulled up her room on large main screen. His blood ran cold, because Hawkins not even wearing a hood was in her cell, cattle prod in hand and it was clear he had just shocked her with it. His heart about to burst out of his chest, John bolted for the cell, followed by Chase and at least six other instructors.
Chapter 38
Natalie had been floating, letting herself feel relaxed, when she felt coarse, hard hands grab her to flip her on her back, and then she felt the heavy weight of someone straddling her lower body and thereby pinning her down. Her eyes had flown open and she saw the sick leer on Hawkins face and she knew she was looking into the eyes of a man who had no soul. Her mind her fear immediately flashed back to Gentry because he had looked at her similarly, but she also knew there was no comparison this large, vicious man would make Gentry look like a wimpy pre-schooler.
What what she tried to choke out as she bucked her hips to dislodge him, but he was too big and she was too weak. Her mind was trying to snap back into focus what was this? This couldnt be part of the training was it?
Well, well, darling Im surprised impressed even that you made it this far. So I got to thinking that maybe you could handle something additional that Id wanted to try but those wimps didnt want to do
Her mind and pulse were racing, her heart pounding as she rasped, Get off me leave me alone
Her eyes opened wide in terror when she saw what was in his right hand a long cylinder that had two small nodes on its end.
Then she felt like shed been eviscerated when a pain shot through her stomach and she felt an electric charge surge through her. A scream like none shed ever given voice to was ripped from her throat and echoed on the wall of her cell and then down the hall. She was panting, feeling like she was going to lose consciousness any second but fighting to hold on to see if she could find an ounce of fight inside her to hold him off
But the pain was so great that she could only shudder whimper she knew she wanted to die hoped death would take her. She barely grasped that he had pulled the blanket off her, spread her legs roughly, and moved the cylinder until she felt like she had been split in two. Her soul-deep shriek rent the air as she thrashed against the pain and the remnants of the electric current and then she was falling into blissful unconsciousness.
John, Chase and their followers were just a foot away from her cell when her last scream had burst through the air, and when John got into her cell he saw Hawkins on her and he launched himself across the room, knocking the man off Natalie and headfirst into the stone wall behind him. Chase was shaken to his core as he saw what had happened and he raced over to Natalie to check on her. He jerked the prod away from her, tossing it across the room, and checked for a pulse gently rubbed her cheeks, calling her name, Natalie Natalie honey come on Natalie came to, but only partially, just enough to feel the burn the pain and to moan softly as tears streamed down her face. One of the other instructors had had the presence of mind to alert one of the doctors that had been on site and he cleared Chase and the others away so he could check on Natalie.
It was only then that Chase realized that John was beating Hawkins to a pulp with his bare fists. Hawkins had been dazed by his head hitting the wall, and did little to fight John off as his fists pounded his face. Chase went to grab John off him and it took two other instructors to finally get that done. John moved towards Natalie but Chase held him back saying, let the doctor check her give him some space Chase could feel Johns body shaking and he realized that the connection between him and Natalie was far more significant than hed come close to realizing. The doctor walked towards them and John broke free of Chases hold to go to Natalie.
As John approached the mattress he saw that Natalie was lying on her back, covered with the blanket, looking deathly pale. Her eyes were closed but soft noises, between a whimper and a moan, were coming from her and her body was moving listlessly as if trying to find a comfortable position. He knelt on the floor beside her mattress and picked up one of her hands to hold and her eyes fluttered open and she whispered, Johnoh is it over?
He caressed her face and said, Yeah, its over Natalie.
The doctor had informed Chase that he wanted to get Natalie to the infirmary to give her a thorough examination, especially to see what damage might have been done by Hawkins. Thankfully he said, the cattle prod packs less of a punch than a taser or stun gun, so I am optimistic that she will recover quickly and fully At that moment the bells started ringing signaling an end to the miserable 48 hour session.
John heard that and decided he couldnt let Natalie spend one more second in this godforsaken hole. He wrapped her carefully in the blanket and picked her up, heading for the fleet of cars and a few ambulances that waited to take the candidates to the infirmary. As he carried her she moaned a few times, but fell asleep in his arms he held her on his lap the entire way, asking the driver of their Suburban to be careful about bumps.
Meanwhile Chase looked over at Hawkins who was lying on the floor, but conscious. Chase walked up to him and kicked him as hard as he could in the balls. Then he turned to one of the other instructors and said, Lock this piece of filth up in here and Ill call his supervisors at the CIA while Im on my way to the infirmary.
The infirmary was a hive of activity as caring, gentle hands began to tend to the candidates. The doctor whod cared for Natalie in her cell came bustling in right behind John, who still had Natalie in his arms, and ushered them into an exam room. He motioned for John to put her onto the table and he did so very gently. Natalies eyes opened briefly and she looked at him and he tried to smile for her, but couldnt. He whispered, Ill be right outside but she reached out a hand to him, wincing as she did so, and said, Please stay with me If the doctor was surprised that she wanted her instructor to stay with her, he was good at hiding it and said, sometimes it can be reassuring to have a friendly face John nodded and pulled up a chair beside the table, closer to Natalies head, and he took her hand in his. He saw the doctor gently move Natalies feet into the stirrups and couldnt help the small smirk that tugged at his lips as he remembered Natalies drug induced demonstration. How long ago that was now how many egregious wounds ago?
As the doctor examined Natalie she tensed up and gripped hard on Johns hand and he could see the pain in her eyes. Hey, hey, look at me its OK now the docs just going to check you out She closed her eyes and he rubbed her hair off her forehead.
The doctor had finished her internal exam and then he moved to the other side of the table to give her entire body a thorough once-over. As he went he cleaned all her wounds, dressed some of the worst (including her bite mark), and then went to get a gown for her in the cupboard across the room. John helped Natalie sit up so the doctor could put the gown on her, then he asked Natalie, Ms. Buchanan, is it all right for Agent McBain to remain while I talk to you or would you prefer him to step outside?
He can stay
John eased her back onto the table and the doctor stood on the other side, so Natalie could easily see him. I must say, that you have come through your ordeal remarkably well I am glad to report that, well that bastard who accosted you in your cell at the end did not penetrate you to any real extent so the injuries are essentially external. That really is great news, even though it might not feel like that right now your recovery should be complete and relatively quick, all things considered. Now, I am going to give you something for the pain and to knock you out. You need sleep most of all and fluids and nutrients which youll get intravenously for now. Natalie didnt even register the pinch on her skin when the needle went in. Then the doctor said, I had called ahead and asked for a private room to be made up for you let me go see if its ready.
Natalie felt the pain receding and a sense of peace spreading across her. Her body and her mind felt so still and the quiet was magic. She was aware of Johns hand stroking her forehead as she drifted away the final thing she felt was the tender kiss he placed there. He watched her intently as she succumbed to the drugs, and then the doctor came back in.
Good, shes asleep. She should be out for most of the day goodness, its already 4am
Uh, doc its Friday, right?
Yes, that it isso far it doesnt seem like there are too many bad physical injuries tomorrow a team of psychiatrists will make their way around to all the candidates. He looked at John carefully for a moment and said, I sometimes think the instructors need that as much as the candidates you guys often look at least as shell shocked. Then without a word he handed John a small vial that held 2 pills. You might think of taking these so you can get some sleep of your own
John followed behind as orderlies moved Natalie to her room, and wrestled with what to do should he make the rounds and see how everyone was doing? That probably didnt make much sense because they were all as out of it as this point as Natalie. Those lines he was supposed to be drawing would suggest that he should head right back to his apartment, but even as he was thinking that his feet were carrying him over to the couch just a few feet away from Natalies bed. He sat wearily on it and grabbed for the carafe of water and a paper cup and poured himself some. Then he did something he hadnt even done after Caitlins murder and the horrid aftermath he swallowed the pills the doctor had given him because he knew it was the only way he could settle himself and stop the endless loop of images and sounds careening threw his brain, all of which were of Natalie and these past 48 hoursHe stretched out on the couch and let the drugs take him away, too.
Chapter 39
Around 1 oclock that afternoon John awoke to the sound of someone coughing and he realized it was Natalie. He jumped off the couch and walked over to her carrying a cup of water which she accepted gratefully. He helped her sit up a bit on her bed and stroked the side of her face, asking How are you
Im sore everywhere even my scalp
He gently rubbed the back of her head and then she asked, Did you stay here all night or I guess it would be day what time is it?
Its about 1 oclock Friday afternoon, and yes I stayed here on the couch he said as he took a big swig of water himself.
She tried to push herself up even further into a sitting position and winced in pain saying, Shit, it feels like I fucked a rhinoceros! which caused John to choke on his water and then gasp out Natalie!
He looked scandalized and she thought it was hilarious lingering drugs but realized that laughing was not the best thing right now.
Sorry ouch hurts to laugh
He shook his head in true amazement, How can you
Well, whats the alternative, curl up into the fetal position and die? Look, I will fully admit that the past 48 hours were by FAR the worst thing Ive ever been through and please GOD let that remain so. I know from my lesser past experiences that I will have some bad moments ahead Im not kidding myself. But when I am having a moment of stability Im not going to kneecap myself back into misery
They hadnt realized they were no longer alone until they heard a kindly voice say, Well that is the perfect attitude my dear and turned to see one of the team psychiatrists in the doorway. Id love a chance to talk to you a bit more, if thats OK?
Oh, sure
Well, thats my cue to leave Ill check back on you in a bit and then John left. He walked around the rest of the rooms and wards checking on the rest of the candidates. They all look like theyd been through the meat grinder, but were in pretty decent spirits. John knew some of that was the ebullience that came with relief and that they still likely had some rocky moments ahead. All of them asked for Natalie and he told them she had come through it all like a champ at this point, that surprised no one.
He had just come out of one room with the intention of heading back towards Natalies when he looked up to find none other than an irate Mark Mason heading right for him.
On a shouting whisper he said, A fucking CATTLE PROD McBain?! Jesus Christ what the HELL kind of program are you running here first that animal Gentry and now some lunatic runs off the range and assaults Natalie with a FUCKING CATTLE PROD?!
John understood how upset he was but he was in NO mood for this so he snapped back, Look, he had been warned about that and went ahead and did it anyway and we shut him down as fast as we could. But he isnt one of OUR guys hes one of YOURS, Mason!
Mason pulled back a bit in surprise and lowered his voice, What do you mean one of mine?!
John also whispered on a hiss, Oh dont try to bullshit meyou think I dont know what you were before you headed to law school, shit maybe you still are but I bet you one way or another you know Hawkins and his handiwork
At that point Chase walked up and said, Is there a problem, gentlemen?
No! they both said in unison.
Well, good but why dont you two take a bit more time to make sure of that a bit further down the hall where you can have some privacy. I am going to call on Ms. Buchanan now
John and Mason retreated towards the lounge and the anger had largely dissipated. Who was her main torturer?
Chase I was his assistant, but Chase was the lead.
That surprised Mason, Chase?! I didnt think hed be tapped for such hands-on work
Directors orders wanted to make sure he had someone he could trust, with Natalie being the first woman and all
How did she do, really?
Mason, I am awed by her. And maybe that makes me a sexist jerk because many of the guys did very well, too but you just dont expect it from someone like hershe dug down deep you could SEE her digging.and she has what seem to be pretty vast stores of reserves
It cant have been easy being part of that doing some of it
John looked Mason directly in the eyes and said in total candor, Hardest thing Ive ever had to do
Mason digested that while John rubbed his hands wearily over his face and Mason was caught up short, Whoa what happened to your hands?
John looked at them with a bit of surprise because he hadnt even noticed they were bruised and pretty chewed up, but then he smirked and said, Oh, must have been the repeated contact with Hawkins face
And Mason just laughed and said, McBain I wish I could have joined you
Well, maybe some of your buddies can arrange for you to have a private visit.
What a delicious thought McBainbut for now, I really would like to see Natalie
Sure you should. Will you, uh, tell her Ill be by a bit later.
Sure.
Chase was just leaving when Mason reached Natalies door. Chase looked at him closely and asked, You and McBain really OK?
No worries, Chase. Scouts honor
Natalie was already dozing off again when Mason walked in and he stood quietly by her bedside and just looked at her. He felt a lump form in his throat as he saw the physical toll the past 48 hours had taken. He had been through even worse training at the hands of people like Hawkins but he knew the stuff they did in this program was close enough and he was relieved that he had not been one of the torturers this time, as he had sometimes been in the past. She must have felt his eyes on her because hers fluttered open and she smiled at him and said, Mason.
He walked closer to her bed and took one of her hands in his. You did it you made it through the worst things they could do to youwhat they did to your poor body
She couldnt help but chuckle a bit and say, Yeah your weapon and techniques were a lot more fun
He smiled softly at her and said, We did have some good times together, Buchanan
Yes we did youve been so good to me, Mark Mason.
Hey, you have a way of bringing it out in me. You even made a cuddler out of me Im still in shock and awe!
She giggled and winced at the same time and he got more serious. Natalie, I know who did that to you. at the end. I am going to make sure he gets whats coming to him
Natalie just nodded she hoped he did.
Well, I am going to let you get some sleep. Just know, that no matter what, when, why you can always come to me, Natalie. Remember that.
He leaned down and gave her the gentlest of kisses which she returned in kind and she couldnt help but think he had just told her good-bye in equally as gentle a way.
Mason couldnt help the twinge of sadness he felt as he walked out of the hospital, because deep down he knew he had.
Chapter 40
By 4 oclock Natalie felt like she was going a bit stir-crazy, so she hobbled out of bed and grabbed the robe hanging on the back of her door and began to slowly walk down the hall to look for her friends.
She found Turner, Bradford, Rich and Nero hanging out in the room that the first two had been assigned to and they broke into huge smiles when they saw her. They were all mirror images of each other bruises and cuts everywhere they could see but the smiles were also the same, and genuine.
Rich pulled her into a very careful hug and said, You are awesome, Buchanan shit no one can keep you down!
They made room for her on the foot of one of the beds and they sat laughing but trying not to laugh as they made fun of some of the things they had been through gallows humor at its best. Turner said he wasnt too macho to admit at one point hed cried like a little girl and he had them rolling when he gave a demonstration.
John followed the laughter and found them all together and was glad to see that Natalie was in good spirits. This was the part that people didnt get the intense bonds and camaraderie you develop with the others who go through what you have. It carries over through the rest of your life.
You guys all seem in decent spirits
They all turned to look in the direction of his voice and Natalie smiled at him.
You all will probably be discharged tomorrow at noon, and from personal experience, I suggest you lay low the rest of tomorrow, and get a good nights sleep. This whole weekend you can do whatever you want to do though on campus. On Sunday night, though, drinks on me at The PubEveryone gave a little cheer, followed by a wince. Then Natalie yawned and she realized she was exhausted again.
Buchanan, you look like youre about to drop lets get you back to your room
Natalie eased off the bed and walked past John into the hall. When they were out of the sightlines of the others he slowly slid his arm around her to support her as she walked to her room, and she allowed herself to lean on him a little bit. He helped her slide out of her robe and into her bed. You sleep now, Natalie.. And she was asleep in moments.
He decided to head to his office for a bit and as he walked across campus his cell phone rang, the caller ID blocked.
McBain
Soooo, hows my girl?
Johns blood started to boil, Where are you Gentry?
Like Im going to say just know that Im not that far but I hear she came through it all well, she does like it rough.
You stay away from her, and away from here!
Youre sounding awful possessive Agent McBain you arent trying to slide in behind where a certain US Attorney has been shit, that sluts twat probably hasnt even cooled off yet from his last visit would you jump in his grave that quickly? But you need to understand I was in line first, and I havent gotten my time at bat see ya round campus!
John turned around and practically ran back to the infirmary to Natalies room. She was still sleeping peacefully when he got there, so he stepped away from her door and called Chase. He explained the phone call hed just received from Gentry. Chase asked if he wanted an agent posted at Natalies room and after a brief hesitation John said, No, Ive got it covered.
He went back into Natalies room and sat on the couch where he intended to stay the night. Natalie slept on and off for the rest of the day, evening and through to the next morning helped, of course, by the medication shed been given. When she did wake up it made her feel safe to see John stretched out just a few feet away.
When she woke up late the next morning she found John still sitting on her couch, reading the newspaper.
John have you left here at all?
Uh, no He got up and walked over to her, looking at her carefully. How are you feeling today?
So much better and glad its only Saturday seriously though, dont get me wrong, I really appreciate it but you dont need to babysit me
I dont consider it babysitting you more like watching over you
She felt a bit of a tug on her heart and said, Well I appreciate it, but I am doing fine
I know you are, Natalie
She finally picked up on an undercurrent in his voice and asked, What arent you telling me?
He sighed and said, Gentry called me yesterday afternoon to tell me hes still around. Hes likely bluffing, but I wasnt taking any more chances with you
Wow I thought hed just give up
Well, he probably has, but we just arent going to take any chances so same precautions as before.
The nurse came in and volunteered to help Natalie take a shower before she checked out and Natalie thought that sounded like heaven. John waited for her hed become quite attached to the couch and she looked very refreshed when she emerged from the bathroom. Chase had arranged for new sweats to be sent over for everyone, so she had clean clothes. Then she was discharged and John started walking her out of the hospital. A couple of her friends asked if she wanted to go for a late lunch with them over at The Pub, and she glanced at John first. He decided to quickly explain that Gentry had resurfaced via a phone call, so that they just needed to keep a watchful eye on her, and then he said hed swing by The Pub to get her in a bit he was just going to talk to Chase for a while.
John found Chase standing outside his office door and when Chase saw him approach he ushered John inside.
How are all the candidates?
Pretty good damn good all things considered. Theyve all been discharged and while some are probably back asleep in their bunks, others have headed to eat Natalie and some of her buddies
Shell stay with them?
Yeah, she knows about Gentrys new call and I told her friends as well. They wont let her out of their sight. They headed to The Pub for lunch and I told them Id swing by a bit later to get Natalie and make sure she makes it safely back to her apartment.
Chase sighed, Good. I have to think we can protect her keep her safe. She doesnt deserve anything less
Agreed. So, how about you? You get any sleep?
A little I have to be honest, McBain. Im glad the rank has its privileges and I dont have to do shit like that for the most part. You can make all the rationalizations in the world as to why its necessary and even know that it is but it doesnt change the fact that I tortured that young woman for the better part of 48 hours. It is a hard thing to get past.
I guess you should be glad it is you really have to worry if you enjoyed it and look forward to doing it again like Hawkins.
That bastard his crew came to get him this morning and they swear hell be soundly disciplined I told them I might consider filing official charges have Buchanan swear out a complaint. But in the end, hell likely be free to do what he does things we dont want to know about all over this world
John went by The Pub next and found Natalie and the others sitting amid plates of half-eaten food and soft drinks alcohol wouldnt exactly mix with their meds. They all looked like they were running out of gas, and were relieved to see him walk in.
They said their good-byes and the guys headed back to their dorms which now seemed like palatial digs compared to their cells.
John and Natalie headed across campus, walking slowly. You going to make it, Buchanan? I uh well, I could carry you Ive done it before
She gave him a small smile and said, No, I can make it, but just at a slower pace sorry.
No need to be sorry So, uh, you got to see Mason thats good. He was pretty pissed about what happened to you
Natalie was quiet for a moment and said, Yeah, he was. Hes been a really good friend to me
John thought her use of the word friend was interesting.
Well, in about three months youll be free to live your lives againre-connect
Um, beyond our being friends I dont see anything more happening we were we didnt start out with the intention of being more than that, and I dont think anything has changed in that regardfor either of us then she chuckled a bit, You know Mason hes not the settling down type
John had taken in all she said and noted a slight lessening of tension in his spine. Then he said carefully, Well someone like you could be the type to get someone like him to change his mind about such things
Natalie couldnt help but feeling that John wasnt just talking about Mason, but then chided herself that it was just wishful thinking. Which caused a second of panic because what WAS she wishfully thinking about. Feeling she needed to say something she said with a bit of a smirk, Why Agent McBain was that some sort of compliment?
Yes, Buchanan, I guess it was.
By the time they got back to the apartments Natalie looked dead on her feet. She leaned back against the elevator wall with her eyes closed and said, I cant believe Im still so tired all Ive been doing is sleeping
Natalie, you have been through an incredible ordeal of course youre exhausted. You really need to rest and sleep as much as possible. Tomorrow youll feel stronger more so the next day and Id say within the next four days youll be virtually back to normal.
Hope so
They reached her apartment door and he said, Id like to check things out real quickly just to be doubly careful.
He did a quick walk through and realized all was fine and also that Natalie was about to drop. Buchanan you need to get into bed and sleep.
Yeah will would you stay with me until I fall asleep it shouldnt take too long
Sure go get changed.
Natalie went into the bathroom and changed into a tank and boxers, and studiously ignored her reflection in the mirror. She had been devastated enough after her run-in with Gentry, and knew she couldnt handle looking at all the marks on her right now.
She came into the bedroom where John was waiting and he felt like hed been punched. He could almost forget what shed been through, but the evidence was right in front of him along with the knowledge that hed been a part of it.
She scooted under the covers and looked up at him, then she held out her hand for a second, feeling she needed to tell him something. He took it and then gave into the gentle pressure as she tugged on him a bit so hed sit on the edge of the bed. She looked at his hand for a moment in hers and then said softly, I felt your touch on me your hands holding me
John sucked in a breath and said, Im so sorry, Natalie Hed feared this that she would realize hed remained involved after hed kidnapped her he had tried to keep his speaking to a minimumbut now he was surprised that she was holding his hand, not seeming repulsed by him
Natalie knew hed misunderstood and said quickly, No! John Im probably too tired to make much sense, but let me try I know you werent the one who tortured me you were the other guy Black. I knew because I could feel care and even a bit of gentleness in the way that you touched me, held my body even when you were holding me down. And, well, it might sound insane but that helped me more than you know when I thought I couldnt couldnt bare another second, somehow at just the right moment Id feel the warmth of your hand and it told me that it wasnt real that an end would be coming it made a difference for me, John, to know that you were with me through it
She was looking at him with such earnestness and he knew she meant every word, and maybe it was reaction setting in, his own exhaustion the low hum of self-loathing that had been with him since hed come in here three mornings ago and taken her from her bed but he felt the sting of tears in his eyes and scalding the back of his throat. He ran a single finger gently down her cheek and said hoarsely, Thank you for telling me that, Natalie I was afraid you knew I was involved, and that you might hate me on some level
No John, I signed up for this, remember? And you being there helped. But I dont want to know who the other guy was. Him, I could kick his ass!
John couldnt help laughing a bit, then he said, OK, tough guy eyes closed, then sleep. Ill stay until youre out, and then Ill be next door the whole night so if you need anything
Night John then she was out. He stayed for another hour just watching her, then he pressed a kiss onto her forehead, earning an Mmmmm from her in her sleep. And a small smile.
Natalie Buchanan sat in a richly appointed apartment at The Watergate in Washington DC and was nervous as a cat. The apartment belonged to old friends of the Buchanans and she was in DC because her fate was currently being discussed behind closed doors all over this powerful town and beyond. A decision would be forthcoming within 48 hours and she had to be ready to move immediately hence her presence in DC. The apartment was truly beautiful, but it felt a bit like a gilded cage. She knew no one in DC, at least not well or to her knowledge. Plus, not for the first time she wrestled a bit with what she hoped the decision would be. Would it be better for her and everyone if she was turned down?
Natalie had joined the Llanview Police Force about 2 years ago and had been an exemplary officer, to the point where she had begun to do some undercover work which shed hoped would lead to a detective promotion some time in the not-too-distant future. A year ago a young female federal agent Morgan Brody had come to town on a case to which Natalie was assigned and the two women had become quite friendly. They were discussing their career goals, aspirations, challenges, etc. and Morgan had told Natalie about a major disappointment in her career that had also made her furious. She swore Natalie to secrecy and told her about a top-secret new team that had been created at FBI in the wake of September 11th. Very few at the FBI even knew about it at least very few knew if there were facts behind the rumors and it was simply known as the Special Branch. The best way to explain it was that it was to be almost like the FBIs version of Navy SEALs, or Army Green Berets but typically without the heavy artillery and out-and-out combat. This elite group would be placed in the most challenging situations from undercover intelligence gathering, to taking down the bad guys, to the extraction of key operatives, witnesses and even terrorists. While the team would get involved in international situations, at least half their work, sadly, was to focus on the threat within the US borders. But to date, no women had been allowed to even go through training and try to pass. The fear was that the stakes would be so high that putting women in those situations would be akin to signing them up for the most vicious torture since much worse could be done to them than their male counterparts or so the conventional patriarchal wisdom went, and it wasnt completely devoid of truth.
There were some who truly were chauvinists, but others argued that there were plenty of women agents who were up to their eyeballs in danger and would contribute greatly to Special Branch operations but would at least be a step or two back from the abyss. The working assumption in the Special Branch was that you had an unfortunately high likelihood of being captured, depending on the mission, and you would therefore have to survive unspeakable torture even if you would eventually be rescued and there was no guarantee you would. It just felt wrong to knowingly put a woman in such a situation similar to the ongoing reluctance to put women in pure combat roles in the military.
Interestingly, the Special Branch was an unusual example of inter-agency cooperation perhaps best evidenced by the fact that its existence did remain relatively secret, or at least everyone tacitly agreed to pretend they knew nothing. This was especially the case on the grounds of Quantico where most pretended not to notice what seemed like special training going on in their midst they believed it when they were told the classes were made up of law enforcement professionals from around the country who were being trained specially as the front-line of defense in the event of domestic terror events. Those going through the training were taught by members of the FBI, CIA, NSA, Britains MI-5, and even Israels Mossad.
For some reason, when Natalie heard about this team and the ban on women she felt a sudden desire to become part of it. Certainly it made her bristle when something was declared off limits due to gender. But she was deeply intrigued by the mission of the group, the training the challenge She had been looking for a challenge to which she could dedicate her energies. She had spent a good bit of her life feeling out of control, and then had become the victim of some horrible crimes far too many times. To become a member of an elite and powerful group, well trained, taking on some of the most dangerous people
Of course, Natalie told no one this. Instead she decided to get herself as ready as she could physically and then shed decide whether to actually try for this. She had been in decent shape and had stepped things up when she became a cop, but she was smart enough to realize that something like the Special Branch would take things to an extreme level. Like everyone, she had heard about the arduous training that SEALs went through and it didnt take a mental giant to realize any woman candidate for the FBI equivalent would be relentlessly scrutinized in terms of physical capacity. On that basis alone theyd try to exclude her. So, over the past 12 months Natalie had become dedicated to reshaping her body and maximizing her conditioning. Most had no clue how much work she had done in that regard. They thought she looked a bit leaner, but since she usually had a t-shirt and long yoga pants on when she worked out, the amazing transformation of her body was largely unknown.
During that time she had not been intimate with anyone either her heart just wasnt ready. After she had learned that her husband Cris was actually alive, and he got out of prison, they were estranged for a while before they could get past the anger and feelings of betrayal. They then tried to date again and see if they had a future and it had almost felt like old times when they had made love, but the operative term was almost. It just wasnt the same, and a pale imitation of what theyd had the bond theyd shared, the dreams it wasnt enough. Natalie sighed as she thought back on that.
Finally, about 2 months ago, she began to ask around to see how anyone might even apply for this non-existent program. She had started with Morgan who explained that people were invited to apply she had gotten wind of it and gone to a supervisor who shed known had been scouting out some possible invitees, and he had simultaneously turned her down and denied what was going on. She explained that they looked for possible recruits inside the FBI and even in local law enforcement agencies where officers/detectives may have captured the attention of the FBI on a joint case or task force. There were also back-door referrals, too, made by powerful people in DC who had kids, friends kids, etc. who wanted to be considered. Natalie considered all of this and then had a eureka moment. One of Pennsylvanias US Senators was a woman who had served in the first gulf war perhaps shed be willing to take this on
And so began this crazy journey. Natalie had met with Senator Peg Harris and the woman had taken an immediate liking to her. Harris saw the steel and resolve in Natalie. She learned of her history and realized that if she could survive that intact well, she might just be able to handle the worst. She might actually be even more battle-tested than any of the men Senator Harris began to agitate to push, prod, plead, cajole and it seemed to be working. There was now a better-than-even chance that the FBI would take Natalie on board for this program. And Harris had summoned Natalie to DC and told her to be prepared to stay in the area for the better part of a year if she was selected for training.
Natalie arrived yesterday morning and met with Senator Harris.
Start Flashback
Natalie, its great to see you we seem to be in the home stretch, so I have to ask you are you sure. You are a smart young woman so youve probably already figured it out, but you will be the exemplar for all women, and if you fail it is unlikely anyone else will ever get the chance, at least not for a very long while. Now, I know that from a physical standpoint you are in exceptional shape I appreciate you working out with my experts so I could get an independent assessment but are you mentally, emotionally ready? To be hated on sight in some cases, barely tolerated in most. To have your instructors possibly work actively against you while supporting the rest of the class to be isolated and alone
Senator Harris, I truly believe I am I am not kidding myself I know that this will be 100 times harder than Ive imagined but I still dont think the training is going to be worse than spending a week in a cold, wet pit certain I was going to die..
End Flashback
But as Natalie sat in the fancy apartment, she wondered if she was ready. She couldnt pull the plug on herself at this point but would she be relieved, just a little bit, if she was turned down?
She suddenly couldnt stand it anymore she had to get out so she headed to the fancy complexs equally fancy gym working out had become her refuge over these months and she needed it desperately right now
Chapter 2
Mark Mason walked into the gym at The Watergate looking forward to a long workout. He had just come from court and the tension had been running high. At 38, he was a successful US Attorney whose specialty was taking down child predators and pornographers, but he also did a good bit of anti-terrorism work. He had the physique of a football player or professional wrestler who put in the time to keep himself in top-flight shape. He stood about 6 5 and his frame was 250 pounds of solid muscle. He had incredibly broad shoulders and chest, a narrow waist, 22-inch biceps, massive forearms, large, strong hands, and thigh and calf muscles that were powerful and well-defined. He had blond hair he kept tightly cropped, chiseled very handsome features, and gray-blue eyes. He was so used to, well, being himself and looking this way, that he truly didnt register the appreciative glances he always drew from women and the blend of awe and envy he inspired in some men.
As he stepped into the work-out area he noticed that there seemed to be a bit of a crowd around one piece of machinery, which seemed odd. It wasnt a new piece that needed some sort of tutorial. He recognized an acquaintance standing nearby and asked, Whats going on?
Some hottie who knows how to do it is working out and some of these guys are acting like theyve been in a desert for weeks and shes a drink of water
Mason laughed and stepped a bit closer. The womans back was to him and she was sitting on a bench, pulling a significant amount of weight down behind her neck, her muscles flexing throughout each smooth repetition. The first thought that went through his mind when he saw her back and shoulders, exposed by her tank, was Linda Hamiltons body in Terminator Two. She was like a piece of wire not bulky, but everything taut and her definition was enviable. A long, fiery red braid fell down the middle of her back, but he couldnt see her legs since they were clad in a light cotton pair of yoga pants. It was true, you didnt see this sort of woman in this gym that often. Most of the women who worked out here were more concerned about their outfits coordinating and the precision of their hair and make-up it was essentially a meet-market, but it was handy since he lived in the building. And he enjoyed the eye-candy like any red-blooded male. He did notice that the other women were not thrilled about the attention centered on this interloper. The redhead finished her set and turned to get off the bench, and Mason realized why else she had drawn a crowd she had amazing breasts. Somewhat surprising given the rest of her frame and body, but he could tell they were real hed seen enough bolt-ons in his life, heck hed touched more than a few sets, to know that these were the real deal and even a tight sports bra underneath her tank didnt diminish them. As she went to stand up he finally got a look at her face and he was shocked it couldnt be. Could she really be little Natalie Buchanan?!
Without realizing hed spoken he said, Natalie?!
Natalie had been in her own little world, trying to ignore and tune out the growing audience she seemed to be gathering. She might have to find a more hard-core work-out gym where she wouldnt stick out so much. It was therefore a shock to hear her name. She looked at the large and decidedly handsome man whod said it and after a moment realization dawned.
Mark? Mark Mason, right? she said as she stepped towards him and completely missed the deflated groans of the other guys who realized theyd have no chance against him.
Yeah wow, Im surprised to see you here
Its been a while a couple of years at least I think last time I saw you was at a fundraiser for my brother Kevin, when he was Lieutenant Governor
Right
Mason and Kevin had worked together on a task force and had gotten to be somewhat friendly. Natalie had met him a couple of times, but once Kevin left politics hed not really kept in frequent touch with Mark.
So do you live here now, Natalie in DC?
No, not really. Its a bit of a long story but Im in town for at least this week staying in a family friends apartment here, and I was going stir-crazy so decided to work out its a great outlet
I totally understand just came to work out myself want to do it together, maybe get a bite or something after?
Mason was bit surprised by his invitation, but he just found her fascinating at this moment she had been a very attractive young women when hed met her, but she seemed to have changed quite a bit and she was, frankly, hot
Natalie was a bit surprised as well, but the chance to be with someone she at least knew a little bit, and to get out of that apartment plus he was, frankly, hot
Id really like that
They worked out together for the next hour, and while Mason clearly used a lot more weight, he was truly impressed even surprised by what Natalie could handle. They finished with cardio, running side-by-side on treadmills, and he was again surprised by her conditioning she barely broke a sweat and was moving fast on an incline. She was the real deal.
They opted to shower in their own apartments since they were in the building, and Mason said hed pop by Natalies door in an hour to get her they were just going to go to a casual bar for a burger or something. A splurge was OK every now and again
Mason knocked on Natalies door and about 30 seconds later she opened it up, and they stood openly looking at each other appreciating each other. They were dressed pretty similarly, jeans, v-neck cashmere sweaters Natalies a peacock blue, his grey, and she had no shirt under hers while he wore a white oxford underneath his. She had on 3-inch boots, but even with those she barely hit 57 and was dwarfed by him even in his flat topsiders. She wore her hair flowing around her shoulders, the perfect amount of makeup to set off her eyes and lips, and simple diamond studs in her ears. He motioned for her to step in front of him and then he appreciated the way her jeans molded her tight behind she had chanced a glance at his own, and liked what she saw as well.
Mason and Natalie walked to a restaurant four blocks away that reminded her a bit of Rodis except it was more yuppified. Still, it was cozy and low-key, and they settled into a back booth and ordered beers and burgers but skipped the fries.
So, Natalie what brings you to town?
She had tried to think if a good answer to this when shed been getting ready, and decided to toss out what shed thought was the best one, Well, I am a police officer in Llanview now, and theres a special program the FBI is doing to help train local law enforcement on some anti-terror investigative techniques, and Im
She didnt get any further because Mason broke in saying in surprise, Oh my God its you youre her the one everyones buzzing about!
Natalie looked at him with her mouth agape but then tried to cover, What are you talking about?
Oh, no Buchanan, you cant snow me youre Peg Harris little project I cant believe I didnt put it together, especially after seeing you work out how youve transformed yourself into the woman from T2
Natalie allowed herself a brief moment to be flattered by the comparison that had been her goal, her vision for herself as shed trained her and Madonnathen she said, Mason, seriously
Forget it babe, you are SO busted wow so when will you hear?
She surrendered, but whispered, Within the next 48 hoursbut how do you know about the program?
Natalie, I am very connected at Quantico I help put away many of the people they catch plus I teach some legal classes in that program that cant be named you may end up my pupil care to earn any extra credit with your teacher ahead of time? He said that with a stagey leer on his face and she had to laugh.
She felt herself relaxing as they talked and ate it was a relief to be with someone who knew the full story, and they had fallen into an easy banter with more than a little bit of overt flirting going on. It had been so long since Natalie had let herself even look at another guy and Mason was a sight to behold. He was sending her clear signals that he was interested too but what perhaps made her possibly most interested in return was the fact that it would be just for the fun of it, clearly with no strings attached. Would that be so awful? Just a fun romp? She was very attracted to him who could blame her? But she also felt equally comfortable with him
Masons thoughts were running along the very same lines. She was a good bit younger than him 12 years, since she was only 26 but she was mature and had been through plenty and she was hot! Her body was beyond ridiculous and hed love to spend some time putting it through its paces having her exerting herself in a whole other way and bringing her as much pleasure as he could hed been told he was quite adept in that department, thank you very much!
Mason suggested they walk a few blocks further to a small jazz club and when they settled in a quiet corner, this time he joined her on the same side of the banquette, and their bodies were close together. After another few drinks this time vodka for both of them they were totally relaxed. Not drunk, but a little bit buzzed, which only served to heighten their flirtation and attraction to each other. Eventually Mason just had to kiss her and he did, while she was mid-sentence, and after a small pause of surprise she returned it. The band had begun to play some more bluesy selections and a few couples were dancing closely on the small dance floor, and Mason pulled back from the kiss and simply grabbed Natalies hand to take her there. He had decided he was going to go into full-on seduction mode not in some cheesy overwhelming way, but just close proximity, a few kisses, and the rest would be up to her but somehow he had a feeling she wasnt going to be fighting him too hard or herself for that matter
Natalie felt a thrill of excitement run through her when Mason had grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor, and it revved up when he pulled her close in his arms, and began to sway back and forth with her. He was all man, and she had never been inside such a strong and complete embrace before. Her head was resting on his broad chest, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, and she knew he was feeling some of the same things she was due to the tell-tale hardness that pressed high on her stomach. Some things about being a woman were better he could only guess if her body was responding similarly until they were somewhere much more private and he could know for sure. She was feeling a bit impish, and pressed her stomach against him eliciting a very soft moan from him against her hair.
Mason was pleasantly surprised that she seemed to be signaling awareness if not yet interest but he could certainly take it that way. He also decided that two could play at that game, so he moved his right hand to her hair and pushed it off her neck and then placed a scorching open-mouthed kiss on the exposed skin. He smiled to himself when he felt her knees buckle just the slightest bit before she locked them again. And then she pressed herself even more tightly against him, so he added some gently nibbling teeth to his kiss. She finally had to look at him so she tilted her head up and barely had time to register the desire in his eyes before his mouth had moved to hers and practically forced it wide open to accept his probing tongue. She moaned and then joined in a heated exploration of each others mouths while the hardness against her middle grew even more so. When their mouths parted they were both breathing hard, and he whispered, Do you want to come home with me, to my place, Natalie?
She appreciated the directness and decided to be the same, Yes I do
He smiled at her and kissed her briefly again, and then took her hand so they could settle the check and walk home. They didnt hold hands along the way, but occasionally when they had to stop for a light hed plant another kiss on her, and she gave as good as she got in return. By the time they were in the elevator as The Watergate they were all over each other. Mouths melding, hands groping and Natalie was having a hard time catching her breath. She knew he was going to take her on a wild ride and she was determined to just go with it. Neither was pretending this was all about hot, pleasurable, recreational fun, and Natalie was surprised with herself because shed never actually done something like this. Just for the sheer fun and sexual release and pleasure, but she was starting with a pretty good partner, that she knew. Mason was a man, not a boy, a hot man at that and he clearly knew what he was doing. And that gave her a moments pause as she wondered if she could keep up
Chapter 3
They entered Masons apartment and once again he had her in his arms, his tongue plundering her mouth. As much as he wanted her, and would hate to have to end this now, at the end of the day Mason was a decent guy and he felt he needed to make sure she was really up for this they didnt know each other all that well, she didnt seem like she was the type to sleep with someone on a first date, and sometimes reality set in once you got back to a quiet apartment as opposed to a club where you could push the boundaries on flirtation but were still safe.
He pulled back and cupped her face and said gently, Natalie are you sure you want to be here to do this? Its OK if you want to change your mind, but please make it now if you do
She looked at him with wide eyes and swallowed and said, No, Im sure
But what? Natalie, you can say anything to me ask anything of me if we are going to do this the best way is to be totally open and honest, no embarrassmentno holding back
Somehow she felt she could be open, Im not exactly a convent girl I was married even! But I havent racked up a long list of partners either and honestly, I havent been with anyone in the past year
Mason felt a bit of tenderness work its way through him and he rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks Well, Im glad you felt you could tell me that I promise Im not going to be trying to get you to do crazy things you dont want we can just let it go where it does and you can tell me all along the way what you want what you dont want its about us having some fun together bringing each other pleasure do you want that Natalie?
She closed her eyes and whispered, Yes
He moved his mouth to within an inch of hers and whispered in return, Then just let it happen let go let me take you where you want to golet me make love to you, every inch of you
Mason claimed Natalies mouth in a soulful, hot, yet gentle kiss and she felt herself responding in kind immediately. And she turned her brain off and shifted into sensation mode. It had been so long too long Without breaking the kiss Mason picked Natalie up and it registered that she was completely pliable as he did so she was already letting herself go. He carried her into his bedroom and put her down so they could stand and face each other. She was truly beautiful, especially with her lips swollen from all the kissing they had already done. He ran his fingers through her hair and drew her to him for another kiss and as he did that his hands went to the bottom of her sweater and began to tug it off her. Again, she put up no fight, just moved her mouth off his and raised her arms up so he could remove it from her body. He sucked in a breath when he saw her magnificent alabaster breasts barely encased in pale blue lace. Her entire upper body was stunning. Her frame was tiny, but her curves and the definition in her arms, back and abdomen was perfection. She was not big at all, but was toned, taut, and incredibly strong, he knew. She would surprise some people because pound for pound she had built quite a bit of strength perhaps even more than a typical 190-200 pound man who played at working out. All that in a 54, taut body. He reached behind her and unsnapped her bra and he saw her breath catch in her creamy throat as he did so. To his delighted surprise she beat him to the punch and removed the scrap of lace from herself before he could move his hands to do so.
Mason wasted no time in moving his open mouth to her left nipple and bathing it with his tongue and he increased the pressure at her groans while his large hands spanned her tiny waist to hold her up and hold her in place where he wanted her. When his mouth had taken her breast Natalie felt an electric charge between her legs and she knew she had become exponentially wetter. That only increased when his mouth moved to her other breast and it stoked an incredible desire within her and she craved more. Without conscious thought her hand moved to the hardness between Masons legs and she grabbed it through his jeans.
Mason was again surprised, but incredibly turned on. Clearly Natalie was not holding back, and he realized he didnt have to go quite as easy on her as he had thought. He pulled his mouth away from her breast to smile at her seductively and say, Oh someones getting impatient, are they? Well all right, darling, we can speed this up a bit
Then his hands had moved to her jeans and before Natalie knew what was happening they were down around her ankles, but stuck on her boots. Mason grabbed her around the waist and hoisted her onto the bed almost tossing her there and then he was yanking her boots and socks off with her jeans following behind. She propped her upper body up on her elbows and Mason felt his erection jump at the sight of her half sitting/half lying on his bed, clad only in the smallest scrap of blue lace panties, her hair wild around her and her nipples hard and red from his attentions. And she was softly panting which caused him to moan in his arousal.
Mason took a step closer to the end of the bed and Natalie kneeled up straight on it, right at the edge and fell against him as his arms wrapped around her and pulled her oh so tightly against him. She sighed at the feeling of his sweater against her highly sensitive nipples and then his right hand was holding the back of her head and pulling her mouth to his in a searing kiss that made her thighs quake. It registered to her that his hand was so large that her entire head fit within it She began to tug on the bottom of his sweater and he stepped back from her to pull it off but first had to put a steadying hand on her because shed almost fallen without his body to lean on he found himself chuckling but in short order had pulled his sweater, oxford and t-shirt off and then he gasped because Natalies mouth had attached itself to his right nipple and for a second he was sure he was going to burst the zipper on his jeans. He had barely completed that thought when it registered that Natalies hands were opening his button and zipper and he was as ready as she was to be free of his confines.
He removed her hands from him and said, Let me on a husky breath, and she sat back on her feet as she watched him, the move flashing him just a bit of the crotch of her panties. He pushed his jeans and boxers down together and kicked them off and noticed the mix of desire and twinge of fear that played across Natalies face. She swallowed hard when she saw him and felt an incredible stab of excitement and then a bit of fear. He was, well, huge. And she wasnt really surprised given his overall size and physique, but seeing him close up again, arousing and nerve wracking. She knew shed never experienced anything like him.
Mason was surprisingly devoid of arrogance when it came to his physique and certain endowments. Though he worked hard to make the most of his physical gifts, much of it came down to genetics. He was, however, aware that he set the bar decently high when it came to his manhood, and he had seen a similar expression on the faces of some of the other women with whom hed spent some time. Based on what Natalie had shared about her somewhat modest sexual experience, he could understand why she might be apprehensive and he wanted to reassure her.
He moved closer to the bed and took her face in his hands and kissed her passionately, and he felt her relax into it. Then he moved back and asked, You still OK remember we promised wed be totally honest
When Natalie was nervous she sometimes fell back on humor so before she could stop herself she said, Is that thing registered as a lethal weapon?
Mason just shook his head and laughed she really was something else, and he liked it. Buchanan, you are a piece of work
Well.. and before she could say another word he had pulled her up to a kneeling position on the bed again so he could band his arms around her and take possession of her mouth again in a toe-curling kiss, and the mood was once again seriously erotic all humor gone. Natalie felt his naked hardness pressing into the space between her belly and pubic bone and she suddenly wanted nothing more than to feel every blessed inch of him fill her She moaned deeply into his mouth and finally he pulled away and said, Dont you worry Ill make sure youre up for it when the time comes.. and she had zero doubt that was true, in fact she was pretty sure shed be begging for it. He was kissing her again and she was losing all train of thought, but she did realize that he was now moving her panties down her hips and thighs and she shivered in response. When they were resting in the middle of her thighs he all of a sudden pushed her back onto the bed so he could yank them off the rest of the way.
With amazing speed Mason had moved onto the bed and spread her legs open, and then Natalie felt the head of his penis running along and through her moist folds and she gasped in both surprise and pleasure. She felt herself quake a bit because it felt so good, but it also seemed like he was just going to take her here and now, and she wasnt sure she was near ready yet she felt more moisture flood between her legs. With his eyes locked on hers, pure desire in both of theirs, he gently pushed just the tip of his penis partially into her wet opening and her head fell back as her hips bucked in response but she also cried out, Mason! on a note of fear.
He moved a calming palm to her stomach and then removed his himself, rubbing exquisitely against her folds again, as he said, Natalie honey, dont worry I promised Id take it slow I just wanted to see how much work I had to do to get you there His voice was seduction itself as he said this.
A shudder of relief and arousal went through her as she heard his words, his tone, and contemplated exactly what sort of work he was going to doand he didnt take long to get started. Natalie surrendered herself completely and lost track of time as it seemed like he was everywhere. His hands, his mouth and every now and again shed feel his hardness make contact with her body sometimes pressing into her arm, her thighs, her stomach, and devastatingly, sometimes with purpose against the seeping wetness between her legs. What did register was how masterfully his hands took control of her after spending a full year feeling totally strong and in control, she now felt small, delicate and at the delicious mercy of this man. His hot mouth had been almost everywhere on her body as he moved her around, sometimes flipping her onto her stomach so he could kiss and lick her back, her shoulders, the taut cheeks of her ass but the whole time his mouth and fingers avoided the one place she was now burning for him she could barely catch a breath around the ache that had moved from her center and up into her chest, her throat. She clung to him when she could grab a hold and returned the kisses hed bestow on her mouth ardently and she was nothing but quivering, questing nerve endings and desire.
Mason had made love to his fair share of women, but he was inordinately turned on by Natalie. Her body was a marvel, but it was her passion that truly lit the match to his own desire. She had literally surrendered herself, and her movements, her noises, her kisses were of someone whod literally let herself become her desire, her passion, her need He found himself dragging everything out as much as he possibly could because he was enjoying every response he was drawing out of her even if he was now in more than a little pain from his own arousal. He would never tell Natalie this but he wasnt sure hed ever been quite so hard and engorged before so, darn, he was just going to have to work a little harder a little longer on her
Mason moved so he was lying on his side on the bed, along Natalies left side while she was on her back, her legs slightly bent. He leaned over her and their eyes met, and hers were clouded with passion and she whispered his name. He gently spread her legs wider, and then one of his thick fingers was moving into her wetness as far in as he could go and her hips bucked while her knees fell completely open. He moved another one inside her and she groaned deeply and began gyrating her hips, unable to help the instinctive response aimed at deepening his hold, heightening her own pleasure. He loved watching her her reactions it spurred him on as he began to drive his fingers inside her and he whispered, Do you want to let go, Natalie let yourself go sweetheart let it happen Then he plunged his fingers all the way in while rubbing her clit with his thumb and her hips shot off the bed as her orgasm ripped through her entire body. Mason kept up the pressure of his fingers to draw her out relishing the feeling of her flooding over him, contracting around him, and he moved his mouth over hers to capture her cries and tease more shudders out of her with his devastating tongue
Natalie felt as if her body had turned to liquid and she wasnt sure which touch was more intoxicating at that moment his fingers inside her or his magical tongue in her mouth and then she had an incredible thought what would it feel like to have that magic tongue where his fingers were It appeared that Mason was a mind reader because while she was still trembling, but regaining some of her faculties, she realized that he was on the move again. He was moving down the bed and stretching out with his mouth positioned between her legs. She whimpered when she felt his strong hands move under her to grab her ass and lift her exactly where he wanted, and then his tongue was diving inside where he fingers had just destroyed her. She screamed out his name and was stunned when she felt another climax tear through her with even more intensity than the last he was going to kill her before they were done Her entire upper body writhed in her inability to contain herself as he continued to work his mouth on her, his tongue inside her one moment and then pressing against her engorged bud as she begged him for what she didnt know, but all she could whimper was, please
Mason could wait no longer. He was more aroused than he could ever remember being and he knew where he had to be he also knew shed probably become a bit tighter due to her contractions, but couldnt wait any longer. He moved so he was kneeling between her legs and he rasped, Look at me, Natalie and she did. Once again this tip of his penis was at her now-soaked opening and then he was pushing inside her.
Natalie was craving this moment and his inch-by-inch possession of her was torture. She knew he was stretching her carefully, but experience told her it would be better to do it fast and then move on from there and that was how she was dying to feel it she moved her legs tightly around him and forced him inside her in one searing move and they both cried out at the sensation of him tearing into her. For a brief moment Natalie thought it almost felt like it was her first time again, but the stab of pain was momentary and she also found it strangely erotic. And then they were moving together and she felt the molten ache begin to build inside her again.
Mason had planned on taking it slow and had been blown away by the decisive way Natalie had virtually forced him to claim her body using the strength of her gorgeously sculpted legs. He could feel himself pushing past her bodys resistance but then was within her within her incredibly tight, hot walls, and he almost came as soon has he felt his tip hit deep inside her. But he held his breath for a second and willed that not to happen because he wanted to savor every single second he could of this erotic possession.
He began to drive into Natalie as her legs remained like a vice around his hips and she met him thrust for thrust. He had been holding his upper body off her with his strong arms, but he desperately wanted to kiss her at this moment and he moved his upper body down on hers and his arms underneath her so he could wrap them around her and pull her up closer to him. Their passion heavy eyes locked on each other for a long moment as their lower bodies continued to drive and grind against each other, and she whispered his name, Mason and was rewarded with a devastating kiss.
He could feel her begin to convulse around him and he was dying for his own release. Suddenly he was rolling them so she was on top and in a swift move he pushed her upper body off him and then grabbed her hips and rammed her down onto him, holding her in place and thrusting up into her while he ground her against him and her scream split the air as her head fell back and her entire body shuddered while her walls grabbed him inside her and he was well and truly done. He exploded deep inside her while unable to stop the ongoing rutting and grinding of his hips his hands had tightened around her waist like a vice to keep her supported.. to keep her in place and then she was falling forward onto him, completely and utterly spent, her third orgasm bringing her to a heated exhaustion shed never before experienced. He held her for long moments caressing hertaking deep breaths as he felt her continue to tremble against him her own breaths coming in gasps.
Finally she could at least move a little bit and she pushed herself off him some so she could look at him. That was that was amazing Ive never
He had a tender expression on his face as he reached a shaky hand up to push her hair back a bit and he said in complete honesty, Ive got news for you kiddo me neither.. me neither Then he kissed her softly and turned them so he could spoon her from behind, and they fell asleep. Her final thought before she drifted of was she couldnt remember ever feeling so held before.
Chapter 4
Mason and Natalie had slept for a few hours, and then they were at each other again. At first it had seemed like this time around theyd be calmer, gentler, but that was simply not to be. Natalie quickly took control this time around and when shed pushed him down and taken all of him in her hot mouth he felt the sensation down to his toes. The whole idea of this little bitty thing being so strong as to almost manhandle him well it just did something to him. Of course, he eventually turned the tables and left her in a quivering heap again but he wasnt much better off, and it was fabulous.
Finally they slept until he was jolted awake by his apartments intercom. Natalie didnt even stir and he chuckled as he headed to stop the noise hed obviously, eventually, worn her out.
Yeah
Hey, Mason, its John McBain I was in the area and thought I could just pop by for a second to go over things for court on Monday
Mason rubbed his face, glanced back at Natalie and said, Sure, come on up and buzzed him in.
He quickly grabbed a tank and cotton pajama bottoms and headed into his living room to wait for John. Theyd known each other for the better part of 10 years, and though not exactly friends, they were more than acquaintances. They were the same age and had had similar life experiences or more particularly, similar attitudes. They were married to their work and enjoyed the company of myriad ladies on the side. He had heard that John had been engaged once, but his fianc had sadly met an untimely end. That would be a life-altering experience so Mason decided not to put himself at risk to experience such a loss. Though even as he lived his life that way, he knew there was always a chance that some time in the future hed change his mind.
He heard John approaching and pulled the door open before he could knock or ring the bell he didnt want to disturb Natalie. John was dressed in jeans, button-down shirt and his black leather jacket, and he took in Masons relative state of undress and took a pointed glance at his watch which showed it was almost 10 oclock. He was going to razz Mason a bit Hey, you normally are up and at em at the crack of dawn even on a Saturday you feelin OK?
Mason shook his head and chuckled Yeah, McBain, Im fine just a bit of a late night early morning
John raised his eyebrows but said nothing he didnt need a picture drawn for him.
John and Mason sat talking for a bit John was to testify Monday against one of the kiddie-porn kingpins hed taken down, and Mason was prosecuting.
Natalie woke and stretched, and winced a little bit as she felt the after-effects of her night with Mason. She realized she was alone in his bed and took a moment to reflect on the hours they had spent pleasuring each other, and she flushed a bit at the memories. It had been a truly amazing experience, just letting herself go like that. It was also a bit odd, because she barely new Mason but felt like she could trust him to do that she realized that the situation was probably a big part of it being here alone, wondering her fate, no strings attached. She thought she heard voices in the living room but figured it was likely the TV or radio. She climbed gingerly out of bed and saw Masons oxford shirt tossed on a chair, and she grabbed it and pulled it on. She giggled when she realized how huge it was on her. It fell down to her knees and she had to roll back the sleeves at least 4 times. She went into the bathroom quickly and took a look in the mirror. She looked a wild, hair flying in every direction. Her lips were still a bit swollen and redder than normal, and she could also see that there were some marks on her neck and chest and she assumed elsewhere from Masons mouth and his five oclock shadow oh well she thought. She took a swig of mouthwash and then headed into the living room.
Natalie walked into the living room but stopped dead when she realized that it wasnt the TV shed heard, but that Mason had company. She was about to turn around but they both looked up at the same time, giving her a thorough once-over.
Mason thought she looked adorable and incredibly sexy in his shirt which swallowed her up.
Johns thoughts werent too far off. He looked at her intently hed been trained to observe and immediately thought she looked like she was barely college-age. But the other thought that came immediately to him was that he was not a bit surprised that Mason had had to sleep in, because this pretty and yes, sexy - young thing looked like shed been well and truly at the risk of being indelicate fucked. It wasnt just the shirt, though that was part of it. Her gorgeous red hair had clearly had hands working their way through it, pulling it, throughout the course of the night and into the morning. Moreover, he too noted her swollen mouth and the markings on her neck which were quickly being covered up by the blush that was moving over her neck and face. John felt a twinge of jealousy and then a slight tightening in his pants, and he then felt like a total reprobate but, hey, he was a man.
Mason could tell Natalie was uncomfortable, and he moved over to her and put an arm around her and said, Hey, this is John. Were working on a case together on Monday and he popped by unannounced, I might add to go over a couple of things. John, this is Natalie
She just waved a bit at him, not feeling it appropriate to go over and try to shake his hand or anything. She said softly, Hi, John and he replied, Hello, Natalie and she was struck by the tone of his voice which was smooth and confident, almost like a purr and she was reminded that she was only in Masons shirt, though it certainly more than covered her. Natalie turned to Mason and said, Why dont I just go wait for you inside leave you guys to it
Mason smiled and said, Great idea please do wait for me, Natalie and he couldnt help the leading tone of his voice as he said it, and she blushed even more and bolted out of the room.
As soon as she was out of earshot John said, Geez, Mason, are you trolling for coeds now? Have you finally worked your way through DCs women and are having to start with girls
Mason took the ribbing good naturedly and said, I assure you Natalie is well above age a whopping 26 AND she is ALL woman every delicious inch of her
John just laughed and then they returned to their conversation, but he made it relatively quick because if he had a woman like that waiting for him in HIS bedroom, sitting with the likes of him would be the last place hed want to be
Mason returned to his bedroom and found Natalie sitting back against the pillows, still in his shirt. When she saw him walk in she said, Well, that was a bit embarrassing
Hes a big boy Natalie same age as me he was hardly shocked or put out by the sight of you probably enjoyed it actually glad you waited for me and as he said this he was pulling off his tank and pushing his pajama bottoms back off him. Again Natalie marveled at his physical perfection, and also felt herself grow wet again He moved slowly in her direction and said, Funny, I dont remember telling you that you could borrow my shirt, Natalie
She felt a thrill run through her as she whispered, Well then youre just going to have to take it off me
Then she was off the bed lightening quick and made it all the way to the living room before he caught her. He tore the shirt off her as her pulse jumped and then he tossed her down on the couch and took her in one swift move. They were so ready for each other that just half a dozen thrusts later they were climaxing together, writhing against each other in surprised pleasure. When they were finally breathing normally he stood up, tossed her over his shoulder and carried her into the shower.
Later they were both dressed and he asked, You feel like grabbing some lunch?
Sure Id just like to run downstairs real quick and change my clothes, though
OK, Ill swing by in 15?
Deal.
She traded one pair of jeans for another, pulled on a black suede work shirt and her boots, and was ready when he came calling. She was glad that they felt incredibly at ease with each other and Mason picked up on it too. She hadnt turned into some clinging vine just because theyd spent such an incredible night and morning together and that made him want to spend MORE time with her, because it wasnt fraught with all kinds of crazy contextual issues.
They headed to a local deli where they grabbed salads and drinks and Mason asked, So, by Monday or even tomorrow evening you might know something?
Yes. They have to decide soon because rumor has it the non-class for the non-program starts Wednesday.
Mason chuckled and she asked, Whats funny?
We could have blown Johns mind and asked HIM!
Why would we do that?
Natalie, rumor has it that hes involved in the program that he and I have in fact co-taught a course or two
Hes a federal agent?
Big time one of the bestbut dont worry, there are a number of them involved in the program and they rotate instruction duties and heard he may be sent overseas for an assignment that could last up to 3 months
Natalie felt her heart unclench a little bit it would SO be her luck if she got into the program and realized her instructor had already met her, standing in mans apartment wearing his shirt after an endless sex-fest
So, Natalie, you either get in to this thing, or, what?
Well, I head back home and bust my butt to make detective
Thats my girl go get em but while youre hanging in town my weekend is actually completely unplanned
She smiled at him and shook her head, but she couldnt call him on his attitude and behavior because she was right there with him. You want to spend the rest of the weekend with me? Think you can handle it?
Bring it on, Buchanan I want to see everything you got
Chapter 5
It was 9 oclock Sunday night, and Natalie was again naked in Masons bed. They had spent virtually all there time there except for breaking for meals and showers which they took together. She had become a wanton hussy, and he had fully embraced in fact had willfully coaxed her fall from grace.
You are such a bad influence on me, Mason youve created a monster Im going to be pouncing on anything whether Im in the program or back in Llanview
Natalie love, dont even bother you know those boys wont live up to the standard Ive set better that you cling to your memories
Ego much? she laughed But then again, maybe I need to shore those memories up some
They were in the midst of a heated kiss that held the promise of oh so much more when Natalies cell phone rang. She sprang away from Mason to answer it.
Hello?
Natalie, Peg Harris here
She held her breath and said, Hello Senator
Are you lying down, Natalie it took all her willpower not to laugh at the embarrassing accuracy of that question, and she said nothing, so the Senator continued. Youre in, kiddo. Youre in. You need to keep this under your hat until Tuesday because only the Director and his Deputy at the Bureau know at this point. Tomorrow theyre going to tell one of their best agents, whos been one of the most frequent and successful instructors in the program, that youre going to be in his class lets see, I believe his name is John McBain, yep, John McBain congratulations, Natalie. Why dont you come by my office for lunch tomorrow say, 1pm so we can celebrate and discuss what this all means
Yes, Senator, thank you
I hope youll still be thanking me when this is all over
Mason had been looking at Natalie intently and he gathered that she had been accepted but she seemed shocked. Again, not all that surprising.
Well? WELL?
Im in Wow Im in
He grabbed her to him in a tight hug and in total sincerity he said, I know you are going to kick ass you belong in that program as much as anyone, and dont let ANYONE try to tell you differently even your instructor
She was touched by his confidence in her and returned the hug, but then pulled away and said quietly, Yeah, about that tell me what is your buddy Johns last name
Mason had a flash of comprehension and knew why she was asking. He looked at her intently and grimaced a bit as he said, McBain
Oh FUCK! Oh, I am dead before I even get started
Wow, you drew him, huh?
Oh, yes, he was specially selected but Im not supposed to say anything because hes not been told yet thats happening tomorrow I should just forget it
Natalie, hes a fair guy, plus in the end, whats the big deal so he knows you and I had sex so what? Is virginity a requirement for this non-program?
No its just that everything about me has to seem serious committed above reproach. You only have ONE chance to make a first impression, and what is his of me at this point?
I see your point but I think youll get past it in the meantime why dont we celebrate work out some of your tension
His mouth was on her neck as he was saying this and she laughed at him while her body couldnt help but respond You are incorrigible
AND encourage-able, fair Natalie
Natalie spent the night with Mason, and after he headed off to court, she headed back to her apartment. But she didnt let him go before warning him that he couldnt even HINT of anything to John because he may not know and might not put it all together anyway at least not until he saw her
Once she got to her place her borrowed place she whipped out her phone to call Rex, who knew why she was in DC.
Speak.
Rex, its me!
Me who?
REX!
OK, Natty, geez. Whats up?
Well, you cant tell ANYONE yet but Im in Im IN Rex but I need you to do me a favor. I need you to pull anything you can find on my drill sergeant, or instructor, or whatever the hell theyre supposed to be called his name is John McBain and hes a respected FBI agent, but I need you to dig beyond the official stuff anything dating back as far as you can help me understand him maybe even have something I can hold over him at some point if he gives me too much shit like maybe hes a bed wetter or something.
Rex listened to her going on until his head was spinning...Nattie what the hell are you talking about why do you need to know all this stuff..
Because so much of it is psychological a test of the wills and hes going to know tons about me more than I can tell you, she thought to herselfPLEASE just help me
All right all right itll take me a bit of time though but later today
OK!
Natalie got dressed into a black pantsuit and charcoal blouse and headed to meet Senator Harris. She was ushered in the moment she got there and the Senator stood to greet her and took Natalies hand in both of hers.
So, my dear, how does it feel after a nights sleep?
Still overwhelming, but mostly exciting
Good. GOOD. We can still undo this up until the end of the day, but after that its game on, Natalie and you are in until you wash out or quit
I understand.
Good. I ordered in sandwiches, lets sit and enjoy a bit
Natalie did enjoy her visit with the Senator she felt she was as in her corner as she could be, but it ultimately it would all rest on her and her own resources. Senator Harris gave her a tight hug before she left, and said, Natalie I know what its like to feel isolated. Feel like no one wants you around when youre just trying to do exactly what they are serve your country, make a difference. But if you keep your resolve, most will see it and come to respect it. Those that dont theyre just assholes that arent worth a damn. But heres my personal cell phone. And you use it, you USE it any time day or night you feel weak you need someone wholl really understand Im youre man
Natalie couldnt help the tears that pricked her eyes and she said, Thank you, for everything especially that Then she headed back home, anxious to see if Rex had anything.
Mason and John were meeting for a quick sandwich themselves before court resumed and John would take the stand.
So, Mason hows your redhead? Did you guys get out of bed at all this weekend?
Actually, quite a bit lunches, dinner all quite civilized
But what was she wearing when you left for work this morning?
A weak but satisfied and happy smile! he responded in total guy mode before he could stop himself. Damn!
John just shook his head and Mason was trying to think if there was any way to do damage control without seeming like an idiot, but he decided to just let it all drop and hoped John would.
Thankfully their conversation turned to the case, then John took the stand as his normal, dependable self, and headed back to Quantico where Mason was sure he was going to be quite surprised about his next assignment.
Natalie called Rex from her cell phone as soon as she cleared the Senate building. Anything Rex?
Well hello to you too
Look, Im sorry I just have so little time less than 2 days
Oh, I found some very interesting stuff. He is indeed a top agent, but he had some interesting odd jobs when he put himself through school. I emailed you some stuff check it out and then call me
Natalie raced to back to the apartment and booted up her laptop logged on and felt intense frustration at how long it was taking, even though it really wasnt that long She finally opened up Rexs email and he had written, Nattie, keep in mind these are from his poor college student days, when lots of people did whatever they had to in order to make some money. See 2 attachments.
She held her breath as she clicked on the first attachment and then she was laughing her ass off. John McBain was a CHIPPENDALES DANCER!!!! Oh, my GOD. Wow, he was HOT. Fabulous tattoos and from the looks of what was in his G-string But OH. MY. GOD. It took her a full minute to stop laughing long enough to click on the next attachment, and she assumed it was going to be another Chippendales shot but when it opened she gasped in total shock and slammed her laptop shut for a second, her eyes wide and her hands over her mouth in stunned amazement.
She slowly opened her computer and there he was posing in all his naked and incredibly aroused glory. He actually gave Mason a serious run for his money in the manhood department maybe even had a slight edge, for the love of God and he was five inches shorter than Mason and at least 60 pounds lighter but why? What? Then she realized, he was a nude male model in an art class. Wow. She had a friend whod done that but who the heck took a picture and howd it get on the net?
She phoned Rex immediately. How the hell?
Some girl from his class had him on her myspace page I guess he blew her off 20 years ago and modern technology gave her a way to get revenge poor bastard probably has no idea
And I kinda wish I didnt either how am I NOT going to see that image both of those images when I see him have to listen to him
Hey, Nattie, you asked
I know I know... but I guess its a clich for a reason be careful what you ask for
When she hung up, as mortified as she was, she sat looking at the picture. There was a smoldering quality to him, where Mason was more the clean-cut jock type then she chastised herself and slammed her computer shut but she didnt delete the images from her computerand she couldnt wait to jump Mason when he got home
Chapter 6
John headed back to Quantico in quite a good mood. He had done well on the stand ably guided by Mason and another piece of human garbage was going away. When he thought about Mason, he thought about his redhead and laughed Mason was a bit of a cad, but a good guy overall. And who was he to talk. He was glad that his next assignment would take him abroad for a few months he was trying to extricate himself from a woman in his neighborhood whom hed dated a few times and who seemed to think it as supposed to head somewhere. Yep, a few months away when he got to his office an assistant said, Deputy Director Chase wants to see you immediately
John about-faced and headed down an adjoining hall, knocking on Chases door. He really liked and admired him considered him a mentor at 10 years his senior Chase told him to enter.
Oh, John greattake a seat.
John did and said, Whats up you finally briefing me on my new assignment? What far-flung post am I headed to?
Yeah, John, about that
John felt his heart sink a little bit OK, give it to me straight, Chase
We need you to take an extra rotation of the Special Branch training an unusual situations come up
What?! Ive taught more rotations than anyone, and there are plenty of good instructors why am I suddenly indispensable?
Chase took a deep breath because he understood Johns frustration and he was trying to choose his words very carefully.
You know that there has been some strong agitation for us to let a woman into this program?
Yes he said carefully. John and Chase were essentially on the same page where that was concerned. They werent emphatically against the notion, but also had some serious concerns. There were the sheer physical requirements, with strength and conditioning and then the added extra elements of torture that could be used against a woman should she be captured. But did they have the right to play daddy if a woman could make it through the rest of the program with no special accommodations, of course. He rubbed his hands over his face and Chase continued.
Senator Harris has finally pulled it off
Johns head snapped up, but when he said nothing, Chase continued. She has managed to get enough support for her favored candidate and she is to be part of the class starting Wednesday. John, we need this to be as fair as possible you are the best person to take her on. You wont baby her, but you wont have it in for her from day one I believe shell get a fair shake from you and that is critical. I honestly doubt any woman can withstand the physical rigors unless she has been training like a demon for, well forever but unless and until we prove that, we are going to have to deal with this bubbling up as an issue
Shit, Chase are you saying that ALL the other instructors are too biased?
Maybe, maybe not but the fact of the matter is, no one can touch your track record in terms of number of class members succeeding AND at the highest level of achievements. We want to show that we put her in the best possible setting for success and that is you, whether you like it or not
Well then I hope she is like the equivalent of a guy that just happens to be female
When Chase said nothing, but had a funny look on his face John groaned and said, Oh, Lord, please dont tell me shes some pretty little thing whose favorite movie is GI Jane
Well, her name is
You know what, dont tell me. I dont want to know a THING about her you want impartiality, fine. Then I will hold off all opinions until the moment I meet her and will move on from there
Chase said nothing and then sighed and said, Fair enough. But I am going to have her file put in your office in the event you ever need to refer to it I know this is a lot to ask, John, but it really will be the best for everyone
OK, but I have a favor can I stay in an on-campus apartment during the training program? I kind of need to avoid a situation in my neighborhood for a bit
Chase just laughed out loud because he knew exactly what sort of situation John was referring to, and he said, Hey, buddy, its the least I can do
After John left, Chase looked again at Natalies file and thought, Boy, this is going to be VERY interesting
As Mason was leaving his office he dialed Natalies cell and she answered after 3 rings
Hey, Natalie, its Mason you doing anything for dinner?
No, after lunch with Senator Harris I pretty much just worked out had a lot of energy to burn off
Well I hope you saved some for me to help you with
She laughed and said, Im sure I can find a kink or too
No doubt but seriously, I was going to whip up some chicken, maybe some rice how about it?
Sounds great, actually. Tonight and tomorrow are my last two nights of freedom, then Im in lockdown, I guess
Rumor has it you get SOME liberty every now and againI might be persuaded to take you in
She laughed again and said, What time, Mason?
I should be home in about 20 minutes why dont I swing by your door and get you on the way
Sounds good.
Natalie had just showered and tossed on a white tank and matching yoga pants no bra, no undies and decided shed just go like that, except she did throw on an oversized black cashmere cardigan, which hid the fact that she had so little else covering her. She had flip flops on her feet, and opted to leave those as-is, too. She wanted to be comfy, and she knew she wouldnt be in whatever she put on for much of the night anyway. No use pretending otherwise. Her hair was still wet and she left that loose and to dry naturally, and had just put the slightest bit of make up on her eyes and a bit of gloss on her lips.
Mason knocked on her door and he couldnt help the smile that lit his face. She looked fresh and sexy and, as always, adorable at the same time. He moved his right hand to the back of her head and pulled her to him for a soft kiss and asked, Ready? and she nodded her head. As she walked with him back to the elevator, she realized she had come to genuinely like him he was a very decent person, and a wonderful interlude as she waited for this crazy new chapter in her life to start. By tomorrow shed be allowed to tell her family as long as they were sworn to secrecy. The government would continue to deny the existence of the program, let alone that theyd let a female in.
Mason asked Natalie to open a bottle of Chardonnay while he went to get changed, and he came back out in a tank, cotton pajama bottoms and bare feet, and then with a true comfort and ease he began to prepare their meal while she helped under his guidance. Within 40 minutes they were enjoying Chicken Piccata, seasoned rice, salad and wine.
So, Mason.. hmm I just realized that I always call you by your last name is that common or does anybody call you Mark?
My mom and dad call me that but pretty much everyone else calls me Mason always have. I think its because there was another Mark in my grammar school class, and then it stuck.
Well theyre both nice names anyway, do you cook for all your conquests, Mark Mason?
He laughed and said, NO. I avoid it at all costs because women think youre trying to impress them and read into things as to why youre trying to impress them and to me, dinners just dinner you know?
Funnily enough, she did. And in a strange way it pleased her that he wanted to cook for her and knew he didnt have to worry about what shed think.
Well, it is all delicious and I appreciate your doing it and read absolutely NOTHING into it at all
And thats one of the reasons I totally love hanging with you Buchanan
After they had eaten, Natalie got up to begin cleaning off the table and Mason came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, kissing the side of her neck. Those will keep, Natalie He ground himself into her back, her knees went weak and she leaned her head back against his broad chest. Then she turned around and stood on tiptoe so she could reach her arms around his neck and kiss him. As their kiss deepened his strong hands gripped her at the top of her thighs, just under her butt, and he lifted her up so she could wrap her legs around his middle and their mouths grew more intent, more passionate against each other. She loved the feel of his massive arms banding around her back, and she couldnt help wriggling around to reposition her center over his erection, and he moaned into her mouth. He moved over towards the island in the kitchen and sat her down on it, and moved his mouth to her neck. Then he pulled back to look at her as he moved his hands under her cardigan to the waistband of her pants and began to yank them off. Her breath caught in her throat and she was soaking wet in her anticipation. As Mason pulled her pants over her ass he realized that his hands were making direct contact with her soft skin, not the expected bit of silk, and he grew harder at the knowledge that she hadnt bothered with panties this evening and he looked forward to finding out what other pieces of clothing shed dispensed with.
While his mouth latched onto hers again, he pushed his pajama bottoms off and kicked them from around his feet, then picked Natalie up off the counter and pulled her down onto his hardness as her legs again wrapped around him. She moaned as she enshrouded him, taking him in to the hilt and ended their kiss so she could look at him, her arms entwining more tightly around his neck and shoulders. His hands moved to her ass and began to grind her against him as he walked them towards the bedroom and she again marveled at his strength his ability to fuck her magnificently while almost nonchalantly strolling through his apartment she felt her temperature spike as he did that. She moved her hands to the back of his head and pulled his mouth to hers in a heated open-mouthed kiss, and she could feel him grow thicker inside her in response.
When they got into the bedroom he placed so that her upper body was across the bed while her tush was just at the edge, and he began to pound into her in long sure strokes while her hands clutched at the comforter, her breath coming in gasps. He had to see all of her, but not wanting to lose his rhythm he rasped to her, take your shirts off I need to see you, Natalie She was helpless to do anything but obey his heated command and she ripped her sweater and tank off in one fluid motion and tossed them onto the bed behind her. He moaned when he saw her full breasts and hardened nipples and drove into her harder so he could see them bounce in response. Her passage was so tight and hot around him, and he could feel her earliest contractions. He knew her well enough to know it wouldnt take long for her to convert to a full-blown orgasm, and that suited him fine because the ache in his groin the fire he felt for her was reaching the point of no return.
Suddenly he withdrew, flipped her over and pulled her hips up so that her tight ass was at the perfect level in front of him, her face buried in her forearms that were planted on the bed in front of her as she moaned his name in surprise and aroused anticipation. He ran his tip along her wet length and then plunged right back into her, grunting at the extra depth this angle gave him. Then he was thrusting forcefully into her, his body slapping against hers as her screams were captured by the comforter. In a heartbeat he was overcome with sensation the feel of her gripping him further and harder in her body, almost as if to keep him from withdrawing only to welcome him back with his return stroke and he exploded violently within her. Natalie felt the rush of liquid heat flood over her quivering muscles and she was done, too. She shoved herself back hard against his pelvis and ground herself against him and her walls contracted with heated intensity around him.
Shit, Natalie... you are going to do me in honestly he rasped and she could only muster a shaky laugh in return. His legs were not much stronger than jello at this point, so he removed himself from her and climbed up on the bed, flopping onto his back beside her, and she eased her upper body forward so she was stretched out on her stomach next to him. He couldnt help it, he reached a hand out to rest it on her gorgeous ass and she managed to say Mmmmmm and nothing more. They stayed that way for a good while, actually nodding off for a bit. Then Mason sat up and said gently, Come on, lets get under the covers Ill even snuggle
She giggled but did as she was told, and after a very comfy, cozy few minutes said, Not that Im going to rat you out or anything but youre a really good cuddler And boy he was.
Chapter 7
Natalie spent most of Tuesday a nervous wreck, so she tried to burn off her energy with an hours long workout. She was to check in at Quantico at 9am sharp tomorrow morning, and she had no idea how things would go once McBain realized who she was because he most surely would. Mason had told her that he wanted to send her off with style tonight and she knew exactly what that meant and she was totally on board with one exception they had to be done by 10pm so she could get a good nights sleep, even if it meant she had to sleep in her own apartment for a change.
Mason had agreed and was true to his word he was home by 6pm, take out sandwiches in hand, which they promptly neglected, and he had carried her into bed by 6:10. He had whispered seductively to her, Your bodys going to take a beating these next monthsso allow me to bring it nothing but pleasure for these next few hours And he brought all his considerable strength and conditioning to that task. When Natalie was again capable of conscious thought she knew she was going to miss him and not just his touch, which was addicting. She felt so comfortable with him, and liked him enormously and she knew that what made things so easy was that neither of them had any expectations for each other, about each other. Still, she was going to miss having him in her daily life these past several days had been great. Almost as if he read her mind Mason said, Hey, lets keep this between the two of us, but Im going to miss you
She smiled at him and said, youre secrets safe with me, and in the spirit of total honestly, Im going to miss you too She kissed him softly on the mouth and moved her head back to his chest, and he tightened his arms around her by 10:05 they were fast asleep.
Mason had set his alarm clock for 6am and made Natalie a breakfast of oatmeal and bacon and she was touched by the gesture. Didnt you ever learn the value of a good breakfast? Hed also wanted to drive her to Quantico but she graciously declined all she needed was John McBain to see him dropping her off. He had insisted on arranging for car service to take her, and she found she liked the little ways he was trying to take care of her without smothering. Natalie had been instructed to show up with nothing but a single overnight bag with a few civilian clothes and personal items the rest would be provided for her. She tossed on yoga pants, sneakers, a sports bra, t-shirt and sweatshirt all basic black and had pulled her hair into a braid. No make-up. And still Mason thought she looked stunning. She couldnt help it.
He found he was actually worrying about her a bit, yet he believed she had a real shot at pulling this off. He admired her courage to take it on and he told her that, which he could tell meant something to her.
Mason then pulled her into a tight hug and held her against him for a long while. When he pulled back he gripped her upper arms in his large hands and looked at her intently, Natalie, I believe you are going to do great. But if you find it isnt happening for you, dont kill yourself trying just to prove a point. Give it your best I know you will but listen to your gut your body about whats right. And I want you to promise me, if you need anything, day or night, you call me you come straight here whatever you need whenever you need it. Because he thought the moment might be getting too serious he said, And if you play your cards right young lady, I just might let you spend your liberty with me and take liberties with me
She laughed and then pulled him back into a tight hug. They kissed softly and then she was heading out the door, to the car to Quantico.
John was in his office by 7am that morning, reviewing the curriculum for the upcoming training. They were learning as they went and after each class graduated all who had been involved de-briefed and discussed what had worked, what didnt, how training needed to be expanded, etc. Between the last graduation and this incoming class they had significantly retooled and lengthened the formal training. He had been one of the biggest proponents of that, and now he felt like hed tied a noose around his neck because Quantico training would now last six months, and then training would continue with newbies assigned to field work with experienced Special Branch operatives. John would be the lead instructor in charge, though he would be assisted by a strong team and their efforts supplemented by subject matter experts. His eyes briefly dwelled on a purple file halfway down a stack on his desk it was the file on his female recruit, and he studiously ignored it.
Natalies car pulled beside the entrance to Quantico at 8:30 am. She was due in the main administration building in 30 minutes, and was glad shed be walking from here because she hoped it would burn off some of her nervous energy. The driver had wanted to drop her off at her final destination, but she knew the last thing she needed was anyone seeing a limo deposit her like she was some princess. As she walked, she began to wonder what her other classmates would be like how many would be in the group she had spent so much of her time worried about John McBain and at the thought of him her stomach twisted a bit. At this point she just wanted this first meeting to be over with.
Fifteen minutes later she was at the main reception area, and when she told them she was there for Training Class Alpha the guard looked at her in surprise and asked her name. Sure enough, it was on his list. Wow, he thought, this was a shocker. He had her sign in and gave her a temporary pass part of todays processing would include getting a more permanent ID and told her how to get to the appropriate training room.
Natalie got to the room with about 8 minutes to spare. When she walked in there were already five guys standing around talking and they looked surprised when she entered. One of them quickly detached himself from the group and headed her way. She knew in an instant this guy was the bully sort who liked to appoint himself leader the big dog in the packAND that he also considered himself Gods gift to women. From 20 paces that image might hold, but one look at his swagger and the impudent way his eyes raked over her body proved that no woman in her right mind would want to waste her time. He was on the shorter side about 59 but he was powerfully-built, shed give him that. He probably weighed about 200 pounds and he was quite muscular and full of obvious pride in his physique given that he didnt so much walk as strut her way. She couldnt help wondering if hed practiced John Travoltas strut in Saturday Night Fever. He had shaved his head, his eyes were a chocolate brown, and his faced missed being handsome because of his somewhat puggy nose, but he wasnt ugly by any means at least not externally.
At that moment she appreciated Mason even more now he was a man who had every reason to strut, but he was totally down to earth about his physical presence.
Listen, dollface you are a vision and all that, but youre in the wrong place, so why dont you run along, but do leave me your number so I can get to know you in a more appropriate location a more appropriate time
John had arrived at the room just in time to hear that, and he pulled back against the wall so he was out of sight, but could listen. He knew there would be some issues like this, but was a bit surprised it was starting so quickly. He was curious to see how his mystery recruit would handle herself.
Natalie looked the guy directly in the eye, then turned away and headed to take a seat. Cro magnon man didnt like that much and he gripped her upper arm hard while he jerked her around to face him.
Listen, BITCH, Im not sure what you think youre doing but you are intruding here
Natalie looked at his hand on her arm, and then directly in his eye while she flexed the considerable muscle his hand had banded around. She could see the surprise in his eyes at that, and she said softly, in a cold tone of voice. Not sure who designated you room monitor but if this is Training Class Alpha then I am exactly where I belong your HAND however does not belong on my arm, or anywhere on me, dont make me remove it for youand dont make that mistake again.
Cro was so surprised by her words and attitude that he did remove his hand and took a step back, YOU are in this class wait wait wait thats impossible, theres never been a split-tail in this program
Until now, and I cannot tell you how impressed I am with the quality of at least one other recruit right now.
John had listened to this exchange and was at least a bit impressed by the womans ability to handle herself. And he was also making a mental note to find out who that asshole was a bit of hazing and swaggering was to be expected, but this guy was so over the line, he seemed to have a deeply ingrained anti-woman streak, and THAT could be a problem even if this class was all men. There was a certain decorum and self-control expected from everyone in this elite group. He decided it was time to make his presence known so he quickly entered the room.
He first studied the idiot and was not surprised a bit by what he saw. When he moved his eyes to the other party to this altercation he was shocked to the point he rocked back on his feet a bit. Without a shadow of a doubt he knew he was looking at Masons redhead. The first thought that ran through him was that this had to be some kind of a joke, but based on how shed been handling things before hed walked in, he new that wasnt the case. He stared at her and she returned his gaze, but was clearly uneasy since she knew he had recognized her instantaneously and they were both remembering the context of their first meeting. He ran his hand over his face, his mouth, and needed to buy himself a bit of time to regain his figurative footing so he barked, Everyone sit down!
Chapter 8
Natalie took a seat about three rows back from the front, while the idiot returned to his buddies and they moved into the row behind her guess who opted to sit directly behind? More recruits began to file into the room and take seats. It was clear that some of them already knew each other had probably been pulled from the FBI itself while others were in the same boat as her, and had been sourced from other law enforcement agencies around the country. Then again, no one else was in her particular boat. What had she gotten herself into? Every single one of them did a double-take when they saw her sitting there and no one sat near her, either. Great, it was like she had cooties or something what was this, second grade?! She could feel Johns eyes on her as he sat at the desk up front, but she just couldnt bring herself to look at him yet.
John sat at the desk and watched everyone coming in, observing if they were alone, in small groups, feeling awkward or ridiculously cocky like the idiot. Then he thought perhaps he was being unfair already saddling that guy with that title in his mind nah he was surely an idiot, but now he was going to be Johns idiot, at least for a while. He looked down the list of names 25 in all and there it was Natalie Buchanan her last name sounded familiar, and then he put it together, Senator Harris was from Pennsylvania and the Buchanan family one of the worlds wealthiest was based there. Great, the first female they were going to try out relying on him to make the most of her and theyd saddled him with a sex-kitten heiress. Fucking brilliant.
John also noticed the looks Natalie was getting, and the fact that she was being avoided like she had the plague. For a brief moment he felt a little bit sorry for her and then thought, fuck it. She asked for it she couldnt be surprised, surely He resumed staring at her, seeing how long she could go without looking up at him. Finally she did and their eyes remained locked for a good 30 seconds, and he was struck by how blue and clear hers were he hadnt exactly paid much attention to her eyes the other day he flicked his glance over the rest of her, and since her clothes were more fitted, he could see that she was tiny in stature great, it all just got better and better. He certainly understood that strength and conditioning was not just about size and mass but, well SHIT. How did he get stuck with this
Damn it two days ago he was razzing Mason about whether hed let the poor girl out of his bed all weekend and he barely had! and now he was supposed to mold her into an elite, hard-core agent Mason gets all the fun molding OK, he thought, he had to stop thinking like thatforget how he first met her what she was and wasnt wearing. DAMN! There he was going again Then he thought more about Mason and wondered if that bastard had realized Natalie was going to be in his class hed just have to have a word with him next time they talked.
It finally dawned on him that his entire class was present and accounted for, and looking expectantly at him, waiting for him to say anything to look up from his desk He sighed deeply and then got up and walked around to the front of his desk and sat on it. He was at heart a casual person he could be as intimidating as he needed to be, but why not start off easy. He looked at Natalie again, who once again met his gaze head on, and then he scanned the entire room. Definitely a diverse group ages ranging from mid-twenties to mid-thirties, it seemed. Some pretty big guys some much slighter but only the prick whod been giving Natalie a hard time whod sat his ass directly behind her seemed overtly like a jerk. John knew from experience that others would prove to be just as bad, they just were better about hiding it. Finally, he spoke.
Im Special Agent John McBain and your instructor in charge. This group is known as Training Class Alpha. That better be the ONLY name I hear any of you use to describe this program what were doing OK, lets start by addressing the elephant in the room then he couldnt help but smirk because Natalie was far from an elephant and he said, Sorry, poor choice of words
Until now, the only candidates oh, and by the way, that is your official title until you pass for this program have been men. That changes with this class, as you all have noticed. Now I am stating this for everyone to hear so there is no mistake everyone in this room has to pass the same tests, be they physical or intellectual in nature. There is no such thing as special treatment in this class but you all need to hear me now his eyes locked on the idiot as he said this that ALSO means that no candidate should be singled out by his or her peers for extra grief. Becoming a TEAM is one of the most important things that will happen over the next six months. I expect you all to act like professionals that is a requirement and expectation of this program. You need to comport yourself as the elites you are to become at all times you need to show judgment balance maturity any lapse in that is grounds for dismissal the same as if you flunked any other part of this program. I am not fooling, and I dont like to give warnings consider this it.
Now Id like you to stand up one and a time and introduce yourselves name and what you were doing before you were selected for this program. Why dont we start with you, Ms. Buchanan
She had a feeling shed be the first called on and that was better than waiting until the end she slowly stood up and turned around to face her 24 classmates. Some actually had encouraging expressions on their faces, many seemed skeptical, and a few pretty dismissive like the idiot whod given her a hard time. She said in a strong voice, Im Natalie Buchanan. I was an officer at the Llanview Pennsylvania Police Department
Cro Magnon piped up and asked, You work Vice, baby go on the stroll trolling for Johns?
John felt his back stiffen a bit this guy was a total moron.. hed just been WARNED but John held back because he knew it would be better off for everyone especially Natalie if he only intervened in truly egregious situations.
Natalie smiled sweetly and said, As a matter of fact, yesI was pretty good at it scumbags have always underestimated me to their own detriment She let that lie there, and everyone new exactly what she was saying, and John saw the flare of anger in the idiots eyes, but he said nothing. Maybe he had a few brain cells after all.
Natalie sat back down and John said to the idiot, Well, since youve already spoken up, why not take the floor now and tell us who you are
He shot out of his chair making sure to flex his muscles and John could barely contain an eye roll, Dan Gentry, Virginia State Police
It took about 30 minutes to complete introductions, and then John resumed his standard spiel.
Training Class Alpha will last for six months the first three are focused primarily around physically oriented pursuits strength training, conditioning, various martial arts and other fighting skills, and even some soccer to allow further aerobic conditioning while building a sense of team. Also heavily emphasized will be working with firearms, small explosives and the like things you might have to do to get yourselves out of trouble before the big guns arrive, if thats the particular scenario. Again, nothing to the extent of Navy SEALs or Green Berets, but a heck of a lot more than any of you are used to from your previous positions. There will be some introductory courses on such things as behavioral psychology, legal issues, interrogation techniques and such but those will delved into much more deeply in the final three months. That will also include some training on how to personally deal with capture torture being interrogated yourselves
The room had suddenly gotten quiet.
The dividing line between the first three months and the next three will be something called hell night. It is when we simulate a mission and you all will spend the entire night as if you are under siege, trying to gain the upper hand, take prisoners as opposed to becoming prisoners, etc. Well go over a lot more about that as it draws near, but it will be intense, and in essence a final exam for the first three months to determine if you get to proceed. That said, some of you wont make it that far. You may withdraw yourselves, or we may determine that we just dont see you making it and let me say this one more time and it IS your final warning: we will be evaluating your character, judgment and integrity at least as closely as everything else. If you get through these six months then you will be assigned to the field, but also to an experienced operative who will continue your training for the following six months
He let that sit with them for a moment, and then continued.
You are all staying in a barracks together. ALL of you He looked at Natalie when he said that. You are all adults and I expect zero trouble with that. We have assigned bunks to everyone no switching, no exceptions. When we break from here you will head over to get your pictures taken for your IDs, and then on to get your regulation clothing. You will wear what I tell you to wear for every session. For example, you will get jeans and denim work shirts for class when we hit the gym I want to see everyone in their tank tops and gym shorts your sweat suits and t-shirts will be largely for outdoor use unless I say differently. Youll have sneakers and boots as well as full camo outfits and eventually youll get some firepower assigned to you too There are some cafes and a pub on campus, and you can wear any of your assigned clothes there that you choose. But after today, the only time you are to be seen in your own civilian clothes is if you are heading off-site for designated liberty time. You get your first night off in two weeks and then periodically after that
Folks, this wont be easy. It isnt our job to go easy on you because if we do that we are possibly setting you up to be killed. The work you will do make a huge difference to your country to our safety and we will do our best to prepare you. I have a strong team of instructors who will work with me to help you get where you need to go dont let me hear that you have given them any trouble, or you can get your ass out of here. Now, agent Markus is waiting outside the door to shepherd you through getting your IDs, clothes, getting settled in your dorm, and all that lets break for now and Ill be by your dorm to get you later Ms. Buchanan, can you please stay for a few minutes Id like to talk to you then Ill make sure you get caught up
She said, Sure very quietly. Everyone in the room gave her a look as they left, and she knew they were curious but glad they werent the ones being singled out
Chapter 9
John and Natalie looked at each other again, him still sit-leaning against the edge of his desk her sitting in her chair Finally he spoke, Sooo Natalie its uh interesting to see you again I must say, it never occurred to me that if I saw you again it would be here under these circumstances tell me, did you know about all this the morning I first met you?
Natalie swallowed and said, No I didnt find out until Sunday night that I was going to be allowed in and I didnt even know your last name then
True, we didnt exactly spend a lot of time chatting or bothering with formal introductions before you headed back to Masons bed
Natalie couldnt help the flush that moved up her neck and into her cheeks, but she said nothing.
Does Mason know now? Did you guys put two-and-two together? Have you even seen him recently?
Natalie was getting irritated because she was also feeling a bit embarrassed, so she answered in clipped tones, Yes, Mason knows. We put two-and-two together Sunday night. And I last saw him was this morning when he made me breakfast before I headed here.
John digested all of this, the meaning behind her words, and then said, Why do you want to do this, Buchanan? He had converted to her last name to try to ease the tension that was building shift things to a more impersonal level
Why does anyone want to? Why do my motivations have to be any different?
A fair point but are you really prepared for this?
Im sorry to be answering your questions with more questions, but can anyone know if they are until theyre in it? I think Im up for this challenge I will do everything I can to measure up beyond that, what can I say?
John sighed, Nothing, really look, Buchanan youve already started getting shit from Gentry, and hes not going to be the only one. You seem to be able to handle yourself and that is the best way to do things, by and large. But if anyone seriously crosses the line, let me know. I wasnt kidding when I said that the integrity and character thing is so important and anyone right for this program wont cross a certain line
Natalie nodded and then he said, Well, lets get you caught up with your class
They walked silently across the building and when she was back with her class John headed back to his own office with a see you all a bit later tossed over his shoulder.
As he sat back in his chair, his eyes fell on her purple file again, and once again he ignored it. This afternoon he was essentially going to inspect his troops and see what he had to work with get a look at them in their tanks and shorts to assess overall fitness, and then have them work a bit in the gym see about their level of conditioning. He thought that Natalie may be screwed literally and figuratively, he thought sarcastically in that department because of her busy weekend well, it went over the weekend Mason may have worn her out guess she didnt know the conventional wisdom about abstinence before a big game but, shit, Mason shouldve known better CRAP! He had to stop thinking about that
Natalie was trying to steady her nerves as she went through all the processing. Overall, things hadnt gone too badly with McBain he got a few digs in about how she spent her time with Mason, but he actually seemed like a decent guy overall who wasnt stacking the decks against her that was really all she could ask.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didnt realize at first that one of her classmates had spoken to her. she finally focused on him.
Natalie, right?
Yeah
Im Scott Turner from California my buddy over there is Jason Bradford we both just punched out of the marines anyway, if youll pardon the expression, some of the most righteous dudes we knew in the corps were the women were glad to have you around just know you have at least two friends here, OK?
Natalie was so grateful for his words and she gave him a genuine smile and said, Thank you so much. He was a bit like a mini-Mason 6 tall, probably 200 pounds, but same coloring His buddy was the opposite, dark hair and dark eyes, but he gave a small wave across the room at her which she returned.
If you want at least until you figure out some of these other guys you can hang with us eating and what-not
I would really appreciate that
Natalie proved to be a bit of a wardrobe challenge because the stockpile of clothes ordered for this program were all geared towards men. She requested large shirts which was fine, but even the smallest pants were a bit big on her which wasnt a big deal with the sweats since they had a draw string or the gym shorts for that matter but jeans and stuff finally the guy helping her suggested she take a bandana and tie a couple of back belt loops together, and she might be OKIt also occurred to them that they had an endless supply of boxers and t-shirts, but no womens underwear or PJs (the men were assumed to sleep in boxers and Ts). She had brought her own underwear let McBain try to check if she was out of regulation but did grab some boxers and extra T-shirts and tanks since she would sleep in those
Finally they were brought over to the dorm, which really was much like a barracks. There was one very long room that was quite large, and it was with great relief that Natalie saw that these were a bit nicer and much more private than standard military barracks. On either side of the aisle that ran the length of the room were what looked almost like sleeping berths on a train, lined up side by side. The junior agent showing them around opened the first one he came to so they could see inside Not much bigger than a closet itself, it had a small desk and closet on the main level, and then a bunk suspended above the desk with a ladder to access it. The walls of these berths or cubbies as the agent referred to them didnt go to the ceiling, but it really did afford some privacy, and there was a light door almost like a screen door but with solid wood panels at the entrance. No locks, however. Still, this was a great surprise. On each door a name had been affixed, and they were told to find their cubbies.
Natalies was all the way down the end, near the bathrooms, and she was glad to see that Scott was on one side of her and Jason directly across the way. Maybe she would get a bit of luck on her side. Her faith in that was a little bit shaken when she realized that Gentry was assigned to the berth next to Jason, but what could she do? He eyed her up and down per usual but she flat out ignored him.
Their guide she thought his name was Agent Hart asked them to gather around for a second. OK through that door over there is a common area with some tables, chairs, soda machine and a TV. In there is the bathroom sinks , toilets, showers. Some of you may be relieved that the showers are as private as your cubbies here floor to ceiling wood doors that lock, and a small dressing area with the shower beyond it He had looked at Natalie when he said this, and she was relieved. Agent McBain will be here shortly. Hes requested that you all change into your shorts and tanks with your sweat suits over them. And sneakers. OH! About cellphones, blackberries, etc. you are allowed to keep them but you cannot have them on your person while in class. One of the drawers in your dresser has a lock. Stow them in there And with that he was gone.
Gentry swaggered over to Natalie and asked, You need any help getting changed? I can unsnap a bra in two tenths of a second
Natalie smirked at him and said, That doesnt quite work with a sports bra, but if I decide to go all Victorias Secret Ill let you know
With that she retreated into her cubbie and wished it had a lock. It felt great to be away from everyones prying eyes for a few minutes. She pulled out her phone for a second and had a sudden urge to call her mom it felt like forever since shed seen her family, but it had just been a week She realized she had a text and smiled when she saw it was from Mason. It read: Hey, Natalie knock em dead! She felt better.
She had changed quickly and decided to stretch out on her bunk to calm herself further. Her nerves were so on edge and shed never make it through if she didnt settle down. She was almost there when the sound of a whistle shrieked over the conversations that were ongoing in the main area, followed by McBains voice he had such a great voice
OK. Lets see everybody out here, front and center!
Natalie climbed off her bunk and walked out to stand in front of her door. McBain walked down the line, eyeballing everyone he finally noticed where Natalie was, and then inwardly sighed when her realized how closely Gentry was billeted to her luck of the draw could be a bitch theyd just have to see if Gentry was smart enough to have listened to Johns warnings
Were going to head over to the main gym, so you can familiarize yourselves with it, and we can get a handle on where everyone is in terms of what they know already, general conditioning, etc. Besides martial and fighting arts, youll be doing some wrestling grappling like collegiate wrestling... It helps in toning and also will give you some critical skills for when any fights you might end up in then end up on the ground. Anyway, lets get going.
They began the quarter mile walk to the main gym, and Natalie fell in step with Scott and Jason, grateful for their companionship. They were actually a lot of fun, constantly ribbing each other theyd gone through boot-camp together right here at Quantico 6 years earlier. Natalie found herself laughing out loud a few times, and looked up to find Johns eyes on her when she did. He was glad for her that she seemed to have found at least a couple of allies shed need them
Natalie felt she had a chance of holding her own when it came to physical conditioning and even strength training. She had begun to take some martial arts classes several years back, and in the past 12 months had really stepped it up shed done some sort of that training 4 times a week since then. She was lucky that she had found a dojo that offered a wide range of fighting types, from the classic tae kwan do and judo to krav maga and basic street fighting. Even better, her instructor had suggested she learn the basics of collegiate wrestling for exactly the same reasons McBain had just mentioned, so she had a hopeful edge there, too Only time would tell
Chapter 10
John led them all into the athletic complex and walked them through a quick tour. It was open and airy, with some of the work-out areas set in a mezzanine that overlooked a traditional gymnasium. There were plenty of other special purpose rooms some with mats for martial arts, fighting and wrestling, for example, or lined with mirrors for aerobics and perhaps boxing training In addition there were squash, tennis and handball courts, plus several of the gyms had basketball hoops, too. There was also a large in-door pool plus steam rooms, saunas, whirlpool baths, etc. Happily there were lockers for women and men since the entire FBI had access so shed not have to hang just with the boys.
John stopped when they were in one of the smaller gyms that had basketball hoops on either end, but had also been set with mats across almost the entire surface.
So, youve just had a quick tour of the main athletic center you can hang out here as much as you want in your off time. I should also mention that the other side of the campus which is about 2 miles from here is the original gym. It is much smaller and not nearly as well equipped, but if you find yourselves over that direction not sure why you would you can also use those facilities.
Natalie made an immediate mental note that shed check that out she preferred a quieter place when she worked out.
John continued, Agent Hart, here, is going to take you guys through some warm up exercises, stretches and whatnot, before we ease into a little physical activity, so off with your sweat suits, youll need the freedom of movement in your shorts and tanks and leave your shoes off too for now John knew that some might think it was ridiculous being so directive about their clothing really, what difference would a t-shirt make compared to a tank but this was one of the subtle ways they would communicate to the candidates that they were essentially property of the FBI and this program for now and had to do what they were told.
He did a quick scan of the group and realized that most of them were watching Natalie with baited breath, while slowly shedding their own cover-ups. The slight flush on her cheeks told him that she was aware of the scrutiny, but she was very matter-of-fact in her movements. She kicked her sneakers off, ripped her sweatshirt over her head, and not looking up moved her sweatpants down over her hips and thighs and carefully stepped out of them. She felt her heart pounding as she did so, and realizing there were a few guys standing behind her was careful not to bend too far over when she reached down to remove her sweats she didnt need to give them too much of a show of her butt. The good news was, she had spent so much time in gyms dominated by guys that she pretended that was where she was right this second and was able to keep her nerves decently in check.
Natalie stood up straight and decided to just let everyone get their looks in until it wasnt a big deal until they were over it. John swallowed hard and immediately began to question the wisdom of the wardrobe dictatorship because it didnt take into account the potential for out and out distraction depending on who was wearing what, until then, had sounded so innocuous. As he looked at her, her toned body, ripped muscles which were prominent but not bulky he had the same thought that Mason (and others) had when they first saw her: Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2. But with a significant exception or exceptions Natalie was decidedly NOT small breasted. The outline of her sports bra was visible under her white tank, but it did nothing to hide those curves. Even though her tank and shorts were on the loose side, there was also no mistaking her whittled waist and gently rounded hips and her legs were perfect too From the expressions of the guys standing behind her, and where they were looking, her backside probably wasnt too shabby either.
As John further surveyed the reactions of Natalies classmates, he had to bite his cheeks to stop from laughing and groaning out loud, because the gym shorts did little to hide the physical response some were having to her. Truth be told, at that moment he was very glad he still had his own sweat pants still on and he understood even better why Mason had spent so much time with her, lucky bastard. He thought back on his statement to Chase that he hoped the first female recruit would essentially look like a man who just happened to be a woman, and again he could have laughed out loud because Natalie was about as far away from that as one could get.
His eyes finally connected with hers and he read and impatient, Well?! within hers, and decided to move things forward. OK, Agent Hart will be leading you guys for now Ill be roaming around observing
Hart led them through a variety of stretching exercises on the mats, and Natalie tossed herself into them, tuning out all around her including the ongoing stares of her classmates who couldnt help watching her kick-ass body in motion as it bent and stretched. John noted that she was incredibly flexible and used all his strength to avoid the gutter that thought almost steered him into He sighed deeply how could he expect the rest of his class to act accordingly if he was handling this like a junior high school boy just hitting puberty. Surely the novelty would wear off soon
Hart was also going to get a sense of what sort of training the candidates had had. John knew that theyd all likely had some sort of martial arts or hand-to-hand combat training some more than others but they would really step it up and expand on that here taking at least 3 hours of it per day during the first three months. Also, an ongoing requirement of those who made it through the program was to continue to advance all those skills and abilities. And even during the second three months that sort of training would remain extensive.
OK, Hart said. I believe Agent McBain told you that we would be training you in basic collegiate wrestling along with all the other fighting techniques. How many of you have already had significant training in that discipline?
About 5 hands went up and John was surprised to see that Natalies was one of them. So, too, was Hart. He had some frankly mixed feelings about a woman being in the program particularly one who looked like she had T2 fantasies so he decided to see what she had to offer. Great, well, why dont we have a couple of you give us a brief demonstration of a few positions and holds and such lets see, Buchanan and Nero
Natalie felt some butterflies attack her stomach and tried to just breathe deeply. She had a feeling this was going to happen a lot shed always be the one asked to demonstrate her skills before anyone else. She took a look at Nero and he seemed like a classic New York guy of Italian descent, but he also seemed a bit shy nervous and she actually felt a bit worse for him than herself. Wrestling holds were pretty darn close almost intimate in some ways all sorts of interesting body parts were grabbed, bodies held close together, writhing around a bit. Guys were used to grabbing their wrestling buddies that way though Natalie had always wondered if the Greeks and Romans had invented some of that stuff as a way to sneak in some man-on-man action that was sanctioned. For them to grab a woman that way unless it was in private after a few beers well, most guys would be a bit rattled. Probably not your Gentrys of the world, but fate smiled on her today and he had not raised his hands as having any experience in this he looked more the football type.
When Natalie and Nero were standing in the center of the center mat, everyone gathered around. Hart looked at John and gave him an almost imperceptible wink and said, OK, Buchanan, you assume the Defensive Starting Position, and Nero will take the Offensive Starting Position. Natalie held in a groan and Nero looked stricken, but she took a deep breath and got down on all fours both hands and knees planted firmly on the mat. Nero hesitated. Shit! he thought to himself how was he supposed to do this Nero Hart prompted. Nero kneeled down to Natalies right, and began to coach himself through the hold, trying to draw breath. He planted his right foot firmly a few inches from Natalies right leg, and his left knee was on the mat behind her. He gulped a breath and took his right hand and put it on her right elbow. Then he began to snake his left arm around her body, knowing he was supposed to rest it on her stomach and then put his head in the middle of her back, on her spine, not too far below her neck but he found himself freezing He thought maybe hed change the position of his knees and feet, maybe put his right knee on the mat instead but knew he was stalling
The rest of the class and John had been watching this with rapt attention. Natalie had remained still on all fours a sight to behold while poor Nero looked like a clumsy guy trying to put the moves on his girlfriend in the back of his car. A few snickers were audible, but John actually felt a bit badly for Nero. He realized this whole thing could spiral out of control so he stepped in.
Nero, out of the way. Please. Guys, its just wrestling are you men or pre-pubescent teens? And putting his money where his mouth was he decided to show how it was done. He very quickly got into the same position Nero had started but with no hesitation completed it, moving his left arm around Natalie so that his hand rested on her stomach, over her navel, and pressing his head into the middle of her back.
When Natalie realized that John was planning on taking Neros place, she was shocked and realized she felt at least a bit of excitement course through her, but told herself quickly it was just nerves. As he knelt beside and behind her and wrapped his arm around her, it took all her control not to shudder just a bit in response his hand felt so warm on her stomach, her thin cotton shirt blocking none of the heat. She needed even more control when his head moved to her back and she could feel his hot breath on the bare skin above the neck of her tank. John was fighting a similar battle, especially with his groin which he felt tightening. Shit! Whyd he think THIS was a good idea?!
John could feel Natalies tension as well, but fair play to her, she seemed to be holding it together.
Hart spoke up, Well executed, Agent McBain. This, gentleman is the classic starting position. Buchanan is in the Defensive position while Agent McBain is in the Offensive Starting Position. Once a match got underway, Buchanan would want to try to get out from under her opponent as quickly as possible and try to gain an advantage. Both would want to avoid getting pinned. You guys care to try a few moves?
John said, What do you say, Buchanan, you game?
Natalie closed her eyes at the sound of his voice and the feel of his breath on her and then said, Sure, why not.
Hart said, Great. Youll go when I blow the whistle.
As soon as Natalie heard the whistle blow she was on the move and John was surprised that she managed to pull of a pretty quick reversal and get out from under him. No more holding back on his part. For the better part of a minute they wrestled in earnest, grabbing against each others legs, arms, torsos, necks, trying to gain the advantage, sometimes seeming stalemated he was suitably impressed by her He had to outweigh her by a good 70 pounds, but she was strong and agile, flexible and fast. She managed to sustain a bridge for a while so he couldnt fully pin her. Ultimately he did, deciding their brief match, but hed had to work for it, and that surprised him a bit.
Natalie knew it was unlikely shed win a formal wrestling match against the much larger John. She couldnt fight dirty like she would if this was a real fight for her life but she had not wanted to go down easy and she hadnt, and she knew he hadnt held back either.
They had been oblivious to the cheers and whistles, while they wrestled, and Hart had been quite surprised. Natalie had a lot more to her than hed thought. After John held her shoulders to the mat for the requisite time, he got off her and jumped up, and held his hand out to her. She accepted and he helped haul her to her feet.
Great job, Buchanan
She gave him a genuine smile and it was stunning, Thanks Agent McBain
He noted she wasnt even winded, and that was notable too. She seemed to have taken all of this pretty seriously
Soon the group was in the weight room and they were told to just go ahead and work out like they normally would, and McBain and Hart were going to observe. Natalie fell in with Turner and Bradford as her work out buddies, and they were pumped at her earlier performance.
Buchanan Bradford said You rock!
A few pieces of equipment away Gentry seemed to be holding court with a few guys who went along with his fantasy that he was some big deal. No coincidence, one was another muscle-bound moron from Chicago who used muscles to compensate for esteem issues she thought his name was Bobbie Yates. Another little guy from Tennessee Billy Ray was also hanging with him, and finally a very quiet Asian guy named Stan Han. The older guys in the group in their early-to-mid thirties were hanging tight, but a few of them had said a kind word to her and it seemed like they were open-minded to her being there.
John noted that Natalie kept pace with her partners and moved a good bit of weight for someone her size. Finally they were all doing cardio some treadmills, some bikes, some elliptical machines and Natalie ran flat out on an inclined treadmill for longer than anyone else could keep up. Maybe they had a contender but he wasnt going to assume so until he saw more from her
At 4pm John shouted out for their attention. Not a bad first day, folks. Deputy Director Chase wants to meet you all for dinner tonight so you are going to be saved from the dining hall. In the pub theres a back room that hes reserved be there at 6pm sharp. And remember you can wear any of your regulation clothes.
Chapter 11
The 25 classmates headed back to their dorm and swarmed the showers. There were 20 of them, so not much waiting was involved, but Natalie decided to stretch out for a little bit and shower after most were done. She grabbed her phone out of the drawer and decided to text Mason back.
still alive actually wrestled mcbain today literally long story at least 1 turbo-jerk here
About 1 minute after she sent it he replied
wrestling nother guy already?!
And so began a 5 minute conversation:
relax not special moves only uve seen or felt
phew relief but now all I can think about ur movesmy lethal weapon misses u
Natalie giggled when she read that
back at u!
would u b ready for me right now?
Natalie felt her face flush a bit and indeed she thought she probably would be ready for him
totally
damn ure killing me oops, due in meeting embarrassing tent problem now ull pay for this
cant wait
Natalie stowed her phone, grabbed fresh clothes and headed for a cold shower.
She opted for jeans and a denim work shirt, plus her boots. She pulled her wet hair into a quick pony tail and just put a bit of lip gloss on, and headed back towards her berth. Turner and Bradford were waiting for her.
Hey, Natalie, were heading over a bit early for a beer want to come?
John had headed back to his on-campus apartment and right for the showers a cool one at that. He was going to have to watch his step, carefully. He wasnt even going to try to convince himself he didnt find Natalie attractive. But she was in his class he was her instructor she was the first female in this whole program and hed been trusted with her plus, he did consider Mason a decent friend, and he knew Natalie wasnt just his platonic friend maybe Mason wasnt the settling down type hmmm, wonder if Natalie knew that but he had certainly staked a claim, so to speak then John tried to purge every fleeting image of the type of wrestling Mason had engaged in with Natalie.
He dressed quickly in jeans and a sweater he didnt have to stick with any wardrobe and headed to The Pub. He was meeting Chase in the VIP room for a beer to give him his first thoughts about the class. Chase was already there when he arrived. After they got settled with their drinks Chase asked, So?
Well, it was certainly interesting. He decided it made no sense to tell anyone hed already met Natalie before. It is still very early, but I am beginning to think that Buchanan will be able to go the distance on the physical stuff of course that doesnt mean shell deal with the psychological stuff as well as necessary. That is often what separates the men from the boys, if youll pardon the expression.
You havent read her file yet, have you?
Nope.
Well, I have and I think shell probably lap the field on the psych stuff so if she can keep up on the strength and endurance, plus the fighting and guns we may actually have ourselves a real candidate.
John thought that might be a bit overly optimistic a bit too soon but, heck, who knew at this point.
How about the rest of the class, John?
Well, theres at least one total son of a bitch that gave Buchanan a hard time on sight. And not in a generic hazing sort of way. Im going to watch him closely because I think he could end up the kind of guy that gets into the shit and blows it all up because he gets off on hurting people especially innocents
Yeah, keep a tight watch on that
With that Chase looked at his watch and signaled that it was time for them to head to their private room to meet the class.
The room was buzzing when they got there, all 25 candidates present and accounted for. Johns eyes immediately found Natalie she was laughing with Turner and Bradford, and one of the older candidates a good looking, very talented African American named Justin Rich. He had been a detective in NYC who also had a law degree, and John knew he was the type whod just do what he had to in order to succeed and stay away from the BS. He was a mature and talented individual who didnt care for drama. John took it as a good sign that Natalie was hanging with such a group.
His gaze then slid to Gentry who seemed his normal self hanging with what John could only think of as his posse and he felt bad for the hangers on because they had no clue they were likely backing the wrong horse, who was likely to take them all down in the end. He actually had a lot of respect for most of the group here, who seemed to be holding back a bit to observe before deciding if it made sense to bond with anyone and with whom.
The tables had been set up in a U shape so theyd all be able to see each other when they ate and had to listen to Chase of John A small bar was set up in the room and a few snacks laid out but he was glad to see that no one appeared to be diving into too much alcohol that wasnt what they were here for.
Chase called the room to order, asking everyone to grab a fresh drink if they needed and to sit. Natalie ended up between Bradford and Turner and far away from Gentry, so she was quite happy. Chase had been stealing glances at her and thought that the pictures in her file didnt do her justice. He was struck by her relatively tiny stature and it made him take seriously McBains feeling that she had the physical stuff to go the distance, because he would never say it if he had real doubts.
OK, I know that youre probably tired of hearing us talk at you. And I will remind everyone that you can only refer to what youre doing as Training Class Alpha. But for a moment, while in this room, Im going to speak openly drop the coy act. Those of you who make it through are going to be doing an incredible service for your country. Youll be elite among elites even if most of the time your very existence is denied. But if this class pans out like the first 6, then less than half of you will make it through. But for those who dont theres no shame, because even being in the class to begin with says something about you
Under his breath Gentry said, Yeah, for one of us it says we should have stayed a Hooters waitress
Natalie just rolled her eyes when she heard that. She wasnt even bothered by Gentry any more because he was such an over-the-top moron.
Chase heard it too and locking eyes on Gentry he said, One thing Id like to reiterate, that Im sure McBain has already underlined for you. The ability to handle yourself in a mature way, with integrity, is most important more than anything youll be measured on. It would be a really good thing if some of you figured that out right this second. We can start thinning this heard tonight if need be
The rest of the evening passed with everyone on their best behavior even Gentry. He stayed mostly with the couple of people hed already bonded with, but did speak to a few others. Natalie was branching out a bit as well, talking with some other classmates and carefully remaining on the other side of the room from Gentry. A healthful dinner of chicken and vegetables had been served, and that suited Natalie just fine. Every now and again shed look up and make eye contact with John, but they didnt speak at all during the evening. He had to get to know some of her other classmates. By 9pm Chase and John were leaving, and some of the candidates were going to hang at The Pub in the main bar area, but Natalie really wanted to get some rest. She and Justin walked back to the dorms together and she really liked him. In some ways he reminded her of a much younger version of Bo just solid.
So, Natalie this must be a bit overwhelming?
A bit but really, isnt it for everyone?
Yeah, I suppose. I have to say though, you really did great with the wrestling thing that earned you some respect, and thats the name of the game
Well, I appreciate that but its going to be a long 6 months if I even make it that far
I hear that Buchanan.
Natalie washed her face, brushed her teeth and headed for her cubbie where she slipped into bed with a grateful sigh. Shed grabbed her phone from the drawer and saw she had new text message.
LW still misses U
She couldnt help but laugh he was hysterical and he sure knew what to do with her and his lethal weapon on that thought she fell asleep.
Start Dream
Natalie was lying back on the bed, her body quivering from the trail of kisses Mason was placing as he moved down it. She knew where he was headed and she shuddered harder in anticipation. She closed her eyes and felt his strong hands push her legs open wider, then move under her ass, squeezing hard. She felt his hot breath move over the moisture between her legs, and next his mouth was on her massaging her with his tongue and lips, and then plunging his thick, strong tongue deep inside her as her hips bucked.
She was familiar now with the touch of his mouth, but it had lost none of its power to arouse her drive her to her climax but all of a sudden it felt new again somehow different and she realized it was the heat the intensity There was an urgency in his mouth, in his hands and she felt his heat flow through her entire bloodstream, not just over her on herbut a part of her now
She was moaning without control and then he was taking her breath away she could only manage a few pitiful whimpers as his mouth and tongue possessed her her legs began to quiver and turn to jelly and in a burst of scorching energy her orgasm erupted through her as strong hands kept her center tightly in place while the rest of her writhed as if floating on a sea of sensation.
He detached himself from her and began to move up her body while she looked at him, her body starting to quake again just from the look in his eyes which was pure desire and intent. He was coming to claim her mouth and she was felt her heart race, and then his lips were on hers his tongue plundering the recesses of her mouth and she moaned his name, John John
End Dream
Natalie sat bolt upright in her bed She had clearly lost her mind too much stress but as she drifted back of to sleep, and began to let her defenses down again, her body remembered the heat of his hand on her stomach his breath on her neck
Chapter 12
Two weeks later Natalies body felt like it had been through the ringer, but she also felt as if she had truly settled into a routine and a comfort level with this part of the program. They were at it 8am 6pm at a minimum, and sometimes went on lengthy night runs as well. The days were taken up with strength training, cardio, wrestling and then all manner of martial arts and other fighting techniques. They were spending most of their time learning various forms and the nature of various potential moves, and trying them out, but were still very much holding back no real sparring per se no true simulation of a real fight that would come in another 4-6 weeks when the class had developed some mastery of the basics, and their muscles had had a chance to memorize the moves make them part of their instincts that they would automatically call upon if faced with certain situations.
Next week they would add firearms/munitions training, which sounded like it could be interesting.
What made her most relieved happy even was that she didnt feel like she stuck out like a sore thumb anymore. She was no where near the bottom of the pack in terms of performance, and the bulk of the class had become at least cordial to her, seeming to accept her presence at this point. Of course, Gentry had a snide remark for her every chance he got, but she just let it roll right off her. She had become quite close with Turner, Bradford, Nero and Rich and one of them was typically willing to partner with her in anything that required the classmates to pair off. She usually ate with them as well at the dining hall the food was decent but wholly unremarkable.
McBain was a constant presence throughout everything, and he treated her just like everyone else even tossing her a good job, Buchanan when shed earned it. Because the class had an odd number of students he always made up the extra partner, and took turns with everyone. He had not yet made his way around to her because she had, in fact, been his first partner for that memorable wrestling match. She had taken some delight when shed seen him take Gentry down a few pegs during a krav maga work-out
This particular night, Natalies buddies were heading to The Pub and had invited her, but she was not in that kind of mood. She found herself craving alone time and also the chance to work out for the pure pleasure and relaxation of it, and not under the direction and scrutiny of a drill sergeant, however decent he was overall. She had been meaning to check out the old gym on the other side of campus, but this was the first night when she felt she had any extra energy she was finally adjusting and not simply crawling back to her bunk and crashing
Natalie was pleasantly surprised to find the weight-room completely empty. She did a quick tour of the area and saw a small in-door pool, and then went into the locker room, realizing there was only one. Same for the shower area this really was a throw-back to the early FBI days when there really were only men. Apparently this facility only saw any real action before 6pm when people from the nearby offices grabbed a work-out immediately before or after work hours, or during their lunch. Since it was now 8pm, she figured shed have the place to herself.
She was right. She spent a full hour working out, first with light weights, more to stretch out her muscles, work off extra energy, and then she walked on the treadmill for 4 miles at a relatively slow pace. Still, she had worked up a decent sweat and craved a shower. She decided to chance it because there had been no sign of anyone and surely shed hear them if anyone came in. She grabbed two towels from the locker room and continued on into the tiled shower area a large open space with 10 shower heads and turned the water on as hot as she could stand it.
John had grabbed a bite out with a couple of the agents he worked with in his real job at the Bureau as part of a special task force targeting child predators and pornographers. He had been co-leading that for several years, but from 2001 2004 he had spent almost all his time on anti-terrorist work, during with time he had also helped develop the program for the Special Branch. Still, it felt good to just hang with some colleagues as opposed to being on the whole time with his class sometimes he felt like nothing so much as a glorified babysitter. By 8:30 he was back in his apartment on campus and began to feel a bit stir-crazy. It was convenient and it kept him away from his overly-amorous neighbor (please let her move soon), but he missed his home the space and feel of it. He needed to burn off some excess energy so he decided to head to the old gym, which was right by his apartment. It had long been his practice to grab an evening work-out there, when it was deserted. It was particularly handy that he didnt have to drive all the way home like he normally did
John headed to the treadmill to start with a light jog.
Natalie was feeling more relaxed than she had in ages the hot water was like heaven over her tired muscles she had been facing the wall and had finally gotten all the conditioner out of her hair, and then she shut the water off and turned around to head to the bench just outside the shower room where her towels sat. And then she shrieked! SHRIEKED. Sitting just three feet away, staring at her with what she read as malevolent intent, were two of the biggest most awful rats shed ever seen. And they were between her and her towels and the only exit from the showers and showed NO signs of being afraid of her or planning to move away any time soon in fact, she could swear theyd stepped even closer to her.
John almost fell off the treadmill when he heard a bloodcurdling screams and lost his footing. He righted himself and then headed to the direction from which the sound had come it seemed to be the locker room.
Natalie had backed up until she hit the quickly-chilling tile behind her, her hands spread against the wall as if to brace herself. Her breath was coming in gasps breasts heaving and that is EXACTLY how John found her, his eyes wide in surprise, and hers equally stunned.
He groaned inwardly she was even more amazing naked than hed imagined and YES, hed imagined he was human a man But it finally got through to him that she was terrified of something and she was pointing sort of in his direction, only downward. His eyes finally rested on the massive rodents and he even felt himself recoil a bit. Yikes they were big. He quickly looked around and grabbed the first thing he could find the towels Natalie had left on the bench. He got to work swatting at them and they finally got the hint and decided to leave of course heading in Johns direction since that was the only exit. He moved quickly out of the way, which brought him towards Natalie finally they were gone, and he turned to face her and at the same instant it occurred to them both that she was standing there, stark naked.
John gulped and felt himself harden a bit and averting his eyes reached his hand out with the towels
I cant use those they, they touched the RATS she said.
Oh OH right.. OK Ill go get you fresh ones and now he bolted out of the shower area, grabbed two towels and tossed them across to her from the doorway and fled back into the gym. He sat on one of the workout benches with his head in his hands, trying to grab a hold of himself. Shit. SHIT! He had actually been doing all right as of late convincing himself that Natalie was just any old recruit forgetting what she looked like in a mans shirt, hair mussed, lips swollen, skin marked from endless hours of being made love to forgetting what it felt like when he first knelt behind her and moved his hand to her stomach during their wrestling match and now this. CRAP! How was he supposed to get the image of her totally naked perfection out of his mind? And now should he wait for her make sure shes OK or flee like a scared 15 year old?
Natalie fell back against the tile wall and buried her face in one of the towels John had tossed her. Sweet mother, how would she shake this off like it was nothing? She had been stark naked in front of him for what seemed like HOURS but it was at least a few minutes. And she had been screaming over a couple of rats yeah, she was sure hed have no trouble believing she could handle two TERRORISTS coming at her. She toweled off and dragged her clothes back on, so glad she had her sweats and not just a tank and shorts. She was pretty sure hed be waiting for her why wouldnt he? Hed probably want to ask what other small creatures she couldnt handle. But those had been big-ass rats and impertinent, too. Staring at her like that. Perverts
Natalie walked into the weight room and Johns eyes met hers the moment she did. They stared at each other for a long moment, then they were both laughing so hard that tears ended up streaming down their faces. Natalie literally had to double over since she wasnt sitting like John wasFinally she walked over and sat on the far end of the bench he occupied.
He said, wiping a tear from his cheek, So, I guess you dont like the newest recruits
And they were laughing again..
Then she said, Well one Gentry per class is enough, isnt it?
More laughter.
Finally they were laughed out, but at least things felt totally comfortable at this point.
What are you doing here any way, Buchanan?
Getting a work out in
Havent you been working out enough?!
Well not in a more leisurely way that I sometimes like at home I regularly went to the gym later at night for more of a winding down work out
I do that too and normally find no one here Typically I dont bother to shower here I wait until I get home so I had no idea that there were awful creatures that come out and into the shower
She joked, Well, hey, thats not a very nice thing to say about me
Suddenly he grew a tad more serious when he looked hard at her and said, Buchanan, theres nothing awful about you, and she felt herself blush a bit.
To change the subject she said, Well, if this is your place to come I dont want to intrude I can do my late work-outs over in the main gym
He was quiet for a moment and said, Well, there must be a reason why you chose this place to begin with
I like the quiet getting away from the crowd for a bit
Then you should still come here you wont bother me unless Ill get in your way
No, not at all
Well, then I guess well bump into each other here periodically. But if youre going to use the showers again
Ill bring something to throw at interlopers
Well, nothing thats going to hurt my face
They chuckled a bit and then Natalie said, Id better get back to the dorms
You OK walking back by yourself?
She smiled at him and said, Fine see you tomorrow.
See you, Buchanan.
Chapter 13
Another week had gone by and John and Natalie had bumped into each other twice at the gym since their original, highly memorable meeting there. They greeted each other and gave each other room to enjoy their solitude, but every now and again their eyes would meet. Both times theyd done cardio at the same time, jogging beside each other on the treadmill, chatting about upcoming training exercises and such keeping it all very light and relatively impersonal. Both times John had also volunteered to stay while she showered and make sure no unintended parties crashed in on her. She had taken him up on it because just knowing he was hanging in the weight room did make her feel a bit safer. She had come to realize how isolated and empty except for icky creatures this building was.
This particular morning they were all up and out early for a pre-dawn run 20 miles over rough terrain. John and Hart were along for the duration and Natalie was running in the front of the pack with John, Turner and Nero. She had a smooth, efficient stride, and once she hit her zone, with her breathing under control, she felt like she could go forever. At the 10-mile mark they were to stop at a small rest area where there was a water fountain and a decrepit outhouse that would be better off to avoid. Most of the guys found a convenient tree a bit off the path on which to relieve themselves. John went around the bend a ways, and Natalie contemplated where she could find some privacy she had remembered to bring some tissues but finally decided to bite the bullet and seek the relative security of the outhouse. She remembered she had a small thing of hand lotion in her pocket and put some under her nose to blunt the smell she was sure awaited her and headed in. As quickly as possible she got done and rushed back out into the fresh air, sitting down against a tree about 20 feet away from everyone and drawing in some deep breaths.
Gentry had been watching her run in the lead pack the entire morning and he was pissed. The bitch actually had some skills and it infuriated him that she was better at some things than him he glanced around and realized that everyone was zoning out, or a decent distance away, chatting and there was no sign of McBain he decided to have a little funhe thought he could pull it off in a way that gave him a bit of deniability or reasonable doubt
Natalie had closed her eyes and was leaning back against the tree when she heard rustling in the leaves nearby. When she opened her eyes Gentry was just 3 feet away facing her, with his back towards everyone else. It was with shocked disgust that she realized he had his pants open and his hand was holding his almost-hard penis, almost stroking it like he was jerking off She couldnt believe he was actually doing this Leering at her he said, Sweet cheeks you dont mind if I relieve myself, do you? Ive had so much water But he continued to hold himself, move a bit on himself, making no move to urinate which she was glad of even though his ongoing actions were hardly preferable. She was trying to figure out what to do or say when John was suddenly rushing up on them and before she knew what was happening he was smashing Gentry up against the tree and she had to scramble away from it so as not to get run over a bit.
John was the definition of fury as he held Gentry against the tree and thundered, What the FUCK do you think youre doing?!
Gentry had a spark of fear in his eyes for a second but then tried his hand at slithery back-pedaling Man, Im sorry I didnt even realize she was sitting there until it was too late I had to go so bad, man, I wasnt thinking about anything else figured no one would be sitting this far out
John let out a bark of laughter which had no humor whatsoever. Gentry, you are a lying sack of shit. You and I both know what you were doing. Now, I really hope that you hear what I am saying because I am through giving you chances. If you cant act better than a low-life piece of scum then you dont belong in this program and you WONT be in this program. Consider yourself on probation and steer as far away from Buchanan as possible. Now get out of my sight.
John turned to Natalie who was still sitting on the ground about 5 feet away from the tree. He reached his hand out to her and she took it, and he helped her to her feet.
You OK?
Yeah, but her voice shook a little. She was frankly furious and furiously upset. He was so vile, and she had done exactly nothing to deserve it
Natalie he said her name so softly and that made her a bit more emotional because she was so used to him calling her Buchanan.
Ill be fine, I I was just surprised, and now Im not sure why
Well, maybe because something like that shouldnt even occur to you as possible look, I can bounce him right now
No! Dont get me wrong, I loathe him and would love him gone but not because of me something related to me let him go down for other things
Fair enough, but I need you to tell me if he gets out of line again and thats not about you its about the character of the people we can and cant afford to have in this program
Natalie just nodded.
John was still furious with Gentry but what he really felt at that moment was an incredible urge to pull her into a hug just out of comfort. Not because she was weak far from it but because she was this amazing blend of strength and tenderness, and the latter was very evident at that moment. She would shake this off, he knew, but it had also bothered her. He let himself go so far as to put his hand on her upper arm and squeeze it for a moment, and then he asked, Ready for the return 10 miles
Sure, lets go
As Natalie ran, she realized that John was making sure to keep pace with her. Rich, Nero, Bradford and Turner didnt know exactly what had happened, but the entire class was aware that something had occurred between Natalie and Gentry that McBain had had to put a stop to so her buddies closed ranks around her, too, and each made a silent pledge to keep her shielded from him as best they could.
They took an early lunch break and then were brought down to the shooting range where they would start working with handguns powerful handguns, such as 44s and 357 magnums. John loved the range he was an expert marksman and was always able to help the candidates improve their skills, no matter how much experience they had.
Natalie seemed to have recovered and was doing a good job with her target practice. He did notice she sometimes pulled up a bit at the last moment so he approached her.
Hey, Buchanan, nice job overall, but I did notice something with your form
Oh anything I can fix?
He appreciated her openness to coaching and said, Easily, I believe. Take your shooting stance
She did and then he stepped behind her. OK, now, what I see you doing sometimes is at the very end, pulling up just a little bit. Hard not to do with the power of this piece, but just a bit of concentration and awareness can help. Im going to hold onto your arms for extra control and you can feel what youll need to do to stay totally fixed on your position.
Natalie swallowed carefully as she felt John step up against her. He was so close, his chest was actually against her back and she could feel the muscles there. He was in a tank and sweats and his biceps and tattoos were in beautiful close-up as his arms bracketed hers, his hands lightly supporting under her wrists. OK, Buchanan he said softly against her ear, Let er rip.
Natalie squeezed the trigger and she felt his hands tighten on her a bit and the report moved her back a bit, further against him, and she couldnt control the slight tremor that went through her at the extra contact. She felt like she was losing her mind because for some reason this whole thing felt almost erotic her holding a powerful gun, him up against her and helping to support her arms as she shot, while his warm breath was on her neck
John felt the shudder and his own body reacted as well, and he was careful to make sure that his pelvis remained at a small distance from her back and backside, or she would have had no doubt about his reaction. What surprised him was that she was affected by this by him and though he knew he should try to ignore that, that knowledge excited him The silence between them went on for another 10 seconds and then he cleared his throat and stepped back.
Did you feel that, Nat- Buchanan?
I did she said softly.
Adopting a very business like tone he said, Just concentrate on keeping yourself taut your arms taut And with that he went to help another candidate.
Natalie shot a few more rounds but found it almost impossible to steady herself at this point. What was wrong with her?
Chapter 14
Natalie tried to throw herself into her work the rest of the day, and avoid looking at John, but she couldnt rid herself of thoughts about what it had felt like to have him so close the heat she felt coming off him shoot, he was just another guy
As she ate dinner and contemplated the evening ahead, she wrestled with whether to go to the gym for a late work-out as she had planned. Would she be disappointed if he didnt show up, or relieved? Should she just forget it, even though she was craving some quiet gym time since she hadnt been in two nights?
John was wrestling with much the same thing. But, he thought, a bit of attraction isnt so unusual its not a big deal its not like they had to act on it or ever would and spending time in normal situations could help help desensitize them
As it turned out, John and Natalie arrived at the gym at the exact same time, and smiled a bit awkwardly at each other. Soon they were both working weights but with a bit more intensity than normal. John saw Natalie loading up a good bit of weight on the bar, and as she went to lie down on the bench underneath it to bench-press it he said, Thats quite a bit of weight, Buchanan
Its my normal amount
But do you usually do it without a spot?
Well, no
Then let me spot you
He did and was impressed with her ability to handle the weight, her arm muscles moving smoothly but rippling with exertion, a light sheen of sweat covering her. Their eyes locked a few times as he looked down on her and he wasnt sure why he felt hotter because he wasnt exercising.
Without either of them talking about it, they began to work out together using the same machines one after the other, trading off reps, spotting each other. John was truly beginning to feel ridiculous because for some reason what in the past had just seemed like a basic work-out to him suddenly seemed intensely sexual in nature. Body movements, sweating, heavy breathing and their periodic eye contact didnt exactly help. He had to turn away when Natalie was working her legs on a thigh machine, pushing them wide open to move the weight, then reversing the action, sitting with her legs spread and then pushing them inward.
Natalie was stealing plenty of glances of her own when it was his turn. He was not as overtly muscular as Mason but he was definitely built and solid as a rock. His long-ish brown hair and blue eyes, combined with his tattoos for a smoking quality that was just, hot And damn it if in that moment she didnt flashback to the images Rex had sent her and she had to turn away she bolted for a new piece of equipment and John wondered if maybe, just maybe, he wasnt the only one feeling as if the air was slowly leaving the room.
Natalie was definitely feeling rattled and when she went to adjust the plates on the next piece of equipment she some how managed to squeeze her right index finger between two of them and she yelped from the pain. It looked angry and red and she instinctively put it in her mouth to suck on it.
John had shot up and over to her, Are you OK what did you do?
She was looking at him with large pain-filled eyes as she sucked on her finger and then she pulled it out to show him. A nice blood-blister was growing.
Shit, come with me then John had grabbed her hand and dragged her into the locker room over to the sinks. He turned the water on and standing behind her held her hand and finger under the cold spray. It stung at first and she couldnt help writhing a bit from the pain, but soon the water was making it feel so much better and she sighed
Thanks, that feels so much better
Well leave it under a bit longer better to keep the swelling down and diminish the blood flow because I believe thats your trigger finger Buchanan, youre going to need to use that a lot with your weapons training.
As they were talking their eyes were meeting in the mirror over the sink. He kept her hand under the water probably twice as long as necessary, but then again, she didnt seem in any hurry to pull it away either. Finally he said huskily, Thatll probably do it for now wrap a band-aid tight around it.
He stepped back from her but only a little more than a foot, so that when she turned around they were suddenly very close together, but neither of them moved. He could see the pulse jumping in the base of her throat and was sure it was keeping time with his. Everything got quiet, hot and his eyes slid from her eyes down to her mouth, which slightly opened in response. He exhaled a breath and suddenly their mouths were moving closer. When they were less than an inch apart they both noticed something in their peripheral vision and their heads snapped around to look at it it was a rat!
They sprang apart and Natalie jumped behind John as a shield while he grabbed some paper towel, wadded it up and threw it at the intruder, which scurried away.
Natalie laughed softly, shakily and they looked at each other for a long moment. It was awkward, the mood had been broken. She stepped back and said, Good night, McBain
See you tomorrow Buchanan.
They both struggled with the same thought as they made their separate ways home should they curse or bless the damn rat?!
John pounded back three beers to steady his nerves, then swallowed 2 Advil and a liter of water. He climbed into bed and drifted into an uneasy sleep
Start Dream
He heard a voice scream his name and he went running towards it he ran down a hall and through a door and found himself in the locker room. Natalie was standing up on a bench, a look of fear on her face as she glanced at the floor. He ran into the room expecting to find a rat but was jolted when he realized it was Gentry, crawling towards her like a menacing cat.
John moved forward to grab Gentry but as soon as he touched him he turned to dust. Natalie was still standing on the bench, trembling and she cried out his name, John! and he went to her. He pulled her close and his head was wresting against her tank-clad chest as her arms went around his shoulders and her hands into his hair to pull him closer against her. He could feel her trembling but now it seemed to be out of want versus fear.he turned his head and moved his hot open mouth over her nipple and began to suck her through the thin fabric. Her knees buckled and her moan set him on fire. He plucked her off the bench and moved her over to sit her on the sink where he stepped between her legs and ground himself into her as she gasped.
Next his mouth took forceful possession of hers, capturing the moans that would have reverberated off the tile if they had not tumbled instead into the moist heat of his mouth. She had locked her arms and legs around him and was rolling her hips against him and he felt huge hard
He opened his eyes to look into hers, their mouths still fused, when he noticed a dark figure in the mirror. He pulled back from Natalie and in the mirror his gaze met the thunderous eyes of Mark Mason
End Dream
John awoke with a start and then rubbed his face as he groaned. Fucking brilliant, he thought and fell back into a sleep that held little respite.
Chapter 15
Two days had passed since theyd last worked out together at the gym and both were relieved to find that theyd managed to slip back into what had become their normal attitude towards each other, namely friendly professionalism. Towards the end of the day John had gathered the class together.
OK, folks, a slight change of plans for tomorrow. We are going to spend a bit of time in the classroom tomorrow. One of the most important weapons we have in our fight against terrorism, especially domestic terrorism, are our own laws those already on the books and those that are on the agenda, hopefully. Tomorrow we are going to have a senior US Attorney Mark Mason spend a good part of the day with us hell be back to teach more after Hell Night, but were getting the ball rolling on it with a few basics..
Natalie hadnt been totally successful in hiding her surprise, and John had watched her closely and saw it. And that in turn surprised him a bit because he would have thought Mason would have told her this had been set up 2 days ago interesting.
John continued, Tomorrow night youll also be allowed your first bit of liberty you can leave campus as soon as classes are over but you must be back by midnight no exceptions.
Natalie walked back to the dorms and headed into her cubbie. She turned on her phone and realized she had 2 missed calls both from Mason. She was about to call him back when he beat her to the punch.
Hey, Mason rumor has it youre coming to teach us tomorrow
Yes! I tried to reach you a few times
Its been a bit crazy and we cant take our phones out of the dorm
So, hows it really going?
Honestly, overall much better than Id thought by next week things will get more intense as they step up our fight training, do some simulations, and start giving us some insight into torture tactics that could be used against us.. good times, huh?
The best hows McBain treating you?
Natalie found herself a bit tongue-tied for a second then said, Very fairly. He doesnt give me any extra attention in class or anything which is great he doesnt hover and act like hes waiting for me to blow it
What about the guy you described as a turbo-jerk or something like that?
He still is but I pretty much avoid him and Ive gotten pretty friendly with 3 or 4 of the guys and I know theyre keeping an eye out for me, even if they dont think I know
Mason sighed in relief, Thats good, Natalie. So, listen any chance you get any of your liberty tomorrow night?
Actually, yes from the end of class until Midnight
Hmmm, just until midnight well, would you feel like having dinner with me? I can find a place not too far off campus so we dont have to waste too much time driving any where
She realized she really would like to just hang with him, have some dinner he was so easy to be withI would love that so much, Mason so much
Good! So as not to cause any issues, why dont we meet at the restaurant - Ill text you the info tonight after Ive made reservations. I can drive you back, but this way no one will see you leave with one of your teachers and assume youre bucking for extra credit.
You sure you meant to say bucking.
He laughed and said, You are a naughty girl Buchanan Im going to have to discipline you
Promises promises
The next morning Mason arrived about 30 minutes before class started and McBain was already in the room. They looked at each other for a moment and then both smirked at each other.
John said, You bastard. Not even a heads up?
Hey, I was sworn to secrecy I couldnt divulge anything Id learned from pillow talk I dont kiss and tell
John chuckled but for some reason didnt find it entirely funny. Well, to say I was surprised would be an understatement, but Buchanan may in fact be the real deal
I have no doubtIm betting on her to go the distanceBy the way, she had mentioned that some guy is giving her shit not complaining about it, just a quick overall summary of things how bad is it?
John sighed, Hes a total prick but believe me I am all over it. Plus, she has a core group of guys whove closed ranks a bit around her but my personal hope and expectation is that he will flame out
You have to point him out to me
I wont need to, Mason, youll just know
They stopped talking about it because the class was beginning to file in. Natalie came in a few minutes later and Mason gave her a quick wink which she met with a quick smile, and that was it. No one would think there was a thing between them that theyd even met before.
Five minutes later Gentry swaggered in and Mason caught Johns eyes and he nodded imperceptibly. Mason felt his spine stiffen when Gentry pretended to smell Natalies hair as he walked by her.
Mason took control of the class and everyone was clearly paying attention. He had a natural style, great command of his subject and obviously a compelling physical presence. He was giving them an overview of relevant legal issues that theyd delve much more deeply into in the future.
Then he decided to emphasize some things he felt were important due to the presence of Gentry in the room and anyone like him who was better at hiding it.
Well, Ive talked so far about laws that are available to help you do your jobs but there is something critical to address and that is the laws that govern you more personally the ethics you are expected to adhere to there is no room for people who play fast and loose and do gratuitous harm to others, expecting to be able to claim heat of the battle and get away with it. He had been working his way around the room and came to a stop directly in front of Gentry. You all are a reflection of our government and this organization. I promise you we will cut you loose, and help prosecute you if your behavior goes over the line. There is no margin for error in this regard. None.
He had locked eyes with Gentry and as he suspected the guy was ultimately a coward because he looked away with discomfort as Mason continued to stare at him. John was glad that Mason had emphasized that, but he doubted it would have any lasting impact on Gentry.
Mason and John headed back to his office to have lunch with a couple of other agents who were going to testify in one of Masons upcoming cases. Natalie went to lunch with Nero, Bradford, Turner and Rich. Gentry and his shadows opted to sit at the same long table as them, but thankfully Natalie was several seats away.
Turner said, So, Buchanan I think I caught that Mason guy eyeing you a few times he may like our little GI Jane
Natalie just laughed and thought to herself, If you only knew
Nero jumped in, Im sure youre not allowed be the teachers pet or anything, but maybe you can pass him your number for when youre finished with the program
Gentry being Gentry couldnt hold back, Maybe you can find a closet somewhere so you can ball him real quick get some extra credit youd get something out of it too, cause I doubt hes a small fella get you to scream some as he splits you in two
Before anyone even realized he was moving Rich was standing over Gentry and had his neck squeezed between the strong fingers of one hand, and he said between gritted teeth, Gentry, you need to find yourself some manners and leave Buchanan the FUCK alone your act is tired and infantile. Give it a goddamn rest! Then he let him go and sat down and Gentry just huffed but did nothing.
As it turned out, John and Mason had walked in just in time to hear what Gentry said, and then to see Rich step in. Mason wanted to rip Gentrys head off and John did as well but he put a hand on Masons tensing forearm and whispered, Better off to let them handle it amongst themselves but I promise Ive got my eye on this Mason nodded. Then John sauntered over to the table and with his eyes locked on Gentry asked, Some trouble here?
Everyone just shook their heads and John nodded.
They returned to class for a few more hours and finally the day was over and spirits were running high because people were getting off campus. Natalie got showered, and was so excited to put on her own clothes! She donned her favorite jeans (Mason was arranging something casual), a light blue cashmere v-neck and her trusty civilian boots and wore her hair down it felt amazing to have it free for a bit. She finally put a bit of makeup on her face, eyes, and mouth and was done. She was so intent on getting out that she didnt even notice all the stares that followed her as she walked through the dorm they had never seen her like that and she was beautiful
Mason had made reservations in a great little Italian place 10 miles away and had arranged for a car to pick her up just outside the gate. She scooted in it without anyone catching her and was soon on her way. Mason was already seated in a quiet booth in the back which was more like a mini private room it even had a curtain you could pull across. It reminded her of the snugs shed read about in some British pubs As soon as she neared the table he reached his hand out and pulled her onto his side of the booth and then his arms were around her and his mouth had moved onto hers in a heart-stopping kiss which she instinctively began to return with passion. This was going to be a fun night
Chapter 16
Natalie and Mason finally broke apart and she said, Wow
He smoothed her hair back from her face and said, Ive wanted to do that all day and I swear I wanted to kill that bastard Gentry he really concerns me Natalie
Well, it really is sweet of you to worry but I dont intend to tangle with him
They enjoyed a leisurely dinner with plenty of wine Mason had already decided to arrange for car service to take Natalie back first and then him on home. Hed get his car tomorrow right now he just felt like kicking back he totally enjoyed Natalies company it still felt so easyThey hadnt closed the curtain but the booth was so private, and the restaurant so dimly lit that they felt no qualms about sharing kisses between bites courses Natalie was once again just letting herself be not thinking or caring about the future. It just felt good to be with someone who made her feel so feminine where she could feel totally safe to let her guard down She also wanted to do more than kiss him some of it had to be the wine, but the truth was, she enjoyed how he made her body feel
Once dessert and coffee had been put on the table by the friendly but not hovering waitress, Natalie reached over and pulled the curtain closed. Mason just looked at her with a raised eyebrow and felt himself grow even harder than hed been since hed laid eyes on her when shed first walked in the door. Natalie moved so she was straddling him and she wound her arms tightly around his neck, bringing her mouth within an inch of Masons and he banded his arms tightly around her lower back. They looked at each other intently for a moment and then Mason took possession of Natalies mouth in a hard, hot, plundering kiss as she began to grind down against him. Things were getting heated in a hurry as Mason tore his mouth from Natalies and said against her neck, God I want you, Natalie
She pulled his mouth back to hers and whispered against it, I want you toobut we cant here
I know I know
She tried to move off him saying, Im sorry I shouldnt have started this
She didnt get very far because his arms tightened around her, Where you think youre going Buchanan he said as he began to kiss her neck and she gasped..
I dont want to be a tease
Teasing isnt always a bad thing Then they were kissing heatedly again and grinding against each other.
Finally Mason moved Natalie off him and onto the bench, panting a bit for air, OK, Im not that strong and she giggled.
In the car on the way back to Quantico Mason just held Natalie in his strong arms as she relaxed into his hug. She was trying to soak up every bit of his strength she could. He noted how quiet shed gotten, and how she was burrowing in against him and somehow he just understood and wrapped his arms even tighter around her while kissing the top of her head. When they pulled up by the entrance, where Natalie wanted to be dropped off, he kissed her with tremendous tenderness.
You take care of yourself and anything you need, Natalie
She touched his face and said, Thank you, Mason
She climbed out of the car and Mason wasnt sure why but he felt the need to just hold her one more time he had a sense of foreboding he couldnt quite shake. He hopped out behind her and surprised her when he pulled her back around and into his arms, but she fully embraced him as well. Then she tipped her head back and he took her face in both of his hands and kissed her gently.
And at that moment Gentry and his boys came strolling by. They were stunned for a second and then Gentry cackled and Mason and Natalie ended their kiss but Mason kept her drawn tightly against him. He looked coldly at Gentry and said, You move along now or you wont get another chance
When they had skulked along Mason looked at Natalie, Im really sorry but shook her head.
It will be OK
Then she was walking through the gates and hoping she was right.
They were, of course, waiting for her when she got to the dorm. As she walked past Gentry said, So, Buchanan, you work fast, Ill give you that you were all over the strapping US Attorney
A few other classmates standing around looked at her in surprise, and shed had enough.
Not that its any of your business but Ive known Mason for 3 years and started seeing him before I was even accepted into this class. Sorry if youre two juvenile to understand what happens between two consenting adults but thats your problem, not mine
Then she stalked to her cubbie, changed into her tank and boxers and climbed into bed, wishing at that moment that she was back at The Watergate and crawling into Masons bed with him
Chapter 17
John and Hart had the whole class meet at the soccer field 8 oclock the next morning. John dove in, All right for the duration of this first three month period we will be playing soccer twice a week. It will enhance conditioning, build speed and coordination and also build teamwork. Hopefully some of you have played this, but you will get better and were not here to become expert players
Gentry couldnt help himself, he piped up, Well, if Buchanans as good at soccer as she is at playing tonsil hockey with a certain US Attorney, then I expect her to Bend it Like Beckham
Natalie gave him an evil eye and then moved her gaze and it collided with Johns who had clearly heard what was said and he looked pissed. Which she didnt quite get because it seemed to be directed at her maybe he was afraid of the perception of a conflict of interest? Great. Just great. Shed been doing fine no bumps with McBain or any of the instructors now this. Of all people to see her last night it had to be that indiscreet idiot.
John was fuming, but trying to hide it. She should know better than to be seen with an instructor that way and damn it so should Mason and he quieted the snarky inner voice that said, Yeah, McBain, THATS why youre pissed!
He snapped, Look enough bullshit, OK. Liberty is liberty stop being such a tattletale Gentry. Now were going to split into 2 teams Ill have to play on one to even it up Hart you divvy us up
As it turned out, Natalie ended up on Johns team, while Gentry was on the other but she ended up feeling they were both against her. Natalie had actually played on a soccer team in a local Llanview league made up mostly of police and firefighters. She knew what she was doing and was better than decent at it but John was barking endless orders at her. She was more than keeping up with Nero and Turner and even managed to outflank Gentry a number of times but still McBain was griping.
When the whistle blew for a short break she whipped around to him, Whats up with you?
Excuse me, CANDIDATE Buchanan he said with bite.
Her eyes widened a second and then narrowed, Oh, excuse me SIR. It appears you have endless trouble with the way Im playing care to give me some constructive feedback?
Just watch your flank, Buchanan you shouldnt be exposing it! And then he stalked off and she couldnt help but think his words actually had a triple meaning and she was pissed now too.
Natalie threw herself fiercely into the game, doing whatever she could to support and assist her teammates, get clear when she could, and play good defense, too. She was swift and decisive in her play and it galled John because at that moment he didnt want to feel positively disposed towards her. If he hadnt had been so irritated, and trying not to wrestle with why, he might have noticed how erratic Gentrys play was getting because of his own mounting anger. And not surprisingly it was focused on Natalie.
John snapped out of his preoccupation when he saw Natalie take a bad spill, hitting the ground and actually continuing to roll a few times. He hadnt seen exactly what happened, but he pretty much knew when he saw Gentry beating a hasty retreat with a grin on his face. Nero helped haul Natalie to her feet and she shook it off.
A couple of plays later Gentry had gotten one of his buddies in on the act. Bobbie tripped Natalie as she was running and Gentry timed it so it looked like he was running too fast to stop as he came up on her prone body and he was going to land feet first on her ankle. Natalie saw this at the last moment and knew hed likely break her ankle if he did land on her and she managed to grab her leg towards her body. He still trod on her but it wasnt a direct hit. His cleat dug into the flesh around her ankle though, ripping into it and she felt a harsh sting, and she couldnt help the cry of pain that came from her. In a nanosecond Nero and Turner were in Gentrys face, Turner screaming, You did that on purpose you sick son of a bitch! While Gentry shouted back that it was an accident.
John had been looking towards the goal and was unaware of what had happened in those few seconds until he heard the shouting. He noticed Natalie on the ground, her leg drawn up towards her and as he got closer he realized her white ankle sock was red with blood. Shit, he thought as he ran overwhen he reached her he knelt in front of her and he could see the pain on her face and knew it must hurt badly given the way her breath was coming in gasps.
What happened let me look
He gently took her lower leg in his hands and carefully moved her sock down and couldnt help cringing a bit it was a nasty wound, her skin was pretty damn chewed up.
What the fuck happened he snapped in the direction of the still-arguing men when he was fed up with the din he said, You know what, forget it just forget it!
By this point everyone had stopped playing and was gathering around to see what was going on. HART! John yelled. Please oversee Gentry as he does 100 push ups. And 100 crunches. The rest of you, get back to playing soccer.
He helped Natalie get on her feet and put his arm around her to help her off the field. She was shaking and he knew she was in pain, and how could she not be. He didnt want to be seen to baby her too much so he waited until they were just out of sight, and then surprising her greatly he picked her up to carry her the rest of the way.
Natalie was touched that he did that and grateful because it was killing her to walk at this point and it made her bleed worse. She let herself give into the need to just rest her head against his chest and shoulder as he carried her in that moment she just felt so tired.
When they reached the health center he carried her right into an exam room, put her gently on a table and told the nurse whod appeared in the door Im Agent McBain. Please get a doctor in here as soon as you can tell him a candidate from Training Class Alpha has been hurt
As they waited John gently removed her cleat and then peeled back her sock, and couldnt help the breath he inhaled through his teeth Natalie this looks pretty torn up does it feel like he sprained or broke your ankle or is it just a flesh wound?
She said shakily, I managed to pull back before he landed square on it so he just scraped down it its mostly just a flesh wound at least I hope so or I guess Im out of luck
She couldnt help that her voice broke just a bit at that thought and he reached a hand out and touched her cheek, Hey hey, look at me well figure it out, OK. We will we arent letting that bastard win in fact I may talk to Chase about cutting him loose right now
She didnt have the energy to argue that point because she really wouldnt mind him gone
The doctor came in and John stood off to the side but didnt leave. Natalie was given a tetanus shot, her wound was cleaned and debrided and she couldnt help writhing in pain a bit. The doctor stitched up a few of the deepest cuts, then he carefully examined her ankle. He then told her he wanted to take her to have an x-ray, and John waited for her in the room.
John was pissed beyond belief at Gentry and he wanted him gone, but it was complicated he had been crafty enough to have little clear-cut that could be used against him. Natalies injury was not totally unusual for a rough and tumble soccer match. He sighed deeply and was determined to figure out how to get the goods on Gentry. He had no doubt that he would probably flame out during the second three months when they got into the psyche profile of the candidates and more classroom work. But for now most of it was based on physical capabilities, and while comportment was important, it could be harder to prove a breach in that regard. And they had to be real careful if they cut someone because of his behavior towards the first female recruit it couldnt seem theyd shut down what for anyone else would be construed as routine hazing
Soon the doctor and Natalie were back and John helped her back on the table. The doctor said, Ill have the x-ray results in about 15 minutes, so why dont you try to relax for a bit. I am going to give you some painkillers because while youve been very stoic through this Ms. Buchanan, I am quite sure it is very painful. Why dont we start with an injection since it will work almost immediately and then you can take the pills with you... Natalie just nodded and then felt the cool of an alcohol swab and the pinch of the needle. The doctor said, Lie back here for a bit and let the medicine take effect.
As Natalie lay back, slightly reclined, John stood down the end of the table so they could see each other. She was already starting to feel the effects of the medicine, Wow not sure what he gave me but remind me to get injured every day I could skate through torture simulations on this stuff
John chuckled at her, glad to see she was relaxing. He leaned his hand on a piece of metal protruding from the table and said, Im glad youre feeling better Ill feel better when we know that nothing is broken
She looked at him and couldnt help giggle when she realized what he was leaning on.yep, she was definitely punchy now.
Whats so funny?
What youre leaning on its not for your hand, McBain
He looked at her puzzled because he actually wasnt sure hed ever seen that apparatus not in his regular doctors office
She giggled again and said, Its a stirrup, silly, for your feet?
Your feet?
Yeah move your hand a sec she now was slurring her words a bit, yet still giggling.
He did, looking puzzled, and then Natalie moved her feet into the stirrups like every female of a certain age had learned to do. Then she tried to explain helpfully, This must be a co-ed room these are used by the girls when they come for a special kind of appointment but see, then the hard part comes because you always have to scoot down the table, and man its hard to move down the table and not just jerk your hips up instead and in her drug-induced liberation she started doing just that in order to demonstrate.
John had watched this with increasing fascination, a modicum of embarrassment, and to his additional embarrassment, a bit of arousal. Holy crap! And he felt badly, almost like a voyeur, because Natalie was only doing this because she was drugged up. If she remembered she would truly be mortified.
He quickly broke in and said, OK, OK, got it I get the picture had no clue and then he stepped away from the front towards the side of the table.
Natalie giggled again, saying, Oh sorry I embarrassed you youre turning red, McBain, my bad and thankfully she returned to a normal position on the table.
Thirty seconds later the doctor bustled in again.
OK this is a very nasty flesh wound, but you managed to avoid any real damage to bones, tendons, ligaments, etc. Very very lucky. You dont need to stay off your feet but Id avoid any high-impact exercise for a week. Use a recumbent bike swim but no pounding exercises. You need to change your dressings regularly and are welcome to swing through here for us to do it.
Now, perhaps Agent McBain can see you back to your bunk
With that the doctor was gone again. John helped a decidedly woozy Natalie back to the dorms, which were quiet since the rest of the candidates were still playing soccer and would then head to the shooting range for a bit. John was glad because he was reluctant to leave Natalie with Gentry hovering around while she was so out of it. He had supported much of her weight, which didnt amount to much, as theyd walked across campus. They got to her cubbie and he opened the door.
OK, Buchanan, you need to lie down and sleep some of the drugs off and then he helped steady her as she climbed up the ladder to her bunk. She hadnt really said much of anything since theyd left the health center and she simply stretched out on her bed and sighed, and he could tell she was almost asleep. The drugs had apparently taken full effect and he really didnt want to leave her in such a defenseless state, so he decided to sit for a while in the chair by her desk. Hed wait until everyone had come back and then ask Bradford, Turner, Rich and Nero to keep an eye on her, because he had a feeling shed be at least semi out of it for a good part of the night. He sunk down into the chair and drifted off himself and didnt realize it until the sound of the returning men woke him. He rousted himself and looked up at Natalie and she was still out cold.
John stepped out of Natalies cubbie and drew a number of surprised and intrigued stares. He glared at Gentry and then asked Natalies buddies to step closer. He explained the situation and they promised that one of them would be watching over her at all times, and then he left but not before another glare at Gentry.
Chapter 18
Natalie slept straight through until a little after 7pm, and felt groggy, muddled when she woke up. She gingerly got down from her bunk and opened her door and found Nero sitting on the floor outside it.
He sprang to his feet, Hey, youre up!
Yeah
McBain told us about your injury so great it wasnt worse. Anyway, he didnt want to leave you unattended while you were drugged up and out of it so he asked me, Turner, Rich and Bradford to keep an eye on you until you were awake
Natalie was touched by all of their concern and efforts to keep her safe especially Johns for even thinking of it. Sal, thank you so much I feel practically normal now so why dont you go join the others where are they at The Pub?
Yeah, but are you sure
Totally. And thanks again.
No worries, oh, and you dont have to worry about Gentry hes at The Pub, too...
Natalie thought about taking a cool shower to wake up, but suddenly thought a swim sounded like heaven. She went back into her cubbie and put her swimsuit on regulation, of course and then tossed her sweats on over it. The old gym was empty when she got there and she grabbed a towel from the locker room, and then looked in one of the cabinets for a first aid kit. She wrapped some plasticized first aid tape around the gauze covering her ankle and headed to the pool which was also empty. She dove in and exhaled deeply at the wonderful feel of the cool water engulfing her body. She relaxed back into it for a few minutes until she felt restored, and then started swimming laps, setting a fast but not overly-taxing pace.
John arrived at the gym and saw it was empty and after carefully nosing into the locker room found it was too. His eyes were drawn to the window that overlooked the pool because the light was on down there and when he walked over and looked down he saw someone was swimming. The telltale whip of a red braid told him who it was and he smiled to himself she didnt stay down for long. He headed to the pool and stood on the side watching her body slice strongly, rhythmically, through the water, and she swam a good ten laps before she noticed him.
Natalies body felt so strong and light at the same time that she was glad she had decided to come for a swim. She was slowing a bit when out of the corner of her eye she realized someone was standing on the left side of the pool, and after a momentary start she realized it was John. She swam over to meet him as he walked over and squatted down.
You must be feeling better
I am I woke up feeling so groggy that I needed a jolt of something. This feels like heaven
Im glad..
Yeah, and when I got up Nero was sitting on the floor outside my door on guard duty thanks for thinking of that
He smiled a little, No problem. Seriously Buchanan, I couldnt leave you out cold knowing that Gentry has free run of the place so when the guys got back I asked them to keep an eye out and left...
You stayed all that time, until they got back?
Uh, yeah I sat on your chair truth be told, I nodded off myself
Natalie laughed softly and said, Well, thanks for playing guardian angel hope I didnt say anything weird in my drugged up state
John flashed back on her stirrup demonstration but decided to let it go, but wanting to razz her a little bit, he said, No you just kept saying Masons name over and over
She looked up at him in shocked embarrassment and then realized he was kidding and she stepped back and splashed him with a bunch of water. He fell back on his ass and sputtered, laughing, Hey, thats insubordination Candidate Buchanan as he stood back up.
So write me up her teeth were starting to chatter since the water was cool and she was not longer moving to warm herself up
You done in there, Buchanan?
Yeah
Well you better come out, youre turning purple and he reached a hand down to help her out. As he was yanking her out his foot slipped on the wet decking beneath his feet, and she fell back in as he tumbled head first into the pool.
He came up sputtering and Natalie was laughing hysterically.
Oh, you think this is funny, Buchanan? he asked as he moved closer to her.
Actually, yes she continued to giggle.
Its your fault, you know , he said in a faux-menacing tone.
MY fault? I didnt ask you to help me out of the pool.
No, but YOURE the one who splashed all the water up there
Oh well she said and made a break away to swim for the other side.
Even though he was weighed down with his sweat pants on, he managed to catch her and he grabbed her as she squealed, and the he dunked her under the water. She wriggled against him to get away, but he held firm. A few seconds later he pulled her up and it was her turn to sputter.
He kept his arms around her while she wiped some water off her face and he said, Say youre sorry
Never
Buchanan, Im warning you
Never
And he dunked her again. They did battle in the water, wrestling for supremacy for about five minutes. Natalie finally broke free and got as far as the side, half way scooting out, when John reached her and pulled her back in, turning her to face him. Their laughter died in their throats as their eyes locked in that instant, the cool water suddenly feeling hot around them. Natalie was leaning against the wall of the pool, her breath coming in gasps from her exertion, and now something more. John had boxed her in with an arm on each side of her against the edge of the pool and he was standing so very close to her. His breath was as labored. His eyes moved to her mouth and she nervously licked her lips John couldnt help reaching out a thumb to follow the trail left by her tongue, and she inhaled at the contact and closed her eyes.
Then Johns lips were on hers in a gentle kiss, and on a soft moan she opened her mouth to him, and next he had moved both hands to the back of her head while he deepened their kiss, his tongue slowly exploring her mouth while hers melded with his. A part of Johns brain was screaming for him to stop this it was wrong on so many levels but it felt nothing but right at that moment.
Natalie was blown away by the feel of his mouth on hers he was taking her breath away while she felt a heat a hunger spread throughout her entire body. The intensity of his mouth was creating a riot along every nerve ending. She couldnt even think, she could only react, and she wound her arms around his neck and her legs around his middle, and now it was Johns turn to moan. And then turned his brain off completely. His hands moved through the water to cup her ass and he pressed her against him as he ground into the space between her legs which tightened even more around him in response. She had moved her hands to the back of his head to deepen their already-profound kiss even more, and he felt her moans vibrate down his spine and into his erection where it was tightly pressed against her.
Natalie could feel his hardness against her and she yearned for him she felt him intensely through her thin swimsuit, and his wet sweatpants couldnt hide his desire.
They finally broke apart to look at each other and there was nothing but desire in their eyes, no hesitancies at all. Their mouths began to move towards each other again when the sound of an opening door made it through their passion-induced haze. They turned and looked at the approaching security guard who quickly excused himself. They didnt have to worry about being identified it was so dark and with their wet hair and all but the moment was broken.
They looked at each other for a second and Natalie moved her legs down straight, starting to feel a bit embarrassed by her behavior. John wasnt sure exactly what to say, but felt he should figure out something since he was technically the ranking elder and should know better. But the truth was, he couldnt bring himself to say he was sorry to outright lie.
Natalie she looked up at him with her eyes huge in her face. She was going to be mortified if he began to backtrack now
Natalie I shouldnt have done that but I cant quite bring myself to say Im sorry about it either
She smiled softly at him, because that was actually the perfect thing to say.
I understand same for me but I guess itd be best if I leave now
He just nodded and watched her go. And decided to stay in the cool water for a bit.
Chapter 19
The next morning when Natalie had to face John, she felt incredibly nervous. She had tossed and turned most of the night because her body still felt the reaction to him and it was powerful, and she didnt understand that hed just kissed her
When she stepped into the gym for that mornings karate class, she felt his eyes on her almost immediately. She looked at him and he gave her the tiniest wink, and she grinned just the tiniest bit in return, and things felt almost back to normal again whatever that was. She had to tread a bit gingerly on her ankle, but by and large she was able to keep up. Gentry had shot her a look and a smirk, but for a change he stayed well away from her. Could he finally be getting the message?
John called everyone together. OK, just want to summarize the next several weeks that are leading up to hell night. While that is the line of demarcation between the two three-month modules, truth is, most of the two weeks leading up to it will be hell as well. Most of this week will be pretty normal what youve become used to. Thursday and Friday we will simulate what will be pretty close to the knock-down/drag-out fights you would experience in defending yourself in the field. We will obviously have safety words and hold back from total devastation, but I have to worn you all, not by much or else it wouldnt exactly prepare you. This weekend you will get your first significant period of liberty from 7pm Friday until 7pm Sunday. That means you can leave campus for the whole time, or you can come and go, or just stay put. You are free to do whatever you want, wherever you want, HOWEVER your behavior should befit the elite group youre trying to become part of. When liberty is over, the tough stuff really begins. You will do more real fighting. We will spend time in class next week learning about the various ways and instruments of torture. You will see actual footage. I warn you now, it is horrific. But, again, as part of this group you are potentially signing up for that to happen to you. After those classes are when we typically see a number of people pull the plug on themselves there is NO shame in that. Then, the following week, we basically torture you and Im not kidding. As with the fighting, there will be safety words to stop it but if you stop it too soon, we will have to dismiss you. We give you 24 hours post-torture to recover a bit you still have to work out and such and then comes hell night. After that a lengthier liberty which well describe closer to the time and then those who made it through will be back for the next part of the program. Any questions?
There was dead silence in the gym. Reality had set way in. They had been working with intensity in their training, but it was only really taxing them physically the next would show what they had, or didnt have, mentally and emotionally.
Folks, this wont be fun and I guess I should ask, though you dont have to say if you dont want, but has anyone here ever been tortured to any extent? Part of his rationale for asking was to learn the information, but also to observe reactions to the question and answers. Even though it was a very private matter, teams like this couldnt really afford secrets once out in the field.
Natalie held her breath and kept her hand down, wondering if she should say anything. Turner and Bradford both raised their hands and then explained that they had been taken hostage in Afghanistan for a bit and what had been done to them in very brief terms. Another guy had been tortured by the mob a bit when hed gone undercover.
John asked, Anyone else? and everyone was surprised when Natalies hand went up, and at that moment he wished hed read her file. Buchanan? he asked softly.
Before she could answer Gentry had to step up to the nasty plate again and said, Hey Red, your boyfriend cumming before you do doesnt count as torture
Without even looking in his direction John snapped to Hart, Get him OUT of here please escort him on a 20-mile run, and load up a heavy back-pack for him if you will
Buchanan?
Natalie swallowed hard and said, Well, I was strangled and then had a explosives strapped to my chest, then was kidnapped, tied to a burning stake, re-kidnapped and after being held for a week tossed into the bottom of a pit and left to die
No one said anything for long moments, but many realized that she had faced and survived more than any of them likely would in their lifetimes and maybe it wasnt so crazy that she was here
John hated the very thought that shed been through that, and he felt a cold chill as he realized what else might have been done to her while she was held captive.. .If theyd been alone but they werent, and people were looking for him to lead Well, you may know better than most whats coming anyway, why dont we all get to work now
The next few days went uneventfully, and the work outs had stepped up so much the training had so intensified that Natalie couldnt even bring herself to go for an extra workout. In moments of honesty she also knew she was being a coward because she didnt know what she wanted or didnt want to happen if she bumped into John at the gym but she knew the RIGHT answer so she avoided the angst of a decision. She also avoided having to deal with it if he didnt even seem to have an interest in going there again
Thursday came and it was the first fight day the guys were all calling it Fight Club. Natalie felt nervous but she also knew she had had decent skills when she got here, and they had been honed significantly. She wasnt sure how McBain and the other instructors were going to choose the order theyd fight in, but if she could she wanted to go today, as early as possible and get it over with not have to have it weigh on her when she watched everyone else. There were only going to be two fights going on at any given time, so that each candidate could get feedback from an audience of peers on what they could have done differently. A total of 12 instructors were going to take part so most would only have to do two fights John would take three. He already had decided that Buchanan was going to be one of his he would steel himself not to hold back but he knew hed be a bit more careful, especially about her ankle. He knew some of the other instructors who would take part in this had had very little contact with her, and a number of them still felt she shouldnt be here he knew they wouldnt be able to help being even harder on her than the others in order to prove a point.
Hart walked in and posted fight rosters which listed the instructor, candidate and the appointed time of their battle. These first fights were going to go for just three minutes because that was a very long time when it was pretty much no-holds-barred. For these first fights they were also going to be given head gear and have their hands taped, but no gloves since hands were required for grappling. As most now understood from training, out and out punching wasnt necessarily the best way to go
Natalie looked at the roster and saw her name under Johns and that she was going to be his second fight of the day she sighed and wondered how this was actually going to go. She felt herself get even tenser when she saw the first rounds of fighting they were so real looking. The skills being emphasized by most were krav maga and the mixture of other pure street-fighting skills theyd learned. She felt like those were strong suits, but why was she doing this again?
Finally it was her turn. She approached John and he could tell she was nervous and though he never would have admitted it, so was he. Did he have it in him to treat her like one of the guys especially since hed actually gotten to know her a bit liked her even
He taped her hands, handed her a bite guard and then put her head gear on her. He could see most of the class and instructors gathering around to watch. He said softly, Buchanan, Im going to have to flip a switchwe have to go for this no holding back
Absolutely!
He looked at her for a moment and wondered if he should give her any warning of what was to come. Chase had called him last night and had told him of a few tweaks the shrinks wanted to make to what Natalie was put through because she was a woman, and had to be prepared for what the enemy might do to her. As they fought, it was supposed to seem as if his aim might actually be to rape her not ripping her clothes off or anything that was what the torture module was for but the way he grabbed her, positioning himself between her legs, perhaps it was supposed to be indicative of that possibility so they could look for how she held up. All these battles were being filmed.
There was supposed to be another fight ongoing simultaneously, but the instructors had given up the proverbial ghost everyone wanted to see how Natalie held up so they all crowded around.
John looked at Hart who set the time clock at three minutes. He looked intently at her and she returned his gaze steadily. Then Hart blew the whistle. They assumed a fighters stance with knees slightly bent and started moving around each other slowly taking each others measure. Natalie felt her heart pounding in her chest this was always the way it was as you were waiting for the first contact to occur. At some point someone has to make the first move, however, and she decided to try to gain an upper hand through the element of surprise and make that first move she assumed John might think her too nervous to do so, or wanting to delay the inevitable.
She was quick as a cat and moved her right leg between his slightly open legs and hooked it sharply around his left leg to get him off balance and then pushed hard with both hands against his chest. He was surprised, and though he didnt recover quickly enough to save himself from falling, he was able to grab her upper arm as he fell and took her down with him. She landed in a heap on him and he felt a lot of his air leave his lungs, but not all of it.
Then it was on. For the next minute they fought in a way that was half wrestling half street fighting, not punching but grappling, pushing, twisting, and rolling around At one point Natalie began to crawl away and John collapsed on her back, crushing her into the mat, his arms banding around her upper body like a vice so she couldnt use her arms. Remembering what he had been told to do and his adrenalin well and truly pumping at this point while still laying on her he moved a leg between hers and jerked them apart, and then settled his other leg in between herswhich was designed to simulate that he could be contemplating assaulting her from behind. He felt a shudder go through her and she began fighting again hard, pushing up against him as if to try and roll him over. But she had little leverage because her arms were trapped inside the circle of his. She used all her strength to try to bend up on her knees and then hooked her feet around the back of his legs trying to strain them and cause him to loosen his hold on her. He pulled back on her while starting to sit up to sit back on his feet, which gave her a bit of room maneuver her arms, and he felt her elbow make hard contact with his ribs.
Johns arms loosened enough for her to briefly free herself and she tried to scramble forward. She almost made it to her feet entirely, but John managed to grab a piece of her foot and she fell back down, but moved forward quickly on all fours. He recovered himself enough to surge forward and he wound a hand around each of her narrow ankles. Natalie winced where his vice like grip surrounded her injury, but he didnt even seem to register at this point. He jerked on her legs until she fell flat on her stomach again and then he flipped her over and dove on top of her, again pinning her to the ground. He could feel her begin to tremble in earnest but continued on unmoved. He used his knees to push her legs open and then he was resting between her legs pushing against her. Without warning he kneeled up and hooked his arms under her legs and roughly hauled the lower part of her body off the mat and hard up against him. While her upper body was writhing in reaction she was trying to use her hands to loosen his grip on her legs. She whimpered as she did so and that small noise finally broke through to John and he realized that she was shaking almost violently though she continued to fight. And his blood ran cold because it dawned on him that her body was not reacting to their fight, but to something horrible from the past that had been burned into her muscle memory.
John began to lose his resolve and he leaned towards her as if to speak and she said through her gritted teeth, her voice shaking, Dont you DARE stop fighting me! When he still hesitated she used it to her advantage and reached up to grab the back of his hair, hard. That caused him to loosen his grip on her legs and she managed to free one enough to bring her knee up towards his groin. He protected himself at the last moment but she was able to scramble out from under him. When he took a lunge towards her she deflected him and before he even totally knew what had happened he was on his back and she was straddling his hips as her hands closed around his neck. He could still feel her entire body quaking but she was continuing to fight through it all, and she was in this victorious position when the buzzer sounded after three hard-fought minutes.
They were quiet for a moment, nothing but their rasping breaths for sound. Then he quickly made a move to get up because he could tell his body was about to react to where there bodies were connected and neither of them could afford that - not here, not now. She realized his intent and moved off him, getting shakily to her feet with him following behind. She ripped her headgear off and removed her bite guard, then she smiled a bit at the rousing applause she was getting but John was close enough to tell she was still well and truly rattled, notwithstanding the fact that she pushed through it to ultimately win.
There was so much he wanted to say to her, but it wasnt the time or place, so he just said, Good job, Buchanan She smiled at him and then made a bee-line for the restroom, though she was stopped with congratulations along the way. Except, of course, by Gentry who stood quietly thinking how hot it had been to watch her fight for her life
Chapter 20
Natalie was sitting on the mat, watching the other fights going on. Immediately after her own fight she had gone into the ladies room to splash cold water on her face. She felt tremors still running through her entire body but she was going to keep it together she had to. She kept reminding herself that she was safeit was just memories, and she wouldnt even let her mind go there even if her body did.
She had been quiet during lunch and then while she sat with a few of her friends as the fights continued. Each of them had done well, too, although some had lost on close calls and there was at least one true draw. She was calmer overall, but still a bit rattled. She had felt Johns eyes on her a number of times and knew he was concerned. She appreciated that she really did but in that one moment when he had stopped fighting her, she knew that HE knew what was going on with her and she wasnt ready to deal with that to have to talk to him about it because she had a feeling he wouldnt just let it go.
John kept a watchful eye on her from across the room and he was concerned. She looked pulled together overall, but her characteristic vitality was missing she was incredibly subdued and he hated having had any part in that happening. He wanted to talk to her but in a private setting he was going to ask her to come to his office after the fighting was finished for the day.
Finally the last fight was over and Natalie got up to leave, and spotted John heading out with one of the other instructors. She found herself a bit surprised and had decidedly mixed emotions about him not approaching her at all since theyd fought. As she was pondering that Hart came up to her and handed her a note, said, Good job, today, Buchanan and walked away. She opened it and it said,
N Id like to see you in my office ASAP. Main administration building, 5th floor, room 510. J
She sighed deeply and felt her stomach twist. She might as well get this over with after a quick pit-stop to splash some water on her face.
John sat in his office waiting for her and mulled over exactly how to approach this meeting. He glanced at her file in the stack still untouched but was pretty sure the answers he really wanted were not in there. It probably went into more details about what Natalie had already shared, but left out quite a bit perhaps the most important stuff. He needed to know the truth as the lead instructor of this class, and he wanted to know it well why exactly did he want to know it? That was a loaded question so he quickly skirted it. He had been through extensive training on interrogation techniques including with the CIA and he focused on that as he thought about the best approach, trying to ignore that Natalie was going to be the subject of the interrogation. His gut told him the best way to extract what he needed see how she reacted but that didnt make him like it.
He heard a tentative knock on the door and called out Come on in! and then there she was. She looked apprehensive so he smiled at her and said Take a seat, Buchanan, you earned it for kicking my ass today
Natalie stepped into his office and the door closed behind her. She moved to the chair hed pointed to in front of his desk and sat on the edge of it, looking at him expectantly. You wanted to see me?
Yeah, Buchanan, I did He swallowed hard and dove right in I was wondering who raped you and when did it happen?
Natalie reeled back as if she had been struck and looked at him utterly speechless. He found it interesting and telling, and his gut twisted a bit as he continued. I will give you all the credit in the world you fought right through it all, but you were quivering, shaking badly and it wasnt because you were afraid of me it wasnt adrenalin flowing through you your body was remembering something from the past something horrible ingrained in your muscle memory you were reacting to that experience
He said this all very softly and she felt a lump form in her throat, but no words. She looked at him with a beseeching look on her face and he truly didnt know if she was begging him to stop or to get her to talk to let it out He wanted to walk around the desk to go to her, but felt that would potentially seem invasive, so he leaned forward on his elbows and looked at her and said as gently as he could, Natalie you can tell me I think you need to tell me
She looked intently at him when he said that, trying to ferret out the exact meaning of his words, because there were a couple of interpretations, but she couldnt help but think that he was right on both counts she needed to tell him as her instructor and she NEEDED to tell him because it was now weighing on her and it would likely get worse it would be a bone of contention or an open item between them and she couldnt afford for that to play into her making it through this program. She sighed deeply and made her decision.
Did you ever here of The Killing Club Killer Hayes Barber, otherwise known as Ivan Potter?
John nodded that had been a huge bureau case that one of his friends worked on. He tried to remember the name of what was almost his final victim. Who he threw down a pit as John had that thought his blood ran cold because he remembered Natalies quick catalog of her previous experiences with torture but the victim wasnt Buchanan it was Vega it was N NATALIE Vega
Natalie saw his mind processing everything and realization dawn and he looked at her with shock and a bit of horror. He whispered, Vega?
That was my married name.
They were silent for several long moments and Natalie started to talk again, somehow feeling like she could, He had me for a while I lost track of exactly how long before he finally tired of me and tossed me in the pit to die He didnt pass the time with me playing cards I was his recreational outlet for the duration of my staythe first few times I fought harder than I ever had, but that just enraged him and I paid dearly for that I had realized I might just need to go with it but thankfully he had the great idea to drug me into submissiveness, so except for the first few times my memories are blessedly vague and drug-tinged, so not as horrifying
She went silent and sat looking down at her hands. John finally did move around the desk and squatted in front of her, taking her hands in his. She looked up at him and the gentleness and concern on his face drew one of the tears pooling in her eyes down her cheek. Im so very sorry, Natalie
She gave him a tremulous smile and clung to the warmth of his hands. So, you see why I kind of rolled my eyes when everyone I talked to about being in this program went on and on and on about my ability to stand up to and get through whatever unspeakable things might be done if I was ever captured? Oh, dont get me wrong, I know that at the end of the day Barber went easy on me compared to what is done to agents who are captured there was little outright torture but I know what it is like to feel the hands of someone who meant me mortal harm on my body to know that that person was taking pleasure in hurting me and then intended to kill me no safety words no whistle going to blow in three minutes.. the training we are doing is effective in so many ways it will get everybody close but there is nothing like the real thing and half of these macho guys who think they are so tough and they are in many ways they are the ones, not me, who will have to get over the greatest shock the first time they are confronted with reality with the feel of those hands
John looked at her intently as she spoke and he knew she was right. He had been in that sort of situation and he knew that all the training in the world didnt fully prepare you Youre right, Natalie but knowing what you know having felt what you felt can you handle really putting yourself situations where that and worse can happen to you?
For the right reasons to do what is important I think I can I will
It must have been such a shock when Hayes took you
Natalie sighed and said, Yes and no sadly Id been through it twice before once at the hands of Flynn Walker, and the other when Stephen Haver strapped explosives to my chest.
Natalie was startled at the quick intake of breath that came from John as his hands, which had still been holding hers, jerked free and he almost fell back. He had a look of shock on his face and she reached a hand out to touch his shoulder, suddenly frightened. What, John what.
He thought, Of course VEGA Natalie Vega
Id never made the connection with Haver either your name
Did you work on the earlier cases involving him? John?
She said his name so softly and he looked at her, and realized he could share his truth, too. He sat back on the floor and leaned against his desk and looked up at her.
I was I took the lead on the White Rose murders and got my fianc, Caitlin, killed in the process.
He looked so broken when he said that, that without thinking Natalie moved off the chair and knelt in front of him this time it was her taking his hands in hers. Oh, God Im so sorry what happened?
John haltingly explained, and when he finished Natalie questioned, You blame yourself?
Of course I taunted him and he killed Caitlin to prove who had the upper hand
I cant even imagine how Id feel if it was me but you didnt create Haver he was an evil man you tried to bring down
But I didnt did I? He killed Caitlin and got away and I still couldnt get him if I had he wouldnt have been able to torture you the way he did
John Im not your fault your responsibility but I am so sorry for your loss
He looked at her and felt a twinge in his heart where there hadnt been one in years. Where did she get the strength? Not just physically, but emotionally to go through what she had and still have the openness and compassionUntil he felt Natalies fingers reach out to wipe them away, he hadnt even been aware hed been crying. It was soundless, just a few errant drops but he hadnt shed a single one in years. He wanted to crush her to him and hold on for dear life but it just wasnt the time the place but he did take both her hands again and held them squeezed them just a little bit
Argh, Buchanan, weve both had too much time spent with lunatics
She smiled, understanding that he was trying to steer them to less damaging subjects now lessen the intensity... She stood up and he followed suit, and they stood looking at each other for a moment. He put a hand on each of her shoulders and said, Natalie the torture in a few weeks its going to seem like like its heading in a certain direction
I understand Ill Ill just have to see what I can handle
If you need to use the safety word Natalie this sort of thing can break you because once youve taken a bunch of blows you just never know what will be the last straw the one that finally takes you all the way down no program no job no mission is worth that worth your being broken beyond repair
She was genuinely touched by the concern she saw in his eyes and he saw that. And finally he couldnt help it he pulled her into a tight hug. It was borne of comfort and solidarity and she let herself bask in it, return it for several moments because it was such a blessed relief. Then she pulled back and said, Thanks for the talk it actually helped
Likewise, Buchanan
Then she was gone. And he sat back on his desk and stared into space for a long while after.
Chapter 21
Friday evening arrived and spirits were high overall, even if some had not performed as well as theyd have liked in the first round of fighting. Those disappointments began to fade into the background as the weekend of liberty approached. Natalie had decided almost immediately that it made no sense to traipse all the way back to Llanview there really wasnt enough time. In addition, she knew that Mason was heading out of the country tomorrow afternoon for a quick trip to meet with a witness on an upcoming case hed be back by Wednesday. So, Natalie was staying put, on campus, and though it was a bit of a depressing thought in the end she thought it would be better, because it might be harder to come back and face what was coming if she spent any time in a normal environment.
Adding to her pending sense of loneliness was the fact that her closest buddies were all heading out to various places to catch up with their friends and loved ones shed just lay low, work out, maybe even take herself to a movie read a book whatever. By 7pm she had said goodbye to her friends and was heading into her cubbie when one of the guys she knew decently well approached her. Nick Jacobs was about thirty and everything about him was medium height, build, the color of his brown eyes and hair but he was a solid, decent guy who pretty much kept his head down and worked hard. He had a few friends hed made who seemed just like him and they were all hanging around for the weekend, too.
Hey, Natalie Nick said.
Hi, Nick.
Listen, a bunch of us well my buddies and I we were going to head into DC for a few hours, grab a bite, a couple of drinks theres a great place called Oscars not too far from Embassy Row do you want to come along?
At that moment Natalie thought that sounded perfect. She was suddenly in need of at least a short break from here, and it wouldnt be bad to get to know Nick and his friends a bit better.
You know, Id love to!
Great. Well head out in about 30 minutes, OK?
Perfect.
Natalie and Nick went into their respective cubbies, neither one of them having noticed Gentry standing off to the side and listening. He laughed to himself as he now knew exactly what he, Bobbie and Billy Ray were gong to be doing tonight.
Natalie tossed on jeans and a beige suede work shirt that was nicely fitted and closed up with snap buttons. She laughed a bit to herself because Mason had enjoyed ripping this particular top open at the most inopportune times because it was so easy. She put on her high-heeled boots, took her hair down (she had showered and dried it earlier) and put on a bit of make up. Finally she put in her diamond stud earrings.
She was in high spirits by the time they made it to Oscars Nick and his friends Steve, Zeke and Matt reminded her a bit of Kevin and Joey when they got together and bantered. Oscars was half restaurant half-club, and they first were seated for dinner the menu was heavy on steaks and seafood. By 10 oclock they were ready to push back from the table and head into the club part, where there were multiple bars, a dance floor and a DJ spinning tunes. They managed to snag a table and ordered their drinks, and then Nicks back stiffened when he looked across the room. Natalie noticed and followed his gaze and groaned Gentry and his goons were coming over. Nick turned to her and said, Dont worry, weve got your back
Gentry, Bobbie and Billy Ray came over and were all smiles and friendly greetings, and they sat two tables down from the others. Thankfully as the evening went on it was clear that he was trying to be on his best behavior, which was a relief. As it was approaching midnight Natalie and her friends were ready to go. She had to head to the ladies room first and they agreed to meet by the front door. As Natalie used the facilities, washed her hands and checked her hair, she had no idea that events were in motion that would take her to a completely unexpected place.
Nick was waiting by the door when one of the bouncers approached him.
Hey you Natalie Buchanans friend?
Yeah why?
She asked me to do her a favor said to tell you that she bumped into a guy shed been seeing uh Mark Mason. Anyway, shes going to hang with him for a bit and hell make sure she gets back home
Are you suremaybe I should go check
The bouncer chuckled and said, Hey, if you want to, but if you get my drift it seems like they havent seen each other for a bit and are making up for lost time
Oh Ok well, thanks. Nick glanced back towards the club, but then shrugged and headed out.
As the bouncer moved towards the restrooms he held his hand out and Gentry placed $200 in it and said, Now the second part of your assignment
Natalie was leaving the restroom when she almost bumped right into one of the bouncers
Are you Natalie?
She was a bit surprised and said, Yeah. Why?
The guy youre with Nick he asked me to do him a favor he pulled his car around back and asked if Id show you out that way the valet line is ridiculous so I hooked him up and snuck his car around back
Uh. OK sure, which way?
The bouncer escorted Natalie out back, and she couldnt help a feeling of apprehension that was making its way up her spine. The bouncer pointed towards a car, but Natalie knew that wasnt Nicks she turned to look at him but waiting by the club door, blocking her re-entry was Gentry. She turned to walk out through the alley but was faced with Bobbie and Billy Ray so she turned back to Gentry.
What do you want, Gentry?
Well, Natalie, I think that weve been on the wrong foot with each other since day one and maybe its time to bury the hatchet
Fine, lets consider it buried, now please get out of my way I have to meet Nick and the others
Oh sweetheart theyre already gone He smiled at the look of surprise on Natalies face.
Yeah, somehow they got the idea that youd run into your good old buddy Mark Mason, and were spending some quality time with him in a back corner and that hed be seeing you home eventually
Why are you doing this?
I told you Id like us to be friends so WE are going to give you a ride home so we can all get to know each other better. Well all be very close by the time we get back to Quantico
You know what, I appreciate the offer but you really did have a great idea Mason lives close by and he had told me to call when I was in the neighborhood
Oh, I BET he did but no dice sugar. You dont want to offend us now, do you?
Ill just have to risk it
Gentry took a menacing step towards her and said, Sorry thats not an option and then before she even knew what was happening he had hauled her over his shoulder and was walking fast towards the car.
Chapter 22
Natalies heart was about to jump out of her throat as she pounded on Gentrys back and started to scream, but there was no one around to hear it not over the noise of the city and the pounding music inside. She was unceremoniously dumped in the back seat as Gentry climbed in behind her, and with Billy Ray at the wheel the car squealed out of the alley. Natalie went to grab for the door handle and her heart squeezed painfully in her chest when she realized it had been removed.
Look, I dont know what you think youre doing, but you let me out now and no one has to hear a thing
Gentry shot her a nasty look and snapped, Just shut up!
She recognized nothing about where they were, but when they had driven a mile or two Billy Ray pulled into a lot behind a closed shopping center and pulled into a spot in a corner away from any light. Gentry said, Great. Now, you guys start walking back and Ill pick you up a bit later Without a word Billy Ray and Bobbie got out of the car, leaving it running.
Gentry was on her so fast she didnt even have a chance to say another word to him. He essentially threw himself on her and pushed her face down into the back seat, and used one of his strong arms to yank her legs up so that her whole body was along the bench and he was then on top of her. He banded his arms around her upper body, pinning her arms in that embrace as well, and the she could feel him pressing his erection into her backside. She shuddered in disgust, and then his hot breath which smelled of stale beer was against her ear as he said, Do you feel that what you do to me I know you want me too or you will by the time were done
She still couldnt believe he was going to do this this was insanity
Do you really think youre just going to get away with this? I thought you wanted to be in this group pass this program. Her words were breathy due to the fear she was trying to hold in check.
Well, Im just betting that you arent going to say anything do you want everyone to know that I managed to get one over on the amazing Natalie Buchanan? Do you want people to know what I did to you? Plus its your word against mine that we didnt just get carried away our first night of liberty
You are so wrong I wont keep this quiet!
A risk Im wiling to take and with that his hands had moved under her to grab at her breasts through the light suede of her shirt. That spurred Natalie to fight and she began to push her hips up, using her strong legs as leverage, to try to get him off her. He roughly flipped her around so that she was on her back and placed himself between her partially open legs, pinning her lower body effectively. He leaned forward and licked her face, then down her neck to the opening of her shirt and she wanted to vomit. She was using her hands to push him off, but he had so much extra weight in his upper body and it was a battle she was sure she couldnt win. Gentry had a huge, hard grip and he quickly had both of her wrists locked in his right hand, pushed up over her head and partially against the side window of the car. She continued to jerk her lower body trying to dislodge him but it only seemed to excite him more. Still holding her wrists in his vice-like right hand, he moved his left to her shirt and yanked all the snaps open with one great tug and then she felt his hot, awful mouth moving to the flesh of her breasts that was not fully captured by her bra.
Natalie thrashed whatever part of her she could even more and screamed, Gentry, you fucking bastard, just get OFF me stop it and we can just walk away from this forget all about this
He pulled his head back, and laughed at her. He shifted his hands so he now had one of her wrists even more tightly bound in each of his hands and he said, No way am I stopping, I am taking my sweet time and dont stop fighting on my account, its HOT dollface Then his mouth had moved to hers in a brutal kiss that was all aggression. She felt bile rising in her throat and she bit his tongue and he pulled back and yelled BITCH! and slapped her so hard her teeth and eyes jarred for a moment. He sat up so he was straddling her, his two hands still keeping hers up over her head, pressed against the side of the car. Her breath was coming in a combination of gasps and semi-sobs because not only was she afraid but she was incredibly frustrated. In such a small space his much bigger bulk gave him such an edge over her so she tried to calm herself and remember whatever she could from her street-fighting classes.
Gentry again moved both her wrists into his right hand, and then he moved his left hand to her bra which he yanked below her breasts and she bucked up with all her strength underneath him and shrieked, NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! And she continued to thrash and writhe as he moved his mouth down and took her right nipple roughly in his mouth a switch seemed to flip in him and he began to get more excited, as if he was actually making love to her and a part of her brain marveled at what a complete sociopath he must be to not get the true nature of his behavior. He released her hands and moved his down to cup her ass while his mouth was still on her and she wasted no time moving her hands to his head to try to yank him off her she began to pummel his back and then punched the side of his face, but it seemed to have no effect so she moved her mouth to his ear and bit down hard on the cartilage and he screamed out and reared back off her and then he wrapped both hands around her neck and started squeezing.
She moved her hands to his to try to loosen them while she kicked her legs up a bit, but he was unmovable You GODDAMN BITCH FUCK you FUCK you He removed his right hand and his left loosened a bit, but then she felt his right hand on the button to her jeans and she knew she was just not going to let this happen. She was at an added disadvantage because he was still fully-clothed and there wasnt much she could scratch or bite, but she was going to do whatever she could. He was intent on her button and zipper and her hands were free, so she quickly moved her thumbs to the soft bed of nerves under each side of his jaw and pressed with all her strength That cause him to yelp in pain and stop what he was doing to try to move her hands off him, but before he could grab her wrists again she managed to drag her nails down both sides of his neck, ripping open his skin and leaving bloody tracks behind.
He was enraged and her grabbed her hair and yanked roughly back on it as he said, Oh, you want it rough, bitch! Then his head was moving down towards her breast again and Natalie felt his teeth bite into the soft flesh above her left nipple and she screamed. But she was done now totally done she took both her hands and with palms flat smashed them against his ears as hard as she could and it was his turn to shriek in pain he felt like both his eardrums had popped. He was holding his ears in agony, writhing around a bit and that gave her the opening she needed. She yanked her legs out from under him pulled them back and kicked both feet into his chest as hard as she could, and she heard the air leave his lungs. Then she was scrambling over to the front seat of the car. He momentarily tried to grab her ankle with one hand but she kicked back and caught him in the mouth and he let go. With shaking hands she opened the driver side door and then she was running for her life.
She didnt know where she was and it was cold and had begun to rain, but for a bit it felt like heaven on her skin as she gulped in as much air as she could possibly tolerate. She was shuddering violently but ran back the way they had come, hoping she wasnt too far from some sign of life. But where could she go she wasnt thinking straight any more shock was beginning to set in she immediately thought of John and wanted to be in the safety and quiet of the gym with him but Quantico was so far away but if she got a taxi and then she saw some of the DC skyline in the slight distance and began to run in earnest towards Masons apartment at The Watergate.
Chapter 23
Natalie ran five miles to Masons apartment, a deadly cold seeping into her bones a cold that had little to do with the rain or weather. She was feeling the shock set in more deeply, still unable to believe what had just happened, what WOULD have happened if she hadnt gotten away from him he was actually going to rape her really do it She almost cried with relief when she reached the entrance of The Watergate, but realized she didnt want to have to approach the doorman and ask him to announce her, buzz her init was almost 2 in the morning and she knew she looked like a crazed woman. She pulled out her cell from her back pocket, thankful it and her wallet had survived the evening, and dialed his number, praying hed be home.
Mason was still up, but finally getting ready for bed. He was a night owl anyway, and always stayed up extra late the night before an international flight so hed be tired and hopefully sleep. He was padding around in his pajama bottoms and tank when his phone rang, surprising him. He smiled a bit when he saw it was Natalie calling, but also felt a moment of tension as he wondered why she was calling at this hour
Natalie!
As soon as he heard her broken Mason he felt his stomach clutch.
Natalie! Whats wrong whats happened? Where are you?
She was obviously crying when she said, Downstairsoutside the front door
Here? At The Watergate?
Ye..yes
Well Ill have the doorman buzz you up!
Can can can you come come get me?
On my way
He grabbed his keys and flew out of the apartment, not bothering with shoes let alone other clothes.
He got down to the lobby in record time and tore through the front door and stopped dead when he saw her he had no words so he just pulled her into his arms and she clung to him like a drowning victim as she cried her poor heart out. Mason picked her up like an exhausted child and carried her into the elevator. The entire time he pressed gentle kisses into her wet hair and said over and over Shhh shhh. Shhh Ive got you now, sweetheart Ive got you and he had to hold tightly to her because her body was trembling so badly, and she was crying so hard she couldnt catch her breath.
He carried her into his apartment and walked right to the couch and sat down with her in his arms, just wanting to hold her and try to comfort her communicate his strength to her. But he also realized that she was soaking wet and he had to warm her up because what ever had happened to her had likely caused a bit of shock as well.
Natalie we have to get you out of these wet clothes get you warmed up Im going to draw a bath for you He began to move her off him, onto the couch, so he could head to the bathroom, but she clung to him and said, Please dont leave me so he carried her with him.
OK, Im going to have to put you down a second to turn on the bath and he gently placed her down on the side of the large Jacuzzi tub. He finally got a good look at her and he felt a wave of emotion wash over him shock, hurt and fury. Who did this to you Natalie?! he said fiercely, and she blanched a little and just shook her head. He realized that could wait until later. As the tub filled he took her hand gently and was glad to note she wasnt crying as hard any more she seemed to be calming down.
Natalie, sweetheart We need to get you undressed now do you want me to go?
No!
OK, can I help you get undressed? And she just nodded.
He started with her boots and socks and gently, slowly removed them. His hands moved to the button on her jeans and he felt her tense a moment and his heart plunged at what that might mean. Natalie look at me honey
She did and her eyes showed near total devastation. He sucked in a breath and said softly, Is it OK? You sure? and she nodded her head. He opened her pants and stood her up so he could remove them, gently tugging them down over her hips and thighs, then off her completely. He moved his hands to her shirt which was haphazardly buttoned and slowly unsnapped it and when it fell open his eyes fell on the bite mark on her breast and he couldnt help the Natalie that fell from him. She looked at him and took in the pain in his eyes and reached a hand out to rub his cheek as if to say it was ok and he gently kissed her palm. He slid her shirt from her and pulled her into a light hug so he could unhook her bra and slowly pulled that off her as well, then he moved his hands to her panties and removed them. He picked her up and bent over to place her in the warm water. It took everything in him not to shudder as his quick glances took in the harm done to her poor body which he was sure would only look worse tomorrow. She had bruises in the shape of hand marks on her neck, chest, arms her wrists were almost raw looking, though thank goodness there was no broken skin. She had bruises lining her legs where knees had dug into her a bruise was high on her cheek from being struck, her lips were swollen, and that bite
Natalie sank back gratefully into the warmth. Mason had been so wonderful to her, and she had begun to calm a bit inside feel less scared She looked at him and said softly, Thank you Mason and he took her face gently in his hands and said, Oh, Natalie sweetheart I told you to always come here Im just so sorry it had to be like this He was dying to find out what had happened and his gut couldnt help thinking it had something to do with that animal Gentry. But he didnt want to pressure her
Im going to go find you something warm to wear Ill be right back
He came back with a soft cotton rugby shirt that would probably fall down to her knees, and a pair of warm socks. Then he kneeled beside the tub and helped her rinse her hair, and she leaned against his chest as he did so, reveling in the warmth that came off him. It was an amazing feeling to have her body so gently cared for after the beating it had taken
Finally he helped her stand and wrapped a massive bath sheet around her, lifted her out of the tub and put her down so he could help dry her off. Then he picked up the rugby shirt and she held her arms up so he could put it on her and she smiled softly at him as their eyes met. With that done he sat her on the edge of the tub so he could put the socks on her feet and then he winked at her. There all done with that, I dont know about you but I could use a drink take a bit of the chill off want to join me? She nodded and took his hand when he held it out.
He walked her to the couch in the living room and she sat down, tucking her feet under her. He went over to the bar and poured two healthy measures of brandy and walked over, handing one to her and then sitting beside her.
Natalie do you want to talk about it?
She took a deep breath and said, Its a long story but Gentry set me up and God I just cant talk about this right now
He pulled her into a hug and said, OK OK not tonight or this morning rather but Natalie you are going to have to make a detailed formal statement
Her head snapped up and she looked at him and he was surprised, Natalie you arent going to hide what he did thats not what youre thinking I hope even if you were, you cant hide the bruises the marks
She sighed and leaned back against him, I know I know I just hate everyone knowing seeing me as a victim
Well, well talk with McBain and see how he can keep it as under wraps...at least until after the program is over
McBain?!
Hes head of this program this time around he has to know
God, I guess but is it going to make me seem like I shouldnt be in the program? Theyll think Ill be too rattled
Well, that would be unfair for them to decide on your behalf but you do need to see how YOU feel about it all, Natalie
They sat quietly for a little while, Natalie in his arms resting against his chest, the two of them sipping their brandies, and Natalie sighed deeply as she finally felt warm again safe and she drifted off to sleep. Mason gently lifted her and carried her to his bed, putting her carefully under the covers and then he kissed her forehead and pulled the covers up.
He went into the living room and made two calls the first to move himself to the later flight tomorrow, then he pulled out his blackberry and called up another number, not caring that it was the wee hours of the morning.
John was jolted awake by the ringing of his cell phone on his bedside table he noted that it was between three and four in the morning and groaned because no good ever comes from such a call.
McBain.. he rasped.
Its Mason I need you to come by my apartment tomorrow well this morning.. say around 9 10
Uh, Mason, whats up we dont have a case together right now
Its about Natalie.. shes here and
John felt a jolt of anger or something surge through him and said a bit sarcastically, Well, thanks for the invite but Im not sure its on top of my list to hang with the two of you and know Im probably just in the way
Mason sighed in irritation and said, Look dont be a prick. This is important and make sure you bring an official incident report blank
That got Johns attention and he was suddenly awake, Wait, what
See you in a few hours McBain
And then the line was dead and all John could think to say was, FUCK!
Chapter 24
Mason headed back into the bedroom and watched Natalie by the soft light coming from the bathroom hed left a small light on in there so the room wouldnt be in total darkness. He still couldnt believe what had happened tonight and if he wasnt leaving the country in few hours on a trip he couldnt get out of he would be tracking down Gentry himself alone but he was going to have to leave this in McBains hands he knew McBain could handle things, but if they werent well in hand by the time he got back on Wednesday
Natalie was such a curiosity to him because she was different than anyone hed ever met. That certainly set a few alarm bells off for him, but he still found himself wanting to spend time with her maybe because she didnt seem serious about him he knew she genuinely liked him, but she didnt get all moony and dream of a future when she looked at him. Honestly, he wasnt sure he was 100% happy about that, but in the end it was likely for the best
He climbed into bed and moved closer to her and watched her a bit more. She was sleeping calmly, and of that he was very glad. She had looked haunted, broken earlier, and that was so different than her normal fiery look but she had seemed like she was edging back away from the cliff by the time shed fallen asleep against him on the couch. He leaned down to kiss her cheek and she came semi-awake and snuggled into him, so he felt it safe to wrap his arms around her gently it made him feel good that she felt she could trust him that she came to him and let him help her at such a fragile moment. Maybe it was because she knew he believed in her strength and ability.
He could tell from her change in breathing that she was waking up, and then he felt her eyes on him and he met her gazeHey, sweetheart you feeling a bit better?
Yes thank you for everything I didnt know where else to go I dont know what I would have done
He pulled her a little tighter and said, Im just so glad that if it had to happen it was last night, not tonight when I would have been over the Atlantic somewhere I just wish you had never had to deal with anything like this
Hmmm, I know but you helped me so much She had her head on this chest and she could feel the steady beat of his heart and it was so comforting she pulled up a little and kissed his chest right over his mighty heart, and she could feel his large body shudder just a little bit at the contact, his arms tightening around her a bit, so she did it again, this time letting her tongue dart out for just a second.
Mason was surprised, but moved at the same time. He felt himself harden at her touch but couldnt help feeling that was wholly inappropriate on his part, but her mouth on his chestHe didnt want her feeling she owed him or that he had any expectations of her, and he whispered, Natalie, you dont have to do thisanything
She picked up her head to look at him and said, I know I want to but then she felt an insecure pang and said, um, unless you dont want I mean now that She sounded so sad when she said that, as she thought about whether that animals touch made her somehow dirty or undesirable at the very time she needed to banish his touch from her body.
OH, God no, Natalie my desire for you has not changed I just I dont want to be this selfish pig with everything youve gone throughseeming like I had this insensitive one-track mind that couldnt overrule my body because it always wants you.. he said with a chuckle.
Then make love to me, please Mason. I cant handle having his touch the last one on my body
Mason moved them so they were lying face to face on their sides he didnt want to cover her with his body make her feel trapped. Are you sure, Natalie?
In response she sat up for a second and removed the rugby shirt, and she was totally naked underneath. It was his turn and he quickly removed his tank and pajama bottoms and then, back on their sides, he pulled her against him in a hug to accustom themselves all over to the feel of their bodies their skin against each other. They looked at each other for several long minutes, Natalie was relieved to find that she still loved the feeling of Masons body against hers and she reached out a hand to cup his cheek. Then his head moved down so his mouth could claim hers gently, and she deepened the kiss by wrapping her arms around his neck. As they kissed his hands fingertips were tracing gentle paths all over her body, touching her with infinite tenderness where before she had been touched out of malice and a desire to hurt. She sighed softly into his mouth and he continued. He had grown so hard that it was difficult to ignore. It was pressing into her stomachand Natalie reached down to gently take hold of him. Mason removed his mouth from hers so he could ask, Are you sure, Natalie? And she was, so she nodded softly and pressed another kiss into his chest.
Mason knew tonight was about connection and healing, not acrobatics and stamina. She whispered his name, Mason and it was both a question and a request. He wanted to make sure she was ready for him, so he gently moved his hand between their bodies and pushed a finger in the heated place between her legs, and he knew that she was. She moaned softly and then he carefully lifted her right leg over his hip as he gently pushed himself inside her, and she just whispered, Mmmmm, so good They tightened their arms around each other, molded their mouths together and Mason began to move in and out of Natalies body with deft strokes. She marveled that he had found the perfect way the perfect tempo and intensity and her body was quickly heating up under his touch, his desire for her. She could feel the wonderful tension, a heated ache, begin to build inside her and each move of his hips massaged it, kneading it while stoking its attendant heat simultaneously. She could feel her inner muscles begin to burn and then to quiver, and he kept up his sure rhythm and next she felt a blessed release, a warmth flow through her, finally banishing the chill from her body. Mason! she cried out as her orgasm claimed her and he tightened his arms around her and took her mouth with his, absorbing the aftershocks that worked through her. When her tongue mated forcefully with his, it combined with the intimate, quaking grip she had on him to bring him to his own end and he shuddered as he climaxed deep within her body.
They gripped each other tightly, and Mason bestowed endless tender kisses while his fingertips massaged the pleasure back into her nerve endings. Then they were asleep
Chapter 25
Mason and Natalie slept for several hours, with him waking at about 8am. She was soon stirring as well and they looked at each other for a few seconds as he took in her bruised face and neck, and then his eyes couldnt help traveling down to the bite mark on her. He ran a fingertip every so gently over it and said, We probably should have taken you to a doctor to look at that probably still should you dont need an infection
I guess but maybe if you have some Neosporin or something Im glad you didnt drag me to a doctor you took such great care of me
Natalie snuggled into him and he closed his arms protectively around her and figured he needed to break the news about their imminent guest. He pulled back to look at her. Earlier, while you were first asleep, I took care of a few things I washed and dried your jeans and underwear so youd have something to wear I can give you a shirt or sweater. And, I, uh I called McBain and hes going to be over here in an hour or so
She pulled back off him in surprise, What? Hes coming here? But why...?
Natalie, this has to be handled carefully, appropriately there needs to be some sort of official process. I thought that McBain coming here, taking your statement and stuff in this setting as opposed to back at Quantico we dont know where that bastard is youve not yet made and official statement about him being the one what he did
Natalie sighed deeply and said, I get it its just that so much of me wants to forget it even happened
You cant and Natalie this isnt just about youthe FBI this country cant afford to have animals like Gentry roaming around, doing our bidding but then leaving a path of destruction
I know I just wish she sighed, it doesnt matter it is what it is
Mason knew exactly what she meant, but there was no good answer. Why dont you go get showered Ill bring your clothes in and then Ill make us some breakfast and lots of coffee
She did as he suggested and she stopped in shock when she caught sight of her naked body in the mirror, then stepped closer to see the damage. As she was being attacked, she hadnt consciously catalogued all the places Gentrys knees, hands and elbows his body in general had been pinning hers, grabbing her hurting her. She had been so focused on the bigger things hed been doing and trying but they had truly done battle as evidenced by her body. The left side of her cheek was dark gray from where he had hit her so hard, and her lips were still swollen though thankfully not cut hed had little interest in having his mouth on hers he had other targetsDark bruises were prominent along the softer flesh of her inner thighs, and there were many smudge-like bruises there that must have come from when hed shifted around. Her arms had a few dark bruises that looked like the grip of fingers, and a smattering of the smudge-bruises as well. Her wrists sported the most devastating markings at first glance it almost looked as if she was wearing two dark bracelets that were mottled with some red marks. No wonder why they hurt! Then there was her neck wow the outline of two sets of finger tips was painted in bluish black as if still choking her. Finally, she couldnt avoid it any longer she looked at her breasts and felt tears sting her eyes. Her nipples looked a bit raw and her soft skin was chafed from his five oclock shadow, but it was the bite mark that made her stomach churn. A perfect outline of his teeth was embedded in it, and it looked both bruised and red an angry wound if ever there was one and it perfectly captured what it is he tried to do to her. And she still didnt really understand why probably never would
Mason had come into the bathroom to give her the clothes and stopped dead when he saw she was inspecting herself when he saw the reflection of her expression in the mirror. It was clear reality was back in force in the cold, unforgiving light of day. He plopped the clothes on the edge of the tub and moved to her as she turned around and looked up at him with pained eyes. Then he drew her softly against him. All he could do was hold her and he could feel her tremble some but then wrap her arms around him tightly.
You see what I mean, Natalie you cant brush this off cant hide this
I know even if I wanted to my body is shouting the story for everyone to see its written all over it in black, blue and red
She pulled away to step into the shower she was trying to get a grip on herself because she had to face this head on and figure out how shed get it together enough to continue in this program because she was not letting that bastard win
Mason had given Natalie a heather-grey Henley shirt that just happened to be made of the softest cashmere, and it felt like a comforting hug when she put it on. It fell down straight to her mid-thighs, and the sleeves were well below her hands, but she just pushed them back. Mason had taken a quick shower and changed into comfortable jeans and a button-down shirt that he wore un-tucked, and then they had coffee and ate some oatmeal while they waited for John to arrive. They didnt talk much but every now and again hed give her a supportive smile.
John had tossed and turned since Masons call and gave up trying by 6am. While his mind didnt want to go there his gut was telling him that this had something to do with Gentry. He went by the dorms and found just a few people left, most still sleeping though some were up for an early run, but no one had seen Gentry. Just as he was about to leave he spotted Billy Ray coming out of the bathroom. Billy Ray tried to turn back around as soon as he noticed John, but he was busted and John strode towards him quickly.
Billy Ray! Wheres your buddy Gentry?
He shifted nervously and said, I I dont know
You guys go out last night? Run into anyone we know? John had stepped close to him and was asking these questions in a menacing tone. The fear and agitation in Billy Ray told him that he was on the right track.
We went out but just had a few drinks
John realized that he was in no mood to play 20 questions with this prick so he decided to just give him a hint of what was to come. He got in Billy Rays face and said, You need to listen to me carefully Ive gotten some early reports of an incident that happened last night something horrible. And your buddy is in the middle of it. I will find him I will find out exactly what happened and if you dont want to find yourself with some jail time as an accomplice then youd better get religion and tell me what happened before Monday morning or you will be in the same boat as that piece of scum youve been hanging with. Then John shoved him hard out of the way and stalked out of the dorm.
He swung by his office and went to his file cabinet and found his hands shaking just a bit as he pulled out the official forms used to take down information on an incident that needed investigation. He tried to tell himself that it couldnt have been too bad if Natalie was at Masons, not a hospital or doctors office, but maybe she had been there first Could it really only have been two days ago that they were in this office together when she had told him about Haver and Barberand hed opened up about Caitlin he felt a coldness gather in his stomach and he was afraid afraid of what he was going to hear that had happened to her afraid to see if it had been that final blow that broke her
He sucked in a deep breath and noticed the small digital camera sitting on his credenza and his stomach clenched. Standard procedure in the case of an assault was to take photos of the injuries he picked it up and shoved it in his pocket and said a silent prayer that that is where it would remain.
Natalie and Mason were sitting in the living room, trying to read the newspaper, when the doorman buzzed to announce John had arrived, and Mason told him to send him right up.
You ready for this?
No she said with a shaky chuckle.
Mason grabbed her hand and squeezed it, then went to answer Johns knock on the door, while Natalie stayed in the living room, her heart suddenly racing.
Mason looked at John and could tell hed gotten little sleep since hed called him, and he felt a bit bad just a bit. They talked in low tones.
What happened, Mason?
I havent heard the whole story yet she wasnt in any shape for me to grill her, and I figured it would be better to have her first recount on the official record anyway
John shook his head and asked, Was it Gentry?
Yes. He set her up somehow not sure, but well find out now Mason trailed off for a second and said even more quietly, John, you need to prepare yourself shes pretty banged up
John felt his gut seize but just nodded, and then Mason turned to lead them into the living room. John felt the air rush out of his lungs when he saw her. While much of her was covered, his skilled eyes did a quick assessment and saw her bruised face, the outline of hands on her neck, and since she had nervously pushed at the cuffs of her sweater her wrists were in full view.
He couldnt help the Natalie! that escaped him on a whisper, almost a groan, and he slowly walked over to her. She had been staring back at him, meeting his gaze though she felt a few tears gather. When he reached her he took one of her hands in his and squeezed it for a moment, then lifted it to inspect her wrist while his jaw clenched.
Finally he asked quietly, Are you OK?
Natalie just nodded while he kept hold of her hand for an extra moment, then he let go and, gathering himself together, he turned back to face Mason.
Mason had watched all that play out and felt a variety of emotions compete within him. He was glad that John was being so solicitous, but couldnt help but wonder what the basis of that behavior was. Johns and Natalies eyes seemed to communicate quite a bit as they had looked at each other, and that wouldnt come from a casual arms-length student-instructor relationship. They seemed to have developed a bond, and while Mason didnt believe they had become physically intimate he knew Natalie well enough to know she wouldnt have been making love with him a few hours ago if that was the case there was a closeness between those two. Mason was nothing if not a practical, level-headed guy who understood how the world worked. The sort of training that Natalie was going through part of its design was to create bonds between and among those who were going through it, and who would then serve together. The clich of foxhole buddies was a clich for a reason. John was leading Natalie through what would increasingly amount to a bit of hell on earth and he was a very decent guy who was likely doing his best to give her help as appropriate he looked out for her
Mason understood all of this so he was a bit surprised at the quick stab of jealousy that he felt especially given his philosophy on romantic attachments and he could almost detach himself enough to be amused at his predicament almost
As John turned around Mason cleared his throat and asked Natalie, Where would you prefer to sit here or the dining table?
Chapter 26
Why dont we stay in the living room, Natalie said. She went to sit on the couch and Mason quickly joined her on it, sitting to her left, while John sat on an armchair to her right. Mason knew it was petty and again he had to laugh at himself a bit because it was not his usual style but he liked taking the supportive boyfriend seat. John had taken a small spiral bound notebook out along with a pen, and then looked at Natalie.
Do you want to just start telling us what happened, where you went, who you were with, and how you ended up with Gentry?
She nodded and told them about going out with Nick and his friends and the evening starting out so fun but then Gentry and his boys showing up. You know, he seemed to be on his best behavior, wasnt giving me any shit but it must be because he knew what he had planned so he could sit back and relaxhe already had the bouncer in his pocket
Mason and John both looked surprised at that and she saw that and explained, Gentry paid the bouncer to tell Nick that I had run into you, Mason, and that you and I were making up for lost time that youd take me home THEN he had the bouncer intercept me coming from the ladies room and tell me that he had helped Nick jump the valet line and had pulled his car around the back and the bouncer led me out to the back alley. Her breathing was starting to grow a little erratic so she took a deep breath and then continued. When I saw the car I knew that it wasnt Nicks so I turned around to question the bouncer but he was already heading back inside, and Gentry was standing between me and the door. I turned back around to head out of the alley and Billy Ray and Bobbie were blocking that direction.
Mason and John locked eyes and both were stunned and furious. That bastard had truly set her up in the most pre-meditated of ways it wasnt some random twist of fate that put Natalie in his path.
She tried to continue, but her voice was wobbling. Mason halted her for a second and stood, saying, I know its early but I think you need a drink I know I do how about you McBain? John nodded and Mason quickly poured three glasses of whiskey. He handed Johns to him then sat back beside Natalie a little closer and she accepted the glass and took a decent-sized sip, appreciating its warmth spreading through her body.
John asked quietly, after taking his own grateful gulp, You OK to continue?
Natalie just nodded. I told him that Nick was waiting for me and thats when he told me what hed had the bouncer tell him that Nick was long gone. He said that he and his buddies were going to give me a lift so we could become friends. I told him that was OK, that Id find my own way back and in fact that maybe I would call you, Mason but he told me that wasnt an option and before I could even form a fight plan in my mind hed grabbed me and hauled me over his shoulder, brought me to the car and tossed me in the back seat he climbed in behind. She took a larger gulp of the whiskey. Billy Ray drove us out of the alley fast, but I didnt care I was thinking Id jump out of the moving car, except when I reached for the door handle I realized it had been removed and I was truly trapped
She was growing increasingly upset and Mason took her hand and said, Natalie
She shook her head and said, No, Im OK After another sip of her drink she continued, We drove for about a mile and Billy Ray pulled into a deserted parking lot behind a strip mall over into a dark corner. Then Gentry told him and Bobbie to get out of the car to start walking back to Quantico and that hed pick them up later down the roadthen he moved so fast and hes so big and strong and before I could catch a breath I was face down on the back seat, his entire body holding me down his arms wrapping around me and trapping mine against my body then we fought it seemed like forever but I finally broke away, got into the front seat and out the door and then I just ran.. it was raining and cold but I ran here about five miles
John was almost speechlessshed fought that bastard off and then run five miles in the rain after midnight, through the city
Natalie, Im going to need more detail from you about the attack itself
He saw her tense, so he said, But we can come back to that lets talk about your coming here and what happened then did you seek any medical attention have evidence collected? A rape kit done?
He didnt succeed in raping me.
I know that, but with the way you fought, Im sure you probably scratched him some blood DNA might have been drawn
No I just came here stayed here
Mason broke in and said, John, not surprisingly Natalie was more than a little bit upset when she got here and she was also freezing cold dangerously so so the first thing I did was put her in a hot bath to get her warm so, yeah, I guess we washed away some evidence in the process
John understood why that would be the case, yet he was surprised that Mason had been the one to do this he had a legal mind like a steel trap and John almost would have expected him to scrape under Natalies fingernails himself and deposit the results in a plastic baggie or something
Mason could see the thoughts crossing Johns face and he snapped a bit saying, Look, excuse me for acting like a caring boyfriend first, and not a prosecutor You try have a woman you care about show up at 2 in the morning, soaked and beaten, crying so hard she could barely catch a breath, frozen to her core - and see if the first thing YOU do is interrogate and collect evidence!
John sniped back, I GET that, OK its just that I would think wed want to GET this bastard and it will be harder without physical evidence
Natalie had watched this back-and-forth initially with surprised curiosity, and then she found herself growing a bit angry since they were now almost oblivious to her presence. So, when John said what he did about the lack of physical evidence she could be quiet no longer and tossed out,
We have the bite! An almost-complete impression of his teeth.
Mason nodded in remembrance but John whipped his head around and said, BITE?!
Without thinking without a moments hesitation, Natalie pulled down the collar of her shirt to expose part of her breastthe bite and Johns eyes grew large and fury sparked in them while his stomach churned so badly he thought he might vomit on the spot. He had no words but she was right theyd have him dead to rightsHis eyes locked on hers and they were full of compassion for her
Before anyone could say another word they were interrupted by the doorman buzzing, announcing the arrival of Masons sister and her husband. Mason blanched and then groaned he had totally forgotten Mason asked the doorman to have them wait down there a moment that hed be right downasked the doorman to stow their luggage
He turned to Natalie and John, Shit, I totally forgot. My sister and her husband are going to spend a long weekend in DC and are staying here since Ill be away we arranged for them to come early to have brunch before I headed to the airportI can have them head off to brunch themselves explain something came up but I had been thinking that you could have just stayed here for the rest of the weekend until you know whats going on you cant go back to Quantico
Natalie stood and walked over to him, Its OK I can stay at a hotel or something but I think you should stick to your original plans to have brunch with them Youve already done so much, have been so good to meand this way you wont have to hear every gory detail youve handled enough of this mess for me
Mason wanted to talk to her privately for a moment so he said to John, Will you excuse us for a minute? and he led her into the bedroom.
Natalie are you sureI dont want to abandon you
She took his face in both hands and said Youre not! You have been amazing Mason I was I was teetering on the edge last night I KNOW I was you saw me.you rescued me from that you were everything I needed, so gentle and strong I needed to feel safe and cared for and you did all that for me we got to a good place and I dont want us both dragged back down as I have to tell what happened thats Johns job, it doesnt have to be yours
He pulled her close against him and then they shared a wonderful, passionate yet gentle kiss. As he was enjoying the feel of her lips and tongue against his, Mason had a sad premonition that this might be the very last time he experienced this and the squeeze in his heart was a new feeling for him.
They walked back inside and while Natalie went to sit on the couch, John walked Mason to the front door. The two men looked at each other and then Mason said, Ill be out with my family for two hours or so you can stay here to finish taking her statement, and if youre not done by then I can bring them somewhere else but Im concerned about where Natalie stays tonight what happens when she has to go back tomorrow
John nodded and said, Ill figure something out I wont let anything else happen to her
Mason looked long and hard at John and said, Im leaving her in your hands, McBain take care of her or Ill come looking for you, too
I will, Mason, you have my word
Mason and John were both left with the feeling that the subtext of their conversation was saying a lot more than the actual words then Mason was gone, wishing he was staying behind with Natalie but knowing right now for so many reasons it was best if he left.
Chapter 27
John walked back into the living room and looked over at Natalie. He felt relieved a bit not having Mason there, and refused to examine that. Instead he walked over and this time sat on the couch beside her, took her hand and looked at her intently.
How are you? How are you really?
She tried to give him a small smile and said, Overall, all things considered, not too bad but I think Im still a bit in denial because even after everything that Gentry said and did to me over these past months I cant believe he tried what he did last night he really seemed to think hed get away with it that I wouldnt tell anyonebut things went so far, I couldnt exactly hide all these bruises even if I wanted to
Natalie, I want to get this bastard so and I know this wont be fun I need you to tell me everything dont leave a single thing out. And to make sure we cover everything, Im going to ask all the questions on the official form I apologize in advance if I come across as too official or anything
Over the course of the next 30 minutes Natalie gave a detailed account, surprised in a way that she remembered so much so clearly. It was almost like she was back there watching it happen and shed do so well in relating it shed be so strong for a while, until shed remember that it had really happened TO her, and shed have to fight back the tears steel her voice again. John knew enough to let her fight for her composure, but it was hard not to want to comfort her.
Finally they were done with that and he had a few more questions on the form to go over things that would be helpful for a prosecutor building a case, or anticipating arguments the defense might make.
OK, Natalie, in the 24 hour period leading up to or immediately following your attack, did you have sexual intercourse consensual or otherwise with anyone? As John read that question he felt tension gather in his neck given that they were in Masons apartment but then again, after almost being raped would that even be something?
Natalie swallowed hard and for a number of reasons felt tremendously uncomfortable answering that question. John looked up from the paper and the look on her face her ongoing silence, answered for her.
Somewhat harshly he said, So I guess thats a yes, huh? Was that before or after the assault?
Natalie was put off by the tone of his voice and she asked, Why is this even relevant anyway?
Because a defense attorney might argue that some of your injuries came from your other activities, and also might suggest that the attack couldnt have been all that bad if you were willingly screwing someone else within hours of it happening.
Natalie felt shock, anger and more than a little bit of hurt course through her. The point he was making might be apt but his tone and use of language She jumped off the couch to get away from him and walked across the room.
John was surprised at his own behavior as well and he stepped off the couch, took a step towards her and started to apologize, Natalie
She wheeled around to face him, angry tears in her eyes, No, NO YOU dont get to JUDGE ME you have no right. You will never understandNEVER I got out of that car, into the dead of night and I didnt know if that animal would be on top of me again any second so I ran I ran without knowing exactly where to go and then I realized I was only a few miles from here and I came here because I needed her voice was breaking now , I needed someone to hold to hold me to tell me I was safe to take care of me and to not have that bastards touch be the last one on my body, and I dont CARE if you dont get that!
John kept to within a foot of her and was watching her closely, he felt terribly but also understood she just needed to get all this out and he needed to just keep quiet.
Where should I have gone? Where else could I have gone? Back to Quantico where HE might have been? Should I have knocked on YOUR door and said, excuse me Special-Agent-McBain-Instructor-sir, Ive had really REALLY bad night and Im not doing too well not to worry, Ill handle being tortured by terrorists SO much better but for now can you just would you just hold her voice broke and tears started down her cheeks as she said over a sob, just hold me
And he did. John grabbed her to him fiercely as her tiny body was wracked with sobs and she clung to him. They stayed that way for five or six minutes, as he held her, rocked her, absorbing every quake that shook her. And he kissed her hair, rubbed her back anything he could do to comfort her.
Natalie finally pulled away and used her hands to wipe her tears away, saying softly, Im sorry
You have nothing to be sorry for I do
No, John its OK what do we have left to do?
He sighed and said, I have to take some pictures of all your wounds, bruises and such
Well theyre everywhereI guess we have to do this, though
Yeah, but if youd feel more comfortable we could have a doctor do it
No, lets just get it over with plus youve seen it all before when you rescued me from the rats
They shared a small laugh which lightened the mood a bit, and he pulled the camera out of his pocket. He saw her hands hesitate on the bottom of her sweater, and said gently again, Natalie, we can go to
But she shook her head and lifted her sweater over her head and tried to put herself on automatic pilot. She undid her jeans and shimmied out of them and was then standing in her bra and panties. She hesitated once more but then realized that she needed to remove her bra so he could capture all that had been done to her.
John stared at her with compassion and tenderness and that made her feel better. He felt a lump in his throat when he saw what had been done to her beautiful body, and only then did he fully realize what a battle shed been through.
Ill make this quick. He took some photos at a distance to take in her whole body and then moved near her to take close ups of the marks on her neck, her wrists and then her breasts. As he took the photos he made himself a promise that he was going to bring Gentry down if it was the last thing he did and he also made a decision about what they should do between now and the end of liberty tomorrow night.
OK, all done then he averted his eyes as she got dressed again.
Mason and his family will probably be back soon we should head out I I dont want to go back to Quantico yet, so Ill just find a hotel nearby
Natalie, Id like you to come with me
To your apartment? But I really dont want to go back to Quantico yet, John
He took her hand in his and said, Not to Quantico, to my house my real home
She was touched and her initial thought was that it sounded perfect, but she didnt want to put him out, John, that is so nice but I dont want to put you output you on the spot
Youre not Id like it if you would I want to know where you are that youre all right.
She smiled softly at him and said, OK, thanks.
Lets go.
Chapter 28
John and Natalie headed to his house in his SUV he lived in Virginia about 15 miles from Quantico, and they spent the journey in relative silence. Events were propelling them in a direction neither could have contemplated 24 hours ago. Natalie thought about yesterday when she agreed to go with Nick and his friends, and knew she hadnt had the vaguest notion that a few hours later shed literally be fighting for the very sanctity of her body. Life was full of those moments out of the blue that become the defining line the demarcation of before and after and once youd crossed it everything changed youd always think of your life with that fault line running through it
Her cell phone rang, jolting her out of her reverie, and she saw it was Mason.
Hey, Mason.
She was aware that Johns head had turned slightly in her direction and then he looked straight ahead again.
Hi, Natalie. Im heading to the airport and just wanted to check in see how your are and whats going on
Im doing OK finished my statement and all. Listen. Thanks again for being there for me She needed to say that even if she wasnt alone.
Natalie, always any time. Have you figured out where youre staying?
She hesitated a second and said, Johns house.
I figured that would be the case thats good. You shouldnt be alone, and hell look out for you Ill be thinking of you, and Ill call when Im back.
OK, safe trip OK?
Bye Natalie.
Mason snapped his phone shut and smirked a little to himself. He had absolutely assumed that was where John would take her it made perfect sense. Truthfully, had it not been for a vibe he was picking up between them he would have suggested it himself. He might not be able to fight the inevitable, but he sure didnt have to aid and abet it either
Truth was, he had come to like Natalie a great deal he really cared about her. In unguarded moments he let alien thoughts enter his brain like IF he was ever going to be open to a long-term committed relationship, Natalie would be one heck of a choice. Hell, it was because it was HER that he was having those alien thoughts he hadnt realized someone like her could exist. But he also knew that he wasnt there yet maybe never would be. In the end, though, his gut told him he was very lucky he didnt let himself really fall for Natalie, because there was something brewing between her and John that had become clear, even if it hadnt yet been acted upon.
He sighed and pulled out his file to review the background of the new Assistant US Attorney who would be coming with him Angela Mauro. Seemed like she had a decent background time would tell
John had listened to Natalies side of the conversation and he asked, Was Mason OK with my plan?
Yeah, he said hed figured that might be where wed end up going
Listen, Natalie. Im really sorry about before. It makes perfect sense that the first person youd think of the first place youd think to go, would be Masons and
Natalie cut him off. It wasnt.
Wasnt what?
Masons wasnt the first place I thought of As I got out of that car the place I wanted to be more than anything was in the peaceful quiet of the gym working out with you it always feels so safe there. But it was so far away I was so cold and scared, and I knew that Gentry was headed back that way I saw the skyline and realized The Watergate wasnt that far, and I ran
John reached out a hand to cover one of hers where it rested on her thigh. He didnt know what to say exactly, but her words had touched him. I wish I couldve been there for you, Natalie. But Im glad that Mason was hes a good, quality man. John realized he meant what hed said. As much as he wouldve loved helping Natalie through it, he was glad someone like Mason was there to pull her back from the edge but now it was up to him to get her through the rest of it
Johns neighborhood was quiet and charming it wasnt one of the newer neighborhoods full of McMansions, but instead had wonderful craftsman bungalows/cottages. Johns house was white with black shutters and accents, set back from the road with an inviting front porch, and it was impeccably maintained. They pulled into his driveway and John groaned when he saw a certain neighbor from down the street happening by at just that moment damn timing! She was giving him a big smile and wave and had headed in his direction when shed noticed him pulling into the driveway.
Natalie looked at John and said, Whats wrong?
Nothing, just a neighbor I was hoping to avoid until maybe Id get lucky and shed decide to move
Natalie peeked out the window and put two-and-two together and she couldnt help giggling at his predicament.
You think this is funny, Buchanan?
Yeah, at least a little
He sighed deeply and got out of the car and Natalie could hear the chirpy excitement of the neighbor. She decided maybe she should help him out a bit. She had grabbed a wool scarf of Masons to hide her neck, and her hair hid the bruise on her face, so she looked decently presentable. She climbed out of the SUV and walked around to where John was chatting awkwardly with the neighbor, who was undressing him with her eyes. Natalie heard her say something about dinner and John was searching for a response, so she walked over and wrapped her arms around him from behind saying, Hey baby you going to introduce me to your friend?
John and the neighbor were both startled by Natalies approach, but the neighbor didnt notice Johns reaction because her eyes were focused on Natalie. Natalie moved to Johns right side and tucked herself under his arm and he wrapped it around her with a squeeze.
Oh, this is Tara she lives down the block.
Natalie looked at Tara and thought she was quite attractive. She was in her mid-thirties, trim, with brown hair and eyes, but there was an almost desperate quality about her and it came across uncomfortably clearly.
Hi, Tara Im Natalie.
Hi, Natalie she said almost waspishly, continuing to give her the once over.
Tara then ignored Natalie and still tried to engage John in conversation and said, Well youre obviously a little busy NOW, but Id love to cook for you on your next free night
Natalie almost rolled her eyes and was pissed at how she was being dismissed by the witch, so while John was trying to hem and haw out an answer she stood on tiptoe and kissed him on his neck, saying seductively, John you promised me a nice long napas SOON as we arrived. I cant wait any longer baby she kissed his neck again and I cant sleep by myself
John felt his temperature shoot up along with other things and it was all he could do not to laugh at the expression on Taras face. He responded, Youre so right hon. Gotta go, Tara see you soon! And then he was pushing Natalie towards the house. As soon as they got inside she was laughing her head off, and it was a welcome sound and sight.
You are evil, Buchanan
Hey, it worked, right?
She glanced around and said, Your home is beautiful.
Thanks you want a tour?
Sure, and they began to walk around.
The leaded glass front door had deposited them in the main room which was a good size. There were wood floors throughout the entire first floor. The walls were all off white, which threw the natural wood door frames and moldings into sharp relief. In the middle of the main room was an oriental rug dominated by browns, creams, black and a dash of deep red. Facing each other on the rug were two oversized brown leather couches and two massive leather ottomans stood side-by-side between the couches in lieu of a coffee table. However on one of them was a large mahogany tray that converted it to that purpose as needed, and a beige chenille throw had been tossed across the other one. The couches each held several throw pillows in colors that picked up those in the rug. There were a couple of wood end-tables and matching wood sofa tables behind each sofa they were all mission-style. On all four tables were lamps that had almost a Frank Lloyd Wright feel to them, and scattered across them were a few books and coasters. On the walls were tasteful prints mostly cityscapes and street-scenes from around the world. Natalie could see through the double-wide door-jamb which was door-less to the dining room whose long wooden table and six chairs was also mission style and consistent with the living room furniture.
They walked into the kitchen which was a very good size enough for a four-person table and chairs. The cabinets and island were a warm maple color and the countertops were black granite. He then led her down the hall a bit to a small but nicely done powder room, and finally to the back of the house were there was an office/den that had a red leather couch and several red-leather club chairs plus a large flat-screen TV. It had a big desk angled in the corner, too. The walls were lined with bookcases that were chock-full. John held her hand as they walked back into the main room and to the wooden stairs that led to the second floor which also had solid wood floors throughout. The staircase bisected the upper floor and to the right was the master suite which took up half the second floor, and to the left were two spare bedrooms that shared a full bathroom. The bedrooms were relatively sparsely furnished but still nice beds, dressers, and armchairs. He told her she could pick whichever she wanted.
She followed John into the master suite, which was also wonderful. A mahogany four-poster bed dominated half the room and it was luxuriously turned out in taupe colored duvet and pillow shams. A large upholstered bench was at the foot of the bed. The room had great natural light through great windows framed in wood and a window seat ran the width of the large window that looked onto a small but pretty backyard. On the other side of the bed was a small seating area with two armchairs and an ottoman, all covered in a beige and brown brocade. She followed John into the master bathroom which had a large stall shower and an equally sizable Jacuzzi tub both of which, along with the floor, were clad in taupe marble. The two vanities that were at right angles to each other were maple, and their counters were off-white marble. Mirrors ran the entire length of each. And finally, there were two large walk-in closets.
John, your home is beautiful... honestly. Its so warm and cozy and inviting
He smiled and said, Thanks, Ive enjoyed living herewhen not accosted by pesky neighbors
They laughed at that.
If you give me a couple of minutes I will raid my closet a bit for you give you some things to wear today tomorrow. Too bad Im not a closet cross-dresser or I could give you some appropriate underwear to borrow, but you may have to deal with boxers I do, of course, have a washer and dryer
Thanks and for some reason I AM glad to hear youre not a cross dresser.
He disappeared into his closet and came back with sweat pants, t-shirts, tanks a white button-down, black merino wool turtleneck, some socks and the afore-mentioned boxers.
She laughed as she took it from him and headed down the hall to one of the guest rooms. John said he was going to head down to his office to call Chase and fill him in on everything it was way passed time and also to see if Gentry had surfaced. Come join me there when youre ready
Chapter 29
John headed to his office and called Chase. He gave him a rundown on all that had happened and Chase was blown away.
Is Buchanan OK?
Amazingly so I tell you, Chase. She has more grit than almost anyone Ive ever met. She took a real beating, literally and figuratively.
John, this could get very complicated in a hurry the first female candidate for this program and this happens to her
I know, but we cant let this guy get away with this.
Oh, God no! I just wonder if shell feel the need for any special recompense
John actually felt a bit offended on Natalies behalf. Chase thats not her at all she has all the money in the world already, and
Im not talking about money Im talking about something like an automatic in to the program
I think thats even LESS likely. Chase, she wants to EARN it, and youve seen her scores her resultsshes regularly in the top 5 sometimes at the top. And youre the one who told me, based on her history, that the non-physical aspects were unlikely to be a problem. And in my opinion that has become even more clear. She just went through her own personal hell night and night of torture for REAL, not knowing deep down it was a simulation and she came out of it fighting. Do you realize that after fighting that animal off she had to run in the cold rain for five miles until she got to Masons place?
All right I see your points
What we need to do is have some of our people see if they can locate Gentry, and if not, then wait until liberty ends tomorrow night and see if he has the balls to show up again like nothing happened. We also need to take action on Billy Ray and Bobbie We might need to involve the DC police especially if we want to go after that bouncer and state police and our own agents if Gentry appears to be running
John do you think that Natalie may be in further danger from this guy?
John cringed a bit as Chase gave voice to a fear that had been nagging the back of Johns brain. She might be especially if in some warped way he blames her for the trouble hes in now
OK, heres our temporary game plan. You guys stay there until tomorrow, but make it back here by 7pm so no one can say anything about her getting any extra time off campus. BUT until we know hes been apprehended we cant leave her like a sitting duck in the dorm. The apartment next to yours is open, and Im going to assign her there until Gentry is in custody. But we are going to need to meet with the rest of the class tomorrow night well call an impromptu meeting and let them know whats going on. The only way not to is if Buchanan drops out of the program, but if she stays, its all going to be obvious any way How do you think her classmates will handle things?
I think theyll rally around her. She has gained EARNED their respect. And except for his 2 asshole friends no one liked Gentry I should have figured out a way to cut him loose weeks ago
John you were walking a very fine line and I dont think any of us could have imagined hed go this far
Maybe not but, Chase I cant help but wonder if he would have stopped at raping Natalie
Chase sucked in his breath, You think he would have KILLED her?
I dont knowmaybe not, but Ill tell you what I know in my gut this isnt the first time he did this. The way he set it up with the bouncer the fact that hed removed the door handles in the back of his car we need to dig deeper and see what we missed when we went over his application materials and did a background check.
Ill work on that
John had just hung up the phone when Natalie walked in. He motioned for her to sit in one of the club chairs and he claimed another, and then told her what he and Chase discussed except for their concerns as to whether he still was a danger to her, and whether he might have killed her had she not gotten away.
I guess we have to tell everyone what happened
I dont think theres any way not to
I know
Natalie, these plans assume that you want to remain in the program is that still the case?
Yes, I do
Even with whats coming up the next few weeks?
You mean the torture?
Yes your body wont even be fully recovered
I know but I guess we just wont know until I try it I have to know
I wish I could get what happened to you with Gentry classified as your official torture because it more than qualifies in my opinion.
Well, I wont argue with you there and if thats a rabbit you can pull out of your hat, well I wont look that gift horse in the mouth hows that for mixing metaphors?
Incredible, and its made me very hungry you up for ordering in Chinese for an early dinnermaybe we can watch a movie after
Sure, sounds great.
John went into the kitchen to order the food and Natalie curled up into the large red leather chair, and promptly drifted off to sleep. When John returned to find her like that he pulled a throw off the end of the couch and covered her, then headed to his desk to return some emails and do some planning for the courses coming after hell night. Every now and again hed glance at Natalie but she remained asleep and he was glad she needed it. She could sleep until the food came.
The doorbell rang and Natalie eased back to consciousness at the sound, sitting up as John was heading towards the door. You OK to eat? We can sit in the kitchen.
Sure
They unloaded the bag chock-full of food, Are we expecting several others McBain?
He laughed and said, No, but its my favorite take out and now well have leftovers.
They found it blessedly easy to talk to one another over a few beers and tons of Chinese food. John was self-deprecating as he explained his own early FBI training and his experiences going through Special Branch training. He had been earmarked as an instructor even a co-creator of the program from the beginning, but they all had to pass the training first. They also talked about the fact that theyd both grown up in AC and John was blown away by her growing up as a Balsam with Roxie and then finding out she was a Buchanan.
All this has happened to you by age 26?! Shit, Natalie, I had thought Id led an eventful life and after all that you signed up for this?
She was quiet for a moment and said, Well, in some ways it is BECAUSE of all that so much of my life just HAPPENED to me things were done to me decisions made by others that warped my life I got tired of feeling like a victim, so first I became a cop, and then when I heard about this program, I thought I at least needed to try.
Buchanan, you are about as far from a victim as anyone Ive ever met. Now, I say we watch a low-brow movie. I am going to get changed into sweats for that if you want to get changed yourself, lets plan on meeting in the den in 10 minutes. You want a beer or whiskey to drink during the movie?
Surprise me.
They both headed upstairs and she tossed on sweat pants and the oversized button down shirt hed given her. He was already in the den when she got there, in sweat pants and a t-shirt and holding two glasses of whiskey. The lights were down low, and they both piled onto the large couch and John turned on the latest Batman movie.
John woke up a couple of hours later to find a blank blue screen in front of his eyes. He had stretched his feet out in front of him, leaned his head against the back of the couch, and that was it. He was a bit surprised hed fallen asleep he couldnt even remember seeing the first 10 minutes of the movie but then again, he hadnt slept much after Masons call. That made him think of Natalie and he realized she, too, had fallen asleep. She had fallen sideways against him and her head was now in his lap, while her feet were tucked up on the couch. He felt a wave of tenderness as he looked down on her face, which looked so young as she slept. She must be knocked out too he briefly tried to wake her to no avail, so he slowly moved himself from under her and off the couch, and then picked her up to carry her to her bed. As he did so, in her sleep she moved her arms around his shoulders and said on a sigh, John but didnt stir otherwise. The sound of her sleepy voice saying his name that way made him happy for reasons he also wouldnt be examining right now. He put her in her bed and pulled up the covers and she remained asleep. Then he headed to his own room.
Chapter 30
Natalie woke up with a start, her heart pounding in her chest. A sheen of sweat covered her whole body and it took her a second to realize where she was. She wasnt exactly sure how shed gotten from the den to here, but at least she knew she was in Johns house, safe. She had been reliving being attacked by Gentry but this time it was even worse than what had happened and it has seemed so real. Her body was shaking almost violently and she kicked her sweatpants off trying to rid herself a bit of the trapped feeling that had followed her from her dream. But notwithstanding the fact she was sweating, deep inside she felt a cold pit of dread in her stomach. She needed something to calm her nerves if only she had some of those great drugs from when shed hurt her ankle. Then she remembered the whiskey and decided to grab a quick swig.
She was making her way slowly, quietly down the hall towards the stairs when she tripped over the leg of a small bench she didnt see, and had forgotten was there. It happened so quickly she couldnt save herself and landed in a noisy, painful heap on the wood floor, not too far from Johns door which goddamn it he had left ajar!
John was startled awake at the noise and reacted quickly as he sprang from his bed and into the hall. Natalie was trying to drag herself off the floor when he got there and he scooped her up in his arms. She was still shaking badly and the fall didnt exactly help.
Hey hey are you OK?
She nodded, but the fact that she was so shaken didnt exactly support that affirmation. John carried her into his room and sat down on the edge of the bed with her still in his arms, so that she was now sitting across his lap, and her arms had tightened around his middle.
What happened, did you have a bad dream?
Yes it woke me up thank God because it was so real
About Gentry and what happened?
She shook her head and if anything began to tremble more at the mention of his name.
Where were you headed?
She laughed a little and said, I was going to raid your liquor cabinet thought a shot of whiskey might steady my nerves. But then I tripped over the leg of the bench sorry I woke you
Not a problem, truly. A drink, huh? Probably not a bad idea. He stood up with her and then deposited further up on his bed, so she could lean back against the pillows. Dont go away,
Then he walked over to a wood corner cabinet and opened the upper door to reveal a decently stocked bar. It also had a small coffee maker.
Wow, thats some set-up McBain
He laughed and said, Well, sometimes you dont want to have to travel far for a drink
He poured out two half glasses of whiskey and brought it to her. Wow, thats a healthy pour
Strong medicine for bad dreams
He sat back on the bed as well, but kept his distance.
You want to talk about it?
Not much to talk about it was just like being back in the car, but this time it seemed worse like he was going to succeed She exhaled her breath and took a swig of the whiskey. Now thats good that jolt of warmth is perfection in and of itself
Want to watch a cheesy late-night movie?
Sure Lifetime has all the chick-flicks
You want me to watch a chick-flick?
Arent you man enough?
John laughed You are a real piece of work Buchanan well, lets see what weve got
Soon they were laughing at the over-the-top acting in some melodrama about some woman trying to bring down an evil infertility doctor. Of course it was made all the funnier since they had each had a full glass of whiskey by this point. Before it was over Natalie had fallen asleep and John figured why not just leave her where she was, and he clicked off the TV and fell asleep himself.
In sleep their bodies sought out the warmth and comfort of each other, entwining arms and legs. Some time later John found himself in the hazy state between sleep and wakefulness as if suspended in a dream which was enhanced by the remaining alcohol in his system. The only thing really getting through to him was the feel of Natalies body against and wrapped around his the feel of her warm breath on his neck and of its own volition, his mouth moved to claim hers. Natalie exhaled on a moan at the contact, and then her mouth was fully engaging in the process of exploring his while she, too, remained in that dreamy twilight. Their eyes remained closed, extending the dreamlike state, but their tongues became increasingly active against each other. Johns body rolled a bit and Natalies instinctively responded, flattening on her back but bending and opening her legs so Johns hips could find a home between them, his incredible hardness pressing against the thin cotton of her panties. Natalies hands massaged their way down his broad back to press against the small of it, and his moved under her to cup her taut behind and pull her tighter against him. They both moaned at in response but it did not hamper the languid exploration of their tongues, and their hips began to mimic that tempo in gentle, perfectly matched undulation. The heat flared between them and their mouths and hips became more urgent, along with the moans that poured into each other, echoing down their throats.
John and Natalie were so lost in sensation in their wonderful world of dream and reality blurring that Johns doorbell pealed three times before it registered. Their eyes flew open, mouths broke apart and they looked at each other in surprise, but with eyes still hazed with passion. They became intensely aware of the position of their bodies against each other, but before they could say another word the doorbell rang again. John, now fully awake, rolled off Natalie and reached into his dresser drawer to grab his gun.
Stay here, Ive got to go see who it is
When John left, Natalie was lying back in his bed, knees still bent, and she could still feel his mouth on hers, his deliciously hard weight between her legs. She covered her face with her hands in mortification what was she doing?! She told herself she should flee to her room but then again, John had told her to wait hereand she knew it was the thinnest of rationalizations, but she clung to it and stayed where she was.
John ran downstairs on shaky legs and deep down knew Natalie had taken that toll on him, not the sharp sound of his doorbell in the earliest hours of the morning. He peered out a side window, out of sight from the door, and recognized Chase standing on his porch.
He pulled the door open and stood aside to let him in.
Geez, Chase I didnt think you made house calls
Well I was finally on my way home for a couple of hours sleep and there was some news I thought you should know. Gentrys car was found parked not sure whether we should classify it as abandoned or not about three blocks from the main entrance to Quantico. No one knows exactly how long its been there
John could tell there was more. What else what?
Chase reached into his pocket and took out a folded piece of paper and said, This is a copy of what was found tacked to Buchanans door about an hour ago
John took the paper, a copy of a digital picture. It was of Natalie, sleeping in her bunk, her bedclothes tossed off her and her tank and boxers doing little to hide her body from the intrusive inspection of the camera and the person who took the picture. It was clear it was taken when someone snuck into her cubbie and they all knew it was Gentry. She looked so completely vulnerable as she slept totally oblivious to the malevolent presence just a few feet away. That was bad enough, but the Word scrawled out in thick marker across the image of Natalies body made his blood run cold: MINE.
Chapter 31
John ran his hand over his face, his mouth, trying to calm himself. He said to Chase, Lets go inside and ushered him to the den. He walked to the bar and poured two glasses of whiskey and it occurred to him that hed had more of this to drink in the past 24 hours than the previous 24 days.
The two men sat in the club chairs and didnt say anything for a moment, then Chase spoke.
This could simply be a last gesture, meant to rattle a final salvo before he disappearsbut it was a risky move for him to come back on campus
Any chance he had one of his boys do it?
None I had them cleared off campus within an hour after you and I first spoke. They admitted everything we have their signed, sworn statements. And it was pretty clear they have no loyalty to Gentry.
Do you really see him coming back on campus to try anything against Natalie?
I find it hard to believe he would, once he knows were on high alert and looking for him. Tonight he might have taken a calculated risk that the news had not yet completely spread that he had a window of opportunity. But we also cant ignore this and completely write it off. The way he set her up shows a certain level of seriousness obsession even. Frankly, Im not sure if shes safer staying at Quantico or if shed be better off back home where her family could hire full-time protection.
John looked at Chase in surprise, You want to try to send her home? Make her leave the program?
I dont know what the right answer is, John but if anything really bad happens to her
John laughed without humor Do you not see the irony here. She is in a training program for a special team that is dedicated to taking down some of the most ruthless criminals in the world. Her class is full of capable guys whove already proven themselves in their prior careers and are stepping up to this place. ALL of this is taking place on the campus of the fucking FBI, which is crammed with plenty of tough, well-trained agents and assorted others and were saying all of that isnt enough to ensure Natalie is safe enough to finish this program? And Natalie herself is a force to be reckoned with
I see your point but what do we do?
We tell everybody everything put them on notice. Most of the time Natalie will be in class she pretty much never was alone anyway ate meals with her buddies every now and again went to The Pub with them
And worked out a couple of nights a week at the old gym with a certain instructor
John looked at Chase in surprise and then said, Ive always worked out nights there she started doing the same, so, yeah, we worked out some together
Relax John, Im not suggesting anything its clear youve gotten to know her and respect her a great deal. And youre not alone in that. She has won the regard of virtually everyone whos seen her in action. But theres a reason why were not supposed to become too friendly with ANY of our candidates. We have to be as tough on them as we can be so they are prepared for what they may face. The more you get to know someone, the harder it is to torture them, for example. The harder it is to fight them hard without hesitation. That is an issue from square one when the candidate is a woman it just becomes worse if you are too friendly.
I know but I also feel like as her instructor I have a responsibility to her to help keep her safe now
I agree and I think you did the right thing bringing her here and, remember, Im the one whos moving her next door to you but just be careful. Draw a line and keep re-drawing it. Over these next few weeks leading up to hell night that will be even more important less so once were mostly in classroom mode
John was silent but nodded. Chase stood saying wearily, Well, its coming up on 4am going to grab a few hours I asked Hart to post signs that were having a meeting at 8pm tomorrow night I decided to book the private room at The Pub again I want it to be serious but at the same time in an atmosphere that emphasizes solidarity. Plus its a final breather before all hell starts breaking loose next week.
OK thanks for letting me know. Ill tell Natalie.
John showed Chase out and headed for the stairs, not sure exactly how to explain all this to Natalie.
Natalie had intended to head downstairs to see who had come calling who John was talking to but she felt so warm and safe lying in his bed. Though part of her was mortified, her body was still aflame from his touch and she closed her eyes to savor it soon sleep had claimed her again.
John stepped in the room and saw that Natalie was sleeping peacefully at that and it wasnt in him to wake her to show her the invasive image that had been posted on her cubbie to have it dawn on her that Gentry had been in her private space, watching her sleeping so vulnerable. John felt a sick rage twist his stomach as he thought about that. He also heard Chases words echo in his head about the need to draw a line. But hed be damned if he was going to do that right now. He climbed into bed and gently moved behind Natalie, spooning her from behind. In her sleep she sighed and relaxed into his hold. He inhaled her scent and then closed his eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep.
Chapter 32
As John awoke he became aware of the fact that he and Natalie were once again wound around each other, her head on his chest. He loved the feeling of it, and knew that was a huge problem and one he had to start to deal with. Chase was right, for Natalies sake more than anyones he had to put a bit if distance between them tip them back to a student-instructor relationship because they had grown genuinely close. That was especially so over the past 24 hours or so but with what she had to survive the next few weeks, and his role in it... Reluctantly he slowly moved from under her, shifting her carefully so as not to disrupt her sleep. He wanted her to have as much of that as she could shed need all of it. He grabbed a quick shower and then headed downstairs to make some breakfast and coffee for them.
Natalie woke a few minutes after John had headed downstairs, and realized she was alone in his bed. She knew that was for the best, even though she couldnt help missing his presence, his warmth. She had woken up a few hours earlier to find that he had come back to bed back to her and was holding her close to him. She had promised herself shed go back to being strong when the sun rose on a new day that shed go back to seeing him as a supportive instructor but until then, she was going to soak up every ounce of his warmth and strength that she could.
She got out of bed and walked down the hall to her own room, grabbed her things and headed into the shower. She dressed quickly in the cozy turtleneck he had given her, along with her jeans, and left her hair down to air-dry. Feeling suddenly shy she forced her feet to carry her to the kitchen where she heard him rattling around. He looked up when she entered the room and they stared at each other for a moment, and finally he gave her a small smile and asked, Coffee?
Sure.
I made some bacon and eggs, too plus some toast
John busied himself with getting their breakfast served while Natalie clutched her coffee in both hands. She couldnt help feeling they should somehow talk about what had happened, so she said tentatively, quietly, John uh about last night, or this morning
Natalie, for now why dont we just think of it as a wonderful dream we both happened to have at the same time? Are you OK leaving it there?
She nodded, feeling relieved that he wasnt awkward about it and also relieved at his characterization of it, because it had felt like a wonderful dream for her, but she found it so hard to read him sometimes.
He put their plates down and sat across from her, debating the best time to drop the next bomb on her should he do it now or after shed had a chance to eat? But she took the choice away from him when she asked, So, who was at the door this morning your neighbor Tara for a booty call?
He couldnt help but laugh at that, along with her, and it eased a bit of the tension.
No, it was Chase.
Natalie stiffened because she knew it had to be serious for him to come calling in the wee hours of the morning.
Tell me.
Gentrys car was found near Quantico, and just after midnight this was found tacked to your cubbies door
He handed her the picture and watched carefully as myriad emotions swept her face. Shock, disgust, comprehension. When she looked up at him her eyes were moist but that couldnt hide the hurt there. She was swallowing hard and he knew she was trying to keep a hold of herself not break She finally put the picture down on the table with a shaky hand, but her eyes remained locked on his.
Finally she said with a trembling voice, He was in my cubbie when I was ASLEEP? He waswatching me God how long was he there?
I dont know, Natalie we dont know when this was taken how often he did this
She shuddered at that thought. Then she asked point blank. Do you think hes coming back for me?
I honestly dont know. I think he is largely a coward, so theres a very good chance this was his final hit, and hell use his brain and disappear. But we also cant count on that
John went on to explain the rest of the plan that Chase had outlined this morning. Natalie, I think youll find that your classmates and your instructors he said this with a small smirk will rally around you but you have to let us we of all people know the fight in you, and that you will be your own last line of defense but you cant do this alone you arent alone
I know I just hate that I hate that I need anything extra at all. That that bastard can change everything. And the thing that I just dont know how to deal with is I did NOTHING to him. All I did was walk in the classroom that first day, and that was it. I was prepared for people to decide right off the bat not to like me to avoid me give me shit. But this
Natalie, its him. He is diseased, and unfortunately you have become the outlet for that right now but everyone will understand that this is not you bucking for special treatment or anything this is you finding it in you to continue to not give up and we owe it to you to help make it work. So the next question is, do you want to be at tonights meeting?
I dont think I should hide I want people to see Im OK
Agreed. But why dont you show up about 8:30 let me and Chase explain everything, and then you can come in and they can see for themselves that you are doing remarkably well.
I dont feel like Im doing so well
Are you kidding after everything, you arent drugged up in a corner somewhere. THAT is remarkable.
In tacit agreement they spent the rest of the day in the comforting quiet of Johns home, not venturing out since they knew that nothing but reality was outside the confines of the house. John worked at his desk while Natalie stretched out on the couch in the den reading a spy novel she had grabbed from the bookcase. That was when she wasnt dozing on and off, and when she was in one of her wakeful periods she realized that John had once again covered her with the throw, and that small gesture meant so much it made her feel cared for. They ate leftover Chinese food for lunch, made small talk, and then went back to the den.
As Natalie slept again, John found himself watching her for a very long time feeling such a mixture of things, but most of all he wanted to spare her from any and every hurt that could ever come her way. And in that moment he let himself know that she was in his heart. He was dismayed blown away and felt incredibly vulnerable. He wasnt sure how it had happened because he had built up some of the most amazing defenses an incredibly strong resistance to lengthy romantic attachments and matters of the heart. But as he looked at Natalie he realized the error in his thinking because Natalie was like no other woman maybe no other person he had ever met, and he had no antibodies to her she was able to get into his blood before he even knew his immune system had been compromised. But for now, he had to shake it off. Maybe he could fully succumb later maybe it would destroy him down the road, but for now he had to do anything to mask the symptoms, drive them to dormancy. Not only could he not shield her from any more pain, but he was going to be the architect of it the perpetrator of it how could he find that in himself? How could she not hate him for it in the end? And wouldnt that be his undoing
John was so lost in his thoughts that he hadnt realized that Natalie was awake. She could see the turmoil on his face and she said softly, John?
He looked at her for a long moment and said, I think its time we get ready to head back
She nodded and got up from the couch. Do you have an old sweatshirt or t-shirt I can borrow so I dont abscond with such a nice sweater?
He smiled softly and said, Keep it
They quickly gathered their things and as they were near the door, about to walk out, Natalie turned to face John and said with absolute sincerity, John, thank you so much for opening your home to me it it really helped.
Im glad Natalie it was good for me to get a break too Listen this morning when I was talking with Chase he made it clear that he wanted me to make sure we looked out for you that I continued to look out for you but well, Natalie with whats to come these next few weeks, I need to pull back a bit. I have to do what you need in terms of this program to give you the best shot of coming through it and then surviving whatever could happen to you once youre in the field I cant do that the way we are now I cant I have to
Natalie walked over and took one of Johns hands in hers and said simply, I understand. I promise.
She turned to head to the door and he just couldnt do it he wasnt ready yet to let her walk out that door to begin drawing those lines. John grabbed her hand and she turned around again. Their eyes locked and then John pulled her tightly against him as his mouth took possessive hold of hers. Her mouth immediately opened to him and they began to kiss each other as deeply, hungrily as they could. There was an absolutely desperate quality to the movement of their mouths, the sounds that were torn from both of them. They clung to each other, pulling their bodies together as if literally trying to meld themselves into one. And as passionate and full of desire as the kiss was, it was more about emotion, communication saying what could not be verbalized. Finally they broke apart, breathless, and it was only when Johns hands had cupped her face and his thumbs began wiping her tears away did Natalie even realize shed been crying.
With anguish on his face John said, Natalie
She moved a hand to his mouth to stop whatever it was he might say. She took his hand in hers and kissed its palm, and then laid it over her heart and said, I know I know as a few more tears fell.
Then she backed away, turned and walked out the front door.
Chapter 33
John and Natalie were silent during the 15 mile ride to Quantico. There were no words They were sailing into uncharted waters in every aspect of their lives at this point. He parked near their apartment building and they went inside, checking through security who had the key to Natalies apartment and heading into the elevator and to the 5th floor. John had a one-bedroom apartment with a small den, while Natalie would be right next door in a studio. John handed her the key and she opened the door, realizing that someone had moved her few belongings from her cubbie to her new digs. It was small, but cozy and palatial compared to the cubbie. There was a main area that had a sofa and an armchair, with a little galley kitchen off to the side. The bedroom area was separated by a wood and beige-fabric screen, and to the right of the bed was the entrance to a small bathroom that had no tub but a decent sized stall shower. Most importantly, the apartment had a real door that locked, and 24 hour security downstairs.
John said, Well, this is it nothing fancy, but it works. Uh, I believe that your bed backs up to mine and the walls are pretty thin, so if you need anything Ill hear you, OK. But you should be fine safe
Thank you
Chase is sending an agent over to escort you to The Pub hell probably be here about twenty after eight so you can get there about 8:30. By then well have explained everything to your classmates. Then tomorrow, hopefully some semblance of normal he chuckled then As normal as learning about torture can be.
She smiled a bit at that, but hated the awkwardness that had cropped up between them. Prior to this weekend they had found a rhythm between them, and even if there were times that it felt like there was more bubbling beneath like when they happened to start making out in the pool -- they managed to find a top note to their relationship that was comfortable. But everything had changed this weekend, however briefly it became so much more while also forcing them to retreat. She missed him already. Somehow she hadnt realized how much she had come to rely on his presence and his easy way of supporting her for almost three months nowshe knew hed still do what he could and she even understood why he had to pull back she did too but it left her feeling bereft nonetheless.
John hated how stilted they were as well, and hoped that they could find a new normal over the next few dayswell, I better go get ready you OK for now?
Yeah fine. Ill see you at The Pub.
He started to leave and Natalie called him back having had a thought that shed wished shed had earlier. John, is there any way you can tell Nick privately? I dont want him to feel badly about everything he was set up as much as I was
He gave her a soft smile and said, Yeah, Natalie, I can do that its a good idea
Thanks.
It was almost a relief when he left, and she hated even thinking that. She flopped back on her new bed and willed the next hour to pass.
John dropped his things off and headed out for the meeting. He stopped for a second in front of Natalies door, but expelling a sigh he headed to the elevator. Thankfully when he got to The Pub he noticed that Nick was already in the main lounge area, hanging with a few of his buddies likely the ones Natalie had spent the first part of Friday night with. John approached him and asked if he could talk to him privately for moment.
He hated having to tell Nick what had happened because he knew in his shoes hed feel terrible and Nick was a very decent guy. They walked off to the side of the bar where there were still empty seats, and John just dove in and told him everything like ripping off a band-aid.
Nick looked devastated. Oh my God I was going to go checkmake sure. But I didnt want to intrude. Is she OK?
John clasped Nicks upper arm for a moment and said, More than I think I would be in her shoes. Shes actually going to be here at 8:30 she wants to continue in the program, but we are going to have to take some extra precautions shes going to need our help.
Anything she needs this is all my fault
NO, Nick it isnt. This is all on Gentry and we will get him.
Soon it was time to head into the private room and Chase was already there. As the candidates filed in Chase advised them to grab a beer or soft drink from the tubs of iced-down beverages that had been set up, and to take a seat. When that had been accomplished, Chase got down to business.
OK, welcome back from your liberty I hope you all enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it wasnt the best of times for some of your classmates, one in particular. You may have already noticed that four are missing right now Buchanan, Gentry, Yates and Ray. Buchanan will be here shortly, the other three are gone and Im going to let agent McBain fill you in on the chain of events that led to this.
Chase nodded in Johns direction and he moved to the front of the room.
Buchanan went out Friday evening with Nick and some of his friends. Unfortunately they ran into Gentry and his two friends. I know you are all aware that Gentry had been giving Buchanan a hard time well he crossed the line in an egregious manner Friday night. He paid off a bouncer at a DC club to lie to both Nick and Natalie, and he upshot was Natalie ended trapped in a car with Gentry, Ray and Yates. Once Ray had pulled behind a deserted strip mall they left Gentry and Buchanan behind at which point he tried his level best to rape her.
Gasps went through the room and shocked discussion erupted.
Please I know its a shock, we can talk about this all once I finish the overview. I am not going to lie to you he beat Buchanan pretty badly. You will see for yourself shortly. But she managed to escape and then ran five miles after midnight in the cold rain to a friends DC apartment. I went there the next morning to take her official statement. Yates and Ray were interrogated, admitted everything, signed official statements and have been summarily dismissed. Unfortunately, Gentry is still at large. But he did reappear briefly to tack something of a warning on Buchanans door.
He nodded at Chase who passed a single copy of the picture around which he would be taking right back so it couldnt make the rounds and again the dismay, and anger, was evident among the men in the room, particularly her closest friends.
It is clear from this picture that on at least one occasion Gentry went into Buchanans cubbie and observed her when she was sleeping. Completely vulnerable. His scrawling of the word mine on that photo has to be taken seriously as an ongoing threat, though we hope it was a last cowardly act and that he has fled far from here. But we cant take the chance, so we are taking a few precautions to protect Buchanan while she continues in the program. And I think it is notable that she wants to because as far as Im concerned I think a case could be made that she has already passed her torture and hell nights rolled into one. Be that as it may, she is still going to have to do exactly what the rest of you will no special treatment with one exception. She has been moved to a studio apartment on campus for security reasons. Clearly we cannot assume she is secure in her cubbie. I cant imagine any of you have a real issue with that if you do I am happy to listen, and we can do that privately so you can feel free to come forward. What we need from all of you is to be aware of your surroundings at all times and if you notice anything strange if you catch what may be a glimpse of Gentry let us know. And please, can we all make sure that Buchanan has one of us with her at all times she shouldnt be out roaming aroundAnyone have any questions?
No one did, they were all shell-shocked. Then Rich raised his hand and asked if he could speak, and John gave him the go-ahead.
We probably all feel the same way shocked, appalled, furious. Buchanan is one of our own she has more than kept pace with and in many cases out-paced all of us. For her to stay in this program after all shes been through we have to rally around her and do whatever it takes
There were nothing but nods from the group and words of affirmation. And at that moment Natalie walked in.
She felt incredibly self-conscious as she entered the room. She had changed to regulation clothes in this case her sweats and pulled her hair back in its standard braid, and the bruise on her face and the blackly bruised outline of Gentrys hands on her neck were starkly visible against her creamy skin. A murmur went through the room, and to break the ice a bit Chase approached Natalie with a beer in hand which she accepted gratefully. She took a sip and raised it and said, Welcome back hope your weekends were less eventful than mine That got a chuckle and soon she was being swarmed with well-wishers who were pledging their support.
John and Chase huddled to go over plans for tomorrow, and when John looked up a few minutes later he noticed Natalie and Nick in a private conversation that was clearly intense, and Natalie then hugged Nick which he returned fiercely. It was clear he felt horrible about having been duped.
Soon they called it a night classroom work started at 8am sharp the next morning. John signaled for Natalie to wait for him, and then they were walking across campus to their apartments.
That went better than Id feared. They didnt look at me like I had 12 heads or anything
No. I think they think youre something else, but in a good way.
She smiled at that. Well, I had some really great support in the first 48 hours it made all the difference.
Im glad
By then they were in front of their neighboring doors and Natalie said softly, Night McBain
Night Buchanan
And then they were in their own places.
Chapter 34
The candidates streamed into class with coffee in hand, a bit of tension in the air because of the topic of the day torture.
John was leading class this morning, though there would be other experts brought in as they got into this subject area in more depth over the days ahead especially psychiatric experts who would talk about the ways in which you could try to break someone, or avoid being broken.
All right. We are moving into the most intense couple of weeks of this program, from a physical, emotional and psychological standpoint. Now, just to make things clear, we arent going to be training YOU guys how to torture others
A few chuckles.
There is a chance that at some point you could find yourselves captured and tortured for information and for sport, frankly. We will spend some time in class this week showing you the various ways that captives are tortured around the world, along with defense mechanisms that you could employ or try to to maintain your sanity and hopefully not divulge information to the wrong people. Next week we will spend some time, well frankly, torturing you. There will be boundaries we will not do some of the most extreme stuff. But it will be intense, it will be painful. Blood will be drawn. If any of you, facing that reality, decide its time to go, I cant say I blame you not one little bit.
He took the time to look everyone in the eye individually and saw that some were handling things better than others, but all were subdued. Natalies face was almost expressionless and he wasnt sure if that was good or bad
OK, to enhance the role playing and reality of the torture sessions, you are all going to be given cover stories and top secret information that you are trying NOT to divulge to the torturers, for as long as you can take it. We will also suggest some false info you might toss out to buy yourself some time. In addition, there will be a safety word in this case it will be Rosebud. We tried to come up with a word you could remember, but that would not sound like any other word youd likely be saying so thered be no confusion as to whether you were invoking it or not. If you invoke the safety word all torture will stop immediately. And it is a virtual certainty that you will be out of the program. We do look at every case individually to see if there were extenuating circumstances such as a torturer getting so carried away that they push a candidate much harder than all the others. Divulging your secret information is more of a gray area. It isnt good, but depending on how much you manage to survive before doing so, it wont be an automatic dismissal. That said, if you sing like a canary the first time youre stripped naked and tossed in a cell well, pack your bags. I need you all to start learning your back stories and secret info today tonight there will be a quiz tomorrow. We want you to have time to ingrain it as a virtual truth
The group was even more somber at this point.
Now, the first thing Im going to show you is footage of some of the torture sessions from the last class. We have obscured the identity of the candidates, and the torturers wear hoods. Some of your current instructors will play those parts but we also leverage some of the talents of colleagues in the Navy SEALs program, the Marines and the CIA. Folks, this is serious it wont feel like a drill. I cant stress that to you enough. But enough talking, seeing this will show you what I mean.
The lights went dark and a series of images, each more dark and disturbing than the next, played across the screen for the next 30 minutes. Natalie wasnt sure if the images were the worst, or the sounds of flesh being hit, whipped, punched of screams, moans, voices pleading for mercy. And then the footage of some of those whod been beaten, lying naked on the floor, seemingly broken. She was rocked to her core. It all hit so close to home, and it was REAL. Maybe not at a 30,000 foot level because eventually it would stop and you wouldnt be killed, but the blows, the bruises, the cuts the brutality. It was breathtaking. And she understood why all of this was kept under such tight wraps because most people would never understand their government doing this to their own people. But to send operatives out with no notion of what could happen and how theyd react
John never got used to inured to this sort of footage. He couldnt help stealing a glance at Natalie to see how she was taking all this in especially in light of her own incredibly recent experiences. Maybe he was a chauvinist, but it did make a difference to him whether this was being done whether he was doing it to a man or woman. And with that woman being Natalie he could never pull back far enough to handle it well
He also felt a pang of guilt because they were setting the class up as they always did. They were letting them believe they had this week to just have to worry about being in class, learning about torture, and then working out, too. They were girding themselves for torture sessions next week, with a brief break, and then right into hell night. In fact, they would all be taken out of their beds tomorrow Tuesday night. Well, more particularly, in the early morning hours of Wednesday. Then the torture sessions would begin. This was to catch them completely off guard as would happen in the real world. They would last for 48 hours which would seem like a lifetime. On a more practical level, it would give them more recovery time before hell night.
Finally the DVD was done, and John turned the lights back on. It was an understatement to say that everyone without exception looked shell-shocked. John knew that feeling personally he had been through it all himself. Once in the real world, too. He spoke with a somewhat gentle tone when he said, I know that was a lot to take in. It is at this point in every class where some decide not to continue. Perhaps those are the most sane in the bunch. I will be in my office tonight from 6-7 in the event anyone wants to see me to discuss that as an option, or definitely pull the plug. Now, go eat some lunch if you still have appetites. And spend the afternoon working out and reading the information youve been given. Then tomorrow well spend more time here going over various techniques to fight through the pain and hold onto your information and your sanity.
On that note, class dismissed.
Natalie headed out with her usual lunch gang, but none were in much of a mood to talk, nor did they end up with much of an appetite. She then went on to the main gym with them for a work-out, which helped the stress.
John grabbed a quick sandwich and then headed to the conference room by Chases office. The instructor team with some Navy/Marine/CIA buddies was going to spend the afternoon planning the torture sessions. Those buddies always had some new things they wanted to try. John typically found them horrifying. Also there would be an agent from the Behavioral Analysis Unit to talk through the psychological aspects.
John walked into the conference room and immediately groaned inwardly. His least favorite CIA guy was there Bruce Hawkins. As far as John was concerned, he liked his work far too much. He was a sociopath, minimum, and John actually thought he could be a psychopath. He was always trying to up the severity of the torture during these sessions, as if the candidates were nothing but guinea pigs in his sick lab. Hawkins was about 510 but he was built like a bull and had black buzz-cut hair and black eyes that were soulless. John liked the BAU shrink (Chris Crawford); the Navy SEALs rep (Zack Ryder) and the Marine rep (Rafe Hernandez). While they were all contributors, the FBI and Chase owned this program, so he ran a pretty tight ship.
OK Chase said. We have done this enough to know the drill pretty well, but there are a few things that are different- most notably, Natalie Buchanan. She has made it farther than anyone might have thought, and I will tell you now she is a real contender. I know you all saw my email briefing you on what happened to her over the weekend, and she has come through it remarkably well. Especially in view of her history prior to entering this program.
Crawford broke in, The real issue will be if it has taken a greater toll than even she knows for her to be tortured literally within days of being brutally assaulted, almost raped and in some ways is begs the question as to the fairness in holding her to the same standards as the others who are not coming off anything like that
Before anyone could answer Hawkins tossed out, Too bad. She wanted to play with the big boys, let her play. If she were in the field, on a key mission, and had that happen to her she wouldnt be pulled home shed be expected to keep going.
John bit the inside of his mouth.
Chase continued, Well, lets take it all one step at a time. From a logistical standpoint, shes not going to be in the dorm when all the extra agents swarm it to kidnap the candidates. John youre going to have to handle her abduction youll be given a copy of the key to her apartment.
John nodded.
As per usual, the first 12 hours they will be in stripped down to their underwear, or whatever theyre sleeping in if its less substantial than underwear. They will have hoods on for several hours they will be isolated in separate cells, unable to see each other they will be able to hear the screams of their classmates once things get under way. During those first 12 hours they will be bothered with intrusive lights, loud music, shouting, etc. Just when they fall asleep, theyll be woken up again. Second twelve hours water-related torture. NO water boarding just dunking. Thats bad enough for our purposes. Thatll be for 60-90 minutes. Then back to the cells for a while. Then taken again and beaten whips, hands. Sometimes theyll be tied up, sometimes blindfolded, other times not. We are just going to keep changing it up catching them off-guard. All the while of course theyll be interrogated. Those first 24 hours will be bad, but not as bad as the second 24 when the intensity of the beating and the interrogations will pick up dramatically. For part of that time they will be stripped naked. We will do things to begin to suggest might I emphasize SUGGEST that things such as rape, for the males and the female, could happen. That will involve some degree of fondling.
John never felt good about this entire part of the process, but his stomach was truly twisting as Chase re-capped what would happen.
Over the course of the 48 hours they will lose track of time and be sleep deprived. They will only be given water and some gruel to eat. They will be cold no blankets, just their underwear, and sometimes not even that. At times groups of them will be in the same big room being tortured so that they can see the impact on their comrades. Other times they will be alone. Sometimes there will be many torturers other times just one. We will all wear hoods at all times Comments? Questions?
Hawkins immediately jumped in, I think we should up the ante on some of the instruments we use some of our enemies are using tasers against genitalia and Ive heard that some women are being tortured with a cattle prod
He didnt get that out before John said, Are you crazy?
No! Look, McBain, even some serials have used cattle prods as a weapon of sexual torture on women it is painful but hardly deadly and this is our chance to see how a female would react
Chase and the others were looking at him with horrified expressions as well, but let John handle it, So, are you going to shove it up the guys rectums, too? You willing to be a guinea pig first?!
We can taser the guys balls and cattle-prod the girl
HAWKINS! Chase barked, Absolutely not. That would cross the line.
Do you think the enemies draw any lines?!
No, but WE do what we are doing is going to give them a real taste it isnt meant to exactly replicate it. Please dont mention it again.
Fine but I want to do the girl I want to be the one who handles her initiation.
Chase glanced at John and knew his friend enough to know that an explosion was coming so he jumped right in Forget it. The Director and I had a long talk about Buchanan and he has asked me to handle that personally
John was surprised. Chase never got his hands so dirty any more but he felt a twinge of relief that it wouldnt be him, and he knew Chase wouldnt go easy but hed be fair. Then John thought about the absurdity of anything about torture being remotely fair.
I will be assisted by McBain to an extent John, you will abduct her, strip her down when required. Bring her to and from the rooms whatever else I need. Help hold her down when necessary. But I will be doing the rest of it. Strict orders from the Director.
Hawkins was clearly pissed, and at that moment John loathed him. He realized that this guy was just an older version of Gentry. Maybe he didnt start out that way his work, his own history doing wet work with the CIA it had to have warped him. John didnt care at this point, he was a diseased soul that should be culled from the herd
The team went to tour the special facility that had been created for this training used mostly by Marines and CIA, but still on the larger property that was Quantico. It was like a stone jail with cells, interrogation rooms, larger rooms where a group could be held and tortured. Everywhere was wired for sound and with cameras because they would have a large team observing the candidates for their performance and any signs that the plug should be pulled even if the candidate wasnt doing it themselves. Medical personnel would also be on site. Banks of monitors were set up in the control room to capture all this.
As John looked at all this he wondered if there was any way he could talk Natalie into dropping out.
Chapter 35
The next day was relatively uneventful. More class time talking about ways captives withdrew into themselves, into their own worlds, to get through the torture. As Natalie listened she couldnt help thinking about her time with Hayes, and then in the pit she had certainly retreated a good bit, but she knew that there was a fine line you had to come out every now and again, or else you could slip the bonds of reality totally never find your way back. But it was so tempting to cut those ties just let go. The blissful release of your mind snapping. Shed felt herself close a few times, but something always drew her back. But it was always back to pain, and that was hard to return to what if things were so bad that she didnt this time
Natalie shook her head and tried to concentrate on what John was saying.
You should all pay as much attention to these hints these techniques as you can. They could be your salvation. One other housekeeping item we will regularly check to make sure that you are ultimately tracking with reality. If you seem really out of it well use smelling salts or the like, but we will then ask you who you are and you need to tell us your name and your rank in this case Training Class Alpha if you dont get that out within a certain window, well pull the plug on you.
Surprising himself, he said This afternoon Id like to meet one at time with each of you in my office. You have this afternoon as work-out and conditioning time please sign up on this sheet of paper as you pass it around the room, and come in that order. He was going to talk to each and every one of his candidates about their feelings regarding the next 2 weeks and when he got to Natalie he was going to see if she was receptive at all to dropping out. He thought he knew the answer, but he had to ask more to the point, he wanted to gauge if she was doing all right. He couldnt go just to her, so hed give them all this chance
At 4pm it was finally Natalies turn. She felt nervous as she knocked on the door and he called for her to enter. She did and he was sitting on a chair next to his couch when she walked in, and he gestured for her to sit on the larger piece of furniture. She did and they sat looking at each other for what felt like forever but was likely only a minute. Still, long enough when no one was talking. Finally he asked, How are you, Natalie? Really?
Im OK
Which means?
Which means OK I feel stable. I am not even going to try to lie and act brave Im scared shitless about this torture stuff. But Ill be no more or less ready next week as opposed to tomorrow theres no way to know.
Ever think of quitting?
Her head snapped up and before she could say a word he said, Ive asked everyone that question not just you. You saw the footage
Yeah, I did. And now well see what mine ends up like.
I guess we will.
Anything else?
No, Natalie, thats it.
Again, they looked at each other and John understood a new form of torture, not being able to reach out to Natalie. She did, too.
OK, well, Ill see you later.
Then she was gone, and he knew she had no idea the context within which shed be seeing him soon.
At 1am Wednesday morning John put on his camouflage pants, long-sleeve t-shirt, combat boots and ski mask. His heart was pounding. He always felt the adrenalin rush when it came to this part of the program, but knowing he was about to grab Natalie made everything more intense and hed stopped kidding himself that it made no difference. He knew that at this moment at least 30 people were swarming the dorm and grabbing the other candidates from their bunks. Would that have been more or less frightening for Natalie?
He quietly let himself into her studio next door and walked carefully towards her bed. She had left the bathroom light on with the door 90% closed on it, creating a night light for herself, and that got to him since he knew what had happened to her that might have made that not just a comfort, but almost a necessity for her. He walked quietly as a cat and stood looking down at her, then slid onto the bed, held his breath and in one quick motion slid his right arm underneath her body while his left hand clamped tightly over her mouth.
She came awake instantly and he could feel the violent shudder of fear that ran through her and he was sure he could feel it coming off her in waves. She whimpered against his hand and her body tried to writhe but he hadnt left her much room to do so since his whole body was lying on top of hers. She was whimpering softly and he had to break out of his role for a moment. Not removing his hand, arm or body, he whispered in her ear, Natalie, its me Im sorry, torture starts tonight now
She groaned in a mixture of dread and fear and he removed his hand for a moment. Her body was trembling and she said, Oh, God, John now?
Im sorry, NatalieIm sorry. I shouldnt have even told you what I did but I I just had to
OK OK. I can do this, right? Oh God
You dont have to
Yes, I do take me John do it do it
Natalie
Its only 48 hours, right?
Nat-
Just do it what youre supposed to do
John moved off her and pulled the bedclothes off her. She was wearing a tank and boxers. He hesitated for a second. Natalie, do you have underwear on?
What? Uh, no
Put them on. Hurry a bra and underwear under your shorts and tank just do it!
She rushed to her dresser and grabbed a sports bra and panties, and after a moments hesitation got undressed and re-dressed where she was. It was dark, and she knew that in a relatively short period of time shed have no more modesty to cling to.
Then he moved to her and grabbed her arm tightly. Come on.
John said nothing else as he pulled Natalie out of the apartment building and into the back of a car that was waiting for them with an agent at the wheel. Natalies heart was pounding because it wasnt that long ago that she was in this exact situation with Gentry so she reminded herself that it was John no matter what he was going to do, it was still him
It seemed like they drove forever, but it was only about 20 minutes. The car stopped in front of a stone fortress-like building and John took a deep breath and hauled her out of the car. Her feet were bare and the ground was cold and rough under her feet. He dragged her inside the building into a cavernous room and she saw that it was full of her classmates who looked like they were doing about as well as she was. There were almost as many hooded protagonists and Natalie couldnt help the gasp that came out of her when she saw what else was in the room along the walls were cuffs and chains, in the middle were tables that had slight inclines and she also saw large vats of water. She felt her breath become shallow.
Before she could take in another thing a hood was pulled over her head and strong arms closed around her from behind as she instinctively began to writhe and fight in fear. She felt so disoriented, and she was jerked off the floor and tossed over someones shoulder she couldnt be sure if it was Johns at this point, but she clung to the idea that it was. Next she knew she was tossed on a thin mattress that seemed only inches off the cold, hard floor. Based on the relative quiet she thought she might be in a small room maybe a cell like she saw on the torture DVD. Trying to get her bearings she was shocked when she felt rough hands yank her tank top over her head and then her shorts over her hips, down her legs and off her.
She tried so hard to clamp down on her fear but she couldnt help the whimper that came out of her, yet a part of her silently thanked John for making her put underwear on, otherwise shed be totally nude already. Talk about thanking God for small favors As that thought entered her head it quickly fled as she felt someone push her so she was lying flat on the mattress and then clamber on her to straddle her before she knew what had happened. Strong hands grabbed her wrists and forced her arms above her head, her wrists onto the cold floor above the top of the mattress and she winced in pain since they were still so raw from her previous attack. She could feel the man lean close to her as he whispered, Think about what youre going to tell us when we ask we can make this a lot harder or easier. It all depends on you.
Then he was gone and she was left shivering on the mattress out of cold and fear.
Chapter 36
Natalie felt so cold lying on the mattress, which had a sour smell to it. With her hood on it was dark and almost deathly quiet, which was unnerving in some ways. Later shed come to crave the silence as the noises shed hear were so much worse. She had to control her breathing so she wouldnt feel so trapped by the hood. She drifted into an uneasy sleep which was disrupted some time later when she felt hands grab her roughly, flip her on her stomach and stretch their entire weight on her. She began gasping for air but got a mouthful of hood instead and coughed. Tight arms banded around her upper body and then someone else ripped the hood off her and her eyes stung from the bright lights that were beaming down on her face now. She tried to bury her head in the mattress but the man lying on top of her moved one of his hands to her hair and yanked back hard to make her look up. Then he whispered against her ear, Are you ready to talk, princess.
She shook her head but said nothing and her hair was yanked even harder as the man said, Cat got your tongue? What do you know?
Nothing! she gritted out.
A second later she felt the weight shift off her but her relief was short-lived because she was flipped onto her back and the man straddled her lower body, and then nodded to the man standing at the head of the mattress the one whod removed her hood.
The man straddling Natalie was Chase, but hed be referred to as Blue. The other was John, who for the purpose of this exercise would be called Black. This was an effort to hide the identities of who actually tortured which candidate, and it also heightened the drama somewhat.
When Chase nodded at John he moved towards the mattress and grabbed Natalies writs, yanking her arms over her head and holding them in a tight grip. He could feel her wince from the pain. He wasnt exactly sure what Chase was going to do the overall schedule was pre-determined, but the individual torturers had a lot of leeway in terms of what they did to attempt to wrest information and response from their subjects, especially during the sessions that were more about interrogation than torture. They could do a lot to loosen them up for interrogation. Some would try to be almost gentle at first others went right for something designed to shock. They had all been trained extensively on a wide variety of things they could try and there were pretty heavily drawn boundaries not to be crossed.
Chase looked down at Natalie and saw her pulse jumping in her neck heard her erratic breathing as her eyes remained locked on his ski-masked face, trying to see something in his eyes. He had already flipped a switch and was seeing her just as a subject, so he didnt really react when he saw how bruised her body already was the ugly bite partially visible over her sports bra. While John kept firm hold on her wrists Chase began to essentially massage Natalies upper body, which she found surprising and off-putting because of what it suggested. His fingers caressed her chest, then went down to her rib cage, purposely avoiding her breasts, but then trailed down her abdomen, to her belly button and then the skin just above the band of her panties. Her skin jumped in response but as if it was crawling. He moved off her for just a second, but it was only so he could jerk her legs apart and push her knees back so her legs would be bent on either side of him as he knelt between them. She gasped, but then felt a bit of relief because he remained several inches away from the junction between her legs. Then his hands were massaging her knees and upper thighs as his eyes remained locked on her.
Natalie found this to be strangely difficult to take because it was catching her off guard. In theory it seemed his intent might be to violate her, like Gentry had tried, but his approach was so different Yet the feel of his hands on her was as bad as Gentrys, if not as painful. She was shaking but said nothing as his hands continued their work, now moving down the back of her thighs towards her inner thighs then up onto her rib cage and then the clamped hard down on her breasts in a rough massage and she couldnt help the instinctive writhing motion. Chase shot John a look and John moved so he could partially kneel on her shoulders to keep her upper body more still, and Natalie could feel his knees pressing into her clavicles and it hurt.
Then Chase said, almost in a purr, This doesnt have to be painful we can keep it just like this you can tell me everything I can reward you tell me what I want to know then this can all be over before it even starts
She shook her head and without warning Chase shifted both his hands to her throat, his fingers almost perfectly aligned with the marks previously left by Gentry. He didnt squeeze hard but firmly enough to make his point, and then his right hand slapped her, hard and her eye felt like it would pop out of its socket for a moment. Then he said with menace, Oh, you disappoint me Im going to have to do this the hard way Ill be back for you, and you wont like it
With that he climbed off Natalie and signaled for John to let go too. They headed out of the room, leaving the bright lights on Natalie, and two seconds later ear-splitting music was echoing throughout the entire cell-block area. That was bad enough, but about an hour into it they started to alternate the music with tapes of screams. Natalie curled into a ball and tried to block it all out, but it she felt the beat of the music vibrate through her.
She wasnt sure how much time had passed but then a figure was stalking in her cell, saying nothing. He reached down and grabbed her arm, hauling her off the mattress, out of the cell and through the cell block. It was dimly lit and she was moving too fast to recognize anyone, but she could see that the cells occupied by her classmates, some of whom were currently being roughly interrogated and she blanched at some of the shouts and screams she heard as she was dragged past. She was back in the large room and saw that a few of her classmates were chained to the walls she recognized Nero and Turner and they were being whipped with rough ropes that left raw marks. She couldnt help the trembling in her body as she saw this and heard the agonized sounds coming from them.
She barely had time to process this when she was tossed on the ground, hitting hard. Then a second man, the one who had been straddling her before, grabbed her by the back of her neck and pulled her so she was in a kneeling position. What do you think, Black? Think shes up for some water sports?
Sure, Blue he roughly rasped.
Then Natalie was being pushed forward and she realized it was towards a trough of water. Next her head was submerged and she was struggling for freedom, for breath she kept trying to tell herself to calm down and it would be easier, but THAT was easier said than done. When she thought her lungs would burst she was hauled back out, and just one ragged breath later she was submerged again. This went on four or five times and then she was dumped on the cold stone floor, gasping for breath. Not even knowing where exactly she was heading, she started crawling away and they let her get a few feet as Blue laughed at her as if it was the funniest thing hed seen. Where you think youre going, princess? He was on her like lightening, dunking her again and again. She was sputtering more with every dunk, and her stomach hurt from the water shed swallowed. Again she was tossed on the floor.
Blue turned to Black and said, You think she might be ready to talk to us a bit? Black just nodded and picked Natalie off the floor and brought her over to what looked like an examining table in a doctors office, with a slight incline for her upper body. She was shoved roughly on that table and Black walked behind it, once again dragging her arms over her head and holding her wrists in a tight grip. Blue came walking over and stood close, just staring at her for a moment. She was still gasping for breath but was now quite lucid and she wished she wasnt somehow it had felt better when shed been in a hazy state.
What do you know about the identity of the mole? he asked which was the piece of information she had been given in her package. She shook her head, but said nothing. Then her breath caught in her throat as Blue picked up what looked like a wooden stick almost like the handle of a wooden spoon, but longer, and he rubbed his fingers over it for a few seconds. He walked to the end of the table and before she knew what was happening he hit the sole of her right foot so hard that tears sprung to her eyes and she let out a loud yelp. She had jerked her foot away, but he grabbed her ankle and did it again, then grabbed her left ankle and gave that foot 2 good whacks. By this point Natalie was seeing stars, but the pain was such that all sounds seized in her throat.
Tsk, tsk see what you made me do and all you have to do is tell me a name just one little name As he said those last four words he underlined each one of those with a stinging blow from the stick against each of her thighs, and her hips bucked a bit as she cried out. Angry red welts now overlapped Gentrys bruises.
Then Blue was talking again, Oh, dear that awful bite you have looks infected, dear heart we must take care of that please, Mr. Black, hold tight to the princess for a second, will you Blue came back with a bottle of rubbing alcohol and Natalies eyes grew huge as she began to struggle against Blacks hold, saying No no no Then she shrieked in agony as the stinging liquid burned into the angry, still-painful bite mark. Black closed his eyes and held onto her fiercely writhing body it was as if her body was trying to escape from itself from its pain.
Natalie thought the burning would never stop and she began to feel herself losing consciousness from the pain. Next her nostrils were burning from smelling salts that Blue had broken under her nose. Now now you dont think Im letting you off the hook that easy but first your name and rank, please
Natalie at first missed the cue, but remembered when he repeated it, Buchanan, Training Class Alpha John (Black) and Chase (Blue) glanced at each other and Chase gave a small nod. So far, she was tracking with them.
Anything you need to tell us, Buchanan?
No she said through her teeth.
Oh, thats just too bad honestly
Once again she was lucid and everything felt too real. She could again see some of her classmates hear them but Blue had a way of claiming her undivided attention every time it wandered, and this time it was with a massive, incredibly sharp looking Bowie knife. She gulped as he approached and then he was back to gentle massage mode, but this time with the tip of his knife roaming around her body. Black had to hold tight on her because she was quaking in earnest and that could end up getting her cut more than Blues intent. As his knife continued its sick caress, he asked, Remembering anything yet, Buchanan?
Knowing her voice wouldnt work at this point she just shook her head again and could only let out a deep-throated moan, as her head fell back, when she felt the tip of the knife open the smallest little slice of skin on her shoulder. It wasnt much more than the head of a pin would, but it stung and small drops of blood popped up along its one-inch length. She felt a similar sting on her other shoulder, and then on one of her thighs. Blue was very careful and adept. It would be unlikely shed even have the tiniest scar, but the sting would be memorable. Rather than the pain pushing her into a haze, it once again brought everything into sharp focus and she wished she could just slide away into unconsciousness.
Hmmm Blue said. Perhaps a little time on the wall
Before she knew what was happening, she was yanked off the table, thrown against the cold stone wall and her arms were pulled over her head and secured with chains. Blue came walking over with a riding crop in hand, and delivered a few stinging blows around her body as she screamed and her entire body jumped. Then he picked up a coarse rope, yanked her around and delivered two lashes to her back, with angry welts cropping up immediately in their wake as she screamed and her body again writhed in pain.
Over the next ten hours, Natalie was in that room. They alternated back and forth between the vat of water, the table and the wall. Smacking her, whipping her, pricking her skin with the knife other times with a pin Intermittently theyd question her and still she gave them nothing. When it seemed she might pass out theyd bring her back with smelling salts, and then theyd ask her her name and rank, which shed give them without hesitation, all the while knowing that would just bring more of the same. Occasionally they would leave her on the table, strapping her down, and do nothing to her for the better part of an hour just long enough for her to begin to feel solid again then theyd interrogate her again and begin the torture process over.
Finally she was hauled over Blacks shoulder, carried back to her cell and tossed on her mattress. She would be given about an hour to rest until the music and lights would start again and an hour later shed be back in the torture room, with everything intensified. But by the time she was brought back in there, she would have survived her first 24 hours.
Chapter 37
Though her body was quaking and part of her felt exhausted, Natalie was too alert her mind jumping. Except for a few brief moments when pain was causing her to slip from reality, she had felt fully present for every single moment, and she knew she couldnt keep that up and survive what would come next. She had seen the tapes and knew that the second round in that room would make the first seem easy in comparison. She was experiencing this all as if it were the equivalent of stark black and white photos taken in unforgiving desert light. Instead she knew she needed to find a way to retreat within herself pull back from reality and keep a distance from it. She needed to see it and experience it as if it was an impressionist painting with form and focus softer, more illusory and suggestive, versus a searing reality.
She thought back to her final days in the pit, when she had done just that. She had created her own little bubble world where she remembered happy times where she sang favorite songs to herself where she would quote favorite movie lines (or ones that popped into her head) anything to buffer her from the reality that she knew was warping her but as she had considered before, it was such a fine line because you could retreat too far
She began to think about the first time she had felt that Vikki loved her when she had given her a wonderful and supportive hug and started to let the feeling of that take hold. She could picture Roxie at her hair salon her niece Bree Rex being Rex Uncle Boeven Cristian because at one point he had helped her feel so safe
By the time the lights came on again and the music began to blare, Natalie had withdrawn to a great extent within herself, to create a buffer that might help her survive.
John held his breath as he walked down the hall towards her cell. He was trying to steel himself and just be Black, but it was incredibly hard. What Chase had done to her was not so much different than what he had done to other candidates with the exception of the slightly suggestive, sexual overtones with some of it. But John was glad that he was more of an observer and assistant in this case it was hard enough to hold her still so it could be done to her. She had handled it amazingly well, but he knew the hardest part was yet to come. He counted to ten and walked into her cell.
Natalie felt her heart race when she saw Black enter the cell. Since Blue wasnt with him she knew this meant that shed be going back to the big room the torture room. Too much reality. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing and then soundlessly began singing to herself, starting with a song shed learned in school couldnt even remember the words, or the title but it was soothing somehowShe was aware of Blacks hand gripping her tightly on her upper arm but it felt like had lost some of its power
The next twenty hours passed in a blur for Natalie and increasingly for Chase and John, who got precious little rest themselves. Natalie could feel the weight of their touch on her the pressure of things hitting her skin piercing it the impact of whips, hands a fist or two she could even hear the sound of the blowsbut her pain was being partially filtered as she clung to the sounds of her songs in her head as she tried to substitute the feeling of her mothers touch for the vicious ones assaulting her. She was moved from the water, to the table, to the wall, to her cell though the latter only for brief stints and it almost settled into a monotony. She was intellectually aware of the screams that came out of her sometimes she could feel her vocal chords straining her neck muscles tightening but the sounds were diffused by the veil she desperately tried to keep between herself and reality. It was as if the sound was traveling from a very long distance away Everything was coming to her in disjointed fragments perhaps she was living within a Fellini or Buuel movie
But every now and again, the sharpness of the pain the pitch and volume of her screams -- would pierce that veil and reality would swamp over her, threatening to take her under, and she would desperately try to find her way back inside her bubble. At some point, during one of her distant moments she had been stripped naked, and that only added to the sense of atrocity and devastation that she tried to flee. A deep coil of dread would tighten when the way Blue was moving her naked body registered, as he positioned her as if to rape her, only to back away and grab some other instrument of torture.
Often it was Blue who would drag her into the truth with his smelling salts and increased brutality so he could ask her once again if she had anything to say so he could question her name and rank and see if she had slipped her hold on sanity. Every now and again, though, shed have a moment where a hand would touch her and it would feel softer like a touch of care and comfort, even though it was holding her down and accountable to this reckoning and somehow it was enough to remind her that there would be an end to this if she could only hang on
At first Chase and John werent sure what to make of her behavior her state of being and mind but they eventually realized that she may actually be succeeding at what only a lucky few could tunneling deep inside and away from what was happening to her. The longer her torture went on, the more she seemed to retreat into it and they were worried that she was losing it going past the point of no return. Sometimes they just saw her mouth move other times theyd hear, oh so softly, the song she was singing. Yet every time they forced her out of herself every time they asked her for her name and rank shed come fully conscious again and answer them, the deep pain clear in her eyes. Then theyd interrogate her again and though her voice was sometimes weak and often trembling, she seemed to take delight in tossing a classic movie line at them as opposed to the name of the mole they sought I never did mind about the little things Frankly, my dear, I dont give a damn! You talkin to me? Say hello to my little friend Run Forest Run! and shed laugh to herself and slip away again unless they held her firmly with them.
Still, they knew the toll that it was taking, because they were not hearing her screams, her desperate moans and pleading whimpers, from a distance they saw the marks piling up on her body felt it tremble and shudder violently had to clean the vomit off her when some of it had gotten just too much to take John felt and heard everything and if hed let himself hed have known that perhaps it was his own heart and soul that was bearing the brunt of every blow. But he couldnt dare entertain that thought that knowledge right now
At 22 hours into this second session, Natalie was returned for the last time to her cell her weary body, naked, was deposited onto the mattress and this time a very thin blanket tossed over her The cell block was quiet except for low-grade moans coming from the battered bodies that inhabited them.
For the next 2 hours they would all be observed on close-circuit TVs listened in on sometimes in the quiet hours after lengthy torture is when people finally snap, or give way and tell what needs to be told its as if once they arent proactively fighting the pain fighting the will of others, it all gives way. So, just before the end of the final hour, they would be visited again not tortured, just questioned, almost gently then theyd all be shipped to the infirmary where beds were ready for them extra doctors and nurses waiting. They would be thoroughly examined treated given some drugs to ease their pain and help them sleep. They would be nourished and hydrated intravenously, and most importantly, just be given this peaceful respite for the following 24 hours. Of course theyd be observed for any serious lingering effects.
John and Chase headed wearily to the control room where the other torture leaders were waiting. All had the same exhausted weariness, except for Hawkins who somehow seemed refreshed, and that thought sickened John.
John and Chase huddled in the corner and Chase finally seemed to be coming back to himself, and feeling a bit of the reality of what hed done. John could see the slightly haunted look around his eyes, and knew his own looked the same. Jesus, John she she took everything we I gave her John could only nod as he took in how shaken Chase had been by all of this, and he could also detect the admiration in his tone. The instructors/torturers began to discuss their sessions informally in 2 days there would be a much more formal and official de-brief, where footage would be viewed, analyzed, etc. They had headed into the torture module with 22 candidates, and were now down to 15 seven had not made the cut. Two had used the safety word within the first 24 hours 3 within the last 12. There were two others who had divulged their information, but there was a chance they would be spared which would be determined at the de-brief.
The mood was lightening as the final hour began
They had a few more minutes until they had to go down and question their candidates again, and then it would all be over. John was finally starting to unwind a bit when a pain-drenched, blood-curdling scream shattered the relative silence of the control room. His gut knew before the rest of him did that it was Natalie and he and Chase rushed towards the monitors as the tech pulled up her room on large main screen. His blood ran cold, because Hawkins not even wearing a hood was in her cell, cattle prod in hand and it was clear he had just shocked her with it. His heart about to burst out of his chest, John bolted for the cell, followed by Chase and at least six other instructors.
Chapter 38
Natalie had been floating, letting herself feel relaxed, when she felt coarse, hard hands grab her to flip her on her back, and then she felt the heavy weight of someone straddling her lower body and thereby pinning her down. Her eyes had flown open and she saw the sick leer on Hawkins face and she knew she was looking into the eyes of a man who had no soul. Her mind her fear immediately flashed back to Gentry because he had looked at her similarly, but she also knew there was no comparison this large, vicious man would make Gentry look like a wimpy pre-schooler.
What what she tried to choke out as she bucked her hips to dislodge him, but he was too big and she was too weak. Her mind was trying to snap back into focus what was this? This couldnt be part of the training was it?
Well, well, darling Im surprised impressed even that you made it this far. So I got to thinking that maybe you could handle something additional that Id wanted to try but those wimps didnt want to do
Her mind and pulse were racing, her heart pounding as she rasped, Get off me leave me alone
Her eyes opened wide in terror when she saw what was in his right hand a long cylinder that had two small nodes on its end.
Then she felt like shed been eviscerated when a pain shot through her stomach and she felt an electric charge surge through her. A scream like none shed ever given voice to was ripped from her throat and echoed on the wall of her cell and then down the hall. She was panting, feeling like she was going to lose consciousness any second but fighting to hold on to see if she could find an ounce of fight inside her to hold him off
But the pain was so great that she could only shudder whimper she knew she wanted to die hoped death would take her. She barely grasped that he had pulled the blanket off her, spread her legs roughly, and moved the cylinder until she felt like she had been split in two. Her soul-deep shriek rent the air as she thrashed against the pain and the remnants of the electric current and then she was falling into blissful unconsciousness.
John, Chase and their followers were just a foot away from her cell when her last scream had burst through the air, and when John got into her cell he saw Hawkins on her and he launched himself across the room, knocking the man off Natalie and headfirst into the stone wall behind him. Chase was shaken to his core as he saw what had happened and he raced over to Natalie to check on her. He jerked the prod away from her, tossing it across the room, and checked for a pulse gently rubbed her cheeks, calling her name, Natalie Natalie honey come on Natalie came to, but only partially, just enough to feel the burn the pain and to moan softly as tears streamed down her face. One of the other instructors had had the presence of mind to alert one of the doctors that had been on site and he cleared Chase and the others away so he could check on Natalie.
It was only then that Chase realized that John was beating Hawkins to a pulp with his bare fists. Hawkins had been dazed by his head hitting the wall, and did little to fight John off as his fists pounded his face. Chase went to grab John off him and it took two other instructors to finally get that done. John moved towards Natalie but Chase held him back saying, let the doctor check her give him some space Chase could feel Johns body shaking and he realized that the connection between him and Natalie was far more significant than hed come close to realizing. The doctor walked towards them and John broke free of Chases hold to go to Natalie.
As John approached the mattress he saw that Natalie was lying on her back, covered with the blanket, looking deathly pale. Her eyes were closed but soft noises, between a whimper and a moan, were coming from her and her body was moving listlessly as if trying to find a comfortable position. He knelt on the floor beside her mattress and picked up one of her hands to hold and her eyes fluttered open and she whispered, Johnoh is it over?
He caressed her face and said, Yeah, its over Natalie.
The doctor had informed Chase that he wanted to get Natalie to the infirmary to give her a thorough examination, especially to see what damage might have been done by Hawkins. Thankfully he said, the cattle prod packs less of a punch than a taser or stun gun, so I am optimistic that she will recover quickly and fully At that moment the bells started ringing signaling an end to the miserable 48 hour session.
John heard that and decided he couldnt let Natalie spend one more second in this godforsaken hole. He wrapped her carefully in the blanket and picked her up, heading for the fleet of cars and a few ambulances that waited to take the candidates to the infirmary. As he carried her she moaned a few times, but fell asleep in his arms he held her on his lap the entire way, asking the driver of their Suburban to be careful about bumps.
Meanwhile Chase looked over at Hawkins who was lying on the floor, but conscious. Chase walked up to him and kicked him as hard as he could in the balls. Then he turned to one of the other instructors and said, Lock this piece of filth up in here and Ill call his supervisors at the CIA while Im on my way to the infirmary.
The infirmary was a hive of activity as caring, gentle hands began to tend to the candidates. The doctor whod cared for Natalie in her cell came bustling in right behind John, who still had Natalie in his arms, and ushered them into an exam room. He motioned for John to put her onto the table and he did so very gently. Natalies eyes opened briefly and she looked at him and he tried to smile for her, but couldnt. He whispered, Ill be right outside but she reached out a hand to him, wincing as she did so, and said, Please stay with me If the doctor was surprised that she wanted her instructor to stay with her, he was good at hiding it and said, sometimes it can be reassuring to have a friendly face John nodded and pulled up a chair beside the table, closer to Natalies head, and he took her hand in his. He saw the doctor gently move Natalies feet into the stirrups and couldnt help the small smirk that tugged at his lips as he remembered Natalies drug induced demonstration. How long ago that was now how many egregious wounds ago?
As the doctor examined Natalie she tensed up and gripped hard on Johns hand and he could see the pain in her eyes. Hey, hey, look at me its OK now the docs just going to check you out She closed her eyes and he rubbed her hair off her forehead.
The doctor had finished her internal exam and then he moved to the other side of the table to give her entire body a thorough once-over. As he went he cleaned all her wounds, dressed some of the worst (including her bite mark), and then went to get a gown for her in the cupboard across the room. John helped Natalie sit up so the doctor could put the gown on her, then he asked Natalie, Ms. Buchanan, is it all right for Agent McBain to remain while I talk to you or would you prefer him to step outside?
He can stay
John eased her back onto the table and the doctor stood on the other side, so Natalie could easily see him. I must say, that you have come through your ordeal remarkably well I am glad to report that, well that bastard who accosted you in your cell at the end did not penetrate you to any real extent so the injuries are essentially external. That really is great news, even though it might not feel like that right now your recovery should be complete and relatively quick, all things considered. Now, I am going to give you something for the pain and to knock you out. You need sleep most of all and fluids and nutrients which youll get intravenously for now. Natalie didnt even register the pinch on her skin when the needle went in. Then the doctor said, I had called ahead and asked for a private room to be made up for you let me go see if its ready.
Natalie felt the pain receding and a sense of peace spreading across her. Her body and her mind felt so still and the quiet was magic. She was aware of Johns hand stroking her forehead as she drifted away the final thing she felt was the tender kiss he placed there. He watched her intently as she succumbed to the drugs, and then the doctor came back in.
Good, shes asleep. She should be out for most of the day goodness, its already 4am
Uh, doc its Friday, right?
Yes, that it isso far it doesnt seem like there are too many bad physical injuries tomorrow a team of psychiatrists will make their way around to all the candidates. He looked at John carefully for a moment and said, I sometimes think the instructors need that as much as the candidates you guys often look at least as shell shocked. Then without a word he handed John a small vial that held 2 pills. You might think of taking these so you can get some sleep of your own
John followed behind as orderlies moved Natalie to her room, and wrestled with what to do should he make the rounds and see how everyone was doing? That probably didnt make much sense because they were all as out of it as this point as Natalie. Those lines he was supposed to be drawing would suggest that he should head right back to his apartment, but even as he was thinking that his feet were carrying him over to the couch just a few feet away from Natalies bed. He sat wearily on it and grabbed for the carafe of water and a paper cup and poured himself some. Then he did something he hadnt even done after Caitlins murder and the horrid aftermath he swallowed the pills the doctor had given him because he knew it was the only way he could settle himself and stop the endless loop of images and sounds careening threw his brain, all of which were of Natalie and these past 48 hoursHe stretched out on the couch and let the drugs take him away, too.
Chapter 39
Around 1 oclock that afternoon John awoke to the sound of someone coughing and he realized it was Natalie. He jumped off the couch and walked over to her carrying a cup of water which she accepted gratefully. He helped her sit up a bit on her bed and stroked the side of her face, asking How are you
Im sore everywhere even my scalp
He gently rubbed the back of her head and then she asked, Did you stay here all night or I guess it would be day what time is it?
Its about 1 oclock Friday afternoon, and yes I stayed here on the couch he said as he took a big swig of water himself.
She tried to push herself up even further into a sitting position and winced in pain saying, Shit, it feels like I fucked a rhinoceros! which caused John to choke on his water and then gasp out Natalie!
He looked scandalized and she thought it was hilarious lingering drugs but realized that laughing was not the best thing right now.
Sorry ouch hurts to laugh
He shook his head in true amazement, How can you
Well, whats the alternative, curl up into the fetal position and die? Look, I will fully admit that the past 48 hours were by FAR the worst thing Ive ever been through and please GOD let that remain so. I know from my lesser past experiences that I will have some bad moments ahead Im not kidding myself. But when I am having a moment of stability Im not going to kneecap myself back into misery
They hadnt realized they were no longer alone until they heard a kindly voice say, Well that is the perfect attitude my dear and turned to see one of the team psychiatrists in the doorway. Id love a chance to talk to you a bit more, if thats OK?
Oh, sure
Well, thats my cue to leave Ill check back on you in a bit and then John left. He walked around the rest of the rooms and wards checking on the rest of the candidates. They all look like theyd been through the meat grinder, but were in pretty decent spirits. John knew some of that was the ebullience that came with relief and that they still likely had some rocky moments ahead. All of them asked for Natalie and he told them she had come through it all like a champ at this point, that surprised no one.
He had just come out of one room with the intention of heading back towards Natalies when he looked up to find none other than an irate Mark Mason heading right for him.
On a shouting whisper he said, A fucking CATTLE PROD McBain?! Jesus Christ what the HELL kind of program are you running here first that animal Gentry and now some lunatic runs off the range and assaults Natalie with a FUCKING CATTLE PROD?!
John understood how upset he was but he was in NO mood for this so he snapped back, Look, he had been warned about that and went ahead and did it anyway and we shut him down as fast as we could. But he isnt one of OUR guys hes one of YOURS, Mason!
Mason pulled back a bit in surprise and lowered his voice, What do you mean one of mine?!
John also whispered on a hiss, Oh dont try to bullshit meyou think I dont know what you were before you headed to law school, shit maybe you still are but I bet you one way or another you know Hawkins and his handiwork
At that point Chase walked up and said, Is there a problem, gentlemen?
No! they both said in unison.
Well, good but why dont you two take a bit more time to make sure of that a bit further down the hall where you can have some privacy. I am going to call on Ms. Buchanan now
John and Mason retreated towards the lounge and the anger had largely dissipated. Who was her main torturer?
Chase I was his assistant, but Chase was the lead.
That surprised Mason, Chase?! I didnt think hed be tapped for such hands-on work
Directors orders wanted to make sure he had someone he could trust, with Natalie being the first woman and all
How did she do, really?
Mason, I am awed by her. And maybe that makes me a sexist jerk because many of the guys did very well, too but you just dont expect it from someone like hershe dug down deep you could SEE her digging.and she has what seem to be pretty vast stores of reserves
It cant have been easy being part of that doing some of it
John looked Mason directly in the eyes and said in total candor, Hardest thing Ive ever had to do
Mason digested that while John rubbed his hands wearily over his face and Mason was caught up short, Whoa what happened to your hands?
John looked at them with a bit of surprise because he hadnt even noticed they were bruised and pretty chewed up, but then he smirked and said, Oh, must have been the repeated contact with Hawkins face
And Mason just laughed and said, McBain I wish I could have joined you
Well, maybe some of your buddies can arrange for you to have a private visit.
What a delicious thought McBainbut for now, I really would like to see Natalie
Sure you should. Will you, uh, tell her Ill be by a bit later.
Sure.
Chase was just leaving when Mason reached Natalies door. Chase looked at him closely and asked, You and McBain really OK?
No worries, Chase. Scouts honor
Natalie was already dozing off again when Mason walked in and he stood quietly by her bedside and just looked at her. He felt a lump form in his throat as he saw the physical toll the past 48 hours had taken. He had been through even worse training at the hands of people like Hawkins but he knew the stuff they did in this program was close enough and he was relieved that he had not been one of the torturers this time, as he had sometimes been in the past. She must have felt his eyes on her because hers fluttered open and she smiled at him and said, Mason.
He walked closer to her bed and took one of her hands in his. You did it you made it through the worst things they could do to youwhat they did to your poor body
She couldnt help but chuckle a bit and say, Yeah your weapon and techniques were a lot more fun
He smiled softly at her and said, We did have some good times together, Buchanan
Yes we did youve been so good to me, Mark Mason.
Hey, you have a way of bringing it out in me. You even made a cuddler out of me Im still in shock and awe!
She giggled and winced at the same time and he got more serious. Natalie, I know who did that to you. at the end. I am going to make sure he gets whats coming to him
Natalie just nodded she hoped he did.
Well, I am going to let you get some sleep. Just know, that no matter what, when, why you can always come to me, Natalie. Remember that.
He leaned down and gave her the gentlest of kisses which she returned in kind and she couldnt help but think he had just told her good-bye in equally as gentle a way.
Mason couldnt help the twinge of sadness he felt as he walked out of the hospital, because deep down he knew he had.
Chapter 40
By 4 oclock Natalie felt like she was going a bit stir-crazy, so she hobbled out of bed and grabbed the robe hanging on the back of her door and began to slowly walk down the hall to look for her friends.
She found Turner, Bradford, Rich and Nero hanging out in the room that the first two had been assigned to and they broke into huge smiles when they saw her. They were all mirror images of each other bruises and cuts everywhere they could see but the smiles were also the same, and genuine.
Rich pulled her into a very careful hug and said, You are awesome, Buchanan shit no one can keep you down!
They made room for her on the foot of one of the beds and they sat laughing but trying not to laugh as they made fun of some of the things they had been through gallows humor at its best. Turner said he wasnt too macho to admit at one point hed cried like a little girl and he had them rolling when he gave a demonstration.
John followed the laughter and found them all together and was glad to see that Natalie was in good spirits. This was the part that people didnt get the intense bonds and camaraderie you develop with the others who go through what you have. It carries over through the rest of your life.
You guys all seem in decent spirits
They all turned to look in the direction of his voice and Natalie smiled at him.
You all will probably be discharged tomorrow at noon, and from personal experience, I suggest you lay low the rest of tomorrow, and get a good nights sleep. This whole weekend you can do whatever you want to do though on campus. On Sunday night, though, drinks on me at The PubEveryone gave a little cheer, followed by a wince. Then Natalie yawned and she realized she was exhausted again.
Buchanan, you look like youre about to drop lets get you back to your room
Natalie eased off the bed and walked past John into the hall. When they were out of the sightlines of the others he slowly slid his arm around her to support her as she walked to her room, and she allowed herself to lean on him a little bit. He helped her slide out of her robe and into her bed. You sleep now, Natalie.. And she was asleep in moments.
He decided to head to his office for a bit and as he walked across campus his cell phone rang, the caller ID blocked.
McBain
Soooo, hows my girl?
Johns blood started to boil, Where are you Gentry?
Like Im going to say just know that Im not that far but I hear she came through it all well, she does like it rough.
You stay away from her, and away from here!
Youre sounding awful possessive Agent McBain you arent trying to slide in behind where a certain US Attorney has been shit, that sluts twat probably hasnt even cooled off yet from his last visit would you jump in his grave that quickly? But you need to understand I was in line first, and I havent gotten my time at bat see ya round campus!
John turned around and practically ran back to the infirmary to Natalies room. She was still sleeping peacefully when he got there, so he stepped away from her door and called Chase. He explained the phone call hed just received from Gentry. Chase asked if he wanted an agent posted at Natalies room and after a brief hesitation John said, No, Ive got it covered.
He went back into Natalies room and sat on the couch where he intended to stay the night. Natalie slept on and off for the rest of the day, evening and through to the next morning helped, of course, by the medication shed been given. When she did wake up it made her feel safe to see John stretched out just a few feet away.
When she woke up late the next morning she found John still sitting on her couch, reading the newspaper.
John have you left here at all?
Uh, no He got up and walked over to her, looking at her carefully. How are you feeling today?
So much better and glad its only Saturday seriously though, dont get me wrong, I really appreciate it but you dont need to babysit me
I dont consider it babysitting you more like watching over you
She felt a bit of a tug on her heart and said, Well I appreciate it, but I am doing fine
I know you are, Natalie
She finally picked up on an undercurrent in his voice and asked, What arent you telling me?
He sighed and said, Gentry called me yesterday afternoon to tell me hes still around. Hes likely bluffing, but I wasnt taking any more chances with you
Wow I thought hed just give up
Well, he probably has, but we just arent going to take any chances so same precautions as before.
The nurse came in and volunteered to help Natalie take a shower before she checked out and Natalie thought that sounded like heaven. John waited for her hed become quite attached to the couch and she looked very refreshed when she emerged from the bathroom. Chase had arranged for new sweats to be sent over for everyone, so she had clean clothes. Then she was discharged and John started walking her out of the hospital. A couple of her friends asked if she wanted to go for a late lunch with them over at The Pub, and she glanced at John first. He decided to quickly explain that Gentry had resurfaced via a phone call, so that they just needed to keep a watchful eye on her, and then he said hed swing by The Pub to get her in a bit he was just going to talk to Chase for a while.
John found Chase standing outside his office door and when Chase saw him approach he ushered John inside.
How are all the candidates?
Pretty good damn good all things considered. Theyve all been discharged and while some are probably back asleep in their bunks, others have headed to eat Natalie and some of her buddies
Shell stay with them?
Yeah, she knows about Gentrys new call and I told her friends as well. They wont let her out of their sight. They headed to The Pub for lunch and I told them Id swing by a bit later to get Natalie and make sure she makes it safely back to her apartment.
Chase sighed, Good. I have to think we can protect her keep her safe. She doesnt deserve anything less
Agreed. So, how about you? You get any sleep?
A little I have to be honest, McBain. Im glad the rank has its privileges and I dont have to do shit like that for the most part. You can make all the rationalizations in the world as to why its necessary and even know that it is but it doesnt change the fact that I tortured that young woman for the better part of 48 hours. It is a hard thing to get past.
I guess you should be glad it is you really have to worry if you enjoyed it and look forward to doing it again like Hawkins.
That bastard his crew came to get him this morning and they swear hell be soundly disciplined I told them I might consider filing official charges have Buchanan swear out a complaint. But in the end, hell likely be free to do what he does things we dont want to know about all over this world
John went by The Pub next and found Natalie and the others sitting amid plates of half-eaten food and soft drinks alcohol wouldnt exactly mix with their meds. They all looked like they were running out of gas, and were relieved to see him walk in.
They said their good-byes and the guys headed back to their dorms which now seemed like palatial digs compared to their cells.
John and Natalie headed across campus, walking slowly. You going to make it, Buchanan? I uh well, I could carry you Ive done it before
She gave him a small smile and said, No, I can make it, but just at a slower pace sorry.
No need to be sorry So, uh, you got to see Mason thats good. He was pretty pissed about what happened to you
Natalie was quiet for a moment and said, Yeah, he was. Hes been a really good friend to me
John thought her use of the word friend was interesting.
Well, in about three months youll be free to live your lives againre-connect
Um, beyond our being friends I dont see anything more happening we were we didnt start out with the intention of being more than that, and I dont think anything has changed in that regardfor either of us then she chuckled a bit, You know Mason hes not the settling down type
John had taken in all she said and noted a slight lessening of tension in his spine. Then he said carefully, Well someone like you could be the type to get someone like him to change his mind about such things
Natalie couldnt help but feeling that John wasnt just talking about Mason, but then chided herself that it was just wishful thinking. Which caused a second of panic because what WAS she wishfully thinking about. Feeling she needed to say something she said with a bit of a smirk, Why Agent McBain was that some sort of compliment?
Yes, Buchanan, I guess it was.
By the time they got back to the apartments Natalie looked dead on her feet. She leaned back against the elevator wall with her eyes closed and said, I cant believe Im still so tired all Ive been doing is sleeping
Natalie, you have been through an incredible ordeal of course youre exhausted. You really need to rest and sleep as much as possible. Tomorrow youll feel stronger more so the next day and Id say within the next four days youll be virtually back to normal.
Hope so
They reached her apartment door and he said, Id like to check things out real quickly just to be doubly careful.
He did a quick walk through and realized all was fine and also that Natalie was about to drop. Buchanan you need to get into bed and sleep.
Yeah will would you stay with me until I fall asleep it shouldnt take too long
Sure go get changed.
Natalie went into the bathroom and changed into a tank and boxers, and studiously ignored her reflection in the mirror. She had been devastated enough after her run-in with Gentry, and knew she couldnt handle looking at all the marks on her right now.
She came into the bedroom where John was waiting and he felt like hed been punched. He could almost forget what shed been through, but the evidence was right in front of him along with the knowledge that hed been a part of it.
She scooted under the covers and looked up at him, then she held out her hand for a second, feeling she needed to tell him something. He took it and then gave into the gentle pressure as she tugged on him a bit so hed sit on the edge of the bed. She looked at his hand for a moment in hers and then said softly, I felt your touch on me your hands holding me
John sucked in a breath and said, Im so sorry, Natalie Hed feared this that she would realize hed remained involved after hed kidnapped her he had tried to keep his speaking to a minimumbut now he was surprised that she was holding his hand, not seeming repulsed by him
Natalie knew hed misunderstood and said quickly, No! John Im probably too tired to make much sense, but let me try I know you werent the one who tortured me you were the other guy Black. I knew because I could feel care and even a bit of gentleness in the way that you touched me, held my body even when you were holding me down. And, well, it might sound insane but that helped me more than you know when I thought I couldnt couldnt bare another second, somehow at just the right moment Id feel the warmth of your hand and it told me that it wasnt real that an end would be coming it made a difference for me, John, to know that you were with me through it
She was looking at him with such earnestness and he knew she meant every word, and maybe it was reaction setting in, his own exhaustion the low hum of self-loathing that had been with him since hed come in here three mornings ago and taken her from her bed but he felt the sting of tears in his eyes and scalding the back of his throat. He ran a single finger gently down her cheek and said hoarsely, Thank you for telling me that, Natalie I was afraid you knew I was involved, and that you might hate me on some level
No John, I signed up for this, remember? And you being there helped. But I dont want to know who the other guy was. Him, I could kick his ass!
John couldnt help laughing a bit, then he said, OK, tough guy eyes closed, then sleep. Ill stay until youre out, and then Ill be next door the whole night so if you need anything
Night John then she was out. He stayed for another hour just watching her, then he pressed a kiss onto her forehead, earning an Mmmmm from her in her sleep. And a small smile.
