The rats.

Dekim jerked upright on his cot. “No.”

No rats. Only a nightmare. He was sweating, shuddering. The odor of garbage and decay filled his senses.

Why wouldn’t the rats go away?

He stood up and moved to the washstand and splashed water on his face. The rats had not come to plague him in a long time. There must be a reason.

The Maxwell boy. The nightmares had first come after the night he had escaped with Heero. When he found and killed Duo Maxwell, the rats would flee back into their holes.

He moved to the tent entrance and stared out into the darkness. Duo Maxwell was out there somewhere. Close. His instincts seldom failed him when he was this near a prey.

To hell with the darkness, he couldn’t wait for morning.

“Wake up, Mueller!” he shouted. “Rouse the men. We leave in ten minutes.”

***************

“We can stop here and rest for a few minutes.” Heero shrugged off his backpack. “You’d better change the baby and give her some water.”

“Of course I’ll do that,” I said bristling. “You don’t have to tell me. We managed QUITE well without you.”

”Gomen. I’m used to running things.”

“You don’t have to tell me that either.” In the last eight hours he had demonstrated that characteristic time and time again. The decision had all been his, and he had made them easily and surely, pushing and prodding me every step of the way.

“You’re annoyed with me.” His brows lifted. “I’m surprised you didn’t let me know earlier.”

“I don’t like being left out of decisions.” I finished diapering Iris and held my hand out for the canteen. “But this is your area of expertise. It was clear you knew what you were doing. I would have been stupid to argue with you.”

Heero’s gazed focused on Iris. “She’s a very good baby.”

”Hai, she is.” I said softening. I fed Iris a little more water and wiped her forehead and neck and then did the same for myself. Though the poor kid was hot and sweaty, and a heat rash was starting on her neck, she had let out only a few whimpers during the journey. Iris was a true miracle.

I tenderly brushed the baby’s dark wispy hair away from her face. Iris smiled up at me and I couldn’t resist giving her a quick hug. Heero stood up. “Are you rested enough to go on?”

“What would you do if I said I wasn’t?”

“Tell you we have to keep pushing anyway.”

“I thought as much.” I said dryly as I put Iris into the sling. “I’m ready.” My gaze went to the hills behind us. “Do you suppose they’re close?” ,p>“Closer than I’d like. I caught sight of them two hours after we started.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked, startled.

“Why worry you? It was still dark and they were having trouble tracking. I did some weaving and lost them again.” He frowned “But I didn’t expect them to start before dawn. Dekim is pushing them hard.” He started down the trail. “He wants you.”

My lips tightened grimly. “Well he won’t get me. How much longer do we have to go?”

“Another few hours before we’re clear to radio for the helicopter. After that, maybe two hours to the rendezvous point.”

Relief rushed through me. Not much longer. “Thank God.”

“Oh yes, and me, of course.”

Good heavens, Heero was actually smiling at me.

I smiled back. “Of course.”

***************

Dekim looked down at the tracks. “Two of them?”

Mueller nodded. “Joaquin says a man is with him. He must have joined him last night. It was only a single set of tracks before.” He looked over his shoulder. “I’m being motioned. Do I have your permission to-“

“Go.”

He had help. The Maxwell boy had help.

Heero?

Yes, probably Heero; he had already demonstrated his skill in making his way through these hills. Now he was with the boy and if he was CIA, might be able to pull in more help.

If Dekim didn’t reach them before they got out of the hills.

Mueller was back. “We’ve intercepted a radio signal.”

“Where?” Dekim asked.

“Southwest. Six miles.”

They had cleared the hills and were radioing for assistance, probably a helicopter.

Goddammit.

“Get them.”

***************

I staggered then caught myself before I could fall.

“Daijoubu?” Heero asked, not looking back.

No, it wasn’t all right. Heero had increased the pace in the last hour and I was bone weary, hot, and I had a stitch in my side. “Can we go a little slower?”

“Iie.”

“Why not? We’re close, aren’t we?”

“Close isn’t home.”

“Iris needs changing.”

“She’ll have to wait. Hurry.”

The last word was so filled with tension my stride immediately accelerated. I glanced back over my shoulder. “What’s wrong are they close?”

“They’ve always been close and they’re bound to have picked up the signal.”

Iris whimpered.

Poor kid. “How far do we have to go?”

“Another hour. And Dekim is probably no more than twenty minutes behind us.”

“What if the helicopter isn’t there?”

Heero didn’t answer.

He didn’t have to answer.

***************

In the valley below, the army-green helicopter shimmered in the twilight. It was a sight for my sore eyes.

My pace quickened in response to the hope leaping through me. “It’s there. We’re going-”

A bullet whistled past my ear.

“Shit.” Heero grabbed my arm and pulled me down. I stumbled on a tuft of grass, caught off balance. A second shot. Kicking up dirt ahead of me.

I glanced over my shoulder.

Soldiers. Streaming over the hill.

Another shot.

I jerked as pain streaked along my side.

We reached the helicopter. Heero tossed me onto the floor and followed me.

“Up, Hilde.” He shouted.

The door was still open as the helicopter rose jerkily. One of the soldiers leaped upward and caught hold. Heero ground his heel on the man’s hand and he fell back to the ground.

Bullets sprayed the helicopter.

What if they hit the fuel tank?

Clear. We were high above the ground. Surely out of range. I looked at Heero. He nodded and I went limp with relief.

“You’re bleeding.” He was looking at my shirt. “You were hit?”

“My side. It’s all right. Just a graze I think. I’ll tend to- Oh my God.”

Iris was too still.

I frantically shrugged off the sling. The blanket was stained with blood.

Iris.

“Son of a bitch. They shot her. They shot Iris.” The bullet that had grazed my side must have gone though the baby. “Goddamn baby killers.”

“Is she dead.?”

“I’m trying to find out.” Hip wound. Blood. Too much blood. “She’s alive. Barely.”

“Can we save her?”

“I don’t know. I know first aid, but I’m not a doctor. Maybe. If I can stop the bleeding.” I was working quickly. “You get her to a hospital.”

“I can’t risk you. We can’t land until-“

“Don’t tell me that. I don’t care where you take us.” I shot him a fierce glance. “You get me to a medical facility where I can get help for her.”

Heero nodded. “I’ll find a place.”

“Son of a bitch.” I had sworn to never open up to this kind of agony again. Yet here it was deeper than ever before. “We’ve gone through too much together. Don’t leave me now, kid.”

***************

“We’re going to set down.” Heero was back. “How is she?”

“Unconscious. I’ve managed to stop the bleeding, unless there’s internal bleeding. Where are we?”

“Gulf of Mexico. I’ve located an aircraft carrier, the USS Montana. They’ll have a doctor and full medical care. We should be down in ten minute.” He headed back to the cockpit. “One way or another.”

“What do you mean?”

“Aircraft carriers don’t like uninvited guest. They’re proving a little difficult and threatening to shoot us down.” He glanced back over his shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”

I cuddled Iris closer. I couldn’t worry about anything but the baby. Let Heero take care of everything else.

***************

Dekim’s fists clenched as he watched the lights of the helicopter fade in the distance.

He was gone. He had escaped him.

No.

He drew a deep, ragged breath.

Heero had taken him away. He was probably already thinking that he was out of Dekim’s reach.

He was wrong. There was always a way to bring down any prey. He would find him.

“Tell the radioman to get here, Mueller.”

The boy had to die. And no one was ever out of reach.

***************

I leaned my head on my hands. I felt utterly helpless.

“The kid?”

I looked up to see Heero standing beside me by Iris’s bed. Dr. Anand did what he could.” I said wearily. “He thinks there’s a severed vertebra but he’s not a specialist.”

“Do you want me to get one for you?”

I smiled crookedly. “Are you going to kidnap a specialist and fly him to the aircraft carrier? Not a good idea. Captain Omni wasn’t at all pleased to have us land here. You’re right, we were lucky we weren’t shot down on the approach.”

“For all they knew, the helicopter could have been loaded with dynamite.” He shrugged “It was the best I could do.”

“It was the very best. Arigatou.”

“You order. I obey.” He squatted down before my chair. “You didn’t answer me. Do you want me to go for a specialist?”

I shook my head. “That can wait. He wouldn’t operate anyway until she’s in better shape. She may not make it Heero.”

“When will you know?”

“An hour, two. If she stabilizes…”

He looked at the baby in the makeshift crib they’d fashioned out of a hospital bed. “Did she wake up?”

“Iie.” I tried to steady my voice. “She may never wake up again.”

“I’ve got a hunch she will. She came this far. She survived Tenajo. I don’t think she’s meant to die.”

“And she was meant to be shot?” I asked fiercely. “She’s just a baby. God shouldn’t let things like this-“

“Shh.” His hand closed over mine. “Don’t blame God. Blame Dekim.”

“I do blame Dekim. I want to burn him at the stake.”

“Entirely understandable.” He released my hand, stood up, and headed for the door. “I’ll be back in a minute. You need food, but I know I can’t get you to eat. I’ll bring coffee instead. It may be a long wait for us.”

“You don’t have to wait with me. There’s nothing you can do.”

He paused at the door. “I’m not doing it for you. I think Iris will know I’m here. I’ll be right back.”

***************

It was four hours later that Iris’s vital signs stabilized. An hour later she opened her eyes.

“She’s smiling.” I whispered in wonder.

“I told you she wanted to live.” Heero gently touched the baby’s cheek. “Some things are meant to be.”

“I’m in no mood for philosophy. I still don’t know if she’s ever going to be able to take her first step.” But relief and joy were soaring within me. At least she was going to live.

“Dr. Anand said the best for spinal injuries is Dr. Sally Po at John Hopkins,” Heero said. “I’ve arranged an air ambulance to take us there early tomorrow morning.”

“You have?”

“And now, I believe it’s time for you to eat.” He wrinkled his nose. “And shower. Iris may have a relapse when she rouses enough to get a whiff of you.”

“I’m surprised you bore with me all these hours.” I said sarcastically.

“I consider it an exercise in discipline.” He turned away from me. “Go shower. I’ll send in the nurse to watch Iris and get you some food and fresh clothes.”

“Matte.”

He looked back at me.

“Quatre.”

He shook his head. “I contacted our people in Mexico City. No word. But, if he’s on foot, it’s possible he hasn’t reached the coast yet.”

“Then I have to go back for him.”

“Iie.” The swift, harsh negative startled me. He hadn’t used that tone with me since Tenajo.

“I won’t abandon him.”

“No one is suggesting you abandon him.” He glanced at the baby. “Do you want to leave Iris before you know her condition?”

My gaze followed his to Iris. I was as torn as Heero had known I would be. “You know I don’t. But I have to go. You can take Iris to-“

“You’re handing her over to me? You scarcely let me touch her all the way here.”

“I can’t leave Quatre there.”

“Dekim will get you as soon as you set foot back in Mexico.”

“I’ll go to the embassy and-“

“No, we’ll talk about it later. Let me think about it. I may have a solution.”

I watched him walk away. If he had a solution for this, he’d rival Solomon, I thought wearily. Then again he managed to get me out of Mexico and saved Iris by finding a medical facility. Maybe he could work this miracle too.

***************

Two hours later he knocked on the door of the tiny cabin I been chosen. “Come on. We’re gong to the radio room. I’ve arranged to radio someone.”

Frowning, I fell into step with him. “Who?”

“Chang Wufei. He’s one of my contacts in Mexico City.”

“CIA?”

“No, Chinese intelligence. They work with us on certain agendas.”

“This agenda?”

“Most particularly this agenda.” He glanced at me. “I can’t let you go back, Duo. You’d make too many ripples.”

“Good. What’s wrong with telling the Mexican government they’ve been had?”

“No one can know about Tenajo yet. It might trigger a nasty backlash from Dekim.”

“Not if the police catch him first.”

“Not likely. He has informants in every phase of government. Besides, he’s not alone. We can’t be sure they won’t act as soon as Dekim is brought down.”

“Who would act?”

“Trieze Kushrenada, a terrorist located in Libya. And chances are you’d never reach the police. You’ll be on Dekim’s contract list. There’s a lot of slime who want to curry favor with the good colonel.”

“All the more reason why I should get Quatre out of there.”

He looked away from me. “He may be able to get himself out. Did you ever think of that? If he’s managed to get away from Dekim, he’s done pretty well as far.”

“He doesn’t know about Dekim.”

“Is he smart?” ,p>“Of course he’s smart. Very smart. What does that have to do with anything?”

“After Tenajo, do you think that he’d trust anyone? You didn’t. You woke up in that hospital bristling and ready to take on everyone in sight.”

“He might go to the police and you said that was almost a death sentence.”

“But first he has to get through the hills.”

“Then I should go and help him. I’ve been through them. I know them now.”

“But it would be a risk.”

“I don’t have any choice.”

“Yes, you do.” He paused. “You could let Wufei find him. I could have him do a discreet search and, when he finds him, smuggle him out of the country.”

He had said when, not if, and the distinction gave me the first hope I’d had since Dekim had told me Quatre was dead. “Could he do that? Could he find him?”

“I’ll radio him to start the search now. In a few days he could be across the border.”

It seemed too good to be true, so it probably was.

“How do you know that he’ll find him?”

“I don’t but if he’s alive, we stand an 80% chance. I’ve seen Wufei work. He can’t find a needle in a hay stack but he comes close.”

Eighty percent. I wanted it to be a hundred percent. “That’s not good enough.”

“That’s seventy five percent chance better than your chances alone.” He added bluntly. “Don’t be a baka. If you go back, you’ll get him killed. Wufei will get him out.”

I stared at him in helpless frustration. What he said made sense but I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to be hundreds of miles away from Quatre with my hands tied. “You could call this Wufei and I could meet him, help him to-“

Heero was shaking his head.

“Why not?!”

“Because if you go back, I won’t tell Wufei to help you. You’ll be on your own.” He paused. “And your friend will be dead.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “You’re bluffing.”

He grimaced. “You’re right. I couldn’t let you go off alone. But I’m telling the truth about your friend’s chances. The sooner I get Wufei on it, the sooner you’ll see your friend again. Think about it.”

What he suggested went against every instinct. Quatre had always been there for me like a brother. I had to go to him.

And if I did, I might cause his death.

“I’ll give him a few days,” I said finally. “If he hasn’t located him by that time, I’m going down there myself.”

“It might take longer than that… if he’s alive.”

“Stop saying that. He is alive. Quatre is one of the strongest guys I know. He’s not dead, I tell you.”

“Easy.”

I drew a deep breath. “Call him right away.”

A few minutes later he was sitting at the radio, putting on the headphones. After a short wait a slightly deep voice with the faintest hint of an accent crackled over the line. “It’s about time. I’ve been waiting for you to call, you ugly son of a bitch. Are you ready for a pickup?” Wufei said amusedly.

I felt a little ripple of surprise. The cheerful voice was completely free of fear I had sensed in everyone else who had encountered Heero, and the words were certainly irreverent.

“Iie, I radioed Hilde.” Heero said. “We’re on our way out now.”

“How did Tenajo go?”

“Not what we expected. Bad.”

“You’re not going to tell me more?”

“Not now.”

“Don’t close me out. I want them as much as you do.”

“I can’t talk now.”

“You blew your cover with Dekim?”

Heero glanced at me. “In a manner of speaking.”

“Then why didn’t you call me?”

“I have another job for you. We think there’s a man in the hills near Tenajo. Dekim is probably looking for him. You have to find him first.”

There was a silence. “Just as long as it isn’t a woman. I don’t like killing women Heero.”

“No problem. Just find him and get him safely out of the country.”

Wufei sighed. “Nasty job. It would be easier to kill him. How quick?”

“Very. Dekim has been delayed, but my disappearance may push him to more.” ,p>“And the man is important?”

“Get him out Wu.”

“It will be done, your royal gargoyleship. Where do you want him delivered?”

”I’ll be in touch. He’s Quatre Raberba Winner. About five foot one, nineteen, blonde hair and sea green eyes.”

“Great. Do you know how likely it is I’ll find anyone like that here? Now, if he had a face like yours he might have a chance.”

“But if he did have a face like mine, he wouldn’t have a chance. Give the guy a break.”

A slight smile was curving his lips, and that’s when I realized he was joking. The idea of humor connected with that face and intimidating demeanor was totally out of place. But I had found on the journey that many things about Heero were not as they seemed. And what was so horrible about his face anyway? Heero was actually very beautiful when he wasn’t glaring you down. I tried to hide my blush. I didn’t just think that, did I?

“He may not be willing to cooperate. He’d be a baka to trust me if he’s on the run. Can you give me anything to reassure him?” I could hear Wufei say.

“I’ll ask.” Heero looked at me.

I thought for a moment. I smirked, “Tell him to tell Quatre: ”

Heero raised a brow at me.

“Nani?” I tried to look innocent. “It’s an old inside joke. He’ll understand.”

Heero repeated the line.

“Ye~ah… then I’ll be on my way.” Wufei said.

Heero turned to me. “Satisfied?”

I wasn’t satisfied, but Wufei seemed confident if bizarre. “I’ll give Wu-man a few days.”

“Arigatou.” Heero said to the radio operator as he removed the headphones. He took my arm and urged me toward the door. “Those few days will at least allow you to get the baby up to John Hopkins and into Sally Po’s hands. You’d better check on Iris and then get to bed. The air ambulance will be here pretty early.”

I nodded wearily. “I was going to do that anyway. Would you stop giving me orders already? Geez.”

“I said I would take care of you.” He said quietly. “I meant it.”

I went ahead of him down the narrow corridor. “Just take care of Quatre. G’nite Heero.”

“Oyasumi.”

***************

Heero watched Duo disappear around the corner. He had avoided the confrontation but only temporarily. He wouldn’t make the mistake of underestimating Duo. Right now, he was absorbed with worry about the baby and Quatre, but Heero would have to walk very carefully.

Take care of Quatre.

He wished he could promise him that.

Lies and deceit and manipulation, press the right button, shade the truth, and twist reality. God I was tired of it all.

But it was the coin he dealt in and he would spend it whenever necessary.

He went back to the radio room to call Wufei again.

***************

“She looks like she did in that room in San Andreas,” I whispered as I looked down at Iris. “All those tubes…”

“Sally says they’re necessary. She needs nutrients. She lost a lot of blood,” Heero said. “And you said you liked and trusted her.”

I nodded. “But I wanted her to operate right away. I want to know she’s going to be all right.”

“She said she’s got a good chance.”

“I want to know. I don’t want to wait another week.” I bent down and brushed my lips across her forehead. “She’s going to fix you up, kid. Just be patient.”

“She’s sedated and out of it. You’re the one who’s impatient.” Heero gently guided me from the room. “Let’s go to the waiting room. We have to talk.”

My gaze flew to his face. “Did Sally tell you something she didn’t tell me?”

“Iie.” He pushed me into a chair. “She’s a smart woman. She wouldn’t have dared.”

I relaxed. “You scared me.”

“This situation scares me.” He sat down beside me. “I know you asked Sally to find you a bed here.” he paused. “You can’t stay Duo.”

I stiffened. “The hell I can’t.”

He shook his head. “It’s too dangerous.”

“No one knows I’m here.”

“They probably will soon. It’s just a matter of time. Dekim has established network here. You’ll have to go underground. I’m going to take you to a safe house.”

“I won’t leave Iris.”

“Would you rather see her dead?” he asked bluntly. “That’s what will happen. You’re a witness. Dekim wants your head. As long as you’re close-by, Iris is in danger. Is that what you want?”

“You know that’s not what I want.”

“I’ve called headquarters and arranged a guard for Iris at the hospital just in case Dekim tries to use her to get to you. But you’re the one he wants. If he doesn’t hear you hovering over her, he may think that she’s not important to you. Without you, Iris is much more safe.” He added softly. “Give her a chance Duo. She’s got a long way to go.”

I could feel tears sting my eyes. “He might not find her.”

“Do you want to take that chance?”

“She’ll be all alone.”

“She’ll be well guarded and besides, Iris is a heartbreaker. The nurses will be hovering over her every second of the day.”

“But I want to-“ But I couldn’t do what I wanted, not if I wanted Iris to be safe. I hadn’t wanted Heero to be right dammit. “I want reports everyday. Do you hear me? And I want to talk to Sally every other day. And she better be safe or I’ll cut your throat Heero.”

“She’ll be safe. I give you my word. Trust me.”

I did trust him, I realized. Where had it come from? The trek in the hills, the night he had stayed with Iris after the operation? However it had happened, the trust was there. I stood up. “I want to say good-bye to her.”

He nodded. “Ten minutes? I have to make a few arrangements.”

It was stupid to say good-bye, I thought as I looked down at Iris. The kid didn’t even know I was there. “I’ll be back.” I whispered. “They’re going to take good care of you but I have to leave for a little while. I’ll be thinking of you.” I blinked hard to keep back the tears. “You think about me too. I know you’ll be pretty occupied with all these doctors and nurses, but remember I’m the one you came with.”

I couldn’t take anymore. I strode blindly out the door and into Heero.

He handed me a handkerchief. “Daijoubu?”

“No.” I wiped my eyes. “ Get me the hell outta here. Where are we going?

“To the airport. I have a helicopter waiting.”

“And then?”

“Atlanta.

“To your blasted safe house?”

He shook his head. “We’re in transition. I need to see a friend who may help us. And the safe house isn’t set-up yet.”

Transition. My life seemed to be nothing else since the day I arrived in Tenajo. “I’m not going to stay in any safe house unless you bring Quatre there.”

“Okay I promise.” Heero opened the door for me. “The minute we find him.”