"Where have you been?"

The quiet question startled Gabrielle as she locked the door re-entering the apartment. Turning slowly, she saw Xena stretched out on the couch, dressed in a nightshirt and facing the door, waiting for her return. Gabrielle couldn’t look her in the eyes. "I went out to feed."

"You snuck out, Gabrielle. What’s going on?" Xena demanded, standing up impatiently.

"Nothing," Gabrielle denied. She neatly avoided Xena’s hand on her way to the comfort of the leather chair. She felt Xena’s eyes upon her but closed her own and curled up on the chair. Gabrielle heard Xena kneel on the floor in front of her as Xena took her hands.

"Gabrielle, please tell me what’s wrong?" Xena whispered.

The hurt in her voice was too much for Gabrielle to bear. Opening her eyes, earnest confusion in the blue eyes stared back at her. "I’m ashamed."

Startled Xena asked, "Why?"

Gabrielle looked away, pulling her hands free and rubbing her temples. "I’m a parasite. The lowest form of life on the planet. I survive by taking someone else’s lifeblood."

A sigh of comprehension from Xena. "You killed in your feeding."

Gabrielle nodded raggedly. "It’s not like anyone is going to miss him, a pimp and drug dealer whose body is now buried deep below the city. But I should have had more control. I haven’t slipped like that in many years. I shouldn’t have killed him!"

Gabrielle slid off the chair onto Xena’s lap as her lover gathered her close. She let the tears come, crying into Xena’s shoulder, strong arms supporting her with comfort and understanding.

"Gabrielle, we all kill to survive. You know that," Xena whispered softly after the crying had stopped. "It’s just that these days, it’s hidden and done in the darkness. People kill with guns and bombs and nothing is personal anymore, it’s business. Street business, corporate business, it’s all the same. The fact that you kill to eat, to live makes you different. You are the best person I know and that you weep for your victims after all this time is the most compassionate thing I’ve ever heard."

"I’m no better than an animal," Gabrielle mumbled into Xena’s hair.

"No, Gabrielle, listen to me! You are Bacchai and there is no changing that. It’s what you are and I would never change you because…if you weren’t then we couldn’t be together. I would truly be alone and I couldn’t bear that," there was a tremor in Xena’s voice as she finished speaking.

Gabrielle pulled back to look at Xena and was amazed by the tears welling in those blue eyes. Cupping Xena’s face, Gabrielle gently kissed her. "Thank you, Xena, I needed that. I’m sorry to fall apart on you like that, normally I don’t. I know this is what I am and I wouldn’t change it for the very same reason. It’s just that sometimes…"

"I know," Xena whispered. "Sometimes you remember what it was like to be human with no thought of the decades ahead never mind centuries."

Gabrielle nodded and again buried her face into Xena’s warm shoulder, arms wrapped around Xena’s waist. Xena sat back off her knees, pulling Gabrielle with her and leaning her cheek against Gabrielle’s soft hair. They rested that way until Xena said, "Much as I love holding you like this, my leg’s starting to fall asleep."

Gabrielle chucked ruefully and stood then offered her hand to Xena. "So what are we going to do today?"

"How about you cook me something delicious for breakfast and we just hang around for the day?" Xena asked.

A faint smile and Gabrielle observed, "We need food for something like that."

"So we go shopping," Xena replied.

Which was a lot easier said than done. Though over her self-loathing, Gabrielle was slow to return to her cheerful self. Xena spent the next hour teasing and touching her lover out of the hurt mood until finally the smile on Gabrielle’s face was genuine. Xena was touched that killing still bothered Gabrielle so deeply. It reassured the vague fears in the back of her mind that perhaps time had changed the other woman inside where Xena couldn’t see.

When they finally left the apartment, Xena didn’t bother with her car, knowing a great market just down the street.

"You know, I would have thought you’d have taken some sort of culinary course over the years if only in self-defense," Gabrielle teased as she walked with Xena down the street.

"Aren’t you the cute one," Xena said, scrunching her nose.

"Always."

Chuckling as they entered the market, Xena nodded hello to the clerk whom she saw at least twice a week. She might not cook well but Xena always bought fresh fruits and vegetables for her food.

"I suppose I should be grateful you know where the market is?" Gabrielle continued.

Xena grabbed her by the waist, pulling Gabrielle’s back against her and growled in her ear, "Any more comments like that and you won’t be able to sit down for a week!"

Gabrielle melted against her. "Promise?"

Xena nipped the enticing ear then playfully shoved her forward. "Find us some food, woman!"

They wandered the small, whole foods market for almost an hour, taking their time as Gabrielle spouted out recipe after recipe from memory. Most of them combined ingredients for economy. When they finally left the market, both women carried two bags each.

"I can’t believe how hot it is here!" Gabrielle complained as sweat dripped down her nose and into her eye. She tried unsuccessfully to rub it away with her shoulder. "It was never this hot when I was here before!"

"At least it’s a humid heat," Xena said dryly.

Gabrielle hip-checked her and exclaimed, "Don’t even start with that!"

Laughing, Xena said, "Okay, okay!"

They went another block when Gabrielle dropped a bag. Xena set hers down and knelt to help pick up the dry goods. "We’re being followed," Gabrielle murmured.

"I know. Since the market," Xena agreed.

"L.E. or other?" Gabrielle wondered.

"I think they’re too good to be law enforcement," Xena speculated quietly, big grin on her face as she gave Gabrielle a playful shove. Wouldn’t do to let their tail know they’d been made, after all. "Did you get the tags?"

Nodding, Gabrielle shoved her back then they picked up the bags and continued on to the apartment. Once inside the apartment, Gabrielle set the bags on the counter and asked, "Do you have a secure land-line?"

Xena nodded. "All my phones are secure except my cell."

Rolling her eyes, Gabrielle said, "How silly of me to even ask!" and went to the kitchen phone. Dialing Rob’s home phone, she waited two rings and it was picked up.

"Talk to me."

"Hey Rob, it’s Gabrielle."

"Oh! Hey boss lady, what’s going on? Thought you were on vaca," Rob said.

"I am, sort of. Got some more trouble for you to run down," Gabrielle answered.

"And here I was sitting around on this beautiful Sunday morning thinking, "Gee, Rob, you just don’t have enough work to do. Why don’t you bring your lovely wife to the beach?""

Gabrielle snorted. "I’m sure that’s exactly what you were thinking."

"So? What’s the trouble this time?" his voice was martyred.

"Look, Mr. I-Get-Paid-Triple-Time-On-Sundays, don’t give me any lip or you can find yourself another boss to harass," Gabrielle ordered sternly.

"Yeah, yeah, promises, promises," Rob laughed. "Lay it on me, boss lady."

"We’re being followed. Tag#5555 ZZ, blue ford taurus, early nineties, I think," Gabrielle said.

"They know that you made them?"

"Don’t think so," Gabrielle answered.

"Oh, and who is "we", anyhow?" Rob asked suddenly. "You’ve never gone on vaca with someone before."

Gabrielle was startled then realized that she hadn’t told Rob the details of why she was in Boston. Especially where she normally worked out of the London office. "I’ve found Xena," she said softly.

There was an impressed whistle on the other end. "Damn, boss lady, it’s about time!"

Gabrielle met Xena’s questioning eyes and smiled. "It is, isn’t it? That’s why this is so important, I think someone’s trying to frame her for murder."

"I’ll get right on this. Did you want to fax or email me any details?" Rob asked.

Pursing her lips, Gabrielle finally said, "Not right now. Technically it’s police business at the moment so just work with what I gave you."

"Gotcha. Hey, Gabrielle?"

"Yes, Rob?"

"Go have some fun, will ya?"

Smiling into the phone, Gabrielle answered, "Oh I am, Rob, I am. Call me back at 617-555-3396 when you have the info. If one of us doesn’t pick up, leave a voice mail."

"Will do."

"What was that last part about?" Xena asked from her perch on the kitchen counter. "Besides me, I mean."

Gabrielle smacked Xena’s thigh. "Rob has been my right-hand man for about six years now. We’re pretty good friends, good enough that he knows the mission statement about finding you anyhow."

"I’m a mission statement?" Xena asked, amused.

"Only to my best people," Gabrielle assured her. "In any case, he’s going to check the plates then call back. So, why don’t I get breakfast going?"

"Are you going to eat?" Xena asked hesitantly.

A faint smile then, "Not really hungry but maybe I’ll nibble on you for awhile."

Grinning Xena hopped off the counter and walked over to wrap her arms around Gabrielle. "I think maybe I should nibble on you for awhile," she murmured before pressing her lips softly to Gabrielle’s. Startled by the intensity of Gabrielle’s response, Xena immediately opened her mouth further, giving Gabrielle better access. Their tongues played over and around each other, mouths sucking hard.

For a change, it was Xena’s rumbling stomach to interrupt them. Gabrielle softened the kiss then withdrew altogether, eyes twinkling. "I guess I’d better feed you before you faint away on me."

"Well, it has been over twelve hours since I’ve eaten anything," Xena agreed stealing a quick kiss from her lover.

Gabrielle swatted her on the behind and said, "All right, out of my kitchen then and let me work in peace."

Xena tweaked Gabrielle’s nose then scooted out of the kitchen before the smaller woman could return the favor. She puttered around on the computer while Gabrielle hummed her way through making brunch. The smell of cooking eggs, peppers and even muffins wafted through the air making Xena’s stomach rumble fiercely. It was a long half-hour later that Gabrielle called her back to the kitchen.

"Why don’t you set the table?" Gabrielle ordered, scraping scrambled eggs from the frying pan to a large plate.

"Yes ma’am!" Xena replied with a salute. She grabbed plates and silverware then brought them into the living room and set them on the coffee table.

"What’re you doing?" Gabrielle asked, brow crinkled in curiosity.

"Setting the table," Xena answered.

"You’re setting the coffee table," Gabrielle pointed out.

"Yeah? So? I’m feeling like an intimate little breakfast. Got a problem with that bard?" Xena demanded haughtily, hands on hips.

Laughing, Gabrielle shook her head and said, "No my warrior princess, whatever you say, my warrior princess."

Xena joined in the laughter and took the eggs from Gabrielle, bringing them into the living room. She returned to the kitchen and poured out some juice while Gabrielle popped the muffins out of a pan Xena only vaguely remembered owning. When everything was finally on the table, they had scrambled eggs, blueberry muffins, toast and jam, bacon and home fries. Xena dug in right away, scooping food onto her plate.

"Gods, Gabrielle, you are still a wonderful cook," Xena said after finishing off her first plate.

Grinning, Gabrielle answered, "I’m surprised you could even taste it you ate so fast."

"I always taste whatever is in my mouth," Xena countered suggestively.

"Mm-hm," Gabrielle agreed, leaning against her lover. She moved her legs on top of Xena’s and rested her head on Xena’s shoulder while the other woman had seconds. The warmth and comfort level was high enough to make her drowsy.

"I finally figured out what’s different," Xena said, putting her empty plate on the table and slipping her arm behind Gabrielle.

"Different about what?" Gabrielle murmured curiously.

"About you," Xena answered. She ran a hand up Gabrielle’s leg, drawing out shivers from Gabrielle as she did so.

"And that would be?" Gabrielle asked, now completely awake.

"You’re smooth, there’s no hair on your legs or under your arms," Xena observed, moving Gabrielle’s legs further up her own.

"I never would have thought of that," Gabrielle admitted, shifting to keep contact with Xena. "Don’t you like it?"

A sensuous smile crossed Xena’s mouth and she answered, "It’s a change. I haven’t decided yet which way I like you better. How about you? Which way do you like me better?"

Gabrielle was still affected by the smile and had to concentrate for a moment before realizing that Xena had asked a question. "Um, I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it."

"Problem, bard of mine?" Xena asked innocently. She slowly ran her hands up and down the smooth skin. "I think I like you both ways, actually. Being smooth makes it easier to get closer, of course. On the other hand, there’s that delightful friction when you’re soft and downy with that pale gold hair along your legs."

Gabrielle gave up trying to think and lay back on the couch, reveling in Xena’s touch, which continued to roam higher up her legs. Her breath suspended when Xena’s hand stopped at her inner thigh, lightly stroking the soft skin just below the edge of her shorts. Strong fingers moved over and around Gabrielle’s mound, skimming the fabric to send shoots of fire inside Gabrielle. "Xena."

"Yes, bard?" Xena replied, before her lips pressed onto Gabrielle’s knee, sucking the slightly roughened skin.

"Don’t tease me," Gabrielle pleaded.

"I would never…well, all right, I guess I would tease you," Xena conceded, mischievous glint to her blue eyes. "But only if you deserved it."

Her hands made quick work of Gabrielle’s shorts, pulling them and panties over hips and off legs. From there they returned to Gabrielle’s legs, rubbing gentle circles into her calf, massaging tense muscles. "Relax, Gabrielle" she murmured. As though only needing to hear the command, Xena felt Gabrielle’s legs loosen and her muscles unwind. She moved to the other leg and massaged that calf as well. "I think someone needs a little TLC. C’mon, into bed with you."

Confused and just a little dazed, Gabrielle opened her eyes at the brisk statement and gave Xena a look.

"That’s a good one, Gabrielle, almost as good as my Warrior-is-Pissed-Off look," Xena congratulated with a grin and suggestive eyebrow wriggle as she stood. "And you heard me right. Get up and into bed. Strip on the way, if you please."

"Warrior if you…"

"Trust me, Gabrielle?" Xena asked.

Sighing at the long-standing question, Gabrielle eyed her another long moment then reluctantly stood to walk over to the bed. She could never refuse Xena when she used those words and the warrior knew it. Her loins were afire from Xena’s touch and her legs felt rubbery but she managed to make it to bed, pulling off the t-shirt as well. She plopped onto the bed face down, suddenly not caring if Xena finished what she started. Gabrielle supposed she was still worn out from the emotional outburst of the morning.

And where had that come from, anyhow? She hadn’t done anything like that in several decades. Maybe because she had someone to express herself with instead of having to hold it all in? Either way, she was glad to have it out of her system. She felt the bed dip a few minutes later as Xena climbed onto it but didn’t move.

Strong legs surrounded her as Xena straddled her to sit on Gabrielle’s buttocks. Something cold and wet was squirted onto her back and Gabrielle gasped in surprised. Right away Xena’s hands rubbed into the liquid, hands moving with certainty up and down Gabrielle’s back. Settling in for a miraculous massage, Gabrielle pulled the pillow under her head and closed her eyes. Up and down, circle patterns and tapping raindrops connected with each part of her body as Xena’s hands traveled everywhere on Gabrielle’s exposed flesh.

"Turn over for me," Xena whispered the command, lifting herself onto her knees to allow Gabrielle the room to change positions.

Groaning at having to move, Gabrielle managed to push herself over then collapsed on her back, arms sprawled out.

"Tell me a story, bard," Xena asked as her hands began their magic on Gabrielle’s fingers.

"What?" Gabrielle cracked an eyelid.

"Tell me a story. It’s been too long since you’ve done that I think," Xena commented.

Yawning, Gabrielle searched her memory for something that might be interesting. "There was once a lonely spinster living and waiting for her true love. She had a small cottage near the cliffs of the ocean. The children all whispered that she was a witch, the adults shook their heads in pity at her solitary state. It was a time of miraculous discovery; inventions such as the telephone were sweeping the world like a brushfire. Still this spinster remained untouched by the excitement, alone in her lovelorn state.

Gabrielle gasped, distracted by Xena’s hands encircling her breasts.

"Keep going," Xena urged.

Swallowing against the distraction, Gabrielle closed her eyes again and tried to think where she’d been going with the story of her time in California. "Oh yeah. Years passed and finally one of the children who had grown to an adult watching the lonely spinster approached her. He was a brash and handsome young man, liked to charm the young women and make off with their jewelry if possible."

"Autolycus??" Xena gasped incredulously.

"Shush, I’m telling this story, remember?" Gabrielle scolded.

"Sorry," Xena murmured contritely.

A grin now on her face, Gabrielle stretched under the luxurious massage then continued, "This brash young man had heard there was a fortune hidden in her walls and was determined to find it. He came to the spinster and offered his services as a handyman. The spinster knew right away what he was up to but hired him as an amusement. It diverted her from her grief and seclusion.

"For months she watched as he discreetly tried to find the fortune. He charmed her, telling her his tales of adventure in far away places such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. During those months they became friends after a fashion and one day, she let slip a hint as to the location of her treasure. It was a very small part of her fortune, a mere pittance compared to what she truly had. It was a diamond necklace set in gold and silver surrounded by rubies and emeralds.

"She waited in the study for him to steal it that night, waiting behind the curtains and not moving a muscle for hours until three in the morning when he showed up. Her feet were killing her when he finally did arrive. He opened the safe hidden in the floor boards under the desk and took out the necklace. He held it up to the light and checked its authenticity. He held it in the candlelight for a long time then swore a blue-streak at himself and replaced it into the safe.

"The spinster stayed where she was until after the brash and handsome young man left the room. Her smile was broad and her spirit light as she contemplated that bodies might die but souls live on. The following day the brash young man had disappeared leaving only a note stating there had been a family emergency and he’d had to leave. The spinster wrote a note of her own and shipped the necklace to the brash young man’s address. The note read, "For the thief with a heart of gold. Don’t get into too much trouble. If you ever need help, send word."

Gabrielle felt Xena shaking with laughter and opened her eyes to find her lover perched over her thighs. "I kept an eye on him, you know. But either his skills improved during each lifetime or he decided the necklace was enough because he never got into trouble that I could tell."

"That was wonderful, Gabrielle," Xena sighed. Her hands were on Gabrielle’s thighs, then she lay forward, covering the smaller woman with her body. "I’ve missed your stories."

"I’ve missed telling them," Gabrielle admitted, arms linking around Xena’s back.

Xena rested her head against Gabrielle’s shoulder and their breathing quieted until both fell asleep.

 

 

The phone woke Xena and at first she couldn’t remember where she was or why there was a warm body under her. Mentally shaking off the disorientation, Xena snuggled back against Gabrielle, ignoring the phone to revel in the intimacy of being held in Gabrielle’s arms while she slept. She listened as someone left a message.

"Gabrielle? It’s Rob. I’ve got that info you asked for and it doesn’t look good. I traced the plates back through a dummy name and corporation then connected it with another dummy corporation. I finally backtracked it to Rizello Holdings which, as you know, is a front for laundering, drugs, and all sorts of nastiness. I don’t know how Xena pissed them off but they are definitely keeping an eye on her. I know you said not to but I snooped around and discovered that there is a link between Rizello Holdings and Stafford but it’s tenuous at best. I can’t see why they’d make a hit on him but who knows. Anyhow, that’s all I’ve got for now. Let me know if you want me to keep digging. Bye." There was a brief dial tone then the machine cut off.

"Crap," Xena muttered.

"I heard," Gabrielle said.

Xena met Gabrielle’s green eyes then lowered her mouth onto the inviting lips and feasted there for a long time. When she finally pulled away, Xena said, "I guess I should call Josh and give him the new info."

Gabrielle tightened her hold and Xena stared down at her in surprise. "Let’s not just yet, okay Xena? Wait and see what develops first. The Rizello’s aren’t stupid, they wouldn’t be watching you without a reason. If we tip our hand too early, we could lose the whole pot."

"Since when did you start talking in gambling references?" Xena asked with a grin.

Smiling self-consciously, Gabrielle answered, "I was in Las Vegas for several years awhile back and for some reason it just stuck with me."

"I like it," Xena said, nibbling on Gabrielle’s ear.

"Oh. Ah, then keep it up and this hand’s going to be a winner," Gabrielle exclaimed when Xena’s mouth moved down to her breast.

The phone rang again and Xena paused in mid-caress.

"Hey, Ares, it’s me," Will’s voice said. "I really need to talk to you about something right away. Give me a call when you get in. Do me a favor and don’t bring Gabrielle with you because it’s classified. You do still remember that word, right? It’s not on your offensive list? Talk to you soon."

Xena groaned and lay her head on Gabrielle’s breast. "I really don’t want to deal with this right now. I want to make love to you."

Gabrielle ran her hands through Xena’s hair, sighing herself. "I know, I want the same thing. I think this might be a tad bit more important, though."

"Oh all right," Xena muttered. She captured Gabrielle’s mouth for another long kiss then rolled off her lover and the bed and stalked over to the phone. She punched the numbers into the receiver, still aggravated and waited for Will to pick up.

"Jefferson."

"Hey, Will, it’s me," Xena said.

"Xena, I’m glad you’re there. Can you meet me?"

"I guess. What’s the urgency?" Xena asked curiously.

"I’d rather not say over the phone. How about Harvard Square in fifteen? By the newsstand?"

"Make it twenty and I’ll see you there," Xena agreed. She was surprised when Will didn’t even say goodbye, hanging up in her ear instead.

"What’s up?" Gabrielle asked from her perch on the edge of the bed.

Xena shrugged with a frown. "I don’t know but something’s wrong. I’m meeting Will in Harvard Square in twenty so I’m going to take a quick shower."

Xena basically stepped in the shower and washed in a minute then dried off and jumped into her clothes within five minutes. She braided her hair quickly, tying it off with an elastic at both ends then pulled on a baseball cap. When she returned to the living room, Gabrielle was dressed as well.

"It sounded like you need back-up," Gabrielle offered at Xena’s raised eyebrow.

Xena touched the side of her face and smiled. "I’ll be fine but thanks for the offer. Relax and hang out for awhile. I’m sure I won’t be long."

Worried, Gabrielle said, "Are you sure? This doesn’t feel right to me."

"I’m sure, Gabrielle. I’ll leave my cell number so if you need anything, just call," Xena said, walking to the kitchen and writing down the number. "I’ll be back before you know it."

She kissed Gabrielle lingeringly, pressing softly against the pliant lips then groaned and pulled back. "I’ve really gotta stop that. I’ll see you later."

Gabrielle shook her head with a grin at Xena’s parting remark then began to take off the hastily yanked on clothes. Maybe a bath would be just the thing to relax her.

 

Xena hopped on the red line of the Boston subway, known as "The T" to locals and rode the short trip standing against a pole. The subway car moved this way and that, brakes screeching as the drivers routinely took corners at breakneck speed. Still, it was better than the green line where you could barely hear yourself think; more comfortable too since a lot of the cars were new and hadn’t been defaced yet. She got off at Harvard Square and strode through the Sunday crowd to the stairs that led up to the surface.

Harvard Square was a world unto itself for the most part. Street musicians and performers grated against each other in their demand for attention. The red brick underfoot was uneven in parts and gone altogether in others. The people were a mix of gawking tourists and locals with kind but condescending looks for the tourists. Even in the heat of summer, the Goth population was evident in their black. As were the nuvue-hippies in flowing light cotton tops and skirts, both the men and women. Not to mention the yuppies with their packages and workers on their way elsewhere.

Immediately to the right of the red line exit was a newsstand that was a landmark. You could get any kind of paper and magazine from all over the world and it had been around practically forever, unchanged and unchanging with the times. Xena spotted Will standing out front and walked over to him, eyes scanning the crowd for trouble but not seeing anything unusual. A redundant thought that made her smile as she reached her partner. "What’s going on?"

"I got a lead that you’re being set up," Will said without preamble.

He began walking and Xena moved to keep up with him. "You couldn’t have told me this at the office tomorrow morning? Or over the phone?"

"It’s internal, Xena, someone inside is trying to get rid of you," Will said urgently.

Xena’s face froze and she turned hard eyes to Will. "You better be sure of yourself before making a statement like that, Will. These are people I’ve worked with for many years, friends that I’ve trusted my life to. I’ve known them a lot longer than I’ve known you."

He flinched at her tone. "I know, believe me, Xena. But my source is very reliable."

Mouth twisting, Xena demanded, "What, specifically, does your source say?"

"The people you’ve been bringing down, especially the last two years, are big players. Like we don’t know that already, I know. The thing is, there are connections to the Rizello family that we didn’t know about before. You know how they’re into everything…even cops sometimes. I don’t have any names yet but my source says that you’re heading for a fall, a big one that’s going to make the papers."

"Shit," Xena spat. She looked into the crowd, seeing but not seeing everything all at once. She heard a lover’s argument, a mother scolding her daughter, a father praising his daughter, a singer pouring his heart into the music and creating beauty in the process. Letting her consciousness drift, Xena felt the energies of the people who were going about their lives content or despairing yet untouching those around them.

Intensely aware of Will beside her, Xena found that there was something wrong with his energy. Unlike charlatans and shamans both, Xena didn’t see auras, she merely felt when someone was holding back or lying. Of course living over two thousand years was bound to hone anyone’s senses even if they weren’t a demigod.

"Walk with me," Xena murmured, returning slowly to her immediate surroundings. She turned and walked down Mass Ave. not waiting to see if Will followed, knowing that he would. The crowd thinned out the further from the square they went. The streets were still busy but the sidewalks were easier to walk without bumping into people. It was late afternoon by this time and sweat trickled down Xena’s throat and between her breasts as she walked in the stifling heat.

Turning into a small side street by a convenience store, Xena stopped only when she reached the backside of the store. Without warning, she grabbed Will’s arm and threw him against the building, shoving his face into the brick as she brought his arm up around his back. Pressing up against him, she ground into his ear, "You aren’t telling me everything, Will. And I thought we were such good friends, partners almost. What aren’t you telling me? Be a good boy and get it off your chest…you’ll feel better!"

She pushed his arm up to the breaking point with the last statement and he gasped with pain. "All right! All right, I’ll tell you! Ease off already!"

Xena relaxed her hold but only a fraction of the way. "I’m waiting."

"It’s Suz! That’s the name I was given. The contact in your department that’s setting you up on Rizello’s orders," Will exclaimed. "I wanted to check it out before I told you anything else. I didn’t want to believe it."

Xena dropped Will’s arm and stepped back, stunned. "No, I don’t believe it. We’ve save each other’s lives more times than I can remember!"

Rubbing his shoulder, Will grimaced and said, "I know. I checked his record. He’s a decorated officer with commendation after commendation and not a few of them from you. I haven’t even told my superiors what’s going on because this could ruin his career if my source is wrong. Xena, I’m sorry."

She waved aside his attempt at consolation and pinched the bridge of her nose, thinking rapidly. "Okay. This is what we’re going to do. You are going to go back to your source and find out where he or she got this information. I don’t care how you do it but do it. Then triple check their sources and confirm everything. I have to meet with I.A. in the morning which will give us some time at least. I’m going to feel out Suz and see if he lets anything slip. Not a word of this to anyone, Will, I mean it!"

"I know, I know!" Will exclaimed, almost angrily. "Xena, I’m trying to figure this one out too, don’t forget that."

Xena touched his shoulder, massaging it a little. "I’m sorry, Will, I know you’re only trying to help. It’s just…"

"I understand," Will said quietly.

They shared an understanding look then began the silent walk back to the square.

 

 

"You look like hell," Gabrielle commented when Xena collapsed silently on the sofa beside her. She moved so that Xena’s head rested on her lap and gently stroked Xena’s hair. "What happened?"

"Nothing good," Xena murmured softly, relaxing under Gabrielle’s ministrations.

Gabrielle continued her soft massage, moving her fingers to Xena’s temples.

"There aren’t going to be any happy endings to this, Gabrielle," Xena whispered at last. "According to Will, I’m being set up by the Rizello family."

"Which we already knew."

"Which we already knew," Xena echoed in agreement. "What we didn’t know was that they’re using one of my co-workers to do the dirty work."

Gabrielle’s breath hissed in surprise. "Who?"

"Suz."

Gabrielle tried to remember which one he was and came up with a man in his late thirties with graying dark hair, hazel eyes and a ready smile. "Is he sure?"

"He says the source is good but is going to try and get more information. Can you have your man check out Suz? See if anything suspicious might be going on outside his life in the department?"

"Sure," Gabrielle agreed softly. She could see the bitterness Xena felt from the pinched corners of her lover’s mouth. "I’m sorry Xena."

"Don’t be sorry yet. For all we know this could be a feint to throw us off the real perps," Xena said, opening her eyes.

Gabrielle nodded then bent over and gently kissed Xena. "I’ll call Rob right now."

Rob picked up on the second ring as always and listened as Gabrielle soberly gave him the instructions. "And be careful, Rob, these are bad people we’re looking at," she finished.

"I know, boss lady. You take care, too, hear me?" Rob admonished.

Gabrielle smiled into the phone and said, "Yes sir! Talk to you later."

She walked back to the couch where Xena still lay sprawled out, her heart aching at the betrayal so evident in Xena’s face. She knelt, resting her head on the couch and watching her lover closely. She took Xena’s and drew it to her, wrapping both her smaller hands around the one large hand. She kissed the knuckles then said, "I love you, Xena."

A split second after she lowered her head to kiss Xena, silent and powerful bullets shot through the large window to slam into the top of the couch, ripping the upholstery to shreds. Both women dropped to the floor almost instantaneously, Xena automatically shielding Gabrielle with her body. The coffee table exploded into a shower of glass as bullets hit it and Gabrielle hissed in pain as shards embedded into her flesh.

They crawled from the exposed position to the other side of the room, barely avoiding the bullets sinking into the walls and furniture mere inches from their heads. They stopped in the small hall on the other side of the door and Xena again put herself between Gabrielle and the source of the bullets. Though if the bullets were strong enough to go through the walls, Gabrielle knew Xena wouldn’t be enough to protect her.

She also knew it could only be the angle of the attacker that saved them from a bloody death. He or she probably couldn’t get a better view and was firing blinding, hoping to kill them. While neither of them would be permanently dead, Gabrielle had no wish to go through the pain of recovery once awakened from the short death of her body. Not to mention there would be awkward questions if their bodies just up and walked out of a morgue.

It was only three minutes later that the storm of bullets ended and silence reigned once more in Xena’s apartment. In the haven of Xena’s arms, Gabrielle watched as Xena took out her cell to call someone, probably 911 from the sound of it. Now that the crisis was over, Gabrielle allowed herself to punch the wall with her pain, putting her fist through the plaster with a satisfying crunch.

"Thanks, Gabrielle, that’ll be easy to explain," Xena said dryly after hanging up the phone.

Sighing explosively, Gabrielle pulled out her fist and flexed her fingers, seeing the bruises form even as she watched. Grimacing, she said slowly and carefully, "I’m trying to take my mind off the glass."

"Oh Gods, you’re hurt!" Xena exclaimed, obviously just then noticing the blood dripping down Gabrielle’s arms and legs.

"You’re an observant cop, you know that love?" Gabrielle commented, resting her head against Xena’s shoulder.

"There’ll be an ambulance along with the reinforcements. They’re going to sweep the building across the street and this one just in case," Xena told her, voice worried.

"How about you? Are you hurt?" Gabrielle asked, eyes looking over Xena’s long form.

Xena shook her head. "I’m fine, I over-dressed for the meeting with Will and it deflected the glass from the table."

Xena moved to sit against the wall and Gabrielle maneuvered herself between Xena’s legs, trying to find a position that didn’t hurt. After a few minutes she succeeded and they remained that way until someone pounded on the door.

"Ares! You alive in there!?"

"Captain!" Xena exclaimed. She helped Gabrielle to her feet then opened the door. "I am glad to see you!"

"I bet. Gabrielle, you’re hurt! We’ve got wounded here, guys, back up so we can get her downstairs to the med unit," Josh shouted.

Embarrassed at the attention, Gabrielle allowed Xena to bring her downstairs to the waiting ambulance. The entire street was cordoned off and police officers were still making rounds. The EMTs looked her over and began the process of taking out the larger glass pieces and patching her up. Media crews had appeared at the edge of the blockade. Feeling a bit lost in all the attention, Gabrielle searched for Xena to find her in animated conversation with Josh.

"Miss, we’re going to have to bring you to the hospital to get the rest of the glass out," the EMT told her.

"Sure. Just let me get my friend’s attention," Gabrielle said. "Xena!"

"I’m sure she’ll follow in one of the police cars," he assured her, moving to shut the doors.

"No, wait, Xena!" Gabrielle shouted, panicked out of the blue. "Xena!"

Xena’s head spun to her voice and she raced through the police, shoving some aside in her rush but making it to the ambulance before the door shut. She grabbed the door, holding it open. "Where are you taking her!" she demanded furiously.

Swallowing at the ferocity, the EMT stammered, "M-Mass General. She needs to get the rest of the glass taken out. Y-you can ride in here if you want."

"Good idea," Xena said, climbing into the van and sitting beside Gabrielle on the stretcher.

Gabrielle leaned against Xena, pulling her strong arms around her, not caring about the pain. "I’m sorry, I don’t know why I panicked like that."

Xena cradled Gabrielle protectively. "Don’t worry, everything’s fine now. We’ll get you taken care of then head to the safe house Josh is arranging for us."

Gabrielle knew she should be angry with herself for reacting like a hysterical teenager but the stress from the attack, the scrapes and gashes digging painfully into her, it was too much to combat alone. Xena’s presence was exactly what she needed and she turned to her soul mate for the freely given comfort.

 

 

"I look like a patchwork quilt," Gabrielle complained ruefully as they left the emergency room.

Xena grinned. "I won’t argue with that description. You’re the bard after all." She turned serious then said, "I’m just glad there wasn’t any serious damage."

"You think it was a warning?" Gabrielle asked.

Sighing, Xena said, "Well, they found the apartment where the shooter was and it’s not an exact match for firing into my place. It’s as close as you can get but there isn’t really a good line of sight. So it could’ve been a warning or bad logistics. I’m counting on the warning, though from whom, at this point, is anyone’s guess. The good news is I’m off I.A.’s hit list, at least temporarily. Josh called while they were cleaning you up and said he explained matters to Dickenson personally. I can just imagine the words he used, too."

Gabrielle chuckled and Xena ushered her to Will’s car then sat beside her, pulling her close, careful not to press against any of the bandages. Will had shown up almost an hour before while the doctor was finishing with Gabrielle. The Captain had called Will from the crime scene and told him what happened, requesting the FBI take Xena and Gabrielle into protective custody until things could be sorted out.

So Will had called his superior and told him what had happened, skipping the details about Suz and his source. His superior had agreed that the case required intervention and assigned Will to take care of arranging a safe house. After that he’d driven to the hospital and found Xena, explaining what he’d done over the last hour or so. He and Xena had quietly bounced ideas off each other during the remaining time, sitting in the uncomfortable chairs in the waiting room.

Xena didn’t pay attention to where they were going but knew it wasn’t that far outside of the city since it was only fifteen minutes until the car stopped. By that time Gabrielle had succumbed to the painkillers and dozed against Xena’s shoulders. She carefully got out of the car then picked up Gabrielle and followed Will inside an apartment building. They took the elevator up to the fourth floor and were shortly in apartment 405.

Xena looked around the apartment and saw what she assumed to be the bedroom door and walked towards it. Will beat her there and opened the door, going into the room and looking around first. He withdrew and Xena went straight to the bed, depositing Gabrielle gently on the small mattress.

‘It would be a twin,’ she thought ruefully, bringing the covers up and over Gabrielle. She hoped that Gabrielle wouldn’t end up literally kicking her out of bed in her sleep. Her hand lingered on Gabrielle’s face, caressing the cheek gently. "I love you, bard."

She went back to the main room where Will was sitting on the couch, tv already on. She plopped down on the couch beside him, pulling her legs up and sitting cross-legged.

He glanced over to her and set the remote on the coffee table. "So what now?"

"I don’t know. Keep the same plan, I guess. Right now I’m tired and just want to get some sleep. I just wanted to say thank you for helping us with all this. You’re a good friend, Will and I appreciate everything you’ve done," Xena said, reaching out to touch his arm.

Will looked at her, covering her hand with his own and half-smiled. "I’m sorry how I reacted about Gabrielle, Xena. I want you to know that I’m here for you if you need me."

And suddenly Xena found herself staring into the warm blue eyes of Iolus. She flashed back two thousand years to a dark cavern and an injured Iolus taking her hand in forgiveness, half-smiling through his pain to reassure her.

"Xena? Are you all right?" Will asked with concern.

"Uh, I’m fine, thanks Will. I guess I’m more stressed than I thought," Xena managed at last, still stunned with the realization. Why were they all gathering together now? All they needed to make the circle complete was for Hercules to show up. "I’m going to hit the sack."

"Yeah, good idea," Will agreed, still concerned.

Xena got up and went to the bedroom then climbed in beside Gabrielle, snuggling close to the warm body and wrapping her arm around Gabrielle’s waist. "You are never going to believe this, Gabrielle. Then again, with everything you’ve been through, maybe you will. I was sitting on the couch with Will just now and found Iolus’ soul staring back at me. How could I have been so blind?"

"Not blind, just unseeing," Gabrielle murmured, hand clasping Xena’s.

"Awake, bard of mine?" Xena asked, pressing a kiss to the delicate throat.

"Almost," Gabrielle answered sleepily. "Where are we?"

"In an FBI safe-house somewhere in either Cambridge or Somerville, I’m not sure which," Xena answered. "Will brought us here."

"I remember that," Gabrielle said. She paused then continued, "So all we need now is Hercules."

Xena chuckled, twining her legs with Gabrielle’s and settling down to sleep. "I was just thinking that very same thing.”