"Michael, how long are you going to be?"
 "I dunno, why?"
 "I'm not sure, I just have a bad feeling."
 Michael paused, staring at the dash, "You?  Have a bad feeling?  How so?"
 "I'd tell you if I could."
 "She just invited me for dinner.  What's so suspicious about that?  It's
not the first time."
 "I just don't know."  There was a touch of frustration in the AI's usually
calm voice.
 "Well, I'll keep it in mind."  Shrugging off his partner, Michael exited
the car.
 

 Sipping his coffee, Michael could not keep his eyes from Dany as she
cleared the table.  Dinner had been nice, comfortable conversation and soft
music in the background. He had forgotten what it was like to feel like
this.  He had fallen for her.  A slow and steady ride to this point.
 Walking back to the table, Dany had been fiercely aware of Michael's eyes
on her.  Trying to act natural, she was sure she was failing miserably.
Reaching across, his hand took hers. Leading her to the middle of the room,
he gathered her into his arms beginning to sway to the music.  Relaxing
immediately, her hand around his shoulder, her head tucked under his chin
while he held her, entwined hands resting against his chest.
 'This is heaven,' Michael thought to himself, not even bothering to contain
the rising emotions.  Taking the hand that was holding hers, he used it to
tip her head up, bending to kiss her.  Time stopped as she immediately
responded.
 Swinging her into his arms, Michael carried her up the stairs to the
bedroom.  He made her feel so light, so precious.  This was what she had
been waiting for.

 Kitt saw the light flick on in the upstairs room.  The nagging feeling
returned tenfold as the two silhouettes moved together.  He could clearly
see her slip his shirt off his shoulders, then he returned the gesture,
pulling her sweater over her head.  Michael's heartbeat was already
increasing.  He allowed himself to listen to it for a moment before the
guilt hit him and he switched it off. The two slowly shifted to what Kitt
assumed was the bed.  Shortly thereafter the lights turned off.  Scanner
tracking madly for a few minutes, he had never felt like this before and he
could not figure out why.  Michael had spent many a night out before.  But
Dany triggered mistrust within him.  Figuring it was his imagination, Kitt
powered down, knowing his partner would not need him for a few hours.

 Michael had lifted her onto the bed, laying her on her back as he moved
over her.  He slowly removed the rest of her clothing.  Gently, teasingly,
one piece at a time, allowing his hands to touch each newly exposed section
of her body.  She arched, aching in a way she had never known before as his
hands left her.  Opening her eyes, she watched as he removed his clothing,
unable to look away as he revealed his body to her.  Joining her once again
on the bed, he lay beside her, continuing his caresses as he kissed her lips
again.  The heat from his body caused her to shiver in delight.  No man had
ever affected her like this before.  He was sure in his movements, but his
slightly trembling hands belied his nervousness.  Pressing into him, she
allowed her hands to roam over his body.  He was well put together.  Strong,
graceful from shoulder to loin.  Lifting slightly away, hearing his
disappointed moan, she plied kisses across his neck, over his collar bone,
then pausing at each nipple, smiling at his sudden intake of breath as she
touched the first one.  He was responsive to her every touch, most men were
too controlling to let themselves go like this.  He trusted her, with his
body and soul.  His stomach was washboard fit the muscles rippling beneath
her touch.  When her hand finally reached his erection, he cried out,
flipping her onto her back.
 Michael had known he was close to losing control, but her touch made him
realize just how close.  The last thing he wanted to do was lose control too
soon.  He wanted to be sure she was ready for him.  Pressing down onto her,
he kissed her again, letting her know exactly what she was doing to him.
 His kiss was demanding, causing her body to arch against his.  She ached to
be closer to him, be a part of him.  She wanted him.  That realization was
shocking to her.  Normally she had them whimpering for her.  This time, the
tables were reversed.  His hand traveled to between her legs.  There was no
question in letting him touch her.  As he did so, she recognized how much
she wanted him.
 Exhaling, he placed his knees between hers.  She allowed him with ease.  He
paused, struggling to hold back, to not force himself into her.
 "Please Michael,"  The breath across his lips was the only reason he was
sure he had heard her plea.  Giving in slightly, he let his body sink into
hers.
 Immediately she grabbed onto him.  Right from his entry she was lost.
Having no choice but to let him set the pace, she clung to him.  Her arms
around his neck, her knees up to take him deeper, their lips locked in the
most passionate kiss she had ever felt.  He moved within her with ease,
filling her, taking her somewhere she had never dreamed of before. She was
helpless, caught in the rocking of their bodies.
 When it took her, it surprised her.  Her lips breaking from his as she
cried out, pressing hard into him.
 Two or three more thrusts and he joined her in ecstasy.  Taking her even
higher as he buried himself deeply in her.  Rolling onto his back, he stayed
inside her, cradling her.  She lay, with her head against his shoulder,
still shuddering.
 "You okay?"  His voice was breathy, his heart still racing, both of them
breathing hard.
 She just nodded against his shoulder.  He reached up, lifting her head to
look at him.  She had tears in her eyes.
 "What?"  He was genuinely concerned, afraid he'd hurt her.
 "I've never...," was all she managed.
 "I thought that was what that was."  Though he was already drifting, he
brought her down for the softest, most romantic kiss she had ever known.
She felt treasured.  Shifting to lie beside him, regret filled her as she
felt him slip out.  He held her, gently caressing her, kissing the top of
her head from time to time.  Her head resting in the crook between his neck
and shoulder, she lazily traced patterns over his chest.  The muscles
continuing to ripple under her touch.  Her whole body continued to tingle as
she drifted to sleep, feeling safe in his arms.
 

********
 

After all you're flesh and blood
And when you fall hold on to love
All of your life, you've been strong, you,ve been proud.
A lonely island apart from the crowd
Have faith, I'll be your eyes
When you can't see the light
When your tears blind your sight
Like a candle, I will show the way
I'll be your eyes
When truth's hard to find
When your heart cheats your mind
When the dream dies.

- Paul Janz
 

 Waking a few hours into the night Dany looked down at the extraordinary man
lying beside her.  Leaning over him, she pressed her lips to his.  Watching
as a slight smile lit his face, but he didn't stir otherwise.  Turning, she
reached into her night side table, pulling out a syringe.  Gently pressing
it into his exposed arm, she depressed the plunger halfway, then stopped.
Staring at him, she couldn't do it.    Not after....  Crying softly, she lay
over him.  Allowing her naked body to cover his.  Memorizing the feel.  Her
head against his shoulder she felt his pulse begin to slow, remembering how
it had thundered against her earlier.
 "I'm sorry Michael, so sorry.  If there was any other way."  Getting
dressed, she looked outside, towards the black car.  Kitt was silent, the
scanner track dark as he 'slept'.  She was overwhelmed with unbelievable
guilt.  She wasn't supposed to fall in love with them.  She was supposed to
be a professional, but she couldn't complete her mission.  Michael couldn't
die.  Not tonight.  Not by her hand.  Taking one more look at the man in her
bed, she walked out the back to finish what she had begun.

 "Get up!"
 Groggy, Bonnie looked up.  The room was dark, except for a small amount of
light filtering in from the living area. "Dany what...?"  Her eyes cleared
enough to let her see the gun pointed at her.  "What's going on?"
 "No need for questions, get dressed.  We have a small excursion ahead of
us."
 "Why?  Where's Michael?"  Bonnie froze when no answer came. "No..." She
couldn't imagine that possibility.  He couldn't be dead.
  Dany's smile bordered on evil.  "I do have to say, he was one hell of a
lover.  What a nice way to shove off though."
 Swallowing hard, feeling her knees give way, Bonnie dropped back onto the
bed.  "Where's Kitt?"
 "Probably calling for his precious driver.  Thinking he overslept after a
wild night."
 Bonnie blinked a few times before continuing to follow orders.  Out in the
car, she finally gained enough courage to ask, "why me?"
 "Because you created such a stunning AI.  There are those out there
willing to pay unreal amounts for your knowledge.  Now hold still."  Before
Bonnie could react, Dany pricked her arm.  Then the world began to fade.

*

 Waking up was strange.  It wasn't his usual alertness right off the bat.
This dragged.  He tried to move, but he felt like his brain wasn't connected
to his body.  Opening his eyes slowly, he remembered where he was and a
beautiful smile touched his lips.  The sun was at mid sky, this wasn't
normal.  Okay, he wasn't a morning person, but Kitt would have had him up by
now.  Dany had probably gone into work, leaving him to sleep.
 "Michael. Michael please answer me."  Kitt's desperate voice came over the
comlink. He had been trying to rouse his partner every five minutes for
hours, his concern growing in leaps when his partner's answer didn't come.
 "Kitt?"  His voice wasn't right.  He tried to move, and his body would have
nothing to do with it.  Fear hit him.
 "Michael, can you hear me?"  Kitt had thought Michael not answering him was
bad, now he was truly frightened.
 "I can hear you, I just can't move yet.  Did you see Dany leave?"
 "No, I didn't.  I powered down for a few hours. By the time I came back
online, she was gone.  I tried to reach you earlier."
 "How long have you been trying?"
 "Over four hours."
 Whoa, this was really wrong.  He'd never been able to sleep though Kitt
calling him. Standing, he fell forearms against the wall.  Taking deep,
gulping breaths, he tried to quell the nausea.
 "Michael?!" It took a few minutes before he could answer his panicked
partner.
 "Oh, God Kitt... She must have slipped me something."  Each word was
difficult to form.  With each breath, his body rebelled.  Slowly, he
regained his bearings and picked up his clothes.
 "I'm coming out Kitt.  I think I'm going to need some help."
 For Michael to admit that said more than Kitt wanted to contemplate.  Then
he saw him.  Using walls to support himself, Michael made his way through
the house.
 Kitt brought the car across the grass to the entranceway.  Stepping away
from the house, he pitched, hands first onto the hood.  Pausing, he
struggled with his own body, willing himself to stand.  Leaning on the car,
he managed to get inside.  Kitt left the door open for a few minutes,
watching him, unable to do much else.  Having an idea, he closed the door
and activated the oxygen.  Michael turned his head into the stream,
breathing deeply.  Feeling his head clear marginally.
 "Michael, Devon's calling."
 Nodding, then deciding better of it, "Patch him through."
 "Michael," Then a pause and more concerned. "Michael, what happened?"
 "I haven't figured that out yet."  Kitt cringed, his voice was so weak.
 "I have some news."  Realizing the fragile state the young man was in, he
tried to break this gently.
 "I'm listening." His voice was a little stronger, dreading what was about
to come.
 "Bonnie is missing." Devon stated in monotone.
 Michael's reaction terrified Kitt.  The struggle, both mentally and
physically was taking a terrible toll on him.
 "Devon, I need to take care of Michael."  Devon's anger flared briefly,
then looking at Michael, he realized something was terribly wrong on that
front as well.
 "Understood Kitt.  Bring him in as soon as possible."  With that Kitt cut
the communications link and scanned his partner.
 Michael heard the concern in his boss, but all he could do was concentrate
on not throwing up.
 "There's a small puncture mark on the inside of your left elbow."
 "I know, I can feel it." Swallowing hard, he kept his voice. "Can you tell
what she gave me?"
 "Cardiac inhibitor."  Appalled, he double checked, disbelieving his own
findings.  "She must have misjudged the amount."
 "Misjudged, or couldn't do it?  Kitt, I have to believe she's not that type
of......"  But she obviously was.  "Jesus, she's been using me."
 Avoiding the subject for the moment, Kitt focused on getting his driver to
help. "Do you think you can handle us heading back?  You need to see the
doctor."
 "Slowly Kitt.  I'm not sure what my body is gonna do."
 Carefully, Kitt began what felt like the longest drive back to the
Foundation.  Numerous times Kitt had to pull over, just in time for Michael
to lose control.  Michael's body was fighting against the drug and Kitt
began to fear that the strain might cause his heart to stop.
 Kitt alerted their arrival the moment he turned onto the driveway.  When he
pulled up, Devon and the doctor stood waiting.  It took both of them to help
Michael out of the car.  He was pale, shivering and quickly losing the
fight.
 Standing, if you'd call it that.  His back supported against the car, Kitt
broke canon.  "I love you Michael."  Closing his eyes he let his friends
words surround him.  Kitt would never know just how much hearing him say
them helped.
 After Michael was lead inside, Devon placed a hand on the car.  "He'll pull
through."  A shiver through the powerful frame was the only acknowledgment.

 Kitt waited and waited.  His concern for Michael was growing unbearable.
Sure he could feel his irregular heart beat through the comlink, but it
wasn't enough.  Having seen Michael's devastated reaction to learning of
Bonnie's disappearance, created a fear and rage Kitt had never known before.
That woman had gone out of her way to seduce his best friend then try to
kill him.  No matter what Michael said, Kitt believed she had meant to kill
him.  That did not sit well with the AI.  Tapping into the police
frequencies, he found no sign of a  car fitting the description of
Danielle's.  It was all too premeditated.  Had she set up Michael to make
sure he was out of the way while she captured Bonnie.  If she hurt his
mother.....
 "Kitt?"  Michael's call came across the link.
 Kitt startled, then a surge of relief flowed through him.  "I'm here
Michael.  How are you?"
 "Weak, but we need to get moving."
 "But Michael, you are in no condition.."
 "Kitt please.  She set me up.  You tried to tell me and I ignored you.
Please Pal, meet me at the door."
 With a sigh, Kitt conceded. This was not the time to argue.  "Will do
Michael."

 It took only two minutes for Kitt to travel the distance from his garage to
the Foundation's front doors.  He found Michael hanging onto the wall.
Seeing this, he hurried to open the driver's door as close to his friend as
possible.  Stumbling over, Michael had to sit for a few minutes while his
heart calmed.  Kitt watched him closely, vowing to reap revenge on those
responsible for this.
 "Did you pick up anything?"
 "Last night?  No.  I'm sorry Michael, I trusted her."
 "You and me both Pal."
 "This is the ultimate betrayal Michael.  She didn't have to..."
 "No she didn't.  But she did.  I need to pick up the pieces now.  Those
include the ones with you."
 "There are none.  She fooled us all."
 "And that's exactly what I feel like.  You trust my instincts, why didn't I
trust yours?"
 "I believe you are paying a high enough price.  What did the doctor say?"
 "He gave me a shot to counteract the one she gave me."
 "I hear a 'but' in there."
 "But.."  He closed his eyes, still unwilling to believe the consequences.
"This may damage my heart."
 "Meaning?" Kitt felt panic rise inside his CPU.
 "Meaning this may be the last job we do."
 "Is there a possibility...?"  This could not be happening.
 "That my heart may quit?  Yes Kitt. I won't lie to you.  Nor can I walk
away from this, for any reason.  We have to find Bonnie."  Finally feeling
his heart slow, he sat up.  Looking at the familiar dash, hearing Kitt's
voice, being with him, it had always been a type of medicine to him, the
best kind.  "I need to know something Kitt."
 "What's that?"
 "You know my heart beat, better than anyone, how far off is it?"
 He waited, knowing Kitt was scanning him. "Right now, it's extremely far
off."  The tinge of fear could easily be heard. "But I'm not picking up any
abnormalities in the muscle.  It seems to be in rhythm only."
 "Then it might just be a matter of waiting for the drugs to work themselves
out?"
 "Possibly, but Michael, *that* may cause damage."  Nodding he came to a
decision.
 "Let's head over to Dany's."
 "What?"
 "You heard me. Can you just sit here and wait for the police to find
Bonnie?"
 "No."
 "I didn't think so.  Lets go take a look.  It's unlikely anyone will be
there. It's just you and me Pal, as it should be."
 "I'll drive."
 Smiling he moved hands away from the wheel. "I had no intentions."

 Kitt pulled up over the grass, dropping Michael off in the doorway.
 Even though Michael had been preparing himself for this since they left the
Foundation, stepping into the bedroom was like being hit by a tidal wave.
What he had experienced the night before, he didn't think would happen
again.
 "Michael?"  Kitt picked up on Michael's heart beginning to race.
 "I'm okay."  Understanding and not wanting to put his partner through any
more, the AI went back to scanning.
 Slowly, Michael made his way around the room.  In the garbage, he found the
half full syringe and a note. Sitting on the bed, he opened the piece of
paper.
 

 Michael,
 By now you must know what I have done and I'm sorry.  They wanted you out
of the way.  As long as you leave us be, she'll be safe.  If you come after
her, they will hurt her.  All they want is information on how to create an
AI.  I'm not stupid, I know what can happen to her once they have what they
want, but it's not a risk I'm willing to take.
 Know Michael, that I was instructed to seduce you, then to kill you.  I
wasn't expecting to fall in love with you.  Last night meant as much to me
as it did to you.  I didn't lie to you last night.  I couldn't complete my
mission this morning.  I will tell my superiors that I have followed
instructions to the letter.  Bonnie will believe you are gone.
 Please Michael, don't risk yourself.
 

 His head swarmed in turmoil.  She hadn't killed him, though she had the
means.  That in some form eased the burden.  She had delivered Bonnie, and
the people had no intentions of harming her. Or so they said.  Standing, he
took the note and syringe back to Kitt.  Breathing heavily, he deposited the
syringe into the analysis tray.  "Is this what she used on me?"
 "Yes Michael, it is."  A brief pause, "why only half?  She could easily
have been sure."
 "My instincts aren't completely off kilter.  She couldn't, or so she says."
 "You mean maybe...?"
 "Maybe, but don't count on it.  Can you trace the suppliers of this stuff?"
 "Of course."  Michael allowed himself to doze while Kitt researched for the
information.  Approximately half an hour later, Kitt gently woke his
sleeping partner to pass along his findings.
 "I have three addresses in the region.  One appears to be a legitimate
clinic for cardiac research, the other two don't seem to have a suitable
reason for ordering this type of medication."
 "One's real, one's a decoy.  Sounds typical.  Any preference?"
 "Let's hit the nearest one and I'll scan the hell out of the place?"
 Laughing to himself, Michael relinquished control over to Kitt. "Sounds
good to me."

*

 Well beyond the city limits, Kitt paused, searching for the best location
to scan.  "Michael, I pick up fourteen people inside the warehouse.  Two of
which appear to be female."
 "Can you pick up Bonnie as well as you can pick up me?"
 "It's not a fair request.  I use the comlink in regards to you."
 "Can you do it from....her biorhythm?"
 "I'm impressed Michael.  That's brilliant.  Yes I believe I can.  I'll need
a minute."
 "Whatever it takes.  I'll only have one shot at this."
 "It is Bonnie in there."  Kitt exclaimed excitedly.
 "Good, now lets find me a way in there.  Is she alone?"
 "Not at the moment, they seem to be leading her somewhere."
 "Can we hope for a nice private cell, near a door maybe?"
 "Not quite that lucky.  She is alone in a room, but it's near the center of
the building."
 "Can I get in without being noticed?"
 "I believe so.  I'll get you in as close as I can."
 "Don't push our luck Kitt. I can walk in."
 "Yes, but can you walk back out?"
 "If I have Bonnie, you can come to our rescue."
 "I'm liking this less and less.  If they capture you... "
 "I have you as backup.  Get Bonnie out."
 "I can't leave you."
 "Yes you can." He looked pointedly at the voice box. "If I asked you to."
 "No," came the firm answer. "Not like this."
 "Then I better have an ironclad plan."
 

 Kitt dropped him off near a hole in the chain link fence.  Keeping low to
the ground, he made his way around the back.  It took time, too much time.
Time he didn't have.  Letting Kitt open the lock for him, he followed his
partner's previous instructions to the room Bonnie was being kept in.
 "Okay Kitt, can you get this lock?"  Aiming his watch at the dead bolt on
the metal door, he heard it click softly.
 Bonnie stood at the far end of the windowless room, shivering, hearing the
bolt flip again.  They weren't going to leave her alone.  Looking up, her
breath caught, seeing the man who stood in the doorway.
 "Michael?"  She didn't dare to believe it.
 "Yeah Bon."  His smile wasn't right, but it was him.  Before she could stop
herself, she flung herself into his arms, hugging him desperately.
 He'd found her and she looked alright.  Her stronghold on him brought a
smile to his face. "We've got to go."  He gently extracted himself from her
comforting hug.
 "How? She said..."  Standing with her hands on his shoulders, afraid if she
let go he'd disappear.
 "Later Bon, when you're safe."  Comprehending the dangers they still faced,
she let him begin the journey out.
 Closing the final door, Michael spun to come face to face with a gun.  "I
don't think so."  The proprietor of said gun sneered.
 "I do." Michael lashed out, throwing the man against the wall. "GO!" He
shouted to Bonnie.
 The stir alerted the others, soon men from inside were on their heels.
 "Kitt...I can't..."  Michael began to stumble.  Bonnie reached to help,
unsure of what was wrong, why Michael was slowing.
 "I'm on my way!" Before the engine had caught, Kitt slammed the car into
drive, firing off towards his friends.  Pushing the car to it's limits as
Michael tumbled into the grass.
 Bonnie knelt beside Michael's heaving body.  Fear etched all over her.
Kitt was closing in fast, she hoped fast enough.  The bullets were getting
closer, yet she refused to leave Michael.
 Swinging around them, Kitt offered protection as Bonnie climbed across
first, then helped Michael use the last of his strength to struggle in.  The
moment the two were safely inside the cabin, he hit the passive laser
restraint.  Sending grass and mud flying over the assailants, Kitt fled.
 Michael sat balled up, with his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his
breathing turning into panting.
 "Michael, you must relax."
 "I can't slow it down."  There was a distinct pause between each word as he
fought the pain and terror.
 Keeping his voice calm, he continued to talk his driver out of the vicious
circle his body was leading him into. "Panicking won't help either. Relax
your arms, you're hindering your own breathing."
 Kitt's voice had always had a way of reaching him.  Through the haze of
panic, he concentrated on Kitt's words.  Consciously pulling his arms away
from his sides, forcing himself to sit up, to breathe deeper.  Feeling the
breeze on his face, he turned into the oxygen.  "Keep talking Kitt, please."
His voice was still strained, but the anxiety was gone.
 "You're doing fine Michael.  ETA to the Foundation is 6.13 minutes."
 Bonnie listened, astounded.  She had never witnessed this side of the
partnership before. Kitt was talking softy, almost lovingly to Michael.  In
response to Kitt's soothing Michael began to relax, breathing slowing,
adrenaline leaving his system allowing him to drop into unconsciousness.
 

*

 He came to in the Foundation infirmary.  Opening his eyes, he saw Bonnie
sitting alongside his cot.
 "Bonnie?"  His voice was still scratchy.
 Waking immediately, she moved to sit on the side of the bed. "How are you
feeling?"  Brushing a lock of hair off his forehead.
 "Better. How about you?" Confident enough to sit up, he still knew to do so
slowly.
 "A little dehydrated, other than that I've been given the okay."
 "Did they hurt you?"
 "No, just...harassed more than anything else."  He was still pale, not as
bad as before, but worrisome just the same.  "What happened to you?"
 "I'd rather not talk about it."
 Disappointed in his unwillingness to confide in her, yet understanding that
whatever occurred the other night was extremely personal.  "Kitt's been
climbing walls waiting for you to regain consciousness."
 A slight snort accompanied the smile.  "I bet he has.  Where is he?"
 "Standing guard outside.  He wouldn't budge once they carried you in."
 "How long have I been here?"
 "A few hours, why?"
 "Shit!"  Michael stood, too suddenly, reaching for the wall to steady
himself.
 "You are in no condition to go gallivanting about." Helping him, Bonnie
aimed to help him back into bed.
 "I have to, they'll kill her."
 "May I remind you that she tried to kill you!"
 "No, she didn't.  She could have easily.  I found the needle, there was
more than enough to do the job.  She didn't Bon." He turned imploring blue
eyes her way.  "She left evidence and a note for me to find you.  I can't
ignore that."
 "What happened between you two?"
 Closing his eyes as a pained expression creased his face. "Don't ask me
that."
 "Alright, come on. I'm sure Kitt's waiting for you."  Steadying him, she
guided him outside.
 Kitt was a welcome sight. Once more dropping into the seat he felt the
comforting familiarity.  He hadn't noticed it before.  Bonnie had left them
to themselves.  Kitt buttoned up and darkened the windows, waiting for the
extent of the situation to hit his friend.
 "Can we find her Kitt?" It wasn't a question he was expecting.
 "It's a long shot. Shall we head back?"
 "Yes."
 "On one condition."
 Throwing an angry glare at the modulator, "what might that be?"
 "You stay in the car."
 "I can't promise that."
 "Then we stay."
 "Kitt....!"
 "Michael, I've almost lost you twice today.  How much more do you think
your heart is going to take?  I cannot permit you to risk your life again."
 Gently, Michael posed the real question. "Can you let her die?  After she
gave me mine.  Whatever I thought she and I shared, there must have been a
small portion of reality to it.  I can't just leave her in the hands of
those people.  Don't ask me to."
 "This time we make absolutely sure you are safe before you go in.  Agreed?"
Frustrated at the situation, he had no choice.
 "Agreed."

*

 Arriving in front of the warehouse, Kitt began a full scan.  What he found,
he felt guilty for.
 "She's already dead isn't she?"  Holding himself in check, he waited for
Kitt's answer.
 "I'm picking up human remains in the dumpster behind the building.  I can't
confirm an identity."
 "Are you picking up anything else?"
 "We are alone here Michael."
 "Okay, lets go."
 "Are you sure you're ready for this Michael?"
 "No.  But I have to know."
 "I understand.  I'm here if you need."
 Touched by his affectionate honesty, Michael stared at his friend.  Feeling
undeserving of his loyalty.
 Parking beside the dumpster, Michael took a few deep breaths, mentally
readying himself for the possibility of what he might find.
 Standing was still difficult.  One step at a time he approached his target.
Leaning over the edge, his worst fears were confirmed.  He stared for a
moment at the carelessly discarded body of the woman he had fallen so deeply
in love with. The woman who had given him the most unforgettable night of
his life.
 Kitt waited helplessly as his friend grieved.  Michael stood, head hanging
over the side, shivering uncontrollably.  Kitt kept a constant eye on his
vitals, fearing the strain may be too much for his weakened heart.
 "How?"  Michael's choked voice asked.
 "It was quick, execution style bullet through the back of her head."
 Pulling in a shaky breath, he stumbled back into the car.
 "I'm sorry it ended like this."
 "So am I Pal.  Is there any possibility of tracing the ownership of this
warehouse?"
 "I'm sorry Michael, but according to records this particular lot is in
between ownership."
 "It figures."  Leaning his head back, a single tear escaped.
 "Michael, I truly am sorry.  I know you cared for her."
 "You..knew something was amiss didn't you?"
 "I thought it was jealousy."
 "Jealousy?  Why would you think that?"
 "Because.. you were spending a great deal of time with her."
 Remembering earlier conversations, "Did you try to talk to me about this
and I.."
 "No, I tried, but I couldn't find the right way to broach the subject.
Bonnie and I discussed it in some detail."
 "God, Kitt.  I didn't realize you felt this way."
 "Why should you have?"
 "You know my thoughts, inside and out, I should know yours just as well.
You know what I need.  Like this morning.  You didn't care who heard, you
said it anyway.  I needed to hear you say it and you did.  I don't know if I
have that kind of courage."
 "I was afraid I may never get the chance to say it to you again.  I had no
choice."
 "I know I don't say it enough.  It's a character flaw I can't explain.  I
do love you Kitt, and I need you to help me through this.  'Cause right now,
I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel."
 "I'm not sure how to help, other than I'm here to listen."
 "I don't think I could go through this again.  Hell I'm having a rough time
handling this."
 "You need to heal, emotionally as well as physically.  You promised me a
while ago that we would take a vacation.  This looks like an appropriate
time."
 "What about...?" He looked towards the dumpster.
 "For once, let the members of FLAG handle the formalities.  If we are to
remain a team, you *must* take care of yourself."
 "Why do you care Kitt?"
 "For the same reason you do."  There was a shy smile in his voice.  "We are
soul mates.  If your health requires you to leave the foundation, I will go
with you, with or without the car."
 "This, it's... too much too fast."
 "Understood.  But remember what I've said."
 "Where do you want to go?"
 "How does that old fishing cabin you used to frequent sound?"
 "Sounds ideal."
 "I'm taking you home now."  Nodding, full faith in his partner, Michael let
sleep take him as Kitt drove.
 

the end