The first week had been a blur in Michael's eyes.  Hard work during the daylight hours and surveillance at night.  Finally he settled for parking on the high ridge that overlooked the property.   Jamie had not been joking when she warned him about the labor.  Trish expected perfection from everyone and everything.  No complaints permitted.  Granted Michael was not unfamiliar with hard work, but it had been quite some time since he'd asked his body to do so much on a consistent basis.  Late Thursday evening, after Michael had endured a full day with Rick, moving fence posts and boards for the new divider in the far field, he had collapsed on the bed, so muscle sore he could barely move. The day's tension had been added to by Rick's constant lewd comments about Jamie.  It had taken a considerable bout of Michael's self control not to plow the sleazy twerp with a fence board.

           Jamie had followed him shortly afterwards, to find him face down, sprawled on the bed.

        "Where do you hurt the most?"

         Michael cracked an eye at her, "shoulders and arms."  He muttered into the green linen.

        Jamie smiled, "off with the shirt and sit up."

        Now Michael was truly baffled. "Why?"

        From the bathroom, she called back to him. "I told you, I can take care of most muscle strains." Reappearing with a small bottle in her hands, she waited as he gingerly pulled his shirt off, then knelt behind him.  Usually she preferred to sit behind whoever she was working on, but Michael's height didn't allow for that comfort, which was probably a good thing.  "Now, I'm no professional, but I've been told I do good work."

        Michael nodded waiting, a little uncomfortable with the situation.  Jamie looked over him, then running her palms along the muscle that ran from his neck to his shoulder, she felt for tightness, knots or any other signs of injury. Shivering beneath her hands, he closed his eyes, breathing deep.  His body automatically relaxed under her simple touch. Shaking her head, she couldn't believe what she was feeling.  She had expected him to be more accustomed to using his arms and shoulders.  Continuing down his arms to his elbows, she forced herself to concentrate on his structure, and not on the man she had her hands on.  His body was tight, strained with an abundance of muscle knots.  Pouring some of the baby oil she had grabbed into her hands, she rubbed them to warm it up before starting.

        Michael had been concentrating on keeping his bodily reactions to a minimum, disappointed with himself at just how badly he was failing. Her hands were warm on his skin, sure as she worked on him.  He had never known anything like this.  Her fingers were strong, considerate.  Constantly shifting from section to section, never breaking contact with him. Her palms worked the large muscles, causing him to groan as the pain faded.

        "How do you know?" He finally broke the silence.

        "It's easy.  You see with your skin, not with your eyes.  When I run my palm over your shoulder," she did so as she was explaining, "I can feel the tension, the clusters of tendons and ligaments that should move easily, that are so tight they feel like bow strings under your skin.  If you remind me, I can show you on a horse.  Once I know where the worst knots are, then I go about gently loosening them.  I work by feel and your reactions.  If you tense, I know I'm doing something wrong.  If the muscle becomes more pliable, and you relax, I know I'm on the right track."

        "Whatever your doing, it feels great."

        "Good."  She leaned in a little closer, sliding one hand over his shoulder, down passed his collarbone. Michael swallowed, stoping himself from reacting to where her hands were.  Using her fingers as little as possible, she began to rotate his right shoulder. At first it was hard work, the muscles drawn tightly over the cartilage and bone.  Eventually, she could easily get full rotation, receiving another groan of appreciation.  His eyes were closed, his face completely relaxed.  Smiling at the image, she moved to his other side to repeat the procedure. He was rewarding to work on.  He winced in pain a few times, stiffening as she found a particularly sensitive spot, but easily worked through it.  By the time she was done with his shoulders, back, upper arms and upper chest, he was half asleep, with a lazy smile on his face.

        Moving out from behind him, before her hands found another reason to wander across his body, "get some sleep.  I'll wake you up after late night." Michael nodded, easing back onto the bed, asleep before he was fully lying down.
 
 

**
 
 

        It was well after midnight by the time he parked on the ridge. Sitting in the dark, Michael slouched in his seat, sighing.

        "What's wrong Michael?  You have been very subdued tonight."

        "I've been thinking."

        "That's a first." Michael fired an evil look at Kitt's panel. "Sorry. About what?" The note of amusement made his partner smile.

        "Jamie." Kitt had figured as much.

        "She is rather remarkable."  The agreeable grunt told Kitt that was not what was bothering his friend.  "Then what is it?"

        "We've been through this before Kitt.  We don't have time for me to become involved with someone."

        "Is it time? Or is it a safety issue?" Kitt asked cautiously.

        "I don't know.  I understand what you're saying and yes, it might just be an excuse."

        "Can I say something that may or may not help you resolve this dilemma."

        Michael nodded, praying for his friend to come up with something that might just relieve the tumbling emotions.

        "She is the first woman that I can honestly say that I love as well."

        Michael's eyes widened slightly.  He had never considered Kitt's feelings about some of the women he had previously dated.  Sure Kitt had made it very clear if he intensely disliked someone.  But rarely did he voice his feelings otherwise.  "Do you think....?" Why the hell was he torturing himself?  He occasionally had a rough time dealing with his life, how could he expect anyone else to cope.

        "I think yes.  She knows what we do and accepts it.  Remember, she files our reports." Kitt observed the brooding man inside his cab for a moment.  Michael had definitely fallen in love with Jamie.  He just hadn't realized it.  "She has also experienced the emotional fall out after our missions.  How many times have you gone to her, seeking help?  She has never turned you away, nor has she spurned your attitudes."

        "No, she hasn't."  The slight whisper told Kitt he had indeed sparked the wheels into turning. "Can I honestly ask her to become that involved in our lives?  Once it's known that I'm seeing her, she becomes a target."

        "I'm sure she is aware of that.  And Michael?"

        "Yeah."

        "Thank you."

        Brow furrowed, "for what?"

        "For referring to it as 'our' life."

        Closing his eyes, smiling contentedly, Michael hooked his arm over the steering wheel.  "How could I possibly think of it any other way?  We've been together through too much."

        "Returning to our previous conversation, concerning Jamie, it is a decision you have to make.  If I were you, I would take the risk."  Pausing, Kitt almost laughed. "We risk our lives day in and day out, yet a decision that is commonplace for so many causes heartache for us."

        "Ironic isn't it?  Everyday concerns are not so everyday."

        "I know you've had many sour experiences.  I have to believe she's different."

        "Why?  Not that I'm disagreeing with you." Michael hurriedly added on.

        Kitt smiled to himself.  It was sounding more and more like Michael had made his decision. "The way in which she treats us. She has no fear of us."

        "Of our partnership you mean?"

        "Yes."  Kitt suddenly found himself timid.  They had never truly delved in depth of their relationship.

        "Kitt... "

        "I don't want you to think that if, or when, you decide to settle down... that I'd be a burden into that relationship."

        "If you'd let me finish." Michael had a smile on his face, taking some of Kitt's fears away. "Any woman, if my life follows that path, must accept you.  I won't, hell, I don't think I could, leave you." He held up a hand to stop Kitt from interrupting him.  "I know it sounds corny, but we were made for each other."

        "I keep thinking about what she said to you the other day."  Kitt's tone took on the timid inflections again.

        "Which bit?"

        "Her asking you if you could leave me behind, knowing that I'd want you to stay, yet having to make that decision anyway."

        "That whole concept was painful.  I know it will never happen, we would find a way, even if it no longer included the Foundation.  But, for a moment I imagined what it might be like, for something that drastic to occur for me to leave you behind, to know that you were out there, working with someone you didn't like, or didn't respect and I've never felt anything like that before."  Letting his eyes roam over the familiar lights of Kitt's dash, the thought of not seeing them day after day, to not be able to sleep in the comfort of the cabin with the hum of the turbines in his ears, lulling him... it was almost too much for him to contemplate. Breaking the depressing thought cycle, needing reassurance from his partner, he ventured out on a limb.  "I can't imagine, even in old age, not having you around.  I know I'm making some wild assumptions here Kitt.  But I'm asking you to stay with me."

        "You don't have to ask. And they aren't wild.  I've had a taste of another partner.  You are my best friend as well as my driver."

        "Family," both voices echoed inside the car.

        "And," Kitt continued, "I can see Jamie as part of our family."

        "So can I, Pal.  I just have to make sure I don't screw it up."

        "If you continue to worry about it, you will.  She responds well to what she knows of you. I don't see her putting up with either of us if she didn't wish to."

        Michael sat up straight. "Sorry Kitt, I hate to interrupt this, but did you see that?"

        "There is a man walking along the far fence line."

        "Can you give me a scan?"

        "Male, good health, carrying some kind of rubberized hammer."

        "Lets get down there." Michael hit the ignition, hearing the engine gun to life. He had to say it, it was too precious not to. "And Kitt, you could never be a burden to me." The lights on the voice box lit up for a moment, causing Michael to smile as he shifted into gear, hitting 'Silent Mode' as he headed towards their target.
 
        Driving down from the ridge as quickly as he dared, he watched the dot on Kitt's screen approach, then enter the field.  Cursing quietly, he parked on the far end of the field, behind a line of trees. Exiting the car after taking one last look at which direction the intruder was heading, Michael ducked under the trees, then climbed through the fence.  Once he was inside the field, he was in plain sight.  Keeping his movements fluid and low, he caught sight of the other man.   The herd was up by the gate, still enjoying the few bales of hay that had been thrown into the field earlier.  Slipping in behind the man, Michael tried to get a good look at him.  Male for sure.  Tall, about six foot. Black jeans and plaid work shirt, completed by the thick black gloves. The man was almost at the herd and Michael was almost within reach of him.  Stepping closer, a twig snapped under Michael's foot.  Startled, the attacker whirled around, swinging his weapon. Ducking, Michael just avoided having his head taken off.  Slipping on the grass, he lost valuable time as the other man raced across the field, climbed over the fence and disappeared into the bush beyond.  Reaching the fence, Michael activated the comlink.

        "Any sign of him?" His feet on the bottom board, he leaned over the fence, he searching the dark tree line.  The sheer number of trees and their over growth preventing him from seeing much.

        "He's just exiting from the north west corner."

        "Can we follow him?"

        "He'll be out of scanner range by the time we hook up."

        Pounding the fence with his palm, "dammit!" Crawling through the fence, Michael made his way back to where Kitt was parked.  "Now that was a great example of how to sneak up on a suspect." Michael muttered with dark sarcasm as he reached for the door.

        "There was no way you could have known that twig was there. Be realistic Michael."

        "Yeah, I know.  But we lost him, and I'm not happy about that."

        "Shall we call it a night?" Kitt asked as the engine turned over.

        "I guess.  I doubt he'll try again tonight anyway." Michael took one last, long look around before driving off.
 
 

**

 
        Entering the room, he tried to close the door quietly, sure Jamie would be asleep.  There was enough light from outside that he could make out the edge of the bed and manoeuver his way around to the other side.  Pulling off his jacket and shoes, he grabbed his t shirt and jogging pants before heading to the bathroom to change.

        "Michael?" Jamie's whispered as he returned from the bathroom, her voice caught his attention as he reached around to flip the light off.

        "I figured you were asleep."

        "I sleep lightly." Came the amused response as the bed shifted.  Turning to face him in the dark room, she noticed his expression. "What happened out there?"

        Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair, then tucked a pillow under his ear. "Someone tried to introduce themselves to the lower field."

        "Are the horses...?" She hurriedly asked.

        "They are fine, most didn't even notice.  He ran off before I could get a good look at him."

        Jamie nodded, relieved that everyone was okay, and understanding his frustration.  "Get a good night's sleep.  I'm sure Kitt is keeping an eye out."

        "No doubt," the words followed the snicker.
 

 
        It wasn't long afterwards that Jamie heard his breathing even out as he fell asleep.  She had been nervous about being in bed with him, but it was so natural.  Her comfort level surprised her.  Trusting him, and being in bed with him were two different things.  Or so she had thought.  Rolling back over, she let her eyes close, smiling at the small, snoring type sounds he made.

*
 

 
  Jamie woke with her heart pounding.   It took a few minutes before she realized where she was.  The room was still dark, the clock on the night table glowing 4:30.  She could feel Michael spooned around her as she lay on her right side.  It was a safe, comfortable feeling.  His elbow was heavy on her hip, but not uncomfortable.  His breathing was deep, stirring her hair as he exhaled, causing his chest to touch her back as he inhaled.

        Then his fingers twitched.  Her eyes sprang open as her breath caught.  Sometime during the night, his hand had come to rest, palm flat against her breast, his fingers tucked underneath her.  He was fast asleep, she was sure of it, but still, the gentle contact was affecting her. Causing her to become intensely aware of where his body touched hers.  Part of her didn't want to move away, enjoying his touch, another part was intensely aware of how little her leggings and t shirt separated them.

        Shifting, she lifted his arm off of her, scooting out of the bed.  She was wide awake now anyway.  As she stepped into the bathroom, she could still feel the tingle inside her that the pressure of his hand had caused.  Glancing back at him, he hadn't moved, still looking to hold her, even in his sleep.
 

**

 
 
        Pulling up the ramp of the stationary semi in the early morning sun, Michael dropped his head back against the seat as Bonnie approached.

        Smirking, she waited for Kitt to pop his hood.  Glancing back round she noted that he still hadn't moved. "Getting to be too much for you, huh?"

        "Jamie wasn't kidding when she said it was hard work.  That added to the nighttime surveillance is killing me." Slowly he clambered out of the car, squeezing past Bonnie to grab a coffee.  "Trish makes the worst coffee too."

        "It must be raunchy for you to complain."

        Firing her an amused dirty look, he focused on his mug for a moment.  Taking a large swallow, he got to the point of his visit. "Did you have any luck with the police reports?"

        Leaning into Kitt's engine, fiddling with something, she spoke over her shoulder at him. "You have no idea how difficult it was to get access to them.  They are on the computer, just switch on the screen, you think you can do that?"

        "Ha." Michael responded dryly. "Yes I am capable of that task."  Reading over the file, memorizing the details of where they found the horses, how they were injured or killed and the time spans between attacks, something hit him.  Facing Bonnie, who was still immersed under Kitt's hood. "Do you suspect police involvement?"

        Straightening up to face him, resting on Kitt's prow, "it occurred to me. Usually with Foundation ID, I can easily access reports."

        "But not this time?"

        Shaking her head, "no, it was crazy all the red tape I ran into."

        "Well it's a lead to check up on.  Even if it's a small one."  Pouring himself another mug, he motioned to Kitt. "How is he?"

        "A little dusty, but otherwise fine.  I'm sure you'll remedy that soon enough."

        "I love your confidence in me."  Michael checked his watch. "We better get going, I'm supposed to help Jamie this morning." Placing the quickly emptied cup on the counter, he moved towards Kitt.

        "Got you on a leash now, does she?"  Bonnie tossed back flippantly.

        Michael froze at Bonnie's remark, Kitt's scanner flashed on full for a moment. "Bonnie?"  Kitt's voice reflected Michael's utter shock.

        Slowly turning, he looked at her, completely baffled. "I don't believe you just said that."

        Bonnie shrugged, surprised by the protectiveness they both projected. "I was just being facetious."

        "I should hope so." Michael grabbed the door that had been clicked open for him.  Dropping into the seat he reached for the ignition, his eyes not leaving Bonnie's form. Shaking himself out of it, he backed out of the trailer, heading for the farm, late as usual.
 

**

 
        Her morning was spent in a bit of a fog, her brain and body recalling her early morning discovery.  Sure she had been with a few guys in her time, but Michael was different.  If she didn't think so before, she knew for certain now.  No one had ever caused her to feel like this, distracted her to this degree.  She wanted more, she had for quite some time.  She had noticed him a few times during the morning as he went about completing his assigned tasks.  Each time it had brought forth the memory of his body behind hers, the feel of his hand against her.

        Leading one of the youngsters in, her mind focused on an image of him she had seen earlier. He had already left when she returned from her shower and he had missed morning feed.  Trish easily covered for him to the other workers.  The first she saw of him, he had been standing with Rick beside main barn.  It looked like they were discussing fencing.  Michael stood head and shoulders over Rick, dwarfing the other man.  The early sun had turned Michael's hair blond, outlined his body under his shirt.  God, she had to stop doing this.  Turning the horse around in the isle, she heard a scuffle behind her as he spooked.  The next thing she new, she was on her ass against the far wall, stunned.
 
        "Ja?" Michael's concerned call came as he ran into the barn.  Rick had caught the horse, who had happily stopped to eat the first blade of grass available to him.  Using the boards to help herself, she stood. "You alright?"

        "Yeah," she nodded as she gave herself a mental once over.  Nothing sore, nothing really hurting.  "He spooked, tossing me aside.  My own stupidity for daydreaming on the job."  Taking the horse from Rick, ignoring his look of condemnation.  "I'm fine, really."  Cross tying the horse she reached for her groom kit, realizing just how sore she was going to be later.  Michael's hand on her arm startled her.

        "Are you sure?"  He attempted to get her to face him.  Instead she waved him off.

        "Yes, I'm sure.  That'll teach me to keep my mind on my work."  Shaking her head, she tossed a half hearted smile at him.

        Hurt slightly, yet not understanding why, he left the barn.  He had too much to do, he didn't have the time to watch over her.  Not that she'd let him, no matter how much he wanted to.
 

**
 
 

        Jamie sat on the bleachers eating her lunch.  She had immediately noticed the fancy silver Cadillac in the parking lot.  It stood out amongst all the other vehicles.  Only Kitt exuded the kind of importance that car did. Hoping up the first two steps, Michael joined her.

        "Notice our new guest?"

        "How could I not?" She responded around a mouthful of sandwich.

        "The insurance company has sent in an investigator."
 
        Jamie snorted.  "Oh, yeah, this could be interesting."

        "Devon didn't know." Jamie's eyebrows rose as she looked at him.  Devon usually knew more than sum of all those involved.  "The guy's been talking to Trish most of the morning."

        "Great, she'll be in a rosy mood for the rest of the day." Jamie swallowed the last bite of her sandwich.

        "I asked Kitt to look into our dear investigator, just to be on the safe side.  Bonnie also ran the checks on the students and the clients - nada."

        "I figured that." Michael threw a quizzical look in her direction.  "Don't you think it would be sheer stupidity to kill horses in your own stable?"

        "I've seen dumber moves." Michael's eyes followed the impeccably dressed, very short man climb into his Cadillac.  Glancing at Michael, Jamie saw the amusement on his face.

        "He works for an insurance company - what did you expect?  Arnold?"  Jamie commented dryly.

        Shaking her head in frustration, Trish  stepped up the bleachers and dropped down on the seat below the two. "I really hate those fucking investigators." She growled darkly before she tipped her head in Michael's direction. "No offence."

        "None taken."  Helping himself to one of Jamie's oranges, "did he seem legit?"

        "Do any of those blood suckers?"  Sighing, and also helping herself to an orange, leaving Jamie with none. "Yeah, I think he did.  He was rude and obnoxious enough.  I told him about last night, that you were out doing a last check and saw him.  He'll more than likely bother you soon."

        Michael shrugged nonchalantly, "doesn't bother me.  I'll know more by tomorrow, and more yet if he approaches me."

        "Only an investigator wouldn't mind being approached by another investigator.  Thanks Jame." Taking the orange with her, Trish returned to the house.

        Turning to Michael, firing a dirty look directly at him, "you're welcome."

        "I didn't think you'd mind." He popped a section into his mouth with a cheeky grin.

        Wiping a dribble off his chin with her finger, "I hope the bugs eat you alive." Leaving him laughing, Jamie set herself back to work.
 

**
 

        Jamie had progressed to riding three to four horses a day.  Two in the morning and two in the afternoon.  The students, who still sneered at her on the ground, listened to her while on horseback.  Her knowledge was more than sound.  Her ideas worked; with every horse. A few of the boarders had begun taking lessons as well after watching her ride, and witnessing the progressions amongst the working students.  After a long bath, Jamie fell into bed dog tired every night by ten.  She'd wake up again, somewhere in the early morning hours, to find Michael wrapped around her, sound asleep.  By the time her alarm went off at six, he was typically gone again.  The few mornings they woke up together, she learned just how much he hated mornings.  He was a bear after staying up late with Kitt on the ridge.  Her chuckling at him didn't help matters either.

        Returning from her shower the Friday morning of their second week, she found Michael staring out the window across the stream.  He didn't turn as he began speaking. "This has got to be the most irritating case.  We have been here, wasting our time, and other than one late night visitor, no occurrences."

        "Have you spoken to Bonnie about prior incidents?"

        Turning from the window, he leaned his shoulder on the frame, arms crossed tightly in front of his chest.  "Yeah, for about a week there was one every other night.  The barn down the road was hit as well, though not to the same extent.  Kitt and I took a drive over there last night and had a look around.  They stable their horses at night - making a harder target I'll assume.  It's also a much smaller operation. About twenty stalls, arena, sand ring, five or six paddocks, small in comparison to this. But the same MO. Intruder snuck in, targeted one of the more experienced horses.  But this one was blatant."  Michael's face contorted in confusion.  "The horse was shot."

        "Someone trying to divert attention?"

        "Possibly."

        "But you don't think so?"

        Michael moved to sit on the bed, motioning for Jamie to join him. "Tell me about the case you mentioned while we were in Devon's office?"

        "From what I remember, a vet and trainer teamed up, they did everything from break horses legs, to drugging them, anything they could think of.  One of them had partial ownership of many big time performance horses.  It was all for insurance.  The other thing I know occurs, is animal activists who kill riding horses because they feel that is the only way to save them from the cruelty of being ridden, or worked.  I think they shot an olympic competitor out in a field one day during the games."  Michael was shaking his head in disbelief.

        "None of the horses around here look like they are suffering.  I think Kitt suffers more."

        "I heard that." Michael looked at Jamie. Both knowing full well that Kitt was listening in.

        "The activists don't care.  They think that by domesticating the animals, we are mistreating them." Jamie paused, her elbows on her knees as she sat angled towards him on the bed. "But they usually claim their actions.  And I could be wrong, but I've never known them to follow a pattern like this before either."

        "Well, to shed a bit more light on the subject.  The investigator the insurance company sent spoke to me.  I think he thought I was kinda strange, asking him all sorts of questions, but he knew less then we did. He is suspecting foul play, but not by the owners. Trish had lost three youngsters and two boarders have lost their mounts, all insurance will be paid out. No one has any clues as to why this farm is being struck to this degree though."

        "So we keep plugging along."

        Michael gave a half shoulder shrug. "I'm not enjoying this.  I enjoy the work and the horses, but the people.... Jesus, are those girls sex deprived or what?" Jamie started laughing.

        "Mi, you know how people react to you." Raising an eyebrow, turning to face her straight on, he waited. "Yes, I've seen this before.  You have to understand that in the horse world most guys are either gay or assholes, or married with kids.  To have not only a good looking man in their midst, but one who treats them with respect and isn't married is a treat for them."

        "Even though we are supposed to be a couple?"

        "But we are not married, even then they would most likely still try."
 
        Standing up, he made his way to the bathroom, mumbling something about employing avoidance tactics.

*
 

 
 
        Michael sat on the deck of the truck watching Jamie move through the organized chaos that was called a horse show. The twelve horse converted transport truck and trailer were parked in a large open field overlooking the show grounds.  From where Michael was sitting, he had a clear view of the warm up and show ring.  The warm up area was set in the facility's sand ring and clouds of dust were being raised by the horses feet.  The show ring was another open grass field, fenced off by wooden stakes and thick yellow rope. Horses seemed to be everywhere.  He could hear the muffled sound of the announcer over the PA system, but he wasn't paying much attention to it.  Both working students and three boarders brought their horses to compete at this local show.  Devon had coyly mentioned to Trish that there was no skill that Michael didn't know, or couldn't easily pick up. In return Trish asked Michael to drive the rig so she could remain behind to oversee the farm.
 
         Shaking his head in amusement, he wondered just how the hell Jamie could stay so calm, so professional while standing in the middle of the warm up ring, schooling a few of the girls over the jumps, while horses cantered by her from all directions.   Sure he had watched shows on TV, but he had never witnessed this side; the behind the scenes aspect.  Jamie looked perfectly at home as she walked back to the trailer with Beth riding beside her.

        "When was he fed?" Jamie's voice carried to him in the wind.

        "At the same time as all the others." Beth's voice had a nasty edge to it.

        "I'm telling you to scratch, he's not right."

        "And I'm telling you I'm riding.  So what if he's sluggish?! He's going to learn that he has to work even if he doesn't like it."

        "You're going to sour him."

        "You don't know him!" Jamie glared at the girl in the saddle.

        "One chance, rest him until your classes are up.  If he's still not right, I'm lodging a complaint with the Steward."

        "And there's piss all she can do and you know it."

        Jamie smirked, "don't be so sure." Trotting off, even Michael could see that the horse wasn't happy.  He had seen Beth ride at home a few times, and her horse, Militant, was usually full of life.

        Jumping up to sit beside Michael, Jamie's anger radiated off her.

        "What can you do?" Michael asked, genuinely curious and concerned.

        "If I inform the steward, she can have a vet check him, if he fails that, she's out. Christ, I thought these kids cared about their horses.  If she scratches now, she'll get her money back, if she waits until the classes start, she's out of luck. "

        "Could he be playing her for a fool?"

        "It's possible, but I don't think so, knowing him, I'd expected him to be a loon today."

        "You've got that look on your face." Michael stated with a smile.

        "Oh?  And what look might that be?"

        "The one that says you know you are right."

        "That obvious am I?" Glancing towards the boarders, one of them motioned for her to come over.  Groaning, Jamie hopped off the truck. "No rest for the wicked." She was across the field before he could answer her.
 

        True to her word, Jamie waited until Beth was warming up before approaching the girl again.  Even then, she went on the assumption the horse was just being lazy.  Ten minutes in, cantering over her second warm up fence, Militant took down the rail, and almost lost his footing on landing.

        "Pull him."

        "No." Beth cantered on again, causing him to stumble for a moment before regaining his balance.

        Turning, Jamie found the Steward, and Michael right behind her.

        "Your friend here told me about your student.  I have to agree with you.  I will order the vet check."  The burly gray haired woman walked towards the secretaries' booth.  A moment later a page rang out for the stationed vet.

        "Bitch." Beth called as she rode by.

        "Nice people." Michael grumbled, glaring at the young woman on horseback.

        "She'll learn." Jamie was exuding a confidence Michael was not used to seeing from her.  Following Beth and Militant, it didn't take much to see that he was laboring.  The vet, Dr Craig, a tall, dark haired, well build man in his early forties, quickly looked over the horse; checking heart rate while waiting for his respiratory to recover, which it didn't.  In five minutes, the horse that Jamie knew was fit, deteriorated in front of them.  He began a slight sweat while huffing.  Finally Beth began to look concerned. She tossed a sad look toward her trainer.

        Walking up, Jamie patted the horse's neck. "Next time, trust me." She told the girl softly.  "Take him back to the trailer, I'll tell the secretary.  We'll be on our way home soon." Beth nodded, thanking the vet, then leading her poor horse back.

        "I can't isolate the cause," Dr. Craig began, "but he's going to need some recovery time.  It almost looks like he's tied up."

        "Could it be stress related?" Jamie glanced back at the pair.

        "Possibly, but you know the horse.  What is he like regularly?"

        "Boundless energy.  I just began coaching them and from what I've been told, he's worse at shows."

        "I suggest blood work then.  It's quite possible he's just picked up a flu."

        "Great." Jamie grumbled, knowing the seriousness behind the vet's extrapolation. "Thanks for your help."

        He smiled, "it's what I'm here for."
 

        As she and Michael walked back to the trailer, Jamie held out her hand. "Can you take this?" Shaking his head, he took the needle from between her fingers.

        "When did you get this?"

        "I grabbed out of the medical kit just before the warm up.  I had a feeling he wasn't going to be any better."

        "I'll get Kitt to run an analysis tonight."

        "Thank you."

        Thinking for a second, "care to join the party?"

        Titling her head, a small smile played across her lips. "Sure, as long as I'm not intruding on anything personal." Michael rolled his eyes.

 

        It took three hours to make the drive home.  It should only have taken one.  Twenty minutes out of the show grounds, Jamie heard an awful noise from the trailer.  Michael pulled off the road as fast and as smoothly as possible.  Jumping out of the cab, Jamie swung open the people door into the front section of the trailer.  Militant was leaning heavily against the walls of his standing stall, his breathing labored again and the sheen of sweat had returned.  It took a great deal of time before they had him steady again.  Leaving the windows open, Beth remained inside with her horse.  Climbing back into the truck, Michael started off again, hazard lights on, taking it slow and easy.  They only had to pull over one more time, Beth's pounding on the wall letting them know that Mil was in a desperate need of break.  The boarders who had followed the trailer, checked their horses, making sure all else was well within the rig during the stop.
 

        Pulling into farm late evening, Trish ran out. "Where the hell have you been?"

        Jamie snickered. Trish's temper overran all else when she was worried. "Mil isn't well." Jamie called out as Michael backed the trailer towards the barn.  All the other horses were off loaded first.  Beth remained beside her friend, calming him.  Michael stood beside the exhausted horse as he descended, a hand on his side to keep him from stepping off the side of the ramp. As soon as he was in his stall he lay down, his head pillowed in Beth's lap.

        "What happened?" Trish looked anxiously from horse and rider to Jamie.

        "She didn't listen to me when I said he didn't look right." Jamie's tone was not condescending.  She was stating a fact, not laying the blame.  "I called in the vet while she was warming up, and he was stumbling.  He thinks it might be tying up, or possibly a flu or even stress.  He suggested blood work."

        Trish nodded, clearly worried. "I agree."

        "That's what took us so long to get back.  We had to keep pulling over and giving the poor guy breaks."

        "Now that I know, I'm not so upset."

        "She's all yours.  I'm going to bed." A quick nod towards Jamie, then she was in the stall with Beth and Mil.

*
 

        Two hours later, Jamie found herself being gently shaken awake. Rolling over, half groaning, she was met by Michael's amused expression.

        "Now you know how I feel."

        "I'm getting up.  Is the coast clear?"

        "Kitt just beeped me."

        "Good, I'm dying to know what they gave him."

        "You're pretty sure about this, huh?"

        "I've never seen a horse react like that.  I would think that if he was sick, he'd have been like that all day."

        "And he was hell to load."

        "You got it."

        "So, let's go for a romantic drive in the moonlight." Smiling, he reached down, clasping her wrist and pulling her up.
 
 
*

 
        Parking on the familiar ridge, Michael pulled a small plastic bag out from his jacket pocket. Noticing what his partner was fiddling with, Kitt activated the chemical analyser tray.  A few seconds after Michael dropped the needle in, Kitt provided the answer.

        "I find traces of histamines and Diazepam." Jamie started at the tiny object in the now open tray.

        "Are you sure, Kitt?"

        "Of course." Came the irritated answer.

        "Sorry Kitt.  But this is probably one of the more dangerous games to play."

        "Pardon my ignorance, but what are you two talking about?" Jamie smiled having forgotten that Michael wouldn't recognize the proper name of the drug.

        "Diazepam is valium."

        "So someone tranked him."

        "Yup. Then to top it all off, the histamines indicate that he had an allergic reaction to it."

        "It could have been done by anyone passing him at the show."

        "Probably." Glancing towards Kitt's voice modulator, "any idea on how long it could have been in his system?"

        "The best estimate I can give you is less than 24 hours." Jamie nodded, feeling a bit swamped by the circumstances. Seeing her reaction, Michael placed a hand on her arm.

        "We'll get to the bottom of this."

        "I know." Taking a deep breath, she regrouped.
 
        "Who would have access to this stuff?" Michael asked.
 
        Jamie shrugged.  "Anyone who knows a vet, or knows a doctor.  It's rather common."

        "So there is no way to trace it back?"
 
        "I'm sorry Michael," Kitt answered, "but without the original container with the serial numbers, it could have come for over thirty distributors here in the States."  Michael looked from Kitt's voice modulator to Jamie, frustration clear on his face.

        "This is why it takes so long to peg horse killers." Jamie placed a hand on his arm.
 
        "If only horses could ID attackers." Jamie smirked as Michael gunned the engine.  "I'm going to bed.  4 o'clock mornings just don't agree with me."
 

**
 

 
        "You want me to do what!?"  Michael looked from Ja to the Quarter horse she was holding.

        "You mentioned the other day that you wanted to learn how to ride." He was chickening out and she knew it.

        "Well, yeah but..."

        "No buts." Interrupting him, she lead the horse over while dragging Michael.  "There's no time like the present.  Get on."

        "You're going to be teaching me?"

        "Is that a problem?"  Eyeing him as he stood on the mounting block, leaning over the horse.

        "Actually, no.  I think I prefer it."  Mounting, as he'd watched everyone else do for days now, he swung, rather gracefully on.

        "Sit gently."  Jamie warned, watching him lower into the saddle.

        "I'm feeling a little self conscious here."

        "Why?"  She wasn't expecting that.

        "'Cause..." His face turned the most appealing shade of red, "you're staring at me."

        Busting up laughing, she caught the hint.  "Look, I get paid $25 an hour to stare at people's legs and asses, what makes you think you're any different?" She squinted up at him, hoping he wouldn't realize that he was different.  "If anything, for me, working with you is easier.  I know you, I'm comfortable with you.  It makes showing you what to do easier."

        "Showing?" He cocked an eyebrow at her.

        "When you drive Kitt, do you think about what you're doing?  How to turn the wheel, how much gas, brakes to use?"

        "No, it's second nature."

        "Exactly, you *feel* it in him, same here.  It's a feel to know the horse under you.  If you have to think, you're reactions are too late.  I'll position your body for you, to give you the feel.  Then I expect you to hold it.  In all honesty, I have a rough time working with men.  Just because I do a great deal of positioning in my teaching.  Women don't mind as much.  Most guys tense up when I touch them."

        "Okay, so what am I doing up here?"

        Climbing onto the block. Ja placed on hand on the small of his back and one along his lower abs. She felt him tighten momentarily.   "Now, fill my hand with your back."  She pressed her palm into his stomach, encouraging him to flatten his back into her opposite hand.  He shifted, but still not filling her hand with his back.  "You have abs man, use them.  Tilt your pelvis and sit straight."  That did it.  "Now stay like that."

        "I can't breath here."

        "Breathe from your diaphragm, not your chest."  Holding in the laughter, she moved to his legs.  Grabbing his right calf, she pulled it away from the horse. "Now, do *not* lean forward.  You'll hurt yourself."  His eyes widened for a second catching her drift.  "Relax and let me move your leg."  In that instant, she felt him do so.  He trusted her, that meant a great deal.  Slowly, making sure he didn't tip forwards she positioned his leg.  "Imagine a straight line, running from your ear, through your shoulder, to your hip to your heel."

        "You want me to stay like this?"

        "You're so typical.  Yes I expect you to stay like this.  Relax and trust your balance.  I should be able to magically take the horse out from under you and you would land on your feet."

        "Okay, I think I got it."

        Shifting the lunge line into her other hand, she asked the horse to move on. The line she held onto made the horse walk a large circle around her.   As the horse took his first step, Michael tipped backwards, then regained his balance. For another half circle, he remained rigid, then began to swing in rhythm.  "I didn't think you'd have a problem figuring this out."

        Keeping up some technical babble and giving more analogies, Michael settled comfortably into the saddle.  Picking up the 'two point' position with ease.  When his legs began to shake, she decided enough was enough.  Looking at her watch, she realized forty five minutes had gone by.

        "How long before I'm completely comfortable up here?"

        "Depends on how fast you fit up, usually it takes about 3 months to come off the lunge line." Unhooking the line, she held the bridle.  "Now both feet out of the stirrups and swing your right leg over.  Remember to bend your knees when you land.  If you can, slide off instead of jumping."

        Shrugging, he half jumped, half slid off.  His legs were more tired than he thought.  Ja reached out to steady him as he swayed for a second.  "That's hard work." His eyes wide, he waited beside the horse for his legs to hold him upright again.

        "Yup and it gets worse."

        "How the hell can it get worse?"

        "Trotting, cantering and jumping.  It gets a lot worse.  Riding uses the largest number of muscle groups of any sport."

        "You really do know this stuff huh?  I see why Devon wanted you along."

        "And since you know how to untack and groom," Jamie handed him the reins.  "I have other horses to work." Throwing a devious smile over her shoulder, she left him, heading for her next ride.

*
 

        The jump like all the others, felt smooth and effortless.  Jamie had forgotten the exhilaration of jumping over four feet.  Leroy loved it and it showed.
 
        Kitt was parked alongside the sand ring, blasting music and following Jamie's course.  He had a perfect view to record the rounds.  It bothered him to no end that he couldn't express himself as he watched the small woman control the large bay horse over such intimidating jumps. It reminded him of himself and Michael.  Trust.  Joy.  Both were evident in the pair as they approached each jump.

        Jamie, while parking the car, had asked him to record her ride for later critiquing.  Trish could only help to a degree.  Kitt had groaned at the time, figuring he was going to be bored out of his CPU.  But watching them, following the growing trust and abandon, he saw a part of himself in the partnership.  He had learned to trust, until given a reason to do otherwise, just like Leroy. He'd been given a partner he could depend on in Michael; as Leroy had found in Ja.

        Jamie's delighted squeal as Leroy threw a buck at the far end brought Kitt's attention back to the pair.  Trish had raised the last line to just under five feet.  From his standpoint, he would have a great view of them going over the last jump, which was on the opposite side of the fence from him.

        The pair jumped into the combination along the rail with ease.  Kitt followed the four even strides between the fences, then liftoff.

        Kitt watched with pride as his friend soared atop this beautiful horse.

        Pride turned to horror as he realized the horse has misjudged the obstacle.  The jump was wider than the horse expected. His front legs hooked the second rail, somersaulting horse and rider.

        Jamie's smile turned to alarm as she felt herself flip over the sand ring fence.  Something black entered her line of sight just before she hit something warm and unyielding.  Then came a blinding pain in her side.  She never felt herself hit the ground.

        Kitt stood, rooted to the ground as he watched Jamie's limp form bounce off his roof.  And heard the sickening sound of breaking bone as her side connected with his wing mirror.

        "Michael!"  He called as he scanned her dazed form beside him.

        Michael had been standing behind the shed, out of direct sight.  Kitt's panicked call frightened him.  He took off towards his partner at a dead run.  He rounded the driveway to see Ja on her hands and knees on the ground beside Kitt.  Trish was in the ring trying to help a fallen horse out of the tangle of reins that prevented him from standing.

        "Michael hurry,"  Kitt called again over the comlink.  Michael dropped down beside Jamie, who was obviously in shock. Her breathing was raspy and there was a little blood on her lips.  She turned to look at him, confusion and fear showing in her green eyes.

        "What happened?"  Michael asked, unsure of what was wrong.

        "She fell," Kitt began, his voice shaky.  "She hit my mirror.  She has two broken ribs and one has punctured her lung.  Michael, she's drowning."

        Before Kitt had finished his explanation, Michael had picked her up.  Ignoring her moans of pain, he carried her around Kitt, after gently placing her in the seat, he vaulted over the roof.  Kitt had fired the engine and Michael sped off towards the nearest hospital Kitt could find.
 

 
        Michael paced the drab blue and gray hospital waiting room.  They had brought a gurney for her as soon as they saw him carry her into the small emergency center.  After a quick explanation of what happened, they'd wheeled her off.  That had been two hours ago.  He'd been waiting ever since.  The nurse had taken pity on his stressed nerves and told him that yes, she had the broken ribs and the punctured lung, but they had reset the bones, repaired the lung and all looked well.  She would inform him as soon as she knew more.  For now, Jamie was in recovery, waiting to come out of the anesthetic.

        "Mr. Knight?" His head jerked away from the window as the doctor approached.

        "How is she?"

        "She'll be fine.  She's going to need a great deal of rest, but the fractures were clean and should heal properly.  Her lung only had a small puncture, but it was beside an artery, hence the drowning effect.  We stopped the bleeding and the stitching is holding nicely."

        "How long will she have to stay?"

        The doctor tipped his head from side to side. "Depends on her. She may be out in a few days, might be a few weeks." Michael nodded, and thanked the doctor.  He had spent more than enough time in hospitals to know the routine.
 

*
 

        Unable to sleep, Ja wandered around the property.  She left Michael asleep in the bed when she realized her tossing was disturbing him.  Saying her ribs hurt was an understatement and sleep was impossible.  By 1 am she had given up and Michael's grunts had helped her make her decision to get up.

        Three nights in the hospital was more than enough to make her more than a little restless.  She swore that she would never scold Michael again for insisting on leaving the sterile rooms as soon as possible.  She knew that he had spent the majority of the first night with her in her room, and that Devon had also made an appearance.  It had comforted her at the time, but she also hated causing such a hassle.

         She had set her mind to teaching today.  Keeping the students riding in a circle around her so she wouldn't have to yell, everyone had supported any request she made to make life less painful on herself.
 
        Wandering around the property in the dark, she sought out Kitt's company.  The idea of passing the time with him appealed to her.

        Peering into the garage, she noticed Kitt was not there.  Looking around, she found him backed into a spot in the parking area, across from the sand ring.

        "Hi Sweetheart, what are you doing out here?" She asked the black car as she approached him.

        "Jamie, what are you doing up?  You need your rest."  Even Kitt noticed the nervousness in his voice.

        "What's wrong?" A pause.

        "I'm sorry for hurting you."

        "What?" She practically laughed out the question.

        "If I hadn't been there, you wouldn't have been hurt so badly."

        Sighing, she slid onto Kitt's hood.  Feeling him shaking beneath her, she settled herself as comfortably as possible against his windscreen, with her legs out in front of her and her good arm behind her head.  "Kitt, do you believe in fate?"

        "I guess so, I"ve never really thought about it.  Why do you ask?"

        "Because I believe everything happens for a reason.  And what is meant to happen will, no matter what the circumstances.  If you hadn't been there, I could have hit the fence or landed on a rock and done the same thing.  Or worse, stayed in the ring and had Leroy land on me.  Tell me Kitt, how long did I have?"

        "Not long at all."

        "Long enough for an ambulance to get out here and get me back to the hospital?"

        "No, not with the response times to this remote location." The questions were confusing him.

        "So, without you; your calling Michael, locating a hospital and getting me there, I probably wouldn't be here.  A punctured lung doesn't sound so bad anymore."  She smiled as she felt the car stop trembling.  "From what Michael said, Trish couldn't get out of the ring, Leroy had her trapped until she untangled him.  There was no one else around.  You saved my life Kitt. You and Michael.  You have no reason to feel guilty."

        "How do you do that?"

        "What?" She heard the smile in his voice and mirrored it in her own.

        "See a positive angle to any situation.  You're much like Michael in that manner.  He can joke about near death situations that scare the circuitry out of me."

        "Nice analogy," she chuckled, easily forgetting she was talking to a computer.  "'What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.'  I've always believed that.  Plus, this isn't my first spill off of a horse.  Been there, done that, passed up on getting the tee shirt."  She settled her self down more snuggly on his hood.  "You're comfy Kitt."  Her voice was already beginning to take on that sleepy sound.  This was the most comfortable she'd been since falling off.

        "Good night," Kitt whispered, scanning the area making sure it was safe for the young woman to fall asleep on him.  He smiled, realizing the trust she had in him, to not only fall asleep on him, but to search him out and talk to him.
 

**
 

        Watching the evening wind down, Jamie felt a sense of regret.  Sitting on Kitt's hood, the dwindling bonfire a few yards away, half listening into the conversation Trish and Bonnie were having.

        Trish's bonfires were legendary in the area.  The few acres she owned across from the trout stream was flat and large enough to host all the people from the barn and half the neighboring farms.  Devon had passed up the invitation knowing that loud rock and roll would be playing.  Bonnie however jumped on the opportunity. Everyone was required to bring some food dish, the pot luck adding to the festivities.  Rick and Michael had spent most of the day cutting the grass down below and dragging the fallen branches and limbs to the fire pit.  Jamie, who was still restricted from her injuries, had spent the day grooming and teaching.

        The doctors insisted that she wait a few more days before she climbed onto a horse. It had been annoying her.  She felt fine and was sick of being babied.  Michael had been on the receiving end of her short temper a few times. Each time he wandered off laughing, infuriating her even more so.  The last incident had been a few hours beforehand.  Jamie had been carrying some dishes loaded with food out when Michael had offered to help.  She had snapped at him, claiming that she wasn't an invalid. At which point Kitt had piped up, giving a detailed comparison of how similar their moods could be.  Laughing, the tension eased, and Jamie apologized to Michael.  She hadn't realized how grouchy she had become. After snatching a piece of chicken off the top plate, then grabbing the plate from her, he shrugged, knowing she had received far worse from him on his bad days.

        Jamie smiled as Trish and Bonnie spoke animatedly to one another.  They had hit it off so well.  Spending most of the evening siting beside the fire talking. Even Rick's antics of throwing Tasha into the stream hadn't diverted their attention.
 
        Michael had discreetly moved through the group, speaking to just about everyone.  Kitt had been monitoring him all afternoon and evening, recording what parts of the conversations he could, just in case someone let something slip.  Initially, Kitt had been rather put out when he had been told that he was providing the music for the night.  It didn't take him long to understand why.  He also had video coverage of just about every person who had come into clear range of his scanners.
 
        Jamie had spent most of the evening speaking to people at the picnic tables up wind from the fire.  Her knowledge regarding horses was greatly respected and a few of the neighboring horse owners had asked her opinion on varying health and riding topics.  Michael had checked on her regularly keeping up the facade of their relationship, and honestly making sure she was okay.

        Come 9 o'clock the guests began to leave.  By 11, there was only Trish, Bonnie, Michael and herself left.  Rick had excused himself a short time ago, taking the last of the dishes back to the house with him.
 
        Kitt was parked nose in towards the fire.  Across from them, Trish and Bonnie had their backs to the fire and to them.  Looking across the area, into the underbrush, she once again tried to find Michael.  He'd disappeared a short while ago.  In fact, just after the tone of music changed.  Kitt had switched from rock/pop type to easy listening about half an hour ago.  No one had seen Michael since.  Carefully looking through the undergrowth, she spotted him, in a small clearing, sitting cross legged gazing forlornly over the stream.  Having spotted him at the same moment, Kitt fired the engine.  This had been difficult for him.  The forced separation from his partner while sitting right next to him.  But all those remaining knew of Kitt.

        "Stay" Came the quite request as Ja began to slide off.  Waiting until Jamie had shifted to a more secure position, Kitt then made his way to his partner.  Without turning, Michael tipped his head back over the warm prow, his eyes meeting Jamie's.  She had never seen such an expression before.  It was best described as a cross between depression, loneliness and longing.  But there was something else, an emotion she could not name.  Sliding off the hood, she sat beside him and was immediately brought into a comforting hug.  Laying her head against his shoulder, his arm running along Kitt's bumper before turning to hold her, her left elbow resting beside Kitt's driving lights, hand against his waist, entwined with her other arm that lay against his stomach, returning the hug.

          The sweeping of Kitt's scanner was lulling her.  Them both, if they'd noticed.  Bending slightly, he placed his forehead against hers, angling her face up to him before placing his lips against hers.  She'd known that she was falling for him, but this confirmed it.  Letting him ask, she followed the feathery kisses.  Lips not actually parting, this sensual caress continued for some time.  Finally breaking as they heard footsteps near them.

        Trish had been told about Kitt, but to see the car quietly move across the clearing on it's own, with Jamie perched on the hood was a little disconcerting. Sighing, she hated to disturb the two cuddled together on the grass. "Michael, can you extinguish the fire?" She asked quietly, not wanted to interrupt the mood that was radiating from the pair.

        "Sure." Michael stood slowly.
 
        "I think we all need to call it a night.  Horses wait for no man."
 
        "Don't I know it." Jamie stood as well, following Trish and Michael back into the firelight.
 
        "I'm off then."  Bonnie hugged Jamie, then Michael warmly.  They all watched her cross the footbridge and fire up her car.

        "Why don't you go in?." Michael suggested to Jamie.

        "You sure?"

        "Yeah, I'll only be a few minutes here.  Then I'll take one last look around."  Catching Michael's eyes, a spark of what had passed between them ignited again.
 
        "I'm going to bed." Trish took one last glace at the dying fire, not noticing the pair beside her. "It was a successful night.  Make sure it's out good."

        Michael chuckled, purposely breaking eye contact with Jamie.  "I'll drown it well.  I'm not about to start a forest fire."  Turning back, Jamie was already across the bridge. Heaving a sigh, he set to work.  With Kitt's help, putting out the fire only took moments.
 
        Driving Kitt back up top and parking him across from the sand ring, he waited for Kitt to run a thorough scan and getting an all clear before calling it a night.
 
        Climbing into bed approximately 20 minutes after Jamie, he found her fast asleep. Lying on his back, he gathered her into him.  She turned easily, pillowing her head on his shoulder, while her right hand slid to rest against his chest. It had felt so right kissing her.  He hadn't allowed himself to feel this way in many years.  After Stevie, and then all the problems he'd experienced trying to establish a relationship afterwards, he was scared.  Holding her now, safe and comfortable, it would be too easy to forget what his life consisted of.  That she had already been targeted. The bug they discovered in her house still bothered him.  Closing his eyes, he nuzzled into her hair, cherishing the moment.

*
 

        "Michael!"  Kitt's call woke them with a start.

        "What's wrong Kitt?" Michael rolled over, giving him access to his comlink.

        "The south barn is on fire."

        Jamie was up in a flash, stepping into her paddock boots, she bolted out the door.

        Racing to the far end of the property, where the youngsters were housed, she paused. "Dear God."  The entire barn was covered in bright flames.  Taking off again, she found herself restrained.

        "Let me go!"

        "Jamie it's too late." Michael whispered, trying to hold her close.

        Hearing the panicked squeals of the horses inside, she twisted, escaping from his grip.

        "Ja no!' He snatched at her again, but she was beyond his reach.

        Without thinking, she flipped the metal latch, hearing her skin burn.  The open door gave her a clear view.  Every stall was occupied with a rearing, spinning horse trying to escape the smoke and fire.

        Grabbing the halter from the farthest door, she slammed it open, using the leather to protect her skin from the metal latch. Reaching for the first horse, hoping he'd settle.

         Fighting with horse after horse, she slowly managed to lead them out.   Her hands were bleeding from the extreme heat and the constant of having shanks ripped from her grip.  She'd lost count of how many knocks she'd received.  The barn was thankfully holding.  Kitt was outside the main door, doing his best to keep the flames at bay.  Michael grabbed each terrified horse as she lead them out settling them, before handing them off to one of the working students to place in a paddock.

        The newest gelding refused to co operate.  He didn't know her and was too frightened to care.  He felt he was safe in his stall, even though it was filling with flames.  Grabbing a rag, she flipped it over his eyes, tying the ends quickly under his cheeks.  He still fought, slamming her against the back of his stall.  She watched the stars dance before her tearing eyes.  The smoke was becoming unbearable, breathing nearly impossible.  This was thankfully the last horse, closest to the door, but still a distance from safety.  Yanking on the shank, she tried again and was met by resistance.  The back of the barn collapsed.  She could hear Michael calling for her and Kitt spraying more CO2.  Time was running out.  She refused to leave him.  There had to be a way to get him out.  Dropping the shank, she spotted a whip across the isle.  In a last ditch effort, she moved in behind him, saying a quick prayer to whoever might be listening, she let the whip fly.  The first crack landed on his rump, causing him to kick out, grazing her shoulder.  Recovering, she began again.  He'd jumped forward a fraction.  Again and again she hit him.  Slowly, bumping into walls he crept forward, closer to the door.  Her energy was waning, her hand felt glued to the long whip.  In his thrashing, he'd loosened the blindfold.  Seeing an escape from the beating, he lunged for the door.

        Michael dove for cover, as the horse passed him at full tilt, heading for his friends in the far field.

        Turning to the barn, Michael realized Jamie had not emerged from the burning building.  Fear gripped him.  Without thinking, he charged in.  Beside the front stall, she lay crumpled, coughing madly.  Stooping, he picked her up, running out as more boards snapped behind them.

        Kitt followed behind until Michael stopped a safe distance from danger.
 

        "Kitt?" He asked, coughing himself as he lay her on the ground.

        "Smoke inhalation and...." Michael looked up at his partner as he paused. "Dear God, her hands." Lifting her wrist, he choked back the bile that rose suddenly at the sight of bloody blisters and torn flesh.  It was a good thing that she was half unconscious. She would be in unbelievable pain.  In that moment, as the view pulled at his heart, he gained a new respect for the woman lying across his lap.  He hadn't heard a complaint, only soft encouragement to each horse as she lead them out.  Her eyes had said nothing to him while passing horses off, without a moment's hesitation, she rushed back into the barn. Her face was covered in soot, the small burn marks and scratches showing red.  On her shoulder, a clear hoof print was staring at him from her once white shirt.  Gently, he brushed a lock of filthy hair away from her face.  Her eyes were closed, the lids holding a blue tinge in the glare of Kitt's headlights.  Periodically, a coughing fit took her.

        "Emergency unit ETA is another five minutes."  Michael nodded to his partner, as he held her.
 

*

         Standing with Michael and Kitt around noon, the fire felt so much further behind them than eight hours.  Kitt was scanning the charred remains, searching for a cause.  Her hands bandaged and she cradled her sore shoulder as she walked around the what was left of the structure.

        "I think I may have something."  Kitt announced, Michael faced him, waiting.  "If you turn to your left, four steps from the doorway, you will find some wiring."

        Reaching up, Michael pulled the metal sheathing away from the wires, exposing what was left of them.  "Were they cut or chewed?"

        "It looks like they were stripped.  There is what looks like metal particles inside the tubing."

        A board snapped under Jamie, causing her to lose her balance,  hitting the wall with her bad shoulder, Michael caught her waist before she buckled.  Taking a shaky breath, she stepped away from him. She'd taken the mildest of painkillers the doctors allotted her.  She refused to lay around with work to be done.  "I've seen some cruel things in this business, but this takes the cake.  They were ready to burn fifteen horses to death."

        "And done well enough to leave no trace." Ja turned glaring eyes at Michael. He shrugged apologetically, "metal particles are not proof of arson.  The mice may have chewed them, might be deterioration due to age, there are too many possibilities."

        Turning from the two, she made her way to the hill overlooking the far paddock, looking at the horses who narrowly escaped death a few hours before.

        "Ja?"  Michael walked up behind her, placing his hands on her arms.

        "Don't ever hold me back again, Michael.  I would never have forgiven you if one of them had died."  She strode from him, unaware of his pained expression.
 
 

        Flopping into the driver's seat, he let his head fall back to the rest.  "What did I do wrong?"

        "Nothing as far as I can see."

        "That helps....." Catching himself, he turned sad eyes at the modulator.  "Sorry Kitt."

        "She hurt you with that comment?"

        "Yes, though I'm not sure why."

        "She is feisty."

        Laughing for the first time in almost twelve hours. "She is that alright."

        "A perfect match for you."

        Eyes widened suddenly, "excuse me?"

        He could have sworn he heard Kitt laughing at him. "You heard me. Reverse the situation, if she had tried to restrain you."

        "I would have reacted angrily." He hated to admit it. "I think I should go talk to her.  Can you find her for me?"

        "Sitting on the bleachers."

        "Thank you." He drove back, parking behind the wooden benches.  Sitting inside, he watched the girl staring across the empty sand ring.  Her stance clearly stating the pain she was in.  'But like me, she won't take anything.'  Kitt pointing out similarities was a little frightening.

        With a determined sigh, he stepped out of the car.

        "Hey," he was not sure if this was the right way to approach her or not.

        "Hi."  She shifted to allow him up.  Smiling as she noticed his relieved expression. "Look, I'm sorry about what I said before..."

        "No you're not."  There was a small smile accompanying his words.  "Kitt pointed out to me that I would have reacted in a similar manner.  I only held you back because I didn't want you getting hurt....I know," he held up a hand. "It wasn't meant as a chauvinistic line.  I would have run in there too if I had a clue as to how to go about rescuing horses.  But when the last horse was out, and you weren't..."

        "I didn't intend to scare you."

        "No, that wasn't what I felt.  You do realize what you mean to me?  I've never had someone like you in my life.  I know it sounds cheesy.  Other than Kitt, you are the closest person to me."

        "Thank you."  Trying to hide her shy smile, she faced him. "The feeling is reciprocated.  I meant it when I said that I had no idea what it was like to love and trust someone so implicitly.  Until now."

        Gently reaching around her, he pulled her into a hug.  Being careful of her shoulder, he encouraged her to rest against him.

        Leaning into him, contentment filled her. She had been so frightened last night.  Not for herself, but for the horses.  They were trapped.  If she didn't get them out, no one would.

        "I've dealt with horses that have been in a barn fire before." She began in way of an explanation.  "There was this one mare.  Tiffany I believe her name was.  It took two years before she would step foot inside a barn.  On her withers was a patch of hair, a mixture of black and brown that showed really well against her golden coat.  A burning board had fallen on her.  All I could think of was her.  Her fear.  She was a lovely horse, outside."

        "And those horses are so young..."

        "I couldn't let that happen to them."

        Bringing her in for a closer hug, feeling her relax against him.  "I do understand.  My view saw you running in there and not coming back out.  Every time you went back in I had this sinking feeling.  Kitt kept his eyes on you, but there was so much going on."

        "How many times have you jumped in front of a bullet to save someone else?"

        "More times than I can count."

        "The horses are just as important to me, if not more so because we are the ones that imprison them in barns.  They are innocents, until humans taint them."

        "Then why did they fight?"

        He felt the smile against his shoulder. "Horses think that they are safe in their stalls.  I never really understood that aspect of horse psychology, but it's true."

        "Even if it's burning around them?"

        "Umhm." The anger had faded, as had the fear, leaving her almost helpless tucked against him.  She didn't want to move.  Hearing Kitt's scanner behind her, and Michael beside her....it was too nice.  There was no way this could last.
 

**

 
        Peeking into the shed in the middle of the day, making sure no one was around, Ja climbed into Kitt.  "How you doing Sweetheart?"

        "Fine Jamie.  What brings you to me?"

        "Worried about you.  I just wanted to be sure you where okay.  And obviously you're not."

        "Excuse me?"  It was just a tad too innocent.

        "You're lonely locked in here aren't you?"

        "Now that you mention it..." Kitt seemed to sigh.  "How long is Michael supposed to be away?"

        Jamie threw a surprised look at Kitt.  Then it dawned on her.  Trish had dropped the four day show on everyone.  Michael was to drive the rig, set up and help at the show in the neighboring State.  He wouldn't have had time to tell Kitt more than the briefest of details. "Two more days."  Reaching forward, she touched his dash. "How about you and me go for a drive tonight?"

        "I wouldn't want to inconvenience you."

        "Kitt. You, my Dear, are never an inconvenience.  But I understand you're missing Michael."

        "You care for him don't you?"

        "Yes." It was a simple answer, one she did not wish to expand on.  "I also care for you.  And I'd really hate for Michael to return to find his partner approaching insanity."

        "What time?"  Excitement was growing in his tone.

        "As soon as everyone's asleep, beep me, okay?"

        "What if I wake you?"

        "So, wake me.  Please.  You don't seem to understand.  I *want* to spend a night alone with you."

        "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were hitting on me."

        "You'd better believe it."  Before he could answer, Jamie exited the car and the shed, leaving with the impression he was laughing.

 

        "So what you so happy about?"  Rick startled her as she entered the barn.  The happy smile faded quickly with his leering.

        "Just spoke to a friend."  Trying to brush past him, he grabbed her arm.

        "I can bring that smile back."

        "I don't think so."

        "Only better."

        "Look Rick, I'm not interested.  I'm already taken."

        "Nice choice of words.  I'll take you anyway, any day.  While the cat's away, the pussy can play."

        "Piss off Rick.  Not in this lifetime." Shaking off his arm, she strode into the feed room.

        "Are you okay?"  Kitt's concerned whisper came over her comlink.

        "Yeah Kitt.  Thanks."

        "Are you sure?  Your vitals say different."

        Smiling, she sat on a feed tub. "Kitt you are wonderful.  Remind me and we'll talk about this tonight."

        "I'll be waiting."
 
 

        Shortly after midnight, Jamie lifted the roll up door, allowing Kitt to exit.  After shutting it as quietly as possible, she climbed into the already open driver's side door.  Kitt switched from auto to manual, surprising her.

        "You sure?"

        "Of course.  I've seen how you handle those horses, I'd like to know how you handle me."

        "Okay, hold on here.  Who's coming onto whom?"

        "It was a simple curiosity."

        "I don't believe a word of it Sweetheart.  You've been around Michael too long."

        "I find that mildly insulting.  I have far better 'lines' than he does."

        Feeling better than she had all day, Ja shifted the car into gear and snuck off property. "Any ideas as to where to go?"

        "Michael usually parks on the ridge to the north. It allows for full view of the property, without being spotted."

        "Okay, that's where we'll go."  Following the directions, it took fifteen minutes of the most effortless driving she'd ever experienced to arrive at the concealed location.

        Opening the driver's window, she hung an arm out.  The night air was still heavy, but the sky was perfectly clear.  She felt safe for the first time since Michael had left.  "I see why Michael enjoys this so."

        "What's that?"  Kitt's voice had the same contented quality as hers.

        "Being alone with you.  It's a safe and comfortable feeling.  It's been awhile since I felt this way."

        Slightly astounded by her admission, he paused before answering. "Thank you.  That was one of the highest compliments I've been paid in quite some time."

        "You're welcome."

        "May I ask you something?"

        "Sure Kitt, anything."

        "Why do you call me 'Sweetheart'?"

        "Do you really need an answer to that?"  When he didn't speak up, she shifted to an even more comfortable position, if that was possible. "Kitt, you are the most considerate person I know.  The most caring and thoughtful.  I just thought I could express my feelings towards you better by calling you that.  Does it bother you?"

        "No."  The firm, almost desperate word filled the cab.  "It means a great deal to me."  He was almost embarrassed by his outburst.

        "Good."

        "Now, on to the topic I was to remind you of."

        "Oh," she groaned.  "Kitt, what I'm about to tell you stays between us."

        "Alright."

        "Promise me, Kitt."

        "I will keep this between us."

        "Okay.  You know that I grew up at the estate with Jennifer and Garthe."

        "Yes, I'm aware of that."

        "What you don't know is that Garthe had a crush on me.  He would follow me around.  It was creepy.  As we became teens, it was apparent what he wanted."

        "But you did not share his feelings?"

        "No, he was more of a brother to me.  I loved him, but not like that.  One day he cornered me."

        "What happened?"

        "Devon walked into the room hearing the commotion.  He pulled Garthe off me and stood guard.  He had scared me more than anything.  But the memories are there, and with Rick looking at me like that, and saying what he did..."

        "Thank you for trusting me with this."

        "That was the easy part.  You are now one of four who know about this.  It was kind of nice to be able to tell someone about it."

        "Sleep Ja."  Turning with great affection to his voice modulator, she smiled.  Only Michael had ever called her that.

        "You sure?"

        "Yes, I'll keep an eye out.  I've grown used to Michael sleeping, it'll be nice to have you asleep in here."

        Turning, she snuggled in a surprisingly similar fashion as Michael before drifting off in Kitt's safety.

*
 
 

        Kitt had been keeping an eye out ever since Michael had left for the show.  After the previous night he felt a strong bond with the young woman on the end of the second comlink.  He was beginning to feel the same protective streak Michael did towards her.  She was a wonderful person.  Being one of the few who treated him with respect and love.  He cherished her for it.  Half an hour ago Rick had wandered in, drunk as a skunk, breaking a beer bottle over his roof as he passed the car, muttering something about having that chick.  Kitt only partially paid attention to him.  The guy would only hurt himself if he hit the car.  A funny feeling was hanging about his CPU.  He couldn't name it.  It arrived shortly after Rick left the shed.  When the ghost refused to leave him alone, he conducted a full scan.  First the property, every inch. All horses were as they should.  Then the house.  That's when it hit him.  There was someone outside Jamie's door.  A more thorough scan revealed Rick jimmying the handle.

        "Jamie!" If he could wake her, she'd have a chance. "Jamie wake up! Jamie!!"  Again and again he called.  She was beginning to stir.  Rick was in the room now, just about at the bed.

        "Jamie!"  One last try and he heard her intake of breath, seeing Rick in the room, a silhouette almost beside her. Rolling off the other side of the bed, she remained just beyond his reach.  Scrambling she looked for a way out.  Where he was standing blocked her only escape.

        "Come to me you little pussy.  You won't regret it."

        Her heart was pounding in her ears, beginning to block thoughts.  "Stay with me Ja."  Kitt's voice gave her the edge she needed.  Rick stood confused for a second. Chancing it, she jumped past him.  He was not as drunk as she believed.  He grabbed her arm, flinging her back onto the bed.  Climbing on, he began pulling at her clothes.

        "No!! Get off of me!!" Twisting, she upset his balance.  As he tumbled away, Ja jumped up and out the door.  Before she realized what she was doing, she found herself pulling Kitt's door open.  Closing it behind the terrified girl, he locked down.

        Furious, Rick had followed her.  Believing she'd made a grave mistake by climbing in the car, he yanked on the handle.  She cringed as the car rocked, then relaxed.  She was safe.  There wasn't a place more so than with Kitt.  Rick continued to thrash at the car, finding weapons to hit at the windows with.

        "I'd find this amusing if it weren't for the circumstances."

        She would not allow herself to cry.  Reaction or not.  "Thank you Kitt.  If you hadn't..."

        "But I did." His tone was gentle, his worry was intense.  "You're safe, and you're unharmed."

        "How much longer before he wears himself out?"  She straightened her top over her track pants.  She longed for Michael to be witness to this.  If he'd have been here this wouldn't... But Kitt was.  Her breathing was returning to normal and tiredness rolled over her.

        "Do you want to talk about this?"

        "Later.  Please."

        "Michael will not be impressed."

        A small snort escaped.  "One of us had better be around when he first sees Rick."

        "I heard from Michael this afternoon.  They are en route as we speak."

        "Good." Rick had given up by that point.

       Looking directly at her, "this is not over.  Your boyfriend can't be around 24-7, and you can't spend all day hiding in your car."

        She shivered as he walked away, crossing her arms over her chest.  Kitt noticed the bruise forming on her arm.  He had not been gentle with her.  Michael was going to be gunning for the snake-like man when the news broke.
 

**
 

        "Michael."  Kitt cheered as his driver entered the garage the next night.  Once they were sufficiently away from the property, Michael pulled over.

        "Alright, what the hell is going on?"

        Michael had a right to be upset.  Jamie had barely acknowledged his arrival, only Kitt knew how her pulse had increased.  Any attempts to touch her were met with baffling results.  Twice she jumped away, like he'd burned her.  The third, she ripped her arm away from the gentle guidance Michael had offered; something he had done many times before without incident.

        "Kitt? Come on."

        "Michael, you don't understand."

        "Damn right I don't."

        "Michael you must calm down and listen.  This is upsetting enough."

        That caught his attention. "Okay, I'm listening."

        "Rick attacked Jamie."

        "What?!"

        "I managed to wake her up in time, but he still... "

        "He didn't..?"  Michael couldn't bring himself to say it.

        "No, he didn't." Michael's eyes closed in relief. "He grabbed her and forced her onto the bed.  She fought him off and came to me."

        "Thank you."

        "Why are *you* thanking me?" Astonished and taken slightly aback.

        "For protecting her for me."

        "I'm not sure she would see it in quite that manner."

        A knowing smile touched Michael's lips. "We need to get back."

        "She's frightened, but not of you."

        "I know Pal."

        "She needs you, whether she wants to admit it or not."

        "That's okay, 'cause I think I need her too."

        "That makes two of us."

        "She's touched you too, huh?"

        "Very much so."

        "Do I want to know what you two have been up to while I've been away?"

        "Most likely not."  The teasing banter helped.
 
 

        Jamie sat on the edge of the bed, every light in the room turned on, too strung to sleep, or even lie down for that matter.  Michael and Kitt were both off property, that left her feeling vulnerable.  Not something she liked.  She jolted when the door opened.  Relieved, she watched Michael walk in.

        Motioning her to the bed, he sat beside her, remembering not to reach for her.

        With as much gentleness as he could muster, "why didn't you tell me?"

        She had figured Kitt would tell him.  "I don't know.  I wanted to tell you." Staring at the carpet, shifting her balance to the right to keep from tipping into him.

        "What happened?  How about we start with that?"

        "Didn't Kitt..?"

        "I want your version."

        "I'm not sure... He's been making comments from the first day.  I
never thought he'd act on them.  Jeez.  I remember Kitt waking me, seeing Rick in here, standing beside the bed.  I slid off the other side.  He was drunk, I'm sure of that.  When Kitt called to me again, Rick paused, I figured that was my chance to get by him. I was wrong.  He grabbed me, pushing me back onto the bed...  At least he was drunk enough that I could shove him off.  I ran to Kitt.  That's it."

        "Are you sure?"  Her expression said different.

        "He said that he'd be back.  That you couldn't be watching me all the time and I can't hide in the car."

        "Have you spoken to Trish?"

        "No, there's no reason to."

        "Ja, this is called sexual harassment and assault.  Could could press charges if you wanted."

        "And Trish loses a good worker.  I can't do that to her."

        "So you'll risk getting raped over this?"

        "I just can't see him doing it Michael.  I don't know why."

        "Denial?"

        Shrugging, "maybe."

        She was determined, he had to give her that.  He also wasn't going to change her mind.  "Alright, I can't force you to take any action against him."  He reached up, running his hand down the side of her face.  "I'm just worried."  She didn't flinch away.  It was a good sign.

        "I know you are.  And I know Kitt is as well.  I have to be able to take care of myself.  I can't rely on you and Kitt all the time."

        "I'd like it if you did."  It was his turn to give a shy smile.

        Understanding his meaning, she leaned into him.  Relaxing as he lay back, holding her as they drifted off to sleep.
 
 

**

 
 
        Michael was exhausted.  He had dragged himself from the comfort of their bed, to spend yet another night with Kitt watching over the property for nothing.  No activity whatsoever.  He was frustrated and put out. The surveillance, plus the work during the day was wearing him down.  Kitt insisted that he sleep while they were up on the ridge, but since the fire, he hadn't been able to relax enough to get more than a few hours worth.   Jamie had offered to cover a night for him, he didn't feel secure permitting that.  Kitt would take care of her, he knew, but if she left his safety it would be too easy for her to get hurt.

        The dawn had broken with a brilliance rarely seen at this time of year.  There was no heavy fog to hinder the light or a person's perspective.  Coming onto the side street, he spotted the familiar horse and rider.  Catching up, he slowed the car to keep pace with Britt's easy stride.  Glancing back, Jamie's face broke into a challenging smile before gunning the mare.  Michael had to stomp on the accelerator to keep up with the sudden burst of speed.  Down the road they went, horse and car, side by side.  Man and woman smiling from the controls of their partners.

        Cutting in front, Ja jumped the ditch, beating Kitt back to the barn.

        "You cheated." Michael accused as he walked into the barn, finding Jamie smiling a little too brightly as she untacked.

        "You could have jumped the ditch if you wanted."  Mischievous grin on her face, she left him gaping at her.  Sometimes, it was just worth it, he thought.
 

**
 

        "They are getting too close." The female voice ranted.

        "They don't have a clue."

        "If you could see past your dick, you might notice."

        "Look, you asked me to do a job and I'm taking care of it.  Knight and his chick have no idea what's going on around them."

        "I don't give a shit about Knight. He can go fuck himself for all I care. But we have our orders and she has to take the fall."

        "I'm still working on that." The man admitted sheepishly.

        "You are taking too long.  It's going to be all our hides soon. I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of being stuck in this hell hole.  I want out.  Now."

        "I can't do this any faster.  If he'd just fuck her and get it over with...."

        "Then turn up the pressure.  He won't sit by and let her be taken.  God man, he's so fucking in love with her, but he's too blind to see it."

        The man smirked. "If I had her in my bed, she wouldn't get a full night's sleep."

        "Yeah, we all know that. There has to be a way..."

        "Let me talk to the others, see if we can arrange something.  He'll have to be around though; to comfort her."

*
 

 
        The entire trip had been in silence, she was too busy suffering from 'sweaty palm' syndrome.  The Board had never called her in before.  Not only had they called her in, they had called her away from an assignment.  The nagging feeling that she'd been ignoring since Devon asked her to join in, returned tenfold.  Stepping into the lavish Executive Retreat, she took a deep breath.  It had been a long time since she had last visited this building.  Wilton had brought her and Jen on a regular basis.  Childhood memories surrounded her as the doorman held the large, dark stained oak panel for her.

        The members had already assembled, leaving her the only one standing.  It wasn't that she felt inadequate, that wasn't what was running in circles inside her head.  It was the knowledge that they were out to get her and she'd willingly walked into their trap.  Sitting beside Devon, he nodded his greeting.

        "Miss Williams, I'm sure you wish us to get straight to the point."  Dave Wilkins had been a member for seven years.  She had known him to be ruthless, but honest. Yet, as he paced the far end of the long mahogany table, something told her that had changed.  Deep brown eyes turned accusingly to her.  "It is our understanding that you have been... compromised."

        "Excuse me?"  Her tone held none of the nervousness she felt.

        "Our reports indicate that you have been distracting Mr. Knight from his duties."

        Jamie turned to Devon, not sure what she was expecting to see, but the older man's jaw hung open in a way she had never seen before.  At least he did not believe this tidbit of information.

        Finding her voice again, "how, may I ask, am I distracting Mr. Knight?"

        "In layman terms; you're seducing him."

        It was her turn to gape.

        "I do not believe that either Mr. Knight's, or Miss William's private business is any affair of the Board's."  Devon could not believe his ears.  In all the time he had worked with Wilton Knight, personal matters were kept strictly out of the board room. And of all the people to peg moral indignation on, Jamie was not one of them.

        "It seems that a number of complaints have come in regarding Mr Knight's performance of late."

        "By whom?"  Devon took on the roll of defender for the young woman.

        "Recent clients, including the current assignment, also from within Knight Industries itself."

        "And what do you propose to do?" Jamie sat ramrod straight, the coming answer was one she knew she would not like.

        "Suspend your employment pending further investigation." There was a satisfied smile at her incredulous expression.

        "Have you spoken to Mr. Knight?"

        "Not as yet."

        "Then you have no grounds." Devon leaned over the table.

        "According to our mandate, if the board votes in favor, then any action may be taken."

        "This is not a unanimous vote."

        "Mr. Miles, considering your relation to Miss Williams, your vote is not valid."

        Jamie sighed, there was no winning.  Until they spoke to Michael and he confirmed that they were not involved, she was out of luck.

        "Miss Williams, you are dismissed from your current assignment and are to leave immediately."

        "And how, prey tell, is Mr. Knight to remain undercover in said assignment?"  She was seething inside, what Wilton affectionately used to call 'her red hair flaring'.

        "That is Mr. Knight's concern, not yours.  You are excused."

        Nodding she stood, leaving with her head held high.  She had nothing to be ashamed of.  She didn't notice Devon follow her.

        The car she had arrived in was parked down the drive.  During the short walk, her anger subsided marginally.  This had been a set up from the start.

        "Jamie." Devon called as she reached for Kitt's door.  He was amazed, finally seeing who she'd come with.  Facing him, she remained distant.

        "I had no idea."  He placed a hand on her arm, noticing her flinch.

        "I know you didn't."  Taking a breath, she leaned on Kitt.  Her shoulder was killing her, at least the makeup to hide the burns seemed to have done the trick.  As had the black gloves.   "Michael's going to flip."

        A humorless smile touched his lips, "he may very well do so."

        "They set me up."

        "I know."  He paused, looking around, seeming like he wanted to ask her....

        "Devon, no.  Michael and I have never made love.  I'm in love with him, I have to be honest with you, but that is not what we are to each other."

        Looking back to the green eyes, he was grateful for her intuition.  He did not want to ask it.  Looking at her, standing beside Kitt, in her black, snugly fitting pantsuit with a pale pink blouse.  Red hair framing her face and a headstrong determination in her eyes.  She would not falter, maybe with Michael, but he doubted even then.  He and the younger man had spoken of this young lady on a number of occasions.  If there was one woman Devon could see Michael with long term, she was the one.  "You've grown into quite the remarkable woman.  Wilton would be proud."  The tears shimmered for a second before she regained control.  "I have to say Jamie, I would have no reservations about you and Michael.  You are a daughter to me, as you were to Wilton, as Michael is like a son."  He had expected it, but the hug still caught him off guard.

        Stepping from Kitt's warmth, she was engulfed in Devon's.  "Thank you.  I love you too."  Devon's eyes closed over her shoulder.

        Stepping back, Devon held her arms for a moment.  "I'll look into this, to see if there is any validity to these accusations."

        "I know you will.  I'm going to break this to Michael."

        "May I make a suggestion?"  Her eyebrows raised in the silent question.  "Have Kitt with you, someplace inconspicuous."

        "Good idea." Standing on her toes, she kissed his cheek.  "You know where to find me." Turning back to Kitt, she settled in, hitting the ignition.  Devon smiled at how Kitt responded to her.  There were now four people who had driven him.  Family.  The word it him with a pleasant shock.  Bonnie, Michael, Kitt, Jamie and himself.  He suddenly imagined this was the way Wilton had always meant for it to be.
 
 

        Wilkins met Devon at the door.  "She arrived in the Knight Two Thousand?  If there was any proof we needed, that is it."

        "Why are you attacking her?"  It was a calm, collected question.  The dark man regarded his colleague for a moment.

        "Because she doesn't belong.  She's white trash who landed on her feet; with them spread, I may add."

        "And what if you are wrong?"

        The smile curdled Devon's stomach  "I'm not."
 

*
 
 

        Jamie drove back at high speeds.  She was still seething.  Michael was going to be pissed.  This involved him, whether the board considered it immoral for him or not.  They had, in actuality just insulted him.  Claiming that his performance of late was not up to snuff.

        "This is going to raise hell."  She had a very nice case of white nuckle fever on the wheel.  The pain in her hands was no comparison to the turmoil of emotions.

        "Why is the Board doing this to you?"

        Glancing from the road to the dancing lights, she sighed.  "That's a very good question.  I'll assume because they feel I landed my job due to my connection with Wilton and Devon."

        "And now that you are friends with Michael...."

        "That makes me an even bigger target."

        "Jealousy?"

        "I don't know about that Kitt.  I received very little money after Wilton died, most of it is tucked away.  Granted once I retire, I will have no worries.  For now, however, I have to work, just like everyone else."  Looking around, almost as if the passing fields could give her an answer.  "How do I tell Michael?"

        "Devon's suggestion is most likely the wisest."

        "I really don't want to involve him."

        "He'd want to be involved.  You are not the only one this concerns."

        "I know.  That doesn't make it any easier."
 

*
 

        "So?" Michael asked as soon as Kitt parked near the barn.  It had grown dark by the time she and Kitt arrived back at the farm.

        "So, we need to talk."  Climbing out of Kitt, she motioned for him to get in.  A disturbed expression crossed his face as she opened the passenger door.

        Michael was worried.  Kitt had not said word one and Jamie was closed into herself.  This was not like the two people he loved.

        Once Kitt stopped on the ridge, Jamie was out and sitting on the trunk, looking over the fields below. The ruins of the burnt barn drawing her eyes.

        "They suspended me."  Michael was standing beside her.  She couldn't look at him, but he was near enough that she could feel the
warmth of his body.

        "Why?"

        "Because they think I'm hindering your work."

        "How?"

        Here it comes, she thought to herself.  Taking yet another breath, preparing for the outburst, "by seducing you."

        His silence was more terrifying than the explosion she had been expecting.  Chancing his fury, she turned to him.  She regretted it immediately.  In his eyes burned a fire the likes of which she had never seen before.  There was a clear hatred in his rigid stance.

        "Michael please..."

        "Please what?"  Anger turned his voice into a growl.  "Let them use us as a tool?  I won't allow it."

        "We have to stay rational.  Your anger will only fuel them."

        "How so?"

        "Because they'll say that the only reason you're acting like this is because... you want me in your bed." She dropped her head.  Discussing this with Michael was more difficult than she had expected.

        Lifting her chin with his hand, he stepped directly in front of her, his left hand on Kitt's spoiler, forcing her to look at him. "We've shared a kiss, nothing more.  We can honestly say that we've never made love."

        She was close to breaking down.  Not something she wanted to do, especially with Michael watching her so closely. Leaning in, he touched his lips to hers.  When he drew back, an upset hiccup escaped.

        Seeing her hurt bothered him in a way he hadn't known before.  Pulling her into a tight hug, he held on to her as she shook.  Clinging to him as she fought for control.  "I won't let them do this to you."

        "It's not your fight." Her voice was gruff at his ear.

        "After all the times you've stepped in and helped me?  I can't stand back and watch.  They involved me as well."

        "Thank you."

        "For what?"

        "For not walking away."

        "Did you think I would?"

        "No, but it's what I'm used to." Nodding against her, they remained like that until she was nearly asleep in his arms.  Picking her up, he placed her in the car, taking her back to the farmhouse.
 

*
 

        Jamie woke to find Michael spooned around her.  She remembered taking off her suit jacket, but little else.  The stress of the day had taken its toll, leaving her exhausted and in his care.  She remembered how safe and relaxed she'd felt as he carried her in.

        His arm was heavy across her hip and she was slightly uncomfortable in her slacks. But the warmth held her.  His and the blanket around them.  At that moment, she could imagine her life held no problems.  Smirking at herself, she extracted herself from his hold.  Her life was not that simple anymore.  FLAG had finally found a way to be rid of her.

        She was sure she could stay on here.  Her lessons and training had picked up dramatically in the past few weeks.  Granted this was not as satisfying as FLAG, but she loved it just the same.  When she exited the bathroom, showered and changed into jeans for the day, Michael was sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for her.

        "Morning."

        "Morning, thank you for taking care of things last night."

        He smiled, slightly relieved. "Anytime."  Adjusting his position on the bed, he continued on from the night before.  "So what do they expect of you?"

        Having known he was going to need more information, she pulled the small bench up to him.

        "I'm to pack up and go home."

        "What about our cover?"

        "They said that was your concern, not mine.  I don't know if it's true, but someone here may be behind this."

        "In what way?"

        "I was told that there were complaints from our current clients."

        "That leaves a lot of open ground."

        "I know and I'm sorry."

        "For what?"

        "You don't need any more problems here."

        A knock on the door startled them both. With a quick invite, Trish walked in.

        "Good, I need to speak with you both."  Leaning against the wall, obviously perplexed, "would someone please tell me what the hell is going on?  I just received a call from the Foundation."

        "Boy they work fast." Jamie rubbed her temples with her hands.  "Basically, FLAG has had it in for me for years.  This," she looked to Michael, "is the perfect excuse."

        "You are my top trainer Jamie, I'm not letting you go."

        Smiling, Jamie faced the other red head. "I was going to talk to you today, asking for a more permanent job."

        Trish brightened immediately. "Yes, of course.  Please, this saves me begging later."

        Laughing, Jamie relaxed a bit. "I can't imagine you begging."

        "It has been known to happen."  Looking between the pair, Trish noted to herself that there was definitely something between them.  "Okay, I'll leave you two to figure out your side of this.  If you need anything, let me know. I'll handle the Foundation if they call back."

        "Appreciated." Trish nodded before heading for chores.
 
 

        Once the door closed, Michael faced the small redhead across from him.  "Was there anything else said?"

        "The gist of it was, I have been compromised, they received complaints from clients of late.  That I was seducing you and that was ....distracting you from your duties."

        "Well, this is a new one to me."

        "Do you think whoever is behind the fraud is behind this as well?"

        Michael's eyes widened slightly as he considered that.  "It's possible."

        "But you don't think so?"

        "No, it doesn't sound right."

        "Okay, I trust your judgement."
 
 

**
 
 

        Dave Wilkins stepped out of his Jaguar, curling his nose.  The farm was a pleasant sight.  It was well taken care of and well run by the looks of things, but it was still an animal farm.

        Glancing towards the barn, he spotted Jamie and Michael.  Anger at her defiance swamped him.  That piece of white trash sure did know how to throw hay bales though, he watched her, appreciatively for a moment.  Michael stood on top of the tall red and green wagon, tossing bales down to the girl below, who then threw them into the barn.

        "Miss Williams, I need to speak with you."  His tone was harsh, demanding.

        Glancing at Michael, she informed the next in the brigade that she had some business that had to be taken care of.

        Head held high, she met him by the parking area. Seeing why she left, Michael had jumped down as well, one fluid movement that caught Dave's eye.  He had never met Michael Knight before.  The man was impressive.

        "Miss Williams, your orders were clear."

        "I'm aware of your orders, but while I'm on suspension, I've taken a job here."

        "I don't believe you."

        "Feel free to speak with Trish, she will verify my employment."

        "Anything to stay in his bed huh?"  He leaned in, almost hissing at her, fingering a stray hair away from one of the burns.  "Looks like he's a little too rough for you."  Eyes flashing in fury, she spun on her heel.

        Grabbing her arm, he swung her back to him, his intentions clear.

        "I don't think you want to go there." Michael's voice was as sharp as a sword.  Ripping her arm from his grasp, she stepped back, closer to Michael.

        "So I see it's true.  I would have figured you had better taste, Knight."
 
        Kitt had picked up the raised vitals and scanned the area.  He did not like the scene in the driveway before him.  There was a large red mark on her arm, beginning to bruise.  Michael was rigid in his fury.  Kitt felt a tingling of pride as Michael kept his temper.  This was a delicate situation.  One wrong move could jeopardize her chances with the board.

        "I'm not sure what's going on here, but I intend to find out."  Michael's words could only be taken as a threat by someone who had something to hide.

        Dave had always prided himself on being clever.  He caught Michael's innuendo and let it pass, following another path. "May I remind you, that this assignment is top priority."

        "I'm well aware of my responsibilities.  Are you?"  With that, they headed back towards the barn.

        "How's your arm?"

        "Sore, but thanks. I have no idea why he thinks I'm so..."

        "We'll figure this out."  He stopped her. "You have nothing to be afraid of.  I'll back you up."

        "So will I."  Kitt had stood watch for the past few minutes and had waited until Wilkins had left before speaking up.

        Hugging Michael briefly, "thank you.  And if I could, I'd hug you too Sweetheart."  She glanced at the black car that sat in the sun beside where they had paused to watch Wilkins drive away.

        "How come he gets the affectionate names?"

        "Cause you get the hug."  With that, she jogged back over to the barn.

        "Just think Michael, she'll never kiss me."

        Firing a smug look behind him, "don't be so sure."

*

 
        Feeling one of the youngsters understand a new training idea was always a great high.  Especially after all that had been going on in her life, it was nice to literally feel the lightbulb turn on in the horse's head and he says 'okay, I got it now, you want me to do this...' and he does it.  This particular young un' was learning to leg yield, to move sideways, away from the rider's leg.  Granted, it wasn't anything to write home about.  Stranger was having a difficult time figuring out what to do will all four legs to make this happen, but he was giving 110 percent effort.

        Michael sat on Kitt's hood.  He'd just finished his lunch and was enjoying watching her ride.  He hadn't had much time to just sit and watch.  He'd been there when the skittish dark bay had run off the trailer a week and a half ago.  To see the horse now, was like looking at a different animal.  Jamie surely had the touch to calm any animal.  Come to think of it, she had the same influence on him.

        Her smile was the brightest he'd seen since the fire only three days ago.  He could hear her softly praising the young horse as he began to untie his legs and move sideways with rhythm.  They had just moved into the trot and he was finding it easier to accomplish her wishes in this gait.  Ja had refused to give up on him.  He was an off the track Thoroughbred that no one liked.  He was too flighty they said.  Ja saw a beautiful mover who was afraid of his handlers.  She had made a point of making him see that all humans weren't abusive.  Once he trusted her, his training progressed in leaps and bounds.  He still wasn't sure about having other people on his back, but anyone could handle him on the ground now.

        The shot rang out through the peace.  Michael jumped off the car, well aware that there was nothing he could do.  The horse reared to his full height.  Ja grabbed around his neck, attempting to settle him back on his feet.  Stranger lost his balance at full rear, toppling over backwards, onto his rider.

        Ja felt herself hit the ground.  It was a jarring thud that knocked the wind out of her.  She lay there, on her back, gasping for breath, feeling something heavy across her leg.

        Michael reached to lever the horse off the girl on the ground.  He managed to get him shifted enough for Ja to scramble out.  She looked unharmed, though very pale and still fighting to allow air into her lungs. Pulling off her helmet, flinging it aside as her eyes locked on the horse lying in front of her.  He had tipped his head back, looking at her with pleading eyes.

        On her knees, ignoring Michael, she crawled to his head.  There was blood on his side, the bullet had gone through the girth.  Cradling his head, unable to stop the tears, she stroked his face.  He settled into her lap, eyes filled with pain, almost begging her to make it stop.

        Michael watched as Trish ran into the sand ring, stopping beside the fallen horse, her hands covering her mouth.  Having gained a slight knowledge of horse anatomy, the bullet most likely punctured his lung, maybe even his heart.  He was slowly and painfully dying.

        Jamie looked up at her friend as she laid a hand on Ja's shaking shoulder.  Stranger was Ja's accomplishment.  The rogue she'd brought round to be a sweetheart.  A very talented one at that. Reaching around the horses head, she hugged him.  Michael couldn't make out what she was saying to the dark horse, still, he felt his own tears rise. With one last grunt, he watched the horse go limp in Jamie's arms.   Trish nodded to Michael.  Pulling Ja away from the horse, she struggled at first, then let herself be lead away.  She never took her eyes off her new friend.  He didn't deserve this.  She barely felt Michael's arms holding her, he was unable to keep a hold on her when her legs gave out.  Immediately he was down with her, trying to comfort her as she sobbed, clutching his shirt.  Trish had backed away from the horse, dropping heavily onto the mounting block, staring at him, tears running freely.

        Wrapping his arms tightly around Jamie, he vowed to find the person behind all this.
 

*
 

        "You dig up anything, Kitt?"  Feeling drained himself, Michael dropped into the car.  He wanted answers.  Jamie had just fallen asleep.  She had helped untack the horse, then stood by as he was loaded onto the dead stock trailer.  By that point the tears had stopped and she stood completely numb.  Anything would have been better than that.  Michael could have handled being yelled at better than the stony silence.

        "I have looked into two things."  Even Kitt's voice had a hardness to it that was unfamiliar to Michael.  "The bullet came from the ridge we frequent.  By the time I traced it back, the gunman had fled and it was beyond my surveillance mode's range to track."

        "And second?"  Michael's brain felt like it was Jello inside his head.

        "The owner of said horse recently increased his insurance policy from ten thousand to fifty thousand dollars."

        "How recent?"

        "Two days."

        "Just after he learned how well his horse's training was proceeding." Jumping out of the car with a renewed sense of purpose, he went in search of Trish.
 
 
 

        "You're kidding?"  Trish stared dumbfounded at the man leaning against the wall in her bedroom.

        "I wish."  Was all he could think to say. Trish had not fared well today either.

        "They would have happily taken a rider out as well?"

        "I think someone knows we are on to them."

        "So it is fraud? This is ridiculous.  I've heard stories of the lengths people will go to weasel money, but this...?" Pausing, she took a good look at Michael. His eyes had dark blue bags beneath them and he looked horribly haggard.  Ja would have kept to herself as much as possible, but the strain was still evident.  So were his feelings for her.  "Why don't you call it a night?  It's been a rough day on us all."

        "That obvious is it?"

        "You look terrible." There was a small, sad smile on her face.

        "Thanks." He did return the smile.  He liked Trish, had right from their first meeting.  The woman was hard nosed and single minded in some cases.  He believed that came from the business she was involved in.  People were extremely fickle.  Those that knew little about horses were the worst.  Having heard some of the arguments between her and clients, he understood her 'it's my way or the highway' attitude. Nodding his goodnight, he left.

        Stepping into his room, he was surprised to find it empty.

        "Kitt?"

        "She's on the bleachers in front of me."  Kitt interrupted, knowing what his driver wanted. He also kept his tone light to let Michael know she was alright.

        Grabbing his jacket, sighing, he went in search of Jamie.
 
 

        Sitting on the top of the bleachers, she felt a little more at ease.  Stranger's death had been nagging at her all afternoon and evening.  Maybe she could have prevented it.  Kept him moving, something to stop his needless death.  She hadn't realized how much that horse had come to mean to her.  She had fallen in love with his big brown eyes.  He trusted her and she'd failed him.  She wasn't sure if she'd feel worse if it had been Britt. Britt had been her first turn about horse.  Stranger had been her second.  Both looked at her like she was omnipotent.  If only she could have lived up to that.

        Kitt had parked across from her, close enough that she could see his scanner, but not invading her privacy.  More like he was just letting his presence keep her company if she needed. The thought that he was also looking out for her safety crossed her mind as well.

        She heard Michael's approach long before she could see his silhouette in the dark.  Horses made certain noises, people were less discrete, and she knew Michael's walk.

        Sitting on the bench below her, he took her hand.  "You cold?"  She just shook her head.  "You know it's not safe out here."

        "Kitt's right there.  I just needed to get out."

        "There was nothing you could have done."

        "Are you sure about that?  Cause I'm not."

        "Ja," he began gently.  How the hell do you tell someone that someone else had basically taken a contract out on your friend. "Kitt and I did some looking into Stranger."  That caught her attention.  She faced him straight on for the first time since that morning. "His insurance policy increased by forty thousand dollars a few days ago."

        She rubbed her head with her palms.  Someone had issued his death warrant.

        "They would have killed him anyway.  This way he died happy and quickly."

        Nodding, she turned towards the north fields.  He could easily see the tear streaks on her cheeks.  "Michael, I need to be alone."

        "It's not safe out here."

        "I know, but I want to be..."

        "Alright."  There was no talking to her.  He had been there too many times not to understand the need.  Kitt would watch her.  "But if you're not inside in an hour, I'm carrying you back."

        Another brief nod.  He didn't like leaving her alone.  He didn't have much choice.  His body was telling him that he needed sleep.  Her depression was all encompassing. No matter how much he wanted to help her, he knew she had to find her way out of this hole.
 
 

        "Michael."  The call and the familiar double chirp woke him up.

        "Yeah Kitt?" He wasn't quite awake enough yet for his brain to function.  His body highly regretting being disturbed.

        "There is a man lurking around the property."

        "Where's Ja?"  Now he was awake.

        "Asleep on the bleachers.  I dare not call her and alert our visitor that she's there."

        "Gotcha.  I'm on my way."
 

        Ducking around a clump of bushes, Michael made his way over towards the sandring.  His first priority was to get Ja to safety.  Climbing through the bleachers, he gently touched her, ready to quiet her if need be.  Her eyes opened to him leaning over her with a finger covering his lips.  With a slight nod to let him know she understood, they crawled back under, then crossed the drive and into Kitt.

        "Okay Pal, where is he?"

        "Over by the main barn."

        "Is he armed?"

        "Not that I can tell.  Though he is carrying a strange device."

        "Define 'strange'?"

        "Some kind of a wire, almost like jumper cables, but with a plug attachment on one end."

        Ja reached for the door.  Kitt locked down just in time.

        "What do you know about it?" Michael had grabbed her arm as well.

        "It's used to electrocute horses. You attach the one end to any mucus membrane - nose, bum, and then plug in the other.  It's fast and untraceable."

        "I'm out of here."  Michael sprang out of the car.  Five or six running steps with his long legs and he was at the entrance.   "Where Kitt?"  Ja heard from the link.

        "Other end of the barn from your location."

        "Can you hit the lights?"

        A minute later, the intruder, who was dressed from head to toe in black was blinded by every light in the barn.

        Jumping at the man while he was incapacitated, Michael failed to notice one important detail.

        Seeing a large blur coming at him, the intruder held up his weapon.  Michael had no idea what hit him.  One minute he was almost on top of the would be horse killer, the next he was across the isle way, gasping for air.

        Kneeling beside Michael, Jamie helped him to sit up.  "What the hell happened?"

        "He had already plugged it in.  He got you right in the chest by the looks of it."  In the centre of his breast bone, an ugly scorch mark was rising.

        "Jesus, I feel like I've been hit by a sledgehammer."

        Leaning his head onto Ja's shoulder, he waited, gathering his wits again.  "Any sign of our friend?"

        "Long gone I'm afraid.  I was more worried about you then tracking him.  I'm sorry Michael." Kitt's voice came over Michael's comlink.

        "No problem, Pal."  Struggling, he slowly stood.  "Honestly, I'd like nothing more than a quick shower, then to crawl into bed."  Taking another look around, "Kitt is there any evidence in here?"

        "Nothing.  He took his device with him."

        "Great.  Let's call it a night."

        "I'll keep watch, though I doubt they'll try again."

        Ja trailed a soft hand over the roof as they passed the car. "Thanks for keeping watch."

        "All in a days' work.  I don't need to sleep.  You two look like death warmed over."

        "Thanks." Michael took her arm, guiding her inside.

*
 
 

        "Michael, can I get your help for a minute?"  Michael glanced over his shoulder, away from the stall wall he was fixing to see Beth's face peeking through the bars.  Making sure the boards were solid, and that all nails were flush with the wood, he stepped from the stall.

        "Sure.  What do you need?"  Following her into the main barn, she paused at the tack room door.

        "Trish wants my big tack box moved to the upstairs section."

        Michael groaned. "You had to sucker me didn't you?" She smiled apologetically, yet for some reason he didn't feel that she meant it.  "Is it empty?" She nodded. "Okay." Reaching for the handle on his side, he waited until she had a good grip on her end.  The box itself was about three feet high and about a foot and a half wide, but whoever made it, made it to last.  The wood was thick, making it extremely heavy.  Lifting it, Michael tried to keep most of the weight of it on his end.

        Slowly, they managed to climb the narrow staircase that lead to the loft, and into the storage area near the back of the barn.  Huffing a little, he slid the box against the wall. As soon as the box was in place, Beth dropped against it, trying to catch her breath.

        "Thanks, I wouldn't have been able to get it up here alone."

        "What did you make that thing out of?  Cement?"

        "No, oak." She shook her head, smiling at his comment.

        "That explains it." Shoving off the wall, he intended to get back to work.  He was almost done for the day, and was looking forward to a quiet evening on the ridge with his partner, then climbing into bed with Jamie for a full night's sleep.

        "So tell me," Beth blocked Michael's way, stepping into his personal space. "Why did you stop riding?"

        Taking a step back, Michael found himself cornered against the door frame. "Lack of time, no other reason."

        Approaching him, placing a hand in the center of his chest. "Too bad, a man like you belongs in breeches."

        Grabbing her hand, and removing it, Michael shook his head.  He had been waiting for this. "Look Beth, as flattering as this is, I'm really very happy with Jamie." Smiling, he realized just how much truth there was in his statement.

        Ignoring him, Beth curled her fingers around Michael's. "So why not broaden your horizons?" Her other arm slid up onto his shoulder.

        Letting out a long breath, looking down at the eighteen year old that was half leaning on him.  "Look," taking hold of both her shoulders, he pushed her back slightly. "We can't do this."

        "Yes we can." Her voice had taken on a sultry tone. "Anything she can do for you, I can do better."

        Michael chuckled, not believing what she was offering. "That's not the point." He continued gently. "There would be something lacking." Something he never wanted to be without again.

        "Like what?" God, she was so naive in so many ways.

        "Like caring and love.  I've been without it before, and maybe one day you'll be lucky enough to experience it."  With a slight squeeze of her shoulders, he brushed past her.

        Beth watched Michael jog back down the stairs.  She couldn't remember the last time anyone had turned her down.  A spark of anger ignited in her.  How dare he? What was love anyway?  A romantic ideal, nothing more.  A plan began forming in her head.  There was always a way.
 
 

        Beth kept an eye on Michael and Jamie for the rest of the afternoon.  Though they passed each other often, and yes, there was something between them, something was also missing.

        "Failed in your latest conquest have you?" Beth whirled at Rick's voice in her ear.
 
        Glaring at him, "I haven't failed yet. I'm still plotting." The self assuredness the sentence caused Rick to smile. "Look at them, what do you see?" Beth gestured towards Jamie and Michael standing in the fading sun just outside the second barn.

        "I don't know, why?"

        "Do they look like lovers to you?" Rick watched the interaction for a moment.  Then it hit him.
 
        "They barely touch."
 
        "If I had him, I'd never take my hands off him." Rick smirked thinking he'd do likewise if he had Jamie.  "I can get him yet."
 
        Laughing to himself, Rick walked away from the girl.  Her ideas were contrary to the original plans, but what the hell.  The more that little red-headed tramp suffered the better.  Now if Beth actually succeeded in stealing Knight, that would just be icing on the cake, in his opinion.

**
 

        Parked up on the ridge, Michael sat on Kitt's hood, gazing over the property. The arena lights were on, meaning that Jamie was still teaching.  She had told him in passing that she would be working late tonight.  He'd had no idea that she meant 11 pm. He knew all about wanting to please clients, but this was crazy. Jamie would be up at 6, as usual, the next morning and would continue on.  A workaholic, just like him. He was almost overly eager for all the lights to go out, so he and Kitt could return. To spend a full night cocooned around Jamie sounded like heaven to him.
 
        Closing his eyes, memories engulfed him, transporting him back to his first year with his partner.
 
~flashback~

   Michael surged up inside the moving car.  The dream had woken him with an incredible start.  For the life of him he couldn't remember what it had been about, but the feeling hung over him. A horrible, sinking feeling. Like something was terribly wrong, but he didn't know what.

        "Michael?" The now familiar voice drew his attention. Shifting, he found that Kitt had raised the seat back for him.  Settling against it, he rubbed his damp temples, wishing his heart would return to its normal rate.

        "I'm okay, Kitt."

        "Are you sure?"

        "Yeah.  It was just a bad dream."

        "Do you experience them often?"

        Michael smiled.  His new partner was so innocent, so curious. "Not so much anymore, no." Frowning, he still couldn't figure out what this dream had been about.  He was so used to reliving Tanya shooting him in the face.  This dream left him with a different feeling.  Not the terror, but a fear, a fear for someone else's safety. "Kitt..." This had been nagging at him, ever since he found out Michael Long was 'dead'.  But the dream renewed his need to know, filled him with an almost frantic desire.

        "Michael? What is it?"  Kitt had never seen his driver so agitated before.  It disturbed him.

        "I need a favor. I don't want the Foundation to know what I'm
doing. I know I shouldn't be asking this, I don't want to see these people, I just want to know where they are, that they are alright, that they went on..."

        "Michael..." Kitt's infinitely gentle tone interrupted.  "Let me prove to you that you can trust me."

        For a moment, Michael was left speechless. He was about to ask Kitt to break the rules, to become his confidant and he was sure the AI knew what they were about to partake in.  Michael wasn't sure what he was more shocked about.  That Kitt understood, or that he was more than willing to help.  A quick nod, then Michael began listing off names, both male and female, most accompanied with ages. In the end there were twelve names.

        "Is there anyone else Michael?"

        Taking a deep, unsure breath, "yeah Kitt, one more.  Stefanie Mason." Kitt noted the catch in Michael's voice as he spoke the name, but passed it off as a normal reaction.  These were all names from his 'past life.' A few had already been programmed into him.  They were people that Kitt was specifically ordered to keep Michael away from.  Looking at his driver, the disturbed expression, the frequent nightmares that had been steadily plaguing, and wearing down his friend.  He had to do something to ease Michael's mind. If gathering this small amount of information on these people would put his driver's mind at rest, then it was worth the risky task.

          Circumventing FLAG's tracers was simplistic.  They trusted him. Even the backup program was childs' play for the AI to avoid. Michael had managed to fall back to sleep.  They were still a number of hours drive from home.

            It didn't take long to gather the locations, the jobs and a few other small details about each person Michael had left behind.  Deciding not to wait, Kitt gently woke his partner, who was beginning to become haunted by another dream.

        "I have the information you asked for." Michael's eyes widened in the dark interior of the car.   Kitt smiled to himself.  Waiting for Michael to fully wake and stop fidgeting, Kitt then slowly told his driver about his old friends and loved ones. Periodically Michael's eyes would close and a small smile would touch his lips.

        "And lastly, Stefanie Mason."  With the simple mention of the name, Michael stiffened, his breath catching.  Kitt paused in confusion for a moment, then passed on the details of this woman's life.  Single, working as a law clerk, slowly working her way up.  Her job destination was not clear, but she had been working a great deal of overtime. "She appears to be very dedicated."

        "She is, Pal." Letting out a shuddering breath as a small tear ran down his cheek.  Kitt watched, not understanding Michael's reaction.  The young lady he had inquired about was doing well. Progressing up the corporate ladder, as Michael would say.  There was no call for the pained expression on Michael's face.

        It would be some time before Kitt discovered why Michael had asked about her, and for the AI to realize the full impact this woman had in Michael's life.  Over the years, they had bumped into 'Stevie' on a few occasions. Twice for business reasons and once to help Michael regain his will to live after his life was almost cut short by another gun shot wound.  Michael never lost track of her during that time.  There were a few others they kept tabs on.  His mother for example.  When times became rough for her, mysteriously, bills would be paid, or another good fortune would be bestowed upon her.  The two partners had accomplished this in secrecy for years.  Devon approached Michael about it only once.  To his credit, Michael refused to lie to his boss. Devon nodded, having his suspicions confirmed.  With a small squeeze to Michael's shoulder and an affectionate smile, the older man turned his back to their actions. Leaving both partners dumbfounded.

        Kitt also discovered what Michael considered a 'simple pleasure'.  When in great distress, when a case refused to leave him, Michael would seek out someone from his past.  Stevie more often than not.  Michael would park to watch them from afar for a few hours. His niece playing soccer one afternoon, his mother gardening another day and Stevie washing dishes another time.  After each encounter, Michael left with tears in his eyes and a renewed sense of dedication.

        "If I can spare others what my family went through, then this is more than worth it."  Michael explained one day while they were watching the newest member of the Long family learning to walk in the grass of his older brother's front yard.

        "But..." Kitt had not been able to voice his question, unsure of how to ask Michael about this confusing situation.

        "How many lives have we saved, Pal?"

        "Too many." Kitt responded dryly.

        "Exactly." Taking a deep breath as the youngster crawled madly between his parents. "What if it had been him?"  Michael motioned towards his brother with his chin.  "I may not have had the same conviction that I do now. Everything happens for a reason and the suffering that we experience is nothing in comparison to what others do.  I have a family Kitt. You, Devon and Bonnie; *we* are a close knit family. I've never trusted anyone the way I trust them, the way I trust you."  With one last quick peek at the small boy, Michael hit the ignition button, smiling as Kitt's engine roared to life. "I have everything I want in life, and more so." Putting the car in gear, he pulled out from the curb, passing the house on his way back to the highway.
 
~end flashback~
 
        Looking down as the arena lights flickered for a second, Michael knew he had been wrong.  He had assumed the Stevie's death had been an omen; that he couldn't risk a loving, permanent relationship.  Jamie was showing him just how wrong he had been.  That he was missing a very vital part of life.  Something Kitt couldn't supplement, only compliment.  Hitching his ankle further up his knee, he realized that he hadn't looked into his family in a few months. Granted, work had been hellishly busy, but his free time had been taken up with Jamie. Once this case was solved, maybe it was time to show Jamie the other side of his life.  To let her see his family, to allow her fully into his life.

 
        "Michael?" Kitt's voice softly drifted into the night air.

        "Hummm?"  Michael didn't want to move from his perch over Kitt's right front tyre. One foot on the ground, the opposite ankle hooked over his knee.  He felt content to sit and overlook for now. He was tired and confused.  Nothing made sense to him.  This whole case jumbled about inside his head, not following any particular pattern. There was always a pattern.  Why couldn't he see this one?
 
        "I've conducted that research you asked for." Michael turned his head slightly towards the windscreen.  "Horse mortality is the most common of insurance policies.  There is no regulation on these policies.  The horse must pass a vet inspection, but the owner often chooses whatever amount they feel the horse is to be insured for."
 
        "Companies don't look into this?"
 
        "It would be to difficult to moderate. There are millions of horses in the United States alone.  If there is a physical problem then yes, the insurance company intervenes, unless the horse is a breeding stallion."

        "So if I wanted, I could buy an old nag and insure it for say, fifty thousand?"
 
        "As long as you can submit a recent vet certificate to proclaim the horse is in good health, and you are willing to pay the costs, then yes."
 
        "That's crazy."
 
        "You must also understand that insurance fraud is also very uncommon."
 
        "Or so well hidden that no one notices."
 
        "That's a frightening possibility."

        "What does this mortality policy cover?"
 
        "From what I have gathered so far, it covers any naturally occurring death, accidental death, death by euthanasia - only if conducted by a certified vet - death caused by a natural disaster; lightning or earthquake for example and disease."
 
        "So what about the barn fire?"
 
        "Since the fire was deemed accidental, then the insurance companies will pay."
 
        "Does this mean you got your tyres on the police report?"

        Kitt made a snorting noise. "Bonnie forwarded it to me yesterday."
 
        "And?"  The suspense was killing Michael, and he was sure his partner knew it.
 
        "And it seems that the investigator determined that the wires were chewed by rodents.  The building has been surveyed every year by a qualified building inspector. Thus the insurance company is satisfied that this was accidental.  The police can't find any opposing evidence, neither can we for that matter."

        "Then why does this sit so badly?"
 
        "I hate to admit this, but I must agree with your gut feeling."
 
        "This is a set up."
 
        "And we are missing a large part of the puzzle."
 
        "Why the hit down the road?" Michael wondered aloud.
 
        "Mistaken property?" Kitt suggested.
 
        Michael made a disagreeable noise. "It's possible."
 
        "But unlikely.  Maybe as Jamie said, they were trying to divert the attention."
 
        "You wanna know what's sitting in my bones?" Michael paused, adjusting himself more comfortably on the warm hood. "I don't think the insurance is the real reasoning behind all this."
 
        Kitt was taken aback, to the point of Michael feeling the car jerk under him. "Then what...?"
 
        "I don't know Partner. But whatever it is, the horses are only a small percentage, possibly a convenient way of covering up the real cause."
 
        "Which is why we can't find a pattern."
 
        Nodding, Michael continued, "there is none.  This is designed to keep the police chasing their tails."
 
        "Or us." Michael spun to face the windscreen, his body stiffening at the possibility.

*
 
 

        Stepping around the car, Jamie watched as Michael fought to keep a hold of the rearing and plunging horse.
 
        'I don't have time for this' she thought to herself.  "Kitt?" Dropping into the driver's seat, she motioned to the rear view. "Do you mind?  I really need one?"

        "Not at all."  Amusement could clearly be heard as he angled the mirror for her. "Are you alright?"

        Hands trembling, she applied her lipstick, "Yeah, I'll be better once I'm on horseback.  I'm a wreck until then."

        "So's Brittany by the looks of it."

        "She'll settle."  Jamie moved to check the 'Showbow', a hair net and ribbon attached to a clasp with elegance, used to keep her hair neat and tied back.

        "You sound very confident of that."

        "She always has.  She hasn't killed Michael yet, I figure that's a good sign."

        "Excuse me?"

        "Britt hasn't always had the kindest owners.  I purchased her off  people who were about to send her to the meat market, citing her as too vicious."  Finally satisfied, stepping out of the car, Michael lead Britt over. Kitt was parked on the far side of the trailer with a clear view of the ring where he could tape her ride.  Seeing her mum, Britt calmed, dropping to lick the car while Michael helped Jamie with her tail coat as she slipped it on.

        "I beg your pardon!"

        "Take it as a compliment Sweetheart, the only other car she's licked was mine."

        "How comforting." Both Jamie and Michael threw amused smiles at the Trans Am.

        "Can you give me a leg up?" Picking up her reins, she turned to Michael.

        Without a word he reached down to grab her ankle, lifting her up with ease.  Shifting into the saddle, she arranged her double reins.  Michael was still holding the bridle, near the bits.

        "Is the tape ready?"

        "Of course.  I'll hand it to the steward while you're warming up."

        "Thank you, both of you."

        "Welcome." Reaching up, he placed a hand behind her neck, pulling her down to place a small kiss on her lips. "For luck." Was the soft explanation.

        The gentle kiss was enough to cause her to forget where she was.  Even Britt acknowledged his gesture by tucking her head into the crook of his arm, her forehead against his chest.  Then pushed him, hard enough to throw him against the car.

        Laughing Jamie swung her around, "show time."

        Crossing the grounds Jamie felt her nerves kick into overdrive.  Her fall off of Leroy had slowed her training considerably.  When she was able to ride again, she had to be very careful.  Something she was not good at.  Once she was sure she could ride without reinjuring her lung, she jumped back in full throttle.  This show being her ultimate goal.  At this particular show, it was rumored that the scouts were out.  The ones who controlled sponsorships, as well as the ones who kept their eyes out for potential Olympic team members. Taking a deep breath, she rode to the warm up ring. It truly was the creme-de-la-creme here.  Yes she knew she and Britt were good, but riding a thoroughbred in the upper level dressage classes was frowned upon.

        Entering the sand ring, the world began to fade.  There was only the horse beneath her and her warm up.  Slow and steady, following the plan she had set for herself.  She was vaguely aware of the other's leaving for their tests.  Her time was set and Kitt would beep her five minutes before she was to be in the ring.
 
         The warm up was not fancy.  Jamie had specifically planned on saving the 'tricks' for the Kur itself.  Britt would be fresher, more willing.  Right now, she was trying to bore Britt out of her skull with basics.  Bending, stretching.  All the building blocks that strengthened and were down right tedious.  Three gaits - no extensions or collections.  Two directions, nothing smaller than a ten meter circle.  The mare would tire too easily as it was.

        Her comlink chirped, startling her out of her concentration.  Looking up towards the competition ring, she noticed how many people surrounded it. Taking a deep breath, she made her way over to Michael who was ready to brush off Britt's legs, and give her boots one last wipe.
 
        Looking up at the woman on horseback, Michael was startled to see the determination on her face.

        "This is it Beauty, lets show 'em." Ja whispered into the mare's ears, too focused to acknowledge Michael walking beside them.

        Walking into the dressage ring as Children by Robert Miles began, she felt Britt puff up under her.  Britt knew this tune and its meaning.
 
        Sitting on the hill off to the side, Michael felt a sense of pride invade him.  The tune Ja had picked was perfectly suited to the pair.  New Age enough to have a good catchy beat, but classical sounding enough for all ages to appreciate.  Britt flowed to the music. Covering the ground with ease.  The mare had no right being this strong after all her down time.  Most people trained for years to maintain this level of fitness. But Trish had pushed, and with all the crap going on in her life, Jamie responded to the pushing. Riding both herself and the horse at overly demanding levels. Granted, Britt had been to this level before Jamie had to give up riding.  And the mare was certainly just as hard on herself as the woman riding her.  Perfectionists, both of them.  Yet, when it all came together, the two appeared to be one, giving the true 'Dance of the Centaur'.  Michael was not naive.  He had seen the battles, the stresses of training, but today, they worked together. The trot on the spot - piaffe - if he remembered the name correctly, had the greatest degree of difficulty. It was something Jamie worked on over and over again.  He had heard the girls commenting behind her back that she was going to ruin the mare. Jamie believed that Britt needed the confidence; she appeared to be right.  The mandatory tests required 15 steps of piaffe, they did 60 odd. A show of pure strength, Jamie once said to him. They moved onto the floating trot - passage - he recalled.  It was Britt's favorite 'trick' and again it showed as they glided over the ground with the highly suspended steps.  Jamie's eyes were almost turned back into herself as she rode each movement. The flying lead changes at the canter amused him.  The horse looked like she was skipping across the ring, yet another 'trick' that Ja and Britt had to work for.

        Jamie had left the extended gaits for the end.  Most horses tired after the 5 or 6 minutes it took to ride the freestyle to music, but Britt knew the most difficult moves came last and seemed to gain energy through the test, powering through her gaits, ears flapping to the side in total trust and relaxation. He caught Jamie's eye as she crossed the ring towards him and she smiled, a bright, full of joy expression.  She knew, there was no way she couldn't.  Just like he knew when Kitt was giving him more than 100 percent.  The canter pirouettes were the end and Britt added a little extra gusto to them. He had watched her perform this Kur at home and at the few other shows they had been to, and it had never come across with such fluidity and grace.  The halt and the salute.  He would see Jamie's beaming smile from the side.  They were both huffing, but bright eyed and bushy tailed.  Britt's ears pointing directly at the group of people on the hill as they exited the ring.

        For a moment, there was silence, then applause.

 
        Walking out of the ring, she let Michael lead Britt back to the trailer.  Not something she normally did, but she knew her own body.  Jamie dismounted and two strong arms prevented her from falling backwards as her legs gave out.  Leaning back against him, allowing him to hold her up for a second, Jamie found her bearings.

        "Let me take care of her, you go rest." The concerned voice from behind her ear instructed.

        "No, I've got it."

        "No you don't." To prove his point, Michael backed from her, causing her to grab the saddle to keep her balance.

        "Sit."  He deposited her on Kitt's hood.  Reaching up, Ja fed Britt a few mints from her groombox.  The mare looked as tired as she felt.  Pride had kept them at top performance, now they were just plain tuckered.  Britt paid little attention to Michael as he stripped off the tack and rubbed her down with liniment.  Instead she mooched more treats from her mum, receiving a large, happy smile in return for her antics.
 

        Relaxing in the passenger seat of the Trans Am, Jamie let herself doze as Michael followed the trailer back to the farm.  Glancing over Michael's shoulder, her fourth place ribbon flapped in the breeze where it hung over her jacket on the coat hook inside the car.  Realistically, it was a fabulous placing.  When being honest with herself, she was disappointed. But her competitive side had always driven her very hard. Michael had been so proud of her, so had Trish.  Britt was exhausted, having used every fiber of her being to produce such a spectacular test.  She would need light work for the next few days, as would her rider.  She had not been approached, but Michael had overheard a number of positive comments after her ride.  'It was a great ride.' Jamie told herself.  They would only get better.  Yet somehow, something was nagging inside her.  She couldn't finger what it was though.  An unrest within her was the closest she could pin down.
 

*

 
        Taking a seat beside Devon, Michael felt his suspicions rise.  He was tense going into this meeting of the Board, instantly distrusting.  Now that feeling grew in leaps and bounds.  Devon did not look happy.  Whatever had occurred before he was invited in had upset the older man.  'Invited', Michael snorted darkly to himself.  He was becoming more and more convinced that someone in the Foundation was involved in the fraud.  He had kept his thoughts to himself up to this point, having nothing concrete to base his theory on.  Making himself as comfortable as possible, the game began as the two members at the far end of the table whispered to one another.

        "Mr. Knight, you have been asked here to quell the rumors that you are involved in relations with Miss. Williams." Wilkins waited, focusing directly on Michael.

        "I would like to know why my personal life is suddenly at the forefront of every one's agenda?"  Devon mentally smiled.  Seeing for the first time why Michael partook in verbal mind games so frequently.  The simplicity in which he just turned the tables was laughable.

        "We have received complaints concerning your... effectiveness."

        "Then why not approach me?"

        "We are."

        "Only after attacking another member of this company, who has no involvement in my productivity."

        "Is that an answer?"

        "Isn't that what you wanted to hear?" Michael's eyes never left Wilkins's face.  He was beyond mad. They were trying to destroy the only woman who had accepted him for who and what he was.  "If you are so displeased with my performance, then maybe you need to find yourself another agent."

        "Michael?!" Devon's distressed call did nothing to hinder his conviction.  If they wanted to play games, he could play them.  Kitt was his, in every way.  If they forced him to leave, they would have a great many problems to deal with.  Not the least of all being a very pissed AI.

        "We are not looking to replace you Mr Knight.  I think we all realize that your success rate is extemporary.  We are just...concerned with these allegations."

        "Then why did you wait this long?"  There was something about Wilkins.  He just couldn't put his finger on it.

        "I'm sure you are aware of the 'red tape' involved.  However, it has been decided that you are to be excused from this assignment.  You are expected to return to FLAG headquarters Friday night."  Michael's mouth opened, then shut again.  Glaring at Wilkins, he stood.

        "This is not over yet."

        "I hope it is." Wilkins replied pleasantly.  "It would be a great loss to the Foundation if you were to lose your focus."

        Stalking out of the boardroom, Michael didn't look back until Kitt's door closed behind him.

        "Just what the hell was that?" Michael's eyebrows rose in reaction the Kitt's fierce question.

        "If they can't get Jamie away from us, then they will drag us away from Jamie."  Sighing, he pulled out of the lot.  "Kitt, do me a favor and block out all communications to FLAG."

        "Why?" There was no suspicion in Kitt's voice, dread possibly as Michael's eyes dropped to the voice box.

        "I need you to do something."  After a few seconds, a few lights inside the car changed, even the homing signal turned off.

        "We're alone Michael.  What is it you want to know?"

        "Two things actually.  First off, I want to know everything there is to know on Dave Wilkins.  Full background, the whole works."

        "I had suspected that request, what's the other?"

        "This is where it gets weird for me.  I'm going on a gut feeling here, Pal, so please don't ask me where I'm going with this."

        "Okay..."

        "Can you call up a picture of Wilkins, and beside it, a picture of Jamie?"  After a few seconds, both pictures appeared. "It's true isn't it Kitt?"

        "I think so.  I'll need a little more time to be sure."  Michael nodded, staring in disbelief at the two pictures in front of him, not even noticing when Kitt took control of the car.
 
 

        He had let Kitt drive them back to the farm.  His mind was in too much of a whirl.  How the hell was he going to tell her?  There was no way she could know.  Was there?  No, she would have mentioned it to him.  But thinking about it, she rarely, if ever spoke of her parents or other family.  God, how had he let himself fall in love with a woman he barely knew?

        "Michael?"  Lifting his head from where it rested in his hands, he waited for Kitt to continue. "I have the information on Wilkins you requested. It's pretty cut and dry." Michael smirked without humour.  "Born into wealth, his parents sent him to the best schools here in the States.  He and Wilton met during the second world war.  They were stationed together overseas for a number of years. After the war, Wilton established Knight Industries.  He, Devon and Wilkins were all original partners within the company.  Jamie's father was the next to join.  He had a vast knowledge in the medical fields.  He created one of the first working synaptic joints."

        "So they all knew each other."

        "Rather well from the information I have." Kitt paused, almost as if he was going over his files again. "Is it possible that Jamie's mother had an affair with Wilkins?"

        "No, I don't think so.  It doesn't add up.  If it had been a loving relationship, I can't see him treating Jamie like this."

        "Then I don't understand the connection?"

        Michael took a deep breath as an idea came to him. "Kitt, when I was a cop, Stevie and I used to go out regularly with a bunch of other couples.  A few were married, Stevie and I were engaged at that time, and the two others were long standing relationships.  One night, after Stevie and I had been away on vacation for a few weeks, we came back to discover a new ritual.  The evening started as normal, we went to the bar, had a few drinks, found a seat, had dinner.  Nothing seemed amiss at the time.  Good friends we had missed being with.  Then after dinner, Bill pulls out his hat and all the car keys get dropped into it.  Being as possessive as I was, I refused, and I'm very glad that I did.  The girls then took turns picking out a set of keys.  Whoever's keys they grabbed, they went home with."  Michael finished, still appalled by his friends actions.

        "You mean to tell me that they went with the men to...."

        "Yeah Kitt, they swapped lovers.  When they discovered that Stevie and I would have nothing to do with this concept, they quit asking us out."

        "But that's...." Kitt stopped, unsure how to describe his feelings.

        "I've run into these games a few times.  Once or twice I found myself in the middle of the mess, not realizing until it was almost too late what was going on.  In all honesty Kitt, I prefer one night stands over switch hitting with my best friend's wife."

        "Then I guess it's a good thing I don't have keys." Michael snorted.  "Jamie probably doesn't know."

        "I'm betting Wilkins does.  But I don't want to tip my hat just yet."
 
 

        Walking into the bedroom he had shared with Jamie for the past few weeks, he felt a loss, the beginnings of a depression lurking around his soul.  Yes, the work had been difficult. The demands he had placed on himself had taken their toll, and no, he hadn't solved the case - not yet anyway - but he wasn't about to give this up.  He would speak to Devon, alone, away from the Foundation about his suspicions.  He and Kitt had pulled in well after dark and he'd remained in the car for a fair chunk of time.  Both partners were silent, taking in the quiet night and the comfort of being with one another. He wasn't tired, not overly.  He knew he'd regret this late night in the morning, but that didn't seem to matter now.  Sliding the bench over, he sat, elbows on his knees, head in his hands and watched her sleep.  He still wasn't sure how he was going to break the news to her. Nor was he sure how he could protect her once he was gone.

        She slept so peacefully.  They had both been through a great deal of late, and he needed to see her like this; relaxed, content.  For the first time in a long time he wanted a relationship to continue.  He smiled as he watched her stir, knowing she wouldn't remain asleep.

        "Mi?" In her wakening state, her voice was foggy, not completing his name.  It wasn't the first time he'd heard her call him that, and he prayed it wouldn't be the last.

        "Hey. Kitt and I pulled in a short time ago."

        "How'd it go?" Sitting up, she leaned back against the wall, pushing her hair out of her face.  Resisting the urge to help her, he shifted from the bench to the edge of the bed.

        "They pulled me from the case." He answered, his voice monotone.

        Jamie's head dropped for a second. "I was waiting for this." Off Michael's confused reaction, "if they couldn't get me away from you, then they had to do something. This was the next logical step." Shrugging, Jamie looked at the man sitting beside her.  The man she had come to know so well.  It was all coming to an end and all she could feel was the loneliness.

        Sliding closer to her, unable to decipher her expression in the dark room, he placed his palm against her cheek, his fingers sliding into her hair.  Her skin was soft, warm, with a hint of her strength underneath. "I'm not leaving you Ja.  Nor am I dropping this case." His voice had dropped and deepened. "Kitt and I have a few things in the works." She nodded, suspecting as much from him. Leaning into his touch, closing her eyes, she worked to memorize the feel.  Placing his left hand on the bed beside her hip, he closed the distance between them.  Her heart jumped as she felt the feathery kiss.  Holding her, he increased the pressure between them, hearing her startled gasp when his tongue touched her lips.  There was only a moment's pause before she responded, allowing him passed her lips, then returning the caress.
  Her arms circled his neck, her fingers curling through his hair as the kiss lingered. Her heart was pounding in her chest, almost reaching to touch his.  She had heard this referred to as a 'soul kiss', and now she knew why. She had never known a kiss to effect her so.

        Pulling back, slightly breathless, he hugged her to him, not wanting to give up this intimate moment. "Go back to sleep." He whispered against the side of her head.  "I'll be back in a minute."  She nodded before he released her.  Grabbing his stuff, he stepped into the bathroom to change.  Joining her a few minutes later, he spooned himself around her. Using his arm as a pillow, she felt his other arm wrap snugly around her middle, holding her securely to him, granting them the most contact possible. Nuzzling into her hair, he closed his eyes, letting sleep take them away from reality for a few hours.
 

 *

        "He's leaving you hmmm?"  Jamie spun to find Rick standing very close to her.  Her heart jumped into her throat as she backed up a step.

        "We aren't breaking up, if that is what you are asking." Jamie's brain was not functioning as fast as she wanted it to.

        "Sure seems like it to me.  You just don't want to admit your feelings for me." Rick leaned in again.

        Shuddering, Jamie felt a dark cloud descend around her despite the evenings' warmth.  She should have known that this was how things were going to be. 'It could be worse,' she tried to convince herself. "The only feelings I have for you, Rick, revolve around revulsion." Stepping around him, she headed back to the house.

        Pausing behind the shed, Jamie could her the two girls talking.

        "He's an investigator?" Tasha's voice drifted clearly in the breeze.  "That explains the glamorous car, but what's Jamie doing with a man like that?"  Conflicting emotions warred inside Jamie.

        "I'm not sure. But they aren't lovers.  I wonder if he was stuck with her just 'cause of her horsey knowledge." Beth's comment bit deep.

        "She does know horses, and she can ride.  But other than that...." Picking that moment to reveal herself, Jamie fired a dirty look in the direction of the two girls, catching Tasha's half shrug as she rounded the corner.  Tasha at least had the decency to look shamefaced, Beth had no such concerns. Carrying herself high, trying to adopt Michael's arrogant stance, Jamie walked right on by.

        Closing the door to her room, she slumped against it.  She should have seen this coming.  After all the vicious comments, all the game playing, all their obvious advances towards the man she was falling in love with...

        Maybe it was time to consider her options.  She was good at her job at the Foundation.  Maybe she needed to find another job in that field.  Devon would give her a glowing letter of reference, as would Michael.  Lord knew they were both well respected in the investigative fields.  Pushing off the door, she walked the few steps to the bedroom area.  Michael's two duffle bags were on the bed, half packed.  He'd be leaving in the morning.

        How the girls had found out about what he was actually doing at Greenlands was beyond her, but now that the word was out, it would spread quickly.  It was all dissolving in front of her again.  All the nasty attitudes from Knight Industries came back to haunt her.  Grabbing her jacket, she headed out, not wanting to contemplate watching Michael finish packing.
 
 

        Jamie was walking down to the barn in the early morning sun. By the time she had returned last night, Michael was fast asleep. She had lay down facing him, watching him until she fell asleep.
 
        Glancing to the parking area, she watched as Michael closed Kitt's hatch.

        Seeing her, a smile crossed his face. Returning the smile, she walked to the partners. It would be strange not seeing them around anymore.

        "Where you going to leave without saying goodbye?" Jamie teased.

        "I'd never do a thing like that.  You have saved me the long walk back up to the house."  Jamie fired him a half dirty look, only to receive his laughing smile in return.

        Looking around it faded quickly.  "Jamie, I need you to promise me something."

        "What?" She couldn't understand the concern in his voice.

        "Be careful."

        "Michael, look, everyone knows why you were here.  I have no idea who found out, but the word has spread about you being an investigator."

        "Which means what for you?" Placing his hands on her shoulders, he
realized how much he didn't want to leave her.

        "The same as it did at the Foundation I guess." Tipping her head sideways, she squinted up at him.  She had never felt small when with him, but today, she felt tiny, inconsequential.  "They've already started.  I'm used to it.  It's no big deal."

        Michael sighed, not believing a word of it. "Just do me a favor and watch yourself.  This isn't over."

        Jamie wondered what he was referring to, the case or their relationship.

        "Ja, promise me."  Michael's stern voice brought her back from her thoughts.

        Glancing up at him, his blue eyes filled with concern, "I will Michael, as long as you do the same."

        "I'll make sure of it."  Jamie smiled at Kitt.

        "Take care of him Sweetheart, and yourself."  Jamie sighed, "before I forget."  Twisting her arm, she unbuckled the comlink and handed it back to Michael.  "I know you didn't like me having it in the first place.  And I never used it anyway."

        Taking it from her hand, Michael held it for a moment, then pulled Jamie into a tight hug. He wouldn't let this end.  He couldn't. Not this time. "I'm not leaving you Ja." Keeping her close he kissed her.

        This time Jamie broke the caress.  "I need to get a move on."  Her voice had a hitch to it Michael had never heard before.

        Nodding once, he moved to car. "Bye Ja."

        "Bye Mi." She touched Kitt briefly before walking away.  By the time she reached the bleachers, she heard Kitt's engine turn over and gravel spray as Michael drove out.  Her head dropped, feeling like she would never see him again.  She smirked as the movie Dirty Dancing sprung into her mind.  But this was real life, not a movie, and things like that didn't happen in her life.  Her fairy tale was over.

        Opening Britt's stall, she waited until the mare turned to greet her.  "Hey Beauty, it's just us now.  I guess it always has been."  Pulling the mare out, she began to tack up for her morning ride.

*

        He had called Devon, arranging the older man to meet with him as soon as possible.  They had both agreed that out in the open was their best bet.  Two hours out of LA, Michael pulled into the parkland conservation.  Spotting Devon's car, he parked beside the red convertible. The park was deserted at this time of day.  The gravel ended at a line of cement parking pillars. The grassland stretched out to a nearby lake.  From where he was parked, he could just see the rocky embankment. Trees lined the parking area and concealed it from the main roadway.   Sliding onto Kitt's hood, he waited for his boss to join him.  To anyone passing by, they looked like a father and son discussing business outside on a pleasant day. Kitt's scanners remained on full.  Not letting his guard down.

        "I take it you have something up your sleeve?" Devon settled comfortably against the red car's hood.  Michael had parked close so they could speak quietly.

        "I have a ringer for you.  How's this for a wrench in the works." Michael gathered himself.  Trying to keep the hostility out of his voice, "you think you know your friends, or at least I did years ago.  People can change, do things so far beyond what you consider within their personality." Devon was beginning to worry, it was not like Michael to ramble on.  He was well aware of Michael's feelings towards Jamie, but whatever the younger man had to say was disturbing him. "I had Kitt check out Wilkins." Devon had suspected as much.  He had done the same, sure as Michael was that Wilkins was hiding something. "During the Board meeting, there was something bothering me, but I couldn't put my finger on it.  Until I had Kitt compare the features of Wilkins with Jamie's." Devon's expression darkened.  It couldn't be. "68% match.  Wilkins is Jamie's father." The older man was silent for a moment as the initial shock wore off.

        "Are you absolutely sure?"

        Michael nodded sadly. "Kitt is."

        "I don't understand.  Then why treat her as he has?  Why alienate her?"

        "It's obvious he knows. I wonder if Jamie's mother wanted a child and the only way to accomplish this was to use Wilkins. Whatever the reasoning, he's after her now.  Whether he wants her, or wants her dead is the question." Devon frowned, throwing an appalled look at Michael.

        "I could never dream of treating my own child like that."

        "Me neither." Michael sighed, gathering his thoughts. "When Jamie was born, or even when her parents died, did Wilkins act strangely?"

        Devon took a moment before answering, recalling the times Michael was inquiring about. "I don't remember anything particular when Jamie was born, but I do recall that after Bruce and Gail died in the car accident, Dave did ask what was going to happen to their child.  I considered it a normal concern at the time.  Wilton immediately took in the child.  She was distressed, but understood the implications rather well.  She and Wilton had always been close, so the move was not an unexpected one."

        "I wonder if Wilkins wanted his daughter, but couldn't find a discrete way of accomplishing that."

        "If that's true, I can't imagine what must have taken place in his mind to twist that man to this degree."

        Sitting up straighter on Kitt's hood, Michael crossed his ankle over his knee. "What I want to know is whether this is all interrelated, or if the case and Wilkins sudden need to ruin Jamie's life is coincidence?"

        "That is a frightening thought." Devon watched Michael for a moment. "Tell me, what is the status of your relationship with her?"

        Michael smiled at Devon's tenuous question. "I love her Devon." He answered simply.  "She has never asked me to change.  If anything she has gone out of her way to get to know Kitt and encourage us."

        Smiling for the first time, "that sounds like her. Jamie would never ask you to change.  If she has a complaint, she will voice it, that has always been her way."

        "Yeah, I know that one." Michael began to realize just how much he wanted to talk about this, to organize his own feelings and his unforgiving need for Devon's approval in this matter. "I was beginning to think that I was never going to be a part of a loving relationship again."

        Sliding to sit on his car, Devon knew Michael deserved some straight answers. "You need to consider yourself very lucky if it does come to pass. I have said it to you before, as well as having experienced first hand the dangers that befalls loving someone in this line of work." Michael's head dropped. "But I do believe you are right.  If there is one woman who would not only put up with you and your partner, but accept you, Jamie is that woman." Michael's head snapped back up.  He had not been expecting such a positive remark from his mentor. "I had considered this turn of events a short time ago, and what I see, I believe was another one of Wilton's intentions. I will never know, of course, but you and Jamie are well suited to one another.  It is obvious that she is just as in love with you, as you are with her." Michael starred at the other man, overwhelmed. "Silence, from you?  Now I am surprised.  Is this not what you wanted to hear?" Devon teased, knowing full well what Michael had wanted.

        "I just... I wasn't expecting you to say that." Devon laughed.

        "Despite the need of having to act as your boss, I do care for you.  I know I am not one to express such things, yet we have come a great distance from our first meeting.  I understand what you want from life and I am envious.  You and I underwent much of the same training in the military.  The difference being that I believed them.  I gave up my life for the ideals.  You, however did not."

        Michael snorted. "Yes I did. Look at my tour in Nam. I was the heartless killer as well."

        "You didn't remain trapped in that mind frame." Devon argued.

        Placing a gentle hand on Kitt's hood, rubbing slightly, "I had friends who changed my mind."

        Devon shook his head. "You had changed before we found you."

        "Stevie had a lot to do with that.  She knew me before I left, and reminded me in many ways why life was worth living.  I could easily have turned back after Tanya shot me.  I almost did.  But you and Kitt... I'm not even sure when I began to realize it, maybe after Kitt returned to me after the Comtron thugs landed me in jail.  I was sure I was a goner at that point. All that fight for nothing. Then Kitt was there, ready to help, literally in the nick of time." Chancing a small, shy smile at the older man sitting comfortably across from him, "and you weren't far behind.  I had been rude and ungrateful to both of you, but that didn't seem to matter.  I knew Stevie cared, but I'd never known anyone to stick their neck out that far for me before."

        "You were a handful, you still are." The two men chuckled. "I do envy your outlook on life.  It has rubbed off on me, and I have few regrets over the past years. I said this to Jamie as well, I have no reservations of you and Jamie becoming involved."

        "Thank you."

        "There is no need.  If you wish to discuss this further, I am no expert on relationships, but I have been told I'm a good listener."

        Again Michael was left speechless, even Kitt trembled slightly under him.

        "We do, however, have quite the set of circumstances ahead of us."  Michael shook his head, returning to the topic at hand.

        "How much do you know about Trish?"

        Brow furrowing slightly, Devon crossed his arms in front of him. "I met her when Jamie was competing.  She and Trish rode at the same barn, worked together. Come to think of it, those two were inseparable for the longest time.  Why? What are you thinking?"

        Letting out a long breath, knowing the depth of the implication he was about to make. "I asked Kitt to look into Britt's insurance.  I'm not sure yet, but I think Trish may be behind the fraud."

        "Preposterous." Was Devon's initial reaction. Then he looked at Michael, seeing the pained expression. "Why, Michael?"

        "Just go with me on this for a minute.  Then you can tell me if I'm way off base here." Devon nodded, knowing Michael, he was onto something concrete. "Trish starts up this gig.  Police begin to get suspicious so she calls you asking for help, knowing you will send Jamie.  Britt has been sitting wasting away, one hell of a talented horse with no rider.  Jamie and I appear, quelling the police for a time.  The attacks slow down.  In the mean time, Jamie is training horses and Kitt and I are spinning our wheels. Now Britt is showing again, people are taking notice of her, Trish and her facility. Business increases."

        Eyes widening as Devon catches on. "And once Britt is at full potential..."

        "Yeah, they'll take her out."

        "And Jamie?"

        "May get caught in the crossfire."

        "You must be sure before you act."

        "I know.  Kitt and I are working as hard as we can, but we don't want to be using official Foundation channels."

        "And how, prey tell, does one go about that?"

        Michael blushed guiltily. "Kitt and I have found a few ways around it." He explained slowly.

        Laughing with great humour. "Why does that not surprise me? I know Kitt was programmed to compliment your personality, but I would never have imagined the kinds, and amounts of trouble you two manage to find." Shaking his head as he slid off his car. "Let me know what you find.  Speaking in this manner might be a good idea for the time being."

        Turning to look through the windscreen, "how are you doing with that information?"

        "I'm still looking into it Michael.  I'm presently in the database of the insurance company Greenlands uses.  I have been looking for a horse matching Britt's description.  So far I have found nothing."

        "What if she's using another company solely for Britt?"

        "It's a possibility, but that will make it far more difficult to locate."

        "Do what you can Pal.  I just hope I'm wrong."

        "If you are right, Jamie is in a great deal of danger." Devon placed a hand on Michael's arm, finding him very tense.

        "I know, and I have no way of protecting her."

        "How about a vacation Michael?"

        "What!?" Then he clued in, smiling deviously. "A no contact vacation?"

        "Just you and Kitt." The glint in Michael's eyes was all the thanks Devon needed.

        "I'll stop into the Foundation, we'll discuss this, and then drive off."

        "Make sure Kitt's homing signal is off." With an affectionate squeeze on Michael's shoulder, the older man dropped into his car.  "I'll see you at home." Michael just nodded, then watched the car back out and disappear.

        "And what are we going to be doing on this supposed vacation?" Kitt asked, not sure what is partner had in mind.

        "How does parking on a discrete ridge for a few days sound?" If Kitt had a head, he'd be shaking it.

        "I truly do not understand why you and Devon had such conflicts at the start." Michael laughed as he walked around the car.

        "I need to be sure she's safe while you are searching for that insurance information.  I know that means that I'm not pulling my fair share, but..."

        "You don't need to explain yourself Michael.  If you are right, we need to be close to her."

        "Thank you for understanding." Michael reached for the ignition. "Onward and homeward Partner."
 
*
 

        Michael dozed fitfully in the car.  It had been five days since he and Kitt had left Jamie.  So far, nothing unusual had occurred, to his relief.  Kitt had uncovered one insurance policy that matched Britt's registered name.  The recipient of said policy was Trish, but the policy was only for five thousand dollars. None the less, it didn't sit well with Michael.  There was more to this than met the eye.  Kitt was still digging.  They had also tapped into Greenlands phones.  The only call of consequence was a possible sponsorship contract for Jamie.  Trish had not been pleased about this one.  It required Ja to leave Greenlands and return to LA.  Jamie had sounded like she was considering the idea.
 
        He and Kitt had watched her, day and night, both fearing the worst.  Kitt had come up with the insurance information the day before and Devon had asked to be present when Michael approached Trish with this theory.  Grudgingly, Michael had agreed after Kitt had reasoned with him.  Michael had to admit that he was too close to certain aspects of this case, and Devon had known the woman well.  He might be able to pick up nuances that Michael wouldn't.

        Sighing, he shifted again.  He was sick and tired of motels, and sitting on his hands. What he really wanted was to get her the hell out of there.

        Kitt's scanner flashed as he watched the horse and her rider cross the road a little earlier than usual.
 
        "Michael,"  Kitt called softly as the communications chime sounded.
 

*

        Her morning gallop had become the only time she felt she had to herself.  Typically she left the farm around 6 am, returning around 9 am.  Walking up the hill on the empty gravel road, Jamie let her mind wander.  She longed to see Michael.  She hadn't heard from him since he left the week before.

        "They probably sent him off on another assignment before he had a chance to step out of Kitt." Britt flicked her ears back briefly, then resumed their relaxed state. Moving the mare into the long, ground covering trot, Jamie tried to focus.  This job just didn't have the appeal that it used to.  She loved riding Britt, working with her, but it wasn't the Foundation.  Wilton had been right - as always - he had given her a job that not only was she good at, but felt fulfilled with.  And Michael... she couldn't stop her brain from drifting in his direction.   Rick had been disgusted when he found out why she and Michael had really joined the farm.  The girls put up with her only because of her knowledge, Rick had no such reason to support her remaining at Greenlands.  He made her life miserable.  She had thought his advances were bad, they paled in comparison.  His cruel 'jokes' reminded her of some of the Foundation's members.  Treating her like she was not worth the time to look at, becoming more cruel as time wore on.

        She had thrown herself into her training and to some degree her teaching.  The things she was good at - here anyways - in a vain attempt to forget; to forget Michael and Kitt, to forget her old job, her other life.  She was glad she hadn't sold her bungalow yet.  She would find another job, then move Britt to a facility closer to where she lived. She needed a fresh start.  Maybe she would see him again.  Lifting her head, she felt the wind dry the tears that she didn't know had fallen.  She would get her life in order again. Her stubborn streak would demand it. Once she settled down, she'd call Devon, let him know where she was and what she was doing.  He would pass it along to Michael, no doubt.  Then hopefully, they could at least resume their friendship.  She smiled, remembering all the times he'd dropped by, sometimes full of life, other times, depressed and needing to talk.  She missed that part of her life immensely. The closeness she had felt when with Michael, and recently, Kitt as well.

        Picking up canter, Jamie remembered how Michael had said that she and the mare were a perfect match.  Jamie had retaliated by commenting that her relationship with Britt was much like his relationship with Kitt.  He appeared to consider that for a moment before a warm smile touched his lips.  He looked at her differently after that.  Like she had opened a very personal door for him, one he was very happy to leave open for her.

        The vehicle behind her didn't grab her attention at first.  Traffic was few and far between and most people were very considerate of horses. Britt's buck caught her off guard.  Looking back, her eyes widened.  The truck was on the shoulder just behind them. She didn't have to tell Britt to take off.  Rebalancing herself, she let the mare go, only to hear the truck shoot gravel as it sped after them.  Glancing back over her shoulder, she saw the truck weave threateningly.

        "Jesus!" The truck closed the distance.  All Jamie saw was the metallic beige grill tap Britt's haunches.  The mare squealed, trying to regain her footing.  There was no way they could outrun the man in the truck.  Taking one last look back, dark metallic beige jeep Cherokee, man inside, windows too dark to see much else, towels draped over the bumpers.

        "Oh God." Looking around, there was nowhere to go, not yet.  The shoulder dropped off down a cliff face to the river on one side, on the other was a hill with a barbed wire fence. Giving Britt more rein, she kicked her on, feeling the mare panic under her.  Again the jeep closed the distance, Jamie sent the mare across the road, just barley missing being hit again.  He was out to kill them. The thought was like ice in her veins.  She had to keep thinking, to find a way off the road, onto terrain that would slow down the Jeep.  She saw it, just up the road, a small ditch, a rustic wooden fence, then into the brush.  If she was lucky, the trees would be too close together for him to follow. Weaving to fake out the driver, she darted across the road.  Britt jumped the ditch and the fence in one gigantic leap.  Clinging to Britt's mane, Jamie hung on.  The sound of splintering wood told Jamie he was still behind them, and sent Britt skittering sideways.  Trees lashed at her face and arms, even as she ducked close to Britt's neck, the limbs tried to pull her off the horse. Her heart was racing, her lungs screaming as they raced on.  Britt was lathered from head to toe, in fear and exertion.  They wouldn't be able to keep this up much longer.  Looking back, the sun and shadows glinted off the hood of the vehicle a short distance behind them. He was waiting, knowing the pair would tire and make an easy target. Sitting up more, she took the branches in the face; her being in balance would conserve Britt's energy.  Keeping her eyes out for groundhog holes in the dirt, and for a way off this path, another route, anything to shake their tail. There was nothing wide enough for horse and rider.  Jumping another fence, she found herself crossing open road.  Three strides on concrete before down another ditch.  She heard squealing tyres and honking.  Hoping for the sound of sheering metal and shattering glass, her heart sank  as the sound of splintering wood reached her again.  She cursed as the path opened up again. The truck caught Britt's hind legs, sending them stumbling. Sitting up, pulling on the reins she prayed for all she was worth.  If they went down, they were goners.  Grabbing the bit, Britt hauled her feet back up, shooting off again.  Scrambling up the steep embankment, they leapt another fence. Hearing tyres squeal, she looked into the car that barely missed them and just about fell off in relief.  Michael was staring out of Kitt at her. Pulling up, she turned back. Michael was already out of Kitt.

        "Follow me!" Jamie just nodded, not questioning him. Talking off, staying close to Kitt's bumper, Britt seemed to know it was almost over. Three concessions over, the semi was parked, ramp down. Pulling up behind, Michael motioned for her to ride inside. The mare balked at first.  Michael grabbed her bridle and lead them up.  As soon as she was inside, the ramp came up.  Michael held the skittish mare as she danced around Kitt's area.  They heard the engine turn over and the vehicle begin to move.  Devon and Bonnie stepped out of the front section, scaring the hell out of Britt who tried to rear, Jamie instinctively ducking in the confinement of the trailer.  Michael's hold prevented the mare from going up. A few moments later, Britt settled.  Michael moved to her side and reached up to help Jamie off.  Swinging her leg over Britt's neck, she placed her hands on his shoulders, his on her hips as she slid down to be engulfed in his protective hug.  Gulping back the reaction sobs, she clung to him for a moment.

        "S'okay. I got ya," Michael reassured as he held her tightly.
 
        Slowly relaxing, he set her down on her shaky legs.  Turning from Michael almost immediately, pulling off her helmet, she dropped to look at Britt's back legs.  Tears blurred her eyes. Looking at the others in the semi, "what do you have in the way of first aid?" Her voice was gruff, her whole body was trembling as she knelt beside her horse.  Devon smiled warmly, knowing Jamie was as protective of her mare as Michael was of Kitt.

        "I'll gather what we have." The older man disappeared up front again.

        Standing, Jamie looked over her horse.  Britt's head was half hanging, half held up in fear and suspicion. Loosening her girth, she turned to Michael, who was gently holding the horse. "How did you know?"  Bonnie had taken a seat at the computer watching, greatly upset.

        Rubbing Britt's face, Michael shifted his sad and worried eyes to the woman standing near him.  "I had my suspicions. I had Kitt look into who the recipient of Britt's insurance was.  But it all made sense when I added the fact that she knew how valuable Britt would become once you two began showing."

        "Trish." Jamie had also had her suspicions, but to know that her once good friend had set her up.

        "I was about to pick up Devon, then head over to tell you when Kitt picked up your flight."  Devon returned with what little he could dig up.  Taking the iodine and a few sterilized pads, Jamie set to work on her horse.

        "Hold her good.  I don't think she'll do anything, but we're both rather freaked." Michael smirked darkly. It took her 20 minutes to clean out the wounds.  A small puddle of iodine and blood pooled beneath both hind feet by the time she was done.  But the bleeding had stopped, and the skin that had been scrapped off was cleanly torn away. She wouldn't need stitches, but she may never be sound again.  Moving to Britt's front legs, she ran shaky hands down both, finding all sorts of lumps and bumps.  Britt's legs had been so clean before; her muscles and tendons running in perfectly smooth lines.  Glancing up at Michael, "can Kitt do x-rays?"

        "I can Jamie." Kitt's voice came from the console.

        "Can you check her front legs, knees down?"

        "Give me a moment and I'll have them on the monitors for you." Brushing her sweaty hair from her eyes, she had a feeling she knew what Kitt was going to show her.

        Hearing the monitors on the far side of the work area come to life, they walked over. Jamie's hand covered her mouth for a second as she tried to control her reaction.

        Jamie startled as she felt the familiar hands on her shoulders. "What is it?" Michael had leaned in close, but had no real idea what he was looking at.  Devon was also beside her.

        Swallowing, she took a deep breath.  "Pulled suspensory ligaments." Michael heard the relief in her voice.

        "Meaning?" He glanced at her, seeing her focused on the screens.

        "Meaning she has a good chance of recovery. In that aspect anyway.  It'll take time and care, but it should heal.  Her back legs may be another story." Turning around, Britt nickered. Walking back over, Jamie pulled the saddle from her horse, then the bridle, letting Britt rub her sweat covered face on her back. Devon chuckled as Jamie reached out, placing a hand on Michael's stomach to keep from being thrown across the trailer. Looking up, she half frowned when Britt was satisfied. "Where are we going?"

        Devon took a seat; he hadn't realized how scared he had been once Michael had voiced his hunch, then more so when Michael had called from the car to say he needed somewhere to hide a rider and a horse.  There had been no need to discuss this, the answer was simple and expected.  Grabbing his tea cup, he relaxed for the first time in over 24 hours. "I have a friend, not far from FLAG headquarters.  He has a breeding establishment and is looking for a trainer.  I mentioned to him that you might be interested.  I called him a short time ago and he agreed to take in Britt. For now anyway, and longer if you wish to take on the job."

        Jamie nodded.  They were safe. She should have known.  Michael would never leave her. Sitting against the wall within reach of Britt, she dropped her head back against the silver interior. Britt's head was hanging now, one back leg bent as she rested it.

      Sliding down the wall beside her, Michael slipped an arm around her waist, hugging her to him.  Her head snuggled into his shoulder as she finally relaxed as well, though she kept half an eye on her horse. His heart had just about dropped into his stomach when Kitt had desperately told him what was going on out there.  They had no way of getting to her either, no way to help her, until she decided to scale the hill and jump onto the road directly in front of them.  Kitt had reacted, stopping the car as the horse passed. He could hear the other vehicle down below, trying for a moment to follow, then drove back to the path that would eventually get him to the road.  He had to get her to safety before that.

        Now, as they sat on the floor of the semi, as he held her, he realized how terrified he had been. He couldn't let what happened to Stevie happen again.

        Bonnie stood slowly, approaching the two on the floor. "Kitt, have you checked Jamie?" Bonnie noticed the stiffening horse as she gently turned Jamie's face from Michael's chest.  The scratches were deep, red and angry looking.

        "Yes Bonnie. Just scratches and a great deal of adrenaline." They all reacted to his humour.

        "Do you want anything?" Bonnie asked.

        "No thanks."

        "What about Britt?"

        "She shouldn't, not yet.  It's bad enough that she's just standing."  Bonnie nodded, then backed away, touching the forehead of the exhausted horse in her diagnostic area.  "Bon," Bonnie paused, looking back at her friend. "Thank you. I know we are making a mess of your semi."

        "Of who's semi?" Devon looked up from his paper. Bonnie fired him a dirty look.

        "Alright 'our' semi." She conceded as she dropped back to her chair, focusing for a moment on her computer screen.  Devon nodded his approval.

        "Now I know why I spend all my time on the road and very little time with these two." He hugged Jamie tighter for a second.

        "I'll have you know, we have informative discussions." Michael tried to hold in the smile as the older man reprimanded him.

        "That's what I'm afraid of." Devon just looked at Michael, then dismissed him with a grunt, returning to his paper.

        Jamie smiled, too tired to do much else. It was going to be a long drive, she knew that.  The trailer had wonderful suspension; inside, you barely felt the turns in the road.  Bonnie's work for sure. "He was going to run us off the road," Jamie stated quietly.

        "I know.  I'm partially thankful that he decided to toy with you two a bit.  Gave Kitt and me a chance to get to you."

        "He would have gotten away with it too.  It would have looked like a simple hit and run."

        Michael took a deep breath, calming himself with the feel of her against him.  She was safe and unharmed, leaning heavily into his side. "But he didn't. Let's get you two to safety, then deal with the bad guys."

        Tipping her face up to look at him, "thank you.  I haven't said that yet.  I was running out of options out there."

        "I don't know how you stayed ahead of him."

        "Luck and desperation." Michael snorted.

        "You don't need to thank me." Running the fingers of his right hand through her hair, brushing the dark red curls away from her face again, he noticed how tired and drawn out she looked.  Her eyes were red, contrasting with the green, her face was red and blotchy with scratches across her cheeks. Her arm was the same as it lay across his abdomen. Catching her eyes, his fears engulfed him again.  He had almost lost her today.  Fanning his hand across her cheek, he held her as he bent towards her.  Her eyes were closed before his lips touched hers. Shifting closer, forgetting the others, she lost herself in his kiss.  She had missed him so much, to be in his arms again, feeling his heart pounding beneath her hand that had moved to center of his chest was paradise. Breaking the kiss, he stared down at her for a second, then pulled her close again, smiling as she fell asleep, her arm dropping into his lap, her head cradled in the crook of his neck as he held her tightly.

*
next part coming soon!