Part 4
The day of the Highland Games arrived. Sherry got up, went over the plan in her mind and then made sure everything was ready for their meeting with the people selling the biochemical weapon. Then she quietly walked over to the window of the apartment she and Duncan shared and stared unseeingly out over the city.
Duncan watched her for a few minutes and then walked over to her. "Are you okay?"
Sherry turned to him and tried to smile, but didn't quite manage it. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"
Duncan pulled her close and then answered, "Well, maybe because this is it. Today is the day. Whatever is going to happen, happens today. It's only natural you would be worried."
Sherry sighed and pulled away from him. "Yes, I'm worried. What if ... well, what if something happens to you. I could never forgive myself. And what if..."
Duncan walked over to her and put a finger over her lips. "Don't dwell on ‘what ifs.' They will drive you crazy. You have a sound plan in place. And don't worry about me. It's my job to worry about you, remember?" Then he planted a kiss on her forehead.
Sherry smiled. "Yeah, I remember. But that doesn't mean I can stop worrying about you."
Duncan smiled. "Okay, fine. But you have to focus. Sean cannot see you like this. He needs to know you are confident and sure."
Sherry nodded. "You're right. And that's just what he's gonna see." Taking a deep breath and centering herself, Sherry gathered up her gear and she and Duncan left to meet Sean.
A few hours later, Duncan and Sherry arrived at the Highland Games. It was an annual sporting event that was part of the Scottish heritage celebration. MacRae had informed them that their contact would meet them during the caber toss.
They made their way around the stadium a few times, playing their role of lovers to the hilt. Many people admired the handsome couple as they made their way through the crowds. Duncan introduced Sherry to some of his friends. It was quite apparent that Duncan was a very popular and well-liked man. She had no trouble understanding why.
There were people of all ages at the games. Duncan explained the history of some of the games as they watched. He also explained the history of the clans. This was a place for the clans to get together and have a fun competition. Everywhere you looked there were men dressed in their traditional Scottish kilts. There were bagpipers all around as well. It was quite an experience.
They eventually found a partially secluded spot where they had a bit of privacy. They were still in plain view of everyone and they could see all that was happening, but they could talk without interruption. Duncan put his arms around her and Sherry caressed his face lovingly.
"So Duncan, tell me. Why are you doing this?" she asked.
Duncan pushed a stray strand of hair out of her face, kissed her forehead and answered, "I have my reasons. Besides, I couldn't leave a lovely lady such as yourself to fend for herself."
Sherry laughed. "Oh, I see. So you are simply being chivalrous, is that it?"
Duncan nodded. "But of course. Now, I suggest we continue our stroll, find Sean and make sure our contact knows we're here. Ready?"
Sherry clasped his hand in hers and nodded. Then she stopped and turned to him. "Duncan, I just want to say thank you and tell you how much I appreciate your help and friendship. I couldn't do this without you."
Duncan leaned over and whispered in her ear. "You are very welcome. I value our friendship too. More than you know. You will come through this just fine."
Sherry nodded. "And so will you." Then they headed back into the crowds who had come out to enjoy the Games. Duncan found them seats and they snuggled close together and watched for a while, with Duncan explaining the different games and the objects and rules behind them. It wasn't long before Sean joined them. He was more then a little excited. It wasn't only the fact that he was going to pull off a major coup soon, but he was totally immersed in the feeling of the Games. He really was enthralled with his heritage.
When it came time for the caber toss, Duncan took Sherry's hand and the trio went to the other end of the stadium. There they met a small group of men, who were eagerly watching the proceedings. Sean walked up to the obvious leader of the group and extended his hand.
"Hello Travis. I see your men are making a fine showing today," as he nodded his head toward the competition taking place in front of them. Travis Connery, of the Clan Connery, smiled widely and turned to Sean. "So they are Sean, so they are. And the MacRaes aren't doing too badly either. Of course, I'm sure the Connery's will come out the winners in the end."
Sean laughed and slapped Travis on the back. "We'll see my friend, we'll see. But now, I think we have some business to take care of." Travis looked to the couple that accompanied Sean. "And who are your friends?"
Sean smiled and introduced them. "Travis Connery, this is Duncan and Sherry. They are quite an extraordinary couple. They have been most helpful to my organization. In fact, they have been quite instrumental in planning my next little project."
Travis shook hands with them and then said, "I guess that's where I come in. What say we take our business to a more secluded spot." Then Travis, Sean, Sherry, Duncan and the guards for both groups made their way to the far end of the stadium. There were still plenty of people around, but no one would pay attention to them here. Everyone's attention was directed toward the caber toss ... the competition which garners the most interest.
The group slowly moved off to the wooded area just beyond the arena. Travis opened the case his flunky was holding, revealing enough biochemical agent to poison the waterways of almost every continent in the world. Sean smiled and turned to Sherry.
Sherry opened the briefcase she was carrying and showed it to Travis. The briefcase contained $100 million. The two groups made the exchange and shook hands. Travis and his group made their exit first. Then Sean turned to his partners. "Well, that went off without a hitch. Well done, people. Just hope the rest of our plan goes as well. Shall we return to the Games?"
Duncan looked to Sherry and then back to Sean. "We'll meet you in a few minutes, Sean."
Sean grinned at Duncan. "Oh, I completely understand, old chap. If I had such a lovely lady by my side, I'd want to spend some time alone as well. I'll see you back at the stadium."
Once Sean was out of earshot, the couple moved further into the woods. They walked a short distance and stopped. Duncan turned to her and smiled. "Well, I guess this is it. This is where we part company. Are you sure you are going to be all right?"
Sherry smiled sadly at her friend. "I'm sure. But I'm really gonna miss you." Then she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "Thank you for everything Duncan. If you ever need anything..."
Returning her hug, he answered, "I'll know who to call. I'm gonna miss you too. What am I gonna do with myself now, having to live all alone again?"
Sherry laughed. "Oh, I'm sure there are plenty of ladies who would be more than eager to take my place."
Duncan pulled back smiling. "You are naughty." The he sobered. "Please be careful. I won't be too far away. I'll wait until you're gone and then I'll be on my way."
Sherry hugged him once more and then let him go. "Take care Duncan. And be careful."
Just then a small group of black-clad figures surrounded them. "Not so fast. You're coming with us."
Sherry recognized North's voice. Curlly, Davenport, and Brenna accompanied her.
"Hello all," Sherry greeted them.
The others stared at her like she had lost her mind. Finally Curlly spoke up. "That's all you can say? After you betrayed us all like this? How could you?"
Sherry looked to Duncan who was returning her look with total sympathy. He understood what she was going through. He had been through it himself many times.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt all of you. But that's all I'm going to say."
Duncan had started to slip away but Davenport stopped him. "Not so fast. You're not going anywhere."
Just then Duncan's friend Methos appeared behind Davenport and knocked him down from behind. Duncan quickly pulled a sword out of his coat and knock Curlly's gun from her hands. Sherry fought with North and Brenna. Methos and Duncan managed to get Davenport and Curlly's guns and held them on the group. They took Curlly with them as a hostage until they were far enough away that they wouldn't be shot. Then they released her.
North and Brenna, along with a slowly recovering Davenport, finally subdued Sherry and handcuffed her. Then they led her to the rest of the team. They had done a very quick and efficient job of taking out the rest of ‘The Clan" and Travis' group as well. Only Sean was still standing. But Sherry's attention was not on him. She only noticed the man in black standing in front of Sean MacRae. Her complete attention and focus was on Michael.
Michael must have felt her presence because before they were close he turned and watched her. He simply watched until she was standing in front of him. They stared at each other for a few moments, and Sherry tried to convey her feelings to Michael through her eyes. Michael, however, was not in the mood to understand.
"So nice to see you again, Sherry. It's been a while," Michael stated coldly. Sherry flinched inwardly, but couldn't let it show on the outside. She had known this would be difficult, but she hadn't realized how difficult.
Sean looked from Michael to Sherry and back again. "What's going on here, Sherry? You know this guy?"
Sherry, never taking her eyes from Michael's answered. "Yeah. We used to know each other. But that was before I came to my senses."
Sean laughed. "Yeah, well, at least your taste has improved. By the way, where's Duncan?"
"He escaped. They weren't good enough to catch him." Sean laughed again at her answer.
Michael turned to the others for verification and they nodded. "Davenport, take a team and comb the area. I want him found. The rest of you, get these two loaded into the van and back to Section."
Part 5
Michael was torn between duty and love. He didn't want to turn her over to Operations and what was sure to be cancellation, but he didn't have a choice. He just didn't know how he had missed it. Had she been working with MacRae all along? Had she simply infiltrated Section to gain what knowledge she could? He didn't think so. So what had happened, why had she turned? He pondered these questions on the trip back to Section, but he didn't come up with an answer that would satisfy him. Nothing made sense anymore.
Michael grabbed her arm and walked her into Section. The others followed with MacRae in tow. Operations and Madeline were waiting by the loading doors.
"Good work, Michael," Operations stated. Then he turned to her. "Welcome back, Sherry. It's been a while."
Sherry simply glared at him and remained quiet. Madeline stepped forward. "Take MacRae to Containment. Michael, take Sherry to Interrogation."
Michael, followed by Mentz and Kenny, took Sherry to Interrogation and strapped her into the chair. He had Mentz and Kenny wait outside. He closed the door behind them.
"Why?" It was the only word he spoke. But it held a world of meaning. She heard the emotion in that one simple word, the need for an explanation. It almost broke her. Luckily, Madeline arrived in the nick of time and she didn't have to lie to him again.
Operations had asked North and Michael to witness the interrogation. They had both balked at the idea. "I would rather not," was Michael's reply. North agreed.
"I insist," Operations demanded. He had also had all CLHQ members not currently on assignment, along with the team that had been involved in bringing in Sherry and MacRae, gathered in the briefing area to watch on the monitor.
He then entered the interrogation room. "MacRae has been canceled," he simply stated. Sherry nodded. Everyone knew what was coming next. They didn't want to see this. They knew Operations was trying to teach them a lesson. No one turns on Section without paying. No one.
Operations paced back and forth in front of her for a few moments. Madeline moved to stand behind Sherry. Then Operations spoke once more. "Good work, Sherry. I wasn't sure you could pull it off. But you exceeded our hopes. The entire Clan network has been destroyed."
Madeline reached down and loosened the chair restraints. Sherry rubbed her wrists for a few seconds and then simply stated, "Thank you."
Operations continued. "It took a lot of courage to do what you did with relatively no backup."
Sherry looked up at him then. "And Duncan?"
Madeline smiled. "Duncan is fine. He and his friend managed to get away and they are at this moment returning to Paris."
Sherry smiled. "Good."
Operations smiled. "You two work very well together. Perhaps we should think of recruiting him."
Sherry shook her head. "No. You just leave him alone."
Operations feigned a sigh. "Very well. Again, congratulations. Oversight is very pleased. And even though you've been away for so long, they have approved three weeks leave. You can do whatever you want, wherever you want, so long as you return in three weeks. Oh and if there's someone else you want to accompany you, they are free to go as well."
Sherry almost laughed at that one. Like Michael, or anyone for that matter, would want to go anywhere with her after this ordeal. "Thank you. I'll let you know my plans." Operations nodded and then he and Madeline walked out of the room, leaving Sherry behind. When they got outside the room, they stopped beside Michael and Northstar, and Madeline spoke. "I think she needs to hear from you. Sooner rather than later." North nodded and she and Michael entered the White Room.
There was a few seconds of awkward silence after they entered and Sherry finally spoke. "I'm sorry. I lied to both of you, to all of you. I know I had no choice, but that doesn't make it right or any easier to deal with. So go ahead, let me have it."
North moved to stand in front of Sherry and after a few seconds, threw her arms around her and hugged her. "It's so good to have you back. I'm just so happy you're okay. We were all getting pretty worried. And then when Operations told us you had turned.... let's just say CLHQ was not the same."
Sherry nodded. "Like I said, I'm sorry. But they wouldn't let me tell anyone. I had to be brought in just like the others for it to work. The only person who knew was Duncan. I'm just glad he got away before you guys shot him."
North smiled. "He certainly was a handsome devil. At least you got to enjoy part of the mission!" Then, remembering that Michael was there as well, she decided she had better stop there. She hugged Sherry again and told her to stop by when she had a chance and they could have a nice long chat about all she had been through.
Once North had left, Michael turned off the surveillance and then paced back and forth. Sherry was nervous. She knew she had hurt him and he was angry. "Michael, I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say. You know what it's like."
Michael held up his hand. "Stop."
Sherry's heart sank. She had known he would be upset, but she had hoped he would understand where she was coming from. He had been through it himself, so if anyone should understand it would be him. But apparently it wasn't to be.
Michael continued to pace, but didn't speak. Sherry was beginning to realize it was over. He was simply trying to figure out a polite way to tell her.
Finally, Michael turned to her. "You must be exhausted. Let me take you back to your room. After you get some rest, we'll talk."
Sherry didn't know whether to be happy the inevitable had been postponed, or angry that he was putting it off. Why did he have to torture her like this? Why not just get it over with. But she knew both of their emotions were running very high right now and she did need the rest. So, she let Michael get her settled back in her room.
Once Michael was gone, Sherry turned and walked over to the window and stared out. The tears began to slowly run down her face. She knew it was over. She just wished it didn't hurt so much. She stood there for a long time and let the tears flow. It felt good to release some of the pent up emotions finally. After her tears had been spent, she flopped down on her sofa and fell asleep. Thankfully, it was a peaceful, dreamless sleep. Something she desperately needed.
A few hours later, she awoke to a darkened room. The sun had gone down, both figuratively and literally. She felt as if she would never feel the sunshine again. Realizing what she had to do, she went to her bedroom, took the sapphire and diamond engagement ring out of its storage place, and stared at it for a few minutes. Then she walked over and knocked on the connecting door to Michael's room.
Michael answered the door and motioned her inside. She suddenly wished she had decided to stay in her room and have him come there, but what was done was done. She turned to him and spoke quickly.
"Michael, I know you're angry. I've lied to you for months. And I have no doubt that Operations has shown you lots of photos and video of me with Duncan. So let me make this easy for you. Here's your ring. And I'll move to another room just as soon as North can arrange it. And that will be the end of it. You don't have to worry about anything. I just want to say one more time that I'm sorry."
Michael remained quiet. Okay, she thought, if he needed to exact his pound of flesh, she couldn't really deny him that. So she stood there waiting for him to lay into her. But he still remained stoic and silent. Finally she couldn't take it any more.
"Michael..." she began, but her eyes were filling with tears and she couldn't continue. She turned around and walked back into her room, closing the door behind her. Sitting on her couch, hugging a pillow to her, she let the tears flow. That was the hardest thing she had ever had to do. She sat there crying for about ten minutes when she heard the door into Michael's room open. She didn't bother to look up. She couldn't look at him. It was too difficult. She figured he was simply returning some of the things that she had left at his place. The sooner he was in and out, the better.
She was surprised when he came and sat down on the coffee table in front of her. She still wouldn't look at him. She'd let him say his piece and leave. But suddenly she felt his hand on her face, wiping away her tears, which only made the tears run faster. She wished he would simply leave. Why was he torturing her like this? The next thing she knew, Michael had moved onto the couch and pulled her to him. He was holding her gently, letting her tears soak his shirt. He whispered quietly in her ear, telling her to let it out that it would be okay.
Finally, she had herself under enough control to speak. "I'm sorry," she said yet again. Michael was shaking his head.
"Please stop apologizing. None of this was your fault. I can't stand to see you this miserable," he spoke softly while brushing the hair back from her face.
Sherry jumped up and moved away from him. If he didn't want to see her like this, then what was he doing here? Why didn't he just leave? She walked over to the window and stared out at the lovely springs flowers that were beginning to bloom. She had so looked forward to this time of year, but now she didn't feel any joy in it at all.
Michael walked over and stood beside her, but didn't touch her. He seemed to understand that this was a critical moment.
"I need to apologize to you."
Sherry shook her head, not understanding what he was talking about, but didn't speak. Michael continued.
"I'm sorry I didn't clear this up as soon as you got back. I knew something wasn't right about this whole thing, but I couldn't be certain. Operations was keeping a close eye on me and I couldn't track you down. Once I was met by someone calling himself Adam, about two months after you left. He simply told me that you were okay. That was it. So, I knew you were okay, but I still had no idea what you were up to. I didn't believe you would turn, but there was so much proof. I had a suspicion that you were a plant, but I couldn't prove it. I should have explained all this when you got back, but all of our emotions were too close to the surface. And I was trying to keep myself under control so I wouldn't do something I might regret. I wanted to throttle Operations to within an inch of his life. I still do."
Sherry was shocked. That was definitely not what she had been expecting. After a few silent moments, Michael drew a shaky breath and continued.
"I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have you back. I was beginning to think I'd never see you again. And then when I did have the chance, it was simply to have them cancel you. You have nothing to apologize for. I understand why you did what you did and the pressure you were under."
Then Michael took her left hand and placed the ring back on her finger. "As for returning my ring, forget it. And unless you are going to move in with me, don't even think about moving."
Sherry smiled tentatively and took a small step toward him. "So, you really understand about Duncan? You don't hold that against me?"
Michael shook his head. "I know you. I trust you. You didn't betray me or us."
Sherry nodded. "You know me so well." Then Michael finally took her in his arms and held her tightly.
Tears began to stream down Sherry's face again. "Michael, I've missed you so much. I would lay awake at night and wonder where you were, what you were doing, how you were getting along. I tried to figure out some way to contact you, but I knew I couldn't. Not without risking everything. And Operations said if he found out that I had contacted you, Duncan would suffer. I couldn't risk his life since he was helping me. I was afraid I might never see you again, and, if I did, that you wouldn't understand. You wouldn't forgive me."
Michael smoothed her hair and wiped her tears away. "Shhhh. It's over. I know it's going to take a while, but things will get back to normal. You'll see. And if you need time, you've got it. But for now, I believe we have a three week vacation to plan."
The End
This story ©copyright Sherry, 2000