PART ONE

June

"Aaagh, Terry, Oh, Terry, Oh my God, Terry. TERRY! No, I can't. Terry, it hurts too much!""

"C'mon, baby, you can do this. Just relax, breathe deeply, it will soon be over."

"I'm never having sex again- ever! Do you hear me? EVER! Oh, God, it's so painful."

"Ssshh. Concentrate, Annie. Think about what you're doing. You're losing it, love."

"I'm fucking losing it! You'll fucking lose it in a minute... Oh God... Terry, hold me."

"I'm here, baby, I'm here."

"Mrs Thorne? Listen carefully- you're doing really well. The baby's head is crowning and the next push will be important. It will soon be over. You've been a really brave girl."

"Don't fucking patronise me!"

"Annie, don't be rude."

"Sorry, but... I want to push!" Annie sobbed.

"Push now, Mrs. Thorne."

Annie gave a long moan and pushed hard. The baby's head appeared. 

"Alright now, just breathe- in and out. Don't push until we tell you."

The midwife indicated to Terry, "The doctor will have to cut," and he grimaced as they took a fine scalpel to his wife's body. He looked away- there are even some sights that a hardened soldier finds difficult to bear. Annie was calmer now, breathing as she had been taught and moaning slightly. Terry took her hand and placed it on the baby's head. "See, we're nearly there!"

Annie whimpered, "My baby, my baby!" and tears ran down her cheeks.

"Right Mrs Thorne, the next time you have a contraction you have to push very hard and the worst will be over. OK, get ready..."

Again Annie pushed as hard as she could and grunted with the effort. Terry swept her hair back from her face; it was damp and curly, impossible to restrain. He rested his head against the back of hers and held her as she laboured; he was overwhelmed by what was happening and how much she was suffering.  Suddenly everything happened at once. Annie pushed again, screamed and then the shoulder of the baby slipped out followed by the rest of the body. She sank back into his arms, exhausted; they stared at the red angry bundle lying between her legs. The midwife gathered up the little child, gave a quick check and raised him to his mother's arms, the cord still attached.

"Here, hold him for a moment. Looks like you have a very healthy little boy there."

This was their second child (his third) but the miracle always takes your breath away. As they gazed on the little naked boy, neither of them spoke; Annie held him, rested back against her husband and he put his arms around the two of them. Some moments in life are spoiled by words.

Eventually: "Shit, I think I'm going to cry," said Terry as he wiped his eyes.

"It's OK. Even soldiers are allowed to cry at moments like this, honey," Annie whispered.

The following afternoon, Annie was propped up in her room, feeding her son when the door to her room burst open and in ran Mel.

"Mel! What are you doing here?"

"Come to see you and the new ankle-biter, of course. Good of you to deliver on a Thursday- took Friday and Monday off, jumped the red eye and now I have a long weekend! Came as soon as Terry rang. Not that he was very coherent. Thought it was a dirty phone call at first!"

The two girls kissed and Mel sat on the bed, smiling at the little baby nuzzling at his mother's breast.

"How was it?"

"Don't ask. I couldn't possibly tell a woman who hasn't had a baby. It would put you off for life."

"Honey, I am never going to have a baby, period, as they say. So tell me- it just helps to reinforce my determination to stay childless."

"Well, it was hell - so much worse that Zoe. She took a long time but not like this. I thought I was going to be ripped apart."

"How come?"

"He's a lot bigger. She was only 7lbs- he's nearly 9! I thought they'd have to give me a Caesarian."

"Yikes- the thought of that- nine pounds of solid baby! I bet you've got millions of stitches."

"Feels like barbed wire."

"God, why do you women do it?"

"Someone's got to keep the world turning, Mel. Anyway, it's not about pain. You can't imagine what it feels like when the baby's born. It's just a miracle. Terry just cried."

"He's getting worse."

"He did the same with Zoe. Says he did when he first saw Harry, although he wasn't with her Royal Highness for the delivery. How's Dino?"

"Busy. Away. Don't have to tell you about that familiar story. How do you cope with kids when Terry's away? I just go out every night with friends but you're stuck in..."

"Tell me about it. But as I'm never having sex again after yesterday, then I suppose he's not so necessary anymore, is he?"

"Never?"

"Well, that's what I feel like at the moment. I may change my mind- but not for months."

"No chance, you'll be ripping his pants off in a few weeks, my girl. That's how you got yourself in this mess in the first place, don't forget."

Annie laughed. "Actually it's been great this time while I was pregnant. When I was preggers with Zoe I was really anxious, I suppose after the miscarriage, and we didn't have much. This time I've been so randy- I think I even shocked him at times. Mind you, he never turned me down. Think that's how I got started actually. We had a very satisfactory session on Wednesday night and I went into labour in the early hours- think we must have got the ball rolling- beats an induction any day! Terry was so worried - thought he'd done some damage- but as the baby's head isn't flat, I guess, Terry's not as big as he thinks!" Annie giggled.

"Names. Have you thought of any?"

"Liam. Liam Patrick Thorne. What do you think? Patrick was Terry's Dad's name and it's my Dad's second name too. And I have always liked Liam. Not like Gallagher, of course, but like Liam Neeson. I think it's a manly name, know what I mean?"

"Why not Patrick Liam?"

"No- I hate Paddy or Pat as a nickname and you know how boys are. You can't shorten Liam, really. Terry likes it and as he's a bit ambivalent about his Dad, I thought it would be good to encourage some tribute in the second name."

"Didn't they get on?"

"Not really. Terry's Dad was a bit of a drinker. I mean, he wasn't a bad man but he seems to have been a bit feckless and didn't support his Mum as much as he should have done. Like with money- he wasted a lot on booze and there were six kids, for God's sake! Some of the older brothers seem to have the same trait and I think Terry always worried he'd be like his Dad. Stuck up for his Mum and challenged his Dad a few times- I think his Dad used to give him a clip now and then. Later, when Terry announced he was going to join up, his Dad went apeshit. Seems his dad was a real Fenian type and the army smacked of the colonial rulers etc. You can imagine when Terry finally joined the British army and the SAS. His Dad called him a traitor, said he was a right wing, brainwashed little British arse-licking bastard and I think that's the last conversation they had. He had a heart attack the following year. Terry didn't even know he was dead until after the funeral- he was in Northern Ireland on some secret nonsense at the time. But he was his Dad and, well Terry's older now. Doesn't feel so bitter. Bury the hatchet- call his son after him."

"Sad, isn't it. Families- little babies like Liam and one day they will be men fighting with their Dads."

"Mel, don't say that. Terry's not going to be like that as a father."

"How well did you get on with your parents when you were eighteen? How much do you see of them now? It's nature, love. All that commitment in time and responsibility and what happens- they up and leave you."

"You really are the spectre at the feast, aren't you! Cheer me right up, you do. Pass me a nappy from that basket, will you, and those wipes."

"Sorry. Where's Terry?" Mel asked as Annie cleaned and changed her son.

At home. I ordered him back to get some sleep- he was knackered. He's bringing Zoe later- Caroline had her for the night."

"Wow. He's a big boy! Certainly takes after his Dad!" Mel beamed as she saw the little boy naked.

"What do you expect? He'd better grow or he'll have a hunchback carrying that around with him! It's funny changing a boy after having a girl. All the different places to keep clean! Feels a bit strange touching him; he responds to touch already, you know!"

"No surprises there then-chip off the old block- everything in working order. Whoops!" Mel chuckled as the baby sent an arc of liquid, which almost caught his mother on the face as she bent towards him.

"That's another problem you don't have with a girl!" Annie laughed.  

PART TWO

Zoe Thorne was fifteen months old when she first met her brother. She had enjoyed the car journey to the Royal Berkshire Hospital with her Daddy because she had missed him and Mummy; yesterday had been a very confusing day. She knew she was going to see Mummy now and that there was something about a baby but she didn't really understand. It was so much fun in the car with Daddy because he chatted to her all the time and made jokes; Mummy always told her to be quiet and be a good girl and go to sleep.

When they reached Mummy's room, Daddy carried her in and Auntie Mel was there. Everyone was pleased to see each other and they all kissed her and each other and it was just like normal except Mummy was in bed and Daddy said she was crook. She wriggled in next to Mummy who gave her a big kiss and cuddle.  Just then Zoe heard a funny noise- it was like a squeaky cry. Turning round she saw Daddy picking up a little baby and talking to it- who was that? To her astonishment Daddy took the baby to Mummy and they both made a big fuss of it and then Mummy let the baby suck on her boobies. Zoe was not having that. She lunged forward and hit the baby on the head before anyone could stop her.

Daddy grabbed her and swung her away, telling her to be a good girl and love her little brother. Brother? What's a brother? Who wants to love him? She certainly didn't.

"No!" she said.

"That's your baby brother Liam, princess. Say Liam."

"No!"

Mummy asked Daddy to bring her back.

"Zoe, look at him. Look at his little fingers and toes. He's so tiny, like a little doll. You can help me look after him. You're such a big girl."

Zoe looked curiously at him and touched his hand. Then she watched him feeding and saw her mother smiling down at him and stroking his head. It made her very angry. She lay next to her mother and tried to push the baby away.

"No, Zoe. That's naughty. Don't hurt him!" Mummy said in a cross voice, " Terry take her away, I can't cope with this while I'm feeding him." Zoe started to protest and stiffened her legs to make it difficult for him to carry her, but her Daddy just yanked her away and tried to show her the scene from the hospital window to distract her but she was unimpressed. Instead she burst into tears and howled. Daddy took her out of the room.

"Looks like the fun's about to start. Wonder how successful Terry's going to be at negotiating with this hostile?" Mel laughed.

"He's already lost. She'll never give in. Of course he won't be as firm as he should be. He lets her do whatever she likes- she thinks I'm the Wicked Witch of the West already. I've told him that it's time to discipline her but you would think that the concept of discipline was completely new to him. I know it's going to be hard for her but she has to learn quickly- it's one of the first knock-backs we get in life. You know what he'll do? He'll reward her for her bad behaviour by buying her something in the hospital shop- just watch him. It's as absurd as him buying a proof of life- doesn't he see the similarities?"

"That's men for you. They can't apply knowledge like women. They think in a linear sense. Work and personal life are different areas and they don't transfer skills learnt in one sphere to another," Mel explained.

"Did you get that from your psychoanalyst? I'm impressed. You sound like a real American now," Annie teased.

"I don't have a shrink. But don't knock it. That's what is wrong with half of us Brits. We are not in touch with our inner selves. We have issues unresolved."

"Jesus- talk to Dr. Phil! Didn't think you'd have time for daytime TV."

"Who's Dr. Phil?"

"He's on Oprah. Actually I quite like him..."

"You watch Oprah! Annie, the intellectual watches Oprah!"

"Give me a break. I'm a housewife now. Got mush for brains these days. And it'll get worse before it gets better. Although we're getting an au pair, you know."

"An au pair? Watch out. She might be one of those leggy Scandinavian blondes called Britt or something and Terry will have a permanent hard on."

"You think I'm mad? She's a little cuddly Spanish girl called Maria, a good Catholic and has a moustache. She starts next week- she finished her last contract a few weeks ago and went home to see her Mum. Great references, lovely girl, plain as they come. I'm the only desirable woman in my house- I've seen to that!"

"Good idea. That will make a big difference especially where the little princess is concerned. Now your final problem is - make sure you don't mess up again."

"Mess up?"

"Remember what you said about vasectomy. Any luck- there's still fifty quid resting on that, you know?"

"I haven't said a word yet. But I'll have to. I'm trying to get him in the right frame of mind but I'm not exactly sure what the right frame of mind is for asking a man like Terry Thorne to let someone loose on his genitals with a knife."

"Heavily sedated and tied securely would be my suggestion- and he'll still say no. I mentioned it to Dino and he just rolled around the floor laughing. Said something about you having a virgin in a barracks' chance or some such comment."

"You shouldn't have told him! He might mention it to Terry before I loosen him up and then he'll be on his guard."

"Don't worry. I swore him to secrecy. He won't say anything. Says he much prefers enjoying the idea of you dropping that particular bombshell yourself. After all- we all know how good you are at being diplomatic..."

At that moment the door opened and Terry returned with his daughter who was eating a large ice cream. Annie looked at Mel and sighed, "What did I tell you?"

PART THREE

September

Chris Wahlberg and Niall Patterson were waiting in the reception area of LT Security, London. They had a meeting with the boss. Niall was his usual laidback self, literally, stretching back on the leather armchair his long legs on the coffee table; he appeared to be dozing. Chris was charged up, biting her lip, picking at her nails and clearly uneasy. She hadn't seen Terry Thorne in person for a long time and even that felt like too soon.

"He'll see you now," Rachel, Mr. Thorne's secretary announced. Niall unrolled himself from his perch and loped across the office, holding the door for Chris with a flourish- little ever fazed him.

Inside the inner office, Terry Thorne was on his cell phone, standing by the window and looking out while he listened to someone talking. They sat down and waited until he had finished the one-sided conversation with a curt " I'll talk to you later." Then he sat down behind his desk and turned his attention to the two operatives before him; he wasn't making the interview easy for them.

"Good morning. Let's hear it."

Chris looked at Niall who shrugged so she launched into a report of their recent assignment in South Asia, an area of the world they had been in almost continuously for the past year; it was paradise for kidnappers. This case had blown up in their faces and they had messed up big time. Senior embassy official, held by rebels- negotiations long and protracted but somewhat held up when his body was found in several pieces by a remote highway.

Terry listened impassively to her report. "Sounds like you lucked out. Don't blame yourselves. It's a different game out there. The negotiations are often a smokescreen- it's assassination they are after but they want to dangle a carrot for maximum publicity in the western media. And they have. You were just the bait."

It was a relief; Thorne was not telling them anything that they didn't know but who could say what the perception would be back in the office? He hadn't had to face the family members and colleagues who had accused the pair of incompetence and naivety, not to mention lack of concern. But he must have been there before- he might rarely hit the field these days but he wasn't so far away to have forgotten the reality of places like that. Both of them had felt foolish and helpless when the job had blown up in their faces after all the assurances that they had made. Thorne closed the file and they rose to go.

"Sit down. Please. There's something else." Terry appeared a little uncomfortable, shifting in his seat and adjusting his tie. Chris noticed how he rarely made eye contact with her but that was hardly surprising. Whenever she looked at him, she certainly had flashbacks to a night more than a year ago when they had shared substantially more than a bottle of whisky- an exchange of an entirely different sort of fluid. They say if you are intimidated by the boss, imagine him naked- Chris had seen him naked and the memory did not relax her. She wished she could remove the picture of his impressive body from her mind- not to mention the memory of the feel. Even after the past year with Niall and all he meant to her, Terry Thorne simply would not go away.

"I feel...rather, we feel...Dino and I feel...that you two are..." He rubbed his hand through his hair. "Look- your private life is none of my fucking business unless it impinges on your job. And we think it might. You can't be objective when you are emotionally involved. We're putting you on different teams in future..."

"Hey, mate. Since when have we let it come in the way of the job? You said yourself that you couldn't fault us on the last one. We spent a fucking year over there - you know it has to be one of the most dangerous postings and we did good work. Don't start whingeing at us now, mate." Niall responded, suddenly aroused from his seeming lethargy.

"You sleep in the same bed- nice easy targets. Can't keep your head clear when your minds are on what you want for supper..." Terry spoke softly but his tone was firm.

"How dare you say that! Most of the guys working for you are picking up girls in bars every night of the week- surely that's more of a security risk? I don't suppose even you are against grabbing something hot in the night when you're far from home either. Don't be a fucking hypocrite. We are a safer option." Chris tore into him and Niall looked across, a little bemused. He was angry too- but Thorne was the boss.

Terry glared at Chris. "We're talking about you, not me. It's not up for discussion. You accept it or resign. Take a few weeks downtime and get your heads together. I do not want a pair of lovebirds in my company- is that clear?

Niall stood up and knocked his chair over, storming out. Chris remained seated.

"That is really what this is about, isn't it? You want me to resign so you don't have to face your little mistake. Frightened the wife will find out? Or worried that I might tell Niall- as you can see the laid back style is somewhat misleading. He has quite a temper when pushed."

"My wife knows and I don't give a fuck about Patterson finding out. What's it to him who you screwed before you met him? Don't expect he thought you were a virgin when you started."

Chris threw him an angry look. "Your wife knows? How touching! And you still have your dick?"

Terry ignored the comment. "That had nothing to do with this, Chris. It's an operational decision. We don't want to lose either of you- to resignation or a bullet when you are not paying attention. Chris- get over it."

"Over it? You arrogant bastard! You think I'm still carrying a torch for you?"

"That's not what I meant. But I'm not sure why you are so angry with me- you should have expected this. You're an experienced officer. Tell me any outfit that you know of who would allow a team who were sexually involved?"

"We're negotiators, not special forces, for God's sake. Give us a break. Terry- we'll never see each other if you put us in separate teams. Please. You can trust us. We'll even sleep apart when we're working. Just let us stay together- we are good together. Terry- give me a chance at life- please!"

Throughout her appeal Terry had watched her with that impassive look on his face that was so hard to read. It gave the impression of implacability but so often camouflaged inner conflict. He knew how she felt but it was of no significance; the job required commitment and there was no room for sentiment- but he did sympathise. But when it came down to it, choices had to be made; Annie had all but given up her academic career for him- Chris and Niall would have to make up their own minds.

"My wife gave up her career..."

"Fuck your wife. But then you do, don't you, Terry? Whenever you feel like- even in ladies' restrooms in New York bars. I'm not your little wife, thank God."

Terry stood up. "Interview's over. I'm not interested in your opinions. Let us know your decision. Good day, Miss Wahlberg." His voice was cold and hit a low register that resonated deep in the pit of Christianne's stomach. He was angry but she detected something else in his manner- embarrassment or was her aggressive taunting arousing him? Whichever, Chris felt that there was still unfinished business between them and it was not all to do with the job.

Rising from her seat, she faced him over the desk. "I thought you were some guy when I met you. Guess I was wrong. You're just like the rest of them. Can't cope with a woman who's your equal."

Terry shook his head, "No, Chris- I choose to live with one who is far superior. One who doesn't have to be one of the boys to prove who she is. You should try it sometime."

Chris glared back at him and stormed out slamming the door behind her. Terry stared 

at her retreating figure and frowned. "Well, you buggered that one up good and proper, mate, didn't ya?"

PART FOUR

November

The house was in an affluent village on the outskirts of Knutsford in Cheshire. It was one of those modern luxury homes that try to ape the elegance of Georgian England but invariably mix up the styles. Annie hated such homes for their pretentious excess-"Either put up with an old house or build a designer inspired new one- but please..." she would say. But then Annie had an opinion on almost everything and he didn't always agree with her. In fact he mostly didn't agree with her but sometimes it wasn't worth the effort in taking her on. But he agreed with her about this one. Sort of place a footballer might live in.

Parking outside, he pulled out the dossier again and flicked through it. James Baguley. Fifty eight. Senior executive with a well-known telecommunications' giant. Disappeared in Moscow. Had left his hotel room for dinner and was seen, by a colleague, in a bar some time before midnight with a blonde almost young enough to be his granddaughter. Then nothing until the ransom note had arrived at his Moscow office a week later. Moscow- in November? Even Annie wasn't kicking up a fuss about this.

"Hope you freeze your bollocks off," was her reaction -but she had been laughing. He had no choice- their people were strung out, he spoke Russian and Sir Geoffrey and Baguley's boss were old school friends- undue pressure had been placed for Thorne himself to take the case.

'The wife, second wife, according to the dossier. A lot younger than him- let's see what she can give me to work on,' he mused as he stepped out of the car and shrugged on a wool overcoat. 'Too fucking cold. And it's nearly summer back home,' he thought as he crunched up the frosty driveway, past the Mercedes sports car and the Lexus four wheel drive to ring the bell.

A young man opened the door. He looked to be in his mid twenties, tanned and well groomed; he obviously spent too much time in the gym.

"What is it?" The guy was as charmless as his vacuous features suggested.

"Is Mrs. Baguley in? I have an appointment to see her at eleven."

"You the fella from the Insurance company?"

Terry smiled. "Yeah, that's me. May I come in?"

"Suppose so. Tanya's upstairs. I'll tell her you're here. Better wait in there." He indicated a large lounge looking out on to the gardens; it was dominated by a bright pink leather suite and black and white tiger print rugs, startling against the white walls and carpet. Terry sat down uncomfortably on one of the armchairs; the large plasma TV was playing MTV and the music was blasting out of the quadraphonic speakers. ' Mr. James Baguley, Fifty eight? Was he in the right house?'

"Hi. Sorry you had to wait. I'm Tanya Baguley. Pleased to meet you," Terry stood up to acknowledge the arrival of the victim's wife. He was used to these moments but they were always difficult- the anxious wife, confused, desperate, needy and a little apprehensive at handing over her husband's safety to a complete stranger. One look at Tanya Baguley and Terry realised he was dealing with a different animal.

Mrs. Baguley was an attractive blue- eyed blonde, long hair straightened with a heavy square cut fringe. She was dressed in a tight white pair of jeans, low slung to reveal a flat brown belly, and a sheer clinging blouse which revealed a black plunging bra that barely contained her enormous breasts- had to be silicone; surely nature couldn't put together such a frontage on those tiny hips? She was the wife? The girl couldn't be more than twenty-five.

Clearing his throat, Terry extended his hand. "Thank you for seeing me at such short notice. I'm Terrence Thorne. I represent..." Tanya Baguley extended a cool tanned hand with talons painted in flower motives. She appraised him openly.

"You're an Australian, aren't you? We went to Australia last year. It was fantastic. Have you ever been to a nightclub in Sydney called..."

"Probably not, Mrs. Baguley. I haven't lived there for many years." Nearly twenty years- she would probably have been a little girl when he first came to UK. "My company is a partner of Luthan Risk International- I'm from the allied security company that handles these cases. I need to tell you a little about how things will proceed from now..."

"Yeah. How soon will the insurance pay out if he's dead?"

"Pardon?" Terry had heard her but found her comment hard to believe.

"Luthan is the insurance company, innit? Isn't that why you are here?"

"No. I think we have our wires crossed. I'm not with the insurance wing. I'm with the K. and R. Crisis Response Unit."

"K and R?"

"Kidnap and Ransom. When expatriates disappear in these circumstances there are people who specialise in handling the negotiations on behalf of the insurance companies. I am a negotiator. I will deal personally with your husband's case. The main objective is to get your husband back safe and sound, isn't it?"

"Oh yeah, right. So you are going to go and bring him home? What are you, some kind of copper?"

"No. We are merely there to negotiate a price and ensure his freedom. The apprehension of the kidnappers is the business of the civil authorities."

"I thought you weren't supposed to pay kidnappers. It just encourages them."

"We are talking about your husband here, Mrs. Baguley. Surely you would be prepared to do anything to get him home?"

"Of course, I don't want anything to happen to him but ... we're not exactly Love's Young Dream, know what I mean? I can play the grieving widow but it wouldn't be for long."

Just then, the young man entered. "You still here?"

"If you'll excuse us, son. We've some important matters to discuss. Are you one of the family?"

He sniggered, "Not exactly." 

"Then piss off and let the grown ups talk." Terry growled.

"Wayne, better do as he says. He's not the Insurance man. He's some sort of GI Joe who rescues hostages. Wouldn't get into a fight with him. I'll bet those muscles didn't come from bench presses in the gym, did they, Mr. Thorne?" Tanya flashed Terry a look and he groaned inwardly.  He wondered whether James Baguley might be more comfortable left where he was than with these ghouls.

As professionally as he knew how, Terry took her through the normal drill, eliciting the intimate details that gave him a more rounded picture of the temperament, personality and general character of the man he was trying to help. Tanya was one of the least helpful wives he had ever encountered. She claimed to have been married for three years - longer than Annie and he had - but seemed very uncertain about her husband. She wasn't sure if he was allergic to anything and was vague about his health record; she thought he was quite tough but didn't have a clue how he would cope with his ordeal; she thought she might be able to find some recent pictures and reluctantly did so.

Terry told her a little of what she might expect to happen over the next few weeks but she seemed uninterested so he gave up. Leaving her with a card and contact number should she think of anything else, he promised to be in touch and got up to leave. Tanya had not even offered him a drink. As he walked towards the room door, she leant against him and ran her hand down his chest to the belt of his trousers and then brushed her fingers against his groin. "Would you like a bit of fun before you go? I can get rid of Wayne if you like."

Terry moved her hand."No, love. A cup of tea would have done. However, I'm sure your husband will be pleased to know that you are not letting his disappearance get you down." Terry spoke in a low voice but something in his manner made Tanya take a step backwards and she decided against making a smart reply. Mr. Thorne picked up his overcoat and left.

PART FIVE

"You're back early. M6 free for once?" Annie was lying on the floor of the lounge drawing with Zoe, Liam rolling about next to her on the rug. For once everything seemed calm and under control; he usually arrived to total chaos- but then he rarely returned home until late when they were all tired and grizzly. He noticed the identical postures of his wife and daughter, lying prone with their legs bent and waving in the air. He suddenly realised how long Zoe's legs were from ankle to knee. She would be a tall girl, head and shoulders over her mother. He smiled to think that she had inherited more than his eyes- in every other way she looked like a miniature Annie and was as bloody infuriating as her mother too.

"Didn't stay long."

"How's the wife?"

"Horny."

"What?" Annie looked round quizzically but her attention was caught by her son crawling off the carpet; she yanked him back unceremoniously by his heel- he seemed not to bother at her rough treatment- he got worse from his sister.

"Nothing, love. Where's Maria?"

"I think she's in the kitchen- why?"

Terry disappeared into the kitchen and Annie could hear him conversing in Spanish with her. Maria adored Terry, even more so when he spoke to her in her own language; she had even started to use Spanish with Zoe at his request. Suddenly she emerged, zipping up her fleece and gathering up Liam, struggling to insert him into his all-in-one.

"What's up, Maria?" Annie asked.

"I take them for walk. Is quite fine. Maybe the park. Zoe like swinging," she replied. 

Annie looked up and Terry was standing by the door, smirking, raising his eyebrows suggestively. She took a few seconds to make up her mind. "Right Zoe- let's get the buggy, shall we?"

Annie walked them out to the gate and then ducked back in when their attention was taken by a passing dog. She ran back to the house and burst through the door, her icy breath coming in gasps.

"How long we got?" Terry asked.

"Sychronise your watches. About half an hour- an hour tops. It's fucking freezing out there. But they are well wrapped up- I'll make it up to them later. Come on!"

Annie took his hand and dragged him up the stairs into their room. He kicked the door shut. Taking Annie by the shoulders he roughly pulled her to him and kissed her, holding her by her neck with his left hand and pulling her hair loose with the other. Annie slipped her arms around his neck and simply let him go- Terry in this mood was more than worth the ride. He pressed his tongue deep into her mouth and sucked on hers, a deep groan emitting from the base of his throat as he tasted her. Dropping his hand from her hair to the base of her spine, he stroked her gently and pushed her against him so that she could feel his cock grinding against her stomach. Her knees began to give at the sheer power of his presence; would she ever get over his predatory masculinity?

Terry sensed her need and picked her up, stepping back until he reached the bed, lips still locked. At last he broke from her, long enough to lay her down on the bed and make a move to undress himself.

"Let me," she said kneeling up and unbuttoning the rest of his shirt, pulling it from his pants and down his arms; then she lay her cheek against him and nibbled at his nipples, her hands already unbelting him and unzipping his fly, while he kicked off his shoes and socks. Terry held her head, playing with her hair until she freed his cock from the restraints of his shorts and pushed them down his legs to join the pants now lying at his feet, and then he steered her head gently towards to his groin; he hadn't needed to encourage her- she knew what he would want and the thought of the taste of him would have driven her there anyway.

"God, Terry, I love your cock," she murmured as her lips brushed his pink tip and her teeth grazed its girth.

He groaned and whispered "Suck it hard, hold my balls. Do it for me, baby. I want to fuck your mouth until I can't stand it. Jesus, Annie, you drive me insane..." Annie had swallowed as much of him as she could and to increase the sensation for him, she seized his scrotum and squeezed gently while she sucked. Licking her other finger, she slipped it underneath and circled his anus until she could feel his reaction and then inserted it gently; he cried out and bucked into her face, fucking her harder and faster until she felt the gag reflex and had to swallow hard to prevent herself from throwing up- his cock was so far down her throat.

As she pulled back slightly, Terry realised her difficulty and with a grunt he raised himself, reluctantly disengaging from her warm wet lips. Throwing himself back on the bed, he pulled her to straddle him and began to undress her, first her T-shirt then her pants until all she wore were a pair of lacy thongs that seemed totally inappropriate beneath her sloppy house clothes. " Were you expecting someone?" he grinned.

"You never know when you get lucky, mate," she giggled.

Terry stroked her lace-clad crotch and sighed. " I can smell you from here. Like nectar. Sit on my face, love..." Annie removed the remaining obstacle and sat on his chest letting him look at her for a few moments; then she raised herself until she was kneeling on either side of his head; in that exposed position, he reached out and eased her down towards his face. Her body trembled in anticipation of what he would do to her; she did not have to wait long. His kiss had almost made her faint; his intimate kiss was even more dangerous; she was sure her heart might stop as he licked her from top to bottom and then began to carefully explore her particular landmarks: first her clit, laving and biting on it until she was on the brink of orgasm and then abruptly moving to her opening and using his long tongue to fuck her. He rubbed his face in her juices and raked his nose against her nub. When he began to lick around her tight butt hole, she lost it and came in a shuddering climax, her legs jammed against his head trying to free herself from the torment that was pleasing her so.

Annie realised that he might have difficulty breathing trapped between her thighs and with her weight resting on him. She slithered to his side, still shaking, tremors running though her at intervals. Speech was quite out of the question as she struggled to hold on. Terry rolled on his side and brushed her hair from her face; his eyes were smoky and his face was sticky with her. Suddenly he coughed and pulled at his tongue " Swallowed a hair," he laughed and so did she. It was the spur they needed to move from overwhelming passion to just getting down and doing it.

Terry lifted her further up the bed and bent her left knee against her chest, the right leg he swept round his waist. In that position, he entered her; she was so wet that he slipped in without the usual adjustment period. "Christ, you're ready," he murmured and, clenching his butt muscles, he pumped himself deep and hard into her. Annie was so weak with the force of her earlier orgasm that she could merely brace herself against his actions and enjoy the delicious sensation of her entire vagina being stimulated from the cervix where the head of his cock was banging to the opening where his balls were doing similar damage.

"Terry, God, Terry!" was all she could utter.

"Just come. Now. Come!" was all he could reply as he pulled her bent leg over his shoulder, closed his eyes and gritted his teeth to hold on as long as he could. Picking up the speed he thrust faster with a smooth familiar rhythm while Annie writhed in time with his movements. They knew each other's bodies so well that they could sense the moment and in a burst of semen, juice and orgasmic moaning, they came together, rocking back and forth long after the moment of orgasm had passed.

Terry lowered her leg and dropped against her; she wound herself even tighter around him. "Stay inside. I don't want you to come out," she gasped and they lay together wrapped in each other's arms for as long as nature would allow. But eventually Annie coughed, trying to draw a full breath, crushed against him, and it was enough to make him slip him out of her. Releasing her from the bulk of his weight, he still maintained a closeness; both were reluctant to let go- it was rare to get such an intimate moment in the crazy life they seemed to live these days.

"Terry?"

"Hmm?"

"How come it's still as good as before?"

"It isn't. It's better. Before it was on tap. Now it's carefully rationed. But when it comes- fuck, can we still do it!"

"When will it stop being like this?"

"Stop? Why should it stop? We're just good at it. I can see us still shaking the bedsprings when we're pensioners. At least we won't have the kids round us to disturb us."

"They'll probably be ashamed of us. Put bromide in your tea or something. Terry- have I told you lately that I love you?"

"That's a song."

"I mean it!"

"No you haven't but I kind of guessed. Those lacy thongs give you away. You can't possibly wear them for comfort- they look like a cheese slicer. So I suppose you must wear them for me."

"There's more to love than lacy thongs, Thorne!"

"Yeah- but they don't half help, darlin'!" She punched him playfully.

"What time do you leave tomorrow?"

"Early. But we still have time for some more tonight. Let's spend the next few hours wearing them out so they sleep and we get to bed nice and early..."

"Good in theory but wearing them out tends to wear us out too. But you're right. You need to spend some quality time with your brats before you jet off to the frozen north. However, first a shower! We stink. Come on- I'll scrub your back...!"

PART SIX

December

Through a pair of great double doors engraved with some long forgotten aristocratic crest, lay a cavernous hall, once no doubt the ballroom of this erstwhile Russian palace. Domed ceilings, still resplendent with quasi-Renaissance artwork, looked down upon the tawdry modern casino below. Tables were set out for baccarat, 21, roulette and poker, each under the control of scantily clad blonde croupier, flanked by private booths with subdued lighting from where the new Russian demagogues ran their empires. It was a place that stank of corruption and hopelessness.

Terry Thorne scanned the hall, secured his prey and moved through the groups who hung around the tables. Few appeared to remark him but he was not fooled. He stood out in this environment; his clothes alone marking him out as a westerner even before they took in his fit and well nourished appearance- he clearly lacked the winter pallor of the locals. Slipping into a corner booth, accepting the proffered shot of vodka from the other man who was sitting opposite him, a short curt conversation was conducted.

"They say 'yes'. Unmarked. Combination of US$, £sterling and Euros- equal proportions. Drop Wednesday morning; cargo secured. No police or embassy- just you."

"Not good enough, mate. I need back up. Two operatives - not affiliated. Drop must be my choosing."

"No way. Could be a trap."

"Mate, I get paid for the live cargo not handing you over. That's my fucking job done- take it or leave it."

The man downed his vodka. "OK. But he's dead if you play games, understand?"

Terry smiled and threw back his shot... "Crystal clear, mate. Metro bridge. 5am." The other man nodded.

Out on the street again, Terry exhaled slowly. " I should not be here. Not with these fucking head cases." His mind drifted to Annie and the kids and he forced the image down deep "Not here. Don't let me drop my guard." Flagging down a taxi, he returned to the comparative welcome of his hotel, finding himself wandering into the bar, ordering a drink and instinctively checking out the occupants of the room reflected in the bar mirror - a habit of a lifetime.

Scattered about were the usual unlikely pairs of balding overweight foreign businessmen and young nubile Russian prostitutes playing the game of partnership for the evening. Here and there he observed a lone man, like himself or just unlucky, some pretending to read reports or newspapers, sitting round empty tables; and then his eyes alighted upon a beautiful, dark haired woman drinking alone and flicking through a document. In a different life, Terry would have moved in- a chance for a connection after a tense and lonely time- another pair of ships that didn't need to pass in the night.

Instead, he settled at the bar with his Scotch, relenting and buying a pack of Marlboro- Annie thought he had given up completely, and he was trying, but tonight he felt that smoking was the least troublesome of the possible vices that were tempting him.

"Could you spare one of those?"

Terry spun round and found himself staring into the clear brown eyes of the woman he had noticed. Her hair was glossy, dark brown and shoulder length, falling in thick waves brushed back from her face; her mouth was full, with bee stung lips, and her body slender but rounded beneath her well cut navy suit. He realised that he had held his breath for a moment.

"Sure. Bad for you, though!" He smiled offering the packet.

"There are worse vices." It was an eerie repetition of his thoughts.

"Can I buy you a drink?" Terry found himself asking before he had time even to begin to weigh the consequences.

"Whisky sour," the woman replied. By the way, I'm Lila Fuentes."

"Terry Thorne." They shook hands and she seated herself on a barstool by him.

"I'm here on business. I work for a semiconductor company- I'm a senior sales executive who is a long way from Silicon Valley, I can tell you. And you seem a long way from Sydney, Mr. Thorne. I need a bit of company - and you are the only guy in here who hasn't tried to hit on me. You don't look the needy type. So- fancy spending some time together- or does my forwardness shock you?" Her spiel sounded rehearsed; despite her confident manner he could read a nervousness- she didn't normally behave like this.

Terry raised his eyebrows. "Not sure what you mean by company, love. If you want a chat and a drink- that suits me fine- but no strings, eh?"

It was her turn to look surprised- and did he read some relief there too? "Perfect. I could tell you were a gentleman." She raised her drink and said, "Up yours, mate!" and took a sip. He raised his glass too and they both laughed. Terry knew instinctively that this was a dangerous game. She might be nervous about picking up a strange man in a hotel bar and she might have looked relieved at his non-threatening offer, but this lady wanted to get laid, even if she wasn't quite up to admitting it to herself yet.

Terry knew he could have this woman so easily; it would take little effort on his part to persuade her that his company had more intimate potential than just a drink in the hotel bar. She was attracted to him and had probably not had a man for some time; but then he hadn't had a woman in more than four weeks either and a bloke would have to be a blind eunuch not to get a hard on at the sight of her. Terry was a veteran of such encounters; years of empty fucking with hungry women who guessed he would give them what they wanted, do them no harm and not expect anything the next day. So easy, so meaningless, a warm body on a cold night- masturbation with a partner. How many times had he been here?

"Are you married?" Lila asked him and indicated that she had seen his ring. He nodded. 

"Kids?" Another nod. She bit her lip. "I'm married but no children. Career woman married to career man. Got it all- or so they say." Terry had the distinct impression she wanted to talk, maybe to justify her actions by explaining the unsatisfactory nature of her relationship. He was fucked if he was playing that game. He wasn't at work now. He changed the subject; something light and shallow to ease the atmosphere and give him time to think -because he needed to think- and quick.

After an hour or more of pleasant and amusing conversation, none of it revealing anything about himself or his job or his life or even his actual viewpoints on anything; the usual safe subjects and non-committal clever chat, he made his mind up. Standing up, he called for the bill. Lila also rose, an intense expression in her eyes; she was steeling herself for his invitation but also aroused; he knew women who were ready for bed.

"Shall we...?" she asked.

Terry looked at her for a long moment and then smiled almost sadly. "No, love. Much as I'd like to. But I'm not up for that game these days. Too much to lose. Thanks for the offer and the evening. Sweet dreams, Lila." He kissed her on the cheek and walked her to the elevator, aware that he was already feeling a little uncomfortable in his pants and glad he was wearing a suit and carrying his overcoat. She stepped in and he let the doors close- he didn't trust himself to travel up alone with her and would wait for another lift.

Lila rested her head back against the elevator wall and sighed deeply. "What a guy! The best piece of action I've met in years and he's got principles. Some lucky woman - hope she appreciates him."

Back in his room, Terry checked the time and called home. For once, Annie answered almost immediately.

"Hi, baby. Did I wake you?" He spoke soft and low.

"No, sweetie. I'm reading in bed. Luxury. No children awake. No horny husband to attend to- sheer bliss!"

"I'll stay away longer then."

"You dare! I'm joking. I'm so frustrated I might even bonk the window cleaner- and he's barely human- if you don't get here soon. When are you coming home? Any news?"

"Soon. End of the week at the latest. The kids?"

"Don't ask. I'm cutting all their vitamins and feeding them on stodge in future- they have so much energy it's unnerving. God, Terry, Liam is growing so fast- you have to get home soon; you're missing so much. I take endless pictures and videos of him- but it's not the same. He's into everything and Zoe is so adorable... she can sing all the words of the latest Westlife song! Well, her version of it, anyway."

"What the fuck is Westlife?"

"An Irish boy band."

"Well, that's a talent that will serve her in the future. Jesus, Annie- I thought at eighteen months they sang Nursery Rhymes."

"Get real, Terry- these days they wear designer clothes and want their own charge cards. By the way, I only need one hand to hold the phone. Any ideas...? Oh, I'm lying here naked by the way..."

Terry groaned as Annie proceeded to tell him what she was doing and what she planned for him when he returned. Reaching the part about her oral intentions for his cock, he knew he couldn't hold out and Annie recognised the change in his breathing, even though he was one thousand miles away in a Moscow hotel room.

"Come for me, Terry. I can see you with your big hand on your big dick, jerking for me- you know how I love to watch you touch yourself. It turns me on so much, makes me so wet. Wish I could put my tongue in your little hole and lick that juicy pre-cum..."

Terry threw his head back on the pillow and came over his hand, his pants and the bedcover. Annie had a slightly less messy but even more vocal orgasm at much the same time. The phone line crackled.

"You still there, Terry?"

"Mmm. Jesus, Annie, I made a mess all over my pants!" he giggled.

Annie smiled. "Good. Now I've got you where I want you, big boy. Can I just say one word to you? VASECTOMY!  I hope you are still thinking about that because I'm still deadly serious. You want fun and games- you better play ball- or rather, let the doctors play with your balls. I've just spent the last couple of weeks sweating... Don't panic- I came on- but I'm not going through this again just because you keep forgetting to wear a rubber."

Terry recognised an expert negotiator when he heard one. Get them on the ropes and then hit hard, preferably where it hurts. As usual with Annie, Terry tried to avoid confrontation.

"We'll talk about it when I get home, love," he said weakly.

"Talk might be all you get, sweetheart!" she teased back. "Call me tomorrow. And Terry- no risks! And I love you. Promise me- be careful."

"Promise. And I love you. More than you know, Annie. Kiss the kids. I miss them."

Stripping off his clothes, throwing his pants into a dry cleaning bag, showering and then finally getting to bed, Terry lay back and thought. "I turn down full on sex with Miss Latin America for a wank in my hotel room and a load of earache from Annie about that fucking snip. Why do I feel like I just got the best deal?"

PART SEVEN

January

"So how come Terry's at home this week? I couldn't believe it when I saw him picking you up from the gym. Thought you had a new boyfriend at first!" Cassie filled up their wine glasses. It was a girls' night out at the local bistro- a once a month date they all insisted on. There was little else to do in the village and they were hardly going to misbehave when they were the only women under forty in the district.

"Can't tell you. Secret," Annie smirked.

"What? Secret like- highly confidential government job or secret - he doesn't want you blabbing to all your friends?" Caroline inquired.

"Guess."

"Well- can't imagine there's much going on round here that Action Man has to keep under surveillance, so it must be the latter. Go on, tell us..."

"He swore me to secrecy. Told me he'd cut up my credit cards if he found out that I'd talked. Torture me- he might be sympathetic if you pull out my fingernails."

The three other women looked at each other and laughed. Caroline raised her right hand in the motion of a pair of scissors. "Snip, snip, eh!"

Annie rolled her eyes and grinned. "Honestly, Terry, I never told anyone- must be the way you're walking!" They all fell about laughing.

"I can't believe he agreed to it," Caroline gasped, "It took two years and several faked false alarms until I got Eddie to do it. I thought Terry would never relent."

"He's a pushover. You just nag and nag and he gives in. Plus the fact that I started to insist on the rhythm method until he played ball."

"The rhythm method-how does that work? You didn't do all that testing your secretions did you?"

"Did I buggery! I just lied and said it was the wrong time almost every time he felt like it. It was either give in or explode- you don't know Terry when he has his mind on something. He can only think of one thing at a time."

"Have you told Mel? Don't you have 50 quid resting on this?"

"She doesn't believe me. She said she wants to see the scar- I told her to piss off. We have hit an impasse on that- especially as Terry swore he'd strangle me if I told Mel, 'cos he's frightened Dino will find out and then it will be broadcast on CNN - you know running down that little strip at the bottom of the screen! What is the matter with men? Why are they so prissy about stuff like that?"

"Hits them where it hurts in more ways than one. It's only a little bit of a thing and they make such a fuss of it. At least you've got him at home for a few days. It's about time he tasted suburbia and all its delights." Cassie observed.

"Fat chance. You know- he can find his way through impenetrable jungle without a compass and yet he doesn't seem to be able to work out where Tesco is. I asked him to go shopping today and he went all vague and in the end I went on my own. He's hopeless. He can't do anything useful. He's not a bad cook but that's it. He doesn't know how to operate a washing machine or a vacuum cleaner. At least he's good with the kids, so that gives Maria and me a break. Mind you, of course, Zoe gets away with murder when he's looking after her. You know, she bit Liam this morning - and he ended up giving her a chocolate bar. Work that one out."

"Annie Thorne, when you met him what ran through your head? Did you envisage him playing house with you and doing the supermarket run? Somehow I don't think so. You've got God's gift to women snugly tucked up in your bed- don't dare complain. And if I had known you weren't putting out, I'd have been offering him some myself!" Caroline added.

"Thought you were. What's all this about your pilot light going out?  Sure you weren't after him lighting a different sort of fire under you? And by the way- I didn't even know he knew what a pilot light was. But he was round your house quick enough." Terry had volunteered to relight her neighbour's boiler much to Annie's amusement: Eddie was away on a business trip. Terry had singularly failed to do any odd job around their house other than bathe the children and clear snow from the drive all week. Domesticity was quite lost on Terry Thorne.

"I thought he'd be really capable. I mean if he's trained in extreme survival tactics..."

"Firstly- I didn't say he couldn't. He's a killer combination of Aussie male and soldier boy- neither famed for their interest in matters domestic. Plus hunting and lighting a fire with two sticks or whatever the fuck they do in the wilds is somewhat different to plugging in the vac- it's more like playing Boy Scouts International Edition. Also he's bloody lazy and easily bored. Can you imagine what a pain he was at sixteen?"

"They never change. They start with a Mum and end with a wife. In between they live like slobs."

"Or have a cleaner. Terry still pines for Mrs O' Dowd. She used to follow him around and pick up everything he dropped. He thinks I'm lacking as a woman because I make him hang up wet towels and throw his clothes in the laundry basket. I thought the army taught them to look after themselves!"

Cassie giggled, "They have selective memories. Joe nearly died of shock the other day when I told him to make up the bed. You know what he did..."

"Fell asleep on the mattress and bare pillows? Been there. Terry even put the kids to bed with dirty faces one night when I was out. He said 'just this once'- like he's put them to bed more than once?"

"Why do we put up with them?" Caroline asked.

The four women smirked, raised their eyes and burst out laughing.

"God, I'd die without Terry," Annie sighed. "And I wouldn't really want to change a thing. Could you imagine how boring it would be to be married to one of those new men who wear an apron and knit jumpers? I'd rather have He Man rogering me up against the kitchen sink than doing the washing up any day- wouldn't you?"

"In the kitchen? Annie, you have an au pair. Surely you're not still bonking all over the house with Maria living in?"

"Figuratively speaking, Caroline- we always wait until she's gone out!"

PART EIGHT

February

"I had an email from Maggie today. Did you know she and Phil are in the Philippines? They've taken a house on Bataan for six months to celebrate his retirement. She said we should visit them- the house is on the beach. It's time we had a holiday." Annie was getting ready for bed, Terry was reading.

"Yeah."

"Yeah, what? You're not listening, are you? What you reading?" Annie flung herself down on the bed and pushed up the book in his hands. It was an autobiography of General Peter de Billieres. "Heavy. Some men read porn in bed, you know, Terry!"

"And some women read love stories," he replied, indicating the tome lying on her side of the bedside table, "The Consolations of Philosophy by Boethius?"

Annie giggled. "What a pair of boring old farts we are!"

"Speak for yourself, mate. What did you say about the Philippines?"

Annie told him again. 

"I'm not flying half way round the world with those two monkeys," he retorted.

"We could take Maria! Come on. I'll get some knock out drops from the doctor and we could dope 'em."

"Dope them? Is that responsible motherhood, Annie?"

"Doing everyone a favour on a long-haul flight, I'd say. Go on, Terry. Maggie would be made up and they'd give us a break. We could take a trip on our own. You promised to teach me to scuba. It'd be perfect."

"I'll think about it." Terry replied. Annie pulled a face and mouthed, " I'll think about it," and jumped off the bed to go into the bathroom. Terry grinned at her behind her back. Maggie had already called him. He had asked Rachel to sort it out. Should know about the dates tomorrow. Wouldn't hurt to keep her ladyship guessing, however. The whole deal had worked out well. Niall Patterson was in Manila working on the early stages of a new case- he had sent him solo but promised him some backup later. Couple of weeks' holiday with Annie and the kids and he would stay on to assist if Patterson needed it. These Abu Sayaf assignments went on for months and had to be handled very differently from other cases. It usually took a team who alternated to complete negotiations; weeks often went by with no contact.

This would be the first time he had ever contemplated Annie and the kids even close to his working environment but, as he would be completely uninvolved until after they had returned home, he couldn't see that there would be a problem; he would use coded mails to keep in touch with Patterson, untraceable to his location- but he would be near enough to liaise if it were needed. Sounded ideal. 

"You thought about it yet?" Annie slipped into bed.

"No. Thought about something else, though," he replied, rolling over on to his side and putting a hand underneath her skimpy vest.

"Do I have to put out to get your attention these days?" Annie snapped but she didn't pull away so he continued exploring, lowering his head to her breasts as he rucked up the cotton sleepwear. He felt her relax and arch her spine towards him when he sucked on her aureola and tasted the sweet milk spraying into the back of his throat. It never failed to heighten the sensation for both of them. Just then the bedroom door flew open and Zoe flew in, rubbing her eyes and crying. She was beginning to have nightmares. Terry threw himself back on his pillow and groaned, "Not again!"  Annie sighed and jumped out of bed, picking her up and taking her to the bathroom. He could hear them chatting as Zoe had a wee and then they returned to the bed. "Cuddle up to Daddy for a while." Annie lay her next to him and looked apologetic, "I may as well feed Liam now I'm up- he'll only disturb us as soon as she settles otherwise. Sorry, honey."

Terry watched her go and shook his head. "Tell me a story, Daddy," Zoe was wide awake now. "There was once a soldier who met a beautiful princess and..."

PART NINE

March

It had worked even better for Terry than he had dared hope. He had to fly over first to meet with Niall Patterson in Manila and introduce him to some of his old contacts both in the embassies and those other less orthodox but usually more useful characters whom he had picked up over the years. He felt a little guilty at leaving Annie and Maria to handle the two Munchkins on their own on a later flight- but not that guilty. It was like moving a fucking army getting those two packed and on the road never mind transported half way across the world. Travelling light and unencumbered was an impossibility.

It was late afternoon when he picked them up from the airport on a day so hot and humid that it nearly melted your eyeballs. A storm was brewing somewhere; the air crackled with electricity but the rain still held off. Standing in the arrivals hall, more than grateful for the air conditioning, Terry watched the passengers streaming out from the British Airways Flight. As usual Annie would be the last- probably waiting for the mountains of luggage that she had brought with her. Then he saw them. Maria was wheeling a trolley with Zoe perched on the top and Annie was struggling with Liam who was obviously in a mean mood. Despite her difficulty, Terry was struck by how good she looked- how did she look like that after long haul from London with two kids? She was wearing a pair of white cut off jeans and a blue and white floral T-shirt, her hair was plaited and she looked about twenty.

Zoe saw him first and screamed, "Daddy!" insisting on being lowered to the ground so she could dash over to him. He swung her up and she hung on laughing, sticky fingers on his hair and even stickier mouth giving him sloppy kisses. His daughter was like a steamroller, midget size. Annie was smiling- Liam had actually stopped crying and was reaching for his father too. "Over to you now, Sunny Jim," Annie quipped. "Maria and I intend to crash for the next two days. I'll get you for travelling first class without us, you bastard!" But her look said something else. It said she was glad to see him and he was certainly happy to see her. Nothing was quite the same anymore without them all.

A few days later, they were in Bataan and on holiday. Maggie and Phil were over the moon to have them; their own children were all grown and they were starved of the presence of little ones. They hadn't seen Zoe since she was a baby and then of course, there was Liam, nine months old and just starting to walk around the furniture- quite adorable. It was comparatively simple for Annie and Terry to steal off and head for the beach on their own- bliss. But it was also fun being together as a family; Terry really didn't spend enough time with them and he relished the simple pleasure of being with his children. He spent hours building complex sand castles with Zoe and then blowing them up with missiles lobbed from intricate positions (Zoe adored destruction, obviously another soldier there!) or taking them swimming; both were water babies .Zoe could already swim of a fashion although she had no concept of breathing and had to be hauled up every so often for air when her little legs and arms began to slow down.

One lunchtime, just back from the beach with two children so covered in sand that they were scratchy to the touch, a phone rang. Terry was in the shower with Zoe and the two of them were both laughing hysterically at something; Annie was towelling a wriggling Liam down. She searched for the ringing phone, realising that it wasn't the landline but Terry's encoded phone, lying near his laptop. By the time she got to it and figured out again the intricacies of unscrambling the signal, the phone had stopped ringing; however there was a message. Annie felt that sinking feeling. "Shit! Shit! Shit!" It could only be bad news.

Terry and Zoe came out of the bathroom still laughing. He was wearing nothing but a towel and he was trying to wrap her up but she was wriggling and lunging for his towel.

"What's going on with you two?" Annie smiled.

"She's being a naughty girl." Terry giggled and threw her on the bed. "She keeps grabbing my dick."

"Hard to miss at her level. Fancy looking up and getting an eyeful of that. Like a butcher's window. Anyway she's at the curious age. She's fascinated by Liam's- she's always yanking it. Wants to know why she hasn't got one."

"Penis envy. You girls all have it"' he laughed, rubbing his hair with another towel.

"Oh, please! Take him while I finish her off. I think we need a girl talk. Just put a nappy on him and let him go. By the way, your Inspector Gadget phone just went off. Someone's left you a little love letter."

Terry frowned and attended to his son. Sitting on the floor with him, he read the message and then dialled.

"Thorne." He listened with a set expression on his face, playing with the scar above his right eyebrow; it was an annoying habit he had when he was thinking. Annie dressed Zoe who was whispering in her ear about her Daddy's willy but, although amused, her mother was also trying to listen in to his conversation -but it was hopeless. His manner never gave anything away.

"I'll get back to you. Give me a half an hour." Terry snapped the phone shut and picked up Liam, dumping him on the bed. He picked up a pair of shorts, put them on and sat down at the laptop.

"What's going on, Terry?" Annie asked.

"Later, Annie. Get the kids out, will you? I need some quiet." That was all. Annie knew better than to argue with him in this mood and she bundled them out and downstairs- it was time for their lunch anyway. As she closed the door, she caught sight of him clenching his fist and thumping it down on the table next to the computer. Something was very wrong.

He missed lunch and after putting the children down for a nap, she came up with a plate and a drink. He was standing on the balcony, talking on the phone, staring out to sea. Annie waited until he had hung up and brought him the food. He indicated absentmindedly for her to put it on the table, disinclined to talk.

"Terry, please tell me what's going on. Are you leaving? Don't shut me out."

He glanced up at her and she realised that he looked genuinely upset about something; she recognised that bruised look in his eyes.

"I fucked up, Annie. Big time." He rubbed his eyes with his hand.

"What do you mean- fucked up?"

"Put my private life before my job."

"That is allowed sometimes. You are allowed a holiday."

Terry shook his head. "You don't understand. I left him strung out. On his own. He should have had backup. It's like fucking Havery all over again. I let him carry the job so I could play house at the beach. It was me who took his partner away saying they were a risk. I'm the fucking risk. What the fuck have I been playing at? Any fucking amateur would know better. Dino's gone nuclear."

"Terry- what has happened?" Annie was seriously worried; she had never seen him in this mood about his job- at work he was always in control.

"Niall Patterson has been taken. Don't know when or how they got him but Chris tumbled it first. They have some private agreement to ring at certain times each day; no call or voice message means trouble. She knew within the hour. She's flying in from LA and wants my fucking balls."

"Why is it your fault?"

Terry chewed on his lip and rubbed his face; touching his face always showed his reluctance to discuss something, but after a side-wards glance in Annie's direction, he moved to his open briefcase and pulled out a packet of cigarettes. Lighting one, shrugging at her, he inhaled deeply and then blew out, crinkling up his eyes and watching her through the smoke.

"I told Chris and Niall they couldn't work together anymore because their private life was beginning to interfere in the job. They took it badly." He coughed uneasily," She seemed to think it was personal- I wanted her out for personal reasons. We sent her to LA - an actor who had been having death threats. She was supervising the bodyguards. Went fucking insane but who else could we send? She could fit right in as a PA or something. Niall got Manila with me as backup. So while I let my private life interfere, she is wasting her skills playing nursemaid to a spoilt stiff (there hasn't been a sniff of kidnap or attack) while her boyfriend disappears because I didn't give him the support he needed.  Christ- there's a good chance he's dead, Annie! Why would they want to kidnap the negotiator? He must have pissed them off and they have probably taken him out- we may never find his body." Terry took another drag on the cigarette. All the time he had spoken, he had stared at the ground, unable to make eye contact with her.

Annie knelt down in front of him. "You can't get it right every time. It was a judgement call. Sometimes we don't see the whole picture. You couldn't be expected to know he would need help- you said yourself it was early days. How many times have you been left on your own over the years?"

"Exactly my point. I swore when I opened my own shop that there would be none of that cavalier disregard for operatives. None of my people were going to be figures on a balance sheet. But I have fallen into the management trap too; expecting of the people who work for me what I don't want for myself. She begged me to leave them together but I blew her off. Wouldn't listen. Told her to accept or resign. And I offer him the worse backup in living memory."

What happens now?"

"I take over. Form a team and we dig in here. Scour his movements, emails, contacts etc., for a lead and try to restart negotiations. Annie, it will be slow, months probably."

"Could we ask Maggie if we could stay here?"

"No! The minute I take over, you would be at risk. I want you on a plane home by tomorrow and out of this shit. Don't argue. I'm not listening. You are going home. End of discussion. Start packing, love."

Annie stood up. "We never did get to try scuba diving, did we? I booked a trip this afternoon just to one of the nearby islands. Thought we could slip off for a few hours while the kids were napping. Maggie had it all arranged. She was going to take them to the little zoo in town when they woke up. I fucking hate this life, Terry. I've had enough. It isn't a life, is it? What made us think we could have a marriage and kids? Were we just conning ourselves? By the time you get back this time, Liam will have forgotten who you are. Maybe one of these days I will as well."

Terry stood up and kicked a chair over on the balcony. Annie stared at him but he turned away, lighting up another cigarette.  As she opened the door to leave, he spoke,

"We can still go. This afternoon. I can't do anything for the next few hours. I don't want to be stuck here all day just thinking. Let's take the trip, Annie. What the fuck else can we do about the rest of it now?"

PART TEN

They didn't talk much on the way to the jetty, but then they didn't have much time- only just making the boat before it left. There was little space left to sit down, so Annie took a seat under the canopy of the wooden boat while Terry threw himself down on the deck, leaning against the side. It occurred to Annie that no one would even imagine they knew each other, let alone were married with two children. She watched a couple of younger women eying him up and making comments behind their hands; it was the usual performance. He attracted that kind of attention even when he wasn't trying. She wondered whether they would have the guts to make a move and chat him up; they might find him somewhat less charming than usual in his current mood.

Annie had a book with her and tried to read but her attention was distracted; she regretted what she had said even if it were true- especially because it was true. He was right- what the fuck could they do about it now? They were married and they had two children- what was the use of accusing him of being naïve now? Did she really wish she hadn't married him?  Of course not. She had never regretted it for a single moment. Then she shouldn't have thrown the accusation at him, especially not when he was already feeling so low.

So deep in thought was she that she never saw it coming but then, even Terry, who had, could do little to prevent the inevitable. When an apparently harmless fishing smack draws level with you and you are faced with a line of armed men with their heads covered, pointing machine guns at you- what the fuck can anyone do but what they are told?

It was a scream from one of the young woman that alerted Annie; she glanced up and saw the faces of the other passengers and their assailants. With a thud of comprehension, Annie turned to Terry who was still slumped above her on the deck but he cut her off with a sharp shake of his head. Pointing to his wedding ring, he waved his hand over it. He didn't want her to acknowledge their relationship- why? Annie looked at him but said nothing; he was in charge now. She caught his expression and, although he closed it down quickly, she recognised a moment of panic in his eyes. This was very serious and he was at a loss- it was not a position he was used to. For once, Terry was caught with his pants down- no weapons, no communications, no backup, no idea what was going on and with his wife to worry about. A soldier's nightmare.

They were herded from the small boat onto the much larger fishing vessel. Annie carried her small backpack with her and no one challenged her. As they were pulled on board, each of them was asked their nationality and their name. Annie used her maiden name and was aware that Terry blinked to acknowledge his approval. He was already on the boat but apart from the others. Unawares to Annie, he had been manhandled on to the boat first and thrown against the side; his left cheek was bruised but he kept it turned away from her. However Annie could not fail to notice that he was kept under guard by two men, whereas the rest of them were held loosely in a group at the other side of the boat.

The journey to their destination took about an hour; an hour during which the tourists sat mostly in silence, huddled in groups of family and friends consoling each other. Fortunately no one wanted to be a hero and the response to their kidnapping had been shocked and muted. Annie knew that any attempt to question or resist would be madness and they might all suffer as a consequence; but then she was a veteran of kidnap- her blood suddenly ran cold at the memory of what had happened three years ago. How strong would she be if threatened again? She knew that must be in Terry's mind as well.

As they tugged in as close as possible to the shore, the men seized them and told them to jump into the water; it was waist deep but clear to the bottom; a beautiful spot for snorkelling, Annie thought wryly. Wading to the shore, they were met by more armed men; this was not a chance occurrence but something that had been well planned. With little ceremony they were divided into groups of four, two men assigned to each group and they were pushed into the mangrove that flanked the beach and led on into the forest beyond. Annie looked about her to see where Terry was, but with a shock she realised he

wasn't following. He was on the beach with his two guards and another man who appeared to be in charge.

With the butt of gun, the boss man knocked Terry to the ground and the last sight she had was of him kneeling before the three of them. Some sort of altercation was taking placed although Terry was silent and held his head down. One of her captors pushed her roughly forward and shouted, "Walk!"   She had no choice. Annie was unable to comprehend how she managed to leave him to his unknown fate and stumble in the wake of the others, yet she knew instinctively that it was what he wanted her to do.

It couldn't have been more than a few minutes later, although time had already begun to take on an elastic quality, each breath requiring extra effort and thought to reach her numbed brain, when she heard the shot. It came from behind. From the beach. They had shot him. He was dead. How does the body function when the brain has ceased to turn? A medical impossibility, so they say- but Annie found her legs continue to move further and further away from all she had ever wanted in life. Thought- impossible. If she dared to think, she would simply have died herself on the spot and she had to live. For Zoe. For Liam and for... but she wouldn't even say his name. Not even in the darkest corner of her mind did she dare to whisper it. His name alone would break her in two.

Annie ignored the whispered comments of the women in her group. She forced herself to blank out their words although they spoke in English. 'Concentrate on walking. One step after another. Think about breathing. In and out. Count to a hundred, a thousand, a million. Fill your mind with something. Do not think!' How far did they walk?  Was it minutes or hours? Who knows?

After some time Annie realised that she had dropped back a little and the other three women were further along the path, almost out of sight and she was left behind with just one guard, a young Filipino who was walking behind her. Annie wondered why he didn't push her to meet the others; what was making him allow her to walk at this speed?

Stopping, Annie looked back and caught his glance. He was staring at her and she realised that the skimpy shorts and light top she was wearing were hiding little of her body. 'God, not that,' she thought to herself. But even before she could digest the realisation, she saw something in the trees behind which made her gasp. Someone was moving towards them. He stepped out from the cover of a tree and it was Terry. He was spattered in blood and his face was bruised but he seemed unharmed. Was she hallucinating?

Her gasp had alerted the kidnapper. "What's the matter?" he grunted.

Annie thought quickly. "I saw a snake on the path but it has gone now." Terry was nodding and then he made a sign. He extended his hands, palms down as if to tell her to stop and then motioned unzipping his shorts and mouthed something. What was he trying to say? Then he put his hand in front of his groin as if he was taking a leak and pointed at her.

"I need to stop." Annie said. The man looked at her. "I need to urinate."

"What?" He didn't know the word.

"Piss." He knew that. 

"OK. Piss then."

"Are you going to stand and watch?"

"You bet." He laughed and licked his lips. Terry had moved closer. He was indicating that she should keep him occupied.

Annie began to unfasten the button at the top of her shorts and unzip them. He was beginning to sweat as she slowly dropped them to reveal the small bikini pants underneath. Stepping out of them, she turned her back and began to ease then down. Hearing a groan (taking it to be lust) she turned round to see the man struggling in Terry's grasp. Terry's left hand was round his neck, forcing it back at an unnatural angle and then he raked a knife across the man's throat causing a jet of arterial blood to arc upwards, hitting Annie in the face; she could taste it in her mouth. The man still struggled even when Terry applied more pressure on the gaping wound and suddenly she heard the crack of a broken neck; the body fell limp.

With a grunt, Terry fell back with the man on top of him; she saw him shudder and then roll the body from him, rifling the pockets and helping himself to anything of use. Finally he dragged it into the undergrowth.

"Let's get the fuck out of here," he growled.

Annie stood transfixed. 

"Annie, come on!" Terry took her hand and began to pull her back down the path in the direction from which they had come. Annie shook his hand away and refused to move.

"What the fuck's the matter? Annie. Look at me. We have to get out of here. They are only a few hundred yards away. Annie!"

Terry held her by her shoulders and saw the glazed look in her eyes. She was in shock. Her face was white and her eyes seemed hollow. He wasn't even sure she had heard what he said. He tried once more to call her back but she wouldn't respond, so he hit her across the face, watching with horror as the red welt flared across the sickly white pallor. Annie gasped, her hand flying to her cheek as she reeled back from him and then threw up. He held her as she retched and vomited, aware that every wasted moment was putting them both in more danger.

Before she had time to fully recover he picked up the machine gun that had been dropped by his victim and the small back pack that Annie had carried, now filled with contraband seized from the dead man and picked her up too, adjusting her weight onto his right shoulder and set off down the path. Annie was whimpering but he ignored her; he would tend to her later when they were somewhere safer than this.

Ten minutes or so later, Annie suddenly spoke: "Put me down!"

"Are you going to walk yourself?" he said as he lowered her down.

She stood and faced him, breathing heavily. She nodded.

"Are you OK, Annie? I'm sorry I hit you - but I had to bring you round, you were in shock. We had to get out of there. Let me look at your face..."

Annie pulled away from his hand. "Don't touch me!"

What?"

"You killed him."

"What?"

"You killed that man. I'm covered in his blood. You killed him right in front of me!"

"He was going to rape you. And then probably kill you."

"You didn't have to kill him. You could have hurt him or tied him up or something."

"Are you fucking insane? If he had made a noise we would both be dead by now. Don't lay this on me, Annie. I can't take it now. You can think whatever the fuck you like but we are getting out of here and you are going to do exactly what I tell you, when I tell you or I swear I'll fucking tie you up and drag you back." He turned away and picked up the rest of the baggage.

"Is this normally how you speak to the people you rescue?"

Terry spun round. He shouted at her as loudly as he dared given the circumstances.

"No, because they usually say thank you. Offer me their firstborn. Kiss my fucking feet. They rarely lay into me for taking out the bad guys. Sometimes I wonder, what is the colour of the sky in your world? We are not in civilised society now; the normal rules do not apply. There is no law. We are back in a dark age when the only rule is you survive at all costs. Jesus, you are a mother! What about the children? Do you want to see them again?"

At that Annie burst into tears and fell to the ground. He closed his eyes and crouched next to her. "I shouldn't have said that, baby. Annie, I'm begging you. Hold on. You have to be strong. I can't do this without your help." He raised her to her feet and tried to hold her, but she shrugged him away. However she picked up her backpack and started off down the path, wiping her eyes and nose on the back of her hand and rubbing her hand on her shorts. Terry felt that, although he could cheerfully strangle her, she was also arousing a different emotion in him. He had an overwhelming urge to kiss her stubborn little mouth, snotty nose and all. God, could she push his buttons. Shaking his head to keep his mind on the task in hand, he caught up with her and they continued on in silence.

PART ELEVEN

Skirting the beach where they had landed, Terry raised a finger to his lips and motioned for her to wait. Whilst he disappeared into the undergrowth, Annie was left alone for some time. Her mind was tumbling and she was afraid. She had thought he was dead; then he had returned and she had watched him savagely murder a man before her eyes. Now they were running for their lives- but to where? Who would know where they were? How long before their captors went back and discovered the man's body? Would the rest of the captives suffer as a consequence of what he had done to save her?

Suddenly he was back- she hadn't even heard his approach and jumped when he was there in front of her. Over his shoulder were two machine guns and a water bottle.

"Carry this." He handed her the third gun and she pulled away. "I said- carry it! The safety catch is on.  See there! Don't fuck about with it. If you have to, knock the catch off, point and pull-but make sure I'm fucking behind you. It will take on a life of its own once you fire it and hit anything in its sights. Now follow me."

Terry plunged back into the undergrowth flanking the beach and Annie followed until she caught up with him, unwilling to be left dawdling as the sky darkened and the night came on. He brought up the rear. A few moments later, he shouted. " Stand still! Don't move!" and Annie froze. Her eye was drawn to a movement at her feet and she saw a large snake slithering between her legs. She closed her eyes and thought she would faint." OK. You can move." Glancing back down, she saw the snake but it was no longer moving- it would have been hard to do so with a knife in its head. Terry had thrown his knife from a distance of several metres and hit the snake dead on. Their eyes met.

"Dinner," he smiled.

"I'm not eating snake," Annie muttered.

"Then bloody starve, love," he answered, retrieving his knife, picking up the snake and draping it round his neck.

"You're not going to wear it, are you?"

"How else do you want me to carry it? Or perhaps you'd like to hold it?" He handed it to her and she screamed, dropping it to the sand. He simply laughed and picked it up again, returning it to his neck.

At the edge of the wide bay was a headland and Terry moved out from the cover onto the beach when they reached the rocks. Climbing up a distance, he shouted for Annie to follow him. When she reached his level, she discovered a cave; Terry was in the rear checking it out- he had lit a dry piece of driftwood and was using it as a torch.

"Looks safe and dry. We're lucky to find this. Only bats and insects to worry about, but that can't be helped. Right. Make yourself useful. Find some dry wood, leaves, moss- anything that you think might be useful for making a fire."

Annie put down the gun and the backpack and did as she was told. She was tired, hungry and desperate and it seemed easier to let him run the show. Returning with her arms full, she saw that he had skinned and gutted the snake on a large flat stone and, using skewers whittled from driftwood, the snake kebabs looked ready to cook. Actually they no longer looked like snake- Annie knew she would eat some.

He gathered the kindling and started the fire- she began to be grateful that he was smoking again when he pulled out the matches. However she knew he could probably start a fire without them; he was certainly a useful man to have around in the wild. The fire caught, he added the skewers, and then they sat down, both staring into it, mesmerised.

"Terry, no one knows we are here- except the bad guys. How can we get off the island? Won't they see the fire?"

"We're facing out to sea here, should be alright- the smoke is mostly within the cave. By the way- we need more firewood, we have to keep this fire going all night. I'll go and get some later- it's too dark for you now. Someone does know we're here. Someone will be here by tomorrow for us, if we're lucky."

"How? Who could know?"

Terry undid and pulled off one of his Timberland boots; she had wondered why he had worn them for a diving trip. He pulled up the insole and she saw a small silver circle, like a watch battery, but with a small red light blinking on it.

"What is it?"

"A homing device.  We are all supposed to use them- one of Dino's new gadgets. Nobody bothers of course. But I had a few in my briefcase and told Dino everyone here was to activate them. I just had a feeling. I put one in the buggy, too."

"The buggy? Jesus, Terry- the kids are safe, aren't they?" 

"It was just a precaution. Course they're safe. But I wasn't taking any more chances. I am supposed to ring Dino at eight. If I don't he'll know something's up and then they'll get a fix on this. Don't worry. It's nearly over."

Annie sat back against the wall of then cave and thought while Terry tested the meat and handed her a skewer; she blew on it until it was cool and then nibbled the edge. It tasted fine, somewhere between fish and chicken - a little bland but certainly edible.

"Could use a bit of seasoning. No basil? Nam pla?"

"You can't bloody cook, Annie- just eat it!" But he smiled for the first time in hours; for the first time since he left the bathroom with Zoe and that felt like a different lifetime.

"Terry, has this happened because of you?" Annie had to know whether they had endangered the other people.

He shook his head and helped himself to another piece of meat. "No. They have no idea who I am. This was all about kidnapping tourists from the West because they think we are all millionaires."

"But why did they treat you differently from us? They must have suspected something."

"They thought I looked more trouble than I was worth. They want easy victims: children, old people, pregnant women, teenagers, missionaries, tourists. One look at me and they knew I might give them some grief. I thought they'd dump me over the side but they wanted the boss man's say-so first. That saved my life." He looked away into the fire. The boat ride must have been awful for him knowing what he knew.

"Is that why you didn't want them to find out who I was?" 

He nodded. "They would have used you to keep me subdued or worse- they could have shot us both."

Annie put her face in her hands, ashamed of her awful reaction to him when he had rescued her. "How did you escape them? I thought they had shot you in the head as you knelt on the sand. I heard a shot.  I thought you were dead. What happened?"

Terry looked across at her. "I really don't think you need to know that. But those men are dead. You need to understand that. And so will anyone else be who tries to hurt either of us."

"What about the other people?"

"I couldn't do anything for them. But I will. This is not finished, Annie. My priority is to get you out of here and on a plane home with the children. But then I will do what I can for the others. We know where they are now."

"Terry. I am so sorry. I just freaked before. I thought you were dead and then you came back and killed him like some vicious animal. I hardly recognised your face; it was nothing like the real you."

"That was the real me. I mean, it's part of the real me. You just haven't had to deal with it before. Annie, I hate to kill. It sickens me beyond anything you could imagine but I am trained to do it. I can kill in more ways than you can dream of. And I will use that skill whenever I judge it to be necessary. I know things you don't. But I will always hate myself for it. It goes with the territory."

He searched in the backpack and took out a packet of local cigarettes, probably from the pockets of one of the dead men. Lighting up, he continued to contemplate the fire. Annie leaned over and took the cigarette from his hand, dragging deeply on it. It had a strong herbal smell. "Is this...?"

"No. Just herbs and cloves. Could do with something stronger though, couldn't we?" he smiled ruefully and took it back from her.

"When you killed him, it didn't just shock me. It made me aroused. I felt sick because I wanted to fuck you, covered in his blood - I was ashamed. How sick is that, Terry?" Annie had not planned to tell him but it just came spilling out.

"Not sick. Pretty normal reaction when you witness violent death- something to do with needing to affirm that you are alive. Most soldiers say that sometimes they get a hard on in battle- especially if they kill hand -to- hand. Does that shock you?"

Annie shook her head. "Does it make you feel like that?"

Terry paused for a long moment and then threw the end of the cigarette into the fire. In a darting movement, he pulled her to him and rolled her back quite roughly on to the hard dirty floor. He didn't speak or even look at her for permission, simply pulling down her shorts and panties and heaving himself above her, dragging his cock out of his pants and crudely thrusting it into her. Annie gasped but did not resist; she felt the same way too. She just wanted him to take her there and then on that filthy floor without any tenderness or affection or foreplay or kisses. Just raw sex. Life affirming. To know that he was still alive and strong enough to fuck her senseless.

She groaned as he pushed hard and deep into her but that was the only sound she made other than the reflexive gasps as he knocked her back into the stone floor and crushed her beneath his weight. He was breathing heavily and his eyes were hooded but he knew what he was doing and he didn't care. She had thought she knew everything there was to know about this man; had made love to him every way there was but this was something different. This was Terry unrestrained and the more he frightened her, the more she wanted him. Wave after wave of powerful thrusts drove into her as he gripped her hips and held her down; she wondered if she might pass out from the constant banging of her head against the ground. But he couldn't keep this intensity up for long and soon he came in a burst, a deep animal like growl emitting from somewhere deep in his chest and ending in something very close to a sob.

Annie lay trapped beneath him, her thighs sore from his rough handling and her vagina aching from the bruising. Her head felt thick and her back and buttocks were raw. Tears poured down her cheeks as she held his head and he sobbed against her breast. She soothed him like a baby, stroking him and muttering gently. He moved to ease her breathing and she pulled him closer to her breast, offering him her nipple and watching him suck and drink from her, as much in need of her care as ever his son had been. She didn't think they had even been so close or that he had ever revealed so much of his inner torment to her.

"I love you, Terry. More than anything else in this world except for our children.  It's all right. I understand. I will never doubt you again. Please forgive my ignorance and stupidity." He pulled away from her breast, his eyes wet and meeting hers for the first time since he had reached for her body.

"I love you. I need you. Don't ever turn away from me, Annie. Don't ever look at me with disgust again. I can't bear it from you. It's how I look at myself sometimes but I can't take seeing it in yours eyes. It will finish me off."

She wriggled down to lie beside him and they held each other without speaking. He never asked her if he had hurt her or if she needed anything. For the first time in their lives together he had really taken her for himself and now he let her look after him; it was about time.

PART TWELVE

Annie awoke stiff and aching to a beautiful morning. Terry was nowhere to be seen. She jumped up, realising that she had slept as he had left her, her shorts around her ankles and her T-shirt rolled up around her neck. Pulling them off, she staggered out of the cave, still a little groggy. Terry was strolling up the beach; he looked as if he had been in the water and he had a stick in his hand. As he came nearer, Annie saw he had speared a fish and she smiled. 'I will never call you hopeless again,' she thought.

The fire was already built up; he must have been up for ages. He saw her standing there and grinned.

"You look like every man's idea of Paradise. Put some clothes on, love, or I'll never get anything done." She was completely naked and her hair was a wild mass of black curls.

"I'm going to wash in the sea. Someone left me in a bit of a state," she threw over her shoulder as she sashayed past him and paddled into the water. He threw down what he was carrying and followed; she had no doubts that he would. Before he hit the water, his shorts were off and he surfaced underneath her lifting her up into the air and tossing her further into the water.

"How can I do this job with you around? You've got me running round this beach with a fucking baseball bat between my legs when I should be looking out for possible danger.  The sooner I get you home the better, girl." But he didn't back off; Annie wouldn't have let him. She was sore and raw but she still wrapped her legs around his waist in the clear blue water and let him fuck her, leaning back in his arms and laughing for pure joy.

After breakfast they packed up and doused the fire, now dressed and serious once more. It was simply a waiting game now or perhaps a hoping game- that their people would get to them before the terrorists did. They moved back into the mangrove and then the jungle beyond, finding a small clearing and resting against a tree. And then they waited and listened. He heard it first, suddenly putting his hand across Annie's mouth and listening. Then she heard it too- the distant sounds of a several people moving through the undergrowth, the crack of branches and the rustle of leaves. He relaxed his grip on her.

"Our people?" Annie whispered in his ear.

Terry shook his head. "Wrong direction. Too much noise." He picked up a gun and threw it to her, showing her again what she needed to do to fire it. "But Annie- only in the last resort. And make sure it's not me. Or perhaps, forget it - you could always try talking them to death," he whispered with a wink. Taking the rest of the arms, he climbed a tree and disappeared amidst the foliage, leaving Annie alone. She wondered if she was the bait. The sound of the intruders came closer; now she could hear them cutting their way through, probably with machetes- the thought of them made her shudder. She could even hear their voices- these men were unconcerned that their prey might hear them. They thought they had the upper hand. They did have the upper hand. But Annie had Terry.

It happened so quickly that later Annie couldn't really recall the order of events. First they burst through into the clearing; there were four of them and they were armed with guns and machetes as she had suspected. They seemed to be surprised to see her there and for a split second she wondered if they had not actually been looking for her. Perhaps they thought she had been raped and killed and were only concerned with the whereabouts of the four of their men and the male tourist. Whatever, it gave her a few seconds in which to point the gun at them. The safety catch was on but they didn't know that.

They stopped and backed off a little, looking around and holding their hands out, assessing how dangerous she might be. Suddenly one gasped and fell, his hand holding his throat, blood pouring from the knife impaling his neck. Shots rang out and another fell- the two remaining whirled around trying to identify the direction of the attack. One raised his machine gun and let a burst of fire range round the trees above, the other made a move towards Annie, knocking the gun from her hand and pulling her up, holding the machete against her throat, backed up against the tree.

Annie screamed and then something hit her; she pitched forward and may have blacked out for a moment. Shaking her head, she realised she was lying on the ground. Before her lay three bodies; one was still moving slightly and groaning but he didn't look dangerous. She had enough presence of mind to crawl forward and remove all the weapons from his vicinty. Turning, she saw Terry sitting against the tree with the man who had held her in his arms; they were talking. Well, there was speech- talking was far too civilised a word for the interrogation that Terry was conducting. He held the machete to the man's throat and was spitting something out about "How many? Where? You want me to take you apart piece by piece? I'll start with your fucking dick." And he ripped down the guy's zip and thrust his hand in, rummaging around. Annie gasped as Terry pulled out the man's penis and lay the machete against it, stroking it. "Wouldn't miss this, would ya, mate?" he grunted in his ear.

The guy sang like a bird, whimpering and staring in horror at his member still in the grip of the unknown European. They had been looking for the boss who had not turned up at the camp, also the other men who had gone missing. They had figured something might have gone wrong with the big man- the one they had all suspected was more than a tourist. Four of them had been dispatched to find him. He cried and begged Terry not to cut it off. He would help him, lead them to the camp, show him a way in, anything but...Terry let him go, throwing him to the ground and holding his foot against the man's neck.

"Annie, pick up a machete. Cut a length of vine about a few metres.' He indicated a nearby tree. She meekly did what she was told and handed it to him; he bound the man securely and hitched him up to the tree. Ripping a bandana from one of the dead men, he used it to gag the hostage. She noticed he also zipped up his pants for him.

"Now, you're mine. And I haven't finished with you, me old mate. Your dick's still in the balance- I'd so love to ram it down your fucking throat. Have a think. Next time I talk to you I want everything you know about the camp- and I mean everything. Start counting. I want numbers of terrorists: details of captives, weaponry, food supplies, guard stations, passwords, communications, leave anything out and I'll be back for your dick and then I'll kill you- slowly. And believe me, mate, when I say slow, I mean real slow. It could take days. Understand?"

Throughout his guttural threats, Annie had stood and listened to the other Terry Thorne in amazement. Her mouth was actually hanging open. But she was no longer disgusted by him; now she was fascinated and more turned on by his brutal machismo than she could have imagined. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde- it was the same man, after all. The same man who loved her and had sobbed in her arms the night before, the same man who built sand castles with his daughter and had already bought his son a tiny Rugby shirt. Nothing had changed; she had just had her wish granted; she had seen him at work and he was even more impressive than she had imagined. A hero. A villain. Her man.

Terry lifted his eyes to hers, somewhat apprehensively. Annie smiled and wafted a hand across her face. "Boy, do I feel hot!" she said suggestively and he smiled back, relief showing in his face.

"His dick?"

"Works every time. A bloke would rather be dead. Believe me, Annie. You OK?"

"What hit me?"

"Me, I think. I was aiming for him, but you got in the fucking way, as usual!"

"Jesus- it's a wonder you didn't kill me, you fat bastard." Annie retorted. She wondered what the trembling hostage made of the repartee. She guessed he probably didn't understand most of it.

PART THIRTEEN

"How long do you think they'll be?" Annie wondered as they sat in the clearing, still waiting.

"Not fed up of your scuba trip already, are you?" Terry joked.

"Tell me something funny. That's what Dino would do in the circumstances, wouldn't he? You're not much of a laugh, are you?"

"Me? Life and soul of any party. Depends on the company really. You haven't exactly been a laugh a minute the past few days, you know."

"Hey, mate. I don't usually spend my days hacking through virgin jungle and murdering terrorists. You have to give me an adjustment period. I know... Truth or dare. First up - you. What happened on your stag night?"

Terry looked at her. "You still on about that? That was three fucking years ago."

"Well then- it's ancient history. Statute of limitations has run out on it. It no longer comes under the Official Secrets' Act. You are allowed to talk without incriminating yourself." Annie was sure he still wouldn't tell.

"I fucked three girls in a dingy room in the red light district of Manila. Dino and some mates ran a book. I won the bet."

"You did what? Three? In front of them? You disgusting animal! You total pervert! Three? I didn't know you had it in you. You always fall asleep after one with me!"

Terry laughed. "You're the wife, love. And there was a bet lying on it - a bar bill of mammoth proportions. You can't expect me not to take that seriously."

"When we get back, I'm betting you that you can equal that with me. And there'll be more than a bar bill at stake. You lose and you kit me out at Versace. I'll give you mammoth bill- if I'd known your ability to perform depended on your wallet, I'd have fleeced you years ago."

"Fleece me? What the fuck you be doing since I met you?" Terry laughed. "If you could write books like you could spend money, love, I'd be retired by now."

Annie thumped him. "At least you got Dino to pay for it. He must have hated paying for both your hookers and the drinks. Bet that was a first!"

Terry grinned and thought for a minute. "Not exactly. He's paid before. Once. Jesus that was embarrassing!"

"Go on. When?"

"I can't tell you, Annie. It's too embarrassing."

"More embarrassing than three tarts and an audience?"

"That wasn't embarrassing. I'm proud of that!"

"You filthy git. Tell me. I dare you!"

He exhaled and rubbed his stubble; Annie loved him unshaven and rugged. "We were in Hong Kong. Just out of China in the bad old days. Some bad shit. Like fucking dogs out of a trap, we were. Started at the hotel massage parlour before we hit the town. It was a swish joint- but we are talking Hong Kong here. Had the works- and I mean the works! We paid the bill, turned to leave- standing there in the reception full of respectable men and women waiting for their treatment (it was also a beauty salon) and this old Madame runs out, highly agitated. She shouts "Hey, Mr Kwei Lo" ( Red haired devil certainly suits Dino, doesn't it?). We turn back and she shouts - across the room- 'you didn't pay for the wanking! Masturbation extra, sir.' So, I'm smirking at his discomfort and then she adds-'for both of you! That fucking wiped the smile of my face. I've never seen Dino get his wallet out so fast. The whole fucking reception was laughing."

Annie rolled on the floor, howling. "You had a wank in a massage parlour? You sleazebag! But you were going out on the town. Surely you were expecting a little more...?"

"That's the point. We were so horny after two months without any. A little hand relief at the start of the night helps to slow you down. I didn't want to come in my pants later on, know what I mean?"

Annie shook her head. "Men! You are so disgusting. I can't imagine a respectable woman asking a masseur to give her a hand job."

"That's because you're so naïve. Happens all the time, love. Just it has never occurred to you."

"It has now. Another thing to add to my list of thing to do."

"Don't you dare! I'd cut off the masseur's fucking hands if he touched you."

"You would'n' all. Double standards. But it might be a masseuse."

"Then I'd join in." Annie raised her eyes. 

Suddenly a noise. They froze.

"Join in what? Christ, Terry - you losing it or what? Look at the pair of you- what is this, Blue Fucking Lagoon? Are you sure we're not in the way?" Dino.

PART FOURTEEN

Dino aka 'The Cavalry' had certainly arrived. There was a party of them, all kitted up and looking mean and there was Terry and Annie like two tourists on a day trip; which is, of course, what they were. Unsure of what state they would find the pair of them in, the rescue party had brought clothes and other necessities. Terry pounced gratefully on his pile and stripped off where he stood, to dress more appropriately for playing boy soldiers.

Then he noticed the final member of the group. Chris Wahlberg. Give him credit for cheek- he merely brazened it out and carried on undressing; she was equally brazen and carried on looking. Dino looked from one to the other and whistled inwardly. Then he caught Annie's look and smirked. It would have frozen the Devil himself.

"Chris- perhaps Annie needs something?" Dino said, well aware he was stirring things, but he couldn't help it.

"Here- catch!" she said and threw a bag over to Annie. Despite her obvious annoyance, Annie could not resist investigating the pile. She pulled out combats and a vest and hooted with laughter.

"Something funny?" Chris asked.

"You bet!" Annie replied but didn't volunteer an explanation. She pulled out a box of tampons, snorted, and tossed them away, and then pounced gratefully on a change of underwear and a packet of wet wipes. "God, do I need these!" she exclaimed, and gave Chris a look loaded with meaning. None of it was lost on Chris or Dino- but Terry was in action mode and completely ignored the minor hostilities that were breaking out on the fringe of his vision- or at least pretended to.

Annie moved out of sight to change. Dino said "Go with her." to Chris, who pulled a face but did as she was told. She stood around while Annie slipped out of her clothes and began to clean herself up. "Do you have to watch?"

"Yeah. Boss says so. You'll probably trip over your knickers and knock yourself out."

"You could avert your eyes. But you seem to enjoy looking at naked bodies- female do it for you as well as male?" Annie might not be up to a wrestling match with Chris but she wasn't scared of an argument. Nor was she embarrassed to clean herself intimately in front of the other woman. Chris tried to look elsewhere but she couldn't help but notice Annie. So this is what he really went for? Couldn't blame him really. She was a beautiful woman and her body was lithe and supple even after two babies- Christ - she didn't even have a belly! And there were no muscles or signs of working out- this was natural beauty: white skinned and silky soft, as far away as you could get from the world of men he lived in. It was the body of a woman not of a male wannabe. That's what he had called her in not so many words. Chris gritted her teeth and turned away.

As Annie finished dressing and brushed her hair, plaiting it skilfully into a pleat, which she secured with a bit of string she had pulled off the canvas bag, she looked at Chris Wahlberg. "Thanks for all this stuff. I appreciate it," Chris looked back, surprised at the sudden climb down.

"Don't mention it. It's standard. But guys never think of wet wipes!" They both smiled. 

"Look, Annie...about what happened...."

"Fuck off, Chris. It happened. I don't really care to discuss it. The priority is your bloke now -and those other poor sods. Just understand this. He's not on the market and he never was. Believe me- he'll hurt you if you think otherwise."

"I know," Chris whispered in reply, " but I didn't know then."

By the time they joined the men, the team were deep in preparation; there were maps and equipment lying around, enough hardware to stock an arsenal and backpacks containing food and other equipment. Terry and the 'prisoner' were having another chat but this time no genitals were involved- the guy was happy to tell all- and Dino was making notes.

Annie sat around keeping out of the way; she helped herself to a drink and some fruit and chocolate bars that someone passed to her. She felt useless and completely redundant. Finally Terry rose and left the man alone; he and Dino talked amongst themselves for a while and then Dino called the team together for a briefing. Terry walked over to Annie.

"Look at you! GI Jane. Wish I had my camera- send one to your looney lesbo friends," Terry grinned referring to the Women's Group she had once been a member of- the one that had thrown paint over army personnel in protests. She pulled her tongue out.

"Right, honey. This is the plan. Johnny over there is taking you back to Bataan. You pack up and get the midnight flight out. I know you're tired but you can sleep at home. You are not staying here."

Annie simply nodded. It took Terry by surprise. "No arguments? Have I broken you at last?"

She smiled. "Have you buggery! I've had enough of this place and I know you're right. I don't belong with the Paras. And I want the kids so badly it hurts. I daren't even think of Liam or my milk just comes pumping out," she said, breathing in sharply and jamming her wrists against her nipples at the mention of him. He could see wet patches forming on her vest.

"Don't start turning me on again, love," he blew out and shivered playfully.

"Terry- what are you going to do?"

"We've hit pay dirt. My friend with his dick on loan has given us some interesting information. Seems this place is Party Central. Not just yesterday's hostages but our cargo and Patterson as well. We're going in and it won't be pretty. Another reason for you to get the hell out, love."

"There are only ten of you- nine if you send me back with one. And how will you get out?"

"We have airpower. This is big. Marines are on their way- we won't be solo. Dino is setting it up now. We'll just be ground reconnaissance; the military will do the main show. Once they hit the camp, we'll just pull the hostages out of the way. All in all, it'll be a lot of fun- and a fuck sight better than several months here doing the usual shit."

"Terry..."

"I know. No risks. Are you fucking joking? No risks? What do you think this is - a day out with the Brownies, Annie?"

"Do you always lie to me?"

"Only when I need to. But this is the last time. I'm never doing this again. I will talk to you when we are at home but I promise that I've learnt my lesson. You and the kids are all I care about. I have to make a choice and I made it last night. I'm getting out. For good." He held out his arms and she fell into them, praying silently that he would make it through this ' last risk' and fulfil his promise. She raised her head and he kissed her, unconcerned if the team was watching. "Now piss off home. This is men's work," he grinned.

She smiled and walked towards the beach and the waiting boat. Passing Dino, she kissed him too, "Look after him- and take care too. You can't have Laurel without Hardy, can you?" He shook his head and hugged her. Over his shoulder, she saw Chris standing somewhat apart. It must be hard for a woman with guys like these. When Dino released her, Annie went over and hugged her too. "Take care. Get Niall back. Make a life with him. Nothing else really matters, you know?"

Terry watched as the boat sped off. Knowing she was gone gave him the first real sense of control he had felt since this nightmare had begun. Now he could think clearly. He smiled to himself. 'Well, if this is the last time, me old mate- let's make sure we have some fun.'

PART FIFTEEN

April

It was mayhem as usual in the Thorne household. Music was blaring out from the sound system and a little girl was performing to the lyrics with a frighteningly mature grasp on the principles of erotic dancing and a thankfully inaccurate take on some of the words. The music was Kylie; the performer Zoe Thorne aged nearly two, going on twenty. She was being egged on by the backup group- her mother and Auntie Mel who were attempting to copy the grinding movement the little girl seemed to have down to a T. In the background, Liam was screaming because Maria would not let him play with the tempting controls of the sound system; he was struggling manfully and wearing the little Spanish girl down.

"Jesus, Terry. She's not even two. How do they know how to do that with their hips?"

"Like wanking, mate. Natural. Mind you, if her mother didn't encourage her..."

"Never thought I hear you complaining about a girl moving her butt nice and easy..."

"She's my daughter, Dino. That is a whole new ball game. I'm already keeping my shotgun to hand."

"Does something happen to you when you reach forty, my friend? Do you suddenly become all senior citizen and worthy? By the way - do these kids have a volume control- I would sure like to turn them down." Dino took a swig of beer and grimaced.

"Forty- you'll be there soon enough, mate- and you don't show any signs of calming down. Isn't it time you and Mel made a few decisions? Can't be happy all your life, ya know."

"Don't let Annie hear you say that. We have made a few decisions. Like things the way they are. Suits us. We don't want kids- can't think why- and do not feel the need to swear anything to anybody. I love her and she loves me- that will do."

Terry was surprised at Dino's declaration; he had never, ever mentioned the love word without making it sound like a character flaw. But he took the hint and didn't react. But he knew Annie would make a bloody Greek drama out of it after when he told her. It dawned on him that he told her everything these days; used to be pretty selective in what he discussed with her in the beginning. Maybe Dino was right- perhaps he was getting old. He glanced at Annie who was making eyes at him across the room. Maybe not that old he thought as he felt the familiar stirring of desire. She knew what she was doing and lowered her eyes to his groin, licking her lips. Terry decided to take on Liam; that would cool his ardour down for a while and Maria was certainly losing the battle.

Later that evening, peace restored and children sleeping, the four sat down to dinner. 

"All your own work?" Mel asked with eyebrows arched.

"Course it is. I'm a really good cook now, aren't I, Terry?"

"No. You are substantially better than when I met you- when she actually couldn't fry an egg- but you are still hopeless. And you're lying. Maria will have cooked."

"You shit! I cooked this myself." Annie carried in the large platter. They all burst out laughing.

"Paella? You telling me Maria stood back while you cooked paella?" Mel shrieked. Annie giggled. "I chopped everything up for her. Anyway I made the dessert."

"What is it?"

Even Annie began to laugh "Fruit salad and Ice cream. But I have arranged the plates so tastefully. And before you make any accusations the ice cream is Ben and Jerrie's - I was not pretending to have made that."

"Can you do anything, Annie, apart from bloody useless things, I mean?" Terry threw that at her with a smirk. He didn't expect the reply- you would think he had learnt his lesson by now.

"I can swallow your dick."

The table erupted; Mel and Dino almost fell off their chairs and Terry virtually choked on his wine. Annie just sat and smirked, "I'm almost as good at that as I am at translating Latin poetry, aren't I? Well that's what you always tell me when I do it!"

"My God, girl. That is something else. Have you considered an alternative career in a freak show?" Dino retorted.

Terry opened his mouth so say something but caught Mel's eye and they both burst out laughing. Annie bit her lip- what was that about? Dino saw the thought process so obviously running across her face and decided to head her off at the pass- God only knew what she would come out with next. "Could you pass the salad, Annie?"

Annie reached over and served him some salad; passing Mel she whispered something in her ear and Mel giggled, "What do you think? Always was my speciality!"

Dino groaned. Now they were both at it.

"Do you think we could have a conversation around this table that doesn't have my dick in it?' Terry objected.

"Not yet. Show us your scar, Terry. There's fifty quid resting on it. You never run away from a bet- or so I've been told."

At that Terry smiled and looked over at Dino. "Dino has the proof. And you're paying for this proof, Melanie, love.'

Dino pulled a Polaroid photo from his inside pocket and passed it to Mel who screamed with laughter. "This could be anyone."

"Are you joking, love?" Terry replied. Mel looked again and admitted defeat.

"You didn't take a picture of it, did you? You dirty bugger." Annie snatched the picture from Mel. "You couldn't have taken this. Dino! God- you are two perves, aren't you? I knew you were close but that is unbelievable." Annie stared at the picture in shock.

Dino held his hands out. "I assure you that is the closest I have ever been to his tackle or ever intend to be again. Get your money out, Mel. And it was worth the dubious experience for the total joy of seeing the look on Annie's face. You're not the only one who can drop bombshells, honey."

"I want a copy. For the pin board. It's the only thing missing."

"Piss off. I'm paying fifty quid for this. It's all mine- take one of your own." Mel answered.

"Terry..."

"Not a chance, love. I'm not getting in that position again for anyone. And I'm a respectable father. Can't have stuff like that round the children, can we?"

Washing up after dinner, Terry and Dino had a talk; it was long overdue. 

"Listen, Dino, mate. There's something I need to say."

"You want out?"

"How do you know?"

"I don't understand why you have hung on so long. You should have gone after Indonesia. I thought you would. This job sucks for guys in your position. I'm surprised Annie has stood for it."

"Guess I wasn't ready. But I am now. I've been walking around with my eyes closed. Thinking I had my life sorted at last and all that I had really done was let Annie make the choices and the sacrifices. I was too fucking lazy to do something else with my life; or maybe just too fucking scared. I'm forty and it's time I grew up. Faced up to my responsibilities."

"What will you do?"

"I had an offer last year and I turned it down. I checked; it's still open if I want it. But it depends on Annie. If she won't go for it, then it's down to the Job Centre!"

"Somehow, friend, I don't think it will come to that. Your share of the business should net you a cool figure, never mind your stash in the Caymans. Just don't sell it to fucking Luthan. I suggest some of the guys might be interested. There are a few who are ready for management."

"Yeah. I've been sounding a few out. I wouldn't dump you in the shit, mate, you know that."

Dino smiled. "I know that. And I'll miss you. But it's time, I also know that. Best of luck, friend. And I mean with Annie. Although I know what she'll say when she's not playing to the gallery."

"What?"

"She'll do whatever you ask of her. Like she always does. You lucky bastard."

PART SIXTEEN

Annie ran down the stairs and threw herself down thankfully on the floor of the lounge, gathering up the toys and paraphernalia lying scattered on the Persian carpet, dumping them in a toy box. She looked up at Terry who was watching the news but didn't say anything. It was too late now to expect him to do anything unless asked; if asked he was always very obliging. How come he could be so capable anywhere else but in his own home?

She settled back to watch with him, burrowing into her favourite position, which was sitting on the floor lying between his legs with her head resting on his groin. He played with her hair dreamily whilst they watched in silence. Suddenly:

"I'm selling out, Annie. Got a few guys to join the partnership and buy my half share. It's a substantial amount. I promised you I would go after the last one. And I meant it."

Annie closed her eyes for a second and made a silent prayer of thanks.

"What are you going to do?"

"I've had an offer. But it depends on you. I was contacted last year by the government. Of Australia. Ministry of Defence a ctually. They offered me a senior government job- military advisor based in Canberra. It would mean re-enlisting- rank of Major but only nominal- strictly a desk job. Bit of travelling but nothing excessive. Wouldn't pay what I earn now but a pretty good salary and package all the same. Relocation- the works. And with the sale of my shares in the company and our other deposits- we are more than fine. What do you think?"

"What about Harry? I thought that he was what had kept you here."

"Harry? I asked you about how you felt. He's nearly a man. He will leave school in a year. Wants to take a gap year in Oz anyway. Maybe even do Uni there - he has dual citizenship. This is not about him. He will grow up and leave his parents. This is about you, me and the little ones. He can jump a plane anytime he needs me."

"Us? Me, Zoe and Liam? What's the problem? We'll go to Mars if you ask us. Terry, I would love to live in Australia with you. I have always wondered at your reluctance to mention going back- yet you always seem to yearn for it. And they have Classics departments too there, you know. Some pretty damn good ones too. That's an affirmative... Major Thorne- fuck, does that sound good!"

"What about your family? Career? Friends?  This house- I know you love it. Could you stand having kids who talk like me? Actually they'll be a bloody sight worse- They all think I'm a fucking Pom back home these days."

Annie knelt up and touched his face. "Stop rambling. Main problem is how we tell Dolly. We're going to have to find her a good home. It's a deal then. I'll get the house on the market tomorrow. You do your secret handshake or whatever you have to do to rejoin the Boy Scouts and I'll buy a Strine dictionary. Have I left anything out? Oh yes- I'll only do it if you wear a uniform. God, I love men in uniforms! In fact you might start with the uniform but I'll rip it off you and... do you realise that it's unlikely I'll ever let you out of the house?" He shut her up with a kiss. It was the only way he ever could. Thank God.