PURE FICTION
SHADES OF GRAY
by sandyw
Chapter 1
Nikita glanced quickly around her apartment,
looked at the monitor beside her door and opened it. "Michael, what're
you doing here?" Michael looked at her, then beyond her and back at
her again. "Thought I'd stop by to see how you were doing." He
walked in, past her, univited, then turned to face her. They stood eye-to-eye.
"What do you want Michael? I'm busy." "Operations wants
us to report in half an hour." "You could've called. C'mon Michael
what's really going on?" There was another knock on the door. Nikita
brushed past Michael, who barely moved to let her pass. On her way to the
door, Nikita wondered if Michael knew about her encounter in the park that
morning. But how could he? She had disconnected her com unit. Still, it
would not surprise her. It might even explain his unexpected visit.
"Gray, come in." Nikita wanted to
hug him but Michael's presence forced her to hold back. She presented an
outstretched hand. Even so, Gray Wellman greeted her with a kiss on each
cheek. "Gray, you remember Michael? He was just leaving." Gray
greeted Michael warmly. "Of course. Michael, good to see you again."
The men shook hands. "Are you in town long?" Michael asked. "No
not long. Actually, I'm here for the weekend. I just happened to run into
Nikita yesterday in the park. She looks well doesn't she?" "Yes,
she does. And so do you." He directed this last comment at Nikita.
"Are you here on business or pleasure?" Michael persisted. "Michael,
I'm afraid that that's none of your business," Nikita butted in, wanting
Michael to leave but Gray didn't see the harm. "Actually, a little
of both. I'd hoped to visit old friends, but I'm actually here on a project
for a wealthy client. He insisted that I do research in person rather than
in my usual way."
Nikita started to walk towards the door, hoping
Michael would follow. He did. Gray called after him."Nice to see you
again Michael." Once at the door, Michael glared at Nikita. "May
I speak with you a moment?" "Sure. No problem. Look Michael,
I know I promised to break off all contact with Gray and I did. He was
just there in the park. What was I to do?" she whispered. There was
no immediate reply from Michael. "I invited him here for coffee and
to chat about old times, that's all. He's off for Paris tomorrow. So you
see, there's nothing to worry about. Section doesn't even have to know
he's in town." She seemed to Michael to be pleading with him not to
tell. He decided not to pursue the matter. "Don't forget," he
said half in, half out of the door, "half an hour." He left,
shutting the door gently behind him.
Michael did not believe in coincidence. He
contacted Section on his car phone. "Birkoff, do me a favor, run a
status check on Gray Wellman. I want to know where he's been and what he's
been up to for the past few months...and Birkoff, this is priority one."
He put the phone down, looked left and sped off into the night.
end Chapter 1
TO:
CHAPTER 2
E-ME with your own
fanfic or story ideas, anything! I may post it for you.
