Chasing the Cure

by Brooke Shelby

  * * *

  Robin walked out onto the balcony. Her head was aching. She had been up half the night again, tracing local contacts and setting up the meeting with Thompson.

  She watched Dale sipping his coffee. As soon as he saw her, he stood up, taut with anticipation. “Well?”

  “It’s done.” She sat down on a chair. “The meeting with Thompson is arranged. But the price is astronomical.”

  Dale nodded. “Of course it would be. But if we succeed, we won’t be paying it anyway. Sayid and Rami have come through with their contacts, too. A couple of underworld figures are willing to provide the backup we need. Sayid says they hate Thompson and are looking forward to it.”

  Robin bit her thumbnail pensively. “It’s risky, you know. Dealing with these characters. They might double-cross you.”

  Dale sighed. “I have no choice but to get their help. Our team here is diminished, and Mason is hardly able to be an active player anymore. He is helping, but he can’t go there and physically do anything. That’s why we need the local muscle.”

  Robin blinked. “Are you going?”

  Dale smiled tightly. “Of course I’m going. I’m the one putting everyone at risk. I’m going to see if Sayid and Rami can be there, too. I’ll need their help to talk to these underworld figures—they can interpret if necessary.” He paused. “Obviously, Audra and Mason will stay here, as will you.”

  Robin stared at him. “That’s not obvious at all. I want to go.”

  Dale’s frown deepened. “Robin, no. I’ve already put you at risk. You can stay here with the others.”

  She stood up. “Do you think I would let you go by yourself? After everything that has happened? You need support, Dale. And I’m a big girl.” She smiled. “Try keeping me away. If you do, I’ll just follow you, and you know it.”

  He gazed at her tenderly. “I don’t know, Robin. If something happened to you …” He trailed off, staring at her. His blue eyes were anxious.

  Robin felt her heart start to thump. She gazed back at him, and the moment stretched between them, taut with emotion.

  “Nothing’s going to happen to me,” she said eventually.

  But he shook his head. “I couldn’t bear it,” he said, through gritted teeth. “You know that, don’t you?”

  Robin’s heart beat faster. He reached over and took her hand. She stared down at their interlaced hands, feeling a deep, yearning heaviness inside her. Something that she had never felt before.

  “I think that I’m beginning to,” she said slowly.

  27

  Robin walked into the living room of the apartment from her room. Audra was sitting on a sofa, channel surfing. Her eyes rested on the woman, taking in the crisp white sling, her wounded arm propped up on a pillow.

  She hesitated for a moment, then sat down on the sofa opposite. Audra put down the remote and turned, staring at her. Unusually for Audra, she seemed at a loss for words.

  “Anything good on?” asked Robin, staring at the television.

  Audra sighed. “I’m getting addicted to a few shows, but I have to admit I’m going out of my mind with boredom.” She paused. “I’m not used to being an invalid.”

  “Appreciate it while it lasts,” said Robin, picking up a magazine from the coffee table and flicking through it absently. “I’m sure you’ll be back at work, running errands for the man, before you know it.”

  There was a long pause. Audra sighed. “Robin, there’s something I have to say to you.”

  Robin looked up suspiciously. “Really? And what is that?”

  Audra gulped. “I need to say I’m sorry. For everything.” She hesitated. “I shouldn’t have said what I did that morning after the shooting. I was crazy, out of my mind with pain and those strange tablets you gave me.”

  Robin stared at her. “Maybe. But what you said, you meant.”

  Audra reddened. “Yes, I deserve that. I’ve been a bitch to you from the start. But that’s got nothing to do with you.” She hesitated again. “I’ve always had a … thing for Dale, which I know you know. And then Carlotta screwed him over, and I thought there might be a chance …”

  “You wanted to catch him on the rebound.” Robin threw the magazine back on the table. “And you thought that I was a threat to that. I get it. That’s why you were warning me off.”

  Audra blinked rapidly. “You’ve summed it up. I’m not proud of myself.” She paused. “I’m especially not proud of what I said about your past. I don’t judge you, Robin. I think that you are amazing. A strong woman who doesn’t take any shit from anyone and marches to the beat of her own drum.”

  Robin smiled faintly. “Why, thanks, Audra. That might just be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

  Audra laughed. “Yeah, you’re probably right.” She paused. “And I’m a big enough girl to admit when I’ve stuffed up. Dale isn’t interested in me in that way, Robin. He never will be. I’m like the kid sister he never had. I think I’ve finally got it, and I’m okay with it.”

  Robin stared at her, not knowing what to say.

  “It’s you,” said Audra suddenly. “He’s fallen in love with you, you know. I can tell.”

  Robin gaped at her. “I don’t think so.”

  “You do.” Audra stared at her. “He’s been running from it, but you know, deep down. He’s almost there. Don’t give up on him. Promise me?”

  Robin stared at the red-haired woman. Audra’s eyes were swimming with tears, which she blinked away hastily. “And don’t think I don’t know how much you’ve enjoyed jabbing me with a needle in the butt. It’s black and blue all over. I swear to God it looks like a pincushion.”

  Robin burst out laughing. Audra joined in, and the next thing, they were both almost hysterical. At that moment, Dale and Mason came in. Mason was hobbling a bit on his crutches, with Dale supporting him.

  “What’s so funny?” asked Dale as he helped Mason settle on a sofa. He gazed from one woman to the other, his eyes shining. He looked pleased.

  “Private joke,” said Audra slowly, wiping away tears.

  “Audra and I were just having a moment,” said Robin, grinning broadly.

  “Well thank the stars for that,” said Mason, staring at them both. “The ice has finally thawed, and the meltdown can begin. I always knew you two would like each other, if you both only gave it a shot.”

  “I’ll second that,” said Dale, smiling. “How are you feeling today, Audra?”

  She smiled. “Better than yesterday, boss. And tomorrow I’ll feel better again.” She sobered a little. “Any news?”

  Mason nodded. “Everything’s ready. We just got the guns and ammunition that we need.”

  “Sayid and Rami have the contacts lined up,” Dale said. “It’s all good to go. This time tomorrow, people, it will all be over. One way or another.”

  * * *

  That night, after Mason and Audra were in bed, Dale turned to Robin. They were both sitting on the sofas, flicking through magazines, trying to distract themselves from the thought of tomorrow night’s meeting with Thompson.

  “What were you and Audra talking about today?” he asked softly.

  Robin glanced up at him. “She was saying that she finally gets that you two will never be an item.”

  Dale blinked. “Wow.” He gazed at her. “I’ll admit it, I’ve always known she had a crush on me. But it’s never been a possibility. She’s like a little sister to me.” His blue eyes deepened in color. “Unlike you.”

  He watched a slow pink color creep up her face. He felt a stirring, from somewhere so deep that he couldn’t even fathom it. It was so raw and primal that it took all his effort not to reach out and grab her, push her down onto the sofa, and sink deep into her.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m sorry I ran from your bed. It was stupid and cowardly, and I regret it.”

  She stilled, her green eyes wide as she stared at him. “You’re laying the cards on the table.”

  “I am.” He kept gaz
ing at her, his eyes almost pinning her to the sofa. “The hash lowered my guard, but I did it because I wanted you. I’ve wanted you ever since I first laid eyes on you. And it’s only gotten stronger the longer I’ve known you.”

  Robin raised a shaking hand to her hair. “Well, if we are laying our cards down, I have to say that I’ve had a crush on you ever since I met you.” She laughed a little. “Actually, if I’m being honest, it was before that. I’ve followed your career for years. I’ve always admired you. The genius billionaire with the heart of gold; isn’t that what they call you?”

  Dale reddened. “That’s the line they’ve trotted out. I’ve never been comfortable with it.”

  “But it’s the truth.” Robin’s eyes were shining. “You created a cure for freaking cancer to honor your mother. You could have created anything with your talent, but that is what you chose to do. And that’s why I wanted to take this job and work beside you to find it. Because you are an inspiration.”

  Dale shook his head slowly. “Money, Robin. And yes, a bit of talent. But you are the inspirational one. Overcoming everything you have. Using your talents to haul yourself up from the streets and make sure you never go back to them.”

  Robin blinked back tears. “I do okay for myself.”

  The moment stretched on between them, charged with emotion. And then, she slowly stood up. “I guess I should call it a day. Need my beauty sleep, and all that.”

  He reached out and took her hand, caressing it gently. “You don’t need beauty sleep. I think you could stay awake for a thousand nights and your beauty would still burn as bright.”

  28

  Robin walked around the room, dismantling everything. All the new equipment, so painstakingly hunted down and purchased. She had already backed up all her important data on SD cards and concealed it again in the coins. This is it, she thought. This is the end, my friend.

  She walked out of the room. Audra and Mason were already packed, their suitcases lying at the entrance to the apartment. They were sitting on the sofas, not speaking. Dale was pacing the room. Robin thought you could cut the tension with a knife. He stopped pacing suddenly, turning to her.

  “All done?” He gazed at her keenly.

  “All done.” She cleared her throat. “Are we ready to leave?”

  “Soon.” He stared pacing again. “As soon as Sayid and Rami get here.”

  “The plane will be waiting on the tarmac,” said Audra slowly. “We’ll be waiting in it for you both. I’ve arranged for safe shipping of the nanites, so that we can avoid any potential problems with customs. This is all you have to do.” She handed a piece of paper to Dale. “They will arrive home in a few days. If everything goes as it should.”

  “They’ll be there,” said Mason confidently. “We’ve planned this down to the last detail. This isn’t gonna fail.” He stared at Dale. “You are getting your work back tonight, boss.”

  There was a knock at the door. Everyone turned to it, staring at it, but no one made a move to open it.

  “That will be your driver,” said Dale slowly. “You guys better get a move on.”

  They all stood up, gazing at each other awkwardly.

  “Good luck,” said Audra, her eyes swimming with tears. She looked down, overcome.

  Mason stared at them. “I wish to God I could be there. But I know you’ve both got this. I’ve never met a tougher pair of motherfuckers in my life. The Terminator hasn’t got anything on you two.”

  They all laughed. “We’ve made quite a team, haven’t we?” said Dale, staring at them all.

  “The best,” said Mason. “The A-Team. And there isn’t anything that’s going to break it apart.”

  Robin looked away, fighting back tears. She had never been a part of a team before and known what it was like. She would die for each and every one of these people now. Even Audra, she thought wryly.

  She thought of her cold apartment back home, and her life of isolation. How could she go back to that, after all that they had been through together? But then she corrected herself. If she made it back alive. There was still one very important thing to do. She might just be heading home in a coffin.

  * * *

  Dale and Robin got out of the car with Sayid and Rami, walking towards the large figure dressed in black. His name was Fahim Abdel Nour, a local underworld leader. Dale stared at his muscular physique, heavy black beard, and glinting dark eyes. He was not a guy he would like to run into by himself on a dark night.

  “My men are in position,” said the man as soon as they were close enough to hear. “We have the whole square covered. Thompson will be surrounded.” He paused, staring at Dale. “I have received your payment. It is more than we agreed.”

  “Think of it as a bonus,” said Dale slowly. “I must get my property back.”

  The man nodded. “You will get it back. And in truth, I would have done this for half the sum. Thompson needs to be taught a lesson.” His face darkened, and he cracked his knuckles. “It is almost time. I will go for cover.” He drifted away.

  Dale stared at Sayid and Rami. “You guys should vamoose, too. Thompson might get twitchy if he sees so many people.”

  “Good luck, Mr. Dale,” said Rami, making a thumbs-up signal. And then they, too, scurried away into the shadows.

  A beam of headlights suddenly illuminated the square. Dale turned to Robin, touching her briefly on the hand. “Stay behind me. It’s showtime.”

  * * *

  Robin watched Thompson exit the back of the car slowly, dressed to kill as always. And then the other door opened. She gasped as she saw the large blond man who had been with Carlotta stepping out.

  “I thought he worked for Carlotta,” she whispered to Dale.

  “So did I,” whispered Dale. “Looks like he double-crossed her. Now we know how Thompson secured the nanites.”

  They walked slowly to the men. The large blond man stared at them with cold gray eyes. Robin felt a shiver go through her, just looking at him. His face was crisscrossed with scars.

  “Dale Michaels.” Thompson was all charm. “Good to see you again.”

  “I can’t say the same, Thompson,” said Dale crisply. “You have my nanites?”

  “Indeed I do.” He patted the small briefcase in his hands. “And you have my money, I assume?”

  “Of course.” Dale lifted the bag. “If there’s nothing else …”

  They made the exchange. Thompson took the bag back to the car, where it was quickly counted. He nodded, seemingly satisfied.

  “Always a pleasure doing business with you, Michaels,” said Thompson jovially. “Look me up the next time you are in Marrakech.”

  Dale smiled tightly. They walked away. “Is that it?” hissed Robin. “It’s too easy.”

  But the next minute, men in black were racing out of the shadows, securing them. They had been ambushed. Thompson walked back up to them.

  “Did you really think that I would let the nanites get away from me?” he said slowly, smiling into their faces. “You’ll pay twice over, Michaels. Your precious nanites will never see the light of day, I promise you.”

  Dale struggled in the arms of the man holding him. “It’s scum like you, Thompson, that keep the world on its knees.”

  Thompson laughed heartily. “I do hope so. That little cancer cure of yours can’t be unleashed now, can it? How would I keep my stockholders happy?” His smile vanished. “Goodbye, Michaels.” He turned to Robin. “And whoever you are. I hope he was worth losing your life over, my dear.”

  Suddenly, there was the sound of gunfire. Robin saw Thompson’s eyes widen in alarm, and he raced back to the car. The man holding her slumped to his knees, a stunned look in his eyes. He had taken a bullet straight through his head.

  “Robin!” screamed Dale, grabbing her. “Duck down and run with me.”

  She didn’t have to be asked twice. Amid a hail of bullets, they ran away. Fahim Abdel Nour’s men were storming the square. She saw the scarred blond man collapse
to the ground, blood spurting from his mouth. But Thompson had made it back to his car and, with a screech of tires, sped out of the square.

  Her heart was hammering so badly, it almost drowned out the sound of the gunfire. They kept running, down dark alleyways, until she felt her lungs were about to burst.

  “Dale,” she cried, as he pulled her arm harder. “Dale, stop!”

  He stopped. He sank to his knees in the alleyway, dragging her down with him. Then they were in each other’s arms, and he was holding her as if he would never let her go.

  29

  Dale stood in the foyer of the airport. The plane was ready and waiting. All they had to do was go through customs and they would be on their way. He had already shipped the nanites back home, following Audra’s instructions. It was over. It was finally over.

  He felt like he had just been in a boxing match and run a marathon straight after it. Everything hurt. He could barely put one foot in front of the other. But that didn’t stop the jubilation from flooding through his veins.

  He gazed at Robin, sitting on a seat, her passport in her hand. She was pale and shaking, still, but she was alive. He was just about to grab her and kiss her when Sayid and Rami strolled up, takeaway coffees in hand. They passed one to Robin, who took it gratefully, and then the other to Dale.

  “Thank you, my friends,” he said to the brothers, staring at them. “None of this would have been possible without you. I am forever in your debt.”

  Sayid and Rami both smiled, a little overcome. “It is you we should thank, Mr. Dale,” said Rami, gazing at him with eyes full of hero worship. “You have given us a fine adventure! One we shall never forget!”

  Robin stood up. To their surprise, she placed her coffee down and hugged them both fiercely. “I’ll never forget you,” she said, after she released them. Then she turned to Sayid. “You look after your little brother, okay? There’s nothing like family in this world.”