If there had been time to feel uncomfortable about the “almost kiss“, William and Elizabeth would have taken full advantage of it. As it was, there was too much to do before the Christmas holidays, and the whole incident was put out of their heads by meetings and memos. The brief respite they had been enjoying the last couple of weeks had become a thing of the past. Long hours and working lunches made their way back into the schedule, sometimes bleeding into the weekends.

Elizabeth’s weekends had been spent exclusively with Jane. It went a long way to helping her keep things together. And now that her time off was getting shorter and shorter, she was starting to show subtle signs of stress. She was becoming snappish and jumpy. Richard noticed it and decided to have a talk to William. He knew from past experience that William’s answer to any uncomfortable emotion was to become engrossed in work. But pulling Elizabeth in with him was going to endanger the mission. So, clearing his and William’s schedule for Monday afternoon, he took William to lunch at Anthony’s, a local upscale fish house.

William met Richard there promptly at 12:30. Knowing William like the back of his hand, Richard had drinks ordered and ready by the time William arrived.

“Hello, Rich. This is a nice change. We haven’t done this in awhile.”

“My thoughts exactly. Have a seat.”

They exchanged pleasantries for a few moments before Richard steered the conversation in the direction he wanted it to go.

“Will, I need some advice.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“Well, I’m having some trouble with Petra.”

"Ah, the ever elusive Petra. I’m beginning to think she’s just something you’ve made up, Richard. When are we actually going to get to meet her?”

“Well, that’s just the thing. She has that job, you know, that keeps her away for so long.”

“Yes, her job that no one knows what it is or where it takes her.” William thoughts were drawn to another who fit that description.

“Exactly. Anyway, after all these years, I’m thinking of asking her the big question.”

“Marriage?”

“Yes.”

“Well. I wasn’t expecting that. Are you sure, Rich. I mean, you two haven’t spent any real time together in… well… ever.”

“We talk all the time on the phone. I see her every few months. I know its unconventional, but it works for us.”

“Do you really love her?”

“Oh yeah.”

William sat silently in contemplation.

“Will, when are you going to find yourself a nice girl.” And here Richard hit on the topic that had brought about this meeting. Villanova had given him two objectives, the first being to end this thing between William and Elizabeth before it became a problem.

William’s expression became guarded. “I don’t have time for that sort of thing.”

“You don’t have time because you are too busy burying yourself in work, just so you won’t have time.”

That statement carried some bite, and William jerked at it.

“You can’t keep up this insane pace, William. That’s why we brought Elizabeth in. I thought you two were finally making headway.”

“Well, the holidays are coming up, you know. Lots to do..” William’s voice drifted off into a distracted mumble.

“I ran into Daphne Mayfield the other day.”

“Oh.”

Daphne Mayfield had been a friend of William and Richard’s for more years than either of them could remember. There had always been a small spark between she and William, though they hadn’t seen much of each other since Georgie’s death. Richard thought that bringing her back into the picture now might nip any budding feelings William might have for Elizabeth before they became real.

“She’s going to be in town over the holidays. You should look her up.”

William nodded, his brow creasing a little. “Yes, maybe I will.”

That response, while not the complete interest that Richard was hoping for, was enough for now. He still had one more trick up his sleeve, and it was dirty, but he was not in the position to play nice. William’s very life was riding on the success of this mission.

“You know, I have to tell you, its really good to see Elizabeth so busy. It keeps her mind off her own man problems.”

Once more, William jerked to attention. “She’s never spoken of them.”

“No, she’s not one to talk much about her personal life. I only know of it because I’ve known her so long.”

William’s interest was piqued to be sure, and a small tightness invaded his chest, causing him to shift in his chair. “What problems does she have?”

“Oh, just this on again, off again thing with some guy. Its been going on for eight years now. She just can’t seem to catch him, if you know what I mean. But she can’t seem to let him go, either. Its become almost an… obsession.”

William’s chest became tighter, he shifted again, his brow creasing. “Who is he?”

“I don’t know much about him. She doesn’t talk about it too often. I’ve only been able to piece the story together from little things she’s said over the years. But, its not important. What’s important is that she seems very happy being so busy. I’m glad this whole thing worked out like it did. She’s able to keep her mind occupied elsewhere, and you are able to free up some time to have a personal life. Really, Will, give Daphne a call. I think it would be good for you.”

If it had been anything short of William’s life at risk, Richard would have left this whole thing alone to run its course. As it was, he felt slimy for having done this nasty bit of manipulation. William was a brother to him, and he hated deceiving him in this way. But it had to be done. And, sadly, this was the kindest of the demands that were made of him. Part two of Villanova’s instructions still had to be carried out, and it was going to be the hardest thing he had ever done in his life.

For the rest of the week, the tension in the office grew exponentially. William would speak to Elizabeth in one and two word sentences, barely able to look at her because of the war of emotions waging in his chest. Elizabeth, oblivious to his changed demeanor, was snapping at anyone in a ten foot radius, very much in need of a break to pull her raw nerves back together. She was being pulled on an emotional rack, caught between William’s demands and the need to track down Yushenkov. Still no information, and she had tapped her last resource last night. A slow, cold fear was making its way into her mind.

By 11:00 a.m. on Friday, things were almost unbearable. William was in such a black mood that any work he had accomplished had to be redone because of his inability to focus. He was making mistakes, and that only added to his ire. He buzzed Elizabeth’s office and informed her that he would be taking lunch at noon, and would be going home for the rest of the day. She should wrap up whatever loose ends she needed to take care of and call it a day as well. Elizabeth let out a long sigh, maybe things were looking up after all.

Within five minutes of William’s announcement, Elizabeth’s phone rang with an outside call. She answered, ready for some bad news that would keep her locked in her office and chained to her desk for another six hours.

“Lizzy, hi, its Manny.” Elizabeth’s heart jumped with joy. Manny was calling her on an unsecure line, something was up, and it could only mean some new information had come in.

“Hi, how are you?”

“Great, listen, there’s this club in town that I thought you might enjoy. Its called Fringe. I was going to go there tonight at 10:00. Would you like to go?”

“Sure, that sounds great.”

“Wonderful. Listen, its one of those Goth type places, you know, the kind that plays that really loud music. Just so you know how to dress and all.”

“Alright, so Fringe, 10:00, dress Goth. Sounds like fun. I’ll see you there!”

Elizabeth hung up the phone on cloud nine. This information was so good they had to have a meeting in a loud crowded place just so they would not be overheard. She all but did the happy dance while she finished her work and closed up her office for the weekend. And it was this distracted state that caused her to miss Caroline Bingley quickly walking away from her office.

Caroline tapped lightly on William’s door, entering on his command.

“William, dear, how are you? I’ve been dying to spend more time with you during my visit, but alas, it seems that we have conflicting schedules.”

William cringed at the sound of her voice. He had been glad that they had seen little of each other while she had been in town. Her clinging and demanding nature always put him on edge, and he tolerated her only because she was Charles’ sister.

“Hello, Caroline, how are you?”

“I am well, William. I just stopped by because I wanted to see you before I leave for Paris tomorrow afternoon. I wanted to have one last little get together before I go. Could I possibly persuade you?”

“Oh, Caroline, I don’t know, I’ve got so much work to do, I was planning on being here all night.” William was surprised at how easily the lie fell from his lips.

“Please, William, just one last hurrah before I leave again. I do miss you all so much when I am gone. Charles and Jane will be there. Please come.”

William caved. It was one night, a few hours, and then she was gone again. He was sure he could suffer through. And Charles and Jane would be there, so the night would not be a total loss.

“Okay, Caroline. When and where?”

“Oh, this darling little club on Broadway. A friend suggested it to me last week. She said I just had to go before I left. Does 10:00 sound good?”

“Sure, I’ll meet you all there.” William wrote the address down as she gave it to him.

“Wonderful, William dear. I look forward to it.” And blowing him an air kiss, Caroline swept out of the room, smiling wickedly as the door closed behind her. She had only stopped by to wish William well before she flew off again, but with this new development, she would be going off in style.

Fringe. She had heard of that club’s reputation. Two local artists had created it a year ago, with the mind set that the upper crust just didn’t have enough darkness in their lives. Set in the best end of town, amidst five star restaurants and chic boutiques, Fringe was a renovated 1920’s movie theater, catering to the gothic side of the town’s wealthiest residents. She was sure that when William saw for himself that his darling assistant chose such a place to hang out in her free time, that he would fire her straight away. She was almost giddy as she placed a call to her brother on her cell phone.

“Charles, darling, I have the best news. We are having a going away party for me downtown…”

9:45 p.m. Fringe

Elizabeth, buried in her heavy wool coat, stepped through the etched glass and brass handled doors of the town’s hippest night club. Once inside, she found herself in a red velvet clad foyer, complete with antique love seats and large, gilded mirrors. Framed paintings of people dressed in masquerade regalia hung here and there through out the room. Large, ornately carved oak doors sporadically lined the back wall in pairs, each guarded by muscle bound men dressed in all black. And in the center of the room, a large booth manned by a scantily clad young woman, acted as a hat and coat check. Elizabeth left her coat with the woman and approached the nearest entrance. One of the men smiled down at her, and opened the door.

Elizabeth was almost knocked back a step by the wall of sound that hit her. The manic strains of industrial music pounded at the air as she stepped into the massive room. And all around her was black. Black walls, black tables, black chairs, black carpeting. The bar near the dance floor and the laser lights were the only hints of color in the sea of darkness that surrounded her. How was she ever going to find him in this place?

Moments after Elizabeth disappeared into the blackness, William and the Bingley’s entered the foyer.

“Oh, Charles, what is this place? Its beautiful.” Jane’s eyes grew wide as she took in the lavish décor.

“I’m not sure really. Caroline, what is this place?”

“Oh, some little club my friend told me about. She said it is just divine and that I must try it.”

William remained silent, a little worried about what they had just gotten themselves into.

Checking their coats, they entered the same way as Elizabeth, and the sudden change in atmosphere would have sent William running if Caroline had not had a death grip on his arm.

Not a word passed between the group as they found an empty table near the bar. Feeling the need for a stiff drink, William offered to make a drink run, and took the other’s requests. Finding room at the bar was sketchy at best, and when a stool became available, William took it, hoping that the bartender would make it down his way sooner than later. It was within one minute of sitting down that he felt a pair of hands slide up his thigh, while another made their way over his shoulders and down to his chest. He turned around as best as he could to see where the offending appendages came from. Before him stood two very young, very pretty, and very obviously intoxicated women, smiling at him with unabashed sexuality.

“Hey, honey, you look yummy. Come dance with us,” the one on his leg purred.

“No, but thank you, “ he said as he tried to disengage them from his person.

“Aw, please, we don’t bite. Hard.” The one around his neck giggled in his ear.

“Please, ladies, I have to get back to my table. Another time maybe.”

But the giggling girls would not be dissuaded.

From the other end of the bar, Elizabeth could see the tall man enveloped in a squirming mass of drunken womanhood. She laughed to herself at his predicament. He bore a striking resemblance to William, and that thought alone made her chuckle. That he would be in a place like this was funny, that he would be in a place like this and attacked by girls like that was hilarious. Until she heard a deep, insistent voice that could be none other than his. Shocked, she made her way to his end of the bar, trying to catch a good look at him through the women attached to him. It wasn’t until she was right next to him that she could make out his features. She wanted to laugh at the pitiable expression on his face. Trying hard to be a gentleman, he was fighting a losing battle. For each hand he took off another two seemed to land in some intimate place. Finally feeling sorry for him, she grabbed the arm of the girl nearest to her and gave it a good squeeze. It took quite a bit of pressure to get the girl’s attention, but when the girl turned her head to see where the pain was coming from Elizabeth grabbed her chin with her free hand.

“Back off, sugar.”

“Get bent, bitch. We saw him first.”

Elizabeth increased the pressure of her grip, causing the girl to cringe in pain.

“I said, back off. He doesn’t want you. Move along.”

The girl tried to get free of Elizabeth’s iron grip, but couldn’t. Her hazy expression started to show comprehension of her situation.

“Fine, have him. He’s a bore anyway.” Elizabeth let her go, and, grabbing her friend they took off toward the dance floor, finding some new piece of meat to lavish their attention on.

William was thankful to be free of the groping hands. But, as he turned toward his savior to thank her, he wondered if he had fallen from the frying pan into the fire. Before him stood five feet six inches of smirking curviness. Black, buckle-up, knee-high Doc Martin’s hugged well rounded calves, black tights kissed wickedly shaped thighs, which were mostly exposed due to the shortness of the plaid and pleated mini-skirt that clung to her shapely hips. All this was found under a tiny waist encircled by a black velvet corset embroidered in silver thread and laced over a sheer, white, long sleeved top, unbuttoned and showing more cleavage than he felt he could handle at that moment. Upward his eyes traveled, catching the hint of endless sable curls spilling over her back, a small dimpled chin, full lips tinted the exact color of his favorite vintage of Bordeaux, a pert nose, and dark make-up drawing full attention to the most amazing… silver eyes.

“Elizabeth!”

“Out past your bed time, Mr. Darcy?”

“What are you doing here?”

“What?”

Moving his face closer to her ear, he repeated his question.

“I could ask the same of you, Mr. Darcy. This is hardly your scene.”

He had only caught part of what she said, as just then another person at the bar bumped into her hard and sent her crashing into his chest. He caught her in a firm grip, and pulled her away from the bar and between his legs so he could shield her from the jostling and pushing around them.

“You want to repeat that, I couldn’t hear you.”

Elizabeth rested her hands on his forearms, and leaning into his ear, repeated the question. It was a pointless endeavor all the way around. He had become oblivious to anything outside of the feel of her waist in his hands, the gentleness of her touch on his arms, the whisper of her breath in his ear. She pulled back to look at him, because he wasn’t answering her, and that’s when she spotted Manny.

William felt her body tense and dropped his hands, thinking he had offended her with his over familiarity. He opened his mouth to apologize when he saw that her gaze had been directed elsewhere. He couldn’t make out exactly what she was looking at, but keenly felt the loss as she disentangled herself from him. She mumbled something to him about him needing to be careful and to go home, then she moved toward the object of her intent gaze. He followed her with his eyes, wondering at her sudden shift in focus.

Elizabeth kept Manny in her sights, scared she would lose him in the swarm of people. His six foot four frame was hard to miss, but in the distracting flash of the laser lights, she didn’t want to take any chances. Once she was within reach, he grabbed for her arm and pulled her to him.

“Damn, this is insane. I should have picked a bowling alley.”

She laughed with him as they moved toward the dance floor, trying to lose themselves in the mass of humanity pressing around them. Manny put his arms around her waist and pulled her to him, reminiscent of the way William had just held her. Moving together to the music, trying to look like all the other dancing couples, Manny leaned into her ear. But just before he could speak he felt a hot gaze bearing down on him. His eyes quickly scanned the surrounding area and landed back at the bar. There was the joker, staring him down. He returned the gaze with equal intensity. He didn’t have to like this guy to do his job. And from the look he was getting he could tell the feeling was mutual.

Manny spoke into Elizabeth’s ear, his dark gaze never leaving Darcy’s.

“Boss, the boys and I got a hit today. Looks like we’ve got confirmation of Yushenkov in London.”

“What source?”

“Intercepted voice traffic from his personal plane to the tower. We checked and double checked, and its legit.”

“Good. Let’s get Ivers and Rowe to follow up over there, see what they can find.”

“On it, boss.”

“Good job, Manny. This could be a big break.”

Manny nodded, still playing a battle of wills over Elizabeth’s shoulder. He pulled her in a little tighter and raised a challenging eyebrow at the other man.

“Boss, permission to speak freely?”

“Granted, Manny.”

“He’s got the hots for you.”

“What?”

“The mark. He’s got the hots for you. He’s about to come out of his chair and beat the hell out of me.”

Elizabeth pulled back and looked Manny in the face. She had the good sense not to alert William to their topic of discussion by looking back at him, but she did not like what she saw in front of her.

“Manny, are you giving him the eye?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Manny!”

“Okay, maybe a little.” He smiled rakishly into her disapproving eyes.

“Manuel Ramirez, I will kick your ass.”

“Bring it, sister,” he teased.

“Manny, don’t harass him. Its not his fault he doesn’t know what the hell is going on.”

Manny’s expression turned serious, and he looked at her intensely, wanting her to know that his next words were the absolute truth.

“Lizzy, as your friend, if that fool hurts you or gets you hurt, when this is over I will end him.”

Elizabeth took his face in her hands and returned his intense gaze.

“He’s not the threat, Manny. Ease up.”

And then he knew. She was taken with this guy. If she had not had feelings of some sort for Darcy she would have laughed it off. But she didn’t. And the implications scared him.

At the bar, William was making some hard decisions. Richard’s words were coming back to him as he watched Elizabeth in the arms of the massive man that was currently staring him down. Was this the man that was playing fast and loose with her affections? Should he intervene in someway? It was obvious by her quick shift in focus from himself to the other man, and the ease with which she was moving in his arms, that she was content with this man. He should back away. What the hell was he thinking, anyway? She was his assistant, for God’s sake. He needed to leave that whole thing alone. She did a great job helping him with work, he didn’t want that to end. But it was obvious now that her affections lay else where. It was time to throw the towel in gracefully. Besides, Daphne was back in town. She could be just the thing to help him get over this weird infatuation. Yes, that’s what he would do. He had to get this craziness out of his head.

William made his way back to the table.

“No drinks, Will?” Charles asked.

“No, I couldn’t even get the bartender’s attention.”

“William, was that Ms. Bennet I saw over there?” Caroline pointed in the general direction that Elizabeth had last been in. She had seen some of the exchange between William and Elizabeth, and it had seemed for a moment that her plan had backfired. His hands had been on that little chit, and she had seethed with anger for a moment. But, by some stroke of luck, Elizabeth had ended up with that hulk of a man in black. Once again, her spirits rose. Maybe she had not succeeded in getting that woman fired, but she could tell by the look on William’s face that there was no danger of Elizabeth ever tempting him away from her. When she had learned that William had hired that wretch to be his assistant, she was sure that Elizabeth was a gold-digger looking to land a rich man. Now she could see that her William was above such nonsense.

“I think I’ve had enough of this place. Why don’t we go?” William grumbled, ready to be done with the whole evening.

Everyone else agreed, though Jane was a bit sad at not having even spoken to Elizabeth. She, too, had seen the way Elizabeth and William had interacted at the bar earlier. She made a mental note to call her later and ask what was really going on.