New Fic - Safety Net
Here is the final part
Tim sat on against the grey stone wall thinking back to how many hours he’d spent here as a kid. Awkward and lonely because of his love of languages as well as the inability to be social like his big brother Mike, the sports hero everyone loved or his popular sisters.
“I’m meant to be watching you,” Kate said from behind him as she climbed over the wall, “Which means you’re not supposed to wander away without me.”
“You were sleeping,” Tim told her glancing up. He opened his mouth to speak again but quickly slammed it shut.
Kate settled on the ground beside him, “Tim, what did I say to you in that place?”
He frowned, “It doesn’t matter.”
“It does when every so often I get the feeling you don’t trust me,” she replied sharply.
“It’s not like you trust me,” he retorted.
“Oh please,” Kate snapped jumping to her feet, “Are you still on this name thing? Tim, I’m not telling you because it’s not me. The name you’re looking for belongs to a kid who was worthless in the eyes of the people who should have loved her most. I chose to be Kate. Why can’t you respect that?”
Tim stared at her, “I guess I didn’t think of it like that.”
“Of course you didn’t,” Kate whispered achingly, “Tim, I’ve met your family and they love you. Of course you didn’t think that someone would abandon their kid.”
Tim stared at her stunned into silence.
Kate took several deep breaths as she stared at the tree line trying to calm down, she hated being angry at him especially for this because she knew he couldn’t understand.
“Tim, you have to remember I’m from a completely different world than you are,” Kate said softly.
“I do…”
“No, you don’t,” she cut him off, “And I love that you treat me like I am the same as you but you have to remember my past.”
“But that doesn’t matter,” Tim replied, “Kate, you’re nuts but you’re my friend. I care about you and I think my family really liked you.”
“I liked them too,” she said softly, “I can’t really imagine having a sibling though.”
“I have three it’s noisy,” Tim replied before he stared into space for a while.
-
They sat side by side in silence the sounds from the road faintly behind them.
“Lucas is still having problems processing everything that happened,” Kate broached, not sure this was a good idea after they’d seemed to reach a truce but she could tell there was something still troubling him, “I’m guessing you are too.”
Tim shrugged, “I’m fine.”
“And you’re lying to me,” she stated trying to keep her voice soft.
Tim pushed himself off the ground, “I’m sick of being told that.”
“Then don’t lie to me.”
Tim shook his head, “That is so hypocritical.”
Kate stood, “Tim.”
“Every word out of your mouth is either a lie or designed to manipulate,” he yelled at her, “And you just expect dumb gullible Tim to accept it.”
“Enough,” she told him softly but with force behind it.
“Why are you really here, Kate?” he demanded, “What scam are you here to pull? What do you want from me this time?”
Kate turned away from him for a moment taking a deep calming breath before turning back, “I’m going to pretend that you didn’t just accuse me of that. Now your brother is expecting us for you to get your suit for the wedding, so calm yourself down and we’ll go.”
He glared at her for a long time before nodding and started walking.
“Tim,” she called after him, “I don’t understand what’s going on with you but we don’t have the time to get you drunk right now so you’ll talk to me.”
He kept walking ignoring her and Kate groaned; it was going to be a long few days.
*********************************************
Tim stared at himself in the mirror; he could hear Mike talking about something as he studied his own suit. Turning he glanced at where Kate was pacing just outside the room talking on her phone.
He knew she was annoyed at him but right now he didn’t care. This was his home and his family she’d intruded on so he had every right to be angry at her. His phone buzzed and Tim smiled to see it was from Ford.
Heard Kate was sent to watch over you, it read.
At least it’s a friend you’re stuck with. The goons here are scaring away the fish.
Brody says hi and see you in three weeks.
Tim smiled at the message before he glanced over at Kate and grimaced. Part of him knew he really should apologise to her but there was still that part that couldn’t shake what had happened in that world he’d been forced to live in. he couldn’t shake the feeling that he shouldn’t trust her.
-
“Tell me you have good news for me,” Kate demanded as her boss answered her call, “Because I may strangle him if I stay here much longer.”
“Sorry, Kate,” Noyce said, “We are working on it.”
“Work faster,” she snapped.
“You do remember you work for me, don’t you?” he asked, sounding amused but with a slight edge to his voice.
Kate sighed, “Sorry but I think Tim has been affected by this more than any of us realised.”
“He spoke with Dr Smith,” Noyce told her, “She assured me that time with his family is what is needed.”
“I don’t think it’s his family he has issues with,” she replied before hanging up.
Sitting down she thought back a few years to when her life was so much simpler, things were less complicated when people were only there for her to scam. When she didn’t care.
“What d’you think?”
Mike’s voice brought her back to the room and smiled as the brothers stood before her in their suits.
“Wow,” she smiled at him, “Very nice. Pity you’re getting married, Mike. You must be leaving a gaggle of broken hearts.”
As he winked at her Kate then turned to Tim who was watching her with the same blank look he’d given her when they first met.
“And I’ll be taking photos of you in that to spread around the Seaquest female population,” Kate told him.
“We should get changed,” Tim told them before disappearing back into the changing room.
Kate dropped her head into his hands, “Damn it.”
“What is going on?” Mike asked.
She shrugged, “I have absolutely no idea. But don’t worry about it; he’s never been able to stay mad at me for long.”
He was about to head back into the changing room but turned back to her, “What is actually going on between you two?”
Kate smiled, “We’re friends. Or we are at the moment.”
-
The streets were quiet as the three of them walked slowly back to the house. Tim hadn’t spoken a word since the shop; Kate was walking behind the brothers lost in thought while Mike was talking enough for all of them. Pushing her hair away from her face Kate spotted two men behind them walking as casually as they could, which wasn’t much.
“Guys,” she moved forward to catch them, “This is a small town. So you know most of the people who live here, right?”
“More or less,” Mike shrugged.
“Then I need you to look at the two guys tailing us,” Kate said, “Tell me if they seem familiar or not.”
Tim glanced at her worriedly but before he could say anything Mike started walking backwards acting as though he was simply telling them a story. He spun back round wrapped his arms around Tim and Kate then shook his head.
“Don’t recognise them,” he said.
“Okay,” Kate swallowed hard, “Tim when I say run you get out of here. Got it?”
“I’m not leaving you…”
“Noyce’s orders,” she reminded him, “Besides we’re all running.”
She took a deep breath, hoping to hell that she was doing the right thing and wasn’t being paranoid. As they turned the corner Kate nodded, “Run.”
The moment they started running it became apparent Kate’s instincts had been right as the two men began to chase.
-
“Any ideas are gratefully received,” Kate snapped as they skidded round a corner, “You know this place better than I do.”
“The lake?” Mike glanced at Tim.
“There are plenty of caves we can use,” Tim agreed, “And if we need there is breathing equipment we can use.”
“Good idea,” Kate nodded, “Lead the way. And sorry about this.”
She spun stopping and fired several shots off from the weapon Noyce insisted she carry. The men dived out of the way giving them some time.
“Follow me,” Tim told them leading them onto a gravel path before he ducked into a cave. Leading them through a maze of lefts and rights they finally reached a small room with a box in the corner and water lapping at the edge.
“What are we doing here?” Mike asked, “We’re trapped.”
Tim knelt beside the box then tossed them both a mask and breather, “We’re not trapped. We just have to swim out of here. I used to do it all the time when I was a kid.”
“I still can’t swim,” Kate snapped.
Tim shrugged, “Not a problem.”
“Really?”
“Either you do as I tell you,” Tim replied, “Or you stay with the guys chasing us.”
“They’re after you not me,” Kate retorted.
Mike rolled his eyes as they argued, “It doesn’t matter. Kate, we’re both strong swimmers we can get you through safely.”
Hearing noise from behind them Kate nodded and pulled the mask on sliding the breather into her mouth. The brothers took a hand each and the three of them jumped into the cold water.
-
Tim was surprised how easily he remembered which way to go through the water. He’d swam this way far too often as a teen, escaping the bullies who couldn’t leave him alone.
He could feel Kate’s hand gripping his tightly, he knew that she didn’t like the water especially after the incident at Darrow and worried if the water was cold enough to affect her.
Pushing through the water Tim panicked slightly as Kate’s hand suddenly slipped from his but knew that Mike would hold onto her. He pulled the torch out from the pocket and flicked it on just to make sure because nothing with that woman ever went the way it was meant to. The light hit Mike who jerked in surprise to find that Tim didn’t have a hold of Kate either. Tim threw himself back and found her quickly, she was unconscious but thankfully the breather hadn’t slipped out her mouth. Tim caught a hold of her and pulled Kate to him, wrapping an arm around her waist he pulled her limp body to his. Mike appeared and together they pulled her to the surface.
They broke through near the harbour; Tim tossed the breather and mask away as he swam Kate to dry land. Dragging her onto the beach he quickly checked her pulse removing the equipment.
“Kate,” Tim gently stroked her cheek, “Kate, wake up?”
“What’s wrong?” Mike demanded, “She was fine, she didn’t lose her air supply.”
Tim winced as he pulled Kate to him and lifted her smaller form into his arms, “She’s susceptible to the cold. We have to get her back to the house and warm again.”
“Tim?”
“It’s complicated,” he snapped, “Just help me.”
-
Kate moaned softly as she woke up wrapped in something that felt like a quilt and forced her eyes open.
“Hey,” Tim appeared over her looking worried, “Are you okay?”
“What happened?” Kate felt exhausted smiling as Tim gently rested his hand on her forehead, his thumb gently rubbing the bridge of her nose.
“The cold water,” he sighed, “You need to stop swimming in it.”
She laughed slightly, “I’ll remember that when you keep dragging me into it.”
“I called Dr Westphalen,” he told her, “She said to keep you warm and you should be fine in a few hours.”
Kate smiled up at him, “Was she happy?”
“No,” Tim replied wincing slightly, “But I got the lecture when I told her what happened. This was my fault.”
“No,” Kate caught his arm and tugged him he would lie beside her, “I’m meant to be protecting you not the other way around.”
As Tim lay beside her Kate cuddled close, “Feeling warmer?” he asked softly as she tucked her body against his.
Kate let out a soft sigh burying her face against his neck, “Actually yes.”
They lay together for a while, Tim rearranged the quilt over them and Kate slipped back asleep in the comfort she was resting in.
-
“Is Kathleen alright?” Julianne asked as Tim appeared in the kitchen.
He nodded, “She’s sleeping again.”
“What happened?” Mike demanded from the corner, “She was fine when we went into the water, there wasn’t a mark on her so she wasn’t shot.”
Tim sighed, “A few years ago she was poisoned. It’s a long story but basically the cure involved lowering her temperature until it broke down. Dr Westphalen explained it to me once but all I really understood was that when her body gets below a certain temperature it begins to shut down.”
“Poor girl,” Julianne whispered, “How did it happen?”
Tim winced, “Mom, I can’t tell you.”
“What can you tell us?” Mike snapped, “Because something is going on that you’re not telling us.”
Tim turned to him, “I can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s classified,” Tim replied shortly.
“Enough,” Julianne said sharply, “Both of you. I’m going to check on Kathleen.”
As their mother left the room Mike turned back to his younger brother, “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”
“It’s complicated,” Tim replied.
Mike shook his head, “Not the way you look at her it’s not. So you spend most of your time in a sub and she doesn’t. People manage long distance.”
Tim chuckled, amused that his brother actually thought Kate would fall for him, “Not the issue. Mike, just leave it.”
Shrugging Mike left him alone to brood.
*********************************************
Kate stood watching the sun rise through the window of the room she’d been given in the O’Neill house, it was the day of Mike’s wedding and she was beginning to worry something would happen today.
She felt better now she’d rested hating that Travis Mason was still able to infect her life like this. Dr Westphalen had made a few choice comments when Kate called regarding her attitude towards her own health but assured her that as long as she didn’t go swimming again she should be fine.
Her phone rang and she grabbed it, “Miguel, tell me you have some good news.”
“I do,” the reply came.
Kate rolled her eyes at the pause, “Oh come on, Miguel. Do you want your friend back? Because if I stay here much longer I may kill him.”
“We found them,” Miguel told her, “Noyce asked me to let you know. I’m guessing you’ve annoyed him too much.”
“That’s great,” she sighed before she stopped, “Except.”
“Except what?” Miguel demanded.
Kate groaned, “We were chased by two goons yesterday. Can you send me pictures of the guys you got?”
While she waited for him to send her the pictures Kate quickly pulled on some clothes and found her gun. The phone beeped again and she flicked through the half dozen photos Miguel had sent her. She redialled him quickly.
“They’re still here,” Kate told him, “Any idea why they want Tim?”
“Actually? Yes.”
As he explained an idea formed in Kate’s head, she quickly told the man on the other end of the phone who chuckled.
-
Tim frowned as he tried to fix his tie.
“Here,” Kate’s voice made him turn and he stared in amazement at the red dress she was wearing.
She straightened his tie before resting her hands on the lapels, “You’re going to have to trust me for the next few hours. Can you please put aside whatever is bothering you about me and just let me stop these guys?”
“Kate…”
“I was in there,” she reminded him, “Inside that place with you and I felt the despair it was pushing on you. I felt how sad you were and all I wanted was to get you out but you haven’t come all the way out yet.”
He turned away from her guiltily.
“I’m leaving very soon,” Kate told him, “They caught the bad guys so I just have a few things to sort out then I’ll be out of your life, for good if you want.”
Tim spun back to her and shook his head, “I don’t want you out of my life.”
Kate smiled at him, “Good. Now listen closely.”
-
“Lt O’Neill.”
The whisper from behind him preceded two men appearing beside him in the garden, the same two they’d ran from the day before.
“Who are you?” Tim demanded.
“It’s not important,” the first one said, “We know you’re confused but we’ve been sent by Captain Hudson.”
Tim let out a slow breath, “Hudson?”
The second nodded, “He sent you back in time. You’re here to try and stop the war, to save the world.”
“But that didn’t happen,” Tim said.
“Not yet,” Number One replied, “You were chosen as the only one with the knowledge and capabilities to get to the people who will bring the world we know to an end. That’s why you were sent here.”
“That’s a very interesting story,” came Kate’s sarcastic voice as she walked onto the back porch, “Almost plausible except they got them out too early.”
The two goons jerked to look at each other and as they moved to draw their weapons the garden was filled with UEO officers.
Tim grinned as Miguel appeared, “You took your time.”
“We just really wanted to hear what they were going to say,” Miguel grinned watching as the two men were cuffed and marched out of the garden.
“Thanks.”
Miguel clapped his friend’s shoulder, “Well once I drop these idiots off I’m heading home. See you back at the ship?”
Tim smiled at his friend knowing that he’d given up time with his own family to protect Tim and the others.
“Can you squeeze me in?” Kate spoke up, “Now I’m no longer needed here?”
Miguel looked at her surprised, “Sure.”
“You’re not staying for the wedding?” Tim asked her.
Kate shrugged, “I didn’t think you wanted me here.”
“You have the dress and my family are expecting you,” he told her.
Kate tilted her head in thought before turning to Miguel again, “I’ll find another way.”
*********************************************
The ceremony was beautiful, Kate thought as she sat in the church watching her friend’s brother get married. She’d never been the kind of girl who thought about this sort of thing but as she watched Yvonne clad in her white gown walk down the aisle Kate got slightly misty eyed.
At the reception Kate managed to make small talk with everyone and as she was sitting sipping some wine listening to the band Tim appeared.
“Do you want to dance?” he asked a little nervously, “I can try not to stand on your toes.”
Kate took his hand allowing him to pull her to her feet, she smiled that she was almost eye to eye with him thanks to her killer shoes which she had actually bought this time and walked with him onto the dance floor. As the slow song began to play Kate closed her eyes for a moment when he rested his arm around her waist.
“I have a confession,” Tim whispered to her, “And an apology.”
“Really?”
“You asked me what you said to me in the simulation,” Tim reminded her, “You…she…the illusion of you told me I was gullible for trusting you. That you were using me all along and then you died in my arms.”
Kate looked up at him, “Tim.”
“It hurt to lose you,” he told her, “But not as bad as the thought that I might not truly have had you as my friend.”
Kate looked up into his eyes before taking his hand, “This isn’t the place to discuss this. Come on.”
-
They walked out of the reception room and into the garden, both falling into silence for several moments. Kate drew her wrap around her shoulders in the cool evening air as she watched him fidget.
“Tell me what the version of me actually said to you,” Kate ordered.
Tim dropped his head.
“You have to tell me,” she said, “Or I can’t disprove it.”
Tim took a deep breath, “You called me gullible for trusting you. That someone like you wouldn’t look twice at someone like me unless I could give you something.”
“Someone like me?” she asked bemused.
Tim laughed slightly, “Kate, you’re beautiful. I mean amazingly beautiful. And I’m…well me.”
“You are,” Kate stepped into him, “Brilliant, witty, fun and I am so grateful that you didn’t hate me for almost getting you killed,” she caught his hand, “And I think you are extremely handsome.”
Tim dropped his eyes, “Right.”
“I’m serious,” Kate gently touched his cheek.
“Come on, lovebirds,” Andrew called to them, “Yvonne’s about to throw the bouquet.”
Kate sighed as he disappeared, “That I won’t miss.”
Tim chuckled, “Yeah, my family seem convinced we’re more than friends.”
“I noticed,” she smiled slightly, she took a deep breath, “How about we find out?”
Tim stared at her, “What?”
“Everyone seems to think there’s more between us so let’s find out,” Kate wrapped her arms around his neck.
“An experiment?” Tim raised his eyebrow.
“Yeah,” she replied softly.
-
Tim closed his eyes as Kate’s lips touched his; they sat softly against his for a few moments before the kiss deepened. Tim slid his arms around her waist resting one hand against her back as Kate’s body pressed against his. They’d kissed before but Tim felt something different this time. After several minutes they parted and Tim swallowed hard when Kate looked into his eyes.
“Just friends,” he said softly.
Kate gave a very soft half-shrug, “Just friends.”
“At least we know,” Tim told her.
“I have to go,” Kate said, “You should head back in and rejoin your family. I’ll see you soon, I promise.”
Tim hugged her, “Be careful. And thanks, for coming to help me especially when I was being such an ass to you.”
“You can make it up to me,” she smiled before pushing him towards the party, “Go.
-
Kate watched Tim as he disappeared closing her eyes as she thought of the kiss they’d just shared.
“Damn,” she sighed.
“I don’t understand.”
Kate spun to see Tim’s mother standing there, “What?”
“I saw you together,” Julianne said, “I’ve watched you and you can’t tell me you don’t love him because I saw that kiss.”
Kate sighed and knew there was only one way to make Julianne understand.
“Mrs O’Neill.”
“Julianne,” she insisted.
“Mrs O’Neill,” Kate stated again firmly, “I’m a con artist. I’m a thief, a liar and the worst possible person for your son. For some strange reason Noyce believes that I can do some good working for the UEO and maybe I can. But one day either my past will catch up with me or I will screw it up and I will not let him be caught up in that.”
“Kathleen…”
“I am the worst possible person there is,” she continued, “And I do love him.”
Kate stopped at her own admission before looking back at the other woman, “I do love him, I just don’t deserve him.”
With that said Kate turned and walked away.
Tim sat on against the grey stone wall thinking back to how many hours he’d spent here as a kid. Awkward and lonely because of his love of languages as well as the inability to be social like his big brother Mike, the sports hero everyone loved or his popular sisters.
“I’m meant to be watching you,” Kate said from behind him as she climbed over the wall, “Which means you’re not supposed to wander away without me.”
“You were sleeping,” Tim told her glancing up. He opened his mouth to speak again but quickly slammed it shut.
Kate settled on the ground beside him, “Tim, what did I say to you in that place?”
He frowned, “It doesn’t matter.”
“It does when every so often I get the feeling you don’t trust me,” she replied sharply.
“It’s not like you trust me,” he retorted.
“Oh please,” Kate snapped jumping to her feet, “Are you still on this name thing? Tim, I’m not telling you because it’s not me. The name you’re looking for belongs to a kid who was worthless in the eyes of the people who should have loved her most. I chose to be Kate. Why can’t you respect that?”
Tim stared at her, “I guess I didn’t think of it like that.”
“Of course you didn’t,” Kate whispered achingly, “Tim, I’ve met your family and they love you. Of course you didn’t think that someone would abandon their kid.”
Tim stared at her stunned into silence.
Kate took several deep breaths as she stared at the tree line trying to calm down, she hated being angry at him especially for this because she knew he couldn’t understand.
“Tim, you have to remember I’m from a completely different world than you are,” Kate said softly.
“I do…”
“No, you don’t,” she cut him off, “And I love that you treat me like I am the same as you but you have to remember my past.”
“But that doesn’t matter,” Tim replied, “Kate, you’re nuts but you’re my friend. I care about you and I think my family really liked you.”
“I liked them too,” she said softly, “I can’t really imagine having a sibling though.”
“I have three it’s noisy,” Tim replied before he stared into space for a while.
-
They sat side by side in silence the sounds from the road faintly behind them.
“Lucas is still having problems processing everything that happened,” Kate broached, not sure this was a good idea after they’d seemed to reach a truce but she could tell there was something still troubling him, “I’m guessing you are too.”
Tim shrugged, “I’m fine.”
“And you’re lying to me,” she stated trying to keep her voice soft.
Tim pushed himself off the ground, “I’m sick of being told that.”
“Then don’t lie to me.”
Tim shook his head, “That is so hypocritical.”
Kate stood, “Tim.”
“Every word out of your mouth is either a lie or designed to manipulate,” he yelled at her, “And you just expect dumb gullible Tim to accept it.”
“Enough,” she told him softly but with force behind it.
“Why are you really here, Kate?” he demanded, “What scam are you here to pull? What do you want from me this time?”
Kate turned away from him for a moment taking a deep calming breath before turning back, “I’m going to pretend that you didn’t just accuse me of that. Now your brother is expecting us for you to get your suit for the wedding, so calm yourself down and we’ll go.”
He glared at her for a long time before nodding and started walking.
“Tim,” she called after him, “I don’t understand what’s going on with you but we don’t have the time to get you drunk right now so you’ll talk to me.”
He kept walking ignoring her and Kate groaned; it was going to be a long few days.
*********************************************
Tim stared at himself in the mirror; he could hear Mike talking about something as he studied his own suit. Turning he glanced at where Kate was pacing just outside the room talking on her phone.
He knew she was annoyed at him but right now he didn’t care. This was his home and his family she’d intruded on so he had every right to be angry at her. His phone buzzed and Tim smiled to see it was from Ford.
Heard Kate was sent to watch over you, it read.
At least it’s a friend you’re stuck with. The goons here are scaring away the fish.
Brody says hi and see you in three weeks.
Tim smiled at the message before he glanced over at Kate and grimaced. Part of him knew he really should apologise to her but there was still that part that couldn’t shake what had happened in that world he’d been forced to live in. he couldn’t shake the feeling that he shouldn’t trust her.
-
“Tell me you have good news for me,” Kate demanded as her boss answered her call, “Because I may strangle him if I stay here much longer.”
“Sorry, Kate,” Noyce said, “We are working on it.”
“Work faster,” she snapped.
“You do remember you work for me, don’t you?” he asked, sounding amused but with a slight edge to his voice.
Kate sighed, “Sorry but I think Tim has been affected by this more than any of us realised.”
“He spoke with Dr Smith,” Noyce told her, “She assured me that time with his family is what is needed.”
“I don’t think it’s his family he has issues with,” she replied before hanging up.
Sitting down she thought back a few years to when her life was so much simpler, things were less complicated when people were only there for her to scam. When she didn’t care.
“What d’you think?”
Mike’s voice brought her back to the room and smiled as the brothers stood before her in their suits.
“Wow,” she smiled at him, “Very nice. Pity you’re getting married, Mike. You must be leaving a gaggle of broken hearts.”
As he winked at her Kate then turned to Tim who was watching her with the same blank look he’d given her when they first met.
“And I’ll be taking photos of you in that to spread around the Seaquest female population,” Kate told him.
“We should get changed,” Tim told them before disappearing back into the changing room.
Kate dropped her head into his hands, “Damn it.”
“What is going on?” Mike asked.
She shrugged, “I have absolutely no idea. But don’t worry about it; he’s never been able to stay mad at me for long.”
He was about to head back into the changing room but turned back to her, “What is actually going on between you two?”
Kate smiled, “We’re friends. Or we are at the moment.”
-
The streets were quiet as the three of them walked slowly back to the house. Tim hadn’t spoken a word since the shop; Kate was walking behind the brothers lost in thought while Mike was talking enough for all of them. Pushing her hair away from her face Kate spotted two men behind them walking as casually as they could, which wasn’t much.
“Guys,” she moved forward to catch them, “This is a small town. So you know most of the people who live here, right?”
“More or less,” Mike shrugged.
“Then I need you to look at the two guys tailing us,” Kate said, “Tell me if they seem familiar or not.”
Tim glanced at her worriedly but before he could say anything Mike started walking backwards acting as though he was simply telling them a story. He spun back round wrapped his arms around Tim and Kate then shook his head.
“Don’t recognise them,” he said.
“Okay,” Kate swallowed hard, “Tim when I say run you get out of here. Got it?”
“I’m not leaving you…”
“Noyce’s orders,” she reminded him, “Besides we’re all running.”
She took a deep breath, hoping to hell that she was doing the right thing and wasn’t being paranoid. As they turned the corner Kate nodded, “Run.”
The moment they started running it became apparent Kate’s instincts had been right as the two men began to chase.
-
“Any ideas are gratefully received,” Kate snapped as they skidded round a corner, “You know this place better than I do.”
“The lake?” Mike glanced at Tim.
“There are plenty of caves we can use,” Tim agreed, “And if we need there is breathing equipment we can use.”
“Good idea,” Kate nodded, “Lead the way. And sorry about this.”
She spun stopping and fired several shots off from the weapon Noyce insisted she carry. The men dived out of the way giving them some time.
“Follow me,” Tim told them leading them onto a gravel path before he ducked into a cave. Leading them through a maze of lefts and rights they finally reached a small room with a box in the corner and water lapping at the edge.
“What are we doing here?” Mike asked, “We’re trapped.”
Tim knelt beside the box then tossed them both a mask and breather, “We’re not trapped. We just have to swim out of here. I used to do it all the time when I was a kid.”
“I still can’t swim,” Kate snapped.
Tim shrugged, “Not a problem.”
“Really?”
“Either you do as I tell you,” Tim replied, “Or you stay with the guys chasing us.”
“They’re after you not me,” Kate retorted.
Mike rolled his eyes as they argued, “It doesn’t matter. Kate, we’re both strong swimmers we can get you through safely.”
Hearing noise from behind them Kate nodded and pulled the mask on sliding the breather into her mouth. The brothers took a hand each and the three of them jumped into the cold water.
-
Tim was surprised how easily he remembered which way to go through the water. He’d swam this way far too often as a teen, escaping the bullies who couldn’t leave him alone.
He could feel Kate’s hand gripping his tightly, he knew that she didn’t like the water especially after the incident at Darrow and worried if the water was cold enough to affect her.
Pushing through the water Tim panicked slightly as Kate’s hand suddenly slipped from his but knew that Mike would hold onto her. He pulled the torch out from the pocket and flicked it on just to make sure because nothing with that woman ever went the way it was meant to. The light hit Mike who jerked in surprise to find that Tim didn’t have a hold of Kate either. Tim threw himself back and found her quickly, she was unconscious but thankfully the breather hadn’t slipped out her mouth. Tim caught a hold of her and pulled Kate to him, wrapping an arm around her waist he pulled her limp body to his. Mike appeared and together they pulled her to the surface.
They broke through near the harbour; Tim tossed the breather and mask away as he swam Kate to dry land. Dragging her onto the beach he quickly checked her pulse removing the equipment.
“Kate,” Tim gently stroked her cheek, “Kate, wake up?”
“What’s wrong?” Mike demanded, “She was fine, she didn’t lose her air supply.”
Tim winced as he pulled Kate to him and lifted her smaller form into his arms, “She’s susceptible to the cold. We have to get her back to the house and warm again.”
“Tim?”
“It’s complicated,” he snapped, “Just help me.”
-
Kate moaned softly as she woke up wrapped in something that felt like a quilt and forced her eyes open.
“Hey,” Tim appeared over her looking worried, “Are you okay?”
“What happened?” Kate felt exhausted smiling as Tim gently rested his hand on her forehead, his thumb gently rubbing the bridge of her nose.
“The cold water,” he sighed, “You need to stop swimming in it.”
She laughed slightly, “I’ll remember that when you keep dragging me into it.”
“I called Dr Westphalen,” he told her, “She said to keep you warm and you should be fine in a few hours.”
Kate smiled up at him, “Was she happy?”
“No,” Tim replied wincing slightly, “But I got the lecture when I told her what happened. This was my fault.”
“No,” Kate caught his arm and tugged him he would lie beside her, “I’m meant to be protecting you not the other way around.”
As Tim lay beside her Kate cuddled close, “Feeling warmer?” he asked softly as she tucked her body against his.
Kate let out a soft sigh burying her face against his neck, “Actually yes.”
They lay together for a while, Tim rearranged the quilt over them and Kate slipped back asleep in the comfort she was resting in.
-
“Is Kathleen alright?” Julianne asked as Tim appeared in the kitchen.
He nodded, “She’s sleeping again.”
“What happened?” Mike demanded from the corner, “She was fine when we went into the water, there wasn’t a mark on her so she wasn’t shot.”
Tim sighed, “A few years ago she was poisoned. It’s a long story but basically the cure involved lowering her temperature until it broke down. Dr Westphalen explained it to me once but all I really understood was that when her body gets below a certain temperature it begins to shut down.”
“Poor girl,” Julianne whispered, “How did it happen?”
Tim winced, “Mom, I can’t tell you.”
“What can you tell us?” Mike snapped, “Because something is going on that you’re not telling us.”
Tim turned to him, “I can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s classified,” Tim replied shortly.
“Enough,” Julianne said sharply, “Both of you. I’m going to check on Kathleen.”
As their mother left the room Mike turned back to his younger brother, “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”
“It’s complicated,” Tim replied.
Mike shook his head, “Not the way you look at her it’s not. So you spend most of your time in a sub and she doesn’t. People manage long distance.”
Tim chuckled, amused that his brother actually thought Kate would fall for him, “Not the issue. Mike, just leave it.”
Shrugging Mike left him alone to brood.
*********************************************
Kate stood watching the sun rise through the window of the room she’d been given in the O’Neill house, it was the day of Mike’s wedding and she was beginning to worry something would happen today.
She felt better now she’d rested hating that Travis Mason was still able to infect her life like this. Dr Westphalen had made a few choice comments when Kate called regarding her attitude towards her own health but assured her that as long as she didn’t go swimming again she should be fine.
Her phone rang and she grabbed it, “Miguel, tell me you have some good news.”
“I do,” the reply came.
Kate rolled her eyes at the pause, “Oh come on, Miguel. Do you want your friend back? Because if I stay here much longer I may kill him.”
“We found them,” Miguel told her, “Noyce asked me to let you know. I’m guessing you’ve annoyed him too much.”
“That’s great,” she sighed before she stopped, “Except.”
“Except what?” Miguel demanded.
Kate groaned, “We were chased by two goons yesterday. Can you send me pictures of the guys you got?”
While she waited for him to send her the pictures Kate quickly pulled on some clothes and found her gun. The phone beeped again and she flicked through the half dozen photos Miguel had sent her. She redialled him quickly.
“They’re still here,” Kate told him, “Any idea why they want Tim?”
“Actually? Yes.”
As he explained an idea formed in Kate’s head, she quickly told the man on the other end of the phone who chuckled.
-
Tim frowned as he tried to fix his tie.
“Here,” Kate’s voice made him turn and he stared in amazement at the red dress she was wearing.
She straightened his tie before resting her hands on the lapels, “You’re going to have to trust me for the next few hours. Can you please put aside whatever is bothering you about me and just let me stop these guys?”
“Kate…”
“I was in there,” she reminded him, “Inside that place with you and I felt the despair it was pushing on you. I felt how sad you were and all I wanted was to get you out but you haven’t come all the way out yet.”
He turned away from her guiltily.
“I’m leaving very soon,” Kate told him, “They caught the bad guys so I just have a few things to sort out then I’ll be out of your life, for good if you want.”
Tim spun back to her and shook his head, “I don’t want you out of my life.”
Kate smiled at him, “Good. Now listen closely.”
-
“Lt O’Neill.”
The whisper from behind him preceded two men appearing beside him in the garden, the same two they’d ran from the day before.
“Who are you?” Tim demanded.
“It’s not important,” the first one said, “We know you’re confused but we’ve been sent by Captain Hudson.”
Tim let out a slow breath, “Hudson?”
The second nodded, “He sent you back in time. You’re here to try and stop the war, to save the world.”
“But that didn’t happen,” Tim said.
“Not yet,” Number One replied, “You were chosen as the only one with the knowledge and capabilities to get to the people who will bring the world we know to an end. That’s why you were sent here.”
“That’s a very interesting story,” came Kate’s sarcastic voice as she walked onto the back porch, “Almost plausible except they got them out too early.”
The two goons jerked to look at each other and as they moved to draw their weapons the garden was filled with UEO officers.
Tim grinned as Miguel appeared, “You took your time.”
“We just really wanted to hear what they were going to say,” Miguel grinned watching as the two men were cuffed and marched out of the garden.
“Thanks.”
Miguel clapped his friend’s shoulder, “Well once I drop these idiots off I’m heading home. See you back at the ship?”
Tim smiled at his friend knowing that he’d given up time with his own family to protect Tim and the others.
“Can you squeeze me in?” Kate spoke up, “Now I’m no longer needed here?”
Miguel looked at her surprised, “Sure.”
“You’re not staying for the wedding?” Tim asked her.
Kate shrugged, “I didn’t think you wanted me here.”
“You have the dress and my family are expecting you,” he told her.
Kate tilted her head in thought before turning to Miguel again, “I’ll find another way.”
*********************************************
The ceremony was beautiful, Kate thought as she sat in the church watching her friend’s brother get married. She’d never been the kind of girl who thought about this sort of thing but as she watched Yvonne clad in her white gown walk down the aisle Kate got slightly misty eyed.
At the reception Kate managed to make small talk with everyone and as she was sitting sipping some wine listening to the band Tim appeared.
“Do you want to dance?” he asked a little nervously, “I can try not to stand on your toes.”
Kate took his hand allowing him to pull her to her feet, she smiled that she was almost eye to eye with him thanks to her killer shoes which she had actually bought this time and walked with him onto the dance floor. As the slow song began to play Kate closed her eyes for a moment when he rested his arm around her waist.
“I have a confession,” Tim whispered to her, “And an apology.”
“Really?”
“You asked me what you said to me in the simulation,” Tim reminded her, “You…she…the illusion of you told me I was gullible for trusting you. That you were using me all along and then you died in my arms.”
Kate looked up at him, “Tim.”
“It hurt to lose you,” he told her, “But not as bad as the thought that I might not truly have had you as my friend.”
Kate looked up into his eyes before taking his hand, “This isn’t the place to discuss this. Come on.”
-
They walked out of the reception room and into the garden, both falling into silence for several moments. Kate drew her wrap around her shoulders in the cool evening air as she watched him fidget.
“Tell me what the version of me actually said to you,” Kate ordered.
Tim dropped his head.
“You have to tell me,” she said, “Or I can’t disprove it.”
Tim took a deep breath, “You called me gullible for trusting you. That someone like you wouldn’t look twice at someone like me unless I could give you something.”
“Someone like me?” she asked bemused.
Tim laughed slightly, “Kate, you’re beautiful. I mean amazingly beautiful. And I’m…well me.”
“You are,” Kate stepped into him, “Brilliant, witty, fun and I am so grateful that you didn’t hate me for almost getting you killed,” she caught his hand, “And I think you are extremely handsome.”
Tim dropped his eyes, “Right.”
“I’m serious,” Kate gently touched his cheek.
“Come on, lovebirds,” Andrew called to them, “Yvonne’s about to throw the bouquet.”
Kate sighed as he disappeared, “That I won’t miss.”
Tim chuckled, “Yeah, my family seem convinced we’re more than friends.”
“I noticed,” she smiled slightly, she took a deep breath, “How about we find out?”
Tim stared at her, “What?”
“Everyone seems to think there’s more between us so let’s find out,” Kate wrapped her arms around his neck.
“An experiment?” Tim raised his eyebrow.
“Yeah,” she replied softly.
-
Tim closed his eyes as Kate’s lips touched his; they sat softly against his for a few moments before the kiss deepened. Tim slid his arms around her waist resting one hand against her back as Kate’s body pressed against his. They’d kissed before but Tim felt something different this time. After several minutes they parted and Tim swallowed hard when Kate looked into his eyes.
“Just friends,” he said softly.
Kate gave a very soft half-shrug, “Just friends.”
“At least we know,” Tim told her.
“I have to go,” Kate said, “You should head back in and rejoin your family. I’ll see you soon, I promise.”
Tim hugged her, “Be careful. And thanks, for coming to help me especially when I was being such an ass to you.”
“You can make it up to me,” she smiled before pushing him towards the party, “Go.
-
Kate watched Tim as he disappeared closing her eyes as she thought of the kiss they’d just shared.
“Damn,” she sighed.
“I don’t understand.”
Kate spun to see Tim’s mother standing there, “What?”
“I saw you together,” Julianne said, “I’ve watched you and you can’t tell me you don’t love him because I saw that kiss.”
Kate sighed and knew there was only one way to make Julianne understand.
“Mrs O’Neill.”
“Julianne,” she insisted.
“Mrs O’Neill,” Kate stated again firmly, “I’m a con artist. I’m a thief, a liar and the worst possible person for your son. For some strange reason Noyce believes that I can do some good working for the UEO and maybe I can. But one day either my past will catch up with me or I will screw it up and I will not let him be caught up in that.”
“Kathleen…”
“I am the worst possible person there is,” she continued, “And I do love him.”
Kate stopped at her own admission before looking back at the other woman, “I do love him, I just don’t deserve him.”
With that said Kate turned and walked away.