Wallflower18 Birthday Fic....
Happy Birthday to wallflower18 ! Here's a little birthday ficlet with some action, romance, and at least for Michael, intrigue. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: The characters of Billy Collins, Casey Malick, Michael Dorset, and Rick Martinez are not mine and are the property of Chaos, Rat Productions, 20th Century Fox and CBS Television. This is speculative fiction for the purposes of entertainment of Live Journal members only, and I am not receiving any compensation or consideration for this work. All plot situations and additional characters are purely fictional; any resemblance to any real person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Word Count: 2486
A/N: Wallflower18 birthday fic
Rating: PG-13
Summary: The team goes to Cuba to extract a compromised DEA agent, an old contact of Billy’s, and a deeper mystery for Michael emerges.
Casey and Michael surveyed the scene in the nightclub; Billy had gone off the radar again, and they had tracked him here. Rick reported over their earwigs, “The waitress said she saw a man matching Billy’s description leaving with a blonde woman not more than twenty minutes ago.” “Any idea where?” Michael asked. “No,” Rick answered.
Michael sighed in frustration; lately, Billy had become harder to keep track of, often disappearing suddenly and reappearing just as suddenly, offering no excuses or explanations as to his whereabouts. But Michael had to admit that often Billy returned with good intelligence that resulted in keeping the team out of danger and turned missions into successes. With a woman involved, Michael wondered whether this disappearance was business or pleasure; they were undercover in Cuba, and the more time they spent in Havana, the greater the risk of exposure and compromise to their mission.
Their job was to rescue a DEA operative who had information about drug cartel activities in the southern half of the American continent. Some of the cartels had expanded their business from weapons and drug sales to selling sensitive information about the US government and its intelligence activities. Rescuing the DEA operative benefited both the DEA and the CIA. And Michael had to admit he had a soft spot for this particular operative.
Santos had sacrificed a lot serving the DEA, and essentially, the agency had abandoned him when he was compromised. The team had persuaded Higgins to approve the mission based on intel Santos had on one particular cartel’s activities in selling information to unfriendly countries and terrorist cells, located both within US borders and internationally. Santos was now in the hands of Cuban intelligence, and ODS was working out a plan to extricate him.
Michael sighed, “OK. Let’s assume Billy hooked up for pleasure rather than business and start checking the hotels in this area.” Billy and Colt watched from a window in a darkened apartment across the street as the three men left the club and headed for a hotel down the street. Billy put his arms around her, “We have some time….” She smiled and began removing his shirt, kissing him while she undressed him. Later, they relaxed in each other’s arms, and Colt said, “I’ve got to get going, sweetheart. The Hammer suspects I’m in Cuba. Got any vacation coming?” Billy sighed sadly and nodded, “Yeah…I may be able to take a week after we get back.” She grinned, “I’ll contact you…let’s meet in the Bahamas in a couple of weeks. I’ve got to pick up some information from Terrier on that stop.”
After they dressed, she handed Billy a flash drive, saying, “Keep this close. This has Santos’ information plus some additional intel from my contacts here. That should make Higgins happy.” Billy slipped the drive in a seam in his belt. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her, “Honey, I love you. Stay safe.” She kissed him back and said, “I love you, sweetheart. We’re seeing the end…it won’t be long. I know you’re pulling Santos out….take care of yourself. Terrier and Bull will watch your backs. An exit strategy is set up, if you need it….just call the number I put in your phone.” Billy nodded and watched as she left and disappeared around the corner. Waiting another ten minutes, he left and headed for the team’s hotel.
Dawn was breaking when Michael decided to call off the search for Billy and return to their hotel. When they entered the room, Billy sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes and saying cheerfully, “What took you lads so long? Partying all night? Were the women as beautiful when you woke up next to them as they appeared in the drunken haze and low lights of the bar?” Casey folded his arms, “How long have you been here?” Billy got out of bed and headed for the bathroom, “Oh…since about 3:00 AM or so. She wasn’t as willing after we left the nightclub as she appeared to be over drinks.”
“Since when did that have anything to do with it?” Casey said with heavy sarcasm in his voice. Billy grinned, “It’s much more exciting with a willing partner. I’ve found chivalry and treating a woman like a lady…being a gentleman…really induces more pleasure and excitement in a woman. That, of course, results in greater returns in bed…” Michael tossed his coat on a bed, “Looks like you’ve lost your touch, Billy. We may have to rethink your contributions to the team.” Billy grinned as he closed the door to the bathroom, “We have Rick as back-up…look at Doris. She has a massive crush on him.”
Michael lay back on his bed, clasping his hands on his stomach as Casey and Rick flopped down in chairs. “He was here the whole time we were checking out those cheap hotels….sleeping! “ Rick angrily exclaimed. Casey glanced at the bathroom door as the shower turned on, “He better have something productive out of his little side trip. I’m really getting tired of tracking Billy down while he’s on his romantic adventures.” Michael sat up and began pulling off his clothes, “Let’s get some sleep. Billy can handle monitoring the chatter for a few hours.” Billy emerged from the bathroom, pulling his shirt over his head, grinned at the dozing agents, sat down in front of the surveillance laptop, and put the earphones on his head.
Three hours later, he started a pot of coffee and gently shook the other men awake. After finishing half his coffee, Michael asked, “Anything new?” Billy shook his head, “No…but I got this….” Billy pulled out the flash drive and plugged it in the laptop as Casey, Michael, and Rick gathered around him. In addition to Santos’ intel, there were maps into the interrogation center where Santos was being held.
Michael whistled, “Wow…we’ve got everything we need to clean up DEA and our CIA operations in South America and Mexico plus start prosecuting members of the organization in the US! Where did you get this, Billy?” Billy grinned, “A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell…” Casey grumbled, “Since when were you a gentleman?” Rick pointed to the screen, “Look….wonder if this particular cell…the one marked in red….is where they’re holding Santos?” Michael rubbed his chin, “We don’t have anything else to go on….I’m betting it is. Billy, how reliable is your source?” Billy answered, “Impeccable.” “And a lady….” Casey added. Billy narrowed his eyes at Casey, “Meaning?” Casey smiled, “I hope you read the material in your goody bag.”
“Knock it off, you two. Let’s get a plan together,” Michael said, sitting down in a chair and motioning the team to gather around him. After the sun set, the team deployed around the compound. When the first stars appeared, Casey began removing guards to open passage into the compound for the rest of the team. Stealthily, they crept into compound and made their way to the holding cells. Dinner had just been served to the guards and prisoners, and the majority of the guards were conveniently gathered in a large room chatting, playing cards, and eating. Michael signalled Rick to take a position outside the door while Casey positioned himself in the shadows near the cell they believed was holding Santos.
Nodding to Billy, Michael worked his way along the wall to the cell, peered in, and again nodded to Billy and Casey that Santos was indeed in the cell. Billy joined Michael, picked the lock, and covered the entrance while Michael entered the cell and motioned Santos to follow him, whispering, “CIA…we’re here to pull you out.” Santos emerged, and recognizing Billy, he started to grin and greet him. Billy slightly shook his head, and clearly puzzled, Santos nodded slightly and turned his attention to following Michael.
Just as they cleared the compound and began crossing the open yard toward the fence, alarms sounded, and searchlights were activated. Ducking behind some vehicles, Billy found himself alone with Santos. Santos whispered, “Ninja! Is the MI6 team backing up the CIA?” Billy shook his head, “I was transferred....actually…well, deported. Look, Santos, they can’t know that we know each other. There’s a larger mission….if they know, some MI6 operatives might be exposed.” “Ender involved?” Santos asked. Billy nodded, “Yeah…I’m working with her.” “So am I,” Santos said, “OK, Ninja, we don’t know each other.”
Michael’s voice came over the earwig, “Rick and I are pinned down….Casey? Billy?” “Santos is with me, and we’re about to be discovered….some guards approaching….we’re trapped,” Billy said, anxiously watching the shadows of a small group of guards encircling his position and closing in on them. “I’m a little busy at the moment,” a panting and grunting Casey responded, and they could hear blows and shouts as Casey fought with some guards.
Billy pulled out his mobile and dialled the number Colt had programmed into his phone. When an American man’s voice answered, Billy said, “It’s Ninja…we’re trapped in the interrogation compound….” “It’s Terrier, Ninja; we’re on our way. Take cover and be ready,” the man responded. Billy heard the footsteps of a guard cautiously approaching his position. He waited until the last moment, rose, and fired his pistol point blank at the guard. As the guard went down, he ducked down as a hail of bullets hit the vehicle they were behind and pushed Santos toward the next vehicle, firing as they ran between vehicles.
A few moments later, he heard the sound of several choppers approaching, and strafing fire traced a line in the dirt toward the guards. Several guards near Billy’s position went down. Billy put his arm over his eyes against the lights of the choppers and saw one blinking its lights as it began decreasing altitude.
Billy spoke into his watch mike, “The second chopper to the south….that’s our pickup chopper.” Michael spoke, “Billy….how do we know…” “Back-up exit, Michael….called a friend….get moving!” Billy shouted over the gunfire. As two choppers circled the compound firing at ground forces, one chopper circled over Michael’s and Billy’s positions providing cover fire. When the second chopper hovered a few feet off the ground, Santos, Billy, and Michael ran from their positions and boarded. The chopper rose and proceeded to Rick’s position, and Michael and Billy pulled him aboard. “Casey, where are you?” Michael shouted into his watch mike.
“By the east wing of the interrogation center,” Casey yelled. At a signal from Michael, the chopper pilot flew to Casey’s position under the cover of fire from the other helicopter. Billy saw Casey signalling from the ground. “Over there….starboard…” Billy yelled to the pilot, pointing to Casey. When the pilot glanced in Billy’s direction and nodded acknowledgement, Billy grinned as he recognized Hawk, who winked back at him. Michael moved to Billy’s side as Hawk dropped altitude to hover height and helped Billy pull Casey in.
As they closed the door and settled in the back, Michael yelled, “Everyone OK?” One by one each man nodded at Michael. “We’re fine, Michael,” Rick said. Michael yelled at Hawk, “We’re all good.” “Next stop…USA…” Hawk yelled back as he turned the chopper on a new heading. The team heard the other choppers assume formation as they flew toward the US. Michael sat next to Billy, “Where did these guys come from?” Billy shrugged, “Friends of a friend.” Michael leaned in close to Billy’s face and engaged his eyes, “Who are they, Billy?” Billy met Michael’s gaze steadily, “Friends of a friend who prefer to remain anonymous.” “How long have you had this cooking?” Michael asked. Billy shrugged, “For a while.”
“Billy, I don’t like side plans and meetings…it puts us all at risk. You clear everything with me. Now, again, who are these people?” Michael said sternly. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, Michael. Leave it alone,” Billy said, looking at Michael with a clear warning in his eyes. “What?” Michael asked, shocked at Billy’s response. “It’s appropriate…trust me,” Billy said, closing his eyes as he leaned his head against the bulkhead.
Michael studied Billy’s face in silence, and a few minutes later, a man’s voice came over the intercom, “Chopper one to chopper two…you’re cleared for landing. Chopper two passengers, welcome to Miami! We’re dropping you off on the helipad at the Fountainbleu Hotel. Rooms are booked. Enjoy your stay.”
After he showered and cleaned up, Michael arranged for transportation back to Langley. After he rang off, he turned his gaze on Billy, who was silently sitting by the window staring out at the beaches. “Pick-up in two hours. We need to get to a private airfield about ten miles from here,” he said. Billy nodded and stood. Michael stood in front of him, “Billy, I don’t like working blind, with people I don’t know. And it’s really disconcerting to work with people who’ve arranged everything in a tidy package from pick-up to drop-off without….” Billy cut him off, saying with an icy edge to his voice, “Don’t go there, Michael. It should be enough that I trust them.” When Michael remained silent, Billy said quietly, “It isn’t, is it.”
Michael chose his next words carefully, “Billy, I trust you…you’ve proven yourself to me over the years. I don’t trust your past…I don’t know enough about you to trust it. We’ve worked together six years, carpooled together…shared drinks together. Of all the team, I know the least about you. You talk a lot, yet say nothing. You disappear….and reappear with exactly the information we need and an exit that bails us out of trouble….more than once you’ve done this. Billy, your charm and wit are wearing thin, and frankly, I’m worried about the safety of the team. You’re looking like a rogue, Billy, and I don’t trust anything that gives the appearance of being out of control.”
Billy met Michael’s eyes and finally shrugged. “Want to hit the seafood bar before we go? I hear the crab is especially good this time of year,” Billy said as he turned toward the door and opened it. Michael sighed heavily as he followed Billy.
On the way back to Langley, Billy was back in form, regaling them with tales about the Florida crab industry and his own close encounters with the beasts. Again, Michael noticed that Billy never revealed much about himself. Later, in Higgins’ office, the team turned over Santos and the flash drive, ending the day with their usual banter in their office. Michael studied Billy as he teased Casey and Rick, digging more personal information out of them by provoking them with little witty barbs and digs at the appropriate moments. Once again, Michael marvelled at how Billy revealed nothing about himself and turned aside Casey’s and Rick’s questions without answering them. Yes, Operative Billy Collins was going to be an interesting case to crack, Michael thought as he turned back to his report.
Disclaimer: The characters of Billy Collins, Casey Malick, Michael Dorset, and Rick Martinez are not mine and are the property of Chaos, Rat Productions, 20th Century Fox and CBS Television. This is speculative fiction for the purposes of entertainment of Live Journal members only, and I am not receiving any compensation or consideration for this work. All plot situations and additional characters are purely fictional; any resemblance to any real person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Word Count: 2486
A/N: Wallflower18 birthday fic
Rating: PG-13
Summary: The team goes to Cuba to extract a compromised DEA agent, an old contact of Billy’s, and a deeper mystery for Michael emerges.
Casey and Michael surveyed the scene in the nightclub; Billy had gone off the radar again, and they had tracked him here. Rick reported over their earwigs, “The waitress said she saw a man matching Billy’s description leaving with a blonde woman not more than twenty minutes ago.” “Any idea where?” Michael asked. “No,” Rick answered.
Michael sighed in frustration; lately, Billy had become harder to keep track of, often disappearing suddenly and reappearing just as suddenly, offering no excuses or explanations as to his whereabouts. But Michael had to admit that often Billy returned with good intelligence that resulted in keeping the team out of danger and turned missions into successes. With a woman involved, Michael wondered whether this disappearance was business or pleasure; they were undercover in Cuba, and the more time they spent in Havana, the greater the risk of exposure and compromise to their mission.
Their job was to rescue a DEA operative who had information about drug cartel activities in the southern half of the American continent. Some of the cartels had expanded their business from weapons and drug sales to selling sensitive information about the US government and its intelligence activities. Rescuing the DEA operative benefited both the DEA and the CIA. And Michael had to admit he had a soft spot for this particular operative.
Santos had sacrificed a lot serving the DEA, and essentially, the agency had abandoned him when he was compromised. The team had persuaded Higgins to approve the mission based on intel Santos had on one particular cartel’s activities in selling information to unfriendly countries and terrorist cells, located both within US borders and internationally. Santos was now in the hands of Cuban intelligence, and ODS was working out a plan to extricate him.
Michael sighed, “OK. Let’s assume Billy hooked up for pleasure rather than business and start checking the hotels in this area.” Billy and Colt watched from a window in a darkened apartment across the street as the three men left the club and headed for a hotel down the street. Billy put his arms around her, “We have some time….” She smiled and began removing his shirt, kissing him while she undressed him. Later, they relaxed in each other’s arms, and Colt said, “I’ve got to get going, sweetheart. The Hammer suspects I’m in Cuba. Got any vacation coming?” Billy sighed sadly and nodded, “Yeah…I may be able to take a week after we get back.” She grinned, “I’ll contact you…let’s meet in the Bahamas in a couple of weeks. I’ve got to pick up some information from Terrier on that stop.”
After they dressed, she handed Billy a flash drive, saying, “Keep this close. This has Santos’ information plus some additional intel from my contacts here. That should make Higgins happy.” Billy slipped the drive in a seam in his belt. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her, “Honey, I love you. Stay safe.” She kissed him back and said, “I love you, sweetheart. We’re seeing the end…it won’t be long. I know you’re pulling Santos out….take care of yourself. Terrier and Bull will watch your backs. An exit strategy is set up, if you need it….just call the number I put in your phone.” Billy nodded and watched as she left and disappeared around the corner. Waiting another ten minutes, he left and headed for the team’s hotel.
Dawn was breaking when Michael decided to call off the search for Billy and return to their hotel. When they entered the room, Billy sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes and saying cheerfully, “What took you lads so long? Partying all night? Were the women as beautiful when you woke up next to them as they appeared in the drunken haze and low lights of the bar?” Casey folded his arms, “How long have you been here?” Billy got out of bed and headed for the bathroom, “Oh…since about 3:00 AM or so. She wasn’t as willing after we left the nightclub as she appeared to be over drinks.”
“Since when did that have anything to do with it?” Casey said with heavy sarcasm in his voice. Billy grinned, “It’s much more exciting with a willing partner. I’ve found chivalry and treating a woman like a lady…being a gentleman…really induces more pleasure and excitement in a woman. That, of course, results in greater returns in bed…” Michael tossed his coat on a bed, “Looks like you’ve lost your touch, Billy. We may have to rethink your contributions to the team.” Billy grinned as he closed the door to the bathroom, “We have Rick as back-up…look at Doris. She has a massive crush on him.”
Michael lay back on his bed, clasping his hands on his stomach as Casey and Rick flopped down in chairs. “He was here the whole time we were checking out those cheap hotels….sleeping! “ Rick angrily exclaimed. Casey glanced at the bathroom door as the shower turned on, “He better have something productive out of his little side trip. I’m really getting tired of tracking Billy down while he’s on his romantic adventures.” Michael sat up and began pulling off his clothes, “Let’s get some sleep. Billy can handle monitoring the chatter for a few hours.” Billy emerged from the bathroom, pulling his shirt over his head, grinned at the dozing agents, sat down in front of the surveillance laptop, and put the earphones on his head.
Three hours later, he started a pot of coffee and gently shook the other men awake. After finishing half his coffee, Michael asked, “Anything new?” Billy shook his head, “No…but I got this….” Billy pulled out the flash drive and plugged it in the laptop as Casey, Michael, and Rick gathered around him. In addition to Santos’ intel, there were maps into the interrogation center where Santos was being held.
Michael whistled, “Wow…we’ve got everything we need to clean up DEA and our CIA operations in South America and Mexico plus start prosecuting members of the organization in the US! Where did you get this, Billy?” Billy grinned, “A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell…” Casey grumbled, “Since when were you a gentleman?” Rick pointed to the screen, “Look….wonder if this particular cell…the one marked in red….is where they’re holding Santos?” Michael rubbed his chin, “We don’t have anything else to go on….I’m betting it is. Billy, how reliable is your source?” Billy answered, “Impeccable.” “And a lady….” Casey added. Billy narrowed his eyes at Casey, “Meaning?” Casey smiled, “I hope you read the material in your goody bag.”
“Knock it off, you two. Let’s get a plan together,” Michael said, sitting down in a chair and motioning the team to gather around him. After the sun set, the team deployed around the compound. When the first stars appeared, Casey began removing guards to open passage into the compound for the rest of the team. Stealthily, they crept into compound and made their way to the holding cells. Dinner had just been served to the guards and prisoners, and the majority of the guards were conveniently gathered in a large room chatting, playing cards, and eating. Michael signalled Rick to take a position outside the door while Casey positioned himself in the shadows near the cell they believed was holding Santos.
Nodding to Billy, Michael worked his way along the wall to the cell, peered in, and again nodded to Billy and Casey that Santos was indeed in the cell. Billy joined Michael, picked the lock, and covered the entrance while Michael entered the cell and motioned Santos to follow him, whispering, “CIA…we’re here to pull you out.” Santos emerged, and recognizing Billy, he started to grin and greet him. Billy slightly shook his head, and clearly puzzled, Santos nodded slightly and turned his attention to following Michael.
Just as they cleared the compound and began crossing the open yard toward the fence, alarms sounded, and searchlights were activated. Ducking behind some vehicles, Billy found himself alone with Santos. Santos whispered, “Ninja! Is the MI6 team backing up the CIA?” Billy shook his head, “I was transferred....actually…well, deported. Look, Santos, they can’t know that we know each other. There’s a larger mission….if they know, some MI6 operatives might be exposed.” “Ender involved?” Santos asked. Billy nodded, “Yeah…I’m working with her.” “So am I,” Santos said, “OK, Ninja, we don’t know each other.”
Michael’s voice came over the earwig, “Rick and I are pinned down….Casey? Billy?” “Santos is with me, and we’re about to be discovered….some guards approaching….we’re trapped,” Billy said, anxiously watching the shadows of a small group of guards encircling his position and closing in on them. “I’m a little busy at the moment,” a panting and grunting Casey responded, and they could hear blows and shouts as Casey fought with some guards.
Billy pulled out his mobile and dialled the number Colt had programmed into his phone. When an American man’s voice answered, Billy said, “It’s Ninja…we’re trapped in the interrogation compound….” “It’s Terrier, Ninja; we’re on our way. Take cover and be ready,” the man responded. Billy heard the footsteps of a guard cautiously approaching his position. He waited until the last moment, rose, and fired his pistol point blank at the guard. As the guard went down, he ducked down as a hail of bullets hit the vehicle they were behind and pushed Santos toward the next vehicle, firing as they ran between vehicles.
A few moments later, he heard the sound of several choppers approaching, and strafing fire traced a line in the dirt toward the guards. Several guards near Billy’s position went down. Billy put his arm over his eyes against the lights of the choppers and saw one blinking its lights as it began decreasing altitude.
Billy spoke into his watch mike, “The second chopper to the south….that’s our pickup chopper.” Michael spoke, “Billy….how do we know…” “Back-up exit, Michael….called a friend….get moving!” Billy shouted over the gunfire. As two choppers circled the compound firing at ground forces, one chopper circled over Michael’s and Billy’s positions providing cover fire. When the second chopper hovered a few feet off the ground, Santos, Billy, and Michael ran from their positions and boarded. The chopper rose and proceeded to Rick’s position, and Michael and Billy pulled him aboard. “Casey, where are you?” Michael shouted into his watch mike.
“By the east wing of the interrogation center,” Casey yelled. At a signal from Michael, the chopper pilot flew to Casey’s position under the cover of fire from the other helicopter. Billy saw Casey signalling from the ground. “Over there….starboard…” Billy yelled to the pilot, pointing to Casey. When the pilot glanced in Billy’s direction and nodded acknowledgement, Billy grinned as he recognized Hawk, who winked back at him. Michael moved to Billy’s side as Hawk dropped altitude to hover height and helped Billy pull Casey in.
As they closed the door and settled in the back, Michael yelled, “Everyone OK?” One by one each man nodded at Michael. “We’re fine, Michael,” Rick said. Michael yelled at Hawk, “We’re all good.” “Next stop…USA…” Hawk yelled back as he turned the chopper on a new heading. The team heard the other choppers assume formation as they flew toward the US. Michael sat next to Billy, “Where did these guys come from?” Billy shrugged, “Friends of a friend.” Michael leaned in close to Billy’s face and engaged his eyes, “Who are they, Billy?” Billy met Michael’s gaze steadily, “Friends of a friend who prefer to remain anonymous.” “How long have you had this cooking?” Michael asked. Billy shrugged, “For a while.”
“Billy, I don’t like side plans and meetings…it puts us all at risk. You clear everything with me. Now, again, who are these people?” Michael said sternly. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, Michael. Leave it alone,” Billy said, looking at Michael with a clear warning in his eyes. “What?” Michael asked, shocked at Billy’s response. “It’s appropriate…trust me,” Billy said, closing his eyes as he leaned his head against the bulkhead.
Michael studied Billy’s face in silence, and a few minutes later, a man’s voice came over the intercom, “Chopper one to chopper two…you’re cleared for landing. Chopper two passengers, welcome to Miami! We’re dropping you off on the helipad at the Fountainbleu Hotel. Rooms are booked. Enjoy your stay.”
After he showered and cleaned up, Michael arranged for transportation back to Langley. After he rang off, he turned his gaze on Billy, who was silently sitting by the window staring out at the beaches. “Pick-up in two hours. We need to get to a private airfield about ten miles from here,” he said. Billy nodded and stood. Michael stood in front of him, “Billy, I don’t like working blind, with people I don’t know. And it’s really disconcerting to work with people who’ve arranged everything in a tidy package from pick-up to drop-off without….” Billy cut him off, saying with an icy edge to his voice, “Don’t go there, Michael. It should be enough that I trust them.” When Michael remained silent, Billy said quietly, “It isn’t, is it.”
Michael chose his next words carefully, “Billy, I trust you…you’ve proven yourself to me over the years. I don’t trust your past…I don’t know enough about you to trust it. We’ve worked together six years, carpooled together…shared drinks together. Of all the team, I know the least about you. You talk a lot, yet say nothing. You disappear….and reappear with exactly the information we need and an exit that bails us out of trouble….more than once you’ve done this. Billy, your charm and wit are wearing thin, and frankly, I’m worried about the safety of the team. You’re looking like a rogue, Billy, and I don’t trust anything that gives the appearance of being out of control.”
Billy met Michael’s eyes and finally shrugged. “Want to hit the seafood bar before we go? I hear the crab is especially good this time of year,” Billy said as he turned toward the door and opened it. Michael sighed heavily as he followed Billy.
On the way back to Langley, Billy was back in form, regaling them with tales about the Florida crab industry and his own close encounters with the beasts. Again, Michael noticed that Billy never revealed much about himself. Later, in Higgins’ office, the team turned over Santos and the flash drive, ending the day with their usual banter in their office. Michael studied Billy as he teased Casey and Rick, digging more personal information out of them by provoking them with little witty barbs and digs at the appropriate moments. Once again, Michael marvelled at how Billy revealed nothing about himself and turned aside Casey’s and Rick’s questions without answering them. Yes, Operative Billy Collins was going to be an interesting case to crack, Michael thought as he turned back to his report.