Thread: A Royal Catastrophe (Mali and Quix)

Ben sighed in relief as Sky dropped the knife, and it appeared as if she were about to trust him. Momentarily, anyway, but what choice did she have? With four strangers laying dead on the floor of her house, and the threat of more to come, he was her best option, but still, he was glad that he hadn't been required to knock her over the head and carry her out to the waiting vehicle. That would have slowed them down, and probably, when she'd awakened, have their relationship off to an even rockier start than it already was. The MI6 agent had quickly realised that, with the Russian's having arrived before him, that getting Schuyler to London safely wasn't going to be as simple as hopping on a plane, and that they'd be required to spend more time together than he'd originally envisaged. Ben could only thank his lucky stars, that she was not yet Queen, or officially one in waiting, and that he'd not have to bow or curtsy to her. Or call her M'aam. Ben despised calling anyone M'aam. With gun aim raised, he took one more sweep of the room, but there were no sounds except for those of emergency vehicles in the distance. Someone must have heard the gunfire, and called the authorities. Another damn complication, he thought to himself as his gaze returned to Sky. Trust me. It's my mission to keep you alive, even over my own dead body, and I don't do this for pleasure, but I am one of the best. The agent responded before dove through the window and dashed for his car. As they ran, he kept his eyes peeled, first checking in front of the woman ready to take down any danger to her first, then darting his gaze beside and behind him. For now the coast was clear, except for the noise of those sirens, which were getting louder by the second. He had the keys ready when they entered the black SUV - what spy didn't drive a black SUV? - and fired up the engine immediately the doors slammed shut. It was only after he pulled on to the street, and they were underway, that he caught his breath and glanced at the woman in the passenger seat. Her comment elicited a chuckle. Somehow, I think it may be a little late for you to attend finishing school, so you'll just need to learn on the job, he replied, as he turned onto the main highway, and a police car with sirens flashing, followed by two ambulances, screamed past then on the opposite side of the road, heading for the residence they'd just departed. However, you may already have some experience as a Princess? The man's eyes momentarily lit up with humour and a small smile flitted across his face as he teased, before his countenance once again turned serious, and he refocused his attention on the road. Ben went silent for a moment, and one could almost hear his mind ticking over. The airport is out of the question. He looked back towards Sky as he spoke. If the Russians located you so swiftly, they'll surely have men stationed there, and the same goes for the Hospitals. His gaze drifted down to the sight of blood seeping from her side, then moved back to her face. I'm not the Royal Surgeon, but I do have a first-aid certificate, so I vote we find a motel where I can tend to that wound, answer any questions you might have, and we plan our next move. How does that sound? Ben's tone was firm, but contained a new tenderness to it, as did his expression, when he cocked an eyebrow to request her acquiescence and opinion. Not that he'd listen if she disagreed, but it was a good idea to allow her to believe she had a choice. I'm afraid it won't be the Dorchester, but at least it will provide the opportunity to remain out of sight. With what occurred back there. He inclined his head in the direction of her house, It isn't only the Russians and rogue British agents who'll be searching for us, but the local authorities as well. Possibly even the FBI. The man shrugged, as if to say well, there there's nothing we can do about that now , as he veered off the highway, and they entered a suburb lined with strip malls and cheap hotels. Ben slowed the vehicle down, scanned their options, appraised the hookers lining the doorways, and finally motioned to an establishment named the Alhambra, with its flashing Neon pink sign, and offer of a 1.99 per night XXX cable movies. Fit for a Queen?