Discovered in the Fairylights - PROS Fic: The Hive (Part 3 of 8)

Doyle rested his forehead against his folded arms on the tabletop and closed his eyes. He was way beyond exhausted now. Before he made any attempt to crack the code, he'd need at least a few hours of sleep.

The lock on the door clicked, causing Doyle to jump and sit up. He had started to dread the opening of that door because every time it opened it seemed like things only got worse. He let out a small sigh of relief when it was Bodie who walked into the room.

"Is it time to leave?" Doyle inquired.

"Not yet." Bodie stood in the doorway, his gaze roaming over Doyle, and Doyle couldn't stop the little shiver of pleasure that flowed through him. "Thought you might like a cuppa and a bite to eat."

"Some tea would be wonderful." Doyle smiled.

"Come on." Bodie gestured for Doyle to follow and led the way to a room farther down the hall.

This room was a big improvement from the stark one he'd just left. The walls were painted a cheerful yellow and the floor covered in dark blue carpeting. Opposite the door was a single bed as well as a small white table with two chairs. He walked over, took a seat and stared at the soup and sandwich that had been provided considering if his queasy stomach could handle eating right now.

As though reading his mind, Bodie said, "The tea and chicken soup should help settle your stomach. Mind, if you don't want the sandwich, hand it over here." Bodie grinned and Doyle found himself smiling back.

Picking up the cup, Doyle took a grateful sip of the tea. After a few more swallows, his stomach did feel slightly better. Covertly, through lowered eyelashes, he glanced across the table at Bodie and just the sight of him helped ease Doyle's tension. As unnerving as this situation was, Bodie was Doyle's one and only constant. There was something in the other man's steady strength and unwavering honesty that gave Doyle comfort.

"In about an hour you'll be taken somewhere where you can work," Bodie explained before biting into his sandwich.

"Where will they take me?"

"I haven't been told yet, but I assure you it'll be some place safe. The Hive won't be able to get to you."

"That sure, are you?"

Blue eyes lowered to the soup bowl and instead of answering Doyle's question, Bodie said, "You should eat something, Doyle. There's no telling how long it'll be before you get another meal."

Doyle glared at Bodie for a second then gave in, reaching for the soup spoon. Before he knew it, the bowl was empty and his stomach felt full. Knowing he wouldn't be able to eat the sandwich, he slid his plate over to Bodie.

"Oh, ta, mate." Bodie snatched up the ham sandwich, making quick work of devouring it. Doyle noticed that Bodie'd already finished his soup and polished off two other sandwiches.

"You'd better be careful, sunshine, or you'll lose that lean physique," Doyle said with a grin, patting his own belly.

"What?" Bodie asked innocently around a mouthful of food. "I’m a growing boy, I am."

"Yeah." Doyle smiled widely. "You'll be growing all right. Growing outwards." Doyle brought his arms out from his sides and puffed out his cheeks in a gesture of gaining weight.

Bodie smirked and popped the last bit of bread into his mouth. "I'll have you know, I have a high metabolism. I'm burning off calories just sitting here."

Doyle laughed. God, it felt good to just sit there and banter back and forth with Bodie, and forget about his mess of a life for a little while. He opened his mouth to speak, but was immediately cut off by a tremendous boom, followed by the violent rattling of walls and the shouting of voices.

In the blink of an eye, Bodie was on his feet, gun drawn. His face changed into something feral, predatory – something deadly. This was not the friendly, easy going man Doyle had witnessed only seconds ago. This was the other side of Bodie – the CI5 agent. The killer.

Bodie rushed to Doyle's side, clicked the safety off the gun and shoved the weapon into Doyle's hands. "Stay here. If anyone you haven't seen today comes through that door, point and pull the trigger. Understand."

Doyle stared down at the gun, unable to answer. Hands grasped his shoulders and shook him none too gently.

"Doyle! Do you understand?" Bodie yelled.

"I can't..." Doyle started to say, then swallowed and looked at Bodie. "Yes. Okay."

Their eyes met for less than a heartbeat, and an understanding passed between them. With a nod Bodie turned and hurried out the door, another weapon already in his hand.

The weight of the gun was heavy and Doyle's fingers tingled where they touched the cold metal. He had never held a weapon before, and shockingly, he tried to ignore how good it felt to have it in his hand.

Quickly glancing around the room, he looked for a place that could be used for cover. If anyone was to come into the room, he didn't want to be standing out in the open like he was now. Seeing the table, he turned it onto its side, spilling the contents onto the floor. He then crouched down behind the barrier, propping the gun up on the edge – and waited.

If The Hive was here, there was no way in hell Doyle was going to let them take him alive.

***

Bodie rushed into the sitting room. The area was filled with dense smoke and it took a moment before he was able to spot Cowley.

"Bodie! You're alive!" Cowley shouted as Bodie neared. "And Doyle?"

"He's fine, sir. What the hell happened?"

"A Grenade launcher. Went right into the interrogation room. I expected to find you both dead."

"I happened to move Doyle into another room before the explosion." A tremor shot through Bodie. If he hadn't thought that Doyle might like a change of scenery while he ate, they'd both be dead right now. "Someone knew where we were holding Doyle," Bodie stated.

"Aye, 3.7. I want you to get him out of here!" Cowley had to shout to be heard over a volley of gunfire. "And, Bodie?"

"Sir?"

"You do whatever it takes to keep him alive." Cowley reached into his pocket and handed Bodie the paper containing the cybertext. "I'll order the men to cover your exit. You've got ninety seconds to get out."

"Yes, sir. I'll contact you when I can."

Bodie turned away and ran in a low crouch back towards Doyle. Before he entered the room, he announced his presence with a shout to be sure he wouldn't accidentally get shot. He found Doyle crouched behind the over-turned table with the gun pointed right at Bodie's head. Bodie couldn't help grinning at Doyle's fierce expression. The man might be a peaceful genius, but he was no coward.

"We're getting out of here." Keeping one eye on the door, Bodie offered a hand and pulled Doyle to his feet. Doyle stumbled against him. If the situation had been different, Bodie might have wrapped his arms around Doyle and enjoyed the feel of the warm, firm body. But things weren't different and the gunfire outside wasn't going to cease any time soon. He had only forty-two seconds left until Cowley ordered the other agents to lay down cover fire.

"We're going out the same way we came in," Bodie quickly told Doyle, removing the gun from Doyle's shaky hand. "Stay behind me, keep your head down. Don't stop moving unless I tell you to."

"Don't let them take me alive." Doyle's voice trembled.

Bodie understood exactly what Doyle was saying. Rather than be taken by The Hive, Doyle would rather die. He was a much braver man than Bodie ever expected him to be and he respected Doyle for that. There was no time left for Bodie to explain that he'd die before letting any of those bastards get their hands on Doyle.

"Come on." Bodie led the way out of the room and down the hall. When they arrived at the kitchen, a loud blast of cover fire began. He tugged Doyle against his side and with gun at the ready, manoeuvred them out the back door. As soon as they reached the Range Rover, Bodie flung the passenger door open and pushed Doyle inside. "Keep your head down!" Bodie shouted before slamming the door shut. He rushed around the back of the vehicle just as an armed gunman came around the side of the house. The man got off two shots before Bodie's bullet caught him mid-chest with deadly accuracy. Bodie was in the Rover with the key in the ignition before the dead man even hit the ground. He swung the vehicle around and a few seconds later they were careening down the gravel drive as though the hounds of hell were snapping at their heels.

***

They had been driving for hours when Bodie finally turned off the motorway. A while ago, Doyle had lost track of where they were and with the cloak of darkness surrounding them, he felt vulnerable and a little edgy. The few houses along this stretch of road were set far back, hidden behind trees and bushes.

"Are we close?" Doyle asked. They were the first words that had been spoken since they'd left the farmhouse. Bodie had remained silent, concentrating on driving, checking the rear-view mirror often for anyone who may be tailing them.

"A few more miles," Bodie replied, his eyes flicking back to the mirror again.

"Are we being followed?"

"Perhaps." Doyle didn't miss the tightening of Bodie's hands on the steering wheel, nor the bunching of jaw muscles. "I don't see anyone, but my gut tells me that they're out there."

Turning around, Doyle peered into the darkness stretching out behind them. Unable to spot any headlights in the distance, he settled back in his seat and positioned himself so he could surreptitiously watch Bodie. The faint glow of the dashboard lights highlighted the masculine features while they deepened the weary circles under Bodie's eyes. Doyle knew that Bodie was knackered, yet nothing in his demeanour gave that away. Every movement was professional. Confident. Controlled.

Doyle yawned widely then looked at his watch. It was just past midnight and he was spent. Beyond spent. He tried to remember the last time he'd slept. Last night? Two nights ago? Hell, it felt more like months ago. And as far as he knew, Bodie'd not slept either.

"Want me to take over driving for a while?" Doyle asked.

Bodie's eyes slid over to Doyle, settling on him for a second before he was greeted with a tired smile. "Thanks, mate, but no. Why don't you grab a kip? It'll be another hour before we're there."

"Where is there?"

"Another safe house."

"Terrific." Doyle rolled his eyes. "Think this one will actually be safe?"

"For a while."

Doyle sighed, getting tired of Bodie's vague answers. "How long is a while?"

"Get some sleep. Let me worry about that part."

"Easier said than done, mate," Doyle muttered. He leaned his head back against the seat and closed his eyes.

A hand came to rest on the top of Doyle's thigh and gave a gentle squeeze. His eyes shot open and he glanced down at the hand then up at Bodie, meeting blue eyes that flared with determination. "I'm going to get you through this alive, Doyle," Bodie vowed before he removed his hand and focused back on the road.

Even though Doyle didn't know Bodie very well, there was one thing he knew for certain – that the man meant every word he said.

After a long, quiet moment, Doyle reached out to lay a hand on Bodie's shoulder. The heat from Bodie's body warmed his chilled fingers. He had to fight back the urge to tighten his grip; to feel the hard muscles beneath his palm.

"Thanks," Doyle said quietly.

"What for?" Bodie asked, his concentration not wavering from the road ahead.

"For being here."

The shoulder Doyle was still touching rose in a shrug, reminding him to move his hand away. "Just doing my job."

"Yeah, well, thanks for showing up for work." Doyle grinned. His reward was a low chuckle from Bodie.

***

Doyle was just drifting off to sleep when he felt the vehicle begin to slow down. When he opened his eyes, he noticed they had turned onto a narrow drive. A second later, Bodie switched off the headlights, plunging them into darkness.

Although Doyle tensed, he remained silent, trusting that Bodie knew what he was doing. Once his eyes adjusted, he could just make out a thicket of trees up ahead, and nestled inside them, the outline of a small wooden structure.

Bodie pulled up close to the house, turning the Range Rover around to face down the drive. Made for a quick escape, Doyle suspected.

"I'm going inside to check things out." With expert movements, Bodie removed his gun from its holster, checked the weapon and clicked the safety off, all the while surveying the surrounding area. "Get behind the wheel. If you see anyone else besides me, drive away as fast as you can. When you're clear, pick up this mic," Bodie pointed to the radio located beneath the centre of the dash, "press the button on the side, ask for Cowley. He'll tell you where to go."

"Just expect me to drive off and leave, do you? What if –" Before Doyle could finish, Bodie cut him off.

"Don't argue with me, Doyle. If you see anyone, assume they're here to kill you."

Doyle's stomach tightened. "What about you?"

"I can take care of meself."

"I won't leave you here to die."

Bodie reached out and cupped Doyle's chin in a warm hand, forcing his head up until their eyes met. "This is not about me. You're the one they're after. I won't let them hurt you. I couldn't stand it if…" Bodie paused and looked away, but Doyle didn't miss the mixture of emotions that flashed across his eyes. "Just do as I say. Understand?"

Doyle didn't reply, just gave a brief nod. It seemed enough to satisfy Bodie.

"Lock the doors," Bodie said, his fingers sliding away from Doyle's face.

Abruptly, Bodie's focus shifted to their surroundings. He slipped out of the Rover, disappearing around the side of the house. Doyle quickly moved into the driver's seat and watched out the windows for any movement. He prayed that they were alone because he honestly wasn't sure if he'd be able to leave Bodie behind.

A gust of wind suddenly rattled the car, startling Doyle. He wished Bodie would hurry up and come back. Without the other man's presence, he felt exposed – vulnerable. His hands tightly gripped the steering wheel while the minutes crawled by painstakingly slowly. Releasing a shaky breath, he stared into the darkness, looking for any signs of Bodie.

After what felt like an eternity, the front door of the house opened and Bodie stepped out onto the porch. Doyle was so relieved to see him that he had to fight back the urge to fling open the truck door, run to Bodie and hug the stuffing out of him.

Bodie raised his hand, signalling for Doyle come inside. He shut off the motor and pocketed the keys. Then quickly got out of the Rover and hurried over to Bodie's side, once again feeling a small measure of safety.

When Doyle entered the house, Bodie locked the door behind him, casting their surroundings into blackness. Instinctively, Doyle reached towards Bodie. Coming into contact with the hard, warm flesh of an arm, he wrapped his fingers around the muscular bicep, gripping it tightly.

"Easy, sunshine," Bodie said in a low, hushed voice. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Then you won't mind if I hold on, will you?"

Bodie released an amused chuckle. "I'm going to give you a torch. Keep it aimed at the floor, away from the windows. The curtains are drawn, but if a beam of light hits them, it will be noticeable from the outside."

"Got it," Doyle assured.

Doyle's hand was removed from Bodie's arm, and his fingers were guided around the cool, metal handle of the torch. Pointing it towards the floor, Doyle felt for the switch, and slid it forwards, squinting when a stream of light lit up the area around his feet.

Bodie stepped back, putting a few feet of space between them. "I've got some work to do. I need to make sure this place stays safe. Go get some sleep. You can use the sofa in the lounge."

Doyle released a quick snort of laughter. "Don't think that's gonna happen, mate. Could help you if you'd like?"

Bodie studied Doyle briefly then nodded. "All right. If you want to help, find us something to eat. I'm starving."

"Is there food here?" Doyle asked.

"Should be plenty of canned goods in the pantry and drinks in the fridge. The kitchen is that way." Bodie pointed to a doorway to Doyle's right.

"Leave it to me." Doyle took a step forward only to be stopped by Bodie's hand on his shoulder.

"Just remember, no lights."

"Right. No lights," Doyle said with a smile. His stomach fluttered when Bodie reached up and gave his curls a slight tousle. Without another word, Bodie turned and left the room.

Keeping the torch pointed at the floor, Doyle made his way into the kitchen. He located the pantry and after a thorough perusal, decided on canned stew. Finding a pot and tin opener, he set to work preparing the stew to heat on the cooker. Next, he went to the refrigerator, took out two Coke cans and set them on the kitchen counter. A search through the cupboards and drawers turned up bowls and spoons. Once Doyle had placed everything on the table, he didn't dare call out to let Bodie know the food was ready, instead, he left the kitchen and went in search of him.

The house was small enough that it only took a few moments to find Bodie in a windowless room in the cellar. A single dim-lit bulb hanging from the ceiling revealed a stash of weapons and ammunition, enough to outfit a small army. Doyle leaned against door frame and watched while Bodie packed box after box of bullets, along with a few hand guns, into a large canvas duffle bag.

"A bit paranoid, eh?" Doyle smirked.

Bodie shot Doyle a quick grin. "That's one way to put it. I prefer the term 'prepared'. But you call it what you like just as long as I don't run out of bullets."

Doyle looked around the room again. Along with the arsenal of weaponry, there was a row of shelves holding non-perishable foods, jugs of water, medical supplies and even petrol.

"Place looks like a bomb shelter," Doyle stated.

"It was."

"Why don't we hole up here until I break the code?"

"Would if I thought it safe." Bodie grabbed a box of medical supplies and shoved it into the bulging bag.

"You don't?"

"No. Someone on the inside knows about you. Was the reason we were attacked today."

"Someone in CI5?" Doyle asked, not able to hide the worry in his voice.

"Could be." A snarl twisted Bodie's mouth. "Or some bloke with the military… or someone higher up."

"How much longer can we stay here?"

"I'm going to stock the Rover with anything we might need. Then we'll get some food and grab a quick kip." Bodie opened another duffle bag and began filling it with food, water and more medical supplies.

"Think we need all that?"

"Might. If we have to disappear for a while, we'll need it. Don't mind a bit of camping, do you, mate?"

"Not my idea of fun," Doyle said, not liking the idea of having to sleep on the cold, hard ground. "But if that's what we have to do, I'll do it."

"Good lad."

The smile Bodie flashed at him made Doyle's stomach do that fluttery thing again. "I heated up some stew," he said quickly

"Great." Grabbing a bunch of batteries, Bodie tossed them into the bag before zipping it closed. "I'll stow these in the Rover first."

"Let me get that, mate." Doyle picked up one of the duffels and heaved it over his shoulder. He climbed the stairs with Bodie close behind him. Once he was at the front door, he paused and turned towards Bodie. He observed Bodie as the man set the two other bags onto the floor. In the dim light, his gaze latched onto the muscles in Bodie's arms and chest. The way they tightened and flexed as he moved. Doyle found himself wanting to reach out and run his hands over every inch of the firm-looking flesh.

"Hand over the keys," Bodie said, bringing Doyle out of his thoughts.

Digging the keys out of his jeans, Doyle handed them over. Their fingers brushed for a brief second and a jolt of desire raced through Doyle's body. He jerked away, looking anywhere except at Bodie. Now was not the time to be thinking of anything other than staying alive. And it certainly wasn't time to be wondering if Bodie was as aware as Doyle was of their being alone in a very isolated, very dark house. Or if Bodie was having the same distracting thoughts as Doyle.

Glancing up, he saw Bodie watching him with those eyes that didn't miss a thing. "You okay, mate?"

"Yeah. Fine. Just knackered," Doyle replied a little too quickly.

Bodie gave him a look that said he knew Doyle was lying, but didn't call him on it. "Back away from the door. Don't want you to be a clear target when I open it."

Doyle hesitated for only a second before he complied. "You think someone's out there?"

"No, just being cautious."

Before Doyle could argue the fact that it wasn't safe for Bodie either, the man was out the door with all three bags. It wasn't until Bodie returned a few minutes later and was safely inside the house, that Doyle was able to breathe a sigh of relief.

They went into the kitchen and Bodie made a makeshift lantern by taking a drinking glass, setting it upside down in the centre of the table and resting the torch on top. The soft, low light that was cast over the tabletop was nearly as intimate as any candlelit dinner, although Doyle didn't find it very relaxing.

Silence filled the room and Doyle was only able to eat as much as the tension in his stomach would allow.

"Not hungry?" Bodie asked, glancing at Doyle then down at the half empty bowl.

"Can't eat when I'm stressed."

Bodie reached across the small table and briefly rested his hand on Doyle's wrist. "I won't let anything happen to you, Ray."

Doyle did believe him. Believed that Bodie would do whatever it took to keep him alive. He was glad that out of all the men at the farm house, Bodie was the one who had taken the job of protecting him. There wasn't another man alive that he trusted more.

"I know," Doyle replied. He then surprised them both by asking, "What was Nicolas like?"

Several emotions flashed across Bodie's face, and Doyle could tell by the expression that remained that Nicolas' death still hurt him badly. He hated to see the look of pain and guilt in Bodie's eyes. He would have given anything to see it wiped away.

"Sorry, mate. Not my business, is it?"

Bodie's jaw muscles tensed and he closed his eyes. The silence became uncomfortable and Doyle was searching for something to say when Bodie spoke quietly. "He was a good man. An honourable man. Was the best partner I could ever ask for… both professionally and personally." Bodie's eyes held a faraway look. "He loved to mess about in the garden on his days off. Had a green thumb, he did. Could grow anything." A wistful smile curved the edges of Bodie's mouth. "He had a wicked sense of humour and a smile that could light up a room…" Bodie trailed off, his smile faded and a deep sadness took over his face.

Doyle's heart ached for Bodie – ached for what the man had lost. He felt tears well in his eyes, but he was able to blink them back before any could fall.

"It still hurts," Bodie quietly confessed.

It was Doyle's turn to reach out and touch Bodie. He placed his hand on top of Bodie's, and squeezed tightly. "I know," he whispered.

Looking into Bodie's face, witnessing his grief, Doyle felt himself falling for Bodie – slipping right over the edge, just a little, in love with him. He tried to push the feelings away, knowing they would only cause him pain, but he couldn't. That sliver of love for Bodie was a part of him now – would probably always remain a part of him.

"Sometimes…" Bodie paused and looked down at his soup bowl.

"Go on," Doyle encouraged when Bodie didn't continue.

"Sometimes I wish I could have traded places with him."

Doyle had to swallow hard past the lump of emotion that had formed in his throat. "I doubt Nicolas would have wanted you to die in his place."

"No, perhaps not. But he was full of life. My death wouldn't have held him down for very long. Nicolas was the sort who would've found someone else to love."

"What about you, Bodie?" Doyle's thumb brushed back and forth over Bodie's fingers. "Don't you want someone to love again?" He found himself holding his breath while waiting for the answer.

"I didn't think I could ever love again." Bodie looked right into Doyle's eyes. "Lately, though, I find myself wanting that more than anything... But I messed up, Ray. Nicolas died because I couldn't protect him. It was my fault."

"You can't take responsibility for what those terrorists did."

"Nicolas was my partner. It was my job to watch his back – to keep him safe. People in my line of work need to stay single. That was my first mistake."

"So, you didn't deserve to have both a career and a relationship?"

"Apparently not. Anyone I love has a chance of being kidnapped, tortured or killed because of what I do. What happened to Nicolas… well, I won't let it happen again." Bodie released a harsh breath and slid his hand out from under Doyle's. "Listen, Doyle, I don't want to talk about it any more."

Doyle nodded in understanding. Actually, he was surprised that Bodie had revealed as much as he had. Somewhere inside Bodie, though, he must trust Doyle enough to have shared something so close to his heart.

"Alarms are set on the doors and windows. Anyone tries to break in, we'll know about it," Bodie said. He pushed away from the table and stood up. "Come on. Time to get some sleep."

***

Bodie stood to the side of the window in the lounge, scanning the darkness outside for any sign of movement. Three hours had passed since he and Doyle had bunked down for the night and no one from The Hive had shown up yet. He was positive that the terrorists knew where he was holed up. Bodie was beginning to worry that they could be waiting for him to take Doyle out of the house so they could get a clean shot at the professor.

What concerned Bodie the most about The Hive was whether they still intended to capture Doyle alive, or if they wanted to kill Doyle to prevent him from breaking the code for CI5. There was one thing Bodie knew for certain, though, neither was going to happen as long as he drew breath.

With a last glance out the window, Bodie turned to look across the room to where Doyle was lying stretched out on his side on the sofa. Doyle's breathing was deep and even. Bodie was glad that the man was getting some much needed rest.

The short kip that Bodie had taken had helped him clear his head, but it did nothing to clear the tired burning sensation from his eyes. The only thing that would help was a good twelve hours of real sleep, and Bodie didn't see that happening any time soon. Not if The Hive stayed back out of his reach.

Quietly, Bodie left the room, went into the kitchen. He picked up the phone and dialled Cowley on his private line.

"Is he safe?" Cowley immediately asked upon answering.

"Yes, sir."

"Where are you?"

"Safe house 479. Looks nearly the same as 733. You remember that place, don't you, sir?" Bodie forced himself to sound casual, hoping that Cowley would pick up on the clue and remember what happened at location 733 right before Bodie had left CI5. Chances were high that this phone call was being intercepted. In fact, Bodie was counting on it. Cowley knew every detail about the 733 op – knew exactly how Bodie, Jax and Murphy had stayed behind to lay a trap and ambush The Hive when the terrorists arrived. Every one of The Hive who showed up had been killed – or so he'd thought.

Bodie was planning on a repeat performance and its success hung on the fact that every word he said to Cowley would make it back to the men who were after Doyle. If luck was on Bodie's side then every one of those bastards would come looking for Doyle and would end up walking right into Bodie's trap.

"Yes. I remember." Cowley replied. "I'll make sure your location is reported to the proper authorities."

Bodie understood what Cowley was saying. The 'proper authorities' meant whomever the old man suspected of being the mole. "Thank you, sir."

"Is your position secure?"

"Yes. We weren't followed. This location should be safe." Like hell it is, Bodie thought.

"Good. Are you in need of backup?"

"No, sir. Don't want to take a chance that The Hive could follow anyone here." Everything Bodie was saying were lies, and he knew that Cowley would know that.

"Agreed. There should be plenty of provisions to hold you for a few days."

"Weeks, more like. I've planned for an extended stay while the professor works."

"Check in when he's made some progress."

"Yes, sir."

Bodie ended the call and turned to face Doyle. He had heard the other man approach during the conversation.

"We staying here for a while, then?" Doyle asked.

"No."

"But you just said we were."

"I lied, didn't I?"

"Why?"

"Because the phone is bugged."

Bodie didn't miss the flare of fear that flashed across the green eyes. Doyle wrapped his arms around himself and briskly rubbed his biceps as if he was trying to get warm.

Bodie had to refrain from reaching out to do the job for Doyle, but touching him was not a good idea. Doyle was just too damn distracting and right now Bodie needed all his wits about him.

"Have to make them think we feel safe here. If they do, then they'll move in," Bodie said.

Doyle's eyes narrowed and his forehead crinkled in confusion. "Thought we didn't want them to find us."

"Can't kill them if they stay away, can I?"

"I don't like this, Bodie. Not one bit." Doyle ran his fingers through his sleep-mussed hair. "We should go someplace safe. Where they won't find us."

"And where would that be, professor?" Bodie demanded. "There is no safe place to hide. Not from The Hive. No matter where we go, they'll find us eventually."

"What if you get hurt?" Doyle's voice carried a hint of worry.

"I won't."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Doyle stared back at Bodie. "Know that for a fact, do you? And if you were to get killed, what would happen to me?"

"Told you already. You run and get in touch with Cowley."

Doyle shook his head. "I can't do this without you, Bodie."

Bodie looked away then slid his eyes back at Doyle again. The look of defeat on Doyle's face had Bodie clenching his fists against the urge to take him in his arms and comfort him. "You can do this," he assured Doyle. "If you want to stay alive, you don't have a choice."

"I want you to stay alive, as well. So, don't count on me running away and leaving you behind. If things go sour, we leave – together."

With long strides, Bodie surged across the room. He grabbed Doyle by the shoulders and pushed until Doyle was backed up against the wall. He wanted to have the man's full attention and didn't hesitate to use his larger body to intimidate Doyle into listening to what he had to say. The fact that he loved how Doyle felt pressed up against his body was only an added benefit – or an added torment, depending how he looked at it.

"You'll run if I tell you to. This isn't a game, Doyle, and I can't guarantee that I'll be able to come with you. My job is to keep you alive. No one, not even you, is going to get in the way of that. Understood?"

Not backing down, Doyle boldly met Bodie's gaze. "I don't like being bullied, Bodie." When Doyle swallowed and licked his lips, Bodie's gaze zeroed in on his mouth.

Suddenly Bodie realised his mistake. He should have never got so close to Doyle. Pressed together like they were, he could feel Doyle's warmth, smell his scent. It was easy to forget that Doyle was a job and not just a fellow Bodie was attracted to.

When Doyle licked his lips again, Bodie jerked his eyes away before he gave in to the urge to taste him. He moved back, putting a few feet of distance between them.

"I'm not interested in what you like or don't like." Bodie spoke more harshly than he intended. What he said was a lie, of course. He was quite interested in what Doyle liked – whether he liked to be taken gentle and slow, or hard and fast. Actually, if Bodie were given the chance, he'd give it to Doyle any way Doyle wanted. But that wasn't going to happen and he needed to get his brain out of his trousers before he got Doyle killed.

"So nice to know you care, sunshine," Doyle said, sounding sarcastic, hurt and irritated all at the same time.

"I do care." Before Bodie realised what he was doing, he closed the space between them and wrapped his hands around Doyle's arms. "I care too bloody much. If things were different –" The blare of the alarm cut Bodie off. He felt Doyle's body go tense and green eyes stared at him, wide and trusting.

Adrenaline pumped through his body and immediately he pushed away all thoughts except protecting Doyle. "Take these." Bodie shoved the keys to the Rover into Doyle's hands. "When I tell you, I want you to run for the Rover and get the hell out of here." He pulled his gun from its holster and flicked off the safety. "I'll give you cover fire."

Doyle hesitated for only a second then nodded. Bodie grabbed Doyle's arm and quickly yet cautiously led him towards the front door.

"Everything you need is in the Rover," Bodie said. "Don't stop unless you have to, or Cowley tells you otherwise. Just keep moving and you'll be fine."

After manoeuvring Doyle to a safe position beside the door, Bodie cracked it open just enough to see outside. There was no one in sight, which meant whoever was here had either jimmied open the backdoor, or one of the bedroom windows down the hallway. They didn't have much time before their position would be known.

"Come with me. Please," Doyle begged in a whisper.

"Can't. I'll catch up to you soon. Now go!" Bodie hissed.

Doyle obeyed and rushed out the door. Bodie watched as he ran the short distance to the Rover, opened the door and jumped inside. With one last look at Bodie, Doyle started the motor and sped away.

Silently, Bodie closed the door, turned around and prepared for battle.

***

Keeping the headlights off, Doyle drove the Range Rover down the gravel drive. He glanced in the rear-view mirror. Behind him in the darkness he could make out even darker shapes moving amongst the trees towards the house – towards Bodie.

Doyle's already racing heart skipped a beat. Bodie's chances of getting out of that house alive were slim to none. No matter how well trained Bodie was, he'd never be able to fight them all off on his own.

Slamming down hard on the brakes, Doyle slid the Rover to a stop. He didn't care what Bodie had told him. There was no bloody way he could just drive off and leave Bodie behind to die. The sudden loud blast of gunfire moved Doyle into action. He hit the accelerator hard, wrenched the steering wheel to the left, spun the vehicle around and headed back towards the house.

As the Rover drew nearer to the building, Doyle could see four armed men aiming their weapons at the front door. There were several bright flashes of muzzle fire from the terrorist's rifles and Bodie must have returned fire because one of the men crumpled to the ground.

The three remaining men closed in on the house, creeping slowly, crouching low to the ground. Doyle knew he had to do something soon or Bodie wasn't going to make it out alive. Without thought, he pushed down on the accelerator, veered off the drive and headed straight towards the closest enemy. The Rover hit the man straight-on with a sickening thud, tossing the body into the brambles.

The two remaining men turned and began to fire at Doyle. One of the headlights shattered and the back passenger side window exploded, sending pieces of glass flying into the back seat. The speeding vehicle was enough of a diversion that Bodie managed to take out the two men. Seeing Bodie cautiously stepping out the front door, Doyle headed in his direction. Jamming on the brakes, the Rover skidded to a halt next to Bodie. Reaching reached across the seat, Doyle flung open the passenger door. "Get in!" he yelled.

Staying low, Bodie ran for the Rover, but just before he reached the door, a spray of gunfire was aimed their way. Bodie dropped to the ground and for a heart-stopping second Doyle thought Bodie'd been hit. Relief washed through him when he saw Bodie kneel and return fire. When the terrorist was eliminated, Bodie jumped into the vehicle and slammed the door shut.

"Drive!" Bodie yelled, glaring at Doyle.

Doyle knew that Bodie was angry that he'd come back, but Doyle didn't care. He knew he'd made the right choice. Let Bodie be upset. At least the man was alive.

Not wanting to think about everything that had just happened – about the man he'd just killed, Doyle trod down on every single thought that passed through his mind and concentrated solely on driving.

***

Enrico Krivas walked through the small kitchen, the stench of blood heavy in the air. All around the house were signs that his prey had been here. Partially finished bowls of stew on the table, in the lounge, a blanket lay in disarray on the sofa.

Walking past the dead man on the floor in the hallway, Krivas gave the body a kick in frustration. He now knew the identity of the man who was protecting Ray Doyle. William Bodie, or simply Bodie as he preferred to be called. No wonder the man had seemed so familiar earlier. They had known each other from years ago when they had fought side by side in the jungle. They had even shared a woman once. A woman who had belonged to Krivas. A woman whom Bodie had stolen from him and Krivas had killed in return.

If there was one man who deserved his undivided attention, it was William Bodie. And here he was, protecting Professor Doyle.

A cruel smile spread across Krivas' face and he laughed out loud. It had been such fun torturing and killing Bodie's lover two years ago. It was going to be an even greater pleasure hunting down and killing both Bodie and Doyle.

"Two birds with one stone." He chuckled evilly.

***

Bodie spent about as much time watching Doyle as he did watching behind them for a tail. Doyle hadn't said a single word since they'd driven away from the house and had followed Bodie's directions as though he were on automatic pilot. The silence worried Bodie. If Doyle had been yelling, or even crying, Bodie would have felt a whole lot better. But the way Doyle was acting now, it could possibly mean he was close to the breaking point.

Bodie was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that Doyle had come back for him. Couldn't believe Doyle had run over the gunman to protect him. He understood the way Doyle felt about violence, yet Doyle had put aside that belief and risked his own life to save Bodie. He never expected Doyle to be so courageous, but that courage could very well have got Doyle killed.

Running a hand through his short hair, Bodie released a quiet sigh. He was doing his best to keep Doyle safe, yet how could he continue to do so if the man refused to listen. And what if his best wasn't good enough? What if The Hive killed Doyle? Or worse, kidnapped him. Christ, now that was a horrible thought. Bodie knew that if either of those things happened, he would never be able to survive the guilt.

For a brief second, he wondered if he should get in touch with Cowley and have someone else take over protection duty. Then again, if he did quit, he'd never be sure that The Hive had truly been eliminated. There would always be the possibility of some members eluding capture to begin torturing and murdering people once again. There was no way that Bodie could walk away from that – nor could he walk away from Doyle.

Looking over at Doyle, Bodie took in the pale features and the hands holding the steering wheel in a white knuckled death grip. He knew he had to do something soon before Doyle shut down on him all-together.

"Pull over," Bodie said. Without question, Doyle did as asked, manoeuvring the vehicle over to the side of the motorway.

Doyle sat in his seat, staring straight ahead, not moving or talking. Tonight, Doyle had learnt firsthand what it was like to be forced to use violence. Bodie doubted that anything in that brilliant mind was equipped to handle it. He understood how traumatizing it was when you killed someone. Hell, he still remembered the first time he'd aimed a weapon at his enemy and pulled the trigger. Afterwards, he had gone out and got so drunk that his hangover had lasted for days.

"It wasn't your fault." Bodie spoke in a quiet voice.

Doyle jumped, his whole body going rigid. "Yes. It was," he said tensely then let out a harsh laugh. "Want to hear something horrible? I'd do it again. I'd kill that bastard to save your life."

Moving a little closer to Doyle, Bodie reached out, took Doyle's chin in hand, and turned the curly head until Doyle was looking at him. "Thanks, mate. Appreciate what you did for me." He slid his fingers up to palm the side of Doyle's cheek. "Listen, Ray. What happened wasn't your fault. It was The Hive that decided to start killing people in order to break that code. You just got caught in the middle."

Closing his eyes, Doyle leaned against Bodie's hand. "Was that the last of them then?"

Bodie shook his head. "Doubt it. Can't say why, but I know there are more of them out there. Right now I feel..." He shrugged. "They're not following us at the moment. That doesn't mean we shouldn't be careful."

Doyle shifted away from Bodie, breaking their contact. "Now what? Another one of your safe houses?"

"No. I have a better idea. I know of a place where The Hive isn't likely to look. Should have taken you there in the first place."

***


Part 4