Disclaimer: I own nothing...

Chapter Six

Kazimir Boklov swirled the clear liquid around the bottom of his glass before raising it to his mouth and taking a luxurious sip. He closed his eyes appreciatively and then set the glass back down onto the polished mahogany tabletop.

The stirring brassy light of an oil lamp lit up the rim of the glass, streaking it gold.

"Why should I help you?" Kazimir asked in a heavily accented voice, addressing the man who sat across from him.

Yassen Gregovorich looked as much the same as the last time Kazimir had met him, cool and casual, he was sat back comfortably in his seat, legs crossed, wearing an open necked shirt and also nursing a glass of liquor. The only difference that might be noted was that he looked a slight older, his face lined with fatigue and pain. But he still held an air of power and the Beretta 92 that glinted at his side proved that he was still not a man to be messed with.

"Because you owe me Kazimir," Yassen replied, his tone was bored, carring an edge of humor.

"Really? Would you enlighten me further on that?" Kazimir was enjoying himself, he knew that Yassen was a dangerous man but with their history he felt quite comfortable challenging him in this way.

Yassen raised an eyebrow. "Bavaria, 1989."

"Oh, that..." Kazimir feigned forgetfulness. "Well, yes I must concede that I do indeed... owe you."

Yassen smirked.

Kazimir Boklov was nearing fifty years old, a handsome man, formerly from Zarayska small town situated about 100 kilometers south from Moscow. He had graduated from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology at 27 years of age with a Master's degree in Physics and every intention to further his scientific career as far as it would go. However fate twisted it's hand and he found himself working for a dodgy small time arms manufacturer. From there he aspired from petty crime to running jobs for the Russian Mafia and later he had forged connections with criminal organizations in Italy, Columbia...

Yassen had first met him when Scorpia used him to dig up information on some 'big' Australian politician and since then their 'realationship' had flourished, each helping the other... for a small profit of course.

Right now, they were sat in a fifth storey flat on the edge of greater London. It was late evening and outside the sky was already sooty black.

"So, how can I be of service?" Kazimir smiled, showing discoloured teeth, stained over the years by alcohol and tobacco.

Yassen's smirk widened and he sat forward.

Page Break Page Break Page Break

Ben was surprised to find that Alex was already awake and downstairs by the time he himself padded, barefoot into the kitchen.

The boy was hunched over the counter top, studying the street through the window. Ben watched him for a moment, he looked relaxed, his shoulders loosened, his feet apart. His face reflected in the glass had regained some of it's colour and although he was frowning, his guarded expression had lifted.

Sunlight ridged the edges of his features and splayed across the front of his t-shirt as he stood there.

Ben felt for a moment as if he was intruding on something private but then Alex caught sight of him in the window and turned to face him.

"You okay?" He asked, his eyes were still faraway as if he was watching something Ben couldn't see.

"I'm fine. What about you? No bumps in the night?"

Alex nodded absently and then turned back to the window, he drummed his fingers on the counter top and shivered slightly.

"Listen Alex, I guess your a bit freaked out about all this. But I can assure you that Blunt is doing everything he can to make sure you're safe. You don't need to worry about anything." Ben hoped that he sounded reassuring.

Alex let out a breath and his shoulders slumped slightly. "It's not me I'm worried about." He turned again to face Ben who shot him a quizzical expression. "It's Jack. She's in danger by being around at the moment... Wouldn't it be better if she.... If she went to see her parents until this is all sorted out or something.... I mean, I don't want her to get hurt." His expression turned steely. "Not because of me. I've put her through enough already."

Ben nodded slowly. "I have already talked to Blunt about this, but he said she wouldn't consent."

"She might if I talk to her."

"It's your decision." Ben replied levelly and Alex sighed.

"Then I've made up my mind."

Upstairs there was the soft sound of footfalls and the splash of running water.

Alex gazed up at the ceiling for a moment then blinked, hard and moved over to put the kettle on. "I might need a cup of tea ready to break the news." He joked halfheartedly and Ben offered him a smile.

A few moments later Jack entered the kitchen, dressed in jeans and a long sleeved top, her damp hair fell about her shoulders in coiled curls.

Alex immediately pushed a hot mug of tea into her hands.

"Tea? Without being asked? What's wrong?" She asked with fake seriousness.

"Actually, I've been thinking... I'm worried about you Jack, you could be in danger because of me." Jack tried to interrupt but he quieted her. "I...I think it would be better if you went to see your parents for a bit...just until this is all fixed."

"Alex, you have every right to worry but I am not going to leave you." She took hold of his shoulders and he tore his gaze away.

"Please Jack, I don't want you to get hurt." He looked back at her again. "And I will be fine without you. I have Ben and... bloody MI6 watching out for me for gods sakes. You'd get a well earned holiday and I would have my mind put to rest."

Jack began to look hesitant.

"It's a good idea Jack. Alex would be safe here with me. I promise." Ben spoke sincerely and Jack began to waver.

"You're only doing this so you can leave the toilet seat up aren't you," she muttered finally, smiling a little and Alex laughed.

"Is that a yes then?"

She was silent for a moment, chewing nervously at her bottom lip. "Yes." She said finally.

Duh, duh, duh! Wow, I just wrote all that in one sitting... 'Bows graciously.' Yes, so... How is it, I didn't overdo the whole emotional Jack thing did I, or did I under do it? Basically I just want your opinion. Do you all like Kazimir? His name means 'to destroy greatness,' that might tell you something about his character... And Yassen, was he in character? And Ben? And Alex as well? I feel all anxious about this chapter for some reason. Please put me out of my misery and review! MUAMU X

PS. Thanks to AC a reader and whatever95 for reviewing