FNG

Summary: While on her first mission by herself, Claudia finds herself in trouble and has to ask a total stranger for help. Post New Guy, strays into AU, different version of Trials.

Italics are thoughts.

Note: I own Riley but not everyone else.

It was an ordinary night at Angels and Kings, the alcohol was flowing steadily and bodies were moving to the beat on the dance floor. Guys were trying to assert they were baddest guys in the room and the women were trying to decide what moose they wanted to cut from the herd for themselves. One guy in particular was having his hands full between two women, he was glad they had the privacy of the VIP room.

"Ladies! There's no need to fight. There's plenty of Tyler to go around." Secretly he was hoping for a fight. It wasn't an uncommon thing for Tyler for women to fight over him. He enjoyed it. It made him feel powerful. Tyler wasn't sure how or why this was happening but he figured 'why question a good thing?' It wasn't the first time this had happened but it certainly wouldn't be the last. If he had his way that is. He always got his way. There was a fight earlier between Jessica and Emma, Emma got her butt kicked and she left. Now, Jessica had to deal with Erica.

"You think you can just steal him away from me and I wouldn't care? You got another thing coming, bitch!"

"You don't deserve him! He belongs with me!"

Erica shoved Jessica down to the floor. Tyler grinned. "And….fight." He said to himself quietly.

Jessica kicked Erica's legs out from under her. As Erica began to get up, Jessica grabbed a champagne bottle off the table and swung it in a wide arc. Erica groaned as the bottle hit her in the head, knocking her back down. Jessica straddled Erica and raised the bottle over her head. Erica's eyes widened when she realized what was going to happen. Jessica brought the bottle down on Erica's forehead. Repeatedly. Finally, after several blows and the bottle being covered in blood, Jessica set the bottle down and Erica stopped twitching. Jessica looked up at Tyler and smiled.

"I did good, baby?"

Tyler got up from the couch and approached Jessica. He gently kissed her cheek. "You're an Amazon, baby." Tyler looked down at his new good luck charm and kissed it.

Roll Title and Credits.

"Claudia, you are going to New York while Agent Jinks accompanies me to New Hampshire for the Regent agent's funeral." Artie said with a grumble.

Claudia closed her case folder. "Wait. What? I get my own mission?" She was practically ecstatic.

"Yes." Artie replied as if Claudia had asked him an idiotic question.

"And why do I have to go to New Hampshire with you?" Jinks asked with a raised eyebrow.

Artie held up two fingers. "Two reasons: One, so the Regents can meet the latest agent of the Warehouse and Two: You're driving."

Claudia patted Jinks on the shoulder. "Good luck. Don't change the radio stations or Artie'll Tesla you."

"Claudia. One last thing." Artie stated before Claudia could move an inch further.

"Yeah?"

"When you get eyes on the artifact, you call me. You don't get creative and try and retrieve it yourself. Call me. No buts!"

"But Artie"

"No buts!"

"This"

"No!"

"Come on"

"Nope!"

"Please"

"Forget it!"

Claudia's shoulders sagged. "Damn." Claudia crossed over to the other side of the office and flipped open her folder. Her glee subsided when she read that three young women had been hospitalized because of this artifact and one was already dead. Artie had listed several artifacts that could be the cause. Apparently all of the incidents have one source: a nightclub in Manhattan. Claudia closed her folder. She had to pack.

New York City

Claudia patted the bar in the Angels & Kings bar nervously as she looked around the room. She tried not to draw attention to herself, she was dressed in a simple little black number that Myka had loaned her after some light jabbing. She had applied a light dabbing of makeup as she referred to it along with some lipstick, all of which Myka had taught her to apply. She carried a small purse with her that stored a rolled up Artifact retrieval bag, a pair of gloves, lipstick incase she needed to reapply any and her crowning achievement: A mini Tesla. She could honestly say with no emotion, okay maybe some emotion, this was her best invention yet. The purse sat on the bar next to her glass of water, thankfully her fake ID worked like a charm. As she took a sip, she felt a presence beside her. A drink was set down in front of her.

"That's for you." A slick voice from behind her replied.

Claudia turned to look at her mysterious drink bearer. He looked like he had just jumped off the cover of GQ. His hair was slicked and spiked in the front, he wore clothes that screamed 'I'm rich! Respect me or die!', he was of lean build which meant he was an athlete. "Hi," he continued. "I'm Chad."

Claudia tucked a bang of hair back. "Jessica."

"Jessica. Your mother should've named you Angel. You'd fit in here."

Claudia gave him a forced grin. "You're sweet." Not. She thought.

"So, where you from?"

"Florida. Here on vacation."

Chad arched an eyebrow. "You left Florida to come to New York for vacation? Most people go to Florida for vacation." He said with a shit eating grin. Claudia absently wondered if he did.

Claudia shrugged. "I always wanted to see the Big Apple."

Chad chuckled. "And? How do you like it here?"

"I only got in this morning."

"Oh, so you haven't had a chance to experience all of New York has to offer?" He said while leaning in.

Uh oh. Claudia thought. Don't like where this is going. "Um, yeah. Me and my boyfriend were hoping to take in a lot of sights."

Chad leaned back slightly. "Oh. Boyfriend? What's his name?"

'Oops. Think fast.' "You wouldn't know him. He's from Florida too."

This didn't deter Chad, he pressed on. "I think you're telling me a little white lie. You don't have a boyfriend, do you?"

Fate decided to show its hand in Claudia's favor. She felt another presence beside her on her right side. "Everything alright here?" A gruff, smoky voice from beyond her field of vision said.

Chad looked irritated. "Fine, pal. Buzz off."

"I was asking her."

Claudia listened to the voice more closely this time, it sound like a heavy accent. Scottish, probably. She craned her head to look up at her mysterious savior. If Chad looked like he jumped off the cover of GQ, this guy looked like he jumped off the cover of National Geographic. He stood a head taller than Claudia or at least that was her guess. He had dark brown rakish hair and piercing blue eyes. He had a scraggly looking goatee and stubble was growing in on the sides. He wore a black and red motorcycle racing jacket that had Triumph motorcycle patches on the sleeves and on the breast which was currently unzipped, revealing a black T shirt underneath. Aside from that, he looked tough. Like someone dropped him in a meat grinder and he crawled back out.

Claudia found her voice again. "Um, yes. I'm fine. Infact, Chad, this is my boyfriend." She said with a gesture to the heroic Scotsman. "Chad, this is"

"Riley." 'Riley' provided.

"Riley. My boyfriend." She looked up at Riley. "Hi, honey."

"Darlin." He drawled, his menacing gaze set on Chad who still looked mildly irritated.

Chad looked from Claudia to Riley then back to Claudia, he broke into another shit eating grin. "You are bluffing me, Jessica. I think you are leading me on."

Riley stepped forward, getting inbetween Claudia and Chad. "I think it's time you left. Pal."

Chad leaned back against the bar and laid his arms across, he tilted his chair onto its back legs. Chad sucked his teeth. "Buddy, get out of my face and crawl back to whatever shithole place you came"

Whatever Chad was going to say was cut off when Riley kicked out his chair. Chad banged his head on the bar's edge and dropped to the floor. This got the rest of the bar's attention as Chad rolled to his feet. He dug in his coat pocket and pulled a stiletto and flicked it open. Riley snorted through his nose. "Really?"

Chad lunged at Riley who side stepped and grab Chad's arm. He grabbed Chad's wrist and with a slow twist, he turned Chad's wrist until he let go of the knife. Riley held him by the wrist with his left hand then backhanded Chad with his right, balled his right into a fist and punched Chad just below the sternum and drove the air from his lungs. Chad bent forward at the waist, trying to get air into his lungs. Riley let go of Chad's wrist, grabbed his right shoulder and kicked his legs out from under him while pushing backwards on his right shoulder. Chad fell backwards for the second time that night. Riley looked up at Claudia.

"You alright?"

Claudia nodded. "You?"

Riley shrugged. "I'm not bleeding so yeah." He stepped over Chad, purposely stepping on Chad's abdominal region, and walked over to Claudia. He picked up Chad's chair and set it back on its feet. He sat down. He grabbed the martini Chad had put in front of Claudia and tossed it away. "Don't drink that. You don't know where it came from."

The bartender came over and addressed Riley. "I was watching the whole thing before you got here, dude, and I gotta say the first round is on me."

Riley smirked. "Thanks. Can I get a Guinness draft?" He turned to Claudia. "Whatcha drinking?"

"Oh, nothing for me. I'm fine thanks."

The bartender nodded and got Riley his drink. Riley popped the cap and took a slug from the bottle. He glanced over at Claudia. "My name really is Riley."

Claudia gave him a genuine smile. "Well, I'm Claudia."

"So, Claudia, what brings you to New York?"

"I'm looking for something."

"Hmm. Find it yet?"

"Nope. Been looking all day."

Riley took another pull from his beer. "Well, you know what they say: Never look too hard for something, you'll never find it. Don't look for it at all and you'll find it right away."

Claudia giggled. "Who says that?"

Riley shrugged. "Well, I do." Riley took a sip from his beer. "Maybe I can help."

Claudia bit her lip. "Actually, I'm supposed to find it on my own."

Riley cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? Is it a secret?"

"Yes. Problem is, I don't know what I'm looking for."

Riley shot her a confused glance before taking a sip from his beer. "Well, if you don't know what it is, how do you know when you'll find it?"

"I'll just know. It's sorta unique."

Riley nodded. "I hear ya. So, what are you looking for in terms of uniqueness?"

Claudia edged closer to Riley so she could speak to him more privately. "There've been three assaults here in the last week. Women seen beating the crap out of each other. One was so bad that she died."

"Geez." Riley muttered quietly. "Can I help? I mean, as you just saw, I'm sort of the knight in shining armor. So to speak."

Claudia started to shake her head. "I shouldn't even be talking to you. I mean, I'm grateful for what you did back there. Really. But, I need to do this on my own."

Riley sighed as he paid the tab despite the fact it was a free round. "Well, I wouldn't feel right if you went at this alone. I mean, after hearing what you just told me, quite honestly, I'm worried about you. Don't take this offensively but you don't look like you're cut out for this kind of thing."

Claudia was fighting back tears now. Not because what this kind stranger was saying about her but because it was true. This was her first mission by herself and she didn't have the faintest idea what to do. Artie was always there with some kind of ancient insight or Myka knew some obscure reference or Pete bumbled around and found an important clue. 'And what do I have?' Claudia thought. 'What can I bring to the table? All I can do is fix things and get into trouble.'

"I've upset you. Haven't I?" Riley's gruff voice shook her for her self-loathing analysis.

Claudia sniffled. "Sorta. I mean, all I do is look up info and get into trouble. I'm useless." She flopped forward onto the bar and buried her head in her arms.

Riley leaned closer to her. "Hey." He rubbed her back soothingly. "You are not useless. The fact that you came here alone, trying to find a needle in a haystack and I'd say you handled yourself very well against Chad. I think your friends should be lucky to have you."

Claudia smiled softly. "You think so?"

"Definitely." Riley looked around the bar. "Well, no sign of craziness or anything out of the ordinary. Wanna come back tomorrow?"

Claudia sighed. He was right. No Artifact activity here. "Sure."

Riley smiled. "Great. Let's go back to my place." Claudia started to protest but Riley held up his hand. "I've got good intentions, I promise."

Claudia sighed. Got no choice. Although if he is lying, I've got my Tesla.

Riley hailed a cab and they got in, the cab drove back to Riley's hotel. Riley explained along the way that Chad might still hold something over Claudia and try to follow her back to her hotel room.

Riley held the door open for Claudia and quietly locked the door behind him. Claudia flopped down onto the only bed in the room. "There's only one bed."

Riley nodded as he shrugged off his coat. "You take it. I'm used to sleeping on hard ground." Riley opened his bag and handed Claudia a large T shirt. "Here."

Claudia accepted the shirt. "What do you do, Riley?"

Riley paused in taking off his watch. "Guess."

"Guess?"

"Guess."

Claudia bit her lip in thought. "You're not a pilot."

Riley chuckled. "No. But I've had flying lessons. Helicopters and planes."

"You beat up Chad pretty easily in the bar so you're not a firefighter."

Riley chuckled. "Nope."

"Cop?"

"Nope. Although it is a lot like policing."

"Soldier."

"Bingo."

"US Army."

"Wrong country."

"UK."

"Correct."

"Okay, so you're a soldier. In the UK. And you know how to fly a plane." Claudia rolled it around in her head. "Air force."

"RAF. Royal Air Force. Two years then got accepted into Special Services. Been with them for four. Special Air Service or S.A.S. to you."

Claudia let out a low whistle. "Wow. Special forces. That's pretty sweet."

Riley nodded as he pulled a pillow off the bed. "Sergeant Riley Thomas, sniper and demolitions, at your service."

Claudia got off the bed and went into the bathroom. "Well, stand at ease, Sarge."

Riley chuckled. "Good night, ma'am."

Claudia normally got to sleep very easily but tonight was different. She was sharing a room with a total stranger. Okay, granted he saved her from hooking up with that douchebag Chad but she was still wary of him. Claudia pushed back the covers and sighed, she couldn't sleep. She leaned up to see if Riley was still asleep but she couldn't see him over the bed and due to it being extremely dark in the room.

"Riley?" Claudia licked her lips, waiting for a reply. But none came, just the sounds of Riley breathing steadily. "Riley?" She tried alittle more loudly this time.

"Hmm?" The reply was sleepy.

"Thanks for helping me at the bar. With Chad, I mean."

"Sno, problem." Came the mumbled and sleepy reply.

"And thanks for pretending to be my boyfriend."

"Anytime."

Claudia laid back down, pulling the blankets back over her. As her eyes started to close, a thought came to her. "You're not gonna start sleepwalking and try to kill me in my sleep, are you?"

There was a long pause before "It's possible."

Claudia rolled her eyes and settled back into the covers. She smiled to herself. Maybe having Riley around isn't a bad thing. She thought before sleep overtook her.

Claudia was awoken to the smell of coffee. She groaned and weakly opened her eyes. She caught sight of the bedside clock. 10:45 am. It's early. She mused. A Styrofoam cup of coffee was set on the table in front of her. She felt the bed shift under her as whoever put the coffee on the table sat on the side of the bed. She glanced up and saw Riley sitting there, showered and dressed. He smiled as he sipped from his own cup.

"Mornin." He said.

Claudia groaned again. "Morning." She said as she stretched. Claudia sat up and picked up the cup of coffee. "Cream and sugar?"

Riley bent down and picked up a paper bag off the floor and handed it to her. Claudia peeked in the bag and smiled. Dozens of coffee creamer cups and sugar packets rested at the bottom. "I didn't know how you took it so I just grabbed a handful of each."

Claudia fished out the necessary creamers and packets. "Thanks." She said quietly as she added them to her coffee. "So, what are you up to today?"

Riley shrugged. "Whatever you're up to. I'm on leave."

Claudia sipped her coffee to see if she got the mixture right. "When do you have to go back?"

Riley sipped his coffee. "End of the week."

Claudia ticked off the days. They had three days. Claudia started to plan their next move, the coffee helped. The way she saw it, they had two days to find the artifact but that would be cutting it close. Claudia added more sugar. "I figure we've got two days max to get this thing."

Riley nodded as he shifted his weight and sipped his coffee. "Sounds good. Figure we scope out the club at night, make our move when this" he waved his hand in the air to empathize his point "'strangeness' happens and we bag him."

Claudia brought her knees up to her chest. "Cool." She sipped her coffee, she tucked a bang of hair back. "So, Riley."

"Yeah?"

"Tell me about yourself."

"Whatdya want to know?"

Claudia shrugged. "I don't know. Something. Anything."

Riley scratched his chin. "Let's see. I already told you I'm in the military."

"How many missions have you been on?"

"Oh, god. Honestly, I've lost count. They just kind of blur together." Riley set his coffee down. "What about you? How long have you been doing this?"

"A year. Year and a half."

"Ah. So you're a vet then huh? Got all the moves down?"

"Still learning."

Riley chuckled. "What else do you do there?"

Claudia smiled. "Sorry, chief. Top secret."

Riley snorted lightly. "Can't blame a fella for trying."

Claudia nodded. She looked off to the side by the door and saw two familiar bags. "Are those my bags?"

Riley glanced at the door. "Uh…yeah. I got your room key, went to your room and got your bags. Figured you would want to change this morning." He set her room key down on the table next to her.

Claudia got up and rifled through her bags. "You put my underwear in here."

Riley continued to sit on the bed. "You needed them."

Claudia glared at him. "You put my underwear in my bag."

Riley held up a defensive hand. "I had my eyes closed the whole time."

Claudia arched an eyebrow.

"I might've peeked. I don't know. I think it was when I was holding the corset and garter belt that I" Riley was cut off as Claudia wailed on him with her pillow.

Claudia went into the bathroom, showered and dragged both of her bags into the bathroom so she could change away from Riley's eyes.

"You put a brick in that pillow?" Riley asked through the door. "You clocked me pretty good." Riley rubbed a sore spot on the top of his head.

Claudia came out and moved to the door. "Ready?"

Riley took in her appearance as they walked to the elevators. "Are those skinny jeans or whatever you call them?"

Claudia glanced down then back up at Riley. "Yeah. Why?"

Riley shrugged. "Aren't those girl jeans? I only ask cause I see guys wear them."

"They're both. Why? Don't like 'em?"

"They look good on girls. Not so much on guys." Riley hit the button for the elevators.

"What's wrong with guys wearing them?"

"Looks queer."

"Gay?"

Riley nodded. "Yeah. Doesn't look right."

Claudia scoffed lightly. "What are you? The Fashion Army?"

"What? I'm not allowed to have an opinion about what I think is fashionable?"

"You're a guy. Of course not."

Riley shook his head as they exited the elevator and walked out into the busy Manhattan sidewalk. He reached into a jacket pocket and fished out a pack of Marlboros. He pulled one free with his teeth and extracted a scuffed matte black Zippo from his pants pocket. Riley lit the cigarette as he returned the pack to its proper place.

"That's a bad habit."

Riley chuckled. "Yeah, well, it's my habit and it hasn't killed me yet." Riley puffed on his cigarette. "Any ideas on what you want to do?"

Claudia smiled. "Shopping."

Riley groaned. "Okay, I get it. I have no taste. You don't need to rub salt into a open wound."

Claudia giggled. "No, I need parts for my laptop."

"Oh. Whoops."

Claudia found a little computer repair store and excitedly went around looking at the different upgrades she could get for her laptop. She explained the various functions and such to Riley who only had a basic understanding. Claudia purchased upgrades for her RAM and memory. They continued on their excursion, stopping at various stores and looking at what they had to offer. As they walked, Riley noticed that Claudia would sometimes, subconsciously, slip her arm into his. He wouldn't say anything, he would just smile and she wouldn't get it. A thought occurred to him. Maybe she does get it. Riley sighed internally. He was never good at being a boyfriend. He had dated in high school but they never went anywhere. Claudia was different. The girls he dated back in school only got with him because they felt safe around him, they felt protected from all the other boys that were looking for a quick ride. So is that what I am? A bodyguard? Riley couldn't be sure of anything. He hadn't felt this way in a long time.

Riley was briefly pulled out of his thoughts as Claudia dragged him into a store, once inside his thoughts about their 'relationship' continued. By point of fact, Riley wasn't even sure if this was a relationship. Claudia had hooked up with him because she had gotten herself into a situation and she needed to be pulled out. But, why would she stay? A voice in the back of his head said. Once she was free and clear, why would she stay with you? She didn't need you anymore. Why would she stay? Those four words stayed with Riley for most of the afternoon. Was there a connection? Riley felt there might be one but would Claudia feel the same? Maybe she does and maybe she doesn't. Riley mused as Claudia popped into a dressing room. Riley found a chair by a pillar and sank into it. Could she be attracted to a guy like me? Most girls wouldn't give me a second glance. I mean, I don't exactly jump off the cover of GQ or any of those magazines.

The rest of the day passed without incident. They didn't buy anything else with the exception of computer parts. That night, Claudia got changed for the club in the bathroom while Riley fixed his appearance. Claudia emerged wearing the same black dress she wore when Riley first met her. "Ready?" They both said at the same time which made them both chuckle. They got down to the main lobby. Riley flexed his arm out, holding out so Claudia could slip her arm through. Claudia smiled and slipped her arm into his.

The scene at Angels and Kings was the same as the night before. With the exception of one area. As Claudia and Riley entered the club, they witnessed a woman get into an actual fistfight with another woman. Claudia looked up when Riley whistled at the spectacle before them. "You American birds are hardcore."

The fight ended when the girl that started the fight punched the other girl in the nose and broke it. As the girl with the broken nose lay on the floor, the other girl kicked her several times in the ribs. Claudia saw a young guy sitting close to the fight and cheering the victor on. That's when she saw it. "That's it."

"What?"

"That guy?" She discreetly pointed at the guy sitting near the fight. Riley glanced over at him.

"Yeah?"

"See the tie clip he's wearing?"

Riley noticed and found it to be odd. "Don't see many guys wear tie clips anymore. Let alone guys my age."

"It's JFK's tie clip."

"Wait. The JFK? Your President?" Riley glanced over at the guy. "What's it do?"

"Drives women crazy."

Riley watched the victor of the fight continue to berate the girl on the floor then spit on her. "You don't say."

Claudia turned to Riley. "We need to get that clip."

"I agree but incase you didn't notice, that guy's got two bodyguards with him."

"How'd you know that?"

Riley discreetly pointed to two men sitting at a table near the fight, wearing dark expensive tailored suits. "The two blokes that look way too upper class for this kind of crowd." Riley turned back to Claudia. "What's the play?"

Claudia thought about it. "Let's follow them."

It didn't take long. Once security got over to the fight, they told the young guy to leave. The guy sneered at them, grabbed his date by the arm and practically dragged her out of the club. Riley and Claudia waited a few minutes before leaving as well. As they exited the club, they immediately saw the guy turn and look at them. Obviously he noticed them leaving out of the corner of his eye. Riley immediately pulled Claudia into a fierce kiss. He watched out of the corner of his eye as the guy got into a taxi with his date and took off. Riley pulled back from Claudia who was still in a daze over the kiss. "Come on." He flagged a taxi down and they got in. "Follow that taxi." He flicked two hundred dollar bills to the cabbie.

The cab slowed to a stop in front of the other guy's hotel. Claudia and Riley discreetly followed them to the elevators. Riley watched the numbers light up until they reached the eighth floor. Claudia and Riley split up at the eighth floor and looked around for the club guy's room. Claudia went around a corner and saw one of the guards standing outside a suite's door. She turned back around the corner and found Riley who was talking to a maid.

"Yes, we're looking for a friend of ours. Came up here with a woman and two bodyguards. They're having a party."

The maid smiled. "Room 817. The suite at the end of the hall."

Riley smiled. "Room 817. Thank you." They waited until the maid left.

"There's a guard at the door."

Riley nodded. "Of course there is."

Claudia noticed the cleaning lady's closet which held all of the cleaning supplies and her cart. "I have an idea."

Riley reached into his back pocket and produced a signaling mirror. He crouched low and used the mirror to look around the corner. He could only see the single guard there. "Looks clear. One guard." Riley stood up and replaced the mirror. He turned to Claudia who managed to get the cleaning lady's cart out of the closet. "You sure this is a good idea?"

Claudia sighed. "Nope. Which is why you're my backup."

"Right." Riley paused, a thought coming to him. "What's the signal?"

"What?"

"If things go wrong, what's the signal that you've been caught?"

Claudia realized that her plan had hit a dead end. "Crap." Claudia looked over the cart, hoping to find something that she could use. She sighed when she realized that nothing on the cart would help her. "You know what, just wait five minutes and if I don't come back to the cart, assume something is wrong."

Riley nodded. "Wait five then bang in, guns blazing."

"Sounds like a plan."

Claudia opened her purse and removed a thimble. "That's your plan? A thimble?" Riley asked in disbelieve.

"Observe and learn." Claudia slid the thimble on her index finger and with a slight shimmer she transformed into the maid they had seen earlier.

"Top notch." Riley said with a smile.

Claudia, in disguise, smiled. "Thanks." She said in the maid's Hispanic voice. Claudia got behind the cart and pushed it out into the hallway. Riley watched as she approached the suite door, flash her ID then get a pat down from the guard. The guard checked the cart over for any hostile items and found none.

"You're clear."

"Gracias."

Claudia pushed the cart to the side and the guard slid his card in and held the door open for her.

Tyler looked up from the couch as the maid walked in. "You're not the usual girl."

The maid smiled. "I apologize. She is sick. At home. Flu."

Tyler narrowed his eyes at her then shrugged. "Alright."

"I start in bedroom. Okay?"

Tyler nodded. "Whatever."

Claudia entered the bedroom, slid the door shut behind her and sighed in relief. "That's five years off my life." She said quietly.

Riley glanced at his watch. Three minutes.

Claudia looked around the bedroom but couldn't find Tyler's tie. "Shit." She moved the bathroom and saw it on the counter. "Bingo." Claudia snatched the tie clip and thinking quickly, stuffed it into her bra. Claudia turned to leave and had to suppress a scream when Tyler entered the bathroom, blocking the exit.

"You're not the maid. Are you?"

"I don't understand."

Riley looked at his watch. Two minutes. "Fuck it." He breathed. Riley snatched up a glass cigarette ashtray and tucked it into his belt, he pulled his coat over to conceal it. Riley exhaled quietly and staggered out into the hallway, he stumbled towards the opposite wall while making his way to Tyler's suite. Riley tried to remember all the times he got drunk so he could perfect his walk. Riley slumped against the wall near Tyler's door, he started making heaving sounds like he was going to throw up. The guard at the door approached him, buying the act.

"Hey man, get the hell outta here! Go puke your guts out somewhere else."

Riley leaned his left arm against the wall while he pulled the ashtray from his belt with his right hand. "Oh, god." He muttered. "I'll never drink again."

The guard shook his head and grabbed a fist full Riley's shirt. "Get the hell outta here, you piece of shit"

Riley swung the ashtray around in a roundhouse swing, striking the guard in the side of the head, knocking him out.

Tyler grabbed the maid roughly by the shoulders, forcing her out into the bedroom. "Yeah, you thought you had me fooled. The maid that cleans the room was here earlier today. So, who are you?" He shoved the imposter maid backwards and she landed on the bed, knocking the thimble from her finger. Claudia's identity was exposed in a flash. It all came back to Tyler in a flash. "Hey, I know you. Yeah, you're that chick from the bar. You and that other guy."

Claudia backed up on the bed. "Please. I wasn't going to rob you. I swear."

Tyler shook his head. "Whatever, bitch. Doesn't matter. Once I'm done with you, you'll just be a memory."

The guard in the living room looked up when someone pounded on the door. He got up from the couch and went to the door, looking out through the peephole. He saw his companion on the ground. "What the fu" He scrambled to unlock the door and draw his pistol. Suddenly the door was kicked in as he drew the security bolt back on the door, the door hitting him in the face. He saw a blur of a mass rush through the door. The guard was on the ground before he realized what had happened.

Jessica stood up in a rage. "Who the hell are you?"

Riley pointed an angry finger at her. "Sit down, you stupid tart!"

Jessica growled as she picked up a champagne bottle by the neck. "Motherfuc" She rushed Riley but he was quicker. He wrestled the bottle away from her and clocked her in the head with it, knocking her out.

"Told you to leave it alone." Riley dropped the bottle and rushed to the bedroom door. "CLAUDIA!"

Tyler looked up. "Well, well. The master is calling his bitch." Before Tyler could do anything else, the bedroom door was smashed in as Riley rammed the door open. Tyler looked up in time to see Riley run straight into him, knocking them both to the ground. Riley wasted no time in grabbing a fist full of Tyler's shirt, cocking his right fist back and began wailing on Tyler's face. After several blows to the face, Tyler managed to push Riley off him and get up, he bull rushed Riley into a wall and started punching him in the ribs. Riley shoved Tyler back and took a swing at him which went wide and gave Tyler an opening to punch him in the ribs again. Riley backhanded Tyler even further back. As Riley started to rush Tyler again, Tyler dug in his pocket and pulled a derringer out. He quickly fired from the hip and hit Riley in the side causing him to lose his advantage and tumble to the ground. It also emitted a gasp of horror from Claudia who had moved off the bed and into a corner away from the fight.

Tyler watched as Riley struggled to stand up, he used a dresser to help himself up. "Stand up! I wanna look you in the eyes when I kill you." He jabbed Riley in the upper back with the derringer barrel to prove his point which turned out to be a mistake for him. As Tyler started to pull the gun back, Riley swept his right hand back and knocked the gun from Tyler's hand causing it to go off. Riley tackled Tyler to the ground and put his forearm over Tyler's throat, quickly pressing down as hard as he could. Tyler punched and clawed at Riley to give him air but Riley was persistent. Eventually, Tyler's defensive actions slowed then stopped. Riley took his arm away and felt for a pulse, there was one. Riley rolled off Tyler and laid there next to him, one hand pressed to his side.

"Riley?" Claudia cautiously called. "Are you okay?"

"Peachy." Came his groan of a reply. "I haven't been shot in a while. I almost forgot how much this hurts." He managed to get out.

Claudia quickly looked him over. The bullet struck him in the side where his ribs were. Apart from that, those were the worst of his injuries. "This is my fault." She muttered quietly.

Riley shook his head to the best of his ability. "Naw. It's not your fault." He was slurring alittle.

"How bad is it?"

"It bounced off my rib. I think it broke it. Help me up."

Claudia stepped back. "Should you even be moving?"

Riley struggled to get up on his own. Claudia helped him to his feet. "By the way, you get that tie clip thingy?" Claudia nodded. She dug into her bra and pulled out the tie clip. She pulled a neutralizer bag out from her bra as well. "What else you got in there?"

Claudia rolled her eyes and dropped the clip into the bag, there was a small flash then she closed the bag. "John F. Kennedy's tie clip. Bagged and tagged."

Riley gave her a thumbs up with the hand that wasn't pressed to his side. "Could you get me to the hospital? If it's not too much trouble."

Claudia hooked her arm around his waist while he threw his arm across her shoulders. "They'll ask questions. About how you got shot."

Riley shrugged to the best of his ability. "I'll say I got mugged."

Claudia and Riley quickly left the hotel room and were about to go to the elevators when they heard the elevators approach. "And that would be the police." Claudia muttered.

Riley looked around and spotted the closet. "In here." He held the door open for her and quickly rushed inside himself as the elevator doors opened. They waited in silence as the cops rushed past the door.

"How long should we wait?"

Riley shrugged as he checked his wound. "Give it five minutes then we'll go." Riley leaned against a wall. "You okay?"

Claudia nodded. "I'm good. How are you doing?"

Riley took his hand away. "I think I'm okay. I've had worse than this." Riley put his ear to the door. "I think we can go."

Riley and Claudia exited the elevator and quickly walked through the lobby, Riley pulling his coat closed so no one could see his wound. Claudia hailed a cab and told the cabbie to take them to the hospital. After arriving there, Claudia went to the nurse's station and frantically told them that her boyfriend had just been shot. An hour later, the doctor came out of the operating room and informed Claudia that the bullet had been removed and that Riley was resting.

Claudia sat down in one of the hard plastic chairs that the waiting room had to offer. She fished her Farnsworth out of her bag and flicked the switch. Myka's face filled the screen. "Hey, Myka."

"Claudia. How's your case going?"

Claudia sighed. "Not too good at the moment."

"Why? Is everything alright? Do you need help?"

Claudia shook her head. "No. It's not alright. I mean, I got the artifact but it just went totally out of control."

"What happened?"

Claudia started to recount everything that had happened since she got to New York. Claudia told her how she met Riley, staying at his hotel room, spending the day with him and how he got shot.

"Jesus, Claudia. That sounds terrible. Where are you?"

"At the hospital. Riley's fine, they got the bullet out but, Myka, the fact that he got shot is all my fault." Claudia sniffled. She managed to compose herself. "So, how are things on your end?"

Myka gave her a small smile. "We're good on this end. Me and Pete are at the airport and we've got the artifact." Myka paused. "Claudia."

"Yeah?"

"It's not your fault. Things like this happen. The only thing you can do is figure out how to keep going."

"Thanks, Myka. I'm going to see Riley now."

Myka nodded. "Alright, see ya soon." Claudia flicked the off switch, closed the Farnsworth and placed it back in her bag. Claudia walked down the halls of the hospital until she found Riley's room, she glanced in and saw him sitting up in his bed, eating dinner. He noticed her in the doorway.

"Hey. Come on in."

Claudia sat down next to his bed. "How are ya feeling?"

Riley wiped his hands with his napkin. "Good. Doc says I can be released tomorrow."

Claudia eyed his tray of food. "How's the food here?"

Riley shrugged. "Manageable. Truth be told, this stuff tastes better than what we get in the field."

Claudia was surprised to hear herself laugh at the comment. "Oh, my. You're sicker than I thought."

Riley chuckled. "I know. Maybe I'm under the influence of an artifact."

Claudia giggled. "Oh, I hope not."

Riley smiled. "You should go back to the hotel. I'll be out tomorrow and you can see me off at the airport."

Claudia shook her head. "I should stay."

Riley shook his head as well. "Nah. Go on. Get some sleep. You need it."

It was true. Claudia could use some sleep. Claudia got up from her chair, shouldering her bag in the process. "I'll be back in the morning."

"Take your time."

Claudia stopped at the doorway. "Thanks, Riley."

"For what?"

"For being there. For helping me."

Riley smiled. "Anytime."

Claudia hailed a cab and gave the cabbie directions for her hotel. As she sat back in the seat, she replayed the whole day over in her mind. Claudia quickly realized that her bags were still at Riley's hotel room. She leaned forward and gave the cabbie directions to Riley's hotel instead. The cab arrived there about ten minutes later. Claudia paid the cabbie and went up to Riley's room. She used an electronic lockpick to get into his room. Once inside she dropped her bag by the door and found the shirt she wore for bed the previous night. Claudia held the shirt up to her nose. It smells like him. She thought. And me. Claudia sat down on the bed, she dropped the shirt next to her and buried her face in her hands. God, Claude, what are we doing here? Claudia shook her head. This is wrong. This can't go on. You're from two very different, very complex worlds. I mean, you're a former psych ward patient and he's a special ops sniper. "We're a match made in heaven." Claudia mused quietly. God, he's probably intimidated by all that computer mumbo jumbo you threw at him today. Claudia sighed. She glanced down at her bags. I could leave now. Leave and never look back. I could push him out of my mind and eventually he would do the same. "God, that would crush him." She said aloud. I can't stand it. He would be crushed. Claudia could see Riley waiting for her at the hospital, sitting on his bed and checking his watch. Claudia began thinking about the worst case scenarios. What if he thinks I got hurt? What if he thinks I got kidnapped by Chad or Tyler caught up to me? What if he thinks I'm dead? Claudia shook her head.

She laid back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. She couldn't hurt him. But why not? You've been left behind not once but twice. Who's to say that you can't do the same? Claudia closed her eyes and shook her head slowly. No, I can't. He never left me. He rescued me. He could've called 911 and waited for the cavalry but he didn't. He charged in and took a bullet in the process. We're a team. We're Bonnie and Clyde, Superman and Batman, Shaggy and Scooby, Pete and Myka. Claudia chuckled at the last thought. Riley would definitely be Myka's male counterpart. But would the Regents let her bring Riley onto the team? Would the others welcome him with open arms? Claudia fought hard to get where she was on the Warehouse team. Would Riley have to do the same?

Claudia sat up on the bed. She sighed. "I can't leave him." She said firmly. She changed into the shirt and slipped under the covers. Claudia closed her eyes and went to sleep, dreaming about Riley.

Claudia awoke the next morning at 11:45 am. She looked down towards the foot of the bed, expecting to see Riley sitting there with a cup of coffee for her but he wasn't. Claudia stretched in bed and sat up. She changed and gathered up her bags. Claudia held up the shirt that she wore last night and stuffed it into her bag.

"A little keepsake never hurt anybody." She said to no one in particular.

Claudia walked briskly to Riley's hospital room just in time to see Riley walk out of the room, pulling his jacket on. He saw her walk up to him and he smiled.

"Hey, thought you might forget about me."

Claudia smiled but it was forced. "Wouldn't dream about it." She tucked a bang of hair behind her ear. "Ready to go?"

Riley nodded. "Already been discharged. Just waiting on you."

They took a taxi back to Riley's hotel and gathered up their bags. They took another taxi to the airport where they got their tickets and found out that their planes were close to each other. Claudia got some flack at the security checkpoint about her Tesla but she along with Riley explained it was a toy for a distant relative. Security was skeptical but they allowed her through. Riley saw his plane first and stepped in front of Claudia, turning to look at her.

There they stood. A Warehouse agent and a sergeant in the Special Air Service. Two completely different people that were brought together by fate and a tie clip. Claudia was now dressed in her regular clothes that consisted of skinny jeans and a T-shirt. Riley wore the same clothes when Claudia met him. They just stood there, staring at one another. The world could've ended right there but it wouldn't matter to either of them. Hazel eyes stared back at baby blues. Riley opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it. Claudia giggled. He smirked.

"I almost ruined the moment there."

Claudia blushed. "Yeah. Total mood killer. Good save, Ghost rider."

Riley nodded. "Yeah. My flight's due any minute. Last chance to come with me. I could probably cram you into the overhead."

Claudia smiled and shook her head. "Sorry." Her brow crinkled together in confusion. "Where are you going anyway? London?"

"That's the first stop. Then I'm off to Afghanistan."

"Oh. No, sorry. I've think I've had enough people shoot at me for one lifetime."

"You get used to it. Or you have a psychotic episode. Thank God I had my episode early on."

Claudia giggled again. "Thank god. And here I thought you had it at that bar."

Riley smiled sweetly. "That will always be our little bar won't it?"

It was Claudia's turn to smile. "Yeah, it will."

"Maybe we could meet there again after my tour finishes?"

Claudia shook her head. "I'll be in South Dakota."

"Ah! I love South Dakota. Always wanted to visit."

Claudia quietly snorted. "I think you better get checked out when you get back. You might have serious brain damage."

"I always had brain damage. Comes from wearing the helmet too tight."

Claudia sighed. "It was good working with you, Riley."

"Same here. Agent Donovan."

"Yeah, let's hope it's Agent Donovan when I get back. I mean, asking a non-Warehouse agent for help and getting him shot. Might be a serious demotion there."

Riley chuckled. "I'll put in a good word for you."

Claudia shifted her weight. "Is it alright if I hug you?"

"Sure. Just be gentle."

Claudia wrapped her arms around Riley's midsection and laid her head on his chest. "I'll miss you."

Riley rubbed her upper back soothingly. "I'll miss ya too."

Claudia started to pull away from Riley when his arm snaked around her waist and he pulled her into a fierce kiss. Claudia's eyes widened at the sudden show of affection but they quickly glazed over as she put her arms around his neck. They stayed like that for at least a minute before Riley leaned back. Claudia stared at him breathlessly. "What was that for?"

Riley smiled. "Something to remember me by."

Claudia smiled. "I shouldn't have any trouble remembering that." She rubbed his arm. "I wish you could stay."

Riley nodded. "Same here."

Claudia stepped back. "Hmm. You better get going. You'll miss your flight."

Riley nodded then quickly pecked her on the lips. "Just making sure you won't forget." He said quietly as he pulled back.

Claudia wrapped her arms around Riley. "Why do all the good men in my life leave me?"

Riley rubbed her back soothingly again. "It's alright, darlin." He planted a kiss on the top of her head. He gently pulled her back. "I'll be back one day. And I'll find you. Then we'll go on a proper date."

Claudia smiled sadly. "I'd like that. No shooting up hotel rooms though."

Riley tsked. "You're no fun." Riley stepped back from Claudia, holding her hand. He kissed the back of her hand like she was a debutante. "Till we meet again."

Claudia slowly let Riley's hand slip from hers until only the fingertips were touching. She could feel her breath hitch in her throat as she watch Riley walk down to his gate. He paused and looked back at her. She could distinctly see him smile and wave back to her. Claudia smiled softly and gave him a small wave. Claudia watched him walk down the jetway and the door closed behind him. Claudia sighed, she turned on her heel and her jaw dropped. Artie, Steve, Myka and Pete stood behind her.

Myka was grinning while biting her lip, she put her hand in front of her mouth but it couldn't hide her smile.

Pete was grinning like an idiot.

Steve was also grinning like an idiot.

Artie looked like his usual self, his dark sunglasses hid his accusing stare.

Claudia narrowed her eyes at her coworkers. "How long have you all been standing there?"

Pete chimed in. "Since 'psychotic episode'. " Pete sighed. "Your mother and I are so proud of you, Claudia. Aren't we, Artie?"

Claudia couldn't see it but Artie rolled his eyes under his sunglasses. "You know, for the life of me, I'm sure my last words before you left for this assignment were 'When you get eyes on the artifact, call me.' At least I'm sure I said that." He turned to Jinks. "I said that, right?"

Claudia could feel herself start to shrink under Artie's piercing glare.

Jinks looked from Artie to Claudia then back to Artie. "Don't put me in this."

Artie continued as if Jinks gave him a straight answer. "The fact is, Claudia, that you didn't listen to what I said and a civilian got shot."

"Which is why we are here." Everyone turned and saw Mrs. Frederic and Adwin Kosan standing just behind Artie and the rest.

"Mrs. F."

"Mr. Kosan." Myka said in a surprised tone.

"Mr. Lattimer, Ms. Bering. It is good to see you again if it wasn't under such dire circumstances."

"'Dire circumstances?' Claudia didn't do anything wrong, she got the artifact and no one got killed." Pete said.

Mr. Kosan nodded. "That is true. However, a civilian was shot and currently knows where the Warehouse is."

Claudia stepped forward, against her better judgment. "Riley won't tell anyone, he can keep our secret."

Mr. Kosan smoothed the lapels of his suit down. "And I have no doubt about that, Miss Donovan, but suppose Sergeant Thomas wasn't given a choice. What if he was forced to give up the information?"

"Are you going to kill him?"

Mr. Kosan paused. "That….is being decided right now. Irene" He gestured to Mrs. Frederic. "suggests that we recruit Sergeant Thomas into our ranks."

"And you, Mr. Kosan, what do you want to do?" Myka said, taking up a spot behind Claudia.

"That decision isn't up to me. But to the Regents." Mr. Kosan turned to walk away. "But, if I did." He paused again, searching for the right words. "I would say he can stay."

Mrs. Frederic turned to the team of Warehouse agents but she addressed Claudia directly. "If there is one benefit of working with the Regents it is that they make a decision quickly. I can't tell you in which direction they will vote in but I can tell you this. They will look at his record, his faults, his accomplishments, everything there is and ever was about him. I know it is difficult, Claudia, but you will have to wait."

Claudia bit her lip in worry. "Thanks, Mrs. F."

Mrs. Frederic turned and left as well, following Mr. Kosan.

Myka came around and put her arm across Claudia's shoulders. Claudia glanced down towards the ground. "Hey, you alright?"

Claudia sighed. "Yeah. Yeah, I'll be fine."

It had been almost a week since Claudia saw Riley off at the airport and Mrs. Frederic telling her that Riley was under investigation by the Regents. Myka and Steve tried to cheer her up but she wasn't having any of it. Artie tried the 'tough love' approach but that backfired horrifically when Claudia stormed out of the Warehouse and they didn't see her for the rest of the day. Even Mrs. Frederic tried a hand in cheering the young technician up but it too proved fruitless. They all knew what was wrong: Claudia was worried about Riley.

Claudia couldn't concentrate on her work. She was too distracted by the thoughts of what would happen to Riley. She couldn't even imagine what would happen to him. Or was it that she didn't want to.

Claudia came in on Monday and quickly went down to the main floor, not even saying 'good morning' to anybody.

"Man, Claudia's really down. Think we should try and cheer her up again?" Pete asked.

Myka shook her head. "No. Probably best if we ride this out with her."

"Perhaps I can help." Mrs. Frederic appeared in the doorway.

"Mrs. F! What're you doing here?"

Mrs. Frederic brushed some dust off her coat. "I've assigned a new member to your team."

At the word 'team', Mrs. Frederic opened the outer door and Sergeant Riley Thomas, with a grin on his face and a duffel bag over his shoulder, stepped into the Warehouse office. "So, this is the Warehouse."

Pete and Myka came forward. "Hi, I'm Pete and this is"

"Myka." Riley cut in. "Claudia told me all about you. All of you." He pointed to Steve. "Jinks?" Steve nodded and waved. Riley pointed to Artie. "Artie?" Artie just grumbled. "Where's Claudia?" Pete started to open his mouth when Claudia came barging in.

"Alright, Artie. I finished the inventory for today. Can I go now?"

"Uh, Claudia?" Artie pointed over her shoulder.

Claudia spun on her heel and stopped. She stopped moving, she stopped breathing, hell, she stopped everything.

Riley smiled warmly. "Hello, again. Darlin."

"Oh, my god." Claudia said with a shuddering laugh. "You're really here." She pulled Riley into the fiercest hug she could manage.

Riley started gasping. "Claude…stomach…stitches."

Myka rushed forward and pulled the young tech off the soldier. "Claudia, Claudia. You're hurting him."

"Riley, I'm so"

"I'll just settle for a kiss. If you don't mind."

Claudia beamed. "I think I can manage that."

Claudia put her arms around Riley's neck, she stood up on her tiptoes to reach Riley's mouth. Him leaning down helped a little. Just as their lips were about to touch…

"Ahem!"

Both tech and soldier turned to see Artie standing just off to their right. "Claudia, shouldn't you be getting back to work while Pete and Myka show Sergeant Thomas around?"

Claudia dipped her head forward, her cheeks turning a rosy red. Riley snarled. "Shove off. I've been waiting all week for this." He tipped Claudia's head up and gently pressed his lips to hers. He deepened the kiss by pulling her closer with his good arm.

Claudia grinned against his lips. "Holy….buckets." She breathed at last.

Riley smiled. "That's what I was thinking."

Claudia and Riley were about to kiss again when a sharp 'ping!' was heard though the office. Artie quickly rushed over to the computer, Claudia started to but remembered where she was and looked up at Riley who smiled at her. "Go to work." He murmured.

Claudia smirked and pecked him on the cheek. "Have dinner on the table when I get back."

Riley chuckled. "You better appreciate it too, me slaving away over a hot stove." He said.

Artie turned from the computer. "We've got an artifact. Minneapolis. Claudia, you're up. Take Riley with you."

This caught everyone by surprise.

"Really, Artie?" Claudia asked.

"Yes! He needs to learn how to do this and this'll be good for him." Artie snatched up a full sized Tesla and a Farnsworth, he handed them to Riley. "Here's a Tesla and a Farnsworth. Claudia will explain what they are on the way."

Riley slipped the Farnsworth into an inside pocket of his coat and dropped the Tesla into one of the pockets. "Thanks, chief."

Claudia patted his right arm. "Come on, sarge. It's your first day. Wouldn't want you to miss the bus."

Riley chuckled. "You drive. I haven't got a license or a car." Riley opened the outer door for Claudia then quickly followed her out as a full time Warehouse agent.

FIN

A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this reboot. I think I made Claudia alittle OOC. But then again, I was never a master of the female mind.