Chapter 1: The Hard Truth

It was another day at Cyber Commands and it was going to be a long one. That's how Gabriel felt as he waited in Lillian's office. It was the second lecture this week. That's what happens when you use government property for things outside work. Gabriel couldn't help it. The chip was a part of him.

Lillian walked in five minutes later wearing a scowl on her face. Some how there was not going to be a lecture today. Gabriel sighed with relief.

"What's going on, Lillian?" Gabriel asked.

"Two of our agents were kidnapped. They last checked in 72 hours ago," answered Lillian.

"Who are the agents? And why haven't they checked in?"

"These agents were on assignment in London. I'm not going to go into the specifics of their assignment but they were to extract an asset needing asylum here in the Us when they were kidnapped."

"You still didn't give me any names, Lillian. So, I'm going to ask one more time: Who are the agents?" Gabriel said.

"Jessie Vaughn and Olive Neal."

"What?"

"Look, I'm really sorry Gabriel. You know how stubborn Jessie is," Lillian was saying. "She wanted to do this."

"You could have done something to stop her from going!"

"You know I couldn't stop her! The kidnappers sent an email to me. I want you to use the chip to find them."

"I'm already on it," Gabriel said as he got up from the chair he was sitting in and walked to the door of Lillian's office.

"Take Riley with you, Gabriel," Lillian called after Gabriel.

-Gabriel's POV-

Gabriel and Riley were already on the private plane bound for London, England. Gabriel was glad that Riley was there with him besides the fact that Olive- Riley's little cousin- was also missing. Gabriel's eye seemed to be on Riley. For some reason, Gabriel felt his heart pick up speed when Riley decided now to look at him. Gabriel scolded himself for that because it wasn't professional of him to be thinking about his partner in that way.

"Shall we start discussing our new case?" Riley asked.

"That sounds like a great idea," Gabriel said. He noted that Riley's heart rate was up just a little.

"Who's Jessie?" Riley asked Gabriel. "I know it's personal but I want to know who she is."

"It's ok, Riley. I don't mind you asking. Jessie Vaughn is my niece. She's very smart, has the same rare genetic strain I do, and is 21 years old."

"Anything else to add?"

"Jessie is one of the youngest agents at Cyber Command. I just can't believe that she's not here." Gabriel said.

"At least Jessie isn't dead, Gabriel. Try to stay positive. We will find out who is behind this and Get the agents out of whatever hell hole they are in," Riley replied.

"You think so?"

"Yes, Gabriel. I do think so," said Riley giving Gabriel a small smile that made Gabriel's heart skip a beat or two. Gabriel definitely found it a little hard to focus when Riley was making him feel all kinds of weird. What am I thinking. This is my partner, was Gabriel's only thought.

-Riley's POV-

Riley could feel Gabriel's eyes on her while she attempted to take a nap. That made Riley's heart stop in such a way. Riley didn't know what to do. A sudden thought popped up. Gabriel must have been rendering if his eyes were on Riley she told herself, but she couldn't help herself and Riley stole a peek through squinted eyes only to meet Gabriel's crystal blue eyes.

"What?" Gabriel asked innocently.

"Nothing," Riley replied teasingly. "Why were you looking at me, Gabriel?"

"I was just watching you sleep," Gabriel replied with a slight smile.

"You were watching me sleep?"

"Yes. I thought you were peaceful when you were asleep," Gabriel said.

"Well, I'm going back to sleep."

As Riley said this she knew Gabriel would be looking at her while she was sleeping. A minute later Riley felt weight of the sofa she was on sag at the edge. Riley then felt Gabriel's leather jacket on the skin of her arms. Riley was thankful that Gabriel let her use his jacket while she slept. Then hands lifted up Riley's head and placed it on nice, muscular thigh. Riley's heart was now beating in overdrive because of this. But Riley stayed like this. It felt nice to know that Gabriel cared enough to do this. But why was Gabriel doing this? Riley thought.

-x-

It was morning when Gabriel and Riley got off the plane in London. As Gabriel and Riley were looking around their rental car was pulled up by a fellow agent. It was as if Gabriel and Riley stepped into a dream. Everything was so different and that was because they where in another city in another country. They both felt miles way from home and yet Gabriel and Riley felt somehow at home in London. Neither one could explain it and maybe it wasn't ment to be explained.

"Come on, Riley. We better get to the hotel and check in," Gabriel said.

"Yup," was the only reply from Riley as she and Gabriel got into the car. "It's so beautiful here!"

"Have you even been here?"

"Once, but I didn't stay long."

"Why?" Asked Gabriel.

"It was when I was protecting the President, Gabriel. We made a stop here to refuel before going to Germany," replied Riley.

"Oh! Well, looks like we can explore the city while we are here," Gabriel commented, giving Riley a grin.

Riley couldn't help but to return the grin. Riley couldn't help thinking that this mission wouldn't be so bad after all. Unless she counted the fact that they were on a rescue mission. Gabriel found the hotel and parked in the hotel parking lot. Both Gabriel and Riley got out of the car at the same time.

"I'll get the luggage, Riley. You should go get the room," Gabriel said.

"All right, Gabriel."

Riley walked into the hotel. It was more beautiful than Riley expected. Quickly locating the front desk, Riley gave the desk clerk her and Gabriel's cover story. Gabriel walked in as Riley finished getting their room. They headed over to the elevators that were tucked away around the corner. Gabriel and Riley waited as the elevator went up three stories.

"Which room did we get?" Asked Gabriel.

"308. We'll be staying in the same room, if you were curious," Riley answered.

"Well, that's nice, since we are supposed to be a newly married couple on their honeymoon," retorted Gabriel with a slight smile.

"Do you have to be so condescending, Gabriel?" Asked Riley in a mocking tone. A smile tugged the ends of Riley's lips.

"I have my reasons, Riley," replied Gabriel, sensing that Riley was teasing him.