Ships are complicated, some are odd, some are way out there, some like them, some don't, and if you don't that's fine, you don't have to read them, just saying. Enjoy, sorry for the delay.

Chapter 8

Connie stayed securely in Lucas arms for a few minutes before Lucas felt it was safe enough to finally take a step back. Connie had her head down, finally feeling that it was safe enough to look up when she felt his warm hand on her arm, giving her a gentle squeeze.

"I'll bet you weren't expecting to ever see me again?" She stated.

"It's certainly a shock, when Harry told us you were alive I…I didn't know what to think, so may thoughts ran through my head."

"Disappointment? Not that I could ever blame you."

"No, definitely not disappointed, just shocked. I can't believe you managed to escape the explosion. Ros and I just managed to make it out before the bomb exploded?"

"I ran in the opposite direction, I managed to squeeze though a gap in the wall, I didn't get out unscathed though."

Lucas gave her a curious look before she lifted her shirt to reveal the scarring on her abdomen.

"Jesus, that's bad."

"A lot of healing, a great deal of pain, operations to correct some of the damage, as you can see…I will never be fully healed but perhaps I deserve what I got, after all I did."

Connie went quiet before taking a step back and going to sit on the sofa. Lucas stood watching her for a few moments before he went over and joined her. They sat silently for a minute or two before Lucas reached out and took hold of her hand, Connie turning towards him to see nothing but concern in his eyes.

"I don't deserve your compassion Lucas."

"Maybe not, but you're getting it regardless."

"The others don't want to know, do they?"

"Malcolm is getting there, as is Ruth."

"Ros?"

"She's going to take more persuading."

"I can't blame her, if I was in her shoes, I wouldn't help me either."

"She trusted you Connie, we all did and you betrayed us."

"Then why are you here? Why don't you just turn your back on me too, of all of them, I've hurt you the most. I left you in another Country to die for god sake."

"You didn't have a choice, I know that. You go in to this job, knowing you may have to give your life for your Country, it's a rule we all live by."

"You didn't tell me why you're here helping me?"

Connie felt Lucas squeeze her hand a little tighter before he looked up at her.

"You know why, you've always known." He said quietly.

…

Harry was pacing back and forth in the hallway while Lucas was inside with Connie, his phone ringing.

"Ruth?"

"Hi, how are things going down there?"

"Oh, al-right I think. Lucas is inside with Connie, I thought I'd give them some time alone."

"Do you think that's wise?"

"I don't follow?"

"Oh come on Harry, Lucas told me about what happened all those years ago with Connie, how he's always felt about her, even after what she did. His judgement's clouded."

"Ruth, he left her in a tunnel to die."

"Yes, and how long did he blame himself for her death afterwards. Harry come on, he's not thinking like an agent right now and you know that."

"Right now, he's the only one who genuinely wants to help her and not just feel obligated to do so like yourself and Malcolm because of me."

"Fair enough, but please watch out for him. I don't want her using him to get what she wants."

"She wouldn't do that."

"She killed a colleague, she'd do anything it meant protecting herself."

"Not with Lucas, he's her weak spot, he always has been."

"Harry please, don't go using him to get what you need from her."

"He knows the job."

"He's also our friend, and he's saved your backside on more than one occasion, do not use him like that Harry, I want your word."

There was silence at the other end of the phone, Ruth beginning to get inpatient.

"Harry?"

"I promise, I won't use Lucas for my gain."

"Good, that's all I needed to hear."

"Has Ros calmed down yet?"

"Ros is a completely different kettle of fish, getting her onside is definitely going to take some time, she's really not happy about any of this. She hates Connie more than anyone, and given everything that happened, you can't really blame her."

"No, no you can't, but Ros needs to realise that this isn't going to go away."

"I know."

"Look, we'll all talk when we get back."

"Okay, see you soon, love you."

"I love you too."

…

Connie's head was on Lucas shoulder, as they sat in silence.

"I'll have to get going soon, Harry will be wondering what's taking so long." Lucas spoke up.

"Mm-mm, I'm glad you came today, I know you didn't have too."

"I meant what I said Connie, you know why I'm here, why I want to help you."

"Lucas, one night so many years ago, it's doesn't mean that you…"

Lucas kissed her quickly before getting to his feet and making his way to the door.

"Lucas?"

"One night doesn't mean it never happened or that it didn't mean anything. Maybe not to you anyway, but to me, well you know how I feel. Some things can't be erased Connie, it doesn't matter how hard you try."

Connie could only watch as Lucas smiled her way before walking out the door.

…

To Be Continued…