#covertoperations

  CHAPTER 155

 This Flash Mission was one that James Fraser had organised to run as smoothly and as quickly as possible in order to catch their target unawares and return to Section post haste. It was imperative that Jonathon Randall had no inclination that he was being targeted in any way, and was oblivious that Section One was indeed carrying out this offensive this very night at his home.   Jamie had studied all the intel from John Grey and the surveillance operatives as to Randall’s personal residence in Aberdeen, and it was here that the operation would be carried out.  

 From the briefing session announcement, first team knew that their leader was planning a mission to capture Jonathon Randall but not that it would be a Flash Mission per se. These flash missions were run on a moment’s notice, and when they were informed they would be leaving Section earlier than first told, they knew that James Fraser thought this mission too important and urgent to wait any longer. Although he had planned this mission to the nth degree, the team members were not aware of the parameters of the profile until the last minute.  Jamie had not given them their PDA’s as they passed through Van access, but the mission objective was handed to Rupert Mackenzie and Geillis Duncan and the others in the van enroute as they departed Section for their destination.

“Details are on yer panels,” Jamie announced as he handed his operatives and Team 2 their orders.

The operatives studied their mission objectives as they proceeded to the target area. The very nature of a Flash Mission was stealth, and as team leader Jamie had planned for all contingencies, for nothing could go wrong in carrying out their offensive this evening. Jonathon Randall would be captured and they would bring him back to Section One to face his fate.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In no time the mission van had reached its destination and parked near a sprawling mansion on the outskirts of Aberdeen. In the dead of the night the Section operatives unloaded in quick succession from the SUV at a discreet distance from the main house. No sooner had they stopped than the black clad operatives dressed in mission attire and balaclavas, which were pulled over their faces, blended into the environs like invisible ninjas. They approached the Randall estate surrounding the perimeter ready for the assault to contain and eliminate if necessary, as many of the associates of their target’s as possible. The dark grip of night had well descended with just the twinkling stars to brighten the night sky for illumination.  Rupert Mackenzie cut a chain link fence to let the operatives through, then filing under, they took up positions under cover. Continuing to penetrate the estate, they blended so well into the darkness of night, camouflaged in the colour of darkness.

Some illumination was evident on all sides of the house except for the southern side, which was in shadows. Geillis Duncan and Rupert Mackenzie advanced in the moonlight, towards the house while other members of Team 2 followed with furtive scrambling under the wire fence until all Team members were in position. This Flash Mission was clandestine in nature and all operatives knew that failure was not an option. Although Murtagh Fitzgibbons had his own mission to prep, he had still issued them with special night vision goggles and state of the art silent laser weapons, which were quick, quiet and clean. So, light of foot and moving with stealth around the perimeter, the operatives got into place. Joe Abernathy and his Team were lying in the grass with their guns at the ready, watching and waiting for any security guards to appear. Jamie’s team and Second Team had their profiles, and this time it was imperative that they were victorious in the capture of their target.  The future of the mission depended on the successful execution without any casualty to any team member.  Rupert Mackenzie and Geillis Duncan moved quietly to their marks, and assembled in the dark of night waiting in readiness for further orders while Abernathy alerted Jamie to this team’s status.

“Okay Fraser, we’re in place. All appears quiet. The perimeter’s clean here,” he stated.

“Stay alert in case we need back up.”

“Gotcha.”

Meanwhile, Jamie and Claire got out of the van and soundlessly approached the sprawling mansion. Blending into the night time surroundings, the two operatives moved swiftly but soundlessly towards the house. Stopping a few meters from the front door, Jamie alerted his team members as to their positions.

“Is the boundary clean in yer area?”

“Yes, Jamie. Nothing to report,” Geillis replied keeping a vigilant watch on her designated area.

“Mackenzie?”

“All clear here too.”

“Good.  “Team one, plant ignition devices when ordered,” Jamie said affirming their instructions.

“Copy,” the two operatives reported as they began to move into position.

“Keep alert, this willna take long, I will give ye orders to ignite the incendiary devices when we have contained the target.”

“With pleasure,” was their unanimous reply as the two shadowy figures, of Geillis Duncan and Rupert Mackenzie, ran silently towards the house to carry out their orders and begin their sequence.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp blended into the surroundings, he glanced at his partner before they proceeded any further. Jamie could tell by her body language that his Claire was a little edgy.

“Are ye alright Sassenach?” he asked softly running his eyes over her countenance.

“I'm fine Jamie. Just a little nervous at the thought of coming face to face with Randall once more.”

“Do ye want to step down?”

“No, I'll be fine ... Thanks.”

His hand lightly touched her arm in reassurance. You’ve got this Claire … We’ve got this … his eyes indicated in support as they once more edged closer to the house. The two operatives made their way to the front yard then stopped. Ever vigilant, Jamie cast a look around the perimeter where Team two were located, before he surreptitiously gave hand signals to Claire indicating their entry point at the front door and to move ahead.

“We'll go in here,” he gestured as he quickly scanned the door for any security devices he would need to disable, but he noticed that something was wrong.

There was no outward sign of any security system at the door, but that was no indication that there wasn’t one hidden in the lock or in the door frame itself.  Jamie carefully ran his gloved hand all over the door panels, the doorknob and knocker.  Feeling something amiss he signalled to Claire to keep alert, then contacted Fergus who was also keeping track of the proceedings in Tactical back at Section One.

“Okay Fergus, we may have a stumbling block.”

“Focus your infrared beam on the security light above the front entrance,” he directed.

Jamie did as instructed, and immediately Fergus saw Randall’s security plan of the residence pop up on his computer screen.

The young techie looked at the camera view and came back with instructions … “Do what I say…”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jamie opened his mission jacket to reveal a vest loaded with gadgets Murtagh had given him to detect anything hidden.  Removing some type of sensor, he carefully ran it along the outer door frame and over other areas on the door.  He stopped moving it when the device lit up indicating the location of an alarm of some sort. Holding the instrument over this position, he waited for directions from Fergus in how to fix the problem.

“Wait Jamie. The scanner will light up soon,” the computer techie announced.

So, he waited for the scanner in his hand to reveal the combination to disable the alarm and open the door.   It didn’t take long until several serial numbers soon appeared enabling Jamie to disable the alarm system hidden under the door knocker itself. After discovering the number sequence, it only took a moment for the fortified door to open.

“Sensor circuit is closed.  You're clear to enter,” Fergus announced happily as he watched Jamie disable the alarm.

He turned to Claire with a wry smile, knowing that soon their nemesis, Jonathon Randall would be in their custody. 

“Got it,” he whispered with conviction to the technical Wizz back at Section.

“Excellent. Proceed inside to the main foyer,” was his next instruction.

Silently gesticulating to Claire, they both placed their night goggles on, drew their silencers and entered the premises like invisible thieves in the night. Once inside they soon disappeared into the shadows towards the area their IT specialist had indicated.  The two operatives paused before continuing further into the house.  They needed more intel on the number of people inside just in case Randall had security personnel scattered throughout the house or not.

“Fergus?”

“What is it Jamie?”

“How many inside?”

“I’m not seeing anything thus far. Proceed carefully.”

Meanwhile, outside the team members kept guard and followed orders.  They surveyed the surroundings for any anomalies by keeping alert in order to deal with anything that would impact on the success of the mission or alert their target to the danger he was in.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

All was quiet inside the house, as they proceeded with stealth, except for the ticking of the Grandfather clock in the atrium. Light of foot, Jamie and Claire passed through the foyer into the loungeroom keeping a close watch on any irregularities now that they were inside the mansion.

“Any sign of Randall?” Jamie asked again with just a touch of bitterness in his voice. “What does your sat-thermo say?”

“Nothing yet,” Fergus replied as he studied the blueprints that defined Randall’s residence on his computer back at Section. However, he soon got back to Jamie with the intel they needed as to his location, for an image of a sleeping occupant appeared on his screen.

“Thermo is hot, but only in one room. It has to be Randall,” he reported convincingly.

“Do ye have confirmation where he is?” Jamie asked giving a nod to Claire to keep watch.

“Jonathon Randall’s bedroom is at the top of the flight of stairs to your left.  There is a heat thermal in the first room Jamie. That is where you will find him.  Randall is home alone. The other rooms are cold.”

“Thank ye.”

James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp quickly made their way towards the staircase that led to the second storey. Silently they ran up the stairs two at a time and down the corridor to where the bedrooms were located. Making their way to the site of their target, Jamie gave Claire a sideways glance as they paused outside Jonathon Randall’s bedroom door both holding their guns at the ready. He could see the determined glint in her eyes as they shared a moment of anticipation knowing that on the other side of this door, was the man who would soon be their captive.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 Jamie nodded to Claire of his intentions.

After a silent countdown between them, James Fraser lunged at the door and with one almighty kick, kicked it open forcing the door from its hinges. The wood splintered in all directions as they rushed into the room before Jonathon Randall realised what had happened.  He woke up with a start at the noise of his room being smashed in, thinking that a bomb had exploded and that he was the target of an offensive by one of his enemies. How true was that thought, but he would never in a million years think that the two assailants, who had burst into his bedroom, were the very two people he had tortured with such heinous methods of suffering, more than any individual could endure, at the monastery.

He tried to reach for a weapon hidden under his pillow, but before he could move, Claire Beauchamp was standing on the bed holding her gun to his head.  She cocked the trigger as Jonathon Randall looked around wondering who these two masked intruders could be.

“WHAT THE HELL!!!” he shouted indignantly.  “WHO ARE YOU?!!”  WHAT DO YOU WANT ?!!” he demanded trying to see who it was who had entered his bedroom so aggressively while he was sleeping. 

However, it was difficult to see anything in the pitch-black room that he could distinguish as to their identity.  His first thought was that they were two henchmen sent from the Black Panthers’ triad for payback for Samuel Li’s execution. That was the most logical assumption, but it could be anyone as he had made several enemies amongst the other triad groups as well. As he looked at the menacing duo, he began to have feelings of doom cross his mind, as these two masked intruders had him at his most vulnerable, and he was at their mercy.  He was in a perilous situation, and one he had never been on the receiving end of before.

How was he ever going to get out of this situation? he thought in trepidation.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 Neither Claire nor Jamie spoke.

They just forcibly grabbed Randall, hauling him from his bed and left the room, frog-marching him between the two of them.  As they exited his bedroom, Jonathon could feel the cold hard metal of a gun pressed into his side and wondered where they would be taking him, and what, if anything, he could do to escape.

On the way back down the stairs, Jamie reached into his mission vest and pulled out one of Murtagh Fitzgibbon’s piece de resistance … a special self-combustible charge.  He attached the hydrocarbon, chemical solvent covering plastique to the walls.  The pyrophoric substance would ultimately cause detonation in a short time and ignite instantly upon exposure to the air.  Hence it was imperative that they leave the house as quickly as possible, as it wasn’t long before the plastique burst into flames and the pungent smell of smoke was noticeable.

Acrid fumes teased his nostrils, and James Fraser couldn’t contain the look of glee that shone in his eyes, while his mouth curled at the irony of what had just happened.

It would be so ironical that what had happened to Jonathon Randall’s nightclub, The Triangle, would also happen to his private residence. In the morning, Section One investigators, would be able to search for clues in the rubble to the origin and cause of the fire by determining the original location of the blaze. Clues such as char patterns, and heat shadows would be their evidence to ascertain how the fire began when they gave their findings to law enforcement. Then, when all evidence was examined and analyzed, the Police would confirm that the cause of the fire was accidental. Carelessness would be the cause of Jonathon Randall’s demise, and would explain away his unfortunate death in the house inferno in the remaining smoking ruins. Obviously, this information would make for a sensational news broadcast presentation, thus alerting Sun Yee Lok and Karen Yee that the triad’s main henchman had been found dead in the ruins of his residence.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Back at Section, Fergus Claudel watched proceedings on his monitor as James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp exited the house with their target Jonathon Randall wedged between them.

“Yes!!!  At long last you scumbag Randall!”  

Fergus couldn’t contain his joy at the target’s apprehension. He whooped out loud, and gave a cynical smile that this terrorist would soon be their guest at Section One and would be thoroughly interrogated in the White Room. He was elated that Jamie and Claire had this villainous triad member in their custody. James Fraser would see that Jonathon Randall was shown some of his own medicine, peppered with the unique persuasive techniques only found in Section One.

The computer techie couldn’t wipe the smile off of his face. He reached into his desk draw for his hidden stash of Oreo cookies, and sat back in his chair.  He placed his hands behind his head, a wry smile on his lips most satisfied at the outcome of this Flash Mission, and munched on his favourite snack.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Once outside the mansion, Jonathon Randall tried to make a move to escape from his captors, but Claire quickly pistol-whipped him on the back of the head with her gun.  He stumbled forward as Jamie placed a hood over his head, and tied Randall’s hands behind his back while he was somewhat disorientated from the blow.  This allowed Jamie and Claire to remain anonymous and to act with impunity. There was no way that James Fraser wanted their captive to realise who it was who had captured him just yet. That moment was reserved for a more fitting time.

Although Claire Beauchamp very much wanted to do more harm to their prisoner than she already had, she refrained from any further action.  He would have his day of judgement in the White Room and that would be enough to satisfy her.  Once he experienced the torture methods of Section’s Torture Twins, Madeline’s interrogation and Jamie himself, he would wish that he had indeed died in the house fire.

Jonathon Randall was unable to see where he was going and what was happening as he was led away. All he could hear was muffled voices he couldn’t make out, as someone ordered, “We have 90 seconds. Ignite charges.”

Unbeknownst to him, Rupert Mackenzie and Geillis Duncan were indeed igniting the strategic charges they had placed around the house. They soon burst into flames and very quickly leapt up the sides of the walls.

“Move out! Let's go!” was their next command. “You've got 30 seconds.”

 As the operatives ran to the van, several loud bangs and the sound of shattering glass exploding, filled the silence of the night. Jonathon Randall, although groggy from the blow to his head, was now aware that he may be in extreme danger from whomever these assailants were.  He knew that the Black Panthers mode of operandi was firebombing, and this payback from the triad for Samuel Li’s death would mean that he was indeed in dire straits with no way of being able to contact the Rising Dragons as to his predicament.  Suddenly, he felt an awful sense of fatality wash over him with thoughts of the repercussions he would incur for what he had done to their leader. Torture and suffering were easier to give than to be on the receiving end of.  He was a master at torturing others, he knew the most horrendous form of torment and agony one could inflict on a suspect, but he never feared that one day, he himself would be on the receiving end of triad retribution.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jonathon Randall began to shake and he felt a cold sweat inhabit his whole body. His skin felt clammy and very cold. The palms of his hands, underarms, and feet all felt as though he had been dragged through a primitive water torture session. His stress and anxiety levels had risen exponentially, and his heart was palpitating with the idea of his imminent demise at the hands of the rival triad group. When he was forcibly placed inside some sort of vehicle, he felt a panic attack wash over him which only exacerbated his fear of the unknown. Triads sought vengeance when one of their own was eliminated.  This is what he feared the most from the Black Panthers, for he had firsthand knowledge of a triad’s method of torture.

“Where are you taking me?” he demanded with a bravado he was far from feeling.

The thought of concrete boots and being thrown into the South China Sea, or being buried alive or even death by a thousand swords, formed in his mind’s eye and he could do nothing about it.  He was tied, blindfolded by the hood covering his head and constrained, so escape was out of the question.  Whatever could he do when it all seemed so hopeless? Perhaps this capture was to be his end?  

Jonathon Randall took a deep breath trying to console himself to his plight. He was not dead yet, so perhaps there may be a way to escape, or overpower these assailants if a chance arose.  That was all he had in a way of positivity for escape, for little did he really know what awaited him at Section One.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 Once everyone was safely seated in the Mission van, it drove off back to Section One with their captive target in hand. Taking off their night vision goggles, Claire looked over towards Jamie. He didn’t need to speak; his thoughts were written all over his face.  Their nemesis was now their captive, and she knew that Jonathon Randall would be the recipient of all the vengeance he deserved, and in no better place to receive it than in the White Room.

CHAPTER 139

 The lovers had fallen asleep in each other’s arms like they had every night spent here at Jamie’s home since they had arrived in Australia.  Every day had been idyllic, they’d been bushwalking, lazing on their private beach, had watched the sunsets and sunrises and had made love in nearly every room of the house over the course of the past week or so.  Memorable days and nights spent in each other’s company had been like a honeymoon.  Since being here in Queensland, Jamie and Claire had idled away the time spent together and couldn’t have been happier or more in love for it had been blissfully romantic and carefree in this paradise so far away from Section One.  

The two operatives were off the grid and absolutely uncontactable by Madeline and Operations. Their friend Murtagh, was the only one entrusted with where they were going and Jamie had let him know categorically that under no circumstances was he to contact them or let anyone know they had left Hong Kong.  If Murtagh valued his life, and their friendship, then he would leave them in peace to enjoy their much-needed downtime to recover.  

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

James Fraser looked down at his Claire in calm repose. He had lost count of the number of days that he’d awoken with her nestled contentedly in his arms, and he loved that their intimacy made his beloved feel safe and protected. Thankfully her nightmares had dissipated and his Sassenach had slept more soundly and peacefully over the past few nights, free from her past recollections. All the bad memories of the monastery and the demons that had tormented her dreams had gone, and she’d not had any more nightmares take hold of her mind.

Sighing, Jamie ran his hand over Claire’s tousled locks and brushed a curl away from her cheek before kissing the top of her head. Smiling happily, he then kissed the side of her face inhaling the special scent of his love that filled his nostrils when he buried his face into the curve of her neck.  He loved the smooth feel of her skin, but he loved it more when Claire arched her throat up for him to run kisses along the length of her swan like neck which led to the sensual foreplay that ultimately resulted in their lovemaking.

Life here in this paradise had been everything and more than they could have hoped for, but the fact that the days were speeding by, filled him with great sorrow. If only things could be different at Section and they were not under such scrutiny, then they could still perform their duties as operatives but have a life together.  This time here had been a cathartic experience.  He wanted their lives to always be intertwined in the same way their bodies had been for the last few days intimately and in peace.  However, the leadership of Section did not allow fraternization between functioning field operatives and until such time as this changed then they would have to be clandestine in their familiarity and togetherness.

It made him furious that they would once again have to return to the hellhole that was Section One after their two weeks, that they would have to pretend in front of their superiors that there was no romantic relationship between the two of them and that he would have to be careful not to show any emotion around the woman he loved.   However, looking down at the angel of his heart, he had a moment of clarification. He was no longer the same person he had been for several years.  Although he was still a cold, Level 5 field operative, he had changed emotionally.  Claire Beauchamp had changed him for the better.  She had made him more human and made him realise that he was worthy of being loved and giving love in return.

Shaking this malaise from his mind, Jamie looked down at his Sassenach’s peaceful, sleeping form nestled safely against his body. He placed a gentle kiss against her cheek, then pulled Claire in closer by wrapping his arms around her and rested his head against hers.  

He loved this woman with all his heart and he would do everything in his power for them to be together once the Rising Dragons’ mission was over. He had promised her that he would find a way and he was going to keep that promise. This downtime was more than just for them to heal and recuperate.  It was a time of honesty, of no regrets and a time for them to treasure every special moment spent together.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As she began to wake, Claire felt the touch of her lover’s kiss as Jamie brushed his lips over her porcelain skin once more.  She stirred against him automatically nuzzling closer against his warm chest.  Although still half asleep, she felt the tickling brush of Jamie’s growing beard against her flesh.  It was so erotic that Claire stirred a little more before wriggling a little closer. She let out a keening whimper as he teased her throat with his tongue before brushing his lips up under her chin.

“Mmmm … That feels so good Fraser,” she moaned as her eyes began to flutter in that moment just before they opened.

Hearing her moan, Jamie stroked Claire’s temple and kissed the top of her head as his fingers lazily stroked her delicate skin up and down.

"Ja-mie," she whispered softly.

The sound of his name on her lips spoken so breathlessly thrilled him. If she continued to say his name like that though, they may never get out of bed and he had special plans for them today that Claire would not think him capable of doing. He kissed her hair once again then trailed kisses along her cheek as his love raised her head to look into his eyes.

Their lips gently connected. "Good morning mo ghràidh," he purred in his sexy Scottish burr and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “I could watch you for hours, Sassenach... see how you've changed ... how you're the same. Your hair... Mo nighean donn.” “My brown-haired lass,” Claire uttered softly, the words lingering on her lips like a gentle caress from her man. She smiled at him, then leaning up, placed her lips to his whispering against them, " Good morning lover. So, what are we going to do today?"

Grinning at her with a gleam in his eye, Jamie lightly rubbed her cheek and stroked his fingers under her jaw. "Tis another surprise Sassenach.”

Claire was enthralled looking at him with a penetrating stare as she wondered what this wonderful man had in store for them today.  She smiled back at him. "Hmmm?  I wonder what you have in mind this time James Fraser?”

A smile beamed across his face waiting for her response to what he was going to say. “I was thinking we could go sailing the Whitsundays today.”

She was a little shocked at this announcement given that Jamie and the sea often didn’t see eye to eye and he was prone to getting sea sick. Tilting her head back to see his eyes more clearly, Claire soon realised that he was indeed serious with his suggestion.

A wry smile and a surprised raised eyebrow greeted his announcement. “Sailing?  … But don’t you get seasick Jamie?”

“Don’t worry Sassenach.  Everything will be fine. It will be smooth sailing … I promise.”

Seeing the sheer joy on his face at this suggestion Claire couldn’t help but smile too. “Well then … a day on the ocean sounds wonderful. I would like that very much.”

“Good,” he replied then leaning down Jamie gently kissed her lips while tracing a finger down her neck, but he stopped himself before it went further. “Well then, as much as I hate to say this … but we best get up. Time and tide wait for no man ye ken.”  

"Okay," she nodded in agreeance with his plan although with some skepticism but wonder in her voice.

Giving Claire a cheeky little pat on the backside, Jamie grinned at her and wriggled his eyebrows.  "Come on then Sassenach. Let’s get this day started."

She laughed and squatted his hand away before responding with a kiss of her own. “You’ll keep Fraser,” and rolling away from each other they got out of bed ready for a day of adventure.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Holding hands Jamie and Claire walked along the docks of the private marina admiring the rows of sailboats and yachts moored there until they stopped at a sleek, beautiful white yacht with a gold stripe along the side of it.  However, it wasn’t the boat’s stunning design that caught her attention but the cursive writing printed in gold on the rear of the boat, ‘Je Suis Prest.’

Claire approached the yacht admiring the gold lettering on the stern and side of the boat unaware of what significance the name held for James Fraser. Turning around she looked at him inquisitively.

“What a beautiful yacht Jamie. Is this our hire boat for sailing today?  Are you going to sail it or do we need a skipper? The name is intriguing … Je Suis Prest … I wonder what that means?”  

He gave her a tender kiss on the mouth and with a smile on his lips replied, “Ye do ask a lot of questions Sassenach.”

“I’m just a little gobsmacked by this beautiful yacht Jamie.  I can hardly believe this is for us.”

“Well it ‘tis. I believe that the yacht belongs to a Jared Fraser who is in France on business. He rents it out when not in Australia,” Jamie said standing in front of the beautiful, very big, yacht with the Fraser maxim emblazoned on the back.

“What? … No!  It belongs to someone named Fraser?  Jesus H Roosevelt Christ!  What a coincidence he has the same name as you.” Claire replied in astonishment dropping her beach bag on the dock laughing and realising that Jamie had answered one of her questions. She cast another look at the sleek vessel moored at the dock with new eyes. “Je Suis Prest,” she muttered under her breath.

“Do you know what that means Sassenach?” he whispered in her ear as he came and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Do ye know the Fraser motto, lass? My clan's, I mean?

“No. I don't.”

“’Tis my family motto Sassenach from my other life before Section.   Je suis prest … I am ready.”

“Je Suis Prest,” Claire muttered under her breath. Her eyes were sparkling with the thought the Jamie had given her another little piece of himself that he’d hidden all these years in Section. She smiled beguilingly at him.  

James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser, Section One’s incomparable Level 5 operative was always ready for anything that may occur at Section.  From dealing with the machinations of their superiors, to what happened on missions, to the life and death decisions he faced on a regular basis, this man was always ready. That is why he stayed alive and his team always returned safely.  Jamie lived this family motto every day.

“I’m ready too Fraser… “she teased, “… ready for our sailing adventure today.”  However, Claire’s face altered when she looked at him with some apprehension knowing that Jamie was not the best sea person. “But, are you really sure you will you be okay?”

Jamie saw the look that came over her face knowing how the sea affected him.  Taking her hand, he smiled at his love reassuring her that he would be okay. “I only get seasick on ocean voyages mo nighean donn. Sailing in the Whitsundays is calm like a millpond and the region is one of the world’s safest boating destinations Claire.”

He raised her hand to his lips and placed a kiss to her knuckles.  “It’s sheltered from ocean swell by the Great Barrier Reef, and the numerous islands provide calm and completely protected natural anchorages. That is the amount of swell I can tolerate.  I’ll be fine Sassenach, but I do have some acupuncture needles just in case,” he teased with a twinkle in his eye.

She smiled relieved that he would be okay. “That’s good to know. So, are you going to tell me what we’re going to do then?”

Jamie just shook his head and grinned. “No. ‘Tis a surprise…,” he responded amused at the irritation furrowing her features. “… and I know just how much ye love surprises Sassenach.”

“But Jamie …”

He looked at her beseeching face and capitulated a little without telling her he had planned to also sail to Whitehaven Beach for a picnic.  “Okay … I thought we might head over to the outer reef for some snorkelling. Would ye like that Claire?”

“Yes, I would like that very much.”

Her skin itched with excitement at the thought of sailing today with Jamie at the helm of this magnificent yacht.  The thought of the cool sea breezes crashing over her and the stunning sea views, not to mention the virile man she was with, filled her with excitement for what the day may hold. Wherever the wind would take them on today’s adventure she just knew it was going to be memorable. 

“Aye, Aye Captain.”

“Well then, welcome aboard sailor.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Holding Jamie’s outstretched hand, Claire managed to step onto the edge of the yacht and climbed onto the deck. Once onboard, she took a moment to admire the yacht from the lovely teak wooden deck to the cushioned benches curving on both the port and starboard sides of the saloon to the spacious cockpit where a huge steering wheel dominated the space. It was a beautifully maintained yacht and she was so excited to be going on this sailing adventure with Jamie at the wheel.

In next to no time after placing their supplies for the day on board, Jamie hoisted the mainsail that would capture the bulk of the wind power necessary to propel the yacht and if needs be, he could use the motors as a backup should the wind fail. He secured the vertical side of the sail to the mast, and its horizontal side to the boom parallel to the deck. Jamie then made his way to the cockpit to ready them for sailing while Claire walked over to the side of the boat and leaned over the metal railings, staring out into the crystal blue water wondering what adventures awaited them today.  She took in the clear blue skies, the warming sunshine and shimmering ocean waves.  Lost in thought she didn’t hear Jamie come and stand beside her.

He grinned at her and taking her hand led her into the cockpit and started the engine.  “Ready Sassenach?”

“Always,” she replied a wistful smile gracing her lips.

For Claire, watching Jamie concentrate on reversing the yacht safely out of its moored area at the marina as they headed out into the ocean was as mesmerizing as it had been watching him manoeuvre their car on the journey when they had left Med Lab.

James Fraser never ceased to amaze her every single day, and this too was a new piece of information about the man she loved that filled her heart to bursting. He was a consummate, virile specimen of manhood and her eyes glided over his torso from head to toe, before lingering on his arms as she admired his prowess at the yacht’s helm. The fact that just the thought of what his body and arms could do to her, and oh, sweet Jesus … his hands … was enough to make her cheeks blush with wickedly delicious thoughts.

Claire knew that she needed to curtail these wayward feelings or they just might get her into trouble, but that had never bothered her before, and besides she felt a little flirty.  Moving up behind Jamie, she hugged her man pulling him against her. She placed her hands over his as he steered the yacht out into the open seas, then, resting her head on his shoulder, Claire sighed contentedly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

They had soon left the yacht marina behind them and it seemed as if they were the only ones in the vast sea. The weather was perfect for sailing with a warm breeze and only a few clouds in the vibrant blue sky. There was something rather magical about going where the wind took you. The cares and stresses of their everyday life as cold-blooded killer operatives had ebbed away since they had been here, and the present became everything for them. Briny air, azure blue swells, and a wind that carried them to whatever destination Jamie was taking them to in this picturesque setting, was all that mattered. It was freeing and liberating for the mind and the fact that Claire had banished all of her nightmares from her consciousness, she had relished being in paradise as much as he had.

The sails now flapped in the wind as the waves gently rocked the boat and the salt and brine smell of the ocean filled their nostrils. What a majestic place this was for them.  They were completely unplugged and disconnected from the rest of the world, but completely connected with each other and their surroundings. Over the past week, the Whitsundays already had won their hearts and the fact that they were navigating new waters ... learning so much, working together as well as re-anchoring together through these wonderful moments, was everything. It was so different from their life in Section. The fact that they were having this incredible adventure, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, immersed in nature, free and away from everything, with an element of learning and having to work at something as a team was really special.

This day was already turning into something unforgettable as Jamie and Claire talked about nothing and everything as they sailed along. The waters were the most beautiful azure blue she had ever seen while both of them were awestruck by the beauty of the sea. They were in the middle of the ocean, away from civilization, from their life at Section One and more importantly those who scrutinized their every move.  There was just the two of them surrounded by the beauty of this part of the world. This was a place that had always been on Claire’s bucket list prior to her recruitment to Section One, but one she had never had the opportunity to visit. The dichotomy of being here to being in Section was worlds apart.  It was as different as night and day.  Just being with Jamie made her felt free and alive as never before, compared to their hellhole where you never, ever knew if you would live or die on any particular day. This day had already started out magical and Claire knew that whatever the rest of the day would bring, that to share it with the love of her life was all that she could want.

The yacht smoothly cut through the tranquil seas as Jamie skippered the vessel towards their first destination.  He observed how happy and relaxed his Sassenach was and how very much he too was enjoying this sailing trip.  His stomach had managed to behave, and not once had he felt even a tiny tinge of seasickness. He was so looking forward to seeing Claire’s face when they arrived at the outer reef for some snorkelling amongst the coral and underwater sea life. It was then on to Whitehaven Beach to spend the day, swimming or paddle boarding off the yacht and perhaps watching the sun set from the water, drinking plenty of wine and whisky on a beach picnic, before returning home under the shimmering night skies. It would be a day of living life to the full and enjoying each other’s company in the serenity of this beautiful area. Although he’d planned some things they would do, it was the joyful spontaneity of those unexpected moments Jamie knew would happen with his Sassenach, that they would remember and hold dear to their hearts.  

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Life for Jamie and Claire over this past week and a bit had been magical.  They were somewhere that let them see the stars at night, somewhere away from their previous life where missions, End Games, covert operations, subterfuge and manipulation ruled their lives. They’d had the opportunity to connect with each other in a way that they were rarely able to do and they had relished their connectedness. It had been cathartic and exhilarating for both of them.  Their wounds had healed and they were both in a good place and frame of mind that when they did have to return to Section, they were ready for whatever fate may hold for them.

Claire couldn’t pinpoint what it was that made this place and the Whitsundays so special.

Was it the beautiful blue water, always a pleasant temperature so that they could swim whenever they pleased?  Was it the incredible islands, dotted not far from the shore? Some were home to sophisticated resorts while others, uninhabited, were filled with mystery. Was it the tropical weather or the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and fringing reef, home to an endless range of marine life? Or was it just that they got to appreciate and wonder at this special environment every day they were here?

Perhaps it was a combination of these things that made the Whitsundays a truly special place and one she would always remember. After all it was the place that Jamie had chosen to take her to recuperate and forget all that had happened to the both of them at the monastery and for that she would be forever grateful.

She was so relaxed and comfortable around Jamie here.  She had let her guard down but so too had he. He had a way of making her laugh, and conversation with him was so easy. His all too familiar touch had taken her to places of exhilaration and ecstasy when they had both surrendered to the joys of making love so freely and without inhibition.  Together they could conquer the world, for James Fraser was her rock.  He was her everything and she loved him to distraction.  

A hand suddenly reached for her waist as the man of her thoughts came and stood beside her. Claire leaned in close to Jamie as his arms encircled her waist and brought her to his side. Taking her hand in his, he guided it towards a new spectacular sight.  Claire’s voice was filled with joy and wonder as he pointed out another spectacular sight … an island, a bird and a pod of dolphins surfacing from the ocean.  They both laughed as they watched the friendly and playful sea mammals frolic in the water so close to the yacht.

“Happy Sassenach?”

Her delight was infectious. “Very … Oh Jamie, this is the most wonderful day.”

“’Tis only just beginning mo ghràidh,” he assured her with a mysterious gleam in his eye.

“I didn’t think it could get any better than sailing with you my love.”

“Well it just might ye ken, because we have reached the outer reef and I thought ye might like to go snorkelling and see some of the marine life.”

“Oh …” Claire replied excitedly unable to suppress the smile that crossed her mouth.