Separation of Power

Ke

Coleman approached Ke

Coleman looked at her with his blue eyes. "No offense, Irene, but you don't look so good. Have you had any sleep lately?"

"Not enough I'm afraid, but I'll make it."

"So what's this all about?"

"Mitch is bringing someone back from Italy."

"Who?"

"The woman who killed Peter Cameron."

Coleman looked at her with genuine surprise. He'd been with Rapp when they'd discovered Cameron's body in his George Washington University office. "Woman?"

"Yes"

"Is she coming back of her own free will, or is he dragging her back?"

Ke

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I don't want to get into it just yet. When they get here we'll know more."

The plane proceeded to the Agency's hangar where the large doors were closed and the engines cut. Ke

The door to the plane opened and Rapp stuck his head out. He waved to Ke

Coleman whispered to Ke

Rapp walked across the smooth cement floor. He looked all around the hangar, checking the exits and looking to see who was there. He was in operation mode. Nothing would get past his heightened senses.

He stopped a few feet short of Ke

"Pretty good, so far, but we should have it checked again."

"I'll make the arrangements," pronounced Ke

Gesturing to his boss, Rapp turned to Donatella and said, "This is Irene Ke

Without lifting her eyes Donatella said in a raspy voice, "I

know."

"And this is Scott."

Donatella lifted her eyes for only a second, but said nothing.

"It's really nice to meet you, too," replied Coleman.

Rapp smiled. "Do

"I called on Scott and the boys to protect Donatella until we figure out what to do. In the meantime you and I have some business to attend to."

Donatella became animated and spoke to Rapp in Italian. "I am not leaving your side."

"That's not possible." Rapp put his hand on her good shoulder and held her hand. "I've trusted Scott with my own life. He and his people are good."

"But he has people inside the Agency." She was clearly referring to Freidman.

"Scott and his people don't work for the Agency."

Ke

Rapp could tell that Donatella was still not enthralled with the idea. "Do

Reluctantly she relented, and they walked over to the van. Coleman introduced Donatella to his two men who said only hello. When they had her buckled in, Rapp asked for a moment alone with her and the others walked away.

Rapp brushed a curly black lock of hair from her face. "Do

Looking out the window she sized them up. "Military."

"Yep. Retired Navy SEALs."

She sized them up again.

"I know what you're thinking and I want you to get it out of your head right now. They are my friends. Don't even think about ru

She did not answer right away, but when she did it was sincere. "Yes, I do"

"Good. Now promise me that you won't hurt any of them."

"I promise." Donatella was looking down.

"Look me in the eye and mean it."

"I promise."

"Good." Rapp retrieved Donatella's silenced pistol from his jacket and handed it to her. "You gave me your word."

"And I meant it." She wasn't able to pull the slide back so she asked, "Is it chambered?"

"Of course." She looked at the weapon and said, "Thank you."

"No problem. I know you'd do the same."

"I would, you know," she said a little defensively.

Rapp touched her cheek. "I know, and don't be sad, Do

Rapp got out of the van and went over to the group. "I need to tell you guys a few things about Do

None of the former SEALs spoke, but Ke

"I'm sure you don't, but I do. If I were in her shoes, I'd want to be able to protect myself. And besides, if something goes down, believe me, you want a gun in her hand."

"I don't like it," replied Ke

"Well, you're going to have to live with it, because I don't think we're going to get it back from her." Rapp and Ke