Author's Note: If you have any writing tips, please feel free to comment.

Again, I gratefully accept constructive criticism as a means to help me develop my skills as a writer.

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Chapter 21

The alley was still, dark and somber where two people were standing in front of each other. Price felt both glad and shocked at that time. He was staring at a woman probably in her early forties, her black hair had streaks of white in it and big blue eyes smiling back at him. She looked young even though she had some wrinkles showing on her face and wore a simple black coat over her petite frame.

"Hello, John," she said.

"Tiger... what... how did you find me? How did you know?" asked Price stumped.

"It's been that long that you won't even call me by my first name?"

"It's been seven years, Leila. If I hadn't asked Lisa about you, I would still think that you are dead."

"Lisa?" she asked puzzled.

"You know her by her codename Shadow I presume," he replied.

"Ah yes," she said. "Let's walk John. We need to catch up on a few things."

They walked out of the alley and up the street into the cold. The alley was quietly sheltered and the cold breeze did not find its way in there. They both tightened their coats around them.

"How did you find me?" asked Price.

"I have been tracking you ever since I had to drop off the grid. I sound like a stalker," she joked. "Then I lost track of you and I thought that you were dead."

"I was in a gulag for about four years. So what are you doing now? Are you still working in the field and in black ops missions?"

Leila shook her head. "The CIA transferred me to a desk job. I'm working with Agent Nielson and I have managed squads and trained agents on how to adapt in the field," she said and paused for a moment. "You're in the 141 right?"

"Yes," he replied. "Our objective is Makarov and ending this bloody war. Hopefully, we eliminate Espinosa along the way."

"Do not underestimate her John. She is a very dangerous individual; she'll deceive you by her looks and charms but underneath all that is an emotionless being."

"I already know about what happened to Shadow."

"Not only her. We had other agents who weren't so lucky. John, I can't stay I have to go. No, listen to me," she said when she saw that Price was going to interrupt her, "tell Shadow that Alpha team has been compromised, she'll understand you."

"Wait!" he said grabbing her hand. "When will we see each other again?"

Leila touched his face gently, smiling at him. "Soon, John. Stay safe."

Out of nowhere, a black car stopped near them and the agent got in the car which speeded away leaving Price alone and confused.

--- --- --- --- ---

The next morning, the 141 went to the mess hall for breakfast. This was the first time they were eating there as the evening before everyone went their separate ways.

"Blimey," said Ghost.

The mess hall was large with endless tables which seated about five persons each. The blue seats were matching the blue walls and the white tables with the floor tiles. Even though it was full of soldiers, there wasn't a lot of noise. They went to grab some breakfast from which they had the choice of pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, sandwiches, and never-ending food. They grabbed some coffee and juice, put everything on a tray and saw where they were going to sit when they saw a soldier waving at them.

"Yo, over here," he shouted.

They looked at each other and shrugged as they went to sit near them and noticed that he and his friend had the Ranger tab on their ACUs. The one who waved at them had short dark brown hair, almond-shaped black eyes and tanned skin with a strong jaw and a broken nose. The other soldier who was slouching on the chair had very short light brown hair, blue eyes, and a pale complexion. He also had a few scars; one under his right eye and another in his nose.

"You're the 141 right?" he asked and they nodded in reply. "I'm Private James Ramirez and this is Corporal Robert Dunn. We're US Army Rangers."

"Ramirez... yeah we heard about you from Allen," said Roach munching on some waffles.

"Now that's a surprise," said Dunn sarcastically and Ramirez nudged him.

"So, you're the SAS guys right?" Ramirez asked taking a gulp of orange juice.

"We are yes, but not all of the 141 is composed of SAS lad," replied Price drinking his coffee while reading the newspaper.

"Lucky Brits working with the Angels," said Dunn lazily flipping a coin over and over.

"What's with the callsign Angels by the way?" asked Ghost.

"What's with wearing sunglasses inside?" asked Dunn and Ramirez nudged him again. Ghost scowled at him. He refrained from wearing the mask at times but still was going around wearing the sunglasses.

"Dude, you just can't ask someone why they wear shades inside, it's none of your damn business," whispered Ramirez and his mate shrugged. "Sorry about that, man. Well, the Elite Task Force mainly deals with counter-terrorism, hostage rescue etc. You know, the usual shit."

"However, what happened was that once, a platoon was stuck under heavy fire in Angola. They were Marines if I'm not mistaken," continued Dunn, squinting his eyes trying to remember. "Anyway, the only team in the vicinity was Malloy's squad so they sent them in for backup."

"Every time someone was stuck somewhere, Base started sending in the ETF so the boys started giving them nicknames," said Ramirez shoving down food. "They call them Black Angels because of their gear and the way they slide down the rope from above. It kinda stuck with them so HQ started calling them Angels."

"That's how you met, no? You requested for backup," asked Dunn.

"Aye," replied MacTavish.

The men continued to chat until they finished their meal and went their separate ways. Ramirez and Dunn had to join their team for training and Ghost, Roach and MacTavish decided to go train as well. Price decided to go to the recreation room as he wasn't in the mood to go jogging. The room was empty at that time of the day as the soldiers were either out training or out on missions. He sat down on the sofa and continued reading the newspaper.

MacTavish, Ghost, and Roach were jogging around the track, their t-shirts stuck to them with sweat and huffing with every pace they took. The air was pure as they were surrounded by huge trees giving the environment a peaceful feel until you hear a drill sergeant shouting at a poor soldier which shatters the quiet ambiance.

"Damn, drill sergeants always scare the shit out of me," whispered Roach as they passed a still platoon with a drill sergeant shouting at a soldier because he was not in formation.

"Last lap gentlemen, come on," said MacTavish looking at his watch.

"Ghost, what happened with Fox? Did you resolve the issue you had?" asked Roach as he wiped his face.

"Not yet," said Ghost reluctantly.

"You know that she's not completely wrong mate," said MacTavish. The lieutenant had told him about the conversation when they were walking around the base the previous evening.

"Still, what she did was inexcusable," replied Ghost drinking from his canteen.

"Bloody hell Ghost, you're such an idiot," retorted Roach and Ghost glared at him. "Don't give me that look buddy. She tried to make it easier on both of you and you're dealing with it like a small child."

"Roach, if you don't sod off I'm gonna squish you like the bug you are," replied Ghost. "Besides, at least I went out with her. All you do is chasing Collins around and smiling at her like a bloody idiot."

MacTavish laughed hard at what his mate said.

"What is it with you and Collins, Roach?" asked MacTavish as they stopped jogging and sat down in the middle of the base to catch their breath.

"She's not like the other women I went out with," he sighed.

"What other women? I have known you for years bug, I never saw you with anyone," said Ghost confused.

"Wait... You've been sneaking women into the base?! Are you insane?" asked MacTavish waving his canteen around.

"Have you ever seen any women around?" he asked and they shook their heads. "Exactly! I'm that good," he winked.

Ghost and MacTavish jumped on their mate as a pileup and Roach was squirming underneath. He managed to shove them away and started punching them jokingly and they did the same. They stopped when they saw a pair of black pumps near them and slowly looked up to see a woman with a dark complexion in her mid-thirties wearing a Marine Service uniform. Her black eyes were staring at them confused and her black hair was collected tightly in a bun at the base of her head.

"May we help you ma'am?" asked MacTavish all of them still bundled on the ground with grass stuck in their hair and dirt smeared on their face.

"I think it's more like: may I help you," she said in a stern tone.

They got up instantly and stood in attention, slightly frightened by her gaze.

"I'm looking for Captain John Price of Task Force 141. Do you know where I can find him?"

"He's in the rec room ma'am," replied Ghost.

"Tamara!"

They turned their head and saw Williams jogging towards them.

"Tamara? Isn't she Fox's sister?" whispered Roach.

"Yes, I am..." the Marine said raising her eyebrows waiting for him to say his name.

"It's Roach, ma'am."

"Roach? What the hell kinda name is Roach?" she said her face inches away from him. Roach tried to look dead ahead but he escaped a glance at her eyes.

"Are you eyeballin' me, son?" she asked staring him down.

"No ma'am!" he shouted.

"Tamara, these are Roach, Ghost, and Soap of the 141," said Williams coming to Roach's rescue. "This is my sister, Colonel Tamara Williams."

Tamara took a step back and observed MacTavish's mohawk, Ghost's messy hair, and Roach's frightened gaze.

"Is it compulsory for the Force to have such foolish codenames?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am," replied Ghost, "or you won't be permitted into the Force."

"This one's Ghost? This is Lieutenant Simon Riley?" she asked her sister who nodded. "You're going out with... him?"

"I am quite a lovable man ma'am, if I may say so," said Ghost casually.

"You found yourself into my black book Lieutenant! I suggest you start sleeping with one eye open from now on. And watch your six; we wouldn't want that ass being blown off with your lovable face now would we?" she asked her eyes flaring and turned around and walked away with her sister.

"I don't like him," said Tamara.

"He's not usually like that, he's quite disciplined."

"Well, he did not impress me and he'd better watch his back because if he hurts you again, I'm gonna shoot somebody. You know that I'd do it baby girl."

Williams sighed. 'This is going really well,' she thought sarcastically.

"That went well," said Ghost stretching his arms.

"Shite! My heart's still racing," said MacTavish checking his pulse.

"What the fuck just happened?" asked Roach still standing in attention.

"I'm glad I'm not your roommate anymore or she'd kill me in my sleep too," joked the Captain and Ghost punched him softly in the stomach. 

--- --- --- --- ---

In the rec room, Price was reading the Sports section. He was not interested in sports but Soap was and he liked reading about Glasgow FC, the football team his mate supported. Apparently, Glasgow was gaining on Fatherwell.

'Soap will be pleased,' thought Price and then heard something landed near him on the couch. He looked up and saw Colonel Williams smiling at him with a pack of cigars near him.

"Cheers," he said smiling.

"I always keep my promises," she said sitting down near him. "That's for saving my ass last time."

Price noticed that she was wearing a ring on her left ring finger and smiled slightly.

"You still wearing it lass?"

"Yeah..." she replied sighing. "He reminds me of the sacrifice every soldier has to make to make the world a better place for the rest of us to live in."

"Griggs is in a much better place than us right now. You don't have to worry about him."

"I know..."

--- --- --- --- ---

Malloy was pacing around her office while reading some files about Marcoux and Bellanger to keep herself updated. Her office consisted of wooden panels, some plants around the room and photographs of prominent military men and women hung on the walls. A large wooden desk is found as soon as you enter the office overflowing with papers and files. Behind the desk were large windows which overlooked the base where soldiers were marching and training. She sighed and observed the soldiers marching outside practicing their drill. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Enter," she said in the usual monotone.

MacTavish entered and took a look around the office before closing the door behind him.

"Nice office," he said and then looked at her slightly angry. "What the hell are you doing here? I went to the sick bay and Doc told me that you have been discharged. You are supposed to be resting! You took a large blow to your head lass."

"I have a lot to do MacTavish, I asked the doctor if I could be discharged early and he let me go."

"You still need to rest. And what's with your desk?" he asked his hands over his head as if there was an unsolvable disaster.

"Um... what's with the desk? Is it because of a few papers lying around?" she asked puzzled.

"Few papers? The thing is overflowing with 'em!" he exclaimed and started tidying up with Malloy staring at him.

"You have an OCD Captain," she teased.

"No, I don't," he replied making sure that all the files were aligned perfectly together. He saw that she had several photographs on her desk. One of them was her Dad and her both wearing uniforms, presuming it was Malloy's graduation from Basic Military Training. The other was of her brother's graduation; he had short light brown hair and green eyes just like Malloy and the other woman he assumed was her sister Louise who had dark brown curly hair and hazel eyes. The other photo was of her, Charlene and Taylor.

"This is your brother Thomas?" he asked.

"Yes, that's little Tommy," she said uncomfortably.

MacTavish cleared his throat and turned to the papers. "How are you feeling Malloy?"

"Not bad. My head still burns a bit but nothing serious."

"Did Marcoux talk? Maybe she'll give us something about Makarov as well," he said while putting the last files in their place.

"Not yet. She knows that we cannot force the answers out of her," replied Malloy putting the files she was holding down. "I am thinking that I should pay her a visit this afternoon."

"What I find strange is that Bellanger was caught in the cross-fire," said MacTavish skimming through Bellanger's file. "Being ex-GIGN, he shouldn't have committed such a stupid mistake."

"You're right. It did cross my mind. Maybe he panicked and was careless about his surroundings."

"Maybe..." he sighed as he approached Malloy. "So, do I have a reward for cleaning your desk this time as well Captain?"

Malloy raised her eyebrow and smirked. "Well, you know what they say. If you want something, go and get it."

"In that case..." he started and leaned closer to her. He didn't get a lot closer though as he was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"You have got to be joking!" he groaned and stepped away from her. Malloy giggled and shook her head.

"Come in."

Price entered the room and stopped at the sight of MacTavish's expression which was basically killing him with his eyes.

"Am I interrupting?" asked Price cautiously.

"No, it's ok Price. What do you need?" replied Malloy.

"I met with Tiger last night. Actually, she found me," he started. "She told me to inform you that Alpha team has been compromised. She told me that you would understand."

Malloy cussed under her breath and looked thoughtful but then smiled as nothing had happened.

"Thank you for the message Price."

"So?" Price asked. "What is it?"

"It's none of your concern and I won't elaborate. Forget it!" she said as she noticed that Price and MacTavish opened their mouths in protest.

The door opened again and this time, General Malloy came in.

"May I help you sir?" asked Malloy sighing and slightly angry. She was irritated that she did not even have the chance to work in peace. She didn't mind talking to MacTavish but they were both unlucky when they were going to get closer to each other. It's as if the universe notices this and interrupts them on purpose.

"Gentlemen," he said nodding at them. "Lisa, we have a slight problem regarding Veronique Marcoux."

"What happened?"

"She committed suicide early this morning. She hung herself using the bed sheets."

They all stared at him but Malloy had the most shocking expression on her face.

"No... it can't be. But she was our only lead to Espinosa and Makarov!" she said fuming. "What the hell do we do now?!"

"We'll have to rely more on the CIA since they already have agents infiltrated everywhere, it would be easier to learn about Espinosa's and Makarov's location and maybe learn more about their deals and intentions," replied the General calmly.

"I doubt that they would be very helpful," said Malloy sighing. "My old team, Alpha, has been compromised, meaning that the agents are either dead or POWs."

"I believe the CIA has other squads no? What about Bravo and Charlie?" asked General Malloy.

"I'll ask Nielson asap," replied Malloy. "In the meantime, I need to inform my team."

"I already did Captain. I bumped into Lieutenant and Colonel Williams this morning. The Lieutenant will inform everyone else and the Colonel will inform her platoons and the General of the USMC. I suggest you and the 141 plan on what to do next."

And with that, the General turned on his heel and left.

"Let's not waste time and get in contact with the CIA," said Price determined. "We will get those bastards even if it's the last thing I do."

"Get in line old man," said MacTavish.

"I'll see what Intel I can gather first from the SEALs, Marine Recon, and any other squads and I'll inform you as soon as I learn something," said Malloy picking up the phone.

--- --- --- --- ---

Ghost was remembering the conversation he had with Roach and MacTavish that morning during training. Roach was right; he might have exaggerated a bit on his side. Thinking about what Charlene had said, she had been realistic about their relationship. However, he would have preferred she had called him and explain the situation. 

He arranged his skull mask and sunglasses as he stopped in front of Williams' quarters. He felt a bit uncomfortable to be in the female barracks with female soldiers sniggering as they walked past him. He was about to knock when he heard music coming from inside. He moved near the door and heard her sing softly with the song 'underneath your clothes' by Shakira. He opened the door slowly and saw her reading some papers while swaying slowly with the music. He smiled as he tiptoed in the room. Williams turned around and screamed, throwing the papers in the air.

"Ghost! What the fuck are you doing?!" she yelled clutching her chest and Ghost laughed hard.

"I didn't mean to scare you, love," he smirked. "I thought marines were always alert."

Williams rolled her eyes and went to turn off her radio but Ghost stopped her. He grabbed her by the hand and waist and started slow dancing with her.

"Now it's like nothing happened?" she asked annoyed.

"No, now it's like, I realized that I went too far," whispered Ghost and Williams stayed silent.

"Did my sister scare you this morning? That's why you're apologizing?" she teased him.

"That's not why I'm apologizing."

"She hates you Ghost. And if you made it in her black book, she'll make your life a living hell, trust me."

"Tell her to bring it on. I'd do anything to stay with you," he said determinedly.

He pulled her closer to him and she could see his eyes smiling. The mask and the sunglasses were making her feel uneasy and avoided looking at him.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Why are you wearing the mask?" she asked and slowly removed them and looked deep in his hazel eyes; his hair messed up and his face had some stubble.

"That's better," she continued and started smoothing his hair with her hands but it couldn't stay down. It was naturally messy.

"I'm sorry Charlene," he whispered stroking her cheek.

"No, I'm the one who should be sorry. You were right; I was disloyal towards you. I should have at least called you," she said miserably. "I never gave up on you." She showed him the framed picture that was on her bed stand. They took that photo when they were training at the shooting range so they were both holding assault rifles. Williams was beaming at the camera but Ghost merely had one corner of his mouth slightly curved.

"I remember this. Good times," he smiled. He put down the photo and moved closer to her. He leaned in slowly and brushed her soft lips with his. She smiled instantly and admitted that it felt good. She missed him terribly and couldn't take the teasing anymore so she moved in to kiss him but Ghost leaned back and smirked.

"Oh no you don't love," he whispered in her ear and licked her neck tasting her shower gel on her skin as he kissed her gently.

"You taste like a vanilla cupcake," he smiled and Williams giggled.

"As long as I'm your cupcake Simon," she teased as she led him to her bed.

'This is so awesome,' thought Malloy.

--- --- --- --- ---

After what had happened that day, she was exhausted and depressed. Marcoux and Bellanger were dead; her ex-colleagues at the CIA were either dead or were going to be soon and they had no leads on Espinosa and Makarov. She was lying down on her bed wearing a simple t-shirt and shorts taking comfort in the book MacTavish gave her and playing with her hair.

Her door opened suddenly, frightening her, so she sat up suddenly. She saw MacTavish staring back at her. She stood still looking confused. He closed the door behind him and locked it and that's where she started getting worried. He came up to her, grabbed her by the arm and dragged her out of her bed. He then pinned her against the wall with his arms leaning on the wall on both sides of her head preventing her to escape in any way. His eyes were full of lust and determination which scared her.

"Soap, you're scaring me..." she said her eyes wide open.

"Are these rooms soundproof lass?" he asked inches away from her face and she nodded confused.

"Good, because I'm gonna make you scream tonight," he growled and leaned in and bit her lips softly. They stopped for a moment and looked into each others' eyes and Malloy ran her finger down his scar which was on his right eye. MacTavish couldn't take it anymore and grabbed her by the back of her neck and pressed his lips against hers, hard. He weaved his fingers into her hair and pulled it slightly back and her head yanked up leaving her neck exposed. He bit her hard and made her whimper and sucked on the mark he left on her neck.

She tried to push him away but he grabbed her arms and kissed her passionately and she let go completely, kissing him back. Their teeth were clashing but they neither noticed nor cared about it. Malloy managed to free her hands and pushed MacTavish away from her.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" she asked panting.

He stood there huffing, his mind blank. He wasn't thinking let alone coming up with an answer to her question. What was he doing?

"It's been months since I bloody kissed you and I already lost you once and I'm sure as hell ain't gonna lose you again," he replied. "Now, if you really didn't want this, you would have already shot me."

Malloy shook her head and smiled. He knew her too well.

"So you just come up to my room, throw me against the wall and think that I would agree to sleep with you?" she asked.

"What can I say? I like it rough," he replied smirking taking off her t-shirt. She was wearing a black bra.

"Recognize this?" she asked half-smiling and he laughed.

"I hope that you won't throw stuff at me this time love," he winked.

MacTavish went down on his knees and started kissing her stomach with his hands caressing her legs and inner thighs. Malloy started breathing heavily as she slid down the wall, caressing his Mohawk and face. She took his t-shirt off as well and noticed his scars across his torso, old bullet wounds.

"You've been shot," she said.

"And you have a lot of knife scars," he remarked.

Espinosa hadn't been gentle with her in those three days she was a prisoner. But that wasn't the time to think about it; she was with the strongest and most wonderful man she had ever met and that is what counted at that time. She got on top of him and kissed him with their tongues exploring each others' mouth. His hands caressed her body and removed the rest of her garments leaving only her dog tags around her neck. He laid her down and started kissing her inner thighs each time moving closer and closer...

"John!" she shouted, breathing heavily.

But MacTavish ignored her and continued, driving her crazy. She moaned louder and louder and then started laughing.

"Stop, you asshole!" she laughed, breathless, pushing him away and MacTavish smiled at her teasingly.

"Is something wrong Captain?" he asked innocently.

"Fuck you," she replied removing his trousers and boxers while kissing him softly on his lips. He was too alluring to resist.

"If that's what you wish," he replied smirking and she slapped him on his chest jokingly.

"On the floor? Seriously?"

"Why not?" he asked seductively.

--- --- --- --- ---

Quick Author's Note: Ok, that is it! I hope you are enjoying it so far. Comments are always welcome and I hope I am being more descriptive in my writing. 

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