Months later…

Andrew had thrown himself into his work. Saunders had decided that it might be best if he stayed at headquarters, providing support for operatives on the field. Andrew hadn’t argued, even though he loved working out in the field.

“Delaney.”

Andrew looked up from his computer terminal. “Yes?”

An operative two years his senior had stopped by his desk, a file folder in hand. “Ever heard of someone named M.Bison?”

“No, why?” Andrew asked.

“Look at this and tell me if this sounds like something from Believe It or Not,” he continued.

Andrew flipped the file open, skimming the contents. His hazel eyes widened once he had finished the report. “Geez…”

“That’s what I said,” Valdez grinned.

“Why are you showing this to me? And where’s Saunders?”

Valdez shook his head. “He’s out to lunch. He’d kick me off my next case if he found out you saw this.”

“Why are you showing this to me again?” Andrew asked, puzzled.

“Look again and tell me if anyone looks familiar.” Valdez crossed his arms. “This whole thing is crazy...a martial arts tournament on some island…but it actually attracts attention. Plenty of people all over the globe come to fight…”

“These are the fighters who signed up?” Andrew asked, coming across several pictures.

“Yeah, they’ve been there since this whole mess started. We managed to find some people that interact with them, too.”

Andrew paused as he came across a very familiar face. One he had spent nearly a month seeing, and had never gotten tired of. “Damn…”

Valdez studied him. “Cynthia said you might be interested to know what’s going on over there.”

Andrew abruptly closed the folder. “Cynthia talks too much…”

“Yeah…especially when she’s right about something.” Valdez opened the folder to eye the photograph his friend had just been looking at. “We don’t have anyone there right now…I pulled a few strings with some of the locals to see what they could send me…but from what I understand, it’s a joint investigation being done by Interpol and the U.S. military. The FBI recently got involved…about the same time…probably before, your Miss Whoever She Is arrived on the island.” Valdez smiled slightly. “Care to tell me who she is?”

Andrew sighed, sitting back in his chair. “Meliza Rinaldo. I met her on my last case. Well…I set myself up to meet her. One thing led to another and…” he shrugged.

“You wouldn’t mind seeing her again, right?”

“She doesn’t know who I am. She’d probably choke me to death if she found out.” Then he smiled briefly. “She doesn’t look like it, but she’s the type who dives right into trouble.”

“You’re right…she doesn’t look like it.”

“Thanks, Valdez.”

“No problem,” he returned, watching Andrew type away again. “By the way…my sources tell me that things took a turn for the worse over there. Lots of strange stuff happening…” Andrew paused. “I’d say definite threats to national security as well as the whole world.”

“Well, I’m going to trust that Interpol, the military, and the FEDs know what they’re doing,” Andrew said quietly.

“Me, too,” Valdez blew out a breath. “Anyway…if anything happens, I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks.”

As Valdez walked away, Andrew blankly stared at his computer screen. Then he pulled out his wallet and reached into a hidden compartment to pull out a small photograph. He had taken it at the airport, before she had gotten on her flight. He had wanted to see her one last time before she left for Madrid.

Closing his eyes, he put the photo back. If what Valdez said was true, then that time at the airport would really be the last time he’d ever see her…