"A friend"

"Karen!" A voice said. "How the hell are you?"

I jumped up and gave Limber a big hug. It was easier this time. "I see you lost weight."

He smiled. "Yeah, had to."

"Why?"

"Damn Doctors. They said my heart wouldn't take it . . ." He shrugged, "So I lost 50 pounds. I guess doctors are good for something."

I hugged him again. It felt so good to be with him. After a moment of hugs and cheek kisses he looked over to Tae Jae.

"Limber, this is Tae Jae, a new friend . . ."

She blushed.

"We escaped from some guerrillas out in the desert."

"We know . . ."

"You knew!?!"

"We, the UN and the United States knew of your capture. We had a message from Vadnez. He said you might be in the area. I'm so glad you decided to come here."

We sat down. "Vadnez . . ." I chuckled.

Limber laughed. "He does worry."

"I bet. He's probably thinking how much it would've cost to train a new agent."

"Now stop that, Caper . . ."

Tae Jae interjected, "Caper?"

"Yes, that's the play name Limber calls me. Years ago I lost my parents and Limber here," I elbowed him in the stomach, "adopted me."

Limber said, "I know you're tired . . ."

"I need three things."

"And that is?"

"One, a bubblebath. Two, Tae Jae to be taken care of, and three, ID, money, and a plane ticket to Los Angeles."

"You know I could never say no, and besides, you're an agent working for the UN, I have no other choice."

I almost shrilled, "Thank you." And gave him another hug. "Obsession" I remarked.

"Your favorite."

I nodded. Limber looked over his shoulder.

"Paul will show you to the guest rooms."

A young looking man, tall, brown skin, handsome, was standing at a doorway.

He stepped forward, "Hello, Ms. Bechard." offered his hand, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you." We shook. "Consul General Forrest has talked about you on several occasions. He has several pictures of you on his desk."

Limber smiled and looked down. "Well, you know how it is Cap . . .Karen. But we are not talking about me." Then, "Paul, please stop embarrassing me, and show them to the guest rooms. Agent . . ." He stressed 'Agent' " . . .Bechard will be leaving in about ten . . ." He paused and looked over to me.

I nodded.

" . . .in about ten hours. See if you could also find out about getting Miss . . ." He looked over to Tae Jae.

She said, "Kim."

" . . .Miss Kim back to Korea."

I raised an eyebrow. "You're getting better at recognizing races."

"Taught by the best, now get going, you want to get back and finish up your work. I'll have Paul get those papers that came in from America last night. My dear, you caused quite an uproar."

"I did?"

"Yeah, the FBI are involved . . ."

I snorted, "FBI, ha!"

"They do have their uses. They tracked you into Morocco."

"They did?"

He nodded, then shrugged, "Unfortunately, that was all they could do, no jurisdiction. And the CIA couldn't spare the bodies . . ."

"They're too busy getting into trouble . . ."

"Something about Kuwait. Now I've talked too much, go take your bath and get some rest, you have ten hours."

I kissed him on the cheek and followed Paul and Tae Jae through one of the doors. I could feel the warm bubbles around me. It felt good to see Limber again.