Let's Play Hide-And-Seek

By Susan J.

Miguel and I spent the morning in bed and the afternoon walking on the beach. I saw that he had something on his mind.

"Miguel what's wrong?"

"What makes you think that something is wrong?" he asked.

"Well you're not talking much and I can see that you're thinking about something else. What is it?"

"Well…"

"Well what?"

"I really wanted to spend time with you, especially here on this island, but I am also here on..."

"On assignment right."

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to expose you to that part of my life."

"Well, in a way you did. Maybe I shouldn't have come here." I started walking away from him.

"Serena, wait!"

Miguel ran after me and grabbed my right arm in order to stop me. "This is what I was afraid of. If I told you why I was here you'd get pissed off."

"And you were right! Miguel how could you get me to come here on false pretences!"

"False pretences?! I wanted to see you again! I wanted to be with you again!"

"Then you could have called me after you finished your assignment and we could have met then."

"Maybe you're right, but I was willing to take that chance. Would it have made a difference if I told you about the assignment?"

"Yes. If you would have told me I could have waited and then met you later after the assignment was done."

"Serena do you remember what you told me the first night we met?"

"What?"

"You said that we were alike, in fact you said that you were a female version of me."

"I remember. What has that got to do with anything?"

"Well I've been thinking that you and I should play a game."

"A game? What kind of game?"

"A game of wits."

I started giggling.

"You find that funny?" Miguel asked.

"Yes. Please explain about your game of wits."

"Well we have always said that no matter where the other one was in this world that we could find each other."

"And?"

"And I think we should put it to the test."

I looked at Miguel.

"Are you trying to make me forget that you pissed me off?" I said.

He took me in his arms. "Maybe I am. I'm sorry if I lied to you. Am I forgiven?" he asked.

I looked into his eyes. "I'll think about it. Now getting back to the main topic, when and where is your assignment?" I asked.

"It's here on the island, so I'll have to start getting ready soon."

"Miguel, why don't I get out of your way and let you do what you have to do."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm going to leave the island."

"Why?"

"Because you have work to do and I don't want to be anywhere near it. Even though I was once part of that life I don't want to be near it if at all possible. Be careful Miguelito." I started walking away.

"Well?" Miguel said.

"Well what?"

"What about our game?"

"Are you serious?"

"Damn right I'm serious. You can go anywhere in this world and I will find you in 72 hours."

I could see he was serious. "Okay Miguel. How long will it take you to finish what you have to do?"

"It will be done by tomorrow night."

"All right, you do what you have to do and that will give me a 24 hour head start. Sound good?" I said.

"Sounds good."

Miguel walked over to me and pulled me into his arms.

"Good luck, amor, because you're going to need it."

"Oh really, smartass?" He kissed me.

"Oh, by the way, what do I get when I win?" I asked.

"What makes you think that you'll win?"

"What makes you think that you'll find me?"

"And you call me a smartass. The loser will spend an entire week with the winner doing what the winner wants. Sound good?"

"Yes, but with one little exception."

"What?"

"That whoever wins you will not be called away on assignment. If you agree to that then we have a deal, if not then the game is off."

"Deal, no assignments."

"Okay then, so I will be leaving and I will be expecting a call from you saying that you can't find me."

"Very funny."

We kissed one last time and then I left. I went back to the suite and packed my suitcases and left. I arrive at the Miami airport and I looked at the departure board. I then bought a ticket and headed for New Orleans. I arrived in New Orleans awhile later and checked into one of the hotels. As I relaxed in the room my thoughts were of Miguel. I wondered if his assignment was completed and especially if he was still alive, with his life style no matter how good he was he always ran the great risk of getting shot or killed. Even though Miguel was a hired assassin I couldn't help but care for this man. I knew that I have to come up with some kind of plan so Miguel wouldn't be able to find me. I ordered something to eat and while I ate I planned my next move.