Brigit looked over at Lara. "You still mad about my comments?" She asked biting her lip as the plane got to cruising altitude.

"Mad? What makes you think I was mad, girl?" Lara sighed as she looked out the window, seeing the wing to her right, "I believe the term you are looking for is miffed, at your ignorance." She rolled her eyes and then looked back to Brigit, "I'm sorry...that was uncalled for. I've just been alittle on edge lately."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it... After all, I asked to work with you because I knew that you'd be at least more honorable than a lot of the others. Besides, I'm sorta a fan." Brigit glanced over at her, saw the clouds under them and looked back to the isle. "Sorry, I can't stand flying."

"Oh?" The flying bit didn't quite kick in as much as the... A fan eh? I see...hmm, and here it was I who wanted to work along side of your mentor for the same reasons. I've read several of Dr. Jones' manuscripts and books, back from his teaching days. Absolutely intreguing and fasinating stuff, really." Lara crossed her legs and leaned back, to gain a better view of the girl next to her, while absent mindedly playing with a straw in her teeth, from her drink. "I think if he's given you half of his know how, me and you will get along smashingly."

"The doc's not all that great... I mean yeah he did a lot of stuff, but mostly he blundered along." She pulled a book out of her bag and opened it to where a pressed four-leaf clover was holding her place. The book was some science fiction novel about big robots trying to destroy some small human outpost in the middle of a galaxy. "But he did teach me some stuff. More of my tricks are from Gramps."

She chuckled and patted Brigit's shoulder, "Fine...fine...believe what you want, but I know what I've seen of his work. He's one of the greats." Lara then want back to looking out the window, "It won't be long now...this adventure is about to begin." She then closed her eyes and leaned back, while placing head phones on her ears, and listened to some up-beat music...relaxing.

Brigit attempted to read the book she had brought, but her mind kept thinking back to a conversation she had had with Brandon a few weeks before. She tossed the book back into her bag and leaned back a little to try to sleep. He's going to try for it, but if he does go for the temple, he'll get killed, though he doesn't care who he has to kill to get there... But so far I'm the only one that's been able to figure out the ramblings of the old man....

Brigit gathered her things. "Why can't Paris be closer?"

Lara smiled and picked up her carry-on bag, "Well...a few million years ago...it was."

Two men smiled watching the plane land. "Brandon will be glad the package arrived safely..." One said with a nod.

"That doesn't help commuters now." Brigit said as she waited her turn to get off the plane. "Oh well... At least we're not heading to the Caribean."

Lara shrugged, "I like the Caribean actually." She then departed with the rest of the passagers and tossed her hair back dramatically, "Ahhh...Paris."

"But it's so muggy." She laughed. "Shall we go for a cafe first or shall we go see the doc?"

"Hmm...It's been a long flight. Hotel, shower, dinner...in that order." Lara smiled and walked into the terminal, "But first...my car."

"Well... we're both responsible adults... Shine off dinner for desert. After sitting so long I have to move around. And I know there's a cute dance club that should be opening in a few hours... I know... we're not on vacation." Brigit gave a sigh. "Bet you're gonna keep an eye on me since I'm one of the few that know where the place is." She fell in step beside Lara. "So no fine wine and dancing... Which is a pity... I'm finally in a place where it's legal for me to drink at my age, and I'm probably with the only European that will make me stick to American laws..." Brigit paused as they got to the car. "Impressive..." She grinned.

"...and then he goes and takes the freaking idol out of my hands and gets aboard his freaking plane. And that was the last I saw of it." The story teller was a young man, in his mid 20's, and had a weeks worth or scruff upon his face, but was fitting for the rough appearance of this man. His hair was raven black, and cut in an unusal short, yet messy carefree way...his eyes flashed as the traffic passed him, showing the crystal blue accents within them. As the rain poured on his black leather jacket he gave a shiver, then looked back at the older woman who was waiting for her taxi, "Are you listening to this? He just took off....I'm stranded now." He shrugged as the lady got in her cab, and gave a nervous wave back to him, "Non parle english..." His eyes narrowed and then he sighed deeply, "of course..."

Lara nodded, "alright...alright...you can get all buggered up for one night and then we hit the doc's in the morning.'

Brigit grinned. "I'll try not to get too drunk on ya." She put her bag in the trunk with Lara's and glanced over her shoulder feeling as if she was being watched. Brandon wouldn't have gotten here before we could have... She noticed the man with the dark hair and started around to the passenger side. "Oops." She saw the steering wheel. "I forgot European cars are backwards." She gave a nervous laugh to Lara.

Lara paused for a moment, and then smiled, "Go ahead...keys are in the glove box. Let's see how you drive." She then frowned hearing a familour voice, "hmm..." she looked at the soaked American man, and couldn't place his face, but it looked oddly familour as well. "Hold up...umm...nevermind." She shrugged it off and went around to the other side of the car, "okay, let's go."

"Lara, I've never driven a car before though...." Brigit knew how, but the experiance wasn't there. She sighed and climbed in getting the keys. "You'll have to tell me where to turn." She said as she started the car.

"Sure. You'll do fine...I'm just curious if you can at least get the basics down pat, incase I need you to do this again." She pulled out the map of the area and paused, "Hmm...okay, let's go."

She nodded easily pulling into traffic staying on the correct side of the street. It didn't look like she was having any problems.

The drenched individual watched Lara get into the car, recognizing her as well, and saw the glimmer in her eyes, saying that she too knew him from somewhere. "That girl...who is she?" He then noticed who was with her, "And...hello nurse. Hmm...might be too young. Might being the operative word."

Brigit glanced at Lara. "Problem?" She asked realizing Lara was so quiet.

The two men watching the airport leaned against the wall while one talked on a payphone. "She's here safe boss. Want us to grab her so you can get the map?"

Lara looked back, "I think...I don't know. That man...he looked like. I just think that I'm tired." She sat straight in the seat, clearing her mind, "A good drink is probably what we both could use."

"Then let's just stay in, that way we can get an early start. I'll forgo clubbing in Paris. I've done it before anyway." She grinned. "Good bottle of champaign to christen our partnership?"

As the car left his vision, the leather clad man looked over at others who were watching the same vehicle. He narrowed his eyes and looked carefully at them, "Hmm...the one on the left is packing...not normal french protocal." He ran acros the rainy street avoiding cars and walked up to the pay phone, smiling. "Hey...how long's he gonna be on the phone? I gotta tell my old lady that I'm gonna be late."

Lara nodded, "Sounds great. Just, do me a favour...eat something before you drink...I don't need you sick.'

The man on the phone got his instructions and hung up. "Not a problem Lad. Phone's yers." He nodded to his compainion. "Boss wants us to get the package."

"I never drink on an empty stomach. And I never drink American Beer. German's the best though I'd rather have a fine ale than weak beer." She pulled into the lot. "Shall we let the vallet get it?"

"Yeah, I'll just set the security locks." Lara pressed in a code on the stereo dial and then when a faint bleep was heard she smiled, "There...now he won't be killing himself."

She nodded climbing out. "I'll get the bags. May as well make myself a bit more useful."

The raven haired man nodded, though listened to what they had said, "Thanks." he stepped in the payphone after they stepped away, and lifted the receiver. He took mental note of accents and the word, Boss didn't sit well with him, "Alright, let's see who you guys are." He dailed the operator and waited for a responce, "Oui, yes...hi...errr..bon jour...umm...english please. Thanks, okay...I have a serious problem, madam. I was just talking on this phone here, right...but, there's a problem...it's an emergency, the note I had writen my phone number on, was ruined by the rain, and I can't remember what it had said...now, if you could instuct me how to redail a last call, or if you could connect me with it...I'd be so very thank for...my, wife...she's having a baby and I really have to call her to get the proper instructions on where she's having it."

The two men headed for the rental lot. "She shouldn't be that much trouble to fetch, we'll just grab her and the doc. That way he can have a perfect map."

After begging, pleading and a rather convincing promise to name the child after the operator, the man smiled, "Thank you so much...I really won't forget this." He paused as he was hooked up, for she wouldn't give the number to him, but did dail it for him. "Now...let's see what we have here."

Brandon heard the phone ring again and answered it. "Look I told you not to call again unless you had Brigit Jones and were coming back here."

He pulled the phone away for a moment, and covered the receiever, "Boss...errr...boss, The boss...got it," impersonation was a strong suit of his, and got him out of allota trouble. He raised the phone to his ear, "Umm...Boss, I know that...but we're having a problem with the car. Looks like we're gonna need to find another means to get , said package."

"Don't bother me with the details, just do it." The phone was hung up.

He nodded and hung up the phone, "Alright...Brigit Jones. Hmm...name doesn't sound familour. But...that's never stopped me before." He turned and walked away from the phone booth smiling.

Brigit walked up to the counter to check in, her bag on one shoulder, Lara's in her hand.

Lara giggled and shook her head, "You are very useful. I'm sure things will be okay...you need to relax abit, girl." She took her own bags from Brigit, and then looked at the clerk, "Bon jour, room for Croft, and Jones...I believe we have reservations.'

"Ah yes." The clerk nodded. "Here you go madam. Enjoy your stay." Lara was handed the keys.

"I am relaxed though." Brigit grinned. "When I get nervous you'll see either the book out, or you'll see me attacking anything within striking distance."

She took the keys and gave a worried smile, "Riiiight, I'll keep an eye out for it that happens. Come on...I believe we have abit of celebrating to do." She then looked back at the clerk, "We'll be wanting a bottle...errr...two bottles of Mouton Rothchild, 24 to our room, please."

"Very well."

Lara smiled and then nodded to Brigit, "Let's go." She then turned and started for their room. "Here's a key for ya, if you need to run at out for any reason." She handed Brigit a key and then straightened her packs.

Brigit stuffed it into the pocket of her coat. "Who knows. I might wonder around a bit, but right now a hot shower, and good meal sounds perfect.

"Perfect to me too." When they got to the room, Lara opened the door and tossed her bags to the first bed she saw, and stretched, "I really pack too much crap."

Brigit took the second bed and opened her bag pulling out a baggy tee and some cut-off shorts. "My motto? Pack as light as possible. never know when you'll have to use the room in your bag for something more important, like an artifact.

"Hmm...Brigit Jones..." Sitting on a terminal in an internet cafe, the unnamed raven haired individual was poking through various screens, searching directories, "Great...Brigit Jones' Diary sights seem to be clogging that list search..." He rubbed his face and then remembered the plate of the Charcoal Grey Jag, "Hmm...that might help..."

The two men had found the hotel and smiled checking in as well. "Has the other members of our party shown up yet? Miss Jones and Dr Croft?"

Lara raised an eyebrow and then smirked, "Yes...I guess you have a point. Don't worry, this is just my hotel bags, I pack lighter when travelling. Now, think you can set up a meeting with this nutcase of your's?" She started looking through her bags and began unpacking various articles of clothes. One was a very attractive evening dress, in red with a chinese cut and style.

"Let's see, it's only three... I might be able to set one up for this evening if you wish."

"Hhmm...well, we could..." She was interupted by a knock on the door, and Lara turned and then answered it. "Room service, madam. Two bottles, as requested by the management." A younger bellhop stood there all prim and proper, and before him a cart with two seperate ice buckets and said bottles. "Might I say...a very nice choice." Lara nodded and smiled, "Here...thanks." She handed over a few bills and then added two more for his troubles. The door closed behind her and she smiled, while gesturing towards the cart that she had taken, "Umm...I don't think tonight would be a good idea."

"Okay. Tomorrow morning then?" She asked going to the phone. "After breakfast of course." Brigit smiled as she sat at the small table.

"Agreed," Lara said with a smile as she stretched abit. Then turning over two flute glasses and began filling them with one of the bottles. "You know, this stuff is actually pretty good...though does have more of a kick then my usual blend."

"Oh?" Brigit asked taking her wine glass. She smelled it slightly. "Smells good though.."

She nodded and took her own to the end of her bed and sat down, "Now remember...heady stuff, love. Don't take too much too quick." With that, she downed the glass with a sinful smile and laid back on her bed.

Brigit took a few sips then dialed the number for the doctor they were going to have to meet with. "Doctor, It's me Brigit." She took another sip and smiled. "That's right. We're in town, would it be okay if we see you tomorrow morning?" She nodded. "At noon, very well. We'll see you then, have a good evening sir."

The raven haired man sighed as he waited for his print out. He was working hard and had very little to go on. As he stood out side of the internet cafe with a cigarette in hand he tryed hard to remember where he had saw that face before. Just then he noticed a sign across the way, reading, "Art Museum, 5 km." He frowned for a moment, "Art? No...but museum...that's it! That's where i know her from...the Tori Museum in Italy...Croft." Just then the tenant walked out and handed the print outs to him, "There you are Mr. Sheppard." He looked down at them, "Lara Croft...of course...that means..." He looked up and ran down the street waving his arms to a passing vehicle, "Taxi!!!"

Brigit finished her glass and stood to get some more. "Want me to refill you're glass Lara?" She asked as a reddish curl fell into her eyes. She blew it out. "I swear, before we leave I'm hacking it all off... It's easier to work around shorter hair."

"...that's right, Croft. Thank you, oh and hold on..." She covered up the phone and looked at Brigit, "Did you want something to eat too? I have room service on hold right now. Please, by-the-way..." She handed her glass over and winked, "Oh...and don't lose the hair...looks smashing on you."

"Hm... Yeah eggplant parmesean. And escargot, please. I'll refrain from the frog legs..." Brigit made a disgusted look. "Snails are one thing.. But I won't eat an amphibian... they're so slimy.."

"...and a snail is what? Firm textured?" She giggled and then relayed Brigit's order to the man on hold, "Right...thank you too, love." She then hung up the phone and walked back over to Brigit, "Well then...to us?"

"To the fact anything a guy can do we can do better." She smiled raising her glass. "And us." She smiled warmly. Her cheeks were already starting to flush a little.

Lara shook her head, "Wrong...if this guy is a treasure hunter for hire, he could be working for said individual." She tryed to remember more details, but it was fuzzy at best. She then grabbed her drink and downed it while flipping through her notes on the situation.

Brigit went to her bag pulling out her notebook. "Brandon I don't think would stoop so low as to hire someone though..."

Raine was flipping through a note book frantically himself, "Okay, driver...if you were richer then the Queen of England and flaunted it like money was for charity, where in this city would you stay?" He stratched his head and then looked behind him to see if he was being followed.

The two men entered their room. "She's here... Now to get her away from the other one... Though, I bet the boss wouldn't have a problem having two sacrifices in order to get into that temple..."

Time passed within the hotel, as Lara had two more glasses of the champagne and laid back on her bed, sighing happily, "So...you still wanting to do that night life thing?" She had dropped her note book to the floor and was just winding down nicely.

"Nah..." She said flopping down on her bed. "I'm more interested in getting this little hunt on... though..." She tried to sit up feeling a little dizzy she flooped back on the bed laughing... "I think I drank a little much..." She giggled.

The second hotel bore fruit for Raine, as he spotted the car within it's parking lot, "Now we're talking..." he seemed to have a bad habit of talking to himself as he had already left the taxi and was walking into the hotel. The clerk raised an eyebrow tothis rather rough looking individual, "Umm...may I help you sir?" Raine walked right up to him and smiled, "Cut the chit chat Frenchie, I'm looking for Lara Croft's room. Or Bridit...something or other...Jones. Yeah, Jones was it...I think." It had been a long night for him.

"Sir, are they expecting you?" The clerk asked. "Because if they're not I cannot let you up to see them."

He paused and thought about it, "Umm...expecting me? Hey yeah...we're old buds...going way back." He smiled a toothy grin of innocence, and then brushed his wet hair back with his hand. "I'm sure if you call up, they'll be more then happy to let me visit them."

The clerk looked at him then dialed the number up to Lara's room. He waited for an answer.

Lara perked up, "Umm...expecting a call?" She looked at the phone, "Hmm...oh well, I'll get it." She then rolled over to her bed side and picked up the receiver, "Bon jour."

"Madam, there is a man here wishing to be given you're room number. Will you be seeing any visitors?"

Lara raised an eyebrow, "A man?" In her somewhat drunken state, "Hey, Brigit...did you order a man?" She then broke out in a giggle fit, "Umm...sorry sorry....what's his name?"

"No, at least not a french man.... Maybe a tall dark itallian... With long dark hair, and a great bod..."

"Sir, may I ask your name?"

He looked back to the clerk with a start, after inspecting the lobby, "Huh? Oh...umm...Raine, Raine Sheppard." He then went back to looking for potential exits from his vantage point. Never know when someone will be chasing ya.

The clerk gave his name to Lara. Brigit stood heading to the bathroom feeling a little sick.

Lara heard the voice through the phone and sobered right up, "It's him...that artifact thief I told you about." She then realised she was still talking on the phone, "Oh...umm...well...." She covered the phone, "I'd straighten up fast miss Jones, we're gonna have company." Lara then brushed her hair back from her shoulders and smiled, forulating a pleasent voice, "Why sure...send him right up."

Brigit looked in from the bathroom. "Oh? Who? Couldn't be pops.. He's in the States..."

The clerk gave the man the room number. Two seconds after Lara hung up the door burst open. Brigit yelped falling back into the bathroom with a drunken gasp.

Lara spun around and almost fell off the bed, "What the...? Who the heck are you two?" She stood on the bed defensively...and teetering abit. Her head, desperately trying to clear.

Raine thanked the clerk with a smile and started to head up calmly, "See, Raine me boyo...there's nothing to fear. She forgives ya. Or forgets ya...either way, all plus plus in my books."

One of the men held up a gun to Lara as the other went for Brigit. Brigit's fall had sobbered her a little. "What the.... Lara!" She darted for the door again and saw the man, who stepped halfway into the bathroom door before she could react.

She raised her hands, to the man with the gun, "Oh eh, now...let's calm down abit. Take it all nice and easy. You let me know what you want, and we can talk this over like professionals." She was eyeing up the two, and then calculating the amount of alcohol she had drunk...things didn't look good.

Brigit launched herself at the man in the bathroom, knocking him down into the hall so she was on him. She then saw the gun. "Heh... Hiyas mister..." She held up her hands. Damnit!

"Get up." The gunman ordered looking to Brigit. She stood glad she was wearing shorts instead of a skirt. The other man was looking at her legs.