"Keeping Secrets" for The Great Episode Challenge- September 17th

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Challenge: The Great Episode Challenge

Challenge # 1

In Season 2’s “The Bat Cave Affair,” Clemency McGill, the Innocent, has the gift of Second Sight, which unbeknownst to her, is being manipulated by THRUSH.  However, she correctly informs Napoleon that he had taken “Stephanie” dancing at the Purple Unicorn the night before and before she can say what occurred afterward, he stops her by saying, “I know what happened.” So the question is: Who is Stephanie?

Author: mrua7

Title: Keeping secrets

Word Count: Approximately 750
Rating: Gen

Clemency McGill was finally a memory, as UNCLE saw to her being returned home safe and sound. Her trip to the big city as she called it, had changed her; there was now a slight air of sophistication encircling the good hearted Southern girl, at least there would be when compared to the folks back home.  Unlike Miss McGill, they’d hardly traveled beyond their front door.

It still bothered Napoleon that the girl showed hints of true psychic abilities after the device was discovered in her hair comb. Not that her abilities were really a problem, rather it was that she’d looked into his head and saw something he didn’t want anyone else to know, especially his partner.

She was sworn to secrecy, not by the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement, though Alexander Waverly did stress to her about the keeping the existence and the New York  location of the organization under wraps.

It was Solo who asked her take a vow of silence, making the still simple country girl laugh at his request.

“Clemency, haven’t I taken good care of you? Didn’t I protect you and keep you safe?”

“Why of course you have Mr. Solo. Lord, I had no idea what those folks were doing to me. If you hadn't found that thing-a-ma-jig in my comb, who knows what they would have made me see and do.”

“Well it’s what you saw after you stopped using the comb that’s the problem...you know, specifically involving me.”

“I don’t get what you mean?”

“You know…”

“No I don’t, honest.”

“For someone who’s supposed to be just the little bit psychic, you’re not doing so well…”

“You mean her don’t you?”

“Yes her, as in Stephanie.”

“Oh now I get you. Why are you worried about it? I think it was sorta cute, taking her to the Purple Unicorn and all."

“I did it to keep her happy, but I want it all kept between you and me. I do have a reputation to uphold, ahem,” he cleared his throat while straightening his tie.

“You mean you and them ladies that you…” she blushed at the thought.

“Exactly. Luckily no one was at the club that I know."

“But why would any of them care?”

“I care. I mean, Stephanie’s only sixteen years years old.” Napoleon shook his head.

“I don’t see the problem Mr. Solo? Round where I come from girls are married by then. I should be too and Pa thinks I’m going to be a spinster. I’m just gettin’ too old.”

“ I hardly think that...you’re a beautiful, intelligent girl; a real catch for when the right man comes along.”

“Gosh Mr. Solo thank you. You sure do have a way with words.”

“Thanks, now back to my little secret?”

“Oh yes, well you can count on me. My lips are sealed.” She made a zippering gesture with her fingers across her mouth.

“Well I wouldn’t want people to think I was robbing the cradle, given Stephanie's age.”

“Gosh Mr. Solo you were only…”

“Yes I know, baby sitting. My neighbor asked me to keep an eye on her precocious teen, who was quite a handful by the way.”

“Yes ah know…remember?” Clemency smiled while tapping her forehead.”You were a true gentleman with her.”

“I wouldn’t want the women I date get the idea that I’m paternal or a candidate for fatherhood.  I’m not exactly ready for that just yet. I don't want Illya to know either."

“Well land sakes Mr. Solo, of course I won’t say a word to anyone.”

“Thank you Clemency. I caution you though, Mr. Kuryakin is very tricky when it comes to getting someone to talk. He’s a pretty determined man...scary at times. If he suspects anything, he’ll stop at nothing to get the truth.”

“Really? Mr. Kury-ay-kin seemed like a real nice fella to me.”

“Don’t let that blond hair and baby blue eyes fool you, he’s as tough as they come, with a bit of a vicious streak. He eats up people like you and spits them out.”

“Funny, I did get a reading from him and all I could see was he really likes to eat regular food mind you, and sleep. Don't chase after women neither, like you do. He seemed real private about that sort of thing, though the last lady he dated ended up...well let's say they got purty close, if you get what I mean?"

Normally Solo would want the juicy details about his partners liasons but he was more concerned about himself right at the moment.

“Did I mention that he’s an expert liar?” Napoleon cocked an eyebrow.

“Hmm, I think there’s somebody else who’s one too, and I don’t need to be what you call psychic to know that…”

“Gee thanks Clemency.”