As always, any and all mistakes are my own. I am sure there are plenty of them so I'm very sorry about that!

Enjoy and please leave some thoughts or some constructive criticism! It would be much appreciated! Thank you!

-MyaB

Chapter 4: We All Got Our Secrets

Recap: Delphine and Cosima are going to go on their first date eventually. Delphine is making a name for her alias Jacqueline within the Ukrainian mafia and has a meeting with Nautilus' top lieutenants. Cosima wants to come clean to Delphine (aka Jacqueline) but Alison convinced her otherwise.

-Shared Home; December 2nd, 8:30 AM—

Cosima pushed her knuckle under her glasses so that she could rub at her tired eyes in hopes of becoming less groggy. Why did she have to be a responsible drug distributor? Oh, right, because this was the only "job" that was getting her through the expensive world of Grad school. Opening her eyes wide, she looked around the room. Everyone was posed in various positions of lying down, all of them dressed in pajamas (except for Alison) and clearly upset that they had to be up this early (also except for Alison who normally got up around 7-7:30 AM). It was their monthly meeting, which usually would not happen this early in the morning but, since Cosima had class in less than an hour and then had a date with Jacqueline later, this was really the only time she could manage to stage a meeting. Today's agenda was a rather important one too or else Cosima would have pushed off the meeting until the following day.

The Yakuza, a crime syndicate based in Japan, have begun to slowly encroach on the Ukrainian mafia's monopoly on marijuana in the West Coast. Because that is bad for business for Cosima, Cosima needed to gather some opinions from her top lieutenants about non-lethal strategies for getting rid of the Yakuza. The brunette did not want to start a gang war and by default put her people in danger, so taking a direct course of action was not an option. This was a problem the group had not faced before because nobody had ever been brave enough to try to move into Nautilus' territory. Thus, she needed the opinions of everyone around her so that she could make a calculated decision that was logical and safe. She knew gang feuds were never logical and safe but Cosima prided herself in being a gang leader that found other solutions to tough and typically violent problems. This was partly why she was so feared, she did everything in the shadows if she could help it but she also wasn't afraid to do what was necessary either.

The tiny woman yawned before beginning to talk, "I need proposals people. Like, solid, good proposals. Give me reasons and back it up with how it has worked in the past or how it would work in theory."

"What's the prompt?" Alison asked.

"The Yakuza have been moving into our drug business scene and taking away clientele. I need proposals to deal with this situation in a non-lethal way. I do not want a gang war on our hands. Our grunts matter just as much as you guys," Cosima responded.

There was a silence for a second as everyone mulled over Cosima's request. Rachel was first to raise her hand. Cosima nodded her head at Rachel to signify she had the okay to give her proposal.

Rachel started, "sabotage always works. You're right, the direct approach is too risky and would put our recruits and grunts lives at stake. We also don't want the Yakuza to be selling on our turf. The Yakuza are known as fierce bastards, they win the gang wars they are in 9 times out of 10. My proposal is to sabotage their supply lines, make it look like it is all just coincidences or accidents. Nobody had a hand in it, everything was completely accidental. They suspect no one and their customers start flocking back to us. We cut prices a bit and we would ideally look like the better option to anyone."

"Not a bad idea," Alison chimed in, "and we know this has worked in the past. The Ukraine branch of our Mafia pulled the same stunt on the Russian mafia about four years back. We made sure that our Mafia had zero ties with what was happening and that the "accidents" could not be traced back to us. No one was the wiser in the end."

Sarah butted in, "yeah but that's because the Russian mafia is a joke. The Yakuza aren't dumb, they will know something is up. They always know something is up. I know sabotage is the right direction but making it all look accidental would lead them straight back to us."

"I have to agree with Sarah," Felix said as he rubbed at his face. "the Yakuza are formidable and smart. They aren't as easy to fool as the Russian mafia. I think the best approach is to sabotage the supply lines while shifting the blame to the Columbian mafia." Everyone stared at the lanky man as if to say continue. "the Columbian's have a mid-sized foothold here on the West Coast but everyone also knows that they are power hungry and always looking for ways to expand. Also, they have always been second here on the West Coast to us but have gone out of their way to keep it like that. They make enough money as to where being second does not bother them and also keeping their status as #2 on the West Coast means they aren't starting a gang war they can't finish."

"Right!" Sarah exclaimed piggy backing onto Felix's thought process, "it would be almost stupidly believable that the Columbian mafia wouldn't want the bloody Yakuza to come and move into second place. They lose money and status and therefore have a direct reason to sabotage the Yakuza whereas it looks like right now we have almost zero motivation to sabotage them because our first place status is still basically secure."

Alison hummed in approval, "that is pretty brilliant actually. Plus the Triad pulled a similar move on the Yakuza back in the early 1990s when they pushed the blame onto the 14K gang which ultimately caused a gang war the spanned over a decade. So there is precedence."

"That sounds like an ideal plan really but before we all come to a consensus on this game plan, everyone on the panel has to speak." Cosima turned her head to look at the blonde Ukrainian woman. "Helena, do you want to add anything?"

Helena grunted before speaking, "gang wars are fun, effective, and efficient. You want something done fast, start a war. I can kill all the little Yakuza for you. Problem solved."

Alison and Rachel turned to give her a concerned look while Sarah patted her on the back and Felix rolled his eyes.

"Okaaaaayyyy," Cosima transitioned, "so it looks like we are all down for the sabotage but shift the blame plan?"

Everyone but Helena nodded back at the dread-haired girl.

"Okay let's make this official. All in favor?" Cosima asked.

"Aye," Rachel nodded.

Sarah spoke next, "aye."

"You get an aye from me," Felix agreed.

"Also aye," Alison smiled.

Helena just vigorously shook her head, "if my sestras all want to than I do too."

"Awesome!" Cosima exclaimed while jumping out of her seat. "Felix and Sarah since you two are the ones that came up with the final plan I want you guys to begin initiating it today and tomorrow. Find someone who can be believably Columbian or who would/could have believable ties with the Columbians. Okay?" Not giving them time to answer, "good. Now I need to go get ready for class. Have a nice day people." Finishing her thoughts, Cosima jetted up the stairs and to her room. She was excited to get ready and go to class so that classes could be over and she could finally see Jacqueline.

-Delphine's Apartment; December 2nd, 2:30 PM—

Today was the big day, the big date day, the big exciting date day. Delphine was ecstatic for it too. She had been waiting awhile for this date but because Cosima's schedule was so busy as of lately, the date had to wait until today. And today was finally here and nothing was going to get in her way of seeing that tiny, brilliant brunette with the infectious, fangy smile. The brilliant brunette with the brilliant brown eyes, eyes should could fall in love with. The date was at 3:30 and she was supposed to go pick the brunette up from school. She had this whole day planned in her head, a drive out of the city and into one of the adjacent neighboring towns. There they would have a picnic in a park that was not overly crowded and then to the local music festival that was happening later that evening. It was going to be perfect, especially because Delphine could envision Cosima really enjoying the music festival.

Delphine's phone began to ring, breaking her from her date thoughts. She ran over to the couch where her undercover phone rested and looked at the caller ID. It was Sarah. Delphine quickly slid to answer. "This is Paris."

"Oye Frenchie, you've been wanting your big break into our little crime syndicate? I've got one for you. Meet me at the warehouse in twenty minutes ya hear?" Sarah's voice rang from the speaker.

"In twenty minutes?" Delphine asked. "I have a prior engagement that I've scheduled. I cannot do that."

"Look," Sarah said pointedly, "this isn't a 'choose your hours line of work', alright? If I say meet me somewhere in twenty minutes, you cancel your plans and you bloody meet me there in twenty minutes. Understand?"

Delphine sighed, "oui".

"Good," Sarah responded, "I'll be at the warehouse in forty. If you don't show up in a timely manner, you can kiss your chances of becoming anything more than a regular grunt goodbye yeah?"

Once again, "oui".

"Good, I'll see you soon."

And with that Sarah hung up the phone. Delphine was torn, she did not want to be late for her date with Cosima but she also had a duty to her job to make a break in the case that Beth was having almost no luck in. This was her chance to move up the ladder within the Mafia and it could be the big breakthrough the department needed to finally figure out who Nautilus is.

The blonde quickly picked up her undercover phone again and shot out a text to Cosima, Going to be late. Something came up at work that I need to take care of. I'm sorry. But don't worry I will make it some way.

She then shot a message to Art using her work phone, Meeting with Sarah at the warehouse. She has a "job" for me. Will debrief later today or tomorrow.

After shooting out the message, the blonde slipped the phone into her jean pocket before pulling on her black peacoat that sat on the arm of the couch. She picked up her keys and headed out the door.

-Columbian Coffee Trader's Warehouse; December 2nd, 3:45 PM—

"Alright so remember what we went over in the warehouse," Sarah began coaching Delphine once more, "all you need to do is go inside the warehouse and tell them you have a proposal for their boss. The same proposal you made to us, you're gonna make to them. Helena is positioned across in the opposite building. She's got a sniper on the head boss so if anything goes wrong we have your back. We need you to at least shake the man's hand. My brother Felix is up there with Helena and he has a camera. You just need to stay in there long enough for Felix to take a couple pictures and then you're done for the day. Got it?"

"Got it," Delphine gulped. Her palms were sweaty, she was extremely nervous. The Columbian mafia wasn't as forgiving as the Ukrainian West Coast branch was. If she is made, no doubt she would be killed and that doesn't matter if Helena was watching her back or not.

"Good," Sarah nodded, "you do right by us today Frenchie and I guarantee you that you will have a top spot in no time."

"What's the point of this, why can't one of your guys do it?" Delphine asked.

"That's need to know only Paris," Sarah said. "Now it's time to get in there and do your thing."

Delphine gave her a look before opening the car door and exiting. The blonde stretched and ran her hands down her gray skirt and blazer to get the wrinkles out. Sarah had made her change back at the abandoned warehouse to give the blonde an air of professionalism and seriousness. The French woman took a deep breath and headed towards the coffee trader's warehouse. Heads turned as the crunch of gravel beneath her high heels signified a presence. Some of the men working around the yard gave appreciative glances while others unabashedly leered at the blonde. It made her feel uncomfortable but Delphine didn't let her face show it and she put on her best ice queen persona as an added measure.

Pulling the door to the warehouse open, she caught sight of the receptionist's desk up front. She quickly approached the desk and pulled a business card from the pocket of her blazer. Delphine smiled at the young man that ran the desk. She let the reigns of her French accent loose a little so that it was more pronounced.

"Bonjour," Delphine started, "I am here to speak with your boss, Hearnando Cortez, it's a business matter concerning something of great importance."

The man looked her up and down before responding, "Hernando is a very busy man, he does not have time to play around with little French women. I cannot let you see him but I can leave a message if you would like?"

Delphine did her best to glare at the young man before leaning in close and lowering her voice, "the business deal I would like to make with your boss would make him an even happier and richer man. I have a proposal that would allow him to expand his business in a way that the… mmm how do you say, Ukrainian mafia, hasn't yet. Surely a handsome young man such as yourself understands what I am getting at, non?" The man nodded slowly. Delphine licked her lips and patted him on the cheek. "Good, now call your boss." The man nodded again this time faster before picking up the phone and giving his boss a call.

"The boss will be down in just a minute. You can take a seat over there," the young man coughed before pointing at a couple of couches neatly placed around a modern glass table.

Delphine gave the man one more big smile before making her way over to the seating area. She fixed herself before she carefully sat down and crossed her legs. That was a little scary but using intimidation and feminine wiles always seemed to work on naïve young men so she was happy to see that did not change here.

The blonde turned her head as soon as she heard heavy footsteps approaching her. The kid wasn't kidding when he said his boss would be down in just a minute. Delphine stood up and once again brushed the wrinkles from her clothing. She turned to make eye contact with a dashing older man with vivid blue eyes and lovely tan skin. He smiled a pearly, white smile at her before extending a hand. "The name is Hernando Cortez but you seem to already know that Miss…" he trailed off.

"Miss Laurent," Delphine responded, "Jacqueline Laurent, CEO of Cormier and Co." Delphine smiled a fake smile and handed the man her business card. "You should know us as one of the largest shipping companies of France. One that has access to not only a number of large ports in France but all of Europe, as well as a number of smaller ports all throughout the West Coast."

This put an even larger smile on Hernando's face, "well Miss Laurent. How can we help you?"

"More like how can you help me, help you," Delphine gave a fake chuckle and bit her lip, "I've got a business proposal that I feel will be mutually beneficial to all parties involved. Shall we take this up to your office?"

Hernando extended his arm out to her as an offer for an escort, "we shall." Even if he was supposed to be a scary gangster, he was still quite the gentleman. Delphine would at least give him that much. She hesitantly looped her arm with his and let him lead the way.

-Outside the Warehouse; December 2nd, 6:24 PM—

Sarah shifted uncomfortably once again. This sucked, she was locked inside a hot SUV and had been lying down in the same position for a couple hours now. This mission was only supposed to take like 20-30 minutes tops but for some reason, Paris was still in the damn warehouse. She reached for the walkie-talkie that was beside her to radio over to Felix.

"Hey Fee," Sarah whispered into the radio, "do you copy?"

"I hear you loud and clear Sarah dear," Felix laughed at his own joke, "what's up?"

"What's happening in there?" Sarah asked her brother.

"They're still laughing and talking," Felix responded, "you can tell Frenchie is getting real tired of the persona but for some reason she hasn't left yet. Hernando seems to be enjoying himself though and he looks none the wiser either which is nice. I've gotten plenty of great shots."

"Does she look in distress?"

"She looks perfectly fine. She also looks like she has been trying to wrap it up forever though. I think Hernando has grown fond of her though and is blatantly flirting. I believe she probably doesn't want to upset the man by leaving too suddenly."

"Does she look like she is wrapping it up any time soon?" Sarah whined, "I gotta piss so bad at this point."

Felix laughed once more, "Well, she just got out of her seat. He is approaching her smiling… Oh! He just caressed her face… he is leaning in. Frenchie is panicking…he kissed her!" Felix exclaimed loud.

"What!?" Sarah exclaimed la=louder than she was comfortable with. "What do you mean he kissed her?"

"Yup," Felix was giggling," they're kissing. He looks way more into it than her…She slipped him a piece of paper. Seems to be her number. Now she gave him a kiss on the cheek…he is smiling and now he is caressing her face again…Ope! There she goes, she kissed his palm and now she is leaving. Headed your way sweet stuff, looking ready to kill to Sarah."

Sarah groaned, "I think I'm in for some shit huh?"

"More like murder but yeah," Felix laughed, "good luck! Helena and I are heading out now. Bye sis!"

Sarah groaned again before slouching down further into her spot. It was no more than three minutes later when she heard the rapid crunch, crunch, crunch as Delphine approached her car. Finally she heard the keys jangle and then the door being pulled open before abruptly being slammed shut.

"I expect to meet Nautilus after this," Delphine started and an unusually cool and calm voice. She started the ignition and quickly pulled out of the warehouse. Once she was down the road away's and out of the line of sight of any Columbians she quickly lost it, slamming the breaks. "I better fucking meet Nautilus for the bullshit I went through tonight do you hear!?"

Sarah sighed, "just calm down Pari-"

"Don't you dare tell me what to do," Delphine barked at her immediately shutting her up. "Don't open your damn mouth right now. He kissed me! The damn Columbian moves with the speed of a Cheetah! And because YOU told me at the warehouse to play like I was into him, I got kissed! KISSED! And guess what?! I had to pretend I liked it! Now he expects a date! Tell me Sarah Manning, what am I to do about this?!"

"Tell him you're going back to France?" Sarah suggested softly.

"Like that'll stop the man!" Delphine yelled once again. "You better fix this and fast. I did my part, now you do yours."

Sarah gave the blonde a rapid nod. Frenchie was absolutely scary when she was pissed off.

"Oh!" Delphine yelled once more, "I expect a meeting with Nautilus within the next two weeks. Do you understand?" She asked Sarah with cold, calculating eyes. Like if Sarah said no, Delphine would not hesitate to smash the car into a tree and kill the both of them.

Sarah nodded once more before feeling safe enough to climb into the front seat. "You've earned it Frenchie."

Delphine let out a long deep, angry breath before calming looking back at Sarah. "Thank you." And with that, Delphine put the car back into gear and continued driving without a word. She had a date to get to now.

-Library; December 2nd, 7:00 PM—

Delphine rushed over to Cosima's table once the spotted the smaller woman on the first floor of her school's library. Although she was sure Cosima hear the clicking of her heels against the tiled floor (she didn't get the chance to change), the dread-haired woman did not look up at her. Cosima was probably mad and rightfully so Delphine though. She would be made if Cosima was three hours late to their date too. Once she reached the table she pulled a chair out and sat down across from Cosima.

"I'm very sorry," Delphine said softly reaching her hand across the table to touch Cosima's hand.

Cosima looked up at the blonde sitting across from her and felt the French woman's thumb rubbing back and forth across the top of her hand and could not bring herself to stay mad. "It would've at least been a little nice if you had given me an estimate, you know?"

"I know, it was just that it came up so last minute that I had to rush over to get to the job and I wasn't sure how long it was going to take and I wanted to call you but I was so busy that I didn't get the chance and I feel really really really bad Cosima…Super ba-"

"Hey I understand," Cosima interrupted. "It happens. What did you have to do anyways?"

This gave Delphine pause. What does she tell Cosima? Does she tell her anything? Does she stay vauge? Should she stay vague? The blonde began to internally panic at the question. How was she supposed to respond?

"Oh um…" Delphine trailed off, "I, um, got a call from my father. He wanted me to attend a meeting on, uh, his behalf."

Cosima stared at the woman across from her for a second before letting it slide. She knew if she was pressed about the things she did outside of their time together, she wouldn't be so forthright either. Maybe Delphine had a secret and that was fine because she had a bigger one. So Cosima would let it slide, for the time being at least.

She gave the blonde a teasing lop-sided grin, "hey. It's alright Jacqueline, we all have are secrets."

Delphine gave the brunette a grin back, but it didn't reach her eyes. If only Cosima knew hers, life would be a lot easier. She was going to have to talk to Art about letting Cosima know the truth. She didn't want to hide her undercover assignment from Cosima any longer. Delphine liked the other woman way too much to continue lying to her about who she fundamentally is. About what she does and why she does it. And she wanted to hear Cosima say her name, her actual name, not Jacqueline. She wanted to hear Delphine come out of that pretty little mouth, the one that she enjoyed kissing oh so much.

"So…date?" Delphine asked hesitantly.

"Date," Cosima nodded and smiled.

Delphine got up from her seat and made her way around the table. She planted a kiss on the top of Cosima's head before offering a hand. "Let's go do this right."