Thank you all for your lovely reviews. Thanks to those who are following and favorited as well. I reply to all reviews unless you have PMs blocked or are an unregistered (Guest) user.
Also, a HUGE shout out to Lea0014 for her help! She worked through the flow of this chapter and gave me some great ideas.
I have another reading suggestion for those who may not be aware of the story. "Love, Labour, and Loss" by CrystalCuCu-Mariarty is a wonderful tale of a young Dhampir named Janine Hathaway, freshly graduated and a Moroi man, named Ibrahim Mazur. Follow them on this fantastical tale of friendship, adventure, and love. Really, go read it. It's quite good.
DISCLAIMER: I own only the plot and Keren Prinz. Richelle Mead owns the VA characters.
Chapter 9: Friends and Enemies
The older man sat in a large, high back chair, one which resembled a throne. The red velvet upholstery was covered in ornate gold embellishments. The frame of the chair, including the arms and legs, were plated in twenty-four-carat gold. The top of the chair rose up into golden clenched fists connected by gold manacles, the symbol of The Revolutionary Front. He sipped from a delicate china cup as he listened to his lieutenant's updates. He was beginning to zone out when the phone resting upon the similarly lavish side table rang. His cold eyes and steely glance silenced the minion's ramblings immediately. Setting the cup onto the saucer, he picked up the phone, answering brusquely, "Tell me."
"We've moved the item to a safe location. There's no way the CIA or Interpol will be able to track it down."
Hanging up, he set the phone back down before picking up the teacup once again, his lips twisting into a malevolent smile.
Rose awoke Saturday morning, nerves rattling her bones. She would be meeting with Abe later. He would be flying into a local airport in Manassas. She still had no idea how he was able to bypass customs or the TSA.
Climbing out of bed, she put on her running shorts and sports bar. She figured she could at least get in a good workout before she headed out for her possible execution. Grabbing her headset, she picked up her keys and went down to the gym. Finding it empty, she picked a nearby treadmill. Starting at a slow pace, she slipped her headphones on and cranked up her playlist. As Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' 'Can't Hold Us' blasted, she picked up the pace, finding her rhythm.
She ran for about an hour, before reducing her speed to a slow walk, letting her burning muscles recover. Powering it down after a few minutes, she stepped off the treadmill and started stretching. Once her limbs were loose, she moved over to the punching bag she had installed after she had moved in. It had been a battle with the management office, but they had finally acquiesced when she had donated some other workout equipment. Wrapping her hands, she started her standard combination: right uppercut, left uppercut, right jab. She then transitioned into a right uppercut with a left hook, twice. In between, she threw in a couple of roundhouse kicks for good measure.
After another hour of bag work, Rose, sweating profusely, hauled her spent body up the elevator back to her apartment. Once inside, she walked to the fridge, pulling out a bottle of water. Guzzling the first, Rose pulled out a second as she made her way to the bathroom. Stripping off the sweaty garments, she stepped into the shower, turning it to its hottest setting. Sighing in comfort, Rose let the scalding water soothe her overtaxed muscles. While she knew she might be sore later, the workout had eased some, but not all, of the tension she had acquired over the last few weeks.
After bathing and washing her hair, she dried off, opting to let her hair air dry. Running a comb through it, she left it down while she changed into her jeans and a black t-shirt. Pulling on her boots, she walked to the office, powering on the computer. While it came up, she went to the kitchen and pulled two chocolate donuts from the box on the counter. Grabbing another bottle of water, she walked back to the office and logged into her CIA account. Browsing through her emails, she responded to a couple before turning it off. Popping the last bite of doughnut into her mouth, she pulled out her phone, dialing Adrian's number.
"Hey, little cat," he said.
"Hey, Adrian. Did Abe make it out okay?"
"Yup. He's headed your way. Should arrive on time."
"So, what's your gut say? Should I make sure my will is up to date?" she asked.
Adrian chuckled, "Hard to say with Abe, but I'd say you're probably safe. We ran everything from our end. He's not particularly happy with Mia, however."
Rose stiffened. She knew firsthand how Abe dealt with failure. "Why?"
Sighing, he replied, "Apparently she missed something when she made the video loop at the museum. It's how Interpol was able to figure it out so quickly."
"Please tell me she's still alive," Rose whispered.
"She's vertical and breathing, Lilly. Luckily for her, this is her first mistake. Plus, I think the old man has a soft spot for her." Lowering his voice, he said, "Just don't tell Abe I said that."
"Your secret is safe with me."
Rose stood nervously next to her car. She was standing outside the hanger at the Manassas Regional Airport. The small plane that carried Abe was taxing toward the building. Parked next to her car was a sleek, black sedan with tinted windows, waiting with the driver standing beside the back door.
Once the plane had stopped and cut its engines, a grounds crew member approached as the steward inside the aircraft released the door. Lowering and locking the steps into place, everyone stood back. A short minute later, Rose saw Pavel, Abe's personal bodyguard, push his broad, muscular frame through the door. Stepping out, he walked to the bottom of the stairs, cautiously scanning the area. When his eyes met hers, he smiled slightly and nodded before turning back to the plane's door. Rose had always liked Pavel. He was a man of very few words, but the ones he did impart were usually astute. Once, when Rose was frustrated over her ability to defeat him during a heated training session, Pavel had pulled her aside. "He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not will be victorious," he had told her. Rose's retort had of course been laced in sarcasm. "Got that off a Wheaties box, did you?" He had simply stared at her, his face the usual emotionless mask. "Sun Tzu," he quietly replied. She had learned a valuable lesson that day about patience.
She saw Abe step through the door next, dressed as usual like a beautiful peacock. He wore a black suit with an indigo-colored silk tie and pocket square. Waving at her and smiling, he made his way over to the car. Rose gave a slight wave in return, still uncertain in which direction their meeting might turn. She shifted on her feet a little, relieved to feel the cold steel of the Sig against her back. The Glock was nestled in the holster on her ankle.
"Lilly, my dear! How wonderful to see you. It feels like it's been too long," Abe said, pulling her into a hug.
Letting her arms lay loosely about him, she pulled back almost immediately. She felt nervous having his hands that close to her only means of defense. "Good to see you, too, sir. Good flight?"
"As good as could be expected, given the situation." Motioning to the sedan, he said, "Come, let us talk."
Glancing at Pavel, who remained as stoic as ever, she followed Abe to the back of the car, sliding in after him. Rose had to steel herself as she felt and heard the car door slam shut. Turning to look at her boss, she asked, "So, what was so critical that you had to risk coming out in the open like this?"
Abe smiled, pointing at her before replying, "That is what I've always liked about you, Lilly. You're always straight to the point." Catching her raised brows, he laughed gently before continuing, "Fine, fine. Business it is then. I would like to set up a meeting between you, I and Agent Belikov."
There had been few times that Rose had been shocked by anything she had seen or heard in time with the CIA. It went without saying she had been exposed to a lot of horrific situations. However, this had to be one of the strangest and most surreal conversations ever. Looking at him, unable to hide her incredulity, she said, "I'm sorry. I thought I heard you say you and I should meet with an agent of Interpol. You know, the one that's trying to kill or arrest me?"
"You are correct. That's exactly what I said."
"But…but…" she said, stuttering on the words. It seemed her brain had short-circuited, leaving her with an inability to form coherent sentences.
"Lilly, calm down. Let me explain, and then you can try to form a rebuttal," he said soothingly, but with a hint of humor in his voice. Giving him a hard glare, she sat silent, allowing him to continue. "As I see it, we have both the Front and Interpol gunning for you. While we can't do anything about the R.F., we can control how things play out with Interpol. If the three of us were to meet, it's possible we could clear the air and acquire Agent Belikov's aid in getting the kill order rescinded."
"So, why exactly do you believe he would be amenable to any of this?" she asked.
"Let's just say that he and I go back a few years, and I trust that he's an honorable man. He's not going to want your dead for something you didn't do. He knows you didn't shoot him, but he'll need more to take to his boss if he's to get the order removed."
"Fine, let's say he'll help get that resolved. Why on earth would he not arrest me for the crimes I have committed? I'm sorry, but I can't imagine he'd just let me walk."
"Now, now, my dear. You let me worry about that." Seeing her skepticism, he rested a hand on hers. "Trust me when I say no harm will come to you. I look out for my own."
Pulling her hand free, she ran it through her hair. Looking warily at the man, she said, "Abe, let's face it. I'm a liability now. We both know it. You're not the type of man to leave loose ends. Why shouldn't I believe that you'll eliminate me once I become an inconvenience?"
She saw his features harden, his eyes a mix of sorrow and anger. "Let's just say that, for now, you are worth more to me alive than dead. I would suggest you leave it at that."
Not sure how to take either his expression or words, she said, "Fine. I can live with that. Now, what about this meeting?"
"Well, I spoke with Agent Belikov last night. He's in D.C. at the moment. He's agreed to meet. We just have to name the time and place."
Her mind was racing. She knew that Dimitri would be meeting with Tasha on Monday morning. If all went well, she wondered whether he would be able to fool Abe into thinking he was still in the dark. If not, it could mean both their deaths. Of all the sins one could commit and earn a painful death at Abe's hand, betrayal was at the top of the list. She made a mental note to contact Tasha, once she was done meeting with Abe, to fill her on his plan. They could brainstorm as to how to work Dimitri into the operation.
"Fine. Whatever works for you both. I'm free anytime." Pausing for a moment, she then asked, "Are we still sitting on the sale of the broach?"
Nodding, he replied, "We are. I assume you have it stored away in the safety deposit box?"
"Yes, it's secure. Just waiting on your orders."
"That's my girl," he said, his expression and demeanor once again relaxed and congenial.
"Where are you staying?" she asked before sliding out of the car.
"I'll be at a friend's house in Great Falls. They're throwing a little get together on Tuesday." Pausing, his eyes lighting up, he said, "Actually, that might be a perfect opportunity for the meeting. There will be a lot of people there. If push comes to shove, you can make a break for it if things go south. If he comes alone, as I suspect he will, I doubt he'd make a scene trying to arrest or apprehend you with those many people there."
"Fine. Just text me the time and address, and I'll be there," Rose replied. "I've got to run if there's nothing else, sir."
Waving his hand dismissively, he said, "No, no, we're finished. Oh, and Lilly, the party is a formal affair, so dress appropriately."
"Of course, sir. I'll see you in a couple of days."
Abe simply waved his hand in her direction, as he was already distracted by a file on his lap he had begun to peruse. Rose opened the door and slid out. Pavel stood stoically next to the door, waiting to take her place inside. "Pavel, it's good to see you again," Rose said.
"You as well, Lilly," he replied before slipping into the backseat and closing the door.
Rose chuckled internally. He was definitely a man of few words. Striding to her car, she sat behind the driver's seat and started it before heading back to her apartment. She was supposed to pick up Lissa for an afternoon of shopping. She wanted to change and check in with Tasha before then.
Pulling into the garage, she made her way up to her apartment. Opting for casual, she quickly changed into a pair of faded skinny jeans with a burgundy layered tank top with a lattice back. She chose to leave her hair down but added a small amount of makeup. Slipping on a pair of mid-heel, brown, peep-toe sandals, she walked out of her bedroom and into the office. Turning on her computer, she logged into her CIA account once it was up. She shot off a quick email to Tasha, outlining Abe's plan. Turning off the computer once again, she grabbed her bag and keys before heading back down to her car.
Arriving at Lissa's a short time later, Rose waited patiently in front of the building, the engine running. Lissa had asked her to meet her downstairs, as the cleaning company was there. Apparently she and Christian were having a guest over that evening for dinner. Rose had chuckled when Lissa had told her they were having the house professionally cleaned. She mused their guest must be either one of Lissa's society friends or possibly Christian's boss.
As she sat waiting she let her mind drift back to when she and Lissa had met in college. Rose had been studying political science, as was Lissa. They had bonded over a heated debate in class on Kenneth Waltz's 'Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Analysis.' Actually, their friendship had been solidified when the professor had discourteously chastised Lissa over an observation. Rose, ever brazen, had called the man a pompous ass.
Lissa had met Christian her senior year. She had interned with the congresswoman from Montana and had met Christian when he was at the Capitol. He had been called in to investigate threatening letters the Congresswoman had received. Christian had said that, for him, it was love at first sight. Lissa would often tease him, saying it had taken her longer. However, Rose knew the truth; that her best friend had fallen just as hard and just as quickly. After two years of dating, they had finally married, with Rose serving as the Maid of Honor. At the time, Rose had been on her first assignment. She had been deep undercover with a group in Asia that had been attempting to acquiring a nuclear warhead. She had arrived home from the operation with just enough time to throw on the dress and walk down the aisle.
Noticing Lissa flying out the front door, Rose leaned over, opening the passenger side door. Sliding into the seat, Lissa said, breathlessly, "Hey! Sorry, I'm late. I had to jot down a few items I need to pick up for dinner."
Rose chuckled, "No problem, Liss." Waiting until she was buckled in, Rose pulled out on to the street. "So, where to first?"
"Let's hit CityCenter. I need to get a dress for a charity event Christian and I are attending on Tuesday in Great Falls."
Rose had to keep her foot from slamming on the break. Panic levitated up into her throat as she considered the possibility of her friend's charity event and the party Abe was attending being one and the same. Worry coursed through her as she pondered the chance of her pregnant best friend being caught up in the cross-fire if things went badly. Trying to sound casual, Rose said, "Really? What charity?"
"Oh, it's for an international aid organization. They supply needed medicines and provide free medical care for refugees. Some of the board members are a bit sketchy, but Christian vetted the organization itself thoroughly and assured me it's legitimate. Still, he always gets nervous when we meet with some of them. I, myself, am never concerned, but he gets all sexy and protective." Giggling, she said, "It's led to some very steamy moments once we get home."
Rose glanced at her friend, a small smile on her lips as she took in her light blush. Most of the time Lissa was quite demure and reserved, especially around people she didn't know well. However, it always amused Rose when Lissa would become truly angry or flustered, letting the occasional 'fuck' fly from her sainted lips. "I'm sure."
They pulled into the parking garage a few moments later. Walking into the building, they decided to start at Caroline Herrera. Lissa had no trouble finding the perfect gown. It was a black silk faille gown with a strapless sweetheart neck. It was fitted through bodice and waist with ruching and a bow. The gored skirt flared at the knees. There was also a mini-train at the back. Rose had to admit it looked amazing. Lissa's style had always leaned toward icons like Audrey Hepburn. With a statement choker-style necklace and subdued earrings, she'd give Audrey a run for her money.
Rose was looking through the dresses, realizing she too would need to buy something appropriate for the party. Her problem was finding something that gave her enough room to hide her gun. She was still flipping through the rack when she heard Lissa call from across the room. "Rose! I found it!" Turning, Rose saw he holding up a beautiful faille satin draped v-neck gown in blush. It was sleeveless with dual spaghetti straps and a ruched bodice. The back dropped down into a 'v' as well. There was a slit, well above mid-thigh. "This is your dress."
She had been absolutely right – it was her dress. She smiled inside, imagining the look on Dimitri's face when he saw her in the gown. Shaking the thought aside, she said, "You're right Lissa. It is my dress." Taking it from her, she carried it back to the fitting room. Once it was on, she stepped out to show her friend. She couldn't help chuckle as Lissa squealed in delight, jumping up and down. Holding out her hands, she grabbed onto her friend's forearms. "Lissa," she shouted, in an attempt to be heard over her screaming. "You probably shouldn't jump around like that. What if the baby fell out?"
After the few seconds of shock on Lissa's face, they both burst into laughter until their eyes were moist. They nearly started up again as they took in the shocked expressions of the other shoppers and saleswomen. "You know, Rose," Lissa said, her face now stoic. "I know we didn't really ask if you'd like to be the godmother. If you feel it's too much responsibility, we'll completely understand."
Looking at Lissa, Rose could see she was sincere, and yet she knew that her friend would be gravely wounded if she refused. Taking her hand in hers, Rose said, "Liss, it's not that I don't want to be a godmother. I'm honored that you and you're pasty-ass husband chose me for the honor. Really, I am. I guess I'm just worried about how I'd balance raising your child and still be an agent. What kind of life would that be for him or her?"
Lissa's face softened. Squeezing her hand, she said, "Rose, first off, the likelihood that you'd have to raise this child is minimal. I fully expect Christian and I to be around for years to come. What I would hope is that you'll be around more often once he or she is born. I'd love for our son or daughter to spend lots of time with their 'aunty Rose.' If for some unforeseen reason, something was to happen to us both, then I think you would be a great mother."
Rose pulled her into a hug, the women laughing softly before pulling back. "Well, I think I should get out of this and then we should head to the grocery store."
Nodding, Lissa waited at the register while Rose changed into her street clothes. Hanging the gorgeous dress back up, she carried it to the front. Laying it on the counter, she reached into her purse. She was surprised when the saleswoman, while placing the dress in the garment bag said, "Oh, it's already been taken care of."
Rose turned toward her friend, trying her best to look annoyed. Lissa, looking rather sheepish, said, "Happy Birthday?"
Rolling her eyes, Rose said, "That was six months ago, Liss."
"True, but you weren't home so I couldn't give you a gift."
Sighing heavily, Rose took the bag from the woman before turning to her friend. "Thank you, Lissa." Smiling, she reached over and gave her a hug. "Next time, just get me a nice bottle of red wine, and we'll be good," she whispered into her ear. "Preferably once you're able to drink so we can share it."
Laughing, Lissa squeezed her tightly before letting her go. The two women carried their purchases to the car, laying them carefully in the back seat. Pulling out onto H Street, she drove to the grocery store. Parking, they ran in, grabbing items off Lissa's list. Loading them back in the car, they headed back down toward F Street.
Pulling up, Rose sat double parked, waiting for Lissa to exit the car. Turning to Rose, she said, "Why don't you stay for dinner? You can meet Christian's friend. He should be here in a couple of hours. You can keep me company while I make dinner."
Rose wasn't keen to meet one of Christian's work associates, especially if they were the typical bureaucrat who enjoyed regaling her with boring stories. Seeing the doe-eyed look Lissa was giving her; however, she smiled and nodded. "Fine, let me park the car, and I'll be up."
After Lissa had retrieved her bag and headed inside, Rose pulled down the street and parked the car. Walking back to the building, she took the elevator up and knocked on the door. Hearing Lissa call out for her to come in, Rose pushed open the door. Shaking her head, she locked it behind her. It still astounded her that even with an FBI agent as her husband, Lissa continued to believe in a world of unicorns and puppies. "Lissa, you seriously need to keep your door locked!" she exclaimed as she walked toward the kitchen.
"I know, I know," she replied. "Christian says the same thing all the time."
"Well, at least we agree on something for once," Rose chuckled.
"So, I'm making chicken with artichokes and mushrooms. I hope that's okay?"
Rose stomach rumbled in agreement. "Sounds great. Can I do anything to help?
"Not right now. But you can help me when we get closer by getting the orzo going. I was going to pair both with some steamed asparagus." Reaching down behind the island, she pulled a bottle of wine from the wine cooler. "Want a glass while I get this started?"
Nodding, Rose got up and pulled a wine glass down from the cupboard. Filling the glass, she moved back around the other side of the island, sitting and watching her friend prepare the chicken. "So, have you told Tasha she's going to be an aunt?" Rose asked.
"Not yet. Please don't tell her. We're having she and Ethan over for dinner next week."
Rose drew her fingers across her lips, "I swear I won't say a word." Seeing her friend's skepticism, Rose exclaimed, "Hey! Remember it's my job to keep secrets." Pointing to Lissa, she said, "You're the one who can't keep a secret!"
Laughing, Lissa nodded. "Okay, you've got me there." Looking up suddenly, she said, "Hey, I hope you don't think we didn't want you to join us for dinner? I just figured you'd be busy since you've been gone for so long. Plus, I figured you wouldn't be interested in hearing the guys talk shop for hours."
Shrugging her shoulders, Rose replied, "I've got no plans tonight. I'd love to stick around. If it gets too dull, I can always feign a national emergency."
Laughing, Lissa responded, "Great! Now get over here and help me finish this up."
Rose stepped into the kitchen, putting on the pasta. Once that was done, she prepared the asparagus. While she waited on the orzo, she took her glass of wine and walked to the bay window, studying the scene below.
The sun was setting, reflecting hues of blue, orange and red on the windows across the street. Residents were moving about, headed out for various activities. Taking a sip, she heard the click of the lock on the front door, as a key was inserted. Knowing it was Christian, Rose continued to take in the scene below. It wasn't until she also heard the deep, accented voice of their guest that she froze.
Clenching the glass tighter, Rose attempted to formulate some sort of plan to extricate herself from the house without being seen. She knew the entryway led straight back to the kitchen and living room. There was a clear line of sight from front to back. She also realized it would only be a matter of seconds before he saw her standing there. She had a brief moment of hope that he might not recognize her.
"Ah, I see you invited her," Christian said, obvious disdain in his voice. Rose knew he was kidding, but at that moment she just wanted to place a well-executed kick to his groin.
"Christian, please behave," Lissa said. "Rose, why don't you come and meet Christian's former colleague."
Squaring her shoulders, Rose turned and walked toward the three. Dimitri was facing the fridge, apparently retrieving a beer for both he and Christian. When Rose reached the kitchen, she made sure to place herself in such a way that she could make a run for the front door, if necessary.
Dimitri raised up and closed the door before turning around and handing a bottle to Christian. The next few seconds seemed to move in slow motion. As Dimitri looked up at her, his expression, which started out as genial quickly morphed into desire. That look, however, transitioned even faster into dismay and finally anger. At the same time his thoughts, feelings, and emotions played across his handsome face, he dropped the bottle he was holding and reached inside his coat. Pulling the gun out swiftly, he trained it on Rose. "Don't move," he said, his voice dark and menacing.
Rose kept her eyes locked with his; her expression neutral. She knew it wouldn't take much for him to pull the trigger. She would give him no reason to do so. It wasn't until Lissa started screaming that Rose felt eager to rush to her friend's side. However, she realized any sudden movements on her part would spell her inevitable death.
"Dimitri, what the hell are you doing?" Christian shouted as he moved around the island. Rose watched, out of the corner of her eye, as he walked to stand in front of her.
"Christian, she's a wanted fugitive. Get out of the way," he ordered.
"What the hell are you talking about? Wanted for what?" Christian asked.
"This woman is wanted by Interpol for numerous crimes, including, but not limited to, burglary, breaking and entering, dealing in stolen goods, and attempted murder."
Not being able to stay quiet any longer, Rose said, "I take exception to the last one. I had nothing to do with you getting shot."
Christian whipped his head around, his eyes wide. "You're the one who shot Dimitri?" he asked, the pitch of his voice rising as if he had just sucked in a balloon full of helium.
Rolling her eyes, Rose said, "No, like I just said. I had nothing to do with that."
"You might not have pulled the trigger, but unless you can offer some sort of proof, we can only assume you were working with Spiridon," Dimitri replied, his eyes and weapon still trained on her.
"Okay, this is nuts!" Looking back at Dimitri, Christian said, "I don't know who you think Rose is, but she's not a criminal. Okay, she may break the speed limit sometimes, and I'm not sure she understands what a stop sign means, but that's no reason to arrest or even shoot her!"
"She is Le Chat; number one on Interpol's most wanted list. Recently involved in the theft of the Star of Paris from the Louvre," Dimitri replied.
Christian scoffed. "Okay, this is just a huge misunderstanding! Rose is with the C…"
"Christian!" Rose shouted, effectively cutting him off. "No!"
She could see Dimitri shift his gaze back and forth rapidly between her and Christian. She knew he was trying to decipher what it was Christian had been about to reveal. Even though he would know soon enough her real identity, she didn't feel that it was the right place or time. Especially given the fact that her mission was top secret. Her eyes flew to Dimitri as she heard him pull back on the gun's hammer.
"Damn it, Rose! Tell him!" Christian yelled.
Glancing quickly to Lissa and Christian, she finally settled back on Dimitri. Closing her eyes for a second, she opened them before heaving a sigh. "Fine. My name is Rose Hathaway. I'm a covert agent for the CIA. I work for your friend, Associate Deputy Director Tasha Ozera."
