Three weeks slipped pasted with the speed of light. Danielle had been ecstatic to hear Annie's voice with such a radiant sound of joy in her tone - that special blissful sound she hadn't heard in a long time, the old care free Annie. Yes she would pack up Annie's things and ship them to Israel and making plans for her visit, Danielle was dying to meet the man who Annie had fallen so in love with although Annie wouldn't admit it.
The painters had repainted the apartment and Annie choosing a sky blue for the living room and adding touches of teal and sea-foam green. Using Lochem inspiration for her color choices and of course the white horse figurine had a place of honor atop of the mantel. Yes to her satisfaction the apartment has a gas burning fireplace to take the chill off cool nights. The walls were bare but for one picture she had pick out from Eyal's collection, a modern painting of a faceless woman in a teal green dress sitting in a gold tone lounge chair. There was some vagueness about the painting Annie liked.
Eyal had moved to his new home and taken the dining table and bed room suit with him. She had found a nice replacement for the bedroom, a Craftsman style bed and dresser in clean lines and paired it with two '50's style night stands. The room was paint a pale gold with the bedspread in a print of warm colors giving the room a cozy feel. There was still more to buy for her apartment like a dining table with chairs and finish with finding the right art work for the walls, one or two more lamps but all in all she was happy with her very own place. Not Danielle's guest house but her very own as she was paying Eyal rent. She knew it was only a token payment but still she was making her own way.
She had also bought a car, a used VW but not in red, a lovely shade of... you guess it, silver-gray. Maybe Eyal's conservative taste was wearing off on her. Dressing for work that morning was her last day she had to spend in Mossad orientation training and the following day she would be heading to her new assignment, turn a French mistress. She felt good about herself and looking forward about going back in the field.
Walking the halls of Mossad headquarters she was feeling at home, not a visitor but a real member of the agency. Everyone was friendly to her and she had made one friend, Eliam Chodorow the intel specialist that had tracked her during her dark days. He was a Hebrew Eric Barber and she took a liking to him at once. "Hi Eliam, you have my new ID ready. I'm to leave tomorrow."
"I do and once more you are Nicole Remy a French citizen from Orléans. Sound familiar?"
"You know it does. Thanks and is there anything else I need to know."
"No, it has been quiet on that front, not even sure if your target is still alive. You have been fully briefed on all the intel we have."
"I've worked with less before. Thanks again and will see you later."
"Good bye Nicole and take care."
Heading to Eyal's office she ran into Rivka in the hallway. "Good to see you here with us Annie. I don't think I've properly welcomed you to our ranks and hope you like it here."
"Thank you and so far it has all been good."
"I understand you are heading out on the assignment we talked about. Best wishes to you and stay safe."
"I will do my best and thank you again." Annie giving her a sweet smile, in spite of everything not sure of how to take Rivka but she didn't report to her.
Eyal stepping out of his office to see Annie talking with Rivka and waited until Rivka had finished. "Hey Annie you are just the person I need to see. Walk with me to the break room for a cup of coffee."
"Sure, what's up."
"Got a phone call today and that is why Rivka was in my office. CIA got wind you had come over to Mossad and they are pissed. Kind of serves them right for the way they handled your return but what the hell, it's the CIA's way."
"You really don't like the CIA do you?"
"Never have." Eyal with his hand on the small of her back as they entered the break room, "You all ready to go tomorrow?"
"Yeah I think so."
"How about dinner tonight at a nice restaurant. It will be a while before we see each other again."
And so that is how Annie spent her last night in Tel Aviv before heading out once more in the field, being a real spy again. Lying in Eyal's arms looking at the ceiling she couldn't be happier - she felt so wanted and needed. A feeling of belonging and she love it. It had only been a month since she landed in Israel but what a month and now a terrific feeling of being home.
The striking fine-looking modern Kuwait City was her destination and Annie being excited about going. It would be her first time in Kuwait and she had spent time to research the customs and culture, to dress properly to show respect. A large western influence was present but the women still remain true their roots and dress modesty but few in all black. She had reservations at the Regency Kuwait overlooking the Arabian Gulf or as some call it, the Persian Gulf and wonderful beach.
Checking in she found her room to astonishing for words and the bath, well the bathroom was in marble with a fantastic shower having tiny little streams of pulsating jets of water. Annie making herself at home, unpacking a few things she had bought in Tel Aviv and changing into more modesty dress with a long white skirt stopping just above the ankles, a light peach tunic with white embroidery on the helm and loose fitting sleeves and covering her head with a printed scarf in shades of peach and orange.
Since the women of Kuwait are the most emancipated in the Middle East, Annie had no problem renting a car, a quick little driving test and she was ready with a Lexus LF-A. The wealth of oil in Kuwait was everywhere and if Annie was going to reel-in her mark, she too had to portray the presents of money. On to an upscale women clothing store for a few more outfits. By late afternoon her ground work, as if Annie could call shopping work, was done and now time for her evening meal of Chicken Biryani served with a fresh salad with tea.
That evening she reviewed her intel on Margot Montagne from Paris and educated in Italy where she met Saqeel al-Ayaaz the son of a wealthy oil man and a Sunni Muslim. He has strong connections to the ISIS militants now sweeping across Iraq and current intel shows his is one of the planners and money backers. One bad dude.
Reading on, Annie trying to gain a pattern of Margot's daily habits and the one routine she has is to visit a little French café in the Sharq Mall. Annie deciding on her cover, a French researcher for a monthly publication and doing an article on French nationals living in foreign countries.
Next morning Annie ready to start her mission, dressed in one of her new outfits in pale green but without a head scarf. If she was going to pass as a French national she couldn't hide the blonde but show the respect of Kuwait dress. She was so impressed with Sharq Mall, it is undoubtedly one of the region's most beautiful and popular shopping destinations. Sharq Mall is located on the Gulf Road, situated on the water's edge with something for everyone. It's an architectural masterpiece, surrounded on all sides by promenades that follow the gentle curve of the shore line. Little shops and charming cafes welcomed shoppers and one could spend a day of pure enjoyment.
Annie found the café she was looking for, Le Cafe L'Escargo Blanc and finding it just charming, decorated in the French Country style with touches of bright colors and a little Shabby Chic mixed in. The balance was artfully inspired and pleasing with reproductions of great French painters' works on the walls. A sandy blonde young woman hostess met her at the door and welcome Annie in French.
"Que pour l'un pour le déjeuner" Annie replied, setting the tone for a French conversation and the hostess smiled as the rest of the dialogue would be in French.
"So good the hear someone speaking French. If it wasn't for my parents I would totally forget my roots. Welcome to Kuwait and where may I ask are you from?"
"I make my home in Orléans but work in Paris." Annie taking her seat at one of the better located tables.
"This is wonderful. I know my mother would love to chat with you." Handing a menu to Annie. "If you have time, maybe after the lunch crowd is gone we can have a good chitchat."
"Yes that would be nice." Annie looking over the menu, "What do you recommend?"
"Our Vichyssoise is out of this world and I like the Tomato Napoleon with Parmesan crisps and herb salad."
"Fine, a cup of the Vichyssoise and the Tomato Napoleon and salad."
As the blonde had promised, the Vichyssoise was truly out of the world and the rest of her lunch was excellent. Annie started thinking about taking some French cooking classes as she loved the cuisine.
"You must try some of our Charlotte à la Framboise. A small slice will not hurt your figure."
Raspberry Charlotte had been a favorite of Annie's while she was living in France during her dark days. Just about the only time she escapes from the shadows and enjoyed a little freedom if only for a few minutes. A sinfully good dessert and Annie nodded yes. "I would like a small piece, thank you."
Annie eating her coolly delicious Raspberry dessert she notices two men to come in and looking around. When the hostess speaks with them, they are asking questions and not wanting to be seated. When she couldn't help them, they left and it was an all too familiar sight to Annie. Someone was being hunted but who and for what. The men were well dressed in causal western clothing but without doubt of Arabic decent. Most of the customers in the little café where westerns, and Annie could pick out a few US soldiers enjoying a fine French meal.
Time passed and soon Annie was the only customer remaining in the restaurant. The hostess came over with a cup of coffee, "You may like this." Placing the hot liquid in front of Annie. "My name is Penelope Thibadeau."
"Hello Penelope, I'm Nicole Remy and I have to be honest with you. I'm a researcher for a French publication doing some research on French citizens living and working in foreign countries."
"Neat, that would interesting to visit many different countries. I can't help you much because I move with my parents as a baby so the only life I know is here in Kuwait but I know my mother would be willing to speak with you. I'll go and get her."
Penelope returning from the kitchen with her mother, an average size woman, dirty blonde hair and round face and carrying a few extra pounds. Annie guess the woman to be in her late forties and wearing a chief jacket over loose fitting pants.
"This is my mother Emile Thibadeau and also owner of this place. I told her about your research and she is wishing you work for Rapport Mensuel.
"That in one of the magazines my publishing house issues and this type of story fits its branding. Please have a seat and start with a few questions and than just tell me in your own words what it is like to live in Kuwait."
The interview was moving along wonderfully as Emile was a friendly person and willing to share her story. Her husband is an engineer with one of the large oil companies and the reason they uprooted their home and move to the oil rich region of the Middle-East. Two hours flew by and time for Emile to start on the evening perpetration was ready to leave.
"Are there other French citizens living here that I may talk with.?" Annie asked.
"Yes, a woman who comes into our café once or twice a week for lunch, Margot and she is married to a man from here." Penelope offering additional information.
"I don't think that would be wise daughter and you know why." Emile being protective of her daughter's friend.
"Why not mere? Maybe Nicole can help as no one else is willing to step in."
"What is the problem. I may have some connection if I knew what the trouble is." Annie now had her opening and she was in her field of expertise.
"You just met this woman." Emile's arm making a slight gesture in Annie's direction. "Sorry Nicole but we really don't know you and Margot is very dear to us."
"I'm also French and if there is a way to help another countryman I shall. Because of my work I know many people and have connections."
"I'm willing to take that chance on Nicole because it is the first tiny ounce of hope to get Margot out." Penelope looking up at her mother as Emile stood.
"It's not only you taking the risk but Margot and do you want that on your shoulders." Emile also being protective of her daughter and she was afraid of the repercussions.
"Nothing is going to happen to the shop because of all the US military in and out, you are well guarded."
"Your father's job could be effected. Oh I give up, we have a headstrong daughter and nothing is going to stop her. Go ahead but be damn careful." Emile walking back to the kitchen leave Penelope and Annie to talk.
"Did you feel more comfortable in here or would you like to take a walk." Annie asked with a soft smile.
"I thinking walking. I do want a breath of fresh air even if it is hot as hell. A stroll along the top ridge where that are fans and a little breeze from the gulf."
Penelope was definitely right, it was hot as hell and she might be accustom to the heat but it was getting to Annie and she thankful for wearing the loose clothing.
"I met Margot about two years ago when she first came into the café for lunch. We started friendship because of being French. At first she was a happy go lucky person but as time went by things changed. It was because of the man she was living with. He is a devout Muslim and Margot being Catholic things started to heat up. She was wanting to get married and he refused until she converted to his religion. About six months ago, he started beating her. At first he was the so incredibly sorry one but lately the beatings have become more frequent and rougher. The last time I saw her she was in a bad way with bruised all over her face. She needs to go home, back to France and her family."
"Do you know where she lives."
"No. She has kept that from me and I don't even know you last name."
"I know I can help. There are people I have connection with that can get her out but I must speak with her first. Do you think she will return to the café anytime soon."
"I don't know. It has been two weeks and that is unusual for her. I'm fearful she is hurt very badly or even worst."
"You were talking to two men back at the café that didn't stay to eat."
"You are right, they were looking for Margot, oh my god Nicole, she has run away and in this Muslin country it would be almost next to impossible to find help."
"There is a shelter for abused women I know about. If you have the time to go with me, see if she is there?" Annie knew of this shelter because of research done by Eliam.
"Yes it is good with the time, my sister is on duty and I'm free for the rest of the day." A ray of hope crossed Penelope face.