I'm finally back! I'm sorry for the delay, I severely underestimated how limited my schedule would be over the last several weeks. I had every intention to post a few weeks ago, but found myself with absolutely no time to write. The good news is that things have settled, and I can finally get back into my regular posting schedule. Thank you for your patience and continued support. I truly appreciate it. Knowing people are enjoying this story really does keep me inspired to write, especially when life gets hectic.
A huge thank you to LostIn PA for her constant support. Her selfless willingness to take time out of her schedule to do this amazes me. Without her, I would be lost.
Now on with the story.
Chapter Twenty: Fire and Rain
"The longer you have to wait for something, the more you will appreciate it when it finally arrives. The harder you have to fight for something, the more priceless it will become once you achieve it. And the more pain you have to endure on your journey, the sweeter the arrival at your destination. All good things are worth waiting for and worth fighting for." Susan Gale
BPOV
The trees blur as Edward makes his way down the isolated road leading to Laurent's cabin. Our preparation has passed by in a paradoxical haze. The anxiety of wanting the contents of that file making the hours drag, yet the time needed to prepare seemingly too short. Over the last forty-eight hours, Edward and I have carefully danced between placating Embry and Emmett, and conspiring with Jasper. Convincing Emmett and Embry to stay behind was harder than I expected. After much debate, Edward and I were finally able to persuade them that we needed to go alone and without surveillance equipment.
"I still think it's too risky," Emmett argues, pacing the length of the computer room.
"It's worth the risk, Em." Although his concern is valid, I don't have a choice. I need that file. My stomach roils again. It still hasn't settled since my episode at the safe house. I hate it. I want to feel in control again.
"You need back-up," he growls. Embry sits quietly watching us with conflicted eyes. I know he agrees with Emmett, but I also know that he wants that information as much as I do.
"I have it." I gesture towards Edward, who is standing against the wall with his arms crossed.
"You need more than one person."
"And in any other situation I would agree with you, but we are a four person team with two fronts to monitor," I retort. "Tyler is getting stronger by the hour. He's not going to stay in that bed much longer, not to mention that Newton is still out there. I need you here more."
"We can at least be your eyes and ears." Embry holds up surveillance equipment, most likely chosen to give us the best advantage in this type of situation.
"Too risky," Edward responds sternly. "Given the set-up, I doubt they will let us through the front door without checking us closely."
"He's right." I catch Edward's eyes. He and I both know surveillance equipment will limit how we can use Jasper. That is something we cannot afford.
"This is fucking stupid." Emmett stops in front of me. "You know that right?"
"Emmett," Stepping closer, I place my hand on his arm and lower my voice. "Embry is too vulnerable by himself. If you want to help, just do what I'm asking you to do." He starts to speak, but I squeeze his arm. "Please, I need you to trust me on this."
After searching my face, his head drops with a nod. "Fine. But you better check in or else I'm coming to get you."
Stretching onto my toes, I kiss his cheek. "Thank you."
The reminder of their raw loyalty tugs at the distance I'm determined to create to fulfill the mission. Berating myself for the slip, I once again focus on the scenery outside instead of the memories weakening my concentration.
The silence from the two men in the front seat continues, the tension palpable. Edward and I made the strategic decision to keep Jasper's involvement to ourselves, a secret weapon of sorts. The time will come to share soon enough, but I want it to be under a more controlled situation, not simply in the haste of preparation. Jasper is one surprise that I intend to share on my terms; I'm tired of everyone else being the keepers of vital information.
In my heart, I believe that Embry and Emmett are not the perpetrators of those games. Given current circumstances though, I can't be too cautious especially in a house where Tyler is starting to pay more attention to what is happening around him. I can't afford for that information to unintentionally fall into his hands, especially when I can no longer trust his intentions.
It's a sobering reminder of my new reality. The more trust that slips through my fingers, the less willing I am to give it. As soon as the thought crosses my mind, I feel the electric pull of the man behind the wheel, recognizing, yet still surprised that Edward seems to be the exception to my new rule. The feelings of security that I have with him are confounding, yet an increasing source of comfort in the midst of chaos.
"How much longer?"
"A little more than an hour," Jasper replies from the passenger seat.
There was a lot of back and forth discussion regarding Jasper's physical placement in this scenario. I've heard that his sniper skills are above reproach, but the challenge of where to place him lead us to determine that being with us was the better option. His psychological background gives us an advantage when assessing people, not to mention that his presence will throw Laurent off guard. Jasper's skills will allow us to play that to our full advantage.
"You're positive that he'll have his man power limited?" Edward questions again, his eyes focused on the road.
"Yes."
"How can you be so sure?" Jasper pushes.
"His business may have expanded, but his inner circle has not. He doesn't trust easily, and this is information he would want to keep close. He's only going to have his most trusted men there."
"Sounds like you got to know him pretty well," Edward adds.
"That was my job."
It's hard not to let a barrage of insecure thoughts cloud my judgment. There is obviously something in my past that people don't want me to remember. It scares me to consider that it might change things when the truth is revealed. I know that I am capable of doing things that most people wouldn't for the sake of the job. Could it really be worse than that? Will Edward still see me as worth all this trouble if it is?
"Of course. We've all been there. Right, Jas?"
His words temper the fear, as if he knew what I needed to hear. This insecurity needs to stop. I must be focused and clear, these conflicting emotions are only distracting me from our goal.
"Absolutely," Jasper agrees, turning to look at me. "And from what Edward says, it's good that you're on our team."
"I do my job well," I murmur, looking away.
The slight reprieve of Edward's understanding wanes as I realize what I need to do. Laurent may know my real name, but he doesn't know me. It is time to become Marie once again, which means making the mental shift away from being Bella.
As soon as Charlie handed me this assignment, I have made her my own. She was cultivated to handle Laurent and his games. We need her.
"Laurent's inner circle is small. It's going to take work to get in." Charlie points to the file in front of me. "Memorize everything about him. Use any angle you can, we really need this one."
This assignment came out of nowhere. Tyler and I were supposed to have some time off. I should be in London right now. The last minute request put us behind the curve; usually we have more time to plan. Regardless, I'm still confident in our ability to succeed even with Charlie and Tyler more on edge than usual. We are an unstoppable team.
I flip through the pages, while Tyler takes notes next to me, looking at another file. In typical fashion, he's focusing on the security aspects, while I work to absorb the nuances of the case. "I'm going straight in with her," he declares fiercely.
"Whoa," Charlie holds up his hands. "Let's analyze all of our options first. It's going to be a lot harder to pull that off."
"I don't fucking care. Have you seen his recent hires?" Tyler throws some photos on the desk in front of us. "She's not going into that snake pit alone."
Charlie stands taller, puffing out his "I'm the boss" chest. I jump in before the argument gets too far. "I'm sure we can figure it out. What's my in?"
"Bookkeeping," he says bluntly.
"Bookkeeping? Really?"
"Word is that his organization is growing faster than he can handle. He needs help managing the books to stay off the radar."
"Ah." The light bulb clicks. "I see."
"One of our contacts is going to introduce you. Earn his trust."
"I can do that." Using the tablet next to me, I download several accounting books to prepare. I can feel Tyler's eyes waiting for me to back his play. He won't let it go, not when he sees something as a threat. My well-being has always been his priority.
"Start small, have others notice your work first. Let them tell him about it," Charlie continues.
"That makes sense." I look through Laurent's background. He is suspicious of everyone. If I go to him first, he will doubt my intentions, which further complicates explaining Tyler's presence.
"With him, you will…"
"I'll need to deal with cash," I blurt out.
"What?" They both ask.
"Part of the creative bookkeeping. To hide and move his assets, I'll need to deal with cash, lots of cash." I turn with a smile eying Tyler. "And in that scenario, I would probably have a trusted driver and guard."
Charlie hums. "We'll need to flush it out. With a little work, our contact might be able to sell it. Laurent is desperate. If we make you guys an enticing package deal, he'll probably agree to any terms."
"See problem solved." I smile, leaning back in the chair. Tyler flashes a satisfied grin in response, his body relaxing. Focusing on Charlie, I get back to business. "Tell me more about my character. I'm thinking meek bookworm."
"Quite the opposite actually. Marie is ruthless." Charlie opens an electronic file, projecting it on the smart board in front of us. "She has to be, look at her history."
I quickly absorb the information; abandonment, foster care, abuse. The trauma is extensive. "She's a survivor."
"Don't put more into it than you need." Charlie shakes his head, sitting behind his desk. "She does whatever it takes to get the job done. End of story."
He says I put too much sentiment behind things; that I get too emotionally involved. What he doesn't understand is that is why I am successful. I immerse myself into becoming a new person. I feel it. I own it. It's ironic to me that in one breath Charlie can praise my victories, but in another grumble about the manner in which I do it. I've learned to shake off his criticism. As long as I get the job done it shouldn't matter.
I close my eyes and imagine her pain and the survival skills it would take to overcome that kind of abuse. The powers that be have created someone who had no choice but to take care of herself. It's interesting to me that they gave her multiple degrees, BA, business, and of course accounting. In that sense, her street smarts are balanced by her educational achievements. She knows how to work the system and the people around her to get what she wants. Marie is not one to be trusted, although I can see it being difficult to escape her allure. As I create her backstory from the facts in front of me, I can feel myself slipping into a new skin.
"Don't over feel this one, Bella," Charlie challenges. He knows exactly what I'm doing. "Just get the job done and get out."
"Don't listen to him," Tyler whispers into my ear. "Just do your thing, like you always do."
I smirk with a nod. He should know that regardless of Charlie's demands, I always do things in my own way. Always have.
"Then we have nothing to worry about," he smiles.
Charlie watches us closely but doesn't comment.
"Especially with you watching my back," I add with a nudge.
"Always."
I swallow the memory, feeling my body and mind hardening. Marie is rough around the edges, her walls strong and high. She doesn't take any shit but will give it in a heartbeat if it will serve her purpose. It's just the kind of attitude I need to help push past this sickening feeling of betrayal.
"Bullshit," I hiss, Tyler's promise piercing my heart.
"What?" Edward asks, his concerned eyes finding mine through the rearview mirror.
A spark pushes past the chill. "Nothing, just preparing."
His eyes search mine once more before returning to the road. "Okay."
I push my feelings towards Edward into a hidden cavern of my heart, the warmth fading away with them. There is no time for affectionate feelings.
I am ruthless.
I am Marie.
The road ahead suddenly narrows as the twists and turns becoming sharper and more frequent. It causes Edward to slow his speed. The large trees aligning the path somehow make it appear even darker. It feels claustrophobic as if they are herding us towards a disastrous destination. I'm sure it's purposeful, Laurent probably enjoys that effect.
"Heads up," Jasper says spotting a light in the distance.
As we creep closer, the path again widens, now framed by tall solar lights. They give the illusion of torches. At the end is a large cabin. It may be secluded, but it is obvious that Laurent does not want for any creature comforts here. Pulling in front, I marvel at the architecture. Dark wood logs surround ceiling to floor windows. The combination creates a perplexing traditional, yet modern feel. A large porch surrounds the cabin. Chairs and large potted plants decorate its deck. On the steps leading to the front door stand two of his guards. I recognize their faces. They tend to accompany him everywhere.
"Ready?" Edward asks putting the car into park.
"Of course," I spit out harshly. Edward turns to assess me closely. He's worried. For a moment, I drop the curtain. It's only fair to provide a warning, the thought of hurting him too much. "Look, I' m going to play my cover here. She's umm, different, so just follow my lead. Okay?"
"Doesn't Laurent know your real name?" Jasper asks.
"Yes, but he doesn't know me and I intend to keep it that way."
"I trust your instincts, Mira. Just keep leading the way and I will always follow." Edward's smile and his trust seep under my barriers. It's foreign but empowering. Before being successful was always the goal of any mission, now I want to fight for something more.
I smile quickly, before slamming my defenses back into place. "Then it's show time." Throwing open the door, I step out and sashay towards the men on the stairs. "Alec and Felix. Don't you boys ever get tired of playing his fucking stooges?" I reach up and play with Alec's collar. "You should be naughty and leave with me. It feels good to be free."
Alec swallows and steps back. I see the fear in his eyes. I always intimidated him. "I don't think so, Marie."
"You know you're playing with fire don't you?" Felix chimes in. Unlike Alec, he was never intimidated, but he still knew not to cross me.
"Boo," I pout. "Still boring. Where's your master?"
"He's waiting for you inside. You'll need to hand over your weapons."
He reaches for the gun tucked in my jeans, but Edward steps in and pushes him back. "Don't touch her."
"Now, Felix, you should know better. Laurent is not going to meet without his weapon, so why should I?"
"I see you have some new friends." Laurent is leaning against the door frame casually sipping an amber color liquid from a short glass. He's wearing a crisp black suit, his white shirt open at the collar, the missing tie probably stripped off hours ago. "Where is your trusted Tyler?" The shot is purposeful.
I glare, crossing my arms. "You should know. I didn't take kindly to that little move, Laurent. In fact, I think I owe you some payback." As the threat rolls from my lips, Felix attempts to move forward, but Edward once again blocks him from invading my space.
"Hey," Alec shouts.
Before he can get far, Jasper steps in front of him. "Stay."
I shake off their attempt at intimidation with a dismissive laugh. "This is going to get ugly if you don't tell your lackeys to back off."
Laurent appraises me silently. He knows that I don't bluff. For all of his bravado, he has never been one for violence. He doesn't have the stomach to watch it. "Let them through. Bella knows that she needs to be on her best behavior if she wants to get her hands on that file."
Reluctantly, Felix and Alec step back and clear our path. "That's more like it," I bolster, walking up the steps with an extra swing. Facing Laurent, we cordially kiss both cheeks. "I would like to say it's nice to see you, but we both know that it would be a fucking lie."
He laughs. "It's good to see that you haven't changed. Are you going to introduce me to your friends?"
"Why the hell not." I gesture to the two men flanking me closely. Both stand with stern faces, arms crossed low at their waist. "This is Edward and Jasper."
"Interesting." Laurent looks them up and down. "I'm surprised that you replaced Tyler so quickly."
"Who says they are his replacement," I respond vaguely. Not knowing exactly how they fit into this will drive him crazy.
Laurent smiles again, although this time it doesn't reach his eyes. "Touché." Stepping backward he waves us through the door. "Well regardless, you are all welcome here. Come in."
The sickening sweet nature of the gesture makes my skin crawl. I'm sure this will be the last time we try to keep any formal semblance of manners tonight. We both have an agenda and the reality is that only one of us will come out ahead. It's beyond going to the mattresses. The time has come for war.
I am ruthless.
I am Marie.
See you next week. :)