Chapter 16
Elsewhere, a few miles behind the RV, a series of three vehicles,( a sedan, and two mid sized passenger vans), had just merged onto the turnpike. All three vehicles were black in color, and appeared to have been recently waxed, their shiny surfaces and hubcaps reflecting the brilliant sunlight as they traveled at highway speeds in a single file line.
The lead vehicle, a 1999 BMW 735i, was piloted by a young woman who appeared to be in her twenties, dressed in a pair of blue jeans and pink designer coat. Seated next to her in the passenger seat was the much larger frame of the woman previously identified during the previous nights house raid as Gianna. She was currently displaying a grimace as she gazed out the passenger side window, staring at the road in silence.
Seated in the rear behind the driver was the petite, lady-like form of Edyta, displaying a sly smile as she ran her fingers through her brown bangs. She was dressed in her typical summer outfit of choice: a solid black, sleeveless dress, reaching to the area of her knees, and a pair of silver designer open heels. Seated next to her on the opposite side was the woman known as Mingxia, cradling her ever present ornamental staff in her hand as she sat with her legs crossed, staring forward as if she were meditating; dressed in traditional Chinese garb just as she was the previous night.
The interior if the vehicle was not completely silent, for the radio had been activated and tuned to the classical music station. For the last few minutes, the sweet sounds of the Holtz Classic, "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity" (a section of a larger composition known as "Planets") had been emanating through the speakers. The composition had reached the waltzing midsection, a slow emotionally moving piece in the key of e flat, played entirely by the string section.
As the sweet melodies played over the speakers, Edyta slowly closed her eyes, seemingly becoming lost in the music. She proceeded to tap her index finger against her knee, simultaneously adopting an uncharacteristically blissful smile. This action was quickly noticed by Mingxia, who turned towards her "boss" with a smile.
"Goodness My Lady," said Mingxia, "I haven't seen you smile like that in weeks! What's gotten you in such high spirits?"
Edyta opened her eyes, maintaining her smile as she turned to face Mingxia.
"The approach," said Edyta, "Violin I...listen to music...such expression, and joy. You can tell musician enjoys their craft. Captures the piece quite well, no?"
"Absolutely, my lady," said Mingxia, "But I must confess, being an average listener and non-musician, I'm afraid I cannot properly comment on anything with regards to the theory. Though I will say, it's hard to tell the difference between this musician and yourself."
Edyta sighed.
"Your kind words are most appreciated," said Edyta, "It's shame...I was never able to gain full confidence due to embarrassment about my poor English."
Edyta turned towards Mingxia.
"Many Polish people have same feeling when they try to speak with a proper English accent," said Edyta, "It's an often used metaphor that while teaching and learning the English, you should speak as if you have a mouth full of noodles."
Edyta snickered at the conclusion of her statement.
"It's joke from from long ago" said Edyta, "In fact, joke was made up by the person we seek while teaching the English to me. Pointless, but it's funny."
Edyta giggled slightly, after which she continued her small rant.
"I try hard over years to perfect stupid manner of speaking like the movie stars of this country," said Edyta, "Like this...I try to do..."
Using her arms, Edyta adopted an upright posture, and cleared her throat. She then proceeded to deliver a surprisingly accurate attempt at imitating valley girl speak", with a small touch of a Philadelphia accent.
"Look at me, I'm a TV Star!" said Edyta in a much higher pitched voice than usual, "Wanna ask me for a date, boys?"
Edyta laughed, after which she reverted to her natural, heavily accented, sultry sounding voice.
"Easier to understand, and appreciated on tv and in radio," said Edyta, "Sounds much more pleasing, no?"
"All due respect Noble Madam, I disagree," said Mingxia, "I believe you are easy to understand as you are, and very articulate for learning English at such a late age. Besides, you must not forget that building your self image and confidence is the cornerstone of your treatment."
Mingxia giggled as Edyta adopted a sarcastic expression.
"I must learn how to fix that wit of yours," said Edyta, "Thankfully I realize that your methods are best for my well being, or else I'd say be gone with you."
"Come now Noble Madam," said Mingxia, "You have to realize by now that that is simply not an option."
Edyta turned towards her assistant with a sarcastic glare, as Mingxia stroked her hair braid with a smile. Soon after, Edyta's expression transformed into a sly grin as she continued her monologue.
"For now let's just focus on task at hand," said Edyta, "Let's just hope all is not lost, and my dreams of witnessing a beautiful family reunion do not go up in flames...literally."
Edyta giggled sarcastically.
"Let us pray we find the one we seek," said Edyta, "The third piece of the original Kanker trium...triumver..."
"Triumvirate, my lady," said Mingxia.
Edyta sighed
"What in the world would I do without you?" said Edyta, gazing into Mingxia's eyes with a sly smile.
