A/N: very excited to get back in this story. Hope you like it. Thanks to my beta.
Two weeks passed without change and the three of us settled into the routine of our new jobs. While it's true that the two siblings are occupied the better part of the day, as Daniel predicted, I find myself with most afternoons free. Once I became familiar with the software, things began to run smoothly. I would wake with my housemates and work on the logs from the previous day in the privacy of the office across the hall from my bedroom at the end of the house. In the off-chance something catches my eye, I schedule a meeting with Daniel and we work on the best course of action, which, invariably means restrict the internet privileges of the employee.
The second aspect of my job - surveying the traffic from the family members - has, up until now, come up empty on any interesting activity. And while I thought that would please Daniel, every time I give him an uneventful report, he shows small signs of impatience, as if he is expecting someone to slip up and do something they shouldn't.
During our residence thus far, Sarah and Felix have already begun to complain about my small workload compared to theirs. In a way, I agree with them; after all it's an easy assessment to make. However, the free time has its downside: I'm growing restless, and the longer I am without something to occupy my mind, the worse it gets.
We've not heard from S. Two weeks into the mission and she's yet to give us new orders - or even a sign of life. It's a little ridiculous, but I'm starting to feel abandoned. It's becoming increasingly difficult to resist the temptation to initiate contact with our leader; the only thing that keeps me from doing it is knowing that I would never hear the end of it. Besides, I have a feeling that eventually one of the siblings will crack - probably Sarah, since she's the most impatient - and I'll let that bomb fall in their laps. It's a waiting game at this point.
To keep myself entertained on my downtime, I've made a habit of walking around the property. After lunch, for obvious reasons, it became my responsibility to conduct a little exploration of the large estate. Not three days after we arrived, the construction of a big garage had begun west of the manor and adjacent to the outer wall. Daniel casually informed me that once completed, it would hold the several vehicles they've yet to send back from New York. Since money is obviously not a problem, the work goes quickly, and it should be done in a month. Until then, their everyday cars, along with the cars that are used by the staff, are parked on the west side between our cottage and the main building.
My strolls have allowed me to identify the owner of each car and, in doing so, I always know who's around. Both of the younger Websters drive brand new BMW's, although Daniel's has classic lines while Will's is a sports model; the father, probably a fan of the classics, drives a DB4 Aston Martin, in mint condition and shaped like a penis. To my surprise, I've discovered that Delphine prefers to get around in a beaten-up red Mitsubishi SUV.
I've seen her around the property, never for too long though, just entering and exiting the house, straight out or into the car. However, since our talk by the pool we've never exchanged words again. More than once, I'm reminded of our youth and how she so masterfully ignored me when it suited her, only to effortlessly claim my attention whenever she pleased. It might've been a decade since those days, but I can't help feeling trapped the same way. It bothers me more than it should, more so when I never understood why it was so hard for me to turn it off - the memory of her. Even before this assignment, it was not uncommon for her name, her face to invade my mind when it was quiet, untethered. Years after the last time I've laid my eyes on her, Delphine's memory continued to hunt me. Perhaps the explanation is simple, maybe it's just because she so well embodies my previous life: opportunities lost and wrong choices made. Having her back in my life, however briefly, does not represent another opportunity of what was forever lost, but is more the ghost of a past that I've left behind long ago, coming back to torment me; to throw in my face a present that could never exist, regardless of whether I'd actually wanted it or not.
The feelings intensify when out of nowhere, Delphine decides to approach me. I'm surprised to find her waiting for me near the cottage upon returning from my stroll around the estate; the cigarette she's been smoking tossed in a curt movement to the ground as I stop a short distance from her. My brow arches and I wait for her to speak, to discern her purpose, lest I jump to conclusions as I've done before.
Delphine's expression barely changes, only the corner of her lips twitch while she steadily gazes at me.
"I'm sorry to bother you," she starts, but her expression is one of someone who is tasked with a rather unpleasant chore, and apologizing for it it's the last thing she wants. "But… I have something to ask you," Delphine hesitates and even for someone who's so skilled in hiding her thoughts, this time it seems like an impossible feat.
I narrow my eyes at her, willing myself to hold her gaze, not wanting to broadcast any weakness. "Okay…" I say cautiously when she stops for too long.
Delphine expels a defeated sigh. "Daniel has been rather… emphatic in wanting me to talk with you…"
She pauses again and I would've let her sweat a little more if not for the movement I see in the window behind her. Probably attracted by the voices, one, or both of my housemates have decided to peer through the curtains.
"About having a girls' day," I offer, but there's nothing I can do about the small, mocking smirk that settles on my lips. "You're fiancé is worried that you don't have enough girl friends." I finish with a snort; the irony of this is too good to miss out.
A small grin appears that Delphine quickly tamps down, but the glint in her eyes remains bright, not as easily controlled.
"Just one afternoon to get him off my back." I arch a brow hearing the way she chooses to propose it. "We don't even have to spend it together, just leave and arrive in the same car," she concludes, the detached mask once again upon her features.
"We can do that," I agree with a slow nod.
"Okay," she says almost relieved, "Call for me tomorrow when you're free."
She leaves with a slight nod, and I watch her walk away for a few seconds before I turn back around and, with a deep breath, open the door.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Cosima," Sarah says the moment I step inside.
I look at her and she regards me with worry in her eyes. "Don't you think it would be more suspicious if I refused to talk with Delphine when it was her who sought me out?"
"Okay," she concedes, far from convinced though, "but you need to be careful. Remember what we're here for."
"Yeah… if only we knew," I comment casually, dropping heavily on the couch, draping my leg over the arm in a more comfortable position.
"It certainly isn't to shag the boss's soon-to-be-daughter-in-law," Felix intervenes, coming from the kitchen with a glass of the scotch in hand.
"Apparently Daniel's really keen on us being BFF's," I punctuate my statement with a incredulous wave of hands. Both of them end up laughing at the ridiculous situation and I eventually join in. "I know, okay… Delphine will give me a lift to town and pick me up, that's it. Just to shut him up."
"As long as the two of you don't start reminiscing about your teenage lesbian drama, I'm fine with it," Felix shrugs and takes a sip of the amber liquor.
I'm slightly surprised at his change of perspective, but I'm not going to complain about having some elbowroom. "If we start doing that we might end up in a nasty fight, so…"
"What exactly happened between you two?" Sarah asks, quickly snagging her brother's glass and taking a generous gulp, even as he voices his protest.
"I rather not talk about it," trying to lighten the subject, I don't need to be raising suspicions with a confrontational attitude. "But you really don't need to worry; there's a reason why I'm not particularly happy to see our paths cross again.
"Besides, it seems like Ms. S knows about our story and if she isn't worried, neither should you," I remind them. "Unless you don't trust her judgement, that is…"
Neither of them accepts my challenge and I can sense that I've just gained some more trust; at least in this issue.
"Speaking of mommy dearest…" Sarah says, raising her voice. "She has contacted me and wants to meet."
"When was this?" Felix seems as surprised by the news as I am.
"A couple of days ago," Sarah ignores her brother's distressed expression. "We're meeting in three days."
"None of us is free," I say, referring to me and Felix who have to work the rest of the week.
"I said so to Ms. S and she told me she would meet each of us on separate occasions. So expect a call."
I look at Sarah more carefully. She's avoiding our stares, and her body language practically vibrates with nervous, little gestures.
"She has asked you not to tell us about it, didn't she?" I ask point blank.
"Hey, we're here together," Sarah says rather quickly, her tone of voice raising a few octaves with the tension. "She's out there, doing God knows what, and we're stuck inside the lion's den alone, without knowing where the danger is coming from!"
Felix nods, gets up from the armchair he's been sitting on and approaches his sister. There's obvious discontent in the ranks, the anxiety of staying still for too long is starting to tear at both of them.
"I agree," Felix confirms my suspicions. "We should share all the information, no matter what S says."
I feel both of them staring at me, waiting to see if I'll join their rebellion. Not once, in my many years with Siobhan, have I had any reason to doubt her good judgment. Even if I never liked this assignment and have been vocal about it, I never doubted that she's looking out for us - in the shadows, pulling her strings - but still present. On the other hand, I realize I'm outnumbered and to not join the two siblings is not only stupid, it could also be dangerous. If I get into some sort of trouble, they're my first line of defense. Besides, they've already shown very clearly that they consider me privileged in this mission.
"Yeah, of course," I steady my voice to come out with conviction.
I'm not sure if they go for it, in fact, I'm not even sure how I'm gonna act. I guess it all depends on what Ms. S has to say, only then will I decide what to share with them, if anything at all. I have no doubt that her first priority will always be keeping us safe, and it's possible that going against her advice could put us in a difficult position. Not only because she'd be furious but also because she's our connection with the outside world; she has information we simply don't.
Despite the white flag waved, the next morning I can feel the mood tense in the house. More than once, I catch subtle glances in my direction from my two companions, sleepy eyes turned in my direction with unhidden concern in them, possibly worried about what the day has in store for me. I can't exactly say I disagree with them; I'm worried too. So much, in fact, that it kept me awake the better part of the night - not that they'll know about it any time soon.
The morning also fails to be productive. Work that generally takes less than two hours to complete, lasts until early afternoon. I find my mind wandering, my gaze drawn to the office window, lingering on the green field that stretches for hundreds of yards, dappled by large trees that never create a true forest. I watch the shimmer left on the grass by the snow that fell overnight as it melts under the weak pressure of the winter sun; my fingers twitch reflexively in the absence of the joint that I crave today more than I have in years. Meanwhile, the powerful laptop buzzes on top of the desk, the screen turning black with the inactivity.
I manage to finish in time to find myself in the kitchen preparing a light salad when Felix comes barging in, dressed in sports clothes and tennis shoes that are as alien to him as the sweat covering his body.
"You smell like a horse," I comment when he approaches to see what I'm doing.
"I'm sure you'd prefer the fragrance of pretentious French perfume," he banters, reaching for a slice of toasted bread on the counter.
"Don't you?" I take it lightly, raising a brow.
"Actually, I'll take a smelly man any day of the week," he snorts.
"That's just disgusting!" I retort as he leaves the kitchen.
Felix's smell has improved when Sarah returns for lunch as well, and he's pleased to inform us that the afternoon will be focused on the more theoretical aspects of body combat, to which Sarah and I exchange a confused look but let him talk. Sarah, on the other hand, has been spending the last few days getting acquainted with the property as seen from the security cameras, surveying the estate for blind spots and overseeing the plans for the garage, which will also be incorporated in the CCTV system.
"They want to expand the area that's covered," she tells us. "So far, the cameras are concentrated in the areas surrounding the buildings and gates. But they also want to spread them around the rest of the property."
"Well, that's not exactly out of the ordinary, is it?" I inquire, sitting on the chair once I set the salad bowl at the center of the table. "It's a very large area; they'd want to be sure they have everything under control."
"Not really," Sarah answers. "If there's nothing to guard, there's no point in putting cameras in the middle of nowhere."
"Yeah," Felix offers, "you have nothing out there, there's nothing worth stealing and if anyone gets inside with that in mind, they'd necessarily need to be in reach of the cameras to do some damage."
"Okay," I agree after listening to both of them. "Then why would they be so concerned with the rest of the property?"
"Brilliant question, Cos, great insight!" Sarah mocks me. "When we've decided where the new cameras go, I'll let you know," She goes on after I ignore her little jab. "But I tell you this: there's definitely something freaky going on here and I have full intention of asking S about it. We can't stay here without knowing what the hell is going on much longer."
And we're back at what we discussed the day before, but with that I can't disagree; we can be in extreme danger if we remain ignorant about our purpose. It can be easy to compromise our mission if we don't know what it is. Perhaps their position is not entirely ridiculous. Maybe S has miscalculated the amount of information we should've been given.
"This whole thing reeks," Felix puts my thoughts into words. "And I know I'm not the only one unsettled by this situation. I might be the most inexperienced but we can't deny it."
Neither Sarah or I respond, but our expressions say it all. It's imperative that Ms. S knows of our concerns, and even more important, that she does something to fix it. This becomes more urgent considering the people I'm working with. It's not that I don't trust them, but Sarah is infamous for her bad temperament and Felix will always follow his sister. I can't let this spin out of control. Sarah has mentioned that she'll bring it up when she meets Ms. S, but, for good measure, I need to do it too, regardless of whether I agree with them or not.
Both of them are long gone. I've been, not so unconsciously, dragging my feet to get ready to leave. When I realize what I'm doing, I chastise myself for taking extra time on my choice of what to wear and applying my eyeliner. I frown at the bags under my eyes caused by the restless night, and with a frustrated sigh I grab my maroon pencil pants, knowing the thick fabric will keep me warm and a red, fitted wool shirt. At the door I stop to look back, buttoning up my red coat and adjust the comfortable scarf around my neck with nervous hands.
Stepping outside is like entering an ice cube, the cold air shock my lungs at the first inhale and my boots crush the wet gravel under my feet as I drag them in the direction of the main building, eyes on the ground, intently observing a few loose small rocks rolling away as I walk.
"Cosima!" The all too familiar voice sends a jolt to my heart, the sound of my name with that inflection causing it to beat madly after a sudden pause.
I turn my head in the direction of the smooth voice and find Delphine leaned against the high back of her SUV parked in its usual spot. I hesitate a fraction of a second, my eyes unable to bend to my brain's command to stop staring. But it seems to be an herculean task.
Her golden locks shine even in the weak sunlight, draped along the pale complexion of her flawless features. Everything about Delphine screams composure: the long, pearl white coat that hugs her lean frame tightly, the formal black slacks that fall gracefully over her legs, ending at the top of her feet to allow a small glimpse of her high-heels. Even so, her rebellious streak is on full display with her bold red lips, making the most delicious contrast with the ivory skin. It's only when I can no longer ignore the small smug tugging the corner of her lips that my feet decide to approach her, although I can't claim that it's a conscious action rather than a gravitational pull.
"I see that you continue to be at war with the clock," she offers unfazed, pushing herself off the vehicle and walking to the driver's side door. "I was starting to think you'd changed your mind."
To my shame, I struggle to grasp words and she's already starting the car with a loud roar when I step inside.
"I know we both hate this, but it would be less terrible if you'd speak," Delphine comments in an annoyed tone while driving us off the property, her eyes briefly shifting to me when we're stopped at the gate waiting for it to open.
I remain silent as I see her struggling to strip off her coat after turning the air conditioning on. She tosses the thing into the small backseat, revealing a gray cashmere turtleneck shirt, tight around her torso, flattering her lean form.
I swallow dryly and return my eyes to the road, adjusting the seat belt. "You told me to call for you when I was ready," are my weird first words and I can't believe how whiny they sound. "I wasn't expecting you to be waiting for me."
The gates of the property are disappearing in the rearview mirror and we pick up speed as Delphine steps on the gas. "Well, I always liked to do the unexpected when you're around," her voice lights up, softens around the edges and becomes more inviting. "It kept you sharp."
I feel my body relaxing, sinking more into the seat, the stiffness of my back dissipating, a smirk on my face. "Oh yeah... I used to love that." I say sarcastically.