Disclaimer: Broke, no money, poor, chapter 7 (financial terms), can't even afford lint. So, don't sue me, 'kay? I don't own the TMNT's and can't make a plug nickel on 'em. Thanks goes to Eastman and Laird for graciously allowing all of us to 'borrow' their guys!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CHAPTER 4 – Parlay!
Shari took another sip of brandy from her glass – Raph's glass – and smiled at the two rather befuddled turtles. Relaxed and at ease as she reclined in the armchair, she expressed a cool confidence that almost bordered on arrogance. Shari knew beyond a shadow of doubt that she had one-upped Don in the worse possible way and, best of all, Raph as well. She wondered what they would do considering she had literally compromised the estate's sophisticated security measures. Still, the woman counted on her surprise method of arrival to keep her hosts off balance. To maximize that endeavor, she specifically chose what she wore to enhance her appeal.
She was dressed in a pair of trim black slacks that tapered around the tops of her feet, of which were neatly housed in a pair of black three-inch stilettos heels. Her blouse was a long snug-sleeved pull over of shimmering silk material in deep turquoise blue. Accented with a scooping neckline that draped in gentle folds, it stopped just before her cleavage. The blouse wasn't tight but it was form fitting enough to show off her modest bust line.
Then, hanging daintily around her neck, was a simple diamond pendant necklace with matching diamond post earrings for her ears. A tennis bracelet, similarly adorned, wrapped lightly around her left wrist while her right showed a Rolex watch. Shari's honey colored hair fell loosely around her shoulders in gentle waves with her face framed by shorter wisps that added allure to her already striking appearance. In direct contrast to what she wore hours earlier, Shari sported a light application of makeup, her sharp blue eyes the dominate feature.
To Don, she was a very striking woman. To Raph, she appeared as a viper ready to strike. He didn't appreciate her method of arrival one bit.
Don recovered first, however, entreating with a strained smile, "Shari Brentwood, you are most certainly a very intriguing woman!" He relaxed his stance just a little as he allowed his peripheral vision to casually survey the room.
"Really?" she replied easily with a breathy voice, "I have been called much worse, you know!" She leaned forward in the chair to place the now empty glass on the coffee table next to the brandy snifter. "Good brandy, by the way. Hmm…St Agnes, 1963?"
Don's eyes lit up, followed closely by a wider smile, "Why, yes, it is, but how did you know?"
"My father was a self-taught wine and spirits connoisseur." She replied easily. "I learned from him!"
"Self taught?"
"Yes, he was an alcoholic!" Shari neither smiled nor detracted from her statement, but remained at ease despite sensing the other turtle's rising ire. She looked over at Raph and met his gaze head-on and unblinking. She kept it steady and sure, not flinching an inch but offering a gentle challenge to him. "I am not one, however. I do learn about some things very quickly!"
Raph did not like this woman one bit. With her gaze steeled upon him, his dislike grew even more. He met her challenge with equal fortitude but as he shifted his feet ever so slightly, she smiled at him and then looked back towards Don. The very fact that Raph adjusted his position was proof to her that she had made her point. His subtle move was a sign that she had successfully made him uncomfortable with her presence. So far, Shari was batting a thousand this evening.
Raph growled under his breath.
"So, I assume that you were the one to trip my alarms?" Don finally asked, his smile fading to a tight line.
"Alarms? Didn't know you had any in place. I thought I was expected?" she inquired teasingly.
"Yes, you were…" Don said calmly, "…but if you had anything to do with the Pentagon, you would know that I would employ sensors for my private residence." He countered and then moved over to the couch to retrieve his snifter. He casually walked around the coffee table to the far wall behind where Shari sat, where his carafe of brandy awaited him on top the liquor cabinet. He poured himself another half glass of the cordial. Leaning against the piece of furniture while sipping his drink, he assessed the woman who had stolen her way into his home. If she were just a secretary who knew martial arts, then he had nothing to worry. However, his gut instinct told him otherwise. This Shari Brentwood was more than what she seemed to be. Only a trained professional who was steep with knowledge of security methods would think of trying to compromise his systems. The fact that his were unique to anything the government had bought from him would make it even that much harder to do. He moved on over to the couch again, giving Raph a look that told him to back off.
Raph shot his brother an equally stern expression for him to be on his guard. A subtle nod from his brother told him he was already there.
As he eased down onto the couch and reclined against its back, he looked hard at the woman. "So, Shari, maybe you can tell me how you managed it!" Don asked evenly. He took in another portion of his drink but refrained from savoring it as he did earlier, all the while keeping his eyes and senses on the woman who sat opposite from him. Despite his agitation, he was quite impressed that she had so deftly defied his system.
Raph took the armchair next to Shari and positioned himself so he nearly faced her. "I hope you enjoyed drinking from my glass!" he snapped at her, interrupting his brother's query.
Smiling at him she replied, "Quite! Brandy tastes just as good straight up as it does reclined. Either way is fine with me."
"I take it you don't mind my spit, then?" Raph inquired.
"Unless you're a venomous species of turtle, I've experienced worse." She replied tersely.
"There aren't any venomous turtles!" Raph sniggered almost arrogantly. "At least, not your garden variety type!" He glowered at her menacingly.
"I have nothing to worry about, then, now do I?" The woman stated, lifting her head just a little. Shari took in Raph's baleful glare, smiled, and then turned her attention back to the one sitting across from her on the couch.
"You haven't answered my question, Shari. How did you manage to get pass my sensors?" Don reiterated, becoming more irked as he thought about it.
Briefly looking away shyly, "Oh, that…." And then returned her confident gaze to Don, "well….working for the Pentagon certainly did have its perks." She chortled. "But, unfortunately, that information is classified and even though I am retired I am not at liberty to say!" She leaned further back in the chair and crossed her legs, her hands neatly folded in her lap.
"You have to be kidding?" Raph spat out as he leaned towards her. He shook his head in near disbelief at her impertinence, "You've infiltrated Don's estate, a private residence, which – if we chose to– could result in getting the authorities involved!"
"Authorities? Oh…you mean the police?" Shari commented and then reasoned, looking at both turtles, "Really, gentlemen, do you even think for one moment that they would believe you. I mean, look at me?" She motioned with her hands to indicate herself, "I'm wearing heels and dress slacks. To them I'm but a demure woman! I've even tasted your brandy and from your own glass at that!" Shari looked coyly at Raph, "Even if they did believe you, the forensics department will see both our prints on the same glass and conclude that I was here by invitation. Maybe we even shared the same glass of brandy!" She batted her eyes at her antagonist.
Raph scowled distastefully, which only heightened Shari's immediate enjoyment of the situation. With an air of confidence, "How can you even possibly prove that I compromised your measures?" She then looked back at Don, "And your cameras are already recording our pleasant interaction, which will solidify my position that I was invited in the first place – which…is the truth!" She saw a slight indication of surprise on Don's face, "Oh, I already discovered the camera trigger when I poured myself that glass of brandy earlier. Nice touch, by the way, having it embedded into the cabinet molding!"
Don sighed, shaking his head and then nodded, resigned for the moment, "You're right, of course. However, I do have cameras at my front gate!"
"Who said I entered through the front gate,?" Shari casually said. "For your information, I came in from the north end of your property. You really do need to install more cameras, though, Mr. Tello – especially there! It is a weak area in your defenses." Her smile softened just a little and then she launched into a change in topics. Her face was stern in contrast and her voice hard and piercing as she emphasized each word, "I take GREAT offense to anyone infiltrating MY home as well. Consider THIS little exercise a TASTE of how I felt only a few hours ago!" She then reached behind her, which triggered an immediate reaction from Raph.
He had been seething silently yet was itching to put this impudent woman in her place. The moment he saw her reach behind her back, he reacted. Not knowing if she had a gun or a poisoned shuriken, he shot up from his chair towards her, faster than she had anticipated. Her surprise only lasted for a split second, though. Immediately, Shari quickly swiveled her legs up and around, her stiletto heels aimed for Raph's plastron. It was a defensive measure on her part since she didn't have any prior intentions of becoming combative. However, the lunging turtle didn't know that, leaving her with only one option – self-preservation.
Raph quickly saw her reaction, however. Before he impaled himself on the sharp ends of her high-heels, the turtle swiftly shoved her legs further around until she was literally facing the back of the chair with her head hanging in mid air over the edge of the seat. With her shoes now safely out of harms way, Raph grabbed her right shoulder next and swiftly flipped her up and out of her seat, throwing her across the room. He landed where she had been just a second ago, hitting the cushion so hard that he heard it crunch. The furniture's integrity held, however, yet the entire scenario took less than two seconds to complete.
As she launched into the air, Shari found herself heading for a curio cabinet. Not wanting to add destruction to injury, she expertly shot her hands out and grabbed the floor to deflect her momentum away from the delicate piece of furniture. Flipping and then landing on her feet just inches away from the cabinet, she swiftly righted herself, only to face the now quickly advancing Raph.
"STOP!" she yelled, "I'M UNARMED!" Shari backed away from the turtle, her hands up and completely aware of his predatory posturing. "Did you HEAR me? I don't HAVE any weapons!" Shari crouched just a little, prepared to do battle if it came down to it, but not wanting to just the same.
"Then what in hell were you reaching for?" Raph demanded as he halted his advance on her. He stopped only a few inches from the woman and then straightened up, yet not relaxing quite yet.
"Why don't you have your brother take a look in the chair!" she seethed, clearly not at all pleased with the one glaring at her.
"Ah, Raph?" came Don's voice, "I – ah – think Shari is telling the truth."
Raph turned around and, much to his chagrin, saw Don holding the very same CD player that Don had him deliver hours earlier to Shari's apartment. However, like its predecessor before, it was smashed into several pieces as well, no longer a viable implement for music – all thanks to Raph's hard carapace. As Don checked the damaged goods, he looked over at the two from across the room. They were now more relaxed and less combative, yet still a little on edge with each other. They were both watching him, now.
Holding up a perfectly intact CD, Don exclaimed with a weak smile, "At least this time … Mozart didn't break!"
::::::::::::::::::::
"So, you're telling me that you're unable to say how you broke in?" Don asked before taking another bite of his meal.
"Correct. It's a top secret government file." Shari replied. "Since you never supplied any schematics, we had to discern how to disarm your devices on our own." She moved her plate away from her, full to satisfaction, "It was a prudent decision on General Talon's part. His main reason for assigning me that job was to protect our field operators while they were 'involved' with hostile forces." She took a sip from her water glass and added, "If any of them happened to have any of your sensors, our men needed to know how to compromise them. Trust me; the only other person who knows what I know is my replacement at the Pentagon." She paused and then commented, "He has the same level six clearance as I did."
"That means that not even the President of the United States is in the know!" Don breathed out in surprise.
"Exactly." Shari sat back in her chair and sighed. It was her plan to infiltrate Don's home if only to give him a taste of his own medicine. Yet she knew well ahead of time that by doing so she would risk exposing herself to what her true roll at the Pentagon really was. Although she sensed that Don was as patriotic as any other red-blooded American was, Shari would never betray the trust awarded her by the government. She would be Shari Brentwood until such a time she could be otherwise. Even in retirement her disguise had to be maintained.
Raph had listened intently to the discourse between his brother and the woman. He was still not sure about Shari, yet he had to be impressed with her quick recovery earlier when he attempted to throw her. As a lull in the conversation took root for a moment, he asked, "Ah, so how does it benefit your field operators if you're the only one who knows how to disarm Don's security measures?"
Shari looked over at the turtle and replied casually, "Communication via their headsets. I walk them through it. I don't tell them by what measure I know, I just tell them which wires to cut. Since each unit has a separate serial number printed on the wires, I can match it to what I know about the unit, then I can determine which way to go to disarm them."
That was mostly true, of course, but it Shari was the one in the field doing the wire cutting.
"So, you were more than just a secretary?" Don asked triumphantly, a smug smile on his face. He just knew deep down there was more to her than that.
"I was his secretary, yes, but I had a high aptitude for security disarmament." She replied simply.
Don wasn't completely satisfied with her response. The very fact that she could infiltrate his estate as easily as she had done said more about her than her own reply. He made a mental note to contact General Talon himself and get to the bottom of who this Shari Brentwood truly was.
"So, what about this martial arts thing." Raph asked, "Where'd you use that?"
"Just a while ago, in case you've forgotten!" Shari smiled a little, enjoying her little joke. Raph didn't smile back. "Well, it's good to know how to protect one self. Since I worked with people who did, I took it upon my self to learn. It came in handy whenever an over eager suitor become too frisky, too!" she chuckled.
Don laughed a little as he finished his last bite of his meal. He leaned back in his chair and chewed thoughtfully, assessing Shari once more. They had chatted about a variety of topics over the past hour during dinner. He had come to admire this woman, although he was still bothered a great deal that she had managed to circumvent his sensors.
After swallowing his bite, he said, "The reason why I invited you to dinner was two fold. One, I wanted to get to know you a little better, since you did work for the government and I did supply them with a host of inventions of mine. When I remembered you worked with General Talon and then watching you in the Pentagon gym, it piqued my curiosity about you. Considering my roll in government, I have to be fully aware of the people around me, even in the very city where I live. Second, I would like to offer you a job!"
"A job?" Shari asked, "Such as?" She was the one surprised, now. It was obvious that Raph had mentioned their little conversation from that morning to Don. "I really need to keep ALL information about me under wraps!" She chaffed to herself.
"Working for my brother in California." Don replied calmly.
"Doing what?" By the expression on Raph's face, Shari had the distinct impression that the 'job' was not what she was going to expect it to be.
"Well, first, let me tell you how much I'll be paying you. How does one hundred fifty thousand dollars sound?" Don asked his eyes bright with anticipation.
"Depends. If it calls for me to violate my patriotism, you can shove it up your – tail!" Her expression became icy cold as she stared at the one sitting across from her. She took a casual sip of her water as if this entire situation was status quo.
"No, it won't, but it will probably be the most challenging work you'll ever do!" Don promised.
"I doubt that." Shari chuckled and then said, "Still, before I would even accept such an offer I would want to know the details and investigate your brother a little bit. I assume he was part of the little family group I saw earlier in the day?"
"Yes as was his wife and children." Don smiled. He enjoyed having Mike's family visit him, but the kids were a handful, especially one in particular.
"I see…I remember one that seemed unique from the rest and then a couple smaller versions; I assume those were Mike's wife and children?" Shari asked, remembering the odd differences she noted at the time. She distinctly remembered the three having tails! That was what caused her to do the double take, which resulted in Raph's initial confrontation with her.
"Ah, yes that's correct. So, will you consider it?" Don asked hopefully.
"You haven't told me what the job is. How can I even consider the job if you won't tell me what I'll be doing?" She was starting to tire of the 'game' Don was playing with her.
"Well, tell you what, you fly out to California with me and meet Mike and his family, get to know them a little bit, and then I'll tell you." Don was not going to tell this woman anything about the job, not until she and Rahab had a chance to meet. Let her become accustomed to everyone out there and then, from that, see where it goes. He had to admit that even he would not want to jump into such a job sight unseen! If this woman was able to toss his brother like she had earlier and rebound from his attack in the living room as well as she did, then Shari Brentwood would be the perfect Nanny for Rahab and Mike's brood in California. She might be over qualified for the job, but he'd rather have that than have someone completely overwhelmed by the chaos that often permeated the clan. Don definitely wanted someone helping Rahab that was worthy of their unique lifestyle.
"I'll tell you what, okay?" Shari countered, "I'll fly out with you and then inspect this job, but your proposal remains open to whatever augmentation that I see fit! If you like MY version, then maybe we can work out a deal."
Raph nearly barked a gut-wrenching howl as Shari turned the tables on his brother. He held himself in check, though. In that moment, he could tell that Don knew had been played.
Chewing his lip as he considered the woman's ability to coerce him for more money, Don stroked his chin thoughtfully. Then, he rose from his chair and walked over to the other end of the dining room table, stretching out his hand to her, "Deal!"
Shari hesitated for a moment, wondering if Don was getting her into something she would later regret. Still, he seemed willing to abide by whatever changes she deemed fit to make. At the very least, if she didn't like the job she could insist on some outrageous fee to discourage his offer completely. Confident that she had an open-ended agreement, she accepted his gesture and grabbed his outstretched hand, "Deal!"
Raph pressed his lips together to keep from laughing out loud. He knew only too well what Don had in store for Shari. It was definitely going to be something to see and there wasn't any way this side of heaven that he would miss witnessing it, either!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DANCINGFAE: So glad you liked that chapter! I decided to try something a little different and I guess it worked! It sort of just fell into place like that, too. Funny how things turn out, eh? Yes, as you have probably found out with this current chapter, they do indeed 'butt' heads…sort of. :0) It can only get better from there, though. Hey, thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed!
PHOENIX-RISING: Well, Shari worked for Special Forces (and other avenues of clandestine defense departments). It was part of her job description to be able to circumvent security measures and infiltrate enemy territory. Not someone you want to tick off, you can be sure! She allowed the alarm to go off to get them out of the house, too! Smart girl. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed!
PRETENDER FANATIC: Hey, thanks!! I had fun writing that chapter, but I have to say that I had to literally push my way through. Writers block is seeming to dog me lately and I have to deliberately confront it with each sentence. It was tough to do but after a while it started to flow. Raph's glass wasn't suppose to mean anything – until I had the idea of having Shari use it for her own drink! Thanks for noticing. Ah, Don's brandy…yes, I REALLY had fun with that one…LOL! Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed!
LADY VENOM2: I like tying stories together…sort of like a soap opera. Not that I watch them unless you consider Alias, Enterprise, Without A Trace, and CSI soaps. I'm hoping to get a little more Alias with this story; happens to be my favorite show on the telly right now! As far as bringing that 'female ninja' into the story, remember Yosutebito Daughter? Can't say any more than that. Ah, I'm hoping that Shari will indeed become a thorn in Raph's side! Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed!
BUSLADY OF SOCAL: An irate and PO'ed Raphers? The best kind in my opinion…especially when his antagonist is female! HA! Sort of frustrates him where he was trained to be protective and respectful of the 'weaker' sex. Yeah, but does that apply to Shari? Only the next few chapters will tell! Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed!
RAMICA: Yeah, Raph is still not sure of Shari. I did have fun with Don and his brandy, though! I don't write 'those kind of things' yet I've seen people who sip brandy the way I depicted Don doing it! I couldn't resist! :0) I think Rahab will be at her wits end. Lots of other things going on. This is set after the story, Rahab, but before Gaele and Seth. That wonderful netherworld where anything can happen and it won't tweak the other stories – too much. LOL As far as what Shari will think of 'babysitting', it's more than that, me thinks! Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed!
VESTQUEX: You really need to lay of eating coffee beans, you know that? You're way too hyper – and I love it! LOL Anyway, again, I enjoyed writing the brandy scene. Too much so, maybe, because I keep re-reading it! These chapters just happen for me and I'm constantly amazed and grateful when they turn out as they do. I credit all the wonderful writers and their stories on ff.net that I've had the pleasure of reading. All of you have influenced me in one way or another – and all for the good, too! I also love to connect my fics, as well – as you've probably noticed. As for Mexico and Australia…you need to show me how you do that one! Seriously, that eighteen hour flight to Aussie-land would be nixed pronto (hee hee) if you can transport that easily from one continent to another. LOL Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed!