DH AN: Here's Chapter Two. Allow me to introduce my dear friend Ataahua's aviary.

Benu belongs to Ataahua, I am definitely just borrowing her. Nassr however is a bit more complicated and for now, that's all I'll say

*Benu- Egyptian derived/ attributed as Phoenix

*Nassr- Minor misspelling, but attributed as 'eagle' in Arabic. Also could be minor misspelling of the Arabic name Nassir – "Helper"

Take from that what you will. Enjoy Chapter Two. Pretty sure this one's my favorite,

AN 2: Arlomhe 1st POV, switching to 3rd halfway through


Chapter Two

I pace into the cavern with Gabriel Roi at my heels. I pull my cloak tighter around me. The only sound being our footsteps and breathing terrifies me. I have the blueprints, someone who can handle themselves in an altercation and a car ready at the push of a button.

I'm second guessing. I inwardly frown and question my tendency for being early. All we have to do now is wait. I'd rather haggle with The R.H. on a bad day than wait for this.

"You shrank." A voice purrs. I steel myself as it reverberates through the cavern. I can't see her. "And you brought a lackey with you this time. Not wanting me to disarm you of your fancy stick again?"

I look around trying to locate Benu and inwardly panic as I can't find her. I hear the distinct click of a gun. "Don't shoot." The words come with the almost imperceptible undertones of panic as I feel the gun pointed at me even though I can't see it.

A flashlight illuminates the cavern slicing through the darkness. "Well well, The R.H. sent two lackeys in his place. What a shame."

"I'm no mere lackey." I step forward. "Now I came to negotiate on his behalf, not play games. Is that clear, Ms. Benu?"

She steps out into the flashlight beam. "Your approach is far more effective." She laughs. "I see why you're here in place of the dear R.H. For starters you aren't so easily irked." Benu slinks along the wall and I realize why I couldn't see her; she is in form-hugging black clothing with a cloth covering her face, save for her hazel eyes. She steps towards me. I hear another set of steps on my left.

"Alexandre." I warn, barring him from proceeding forward with my left arm. He obliges but his muscles are too tense to be complacent.

"You should listen to your partner." A new, male voice speaks. "One step more and I won't have any qualms about giving you a bullet." He lands lightly behind Benu and I shield my eyes from the direct beam of the flashlight. It changes hands and he steps toward me. I start to shake as he puts his pistol in its holster. "Why did he send a terrified little girl?"

I swallow hard as he tilts my chin to look him in his green eyes. He has his left hand resting against the back of my hood as to keep my identity more concealed. "Who are you?" I ask, forcing futile courage into my words.

"I am called Nassr." His fingers slide from my chin. "Who is the one who calls on Ms. Benu?"

"Arlomhe Sharti." He steps away and returns to Benu's side with a respectful nod. "Now then, shall we begin our negotiations Ms. Benu?"

She closes the gap to an arms' length while her partner stays behind and observes. I jerk my head back and Alexandre steps back though he still looks unhappy about it. Benu places the flashlight on a ledge and its illumination spreads. "I trust that you brought the blueprints?" I nod and feel the assuring weight of the envelope in my right hand.

"I assure you they are accurate and authentic." I take two generous steps back

"Even so Ms. Sharti, I would like to examine them." I slide them across the floor, none too eager to enter her striking range, or give her trigger happy partner a reason to use a bullet. I watch as she peruses the pages, occasionally catching notations in The R.H.'s distinct script. She reaches the last page and tucks them back into the envelope, placing it on the floor. "How do I know that your employer has no intention of anonymously informing the authorities so that they may increase the museum's security?"

"That question brings us to your part of the bargin, Ms. Benu." I take a step forward and keep a wary eye on her partner, whose attention flicks between me and his partner. "Your ability, bearing and skill are renowned among other organizations, Ms. Benu."

"You flatter me, Ms. Sharti. It sounds like your employer fed you those lines, just how close to him are you?"

I swallow my anger. I'm not about to let her control me... Or endanger the fragile line of my position. Nassr's gaze is on me, this time somewhat curious. "That is not the matter at hand Ms. Benu. If you would, don't bring it up again."

"As you wish." I hear the smirk in her voice. "Now then... What is it your employer seeks from The Cobras for his rather generous contribution?"

"It is not what he seeks from The Cobras..." I smirk as her posture shifts to surprise. "Rather Ms. Benu, it is what The R.H. seeks from you."

"Which is?" She rests her chin in her hand in amusement.

"Your services Ms. Benu." The tension in the air is palatable and I swear I see Nassr subtly shaking his head no in hopes that his partner would see.

She doesn't, but after a minute's silence, she speaks. "When?"

"At my employer's choosing."

"So long as it doesn't adversely affect The Cobras and not alone." She glances to Nassr and I nod.

I remove a contract and pen from my cloak's inner pocket. "As I am acting in proxy, I'll need your signatures." My steps are careful and slow as I hand over the contract. Benu merely takes it from me, scribbles what looks like "Benu" framed within a set of feathery strokes that look like wings. I can't stop a small smile. She's busy handing her partner the paper. Unlike her, he reads it rather than a simple scan, to ensure everything is in order. I can see why they make good partners.

Nassr attentively scans the document and I wait with controlled breath. He signs it after a moment and a second glance. He returns it to Benu who then passes it to me. I tuck the paper safely in my inner pocket.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you Ms. Benu." I give thought to extending my hand for a handshake but I'd rather not risk having my shoulder dislocated. She is silent and slinks back into the shadows on soundless feet. Her partner is visible for a second longer before he too vanishes on more audible steps.

My mind is playing tricks on me. The footsteps sound so familiar. It can't be... He's been gone for years.

"Ms. Sharti?" I spin on my heel to see Alexandre. "Perhaps it would be best if you rest on the trip back?"

"I'm fine." I snap, fists clenched loosely. Yet my fast heartbeat and quick breathing counter the assertion. My chin touches my collarbone as I catch sight of my partner shaking. "Perhaps I should...my apologies for snapping." I step past him toward the black van that will return us to the complex.

"You'll have to tell him." Nassr tightens his grip on the steering wheel.

"I don't. The deal doesn't concern him." Benu spits back. "It only concerns us."

Nassr sighs. "He will want a debriefing. Hiding information isn't quite in your best interest."

"Oh would you quit worrying? That's easier than negotiating with The R.H."

"I wonder what made him send a duo this time?" Nassr's face is set, the firm line of his jaw present.

"It worked well for him." Benu states. "Though the fact that until now he's personally seen to his own deals... That's concerning."

"You don't think... She's some sort of successor do you?"

"Her?" Benu scoffs. "There's a complete lack of confidence." She threads her hands behind her head. "Plus who would be blinded enough to have that arrogant bastard's offspring?" She grits her teeth. "What woman in their right mind would leave a child in the care of a man of The R.H.'s position?"

"You assume a successor is always familial? Merely because of how your own mother left you?" He knows he will regret saying this.

Benu is silent, but her fingers dig into the sparse flesh of his hand and he winces. It relaxes after about half a minute, and Benu's facade falters.

"That was a bit insensitive...My apologies, Lady Benu." His gaze rips from hers and is suddenly on the steering wheel.

"You aren't in that deep of trouble." She laughs halfheartedly.

"I will be if Salim sees you sulking." He tightens his grip on the steering wheel. "My job is to ensure your safety as well as the success of our little rendezvous should the other party refuse to cooperate."

"I'm safe and in one piece and fortunately for them cooperation was no issue."

"Well if you don't get your act together... He'll start to suspect."

"Oh stop it... I'll be ok."

Nassr shuts off the engine. "We're here. Go and prepare for your debriefing. I'll see you at sundown." His fingers brush against hers and she smiles. He watches her nod and exit the car.

He exhales softly. He rubs the bridge of his nose. He takes a yellow notepad and pen from the glove box, carefully pens thirteen letters and draws lines that cross over each other. He pales slightly after the letters are rearranged. He rips the sheet from the pad and crumples it and finds a place in his coat's inner pocket. This doesn't sit well. He doesn't know whether to be angry or terrified.


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