Chapter 21: Launch

Marta sat down to secure the straps of her wedge sandals and watched as Aaron gathered up all their things and tossed them on the bed. Then he stuffed everything into the largest suitcase. Everything they had fit into one suitcase. She tried not to let the thought depress her.

She knew the answer but had to ask, sorrowfully, "We won't be coming back here?"

Aaron looked back at her, his big eyes equally full of mourning. "No."

He could have said a lot more, but they both understood how meaningful their stay here together was. They were mutually sad the time here was over. Rather than talk about it, he approached Marta, took her in his arms and gave her a long, sweet, lingering kiss. He pulled back only when he felt passion bloom, knowing they didn't have time to indulge, and rested his forehead to hers.

After a moment, Marta stood back and nodded her head. "All right. What's next?"

"We get the pills then we go home."

"We have a home?" she joked.

"Well, a home country."

"Mmm," she gave him a wry smile. "Not a country home?"

He shook his head at her and made a disgusted sound, teasing. "Bourgeois through and through."

"I just look the part," she replied, mock-offended. "You've trained me well."

"In two days?" he raised a disbelieving brow, smiling. She crossed her arms and looked back at him with narrowed eyes. He laughed, "I'm afraid that comes all too naturally for you."

"Then I guess we're in trouble if I have to play another part."

Aaron stopped smiling. "Actually, you will have to play another part today. And you'll do fine."

The mood was dead serious now. Marta looked alarmed but nodded her head. Aaron pulled her in tight against him and placed a kiss to her temple. "Let's go get those pills." Then, because she still looked nervous, he added, "Hippy."

"Hippy?" Marta questioned, a small smile finally forming on her lips.

Aaron grinned. "Yes; and I'm going to enjoy watching you pull it off."

She groaned. "Let me guess, the pig-tails?"

"Definitely. And," he replied, with an even wider smile, "I'll scour the street market for a tube top."

"Fabulous," she rolled her eyes. "You're not instilling any confidence. There's no way I'm pulling off a tube top."

"Oh, I'm positive you can," he said, wickedly, squeezing her playfully. Then, when she batted his hand away, he gripped her backside and teasingly threatened, "Careful, or I'll find hot pants for you, too."

Her face contorted and he laughed, flexing his fingers into her flesh and hauling her in close. He pressed his lips against hers and was opening her mouth with his when there was a knock at the door. Before Marta could even register the sound, Aaron had whipped her around and behind him. A gun had materialized in his hand and was pointed at the door.

"Who's there?" he demanded.

"House-keeping," a woman with a thick accent responded.

Tense muscles eased slightly. "Can you come back later this afternoon?"

"Yes, sir," the voice answered.

Aaron listened to confirm footfalls departing then turned to inform a wide-eyed Marta, "We told the concierge no maid service. It could be an innocent mistake, but we have to assume it's not. Time to go."

Marta felt fear hit her like an icy tidal wave. Aaron grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the door, stooping to pick up her purse. He pushed the bag to her chest as he cracked open the door. She clutched it to her and stiffly followed him closely.

Gun drawn, Aaron peered around the door down the hallway one way and then the other. He motioned her to come and crept over the threshold. He stood facing the direction the housekeeper had gone and quietly directed Marta, "The elevator; go."

She strode purposefully on shaky legs to the brass doors of the lift and pushed the down button. Aaron walked backwards behind her, covering the hall. A random image of Kenneth Kitsom taking up the rear, much like this, on mission in Afghanistan popped into Marta's head. When the imagery of an ambush came next, she quickly cleared her mind.

She jumped when a ding sounded, announcing the arrival of the elevator. Aaron stepped to her side as the doors opened, his eyes scanning both the hallway and the lift as it was revealed. Fortunately, it was empty so Marta stepped inside and he joined her, facing outward, directly in front of her.

"Lobby," he said, and she pressed the key. The car descended and he spun to her, simultaneously shoving the gun into his belt, under his shirt, behind him. He held her by the shoulders and massaged them reassuringly but his instructions were firm. "Loosen up. Smile. We're relaxed; we're in love."

She smiled weakly and nodded. He kissed her quick, but hard, then threw is head back in a hardy laugh as the elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open. He dragged her behind him and his presence filled the room. Marta wondered at how he suddenly loomed so large and loud. She realized, with a start, that it gave her a chance to recover and she was filled with gratitude for Aaron's skill. He stopped at the front desk and the man that had greeted them yesterday came over excitedly and asked if he could help.

"Yes," Aaron said. "My wife and I will be out for the day until later this evening. I have a large parcel to ship."

"Shall I post it for you?" the man interrupted, trying to be helpful.

"No, thank you," Aaron responded. "I have arranged the shipment already, but if you would allow the carrier into the room for pick-up..."

"Yes, of course," he agreed, happy to please. "I'll go collect it now."

"No need," Aaron corrected him. "It contains some fragile items and the carrier has assumed the responsibility for proper packaging so they must handle the goods. Normally, I would take the parcel to the company for packaging, of course, but we are behind schedule for plans today. My wife nags me mercilessly when I handle business on holiday."

"I do not!" Marta gently exclaimed, settling into her role as Mrs. Fitzpatrick. "No woman would appreciate being neglected on her honeymoon-particularly for office work. That would be dreadfully insulting."

Aaron clasped her around the waist with a wink at the concierge. "See what I mean?"

"It is not usual for us to allow an outside party into a guest's room while they are out, but, if you'll accept responsibility for the arrangement, we can make an exception," the man graciously allowed.

"Much appreciated," Aaron extended his hand, to pass him a large bill which the man eagerly took.

"Oh," Marta, interjected. "May I beg an envelop from you?"

"Yes, of course," he answered, moving behind the desk, retrieving one and handing it to her with an accommodating smile that she returned with thanks. The couple strolled through the atrium towards the exit.

Aaron leaned in and asked, "What's that for?"

"Am I correct in assuming the room was charged to a stolen credit card?"

The look he gave her told her she was, so she asked, whispering, "Will you allow me some of the cash you have stashed?"

He slowed their walking and nuzzled her behind the ear for show as he answered, "Do you need it right now?" Then, when she dipped her head in affirmation, "How much?"

She met his gaze with a smile. "Did you like what I wore last night?"

He puzzled for a minute, then covertly pulled out his wallet and handed her a substantial sum with a smirk. Marta couldn't help but laugh at the large amount. "I'll be right back," she informed him and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

He didn't like letting her go on her own but allowed her to slip away, knowing anything else would look suspicious. His eyes scanned the place intently as she made her way toward the French shop then glanced at his watch. There was no sign of pursuit or anything amiss. Aaron concluded the maid's inquiry must have been an honest mistake. They were pushing it, having stayed so long in the room today. Briefly recalling their morning activities made it impossible not to decide the risk had been worth it. He mentally shook off the erotic images to focus on their survival. He ticked off the next few moves in his mind as he waited anxiously, though outwardly appearing bored. Marta returned just a few minutes later and took his hand, signaling that she was ready to go.

Neither looked back as they made their way out, into Manila's heat.