Chapter Three
Irina had the disk in her laptop at nearly midnight. She had been trying to decode it for what seemed hours with no luck. Decoding encrypted disks wasn't a favorite aspect of her job but a regularity it seemed. A tiny phone rang and she smiled, as it was a high security one. "Mikey," was all she said referring to CIA agent Marshall Flinkman.
"I have received your photos," he was referring to the camera shots Irina had taken while in the initiative complex of Adam and her surroundings. "Troubling indeed, I did some poking around and the boss has knowledge of this but I do not know what as of yet."
"I must know before I proceed, where do your loyalties lie?" Irina said in a cold tone. She had no time for games, no time for dishonest double agents.
"With you, that is my word and you can take that to the bank." Marshall said with as much passion in his voice as he could muster. He knew Irina was a shady character but she had entrusted him to look after her daughter first and foremost, with a few other assignments on the side.
"Do you know the name Maggie Walsh?" Irina asked in a flat tone but rage flashed across her features.
"Yes, Jack sometimes dates her as I reported to you three years ago when I took this assignment. Sydney is very fond of her." Marshall added with trepidation in his voice. "Um, she took a temporary job somewhere though I'm not sure so Syd only gets to speak to her via phone."
"She's here, in Sunnydale, she is the head of the initiative or heavily involved in it from what I could gather by a cryptic message given to me. If Sydney is in danger, I will have to put my life on the line, I will have to go against my country's organization and will need all the resources I can get." Irina stated emphatically.
"Understood, what would you have me to do?" Marshall asked eager to be of more importance to his boss and help Sydney in whatever way he could.
"I have a document sent to your secure email address. I want you to take a leave of absence and get here ASAP." Irina said in an even toned voice that detailed urgency. "The document will detail the death of a family member of yours. It is a real death but no one that you know." Having finished she hung up quickly. She never liked to stay on secure lines for a long length of time because nothing was full proof.
- - - - - - - -
Xander had just finished chaining Spike down in Giles' bathtub as Willow gave him some blood. "Will, we're supposed to feed the criminal after he talks." Xander scolded his friend with a screwed up look on his face.
"Xander, this is Spike. It's obvious they've done something to him otherwise he would have killed us by now." Willow retorted in exasperation.
"She's right," Giles offered.
"Listen," Spike barked angrily. "They put a bloody chip in my head, I can not harm humans. I'm not certain what they want with me but it would appear they are trying to form some sort of sick army. Now that is all I know."
The gang stood looking at Spike. For some reason they all believed he was telling the truth. "We've got to find a way to get on the inside and get Buffy. What if they've chipped her in some way." Anya piped up and garnered looks of dissatisfaction from the gang.
"I think Willow's friend needs chained up too." Xander added, as he eyed Willow. "Did you see how she nuked those demons, all that funky stuff she used? She had more technology then Riley."
"I think I'm gonna go," Willow said with a shrug. She didn't know why but something deep inside told her to trust Irina.
"I think Red is smitten with the mysterious accented woman." Spike snarled with a smirk on his face. His plan was to upset the men and get them out of the bathroom so he could work on his escape. He didn't know why but felt his best option was to align himself with this woman that Willow had brought into the fold.
- - - - - - - -
Willow knocked at Irina's door having just escaped a couple of vampires and whom she thought was someone for the initiative. She felt alone and empty inside and hoped Irina would be awake. "Hello Willow," Irina said with worry creased on her face. "Do come inside," she stepped aside to let the redhead in.
"Wow," Willow muttered upon seeing all the equipment. The main thing being a screen that showed the initiative complex clearly.
Irina flipped off the computer and handed Willow a hot cup of tea. "We can discuss matters further tomorrow Willow. You look spent." Irina ushered her to the sofa and sat down next to her. "I'm so very sorry the result of your friend was not as you had hoped for Willow." Irina spoke softly, as she lifted Willows hand and gently kissed it.
"That's the thing," Willow said with a half smile but worry lines creased her face. "Spike has a computer chip, he doesn't know much, but we're wondering if they have done something similar to Buffy."
Irina had already known something was done to Buffy but was intrigued as to why why Buffy, the vampire, and a multitude of demons and hybrids were being programed. There was no other logical explanation then world domination and that thought had Arvin Slone written all over it. She knew her assignment was to see how demons could aid her country in battles but mixing them with humans who were otherwise healthy? Would her country do that?
"That sounds very plausible Willow," Irina said and gently kissed the young woman. "That is for tomorrow, you have had a very long and trying day. You need to relax."
"I have so many questions that I just don't know if there will be time for me to get my answers. This all seems so much bigger then the Scoobies." Willow said, as she relaxed in Irina's embrace.
"It is Willow," Irina whispered softly. She pulled the redhead closer and kissed her more feverishly. "Willow, am I moving to fast for your comfort?" Irina asked not wanting to make the girl panic. She once again pushed back the fondness she felt for the girl. Irina was fond of Jack Bristo at one time and vowed she would never allow herself to be fond of another. She didn't love Jack, she knew, but hated to deceive the man. She did like him a great deal and he was good to her.
"I-I-I'm all right," Willow said in a high-pitched whisper. She relaxed more as Irina rubbed her shoulders and continued kissing her. "You're the only thing that has made me feel all right all day. I feel like everything I know is slipping away and I don't know what to do. When you're near me though, I feel safe and like everything will be all right."
"You will be safe Willow." Irina said and believed it to be true. Her plan was never to cause this young lady harm. She just needed to get information from her. She told herself once more this is just a job and that she would protect the girl seeing as how helpful she was to her.
Irina continued placing light kisses along Willow's neck and caressing her back and shoulders. "Willow," she said softly, as a soft moan escaped Willow's lips. "Would you like to stay here tonight?"
"I-I-I don't have anything to wear or a toothbrush," Willow managed to get out between aroused breaths, as Irina fondled her breasts.
Irina stopped her quest and looked at Willow with a big smile. She pulled her into a tight hug and laughed heartily. Laughter was a rarity for Irina since she left Sydney. "You looked so cute and innocent when you said that. Please forgive me for laughing Willow. I have an extra tooth brush and you don't have any parts that I've not seen before."
Willow blushed as she registered Irina's meaning, which garnered another laugh and gentle kiss from Irina. "There is no pressure Willow. If that is all you want, I shall be content to hold you. If you rather I escort you to your dorm, that is all right as well. I do not wish to cause you any discomfort."
"I think I'd like to stay here with you." Willow said with a shy smile. The woman's eyes, touch, and laughter were simply infectious to the redhead. She simply had no defenses strong enough to fight off the infection.
"Very well," Irina said and she gave Willow a long passionate kiss. She then scooped her up in her arms, with ease, and headed for the bedroom.
Willow's head was in a spin, she had never been touched or kissed with such passion before. "Um, are you a slayer too?" Willow asked, as Irina gently placed her on the bed and began to help her undress.
"Of sorts," Irina said not willing to lie. She indeed was a slayer. The fact that the modern word for a slayer in her line of work was assassin, was of no importance. As she stood looking Willow's now nude body over, she shuddered inwardly. She feared that if this initiative operation had their way, Buffy Summers would become an assassin for the United States.
"You are a beautiful young woman Willow." Irina said with a desire-filled look in her eyes, as she undressed.
Willow blushed at the compliment then her eyes became glued to the beautiful woman who stood before her with nothing on. She had it all, the long legs, and the slim yet muscular frame. She was beauty in its highest form according to Willow's biased thought process. "Wow," was all the girl could mutter, as she looked Irina over.
Irina laid down beside Willow and pulled her into her arms. "You just let me know what you are and are not ready for Willow. This night is all for you," Irina said and began a trail of kisses down Willow's body.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Willow awoke the next morning alone in the bed. She stretched her sore muscles that she never knew existed and rolled over. Her thoughts were still jumbled in memory of her first true night of passion. She was surprised at how quickly things had transpired. She had only known this woman a few days. With Oz, it took well over a year and even then, sex was a rarity for them. She never knew what the big thrill of sex was until last night.
Willow's eyes fell upon the nightstand where she noticed new clothes with a note placed on top of them. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and got out of the bed.
Willow, I hope these fit to your liking. I picked them up this morning for you. I will be back as soon as possible. Ira
Willow smiled and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. How she loved lazy Saturday mornings with no rush for anything. As she stepped out of the shower, a brisk knock at the door rushed her lazy task of getting dressed. She made her way to the door and opened it to find an exasperated young man standing there. "Um, I think I may have the wrong apartment." Marshall started to back away from the door.
"Who are you looking for?" Willow asked and glanced at the man who wore a business suit.
"Who are you? I'm looking for a friend of mine." That was all Marshall was willing to give up. This girl didn't look to be agent material but one never knew.
"If her name is Irina Evans, you have the right place." Willow replied and stepped away from the door.
"Of course that is it," Marshall stepped inside the apartment. "That doesn't explain who you are and where Irina is." He had to think fast, she could be in real danger. "Look, she's not my friend all right? She is my girlfriend and we're sort of keeping it secret because I'm a bit younger than she is and so I don't want my family grilling me till we're certain this relationship is going to work." He hoped that would satisfy the girl to give him a lead as to Irina's whereabouts.
Willow's face gave a stunned look as she tried to quill the hurt from showing in her eyes. "I-I-I-," just then the door opened and Irina stepped in with a big smirk on her face. She spun Marshall around and laid a big kiss on him.
"I'm sorry Mikey, your kisses are a bit bland," she turned towards Willow and pulled her into a tight embrace. "Willow, Mikey here is just trying to find me. He is not my boyfriend," she kissed Willow in an effort to end the situation. "Mikey, this is the young lady that I am very interested in getting to know better."
Marshall looked at the floor then back up at the two women. How lucky that young girl was, deadly or not, Irina Derevko would be a plus on anyone's arm. "I'm so very sorry ma'am," he extended his hand with a tinge of red on his face. "Ira and I are very close, she asked me to come and assist her with a few things here so I was merely trying to um," he shook his head and looked at Irina.
"Willow, Mikey here will be helping us in this little initiative matter. There are things we will be going into today but it is imperative that you decide as to whether or not your loyalties are to your little gang or me. We haven't the time to go into all the details but it is important that I know who I can and can not trust." Irina spoke briskly with a stern tone in her voice that Willow had not heard before.
"Ira, why don't we have some of that breakfast you brought in and maybe let her adjust before you pull rank on us all." Marshall smiled and took the box from Irina's hands.
As they ate in virtual silence, Willow pondered Irina's statement. Just what was she getting herself into and why didn't Irina trust Giles? "Um," Willow began tentatively. "I will do anything to help get Buffy back but, do you not trust my friends?"
"Oh no," Irina stood up and went around the table to Willow's side. She placed both hands on Willow's shoulders. "That's not it at all Willow. Last night when you said this felt bigger than your group, well it is. International intelligence organizations are involved in this and it is for that reason that I would rather not get any people involved but those that are necessary. This is not your usual event that the slayer is used to Willow. These organizations all appear to want something different and lives could be at stake. It may not be demons doing the threatening of lives so it is imperative that I know you understand fully what you are involving yourself in and why you can't discuss what the three of us discuss here unless I tell you it is all right. Willow I trust very few people and have decided that you are one of those few. I trust I made the correct decision?"
Willow didn't know what to think or say. She had the distinct feeling something very bad was going on and felt afraid in Irina's presence for the first time. The woman's demeanor when speaking this time was like none other than any time prior she had spoke to Willow. She spoke in a cool business like tone that had an icy edge to it. "Are you involved with one of these organizations?" Willow asked timidly.
Marshall looked at Irina who returned his gaze. "Ma'am," he hoped he handled this to suit Irina's pallet. "We can not give full disclosure unless we are certain you can be trusted. This ordeal may entail highly classified information, more classified then your hacking skills has ever uncovered." When Marshall had phoned Irina late in the night to tell her his departure time, she had told him about Willow and he did a little digging. He hoped the fact that he knew about her computer abilities would rattle her into understanding the severity of the situation. If she did not want to help, he hoped the fact that he knew of her hacking skills would be enough to shut her up.
Irina watched Willow flinch at Marshall's words. The girl looked lost and backed into a corner, as if she could burst either into tears or out the door. Irina felt bad for her somewhere down deep in her soul but tried to push it away. Irina Derevko was an unfeeling, ruthless assassin who cared for no one but Sydney. Why then was she having this pang of guilt where young Willow Rosenberg was concerned? "Mikey, leave us." Irina said sternly, as the man looked at her in astonishment. "You have your instructions, go unpack your things and get to work on what I will need."
"Yes ma'am," Marshall gave an apologetic look as he left the apartment.
"Willow," Irina said softly, as she brushed her lips to the young woman's cheek. "There are some things I can not tell you at this point but I do not want to scare you off first of all. You see, I want to help you and your friend truly," she then lifted her shirt and Willow saw the name Sydney displayed in bright letters incased in a heart.
"I'm sorry, um," Willow felt the best thing for her was to get out but for some reason she couldn't.
"No Willow," Irina smiled warmly as she spoke. The same smile that had so relaxed and captivated Willow the night before. "Sydney is what has kept my heart beating for the last several years. She is my life and world, my daughter. I have not seen her in quite some time but have reason to believe she too is in danger because of this initiative program. Professor Walsh is involved in the initiative and is dating Sydney's father. I need to know if my daughter is involved or in harm's way, as your friend Buffy is. That is my sole purpose for this mission Willow." Irina was no longer lying. Her only goal now was to keep Sydney out of danger no matter what her personal consequences were. She saw no reason to fill Willow in on her initial purpose for the assignment however. "I obtained a disk from one of the guards last night. I thought if we could decode it, we could learn pertinent information. This is why I need to know if I can trust you."
Willow looked into Irina's eyes and found no hint of dishonesty in them, only concern for a loved one. "Of course I will help, but the things, um, last night, was that true? The things you said to me when," Willow blushed and looked away.
"Of course Willow," Irina pulled her close and kissed her passionately. If she told herself the truth, she would tell herself that it felt nice to hold Willow in her arms, to kiss her, to touch her and to be in the presence of her company. Being who she was, she did not tell herself the truth.
Irina moved her hands gently over Willow's stomach as she held her close and deepened the kiss. "Your so pretty Willow, skin is so soft and warm." Her kisses became more heated and the touching more intimate as she moved Willow down to the sofa.
"Irina, the disk." Willow managed to get out between soft moans.
"Later Willow," Irina said in a husky voice. She then began exploring Willow's body with her mouth.