Author's note: Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed so far! You guys motivate and inspire me so much and whenever I receive a new review I try my hardest to work the newest chapter. Apologies to those reading my Law & Order: SVU & CI fics. That series is not over it's just on hold for now. Blame Tim and Olga for being great muses! lol
Chapter 5
Aashir Mihran opened the hotel room door. When he only saw a lamp on top of a desk in the center of the otherwise dark room, he cautiously stepped in.
"Stop," Agent 47 searched him for weapons. "Sit at the desk and look forward."
"Ok," Aashir did as he was told.
Standing in the darkness, Agent 47 began speaking to his client.
"Place the file on the desk and keep your hands on there."
Aashir obliged, "Agent Smith said you were the best."
Agent 47 opened his folder and read the profile on the target, the President of Tagrabaq, Imaad Sabahat, "When and where?"
"This Wednesday in New York City, he is going to speak at Hudson University at one o'clock. He will then return to his hotel for one-on-one press interviews in his suite. His personal assistant, he is our mole. He has told us that everything in the folder I have given to you."
He read the price that was being offered for the hit, "This is ten times my usual payment."
"I know..that is because it needs to look like natural causes. As you may already know, Sabahat has said inflammatory remarks about the United States and any country that has disagreed with him. He has let our country's people starve by denying aid that the US has offered. And he stole the last election robbing sixty percent of my country's voice because he will not tolerate failure. If he is assassinated in a violent manner then there will be suspicion towards both our countries."
He took a moment to think, "I know what to do."
"So you accept?"
"I do."
"Good. I need to send half the money to your account right now from my mobile phone."
"Go ahead."
Aashir took his mobile from his jacket pocket and typed on it, "It's sent."
He checked his mobile phone, "Thank you. I expect to get the other half Wednesday night."
"I have no doubt that you will…." When he didn't hear Agent 47 he said, "Hello?" He turned on the light to find himself alone.
Crowds of people filled the streets of Istanbul yet Agent 47 didn't feel the same way he did when Nika had been by his side. He came upon the store where he had bought her clothes including the dress she wore when they went to dinner at the Galata Tower and then tried to seduce him afterwards. Although he had his doubts, he did not regret turning down her advances. However, he couldn't forget the feel her body on top of his and her soft lips on his neck.
When he entered the store, he became annoyed at how quickly the saleswoman approached him unlike Karissa who had kept a respectable distance.
"You're an American?" The Turkish saleswoman asked.
"Yes," he didn't like how close she was to him and took a step back.
Oblivious to his body language, she took a step forward, "Welcome to Istanbul, I'm Alara. Do you need help?"
Her smile seemed fake to him, "No, I'm fine thank you."
"A handsome man like you..I assume it's for a special lady in your life?" She touched his shoulder.
He definitely didn't like anyone let alone a pestering saleswoman touching him but he remained cordial and calm, "I'm just looking around."
Her manager beckoned her and Agent 47 was quietly thankful that he did.
"That's my manager, I'll be right back."
Agent 47 nodded before swiftly walking into the right section of the store. After Nika had tried on the dresses, she had gone to the sleepwear section much to his surprise. She had either slept in panties or nothing at all. A red satin nightgown with a v-neckline, ruffled hemline and matching robe had caught her attention. When he approached her, she showed him the dresses she had selected and did not acknowledge the nightgown.
He stood in front of the nightgown and noticed that the color matched his tie. When he sensed Alara behind him, he clenched his jaw.
"Ooohh, your lady friend will love that. It's a shame, the handsome ones are always taken," she said as she rubbed the back of his shoulder.
"Excuse me," he turned, "I have an appointment to get to," he lied as he left the store. He then took out his mobile phone.
Karissa answered her phone, "Frank, you're either bad at math or you're trying to buy me off by paying me double again. I think it's the latter, if so, stop. I don't mind shipping stuff for you."
Her answer and strong tone caught him off guard, "How did you know I was calling?"
"You're the only unknown phone number that shows up on my phone."
"I see," he waited a beat. "I pay you because it's only right if I do."
"Well you don't have to, ok? I don't have a problem doing something nice with no ulterior reasons or motives. It's not like you're asking me to ship weapons, drugs, or freaky porn," she joked but did not expect him to laugh and he didn't.
"All right then. I'm calling because I was in this store and I saw a nightgown that Karina wants."
Her eyebrows furrowed, "Did you buy it there?"
"No, the saleswoman was.."
"A big pest."
"Exactly."
"I bet she was the touchy flirtatious type," she chuckled.
"Unfortunately she was," he said sounding annoyed.
"Ok then, what's the store's website?" She grabbed a pen and wrote the website that he gave her on the back of her business card and Nika's dress size.
"You have it?"
"Yes and the gorgeous nightgown is out of stock, it's going to be five to six weeks before I can ship it to her," she looked at the store's website.
"I'll call you."
"Ok, Frank."
"Yes?"
"Why do you trust me to do this? You barely know me."
He took a moment to answer, "Because you're not a greedy person. You respect me."
She nodded, "You remind me of my father…That's why I trust you."
He felt complimented, "Thank you."
"You're welcome. I told him this the other day and he laughed. He thought it was funny that there was someone else out other like him."
A pleasant silence fell between them.
"I have to go now, Karissa."
"Ok, but would you mind if I suggested something to you?"
"No."
"I notice that you say 'nice' and 'good' a lot. I'm not saying you have to become a radio DJ or anything. But if you ever come to visit Nika and meet her friends, they're going to expect more from you than me."
Agent 47 appreciated her advice, "I'll take that into consideration. Thank you. Bye Karissa."
"Bye Frank."
Even though she was speaking to the social worker; Nika was barely paying attention to their conversation. The fact that she was now a foster parent was still sinking in. Everything had gone as planned. She took the classes, passed the background check, home inspection, her references were credible, the judge and social worker had signed off on her petition yet it still didn't feel real to her.
"So Ms. Petrova," Mrs. Karen Lemster spoke to Nika, "there are a few things you need to know about your foster daughter, Madison Garnet."
"All right, like?" she asked.
"She was born August 21st 1994. Both her parents are deceased."
"Like me. What happened to them?" Nika asked.
"That's why I chose her for you," she touched her hand. "Anyway, her father was killed during a prison riot when she was two and her mother overdosed on cocaine when she was six."
Nika sympathized with Madison, "Sounds awful."
"It doesn't get any better. We placed with her uncle but he was molesting her until she was eight, that's when we removed her. After that she was placed in a foster home with a lot of children. She felt ignored, went through the motions but she is a bright student. Then she turned thirteen, two months later she met an older guy, Clarence Moore. He treated her like a princess for a day, she ran away to be with him and.."
"He broke her down and turned her into a prostitute," she said personally knowing how the process went and remembering how it felt.
Nodding she said, "Exactly. She's been staying in a group home for three weeks. Moore beat her because the client punched her in the face, took his money back and pushed her out of his car after she was finished with him. It's overcrowded where she is and your home and career would allow you to give her the attention and support that she needs."
"I'll be there for her," her tone was sincere.
"I know you will, Karina," Karen grinned. "There's one more thing you need to know about her."
"What is it?"
"She's fragile. Madison is not going to open up immediately. This is the first time she will be the only child in a home."
"I understand. It will take time and patience for her to adjust. I know that she will."
Karen stood up, "Ok. Follow me in your car to her group home and you can bring her home with you."
"Let's go," she followed Karen.
Although she appeared calm, Nika was filled with excitement, anticipation and little bit of nervousness. As she and Karen approached a petite redhead sitting on the front steps of a home, she released a deep breath.
"Madison, this is Karina Petrova. I told you about her last week," Karen said to the redhead.
She was shocked to see how young and beautiful her new foster mother was. She simply nodded answering Karen's question.
"Madison, it's very nice to meet you," Nika offered her hand.
Reluctantly, she shook her hand and couldn't believe how soft it was.
"Madison, you're going with Ms. Petrova today. Are you packed?"
"..Yes," she answered as she held up a small suitcase.
"Then I hope you two have a safe trip home," Karen smiled.
The three of them walked down the short cement walkway.
"I'll check in with you both in a few weeks," Karen told them.
"Ok," Nika said with nod. "We'll be fine."
"I know. Bye," she answered before going to her car.
Carl came out of the driver's side, "I'll take that for you Ms. Madison," he picked up her suitcase.
Surprised to see that her new foster mother had an expensive car let alone a chauffeur, Madison said, "Um…ok."
After putting her suitcase in the trunk, he opened the door for them.
"Thank you, Carl," Nika said before she gestured to Madison to enter first.
She nodded and sat in the car.
During the drive to their new home, Nika did most of the talking. She told her about the vineyard, Elaine and Robert, the workers, her security team and Tiska and Lena.
"You have dogs?" Madison said with a hint of eagerness in her blue eyes and voice.
"Yes, they are Labrador puppies but they are big. They're nice. Tiska is yellow and Lena is chocolate colored," she told Madison.
"They sound nice. Sometimes I feed a stray dog in the neighborhood…I haven't seen him around lately."
"Well, you can feed Tiska and Lena..just not too much or they'll look like two hairy blobs with four legs and a tail."
A small chuckle came from her.
Nika grinned.
"We're home Ms. Petrova," Carl said as he drove up to the front gate of the vineyard.
Nika pressed the window button and spoke to her Chief of Security, Ramon.
"Hello Ramon, this is Madison. She'll be living with us from now on," Nika told the muscular Latino man.
Ramon leaned out on the security booth's ledge and put his sunglasses on his head, "Good afternoon Ms. Petrova and welcome to your new home Ms. Madison," he smiled.
"Did I receive any packages today, Ramon?" Nika asked thinking of Agent 47.
He knew she was asking about Frank Holt, "Sorry Ms. Petrova, you didn't."
"Ok, thank you anyway," she replied with a hint of disappointment in her voice.
"All right, go on through Carl," Ramon said.
Once she stepped out of the car, Madison was in complete awe of the palatial home and the acres of vines and land that surrounded it. She only thought homes like the one before her existed in books, movies and television.
"You live here?" she asked Nika.
Smiling at Madison's reaction upon seeing her home, Nika proudly answered, "We live here."
Stunned, she exhaled and tried to remind herself that wasn't dreaming. She was brought down from the shock when a couple in their early fifties approached her.
"Madison, I'm Elaine," she shook her hand. "If you need anything just call me on the intercom or find me."
"I'm Robert," he put an arm over Elaine's shoulders, "I'm in charge of running the vineyard. But you if you need anything, just do what my wife just told you, asking only for her," he joked.
"You're so lazy," Elaine playfully tapped his chest.
Nika scoffed, "You two are so cute."
Just then Tiska and Lena came running up to Nika.
"Hello my puppies," Nika lovingly petted their heads as their tails wagged. "Go say hi to Madison."
They went over to Madison; she happily kneeled down and petted them while they licked her face.
"That's enough now, puppies. Come on Madison; let me show you to your room."
"Ok," she quietly said as she stood up and then followed her.
Madison continued to be amazed while Nika showed her their home. They finished their tour in Madison's bedroom.
"Now," Nika opened the door, "this is your room."
Speechless, Madison slowly entered the large room taking in the beautiful floral décor.
"I have my own computer and TV!"
The look on her face made Nika grin, "This is your bathroom too," she pointed to her left.
Madison poked her head in the bathroom, "A hot tub!"
A small part of Nika felt guilty for what she had to say next, "There are some things you need to know."
"Like what?"
"Well, you will start school after New Year's and you have to catch up because of the time you missed.."
Her head lowered to the ground in shame.
"Hey," Nika lifted her chin with her fingers, "it's ok. This just means you have work very hard but I know you can do it. Your tutor will be here on Monday."
"Ok," she nodded.
"You will also have chores. You must clean your room and bathroom every week. You will also help Robert bathe Tiska and Lena. On the weekends you will do the dishes."
"All right."
"I have to make some calls now," she headed for the door before turning around, "I'm really happy to have you here, Madison."
Unsure of how to respond, she simply smiled.
Nika hoped she could get Madison out of her shell but for now, her smiles would suffice, "Dinner will be at seven. Until then, you can explore the house and the grounds. Tomorrow, we will go shopping for new clothes."
"Ok, Karina."
The soft patter of Nika's slippers filled the corridor. She thought about the weeks ahead and hoped that she could connect with Madison. A small smile touched her perfect lips; she couldn't believe she was now a mother worrying about bonding with her daughter. If it weren't for Agent 47 she would be the one trying to help herself instead of another lost soul. Although she was grateful to him she wished she knew where he was. It had been almost six weeks since his last package.
The morning news was on the television while Nika, Madison and the Wrightmans had their breakfast.
"The official autopsy results of the late President of Tagrabaq, Imaad Sabahat, have been released. It has been determined that Sabahat died of cardiac arrest. Nearly eight weeks ago, the controversial political figure died while sleeping at the Markson Hotel in Manhattan, New York just hours after giving a fiery speech at Hudson University," the anchorwoman stated. "His political opponent, Sarim Jalil was sworn into office this morning. Unlike his predecessor, Jalil views and policies are far are more moderate and popular with leaders of Western governments, especially the United States."
"Ms. Petrova?" Ramon's voice came from the intercom, "you have a package from Frank Holt."
Nika set down her glass of orange juice and immediately went to the intercom, "Thank you, Ramon. I'm on my way to get it."
"Ok Ms. Petrova," he replied.
She didn't notice the smile on Elaine's face when she returned to the house and bolted up the stairs. Relief and exhilaration ran through her body as she ripped open the package and picked up the card.
12/1/07
Nika,
It is winter now; you shouldn't sleep in the nude. You can get sick. I am fine, I hope you are too.
-47
Tears filled her eyes when she folded back the tissue paper to see the red satin nightgown and robe she had admired in Istanbul. When she had first seen it in the store, the color had attracted her because it matched Agent 47's tie. Now, she stood in her bedroom holding the nightgown against her slender figure and all she could think about was how much she missed her unexpected savior.
"Karina," Madison said after knocking on her bedroom door, "That's a really nice nightgown."
"It's beautiful." She set down the nightgown on her bed, "How have you been?"
"Good," she grinned. "Thank you for letting Tiska and Lena sleep in my room."
"It's nothing," she wiped away a stray tear.
"Um..Can I ask you a personal question?"
"Of course," she listened intently to her foster daughter.
"Why," Madison felt floods forming in her blue eyes, "why are you doing this? Taking me in?"
A twinge in her heart made her put an arm around Madison, "What do you mean?"
"People like you want babies and you go overseas and adopt them..You don't take in used up teenage whores like me," she sobbed. "I don't-I don't deserve to live like this," she gestured to their beautiful surroundings.
"Oh Madison," she held her face, "I know how you feel. I used to be with horrible men who made me feel like you do, like I was worthless. Then I met Frank, he gave me a second chance at life because," she remembered how amazing she felt when she received the vineyard's ownership forms in the mail, "because he believed in me. I didn't give him a reason to..but he did.
But that wasn't enough; I had to believe in myself. With time, work and my friends I did-I do. It is up to you to become who you are and the woman you want to be, no one else. I am only giving you the chance to do that. Understand?" she cried.
Madison nodded her head, "Yes.." and held Nika.