By mid morning the merchant ship had docked at the port of Haifa Israel, Annie with Mina were escorted to waiting SUV with IDF guards. Annie thought Eyal must have known about the guards meeting them and knew there would be no way he could avoid walking back into Mossad headquarters. Annie wasn't real thrilled over the idea of any debriefing, she had to protect Eyal and his identity.
Leaning near Mina, "Be careful when speaking English because most Israeli know the language. And I'm sorry, I don't know Arabic."
"French, I grew up in Marrakech." Mina had taken a guess as she had heard Annie say something to Eyal about Marrakech.
"French is good, how did you come to live in Damascus?" Annie responded in French and for their time in Tel Aviv they only spoke French when talking together.
"Love, one of those forbidden loves between a Christian and Muslim. You see my mother was a French national working in Marrakech when she met my father who is Muslim but not practicing - he had turned away from the Islamic faith as a young man. I grew up as a Christian. My parents had no reservation about my loving Kaled Mustafa but his family did and demanded we relocate to Syria and I convert to Islam."
"No free choice was there."
"It was okay, I was with the man I dearly love. You might say I gave up one life for another just to be with Kaled. I understand that forbidden love and the sacrifices one makes." Mina giving Annie's hand a slight squeeze.
The drive from Haifa to Tel Aviv was in silent and upon arriving it was time for the noon day meal. They were taken to a nice small room cheerfully decorated and served by a friendly woman but always with a guard present. After eating their meal, a man identifying himself as Shay Benjamin came to escort Mina away, the last time Annie would see her.
"Ms. Walker so nice of you to grace our presents." Rivka Singer was standing at the door smiling and dismissing the guard.
"Ms. Singer, my pleasure to be here."
"Please may I call you Annie and of course I'm Rivka. The Ms. is so formal and we have worked together before."
"Yes, of course Rivka." Annie hating the chat she knew would be coming - trusting Rivka was impossible.
"I must commend you on bring such a valuable asset to Mossad. Once again our agencies have proved friendship and collaboration."
The table where Annie and Mina had eaten lunch was cleared of the dishes and Rivka asked for tea.
"Would you care for some tea?"
"Thank you that would be nice." Although Annie didn't want anything to drink she was not going be rude to Rivka - something about catching flies with honey.
"With the small amount of feedback we have received, our asset was abducted by a unknown group and taken out of her safe Greek hiding place into the Turkish side of Cyprus."
"That's right. Found her in small village, Mora."
"You met a man who identified himself as Drek?"
"Yes and I believed him to be a Mossad agent as that was the code name given to me for identification." Annie was being open with her answers to Rivka's line of questions.
"Didn't it seem odd that he knew precisely were the asset was hiding."
"Not at all. With the level of Mossad ability to quickly gather important intel, I trusted Mossad." Annie mused to herself with pleasure for a sugar-coated answer.
"Exactly when did you have doubts this man wasn't Mossad."
"I had gone into a courtyard of the inn where we were for some fresh air, the tavern was filled with heavy sicken smell of cigarette smoke. There is a garden beyond the courtyard with a gate and I had walk outside of the gate to look at the garden."
"Oh yes, Turkish cigarettes have a strong aroma." Rivka nodded accepting what Annie was telling her.
"That's when I saw the woman from the tavern carrying a basket of food to a room and the man opening the door, walking to meet the woman I watched for the other side of the gate, when he turned to return to the room I saw he had a side arm. I became suspicious that Mina Mustafa was being held against her will. I reentered the courtyard when I heard a door open, ducking behind a column I saw my Mossad contact come out of the same room."
"So you were up against two men."
"Three. I knew I was also a target, what a prize to capture a CIA agent."
"Yes you are right. I understand there was help."
"Before I return to the tavern and my cover, I dial in an extraction code and location. Hoping they could get to me in time." The lies now started and Annie never missed a beat, she was good at total deception and to protect Eyal. Rivka may have had her suspicions but Annie was not going to confirm them.
"Was it the CIA that came?"
"No, I really not sure because we had very little conversation but his English had a strong British accent."
"British humm... And I suppose he didn't give you his name."
"Called himself Auggie but I think that was a way to identify himself as my handler with the CIA is name Auggie."
"And the three men?"
"All dead." Annie was hoping she had finished with Rivka. She felt that the woman didn't believe her but too damn bad.
"Well it was good to see you again Annie, we have a car waiting to drive to the airport as I'm sure your business here in Tel Aviv is complete."
"Thank you. Good day." Annie shaking Rivka's hand knowing the shrewd reminder about completed business meant no side trips to see Eyal or his family. Rivka knew they were close but didn't know how close.
'London flight 587 from Tel Aviv to touch down at 4:23 your time.' Send, the message was on its way to Eyal and Annie to keep her promise. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and she was going to spend it with Eyal, finally alone with him once more. Grabbing a paperback to read while she waited, Annie had a hard time focusing on the written words, her mind keep drifting to a tall Israeli she love dearly. What had Mina said, sacrifices one makes for love. She knew the time would come that they would have to part forever or she give up her job with the CIA. Yeah, she knew what the answer would be.
Eyal sent her a picture back of a bottle of wine, two half filled wine glasses and a red rose resting on a table with a white lace covering and a pair of tickets. No words, but she didn't need any words, it was his clever way to asking for a date. She guessed to the theater but she couldn't make out what the tickets said.
The wheels touch down at London Heathrow Airport on the flight from Tel Aviv and Annie stepped into the cold, just above freezing rainy environment of a late February afternoon. She has spent not a lot time in London and desired the weather would be better for a little sightseeing. She came through customs without any trouble; there was no luggage to inspect as it was still in Cyprus. Eyal waiting and in his hand he held a long stem red rose. She only noticed his smiling face and the red rose, not seeing what was over his other arm.
"Welcome to London my dear Neshama." The kiss was delicate and conveyed his delight in seeing her.
She was reaching her arms around him, wanting to feel the warmth of his body as he returned the embrace. Another kiss before he pulled back.
"The weather here is dreadful this time of year. Turn around and let me help you with this." Eyal taking a beautiful wool and cashmere blend wrap coat in black for Annie to slip her arms into. Turning her back to face him, he wraps a pale blue silk/cashmere scarf around her neck and tied the coat's belt. "I don't need for you to catch cold."
"Oh Eyal it is beautiful, you shouldn't have." Annie rubbing her cheek against the softness of the scarf and hug herself for the modishness feel of the coat.
"We should take a detour and buy you some clothes as you seem to have a habit of leaving your luggage in different places." Eyal leading the way out of the terminal.
Across the way there was a large shopping area for travelers. Gently he kissed her forehead, how he had grown to love this woman. She was stubborn and infuriating some times, but he did love her. For Annie, Eyal would do anything, as he has time and time again. Her warm hand touched his face brushing along the smooth skin of his cheek bone just above his neatly trimmed beard, showing affection in public - something they rarely do. But then again, that was Annie. She made him want to do things differently just to see her smile and smile she did just being with Eyal.
Walking into an outlet of an upscale High Street boutique, "You will need something for the theater but not too dressy and tomorrow we going to the English country side, a little quiet time for us."
"What are we going to see?"
"You will know when we get there." He's teasing her.
Annie found black slacks with a slight flair at the bottom, a black cropped cardigan with roll collar delicately embellished with tiny beads and silk shell in pale blue to add a touch of color to her black understated chic outfit. Eyal with his approval, anything she would choice would be classic on her, even a feed sack. Next was a pair of jeans and two pull over sweaters.
Eyal taking his wallet out to paid for Annie's purchases, "No you don't." Annie stopping his hand. "Don't fight me on this, it is my clothes."
"I know better. That is not saying no to you. But you need a pair of those skinny heel shoes, right? That will be my consolation prize for giving in now."
"Alright but they will be kitten heels and I'll meet you at the shoe store across the way. I need to buy some personal items without the eyes of a man."
"Fine but don't take too long." Eyal leaving Annie to her secret shopping task.
Eyal's London flat was on the top floor of a white stone walk-up located in the Chelsea area of London.
"I imagined something different having seen your apartment in Washington." Annie was somewhat shocked at the feminine touch to the decorations.
"It was once the nanny's flat for Lady Strathmore and it came already furnished. I've considered several times doing some redecorating but never found the time." Eyal putting the bags of Annie's purchases in the bedroom, "Maybe you will spend a week here and we do some male type improvements. Yeah you are right, it is on the frilly side."
"Yes it is, even for my taste. Having a hard time picturing you spending much time here."
"Place to rest my head when in London, although I do like spending the holidays here. A glass of wine before we change for dinner and the theater."
The rain had stopped when they emerged from the walk-up on their way to dinner. A black 2011 BMW 640d xDrive Coupe M Sport was Eyal's car when he is in England and could take a closer look at the car. "Wow, what a sweet set of wheels."
"An unreported gift from a German Baroness."
"Breaking the rules again."
"Payment for all the wired things she required of me. One of the ugliest sides of being a spy. I have no guilt over owning the car." Eyal opening the door for Annie. "To night is ours; no more talk of this car."
Annie's mind took off on the wildest visions of what could the Baroness requested of Eyal that was so repulsive. No need to ask because he would never give her an answer just feel privilege she heard that much.
Dinner at a cozy restaurant located near High Street and Annie order a light traditional English meal of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and a salad. Good choice and Eyal followed suit. The setting was dim, silver candle stick with long used drippings down the side and the flicking of soft candle light graced the table. Charming romantic setting to the start of the Valentine holiday.
"You going to tell me what we will be seeing this evening?"
"A musical I've wanted to see for a long time. 'Billy Elliot the Musical' set in a northern mining town is an inspiriting story of a young boy's struggle to make his dream come true. Sir Elton John wrote the music with sensational dance and powerful storyline."
"Oh I love Elton John's music. It sounds wonderful."
"I hope you like it. I tend to like stories of the struggling fighting for what they believe in or want and winning. Maybe some secret message is there for me."
"I don't know, it fits you. Like your homeland and their struggle to survive."
Eyal chucking at Annie, "Now that's possibly true."
"The ideal is rather unique for Valentines." Annie happy with being in London with Eyal, a long time coming.
"I thought so. Shall we be on our way?" Eyal with his arm around Annie and leading her to a magnificent night at the theater - truly the start of a romantic night.
The night air was chilled with the temperatures falling below freezing by the time Annie and Eyal walked out of the theatre. Annie pulled her coat's belt a bit tighter as Eyal pulled her scarf closer around her neck, she didn't need to be chic - she need to be warm. Maybe the coat wasn't the most romantic gift he could have given her but surely the most serviceable.
Annie slipping her arm over his, "That was wonderful. When Billy was saying goodbyes to his family I couldn't hold back the tears. He was off to face the great unknown. Wonder what fate has in store for him?"
Eyal kissing lightly on the side of her head, "Fate has a hand in much of our lives and especially the love affairs."
"And fate was much a part of bringing us together. Your Kismet."
"We have little control over ours but the time we do have together should be cherished." Eyal holding her a little closer.
"We would have more control if we weren't spies."
"And bored to death my love, bored to death. Next stop is home and wine."
Eyal helping Annie into the BMW, a reminder to Annie he was no angel and what secrets did he harbor. Would she ever fully know this man she loves, perhaps he was her Knight Lamorak. That is it, Eyal was much more the crusading Knight of King Arthur's court type than a Romeo, and she chuckled to herself, high school girl's dream at her age.
Eyal had purchased the sound track of 'Love Never Dies' by Andrew Lloyd Webber, very fitting for a romantic evening and put it on play softly in the background. He had left no stone unturned in planning this evening, his Valentine gift to Annie.
They settling on the couch with wine, Annie resting he hand on his leg, "You are giving me the perfect holiday, one to always remember."
"This is not a substitute for Christmas I missed but I promise we shall have our Christmas together." Eyal finishing his glass of wine, "Would you like another?"
"Please. I'm going to change into something more appropriate for Valentines."
Eyal face lit up with his charming smile, "Something I would like?"
"You have to wait and see." Annie disappearing into the bedroom.
Eyal with fresh glasses of wine, sat down on the couch, unbuttoned a few more buttons on his shirt and laughs thinking to himself, 'If she comes out in one of my T-shirts I'll spank her'. For him, this is what he had waiting for, a few days with her, just the two of them without outside obligations.
"Nice." Was all Eyal could utter as Annie came out of the bedroom. His face told the whole story, he was pleased. No absolutely delighted with her choice of night wear. Her blond hair falling in gentle waves round her shoulders and wearing a red lace and satin chemise, gently flowing over her curves and stopping at mid-thigh, so fashionably sexy.
Eyal gathering himself from his first sight of Annie, standing to his full height before speaking, "You are my dream come true, the most beautiful dream walking."
Coming within inches of Eyal, "I'm no dream but real flesh." She lighting running her hand from his neck down his chest to the last button which she unhooked.
Eyal hands slowly moved over the sheer smoothness of the satin covering her hips, her arms reaching up behind his neck to pull his seductive lips down to hers. The kiss was gentle before she made it clear her desire. She could feel the much passion he carried for her as his long graceful hand move down her spine to rest on the curves of her derriere, deliberately pressing her against him. No words were spoken as no words were need; he effortlessness eased Annie in his arms, all the while ravishing her with sweet kisses and walked into the bedroom. Valentines was truly magical for both.
Oh how she hated their farewells because it was the start of another long period of separation, this time for two or more months. Reaching in her pocket she retrieved a tiny silver charm bead with tiny red hearts - their Valentines together. As she turned the bead over in her fingers, she remember each moment, the loving touches and his promise as they stood at the departure gate, 'I will always be true to you, Neshama'. Putting her precious charm in her clutch for safe keeping until she could add it the always and forever bracelet, a gift from Eyal. One of her most loved possession that she only wore in America, never in the field for fear of losing it. Eyal Lavin was her all in all.
Eyal with a heavy heart he watched her pass though the boarding gate, his Neshama was returning to Washington and he is returning to an unfinished mission - one he knew he may not return from. He muse about the wonderful three days they had together, visions he would carry with him and giving him a reason to return.
"'Goodbye my dear Neshama" he uttered softly, something he had never said to her in the past and it felt on tranquil air, she had vanished out of sight.
His unfinished business was the eradication of Nabi Sherzai, Yasin al-Hashem's second in command and the two heroin manufacturing plants. Afghanistan was turning warmer and time for poppy planting. Eyal with two other special op agents covered as nomad Afghan tribesmen made their way deep into Taliban held territory without any trouble. Spending a few days sowing seeds to complete their cover.
Two weeks passed before they reached the first plant and luck was on their side, Aadil, Yasin al-Hashem's second in command now heading the operations of drug trafficking for the Taliban was at the heroin plant. A major blast late one night brought to ground the factory in burning rubbish and the next day was found the charred body of Aadil, the new leader with no replacement.
A week later, another heroin plant explosion and poppy fields mapped for future burning. Unfinished business taken care of without hassle, nice turn of events for Eyal.