Beautiful Florida weather the following day, in the mid seventies and bright sun graced the playing field. Evening Mist being a huge estate, beautifully maintained meadows and horses. What was in the files Annie had read about Landric never included he raised horses or was an ardent horseman himself. Somewhere near five hundred people had been invited to the two-day polo matches with teams from all over Europe, the Americas, both North and South America to participate.
Annie and Estelle had been given a golf cart with a map of the estate and freedom to go exploring.
Estelle in command of the cart, "I've been here numerous times, is there anything you would like to see?"
Annie studying the map, because their host has been so open about visiting the estate Annie decides to forgo the guided tour. "To the polo field. I've never seen a polo game and didn't know it is popular in America."
"Hasn't been here very long but catching on fast. Perchance our dashing British duo, Prince William and Harry may have something to do with spreading the sport."
A large meadow had been turned into a playing field with bleachers, hospitably tents and refreshment tents. Both Annie and Estelle armed with cameras and programs found seats high on the bleachers, perfect viewing of the matches - and spectators. From time to time, Estelle pointing out some European VIPs, she was a wealth of knowing who is who among the social circle. Towards the end of the first match, Annie spotted Joseph Neilson with the man she had met at the cocktail party, Sebastian Tombs. Clicking pictures she followed their movement through the camera lens and more pictures. Landric Von Friedric-Kristiansen joined them with another man and quickly all four walked out of view. Was she witnessing the top dogs of Lexington Global?
She guessed Sebastian Tombs to be the same age of Landric, very handsome with thick wavy salt and pepper hair, dark eyes and well built, he kept in shape. Her mission was to find the extent of Landric involvement with Lexington Global and destroy. First match over and the victory to the Argentina team. Lunch was being served in another pasture under an enormous tent by renowned chef from TV's cooking network, a Spanish flair luncheon. Brightly colored flowers adorn each table covered in white clothes with festive colorful napkins - very fitting for the Argentina win. Annie and Estelle enjoying their lunch and people watching but the foursome of Joseph, Landric, Sebastian and yet unidentified fourth man were not at the luncheon.
Estelle excused herself from Annie shortly after lunch, "I shouldn't be gone more than an hour, I see someone that I need to chat with about an upcoming book tour here in the states."
Annie heading back to the playing field to see what else she could find out but so far only the four men meeting together. Nothing more to be gained at the match she decided to find a quite secluded spot away from all the activity. Annie, with the golf cart stopped near a pasture with clean white fencing and several horses grazing under a huge live oak tree. She kicks back to relax and calls her partner.
"Hi Neshema good to hear from you." Eyal cheerful voice quickly answered.
"This is all tied together but I can't connect the dots. This whole network is huge and far-reaching." Annie hoping the level of shrewdness Eyal had, maybe a bit cleverer on investigating than her, could magically reach across the sea and help.
"And I have been missing you too. By the way where are you?"
"Sorry, I guess I should have told you. I have a contact with a woman named Estelle Bruce Hathaway who has an in with Landric Von Friedric-Kristiansen and I'm on his estate in Florida. A big charity event this week-end and the place is crawling with Lexington people. Taking pictures and trying to identify the game players."
"Good but be careful. Charity events have been known for laundrying money with diamonds is the main source of funding with black market art and drugs being secondary but not knowing where, who, and what. Take loads of pictures and we compare notes later."
Well he wasn't much help she thought but it was nice to hear his voice. "Do you have a way for checking out a person, I met a man last night that... I'm not sure of but think he is on the wrong side of the fence."
"Yes, what is his name and do you have a picture of him?" Annie could hear Eyal typing on his keyboard.
"Sebastian Tombs, age around his mid fifties and I have a picture. Also I have a good picture of four men, Nielson, Landric, Tombs and a fourth man and at a good angle to ID the fourth unknown."
Annie reaching to the back seat and fetching her laptop, "Transmitting now. Let's see if we can get a hit." She started typing the information.
"Should take maybe twenty minutes. Any others we can check out?"
"I got a large file of pictures already. Do you want me to transmit now."
"Go ahead, we can start working this now and see how big of a shit pile you are in." Eyal reported, "Stay safe and I'll be back shortly."
Annie started the file transfer and waited until it was completed, closed her laptop and went back to looking at the Florida scenery. Time tick by so she went back toward the guest house. As she was pulling in front of their guest house, "Got a hit." Annie's cell buzzed and looking at the information.
Eyal voice was happy with the news. "You will never guess."
"What."
"Your Sebastian Tombs is a VIP with the United States Customs and Border Protection."
"Damn, he is a bad egg, I knew it but need to prove it. Bet my life's savings he is in the hip pocket of Lexington." Parking her golf cart, "From now on, we can only speak out side of the guest house, my gut says it is wired for sound. Anything on the fourth man?"
"Not yet. You think this woman you are with can be trusted?"
"No. I don't trust anyone outside of you. I'll send you a picture of her." Annie disconnected and headed into the house.
It was all part of being a spy, research and wait, someone as impatient as Annie would have trouble with. Mixing herself a drink and finding something to snack on, Annie decided to look around, see how the other half lives.
Wasn't long before - Buzz...Buzz a text coming in. 'Take your laptop and go to a black hole and call'. Eyal had more information.
Annie heading quickly to her safe place beside the pasture. "Holy shit!" Annie reading what was printed on her screen. Estelle Bruce Hathaway, the woman she is with was on the screen with a different name. Marie Davy Marwick.
"Hey beautiful, I don't know what you have found but be careful. The picture is of Marie Davy Marwick, wife of Sir Nigel Marwick and sister of Kyril Davy. There is also another sister, a half-sister, Marlyn that's married a Danish count - your target, Landric Von Friedric-Kristiansen."
"Oh crap. No wonder Estelle or Marie has a link to Landric." Annie looking at her computer screen in disbelief. "So what do I do now, confront her?"
Eyal's voice steady, "No not now. Play it out as plan. See who shows up tonight."
"Good, that means I get to wear my new red gown to the grand ball of evil."
"After this is over I'll take you to a wonderful place I know in Rome and you can wear the dress just for me and we'll wine, dine and dance the night away, later watch the sun rise over the Castel Sant' Angelo."
"Sounds wonderful. Miss you." Annie disconnected with happy thoughts, always happy thoughts after talking to Eyal and so delighted he didn't rank her over the coals for being in America - she very well knew the risk and glad he didn't remind her. That was Eyal, supportive even when she knew he would have disagreed with her move.
Annie returning to the guest house and change for the grand American Heart Association gala. The guest house had three bedrooms each with individual baths, a great room and kitchenette, wet bar fully stocked. Estelle was enjoying her tall drink of Mojito cocktail when Annie came in.
"Enjoy the match?" Estelle asked.
"Didn't go, took a tour of the estate and did some reading of you newest novel. I'm totally hooked on your books."
"You like fictional romance novels? Too bad real life isn't like my writing."
"It could be if you are with the right person. Time for us to get ready for tonight's gala." Annie pouring a glass of wine and heading to her bedroom.
Annie had picked a straight strapless with a fish tail trail in red satin with a satin belt - elegant in its simplicity. She paired the dress with small diamond earrings and the beautiful diamond bracelet she had in France for that charity gala. Now being the thrifty Annie, she found red silk medium heels with a sling black evening shoes at a thrift store in London, nearly new and a black beaded clutch. Now Estelle, the beautiful lady of class wore a red satin, tulle and lace gown with a sweetheart neckline and three-quarter sleeve jacket, so very sophisticated and all embellished with beading, embroider with lace and Swarovski crystal. The go red theme for women's heart health was in full force.
The main manor house was reminiscence of European palaces with huge wings on either side of sand color cut stone construction. Special detail had been given to each facade with a courtyard entrance delightfully planted. The interior transformed into a fairy tale setting with soft lighting and yards of sheer fabric draping entrance ways, fresh-cut red and white roses decorated every table. Truly a gala fit for a Queen.
The two women with their glasses of bubbly walk about admiring the art work. Annie, aka, Nicole Cohen art dealer, taking a close inspection of several pieces and making mental notes. Estelle grew tired of being with Nicole and found other people to chat with.
After another hour or so and several dances with various men, Annie saw the man Eyal was tracking, Kyril Davy from South Africa and he was with a beautiful woman. Annie mused; money can buy pleasure when looks won't work. Davy being short, a bit over weight and thinning gray hair was all smiles as he should be, the woman he had on his arm reminded Annie of Halle Berry who played Jinx Johnson - one of the beautiful Bond girls.
Her grace and beauty adorned the room as they made their way to one of the head tables. She wore a red silk cape one shoulder by British designer Suzannah - expensive and stylish. The diamond chandelier earrings and bracelet added to the overall loveliness. Surely all gifts from Kyril.
"May I have this dance?" A velvety voice with a strong Spanish accent broke Annie's attention of people watching, especially Kyril Davy his exquisite lady.
"Yes of course." Annie taking a look at a handsome Hispanic with tinkling eyes and a Latin fascination oozing all about him. She presumes him to be in his mid-forties, about five ten in height and under his perfectly tailored tux a body that spent many hours working out. She was having great spy luck; this man was the fourth man, the one from that afternoon, the unidentified desperado.
"I'm Diego Fajardo of Neiva, Colombia and finding your country dearly charming."
"Nicole Cohen and this isn't my country, I'm from Paris, France. Are you here with a polo team?"
"No but cheering on the Spanish teams..." As he guided her to the dance floor. They danced a few dances and had one drink together before it was time to part. Annie found him to friendly and very charming, much like the handsome Israeli she knew. It was close to mid-night and Estelle finding Annie because she wanted to leave. Annie decided to go with her back to the guest house and call it a night - with more great intel.
Annie wanted to call Eyal but didn't wish to risk it as she wasn't sure of Estelle's sleep habits. Sitting on the edge of the bed she reviewed what new information she had when she heard something outside her window. Now in her PJ's and armed only with a flash light she moves to the front door, stops and listens for any other sounds.
"You heard it too." Estelle in her night grown and robe holding a metal drink-shaker as her only weapon.
"I'm going out to have a look. You stay here." Annie easing the door to a small crack and peeking out. Estelle moving closer to her, also looking out at the night over Annie's shoulder. The full moon from the previous night still illuminating the night sky and the area. There was a stiff breeze picking up and both could see clouds starting to roll in.
"You think maybe it was just the wind." Estelle with her hand resting on Annie's back.
"Could be but I'm still going to have a look." Annie stepping out of the door and Estelle right behind her. The two women walked around the guest house and onto the patio where a small swimming pool was. The pool side lounge chairs had been turn over to protect from foul weather and the outdoor bar shutters were drawn and locked. The wind picking up and a few drops of rain falling on them.
"Not good for the hair." Estelle whispered.
"I don't think anything was out here and if there was it is gone now. Let's go back in before we get soaked."
"Cherry of an idea." Estelle leading the way back to the front of the guest house and out of the oncoming rain. Entering her bedroom, Annie couldn't get the feeling that someone had been outside snooping around but she now satisfied no one any longer was there, crawled into bed and quickly fell to sleep. Another day of intel gathering would soon be at hand.
The next morning the two went for brunch but skipped the polo matches for that day and drove back to Tampa to catch their flights to different places, Estelle to London and Annie to Washington D.C., she knew she shouldn't but still she was going. Saying their goodbye, they went separate ways into the huge Tampa airport.
Annie's flight had a short layover in Atlanta and then on to Washington. Her mind was off the mission and on both Eyal and Auggie with conflicting emotions. Annie was never the one to think logically but allowed her heart take control but now her heart was being pulled in two different directions. Whatever she did in Washington would seal her future forever and it was giving her a headache and stress in her back. When she killed off Annie Walker it was with the thought of returning but could she really do that. She had carved out a new life and now it looked like Eyal maybe a part of her future and Auggie her past. She being at a crossed road in her life and now had to face her fate, return to an American life or stay with her French roots. By a face to face with Auggie Anderson could she put the proper perspective on her twisted situation? Boarding her fight to Washington, she took two pain pills for her throbbing head, closed her eyes and napped.