Boston
Andy Sachs had no idea why Miranda was being pushed back into her path or orbit twice this week, why now, Cass and Car had been taken along with a High Priority, NCIS needed to get back.
Arriving in Boston, touching down. Would have to face Miranda again, face to face and neutralize all of her warm feelings for her. How was she going to be in the same room and not react to Miranda and her loss?
David was his less cocky self, had been told agents would be arriving to question and begin the investigation, the only thing he wanted was his daughters found today. Rushed over to the hotel last night to his ex-wife the minute she phoned him. David was in Newport.
Miranda was sitting down, David squeezed her hand, and she had been distraught crying all night. Liat was flying in this afternoon. Both looked like they had been up all night and through hell.
Jane Rizzoli questioned hotel staff in the lobby and had checked with security and hotel management, Miranda's twins' Louis Vuitton luggage had been located in the lobby, packed. They had checked out. To go where?
Miranda was meeting Cassidy and Caroline there. She knew they would have stayed and waited in the hotel lobby for her. Why did they leave?
Seen on the grainy hotel elevator camera with a school friend. Charlotte was her name. Jane Rizzoli had a feeling Charlotte was a VIP, never encountered this Government Department before. Office of Special Projects.
All three missing now. Without a trace.
David's aide announced. ''NCIS is here to see you both.''
Miranda looked up, words dry in her throat at the sight of Andréa. This could not be happening her, her twins gone and now Andréa here.
Andy squashed wanting to reach out to Miri.
Andy met her narrowing blue eyes, looked away from coldly by Miranda, Andy didn't expect a better greeting, she herself was putting a lot of effort in not caring. Keep your defenses strong Sachs you cannot be with her again. Ever. Chastising herself for reacting. Just move forward, already cut Miranda out of her life entirely by leaving her that night.
David Sayers demanded FBI progress on finding his daughters.
Granger's gravelly voice corrected. ''We're not the FBI.'' The NCIS team leader Assistant Director Owen Granger asked soon to be NY Senator Sayers to take a seat. Introducing himself to Ms Priestly, David's ex-wife.
Andy winced, Granger was sometimes to blunt. Need a quick course in sensitivity training.
''This was received an hour ago, a ransom demand.''
Andy had asked Kensi to present it.
The Trader a beautiful looking woman sat in the frame from the recorded clip. ''Greetings NCIS. I have someone you want back.''
The camera feed showed Charlotte looking terrified. ''If her father does not comply with my demands of certain drone surveillance, I am afraid he will be not hearing a salutation of father again.'' Andy studied her intensely.
The Trader's history made Andy sick.
''I also have acquired these two lovely girls, twins imagine my good fortune who they are the daughters of…Cassidy and Caroline say hello to your Mommy and Daddy.'' Shown the twins, Andy saw Miranda flinch. David balled his fist. Meant to shake them up, it did.
''I have since they are such delightful company decided not to have them placed on reserve in my annual auction and they will remain unharmed, subject only if my demands and expectations of ransom are met. If not their stay with me will become unpleasant.''
''My demands are release of my son Imran and 25 million dollars. I warn you, disobey my rules and I will have Charlotte here, along with Cassidy and Caroline bidded on and bought by a very special client and you can watch. You will be sent instructions in twenty four hours. ''
The site went dead.
''Give her what she wants.'' David stated.
Owen's expression darkened, looking hard at David Sayers who was considered political royalty. ''We can't do that.''
Miranda looked incredulous at NCIS Assistant Director's blunt declaration. This was her daughters' lives at sake. Find this Imran and give him back to her. All she wanted was her daughters back safe, with her.
''That woman holding my daughters' hostage said my girls would be harmed if not. Find him or release him. Please.'' Miranda looked desperate.
''Her son is Imran Zubeidat a now captured jihadist ISIS fighter in Syria taken in custody by Agent Sachs. We do not want to release him into mainland US soil.''
Photos of him on Twitter and in the Benghazi US Mission attack and training with the AQAP, Miranda saw he looked older than Cass and Car's in age. Mean eyes.
Meeting Andréa's caught eyes fully. ''What did she mean by, Cassidy and Caroline in an auction?''
Avoiding that question, Andy didn't want her to know.
''Andréa tell me what auction, you owe me that at least.'' Miranda asked.
Andy pressed her lips together. ''Miranda maybe you shouldn't hear this… Her team could tell there was history between them. The silvery haired lady really didn't like Sachs. G. Callen got that same look from ex-girlfriends so did Deeks. Especially.
Cut off by Mir. ''I demand to know. Tell me.'' Took on with unflinching artic blue. Andy remembered Miranda's lips got very tight when she was angry and her voice became strident but soft.
Andy exhaled. ''The Trader is a dealer in arms, securities technology, organ trade and harvesting, exotic animals and mainly human trafficking particularly sex trafficking. Her organization primarily funds terrorism.''
''Virgins are very desirable, highest prices are paid by The Trader's clientele.'' Saw Miranda looked horrified and paler, Andy abruptly stopped her words. Miranda motioned to continue, gripping her armrest.
''Once they are traded and bought likelihood of finding them is highly unfavourable.'' Couldn't meet Miri's alarmed eyes any longer.
Miranda voice shook. ''So in eleven hours my twins are no more.''
Andy rushed after her.
The Elevator
Caught. Arms encircled her. ''It's going to be okay.'' Andy repeated over and over again. Miranda asked vulnerably. ''How? I can't lose them Andréa. I can't.'' Slumped down.
''I will find them. Trust me.'' Held Miri's face with both hands. ''I will get them back for you.''
Miranda was in Andy's arms stiffening at her touch. ''Why would I ever trust you Andréa Sachs.'' Releasing herself from Andy, pushed away from her, wiping her ashen face shakily. Dropped her key card in haste.
Saw Andréa held it.
Stopping on her floor. Snatched her dropped room key card from Andy's hand.
Andy followed Miranda to her hotel suite door and met another pair of blue eyes not happy to see her. Liat.
''I suggest you leave Miri well alone. It would be best.'' Given a look Andy knew not to cross.
''Liat I will leave her alone for good. Promise.'' Andy stepped away.
Shut the door on Sachs. Liat exhaled Andréa Sachs was here in Miri's life again, wonderful, Sachs had systematically cruelly broken her daughter's heart and didn't care one iota.
Liat stroked her daughter's back. ''Tell me what has happened.''
''Cassidy and Caroline have been taken. Mère they'll be…Andréa's here and I…''
Listened, wiping tears in Miriam's eyes gently. Smoothing her daughter's sharp cheekbone. Stroking ivory skin. ''I promise Cass and Caroline will be found somehow.'' Weeping more into her mother's arms.
Her twins were her only joy and she was supposed to keep them safe and protected and now…
Liat held her daughter, her joy.
Miranda was calming down in a bath. The door knocked as Liat got it. Irritated, Miriam needed to rest. If not she'd collapse. Not be disturbed. If it was Sachs again, would receive such an earful.
Told the young waiter coldly. ''I did not order this.'' Room service bought in a tray for both.
Liat realised Sachs.
Why Andy Sachs would want to get away from Miri as quickly as possible that night but now care for her daughter still. Be so thoughtful by this gesture. Pondering the mystery that was Sachs?
Deciding not to tell her daughter who ordered lunch. For the best, only just upset her again. Sachs was extremely gifted in doing that.
Wrapped in a robe, Miranda thanked her mother for ordering what she liked but hardly could eat, pushing it around on her plate, tasted nothing. Numb.
''Miriam you must eat.'' Liat scolded her. Remembered once being as lost.
Watching her mother flicking through a small leather book from her purse. Why her mother wouldn't let her have Aitana put it all in an IPhone. Refused sternly. Had complied without fuss to have all of her things sent over and her small flat in Fulham put up for sale nine months ago.
Briskly insisted in her own unique manner had grown to like the NY weather immensely. Staying, someone had to bring the twins up properly and still watch over her only daughter.
Nigel now knew where Miranda inherited her sharp tongue from. Kept him on his toes many a brunch together.
Miranda's identical blue eyes to Liat's saw her numbers revealed from under her sleeve moving up. Never discussed it. All she knew was her mother's family died in the war and she came to England on her own.
Miranda craned a look at a small photo in the pages. Was that her mother's sister and brother? Her Aunt and Uncle. All smiling in the grey photo, so young and carefree, Miranda had never seen her mother look so less haunted. Closed before she could look at it closer, better.
Dialling a number, spoke for a moment. Hanging up.
''I have to go see someone, I will back in an hour Miriam.''
Frowning, questions tumbled out of her mouth. ''Where are you going? Who are you meeting with? Assured her daughter with only a cryptic.
''I am reaching out to a friend.''
The Trader's Home
Gaukhar did not like to be upset it put her whole day out.
With gloved hands she stroked a feline cub, handed it to Cassidy. ''The mother bore it last month. Hold it like that.'' Nursing it with a bottle.
Caroline was bruised and Charlotte was shaking silently.
Gaukhar eyes narrowed on Nikolai. ''Mothers are very maternal are they not Nikolai and Musa? Fiercely protective of dangers from all hostile environments and predators.'' Both hastily nodded.
''Take my guests back with the pet.'' Gaukhar ordered her oldest bodyguard Abdul who was teip to her. Had her physician look over the girls, shook up from what had happened. Musa and Nikolai had tried to rape them. Prevented.
Clicking her tongue at the amazon parrots with nuts and berries. Held a cashew, one took it from her mouth. ''See tame.''
Strolling her menagerie of caged rare endangered untamed animals, slow loris, a pair of black panthers and a jaguar, a cheetah, white antelopes from Niger and hyenas, Sumatran and Snow tigers, golden monkeys and her rarest prizes Amur and Arabian leopards. Snarling fangs at her. Amused at her majestic felines prowling their enclosures back and forth with twitching tails.
Holding a slab of fresh meat for her pets. ''What did I tell you about do not touch.''
Began to feed her animals methodically. ''My brothers Aziz and Khaled would never leave my things alone as well. Do you know how I solved this annoying little habit? I took a cigar cutter to their fingers and snip. They both learned their lessons not to touch what does not belong to them.''
Almond eyes of The Trader bore into Nikolai and Musa. These two pieces of garbage, rutting dogs needed to be taught discipline. If Imran was here he'd cut their offending body parts off and feed it to them.
The Trader waited sternly for an answer. Gave her word these girls would be unscathed and unblemished in her care.
''Don't kill us'' Nikolai begged. In his boxers shivering with cut kneecaps bleeding out.
'' Oh Nikolai I will not kill you…''
Backed up and pushed inside, slammed the cage doors shut. ''They will.''
She stared at the snarling cats ordering ''Eat.''
Boston PD
Found by joggers.
Maura Isles had human remains on her table. Peering at it. Pulled with tweezers a tuff of hair. Running it.
Results mad Maura blink.
Since when did any criminal use an endangered species to maul and dispose of a victim? Measured the depth bite marks, unique indentions. Her results were surprising even Maura.
''Panthera pardus nimr. Arabian Leopard.'' Dr Isles was intrigued. An animal definitely not found at the Boston zoo.
Maura called Jane Rizzoli to come to her lab.
''Unless leopards have started to habitate in Cambridge I think we have something here. Jane.'' Looking over three cold cases of similar victims.
All young unidentified girls. All mauled by a large animal. Dr T Pike, that anal retentive egotistical and officious blundering full of wind, gasbag presumed and concluded a dog. A dog. Maura shook her head Dr Pike was an unmitigated pompous ass who only held an increment of her IQ.
Muttering no canine had fangs like that.
Maura had offered to do anything for Miranda Priestly on the phone, to have her lovely twins taken just like that made Maura angry. ''We have to help find these girls Jane.'' Knowing what Maur meant she didn't want Cassidy or Caroline on her table. In her examining room.
Jane nodded her agreement.
''Let's bring this to Sachs.'' Jane offered.
Maura smiled Andrea Sachs was here in Boston. Wonderful.
Scolding Jane for not mentioning this sooner to her.
2603 Artemis Books
Watching in each reflection of shop windows. Not followed.
Liat knew what Hetty was doing. Telling her to come to the address, see if it really was her. Suss her purpose for reaching out after all these years. Liat graceful figure stepped over the doorway, a bell clinking as she entered.
Liat came to the counter. Asked the clerk if she could select a few book recommendations for Sylvia Cole or Gloria Edwards.
Browsing the cramped second hand bookshop in the day of what was that gadget Cass and Car called it. A Kindle. Shown how one is able to download any book in a few minutes. Liat liked her gift of an IPod could enjoy her music like Vivaldi and Chopin.
Ran her long finger along a few leather spines, give her old world trade craft, books and paper and and loading not required.
Selected a few titles on a shelf. Liat left her message with each spine, the titles asked her questions. ''Tell Ms Cole or Edwards, Hadassah Hester or Devorah wishes to meet at her convenience.''
Leaving her Bee brooch and a piece of myrtle wrapped in a handkerchief.
Liat was appraised by the bookseller. Weighing her cautiously. ''Ms Cole will be given the message.''
''Good.''
Liat had taught Hetty well. Hetty would know what she had left meant.
NCIS Briefing Room
Tried to turn her feelings off for Miranda. Couldn't. No defense.
Andy set down a bottle of water for Miranda thoughtfully. Pushed it away. Andy knew Miranda hadn't probably eaten the ordered room service she'd had sent up or for that matter slept in the last few hours.
''Why are you doing this Andréa? You don't care about me, you proved that to me by leaving me.''
Andy tensed. ''Maybe I do or maybe I don't Miranda.''
Dr Isles showed her badge of ME to NCIS Assistant Director Owen Granger.
Maura Isles watched puzzled, this was strange. Miranda and Andy, their body language was very strained. An icy discord. What happened between them? Perfect together Maura thought. The seething tension between them was kind of hard not to miss worse than when Maura and Jane weren't talking to one another and later Jane saved her life with her leg injury and Morse code.
''Detective Sachs.''
Andy corrected Dr Isles. ''Agent Sachs.'' Maura smiled warmly at Andy. Good to see her again.
''We've found something.''
Andy was shown the grisly photos of remains. Told what animal.
It wasn't much to go by.
Thanked Maura for it though.
The uplink was sent with The Trader seated calmly. Gave separate precise instructions for Charlotte's exchange.
''Tomorrow afternoon at 1:55pm be at Boston Common near the George Washington statue, you will exchange the ransom and Imran and afterwards an associate will contact, who will lead you to the two unharmed girls.''
Liat studied this woman known as The Trader she'd seen lifeless eyes like that once before when she was sent to Ravensbrück. Eyes capable of anything. Her grandchildren were in terrible danger.
NCIS Briefing Room
Andy spent two hours convincing Owen to let her try this. Her way. ''On your head Sachs. It's your responsibility in this handover.''
Knew the risk. Imran Zubediat was to be released in Sachs full custody for the drop that and 25 million dollars.
Imran Zubeidat Holding Cell
Andy sipped qishr not her usual cortadito in front of him. Knowing it was his favourite beverage. The Yemeni coffee she deliberately took her time enjoying each sip with satisfaction. Watching him, wet his lips.
Imran cold eyes met the one who captured him.
Chimères, the alias he knew her as.
Staring at one another. Andy finished, swallowing.
'' Undress now.'' Andy ordered.
''If the lady asks.'' Sardonic to Andy. Unshackled by G and Sam both paid close attention to every move he made. Pulling off his overalls. ''Ah not Brioni or Zegna. Shame.''
Scathing eyes at a Boston Bruins jersey and baggy jeans with Nike sneakers. Imran preferred fine Italian fashion.
''How is Samir's family. That was his name was it not.''
Andy didn't react to his goading of an asset she'd watched be killed by him. ''I wonder and this keeps me up at night, if you found all of him. Did you?''
Inky eyebrows rose earnestly, letting out a snort of sniggering at Andy's full discomfort. Nettling her to mention Samir. His death was Andy's fault.
Ignoring Imran made him fume like a child wanting someone's attention. Strived for it.
Imran recalled his first day at school when one classmate wouldn't do what he wanted, so in response he took a sharpened pencil later and stabbed them to learn their place and do what he wants. A teacher once implied he had behavioural problems. Imran's mother was appalled at the accusation.
Defended he was a well-mannered gentle boy. Had the teacher fired for her unfounded unfair judgement of her spirited son, Imran was a good boy.
G Callen flanked both. Andy was putting on her ear bone mike, reading Imran's face he was intrigued.
''Where are you taking me Agent Andy Sachs?''
Andy almost blinked her surprise, should've known he'd find out her name. Especially of a woman who brought him in.
''For a leisurely stroll Imran. Because you've been such a bright eyed good boy I thought you needed more vitamin d.''
Brought closer to, her taunt lips to his ear. ''If you so much as try anything.'' Pressing down on where she shot him, his healed clavicle. Wincing a pained grunt.
''This time you won't have holes Imran, I'll bring your head in on a platter.''
Imran Zubediat vowed he would kill Field Agent Sachs. Slowly.
Boston Common
NCIS had explicit instructions, Andy held Imran by the back of his windbreaker collar, dressed in jeans, Imran walked with his hands zip tied behind his back. Pressed her gun into his back to stop. They were here. Told to wait at this statue of George Washington.
''I always wanted to take a Swan boat ride you are most thoughtful Field Agent Sachs.'' Imran was quieted.
Andy didn't like how open it was, a huge public park the oldest in the US since 1634, busy on a sunny Saturday. Andy scanned passer-by's enjoying the fall day, walking dogs, playing Frisbee and jogging with too many exits. G and Sam carried the duffel bags with 25 million.
Watched on cameras, observed. Andy glanced at her watch, the clock face dial turned into her wrist. 1:54pm.
A scope watched them. Tucking it back into his jacket pocket, he would take it from here. Knew what he was doing.
Stepping up to Andy who still held Imran firmly.
Imran watched him walk up. Saw his chance
2:05pm
Andy was chasing in full jog after Imran on Boylston, avoiding another car swerving, catching up with him. The drop was an utter debacle.
Earlier Imran had seized his chance, grabbing Andy's Sig and shooting the approaching newcomer and breaking free of Sachs.
Deeks and Kensi secured the duffle bags. G and Sam were treating the shot and unwelcomed kidnap and rescue specialist from Andy's gun.
Owen demanded Eric find Sachs and patch visual on her location. Now.
Weaving in and out of traffic, Imran running from Boston Common was seen by Eric. ''Gotcha.'' Pulling it up on screen.
Fleeing onto Boylston through the cars.
Saw Andy from the monitor.
Imran was sprinting, saw over his shoulder Sachs was in pursuit. Good. Stepping off the curb. Not looking.
Andy's flinty brown eyes rounded horrified.
Hit by a vehicle, his head smashing into a windshield. Flung onto the street. The car screeched to a halt.
Lying there bleeding from his injuries with a smile at Andy. Gurgling out to her with blood trickling from his mouth. ''You lose Agent Sachs like Samir.''
Andy desperately tried CPR resuscitation. '' ''No. Don't you die on me you little sociopathic shit.'' Andy warned. Pressing his chest harder. If he died, she couldn't bring Cass and Car home. Succumbed to being struck by the vehicle.
Hitting his chest in anger. Dead.
Andy had no idea what to do, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. She'd failed.
David Sayers was livid at Sachs.
Brought the ransom back, each bag still full, Miranda stared at all of them not meeting her worried eyes. ''Where are Cassidy and Caroline? Repeated her question again to them.
''Imran's dead.'' Andy said quietly.
Miranda's jewelled eyes went wide. That meant The Trader wouldn't give her daughters back. David looked furious at Andy.
''What the hell happened?'' David demanded of Andy who was not in the mood. ''Complications.'' The whole drop had been an utter fuck up. Somewhat thanks to him, hiring a kidnap and ransom negotiator without telling them.
G and Sam explained that David had hired an independent K&R firm to help.
Andy snarled at David. ''Oh he helped alright, gave Imran the opportunity to escape custody.''
David was in her face. ''I hired someone more than capable, experienced in these types of situations. I wanted the best for recovering my daughters.''
''Guys we have a call.'' Nell interrupted the tense room. '' It's for you Andy.''
Andy took it on speaker.
''Am I speaking to Agent Sachs?''
''Yes you are.''
''Where is my only son? ''
Andy stated bluntly. ''Not anymore. Imran's dead.''
Met with silence from The Trader on the line.
Andy spoke into the receiver. ''He died and I wish I'd been the one to kill him, put a bullet in his brain base but a Ford killed him. Beat me to it.''
The Trader faltered, Imran was dead. Cradling the phone numbly. ''For the death of my son. You will never find these two girls.''
The Trader's mantra was a product like drugs can be sold once but a human can be sold over and over again. An ideal commodity. Each girl would pay for every drop of Imran's blood.
Hung up on.
Andy had never seen Miranda lose her temper at anybody. ''They'll be…oh my god…I blame you…'' Slapped across the face. Venting a tirade of wrought emotions turning into sobbing, clutching at Andy's shirt front very upset.
Andy took it. Taciturn. Deserved it. Her slapped face stung.
Liat took Miranda to her. Andy received the same look at her.
''I'm sorry Miranda…''
''You're sorry?'' Miranda looked at Sachs hard.
''You don't have a shred of decency or a modicum of feelings inside you to be sorry for anything. Do you? Just do what you want regardless of anyone or what happens. Don't you Andréa?'' Looked away from coolly.
''Take Ms Priestly back to her room.'' Andy asked Kensi calmly
Partly David's fault. The kidnap and ransom specialist he'd hired was the unexpected newcomer who'd inadvertedly given Imran his chance to escape.
Andy was quietly told, after receiving a harsh dressing down from Owen that Charlotte had been recovered. Team Palefire had secured her in the separate transaction. What had been exchanged was false. Eric and Nell built it, The Trader would know that in a week it was useless gibberish meant to infect her computers not control drones.
''We have to find the Priestly twins.''
Owen shook his head. ''No our job is done here. Agent Sachs.''
Andy stared after him in disbelief.
''That's it. We just walk away.'' Andy was incredulous at Owen's brush off of two missing innocent sixteen year olds. Just like that.
Owen Granger looked at Andy. ''Yes that's it. Sachs. We deal in national security not kidnappings of civilians. If you don't know that by now you should be in a different kind of job. Agent Sachs.''
Maura Isles Home
Angela had been told by Maura and Jane what happened to their house guests. ''Maybe I should check on them? See if they need towels or…''
Jane gave her Mom the eye not to disturb Miranda Priestly. Very vulnerable, as she should be. Maura had offered to Miranda to come stay with her for a few days. Liat for Miranda accepted, had checked out and came to her place.
''Ma a cashmere throw and making your ravioli is not going to fix this.'' Jane hissed drying Maura's Waterford crystal wineglass with a dishtowel.
Glancing at the closed door, Jane couldn't begin to imagine how Miranda Priestly was feeling.
Miranda had stopped her tears. Numb.
Liat scratched behind the small dog's ears. Its name was Jo Friday. Picked up onto the bed, the Yorkshire terrier wagging a tail, licking Miri's face innocently.
Maura stated solemnly, Miranda's amygdala and lacrimal gland made an unavoidable connection for the last few hours. Jane rolled her eyes it's called crying, tears Maur. Jane hoped Maura had enough Kleenex.
Jane was told that tears are weightless in space and floated up, another fact from her sweet Google mouth.
Maura's doorbell went. It was late. Maura's brows rose at who was at the door. Opening it.
''Good Evening Agent Sachs.''
Andy waited on the front step to be invited inside. Vowing Miranda had to know. Maura stepped aside, letting Andy in.
'' I need to see Miranda please.''
''I think you better not Sachs.'' Jane helpfully suggested.
Jane frowned, so far in Rizzoli's observations in last few days, Sachs was what trying to earn a merit badge of be an asshole to Miranda Priestly.
In Jane's opinion she didn't deserve Sachs unwarranted treatment. Priestly wasn't Ms Frosty or stuck up prissy not at all. After everything she's been through with the twins, Jane didn't know what was up with Agent Sachs icy behaviour lately towards Miranda.
Angela came out of the guest room. ''What you need Ms Priestly is…to listen to Liat she's a Dr and your mother, if only my Janie did every now and then... I'll just get some water maybe something to eat.''
Angela wondered if she should offer them Panda poop tea as Jane called it. Both sophisticated like Maura, from Manhattan even, wore the same painful looking shoes. Angela shrugged give her Payless.
Smiling at the visitor who looked drawn and tense.
''Hullo.''
Andy greeted. ''Hi.'' Angela Rizzoli offered a mug of coffee or some of the pasta she had cooked for an army of non-existent guests, Jane looked disbelieving at her mother this was not Angela's Café at the Precinct. Andy politely declined.
Angela saw her bag slung on her shoulder. ''Going somewhere?''
Jane shook her head, her Ma always sunnily chatted to anybody from grocery clerks to her entire precinct. Told her whole life story to.
Andy indicated. ''I was on my way to the airport, have to catch a flight to LAX but I wanted to speak with Miranda if I can but I'll just…'' Maybe she shouldn't have come here in the first place. ''Tell Miranda I…''
Angela nosily asked Andy. ''you're a friend of Ms Priestly?'' Eyeing Andy. Dark black jeans and a black shirt with a camel blazer, tall and nice looking. Kind brown eyes, Angela Rizzoli could tell a lot about people that way.
''Sort of, I'm Andy by the way.''
Angela took Andy's extended hand. ''Angela, Jane's Mom.''
Andy smiled at her friendliness. Not at all what Jane once described? Flicking a glance at her wrist watch. ''Tell Miranda I am so sorry…this is my home number to give her…''writing down another number on her card. ''I have to leave now.''
''Sachs is doing what she excels at leaving.'' Andy saw Miranda wished she could undo all the sadness and pain in her eyes.
Andréa dropped her bag. Sachs softly said. 'I came to tell you the case is closed, they, are not going to pursue retrieving Cass and Caroline.'
Miranda's face went dead white, sinking into the expensive sofa. 'And you came to tell me this? That you're leaving and abandoning my babies to this, this woman…this trafficker... this monster….'' Her eyes were laced with unshed tears, and her eyes were on Andréa like ice blue diamonds. She gathered up what was left of her tattered pride.
'Well Andréa you have said what you came to say. I will get my girls back with or without you. Say goodbye and leave.' Her mind already racing she, would pay any price hire a retrieval team to find her babies.
Liat convinced her not to hold a press conference tomorrow morning to announce she would offer a substantial amount to anyone willing to find this Trader.
Andréa nodded curtly heading for the doors ''Goodbye Miranda.'' She turned as she heard the sob as she opened the door to leave both Mrs. Rizzoli and Jane watching her from the kitchen with crossed arms and furious glares. Jane was blocking the door and her carry on.
Mrs. Rizzoli could not keep her mouth shut ''you are just leaving like that? You should be ashamed of yourself.'' She heard the angry tone of Miranda behind her. ''Yes you should be Andy. Ashamed. You make me sick.''
Andréa Sachs side stepped Jane grabbing her duffel bag ''I have a flight to catch.'' She heard a muffled hiss from Miranda ''just go and don't come back.'' Meant every word to Andréa.
Maura and Liat looked appalled and disgusted at her.
Andy pushed by the Rizzoli's. ''I'll see you when I bring the girls home, I said that the Office of Special Projects was off the case, I didn't say I was.''
Miranda blinked at Andy's parting words. What did Sachs mean by that?
Outside Maura's Home
Dialling a number, placing a call to him. ''I need your help.'' The Teacher's gravelly voice was terse. ''Do I look like a help desk or press 1 Sachs for assistance.''
''I have a case of two girls missing…'' The Trader shrugged with no empathy. ''Tough tittie.'' Pressing to hang up on her.
''Don't hang up.''
The Teacher faltered at being told. ''Don't. Is that my baby girl telling me no.''
Andy knew she was holding hands with the devil. Her bogeyman. Willing herself to do this. For the twins and for Miranda.
''Listen to me, for the last few months I have given you classified and sensitive information that you requested I acquire. I got it for you. Now I need to find two girls taken by a person known as The Trader, you will help me. You have an hour. She's a Chechen and Avar.''
''Is that little Andy wandy being brave…wait a minute Chechen huh, what's her name?''
''Gaukhar Zubediat.''
The Teacher repeated her name outloud. ''So Sachs you want to find her. Do you and do what to her? Would you like to kill her? '' Gleeful as if he was discussing a sports score. He'd like to see Andy do it, step over the line, point of no return.
''Give me five minutes.''
Andy waited for the call. Counting down the minutes. 4 minutes and 58 seconds The Teacher phoned back with an address. ''Be here Sachs and Sachs, don't be late.''
Andy stepped inside the cramped convenience store, shabby shelves stocked with ethnic Caribbean brands. She had a feeling the store supplied more than sweets and fizzy drinks. Pointed to the backroom by the clerk watching late night television.
He was waiting for her. His eyes gleaming with anticipation. ''You asked and I deliver.'' He leaned against the boxes looking smug. Andy waited for information a thumb drive, a scrap of paper any information. Realising she had gotten herself into a room alone with him, no parks, people anything just them in a cramped room. Despite this realisation Andy stepped closer she always knew she was on dangerous ground with him. ''Well what do you have?'' The Teacher opened the door she hadn't even known was there.
''The Doctor is in, Ladies first.'' Andy stepped into a room that was glaringly tidy and modern completely different from the façade outside. This was no clinic.
Made her cringe as The Teacher placed his three fingerless right hand on her rigid shoulder. ''Phone Sachs and gun.'' Let him have them for now. Frisked by him slowly, squashed down her disgust, hatred and horror at hands that once took life out of her mother.
The Doctor smiled, a smile that did not reach her eyes. She knew Andy Sachs anywhere she was the spitting image of Christiane.
''You're seeking The Trader? Why?''
''I need to find two young girls she has.'' Andy answered earnestly, dropping the photos of the girls on the woman's desk.
The striking Haitian woman with blue eyes peered at her new associate. '' That is most unfortunate, my dear.'' Flicking the photos back ''such a pity so young. But then again we all were young once…''
The Teacher chortled, craning to see the picture The Doctor held.
This young woman standing in front of her had no idea who she was exactly or for that matter what she was capable of. Pity. Most subjects who met her when she conducted pleasant introductions before questioning never knew either.
Putting subjects at relative ease, a regrettable mistake on their part. The Doctor knew expertly the theory of breaking people, she perfected the technique of coercive interrogation, soft torture and depatterning subjects.
By the time she was finished with you, most became a gibbering incoherent slobbering wreck. The Teacher even knew not to cross her. Rumours she could make someone after breaking them, drink calabar or ricin tea at her urging.
Referred to as the Maitresse of Pain or the Doktè.
The Doctors' specialty was psychic driving 24 hours a day with no halt, pharmological and medical torture of which she'd taught, perfected it in many places and for many unsavoury regimes, for renditions of enemies of the state and luckily Andy Sachs would not experience on her person or her mind, using these proficient talents she possessed tonight. Breaking her.
Owed Christiane that debt.
Only one lasted under her observation for 18 days, an irony meeting her daughter finally.
Andy saw this Doctor's fingers were burnt on her tips, deliberately made to be, who was she exactly? What kind of doctor was she? Had a bad feeling about her a really bad feeling.
''I will do anything to find these girls.''
Looking into honest brown eyes. The Doktè believed a solemn Andy Sachs. Would have to do anything.
''Very well let us begin.'' Andy felt the syringe prick.
Maura Isles Home
Miranda mulled Andréa's words in the guest room.
Tried to reason Andrea didn't care about her anymore but Sachs did still care. Saw it in Andrea's eyes. She still mattered to her. Why? Left her. Hurt her. Left her behind with no explanation. Ran her long fingers through her silvery mane frustrated.
Miranda despite her current state of wanting to scream or throttle Andrea, who she was still in love with Sachs. Despite everything. Heard the doorbell go. Late tonight, hoped it wasn't Andy again. Didn't know what she'd do.
The doorbell rang, Maura wasn't used to so many visitors at 11:55pm. If it was Sachs again to disturb and upset Miranda she'd have to lie and get hives and go and get Jane to be unpleasant and obtuse. It would be easy for Jane but not her.
Jane could be very cranky if disturbed from sleep.
She methodically undid the locks on her door, peeping through the door. The tiny woman on the other side looked harmless. It was the first time Maura Isles was wrong.
''Can I help you?'' She held her designer robe tightly covering black silk pyjamas waiting, her hand resting on Jane's gun that she had left once again on the hall table.
''May I see Mrs Princhek.'' Maura let her in. A woman with a bobbed haircut greeted Maura, handing Dr Isles her card 'Henrietta Lang'.
''It has been a long time Hens.'' Henrietta looked up at Liat in the hall.
Liat's vivid blue eyes met hers.
''Good Evening Liat and this must be your daughter Miranda.'' Henrietta 'Hetty' Lange greeted them both congenially.
Maura left them to talk. Vanishing down the hall to find 'Bass' and give her tortoise a small bushel of fresh strawberries to her pet. She could tell by their body language they did not want her there, she was glad Mrs. Rizzoli was already in bed asleep. Some visitors were meant to be private like her father Paddy.
Liat put the kettle on.
Henrietta settled into the beautiful living room. Ignoring the clock and the uncivilised hour of midnight. Accepting a pretty porcelain cup of tea. Her favourite she adored no loved tea. Once sanctioned a mission for Sam and G only if they brought special tea leaves from Afghanistan back for her. She sipped taking her time. Hetty loved the proverb Andy had given her last Christmas.
'Here we drink three cups of tea to do business; the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything – even die.
Andy gave her that as a gift and rare Tieguanyin and Da Hong Pao oolong teas. Deeks teased Andy she was trying to get into Hetty's good graces.
Miranda took in the slight bespectacled woman who knew her mother. Who was she? Pleasantly told her name was Henrietta, Hetty to her. Smiled at her old ally's haughty daughter with lovely silvery hair.
Remembered Liat's daughter met her only once when she was very little.
''Now Liat you wish to know about Agent Sachs.''
Miranda blinked, interrupting this stranger to her. ''What about Andréa?'' Gave her mother a long look.
Hetty studied Ms Priestly for a moment, knew from Andy about their relationship. How much Andy loved her. '' I'm afraid Agent Sachs has turned… turned to someone I had hoped she'd avoid.''
Miranda's eyes read uncertainty in Hetty.
Was Andrea in some type of trouble? ''Turned to who?''
Hetty Lange was very worried under a stern guise, did not want Andréa to end up like Agent Sullivan or Agent Dominic Vail, her brows creasing as she set the fine bone cup and saucer down onto an Italian walnut side table. Maura was given it by Constance as graduation present.
''Agent Sachs missed her flight tonight and she is now with someone very dangerous in search of your daughters Ms Priestly.''
''This person.''
Miranda was shown a photo by Hetty of a man in an immaculate uniform. Liat looked at the picture curiously. Flipped through his file, Liat read his extensive Devgru career, missions in both Gulf Wars, Haiti, Somalia and many warzones in Latin America and the Middle East.
''He is known as The Teacher a most dangerous individual particularly for Andy.''
''Why?'' Miranda exhaled, the last thing she wanted was Andréa hurt. Even if she was still mad at her.
''This is Mr Joshua, the man who executed Andy's mother. He is helping Andy for now but make no mistake he wants Andy dead.''
''Rise and shine morning glory.''
Andrea woke up groggy, to her living nightmare. Joshua.
She couldn't believe she'd slept with him in close proximity watching him with narrowing eyes. He handed her a coffee, just the way she liked it 2 sachets of sugar and a dollop of milk. Reading her look of suspicion.
'Blame the good Doctor for your present state. When I want you dead you'll be awake.'' Andrea sat up tentatively feeling for bandages she knew now that the doctor traded in organs. ''Relax sugar, I didn't let her take anything out.'' Andy didn't feel sore anywhere, if he'd done anything else to her. Sickened she'd been unconscious and vulnerable near him for hours.
''Sachs you'll be back on your feet in no time. Shake it off.''
He tossed a duffel bag into the back of the car. ''For later.'' Hardware stores were so useful.
Joshua smirked into the side view mirror. ''That truth serum packed a punch worse than being kicked by a horse. I have to get me some of that. The things Miss Andy was happy to say. … Now I know you like to operate on a need to know basis, hell I myself like to wing it when I hunt…but you should have told Joshua that you had gone and quit on NCIS. I never raised no quitter Andy so I want to know your career plans seeing that we are partners now.''
'' You and me like thunder and lightning little darlin.''
He turned on the highway following his GPS. Humming away to himself a tune she well remembered except he'd added new words for her. ''Andy's gone rogue…''