World Security Bureau, NYC
Chase eyed Frisco out of the corner of his eye. For all of Frisco's casual air, he missed nothing. Chase observed other people's reactions to the international operative's presence at headquarters. Reactions ranged from surprised delight, mild guardedness to veiled hostility mostly from Ross. The three other agents assigned to his security detail treated Frisco with wary respect. In the basement garage, he and Frisco entered the back seat of an unmarked Cadillac.
"This isn't your normal assignment is it?" asked Chase.
"Sometimes it's good to have a break from the action," said Frisco. "But you know my record. You did request me."
"Yes, I did. Let's have a private chat shall we?" Chase pressed a button and the privacy glass between the front and rear compartments of the car began to ascend to the roofline. "A person's record tells me some things but nothing replaces a face to face meeting."
"What exactly do you want from me?" said Frisco.
"Blunt, plain and to the point. That's not your field operation style though."
"I do what's best for the given situation." Frisco looked at his watch. "We arrive at your appointment is twenty minutes. Can we hurry this along?"
"That doesn't sound very encouraging."
Frisco's expression was unreadable. "I'm good at what I do and I'm happy about my role but that doesn't mean I won't listen."
"I think we can help each other. I need your expertise and I'm more than willing to compensate you handsomely."
"What expertise?"
"You've introduced some ... unorthodox techniques that have proven very effective. The operatives under your command swear by those techniques."
"The Bureau doesn't recognize them and they're not taught in the Academy."
"And for that reason my request comes in this roundabout fashion," said Chase. "I would like you to train a dozen of my people in your techniques. The compensation could be a good start to a nest egg. We all leave the service at some point."
Frisco shook his head. "Ross would never allow it."
"Leave Ross to me."
Frisco turned to Chase giving him his full attention. "The Gemini Group specializes in corporate wheeling and dealing. Helping Bureau departments work with American companies when their help is needed. I don't see where my knowledge fits in."
Chase nodded. "Our clients have grown to value our ... services. We are more and more asked to go beyond those services on their behalf. That's where you come in. A week or two of instruction and you could be halfway to being set for life."
Before Frisco could respond, Chase's cell phone began to ring. "Yes, Arn. I'm in a meeting." He listened to the other end. As he did so, he took out a small pad from his leather portfolio and began to write a series of squiggles and lines as he talked. "I see. Very good bargaining. Go ahead with the request. Do extend whatever help he needs. And, what about the other project we discussed?"
Frisco turned his attention to the window but not without first noticing how Chase scribbled on the pad.
"That's interesting. Very. Do the best you can." Chase end the call and slipped his pad back into his portfolio. "Sorry about that. I miss the days before round the clock contact."
Frisco grinned crookedly, "Yes, calls can come at the most inconvenient of times."
"Hazards of the job. Good thing I'm not married," said Chase. "How does your wife feel about your work?"
"She pretends I'm a shoe salesman who travels a lot."
"Smart woman and one I suspect who would like to have something in the bank for those rainy days to come," said Chase.
"I'll have to think about your offer."
"Please do. Don't worry about Ross. He won't be a problem," said Chase.
The driver signaled that they were close to their destination. Chase straightened his clothing and mentally prepared himself for what he knew would be some tricky negotiations. Frisco began to give instructions to the chase car behind them that carried the rest of the security detail.
Within minutes, they were at Ergatron, Inc, an electronics manufacturer and a division of ELQ International. Frisco did not miss the small ELQ logo under the Ergatron name. In the lobby, a tall, lanky blond-haired man held a hand out to Chase.
"Chase, good to see you again," said the blond man.
"Thank you for recommending us to your client," replied Chase.
"It's not a big job but you did say you were looking to increasing your experience in the technology industry. Ergatron's problem may be something you can handle for them."
"It doesn't hurt to talk," said Chase. He began introductions. "Andrew Jones, may I introduce a good friend of mine and a consultant who gives us a great deal of business, Paul Hornsby. Paul, this is Andrew, my associate in charge of security."
Frisco held Paul's gaze, extended his hand and said, "Mr. Masters, speaks very highly of you, Mr. Hornsby."
Paul shook Frisco's hand. "If you work for Chase then you must be very good yourself."
Paul led them to the elevators and up to their meeting. Frisco kept his eyes forward but he was all too aware of Paul. Here was a man from his past. A man who wasn't beyond bending the law to suit his own needs.
St. Regis Hotel, New York City
Sean lay on the bed with his phone propped on the bedside table. A room service tray lay undisturbed on the table nearby. His voice was light and casual but his face was drawn and his eyes reflected a bone-deep level of weariness.
"I'm not saying that having Belle around Andrew is a bad idea. I'm ... I just think that maybe Belle shouldn't be so involved in our particular business," said Sean. "She should be giggling with her girlfiends, going out shopping with them, going to the movies, doing activities, charity work, something. I remember ... Robin at that age. She was surrounded by friends and she was always in one activity or another."
Tiffany's voice came through the phone's speakers. "Sean, sweetheart, I know you want to be the best daddy in the world but-"
"I want her to be a regular teenager. What's wrong with that?"
"Were you a normal teenager?"
"Yeah, I was," said Sean. "Mostly."
"Meaning?"
"I was bookish. I was in the chess club, the debate club and cross country sports. People today call it being a nerd."
Tiffany laughed.
"Obviously you weren't a nerd."
"You were a nerd for books and knowledge and I was into the sequins and bright lights of beauty pageants," said Tiffany. "It's all the same thing really. These were things that we were passionate about. And, it's the reason that I'm letting Belle be as involved as she wants to be as long as she's safely in the background of things."
"Sorry, I'm not getting your point. Why couldn't she be interested in music or art? Not the business."
"She loved the bedtime stories you told her about some of your cases. The adventure, the action and the mysterious glamour of it all," said Tiffany. "She lapped up all the self-defense lessons you could give her. Why are you so surprised?"
"Because it looks to me like she's getting in too deep. It's not the sort of life I want for her. I'm going to talk to Robert and nip this in this bud."
"No, you will not."
"Watch me!"
"Whether we like it or not, our girl has brains, a sassy mouth, loads of common sense that isn't always good for her and a big, brave heart. She's the best and the worst of us. You know it and I know it." said Tiffany.
"But-"
"Hear me out, Sean. We were lucky to discover what we were passionate about when we were young. Those things gave us direction and purpose. All right. We've zigged and zagged a few times but we've been blessed with so much," said Tiffany. "Coming back here was the best decision. Belle's starting to bloom and thrive. When she's working on a problem, I can see her mind goin' a mile a minute. And, she's letting people in. Finally."
"Into where?"
"For a smart man, you can be so obtuse," said Tiffany. "Do you remember Belle having sleepovers when we were in Boston? Or having a gaggle of friends over at the house?"
"No, I can't recall anything specific."
"That's because there were none."
"C'mon, she had friends. She was popular."
"Friends but not real friends. Friends that's hang out with but never anyone to confide in or let into her life. Belle is more like you than you think. She's guarded about letting people get too close or to know her too well. But here, sweetheart, she's opened up. She has real friends and real bonds. She adores Emma and Viktor. She gets on with Andrew like no one else. Maxie's like a big sister to her. All our friends see her as family. Because she feels accepted and secure, she's able to be herself. She's not having to put up walls or be someone that she's not," explained Tiffany. "She wants to help and she can. She'll just get more mule-headed if we say no."
"While we wait anxiously for the next call from the emergency room?" asked Sean.
"Why are you suddenly having a problem with this? Anna's put a lot of guidelines and rules on Andrew. She's told the team that Belle is an internal resource only. And, with practically half the team here, she couldn't be safer. So, what's the problem?"
Sean sighed. "If anything happened to my girls, I could never forgive myself. It's bad enough that you're related to me. That's cause enough to be targeted."
"Honey, just please tell me what's really going on with you. Don't tell me it's the PR stuff because I know that's a lie," said Tiffany. "You do the same things every time your past rears its ugly head. I know the signs by now. You're distancing yourself from me, from Belle, from your friends. "
"Of course I'm not," scoffed Sean.
"Yes, you are," insisted Tiffany. "I haven't said anything to Anna or Robert but I will if you don't tell me."
"There's nothing to tell. I'm juggling so many balls in the air right now that I'm ... I'm not thinking very straight."
"Liar." The word hung between them as the silence stretched. Tiffany could be more stubborn than Sean and he knew it.
Sean gave in. "Honey, please, no questions."
"Something from your past?"
"Tiffany," warned Sean.
"You'd think all your enemies would have died off by now."
"I wish."
"Anna and Robert don't know?"
"This isn't ... wasn't something they would know about. They're better out of it," said Sean. "Promise me you won't say a word."
"How dangerous is it?"
"It's old Bureau politics is all. I'm in more danger of getting hurt when crossing the street."
"Uh, huh and you can try to convince me that pigs fly until you're blue in the face," said Tiffany.
"I've told you what I can. Leave off, okay?" asked Sean. "I repeat I am not in mortal or moral jeopardy."
"I still don't believe you and I don't like the way you sound."
"You know how I get when I'm tired," said Sean. "I'll stay over tonight and tomorrow let's have lunch at Lola's."
"Belle is going to be super busy with this new project. Why don't I fly there and we can spend the weekend together. See a show. Go dancing and-" began Tiffany.
"No way." His words came out harsher than he intended. It would only raise her suspicions more. His wife was no fool. He tried some reactive damage control. "I want to be home with you and Belle this weekend. It's been a while since we did something together as a family. Think of something we can do."
"I don't think I like these out of town trips of yours," said Tiffany. "How ... how many more?"
"I love you. I'll say that to you in person tomorrow night and the night after and for the rest of our life together. You're stuck with me, baby. Sweet dreams." Sean ended the call and sat up on the edge of the bed. The clock told him he had less than two hours to go.
He got up and went to take a quick shower. By the time Chase arrived for their meeting, he would be Sean Donely - the poised and cool ex-Bureau chief of the WSB. Sean Donely - husband, father and businessman - would be put into his own compartment. There was no room for sentimentality and emotional ties in the game and this was the most dangerous game he'd ever played.
Vadsel Castle, Budapest, Hungary
The small motorized truck sped along the expensive Persian carpet at a good clip. It swerved right and left randomly slowing down and speeding up again. Suddenly, it was broadsided by another truck that had emerged from a hiding place under the corner table.
"That, mate, would be instant suicide tomorrow," said Shane looking at a grinning Nestor.
"Just practicing my driving," replied Nestor. He looked at the fifteen miniature models arrayed across the floor. "We do have to test each one."
"And have fun in the process," said Robert coming into the expansive parlor led by Dimitri's estate steward. They were closely followed by Nyssa, Heloise and Andre.
Hugs and greetings were exchanged all around.
"The London team will be here in an hour. Where's Felicia?" asked Robert.
"In the gym practicing. We set up a rough mock up of the operating areas," said Shane.
"Good, You have to get to the point of doing it without thinking," said Robert. "Everything else on schedule?"
"Yes, Robert. Anna has green-lighted us for tomorrow," said Nestor. "Also, all identification and permits are ready for inspection. I'll take our pictures after dinner."
Andre picked up a truck and examined it. "You have everything to uh, customize these?"
Shane grinned,"Oh, yes. Fully assembled. Ready to lock and load with goodies to spare."
Robert tossed his duffel bag onto the large bed. He began to strip preparing for a shower before dinner. He needed to be awake for the team briefing that night. He opened the duffel and rummaged around it for a fresh set of clothes. He noticed a rolled tee shirt with a rubber band affixed around it. Robert removed the band and unrolled the cloth. An oblong jewel box fell into his hand. Taped to the box was a tiny note card.
It read: "To R from A. Only for you."
Robert smiled brightly as he opened the box. Inside lay a rugged but still elegant man's watch. He recognized the brand name - exclusive and of the highest quality and price. He examined the watch and turned it about. On the underside of the watch was a short inscription that said: "77-91-09 Forever."
He laid down on the bed fingering the watch and reading the inscription a few more times. "Always and forever."
He pressed a speed dial on his phone and waited a few moments for connection. "Hmm, she might still be in the air." He was about to disconnect when Anna's voice came on.
"Robert?" asked Anna.
"Anna?" mimicked Robert. "I didn't realize what a good boy I've been."
Anna laughed. "You got your, um surprise?"
"Yes. I am now imagining the many ways that I may express my gratitude when next I see you," said Robert. "I envision a fireplace, a magnum of champagne chilling and very little clothing."
"That's nice," she said.
"You're not alone I take it?"
"No. We're in Portland and driving to Skyview. You?"
"Taking a break before dinner and a planning session," said Robert. "When did you find the time to get this?"
"Do you like it?" asked Anna.
"Very much."
"I saw their samples online and then called Jurgen Jewels in the Megaplex. They did the engraving and delivered it to the house," said Anna. "Does it fit?"
Robert affixed the metal band on to his left wrist. "Like a glove. Tell Alex that her home is beautiful and thank her and Dimitri for their hospitality."
"I'll tell her."
"But one thing would make it stunningly beautiful."
"What would that be?"
"You. I wish you were here because ... because-"
"Because why? So I can pick up after you?"
"Because the bed is enormous and springy. Bounces firmly just the way you like it. It pushes down and pushes back up with a snap," said Robert. "And, it's a little chilly and drafty. I'm only in a white tee shirt and boxers - dark blue with little diamonds on them. The ones you bought for me."
"Robert," warned Anna.
"I saw some interesting shops on the way here. Something sheer, silky and red would look spectacular on you. I know exactly what to do with it."
Robert heard Anna's soft intake of breath.
"I feast my eyes on you before I slide one thin strap off your shoulder as my other hand caresses your back," said Robert. "I watch your lips say my name. They're soft, full, parted, ready to be ... kissed."
"Robert!" exclaimed Anna. "I'll ah, um, talk to you later." Her voice lowered into a whisper. "Call me later. Before my bedtime. If you're not too tired."
Robert smirked. "Must keep the boss happy."
"You do. Only you." With one last sigh, Anna ended the call.