Donely Penthouse
Tiffany bustled about the kitchen putting away their breakfast dishes. Sean sat contentedly at the table finishing his coffee.
"Get a move on, Sean!" exclaimed Tiffany.
"What's the rush?" Her loving husband looked at his watch. "It's only six thirty. The stores aren't even open yet. I have to take Belle to school, too."
"I will take Belle to school. I want you to attend to whatever business you need to before Felicia arrives," said Tiffany. "Thereafter, I will require your complete and undivided attention."
"You always have that," teased Sean.
"I know that, darlin', but today I need you to be especially attentive."
"Why would that be?"
"Second to Robert, YOU know Anna best. Her tastes, her likes and her dislikes," said Tiffany. "I'm shopping for her, remember? I don't want to let anyone down by choosing something she won't ADORE!"
"Anna's never been into fashion as much as you are," said Sean. He grinned. "When she gets wind of Robert's plans, she may bolt!"
"She will not!" said Tiffany. "Okay, she may play hard to get and be mad for a while but Robert will sweet talk 'er a bit and he'll get the kids to sway her some more."
"Anna can say no to Robert but not to the kids assuming that they are on board with this?"
"Of course they are," said Tiffany. "What is with you lately? I swear you see the doom and gloom in everything." She stroked his shoulder. "Is that argument with Anna still on your mind? I've never seen you two argue like that. It did scare me a little."
"Oh, we've had a few like that before. I lost it. She lost it," said Sean. "It's water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned."
"Well, make up as soon as you can, all right?"
"Yes, ma'am," said Sean. He rose to his feet. He kissed his wife. "I'll be in my study working. Get me when you're ready to leave, okay?"
"Felicia said she'll be here by ten. We have a lot of shopping to do," said Tiffany.
"With you two choosing the dress, I'm not sure what I can contribute," said Sean.
"Sweetheart, that gut instinct you're always going on and on about - I want that. A yay or nay on our various choices," said Tiffany. "Felicia and I can picture what would look good on Anna which is practically anything. But only you can tell us if she'll really like it."
"Um, Anna could wear a sackcloth and Robert would be happy as long as they got through the ceremony in one piece."
"You are NOT gettin' outta this, Sean!" said Tiffany. "How long have you known Anna?"
"Since she was seventeen nearly eighteen."
"Who trained her?"
"I did."
"Didn't you say once that you had more missions with her than she did with anyone else, including Robert?"
"I did say that," said Sean.
"And you also said that you and Anna were more alike that you and Robert in some things."
"Did I say that?"
Tiffany planted a kiss on his lips. "Yes, you did. I remember EVERYTHING where you are concerned."
"I'll remember that, baby."
"Oh, don't call me baby or we'll never get out of here!" said Tiffany. "Go work and let me write down a list before I forget anything major."
Sean chuckled. "Okay, I'm going. I'm going."
He sauntered out of the kitchen seemingly at ease but echoing in his head were the questions and answers about Anna. He could feel his shoulder muscles tensing. Anna was linked inextricably into his past even more than Robert. Lately, thinking about her jolted his mind and caused more and more memories to resurface.
He reached his study and locked the door. He leaned his back against the door and began to breathe deeply. In vain, he fought his mind's need to replay and analyze his thoughts of the past, the present and the future.
Philip, I don't know if I can do this. Why me?
I'm going to shake things up, O'Reilly. You'll see. Our section Bureau is going to be the best.
She's perfect, Gabriel. How did you find her?
What kind of challenge is this, Faison? The WSB has never been able to plant a mole inside the DVX inner circle. No agent could stay undetected let alone get out alive.
Anna, there can be no half measures on this mission. Either you're in all the way or you're not. I know I'm asking a lot of you but I'm convinced you can do this.
Robert Scorpio meet Anna Devane.
I've done my part. Give me your word that you'll take the details of our game to the grave. Give me that and you'll get your new life, Cesar.
Sean straightened and began to pace. He berated himself. "Goddamn it! Stay cool, man, get a grip. It's all in the past!"
Scorpio Ranch, Australia
Andrew dipped his head into the dining room where the rest of the family was finishing up their lunch. He announced, "I'm ready to go."
Robert threw his arms in the air. "Finally! Let's get moving, Scorpios!"
"Devane-Scorpios, if you please," said Anna.
"What she said." Robert rose and led the rest out of the house. He looked rugged and prepared for the outing in his ensemble of khaki shorts, navy t-shirt and boots. He put his hat on with a flourish.
Outside stepping down from the porch, Robin said perplexed, "There are four of us and eight horses. Why? We usually only take one extra."
"Andrew's doing," said Robert as if the two words held all the explanation that Robin required.
Clad in fitted jeans and a tan t-shirt under a borrowed jean jacket, Anna marched to her horse as one destined for the guillotine. She gracefully mounted her mare Sundancer and adjusted her hat. She slipped on sunglasses against the glare of the bright afternoon sun.
After scrutinizing the pack laden horses, Robin mounted her horse Misty. Wearing trainers, black shorts and a light green shirt with a red bandana artfully tied around her neck, she secured the ties of her hat and studied the sky. It was cloudless and the sun beat down no them mercilessly. High summer in Australia indeed. She glanced at Andrew behind her and hid a smile.
Andrew sat patiently with perfect riding posture atop his own horse named Achilles. His face was half hidden by his brimmed hat and mirrored sunglasses. Like Anna, he had black jeans instead of shorts with sturdy boots and a blue long-sleeved cotton shirt. As he waited, he mentally listed all the provisions he'd packed for the trip.
Ahorse, Robert sidled close to his son. "Think you got everything this time?"
Rather smugly, Andrew said, "Short of the kitchen sink, yes. Do your worst."
Robert smirked. "Are you challenging my creativity?"
It was Andrew's turn to smirk back. "You wouldn't dare with Mum about."
"Hiding behind your mother is unmanly."
"Any ship in a storm," retorted Andrew.
"A father has to teach his son what he needs to know," said Robert. "Extend and share his wisdom to the next generation and all that."
"I believe forcing said son to forage for food on an extended campout is above and beyond paternal duty."
Robert glanced at a gray horse who was burdened with the most packages. "Is that the food horse?"
"I'm not telling. It's just like you to lose the horse and force us to rely on your dubious hunting skills."
Robert laughed. "With Robin around, I guarantee we'll catch something. She's a natural camper and hunter. She loves this stuff."
"As I clearly do not," said Andrew.
"Gentlemen, may we commence? It's getting hotter just sitting here," said Anna.
"As milady wishes!" Robert motioned for Genji to come close. He spoke in a low voice. "You got my list?"
"Yes I do. We'll be ready," said Genji.
Robert looked around. "Where are Edgar and Salim?"
"Not sure. They're around here somewhere," said Genji. "Enjoy the camp out. Everything is under control."
World Security Bureau HQ, New York City
In Connie's unusually messy office, Frisco was incredulous. Arms crossed, he stood in front of her desk. "Run that by me again."
"We've found the mole and extracted what information we could," said Connie looking like she hadn't slept all night. "Most of said information corroborates our theories. I've killed further investigation by the Scorpio team and-"
"But-"
"We cannot be seen to be aligned too closely with Robert. I didn't make the rule but it's a good one. We would endanger his team and the Bureau," said Connie. "We have to focus on ongoing cases, Frisco."
"What about Tim's murder? You're going to forget about that? Sweep it under the rug?"
"Tim's case remains unsolved but not for long. I'm going to assign it to another agent," said Connie coolly. "I haven't forgotten that we take care of our own, Frisco."
"I'm sorry," replied Frisco.
"I find it disturbing and refreshing that you're still as impulsive as ever."
Frisco ran a hand through his hair. "I've had a lot on my mind."
"Still no call backs from Felicia?"
"Deep freeze. I need to do something or go crazy. I'm getting back to my investigation of Chase and-"
Connie said firmly, "Consider Chase Masters off your radar."
"The guy landed himself on it with very little help from me," said Frisco. "He's crooked, Connie. I just don't know how yet. If we want the Bureau to become what it was before, we need to flush the rats out."
"I'm not disagreeing with you," said Connie. "Crooked or not, Chase is an internal matter. Unless you're rescinding your resignation, you can't be in charge of an internal case. You staying in?"
Frisco relaxed a little. "No, of course not. I just don't want the Chase thing to be totally dropped."
"I give you my word that it won't be dropped. Will that satisfy you?"
"Yeah, sounds good to me," said Frisco. "What should I tackle next?"
"First thing is to look for your replacement as head security coordinator for our mutual project. Lionel told me that your last recommended candidate didn't pass the psych profile test."
"Damn! I forgot about that."
"You can't leave until you find a successor. That's not fair to me."
"Dianara and Tim were on the short list. Shoot! I gotta start from scratch," said Frisco. "This is going to take a while. I … I gotta look through everybody's files and-"
"Yes, you do. I suggest you start now."
Frisco took the hint and made to leave.
"Send in Edwin Link on your way out will you?" asked Connie.
"Link? The Bard of the Bureau? Wannabee Bletchley Park codebreaker?"
Connie suppressed a smile. "The same. He's my new deputy director."
Frisco grinned. "Good thing I'm leaving. Do you know how long his reports tend to be?"
"Believe me I know but I need his organizational expertise, sharp analyst eyes and unquestionable loyalty."
"His motto is no agenda item shall be left undiscussed and he sticks to it no matter what," said Frisco.
Connie rubbed her forehead. "The meetings are going to be endless, well, more endless than ever."
"He's only thirty. You've got years of meetings to anticipate."
"Just send him in! Goodbye, Frisco!" exclaimed Connie.
One Temple Court - Matt's Place
Patrick ambled into the kitchen lured by the smell of fresh coffee. Dressed for a day of shopping, Felicia greeted him with a smile. Maxie, as usual, was talking a mile a minute.
"Good morning, Patrick," said Felicia.
"How am I supposed to find a world-class hair dresser in the middle of Nowheresville, Australia who does house calls?"
"You shouldn't have said you'd take care of it then," said Felicia pouring cups of coffee for them all.
"But hair and makeup are my thing, Mom. My godmother deserves the best!" exclaimed Maxie. "Since expense is no problem, maybe I can get someone from Paris to fly over. There's still time. And, I'll check on the shipping and courier service."
"Sean's handling that," said Felicia. She handed a steaming mug to Patrick.
"He's been, I don't know, absentminded lately. I'll just double-check. He won't know a thing. When will you have the dress?" asked Maxie.
"When we have it," said Felicia. "Emma is still asleep in the den."
"I got back from the hospital so late. Thanks for keeping her over. Any problems last night?" asked Patrick.
"We are NOT having ANY problems. This wedding is going to run smoothly. It's my third try. I should have this down by now," said Maxie dropping more sugar cubes into her mug.
"Wedding? Who's getting married?" asked Patrick.
Maxie missed Felicia's warning look and blurted out, "Robert and Anna. We're going to attend on video conferencing. It's going to be a real family affair with Andrew and Robin there and oh ..."
Felicia stepped in to cover Maxie's gaffe. "Sean and Tif were going to tell you and invite you later today. You, Monica and Bobbie that is."
Patrick let out a long breath. "Mom and Dad getting hitched? That's great."
"You don't have to attend if you don't want to," said Felicia.
"You mean so I don't have to see … see the real Robin," said Patrick. "I'll be there with Emma. No problem. Where's it at? When?"
"We're setting up cameras in the living room of the Villa," said Maxie. "Four days from now. Not sure of the time yet."
Felicia touched Patrick's arm. "They'll love having you both there, Patrick."
"Yeah, wouldn't miss it," said Patrick. "What, um, what's Robin like?"
"Ah, what do you mean?" asked Maxie. "What she looks like?"
Patrick shook his head. "No, never mind. I don't know what I want to know. Skip it." He moved away. "I'm going to see if Emma is awake and ready to go home." He stopped suddenly and turned to look at the Jones women. "Home? Is Robin coming back here? If she is, maybe I … I ought to find a new place for Emma and me."
"As far as I know, no decisions like that have been made, Patrick," said Felicia. "I wouldn't worry about this. Take it one day at a time. Go see your little girl."
Patrick left the kitchen before Felicia and Maxie resumed their conversation.
Maxie said flippantly, "What could I say, Mom? That Robin has a hunky Italian boyfriend that she won't let out of her sight? Or that Patrick's just not Robin's type?"
Felicia laughed softly. "I remember talking to her about Stone. I agree Patrick's not her type."
"Robin always went for the dangerous boys with an edge," said Maxie. "A green-eyed spy with charm and a killer body is her perfect match. But, I do want to be around when Patrick meets her for the first time. I'll have popcorn handy."
"Maxie!" teased Felicia. "It's going to be really awkward for everyone."
"I say it as I see it."
"Just like your father." Felicia grimaced. "Ugh, there goes my morning."
"Why don't you call him and-"
"Absolutely not," said Felicia. She downed the rest of her coffee.
"Why not?"
"Because I'm still cooling off. I've learned to wait until I can think more objectively before I talk to him again."
"When will that be?" asked Maxie.
"Soon I hope." Felicia studied her daughter. "Are you worried about him?"
"Him? No. You're completely wrong on that," insisted Maxie. "I'm upset because … because you're upset. I mean you're making all this effort and he doesn't. Goes to show where his priorities are."
Felicia's expression turned serious. "You're wrong, sweetheart. I have to believe that there is a very good reason why he's staying away because there usually is."
"Love is so blind."
"Not this time. I know all of Frisco's faults. I also know that he's one of the finest men there is right next to Sean and Robert, real white hat heroes," said Felicia. "One day I hope you'll understand your father a little better."
"There aren't enough hours in the day for that, Mom," said Maxie. "Don't hold your breath."
Vadsel Castle, Hungary
Dimitri dropped a letter on Alex's wide desk. He continued sorting through the stack of mail he held in his hand. Absently, Alex took the letter and opened it with a letter opener. She read the letter.
Suddenly, Alex cried out, "Damn her!"
"What's wrong?"
"Read this!" Alex shoved the letter towards her husband. "Missteps? She wants to be FORGIVEN?!"
"Who?"
"Who else but my mother?!" Alex grabbed her phone and dialed an internal number and inquired where her son was.
Dimitri read Charlotte's letter. It said:
My dearest Sasha,
My freedom came with a price - the realization that life is short and unpredictable. Be assured that I wish no harm to you, Dimitri or my darling grandson Viktor. I know that forgiveness is nearly impossible for all the missteps we've had in our relationship but may we let bygones be bygones at the very least?
Your loving mother,
Charlotte
"She is trying to insinuate herself into our life again. I will not have it, Dimitri," said Alex. "What is Scotland Yard and Interpol doing to catch her?"
"Charlotte is on the most wanted list of every major law enforcement agency in the world. She can't hide forever. Her options get less and less for every day that she's on the run."
"And what are we supposed to be doing in the meantime? We wait for her next move?" Alex began to pace and fret. "This is our home. I will not allow it to become a prison on the premise that doing so will keep us safe from her."
"She was caught before and she will be again. We have to be patient."
Alex faced her husband. "No, we have to make a decision. That what's we have to do."
"It sounds to me like you've already made one."
They were interrupted by the nanny with Viktor in tow. Rosy-cheeked and smiling, Vik held tight to the leash of a black and gray terrier puppy. Dimitri put the letter down. Alex scooped up her son into her arms and handed the leash to the nanny. She settled Vik on her lap as she sat on the sofa.
"Were you outside?" Dimitri asked taking a seat next to Alex.
Vik nodded. "I took Mars out, Daddy. He had to go."
Alex said nothing but her arms tightened possessively around him. Having Vik in her embrace calmed her considerably. Her son had been a miracle baby and she would die to protect him and Dimitri from any threat. Charlotte was a definite threat.
"He's your dog and you have to take care of him," said Dimitri.
"I do," insisted Vik. "I promised."
Alex looked directly at Dimitri but her words were for Vik. "We don't spend enough time with you so Daddy and I will be with you each time you go out. No exceptions."
Dimitri added, "We'll stay in the gardens."
Alex stroked her son's hair. "I want more security, Dimitri, inside and out."
"I'll take care of it," said Dimitri.
"I'm hungry," said Vik.
Alex glanced at the mantel clock. "It's almost time for lunch. Dimitri?"
"You go ahead. I want to call Andre. Update him on this … development," said Dimitri. "Anna and Robert are still out of contact?"
"Until the wedding," said Alex leading Vik out of the study. "We oughtn't bother them until after that. Surely we can handle this."
"We need to talk about this, Alex," urged Dimitri.
"We will. Later."
"What are my chances of changing your mind?"
Alex did not respond. Not a word. Not a telling glance.
Dimitri watched his wife and heir leave the room. He picked up Alex's phone and called Andre in Paris.
Australia
The caravan of horses and riders made its way through the brush in single file - Robert, Robin, Anna, Andrew and the pack horses.
Anna looked with concern at the dimming horizon then at her watch. She called out, "Robert, didn't you say that the cabin was a few hours away?"
"As the crow flies, yes," replied Robert.
Andrew added. "I don't remember it taking this long before."
"If certain parties who shall remain nameless didn't slow down and gawk at every wild animal encountered and exotic flora and fauna spotted, we could have made it there already," said Robert. His eyes scanned his surroundings.
"Mum's never been to Australia. I've been enhancing her travels with facts and trivia," said Andrew. "We have not been stopping at all."
"Shouldn't we have headed west at the creek, Dad?" asked Robin.
"We cross the creek then head east after a half mile," said Robert.
"Was that the first or second creek?" asked Anna.
Andrew asked his mother, "Did we pass a second creek?"
Robin turned left and right. "I think there's only one question we should be asking ourselves."
"I wouldn't go there, Robin," advised Anna.
"Mother knows best, sweetheart,," said Robert.
Robin ignored the parental warnings. "The question is are we lost?"
Anna burst out laughing.
"It's not funny, Anna," admonished Robert.
Between laughing fits, Anna said. "But … it … it is."
"Well, are we lost?" asked Robin once more.
"We are not lost," said Robert. His nearest and dearest shot him amused looks. He added, "We are misplaced. There is a huge difference."
Anna began laughing again. Andrew and Robin joined in shortly. Robert glared at all of them.