Century 21 Department Store, Long Island, New York
In the lower level luggage department, World Security Bureau Director Connie Townley examined various styles of luggage while keeping an eye out for her contact. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a store saleswoman heading her way.
Connie smiled and waved. "It's all right. I'm just window shopping today."
The saleswoman didn't pause. She was getting closer.
"Must be on commission," muttered Connie. She tried again. "If I decide on something, I'll be sure to let you know. Promise."
The saleswoman was undeterred. Bespectacled and in a navy blue suit, the woman seemed very businesslike. She held a clipboard close to her. She smiled at Connie. "We like to make sure that all our customers have what they need." She leaned in closer and whispered. "I take it you were expecting someone else."
"Actually, yes," said Connie. "Where's Robbie?"
Anna lifted a medium sized case from the stand and said. "For your trip, this size may be suitable. It has just enough compartments but not too many if you know what I mean." She added, "Busy elsewhere. I'll be your contact going forward. I'm Anna."
"I never thought I'd get to meet you."
"Why not?" Deftly, Anna unzipped the front flap and placed a folded piece of paper inside. She handed the bag to Connie. "But weight may be an issue. Do you want something more lightweight?"
"Because Robbie's always made sure you weren't involved. Protective. Has something changed?" Connie played along. "I'm not sure. Let me see." She hefted the bag and in smooth movement, took the note out.
"No change to speak of," said Anna. "If you're checking in luggage, you can opt for a bigger size." Connie pretended to read a random label on the luggage but was really reading the note. "For checked items, I recommend the hard shell variety. It's a bit more weight but more protection all around. We have a good sale going on today." Anna droned on improvising a sales pitch for the benefit of any innocent bystanders. She watched Connie's expression turn from curiosity to surprise.
Connie handed the luggage back. "I don't like that color. I think I'll check my luggage in." She added softly, "Defectors? These three? You're kidding right?"
"With the number of defectors increasing, you should be able to slip these right through," said Anna perusing a stack of luggage.
"The Korolevs are not low profile," said Connie. "State is going to blow a gasket. They won't let the two women out of Russia. How are they going to get to an embassy?"
"This one should be perfect." Anna pulled a large hard shell luggage towards Connie. "They're stateside."
"But how?"
"They came over with me," said Anna. "Half the battle is done."
"But-"
Anna pulled another piece out to the floor. "They'll be in safe hiding for a while. You can get them papers over here. How long will that take?"
"I'll pull some strings. Give me a week." Connie pretended to consider all the luggage. "I just can't decide right now."
"Make that two weeks. You're going to be busy soon," said Anna. She began lining up the luggage.
"Meaning?" asked Connie.
"Also, I want some information on The Gemini Group." She began lining up the luggage. "I think you'd want flexibility. Have a large check-in piece and a convenient but not bulky carry-on. What do you think?"
"What we have on them is on the system," said Connie under her breath.
"A handful of records that's all. I understand it's a shadow group and info for it is on a need to know basis."
"Why do you want to know?" Connie studied the luggage options. "I just don't know. I'll have to talk with my … my husband and see what he says."
Anna smiled brightly. "Bring him along next time. We have quite a few on sale this week." She pointed at various racks while saying softly, "One of their teams tried to kidnap my daughter. I want to know why and make sure it doesn't happen again."
"I'll see what I can do. Does Robert know you're asking about-"
"Get me a name. Maybe a former field operative or an analyst in the group. I'll take it from there," said Anna in clipped authoritative tones.
Connie nodded. "Yes, I'll be coming back."
"I'll call you in a week."
Connie laughed. "My trip is in a month. I better get packing soon. Thank you. You've been a lot of help. Goodbye."
Anna put some of the luggage away as Connie walked off. She muttered, "I guess Robert went through a blonde phase after me and before Holly. Interesting."
Far outside Moscow
Driving fast on the snow covered country road at dusk, Constantine checked his rear view mirror one more time as he approached the meeting place. No headlights shone behind him. As an extra precaution, he slowed the car and waited for any pursuers to catch up. There were none.
One kilometer later, he turned the car into the dirt driveway of a weathered seemingly uninhabited farm. As instructed, he drove into the darkened barn. He unlocked the doors and stepped out of the car with his hands in the air. He did not say anything. He could feel them around him. Constantine kept his mind focused on a single thought - his family. For his own safety, the less he remembered about this meeting the better. He tried to turn off that part of his mind that was always recording what he saw and heard. It was difficult to do.
The beam of a flashlight was trained on his face. Constantine squinted but did not turn away. "Mr. Skinner, I presume?"
The light was aimed on to the ground. A voice came out of the darkness. "That would be me."
"Is my family safe?" asked Constantine.
"They are," came the reply.
The passenger side door was opened and shut again.
"A letter and photos have been placed in your car to prove to you that they're safe. Get back inside and take a look. When you're ready to proceed come back out," said Mr. Skinner.
Constantine did as he was told. With haste he read the letter. He recognized his wife Ava's hand and style of writing. A quick flip through the pictures showed him that his children Ivan and Nina were together with their mother somewhere in the West. Mr. Skinner had kept his end of the bargain. Now, it was his turn.
He got out of the car and stood at attention once more. He said, "Thank you. Was Ava's information useful?"
"It is," said Skinner. "I can get you out, too."
Constantine nodded. "I know you can but I love my country. I must stay to see … to do what I can do. As … as long as my family is safe, I can stay." He took a deep breath. "I will start the plan when I return to Moscow?"
"Yes."
"Are there changes to the plan?"
"No changes. However, there is a number written on the back of Ava's letter. Memorize it. If you need to get out, call that number."
"I will not be using it."
"You can also use that number to contact me. We won't be meeting like this again," said Skinner.
"Who else is involved in Moscow?"
"Just assume that no one is. It's safer for everyone to work as independently as possible," said Skinner. "Do your part. Set the dominoes falling. Then … sit back and do what you have to."
"I have people loyal to me. Can you protect-"
"No," said Skinner cutting off Constantine. "No protection is given or guaranteed. This isn't a game with rules to follow. What happens, happens. Got it?"
"Hmm, the price of freedom from Cesar Faison," said Constantine. He straightened his shoulders and stood taller. "I understand and will do my part."
Constantine got into his car. He had started the car when the flashlight was aimed at his face. He opened the driver's side window. Blinded by the light, he glimpsed a gloved hand extended towards him. He shook it.
"As one father to another, thank you, Mr. Korolev," said Mr. Skinner in barely passable Russian.
Constantine laughed. "Your accent is terrible. Goodbye and good luck to all of us."
He backed out of the barn and headed down the road. As before, he saw no one else around. He pocketed the pictures and letters. He would be staying at a nearby friend's home tonight to provide a suitable alibi for his unusual trip into the country. Tomorrow, he would fire the first salvo in a long anticipated civil war.
Five minutes after Constantine's departure, another car left the barn and headed in the opposite direction. Heloise Garnier drove while Robert kept a look out.
"You think he'll stay on?" asked Heloise.
"He's a patriot. They're cut from the same cloth as fanatics," said Robert taking his gloves off and putting his flashlight away. "Still, he's a loss for our side."
"Take a nap, Robert. We have some hours of driving still."
"Where exactly are we going?"
"You wanted to meet the network that Jacques had built up and I'm taking you to them," said Heloise.
"Hours you said. I thought they'd be in Moscow proper."
Heloise shook her head. "It's safer to operate outside of the capital. Far outside. We're staying at a safe house tonight. Tomorrow we meet with Jacques' eyes and ears here."
"I can't wait."
With an odd smile on her lips, Heloise said, "They can't wait to meet you."
Crimson Fashion Magazine Office
Felicia stepped through the front door and called out, "Maxie? Anyone here?"
"Mom? Come in," said Maxie. "Lulu's here."
"Really?" Felicia gave Maxie a quick hug then turned her attention to Lulu. "You're looking more and more like your mother. Call me Felicia."
"I wish I was having adventures instead of this day job," said Lulu. "Nice to meet you. I hear you all live in the Court now."
Felicia smiled. "Yes, we do. It's nice to have family around. Cozy."
"What brings you here, Mom?" asked Maxie.
"I'm inviting you to dinner at my place tonight at seven."
"Okay."
"Frisco's arriving in an hour. I've invited Bobbie. We can have a Jones family dinner."
"He's coming today?"
Felicia nodded. "He's with Anna in the city but they'll be heading home. Can you bring the wine? A Chardonnay I think."
"Ah, yeah, sure, why not," said Maxie. "Wouldn't you like to have a private dinner instead for his first day back?"
"Sweetheart, I know this is tough for you. It's not going to be easier by avoiding him," said Felicia. "I'm not asking you to … to hug Frisco and forget about Mac. It's dinner. We'll talk and get to know each other."
"No pressure?"
"None. I promise," said Felicia. "If you really have to leave, then that's okay. Just give it a chance first. You may be surprised."
Maxie sighed. "I doubt it but I'll stay at least until dessert."
"Fine. I'm off to shop for groceries. I'll get some things for you."
"Mom, I do have food in my apartment."
"I spoke to Monica about your latest check up. You have an iron deficiency. We can't let that go," said Felicia.
"But, Mom-"
"I won't get anything fussy. I'll get some quick stuff. But you have to promise to eat right. At least have a good somewhat healthy breakfast. I'll get some fresh fruit, granola and those pop tarts you used to like."
Maxie gave in to maternal coddling. "Strawberry and blueberry please."
"Done." Felicia gave her daughter a quick kiss before moving towards the front door.
"Get the low calorie version, Mom. I don't want to balloon into a blimp," called out Maxie.
"Will do," came Felicia's voice as the front door closed.
"You're enjoying having your mom back aren't you?" asked Lulu.
"Maybe a little," came Maxie grudging reply. "As long as I have my space, it seems to be going well. It's all about respecting boundaries."
Haunted Star Casino
Tiffany left the marketers from Sean's public relations firms to get on with their job of figuring out how to use the casino space for the museum benefit night. Not bothering to knock, she barged into Luke's office.
"Luke darlin', the team likes the space," said Tiffany.
"That's a relief. Good thing you recommended me."
"I'm helping out where I can. There's going to be benefits like this all over the country. The Star's a good size event site. The PR team can use this as a template event," said Tiffany.
"You in to negotiate?" asked Luke with a cheshire grin for his old friend.
"With Sean out of town, you got me."
"Sounds like he's packing on the frequent flier miles. He seems to be in and out of town lately."
"This benefit is for the Black Pearls exhibit. Sean wants to do it for the Asian Quarter community," said Tiffany. "Besides, he was desk bound for years in Boston. I think he gets a kick out of being desk-free. Not that I won't be keeping him closer to home after this is all over."
Luke decided to probe for information. "I thought Sean was working with Anna and Robert at the new security company. They pulled some scam at the fundraiser didn't they?"
"Even if I knew what for, I can't talk about that sort of thing and you know better than to ask me."
"Thought I'd try," said Luke.
"Sean is an investor in Trident Media Ventures with Robert and Anna. That's mostly about the Megaplex development stuff. Real business, Luke, not capers to save the world or nabbing a dastardly villain out in the wild."
"So Sean's really out of the spy game?"
Tiffany laughed. "Once a spy, always a spy. You know that, sugar. But Sean's heart isn't in that stuff as it was before."
"He's just changed his game to making money. That's all."
"I wish you could have seen him in the first few years after we had Belle," said Tiffany. "He was a different man. He softened up. Everytime he held Belle in his arms he'd turn into pure mush. He realized what was really important to him."
"Family?"
"Yes. I think you remember what that's about."
Luke groaned. "Not you, too."
"Bobbie and I have caught up. You're one of our favorite topics." Tiffany sat on the edge of the desk. "With Laura not around I've been getting to know my godchild. I've been having regular lunches with Lulu. She tells me things."
"Like?"
"Like how she wished her family was closer," said Tiffany. "She'd like to spend more time with you."
"She can come here anytime she wants or at the mansion," offered Luke. "She and Tracy get along really well."
"That's not what she means. Why not ask her out for a father-daughter dinner? Or go see a movie you both like? It doesn't have to be fancy." Tiffany looked at Luke hard. "With recent events, I hope you realize that kids grow up super fast. They're toddlers one minute and then before you know it they're getting married. You have the time now. Spend some of it with Lulu and Lucky."
Growing uncomfortable with the turn in conversation, Luke said, "How are Robert and Anna dealing with Robin?"
"As well as one can expect I guess," said Tiffany acutely aware that Luke was not one of the privileged few who knew the truth about Eve and Robin. "They're there for Patrick and Emma. Speaking of grandkids, I hear you have two now. Lucky's boys Cam and Jake."
Luke chuckled. "You have gotten plugged into the town grapevine. They're not really Lucky's. He's raising them as his though."
"Does it matter how he got them? It would be a shame to not be in their lives," said Tiffany. "Bobbie showed me pictures. They're so cute."
"I have to be honest, Tif. The jury is still out on that," said Luke. "I just can't accept that … that my son chooses to raise kids that aren't his."
"That means he's a good man, Luke."
"He's a doormat is what he is. I raised him to be more than that. To expect more and do more with his life. Instead he's … he's like a cop in Mayberry complete with wife and kids."
"That's not a bad life."
Luke sighed. "I don't see the joy in his eyes anymore. He used to have this glint in his eye when he was taking life head on. He's not doing that anymore. He's not challenging himself. He's settling for whatever life hands to him. That's not … not the boy Laura and I raised and traveled around the world with."
"He's a man now. He decided this is what he wants. Why can't you support that?"
"I don't think he's unhappy. I just think that he could be happier," said Luke. "Wouldn't you want the best for your kid? Hey, I haven't met yours yet."
"Speaking of my Belle, I have to pick her up from school." Tiffany scribbled down some figures on a notepad. "Okay, here are the terms for the benefit event. Look them over. I'll call you later tonight to haggle some more."
Tiffany left the office in a whirl of perfume. As usual after Tiffany's visits, Luke felt like he'd had a close encounter with a tornado. Their conversation had certainly covered a lot of ground. It got Luke thinking about family, friends and opportunities.
"All over the country, eh? They're going to be using a lot of trunks and boxes," murmured Luke.
Montauk Yacht Club, Long Island
The Kestrel's motor rumbled to life as Anna and Frisco boarded. The mood on the boat was solemn and determined. The crew untied the mooring lines. The command deck hummed with activity as they prepared to leave for home.
They entered the main salon and was greeted by a relieved Ava Korolev. Anna scanned the room quickly. Nothing was amiss. Ivan was likely sedated in one of the staterooms. Nina was at the desk writing in her journal. Nyssa and Andrew were likely up in the command deck. Frisco left to call Felicia.
"Andrew has told us that Mr. Skinner … Robert has met with my husband," said Ava. "He has my letter and the pictures. I'm happy for that."
Anna squeezed Ava's hand. "If Constantine wants out, we'll help all we can."
"I hope my letter convinces him but I don't know."
"We can hope."
"Yes, we can." The women made their way to the sofa. "I am rested, Anna. I want to do something to help you and your team."
Anna smiled. "Oh, you will when we get home in a few hours. I'm going to fully debrief you. And you're going to be doing a lot of personnel identification."
"Yes, we have to be sure of the, um, targets. That many assassinations will-"
"No assassinations. That's only a last option."
"How will they be removed then?"
"You leave that to us. Your job is to help make sure we have the right people and for the right reasons."
Ava nodded. "I understand. I think. Did your business proceed well?"
"I think so. We'll know in a few days when your papers come through," said Anna.
"That is fast."
"Once things start to happen, you and your family will need as much protection as we can manage. How long will your cover in Sochi hold do you think?" asked Anna.
"The surveillance on the house was … sloppy. The double of me and Nina that Heloise has installed there should be sufficient. In two days time, they will board the train to Moscow and disappear. Efficient, elegant and simple," said Ava. "That is the way to do things."
"That's all Heloise."
"When may I contact my sister Pavla? She will be worried."
"Vincent has taken care of that I believe."
"You know my nephew? I wondered how quickly he was able to contact Robert."
"Apparently they've worked together in the past," explained Anna. "Vincent is with my daughter in Paris. I hope they finish up soon and get home."
Anna excused herself to call Robin. "Sweetheart, it's your mother checking up on you. How goes the nostalgia trip?"
Over the video feed, Robin smiled ruefully. "It's true that you can't go back. Everything here at the Sorbonne has changed. My neighborhood is unrecognizable to me."
"So when will you be heading home?"
"Soon."
"Tomorrow? The day after?"
"Mom, please."
"Things are unstable. I won't feel you're safe until you're within touching distance. Humor me," said Anna.
"I love you in mom mode, Mom," said Robin.
"Well?"
"Vincent's decided on a short road trip. We'll leave from Cannes in two days for Madrid. From there we'll get to New York. Satisfied?"
"Right. Three days. Fine. I'll have a team pick you up."
"Yes, Mom." Robin looked to the side. Anna couldn't see her expression. "Um, I … we have to go. Talk later. Bye!"
The screen turned black. Anna muttered. "Three days is going to seem like forever." She understood Robin's need to revisit her past and reconcile herself to her situation. But having just regained her daughter, Anna loathed anything that separated them. She contacted Alex. "I need to vent. What are sisters for?"
Paris
Robin pocketed her phone. Beside her, Vincent leaned in as if to nuzzle her.
"We are certainly under surveillance," said Vincent.
"You're sure?"
"They are keeping their distance but the same two have been following us for the last two hours."
"What now?"
"We head for the Abbey Bookstore. It's a safe house," said Vincent. "You did not tell your mother that we-"
"She'd just worry," said Robin taking a sip of her coffee. "They could be interested in you and not me."
"I very much doubt it but we can test that theory. Let's go." Vincent rose to his feet and pulled Robin's chair out.
They ambled down the street unhurriedly. They flagged a cab to take them closer to the bookstore.