Donely Shipping Office
Sean locked his office door. He pulled out a plain cell phone. He dialed a number by memory.
"Sean?" came Connie's voice. "Just got home. I'm exhausted."
"Sleep later. I have info. Memorize this."
"Ready. Go."
Sean said the address of the Mersin laboratory. "That's where Peter Sinclair is right now. Confirmed."
"I'll get a team there tomorrow."
"No, Connie. That will be too late," said Sean. "The window of opportunity is getting smaller. Check the boards. There's an offer on Sinclair's head."
"Damn it!" said Connie. "I'm heading into the office. I'll get a team there as soon as I can."
"Termination on sight," said Sean.
"Out of my hands."
"What do you mean out of your hands?"
"Executive panel. Orders are to secure Sinclair and have him stand trial. We have to play the international good guy role this time if we can," said Connie. "But if he's caught, he'll sing a song that could be lethal for us. He knows too much."
"Then it's best that the bird die, preferably in agony," said Sean.
"You guaranteeing that?"
"Let's just say I've made it more likely," said Sean. "Your team may end up having to do clean up duty."
"How did you get his location? Do you just have a plan for every angle, every possibility?" asked Connie.
"Not always. This time I got lucky," said Sean. "My plan is working out nicely."
Villa Scorpio - Lab
Robin tried to concentrate but it was useless. Her mind kept going back to the video call she had an hour previous with her aunt Alex.
An hour ago ...
"Is the reagent the only way?" asked Alex.
"Given what's happening at GH with the multiplying cases of Fly intoxication, this is the quickest way to anything resembling an antidote," said Robin. "If this can reduce the toxicity level enough to allow the patient to recover, then that should be enough in the short term."
"And the long term?"
"Fly and Compound X are going to be on the banned list soon. Supply will dry up. Maybe the reagent is the only thing needed."
"Maybe and maybe not," said Alex. "I've been studying the patients that survived the Foundation. In the cases, where the patient has been restored to their families, there has been marked improvement in behavior. I can't help thinking that we can do something to restore them to a ... a higher level of self-awareness and capability."
"I know. It's so frustrating."
"What about the serum you were working on? The one you injected my ... Charlotte with. Can you replicate that?" asked Alex.
"That was the result of trial and error over a year. I varied the serum based on the patient," said Robin. "The base formula was stable though. The problem is I'm not sure why it worked the way it did on Charlotte. It could have had a reaction to the stimulant I injected her with to keep her talking to me."
"How long would it take you to make the base formula?"
"I already have. It's one of the first things I replicated and documented in SIMON."
"Oh, how efficient," said Alex.
"I had to get some things out of my head before it exploded," said Robin. "My original goal for the serum was to make an active antidote. For example, give the serum to a healthy person. A subsequent exposure to Compound A, X or any variant would have some effect but not permanent ones. I couldn't stop the onset but I could reduce overall duration and severity. I got close to that. Maybe seventy percent immunity but I was never able to test my theory the way it needed to be."
"But the base formula is safe to take?"
"Yes but it should be tested first."
"It will. I'll do it on my end," said Alex.
"Personally? On you?"
Alex went on without answering. "Would it help to get a sample of Charlotte's blood and tissue?"
Robin was thoughtful. "The serum might still be in her system. It hasn't been that long. Yes. I could use it for comparative analysis. How are you going to get it?"
Alex grinned. "It was just a thought."
Her aunt's call plus the swift departure of her parents made Robin twitchy. There was definitely something going on. She would bet that no one at C and C was talking. The Villa was notably empty of the security staff that filled the place. Where were they all?
There was a knock at the newly installed security door. Robin tapped peered out the small window to see who her visitor was. It was Andrew. He was fidgeting and holding a rock. Maxie stood beside him grinning and waving.
Airborne
The main section of the plane had been turned into an impromptu war room. Everyone studied satellite and surveillance pictures of the Mersin compound. Already ensconsced at a location near the compound, Andre, Heloise, Dimitri and Alex appeared on the monitor via satellite link. On another screen, Edgar, Alys and Vincent appeared from Command and Control. Anna and Robert had selected their most able and experienced operatives - Lars, Raine, Genji, Nestor and Shane. Andre and Dimitri's own people would augment the main team in a back up capacity.
"I'm surprised Charlotte has agreed so quickly but she has. The exchange is set for tomorrow. We're going to change that to today," said Anna.
There were surprised looks all around. The level of excitement increased. Seasoned agents all they knew when an operation was set on overdrive. This looked to be set a bit beyond that.
"How do you propose to change the time table, Anna?" asked Andre.
"Not her. Me," said Alex."
Robert looked at his wife then his sister-in-law. "I thought that call between you two went on too long."
Anna pressed a button on her laptop. On the large screen in front of the cabin a picture appeared. "This is the new exchange point - Goksu Bridge. It was a Roman bridge now in ruins. It's between a gorge and a small river. The location is remote and not easily accessible. The physical exchange will occur under the arch. Us on one side and them on the other. The exchange will take place at dusk today. It doesn't give us much time but more than they will have. Or anyone else."
"Who else should we be expecting?" asked Lars.
"If it goes to pattern, everyone's grandmother will be there," cracked Robert.
"Robert, please," said Anna.
"I took a quick look at the drive." Robert gave Anna a meaningful look. "We do have a lot to talk about. I keep adding things together and coming up with funny numbers. I don't like funny numbers."
Anna nodded. "Charlotte is hedging her bets. She has offered Peter to us, the Gems, the WSB and Interpol. I'm assuming she means to play us off one another. I don't intend to give her that satisfaction," said Anna.
Robert put in, "And Faison. Charlotte made him an offer, too"
"What?"
"He called before we left. I took it," said Robert. "It's open season on the good doctor."
"I don't even want to think about Faison. He's out of the equation," said Anna. "We need to focus on Peter." She turned to the group. "Our mission is not acquisition."
"No? He's wanted for the equivalent of war crimes," said Shane. "The bounty on his head increases every day."
Anna surveyed the room and the attendees via satellite. "It's an acquisition and termination mission."
All good humor in the plane evaporated. All their faces reflected masks of professional detachment.
"Permission?" asked Lars in a cool voice.
Anna replied in even cooler tones, "All of us who have experience in this type of mission has absolute permission to take a shot at the target once he has been acquired. Any method available to you as long as the result is final."
"Proof?" asked Raine.
"Your word is sufficient," replied Anna.
"Remains?" asked Genji.
"Not to be found for at least a few years. No artifacts or trace."
"Collateral damage?" asked Edgar.
"Hopefully none. That's why we've picked our most experienced people," said Robert.
"We can only plan for what we can control. Ultimately there are too many variables to be able to predict likely outcomes. We don't know what's going to happen. Anything could happen," said Anna. "For certain, we must accomplish the mission objective before we leave the country."
Robert added, "If improvisation is required post mission, we trust your survival instincts will kick in as necessary."
"Any bonuses?" asked Shane.
"Peter is primary but I wouldn't mind a capture of Charlotte or Helena or both," said Anna.
"Ambitious," said Alys.
"Boldness in the field can end wars," murmured Heloise.
"The cat and mouse games have gone on too long. We end it today," said Anna.
Majestic Theater
Several national news crews filmed the interview of nationally known broadcaster, Tiffany Hill with Sean Donely, Dianara Amanti, Malcolm Scorpio and Frisco and Felicia Jones.
"Mayor Gunderson has been praising the help and support the city received during the Storm of the Century from the people I have with me today," said Tiffany. "Many prominent citizens, myself included, were stranded here at the theater at the height of the storm. My guests were instrumental in keeping our city government fully operational and providing shelter for stranded citizens and those who have lost their homes in the devastating fires that covered the city in smoke and ash."
"On behalf of my partners at Trident Media Ventures, I can only say that we did what we could. Fortunately, it was enough," said Sean. He looked at the others. "These folks did the heavy lifting. They deserve all the credit."
"They were already here. We just made them feel at home," said Felicia with a smile.
"According to civic leaders in the Asian Quarter, there are at least one hundred people sheltered in the catacombs under the Majestic Theater who have lost their homes due to fire and storm damage," said Tiffany. "What help are they receiving? How long will they be staying here?"
"Donely Shipping has kindly donated the use of two warehouses to be turned into temporary housing. Frisco has organized volunteer carpenters and electricians from the local unions who are carrying out the warehouse renovations as we speak," said Dianara. "Retailers, like Wyndhams, will be donating furnishings and housewares to ease the relocation as much as possible. We've been informed that the American Red Cross and others will be arriving soon."
"Relocation is a big job to tackle, Frisco," said Tiffany.
"The Quarter is one reason for the vibrant energy in this town economically and socially. We can't and won't turn our backs on them when they need help," said Frisco. "That's not the right thing to do." He looked straight at the camera. "If you need some place to stay, come to the theater. It's the big building with lots of lights, lots of il-lu-mi-nation." He smiled happily.
"The sense of family is an enormous element in Asian culture. The warehouses are situated next to the Asian Quarter so no one should be too homesick," said Felicia. "We plan on housing to be available within three days."
"With the Haunted Star sunk, will the Black Pearl exhibit be cancelled?" asked Tiffany.
Sean shook his head. "It has been delayed by a few weeks but it will go on as planned. The benefit will be here at the Majestic instead."
"There are rumors that you might be running for mayor in the next election, Mac. Any truth to that?" asked Tiffany.
"The only thing on my mind is my wedding day," said Mac with a grin. "Politics is not my cup of tea."
Mersin Compound
The black sedan stopped in front of the gate. A woman emerged clad in a dark brown gurka covering her face and figure. She stepped to the intercom and activated it.
"It's me, Mother. I need to talk to you," said Alex.
After a minute, the electronic gates swung open. Alex stepped through and approached the main building. The door was opened by a minion who led her to a small conference room.
"I take it you're Anna's emissary?" asked Charlotte sitting at the far end of the table. Standing, Helena flanked her on the right.
"You've received the terms and agreed to them. I'm here to arrange the exchange," said Alex.
"I have specified the location and time."
Alex slowly took out an index card with name of the town of Kizilin and the time of 6:30 PM. "Go here. There will be a local guide waiting for you to take you to the final location."
Charlotte read the card. "Today is not possible."
"If the exchange does not take place at this place and time, your identities and locations will be released to Interpol, the WSB and the Turkish authorities at 6:31 PM." Alex looked at her watch. "Two hours should be sufficient time for you to prepare Dr. Sinclair."
"Barely," said Helena.
"Is that all?" asked Charlotte. "No kind words for your dear mother. I have missed you, Sasha."
"I miss my mother. I don't miss you." Alex turned and marched out of the office and back into the car.
"Children can be heartless ingrates," said Helena.
Charlotte smiled, "Her delivery has improved. I actually believe she meant that."
"It's a trap," said Helena.
"I don't think so," said Charlotte.
"Why not? They would have us and the environment under their full control."
"Because Anna and Robert like white hats too much. It's one of their signature weaknesses," said Charlotte.
"Robert just as good as murdered Elena in Vienna."
"That was done in anger and revenge. This is different."
"So you will go through with it?"
"Yes but only after some adjustments favorable to us. Just in case it's a trap," said Charlotte.
"In two hours?"
"We need some kind of insurance in the event the tables are turned. The Scorpios have a knack for that."
Helena watched Charlotte carefully. "What kind of insurance?"
"Turnabout is fair play after all," said Charlotte. "I shall be ready to give them a dose of their own medicine."
Villa Scorpio - Lab
After Robin released Maxie from a long hug, she asked, "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"I've been cooped up with the relics for too long! I need YOUTH and ENERGY!" exclaimed Maxie. "I feel so bad for the people in the catacombs. It was depressing. I need heavy doses of baby Emma therapy."
Andrew went past the cousins heading for the analyzer. "I came to analyze this. Ignore me."
"Is the city in as bad a shape as they say on the news?" asked Robin.
"Parts of it is. A third of the Asian Quarter on the dockside is either gone or damaged beyond repair. The docks are mostly gone because of the massive tidal surges. There's a lot of debris on the water stopping normal shipping which means that ships and sailors are stuck in port," said Maxie. "Every hotel room and boarding house in the city is booked. Even on generator power Kelly's is full to the gills."
"When did they say the electricity would be restored?"
"That is a problem. Some of the grid switches are in flooded areas of the catacombs. The mayor was demanding that the electric company pump the water out ASAP," said Maxie.
Andrew put in, "While that is feasible, it is not the best course of action. The equipment not only has to be thoroughly dried, it must be inspected and repairs made as needed prior to restoration of service. Certain areas will not have power for weeks."
"The stores are empty as of this morning," said Maxie. "Gas stations that have gas can't pump them out on generator power alone. The governor is sending in the National Guard and extra large generators. But it's a guess when they'll get here."
"I thought FEMA was set up at Uncle Sean's docks," said Robin.
"They are but there's only three operational docks and unloading takes time," said Maxie.
"Belle told me that they began hiring extra workers today," put in Andrew. "That should improve efficiency."
"I wish GH would get more people to help out. I passed by and there are TENTS set up outside. Mercy and GH are both full," said Maxie. "Bobbie, Matt and Patrick have been there for forty-eight hours straight."
"You two are better reporters than the ones on the news," said Robin making notes on her terminal.
"I heard the strangest stuff at the diner," said Maxie helping herself to a chilled bottle of water from the refrigerator. "Some sailors were raving that they saw spaceships landing on Spoon Island. They said that the entire island was glowing green."
"Really?" asked Robin.
Andrew paused looking at the analyzer results to ask, "Was it glowing before, during or after the storm?"
"They said it was like someone turning a light switch on and off during the storm. On green. Off green. On green," said Maxie.
Robin's eyes were drawn to the crystal shard that was under the analyzer. "What is that, Andrew?"
"Volcanic rock from Feargus," said Andrew. "It changed color overnight and gained mass. That should be impossible."
"During the storm?"
"Perhaps," said Andrew.
"Where EXACTLY did that come from? Who had it before Feargus?"
"It was part of Papa's collection. He gave it Feargus on Sicily."
"Where did Faison say he got it from?"
Andrew said his next words carefully. He watched Robin's face as he said, "Papa said it was a gift from Lumina. He told me that you had found an original, undamaged one."
Robin's face brightened, "I did but it didn't look like this one."
"This was originally dark green and blackened from fire. Then it changed color again."
"You could call it fire I guess," said Robin. "You said it increased in mass. By how much?"
"Mass and density. It was originally a six inches and thin. Now, it's eight inches long and four inches wide and weighs a little less than two pounds." Andrew looked at the analyzer. "According to this, this rock has the density of a diamond. This rock should not exist."
"May I?" asked Robin extending a hand to take the crystal out of the analyzer.
"Of course."
Robin used two hands as she very gently took the rock out of the analyzer's enclosure. It warmed her hands. She smiled feeling a wave of joy sweep through her. She closed her eyes. "Hmm, nice."
"Nice?" asked Maxie.
"I like the warmth. It's soothing just like I remember it felt like," said Robin.
"It has no temperature, Robin. It's a rock," said Andrew.
"It's warm," insisted Robin. "Touch it."
Andrew did as his sister asked. "Cold. Ice cold."
Robin frowned. "Maxie?"
Maxie tentatively touched the rock with a finger. "Brrr, ice, definitely."
An idea was beginning to form in Robin's mind. It was simultaneously funny and scary. "Andrew, did Faison say that he got this from Spoon Island?"
"Yes."
"You said it was from Lumina. Which is it?" asked Maxie. "And where is Lumina?"
Robin didn't seem to want to let the crystal go. "I have to go somewhere with ... with this." She wrapped the crystal in a towel.
"To Spoon Island? Because you can't. Charter boats are forbidden on the river until maybe tomorrow or the day after," said Maxie.
"I'm not going there." Robin removed her lab coat. "I have to get my coat."
"Where are you going?" asked Maxie.
"You need a security detail," said Andrew.
"My old, old house on Baptiste Way. It's the house I lived in with Mom and Uncle Duke," said Robin. "You're too little to remember it, Maxie."
"In town? Would not tomorrow be better when more roads are clear?" asked Andrew.
"The storm is over. I HAVE to go check it out but I can't be seen," She looked at Andrew. "You should not be seen." She turned ot Maxie. "And you're too obvious."
"Hey!" objected Maxie.
"We need disguises," said Robin.
"Now we're talking!" said Maxie.
"Mum's Rule Number 1 her dear children require escorts upon leaving the villa. No exceptions. No excuses," said Andrew. "I do not desire more lectures from anyone."
"Our parents aren't here. They won't know a thing," said Robin.
"A detail implies-" began Andrew.
"Vincent is at C and C helping out. You'll have to do," argued Robin. "There's three of us. We'll protect each other."
"As you've said, YOU cannot be seen," said Andrew.
"I won't be. We'll take your boat. Once I'm on the docks I'll know where to go and I won't be seen," explained Robin.
"Go where? Go how?"
"How to go to my old house using the catacombs," said Robin. "We need to bring flashlights. I need to borrow some of Vincent's clothes just in case."
"What? Why clothes?" asked Maxie.
Robin took a deep breath. "Just humor me." She lifted up the towel-wrapped rock. "This may mean something or it may not. I need to check."
"The old house?" asked Andrew.
Robin nodded. "And Spoon Island when I can get over there." She smiled. "C'mon, it'll be fun! Maxie, you've always wanted an adventure, right?"
"Yeah, 'course." Maxie looked at Robin's mischievous smile. "I know that look. And you're way too excited."
Robin laughed. "I haven't felt this good in a LONG time. C'mon, let's go!"
"You're telling Nyssa this is YOUR idea and I'm being drafted in," said Andrew.
"Relax. Just do what I say and everything will be fine," said Robin.
Mersin, Turkey
The safe house was two blocks from the laboratory compound. However, from its fourth floor, it had a clear unobstructed view of said compound. On a balcony with a clear sight line, a plastic sunflower pinwheel spun and spun affixed to the balcony railing. If one looked closely, one could see a thin red laser emanating from the flower and straight downwards to one of the compound's unshielded windows.
"I almost feel bad about cheating like this," said Robert. "Almost."
"Lucky for us they haven't put in anti-surveillance glass in the windows. Sloppy, careless or both," said Andre. He positioned the headset that was relaying all the noise that the red beam was picking up. The connected receiver was translating and enhancing the vibrations detected by the laser into sounds. It was not an exact transmission but it was sufficient to allow Andre to listen in.
"What's the devious woman planning?" asked Robert.
"They think we've got people on site at the bridge right now."
"They would be wrong."
"Charlotte is deploying three small teams. One to go with her, Helena and Peter. One to ... to watch their retreat. One to recon earlier and stay on the perimeter," said Andre.
"A show of force," said Robert. "Water or land?"
"Land. No time to arrange for boats. Little do they know," chuckled Andre. "Anna picked a good location."
Andre held up a hand. "The minions are gone. Seems like the ladies are not as united as we thought. Helena wants the exchange done straight and fast. Charlotte wants to try something. I can't make out what she's saying but I don't like it."
"Chinks in the armor. Good."
"Charlotte has left the room. Helena is calling someone."
"Who?" asked Robert.
Anna came in and took a seat by Robert. "Alex and Dimitri are back from the compound. She's holding up well."
"Someone she's familiar with. She's tellng him or her the exchange site and place," said Andre. "She's issuing a one-time invitation."
"More unexpected guests maybe," said Anna.
"Who could she have called?" asked Heloise looking out the balcony.
"We'll find out shortly," said Anna.
"How did you know about Goksu?" asked Andre. "It's not on the local maps."
"Sean told me to use it as a bolt hole in case things got hot. I had a mission in Istanbul and things did get very hot. I had to disappear. I headed for Kizilin then the bridge. There are ancient tombs dotting the cliffside. Lots of places to hide and to explore," said Anna. "With some preparation, a person could live in the area unnoticed for weeks."
"I wonder how many such places Sean knows about," said Robert.
"He never told you about his hideaways?" asked Anna.
"Obviously not," said Robert. "I forget that he trained you personally. Told you his tricks."
"Jealous?" asked Anna with a smile.
Robert cleared his throat. "Maybe a little."
"It was a long, long time ago. Another life," said Anna. She looked at her watch. "Let's get to second position."
The team evacuated the empty apartment that had been rented for a month by Heloise prior to their arrival. It had served its purpose.
Peter was woken from a fitful sleep and trussed into ill-fitting clothes. A blue coat was draped over him.
"What's happening?" asked Peter.
"An exchange," said Charlotte.
Peter's hands were handcuffed in front of him. Socks and shoes were put on his feet. "To whom?"
"To the ones who want you most. Naturally," said Charlotte.
"Listen, I've got something ... to trade," said Peter. "Information for my freedom."
"Arrangements have been made, Peter, that may not be undone."
Helena appeared at the doorway. "I've made tea, Charlotte. Let's hear him out. We have time until we leave."
"Very well," Charlotte conceded.
"Thank you, Helena," said Peter.
"One must always have options," said Helena softly. She led them down the hall to the small dining room. On the table was a steaming cup of tea, two empty cups and a tea pot. Helena sat down in her seat. She poured tea into Charlotte and Peter's cups. "Tell us. What is this great revelation of yours?"
"It's what the Gems need and what the Scorpios will kill to keep secret," said Peter.
"Will the WSB or Interpol be interested in it? Will Faison?" asked Charlotte.
"Cesar? You're exchanging me to him?"
"He was a possibility," replied Charlotte. She sipped her tea.
"He'll take me and kill me. After what I did to Robin and to Anna. He's going to eviscerate me up the ass." He warmed his fingers on the tea cup then took a sip.
"That's a pretty visual," commented Helena. She pushed a plate of small sandwiches and biscuits towards the center of the table.
"Everything leads to Anna as far as Faison is concerned," said Charlotte taking a biscuit. "How pathetic."
"Set me free and I shall never cross paths with either of you. You have the formula. You can make as much of Compound X and Fly as you want. It's all yours!" said Peter.
"Unfortunately, that particular opportunity may be closing faster than we expected," said Helena. "Therefore, we must see to other options. What is this information, Peter?"
"The Gems' goal has always been to find a method to create the perfect chameleon agent. Someone who could take Compound X, be fully trained in whatever knowledge was required for a mission including a complete persona adoption yet still keep their real mind. The ultimate stealth spy," said Peter. He gulped down more tea to wet his parched throat and mouth.
"Go on," said Charlotte.
"I made Compound A very crudely but supremely potent. The test subject that I gave it to did not die as was told to the Gems," said Peter. "I lied to allow me to use her to take the real Robin Scorpio's place."
Both Helena and Charlotte were silent. Though clearly the two were eagerly digesting this news.
"I've always suspected that the long term effects of Compound A would include hormonal and genetic changes. My certainty was ... is ninety percent," said Peter.
Charlotte raised a brow. She nibbled on her biscuit.
"It was a factor in keeping her survival a secret. I wanted to see if my theory would prove itself in her progeny," said Peter.
"The child Emma Drake," said Helena with surprise and alarm.
Peter nodded. "I would need to test her but I strongly believe that she is genetically predisposed to be naturally receptive and adaptable to the chameleon treatment without suffering any of the ill effects of the compound."
Charlotte said with cold calculation, "Her and her future children."
"Yes that goes without saying," said Peter. "If I or someone had her, there would be no need for Compound A would there? She would be the ultimate solution to the Gems' problems."
"And an irresistible target for everybody else," finished Helena.
"The perfect spy breeding true generation after generation," said Charlotte. "That would be amazing and priceless. My attempt to do the same to Alexandria pale into insignificance."
Peter cleared his throat. He accepted more tea from Helena. "Now you see the value in the information and ... and of me." He touched his head. "What's in here about Compound A and its genetic properties is invaluable and not recorded anywhere on paper. Let me go and I will send you a document detailing all I know once I'm safely away."
Charlotte rose. She paced behind Peter. "Helena, you must agree with me that this is extremely valuable information."
Helena nodded. "I commend you, Peter, you do play the game well. Keeping that to the last is a master stroke." She gave Peter a small smile then frowned. "However, we have agreed to terms. We must deliver you to someone."
"But I just-" Peter's words died on his lips. Charlotte chopped Peter in the neck with the flat of her hand. He fell forward upsetting the table and its contents. The tea pot hit the floor and shattered splashing tea in all directions.
"To whom shall he be delivered? Have you decided?" asked Helena.
"No. This most recent information changes things. We have a great deal of leverage. You can see that can't you?"
"Clearly," replied Helena. "Let's decide on the bridge."
Two minions dragged Peter's limp form as the two ladies exited the room. They had an appointment to catch.
The Goksu Bridge
Fifteen minutes to dusk, two rowboats with lanterns lit paddled down the river Goksu. They beached a few meters from the ruins.
Four figures in dark trenchcoats and boots alighted from the first boat - Robert, Anna, Alex and Dimitri. From the second, Lars and Nestor emerged also in trenchcoats. All of them knew that they were under surveillance by Charlotte's people. That was expected. In fact, the team counted on it. They each carried an unlit lanterns and positioned them in a line on one end of the gaping arch. Nestor lighted each one.
Dimitri and Alex posed themselves on one side. They talked softly between them.
Alex said wistfully, "A part of me still wishes this wasn't necessary."
Dimitri reached for her hand. "Can you live with her infecting our lives? Vik's future?"
Alex felt the weight of the Glock pistol in her coat pocket. "That's why I'm here."
Anna and Robert strolled along the water seemingly relaxed.
"You're wound tighter than Alex," commented Robert.
"Shouldn't I be?" asked Anna. She looked over the water hands in her trenchcoat's pockets.
"After reading the material, I understand why you wanted to get to Peter," said Robert softly. "He knows too much and what he knows is dangerous to Emma especially in the long run."
"We can't be absolutely sure but we can't take the chance can we? Emma would be hunted down, captured, used. I don't even want to think about what could happen to her," said Anna.
"A natural born chameleon. The only one in the world. She can't ever know. For her own good no one can know."
"The truth dies with Peter. Agreed, Robert?"
"Agreed. There's no choice." Robert turned seeing lights approaching on the river. "They're here." He turned and watched two rowboats identical to the ones his party had used. His body shielded Anna from view for a few minutes.
Anna straightened her lapels. She said softly into a hidden microphone, "Green light Cupid. We are go."
A tinny reply came through Anna's hidden ear bug, "Copy that."
"Good hunting," said Anna. She and Robert walked towards the archway side by side.