As we moved into the stylish yet comfortable room, my head spun. Scott is married? I'd been sitting for too long, on the plane and in the cab, so I stood instead.
I looked at Danielle. “I apologize for my reaction. I don't mean to be rude. It's just…this is the first I've heard about Scott being married.” I looked at Scott next. “Is this what Keira was talking about that day in the park?”
“I don't know what you mean.” He looked baffled.
“She was mad at you for keeping secrets. Don't you remember?”
“No.” He shook his head. “That was about the Resistance. Keira doesn't know about Danielle. No one back home does.”
He and Danielle sat side-by-side on the sofa. Her hair was just about the same color as his. It was tied up in a loose bun and tendrils ran along the sides of her face, enhancing her olive complexion and deep brown eyes.
Danielle looked at me. “I'm sorry. I expected Scott to tell you before you arrived. Do you want me to leave so you two can talk privately?”
Scott put his hand on her knee. “No, you should stay.”
“How long have you been married?” I asked.
“A little over a year. Our anniversary was just a few weeks ago. April, please sit.”
I perched on the edge of a cream colored chair, and he continued, “I met Danielle when I began transporting people and goods overseas for the Resistance. That would have been about three years ago.”
“But, you've been a...a Shepherd, right?”
He nodded.
“For much longer than that, haven't you? Since the beginning?”
“No, the Resistance grew slowly. It took time to develop trust with others who felt as we did and for all of us to get into positions where we could support each other properly. The person I called from the airport, for example. Her role is to relay messages. She'll let Guy know we arrived safely. The man who was following us?” I nodded. “He called her after I disconnected, I'm sure of that. No matter how high his level of clearance, our Messenger would verify that I was sent to escort Mr. Lafleur's daughter to their family overseas.”
“But what if he checks into that? There's no record of an Aimee Lafleur, is there?”
“Yes, there is actually. We have people with all types of skills helping the Resistance. Aimee Lafleur exists in the national data banks, along with enough background details to convince anyone. If our tail calls the numbers that are listed for Aimee Lafleur or her parents, he'll be connected to someone who knows exactly what to say to keep you safe.”
“Wow...” I sat back. “How could you have possibly kept all of this a secret from Keira and me?”
“That was the most difficult part.” Scott leaned forward and took my hands. “I wanted to tell both of you, especially about Dani. But I couldn't, not without telling you about all of it, and how could I do that without disrupting your entire life?”
“You need to tell Keira about Danielle,” I said softly. “There's no reason not to now.”
He nodded and sat back. “You're right. It's time for the secrets between us to end.”
-Scott-
No More Secrets
When I returned to Tkaron, Keira invited me over to her new apartment for dinner. I was a little surprised, Keira wasn't the best cook, but privacy was likely the reason. We would be able to talk freely during dinner.
I knocked.
Even as Keira opened the door, she asked, “How's April?”
“She's fine,” I said and closed the door behind me. “Is Guy here yet?”
“No, he should be here soon though.”
“Good. I was hoping I'd have a chance to talk with you alone. Can we sit?”
“Sure.” She gestured to the sofa. “What is it? What's wrong?”
“Nothing's wrong. I'm just not sure how to tell you this.” I looked down and took a deep breath.
“Scott?”
I lifted my head and looked at her. “Keira, you know I've been keeping secrets.”
“Yes, about the Resistance, and I know you must have some military secrets too.”
“There's another secret, a big one…one I've been keeping from everyone. I've told April now, and I want you to know too. I've wanted you to know since the beginning, but...”
She waited patiently.
I'd just have to say it. “I'm married. I've been married for just over a year.”
“What? To who? Why would you keep something like that a secret? Aren't weddings supposed to be happy occasions? You know, something you would invite your sisters to?”
“Yes, they are, and we are, very happy, when we get to be together.”
“When you get to... is she military, stationed somewhere else?”
“No, but she lives really far away.”
“I see.” She nodded. “She's Mediterran, isn't she?”
“That's right.”
Suddenly Keira punched me in the arm, hard.
“Ow! What was that for?”
“For keeping secrets! How can I be happy for you if you won't tell me about the best parts of your life? Who is she?”
“Some secrets are worth keeping, Keira. You must realize that, and you mustn’t ever tell anyone about this. It would kill me if anything happened to her.”
Keira sat back. “You can trust me, Scott.”
I nodded. “I know. Her name is Danielle Bellami. She’s Guy's contact overseas and April's mentor.”
“Do you have a picture?”
“Yes, April said you’d want to see what she looks like.” I pulled out my transceiver and brought up a small image. I studied it briefly, then handed it to Keira. It appeared that Dani was looking right into my eyes. She was smiling and her long dark hair was blowing off to the side.
“She's pretty. Will I ever get to meet her?”
“I don't know how.”
I shook my head as I took the transceiver from Keira and deleted the image. The wrong people must never discover my ties to Dani.
“I've been trying to think of a way, but it's pretty risky traveling overseas. She was going to come here for our anniversary, but with everything that's been going on lately...I've been tailed more often than not. It’s just not safe. Security is getting tighter and tighter. I don't think I'll be able to get you through for a while, not to see April and not to meet Dani.”
Keira took my hand. “Well, I'm happy for you because you've found someone to share your life with, and I'm sad for you because she's so far away. Wait here a minute, I have something for you.”
Keira went to her bedroom and returned with Dad's book of poetry.
“Thank you for letting me borrow this. Maybe you could read some of the poems to Dani.”
Just then, we heard a key in the lock. “Let me be the one to tell Guy,” I insisted.
Guy saw us and smiled. Then he frowned. “What's burning?”
“Oh hell, the vegetables!” Keira jumped up from the couch and ran into the kitchen. “Well, these are no good anymore,” she called. “Salad, anyone?”
We sat down to eat, and I looked across the table at Keira. “Thank you for dinner.”
“You may regret those words.” She shook her fork at me.
“How was your trip?” Guy asked.
“We were searched, thoroughly. They said it was routine, but it felt different. They've begun tracking my flights.”
“Did the artwork get through?”
“Yes, it's all been delivered, but I recommend you send someone else to deliver the next batch.”
“What about April?” Keira asked.
“Like I said, she's fine. She’s settling in nicely at Danielle's. Her classes at the Art Institute will begin in a few weeks – summer session. Until then, she'll shadow Dani and begin learning the language.”
“Why don't you tell us a little more about Dani.” Keira suggested. She took another bite of her salad.
She was right. I shouldn't put it o
ff any longer. “Guy, I want to thank you.”
“What?” Guy was having trouble cutting through his steak. He gave up and looked at me. “Why?”
“If it hadn't been for you, for your plans to make allies overseas, I never would have met Danielle, and we never would have gotten married.”
“Married? Do you really think that's wise?”
“Wise or not, we were married over a year ago, and we've been able to make it work.”
Guy pushed back his plate. “But now they're tracking your flights.”
“Yes.”
“We'll have to try to do something about that, won't we?” Guy said.
“I'd like us to work on it, yes.”
“Let's forget the steak,” Keira suggested, “and celebrate with some apple pie.”
-Keira-
Keeping Busy
I was glad April was settling in nicely in Parisio. Weeks passed, and in many ways, I was settling in nicely too. I loved my new apartment, and I saw Guy almost every day. Some days we had lunch together. Sometimes he would spend the night. Most of the time, I was free to do as I pleased, just as I always had.
I continued one of my favorite past times, people watching. I enjoyed being in different settings, watching how different people reacted to the events in their lives. I drew on this knowledge whenever I pulled a job.
But I hadn't pulled a job since we'd rescued April, and I was getting restless. To be fair, I didn't think Guy was currently working undercover either. He seemed happy enough going to work at his father's firm and spending much of his time off with me. But eventually, I started asking.
“Have you thought of a way to help Scott?”
“What do you mean?”
“He needs a way to be able to fly to Parisio, regularly.”
“He knew the risks well before he married Danielle.”
“Don't you want them to be together?”
“I help people who are truly in need of help. Scott and Danielle are both healthy and safe.”
“But you told him you'd try to help!”
“Let me and Scott worry about that, all right?”
“Well, do you have anything else going on? Is there anything I can do to help the Resistance?”
Guy sighed. “No, nothing right now. Keira, you'll have to be patient. Weeks can go by between jobs, sometimes even months, and it is better that way, safer. I'll let you know when the right job comes along.”
I sighed too. “All right.”
“Look, why don't you learn a new skill? Why don't you ask Eberhardt to teach you how to drive?”
“You want me to learn to drive?”
“Knowing how to drive is a good skill to have. Don't you agree?”
“Sure. All right. I'll talk to Eberhardt tomorrow.”
Driving was fun – more fun than I had expected, but it wasn't what I craved. A couple more weeks went by with nothing, no jobs for the Resistance. Apparently, all was right with the world. That should have made me happy, but...
“Couldn't we go looking for a job? I'm sure someone needs help,” I said to Guy one evening. “Besides, I need to keep my skills sharp, and I need to have some fun.”
“Aren't we having fun?” Guy tickled my neck with the tip of his tongue.
I playfully pushed him away. “Yes, but I mean a different kind of fun.”
Well, we had fun that night, but not the kind I'd been talking about. Finally, I remembered what I'd told myself so many weeks ago. I could work for the Resistance and still pick up bounties on the side.
***
The next night Guy and I didn't have any plans together, so I decided not to stay home. I wore a classy skirt that revealed plenty of leg, a red top with a drop neckline and a pair of black heels. I took a minute to admire my reflection in the mirror, then headed out.
The Dry Martini was the sort of place where business men went to relax after work. In my experience, disgruntled workers were easy targets, and this was the perfect place to find them.
I chose a seat at the bar where I could see most of the patrons in the mirror. I ordered a martini and listened to the conversations that flowed around me. Almost immediately, I noticed a man in a dark grey suit. He was complaining to an associate about one of their competitors.
I looked for an opening. Another man in a tuxedo sat at a piano in the middle of the room, and though a number of people were dancing, the parquet dance floor was not overly crowded.
I stepped down off the bar stool and made my approach.
“I love this song,” I gushed and looked directly at the man in the grey suit. “Don't you?”
His friend nudged him with his elbow.
“Uh, yes.” He cleared his throat. “Would you like to dance?”
“I'd love to!” I took his hand and let him lead me to the dance floor.
As we swayed to the music, I moved closer. He smiled. I gently nuzzled his earlobe and whispered, “What do you need?”
He smiled. “What are you offering?”
“To help you move up the chain of command.”
Startled, he began to pull away. I leaned my head on his shoulder. “Don't. You'll draw attention.”
He moved close again, and we continued to dance.
“I overheard you and your friend talking, and I believe I can help. What would allow your company to move ahead of your competitor and also impress your boss?”
“Who are you?”
“It's better that you don't know, especially if you decide to hire me, but you didn't answer my question. Why don't you take some time to think it over? I'll be here again tomorrow, same time.” The song ended. I kissed him lightly on the cheek and thanked him for the dance. Then I turned and walked away.
***
The next evening, I returned to The Dry Martini. My mark stood at the bar looking just a little nervous. He hadn't spotted me yet. As I walked past, I discreetly took his wallet.
I chose a seat at a small round table, checked his ID and waited for him to notice me. A few minutes later, he sat down.
I smiled. “You've decided to accept my offer.” It wasn't a question.
“I'm not sure.”
I rested my hand lightly on top of his. “Yes, you are.”
“How much would something like this cost?”
“It depends on your needs.”
He reached into his pocket, then handed me a rumpled business card.
“Cybonautics – the security company?” I looked at him, and he nodded.
“That's the president of Cybonautics. I'd like his data processor access codes. Can you get them for me?”
“40,000 gats,” I suggested.
“That seems steep. How about 20?”
“Have you ever done anything like this before?”
He just stared back.
“35? The payoff for you would be well worth it.” I paused to let that sink in.
He narrowed his eyes. “30 thousand.”
“Done. No payment will be due until the job is complete.”
“If I don't need to pay until the end, why would I pay you at all?”
“You didn't really just ask that. Did you?”
“You're willing to take the job, and you don't even know who I am.”
I smiled and held out his wallet. “Brody Delaney, soon to be executive officer of CalTech Security, if you don't blow it.”
He reached for his wallet and began to thumb through it.
“Everything is there, minus one business card.” I held it up. “I'd like to keep it, if you don't mind.”
He nodded once. “I accept your terms.”
“Then we have a deal. In two weeks, we'll meet back here, at say...7:00? I'll bring you the codes, and you'll bring me the money.”
“Why so long?”
“Long? For a job like this? The president of a security company... Stealing the codes from his office would be close to impossible as a solo missi
on. I'll need to get into his house. Even that will be tricky. I need time.”
“You're sure you can do this?”
“I can, and I will.” I smiled. “How about one more dance?” It felt good to be back in the game.
He stood and held out his hand. I placed my fingers gently onto his palm, and we moved onto the dance floor.
-Keira-
A Job Gone Wrong
It was nearly midnight when I walked upstairs from the servants' quarters. Gaining access to the house had been fun. The butler liked to play drinking games at a local pub on his night off. I'd won, of course. He was having so much fun that I doubted he even realized he'd brought me home. At least he remembered the passcode to get back into the manor. I smiled. Guy would be pleased that I hadn't been hired to kill.
Silently, I moved through the kitchen and down a dark hallway. The moon offered the only light. Even so, I had no difficulty finding the office on the first floor. But what's this? An unexpected silhouette cast a shadow against the far wall. The safe was open and the person appeared to be writing something in a notebook.
Without a sound, I crept inside the room and lowered myself against the wall. I needed a minute to think. Who else wanted those codes? There weren't too many companies in the line of security. Had someone else also hired a Freelancer? What were the chances? What are my options? I could just wait and then retrieve the codes for my client too.
When the shadow closed and locked the safe, I got a good look at it. Damn, it's one of the high techno kinds. I don't think I'll be able to crack it.
The shadow turned toward the door. From this angle, I could see that she was a young woman. Chances were good that she had the codes I needed. I would have to follow her and...
She reached the door and was just about to step into the hall when she hesitated. Then she turned and looked directly at me. I stood. We studied each other for a moment.
“You're good,” she said. “I didn't hear you come in.”
“So, what are we going to do about this?” I asked. “Are you willing to share?”
“Well, we don't want to draw any attention.”
“I agree.”
“But I can't let you take anything.”
“Why not?” I looked at the papers in her hand. “You did.”
“If we leave quietly now, no one will know that anything was stolen. That's the way it needs to be.”