Dancing in
the Dark – Part 6
Monday 5th
December
7 am
The Village
As Ama came out
of her bedroom, she smiled as she saw the suitcases in the main room – the
smile growing even bigger as she saw Caroline coming out of her bedroom.
“Welcome back,
Mom,” she said as she embraced her in a hug, “how was the journey back?”
“Long – but I
managed to get on the plane arriving at 5, so here I am. How are the twins?”
“Sleeping for
the moment,” Ama said with a smile as they listened to the baby monitor. “Let me start some fresh coffee for you.”
“Thanks,”
Caroline said as she sat down, looking at her daughter. “So what did I miss while I was travelling?”
“Not much – the
Clarke girls were here for the shoot with Mel, and I talked to Maisha last
night. She will be arriving with Shirley
tomorrow, and we are invited to join them for dinner that night. Sharon also called – she is returning home
tomorrow, and will be happy to meet with you on Wednesday to discuss what she
will be doing on Saturday.”
“Excellent –
and thank you,” Caroline said as she accepted a coffee, both of them looking
over as Annie came in.
“The traveller
returns – is that fresh coffee?”
“I will fetch
you a mug, and then I will shower,” Ama said as she went to the kitchen.
“So – home for
the holidays now?”
“Lord I hope
so,” Caroline said with a sigh, “I’ll let you two get going, then shower and
change. I need to find out from George
what’s going on, then talk to Eleanor Ball…”
1 pm GMT
Knightsbridge
“So how are you
feeling?”
Tatiana leaned
back and sighed. “You know,” she finally
said, “there are times even now Ju…
There are times when I still think that somehow this is all a horrid
nightmare, and that one morning I’ll simply wake up and Yuri will be lying in
bed besides me, and all will be as It once was.”
“Agnes McAdam
and Francesca di Cambrello both told me that was what they both used to dream.”
Juliette smiled on the sceen as she looked out. “In Agnes’s case though she
nowadays dreams that this is the dream, and she will wake up and still be a
pariah.”
“I’ve never
really met her,” Tatiana said quietly, “but I have heard that she was a Domme,
who hurt herself far worse than any customer.”
“That is true. But she gets married next month to Lord
Donald Fitzstuart, she has adopted two adorable girls, and she is
re-establishing herself. So maybe there
is hope for you as well…”
“Anyway,”
Tatiana said “to what do I owe this call?”
“Well,”
Juliette took a deep breath. “I wondered if you still talked to any friends of
Yuri’s who might be able to tell you anything we could use to defend Norstar.
Byushin was able to buy another block of shares today, it’s starting to get
very serious.”
“I can imagine
– tell me, has Klaus…”
“I think he
has, but I haven’t asked yet. You must
still have some contacts…”
“One or two –
let me send you some names. What other
avenues are you using?”
“Friends are
asking friends…”
Benenden
School
“Daddy, you
really don’t have to call me again so soon,” Olga said as she sat in her room.
“I wanted to
make sure you were all right, with the holidays starting soon – and I wanted to
ask you something.”
“Oh,” the
seventeen year old said, “what?”
“Your Mother
was saying that you are still interested in advertising among other things?”
“Yes I am
Daddy,” Olga smiled at her computer screen, “Mummy got me a summer job helping
out in Stella McCartney’s marketing department, so I got to see how her current
advertising and marketing campaign was put together.”
“And?” Yuri
smiled back.
“Well I am
interested in how words, and images are used to influence people anyway, and I
was fascinated by how it’s done.”
“Ah I
understand,” Yuri said with a smile, “but you can also use words to influence
as a lawyer you know?”
“I know, it’s
one of the reasons Lizzie wants to be a lawyer like her Mummy.”
“But it doesn’t
interest you?”
“Not really,”
the young woman shook her head. “I’m
sorry Daddy, but I’m not going to follow you.”
Yuri smiled as
he said “that is a very mature and correct decision” as there was a knock on
her room door, and an older woman put her head round the door.
“Olga – form
meeting in fifteen.”
“Yes, Mss
Turnbull,” Olga said, and then she saw the look on her father’s face.
“Daddy? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing – call
me tomorrow Olga.
“Please.”
Soho
“So is John
still not saying where you are going for your honeymoon?” Catriona Cuthbertson
asked as the waiter scurried away.
“No,” Shirley said,
shaking her head as she sipped her wine.
“So I’m still not sure if I need pack my bikini, or my ski suit.”
“Or both – hot
tubs in the spa?”
“Point. But seriously…”
“He thinks he
is keeping it as a mysterious surprise, but like so many men he forgets the
more practical things like what you will wear.”
“Exactly. So what are you going to do?”
“Pack two
cases, have them delivered to the Waldorf, and make sure Maisha takes one back
to the penthouse with Penny afterwards.”
Catriona nodded
as she looked round.
“So is Maisha
looking forward to spending some time with Ama whilst you are away?”
“Yes, she loves
Ama, and she loves New York. She said
she will use the time to finalise the Christmas shopping.”
“And where do
you plan to spend it this year?”
“Christmas? In New York this time – everyone will be
coming over here.”
“Speaking of
Maisha, is she getting her studies geared for taking formal exams?”
“Yes,” Shirley
said as the food arrived, “Aggie and the other tutors will start the work in
the New Year.”
“Good,” Cat
smiled, then lowered her voice, “did you see our little bit of fun made the
newspapers?”
“I did – which
will help in some ways.”
“With what?”
“Let us say our
group had our eye on this woman for some time, and what we did was part
vengeance, and part priming for something…
10 am
Jameson
Security HQ
“George,”
Caroline said as she came in, seeing her number one in his suit, waistcoat,
shirt and tie, “it’s good to be back.”
“Good to have
you back,” George said as Caroline came through the security gate.
“So what is
important?”
“There is
someone wants you to urgently phone her Caroline,” George whispered as they
headed for the elevator.
“Oh who?”
“Commander
Cornwall at MI6.”
“Kay?”
“Yes,” George
said as he pushed the button, “and she sounded as though it was imperative.”
“I wonder why?”
the tall woman pursed her lips, “just what did I miss whilst I was away?”
“Here?” George
smiled, “it was all pretty routine, but in the wider world things have been happening.”
“You better
bring me up to speed quickly then,” Caroline waited as the doors closed behind
them.
“Have you been
following the politics?”
“As far as I
could.”
“Well a lot of
this connects to all that work I was excluded from,” George smiled.
Caroline raised
an eyebrow as she said “The Russians?”
“If I’m reading
this right, but then again I’m not as connected and high powered as you Dom,”
the man laughed.
“So from your
‘lowly’ position George, any idea why Kay might wish to talk?”
“I saw Klaus
von Furstenburg at the club last night, among other matters he let slip he has
encouraged some big name Russian lawyer to defect in London.”
“Now why would
Klaus let that slip to you George,” Caroline looked puzzled as the doors
opened, “and why if it’s about that does Kay wish to talk to me?”
“That I could
not say, and that I could not say,” George said as the doors opened, “I’ll be
in my office – Eleanor Ball is due to drop in at eleven, she may know more.”
3 pm GMT
McAdam
Associates
“Sue,” Agnes
called out from her office, “have you placed that call?”
“Yeah – line
2,” Sue called back as Agnes closed the office door, and then picked up the
handset.
“Agnes? What have I done to deserve this honour?”
“Did I wake you
up, Katy?”
“No – just
making a brew. So what can I do for
you?”
“Katy I need
someone to talk to badly,” Agnes held the phone to her ear as she sat down.
“About what
Aggie?” the professor replied as she sipped her first coffee of the morning.
“The ethics of
our old craft…Countess.”
The Scottish
woman’s use of her old title caused Katy Rucker to suddenly sit bolt upright.
“You have a
conflict occurring Lady?”
“You might say
that,” Agnes sighed. “Events that happened many years ago are severely
affecting lives, and business matters today.”
“Confidential
events, that may or may not have happened in your dungeon, or involve former
employees?”
“Yes.”
“Okay I
understand, you respect ‘our’ codes of silence and discretion, but you feel
that by doing so you may cause harm to people you know?”
“You always
were the most intuitive person I ever knew Katy.”
“Thank you
Aggie, and from what I’ve read in the newspapers, and heard from others, does
this have to do with Oleg Byushin’s takeover bid for Norstar?”
“It does – in a
very real way. I… There was a report in the Evening Standard of
a woman being badly beaten and robbed last night.”
“And you know
this woman?”
“She was a
former employee – before she left, and I later discovered was involved in a
honey trap.”
Katy nodded,
and then said “I do not think you need say more. Agnes, I understand your dilemma – do you
think the other party knows?”
“I would
imagine so – and I do not know how they may be feeling. Katy – I have never, ever betrayed a
confidence in any circumstance, but I need to tell someone something.”
“Is this a
person you trust implicitly?”
“Yes – in a
very real way.”
“Then, in this
case, I think you are justified – but only to that person, and on the condition
they never, ever reveal the full story to anyone else.”
Agnes nodded,
and said “thank you, Katy – I needed to hear that.”
3.30 pm GMT
Whitehall
As Kay Cornwall
read the report on her desk, she shook her head slightly – then turned to look
at the telephone as the red light blinked.
Pressing a
button, she said “yes?”
“I have
Caroline Jameson on the line for you Commander.”
“Ah –
excellent. Put her through on the secure
line please.”
Kay waited a
moment before she picked up the handset, and said “Caroline – thank you for
calling back.”
“George
intimated it was an urgent matter,” she heard the younger woman say, “but you
need to be aware I have only just come back into the office today. But, as I said, it was an urgent matter.”
“Indeed – how
was Iceland?”
“Cold,
beautiful, and Mads was a real gentleman like Cassie Caine said. So, what can I do for you?”
“You are aware
of the current attempt by one Oleg Byushin to take over the agency that
represents you in the modelling world?”
“I have tried
to keep abreast – I know a mutual colleague asked to look at some records we
kept after our recent researches, but I’m not due to see her for another half
hour or so. Why?”
“It’s just –
there was a robbery last night, aggravated – the woman that was robbed is in
intensive care, and may not survive.”
“I’m sorry to
hear that, Kay, but…”
“She’s a known
associate of Byushin – we’ve being keeping an eye on her for some time, very
much hands off. My concern is he may see
this as an attempt to send a message to him…”
“… and he may
get more proactive,” Caroline said as she rubbed her eyes. “I get the urgency now. Kay, let me talk to our mutual friend, and
then I’ll call you back…”
“Thank you in
advance, Caroline.”
"Oh and in
totally unconnected news Kay, Mads did sign a photograph for you."
"You
remembered," The MI6 officer laughed.
"Of course
I did." Caroline laughed as well, "I'll let you have it when I see
you."
“Well, I
presume you will be there on Saturday?”
“Given Ama is
one of the bridesmaids, yes – see you then?”
“Look forward
to it,” Caroline said as she put the phone down, and then said “come in.”
“Captain Ball
is here to see you, Caroline.”
“Thanks,” she
said as she stood up, “show her in, and then get some coffee for us please?”
7 pm GMT
Chelsea
“Why the
laughter Mum?” Maisha asked as Shirley came in from the kitchen.
“Oh I was just
talking to Sally Grafton,” Shirley said as she sat down, “and she was calling
me old fashioned because I’m eschewing the joys of designing on a computer for
an old style draughting board, pencils and pens.”
“You are a
traditionalist Shirley my love,” John said with a smile as he looked up from
what he was reading, “it’s like my preference occasionally for real film.”
“It’s how it
was done when I dreamed of being an architect, and it’s how I want to do it now
that I’m at least in part helping design this house.”
“Quite right,”
John nodded.
“But computers
make it easier…”
“Maisha darling
I’m doing this because I enjoy it, easier does not factor in.”
As she nodded,
Shirley said “Dinner will be ready in half an hour. Have you finished your packing?”
“I have – have
you Mum?”
“As much as I
can – given some unknown quantities,” Shirley said as she looked pointedly at
John.
“I am sure you
will manage,” John said with a smile as he stood up and left the room.
“So are you
still taking more clothes than needed, Mum?”
“No – I have
taken enough to make our plan work.”
“By the way,
Aunt Sandra called to say she and her partner would meet us at the
airfield. I understand they are staying
with Aunt Maddie and Aunt Emma?”
“Indeed – they
can keep an eye on each other, but it also means we can make the final fittings
on Wednesday.”
Bayswater
Road
Tamsin and
Agnes looked at Laura and Miley as they stood on the stools, Nick Wu and his
team checking the fitting of the dresses they were both wearing.
“I think we
have the basic fitting right,” he said as he stepped back, “now we can start to
cut and put together the dresses themselves.”
“Good,” Agnes
said as the two girls were helped out, revealing their night clothes. “And my niece?”
“I will visit
Benenden this weekend to do her fitting – and then we meet in the New Year.”
“Thank you for
coming tonight,” Tamsin said with a smile, “given our plans for the next few
weeks, this was the only time.”
“It is not a
problem – now, Agnes, your turn…”
9pm GMT
Chelsea
“Hello?”
“Shirley, it’s
Grace – did I catch you at a bad time?”
“We are just
packing Grace,” Shirley said as she put the handset down on the bed, “Here let
me put you on speakerphone.”
“Well sorry to
disturb you, but one of my brothers has shown up expectedly in New York, and I
was wondering can I drag him to the wedding?”
“Which one
Grace?” John called out.
“Michael, he’s
back from the headwaters of the Amazon, and is here to do the voiceover for his
new documentary.”
“Mad Mick
himself,” Shirley laughed, “of course bring him along Grace, I’ve watched him
on television for years, it will be nice to actually meet him.”
“Thanks, at
least I can do Angela the favour of making sure he stays out of trouble.”
“Why isn’t she
there herself?”
“My dear
sister-in-law, after insisting that certain girls at Benenden cannot come over
for the wedding, cannot exactly take time off herself.”
“She teaches at
Benenden?” Shirley asked.
“Yes – head of geography.”
“Of course she
is – given she is married to the leading young naturalist in the world. Well, tell Mick Gresham we look forward to
seeing him – and that some other photographers will be there…”
6 pm
Complete
Style
“Okay it needs
just a couple of slight adjustments young Krys,” Mary Thomas smiled up at the
neophyte model as she stood straight in the classic fifties suit with the tight
fitted jacket and calf length pencil skirt.
“Am I allowed
to say this is WOW?” she purred as she looked in the full length mirrors.
“Yes,” Mary
laughed, “even models can be blown away by something as classic as this.”
“I think of all
the fittings we’ve done tonight,” she said with a smile, “this is my favorite.”
“It will look
even better with the right gloves and accessories…”
“Not to mention
your hair and makeup done in period style,” Leslie the assistant broke in.
“Okay let’s get
you out of this.” Mary smiled inwardly as Krys stood there topless; her new,
expensive, breasts impossible to tell weren’t real disguised as they were with
just the tiniest bit of makeup.
“Look at the
time – I need to get going…”
“Oh – where
to?”
“I’m having
dinner with Amanda Fitzstuart – and the author…”
8 pm
Odeon
As Krys walked
into the restaurant area, she saw the two older women sitting at a table and
walked over, one of them looking up and smiling.
“Krystle,
darling,” she drawled in her clipped accent as she stood up, “thank you for
meeting us here.”
“My pleasure,
Your Ladyshi… Sorry, Mandy,” Krys said
as the other woman stood up.
“Rebecca Wesley, meet Krys Ernst, Krys darling meet Rebecca,” Mandy made the
introductions.
“It’s a
pleasure Miss Wesley,” Krys extended a hand and smiled, “I’m a fan I’ll admit.”
“Call me
Rebecca,” the Englishwoman said as she smiled, and they took their seats. “And can I say that in person you are even
more how I imagine Dorothy then in your pictures.”
“Thank you,”
Krys blushed.
“Dorothy looks
like you, and talks like me darling,“ Mandy laughed as the waiter approached.
“Ladies – would
you like to view the menus?”
“Thank you,”
Rebecca said as he handed one to each of them.
“Well I just
hope I don’t let anyone down.” Krys whispered as she looked at the menu.
“You’ll be
fine,” Mandy said as she looked across the table. “It’s a nice, simple session, no issues at
all.”
“As Mandy says,”
Rebecca said as the waiter came back over, “you’ll be perfect. The turbot, please.”
“I will have
the veal,” Mandy said, “and for you Krys?”
“Chicken a la
king,” the blonde said as the waiter took their orders. “Well, if I am right for the photos, how can
I refuse Rebecca?”
9.30 pm
5th
Avenue
“So I get you
all to myself for Thursday and Friday?” Sands laughed gently as she nibbled on Holly’s
ear. The two girls were sat in their
car, having been to a film.
“Yes,” Holly
gasped, “Tommy has to work on this new project of his both days, but he will be
back to be my date for the wedding on Saturday.”
“Pity, I would
enjoy…” Sands voice trailed off as the older girl drew her in for a passionate
kiss.
“I know just
what you enjoy,” Holly laughed as their lips parted.
“Yes you do,”
the younger woman snuggled up as close as the cramped space of the tiny sports
car allowed.
“So any ideas
what to do while it’s just the two of us?”
“Well…”
“I mean other than
THAT,” Holly laughed.
“I am totally
open to anything,” Sands said with a smile, “so long as I am with you…”
Krys’ Apartment
“Mary you
shouldn’t have,” Krys shook her head as she examined all the outfits and
accessories that Merlin had had put in the closets. “I already owe you for my
breasts, this is way too much.”
“Krys darling,”
Mary looked serious for once, “I was never blessed with children, so helping girls
like you is very important to me.”
“I get that,
but these are amazing,” she said as she stroked a satin dress, “they must have
cost you a fortune?”
“Oh a lot were
‘donations’.”
“Donations?
From whom?”
“Oh from
designers, manufacturers, etc.” Mary laughed, “I may have mentioned to a few
people that there is a sensational new model just hitting town, and that she
hadn’t got a thing to wear.”
“And they just
send you things?” Krys shook her head.
“Ai,” Mary
looked in a couple of drawers to check, “so at least you now have a basic
wardrobe girl.”
“This is
basic?”
“Trust me, girl
– you will realise this soon…”
Tuesday 6th
December
1 pm GMT
Chez
Georgette
“I think your
guests have arrived, Lady,” George said with a smile to Agnes as she looked to
the doorway. While Agnes was wearing a
grey two piece trouser suit with a white blouse underneath, Liz Paterson and
Kirsten Rucker were both wearing woollen dresses and high boots.
“Interesting
place,” Liz said as they sat down at the table, “why here?”
“George is an
old friend, and guarantees discretion for this,” Agnes said with a smile. “I contacted the woman I mentioned, and asked
if she would be willing to discuss what happened to her as part of an academic exercise. To my surprise, she agreed, on the condition
her anonymity is maintained – hence here.”
“Is this her
now?”
Agnes nodded as
she stood up, watching Tatiana Ulyanova as she walked in, wearing dark glasses
and a long white coat. She looked at the
three women, and said “Dr. McAdam?”
“I’m Agnes
McAdam,” Aggie said as she walked over, “thank you for agreeing to meet me
here. May I present Liz Paterson and
Kirsten Rucker.”
“Call me
Tatiana – and it is a pleasure to meet both of you,” Tatiana said as she shook
their hands, and sat down. “Mandy said I
could trust you in this exercise, as did Juliette – but I am curious as to why
I am being asked.”
“Well,” Kirsten
said, “I am doing a counselling diploma, and my research topic is couples who
have been affected by some level of involvement in the BDMS community, either
by choice or by the action of others, and how they have dealt with what
happened.”
“An interesting
topic, but why me? To the best of my
knowledge, I…” Tatiana then stopped and
looked at Agnes. “Don’t tell me…”
“I had no idea
until after the fact,” Aggie said quietly, “but yes, she was one of my ladies
in my previous employment. I would
understand if you wished to leave now…”
“No – and I
understand you may not have known, although…
So you wish to discuss my divorce?”
“If you are
open to that,” Kirsten said, “Liz is here as my note taker, if you will.”
6 am
The de Ros Mansion
As Edith passed
the bedroom, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, and slowly opened it to
see Brooke sitting on the edge of the bed, shaking as she tried to wrap the bed
covers around herself.
“Your Honour,”
she said quietly as she came in and closed the door, “may I ask…”
Brooke looked
at her, eyes open with fear as she said “I had to stay awake – they would not
let me sleep, with their whispers and their taunts.”
“Who does?”
“The little
spirits… Oh god, is this…”
Edith nodded as
she came over and put the blankets round Brooke. “You are at the worst point,” she said
quietly, “but Dr Gleb and Dr Boyd are calling later today. I will sit with you until you sleep…”
7.30 am
The Village
The brown
haired man smiled as he saw Grace come into the main room. “Right – scrambled eggs for all,” he said as
he stood up.
“Thanks
Michael,” she said as she sat at the table, and then looked at her friend. “Sarah?”
“Look at
him… He’s famous, handsome, smart, and he
can cook…”
“And he’s taken
Sarah,” Grace whispered back as they listened to her brother singing in the
kitchen.
“What a pity,”
Sarah sighed as she cast what could only be described as a lustful look towards
the kitchen.
“Well just
remember that my baby brother sometimes forgets he casts a spell over women,
and it’s led to a few ‘incidents’. He and Angela don’t need another story
circulating about him supposedly having an affair.”
“As I
said…shame.”
“She needs to put
a collar and lead on him Grace,” Harriet said, shaking her head as she put her
newspaper down.
“Oh she knows
he just flirts, but it really can be a pain she told me. Especially when women like Sarah throw
themselves at him.”
“Oh, by the way
Sis,” Michael Gresham said as he looked round the corner, “I’m coming in to
your domicile today, right?”
“Sadly yes – so
dress smartly and remember they’re just kids, all right?”
“Moi? As if I would do anything…”
3 pm GMT
The Dorchester Hotel
As Yuri looked
over his e-mail and some papers, he heard the ping on his laptop, and smiled
before he took a second phone out and dialled a number.
“This is a new
number, isn’t it Yuri?”
“Let us say,
old friend, I need a method that is not being recorded,” Yuri chuckled as he
heard Klaus von Furstenheim. “I know
others may have been listening in otherwise, and given what we have discussed
previously, I change phones regularly.”
“A wise
precaution – so have you thought about the other matter I raised?”
Rubbing his
eyes, Yuri said quietly “I don’t know, that is something I do not wish to dwell
on too much, old friend. I do not want
to relive that pain again.”
“I understand
that, Yuri, but if for no other reason, then see them because I’m asking you
to.”
“Klaus,” Yuri
whispered into the handset, “you know very well the circumstances of my divorce
are not something I wish made common knowledge.”
“I do, but
these women are vouched for by Agnes McAdam, and Tatiana has already spoken to
them. Aggie says that she guarantees their discretion, and it’s not some
scandal mongering journalists, it’s a graduate student researching an academic
paper.”
“I know old
friend…” the Russian took a deep breath, “all right. I’ll do this on condition that no names are
used, and that I will not talk about specifics.”
“I’m sure Miss
Rucker will agree to that.”
“So… Do I need
call her, or will she contact me?”
“I’ll tell
Aggie to get them to ring you.” Klaus paused. “Yuri you’ve never said, and I’ve
not asked till now, but what made you start going to Lady D’Eath’s place
anyway?”
“I have asked
myself that question so many times,” Yuri said with a sigh, “let us just say
someone invited me to what they said was a club, and by the time I realized, it
was too late to back out. The funny
thing is, I can remember nothing.”
“Nothing?”
“Nothing – I
remember talking to her, then not a lot else – until the next day, when I woke
up in her bed, and – well, the rest is a sad story…”
“You remember
nothing? They must have drugged you,
Yuri!”
“Possibly, but
I could never prove it, could I?”
1 pm
Park Avenue
As Shirley
opened the door, and walked into the penthouse, she smiled and inhaled.
“It is good to
be here, especially now,” Maisha said as she took her coat off, Clint bringing
the bags in with John.
“Indeed – and
you at least are here now until the New Year,” Shirley said as she hung her
coat up.
“But I will be
kept busy, especially this week,” Maisha said with a smile as Clint came back
in.
“Your bags are
in the rooms – Kylie wished to know if she could call round tonight, or if you
would prefer to see her tomorrow.”
“I’ll tell her
to call tonight – we do have other things to catch up on,” Shirley said as she
smelt fresh coffee brewing. “Thank you
again for meeting us Clint.”
“Not a problem
– enjoy the rest of the day,” Clint said as he left, Maisha looking at her
phone.
“Ama welcomes
us – and Aunt Sandra has arrived at Aunt Madeline’s apartment.”
“Then things
are really coming together,” Shirley said as she inhaled. “Come – coffee and then unpacking.”
Complete Style
“Hey.”
Alexis looked
up to see Marina standing by her desk as Anna made her way into Juliette’s
office.
“Hey yourself –
how come you’re down here with Anna?”
“I’m not,”
Marina said as Tricia looked over, “I was on my way out for lunch, and…”
She stopped
talking as she saw three men walk onto the editorial floor – and one look at
them told her that two at least were armed.
The third, who was walking in front, was obviously in charge.
She glanced at
Alexis, who slowly stood up as they came closer and said “can I help you,
gentlemen?”
“And you are?”
“Eto Aleksis Bronkheymer,
lichnyy pomoshchnik Dzhul'yetty fon Fyurstenkhaym. Menya zovut Marina
Sovkovski, i ya rabotayu assistentom global'nogo redaktora Complete Style.”
“A vy govorite
po russki? Menya zovut Aaron Svenson, i ya yavlyayus' zakonnym predstavitelem
DamyKontrol Agencies. Eto gospodin Borodin i gospodin Boronov, predstavitel'
sobstvennika Olega Byushina.”
“Opyat' zhe,
mogu ya sprosit' o tseli vashego vizita?”
“My khotim
vstretit'sya s g-zhoy fon Fyurstenkhaym, chtoby obsudit' predlagayemoye
pogloshcheniye agentstva NorStar.”
“Ponimayu. S
glubokim sozhaleniyem dolzhen soobshchit' vam, chto ona uchastvuyet v
konferentsii, i yeye nel'zya bespokoit'. Krome togo, etot podkhod ne
podderzhivayetsya yuridicheskim predstavitelem, o kotorom vy byli
proinformirovany, i ya dolzhen uvazhitel'no poprosit' vas uyti.”
“A yesli
otkazhemsya?”
“Eto bylo by
... priskorbno. YA byl by vynuzhden prodemonstrirovat' svoi navyki vedeniya
peregovorov, a vam eto ne ponravitsya. Zovut vashego kollegu Boronov -
sprosite, chto sluchilos' s yego rodstvennikom v Sankt-Peterburge, i sprosite,
khotite li vy perezhit' to zhe samoye.”
Svenson looked
at Marina as she smiled, and then nodded as he turned and left the room.
“What just
happened?” Tricia asked as she and Alexis looked at Marina.
“I got you out
of trouble – for now. I need to make a
phone call.”
The
Refectory
St Angela’s
Academy
“Pardon me,”
the rugged looking man said as he passed the juniors at the lunch table.
“I can’t
believe he is Mrs. Brand’s brother?” Nikki said as she cast a glance at the
naturalist/explorer, “he is just so amazing.”
“Agreed,” Doc
smiled as she cut into her food, “but he is married to a teacher at Eve and
Aileen’s school, and I think that puts him off limits.”
“I know,” Nikki
said as she sighed again, “but I can dream can’t I?”
“As long as
that’s all.”
The girls all
turned around at the sound of the voice to see Grace standing behind them.
“Yes Mrs.
Brand,” a couple of girls giggled as they all answered in unison.
“I’m going to
need eyes in the back of my head,” Grace muttered to herself as she walked off.
“Message from
Maisha,” Jeannie said as she looked at Ama.
“Indeed – and
she and Aunt Shirley look forward to seeing you tonight Kylie.”
“Good,” Kylie
drawled, “I want to be sure there are no last minute changes required before
the final fittings for all of you.”
2 pm
The de Ros
Mansion
“Serena,
Karen - welcome,” Diana said as she
greeted her guests, Edith taking their coats, “how are you both today?”
“As well as can
be expected,” Karen said with a smile, “and how is Brooke?”
“Her Honour has
rested this morning, after a – restless night,” Edith said as she stood in the
doorway, “shall I tell her the doctors have arrived, Madame?”
Diana nodded as
Edith left the room, Serena and Karen sitting down as she poured coffee. “So just how bad has it been,” Karen asked as
she accepted a cup.
“It has not
been easy,” Diana said as she handed Serena a second cup, “and, as Edith said,
she has been restless the last few nights, but…”
All three
looked to the door as Brooke slowly walked in, the shadows clear under her
eyes, her hair hanging loose.
“Hey,” she said
as she looked at them, “guess I don’t look that good.”
“Actually,”
Karen said as she patted the seat next to her, “you look a lot better than I
did after the first week. Have you eaten
yet?”
“Haven’t really
eaten for a few days, if truth be told – too afraid I might just throw it back
up again.”
“Edith,” Karen
said quietly, “could you bring Brooke some plain toast and some water?”
“Of course,
Doctor Boyd,” Edith said as she left the room.
“I’ve been
where you are,” Karen said as she put her hand on Brooke’s “don’t ever forget
that.”
3 pm
NorStar
“Okay Rhenia,”
Missy said as she said with her comptroller in her office, “so when are we
expecting Maddie to call in?”
“Tomorrow
morning – I understand she is welcoming an old friend who is here for the
wedding.”
“Indeed,” Missy
said as her phone rang, and she picked the handset up. “Missy Auerbach.”
“Good
afternoon, Missy.”
Rhenia saw the
look of surprise in her eyes, before she put her hand over the mouthpiece and
set “private call, Rhenia – do you mind?”
“Not at all,”
the blonde said as she stood up and walked out, closing the door behind herself
as Missy took a deep breath.
“Yuri
Makarov? You are about the last person I
expected to hear from, given your current work for certain parties.”
“I can
understand that, Missy – but it has been a long time, has it not?”
“For obvious
reasons,” Missy said as she stood up and looked out of the window. “You are right though – it has been a long
time. So do what do I owe the honour of
this call?”
“As you know, I
have been engaged to represent Oleg Byushin, but I have also been considering
what has happened in the past, on a professional and on a – personal
level. I have been instructed to come to
New York to talk to parties there, but I also want to try and repair bridges –
and I would appreciate the chance to talk to you, on a personal level.
“If that is at
all possible.”
“Well I suppose
so Yuri,” Missy hesitated, “but strictly speaking you should only be speaking
to Francesca di Cambrello you know?”
“She will be in
New York as well. She is a guest I hear at this this wedding so many of you are
attending,” the Russian laughed slightly, “and is it wrong for me to talk to an
old friend like yourself anyway?”
“If it’s purely
about old times then no,” Missy said with a smile, “but if it’s about your
clients bid for Norstar then it’s very wrong.”
“I know,” Yuri
took a deep breath, “but there are things I want to say to some people, and
other things that I need to say, and New York might be the best place to do
it.”
“Oh?” Missy
paused, “do I need know just what that statement means?”
“It’s maybe
best you don’t, but can you suggest a place for us to talk in absolute privacy
on Friday, and can you get Mary Thomas to join us?”
“Let me think?”
“I would
appreciate it Missy – I will call you when I arrive on Thursday.”
APCO
5th
Avenue
“So this is for the cover shoot,” Betsy said
as she stood outside the changing area.
“Indeed – so I
need the retro look. Apparently, they
have a particular scene in mind for the coffee, and they are bringing a specialist
advisor in for the shoot.”
“Do I know
her?”
“I’m not sure –
her name is Maureen something or other,” the voice called out as the store door
opened, and a tall fair haired man came in.
He was impeccably dressed, and had a young woman on his arm who was
trying to look older.
As they looked
on some of the racks, the man noticed the tall, slim blonde as she came out of
the changing room, wearing a floral print dress that was cut in the post-war
style, with a thin belt round her waist.
“Yeah – I think
we can make this work,” Krys said as Betsy nodded.
“That would
look splendid on a beautiful girl such as yourself,” the middle-aged man spoke,
as he watched Betsy and Krys look at the dress the young model was trying on.
“I rather like
it,” Krys smiled at her reflection in the mirror as she tried to guess where
the man’s accent indicated he came from.
“Have we met?”
“No – and
forgive my forward manner. My name is
Oleg Byushin,” the man said softly, “Can I ask yours?”
“It’s Krys,
which is short for Krystle,” the tall blonde smiled.
“Oleg?”
“Forgive me –
my lady requires some attention.” He
took a card from his pocket and handed it to Krys. “I am in town on business for a few weeks –
perhaps we can meet for a drink.”
“With both of
you?”
“Perhaps.”
“Allow me to
assist you,” Betsy said, but as she passed Krys she whispered “watch your step
– I’ve heard about him.”
The von
Furstenheim Apartment
“I think I had
an intruder Pelican,” Tatiana Ulyanova said as she looked out from the computer
screen, “I can sense someone has been in the house.”
“Did they take
anything Wormhole?”
“No - and
that’s why I’m only saying I think somebody was here, there is no evidence. But still…”
“You know we
had a break-in?”
“Yes, and I
guess that’s why I’ve been on alert a bit,” the Russian woman paused a second,
“am I just being paranoid Ju?”
“I wish I could
answer Tatiana, but being honest can I suggest you ring a friend of mine about
adding some security?”
“Oh – anyone I
know?”
“Well, she’s an
insurance executive at Xavier International, but she works closely with Jameson
Security. Actually… Wormhole, are you free this weekend?”
“I am – why?”
“See if you can
get a weekend pass for Olga, and then come as my guests for the weekend – at a
wedding…”
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