Training Day – Part 2
Sunday 11th September
5 pm
The Huntingdown
Apartment
It was a rare
occurrence now all three were at college, but Abby smiled as she sat with Jo
and Carina, Judith playing on the floor in her pyjamas.
"I'm
telling you girls,” she said as she sipped her coke, “cerise is going to be a
huge color on the runways for the next couple of
years."
"You think
Abs?" Jo asked.
"According
to what some of the people were saying at my shoot this morning."
"And
according to that piece in the Times this morning," Carina added.
"I haven't
seen the newspapers yet,” Jo said as she sat back, “Big Sister and me were busy
teaching Lily and her trainees the fine art of the virgin burglary this
morning."
"How did it go?" Abigail asked.
"Not at
all bad, it helps that many of them have advanced breaking and entry skills
already."
"That
helps," Carina said as she lifted Judith on to her lap.
“Still, they
had something to learn – and they did a good job on their test this afternoon
for Madame.”
“So what happens
to them now?”
“A good night’s
sleep – apparently, they were woken up a lot the last couple of nights by
music. Would you know anything about
that Carina?”
“Moi? What gave you that idea?”
“I heard Tracy
making dark mumblings about whoever mixed the Dangermouse
theme with Steppenwolf…”
Carina laughed
as she said "so what time is your flight back Jo?"
"Eight
Thirty. I'll be back at school in time to get at least a few hours good
sleep."
"Anyway
returning to what I was talking about,” Abby said as she sat forward, “cerise..."
"When is
blood red going to become fashionable again?" Carina interrupted.
"Why are
you asking that?" Jo looked quizzical.
"Just
imagine how much less messy looking it would be if my victims were already
wearing that color?"
"Cari that
is SICK!" Abby started to laugh.
"Joke
Momma?"
"I hope it
was Judith," Joanne shook her head.
“Anyway, we
face another week of joy – let’s face it with a smile, right?”
“Face what with
a smile,” Juliette said as she came in.
“School?”
“Oh – I thought
you meant Fashion Week…”
“DON’T SAY
THAT!” As the girls shouted out, all
four heard their cell phones go off, announcing a new message…
6 pm
Whitehall Terminal
“And another
week beckons,” Poppy said as the ferry doors opened, smiling as the tall blonde
girl walked off with her bag.
"So how
was the journey?" Erica asked as she, Ama and
Poppy greeted their friend as she walked off the gangplank.
"Long
enough that I'm glad I'm not having to do it every day," Mel put her bag
down and hugged her friends. “I guess
this is my Sunday afternoon now of the next few weeks.”
"Some days it seems to take forever just driving from the Village to
school, I can't imagine commuting all the way from Tottenville." Ama said as she picked up the bag, and they started to head
towards her Mini.
"I'm glad
I missed the trouble yesterday," the tall young blonde spoke quietly.
Ama looked at her as she said "how did
you?"
"I told
her when I rang her last night Ama," Erica
answered.
"I nearly
ripped the stupid bitches’ heads off," Poppy spoke. “They were so ignorant…”
"She didn't thank the Goddess," Ama smiled
at the memory. “Perhaps if they were
nuns, that would be further justification, but it is not worth the cost or the
effort to fight them.”
"But I did tell them that I was an immigrant from England and did they
have any problems with me because of that?"
"I'd have
told them my Dad came here from Sweden," Mel shook her head.
“When you
consider it, there’s only one person in our group who can claim to be even
partly a true American,” Poppy said as they got into the car.
“Oh – who?”
“Lynn – she has
Cherokee blood, so she is at least Part American. I wonder how those idiots would react to
that?”
“Find out
tomorrow…”
9 pm
The Astoria Waldorf
“Was it a good
flight over,” Shirley said from the laptop as Francesca and Charlotte sat in the
hotel room.
“Not bad – so
what has been done so far,” Charlotte said as she rubbed her bump.
“We had Lily’s
team do a surveillance sweep on our suspect’s apartment – the devices all seem
to be working well, but if we are right he won’t be doing much talking there.”
“Agreed,”
Francesca nodded, “but still worth a try.”
“How have they
done on the course,” Charlotte asked.
“Interesting –
we will fully debrief them tomorrow.
Teacher and Liz are here, and they will meet Admiral Preminger tomorrow,
while the Hidden Hand will supply some tips on monitoring for sources of
newsfeeds and other attack ads.”
“When
tomorrow,” Charlotte asked.
“Ten – can you
both be in the office for one, and we will meet to confirm plans after that?”
“Of course.”
“If we wanted
to get someone close to Kannenikov Francesca, does
your research indicate what his sexual orientation is?”
“He’s bi-sexual
Shirley and from what I seem to remember hearing very choosey regarding his
partners.”
“Any reason
why?”
“Because like
most people who lead secret lives he’s terrified of letting someone close who
might find out the truth about him.”
“That’s not
going to make things easy.”
“True – I
suspect the person he would let get closer is Helen, but given she is all but
married…”
“It’s unlikely
as well. Still, something to think of
for tomorrow…”
“Look, it’s
been a while since I did this Shirley, are you sure you wouldn’t be better off
having John Vosloo handle this part of the operation?
It’s been a long while since I was a case officer examining raw intelligence
like this. John’s experience is more current.”
“Much as I
appreciate having John with us Francesca,” Shirley said quietly, “he is still
unaware of the activities of a huge part of my operation and I would rather not
have to explain to him what some of our methods are, or who some of our sources
are.”
“I appreciate
that Shirley…”
“I have every
confidence in your training Francesca, please survey all the materials, then
tell us what is worthless, what we can deal with in house, and most importantly
what should we show to Admiral Preminger.”
“I can try, but
Charlotte and I have talked, and I have read in a trusted person to assist me.”
“Oh – and that
is?”
“Hannah. I’ve
come to trust her instincts for picking out details in legal matters, and I’m
worried that my personal dislike of the target might cloud my judgment. She is here with us, and as a Sister it falls
in her remit as well.”
“I agree. Alright I trust your judgment Francesca, if
you feel you need Hannah’s aid I respect your decision.”
“Who is
handling our signals, and electronic intelligence gathering?”
“Heather. When
you have access to the very best then you use her.”
“Agreed – and
Carlotta has confirmed she is assisting.”
Shirley nodded
and said “she’s also probably using a protégé of hers who is both highly
skilled and utterly trustworthy.”
“Good,”
Francesca leaned back in her seat and stared at the computer screen.
“Do you want
Charlotte to personally brief you on what they find?”
“It would help.
If I’m to do this right I need to know both sources, and how the intelligence
was obtained. My darling daughter knows how bad I am around computers, at least
she can explain it all to me in terms I’ll understand.”
“Good – we will
talk tomorrow,” Shirley said as the screen went blank, and Charlotte answered
the knock on the door.
“Am I formally
in?”
“You are,”
Francesca said as Hannah sat down.
“So do you
think he realizes that we have him in our sights Francesca?” Hannah said as she
looked up from reading the notes.
“He’s been
playing ‘the game’ enough years that I’m sure he realizes that I’m aware of
him, and I’ve no doubt he’s either had me fully checked out, or they are in the
process of doing so.”
“So we don’t
have the advantage of anonymity?”
“I don’t, but I
am pretty sure that he doesn’t know I have access to all parts of Madame’s
organization, that I can use The Sisters, or that Admiral Preminger and the
Americans are sniffing round just what his masters are up to.”
“That gives us
an advantage?”
“In a way then
yes. We may not be as large as the FSB or the CIA Hannah, but we have access to
some remarkable talents. I don’t think we are out of our depth in all this.”
“Very well –
and other business matters?”
“We fit them in… But I need to make a call in the morning…”
Monday 12th September
8 am
The Huntingdown
Apartment
“Thanks – so we
know more later today,” Jan said as she sat at the coffee bar.
“We will – but
in all this mess ‘our’ work continues Jan.” Juliette passed the FBI woman her
cup of coffee. “We will aid the appropriate people as and when we are asked,
but at least as Pussycats we are still career armed robbers, and I enjoy what
we do too much to put aside all my plans.”
“So we move
forward with that schedule you sent me?”
Juliette smiled
as she sipped from her mug.
“Indeed we do.”
“Can I ask who
gets assigned to which job, and what our likely time schedule is?”
“We have to fit
it all round the girls’ educations, modelling gigs, other real life things, but
I’m hoping that by Friday I’ll have at least dates for the first couple of
jobs.”
“You know I’ve
said it before, and I’ll say it again, if only Tom and Adam knew exactly what
some of the things are that need factoring in when the Pussycat Gang plans its
raids,” Jan smiled.
“I’m rather
happy they don’t,” Ju took a sip.
“Can I ask a
question?”
“Please.”
“Are we
bringing my mother-in-law in on all of this?”
“Eleanor? Do
you think she wants in Janice? Is she going to be too busy working the
Intelligence affair?”
“I think she
would appreciate both challenges…
9.30 am
The Waldorf Astoria
“I think that
you are actually enjoying all this stuff Mama,” Charlotte smiled as she watched
her mother pouring over the raw intelligence that Lily’s team, and Heather’s
electronic intercepts had generated.
“I’m not sure
I’d use the word enjoy darling,” Francesca said as she looked up.
“Well I would,
I can see the enjoyment in your eyes.”
“Alright,”
Francesca laughed, “I’ll admit that this was the kind of work that excited me
when La Citadella approached me all those years ago,
and it was the opportunity to do such analysis that enticed me into joining
them. When I was in place as a case officer in Pretoria I could happily spend
hours going over what my agents were feeding me, and I guessed that I later
missed doing it when I was forced to take reassignment and retraining.”
“So why do you
find it so fascinating?”
“I guess it’s
the same reason that I love being a lawyer. It’s the eternal quest to determine
what is true and important in what seems often conflicting, and contradictory
reports. I love checking, then cross checking every detail, evaluating every
single word to make sure I miss nothing.”
“Mama why
didn’t you request a desk job in Rome as an analyst at Citadella
headquarters when you were expelled from South Africa? It would have suited you
far more.”
“I know
darling, the cerebral aspects of intelligence work were where my talents lay.”
“And yet in the
end that razor sharp brain of yours was put aside, and you ended up with a
career that required you to be and act as the blunt instrument enforcing your
superiors will.”
“I know
Carlotta my love.” Sighing, Francesca
said “I was more damaged than I had realised I guess…”
10 am
The Metropolitan Museum
Ed Preminger
smiled as he walked round the exhibit – it was a rare occasion when he had time
to enjoy and appreciate art. And this
was not really one of those occasions – but when Eleanor had suggested he took
in the exhibition, he knew something was going on.
As he looked at
the Reubens, he smiled as he heard a voice say “Such a beautiful painting, but
what do you think?”
“I think he was
well taught,” a voice said in accented English, as Ed looked to one side and saw
the tall, dark skinned woman, and then the blonde on the other side.
“Possibly, but
I am not sure I fully understand the intention,” he replied.
“Perhaps we can
help – would you care to join us for some coffee?”
“Thank you for
agreeing to meet me,” Ed said as they sat in a quiet corner, “I know this is an
unusual request.”
“Perhaps – I am
Teacher, my friend Thinker,” the blonde said as she sipped her coffee. “We understand you wish to ask for assistance
from the Sisters of Maisha.”
“I do – but I
would understand if you could not help me…”
“Perhaps, if
you explained the situation,” Thinker said, “we can advise.”
“All right – I
have heard rumours a foreign third party is going to attempt to influence our
upcoming election. I fear we cannot stop
it at this end, but…”
“You are aware
the Sisters only intervene when the freedom of those who cannot fight back is
endangered,” Teacher said quietly.
“Let us say I
understand that – but I fear the possibility of a puppet leader, under the influence
of a foreign party, and the damage that could wreak.”
Nodding,
Thinker said “I can understand that – but how do you believe we can help?”
“I am led to
understand you have eyes and ears globally – all I ask is, if you hear of such
actions, that I hear as well.”
The two women
looked at each other, before Thinker said “and in return?”
“In return,
should we hear of – situations that would fall under your purview, we provide
intel that we may have.”
“You are
presuming we do not already have contacts in your intelligence community?”
“I think you do
– but I do not want to know who they are.
If anything, they are your reality check on anything we say.”
“We can help in
that way, but be aware we play no part in the internal politics of a country
unless they cross our own lines.”
“I understand,
Teacher, and I accept those terms. How
may we contact you?”
“The Hand will
let you know.”
Ed looked at
them and said “she is a Sister?”
“A consultant –
enjoy your day Admiral.”
“I will,” Ed
said as they stood and walked off, shaking his head as he said “and thank you,
Lieutenant Egwegwe…”
Noon
Xavier International
The doors to
the conference room opened, Lily and the girls standing as Shirley and Susan
came in.
“Please, be
seated,” Shirley said as she took a seat at the head of the table, the others
sitting down again as she said “I trust you have managed to get some rest?”
“I will be
honest, Madame,” Louise said as she looked round, “I had a hot bath, lay down -
and woke up for breakfast this morning.”
“As did all of
us, I suspect,” Lily said with a smile.
As the group
nodded, Susan said “we have evaluated the reports from your instructors, as
well as our own observations from the weekend.”
“On which note,
my apologies for my shortness the other morning,” Shirley said as she looked
round, “I am not a morning person. What
you did, however, was necessary – and you did it very well.”
“So do we
pass,” Tracy asked.
“Yes – but we
have identified further training opportunities for each of you, and we will
inform Lily in due course. This has been
a very different weekend, and did not start the way I had anticipated.”
“If I may ask,
Madame,” Frances said, “when did you know about…”
“I received the
information while you were flying over – the only three I could trust were, as
Lily knows, her, Tracy and Louise, because I was completely aware of their
paths into the organisation. I have to
say, you did handle it well, however.”
“I guess we’re
glad we pleased you in that,” Evey said, “but it was still
a wrench…”
“I know,”
Shirley said quietly, “from personal experience what it is like to be betrayed
by someone close to you. Suffice to say
this was the least painful way of dealing with it – but as I say, you have
passed, and already been a great help in a problem we are now facing. For the moment, I invite you all to spend the
rest of this week relaxing – I am sure there are things you all desire to do in
this city – but remain on call.”
“Thank you
Madame,” Lily said, “on behalf of all of us.”
“Go – relax, I
will talk to Lily tomorrow with our suggestions,” Shirley said with a smile.
12.30 pm
Inn on the Park
“Hilary or
him? Seriously, that’s the choice?”
“I’m afraid
so,” Claire Morse said as she looked at the menu, “according to what the party
people are telling Tom, you can trace a lot of this back to the banking crash
in the last year of W’s term Ju.”
“Meaning what
Claire?”
“That at least
according to a lot of the professional analysts it destroyed many peoples faith in this country’s institutions, and made them
hate people, and I hate to say this, to hate people like us, the so-called
elites who they think have undermined and destroyed all the certainties that
these people have spent their whole life believing in.”
“It is actually
that bad?”
“According to
what my husband says his colleagues are saying.” Claire shook her head.
“My brother
says they want someone to come in and both change everything, and hurt those
they feel are responsible for what kind of nation we have become.” Nessa said
as she looked up from reading her menu.
“Alex says
that?”
“He does.”
“Add to that
how deeply unpopular Hilary is thanks to the constant drumbeat of rumors and innuendo about her in the right wing media. My
husband says his analysts are telling him that one truly misplaced piece of
information could bring about the calamity most of us I think fear.” Tonia
sipped her wine.
“But she’s well
ahead in the polls darling,” Liz smiled, “we have nothing to worry about.”
“I don’t know,
the report his people gave my husband spooked Roy, and you all know that’s not
easy.”
“Can we please
avoid politics for the rest of our lunch?” Rachel pleaded, “just thinking about
all this is putting me off the idea of eating.”
“Of course,”
Sandy said as Diana came in. “Are you
all right, dear?”
“In a way – I
need to take a short vacation soon…
Well, more a rest cure.”
“Are you ill?”
“No – just a
past problem that needs to be dealt with…”
The Waldorf-Astoria
“Yes?”
Smiling, and
looking out of the window, the blonde said “Kay its Francesca di Cambrello.”
There was a
short laugh on the other end of the line.
“Now you are the very last person I expected to hear from,” the voice
had those posh vowels that so many of Francesca’s English friends had. “I heard
you’d retired.”
“And I heard
you’d been promoted darling. Deputy Head on the Russia Desk someone told me.
For once the Department has got it exactly right and promoted the perfect
person…Congratulations.”
“Thank You, and
similarly I’m hearing everybody in the legal world is discussing the brilliance
of your scholarship.”
“They are all
being far too kind.”
“Nonsense,”
suddenly the tone of the Englishwoman’s voice changed, “now I know that you
didn’t call me at work to just indulge in idle chatter Francesca, just what
exactly can I do for you?”
“Well if I
throw a couple of names at you then you might get an idea. Ed Preminger, and
Andre Kannenikov?”
“Now that is a
very interesting pair of names Francesca,” Kay said quietly, “and they connect
how?”
“Admiral
Preminger made a point of talking with me at a party in New York very recently.
A party at which The Dancer was also a guest.”
“So are you
doing a guest gig for the Americans?”
“More like the
Admiral asked me to keep my ears open.”
“And if I’m
guessing correctly then you’ve heard some interesting things?”
“I think so
Kay.” Francesca paused, “as one old colleague to another is it possible for us
to have an ‘informal’ chat sometime in the next few days?”
“Where are you
at the moment?”
“New York –
why?”
“Always wanted
to see the Fashion Week there – I’ll call you Wednesday morning…”
2 pm
Xavier International
“When do Maddy
and her team do the hotel operation Madame?” Susan asked as she sat in the
conference room.
“This next
Sunday night.”
“Are they all
set?”
“As of when I
spoke to her earlier,” Shirley said as she played with her glasses, “then yes.”
“Will New York
be asked to provide any support?”
“No I think
they can handle it entirely from within their own resources. Is there a
particular reason that you asked Susan?”
“We are a
little stretched thin here,” the London woman crossed her legs. “after the
unpleasant surprise we found in Lily’s team I’m wary of taking on new recruits
until we can be totally sure of our vetting procedures, and in the meantime we
have an awful lot on our plate.”
“The plans that
you’ve put into action have been highly successful Susan, I have to say that
despite a couple of reservations regarding the use of brute force, that you’ve
done a wonderful job.”
“Thank you
Madame.”
“But I
understand – so we need to discuss after,” she said as the door opened, and
Charlotte came in with Francesca.
“Hannah will
wait outside until she is called in,” Francesca said as she took a seat, and
Penny joined the meeting.
“The room is
secure,” Susan said quietly.
“Good – Hannah
and I have completed our initial assessment, and we are ready to brief. How have other meetings gone?”
“Teacher and
Liz met with the Admiral, and have agreed to share intel,” Shirley said. “So, what is your informed opinion
Francesca?”
“Based on the
intel we have, the man we shall call Dancer is indeed an active agent for
Russian intelligence, and does appear to have been sent here to work on the
election.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m sure,”
Charlotte said, “and so is Mamma.”
“There’s
more…” Francesca looked at her notes as
she said “he’s not acting alone Shirley. If I’m reading this right then he’s
one of several agents they have in place currently.”
“Doing what?”
“Testing public
sentiment, floating ideas, seeing what works and what doesn’t.”
“It’s that vast
an operation?” Penny said as she looked over.
“I think so…No
in my guts I know so. This is all part of a huge campaign to discredit their
perceived enemies and foes, and to promote the interests of those they see as
being more amenable to seeing things their way.”
“And using
cyber techniques – I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so sophisticated or
directed.”
“So the obvious
question…”
“I do not
know,” Francesca said, “and I do not want to ask that question. I believe we have a clear objective, and I
should not be distracted from it.”
“Is this a
brave new world,” Penny asked.
“It’s different
in so many ways to when we were young people learning all this Penelope,”
Shirley paused to focus her thoughts. “Myself, Maddie, Francesca, Admiral
Preminger, even slightly younger women like Agnes, we date back to a world in
which the computer was not omnipresent in our lives. We go back to a time
before there were security cameras everywhere, back to a day when you didn’t
have this extraordinary surveillance that is the norm now.”
“There are ways
round it Madame.”
“I know
Penelope, and thankfully as an organization we have some extraordinary people
to allow us to run countermeasures, but I do rather miss the days when your
biggest fear when robbing a bank was that someone might recognise you, or that
someone would turn rat.”
“Can I ask what
has got you thinking about all this Madame?”
“Would you
believe reading classic spy fiction, and watching old shows like Tinker Tailor
Soldier Spy, and Game Set and Match, as I try and bring myself up to speed on
how the Intelligence agencies think and work.”
“Actually I
would believe it Madame.”
“I guess I’m
just getting nostalgic for an era when it was all about people, and not about
machines.” Sighing, Shirley said “bring
Hannah in – time to get her impressions.”
“Alright Hannah,”
Shirley asked as she looked at the young South African, “given that I hope you
have no preconceptions and prejudices, what is your opinion?”
“From a purely
legal viewpoint Madame? Because if you want that you’ll have to give me a
couple of days because I’m not sure I know all the relevant US law.”
“No, for now I
just want a straight out opinion is there something going on? Or are we merely
getting frightened by shadows?”
“No I don’t
think that Madame, the Russians are certainly engaged in some kind of very
sophisticated misinformation campaign that is designed to undermine both
certain political parties, and faith in the US institutions. From what I’ve
seen that at least to me is very clear.”
“And is Kannenikov part of all this?” Penny asked.
“He’s a small
part of it all I believe Penny.”
“If this all
comes out can it be done in a way that doesn’t destroy his relationship with
Helen? She thinks the world of him, and speaking totally personally I will do
everything I can to protect Helen.”
“I know that’s
important,” Shirley mumbled softly.
“All that isn’t
in my remit Penny,” the South African girl looked a little nervous. “All I was
asked to do by Francesca was to look at the evidence and give an opinion on a
broad question. Personal, and operational matters, are not my business.”
“I know, and I
appreciate your candour,” Penny said. “I
just want us to be sensitive to all this.”
“And we will
be,” Shirley said quietly. “All right –
let’s formulate a plan.”
“First things
first – given the nature of what we are investigating, I want to keep ‘our’ use
of computers to a minimum Shirley.”
Putting her pen
down, Shirley said “in this modern day and age that won’t be easy Francesca.”
“I know, but
even with the Hidden Hand on our side protecting our security, so much of what
I think we are investigating is to do with manipulating computers that I will
feel safer if we do this the old fashioned way with paper files kept under ultra secure lock and key.”
“And where do
you see this all being based?”
“I have asked
Carlotta to ask Dominique if she can find us a suitable space.”
“Alright, I’m
sure that Dominique will find something.”
“The next big
question Shirley is finding the staff this project will need. Also the finance,
it will not be cheap.”
“I know…”
“I’m willing to
use some of my personal fortune,” Francesca interrupted.
“No, we will
finance this totally through the organization.”
“Thank you
Shirley.”
“Now if we can
return to staff, just who and what are you looking for?”
“Some Russian
speakers obviously, but not Helen, she’s too intimately involved with our prime
target to be of use to me.”
“That I agree
with you upon. I will consult with
Natalya and others, and get back to you.”
7 pm
Annaplois
– Eleanor Ball’s home
“Ed we need to
talk?” Eleanor said as she gave her guest a coffee while they awaited the
arrival of Leroy and Veronica for their weekly bridge night.
“About what
Eleanor?”
“Whatever is
going on that has you using me to talk to some of my friends and contacts, but
then keeping me out of the loop. Why won’t you tell me what is going on Ed?
Aren’t I deemed trustworthy enough to be included? Or am I actually one of the
targets of suspicion?”
“No you aren’t
under suspicion Eleanor. I promise you that.”
“Well Thank God,”
Eleanor said quietly, “I was starting to get worried.”
“The problem is
we can’t as yet prove if anything really is happening. All we have are
suspicions and vague rumors, and I want to keep this
as compartmentalized as I can in case it does turn out to be absolutely
nothing.”
“Ed I was once
told that in ‘our world’ most everything starts out as just a whispered rumor and a suspicion. I spent half my career chasing down
those tiny hints of trouble and I know they often don’t pan out. I do know how
this works.”
“I know, but
this is different – if I need your help, I will ask, but for now, trust me –
best you are out of this.”
8 pm
NuBlu
Classic, Avenue C, Alphabet City
“Here we go,”
Marina said as the cab pulled up to the sidewalk, “The perfect place for a
night out.”
“So what are
the plusses? And what are the minuses on this place Marina?” Lily asked as the
five women got out of the cab. Marina
and Tracy were wearing leather jackets and trousers with t-shirts underneath,
Lily, Frances and Louise in short sleeved tops, mini-skirts and heels.
“The plusses
are easy, a plentiful supply of single men.”
As Marina paid the cab, she continued “the downside of that abundance
though is that most of them either work on Wall Street, or in places like the
law firms that make their livings from advising the Wall Street guys.”
“Crap,” Louise
shook her head, “I know the type, we get similar guys in LA except there they
bore you talking about their jobs in the entertainment business, and how great
they are at their jobs…”
“And how much
money they are making,” Frances shook her head as she interrupted.
“You know the
type,” Marina laughed as they headed towards the club entrance. “oh and one
warning girls, when James arrives hands off please…He’s mine.”
“Good evening
Miss Sowkowski,” the doorman said as he opened the
ropes to let the group through.
“Alright you
get in just like that Rina?” Tracy whispered in her old friend’s ear.
“It’s a perk of
being ‘someone’ in the fashion media Trace,” Marina laughed again. “It’s
amazing the doors that open up because people know I work for Anna at CS.”
“This place
isn’t bad Marina,” Lily looked round slowly, her eyes getting used to the
flashing lighting, her ears adjusting to the pounding music, while she also
surveyed the other patrons, “do you come here often?”
“Occasionally,”
Marina shouted to be heard, “it was Janine and Alexis who introduced me to this
place.”
“I like it,”
Tracy said as she caught a tall black man looking her up and down. “Nice people too…”
“Well after the
weekend you all had,” Marina said with a smile, “I rather figured that you
would want to let your hair down.”
“You are right
there,” Frances checked out a couple of guys checking her out. “If we can fight
our way to the bar ladies the first round of drinks is on me.”
“Sounds like a
plan to me.” Louise looked like she was already having fun. “Which way?”
“Forward,”
Marina said as they made their way across the floor.
“Hey bud,”
Frances called out, “five Manhattans…”
“Not your usual
tipple Marina?”
“No – but I go
with the flow when with my friends. Girls,
meet Dr James Razmov - for his sins he teaches at New
York University.” Marina made the introduction, and then let him kiss her on
the cheek.
“Now I can
definitely see what you see in him Rina,” Tracy whispered to herself as the
thin man with the slightly unruly blonde hair shook hands.
“So where did
you guys meet?” Frances asked.
“At Shirley
Xavier’s New Year’s Eve party,” James answered, “some colleagues of mine from
NYU introduced us…”
“And he started
talking to me in Ukrainian just to confuse them all,” Marina smiled at the
memory.
“We did.”
“By the way
James,” Marina said with a smile, “the girls all work for Shirley in London.”
“Really? That
must be an interesting way to earn a living?”
“It’s not bad,”
Louise smiled as she sipped her drink.
“So can I be
buying you all drinks?”
“We only just
go these,” Lily indicated her glass, “but you can buy the next load.”
“Deal – come
on, let’s find a table to sit at…”
Half an hour
later, the girls were with James on the dance floor.
“I think there
are a lot of guys in this place currently envying me a whole lot,” James yelled
in Marina’s ear, “dancing with five gorgeous women all on my own.”
“As long as you
remember you are with me,” Marina said as she moved her hips to the music.
James smiled as
he said “Now why would I even look at anyone else?”
“I think some
of these guys must be basketball players Lily,” Louise said as she danced with
her boss.
“And what
brings you to that conclusion Lou?”
“When you are
as tall as I am, wearing 4” heels, and yet are still looking upwards at men
that’s usually a fair indicator.”
“Okay I’ll give
you that,” Lily laughed.
“You know
there’s a guy over there he’s been checking you out since we arrived?”
“Is there? I
hadn’t noticed”
“BULLSHIT!”
“Okay I had
seen, I’ve tried smiling at him, he is sort of cute in a buttoned down, lawyer
looking, way.”
“So what are
you going to do about it?’
“This,” Lily
said as she walked with Louise towards the young man standing at the bar.
“Hi I’m Steve Chernak,” the fair haired man said as he looked at her, “would
you like a drink?”
“Please, I’m
Lily Harmon.” As she spoke, she waved
Louise away, the Californian smiling as she walked to join the others.
“With an accent
like that” Steve said as he signalled to the barman, “you aren’t local.”
“No I’m from
North West England.”
“Do you work in
New York?”
“A little,”
Lily said as she accepted the glass, “I work in management for Xavier
International and occasionally get to work out of the New York office.”
“That’s an
impressive company, so are you working here now?”
“No the girls
I’m with, most of them work in my department, we were over for a training
course. Now it’s over, we can let our hair down.”
“Well, you look
like you are all having fun.”
“Oh we
are… So what do you do to earn an honest
crust Steve?”
“I work for the
DA’s office here in Manhattan.”
“You are a
lawyer?”
“Yeah I’m an
assistant prosecutor in the organized crime division, and believe me that
sounds a whole lot more glamorous then it actually is in real life.”
“Oh I don’t
know – it can be very interesting…”
9.30 pm
“It’s busy in
here tonight,” Janine said as she and Caroline walked in, followed by Dan and
Henri. The two girls were wearing
leather jackets over white blouses and jeans, while the men wore sports shirts.
“I’ll see if I
can find us all a table back there somewhere,” Dan pointed, “away from the
dance floor so we can at least hear ourselves think.”
“It might be an
idea,” Henri smiled.
“Honestly you
two are becoming stick-in-the muds,” Caroline laughed, “the hottest club in the
city, two beautiful women as your dates, and your first thoughts are finding
somewhere quiet to sit?”
“Indeed,” Dan
said as they crossed the floor.
“They are
getting old Caroline,” Janine laughed as she checked the room out.
“I know, we may
need find ourselves some new guys Janine,” the tall Englishwoman laughed as
well.
“Plenty of
beautiful women here as well who might just find Henri and me a pleasant change
from all these Wall Street types,” Dan said as he returned and joined the
laughter as well.
“This is very
true,” Henri said as he caught a redheaded girl looking at him.
“Changing the
subject,” Janine said as she stared daggers at the redhead, “is that Marina
over there with James and some other people?”
“Where?”
“Over there
Caroline darling,” Dan said as he pointed.
“You know it
is, that’s Lily and some of the girls from Xavier's Shirley has had over doing
a training course.”
“Shall we go
and say hello?”
“Go on – maybe
they have room,” Caroline said as they walked over, Marina looking up and
saying “Hey Janine - you had the same idea as us?”
“Looks like it
– so who is here?”
“Alright I
guess I better do the introductions,” Marina grinned, “though I think most of
you know each other already.”
“Pretty much.”
Tracy said as she exchanged a glance with Dominique.
“For those of
you who don’t.” Marina took a breath, “this is Dan Amatrescu
and Caroline Jameson. Janine Holden and Henri Marais. Guys this is Lily, Tracy,
Louise, and Frances, all of whom work for Xavier’s in London.”
“Before she
forgets me, you’ll probably remember I’m James Razmov,”
the academic grinned as well, “just occasionally she forgets who I am.”
“Do not,”
Marina gave him a gig in the ribs. “Guys you better introduce yourselves.”
“I’m Steve Chernak,” the lawyer shook hands.
“I’m Remma Cooper, and this is Troy Henderson,” the two
basketball players shook hands as well.
“And you both
play for the Knicks,” Dan looked impressed.
“I feel like a
damn wallflower,” Frances laughed, “I’m still the only one flying solo
tonight.”
“Hey – want to
dance?”
“On the other
hand,” Frances said as she was taken onto the dance floor by a tall dark haired
man, Marina shaking her head as she said “grab a seat…”
Tuesday 13th September
9.30 am
The Village
“So how is life
now the twins are here,” Charlotte said as she sat in the main room.
“Well, they
spend the day with Orlagh and Jennifer, so I can at
least get some work done,” Caroline said as she handed her friend a mug of
coffee, and sat down. “So the place is
quiet – for now. Anyway – what can I do
for you?”
“Okay,”
Caroline said as she picked up a pad and pen, “Mama has some requests Dom,
she’s hoping that we can fulfill them.”
“And what are
they?”
“That at least
for the duration of this affair that we can set up a New York headquarters for
the intelligence operation that is totally safe and secure.”
“That makes
sense.”
“She wants it
walled off totally from the regular work of the New York office and staffed by
mission dedicated only personnel.”
Caroline
whistled as she wrote that down. “Given
that we are stretched pretty thin currently Charlotte that might be hard.”
“I know, but my
mother wants this to work perfectly.”
“Knowing
Francesca that I understand.”
“So do we have
the space, or even better an unused building, that we can put all the people
working on this into.”
“I’ll look,”
Caroline took a deep breath. “When does she want all this?”
“Yesterday.”
“We can maybe
do most hard tasks, but even we need a little time to set up this sort of
thing.”
“I know Dom,
but if you can do your very best.”
“I’ll try. It may be Sandy can offer some help with the
building…”
“That’s what I
told Mama you’d say.”
“By the way
didn’t we lay down some rules regarding you and field work while you are
pregnant?”
“You did,”
Charlotte laughed, “and as tempted as I’ll be to join the action, I’ve promised
Piet and Mama that I’ll be strictly flying a desk.”
“So why does
Piet think you are in New York?”
“He thinks I’m
here working on our latest IT expansion, which is at least in part true.”
“And
Francesca?”
“That she’s
here giving the US government some outside advice ahead of the next round of
Trade Law negotiations.”
“And I presume
that is also true?”
“It is. It just
isn’t going to be what she will be devoting most of her time to.”
“Understood. I imagine that Hannah will be picking up on
that.”
“In part – and
how did you hear… No, scratch that,”
Charlotte laughed as she saw the look on Caroline’s face. “Peri will be running the London office on
her own…”
“Has no one
thought of the trouble Peri might get herself into on her own?” Caroline
laughed as she interrupted.
“We have,”
Charlotte laughed in return, “Sigi is spending two
days a week there as well…”
10 am
The Richmond Mansion
“Hello Nessa,
and what brings you to our humble home on a Tuesday morning?” Heather asked as
she put her car keys in the bowl by the door.
Nessa stopped
as she walked across the hallway, wearing a Versace trouser suit and a cream
camisole. “My daughter it seems wants to
ask my opinion on a matter of business, but she was rather vague on the phone.
Do you have any ideas what is going on Heather?”
“Not totally.”
“Well I suppose
we both need to wait till she returns then? Can I offer you a coffee Heather?”
“Please
Nessa…and she’s not here?”
“She left me a
note saying make myself at home and that she’d be here soon. “
“This starts to
get mysterious,” Heather took her mug of coffee and sat on a stool. “Any idea where she is?”
“None,” Nessa
said as she poured another mug of coffee, and looked to the door. “There you are – what’s the problem Sandy?”
“Sorry about
the short notice,” Sandy said as she took her jacket off and put it over the
back of a stool at the breakfast bar, “any chance of some of that coffee
Mother.”
As Nessa poured
some into a mug and handed it over, she said “so – your question?”
“Put basically
Mother,” Sandy said as she took a drink, “some friends of ours acting in
concert with, shall I call them certain mysterious branches of our US
government, need a very anonymous building as an operational base. I was
approached this morning to see if the Trust might be able to help.”
“Darling,”
Nessa said quietly, “I don’t think we have anything at all.”
“Actually Mom
we do.”
“We do? Where?” Nessa thought for a moment, and then looked
at her daughter. “Oh… Surely Alexandra darling you aren’t thinking
of the old office building on East 14th?”
“Why not?
Grandfather operated the Trust out of that building quite happily for years.”
“But it’s been
ages since it has been occupied, and you know the only reason we can’t sell it
is because it’s a listed building, and we aren’t allowed to convert it into
residential units.”
“For the
purpose of our friends I think that might make it perfect.”
“I guess so –
all right, let them have the keys, but on their own head be it…”
11 am
Xavier International
“That was
Sandy,” Shirley said as she put the telephone down, “we have a base of
operations offer. Caroline is going
round to see her and Nessa, and she will text you the address to meet her at
later.”
“Sounds good –
I have a flight booked tonight to go to Washington and visit Ed, and I’m
inviting Eleanor to meet me there,” Francesca said as she brushed some lint from
her knee, “it’s time we read her in properly.”
“Agreed – so
what else have you to ask of me,” Shirley said as she sat back.
“I want one of
their people to ‘talk’ to Shirley. I need to confirm in my own mind that my
suspicions are true, and I know that you can operate in an extra-legal manner
that Admiral Preminger and his people can’t do.”
“Alright
Francesca, who do you have in mind? And where in the States are they to be
found?”
“The guy’s name
is Yuri Yeltsin…He’s no relation,” Francesca laughed,
“but according to Heather he is probably the man who trained most of their
operatives.”
“Have we got to
go into Russia to get him?”
“Not according
to an old friend of mine in Rome, he’s going to be at a conference in London
for the next four days. I’m hoping you may know someone can do the job quietly
and efficiently, and then get him to us here in New York with the minimum of
fuss.”
“I do.”
“Do I know
them?”
“One of them –
I believe you met in Marseilles. Let me
place a call and I will let you know.
Anything else?”
"Yes. Even from the bare bones Shirley I can tell
you one specialist who we definitely need to find and bring on board."
"Oh?"
"Yes,”
Francesca said as she rubbed her eyes, “so much of this seems to relate to
Russian organized crime that it’s painfully obvious we need someone who knows
as much about them as possible."
"Actually
I might just know someone Francesca?" Shirley paused for thought for a
couple of seconds.
"Who?"
"Veronica
Joyce."
"You mean
Eleanor's friend?"
"I do. As
Head of Criminal Intelligence for the United States Coast Guard she is an
expert on the Russian mob, and as you know she's also a sister."
"Can we
get her to New York to talk?"
“She’s based a
bit up the coast, but a call to Eleanor and we can have her.” Shirley watched as Francesca checked her
phone.
“I have the
address – if you will excuse me?”
1 pm
E 14th Street
“Impressive,”
Caroline said as she unlocked the doors, and the two blondes walked in, “but
needs cleaning up.”
“You
think? Can we talk as we walk?”
“Shoot…”
“I think it’s
important we pin a tail on Kannenikov Dominique,”
Francesca sniffed the musty air as they climbed the first flight of stairs in
the old building.
“What kind of
tail? Watching from a distance? Or trying to put someone close to him?”
“Ideally I’d
like someone very close, but I’d settle for eyes on telling us just who he
meets.”
“He’s a
professional, it’s not going to be easy,” Dom said as she opened the office
door, and looked round, “as long as he’s been at this then he has eyes in the
back of his head.”
“I know,”
Francesca paused, “how quickly and how quietly can this place be refurbished
and the various things we discussed installed?’
“If we pay
enough bonus cash to the right people then maybe we can have it at least
partially up and ready by next week sometime.”
“Caroline I
want this fully operational by Monday…Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes Admiral,”
Dominique shook her head, it was a rare occasion when she was given direct
orders like that, and rarer still in such an authoritative tone, but that inner
voice told her that Francesca not only had the right, but had earned the
privilege to act like this.
“Now, the
tail?”
“Ideally we’d
brief Helen, but as everyone is saying, she’s too involved, it’s too personal.”
“I agree,”
Francesca wiped some thick dust off a mantle, “so can you assemble me a team of
watchers please?”
“I think I
can,” Caroline smiled, “this time she noticed the please.”
“Good…So what
do you think Dominique? Can we make this
place into an efficient intelligence headquarters?”
“Oh we’re going
to do more than that – Shirley wants us to open a branch office...”
The de Ros Mansion
“What are you
thinking Shirley - you like your brain is a million miles away.”
“Sorry Ju,” the
auburn haired Englishwoman said as she shook her head, “what I was thinking
about was just exactly how good at all this Francesca actually is.”
“Meaning what?”
Diana asked as they sat drinking coffee.
“That I’m glad
no police force ever put her on my trail, I’m not sure that as good as my
people are we could have stopped her from unmasking and capturing us.”
“Yes I’d got
that impression,” Juliette said, “I’m rather glad that she’s on our side.”
“I think La Citadella missed something when they put her into black
ops, logically she should have been on a career path that led her eventually to
become at least Chief of Operations, and probably their Director General.”
“She really is
that good Shirley Cherie?”
“Yes she is
Diana.”
“So why have
you asked for a Pussycat meeting Aunt Shirley?” Carina’s voice came out of one
of the computers.
“Because I want
to beg, steal, and borrow some of you to supplement my people till this is all
over.”
“Shirley we all
have real lives to lead.” Janice spoke.
“And for those
of us in the business, fashion week and all its joys are upon us,” Abigail
added.
“Or in other
words how much help can we be?” Sandy asked.
“Well I may
have need of Annie and Carina’s skills as interrogators.”
“For what?”
“Tell you when
I find out – but that, and Heather’s help, are the key things. I don’t want to know what else you may have
planned, but that is enough for now.”
“I’m sure Annie
will be glad to help – when will you know?”
2.30 pm
Xavier International
"So what
is the cover for the new building to be Madame?" Lily asked.
"Officially
it's going to be the new headquarters for Caroline's company,” Shirley said, “and
it will continue in that role once we wrap up our intelligence operation."
"Isn't
Caroline happy here?" Lily looked round.
"I'm very
happy," the tall blonde spoke, "but it is perhaps time my people
operated out of their own premises."
"And with
the expansion of New York operations that I have planned, we will quickly find
use for the vacated space." Susan added.
"So the
Richmond Trust is leasing me the building..."
"And being
that Dom is in the security business it will look perfectly normal that the
equipment that we are putting in is being installed." Penny finished what
her friend started saying.
“I want the
team selected to meet at nine tomorrow morning,” Shirley said, “send the word…”
“Where is
Francesca?”
“Heading to the
airport…”
8 pm
The Pentagon
“Captain,” the
officer at the reception desk said as he saluted the two new arrivals, “how can
I help you?”
“Captain
Eleanor Ball and Admiral the Marchesa Francesca di Cambrella, to see Admiral Preminger,” Eleanor said as she
returned the salute, wearing her full dress uniform, while Eleanor was in a
grey jacket and skirt with a white blouse.
The officer
checked their identity cards, and then dialled a number. “His aide de camp will be with you shortly,”
he said, as Eleanor and Francesca took a seat.
“Thank you for
joining me Eleanor,” Francesca whispered as Eleanor looked round.
“So do I get to
know what’s really going on?”
“Captain,
Admiral – follow me please.”
“Of course,
Lieutenant,” Eleanor said as they followed the uniformed officer past the desk,
and down some corridors before they entered an office, waiting as he knocked on
the door.
“COME!”
“Captain Ball
and the Marchesa di Cambrello,
Admiral.”
“Thank you
Lieutenant,” Ed said as they walked in, “close the door behind you.”
“Sir.”
“Alright what
can you tell us Francesca?” Ed Preminger gestured for his two guests to sit
down. “I can’t think that you’ve flown down from New York for an out of office
hours meeting on a Tuesday evening without it meaning you have something
important to impart.”
“I do,”
Francesca nodded, “and do I have your permission to bring Eleanor in on all
this now?”
Ed nodded as
Francesca said “Let me start with the party…”
“Basically
while direction is being set from Moscow Central…”
“Do we still
use that term Francesca?” Eleanor smiled, “didn’t the spy novelists use it to
death?”
“They did, but
it’s still a convenient shorthand,” the Italian smiled. “But as I was saying
they are directing it, most of the work is being run out of St Petersburg.”
“Which of
course was ‘his’ former power base,” Ed observed quietly.
“Exactly Sir.”
“I thought we’d
agreed it was Ed?”
“Sorry,”
Francesca said with a smile, “it’s habit when I’m doing briefings like this.”
“Alright so St
Petersburg you say Francesca?” Eleanor spoke.
“According to
my daughter, and ‘other’ computer experts who I’ve been briefed by, they have
set up what is described as a ‘troll farm’ to both hack computers and to plant
false information and propaganda.”
“That tallies
with what I’m hearing as well.” Ed nodded.
“So we’re
setting up the op, making arrangements – we’ll keep you informed of what we
find, so long as you forget to ask how we got it sometimes.”
“I don’t want
to know.”
“No,” Eleanor
said quietly, “you probably don’t…”
Midnight
The Waldorf-Astoria
“Tired Mama?”
Charlotte looked concerned as her mother slumped into the armchair in the
sitting room of their suite.
“Yes,” the tall
Italian said as she eased her high-heeled shoes gently off, “but still I think
I’ve managed to accomplish a lot today.”
“Could you do
with a drink?” Charlotte said as she stood and walked towards the small bar.
“A reasonably
large whiskey…straight please.”
“Did anyone
ever tell you that you are a sadist Mama? You know very well I’m confined to
soft drinks.”
“I know
Carlotta darling,” Francesca took a sip, “but I can assure you that when you
hold your child for the first time then you’ll think it’s been well worth the
self-denial.”
“I know.”
“So did you
phone Piet?”
“I did, he said
he’s missing us both, but he is at least getting time to do the extra research
on his migrant smuggling story.”
“Well that at
least is a small beenfit.”
“Mama,”
Charlotte said as she sat down, “I have a question for you.”
“That sounds
serious Carlotta darling,” Francesca said as she put down her glass and sat
forward.
“You and Dad
dated for nearly a year. Then it was another year before I came along. How the
hell did you keep the fact that you were doing all this kind of stuff totally
secret from him? Do you think he ever suspected?”
“I could turn
that question about dear daughter and ask how you keep your work with the
sisters, and with Madame X, secret from Piet?”
“You could, but
since I asked first then you have to answer first.”
“Alright,”
Francesca played with her glasses. “I guess it was my talents for
compartmentalizing my life, and a rigid self discipline
making me ensure the two sides of my life didn’t mix.”
“Did you ever
slip up?”
“Well obviously
I must have darling. John Vosloo found things he
shouldn’t have in my cabinet, and then caught me paying off my lead agent. I
got sloppy.”
“You got
pregnant Mama, from what I’m reading and learning it’s hard to be totally on
top of our lives while we are pregnant.”
“I guess that’s
true,” Francesca chewed on the stem of her glasses as she thought about that
idea.
“Other than
when all that happened, did you slip up though?”
“Around James?”
“I guess that’s
what I’m getting at ja.”
“I thought a
couple of times I might have. He caught me on the phone at least twice making
calls that could have aroused suspicion.”
“I’ve had
similar things happen. You need be able to just pretend it was something
completely ordinary.”
“Just so.”
“Get some sleep
Carlotta – much to do tomorrow as well…”
Wednesday 14th September
9 am
Xavier International
The quiet hum
in the room dropped off as Francesca came in, closing the door behind herself.
“Alright ladies,”
she said as she looked round the table, “I think most of you know who I am, but
for those of you who don’t, my name is Francesca di Cambrello
and I’m a former Admiral in the Italian navy who retired recently after a
career in various aspects of Intelligence work.”
There was a
mumbled series of responses.
“We are
gathered here because this organization, and myself personally, have been asked
by a very senior figure in the US intelligence establishment to advise them
what we can discover and reveal about certain covert operations being indulged
in by a foreign power, designed to influence, and undermine, the current US
election process.”
“With the best
will in the world Admiral,” one of the women said, “why ask us?”
“Because Madame
X’s organization based as it is in what I will describe as many highly
lucrative, if illegal, activities, has access to resources and operatives that
can work outside the norms of normal intelligence activities, and which can
generate results much quicker than those produced by conventional methods.”
“Or in other
words since we already routinely break the law, then we have no problems
continuing to do so.” Dominique drew some small smiles and some laughter from
the assembled group.
“As Caroline
quite rightly said our mission is to discover exactly what is going on, and
deliver our findings to the relevant authorities.”
“You mean we
are helping just the sort of people who want to catch and punish us?” one of
Caroline’s security staffers asked.
“I know it’s an
off the wall idea,” Francesca laughed, “but essentially yes, to fight a larger
evil, devils deals have been made.”
“So how are we
going to make this work Admiral?” Illyana asked.
“By setting up
from scratch what will in effect be a miniature intelligence service, complete
with all the various kinds of operatives found in any national spying
organization.”
“We can
actually do that?” someone asked.
“With the
personnel we can draw on, and the financial backing of Madame X, then yes we
can.” Francesca looked from face to face.
“We have a bas secured, under cover of a new office for Jameson
Security, and George is there now overseeing the workers doing the refit. We move there Monday.”
“In the
meantime,” Dom said, “brush up on your Russian and surveillance
techniques. Some of you were involved in
the Walrus operation – tell the others what was involved.”
The telephone
rang, and as Caroline answered she said “Yes?
“Thank you –
show our visitor to my office. Francesca
and I will join you shortly.”
“Our visitor?”
“Well – yours
actually. You have your instructions
ladies – Charlotte will provide more details when we leave.”
As the two
women left, Charlotte said “listen up…”
“Would you
bring coffee for all three of us, Sandra,” Caroline said as she entered her
office, Francesca smiling as she said “you made it.”
“Xavier
International, Francesca,” the visitor said as she stood and hugged
Francesca. She was wearing a blue
trouser suit and white blouse, Francesca in a long sleeved dress and Caroline
in a black leather skirt and white jumper.
“I’m on the
board of directors as their Legal Officer.”
“Will you
introduce me,” Caroline said as the coffee was brought in.
"Alright
Caroline this is Kay Cornwall, Kay this is..."
"Caroline Jameson," the smaller woman smiled as she shook the tall
blonde’s hand, "I've seen her pictures everywhere it seems this past
year."
"Please be
seated. Francesca tells me you are a
civil servant in London Mrs Cornwall?"
"I am, and
please call me Kay."
"Alright Kay it is. How do you take
your coffee?"
"Black. Can I grab a picture of us
together before we finish in a bit, both my husband and my sons are never going
to believe that I met you otherwise?"
"Sure," Caroline smiled.
"Now if
we've got the preliminaries out of the way," Francesca smiled, "Kay
you do know that Caroline, on top of her modelling work, is a top expert in the
security field."
"I'd heard
that," the raven haired woman sipped her tea.
"She is
also assisting me on the matter I spoke to you about on the phone."
"I'd
rather assumed that she might be by her presence."
"Look,”
Francesca said, “without us resorting to doing formal security checks, let me
just say that Caroline has my complete trust and confidence in this work we are
undertaking."
"That's
nice to know. So why did you want to
meet for a coffee, Francesca?"
"Cutting
to the chase Kay,” Francesca said quietly, “I want you to please bend the
Departments rules, and of course without compromising SIS classified
information, answer some questions we might help.”
"And maybe steer us in the direction we should be looking?" Caroline
added.
Looking round,
Kay said quietly “Is this room secure?”
“More secure
than your offices I suspect.”
"Well, I
can try."
"Good,
thank you," Caroline smiled, "and to sweeten the pot I've arranged
front row seats for you and Francesca for a couple of shows I’m walking."
“Now that is an
idea – thank you. But do you really
believe they are trying this here?
What’s your basis?”
“I hope to find
out in the next forty eight hours…”
“Alright let me
paint a broad picture of what has been going on,” Kay Cornwall paused, “since
the fall of the Soviet Union Russia for better or worse has turned into a
quasi-capitalist economy. The problem though is that the political
institutions, and democratic structures, that to some extent rein in the power
of the rich in other parts of the world, have not been put into place.”
“Isn’t all that
common knowledge Kay?” Caroline asked.
“To the people
who pay attention? Then yes. However a lot of people haven’t been looking
closely and don’t understand.”
“Reduced to
basics, the richer you are in Russia the more power you have, and to maintain
that power the so-called oligarchs, and their allies who head up Russian
organized crime, are in a continuous fight to become both wealthier, and to
enjoy more political power.” Francesca smiled. “What it is, simply put, is blatant
corruption on a scale that even Italians such as myself can’t imagine.”
“It’s no
coincidence that the man we believe is the richest, and most corrupt, governs
the country with an iron fist, squashing his opponents by stripping them of
their fortunes, and rewarding his allies with more and more goodies.”
“I’ve worked in
Russia, and Kay, without saying who they are, I have contacts in the Russian
underworld, however that is a far bleaker picture then even the one I had,”
Caroline shook her head.
“It’s true
though Caroline, it’s also true though that to protect and launder their ill-gotten
gains, many rich Russians have been laundering their cash in the West. I think
you’d be shocked if you knew just some of the banks and people we think at The
Department have been complicit in all this.”
“Alright
accepting that, we’ve been asked to investigate covert political actions, not
financial crimes.”
“It’s part of
the leverage they are using Caroline,” Francesca smiled. “Just think how easy
it is to manipulate people who owe you money, or who you have evidence of
wrongdoing that their own countries legal systems would take a dim view of?”
“Then put
yourself in the traditional Russian mind-set that fears invasion, and
domination by foreigners, and a historically active policy to confront their
actual, and potential, enemies, and you have people at least thinking about how
can we undermine the strength of our opponents,” Kay sighed.
“Add in that
they now have a very sophisticated knowledge of both the technology that
pervades our lives, and how to use that technology to influence peoples thinking,
and you get to where I think we are in the world today.” Francesca sat back in
her chair.
11 am
Xavier International
“So the
building will meet our needs?”
“It should do,”
Francesca said as she sat opposite Shirley in her office, “and we should be
fully up and running by Monday.”
“Excellent –
any other progress?”
“Okay Shirley -
I can give you an idea of the rough organizational and command structure that
I’ve worked out, though there are still slots to be filled.”
“Understood.”
“Hannah will
function as my chief of staff, managing the flow of information and people I
see. I trust her and her judgment implicitly, so it’s logical she does that
job.”
“I agree.”
Shirley glanced down at the document that Francesca had given her.
“Caroline with
all her skills will make an excellent Head of Operations, overseeing most of
our work outside the building.”
“She does have
a lot of relevant experience.”
“Given the need
to protect Heather’s identity as the Hidden Hand we can’t have her compromised
by having her on site, so my daughter will do the job as Head of Electronic
Intelligence gathering.”
Nodding,
Shirley smiled as she said “Charlotte brings amazing skills of her own to that
post you know?”
“I do,”
Francesca smiled in return.
“What made you
chose Eleanor to supervise the actual offices and the analysts?”
“She’s done
similar jobs in the past, and though she’s not a direct expert on Russian
Affairs I’m very confident that she will soon get up to speed. In addition, I know she is meeting a local
expert who has been – loaned out to us for this project.”
“Agreed,”
Madame nodded, “I’m amazed you’ve been able to put this together so quickly.”
“Well there are
still huge gaps to fill, but now we have heads of department appointed they can
take over most of the responsibility for staffing their own various shops.”
“So what is
your next move Francesca?”
“I’ve called a
heads meeting in 25 minutes time. Now I have your permission to proceed I’m
going to start laying down the operational guidelines I expect people to work
within.”
“Sounds good –
keep me informed.”
“Of course,”
Francesca said as Shirley stood up.
“Lunch appointment?”
“I need to meet
Alex with John – and then confirm Maisha has arrived safely.”
“Where has she
gone?”
“To walk the
walk…”
5 pm Local Time
The Training Camp of the Sisters of
Maisha
The South Africa/Botswana border
The group of
women looked round as they stood in the dirt yard, unsure about what was going
to happen. The oldest was in her early
fifties, the youngest sixteen, and they had come from all continents and
nations. In total there was around
twenty, each with a rucksack next to them.
“I’m Anouska,”
one woman in her early thirties said to the dark skinned girl standing next to
her. “You are?”
“Blessing – I
guess you are from Eastern Europe?”
“The Ukraine –
what brings you here?”
“To learn to
fight those who oppose us – you?”
“The same,”
Blessing said as she looked over.
“Someone is coming?”
The group
turned and watched as three women walked over.
One was tall, blonde, the second a smaller and older African woman, and
the third a one-legged dark skinned woman.
“Welcome,
sisters,” the blonde said as the trio stopped in front of them, “welcome to our
training camp. I am Teacher, and I am in
charge of this facility, and your training.
I have with me two of the instructors – this,” she said as she turned to
the smaller woman, “is Little Teacher, and during your training she is here to
act as your counsellor and confidant.
“This other
woman is our cook and one of our small arms instructors – we know her as
Poison, but do not let that put you off.
The food here is edible, and you will be glad of it.”
As the women
looked round, Teacher said “you are here to train with us, and learn from us as
well as each other, to see if you are worthy of joining our Sisterhood. All of those who teach you, and the others
who are here, do this to ensure that justice is served for those who seek to
oppress those who cannot fight back, and we do this in the name of the Heart
and the Strength, who were the ones who freed the first of us from their
bondage.
“In their name,
I welcome you, and I ask you in their name to swear that you will do all that
you are asked to do, and support each other.
Will you do this?”
“For the Heart
and the Strength,” the group replied, Blessing nodding as she stood with
Anouska.
“Good –
tonight, you may prepare your sleeping area, and then join us for a meal and
the evening talks. From tomorrow, you
will be assigned to work rotas and training times – work hard, learn well. Little Teacher?”
“Follow me,”
Marigold said as they picked up their rucksacks and followed her, Helga and
Sunshine watching.
“Blessing?”
“It was her
choice – and now she begins the training…”
12.30 pm
The Modern, MOMA
“If Francesca
is going to be staying in New York for an extended period then we need sort out
a few things to entertain her,” Rachel McNally said as she took a dainty bite
from her food.
“What you mean
is that we need to find her a man so that no one’s husband develops wandering
eyes towards a woman who isn’t just exceedingly beautiful, but also hugely
rich.” Pussy commented.
“You are
starting to understand how the game works Pattycake,” Liz smiled at her sister.
Pussy looked over
at Paulie with exasperation as she shouted “MOTHER!”
“I know
darling,” Paulie shook her head, “aren’t you really
too old to be teasing and annoying your sister like that Liz?”
“Why break a
lifetime habit?” Tonia laughed.
“Puss you know
I only do it to get a reaction,” Liz laughed, “you really are too easy.”
“If we can get
back to what Rachel was saying though,” Kelly mused as she sipped her wine, “I
for one am just a trifle insecure when I compare myself to the Marchesa.”
“What about her
plastic surgeon friend?” Juliette asked.
“Definitely
just a friend I hear.”
“Well scratch
him then Kel.”
“We need get
her to join our lunch group,” Janice remarked, “then at least we can get to
know her.”
“And keep an
eye on her as well,” Gale Callaghan smiled a trifle wickedly.
“Darlings
remember she’s hear to advise on internationally important changes to trade
law,” Diana sipped her drink, “she might just be too busy to have a social
life?”
“It’s never a
time when it is too busy to lunch – we just need to find the right incentive…”
Times Square
“V – thanks for
meeting me,” Eleanor said as Veronica came into the diner. “I’ve ordered you some lunch.”
“Alright
Eleanor,” Veronica said as she sat on the stool, “why have I been told that
orders have come down from on high temporarily transferring me to Homeland
Security, and that said orders are the work of Ed Preminger?”
“Because
something is going on Commander that requires your particular expertise.”
“Okay you only
use my rank when it’s official business Eleanor…Do you care to spill the beans
please?”
“I know you
noticed Ed doing a rare public appearance at Shirley’s apartment in New York…”
“And his having
long chats with both Francesca and Janice…Yes I did. Does this all relate to
that?”
“It does
indeed.”
“Why didn’t you
tell me something was going on?”
“Because until
last night even I wasn’t included in on the secrets.”
“Oh,” Veronica
said as she swallowed some of her sandwich, “is that what has been driving you
crazy?”
“Yes,” Eleanor
laughed. “I hate knowing something is going on and being kept outside the
loop.”
“So what did
you learn last night?”
“That Ed has
unofficially commissioned a non-official group to do some work and research on
his and our nations behalf.”
“Oh?” Veronica
was suddenly alert. “Which unofficial
group? And which people?”
“Francesca di Cambrello is basically running the thing, and the personnel
she’s drawing in come in part from the Sisters, but also from other, shall I
say perhaps not totally legal, groupings.”
“HOLY SHIT!”
“Exactly.”
“So I’m being
unofficially seconded to work with these people? Why?”
“Because they
need an expert in the workings of Russian organized crime, and that is one of
your fields of expertise.”
“Okay,”
Veronica took a moment to think. “Where will I be working, and who will I be
reporting to?”
“Jameson
Security are opening new offices in New York City, their operation will serve
as a front for what we are doing. I’m going to act as Head of Personnel.”
“Meaning what?”
“That I will be
supervising most of the on site staff, and in
particular the analysts like yourself who will be taking the raw intelligence
and hopefully telling just what it all means, then producing recommendations
for future action.”
“I see,” Veronica
took a deep breath, “it sounds for all the world like a miniature complete
intelligence department.”
“A little,”
Eleanor smiled, “but a totally unofficial one.”
“Of course,”
Veronica laughed. “So when do we start?”
“Unofficially? We should have the offices ready Monday, but
in the meantime, here’s what we need…”
The Richmond Mansion
“Alright time
to let the games begin,” Heather laughed as she opened up her computer, put her
coffee on the table, and smiled broadly.
“I know that look,”
Sandy groaned, “how much trouble are you about to get yourself into Lover?”
“Who says I’m
going to get into trouble?”
“I do,” Sandy
rolled her eyes when Heather opened a case and started to put several
electronic devices on the table, “especially when I see you bringing out some
of your toys like those.”
“I just want to
do some common or garden hacking darling…in the Russian delegation to the
United Nation’s computers.”
“In WHERE?”
“Calm down
Lover, it’s not like I haven’t been in there many times before.”
“I know you’ve
done this before, what worries me is that this time they will catch you.”
“Well in the
remote chance they do see my presence, this device,” Heather pointed, “will
make them think that their intruder is in FSB headquarters in Moscow…that
should confuse them. Anyway I won’t be there long I simply want to download
their personnel files.”
“Should I ask
why?”
“Francesca
wants to know who and who isn’t likely an agent. I suspect tomorrow she’ll ask
for the same information from the consulate.”
“You know this
could all create a monster diplomatic incident?”
“Only if I get
caught,” Heather grinned as she started turning things on. “Oh -by the way, Doc is calling in on her way
home. I’ll talk to her, the get her on
her way…”
7 pm BST
The Hilton London Metropole
Yuri Yeltsin
walked into the hotel bar, looking round before he walked to the counter and
signalled to the barman.
“Whisky Sour,”
he said as he looked round, seeing two women sitting along the bar. They were both slim, one with long red-brown
hair, the second with shorter dark hair.
Both were wearing tight leather trousers, the redhead with a black silk
blouse open to her chest, the second a blue mohair jumper, and both had on
black ankle boots.
The grey haired
man paid the barman and sat quietly sipping his drink as he kept glancing to
the side. He could see them looking at
him as well, and it had been a long day.
He did not particularly like attending these conferences, but he went
where he was called to go to…
“Hi.”
Yuri turned his
head to see the redhead sitting next to him.
“Here on your own,” she said with a smile as she played with her empty
glass.
“In a way – I’m
attending a conference here,” Yuri said with a smile. “You?”
“Me and my friend
are in town for a few days, and were wondering what we were going to do
tonight. Can we buy you a drink?”
Yuri suddenly
looked to the side to see the dark haired woman sitting next to her, smiling as
she waved her glass round. He glanced to
the side, and then said “why not – same for me, and whatever they are having.”
“So what’s your
name?”
“Yuri – and you
ladies?”
“Dora and Nora
– cheers,” the dark haired woman said as all three raised their glasses. Yuri took a drink, and smiled as he said “so
what is your idea of a good time?”
“I am –
flexible. And you ladies?”
“We can also be
– flexible, correct Nora?”
“Oh yes Dora,”
the red head said with a smile as she looked at Yuri. The Russian licked his lips, as he said “so,
would you be interested in spending some time, being flexible together?”
“What sort of
women do you think we are,” Dora said with a smile.
“The flexible
and accommodating type – room 1204, fifteen minutes?”
“We’ll bring a
little surprise,” Dora said as Yuri finished his drink and walked off, Nora
watching a man who was watching him and then followed. She whispered something into Dora’s ear, and
then went after the second man herself…
Hearing the
knock on the room door, Yuri smiled as he closed the lid of his laptop, and
checked the bottle of champagne before he opened the door. “Ladies,” he said as he stood back, “thank
you for accepting…”
His eyes shot
open, his voice faltering as a man fell in, his head turned to the side as his
lifeless eyes looked out into the world.
As he stared, Dora and Nora walked in, their faces set like stone as
Dora pointed a gun at the professor.
“What the
hell… Who are you?”
“Your worst
nightmare – good night Professor,” Dora said quietly as she fired a dart into
Yuri’s chest the professor staring at them as she staggered back, and then fell
onto the bed.
“Dora and
Nora?”
“Best I could
come up with in the time we had,” Jo Frost said as she left the room, returning
with a laundry basket. “Give me a hand
getting him in here, Cassie.”
“What on earth
do the Sisters want him for anyway,” Cassandra Craig said as she and Jo lifted
the professor into the laundry basket, before she grabbed his case and started
to pack his belongings.
“All I know is
there was a call from Little Mother, to get him on a plane waiting at Northolt
tonight,” Jo said as she put his computer into a bag.
“And him?”
She looked at
the dead man, before she said “we can drop him off after we get him to the
plane – I know a deep lake we can use…”
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