by K. S. Ruff
Kadyn joined me at the sink. “I didn’t realize his PTSD was that disabling.”
“Dan tries to hide it as best he can. He doesn’t want other people thinking he’s broken. He begged Kimme to come up with some other excuse. He didn’t want me to know it was the PTSD.” I rinsed the plates and passed them to Kadyn.
He shoved them inside the dishwasher. “I could get him there.”
I stilled. “How?”
“I know a couple of Vietnam vets who serve as volunteer pilots for the Veterans Airlift Command. The VAC provides free air transportation to wounded veterans and their families to hospitals and special events.” His eyes glinted with mischief. “I could chloroform Dan, load him onto the plane, and fly him to Virginia so he can join us on Rafael’s jet. Do you think he’d be okay on Rafael’s jet? He’d be surrounded by friends.”
Kadyn caught the glass I nearly dropped in the sink. “That’s your solution… to chloroform him?”
He laughed. “Sure. Why not?”
I just shook my head. Knowing Dan, he’d probably admire Kadyn’s strategy and his stealth. “Why don’t we see if he’s willing to board the VAC plane and Rafael’s jet on his own steam before we start talking chloroform?” I washed the pan and handed it to Kadyn.
“Where’s the fun in that?” Kadyn tossed the towel on the counter and followed me into the family room.
I took a deep breath before sitting next to him on the couch. “Are you still dating Brianna?”
He shook his head. “Technically, we weren’t dating.”
I chuckled. Kadyn and I used to deny the fact that we were dating even though we were. “That was quite the kiss on New Year’s Eve for two strictly platonic friends.”
He grinned. “She’s a contractor. We decided to dial it back a notch since she’s arguably working for me.”
I swallowed. Hard. “Are you dating anyone else?”
Kadyn looked amused. “No. Why?”
I bit my lip while trying to suppress an audible groan. “Oni is interested in you.”
His eyes widened. “Oni?”
I nodded.
Kadyn frowned. “I can’t date Oni.”
I didn’t bother hiding my surprise. “Why?”
“She’s a foreign national. That could mess up my security clearance. I’m already required to report my interactions with Konstantin and Maxim. Trust me, that’s bad enough.”
I released a long overdue sigh. “I don’t think I should reveal that. I’ll just tell Oni you’re dating someone.”
He eyed me curiously. “Wouldn’t that violate the girlfriend code?”
“The girlfriend code?” What girlfriend code?
Kadyn rolled his eyes. “You know. Girlfriends aren’t supposed to date a man their friend has dated. I thought that rule was etched in stone.”
My brow furrowed. “Isn’t there some sort of expiration date on that? We haven’t dated for two years.”
Kadyn chuckled. “Do I look like a carton of milk?”
“Maybe, chocolate milk,” I teased.
He shoved me off the couch.
I ignored his hand as I pushed off the floor. “Jeesh! I was just trying to hook you up.”
He patted the cushion next to him. “So you really wouldn’t mind if I dated one of your friends?”
I sank onto the far end of the couch instead. “Honestly? I doubt there’s a woman on this planet who’s good enough for you, but I’d never stand in the way of your happiness, Kadyn. You, more than anyone I know, deserve to be happy. Friend or not, as long as that woman treated you like gold, I’d support your decision to date her.”
Kadyn studied the coffee table.
My breath caught. “Who? Who are you interested in dating?”
“Shae,” he admitted softly.
My heart battled a confusing array of emotions. “How long?”
He met my gaze. “Since we fled Ukraine.”
I scooted closer to him. “That was nine months ago. Does Shae know?”
He shook his head. “I haven’t breathed a word. I… I didn’t want to hurt you.”
“If there was a woman who I thought might be good enough, it would be Shae,” I confessed. “She’s beautiful, intelligent, witty, and she has a very kind heart. Better still, she respects and admires you.”
Kadyn shrugged. “She’s dating Konstantin, so it’s a moot point.”
I took a deep breath and blew it out. “That relationship isn’t going as well as you might think.”
He lifted an inquisitive brow.
“Shae’s questioning whether Konstantin has severed ties with the mafia. He’s gone most evenings and refuses to discuss what he’s doing. Unless he’s working a second job so he can save for an engagement ring, I’m afraid she may be right.”
“I knew that relationship would put her in danger,” Kadyn gritted.
“I’ve never been too keen on that relationship,” I agreed. Early on, I’d been nudging her toward Chance. He had a major crush on her.
“Do you think Konstantin will return to Ukraine if Maxim’s elected president?” Kadyn asked.
“I don’t know.” I looked him square in the eyes. “What I do know is that I’d fully support you in pursuing Shae. Can I tell her you’re interested?”
Kadyn shook his head. “Absolutely not.”
I opened my mouth to object.
He leveled me with a fiercely determined look. “Trust me, I got this.”
* * * * *
I filled my coffee cup before claiming the chair next to Shae. I was still having a hard time looking her in the eyes. Like one secret wasn’t bad enough. Now I was keeping two secrets from her. “I purchased forty bags of snack sized candy last night: Skittles, Starburst, Tootsie Pops, and Sour Patch Kids.”
Sammi’s eyes widened. “Why so many?”
“I figured ten bags for our students and twenty bags for the orphanage. I thought we could hand the remaining candy out to street kids when we’re out in public. Did you know that most children in Sierra Leone have never even tasted candy?” I would have preferred to bring chocolate but I was worried it might melt. Electricity and air conditioning were unreliable, even in Freetown.
Cory strode into the breakroom and joined us at the table. “The printer called. The training manuals should be completed by the end of the day.” He looked at Shae. “Did you get the pens?” She was purchasing touristy pens depicting the monuments in DC as a parting gift for our students.
She took a swig of diet coke. “I have thirty pens, thirty key chains, and thirty gift bags.”
Sammi eyed me over the top of her coffee. “What time do you expect to fly in?”
“Sometime around six o’clock in the morning,” I estimated.
“I’ll make sure one of our drivers is waiting for you at the airport,” Cory promised. Public transportation was extremely limited. Taxis were so poorly maintained, they were discouraged by the Department of State. It wasn’t all that uncommon for tourists to be attacked and robbed in taxis, so as pretentious as it seemed, we needed reputable drivers to help ensure our security.
I warmed my hands on my coffee mug. “Kadyn is coming so there’ll be four of us.”
Shae smiled. “Good. I’m happy to hear he secured the time off.”
“I reserved SUVs, so there should be plenty of room,” Cory assured me.
“Rafael and Kadyn have offered to help Brogan and Aidan with their portion of the training. They’re still flying in with you on Saturday?”
“Yep. Should be fun,” Shae chirped.
“Yeah. Like Brogan clearing out public bathrooms so you can pee qualifies as fun,” Sammi grumbled irritably.
Shae’s brow furrowed. “Speaking of bathrooms, does anyone know what the toilet situation is there? Are we squatting over holes again?”
“I don’t think so,” Cory answered. “While Freetown still lacks plumbing and proper sanitation in impoverished areas, the hotel and the university have modern toilets. Oh! Everyone sho
uld bring bottled water. I don’t want to take any chances with that Cholera outbreak.” He glanced at me. “Make sure Kadyn, Rafael, and Jase bring water and know to avoid ice, fresh fruit, and vegetables. You guys should brush your teeth with bottled water and keep your mouths closed in the shower.”
“Did you complete all your travel vaccines?” Sammi interjected.
Shae and I nodded.
“Have you started the antimalarial medicine?” Cory prodded.
“Yes.” I smiled, anticipating his next question. “Kadyn, Rafael, and Jase have also started.”
Cory stood. “I think we’re set, then.”
I rose from the table as well. “I’m worried about Shae staying in a room by herself. I’m going to call the hotel to see if they offer adjoining rooms, so she can be close to us.”
Sammi frowned. “What if they don’t offer adjoining rooms?”
I glanced at Shae. “You can sleep in our room. It’s not like we’ll be using the other bed.” Each of the rooms we’d reserved was supposed to include two beds.
Shae looked appalled. “I do not want to be all up in your business when the two of you start feeling amorous.”
I laughed. “I’m sure we can manage to keep our hands off one another. We’re only there for a week. If you prefer, I could ask Kadyn to sleep with you.” I patted myself on the back for planting that tasty little morsel in her brain.
Her eyes widened even more. “I… I’ll sleep with you… if they don’t have adjoining rooms.”
I smiled. “I’ll let you know what I find out.” I walked back to my office so I could call the hotel.
After securing adjoining rooms, I opened my e-mail. My breath caught.
“What is it?” Shae inquired softly. I hadn’t even heard her enter the room.
“USAID,” I breathed. “I have an e-mail from Keshia Dickson from USAID.”
She joined me in front of the computer screen. “Maybe you should open it.”
I winced. “I’m afraid.”
“I’m sorry, but the suspense is killing me.” She clicked on the e-mail notification.
My heart stalled. We both stared slack jawed at Ms. Dickson’s message.
“What’s wrong?” Sammi asked. I hadn’t a clue where she came from. When neither of us answered, she joined us in front of the computer screen. “Holy. Crap. You did it.”
Shae’s wide eyes met mine. “Maxim’s going to be president.”
Tears abruptly filled my eyes.
Shae yanked me to my feet and gave me a fierce hug. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done? You’ve changed the destiny of an entire country.”
Sammi rubbed my arm. “You’re trembling.”
“What if this leads to war?” I choked on a throat full of tears.
“Then that’s Putin’s doing, not yours,” Shae insisted vehemently.
Sammi looked confused. “Why would this lead to war? It’s an economic aid package.”
I took a deep breath and blew it out. “I have to call Maxim.”
Shae pulled Sammi from the office. “I’ll explain. Let’s give her some privacy.”
“We should be celebrating,” Sammi argued. “We’re going out to lunch after you call Maxim. You don’t secure funding for a pipeline every day!” she yelled down the hallway.
I sank into my chair. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I was terrified for Maxim and the citizens of Ukraine. With trembling hands I dragged the cell phone from my desk, retrieved his number, and hit “send.”
“Kotyonok,” Maxim purred. “I was just thinking about you.”
The dam inside of me broke as I began to cry.
“Kristine! What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Have you been hurt?”
His concern made me cry even harder.
“Where are you?” Maxim demanded. “I’m sending someone to get you.”
“No!” I gasped. “No. God, I’m sorry. I… I don’t know why I’m crying. I should be happy, but I’m not happy. I’m completely terrified.”
“If you don’t explain what is going on…” Maxim growled.
“The grant. USAID awarded us the grant,” I blurted.
Maxim didn’t breathe a word.
I swiped at my eyes. “Maxim?”
“Can you read it to me?” he pleaded softly.
“I can e-mail it to you.” I turned toward my computer.
“No. My phone is secure, but I am not certain about my computer. If you could read the correspondence to me, print a copy, and give it to Konstantin, then he will ensure a hard copy is securely delivered to me.”
“Okay,” I agreed. “Should I ask Ms. Dickson to refrain from making an announcement?”
“Please,” Maxim answered. “For at least two weeks.”
He listened attentively while I read the award letter. “What are you going to do?” I finally breathed.
“I’m going to expedite training and installation for the missile defense system. The equipment is being housed in a secure location in Poland and is nearly operational. If I can get that equipment in place and begin construction on the pipeline within the next two weeks, I should be able to announce both accomplishments a week before the election.”
I fought to steady my breathing. “I don’t want you to get hurt. Please, Maxim, it’s not too late to withdraw from the election. You can proceed with both projects discretely and still achieve your objectives.”
“I will not hide like a coward,” he argued. “I made my father a promise, and I intend to see it through.”
My eyes closed against the images that provoked. “Please be safe, Maxim. I’m so scared this pipeline will lead to war.”
“Milaya kotyonok, your concern humbles me, and your tears are like an arrow in my heart. I wish…”
“I know.” I couldn’t bear to hear the words.
“I will make my country safe,” Maxim vowed. “Perhaps someday you will tire of Rafael.”
I shook my head, unable to conceive such a thing. “I’ll ask Ms. Dickson to hold off on making the announcement, and I’ll make sure Konstantin gets a hard copy of the award letter today. Let me know if you have any difficulty accessing the funds through the USAID office at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Those funds should be available by the end of the week.”
“I do not know how to repay you for this.” Maxim’s voice broke with unwanted emotions. All that bluster about collecting on a promise? Nothing more than smoke and mirrors.
Tears filled my eyes once again. “You don’t repay friends, Maxim.”
Chapter 7 - Fix My Eyes
I sat with my knees tucked to my chest, staring silently out the window while the clouds bathed in the early morning sun.
“Is she always like this?” Kadyn whispered.
“Our last flight was a bit more turbulent,” Jase murmured.
I tore my eyes from the window so I could gauge the expression on his face.
Jase winked, assuring my colossal melt down from our previous flight would remain our secret.
I smiled. As hard headed as he was, the man was growing on me. “Who’s winning?”
Jase grunted. He’d started defending my side of the chess board after Kadyn slaughtered me… twice.
Kadyn grinned.
I laughed. “So Kadyn remains undefeated?” I untangled my legs so I could change into the pretty black, white, and blue floral skirt I discovered on the bed when we boarded the plane. Rafael had paired the skirt with a fitted black sweater, a thin Tiffany blue belt, and black kitten heels.
A melodic “ding” sounded over the intercom. “Bom dia. This is your pilot, Captain Anderson. Crisp blue skies and a cool sixty-two degree temperature await us in Lisbon. The local time is eight-ten a.m. We’ll be landing in thirty minutes.”
I changed into the skirt and sweater and did a cursory check in the mirror before returning to the main cabin.
The intercom dinged again. “We’ve been cleared to land at the Lisbon Portela Airport. Please make sure your seatbelts ar
e fastened, seat backs are in the upright position, and all inanimate objects are stowed. I’ll be collecting cups, glasses, and plates shortly.” Kari stepped from the galley. “Sorry, Jase. I know how much you wanted to win that match.”
Jase shrugged. “We’ve got an eight hour flight to Sierra Leone where I can even the score.” The flight was only five and a half hours, but we had a two and a half hour layover in Morocco.
Kadyn chuckled. “We’ll see about that.”
I handed Kari my cup and plate. “Will you be joining us?”
She barked out a laugh. “Like I’d miss an opportunity to fly on this jet.”
I smiled. I liked having the same personable flight crew on every flight.
The wheels touched down smooth as glass. We shook hands with the flight crew before tackling the stairs. Rafael had reserved a vehicle for Kadyn and Jase, so he was meeting us near the rental counters.
I stopped when the crowd parted just short of the rental area. “Rafael?”
He picked me up and spun me around. “You look stunning.” He pressed a quick kiss to my lips before allowing my feet to touch the earth again.
My fingers sifted through the silken strands that tapered just above his ears. “You cut your hair.”
He smiled that panty dropping smile of his. “I thought this might look a little more presentable for the wedding.” The wedding was still two months away.
“You look…” Seriously, there were no words to describe how delectable this man looked. While trimmed short on the sides, his hair was longer on top, and it looked mussed. I tugged on the unruly waves. “You look…”
His eyes sparked with amusement. His strong features were perfectly balanced between the shorter hairstyle and the five o’clock shadow he regularly sported. Handsome was an understatement. Sinful was more like it. “Sexy,” I concluded.
A chuckle rolled through Rafael’s chest. He tugged the computer bag off my shoulder, tucked me under his arm, and shook Kadyn’s hand. “I’m glad you could join us.” He patted Jase on the back before leading us to the rental counter. “I hope you don’t mind. I rented a Porsche.”