After the War: Military Dystopian Thriller (Friends of my Enemy Book 2)

by Autumn M. Birt

  Miralda Gerschtein Secretary of Finance and part of MOTHER.

  Sabana Pavia Casilla Secretary of Industry and Reconstruction and part of MOTHER.

  Gilles Lieven Secretary of Health and Welfare and part of MOTHER.

  Piero Ardizzone Secretary of Trade and Foreign Affairs and part of MOTHER.

  Ilse Boje Secretary of Agriculture and part of MOTHER.

  Friends of my Enemy: Book 3

  Battle for Europe

  How can Europe be saved from a war it doesn’t know exists? Especially when the populace has turned its back on its heroes, and the heroes doubt their place?

  Book 3, Battle for Europe, is written and being edited. The story sweeps from England to Prague ... and so much farther. The outcomes of choices spiral beyond individuals to impact the world, and those that made them must live with the consequences. If they survive.

  You can check on progress for Battle for Europe and the final book of the series, the Fight for Peace, at my website www.AutumnWriting.com. Also, look for background information to the war and the events leading up to the first book in the series, Stories from the War, on the page for Friends of my Enemy.

  Until the release of Battle for Europe, enjoy the first three chapters below!

  Friends of my Enemy: Book 3

  Battle for Europe

  August 2068

  Chapter 1

  THE EARL OF KESMERE

  RESOLUTIONS

  If Derrick needed one further reminder of the approaching deadline and what he stood to lose, seeing Arinna arrive on Captain Vries arm, he in full military dress, knocked the reality into Derrick hard enough to empty him of air.

  “Are you alright, darling?” Danielle asked. He couldn’t answer. Danielle glanced at the newest arrivals being introduced at the doorway of the ballroom. She snorted at the sight of the Captain, taking Derrick’s reaction for something else.

  “Always with you and the Guard,” she sniffed, linking her arm in his and turning him away. “You left that behind years ago. I don’t know why you allow it to affect you now.”

  “I can’t imagine,” Byran said drolly. Byran’s vivacious wife, Isabella, cut off quiet laughter, composing herself without the need to see Danielle’s dark look.

  Danielle, Derrick’s fiancée through a forced agreement years before, and Arinna, the leader of the Grey Guard and his lover of barely a week, were opposites. Danielle le Marc was tall and slender with long, pale blonde hair and grey eyes. Every poised movement spoke of her refined upbringing and taste. He’d always thought under her careful exterior lay a frightened girl. Now he wondered how much he’d simply wanted to think that.

  Athletic though petite, Arinna kept her red hair cropped short. Her bright, sky-blue eyes often held laughter though tonight a serious formality hovered near her, one other than the Captain of the Guard, Jared Vries. Arinna had said she and Jared had a falling out. Whatever it had been was bridged enough for them to arrive together, causing enough of a stir that glances toward Derrick were an afterthought. Which might have been Arinna’s point. She’d said she’d wanted the rumors ended.

  The summer had run on whispers fed by her move to the estate of Rhiol set amid England’s northern lakes. Officially, she was the retired Grey Guard commander though she didn’t hold military rank. That was why they called her the Lady Grey. But her skills as a tactician and strategist in battle combined with those of Captain Vries, who followed her and so the Guard did as well, had won the war against the Freedom Liberation Front that had run amok in Europe for six years.

  Now, three years into official peace, she’d moved to the lakes to reinforce that lie. Only a few people knew the truth. The Guard still fought the FLF, only now the battle waged beyond Europe’s borders and sight. It was a confusing ploy made all the murkier by rumor of Arinna starting an affair with Derrick’s best friend, Byran, despite his marriage to Isabella. Like all good rumors, there was a hint of truth to it. They did love each other, enough not to lose family and friendships to a passion that wouldn’t last. To supplant that, had come the rumor of an affair with Derrick. That one had become true, at least until Danielle’s arrival the week before.

  Tonight marked the end of the timeline to either end things with Danielle or have Arinna end them with him. He knew more hinged on that decision than simply a relationship. But standing with Danielle’s hand on his arm and Arinna laughing with Captain Vries, the emotion felt paramount.

  “I’ll get you a drink,” Byran said, patting Derrick’s shoulder before walking away with Isabella. Derrick had told Byran some of the conversation he’d had with Arinna the night before, but mostly Byran could read him. That Derrick foundered was apparent to anyone who knew him. That Danielle chatted away oblivious Derrick’s attention lay in a different direction told him quite a bit about his supposed engagement. He just needed to find a way, and the backbone, to tell Danielle.

  Tick tock goes the clock. Had Cinderella felt this way on the night of her ball, Derrick wondered.

  Byran brought him a drink but didn’t stay. Isabella couldn’t stand Danielle and waited on the far side of the room. When he returned to his wife, Byran led her to a dance. They, at least, were prepared to enjoy the evening. Derrick’s gaze returned to Arinna and Captain Vries. She didn’t look his way and hadn’t seemed to since she arrived.

  “Stop staring at him. Everyone will think you are looking at her,” Danielle snapped.

  “We should say hello. I know Captain Vries,” Derrick said, offering his arm. Danielle didn’t take it.

  “From years ago, during the war. I’m not going to greet him or feed this love affair you have with the Guard.”

  He nearly told her then, told her that he’d spoken to Jared Vries a month ago, and about his relationship with Arinna. For the first time, the words rose to his lips.

  “Please, let’s not fight,” Danielle pleaded before he could speak. “I’ve come all this way to see you. Can’t we dance?”

  He relented without thought, leading her to the dance floor. In the middle of the waltz, he finally found his voice. “You came all this way to spy on me because I would not return my father’s phone calls.”

  Danielle stumbled in his arms though he caught her before she truly tripped. “That isn’t fair,” she hissed at him.

  “And pretending it isn’t true is?” He swung her around, waiting until she was close again to add, “We both know that is why you are keeping me away from speaking with Captain Vries—because my father would do anything to keep me from being a part of the Guard, then and now.”

  Danielle looked cross though she said nothing. After the music ended, she walked away, using the excuse of getting herself a glass of wine. When she finally looked at Derrick, her grey eyes shifted from dark hurt to bright anger.

  “Come, it is a nice night. Let’s take a walk in the gardens,” he said more kindly while offering his arm. She accepted the invitation with less possessiveness than she’d held onto him earlier.

  “You want to discuss something,” she said quietly.

  “I have always tried to be truthful to you,” he said. “Even when you have not done the same.”

  Her body tensed against him. Before he could react, she pivoted to face the closest couple.

  “My Lady Fuller, I have not thanked you for the invitation tonight,” Danielle said, taking Lady Fuller’s hand as if they were old friends.

  “I am so pleased to see you dear. It has been years, has it not?”

  “Surely not that long,” Danielle replied, keeping Derrick beside her with a strong grip on his arm.

  The sympathy the pain in her eyes spawned soured to annoyance. He’d spent days avoiding this conversation with Danielle. And now as he felt the added weight of every passing minute, she seemed intent to delay what he needed to say longer.

  “I think it might be,” Derrick said casually. “Certainly at least two years. You do look lovely this evening, Lady Fuller, and it is a splendid ball,” Derrick added, keeping
Danielle from defending herself.

  “Thank you, my lord earl. It is good of you to come. Wonderful indeed to see both of you together again. It has been too long.”

  “It has been too long, hasn’t it? But that can be remedied,” Danielle said, gazing up at Derrick. “We are engaged after all. Perhaps it is time we formalized that commitment,” Danielle said, tightening her arm around Derrick’s. That she would announce that in front of Lady Fuller left little Derrick could do. Tangled formalities were what had led to his acceptance of engagement to Danielle. And here he stood again.

  “A fall wedding ... wouldn’t that be splendid?” Lady Fuller said, her brightness faltering with a glance at Derrick toward the end. “If you have something to announce, I can arrange the time.”

  “There is no need,” Derrick said, tone edging toward hostile. “There is nothing to announce.”

  Danielle flushed scarlet. As Lady Fuller moved off with a barely concealed smirk, Danielle turned to Derrick. “I want to go home, now.”

  “I’ll make the arrangement for passage to the continent immediately,” Derrick told her. He was done playing games.

  Danielle’s gaze darted sideways to the myriad of guests filling the ballroom. Nearby, Lady Fuller whispered to another couple, eyes glancing toward him and Danielle. “I need to speak to you, now,” Danielle demanded, heading toward a side door.

  Derrick followed her, temper pushing aside any embarrassment. He veered his path toward Byran. “Don’t let Arinna leave,” Derrick hissed to Byran as he passed. That would be the luck he’d have tonight, to have waited too long. But the night was only half over, even though it felt like Derrick had been there for half a day.

  Byran nodded once, glance chasing after Danielle where she’d slipped through a narrow doorway. At least they wouldn’t have this discussion in front of everyone, not that the rumor of it wouldn’t find its way out, even if they stood in a vault. Too many words and looks had been exchanged that night for no one to guess what was occurring.

  When Derrick stepped through the door, he saw her waiting in the center of the room, arms crossed as she stood staring into a dark corner where two laden bookshelves met. The lights of outdoor festivities spilled across the floor from a set of French doors at the far end, shadows of passing revelers breaking the light. But, most importantly, the room was private and empty.

  “My father’s illness makes him even more controlling. Don’t you see how much I need you? I thought I had a refuge here. That is what we agreed to all those years ago,” Danielle said as he approached. She walked toward him, tears shimmering on her cheeks.

  “And my father never spoke to you about coming?”

  “Why would he? Why do you need to imagine a conspiracy against you? I don’t want to see you become a part of the Guard. Me, not your father. That is how Pietre died. The war took both of my brothers. I will not lose you too.”

  Anger flashed amid the tears in her eyes. He almost believed her. He always almost believed her.

  “Fine, I’ll call my father to let him know you arrived and that we’ve talked. I’m assuming he will not have any idea what I’m referring to,” Derrick said, turning on his heel with every intention of asking Lady Fuller for a phone.

  “Enough. You don’t have to be so cold! Yes, I spoke to your father. He told me you are seeing someone,” Danielle said to Derrick’s back. He stopped. “I don’t care. You’ve strayed. I’ve strayed. But I want this to work. We can have a life together,” she argued.

  “What did you say?” Derrick said, searching her face as he turned to her. Relief washed over him. “You’ve been seeing someone?”

  “It wasn’t anyone you know,” Danielle stammered.

  “I wouldn’t care if it were Byran,” he said, wishing he’d thought of that option years before. Danielle might profess to hate Byran, but he had a knack for wooing women. His friend could have helped him end this far sooner. “I thought this would be hard, but you’ve made it so easy. Danielle, this ruse is over. Leave. You are not welcome in my home.”

  “For her? Some other woman?” Danielle scoffed.

  “No, because I don’t want to be with you.” That hit home. Danielle flinched. “I’ll have your things packed. Anything you don’t take immediately, I’ll have sent.”

  “But my father—”

  “Is dying. You should be with him,” Derrick said. For that, she slapped him. Then she stormed from the room. Derrick laughed though he kept quiet about it. There was a room full of people on the other side of the door after all.

  By all rights, he should escort her home. Derrick compromised with his conscience and followed Danielle to arrange his carriage to take her to Kesmere. And to give his driver strict instructions to have Danielle’s things packed. Danielle was on the far side of the ballroom, walking swiftly toward the main door when he emerged from the library. Two steps into the ballroom, the music ceased.

  “There is an announcement to be made,” Lady Fuller said as she stood before the musicians.

  Derrick froze. Across the room, Danielle glanced back at him, both questioning the other with a look. Derrick’s stomach hit his ankles when Arinna joined Lady Fuller.

  “I’m very happy to announce a wedding,” Arinna said, her words carried on a voice used to shouting orders through a battle though it currently held a great deal more warmth. “Maureen Simone, Captain Jared Vries’ long-time partner, has consented to wed him. The nuptials will be held at Rhiol this fall. All are invited.”

  Applause hid Derrick’s burst of laughter, as well as his lean against the door behind him. The coincidence of the announcement, much less who gave it, had almost been too much. The relief of undoing years caught in a poor decision combined with the tension of the previous moment left him weak-kneed.

  Derrick caught his carriage before Danielle had convinced the driver to leave. Derrick gave his whispered instructions on what was to be done at Kesmere, and then backed away without opening the door to check on Danielle. He saw her angry glare through the glass. It did not change his mind one bit.

  Back inside, there were only a few remaining to congratulate the Captain on his pending wedding. Derrick joined them, Byran and Isabella finding him as he reached Jared.

  “It will be the first wedding for the Guard, will it not?” Byran asked.

  “Yes,” Jared confirmed, glowing with both pleasure and embarrassment. He glanced at Arinna where she stood at his side. “We thought it was time a few things changed.”

  “Indeed,” Arinna said. “And speaking of that, I will not have you make a fool of yourself or Maureen at your wedding,” Arinna said to Captain Vries. “My lord earl, I need to instruct the Captain here on how to dance. Could you do me the favor of demonstrating?”

  The music had started again. Danielle was gone. And the evening was barely half over. “It would be my pleasure,” Derrick said, offering his arm.

  It took them two turns before both forgot the dance was supposed to be instructional for Jared. Her hand in his, the other lightly on his shoulder, and her body adjusting to his movements, following his lead with fluid ease, sent his heart racing. It was like their sword fighting. It was a prelude to making love. Derrick was having a horrible time keeping himself from kissing her.

  Arinna flashed him a wicked smile as if reading his thoughts. She composed her expression into one more polite and faintly serious. “I saw Danielle leave. Are you all right?”

  “Better than alright. She is leaving, heading home. Hopefully tonight. The engagement, however false it may have been, is over, and I am so glad of it.”

  “So am I,” Arinna answered. The music ended, leaving them staring at each other in the center of the room. “I couldn’t imagine planning a party, much less a wedding, at Rhiol without your help.”

  Derrick flicked his gaze to Captain Vries, who was in conversation with Isabella. “I think that is already being worked on. Considering you’ve lost your partner to wedding arrangements, and I’ve lost mine to a lac
k of them, may I have the next dance.”

  Arinna laughed, the sound mixing with the first notes. She took his hand again. “Everyone will get the wrong impression,” she warned him.

  “I’m thinking they are getting exactly the correct impression,” he said. This time he did kiss her though he kept it brief. “Though I’m not doing any of this for them,” he whispered. “And I hate to ask,” he added in a conversational tone. “But Byran, Isabella, and I need a ride home. I’ve lost my carriage.”

  “I may be able to help you there,” she said, amused.

  “I’d be in your debt. Though really, I already am. Thank you for trusting me, for coming here tonight, and for not quite giving up on me.”

  “You were right,” Arinna said. “I couldn’t hide, and I needed to listen to Jared. He and I work best together. And actually, we had a back up plan in place you couldn’t get free of Danielle. Captain Vries was going to swear you into the Guard. His idea, not mine,” she added, her eyes dancing, which offset her dry tone.

  Appreciative warmth choked his words for a moment. “That was my other option? Well now I’m disappointed.” Arinna stepped on his foot, hard.

  Chapter 2

  THE LADY GREY

  PLANS

  “We need someone who speaks fluent Mandarin or Russian, and with ties to China or Russia from before the war,” Jared told Derrick, Byran, and Isabella over breakfast.

  “And someone without ties to the Guard,” Arinna added. “They can’t be traced back to the military. Which is why we are asking you.”

  “Do you really think there are information leaks in your troops?” Isabella asked.

  “Derrick’s informants have proven there are,” Arinna pointed out.

  “So someone old wanting to return, or someone young wanting to find family,” Derrick said, sitting back in his chair as he thought.

  “I’m certain we could come up with a few names,” Byran said. “How soon do you need them?”