by Tara Brown
“Well, isn’t this just a pot of doom. What exactly are we going to do with this?”
His dark brow lowered over his eyes. “Evie, this changes nothing. I am still me.” A slow grin spread across his lips. “Still smarter than you, younger than you, and I hate to say it, but far handsomer than you.”
“And he can get us into places you can’t.” Coop smiled wide from the front seat.
“And he draws attention so when we are chilling out in Europe people stop and stare at him and then their eyes slowly scan our faces,” Luce added with a little venom in her tone.
Jack looked wounded.
I sat back in my chair and sighed, already exhausted and the road trip had just started. Luce gave me a knowing look and then turned back to the window.
We drove in awkward silence.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Wedding bells spell disaster
The Neuschwanstein Castle turned out to be the largest tourist attraction I had ever been to. I thought Disney was off the hook, but the castle was a thousand times worse.
“This place is nuts,” I mumbled as I glanced out the window.
“It’s not as bad as the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.”
I looked at Luce and laughed. “You have a sickness.”
“It’s going to get much worse now that it’s out in the open. I’ve always kept it hidden.” She cringed. “I love Prince Harry.”
“He’s my favorite too,” I added and climbed out of the car when Coop parked.
“I’m going to hang here.” Jack looked at the crowd and then the rest of us.
“Good idea.” Luce mocked him. “It would be like the Beatles had showed up I’m sure. Everyone wants to see a real prince outside a real castle.” She turned and stalked off.
Jack looked down, nodding and taking the abuse.
I walked next to Coop toward the entrance. “It’s like the worst foreplay I have ever endured.”
“Yeah, they need to fuck and get it over with. Jack is absolutely in love with her and her pride is wounded.”
I gave him a sideways glare. “How would you like to find out the true identity of the person you thought loved you? I know I don't want to turn on the TV and see him shaking hands casually with the one prince I have always wanted to meet. And he had a girl on his arm.”
“His sister.”
“She didn’t know it was his sister. Just some hot chick who was good enough to take to the ball where Luce wasn't. She’s good enough to fuck but not good enough to tell the truth to?”
He lifted his hands. “Oh, I get it. You don't have to spell it out for me. I understand completely.” He shrugged. “I just think you girls need to realize that Jack is embarrassed. To be honest, he hates his life in France. He hates that his father and mother have the political views they do. He hates the spotlight. He avoids the cameras at all costs. He isn’t coming with us because he doesn't want to be Jacque Hollander. He likes being nerdy Jack in the basement with the glasses and poopsock jokes. His dad doesn't understand gaming or even relaxing. It’s all about schedules and timelines and public approval. He’s the black sheep and because of all that, we’re his family.”
We walked past a village at the base of the mountain that looked to be staged. Kids bought candy and ice cream from the Bavarian-themed houses and shops that lined the cobblestone roadways. It was like a theme park but real. Luce bought tour tickets for us and caught up.
We strolled like tourists. I even pulled out my phone and snapped photos for the kids. It was exactly like it should have been, so European and yet touristy. I knew no matter what happened in the world, Jules needed to see this. It made me believe in magic.
“Imagine that there was once a king so romantic he built a castle like this one?” Luce muttered, almost to herself as she was lost in a daydream staring up at the huge hill we were about to embark on. “Imagine the balls.”
“There wouldn't have been balls, Luce. Ludwig was known for being a recluse. Plays and orchestras played for him alone,” Coop mentioned as he too took photos from the base.
“Bummer.” Luce shrugged. “But I can dream.”
We strolled along up the hill, taking photos and touristing. I assumed we were all doing the same thing though, searching for Servario in the crowd of people going up and down.
“This is quite the hike.” I noticed people were huffing and puffing all around us.
“We could take the shuttle or the horse-drawn carriage ride.”
I gave Luce a look. “We should have.”
“I love horse-drawn carriage rides.” She beamed. It was super strange to see her so girlie and excited. Like watching her get the makeover on the plane with Roxy.
“He should be on the stairs. That's where Cinderella lost her shoe.” Coop gave me a look.
“How many sets of stairs are we talking? This place is built on a frikkin’ mountaintop. Why don't you guys go on the tour when we get to the gates, and I will see if I can’t explore the grounds a little.” I couldn't stop nattering as I searched for him.
Coop looked like he wanted to argue, but Luce didn't give him a chance. She grabbed his arm and headed through the sand and red brick gatehouse at the front of the castle and over to the lineup to start the tour. I waved and grinned like a jackass. He was about to suffer, and I couldn't get enough of it.
I walked through the red brick gates and along the courtyard, imagining how it must look in the winter. The pale bricks of the main castle were more than I expected. It too was magical.
I hurried out of bounds and crept up the side, checking out the area for pathways I could follow. The cool summer breeze toyed with my hair as I made my way along the rocky path. The cliffs were terrifying.
Realizing quickly there was nothing along the side but cliffs and walls, I hurried back to the main courtyard. At one side of the castle, nearest to the tower, there was a single set of stairs. It was smaller and plain and not at all where Servario would wait. He was too showy for something so simple.
I turned around and headed back to the large courtyard where the tourists had mostly gathered. The cascading staircase was grand, and when I stood back and looked at it, I could see Cinderella running down the steps, maybe losing her shoe on the landing between one of the flights.
She was holding the bottom of her dress up in her arms and had a panicked look on her face.
Her prince would come from the top, shouting her name and hurrying after her.
I turned around, seeing the gilded coach in my mind’s eye. Of course it was fancy and awaiting her. The footmen had the doors open and the driver cracked the whip just as her toes touched the inside. It was fabulous to imagine.
I could see how Luce was lost in it, the fantasy and the fairytales.
Turning back I looked up onto the stairs, smiling when the sun glinted from a glass shoe in the hand of a grinning man. He was very pleased with himself and had caught me daydreaming.
I pretended not to see him, again looking at the surroundings through my phone like everyone else was.
When I met him on the stairs, the slipper was resting on the stone railing. “You figured it out.”
“It was easy.”
He glanced at me. “You mean for Jack, obviously.”
“It was Coop actually.”
“Of course it was.” He sighed. “Young Cooper would have been just the right age when Cinderella came out, wouldn't he?” he paused. “No, wait he would have been too young. Must be that wonderful memory of his then.”
I folded my arms. “Did you know who Jack was all along?”
His eyes sparkled. “You mean His Royal Highness? Yes. His father and I were friends when I was young. We would frequent Monte Carlo. He’s very good at poker.”
“Why doesn't that surprise me?”
He left the shoe and started walking up the last of the stairs. “I think at this point nothing should surprise you. You should be ready for the unexpected at all times.”
&n
bsp; “We are going to blow up the Burrow.”
He glanced back, his eyes narrowing. “Now that surprises me and rarely do you surprise me, Evie.” He lifted the ruby ring from his pocket and fingered it. “Twice in two days. Bravo.”
“We want to level the playing field.”
That made him chuckle. “And destroying the Burrow will level what exactly?”
“Removing the weapons cache will prevent the Organization from using any of it.”
“I suppose.” He held a hand out for me as we entered the massive doors to the entryway. “You must see the grotto. It is a wonder of its time. A fake cave to represent the cave in Wagner’s Tannhauser. Quite something.”
I gave him a look. “You realize this isn’t an expedition, right?”
“No. I certainly do not realize that. We are on a date.” He took my hand in his and pulled me inside. He didn't let go of my hand as we walked. “To destroy the Burrow, one of you will have to go back. That in itself is a death sentence. Not to mention, you will have to find a way to smuggle something in to destroy the area. Clearly, you have to make it look like an accident so the Japanese don't go to war with whoever does the deed. America will not thank you for fucking that up. And lastly, you will have to find a way to do it all and get out. That will be the tricky part.”
“Why does it have to be so hard?”
“It was made to be hard. No planes can land nearby. No one would dare declare war on Japan for some weaponry and technology. This isn’t going to be easy, Evie. It was made to last.”
“How would you do it?”
That brought a grin to his lips as he pointed at the artwork and fineries. “Now that is the right question.” He leaned in closely, brushing his lips against mine. “I would use the nanorobots that just happen to be there.”
I gave him a look. “You knew?”
“Of course.”
I wasn't sure how he did, but he had surprised me again. “Let me guess, you have the codes as well?”
He pressed his lips together. “What if I do?” He glanced over, offering his seductive smirk. I looked down at my right hand, noticing the ruby was there suddenly. He had slid it on so gently, not like last time. I lifted my fingers, trying desperately not to be impressed, but there was something about a Harry Winston ring being on your finger while you stood in the most beautiful castle that just made the world stand still.
I closed my fingers, in case he wanted to take the ring back. I wasn't agreeing to his terms, and he obviously wasn't able to agree to mine just yet, but it felt nice to pretend this was us for a moment or so. “What do I have to do to get those codes from you?”
“Marry me.”
I stopped dead in my tracks.
He looked back, scowling. “You don't have to be so melodramatic about it. I didn't ask for a kidney.” He leaned in. “It would be the right moment for a huge gala—Gustavo Servario marries. Imagine the people who would come to that.”
My mouth dried. “You heard us talking?”
“Of course I did. You overconfident morons never check for bugs. It’s a problem. Americans always think they are the top of the food chain.”
I yanked him closer. “Stop dicking with me and tell me what you mean. Are you in with us? Will you help us destroy the Burrow and host the gala of doom?”
“No. It was a joke. You needed a gala.” His voice trailed off, but he was still grinning, although nothing about it had been funny. “I will get Jack those codes.” His gaze softened as he continued, “And I will marry you one day, Evie, but our wedding day will be a celebration, not a doomsday. Once I get those codes, my involvement in the Burrow and the Organization stops there.” He gave me a smug grin. “Here’s that other address you were seeking.”
I lifted the paper and shuddered, seeing the Blackpool address with several names listed below it.
“Let’s go check out the bedroom. I think you’ll like it.” He led me through the castle, pointing out art and architecture. We didn't discuss anything serious. We held hands and walked through a castle where a fairytale king once lived. He leaned in and whispered small things such as he liked the way I smelled or he wished we were alone. He never said a single disgusting thing, to the point that I started to miss his dirty mouth.
When I had received the full tour of the castle, throne rooms, grotto, bedrooms, and paintings galore, he walked me back through the front gates and stopped at the large archway.
“This is where I leave you.”
I slipped the ring off my finger and placed it in his hand, squeezing before I let go. “I will miss you.”
“I will be close enough that you won’t even have to aim; you just might not see me.”
Ignoring his pathetic attempt at the stupid joke, I sighed. “I know.” I stood on my tiptoes and brushed my lips against his. “See you in the shadows then.”
He nodded, stoic and somehow seemingly detached from the fact that we would part again.
I turned away from him and walked down the hill alone until I got to the car. Everyone else was back and waiting for me.
“Hey.” I climbed in and looked back at the fairytale above us.
“Was it as romantic as it looked?” Luce flashed a grin.
“No. He knows so much about castles and history it got a bit boring.” I tried to hide the disappointment in my tone. We had truly toured a castle and done sightseeing, and he hadn’t been ungentlemanly the entire time.
“Well, I think it’s all very interesting. I’m sort of bummed I missed the tour.” Jack drove down the hill, away from the castle. “What did he say about the Burrow?”
“He has the codes for the bots, of course, and he will get them for you but he refuses to help. I think he believes it's a suicide mission, and unfortunately, his sense of self-preservation is a bit too strong for this one.”
“It is a suicide mission.” Coop turned around in the front seat. His dark-blue eyes were heavy. “It’s a suicide mission to kill innocents. No wonder he wants no part in it. You know it’s bad when even a scumbag terrorist wants no part in it.”
Scumbag terrorist was starting to bug me. I snapped, “It’s our freedom, Coop. Them or us. That's how we have to see it now. We are in hiding and not doing our actual jobs and not living because of this one place filled with people who could ruin tomorrow. Is that what you want to die for? The end of tomorrow? I want to live. I want my life back.”
“Our jobs have always been to take out the threat. I just have a hard time feeling threatened by these people. Maybe if we knew what they were guilty of. What the threats were.” His back hair was obviously getting riled up as well.
Luce shrugged, visibly not caring about getting fired up. “I want my life back too. I don't care what they did. I don't mind dying for a cause but this isn’t one. This is a fucking mistake is what it is. Sticking all those weapons in one place is ridiculous, but to have so many people know about it is even worse. We’re correcting a problem.”
Jack glanced at us all in the rearview. “I’m with you guys. While I agree it would be nice to have a real life again, the idea that they positioned that magnitude of weapons and scientists in one place is baffling. It was my first thought when we saw it. And this hiding all the time is terrible. It’s one thing being CI. That involves being careful and secretive and living off the grid for a while. This is a whole other thing.”
Coop looked at us all and lifted his hands in defeat. “All right. If we do this, then we do it so all four of us walk away. No one dies and no one gets caught. If Servario gets the codes for the bots then we might stand a chance, right?” He looked directly at Jack.
“I want to say yes, but I need a plan. What will we do in the meantime?”
“I have an idea.” I lifted the paper Servario gave me. “But it has nothing to do with the Burrow, but I think it will feel like the old CI days.”
Jack drove and I explained.
Chapter Twenty-Four
What’s a bit of pissing and kissing be
tween old lovers?
The rumble of the plane had relaxed me until we landed in Blackpool. The airfield to the south of the city was much smaller than I had expected and the bumpy landing wasn't the end of the long day I had anticipated.
Dragging my carry-on off the plane, I didn't have to work at looking annoyed with life. Being a mom traveling to a foreign country for work wasn't a stretch for me. I was annoyed and tired and impatient.
When I got to the car, my driver, Luce in a driver’s uniform, offered me a hateful look as she got my bags. She didn't get the door for me and looked miserable. It was pretty perfect.
When she started the car and drove out of the airport I spoke, “Did Jack find everyone?”
“Yeah. The address is actually a taxi company, not black cab drivers but all foreigners. The British black cab drivers hate them. Bit of a rivalry. The guys who own it also own the kebab restaurant where they say the girl was ground into the meat.” She shuddered and gave me a look in the rearview. “This whole thing is making me fucking sick. I have seen a lot of dodgy shit these last two weeks.”
“It’s making me sick too.” I turned my head and watched as we drove past the industrial part of the city. “Do they own anything else?”
“An apartment building. The girls are brought there and it’s run brothel-style. You get the room for the hour a couple of nights a week and it comes with a girl. It can change or be the same girl, whatever you like. By girl, I mean girl. These are fifteen- to nineteen-year-olds. I am going to cut some dicks off. I can feel it.” She had spent two weeks here with Jack, doing surveillance and lifting up the rocks to see what kind of underworld came crawling out. She was visibly disturbed by what she had seen.
“So they have a monthly payment plan then?” My skin crawled, but I had to keep it business.
“Yeah. They have a lease agreement. It’s all on the up and up as far as paperwork goes.”