by R E Gauthier
Silence met Nikki’s comment.
“Willow, are you still there?” Nikki looked at her phone to ensure the call was still connected. “Willow?”
“I’m still here, but I don’t understand why you’ve changed your plans. You were adamant about finding Mack and bringing her home. You have everything to do that and made the trip to do it. What happened during the flight, to change your mind in such a drastic way?”
Nikki recalled Mack’s words in her dream. Whatever you do, don’t tell anyone you’re helping me… don’t trust anyone. You cannot tell another soul, not even Torres or Deb. Nikki nibbled on her lips and thought of how she could give Willow an explanation without divulging too much about Mack, but enough so Willow could help her with finding the Ghost. “I have to be careful, but I need you to do a secret search for someone called the Ghost.”
After a long period of silence, Willow giggled and then said, “for a moment, I got an odd feeling you were asking me to do something dangerous. You’re joking, right?”
“Willow, listen to me. This is very serious, and I need you to be careful who you talk with. I cannot have you mention what I’m asking you to do. You can’t talk to anyone about it. I need a deep dive on the dark web searching for this person, and he’s dangerous as are the people he associates with; you have to use stealth modes, leaving no trace of yourself. I have no one I can trust to do this. I don’t have access to a computer to do it on my own. Can I trust you to do this, or will I need to come home to do it myself?”
Willowed whispered, “you can trust me, Nikki, but are you in danger? How did you learn all of this in the hours since you left the States?”
Nikki knew she had to keep the aspects of Mack’s gift to herself. She may be able to trust Willow with somethings, but Mack’s safety could depend on Nikki, keeping it a secret that her best friend could contact Nikki outside of ordinary means. “I have my ways, and I cannot endanger my sources. When you find something, use this burner phone to contact me, I won’t reach out to you and if you don’t hear from me, don’t worry.”
“Nikki, how can you ask me not to worry? You’re in a strange place by yourself and have no one to help you if you do get into trouble. I’m going to worry.”
“I’m not alone; I’ll have people helping me here. Torres gave me contacts.” Nikki also had a number to call if she needed any help if she got into trouble. Nanna gave her a phone number to reach what Nanna called ‘the family.’ Nanna told Nikki if she needed anything, from a place to stay, transportation within the country, or way out of the country. Nikki was to call that number and tell the man one word, “Mo Chridhe.” “Don’t worry; I’ll be safe. I have my resources and wouldn’t have come here if I thought I couldn’t handle myself.” Willow didn’t know all of the specifics of her full plan. Nikki packed her Glock in a locked box and had to pick it up at customs from the airport security. Flying with a weapon wasn’t easy, but Nikki had special permits, and her identity named her as an International Investigator. She had to check in with the Scotland Police to notify them she was in the country and working on an investigation. Torres thought of a full backstory and told her it would hold up to any check. “I need to go, but Willow remember what I said, don’t tell anyone about what you’re doing. Promise me; you’ll keep it a secret.”
“I promise, but you have to make me a promise as well,” Willow said.
Nikki frowned because keeping every promise wasn’t going to be easy. “Anything.”
“Promise me you will not do anything that will get you into more trouble than you can handle. I know as an FBI agent, you dealt with quite a bit of danger, but you had Mack to help you then. You don’t have her now, and you cannot take the same risks. Please don’t take more risks than you can manage.”
“Willow, I’m—”
“Promise me; I have you back in my life, and I don’t want to lose you.” Willow choked back a sob.
Nikki wished she could be there in person to assure Willow she wasn’t in any danger she couldn’t handle. “I’m not going to take any unnecessary risks, and if I do take risks, they will be ones I can manage, I promise.” She added to herself: Mack is with me and will keep me in line.
***
Nikki’s Hotel Room, Edinburgh, Scotland, April 17, 2012
Nikki arrived at her hotel and unpacked the meager computer equipment she brought with her. Her trusty laptop was equipped with encryption and an IP address scrambler, allowing Nikki to do some of the searches for the Ghost, but it couldn’t do as much as she would like. She also unpacked her Glock and the ammunition she packed for the trip. She wasn’t sure how easy it would be to acquire ammo if need be. Nikki hoped she wouldn’t need to defend herself, but was prepared if she did.
Her first order of business after unpacking was to find some food. Her stomach complained it hadn’t had much in the way of sustenance since leaving the airport. Her stop at the Police station to register her gun and notify the local law enforcement of her presence took longer than she had hoped. Most of the day was gone, and the beginning of the early evening was upon her. A search of the room resulted in finding the room service menu. Tonight, Nikki would have to settle for the hotel’s restaurant fare, but tomorrow she decided to do the touristy thing and look for good local restaurants and pubs. Torres also gave her a few CI names she could contact, that may know more about the local crime syndicates. Someone may have heard about the Ghost. Mack had told her to be careful, so Nikki wasn’t about to ask for the person by name.
While waiting for her food to be delivered, Nikki decided to call Miranda and let her know that Mack had contacted her.
“Hello, who is this?” A sleepy-sounding, Miranda asked.
Shit, did I forget about the time difference? After a quick calculation, Nikki realized it was only one o’clock in the afternoon in Canonsburg. “Sorry, did I wake you? Miranda, it’s me, Nikki. I wanted to call and let you know I landed in Scotland, and I had a visitor in my dreams.”
Miranda coughed. “I’m fighting a nasty cold. That’s what I get for going out the other day with wet hair. I lay down earlier and fell asleep after some tea. You said you had a visitor in your dream; I’m glad she was able to reach out to you.”
Nikki wasn’t surprised that Mack had visited her fiancée’s dreams. Glad that the two had been reunited in a way, she said, “I bet that must have been quite the reunion.”
Miranda’s giggle verified Nikki’s guess. “It was bittersweet because I know she is still so far away from me. Did she tell you when she is coming home?”
Nikki thought Mack would have told her lover something about her situation and when she could expect to be home. Mack must want to keep the flow of information to the minimum for safety’s sake. Deciding to trust Mack knew best, Nikki said as little as she could. “Mack only told me that she was safe and needed me to do something for her and keep it on the down-low to keep everyone safe. She didn’t mention a timeframe. I’m to sit tight until I hear from her again.”
“Kelsey told you more than she told me. I’m used to it, though. I only wished she could give me some sort of estimated time that she’d be back home.” Miranda sighed. “at least we know she is safe and will be home soon.”
Nikki frowned. Miranda didn’t need to know that Mack wasn’t as safe as she let on to Miranda. It would be best for Nanna and Miranda not to know that Mack wasn’t out of danger yet, and Nikki would do all she could do to keep them in the dark. “Yes, and I’m sure Mack will do all she can do to get home in time for the wedding. I know that is her number one priority right now.” The last part was true. “I should go and let you get more rest. Get well soon, because when Mack does get home, she won’t let you get much sleep.”
“Nikki, you’re bad.” Miranda giggled and then coughed. “It does sound like I may be losing this battle. Nanna has some concoction for me down in the kitchen. Take care of yourself, and thank you for calling. You’ve helped set my and Nanna’s minds at ease. Come home, and bring her wi
th you as soon as you can.”
“I will, and give Nanna a kiss and hug from me.”
“Will do. Bye, Nikki.”
Nikki said goodbye and ended the call. That went well, now let’s see if I can keep my promises.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Aisling’s Office, Near Edinburgh, Scotland, April 20, 2012
Kelsey watched Aisling down another shot of whiskey. Frowning, she thought of a way to distract her cousin from her destructive behavior. Aunt Cat told her that Aisling never drank or did drugs when Marina was around, maybe she could use this woman to help Aisling now. “Aisling, can we talk about Marina?”
Aisling gasped and whirled around. “What did you say? How do you…?”
Kelsey said, “I overheard her name—” Multiple emotions slammed into Kelsey. Fear, anger, and dread came from Aisling and entered Kelsey.
Raising her hand to stop any further discussion, Aisling lowered her voice. “No one here would mention that name. Were you talking to my mother about her?” Not waiting to hear the answer, Aisling grabbed Kelsey’s arm. “Come with me, don’t say another word.”
Kelsey followed along behind her cousin, without talking. All the while, she felt her cousin’s deep emotional turmoil.
They walked out of the house through the patio doors and strode across the garden in silence. Arriving at the far end of the garden, Aisling spun to face Kelsey and whispered, “You can never speak about her here. Do you hear me?” Aisling’s hands trembled, and her face was a pale, gray color. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and her eyes darted about the area where they stood. “Tell me you didn’t talk to my mother about her in the house.”
Kelsey shook her head. Why did the mention of Marina cause Aisling to shake with fear? What hadn’t Aunt Cat told her about the two women’s relationship? “We were out on the patio. Why are you so afraid of me talking about Mar—”
“Don’t say her name! I cannot go into it right now, but she isn’t one to toy with. I said that we’re hiding from the Ghost, but right now, I’m more afraid of what will happen if anyone finds out you are here, especially her.” Aisling wrung her hands. “Shit, this is the worst thing you could do. I knew I should have…”
Kelsey felt her muscles tense. Her heart rate increased, and sweat formed on her upper lip. Aisling didn’t know how to share her stress with anyone. I’m tired of her treating me like I cannot handle things. “Aisling, this has got to stop. I’m not the child you once knew, and I can handle myself. Tell me what has you in such a state of terror about this woman knowing I spoke her name or that I am here?”
Bowing her head and muttering something under her breath, it was evident that Aisling struggled with something. “Just trust me and don’t ask me about her,” she hissed through clenched teeth.
Kelsey saw fear turn to anger as Aisling’s nostrils flared, and she balled her hands into fists. She didn’t know the woman in front of her. Trying to reach her cousin through their shared childhood wouldn’t work. Aisling’s life experiences had hardened her into a woman used to fighting for her very survival. The fearful woman was gone and in her place was a woman ready to fight if need be. Deciding it was best to bide her time to bring up Marina Carlotti again, Kelsey relented. “I’m sorry I upset you. I had no idea that mentioning her name would cause you this much concern. I won’t bring her up until you are ready to talk about her.”
Letting out a deep breath, Aisling closed her eyes. “That won’t happen anytime soon. Just promise you won’t speak her name again, while we’re here.”
Kelsey wanted Aisling to clarify if here meant anywhere on the property or did Aisling meanwhile they were in the UK. Unsure of the extent of Marina’s hold on her cousin and why the woman evoked so much fear, Kelsey decided to promise with a contingency clause. “I’ll promise not to mention her name, only if you promise that when you can, you will tell me everything about her. I’m not your feeble-minded mother that you can satisfy with assurances or half-truths. When the times comes, you will tell me about her, or I will find out on my own.”
Aisling pursed her lips together and then nodded. “Okay, I promise that I’ll tell you everything as soon as I can. For now, please don’t talk about her, especially to my mother. I don’t placate her, and Mom’s illness has made her unable to differentiate between what she can and should say; she isn’t feeble-minded.”
Kelsey felt awful what she said while annoyed. “I didn’t mean to imply—”
“It doesn’t matter what you meant to do; we know each other, but don’t. We once trusted each other more than anyone else in our lives. I never thought you’d go behind my back or betray me, but I don’t know you, and obviously, you aren’t the same person who grew up with me.” Aisling turned to leave and then stopped. “Don’t use my mother again to learn what you want to know. Come to me, and if I can, I will tell you what it is you desperately need to know. If I don’t tell you something, it’s for your protection.”
Kelsey watched the stiffness in Aisling’s demeanor. Her cousin’s body stood erect with head held high, and a flat look in her eyes. Sadness built up inside of Kelsey. Knowing that the distance between the two of them, was caused by the years they spent apart, Kelsey vowed she would work on this division to heal the wounds that lay between them. “I won’t talk to her like that again. I’m sorry. I wanted to…I couldn’t bear watching you destroy yourself.”
Aisling closed her eyes. “It’s my life, and you should worry more about staying safe. This country is full of people who will hurt you and use you to hurt my family and me. Some people go to extremes to get what they want; you’ll do well to remember that.”
With that, Aisling turned and walked away.
The sadness, she felt because of the rift between her and Aisling, deepened and spread through Kelsey. I’m not sure if we can ever bridge that gap between us.
***
Outside Aisling’s Bedroom, Near Edinburgh, Scotland April 20, 2012
A flurry of activity followed Kelsey and Aisling’s discussion about not discussing Marina Carlotti. The household staff reminded her of bees leaving the hive in search of nectar. The maids and housekeepers were bustling about when Kelsey entered the house from the garden. Stopping one of the younger maids, Kelsey asked her what was going on.
“We need to arrange for the ladies of the house to leave later today.”
Leave? Did this have to do with her mentioning Marina? “When are the ladies leaving?”
The young maid, whose name Kelsey couldn’t remember, said, “I’ve been told everyone is leaving. You are going as well.”
Kelsey thanked the maid and let her get back to her work. I must have freaked Aisling out; she’s terrified of Marina learning about my presence here.
Kelsey went in search of her cousin to find the answers to why their immediate departure was in the works and why no one thought to tell her. Upstairs in the wing, Kelsey saw Aisling coming from many times, she saw a door open and her cousin exit. Striding quickly, Kelsey demanded, “when were you going to tell me we are leaving? Or were you going to have your thugs knock me out, and I’d wake up in a strange place again?”
Aisling’s face paled. “I’ve apologized profusely for your treatment, but it was paramount they make it look like you died. I asked them to be more careful. We don’t have time to argue or discuss your inappropriate treatment. I was about to go and tell you; you beat me to it.”
“What is the rush? Why do we have to leave now?” Kelsey didn’t want to argue but did think it wasn’t too much to ask to be included in the discussion or reasoning behind their need to leave.
“We don’t have the time to discuss the why, what, or when. Please, get ready to leave; we leave in an hour.” Aisling turned, opened the door, and entered the room.
The door closed, ending the discussion.
Kelsey took a few deep breaths and closed her eyes. Attempting to calm her rattled nerves, she stood in place until she felt she could trust her legs to walk. Ang
er made her tremble. No one had ever treated her with so much disrespect and indifference. Kelsey had a harder time dealing with the fact that that treatment came from a person she loved very much.
On leaden legs, Kelsey walked to the room where she stayed since arriving in this house. She wasn’t about to let this fiasco continue. As soon as she could, Kelsey had decided to demand Aisling let her in, or she would leave and find a way to help her aunt, uncle, and away from Aisling’s stifling control.
***
Catrina’s Bedroom, Near Edinburgh, Scotland, April 20, 2012
“Mother, we need to leave. We can have someone come back for anything you may need later.” Aisling felt her frustration build. Her mother’s unreasonable fear of losing her things were annoying when all Aisling needed right now was to get away from this house as quickly as she could. Taking a few slow, deep breaths, Aisling tried again to explain the urgency to her mother. “We cannot wait much longer. Please, Mom; she could come back at any moment.”
“I don’t understand. You said she left and wasn’t coming back. You argued, and she said she wouldn’t be back this time.” Cat put her hands on her hips. “Now, where did I put that coat. If we’re going up north, I will need it.”
Aisling's anger boiled. Her mother had been listening in. She didn’t want Marina to hurt her mother, but how many times had Marina warned Aisling that she would tell her mother the truth. She did everything to protect her mother, and Marina used that fact to control her. Not anymore. Not after what you did. Aisling wasn’t going to let Marina hurt anyone she loved again. “She’s going to come after Kelsey. She almost made good on her promise to keep her from finding us once. I cannot let her hurt anyone I love again. Mom, she has people watching this place, and she’ll be here soon. We need to leave NOW!”