Cassandra shrugged. “Of course. What would you like to know?”
Richard tilted his head. “They say you knew him before he was leading the Free Communities. Even before he released the Eden virus on the world. What sort of man is he?”
Cassandra leaned forward to look the prince in the eye. “A military man, before this. A combat lifesaver, as I’m sure you know. A man of honor and duty. Someone I trust with my life. A man who always tries to do the right thing. A man with faith in God, but not a fanatic. I think you would like him.”
“I suspect I would,” said Richard. “It is a pity we can never meet.”
“Why is that?”
Richard sat back. “You know why. Such a meeting would be…misinterpreted. Soon, I will be King and hereditary ruler of my nation and its people, not to mention titular head of the Commonwealth countries…which may come to mean more than it has lately. Unfortunately, the elected government will expect me to perpetuate this farcical neutrality. I’m sure Geoffrey talked to you about this.”
“He has,” said Cassandra.
“Then you realize that I cannot risk meeting directly with the leader of the Free Communities. That’s why you and I needed to meet in the manner we have. I understand you’re close enough to Markis to speak in his name.”
Cassandra nodded. “Very probably, though with powerful men there’s always the possibility of being overruled. Still…perhaps Your Royal Highness could explain to me what exactly it is you would like me to convey to him.”
Richard stood and walked to look out the panoramic window. “I know you’re an Eden, and I have studied the virus and its effects very carefully. There is much to admire.”
“I agree,” said Cassandra. She hesitated before adding. “One of the most admirable traits is that it’s available to all. Theoretically, anyway.”
Richard tugged the sleeves of his shirt farther down to cover his scarred hands. “It may be available to all, but not all can allow themselves to be infected. You must know that the virus is not popular among some power blocs in the U.K. An infected ruler could be seen as taking sides. It might well tear the country apart.”
“Or it could be seen as courageous leadership and cause the common people to change how they think about Edens,” Cassandra said. “When you’re crowned, you’ll be even more popular than you are now. There will never be a better time to take a chance. Your elected government will never dare to speak against you. It would be cutting its own throat.”
Richard frowned and shook his head. “Maybe, but there’s no guarantee it would work out that way. It’s too much to wager on one cast of the dice. And even if the winds blew my way among my own, becoming an Eden would antagonize Russia and the United States both, which are in rare accord on this issue. We cannot afford to be seen as standing against both.”
“So what is it you want from Daniel Markis?” Cassandra asked.
“My brother’s public death left a deep scar on my family. Albert was supposed to be king. He would have made a good one, but he never got the chance. Now,” and here Richard took a deep breath, “I’m going to trust you with official secrets.”
“I’m not bound by your laws, you know.”
“Your word to keep this confidential from everyone but Markis is enough.”
Cassandra lifted her eyebrow. “You have my word…but he might decide to tell someone else.”
“Then that will show me how foolish I’ve been to extend my trust. Call it a test.” Richard took a sip of his drink, watching her.
“All right, then. Go on.”
“Albert is still alive, though well hidden.”
“Ah.” Cassandra’s mind whirled. Of course, the royal family wouldn’t let one of their own die when there was an alternative.
“There’s more. The queen has been ruling for a long time, but she would like to step down.” He then looked at her expectantly.
Cassandra’s eyes widened. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
Richard sighed. “My mother would like to accept the virus and its benefits, but doing so openly would carry the same political risks I just outlined, so she will also have to die…in the public mind, at least. We would conduct an elaborate state funeral of course, but we believe that given time she could lead a relatively normal life, somewhere out of the public eye.”
Cassandra sat there stunned. “The Queen? Where would she live?”
“That’s the crux of the problem,” Richard said. “She looks like who she is now, so she would also have to remain well hidden, with the minimum number of people in the know. When she regains her youth, she will change her hair, dress and manners. Once out of Britain and away from the royal context, it is likely no one will make the connection. Albert could join her.”
“Out of Britain,” said Cassandra starting to get the picture. “You mean, somewhere in the Free Communities.”
“Some out-of-the-way place in Australia, we were thinking, or perhaps New Zealand,” said Richard. “Geoffrey tells me Markis is concluding an arrangement to bring Oz completely into the FC, and the Kiwis will likely follow suit. Given their historical connection to the mother country, we believe one of those would be a good fit.”
“But everything relies upon secrecy,” said Geoffrey suddenly.
“Yes,” said Richard. “Everyone will believe she is dead and must continue to believe that. She wants to lead a simple life without a large security detail. Perhaps a few discreet attendants could go along, posing as relatives. And Albert, of course.”
“A simple life?” Cassandra chuckled. “Are you sure she is really ready for that?”
Richard laughed in return. “You think because we’re rich and live pampered lives that we would want it no other way. Remember that we didn’t choose our roles. They were thrust upon us. Did you know that Albert wanted nothing more than to be an actor? He would have made a good one too, but that could not be allowed. Can you imagine a royal on the stage or silver screen?”
“I guess not,” Cassandra said. “But forgive me for saying...your mother has lived that pampered life for many years. Is she sure she knows what she’s asking for?”
“She is determined. My mother looks forward to the day when she can live a life where every step or move or word doesn’t appear on the front page of a newspaper to be analyzed. She’ll be young again with a world of possibilities, with no ties, as of course my father is long dead. She looks forward to a world where she can explore careers of her choosing and decide what she really wants to do. The freedom of that life is appealing.”
“Even to you?” Cassandra asked before thinking.
Richard stared at her. “Especially to me, but again, duty and honor call. Maybe one day I’ll escape down that path, but not today.”
“So you wish Markis and me to arrange for her to settle in Australia or New Zealand and keep your secret?”
“A little more than that,” Geoffrey said. “We would also like you to share any intelligence you obtain concerning potential threats to her. We also request that you keep an eye on her and let us know how she is doing.”
Cassandra smiled. “I suspect that the soon-to-be former queen doesn’t know about that last part.”
“Correct,” said Richard. “And I would like to keep it that way. I don’t want to control her or run her life, but she is my mother after all. I’ll worry about her.”
“I understand,” said Cassandra. “When is she looking to make the, ah...transition?”
“As soon as possible,” Richard answered. “Now that the idea is in her head, she seems almost frantic to turn into an Eden. I think she’s afraid she’ll die of something before this can happen.”
“Makes sense; she is elderly,” said Cassandra. “Pardon my bluntness, Your Royal Highness: this was described to me as an agreement, but it sounds like a favor. I’m sure we could certainly accommodate you, and you would owe us something in the future, but I suspect that was not what you had in mind.”
“
No, I like to keep the books balanced,” said Richard, nodding his head toward Geoffrey.
“In return for this,” said Geoffrey, “His Royal Highness pledges to work behind the scenes to cooperate with the Free Communities on issues of mutual concern, such as the fate of persecuted Edens. As a first step, he’ll use his influence with the Kenyan government to attempt to gain temporary asylum for the Edens trapped in Ethiopia.”
“Pardon me again for being so blunt,” said Cassandra, “and I am grateful for the support, but from my understanding, the royal family has very little real authority or power anymore. I need to know that you can help. Ten thousand lives depend upon it.”
“What is real authority?” Richard asked, his jaw tight.
Cassandra started to reply, but he cut her off.
“Real authority,” he said, “is the ability to influence people, not a set of rules on paper. You should know that the royal family still has plenty of influence, which only grows in times of crisis...like now. When I tell you I will help with your Ethiopian situation, you should not doubt me.”
Cassandra’s face smoothed. “I don’t doubt your intentions, Your Royal Highness…only the limits others place upon you. I am grateful for your help. My concern has to be for those in danger, not for the niceties of protocol.” She cocked her head. “It’s not so easy to set aside the privileges of rank after all, is it?”
“Perhaps not,” said Richard, sighing. “Like I said before, you’re an honest woman. That’s a good and rare thing. So few people are frank and straightforward anymore, especially with me.” Cassandra noticed him flick his eyes at Geoffrey when he said this.
“I have to talk with Markis first,” she said, “but I don’t think anything we discussed tonight will be a problem. May I give you an answer in the morning?”
“Please work out all the details with Geoffrey. I’m afraid we must not meet again after this. Rest assured, it has been a distinct pleasure.” He held out his hand.
Cassandra stood and had the nearly overwhelming desire to curtsy but resisted. Besides she was in a long formal and had no idea how the logistics of such a move would work out. She met his palm with hers. “The pleasure has been all mine, Your Royal Highness.”
The prince lifted her fingers toward his lips, stopping just before they touched, and then let her hand fall. “Please, do call me Richard if we ever meet again in private.”
“But not in public?”
He simply raised an eyebrow, and then departed.
“Quite the charmer,” Cassandra said as Geoffrey escorted her out of the apartment.
“When he wants to be. Care for a drink?”
“Not tonight. I’ve already had more than I normally do. I also need to contact Markis and let him know about this right away.”
“Fair enough. Why don’t we say, the cigar bar again tomorrow night after dinner?”
“Sounds good,” she said, and turned her back on him. “Good night, Geoffrey.”
“Good night, my dear,” he said from behind her, and she heard him walk away.
Cassandra returned to her cabin and assembled her satphone antenna and encrypted laptop. After logging onto the secure site, she sent a message to Markis explaining what had happened. Normally she would have copied Spooky, but she’d given her word. Odds were he’d find out soon enough anyway. Markis would probably tell him.
I’ve spent a lifetime not trusting people, she thought. That was my job. Do I distrust Spooky out of habit, or for a good reason I can’t yet put my finger on?
“Doesn’t matter,” she said aloud to her empty cabin. She explained to Markis in the email why Spooky had been left off, and let him decide. That should cover her ass.
Cassandra almost closed the laptop before remembering Skull. With a pang of guilt – had she been that distracted by the unexpected visit of the prince? – she composed a message telling him that the Israelis had pulled out and the Kenyan option was in danger. She urged him to continue on with the mission if he could until they came up with another plan.
Changing out of her gown and into sleeping clothes, she lay down and tried to relax, yet she couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened that evening and wondering how the trapped Edens were doing.
For the first time since she’d boarded, she felt as if the QM2 were too slow. Now that unexpected issues had cropped up, it seemed like it would take her forever to get to Tel Aviv…and that wasn’t even where she needed to go now. She would have to figure out something else.
Tossing and turning, Cassandra realized that the relaxing and enjoyable cruise she’d hoped to have aboard the QM2 had turned into something distinctly less so.
Chapter 11
Spooky studied the man in front of him, who was strapped to his seat in nothing but underwear. Duct tape held him securely by the forearms and shins to the wooden chair. He demonstrated the false defiance of someone who was scared, but didn’t want to show it.
One of Spooky’s technical aides handed him a computer printout. It was an analysis of the man’s cell phone records. Spooky ran down the list and saw several red circles.
“Mendoles cartel?”
The tech nodded. “Got a call right before he made his move. Matches the number of the last one. Not very good technical security, if you ask me.”
“Perhaps we should be grateful, hmm?” Spooky replied.
“What are you two asswipes whispering about?” the man asked. “Cut me loose for two seconds and I’ll be wearing your balls as earrings.”
“Do we know who he is?” Spooky asked.
Another printout was passed to him. “His ID says he’s Javier Gonzales, but his real name is Ramón Salavore. He’s done wet work for the Mendoles Cartel for years. Built quite a reputation for himself on the street. They supposedly call him Ramón the Razor.”
“Quite inventive,” said Spooky. “What else do you have?”
“Not too much. As you know, this is the fifth Mendoles assassin. The other four were killed rather than captured.”
“Does Markis know anything yet?”
“Not from us, sir,” he answered. “You told us this was for your attention only.”
“Good.”
Markis would only lose his emotional detachment and get into my business, thought Spooky. Especially if he were to ever find out that Elise had also been a target.
The tech handed him another sheet of paper. “Parents are dead, but he does have a little sister named Monica living with his aunt in town.”
Spooky nodded and took the sheets of paper over to sit across from the man.
“What?” said Ramón, blustering. “You going to kiss me now?”
Spooky smiled, an expression of hard-edged amusement. “If I were, there wouldn’t be anything you could do about it...and the same goes for anything else I wanted to do to you.”
The smile on the man’s face vanished for a moment, to be replaced by a sneer. Ramón laughed. “Everyone knows you Edens are all pendejos. You don’t have it in you to harm anyone, so cut it with the tough guy shit.”
“We caught you sneaking into Chairman Markis’ apartment,” said Spooky patiently. “What was your intention?”
Ramón shrugged. “Just to see the big man’s digs, you know. That was it.”
Spooky shook his head with exaggerated gravity, as if to a naughty child. “You posed as a member of the staff’s cleaning crew. We know Enrique Mendoles had to have someone on the inside in order to pull this off. I want to know who.”
The man smiled through crooked teeth. “We all want what we can’t have, muchacho. Best get used to it. Life is hard down here, son.”
Spooky stared at the man critically. “You’re not very good at what you do.”
The smile vanished. “Fuck you, maricón.”
“Not yet, but perhaps soon you’ll be on the receiving end of some of that. For now…I know you got caught. I know you didn’t complete your job. That means you are incompetent and stupid.”
“I’ve
killed more men than you could count from now until sundown,” Ramón said angrily.
“Sure.” Spooky shrugged. “Farmers. Addicts. Pimps. Old men and kids. A real testimony to your machismo.”
“Let me out of this chair and you’ll see machismo.”
Spooky sighed. “I would like for you to be cooperative. Believe me when I tell you that as much as I want to hurt you personally, Ramón, I am too much of a professional to wish to use those methods. Talk to me and we’ll make it look like you had no choice. As if you held out for a long time under torture. Work with us here.”
Ramón laughed. “You’re playing with a shitty hand there, partner. Like I said, you Edens don’t have the stones to do what it takes to get me to talk.”
Spooky shook his head. “While you’re screaming, remember that I tried to talk reason to you.” He then motioned to the two men standing at the back of the room. They walked forward with a small black bag between them.
“What you going to do?” Ramón asked, fear starting to creep into his voice.
“I’m going to show you that I’m serious.” He nodded again to the two men.
One flipped open a spring-loaded knife and reached out to the front of Ramón’s underwear. He grasped the waistband and pulled it out before cutting down the front, leaving the man’s genitals exposed.
“Hold on now,” Ramón said shakily. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m sorry,” said Spooky, “but the opportunity for you to do this the easy way has passed. You have made it plain to me that I must prove my resolve to you. So be it.”
The second man stepped forward with a long nail and a hammer. He placed the point of the nail on top of one testicle and lifted the hammer high.
“But you can’t do this,” said Ramón in a voice filled with more surprise than fear.
The man brought the hammer down forcefully, driving the nail into the wooden chair.
Ramón screamed and tried to leap away.
The hammer came down again.
Ramón wrenched and twisted in the chair, crying out, saliva hanging from his mouth. A stream of urine puddled on the floor, mixing with blood.
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