The fact that Mikhailov still ran free was an indication that the NSA still didn’t have a clear, full picture of his activities; otherwise they would’ve been all over him like a wet rag. Trevor could smell something foul.
The sound of the Imperial March and Cassandra’s snort cut through his concentration. “Damn, that cracks me up every time, Trevor.”
“What? It’s perfect!” Trevor chuckled. “I’ll get it.”
He headed downstairs and opened the door to find a courier standing on the stoop with a brown envelope in his hands. “Mr. Bauer?”
Trevor smiled back and nodded, “Yep. That would be me.”
The courier collected his signature, handed him the envelope, and took off. Trevor checked the sender’s name as he made his way back to the office.
“Who was it?” Cassandra called out.
“The passports are here,” he commented, handing her the envelope.
“Wow! They pushed those through faster than I expected!” Cassandra pulled the documents from the envelope and efficiently checked each visa, making sure all was in order. She looked up with a wide grin on her lips. “Damn. I love it when a plan comes together. As soon as I can get our location confirmed we’re all set. We can leave anytime. I’ll let Jessie know later.”
“I assume that means we can now book our flights?”
“Yes.”
Trevor could tell he’d already lost her to flight plans and itineraries. He loved the “I will conquer the world” expression that overtook her as her thoughts turned deep and gears cranked in her head. He was sure whatever she had planned for them would meticulously fit their needs when the time came.
“Back to work I go.” His words fell on deaf ears. She waved him off and he returned his attention to the transcripts. The more he could learn from them before they left the better. He also needed to compile a small list of the critical equipment they would need to take with them on the trip. Aside from their laptops, which were a given, a small directional microphone and other surveillance equipment would be required. His little list included a serial keypad hacker, a little electronic tool kit, small Maglite flashlights, and other small odd pieces of equipment only he could appreciate.
He made a mental note to retrieve them from the storage room before Jessica returned from apartment hunting. He threw a quick glance at Cassandra. She was deep in her notes. A heavy frown creased her brow. “Let me know if you need my help with anything. You know—bouncing ideas, any input, body massages.” He waited to catch her reaction to his little tease. The quirk at the corner of her mouth was a telltale sign she was paying attention to his rant. “Ha! Gotcha.”
She chuckled. “Incorrigible and bored, I take it?”
“Well. Trying to lighten up the mood a bit. Most days I have enough dark thoughts for both of us, a ghrá. I prefer when you don’t have a deep frown like you’ve been wearing for a while now.”
“Just getting things done.” Cassandra’s matter-of-fact tone didn’t fool him.
Trevor knew she was calculating every single move they would make in Russia. “You know you can’t control every minute or action while things are developing, right?”
She sighed and turned her eyes from the screen, staring into his with disconcerting intensity. “I know, love. Don’t worry. I just want to make sure we’re both safe.”
Sneaking a peek at him, she could see the tension etched in his face, matching the concern in his voice. The man took more risks than a Navy Seal when he was on the hunt, and she had to be on her toes. The sound of an incoming email drew her attention. Quickly clicking on the application, she saw the email confirmation for the small studio apartment she had booked.
“Hey! We just received confirmation on the apartment.” A satisfied grin spread on her face. “Well, a studio really. But it’s perfect. Wi-Fi internet access, located on a main drag, close to two metros and—” she flashed a grin, “—it has a supermarket next door.” She took a small breath before continuing with her dissertation on the place. “It’s pricey, but well worth it for the location.”
“Secure?”
“Very. We’ll receive the entry codes via email no later than tomorrow.”
“So, now you’re booking the flights?” His excitement was like a child’s at a playground.
“Yes, I am. You can pack your toys now.” With a grin, Cassandra toggled to the travel site she had bookmarked and finalized the bookings. She also sent Robert an email with the address so he could pass the information to Boris. A satisfied sigh filled the room as she sat back. Just a few more items to check off her list and they were off to Russia.
*****
Stephan’s hand hesitated briefly before he picked up the phone and pressed the sequence of numbers he’d memorized. He had reached a decision on how to handle things. It was time to face the music. The call rang five times—five of the longest rings of his life—and, for a moment, he thought it would go unanswered.
“Hello?” The transition from ring to the greeting that followed filled him with anticipation.
“It’s me.”
“Stephan?”
“We need to talk.” He was straight and to the point.
“What do you want to talk about?”
“Not over the phone. I’d like us to meet.”
Silence stretched until the feminine voice asked, “When and where?”
“Brazen Head. Tomorrow at eight?”
“I can be there,” she said softly.
“I will see you then.”
“Good night, Stephan.”
“Good night.” Stephan disconnected the call and leaned his head back against the leather seat. That was a decision that couldn’t be put off any longer. He had stalled long enough and hoped the outcome would be a mutual understanding.
One day. Just one more day to get this weight off my shoulders. “Fuck!” he breathed out harshly.
Chapter Fifteen
The Race
“DO YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU need?” Trevor asked as Cassandra came down the stairs. Standing in the foyer beside their luggage, he took mental note of the equipment they were taking with them—all easily justifiable as business-related and tied to their cover as data recovery specialists interested in expansion to Russia, a hot market for their services.
Cassandra gave him a droll look and he bantered, “Okay, I get it. Note to self. Never ask Cassie if she has everything she needs when she’s the one who planned the trip to the last microscopic detail.”
She laughed. “Damn right! And just as a clarification, yes: I have everything we both need.” Shaking her head, she retrieved her laptop case and handbag from the entry table. As she was about to head to the front door, the sound of Jessica’s light tread running down the stairs stopped her in her tracks.
Jessica reached the bottom and launched herself at Cassandra. “Hold up! You can’t leave without giving me hug!”
Cassandra was filled with amusement. “You mean one more hug. You’ve been saying goodbyes since I told you last night about the trip to Russia. I bet the hugs are just a cover. You really can’t wait to get rid of us so that you can have the place to yourself.”
“The hugs are real. But I have to say with you both gone, I just might finally be able to get some uninterrupted sleep!”
Cassandra’s hearty laughter filled the room. “Sorry about that. I…ah…sometimes I can’t contain myself.”
“Sometimes? I might have to upload your household’s soundtrack to the internet one of these days. Oh my god, I can just imagine the number of hits it would get. The newest rage touted on all internet news channels.”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“Just kidding!”
Cassandra scrutinized her friend and noticed that her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Jessie, are you really okay with us taking off like this? I know it’s short notice, but it’s an opportunity we can’t pass up.”
“Definitely. It’ll give me a flavor of what it’s like to have my
own place in Dublin,” Jessica reassured her.
“Are you okay?” No other words were needed. They both knew to what Cassandra was referring.
Jessica smiled and hugged her again. “Yes and yes! Get on with you or you’ll miss your flight.”
Holding Jessica’s hand, Cassandra stepped back hesitantly. “You have our numbers. If anything happens, you need to talk, vent, scream, you call me, hear me? You can also catch me on chat after we’re settled.”
Her friend burst out laughing. “I’ll be fine. I swear. Everything’s great. I’ll be checking out some of those apartments we found in the paper. No worries. I also have the paperwork you piled on me to keep me busy.”
Trevor walked back into the house. “Okay, all loaded. Ready to go, a ghrá?” he asked as he pulled Jessica into a big hug. “Be good, lass. If you need anything, call Stephan. He’ll be able to help you out.”
Jessica and Cassandra glanced at each other at Trevor’s mention of Stephan. She let the comment slide.
He took Cassandra’s hand in his and led her through the door to the car. Cassandra cast one last worried look and waved at Jessica, calling out, “Love you. We’ll be in touch. Remember what I said!”
“Yes, mom,” Jessica joked, but the smile dimmed in her eyes as she waved them off.
Cassandra watched her walk in and close the door as Trevor merged into the late afternoon traffic. Jessica’s reaction to Terese was not proportional to her nonchalant description of what existed between her and Stephan. Cassandra knew Jessica would come clean about what really was going on between the two of them when she was ready. Until then, short of beating it out of her, she would have to wait patiently for the whole of it, just like Jessica waited for her own disclosure about her feelings for Trevor.
*****
The house was eerily quiet as Jessica closed the door behind her and walked upstairs to the homey and welcoming guest room. As much as she loved being around Cassandra, and as welcome as Cassandra and Trevor made her feel, Jessica knew she was intruding on the newlyweds’ bliss.
Cassandra had helped her search through apartment listings and narrow the list to a few in neighborhoods that Trevor had said to be brilliant. Jessica smiled at the use of the word. Definitely not one heard stateside, and definitely not in California. Her plan, while her friends were away, was to find her own digs.
Once she’d secured her new place, she would focus on her personal dilemma. The reason she was in Dublin in the first place. Should she persist in reaching out to Stephan? That question kept prodding her since her arrival in Ireland. When she had made the decision to cross the pond and test the waters with Stephan, she knew it would be hard, but she never expected the obstacle in her path to be her age.
Could that really have been the reason he’d run like a bat out of hell from her house that evening? She knew there was something special between them, knew that he was not indifferent to her, even though he was holding her at arm’s length.
Her heart twisted in her chest and a chill raked up her spine when her thoughts turned to that afternoon in the restaurant. He had voiced his opinion about her behavior then. It had even appalled her. Could she change his opinion? Granted, she had been snarky, but didn’t they say all is fair in love and war?
She froze as that thought penetrated her self-awareness. Did she love him? Really, really love him? Jessica’s heart beat erratically, her breathing rushed in and out of her in hard pulls. Lightheaded, she sank to the edge of the bed and hung her head between her knees. She wanted him. That was a given. Just thinking of him warmed her inside. She craved his hands on her breasts, the feel of his weight pressing her against silky sheets, his velvety hardness buried inside her.
She fell back on the bed and started at the ceiling. Seeing him again proved that she wanted more. She wanted to share the little things with him—grocery shopping, laundry, bad days at work, laughter. She wanted to confide her innermost thoughts to him and have the same in return. That was no crush. It was something bigger, deeper. That was growing into a much larger ball of wax.
If she decided to pursue his attention, was she ready for the heartache if things didn’t turn out the way she wanted? The words she had spoken to Cassandra months ago came back to haunt her. Go with the flow. Do not overthink it. Let your hair down and enjoy the moment, it will be what it will be. You don’t want to miss out on a good thing. What if he’s the one? If you don’t try, you’ll never know. Search your heart. Take a chance.
Isn’t that what she had been doing? That and many other questions populated her mind as she moved off the bed to head out. She grabbed her purse and gathered her jacket from the chair. As she did so, a card fell on the floor.
Jessica picked it up and turned it over—Sean. The image of the gorgeous Irishman she had met at the airport brought a smile to her face. She tucked the card in her wallet as she made her way downstairs. Apartments were waiting to be viewed. Stephan would have to wait till later.
*****
Silence lingered in the car until Trevor’s questioning glance cut through the haze of her thoughts. “I’m worried about Jessica.”
Trevor took her hand in his and squeezed it. “She’ll be fine. She’s one tough cookie. Probably just off balance from the move.” As if knowing she needed something else to occupy her mind, he changed the subject. “So…did you get the codes from Nelson?”
She turned in her seat and watched Trevor as he drove. She loved watching his eyes tracking everything in front and behind him. Always vigilant. Always aware. She felt a ripple of mirth knowing the reaction he would have to her next comment. “Yes. The Hulk delivered on his promise.”
Trevor shot her a glance and all but growled, “Cassie….”
She burst out laughing. Catching her breath, she wiped tears of laughter from her eyes as she continued, “Anyway. To answer your question, yes, I have the codes. The house is located in Vyborg, a thirteenth-century city about two hours by train from St. Petersburg. Basically, once we’re settled my plan is to secure one-way train tickets that can be used on any given day. Just in case….” Unconsciously, her brow furrowed as her mind systematically ran through the E&E checklist.
“Cassie?”
“Huh?”
“Lost you there, Cassie girl.”
“Sorry. Was just going over everything in my head again.” She gave herself a mental shake. “Oh, Bob emailed late last night and said the meeting with Kostas is set for some time next week. He’ll contact us to let us know exactly when he’ll be stopping by to bring us a housewarming gift.” She tossed a saucy grin his way. “Hopefully some nice toys.”
“I’m sure you have everything worked out in that brilliant mind of yours. Looking forward to the toys. It’s always a big turn on seeing you armed and dangerous. Totally hot,” he grinned back at her in devilish amusement.
They cleared security without issues. Their passports were heavily stamped with visas from many countries, proof of business dealings abroad and added credibility to their excursion to Russia.
The business lounge offered comfort and amenities as they waited to board their flight. Trevor had his laptop open in seconds flat after they took their seats. “George sent me new transcripts. Got them while you were packing. Haven’t had time to review them yet.”
Cassandra glanced at him as she opened her own laptop. “Just let me know if you find anything I should be aware of.”
Trevor reached out and touched her face. “Do you have a headache, or is that frown caused by the speed of your thoughts crashing inside your skull?”
She laughed and shook her head. “Only you would come back with such a question. I am fine, really. Just crashing thoughts, as you put it.” Indeed, her thoughts were crashing—around Jessica. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear that her friend had fallen for Stephan in a bad way. She hadn’t mentioned it directly, but Cassandra had a gut instinct about it. She could read the signs, having lived that denial herself.
When their flight
was called, they gathered their things and proceeded to the gate. As Cassandra led the way, Trevor observed her confident posture and the energy around her. She mesmerized him. She had since the day she walked into the NSA fuming and ready to take him down. Trevor smiled at the memory as he followed her onto the plane. He stowed their carry-ons and took his seat beside her for the long trip ahead of them.
They’d spent the whole week gathering the latest intelligence on Mikhailov and had learned enough of his mode of operation and digital fraud activities to have a good idea of how he intended to use the decrypter—a scary thought all on its own.
He leaned back in his seat and watched Cassandra looking out the small window at the landscape as they finally began taxiing. As usual, she appeared calm and collected. Yet he sensed that little familiar turbulence below the surface. He knew better. She was the duck that you see floating serenely on the water but whose little feet were paddling furiously out of sight.
During operations, he knew her mind kept going miles a minute, calculating, weighing, measuring, even when she had already planned everything to the last detail. He smiled softly at the memory of many other times they’d worked the leads on his parents’ disappearance and he’d seen that same focus and determination on her face. Each and every time, Cassandra had behaved exactly the same way—unsettled. And each time made him love her more, if that were even possible.
His eyes caressed her figure and lingered on her shoulder where she sported a souvenir from their last brush with death. She had another from her stunt with the CIA—an op gone bad, but it was the one on her shoulder that had the power to bring him to his knees—a gift from a psychopathic killer, and one that had been intended for him. Inhaling deeply, Trevor worried that they were headed straight into a rockier situation in Russia. He quickly dismissed that dark thought. Focus on the positive. That had always been his motto.
He reached for her hand as the plane accelerated for lift off. At his touch, she turned to face him, a smile finally curving her full lips. When the seatbelt lights went off, he lifted the arm that kept them apart, allowing Cassandra to snuggle closer, lean against him, and tuck her face in the hollow of his neck.
To Russia With Love (Countermeasure Series) Page 15