Chessy shook her head as she tried to remain conscious. “I love you,” she whispered.
James leaned in and kissed her, tears rolling down his cheeks, soaking her face. When he pulled back, he saw her eyes were closed. She was gone. “NO!!” James screamed, “No, no, no, wake up, please, wake up,” he begged, clinging to Chessy's lifeless body.
James' scream had echoed around the house and reached Marie as she was reaching the second floor. She heard it and raced towards the sound of her son crying. As Marie pushed through the half-open secret door and ran out onto the catwalk, she saw James clutching Chessy. “No,” she gasped, running towards them. As she got within feet of them, she realized Chessy was dead. Marie dropped to her knees at the sight of her son's grief. Her eyes began playing tricks on her. She no longer saw James crying over Chessy, but instead, she saw herself kneeing over Michael's bloody body. Tears ran down her face as she shook away the image.
“James,” Marie called out through her tears.
James looked up. His eyes were red from tears, but filled with pain and anger.
“Why?” he begged.
Marie had no answer, but she knew that look, and she knew that pain. Marcus and Nathan had made their way back to the catwalk after they heard all of the commotion. Both were fighting back tears for their lost friend.
“We need to move her,” Marie quietly said.
James continued to cling to her.
Marie got up and walked over to James and placed her hand on his back and knelt down next to him. “We have to move her; she can't stay here.”
James delicately nodded, scooping her up in his arms. Marie, Nathan, and Marcus tried to help him, but he brushed them off. James held on tight as he carried her back into the mansion. He looked so lost. He didn't know where to go or what to do next. As he walked down the hallway, Greg, Dovia, Liam, and Bradley were coming down the hallway. Shock fell over the four of them as the sight of James carrying Chessy's body came into view. Greg wanted to ask what happened, but knew it was not the time nor the place. Greg walked up to James, who was almost a zombie.
“Let me help,” Greg gently requested.
James looked up into Greg's eyes. Greg could see James wasn't there; he was a shell of himself. Greg's soft touch made James almost relax a little as he allowed Greg to take over and hold Chessy. Greg looked to Marie. He didn't know where to go next.
Marie nodded. She knew. “Follow me,” she softly directed.
Greg followed Marie. James was barely able to move anymore. Dovia came to his side and helped him as they followed Marie and Greg up the stairs to the third floor. Once up the stairs, Marie opened Ming's bedroom door and walked in. Marie went straight to the doors that led to Ming's balcony and opened them.
“Place her on the bed,” Marie barely got out as Greg entered the room.
Greg did as he was told and placed Chessy's body delicately on Ming's silk sheets, resting her head on the soft pink pillows. James entered right after, with Dovia holding him up. Marie was gently placing a blanket over Chessy.
“Don't cover her!” James yelled, rushing to the bedside, pulling the cover back from Chessy's face. James knelt down next to the bed and ran his hand through her short blonde hair and wept.
Marie couldn't take anymore and left the room, leaving Dovia and Greg with James. Marie made her way down the two flights of stairs and was met by Ray. Word had already spread that Chessy was dead, and Ray's eyes were red from tears, but he knew he had to stay on mission to keep the rest of them safe. “The house has been swept, no explosives or any other guards.”
“Ok, thank you. Was Jasmine able to get the children out?”
“Yes, they are in the woods. The girls do not look well. They are weak and show signs of severe abuse.”
Marie nodded, passing Ray as she headed out of the house towards the rest of the group waiting in the woods. As Marie approached, she could tell they were all in shock and barely keeping it together. Marie saw the little girls. They looked horrible; they needed to eat. “Get the girls back inside and find them some food. The house is clear. We will stay there for the night,” Marie ordered, trying to keep her composure.
Nobody moved; they were all stones from the shock. “She wouldn't want those children to go hungry. Take care of them,” Marie barked.
Everyone scrambled to their feet and helped the children back into the house. She was right. Chessy wouldn't have wanted the children to suffer. Marie watched as the children were escorted back into the home, with Jasmine leading them. The girls would only listen to Jasmine. The weakest ones were carried.
Marie stayed outside. She had to be away from everyone. Her heart was in pieces, and she wanted to be alone.
As they gathered the girls into the kitchen, Jasmine went to work finding food for them. Jasmine was stoic. She had shed some tears, but she was cold and focused on the job. Everyone else just watched her as she prepped what food she could find around the kitchen. Cutting fruit and making a soup, it was almost as if she was a robot. “The glasses are in the cupboard in the corner. Please get them glasses of water,” Jasmine requested, not looking up from the soup.
Everyone hesitated, but Rose took the initiative and went to the cupboard and starting getting out cups and filling them from the refrigerator dispenser. The room was silent as Jasmine served a bowl of soup and a side of fruit to each girl. “Girls, eat. You will sleep upstairs tonight. You have earned it.”
The girls all smiled. The rest of the group was sick to hear Jasmine talk like that. Jasmine looked around at her peers and saw their disgust.
“There is enough for all of you,” Jasmine said as she left the room in a rush. Jasmine raced up the stairs to the second floor. Once there, she broke down and began to sob. She hated herself for having to act like that to get the girls to listen to her. Jasmine made her way down the hallway, until she reached her old bedroom. She turned the knob and walked in. It was the same. The same purple and white décor and even her jasmine blossom plant was still in its place on the window ledge. Jasmine curled up in the fetal position on her soft sheets and cried.
Chapter
30
Warren had, in fact, landed in Beijing and was swiftly escorted to the American Embassy to sleep for the night. His meeting was scheduled for first thing in the morning, and he wanted to try to get some rest, prior to the meeting he hoped would help to turn the tide against Sergei and Ming. He had to get Ming's girl out of the way. He knew Ming was gone, and that would help him convince the government to turn against her. As morning came, Warren dressed himself in a crisp, dark blue suit. Wen Jueng, the Paramount Leader, was well-known for his love of fashion and flair. His stunning wife, one of Ming's agents, was always dressed in the finest dresses and jewels. She was a visual propaganda for the power and elegance Wen wanted to display. However, she held the reigns, and he was under Ming's control. He liked the power, not the responsibility, and was happy to give in to Ming's demands in exchange for his position. Warren checked his shave job to make sure it was as clean cut as expected. He had his barber trim his hair line to make sure it was perfect for this meeting. Straightening his tie one last time, he knew he was ready. The car was waiting to take him to the Great Hall of the People for his meeting. Warren ran over several times in his head what he was going to say on the ride over, and his nerves were stressed, but he knew his position was solid. As his car pulled up, the media was waiting. Wen loved the media and had, of course, let them know about the meeting. Warren put on his smile, but not too bright. He had to look cordial to them, but not happy about the state of affairs. A light wave and smile was all he was going to give the press as his secret service agents escorted him past the row of photographers and into the building. Once inside, he was taken directly to the conference room that had been set up, just for the occasion. The double doors were pushed open, and Warren was greeted by Wen, along with three other ministers and, to no surprise, his stunning wife, Lia. Her photos did no justice to her beauty,
and her bright red dress showed off her perfect figure; her black hair was pristine and her make-up perfect. Warren smiled at her as he shook Wen's hand. Lia did not return his smile. She had been suspicious of him, since his wife had turned up dead.
“Come in and let's talk. It has been a long time since we last met.” Wen gestured for Warren to take a seat. “You must realize the position you have put everyone in by declaring that nasty little war you want to start,” Wen scolded.
“It was necessary. It had to happen. He has gone too far.”
Wen laughed lightly. “But we are all on the same side. We must do our part, and you are going off script.”
“I don't like the script. I threw it out,” Warren replied callously.
“You have to realize that we cannot side with you. We chose sides long ago, and I have no desire to disrupt the status quo as you do.”
“I understand your point of view, but did you know that mother has left?” Warren directed at Lia.
She didn't move, but Wen did. “What do you mean, she has left?”
“I have a team at her home, and she is gone. She abandoned you.”
“No, that is not possible. She would never leave us like that. We are a team.”
“You must not be that important of a team member. I think she has run home to Sergei. You cannot count on her anymore to protect you. Oh, and once the people find out you have been corrupted and run by this woman,” Warren pointed at Lia, “your time in the sun will be over. I am your only chance to keep your position.”
Lia stood up.
“Are you leaving us, since mommy is gone?” Warren provoked.
“You have no idea what you're talking about.” Lia sneered, reaching behind herself to grab the gun she had hidden in the sash of her dress.
Warren knew what she was doing and leaped up, grabbing her by the arm and wrestling her, until the gun was knocked out of her hands and across the floor. Warren pinned her against the wall. “Mommy won't come for you. You have lost,” he barked.
“One battle lost will not lose the war.” Lia smiled, pushing Warren back and attacking him. Warren showed those years of training were not in vain as he was able to block her attacks and land a blow to the side of her head, knocking her unconscious.
Wen and his fellow ministers had taken cover behind the couches.
“Do you want to be a puppet the rest of your life?” Warren asked, walking over and picking up the gun.
Wen stood up slightly. “I want my job.”
“Then she goes; make her vanish and join me. It will be a public relations dream, the US and China forming a lasting friendship. Global Unity, and you will be part of the process. I am not asking for troops to fight against Sergei. All I want is airspace and permission to move my troops if needed. I also want your public denouncement of the Russian aggression.”
“I stay out of the revealing of the conspiracy, and any and all connection with Sergei and Ming is covered up. I have your word?”
“I won't out you, as long as you respect your end of the deal. Nobody ever has to know you or your government were involved.”
Wen nodded. “You have a deal, but I get the face time with the press. I will say my wife has become unwell. She will pass away from her illness in a couple months,” Wen said in an uncharacteristically viscous tone.
“That is up to you. I need to get to my team, so I take it you will have clearance for me to move troops?”
“It will be done,” Wen replied confidently. Nothing motivated Wen to action more than power.
“Then our business is done for the moment. I am going to meet with my team. I will be in touch,” Warren said, extending his hand for Wen to shake.
Wen accepted and shook his hand with a smile. “I do hope you can find me a girl this pretty to replace her.” Wen winked.
“I will try.” Warren laughed as he left the room. Warren was even more confident now. Sure, he couldn't fully trust Wen, but this was his best bet; plus, he had illegal US troops on Chinese soil. He had to make friends. Only time would tell if Wen could be trusted.
Chapter
31
The night hadn't been restful for anyone at Ming's mansion. The attempts to sleep were in vain as grief and fear of another attack racked their brains. Marie had only re-entered the mansion right before dawn. She went straight to Ming's room, where Chessy's body still lay. Her body was alone. James had finally left her side. Marie wandered the second floor and looked for him and Jasmine. She found Jasmine sleeping in the fetal position. Her pillow looked wet from crying. Marie glanced around and found Greg sleeping in the chair in the corner. She smiled lightly. Jasmine would be ok with Greg by her. Marie continued down the hallway, looking to identify everyone and make sure they were all accounted for. Meanwhile, James had found his way to Ming's library. He glanced around the elaborate shelves of books. He was instantly reminded of Gold's library and became angry again. He went straight for the fireplace and started a fire. James stood over the burning wood, staring into the flames. His eyes narrowed as rage came over him. He went to the shelves and started pulling books off the shelves and throwing them into the fire. His actions were chaotic and destructive; books slammed into the floor as he was knocking over the small tables and chairs in his quest to destroy it all. Nathan was awakened by James' destruction as he tried to sleep in the sitting room next to the library. Nathan sat up and looked around the room for the source of the noise and noticed Rose waking up as well.
“What is that?” Rose questioned, rubbing her eyes. As they sat there, the sound of a large piece of furniture hitting the ground made them both jump. Nathan rushed to the next room to see James throwing books and tables.
“What the hell are you doing?” Nathan yelled as Rose arrived right behind him.
“Go the fuck away!” James yelled back, throwing another book on the fire.
“Do you think this going to help?” Nathan barked.
“Leave me alone to destroy this bitch's stuff,” James sneered, throwing over another table.
“Chessy would be disgusted with you right now,” Nathan yelled.
That was James' snapping point. “Don't you dare say her name.” He gritted his teeth.
“Do you think you're the only one who lost her? She mattered to all of us and would have never been ok with you acting like a fucking wrecking crew.”
James was clenching his fists. “Shut up,” he growled.
“No, I won't, not until you get your shit together,” Nathan said, storming into the room. Nathan grabbed James by the arm.
James shook him off. “Let go of me.”
“No, I won't,” Nathan replied, grabbing James' arm again. James pulled his arm free and punched Nathan in the face. Nathan returned in kind, tackling James to the ground.
“No stop!” Rose screamed, entering the room.
Rose's scream and the chaos unfolding in the library had awakened Ping, Dovia, and Marcus, who were now running towards the library. Marie also heard the commotion and made her way to the library. Marie arrived, first, to see Rose desperately trying to stop the fight between Nathan and James. Rose was able to knock them apart, as she took an elbow to the face. Marie charged into the room as Dovia, Ping, and Marcus arrived. Marie grabbed a small marble statue of Venus from the floor and struck James in the head with it, knocking him unconscious.
Marie turned to Rose, trying to hold back Nathan, and pointed the bloody statue at him. “Chill out. I have this.”
Nathan sat back, and Rose relaxed her grip. Marie went over and grabbed one of the red velvet curtains and ripped it down and threw it over her shoulder. Marie picked up James under his arms and began dragging him out of the room. The group was in shock.
“What are you doing?” Marcus asked as Marie passed him.
“Dealing with this,” she replied, dragging James out of the house. She dragged him through the courtyard and to the fence line. Making sure it was a shady spot, she propped James against the metal fence. Marie intertw
ined the velvet curtain until both his arms and torso were secured to the fence. She then lightly wiped the drying blood from his face. The wound had healed, but the blood had remained. Once she was sure he was secure and the blood was gone, she stepped back and sat down cross-legged on the ground across from him.
Rose was now watching from the window and was concerned with what Marie was doing. “She has him tied against the fence. Should we do something?” she questioned, concerned.
“No, he is out of control. Let her deal with him,” Nathan snapped, pushing a chair back upright.
Rose looked back to Marie, sitting patiently, waiting for James to wake up. “I don't want to watch this. I don't want to know what she is going to do,” Rose said, turning and leaving the room.
Marie was running over in her head what she was going to say when James woke up. She recognized his behavior, his irrational rage, and poor impulse control. It was just like her behavior after Michael died.
After about ten minutes of sitting, James came-to. Groggy, at first, he quickly realized he was in restraints.
“What the hell?” he questioned, pulling against the curtain, but it wouldn't budge. He looked up to see Marie staring back at him. “So, you bash me in the head, then tie me up like some kind of animal,” he snapped.
“You are acting like one,” Marie calmly replied.
“Let me out of this,” James ordered, fighting against the restraint.
“When you calm down and start making sense again. I don't intend to let you back in there to continue your assault on innocent literature.”
“Ming deserves to burn with her precious books,” James said, his eyes glaring at Marie.
“Did Nathan deserve to be punched in the face?”
“He started it!” James exclaimed.
“Fine, did Rose deserve the elbow to the face?”
“She shouldn't have gotten in the middle of it,” James callously replied.
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