As if sizing me up as well, we pause as our eyes hold. I could drop mine and probably should considering I am here at her command, but this is not something I take lightly. Deference is too often interpreted as weakness or submission, especially in my culture. I will never allow anyone to think me weak, no matter who she is. A moment later, a smile plays at the corners of her lips, and she nods. “Please come in, Captain,” she says before turning on her heel to go back inside. I leap forward to catch the door before it closes while out of the corner my eye, I see the receptionist hide a smile. Her cheeks show a hint of a blush, and I have a nanosecond to wonder what that might mean before I am inside an office larger and significantly better decorated than my apartment.
My hostess is at a sideboard near the curtained windows. Considering how high this building is over the other warehouses, I can only imagine the unique view of the horizon behind the drapes. Still, the need for privacy outweighs the benefits of what could be an impressive vista. I cannot help but wonder if, at times, she doesn't turn off the lights inside the office and stand there with the cloth pulled back to study all that she controls in the city below. Somehow, I think she may, but not nearly often enough. For all the power in the world, a part of me senses there is not a lot of time enjoying simple beauty in this woman's life.
The sound of glass clinking against glass draws my attention back to the moment. “Would you like a drink? It's been a long day so forgive me if I help myself, but there is brandy to share.”
Knowing that refusing would be an insult, I nod, although I rarely drink. I find liquor quickly impedes my better judgment. One small glass now won't be a problem, but I will avoid anything more else I blow whatever opportunity is about to be presented. She crosses to me, handing the small glass over. “Thank you,” I say with a nod, and she takes a moment to tap her glass to mine before sipping. I watch as she closes her dark brown eyes and relishes the taste. Suddenly, I think perhaps I was mistaken, and there is more time spent enjoying simple pleasures after all.
As if reading my thoughts, she opens her eyes and regards me. There is no glimmer of attraction between us. Both of us are too assertive to be compatible as anything but allies, but still, an appreciation is clearly visible in her stare. “I have an assignment for you,” she says at last. “You can refuse, of course, but I have already spoken to your chain of command. They are willing to allow you a leave of absence from your normal duties.”
I raise my eyebrows. This is more than a little unorthodox. “I see,” is all I think to say. There is little I am not likely to agree to if its importance requires the middle of the night negotiations between such powerful military and civilian entities. Again, the hint of a smile on her face, and I know she is impressed by my willingness to patiently listen. In response, she walks over and picks up a manila file resting at the edge of her giant wooden desk. Holding it she leans back against the surface.
“You come highly recommended,” she says as I set down my drink on the bar and move to take the file. When she hands it to me, I flip open the cover. A picture of a breathtakingly beautiful brunette woman is the first thing I see. Everything about her face is sensual and seductive. The eyes, though, something is wrong there. A predatory stare leaps from the photograph, and I don't think I have ever seen a more dangerous looking stare. Captivating, like a spider’s web with a sleek and graceful black widow at the center. “Know her?”
I look up. “No,” I admit. It’s a face no one could ever forget. “But I feel perhaps I should.”
She nods. “Memorize it. That woman is now your number one foe. Georgia DeLane. The file contains the details you need to get started.” As she finishes, she picks up a second folder and hands it across. Even more intrigued, I take it and flip to the first page of this one. The face I see this time is equally captivating but gives me the exact opposite reaction. Ash-blonde hair, blue eyes, fair skin. A more mature woman, older, who is no less beautiful but with understated elegance and the warmth in her eyes reaches out to touch me. I realize I could sit and look at this face for hours and feel nothing but peacefulness.
This time though, I know who the woman is, and I nod. “I recognize her. What is the connection?”
“Those details are all in the files, but to simplify it, if you take the assignment, I need you to work undercover on a protection detail.”
I look back at the picture of the blonde. “Protect her from DeLane, I am guessing?”
“Yes. She is being targeted and harassed. I am concerned for her safety. Will you help me with this?” she asks.
There is no question for me. I will happily serve in any capacity I can. “Of course,” I answer. I am surprised to see a hint of relief on the strong woman’s features. I realize this is more serious than just a guard detail, but again I wait. I am sure more information is forthcoming, and when she clears her throat, I am right.
“Very good,” she says and waves at a chair. “Then please sit down. I have more you need to know, but it will never be written in a file.” I sink into a chair intrigued beyond belief. She meets my eyes, and I see the tiger is back. “I instinctively trust you, Captain, so I will speak with you candidly, but this information is not to be shared. No one knows exactly why I have arranged for your assistance other than a possible breach in national security. It was a risk to bring you here, but time was of the essence. Do you understand how serious I am?”
“I do.”
She nods and then looks away, surprising me with this unexpected show of weakness. Whatever she is about to tell me is special to her indeed. With a sigh, she begins. “Going forward, when we speak outside of normal channels, I will be codename ‘Zena.’ Do not use my real name.” I nod to show I understand, but otherwise wait, and after a beat, she continues. “And now, let me tell you about the Lesbian Billionaires Club.”
4
Even as a seasoned traveler, I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the breathtaking vistas of snowcapped mountains peeking from beyond thick forests of white powdered evergreens passing by the windows of the jeep. It is the final leg of my transport to an exclusive skiing destination in the French Alps. This is where I will be staying indefinitely as part of my new assignment. I must admit, there has never been a duty station more magnificent to behold. From memorizing and then destroying the files Zena provided, I am aware only the ridiculously wealthy come here to enjoy the recreation. Add in the isolated location, and I understand why this resort was selected. A great hideaway. And hiding away right now is the key.
The night before, as the debrief with my new primary contact ‘Zena’ came to an end, she was very clear about the level of risk involved. I am not to take it lightly. Georgia DeLane is furious over the lesbian billionaires thwarting her attempt to identify them. Anonymous warnings of retaliation were intercepted on the Dark Web by another club member since the infamous night at the Hollywood Gala. These are being attributed to Georgia, and so far, have proven to be nothing more than angry posturing. Still, Zena believes the time is quickly approaching when things will come to a head. In her opinion, Georgia is not one to make idle threats. I would have to agree.
Even with little time to prepare, I am ready for anything. The rapid change in priorities is doing me well. Alma is nowhere on my radar now, and a quick, two-word text of 'no more' to her seems to have done the trick. I've also decided to swear off women. Not forever, but in the months ahead, or more. This mission requires my undivided attention. Love, or even lust, can take no part of my life, and I am almost relieved. Instead, I am focusing on the woman Zena insists I refer to in any communications as ‘Lila.’