GUARDIANS: Mission To Rescue Innocence (Beauty 0f Life Book 7)

by Laura Acton

  No one wanted to be Lambourne’s assistant after she bit off the heads of many. Four months ago the home office assigned Corinne to this position to investigate the situation. So far, other than the drinking … which was a grave concern, all Corinne detected is that Harriet appeared despondent over her reduced role … but alcohol consumption caused her demotion.

  Corinne was privy to the reason for the downgraded position. Harriet being drunk and making inappropriate decisions during an operation resulted in the death of one operative and injury to another.

  Harriet scribbled her signature on the requests without bothering to read them. She had more important things on her mind. After signing the last one, she stood, retrieved her blazer off the back of her chair, and put it on. “I’m going to lunch and visiting my dear friend Jeannette. My goddaughter Nicolette is ill. I might be back later than normal if she needs help.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Corinne said. She picked up the papers as Harriet grabbed her juice bottle, purse, and exited the office. Flipping through the sheets, Corinne noted two things … her boss was intoxicated and distracted. Harriet signed the documents without inspection, including one flagged for special attention. The phony request she highlighted sought high-level access without proper authorization. This too would be included in her next report.

  Dominique Savoy’s Home – 2:00 p.m.

  Sitting down to lunch, Jeannette smiled at Natia and Tatiana as the two long-lost sisters chatted away in Georgian. Dom and Andrei discussed the next steps in procuring the necessary documents to prove Natia’s identity and how to obtain a travel visa for her to enter Canada. They had an appointment with the Canadian counsel tomorrow.

  Her eyes turned to her daughters who were quieter than usual. The ringing of the doorbell interrupted their quiet afternoon. Jeannette excused herself to answer the door and found Dom on her heels. She checked the peephole and her face blanched. She mouthed, “It’s Harriet.”

  Dom placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered, “Do as we planned. I’ll inform Andrei to tell Natia to remain quiet while Harriet is here.” He turned and strode quickly into the kitchen.

  Opening the door, Jeannette affected a bland expression with a hint of surprise. “Harriet. Oh my, what are you doing here?”

  “I was worried when you didn’t answer your phone yesterday.” Harriet held up a container. “I brought my famous chicken soup. I do hope the girls are getting better.”

  Stepping back and smiling, though she wanted to strangle the snake in front of her, Jeannette waved Harriet inside. “Yes, they are much better. I apologize for not calling you back. I’ve been rather busy with out of town guests. Please, come in and join us, we are sitting down to lunch.”

  Harriet blinked, the only outward sign Jeannette’s words shocked her. Surprised to be warmly invited inside, she moved forward, as her mind worked fast. She heard Dom’s distinctive laughter wafting in from their kitchen, a sound which long ago filled her with happiness but now only invoked hatred. Impossible, yet somehow Dominique rescued Nicolette and Anna-Marie … and the damned man lived.

  She followed Jeannette into the cozy kitchen. How she hated the domesticity of the place. She assumed her aunty mask and moved directly to Nicolette. “My dear, I heard you were unwell. How are you feeling now?”

  Coached by their papa how to answer anyone asking about them, Nicolette quietly said, “Better.”

  Dom eyed Jeannette, worried his wife might grab their butcher knife and make good on her threat to gut Harriet and strangle her with her entrails. He assumed his ordinary palicid façade, one he always used when Harriet visited.

  It took every ounce of control Jeannette possessed not to drag Harriet away from her girls. She didn’t want this snake within a thousand feet of her precious daughters. Her finger itched and although she had never fired at another human being before she desired her Glock 26 in her hand now … Harriet could be her first kill. No one harmed her children and went unpunished.

  Instead, Jeannette reached out for the soup container and played hostess. “Please take a seat.” She pointed to one between Dom and Andrei.

  Dom said, “Hello, Harriet. This is Andrei and his family. They are friends visiting from Canada.”

  Harriet took the seat and nodded to the others before they all turned at Jeannette’s yelp. All the chicken soup spilled on the floor.

  “Oh my, such a clumsy thing to do. Goodness, now the girls won’t be able to enjoy your soup.” Jeannette grabbed paper towels and started to clean up the deliberate mess. My girls will eat nothing from that snake.

  Hiding his smirk, Dom exclaimed, “What a shame.” He put his hand on Anna-Marie’s back when she shuddered and paled. She had been jumpy since waking in his arms. They had not told their daughters about Harriet. Neither girl needed to be exposed to that level of betrayal at their age. “Mon Petit, do you want to lie down again.”

  When Anna-Marie teared up, Dom stood. “If you will excuse us.” He picked her up and spotted her hand clutching Nicolette’s. He recognized their need to be together and how they gravitated to him. “Nikki, would you like to come with Anna and me. Perhaps bring our sandwiches.”

  “Yes, Papa.” She stacked all three sandwiches on one plate and followed her dad to the stairs. Nicolette didn’t like being away from him or Anna-Marie. She only felt safe around her papa.

  Harriet eyed the blue-eyed man and asked, “What brings you to France?”

  “A family vacation and humanitarian work.” Andrei caught the odor of alcohol on the woman. Trying to be cordial, Andrei inquired, “What do you do?”

  “Manage an office. Nothing important.” Harriet’s gut clenched, her pat answer was more truth than lie now … she had been stripped of all her prominent work for no reason.

  Jeannette joined the rest at the table, bringing a sandwich and tea for Harriet, wishing she could poison her at this very moment. She launched into mundane conversation as if she were not sitting next to the evil witch who was responsible for her daughters almost being sold and her husband nearly killed. She utilized every trick of her trade not to give away her real emotions. She was glad when Dom didn’t return. Their children didn’t need to spend one more moment in Harriet’s presence.

  Believing the now prattling domesticated cow lacked her skills in the art of deception, Harriet scrutinized Jeannette, seeking any hint that the Yurievichs spilled the beans about her involvement. Detecting nothing, she determined Makar and Kazimir took the information to their graves.

  Infuriated her original plan failed, as Jeannette remained calm showing no sign of any distress all through lunch, Harriet needed a new strategy. She would find a way to make the bitch pay for stealing Dominique. Rising, she pleasantly said, “Thank you for lunch, delicious as always.” She added a jab cloaking it as a compliment, “Such a little homemaker you are.” After bidding everyone goodbye, she told Jeannette she would call her soon.

  MI6 Satellite Records Office – 6:00 p.m.

  Corrine knocked on the door and then entered. “Ma’am, it is six o’clock. I’m heading home now. Do you need anything before I leave?”

  Distracted by thoughts of her visit to Jeannette and numbed by alcohol, Harriet shook her head. “No. Go home.”

  “Ma’am, are you alright?” Her boss’ demeanor worried her. All afternoon she seemed off somehow. More so than when customarily in her cups. She sealed herself in the office and refused to take any of her afternoon meetings, telling her to reschedule them.

  Realizing she failed to cover her emotions adequately, Harriet made an excuse. “I’m only tired. Not quite myself today.”

  “Perhaps you should call it a day and head home too,” Corinne suggested.

  Inhibitions loosened by vodka, Harriet snorted and spoke before she caught herself. “Yeah, my empty home … only my roses are waiting for me.”

  Concern amped up in Corinne. I may be here to determine if Harriet is fit for this position … which she is not … but I dislike seeing anyone
in need. Harriet appears so lonely. This woman dedicated her life to MI6, never married, no children … the only person close to her is her long-time friend Jeannette Savoy. Perhaps a call to Jeannette is in order. She might be able to help an old friend who is depressed. “Well, if you don’t need me, goodnight, ma’am.”

  Harriet stared at the closed door for a long time before rising and gathering her items.

  Dominique Savoy’s Home – 7:00 p.m.

  “Goodnight, sweetheart.” Jeannette tucked Nicolette in next to a sleeping Anna-Marie and kissed her. Their daughters chose to stay in Anna’s room and share one bed. Last night they all slept together in the master bedroom, none of them wanting to be away from each other.

  Today the doctor allayed her worst fears … her daughters had not been physically violated. However, the emotional toll would take time to heal. The fear in Nicolette’s eyes caused pain for Jeannette. “I’m here, my sweet. Papa is bringing in a cot to sleep near you. Rest now. You are safe.”

  Nicolette became drowsy, and her heavy eyelids slipped closed. Her grasp on her mother’s hand slackened as the Sandman claimed her.

  As Dom set up the cot, he said, “Are they sleeping now?”

  “Yes, the sedative the pediatrician prescribed took effect. They should sleep without night terrors tonight.” Jeannette went to the doorway. “Are you certain they will be safe here? There might be others who want to hurt them?”

  Dom straightened and turned to Jeanette. “Colonel Andrews assigned a detail to guard our home. Men I trust with my life.”

  Jeannette shook her head. “I don’t possess such trust anymore. Not after Harriet’s betrayal. How could she sell you out and harm our girls?”

  Standing in the hall, after tucking in Elsa, Andrei overheard again without meaning to. The woman at lunch betrayed them? What a weight to bear. He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry for hearing something I shouldn’t … again.

  “You don’t know me, but I promise not to say anything. I owe you so much …” His eyes teared up. “I would’ve lost my sunshine without …”

  Jeannette’s features softened. “Yes. Yes. How is Elsa doing tonight?”

  “Sleeping. Thank you for permitting the pediatrician to examine her too.” Andrei sucked in a deep breath and gradually exhaled. His daughter had been terrorized but thankfully not molested.

  The phone ringing drew Jeannette’s attention. “I’ll answer that.” She left Dom with Andrei, two fathers who struggled to cope with the fact they couldn’t protect their innocent children from the evils of the world.

  “Bonjour,” Jeannette said, sitting on the bed.

  “Hello, may I speak with Jeannette Savoy?”

  “Yes, this is she.”

  “My name is Corinne Berengaria. I’m not sure if you remember meeting me or not. I’m Harriet Lambourne’s assistant.”

  “Yes, you wore that lovely coral scarf when we met at Harriet’s home.” Unsure why Corinne called, she asked, “What can I do for you?”

  Relieved Mrs. Savoy recalled meeting, Corrine smiled at her gracious compliment. “I’m sorry for calling … well, this is a little delicate …”

  When Corrine trialed off, Jeannette prompted, “Is Harriet alright?”

  “I’m not sure, that is why I’m calling. This may be nothing, but as Harriet’s friend, I wanted to ask you if she seemed alright today at lunch?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “Well, she appeared rather distracted and perhaps depressed all afternoon. I shouldn’t tell you this, but things aren’t going too well for her at work lately. She has been drinking more than usual. I’m worried about her.”

  Perfect! We’ll eliminate Harriet tonight. Jeannette’s quick mind set a plan into motion as she used a concerned tone, “Her visit at lunch was unexpected. She appeared quite despondent today, more so than ever. She worried me too.”

  Corinne perceived the worried inflection so shared, “I know she doesn’t have any family and lives alone, I thought perhaps you might contact her and make sure she is alright.”

  “Yes, I will. Thank you so much for sharing your concern for my dear friend. I will call her right after I put my children to bed. Au revoir.” Striding into the hallway, Jeannette said, “Dom, I need to speak with you.”

  Dom met her halfway. “What?”

  “It must be done tonight.”

  “Alright. Not that I disagree but tell me why.”

  Jeannette explained the phone call which set Dom into action.

  Harriet Lambourne’s Home – Greenhouse – 11:00 p.m.

  After spending most of the evening at her favorite bar, Harriet came home an hour ago and decided to putter around her rose bushes and other flowers in her greenhouse in hopes of figuring out what to do.

  She loved gardening—it was one of the things she truly enjoyed in this world, but tonight, her garden activities didn’t appear to help. She picked up her spray bottle of weed killer, imagining each unwanted plant she sprayed was Jeannette or Dominique as her mind wandered.

  Her unannounced visit to the Savoy home didn’t go as planned. There was no distress in the bitch’s eyes. The brats still lived, and so did Dominique. The Yurievich brothers failed in their efforts to kill Dominique. She couldn’t figure out how he managed to rescue the girls without help … especially in Russia.

  Neither one appeared to treat her different, so she concluded Dominique killed the Yurievichs without interrogating them. Undoubtedly hurried by time constraints and an unwillingness to further endanger his daughters. Knowing the man well, he would never expose his children to what he did in the field. He preferred to keep them innocent of the seedier side of his life. Perhaps that is how I can cause them pain. Show their brats their father is a born killer, and their mother is a liar and whore willing to sleep with men for intel.

  In her anger, she threw the plastic bottle at the table with such force the old container cracked. Her rage taking over, she blindly gripped her prized mini rosebush and hurled it at the glass, shattering the terracotta pot. Harriet hurried over to her plant and scooped it up. She carried it to the workbench and set it down. Her sleeve skimmed over the liquid which leaked out of the broken bottle, but she ignored that as she lovingly replanted her roses.

  Once done, she removed her gloves and leaned on the bench. Getting the weed killer on her hands, she absently wiped them dry on her apron before removing it, and tossing the fabric on the ground. Striding to the house for a necessary drink, she muttered, “I will think of a way to make them pay. Soon.”

  Harriet Lambourne’s Home – Study – 11:10 p.m.

  From inside Harriet’s house, Jeannette and Dom observed Harriet turn off the light of the greenhouse and begin to walk towards her home. Jeannette faced her husband. “Her dropping by unexpectedly today gave us an alibi.”

  Dom nodded. “Brilliant when you told Corinne that Harriet was depressed. I checked with Colonel Andrews who provided me intel which will help. Her demotion is due to drinking which resulted in a death and injury. Corinne is there to assess her fitness for her position. Harriet is slipping these days.”

  “To our advantage. That woman—no, snake—that snake dies tonight. She crossed the line, harmed our girls, our friends, and put so many others at risk. I will feel no remorse for her death.” Jeannette turned and with gloved hands finished typing out the suicide note on Harriet’s computer.

  Dom watched Harriet’s progress towards the house. When she was almost there, Dom set the vodka bottle back into the cabinet. Then both he and Jeannette slipped into the shadows of the room.

  Harriet entered her study, headed right to her alcohol cabinet, and pulled out her favorite brand of vodka. She possessed many other alcoholic beverages, but those were for guests, she only drank vodka. After pouring a single shot, she quaffed the entire contents. She refilled her tumbler and turned to sit at her desk. She took the bottle and glass with her.

  She downed the second shot, and as she decanted a third, she realized her co
mputer screen was on. The color drained from her face as she read the note written in French.

  Life is unbearable. I’m tired of pretending to enjoy life. I am a failure, both at life and my career. I gave up family and children, dedicating my life to my work, and now I no longer have that as I can see the writing on the wall. Plant my roses on my grave … they are all the family I ever had, and the only ones who will miss me.

  Harriet reached for her right-hand drawer where she kept her gun.

  Stepping out of the shadows, aiming Harriet’s Ruger LCRx .38 Special at her former boss, Jeannette said, “You won’t find your gun in the drawer.” When Harriet froze, she moved closer. “Drink up. I think you’ll need it. I have some questions for you.”

  Jeannette knows! Harriet drank half the glass. “You won’t shoot me. You’ve never fired your weapon at a person. And you won’t get me to use my gun on myself. People will not believe I committed suicide.”

  Dom sniggered as he moved from his hidden location.

  Harriet’s hand shook at his laugh, and she downed the remainder of the vodka for courage. How the hell am I going to get out of this alive? Dom will not hesitate to murder me. Sweating Harriet wiped her forehead. “What makes you think I had anything to do with your girl’s kidnapping?”

  “Well, for starters … how did you know they were abducted? We never told anyone,” Dom drawled as he came forward and with gloved hands poured more vodka into Harriet’s glass.

  Once the tumbler was filled again, Harriet nervously brought it to her lips and drank as she realized her mistake. She tried another path. “Nicolette is my goddaughter. I would never hurt a hair on her head.”

  Jeannette leveled the Ruger with Harriet’s head, and her voice became hard as she retorted, “No, but you would pay someone else to do it for you. Never get your hands dirty doing it yourself. Why, Harriet? We were friends. I trusted you. You betrayed me. Why?”

  Taking another drink, Harriet’s mind sought out a plausible lie which would save her skin but noting the rage in Jeannette’s eyes she spat out, “I hated you. You stole Dominique from me. Then you had the audacity to ask me to be your brat’s godmother.” She turned to Dominique. “I hate you too. You should be dead now.”