With barely a word, the piece started again. Slowly and hauntingly it crept across the stage and nailed Edward's feet in place. The two girls’ voices, so very different, played very well off each other and complemented the piece. Why had it ever been rendered a solo piece? Sacrilege! Edward just stood there transfixed as the piece played on. He could feel his fur rippling and standing on end like a young schoolboy, but he didn't care, or at least wasn't able to care. The piece moved on and on and he hoped it would never end. As the chorus and rest of the instruments came in for the final verse, Edward knew he was probably doing something foolish again, and Kadu was going to let him hear about it for the rest of the day, but he just didn't care. He didn't care.
As the fifth piece ended and the hyped up sixth number started, it wasn't Kadu, but rather Gillian checking in on him.
“Are you okay?” she asked more than a little worried.
Edward shrugged sheepishly. “Sorry, that piece really just gets to me.”
Gillian wasn't convinced, “That was a little creepy. I mean I've seen you do that weird color change thing before, but that was, well, weird.”
“At least he was breathing,” interjected Kadu. Oh, there she was.
“You were afraid he was going to stop, like in the elevator that time?”
“It was a legitimate concern based on his previous responses. During the concert, we will have to make sure we have additional assets on station for that piece.”
Edward was beyond flustered, “I.. I'm sorry Kadu... I don't know why....”
“I don't know either, and I don't care. I've known you for over a year now, and I've seen you deal with situations that would most assuredly cause Lady Gillian to regurgitate just from the simplest description. If there is a five minute window in which you are a danger to the crowd, then so be it. We can work around it. You are far too exceptional in all other regards to...
“Wait a minute,” interrupted Gillian, “you said 'danger to the crowd?'”
“Correct.”
Gillian blinked, “Well, yes. Could you explain what you meant by that?”
“My initial hypothesis is that if anyone were to attack the two young ladies, he would stop them. Period.”
“As in ‘stop them even if it meant taking out half the crowd’,” murmured Gillian.
“That is, in fact, my present concern.”
“I can work this out, Kadu. There is a lot of time before the concert,” interjected Edward.
“Maybe. But we must have a plan if you cannot.”
“Okay, I'm all about having plans. But please give me the benefit of the doubt and let me try to work this out,” retorted Edward.
“That is perfectly acceptable. Shall we say, three days until the concert?”
“Agreed, Kadu.” Edward turned to Gillian, “I am so very sorry about all of this. I never...”
“It's okay!” interrupted Gillian with a smile, “I was just worried about you. I'm sure the team can take care of this. You do have fantastic people you work with.”
Edward tried to smile, “Yes, ma'am. They are the best!”
“You did it again!”
“Sorry, Mom.”
“Ugh!” replied Gillian playfully.
“Nine o'clock. Reception at the Cobalt Lounge,” chirped Gillian to Tatiana as they drove home. “You still game for it?”
Tatiana, tired from the day’s work, still managed to beam broadly, “Of course! First time to mingle with the fans in quite some time! Or is security going to close it down?”
Eyes went quickly to Edward. “My understanding is that Trevor thinks we can do it safely. We've pulled in two more Lowlanders from the other half of our team, and they'll be ready to help tonight. Their external security will be a little more intense than normal, but once inside, things should be a lot more mellow and relaxed.”
“Happier when you have a guest list to work?”
Edward laughed, “Hey, I'm not organized enough for that. That is Trevor's area. But statistically, it’s the caterers that are more dangerous for political attacks. They have more time to be sneaky. The problem is we still have no motivation.”
“And if you had a motivation you would have a better idea of how, where, and when an attack would come,” offered Gillian. “Well, your people have been through my mail going back six months now and still haven't a solid lead. Quite annoying.”
“Paul is curious if the person, or persons, is doing this strictly as a matter of getting attention for themselves. Nothing to do with Tatiana, per se, and everything to with the fact that it is certain to be covered by the media.”
“Crackpots will always be there. But can't we please have crackpots that don't risk people getting seriously hurt or killed?”
“If they were that rational, they wouldn't be called crackpots,” interjected Tatiana.
Gillian had a good laugh at that. “Unfortunately, I think you nailed it there, girl.” Gillian’s eyebrows knitted, “Paul. Have I met him?”
“Doubt it. He ’s a human sniper. Spends most of his time crawling around roof tops.”
“Ah! Then, no, I don't think I have.” Gillian paused for a moment as she rearranged her thoughts. “There is also the larger reception this Saturday. That is still a go, too, yes?”
“Assuming nothing goes too bad with this one, then yes.”
“Fair enough.”
14
The reception was a mess for Trevor: too many people were let in, security checkpoints broke down, not all the cameras came on line, local 'help' wasn't. It was certainly in line to cause poor Trevor an ulcer by morning. But for Tatiana, it was a wonderful night; after several days of near isolation from her fans, she had a chance to romp and play, smile and pose, grin and sign autographs. She genuinely seemed to enjoy mingling with her fans young and old, telling little stories, and offering little quips of encouragement buffered with warnings of the long hours required for her line of work. She seemed more like an ambassador for pop than a star. Maybe it was her still being the child star, maybe it was her just trying to be an approachable person.
Edward could have sworn they walked twenty kilometers that night, back and forth all over the sprawling lounge. Normally a private club with exquisite indoor gardens, it was open to the public for the night and Edward got to see every square meter of it. Rather than being Tatiana's shadow, as was normal, he was more her escort, waltzing her around with her hanging off his arm. Well, at least she wasn't trying to hold his hand in public. Yet. Tatiana made him nervous and calm, both at the same time! That just wasn't right. And then there was Zoë; she made him calm and nervous! Girls made no sense at all!
Edward gritted his teeth and just pressed on as his enjoyment of the evening started to wear thin. The only excitement to be found was when some protestors tried to crash the party. The queue of actual fans was so deep that when the protestors tried to rush the doors, they were quickly and forcefully ejected even before security got involved. There was something to be said for dedicated fans.
Midnight rolled around, and much to Tatiana's annoyance, it was time to call the reception to an end. Gillian had hoped to wrap things up at eleven, but when she realized that was hopeless, she drew the line at midnight: they had another full day of rehearsals the following day and Tatiana had to get some rest. Tatiana said her goodbyes as she did her best to take the longest path possible back to the car.
It was almost midnight thirty when they finally made it back to their hotel. A small gaggle was waiting out front. Wow, some fans needed a life! After a small amount of grumping, it was finally decided to let Tatiana out at the front door to see the die-hard fans that didn't make the reception. Edward stepped out of the car and made it two whole steps before he raised his Live Steel armor and slammed Tatiana to the ground.
The explosion was sharp and bright, but fortunately for all involved it went off on the far side of the armored car, which soaked most of the blast. Edward's mind raced as he quickly shuffled Tatiana inside. Wha
t had happened? Where had it come from? He slapped his comlink, “Talk to me! What just happened?”
“Small scale device. More fireball than damage. May have just low ordered. Still working it. Client secure?”
“Flustered but fine. Taking her up.” Edward cursed under his breath as he moved Tatiana inside; Gillian, where was Gillian? “Gillian under cover?”
“She's still in the car. We are bringing her in via the parking garage.”
Edward looked over Tatiana, “Are you okay?”
“A little shaken. Honestly, once you did that armor thingy, I couldn't even hear or feel the blast. It was a little one, like the old ones, yes?”
“Yep. Whoever it was, they’re back.”
“Pipe bomb under a manhole cover,” chirped Kestrel over the comlink as Edward sat with Gillian. “The manhole cover actually took most of the blast. It was more of a giant firework than a bomb, but it was still uncool in my book. We have logs of people that were in those access tunnels, we should be able to narrow it down by morning.”
“Awesome as always, Kestrel. Out.”
“Out.”
Edward turned to Gillian, “Twice today I've messed up. First at the rehearsal and then I completely forgot about you; I just got focused on Tatiana. If you wish me to resign, I'll understand.”
Gillian cocked an eye at Edward, “That is the stupidest thing I've heard all week. And I'm in the music business: I hear some pretty stupid things! There is no way I'd ever want you to resign. Your job is to protect Tatiana. Not me—Tatiana. Do we understand each other? If Trevor wants to assign Alex or Gigi or whoever to protect me, that's another thing. But you are here to protect Tatiana, and I have seen nothing to make me doubt your ability or resolve to protect her.” Gillian smiled broadly, “If you have to make a choice, and I hope you don't, you choose her! You got that! I've been her surrogate mother these last three years and that's just the type of stupid thing a mother is going to say, so get used to it. Protect Tatiana. Are we clear?”
“Yes, Gillian.” Edward was still flustered and ashamed; it didn't matter what she said. “How is Tatiana?” Edward was sure she was asleep, but he was just desperate to change the subject.
“She's asleep. Did you want to go give her a goodnight kiss?”
Edward's stomach rolled. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to change the subject after all.
“Sorry, Edward, that was a cheap shot. But if you are going to mope about the excellent job you did today protecting Tatiana, that is what you are going to get. Fair enough?”
“Yes, Mom. Goodnight.”
Gillian just smiled back, “Goodnight, Edward.”
Friday's rehearsal started late and ended early. Gillian let Tatiana sleep late, much to Tatiana's chagrin, but paid the cast for a full day regardless. It was a Friday and everyone needed the break. The troupe survived the fourth piece without drawing down the 'wrath of Gillian.' Edward survived the fifth piece with only a mild glazed and confused look. It was a nice and dull day. Dull and boring. Boring and dull. Not a care in the world. Well, maybe an ulcer for Edward as they all started to pack up for their early dismissal.
Tatiana caught Zoë in the hall, “Hey Zoë, do you want to come with me to the reception on Saturday? You're getting billing on the show; you might as well have some fun soaking up the free press.”
Zoë laughed, “I'm going to school once this tour is over; I’m not sure I need the press. Besides, I'm not sure I have anything to wear.”
“Oh, come on, it'll be fun. If you need something to wear, come over to my place this evening and we'll get something cut to fit you.”
Zoë cocked her head as she looked at Tatiana, “The vultures that bad?”
Tatiana shrugged, “Not vultures so much, just, well....”
“No one you know or can relate to or talk to.”
Tatiana offered a feeble nod, “If you are too busy...”
“No, like you said, it could be fun,” Zoë smiled warmly.
Tatiana brightened immediately.
“But I will need help in the wardrobe department.”
Tatiana laughed, “I wasn't kidding before. Swing by at six, we'll get something picked out and then grab a bite to eat. By then the alterations should be done and we'll have time for a second fitting.”
Zoë smiled and shook her head softly, “I just buy off the rack and tweak by hand here and there. The only thing I ever had custom fit was my bike armor. Six you said?”
Tatiana beamed and nodded, “Look forward to it!”
As the three of them broke away from Zoë at the armored car, Gillian addressed Tatiana, “I'm very sorry dear. I hadn't thought about that; you haven't seen most of your old friends in almost six months.”
Tatiana sniffed, “Most of them were just the kids of Dad's friends or sycophants. Haven't had any good friends since Mom died.”
Gillian grimaced and hugged Tatiana, who quickly and warmly returned the embrace. “She's a good choice. She's smart, independent, and talented in her own right.”
Tatiana giggled and addressed Edward, “You think Zoë is cute, don't you?”
In response, Edward's fur rippled in color uncontrollably, causing Tatiana to burst out laughing.
“That is forward and rude, Tatiana,” groused Gillian, “He is a professional trying to do his job.”
Tatiana bit her lip and looked at her feet, “I'm sorry.”
Edward nodded as he regained his composure, “To be quite frank, you two are both quite attractive. And, for the record, it is beneath you to fish for compliments.”
“Well spoken,” replied Gillian. “If we are all done being cutesie for a moment, I have a couple of pragmatic questions. First and foremost, is the reception still on after the pipe bomb incident?”
Glad for the change in subject, Edward nodded, “Yes indeed. Trevor viewed that as a separate security incident and thus still feels we can safely handle the reception on Saturday as planned.”
“Excellent. If I recall, Kestrel had high hopes for leads based on the security camera footage. Did anything come of that?”
“Yes and no.” Edward's mind raced as he tried to recall everything he had heard over the comm chatter correctly. “From what we know from our footage and the footage based on the hotel's cameras, that particular bomb had been in place for at least two weeks. Based on some circumstantial evidence, Kestrel estimates that it had been in place for between four and six weeks.”
“Seriously?” Gillian's surprise was hard to miss. “That seems quite a long time to wait to use it.”
“Well, if there is a long time between planting the device and when it goes off, it’s that much harder to connect people to the scene. More importantly, it tells us a lot about the person or persons involved.”
“They are not impulsive. They plan far in advance and are willing to be patient.”
“Exactly. That makes them difficult to catch due to their caution, but, if their past history is to continue, they are unlikely to cause real casualties. The difficulties arise if we do something that causes them to become impulsive. Then things could get very nasty.”
“And if more than one person is involved, then we are also worried about group dynamics as well.” Gillian closed her eyes and sighed deeply. “Please tell me there is some good news buried in all this?”
“Actually, Kestrel said he had several bits of solid, actionable intel, er, information that came from their work in the last eighteen hours. The trick is to coordinate with Trevor to make sure that if anything is done with said information, it doesn't spook the bad guys and cause them to do something rash.”
“So cautious optimism is what Kestrel is offering. I can handle that; he is a no-nonsense individual. Trevor seems to be running the show, I've noticed, but you said it's actually a Shukurae unit.”
“Takru is actually the one in charge of the unit. Trevor is the liaison with the local police as he has had the most experience working situations like this. The two of them work pretty tig
ht together. If, heaven forbid, it ever turns into a blazing gun battle, you will quickly see Takru out in front running the show.”
“I continue to be impressed with the professionalism of your group. Too often, I see people that are of higher rank meddle in the day–to-day affairs they know nothing about to the dismay of all involved.”
“The Shukurae are incredibly practical in that regard, and our unit is well above average. It is an all-volunteer unit which also helps keeps the group pragmatic and tight.”
“If the dance troupe was half as professional as your team, I'd have an easy job,” murmured Gillian.
“Where is the fun in that?”
“Bite your tongue!”
15
As they approached the hotel, Edward's comm link chirped as Kestrel came online, “Is everyone up for a roll of the dice?”
“If it ends this, then yes,” murmured Tatiana.
Gillian nodded as well.
“That's a ‘yes’ on this end. What's the plan?” replied Edward.
“Kadu, Alex, and Meeka are waiting in the lobby. You take Tatiana in the front door but leave Gillian in the car. If a charge goes off, we have three likely hotspots where the bomber may be signaling the device. If we have a target that bolts, they chase. We have locals on standby.”
“So, am I taking the client upstairs or is Alex?”
“I take it from the tone in your voice that you want to chase.”
“Guessed it in one. You do know me well.”
“Kadu is in full armor with climbing straps. You are predictable.”
Edward laughed, “That just makes things easier to plan. Estimated risk to target or neutrals?”
“Low to nil. Several thousand to tens of thousands in property damage.”
“Jerks.”
“Understatement,” offered Gillian.
“So I'm bait,” gulped Tatiana. “I guess it is no different than normal.”
Edward Page 9
