Beck looked at her steadily, forehead furrowed in concern. “I get it, Avery. You were certainly more important to them than you felt, but then you lost the chance to ever find out.”
She was appreciating him more and more.
“Thanks,” she said, hesitating… “for listening. But enough about me. So what do you actually do?”
Beck pushed back in his chair. He smiled. “I think I’m trying to figure that out.”
Avery couldn’t resist teasing him. “Do I want to know this?”
“Probably not, but I’ll tell you, anyway. I work in management and engineering for a defense contractor.”
Avery found that amusing. “We do come from different worlds, don’t we? I’m out to empower women and save the world, and you’re working with the people who might blow it up.”
Beck shook his head. “I should take offense at that, but I won’t. I prefer to emphasize the word defense. Fact is, I’ll probably be moving on. There’s been a change in climate at work and I’m not comfortable. The Covel Group may be history shortly.”
Avery managed to contain herself. The Covel Group? Wasn’t there something in the news linking Covel to Laguna?
~~~
The following week Avery was out of the country. She left with regret, Beck constantly on her mind. As soon as she returned, she called him.
“I missed you,” were the first words out of his mouth.
It was just what Avery wanted to hear.
As they spent more and more time together, the sense of intimacy grew. Avery hesitated to move so fast into a new relationship, but there were no red flags. She wasn’t going to make a premature judgment. To her, meeting Beck had karma all over it, and she was going to see it through—Covel Group or not.
After a few days, they had a favorite haunt at a high-end café with comfy couches if they came early enough to capture one. One evening they were snuggling in a corner when Avery sat up and turned toward Beck.
“Enough is enough. Can I invite you to dinner at my place?” Her smile was revealing. “There’s dessert if you want.”
Chapter 9
Evil Partnership
Miami, Florida
Despite his strong focus on work, sometimes Evan needed to get away from the office and even his own condo—so he maintained a penthouse on the pinnacle of one of Miami’s high-rise buildings. From time to time he would meet with business associates or spend time with Brigid, his special companion. Always discreet service personnel were in attendance and would see to their every desire.
As would befit a man of such importance, it came complete with a heliport. This morning he was awaiting the arrival of his good friend Sergey Volkov. Evan steepled his fingers in thought as he stared out at the expansive view. The sound of helicopter blades from the machine landing on the rooftop pad brought him back to the moment and he headed for the roof.
“How was your trip?” Evan asked after he and Sergey exchanged Russian bear-hug greetings.
“Busy. Never enough time, but is better these days to be able to work while in air.” Sergey’s heavy Russian accent always made him sound gruff.
They took the private elevator down to the suite one floor below.
“Please come and sit. We have something to discuss…”
Evan held up his hand as the butler entered the room bringing wine for him and vodka for Sergey. Sergey poured himself a generous serving. It amused Evan how Sergey could start on the vodka at such an early hour and seem unaffected. But it was none of his business.
Satisfied, Sergey sat back. “You sound serious.”
“I am. Did you hear about an incident in Brazil?”
“No, I hear nothing.”
“It relates to the weapon we’re jointly developing. It was being tested in the Atlantic and it seems we killed a lot of sea life.” Evan decided to withhold more detailed information.
“Why is this problem for us? System obviously needs work.”
“The problem goes deeper than that.” Evan took a long draft of his rich red wine as the first course of food was brought. When the waiter departed, he returned to the subject.
“It’s not just the incident at Laguna. My security people have picked up some disturbing messages. They’re monitoring a variety of communications and are hearing chatter about Laguna. Some of the messages are encrypted, but other parts sound like some kind of chirping noise. My people could decode the encrypted part, but couldn’t decipher the other noises.”
Sergey saw himself as action oriented and preferred hard data and definitive statements. “And so, my friend, what did we learn?”
“Nothing significant, but the extent of the chatter was disturbing. It makes me wonder who may be watching what we’re doing and why. It said something about a woman being gravely injured.”
“Were there women at Laguna? In the sea?”
“It’s a seaside village, so there would have been women around but not likely that they would have been close to the fishing.” Evan looked puzzled. “From what I heard, the injured were mostly dolphins. Not that important.”
“Maybe we kill mermaids.” Sergey grinned and both men laughed.
“I’m much more concerned about what kind of trouble environmentalists might make if this testing is doing damage to marine life.” Evan’s demeanor darkened.
“Is possible messages from competitors wanting to make us look bad.” Sergey shrugged. “We find out who, and…” He pulled the edge of his hand across his throat.
Evan was quiet for a moment. “Antonio has some connections in other intelligence communities. His Italian friends are also trying to identify the origin of the communications. As soon as we have better information, we’re prepared to act and will do whatever’s necessary. You know full well, Sergey—nothing and no one will be permitted to disrupt our business interests.”
It delighted Evan that his partner in this endeavor was a Russian. When this weapons system was ready, they planned to sell it in various forms to competing national interests. After all, business was business, and profits were everything. It did not matter to either man that both the Americans and the Russians might have different forms of the same weapons system—and different political goals.
Sergey smiled and raised his glass. “My friend. Do you believe some naive environmentalists can affect our businesses? They have no idea of our power. It would be easy. Frighten them, silence them. No matter. They are children.”
Evan raised his glass in salute. The red wine looked like blood.
Chapter 10
At Last!
Miami, Florida
Avery pulled salmon out of the oven and let it sit while she tossed a salad. Beck stood behind her. Both were quiet but the only tension was of anticipation. To Beck she seemed intense and focused—in a good way. When she turned to him there was a shy smile on his face. Beck took Avery’s hand, stroked her fingers and then up her arm. She drew her long dark hair away from her face, then ran her fingers through his blond hair.
Beck drew her closer. “About dessert...”
Avery had just finished her second glass of wine and was having an internal dialogue complete with Julian’s recent comments about her intensity.
Then Beck delighted her. “Do you think we can make it through dinner?”
Avery kissed him lightly on the lips and again stroked his hair. “Let’s try. I think it’s going to be a long, delicious night.”
Dinner was punctuated with lingering pauses and light touches between them making the wait difficult but luscious. In a soft, husky voice Beck said, “Dishes can wait.”
Avery took his hand as she rose. “I’ll need help with buttons.” She loved the look on his face.
“I can do buttons,” he said, his voice husky with desire.
Getting into the bedroom was challenging. Their need for caresses and kisses was more important.
It was the early morning hours when their pent-up desir
es were spent and fulfilled. They fell asleep spooned together. This night Avery had no disturbing dreams. If there were dreams at all they were ephemeral and sensual. Morning light came with another intense fulfillment.
“You’re an incredible lover,” Beck said nuzzling her neck. The last of Avery’s fears drained away.
Over the coming days, they spent as much time as they could together. There were cozy times, intimate brushes, and deepening private resolve about their feelings for each other. They talked about their pasts and their dreams for their futures. They even found they could simply spend time as friends.
Then, on a cool Sunday morning they were lying together on a blanket watching people arrive at the beach.
“You’re somewhere else, Beck. What’s up?”
He turned back from the sea and looked at her, troubled. Avery’s gut clenched as she feared what might be coming.
“It’s my job. All I wanted was a promising future. This job at Covel seemed exactly right, but now it’s making my blood run cold.”
Avery’s fears subsided. She appreciated his willingness to reveal his vulnerability.
“We haven’t been together long, Avery, but I feel I’ve known you for a long time and I trust you. You can’t tell anyone what I’m going to share.”
Avery nodded.
“It’s not just the people at work that concern me. Did you hear about the problem in Brazil at a place called Laguna?”
Avery tensed. “I heard something about dolphins dying.”
“It was a test of an echolocation weapons system Covel is developing. It’s turned into a nightmare.”
Avery couldn’t stand his distress any longer. She drew in a deep breath and took his hand. “I was at Laguna when it happened,” she whispered.
“You were there? Why didn’t you tell me?” Beck’s voice held an edge of anger.
Avery sensed their relationship was at risk. “Beck, I said you could trust me. Let me explain.”
He watched her steadily, a question on his lips.
“The name of your company was in the news. And when you said that’s where you worked, it concerned me. But I was already so interested in you I pushed caution aside. Please understand I had no other motive.”
She held her breath while waiting for him to respond.
Finally he said, “Tell me what happened at Laguna.”
She exhaled. “I don’t want to lose what we have, Beck.”
Beck reached out and put his hands on her shoulders. “I don’t either.”
It was what she’d hoped to hear and she was flooded with emotion, glad to finally be able to talk about it.
She told him about the village at Laguna, her feelings for Luma and Cortez, and then described the events on the beach. “I don’t share this easily, Beck, because it’s so irrational.” She hesitated. “There was this terrible moan from the sea, and even before I could hear it and feel it, I had this intuitive sense of dread. Feelings with no base in reality.”
He took her hand. “My mother often has feelings no one can confirm. I’ve learned not to discount the gift.”
Avery hadn’t thought of her intuitions as a gift. She’d always pushed them away. “Maybe I’m just a flake,” she said. “And there’s something else. There was a woman in the surf. She had large luminous eyes and I thought I saw scales on her legs. Two women who didn’t look like villagers pulled her from the surf.” Then she added, “And here’s the flake part. The night before I had had a dream where I was on a beach and I saw a woman in the surf with the same kind of luminous eyes.”
Avery held her breath as Beck narrowed his eyes, then slowly drew in a breath. “Now I have to own an intuition. There’s something disturbing behind the scenes at Covel. I can feel it but can’t define it. And here’s my odd part. Something having to do with my mother is nagging at me.”
He looked directly at Avery. “We have to figure it out. I’m feeling all this has something to do with both of us.”
Avery brightened. “How could I forget? I have a video of the woman in the surf and the rescue. It’s pretty grainy.”
Beck’s eyes widened. “I may be able to improve it. Any information would help.”
From far away he thought he heard his mother’s voice.
Chapter 11
Struck Down
Paris, France
Philippa Desrochers adored watching the lights on the Eiffel Tower in the evening. The hourly show was such fun, and she was grateful for the views from her friend Marine’s apartment high up in Montmartre. She turned as Martine returned to the terrace with their petit servings of Grand Marnier. Philippa thought Martine had aged impeccably, remaining slim, agile and regal.
She touched Philippa’s long dark hair. “You’ve kept your lush color, my friend. Or do you have help?”
Philippa’s blue eyes twinkled, and she made a sweeping movement with her elegant hands. “All things change, Martine. Of course I have help. But I like to tend the image of the enduring mystery and attraction of women, just as I tend the enrichment of my passion and bond with my darling husband, Paolo.”
Martine smiled. “The bewitching enchantment that is woman graces our lives and our chosen men even while it strikes fear into men who are not dedicated to our causes.”
Philippa sipped the liqueur. “I was so glad you were home. When I come here on business the apartment we maintain is cozy, but I relish a visit with a dear friend.”
Martine smiled. “But surely you’re well received when you visit the French. The historical link you have with them takes you and Paolo deep into their history and concerns.”
“They are warm and welcoming, but the comfort among Tethyans is more fulfilling.”
“I understand.” Martine drew a sharp breath. “By the way, did you hear what happened at Laguna in Brazil?” she asked.
“Yes. Brigid Lynch contacted me. It was so tragic, and one of our people was involved. We were able to save her, fortunately.”
“There’s more to it, Philippa. We’ve reason to believe it was a weapons test gone bad. Brigid is helping us track the corporation we think houses the guilty parties. I believe these Overlords are so caught up in their quest for power and money they don’t understand they are ensnared in the universe’s destructive power that we call the Maelstrom.”
Philippa gasped. “What a horrifying thought. They may be unleashing far more destruction than they can control.”
Martine nodded, her eyes focused in the distance. “It happens not just with their weapons, but in their affairs among people, especially at times of conflict. The conflict may get more out of hand than they intend.”
Philippa’s eyes were etched with concern. “Martine, are you being careful? These men are dangerous. You are a world-renowned environmental activist and your challenge to their power may make you a target.”
“We’re being as careful as we can. The destructive efforts of these predators must be stopped. The Andromeda is seeking all avenues to interfere with their operations.”
Martine turned toward Philippa. “Do you know what drives me?”
“I’m wondering if I do.”
Martine’s eyes blazed. “We’re Tethyans, Philippa. We were given a special mission by Gaia, and I’ll pursue it to my dying day.”
Deep inside Philippa shuddered. “I appreciate your passion, Martine, but please, please be careful.”
They startled at a rap on the front door. Martine ran to greet the young woman who entered the apartment dragging a large suitcase. They hugged and chattered at the door until Martine remembered she had a guest and brought the girl out to the balcony.
“Philippa, you’ve previously met my darling granddaughter, Adelais. She is starting her first year at La Sorbonne.”
Adelais extended her hand. The girl’s intensity and intelligence glowed through her dark French beauty. Glistening chestnut hair framed a face with lively brown eyes. She looked back at Philippa unwaver
ingly with an inquiring expression.
Philippa smiled. Such an exquisite example of our young. I believe the young men she will engage will be utterly enchanted.
Philippa took her hand. “It must be exciting—beginning your education at La Sorbonne. What do you expect will be the object of your studies?”
The girl hesitated for a moment, then said, “Madam, it’s a little early for me to express a major. Education is my intention, and then I’ll see.”
Still holding Adelais’s hand, Philippa turned toward Martine. “You must be very proud.”
Martine put her arm around Adelais. “We take great pride in this generation of our young, and she’s indeed very special to us.”
The three of them chatted for a while before Adelais excused herself. “Pardon, Madam, it’s been a long trip. Let me put my things away and settle in.”
Philippa watched her depart with considerable interest. She turned to Martine.
“Such a beautiful and interesting young woman. Intelligence and intensity. Do you fear for her future?”
“What are you thinking, Philippa?”
“There’s something about her. Do you think she’s a candidate for Andromeda, with all the danger that poses as they defend the Tethyan world?”
Martine laughed softly. “Our family sees her future as dedicated to our mission, but not in the sense of Andromeda. We don’t believe she is of that line.”
Philippa narrowed her eyes. “That’s a curious statement. ‘That line.’ What line is that?”
“Some of us think many of the Andromeda women may be a lineage that is distinct from Tethyans in general.
Philippa shook her head as she considered the thought. “I hadn’t heard anyone express that before, that the women of the Andromeda could be Tethyan, but have other lineage as well.”
“Perhaps. We can’t know for sure. In any event, we assume Adelais will follow a rich and rewarding future within our chosen passions and stewardship efforts.”
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