Once, a Long Time Ago

by Kendra G. Johnson

  “But, Pierre...”

  “I said, do you understand?” His tone invoked no questions.

  “Yes.”

  “Good. Now shall we go up to the villa?”

  “Yes, Pierre.” Katerina’s mind whirled. What did he have in mind? Without Danny, her plans would dissolve. She might be able to follow through on his idea, but she had lost her confidence. If she were honest, that is why she brought Danny here in the first place. She never felt as alive and capable as when he was in her life. And even though she had not been able to entice him back into her bed, she still felt the old fire of their partnership. She knew that together they could pull off the coup she had so desperately wanted. Now she felt lost. When they arrived at the balcony of the villa, they found Kenann screaming and pounding the chest of a man twice her size and strength. She was demanding to see Danny Mac. The man had folded his arms and simply shook his head. Every time she moved to go around him, he blocked her way. The only way into the house was behind him as the balcony had no other exit but the path back to the beach.

  Pierre stopped and, holding up his hand, signaled Katerina to do the same. He wanted to watch this spitfire in action. Kenann feinted one direction and dashed in the other. The man was momentarily caught off guard but was able to grab the back of her shirt with his beefy hand. What happened next surprised even Kenann, who was running on pure adrenaline. She whirled around and grabbing the man’s outstretched arm for leverage, scissored her legs into the air and landed a powerful blow to the man’s face. Blood spurted onto Kenann from the man’s nose as he loosened his grip. She used the opportunity to fly into the villa without a backward glance. She was halfway up the stairs screaming for Danny Mac when Pierre called from the main hallway. She looked over her shoulder but kept up her ascent to the next level. She would find him if she had to knock down every door in this place.

  “Ma Petit if you will wait, I will take you to him.”

  This finally got her attention and she paused. “Then you’d better get to it.”

  Pierre came up the stairs with a smile on his face. “You were magnificent.”

  “Cut the crap, Pierre, and let me see Danny Mac.”

  For a second, Pierre felt rage boil up. No one dared speak to him with such insolence. Not since he ran with a band of street urchins in Paris. And even then, he had gained control by cutting out the tongue of anyone who crossed him. He then remembered who she was and felt a great calm overtake him. He was on the verge of fulfilling his destiny to become the most powerful man in the world.

  He smiled, “Of course, my dear, right this way.”

  Danny Mac looked dead when they entered the room. She ran to him and fell on her knees beside the bed. She laid her head on his chest and felt the steady beat of his heart. She was weak with relief. She had no doubt Pierre’s men had drugged him, but it appeared he was in no immediate danger. She turned to look over her shoulder.

  “I won’t leave him.”

  “But of course, you will have to. He needs tended by the physician.”

  “I don’t care. I will stay right here until he can be moved back to the hotel.”

  “There is no need for you to return to the hotel. I can meet all your needs much better here.”

  Yeah, I’ll just bet, thought Kenann. “Where is the doctor?”

  “He will be here shortly.”

  “I’ll wait.”

  “As you wish.” He stepped out and closed the door. She waited to hear the usual click of the door locking behind him and was relieved when the sound did not come. She laid her head back onto Danny Mac’s chest and thought, Now, what do I do?

  CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

  “Something is up. They all went to a villa along the coast. Katerina left a few moments ago but without Danny Mac and Kenann. Another vehicle has arrived. I couldn’t tell who was in the car. It doesn’t feel right Jake, I’m worried.” Mrs. Gage was calling from her car.

  “You stay put and watch the villa. Moira and I will watch the lobby and see if Katerina returns. Maybe we can learn something here. I’ll call Judy to keep her ears and eyes open with Andy. Did you see a tail from Andy’s men?”

  “Yes, they’re here too.”

  “Good. Have they spotted you?”

  “I don’t think so. We have stayed in the car so far and we are fairly secluded. They are trying to blend in as tourists walking along the coastline cliffs, but they are keeping a close eye on things.”

  “That makes me feel better knowing they are there, to be quite honest. Do you think we should contact Andy?”

  “No, not yet. They know as much, if not more, than we do. We have nothing to offer them at this point. And perhaps by working independently we can still be of service later.”

  “Alright, Gabrielle. Give me directions to this villa in case we need to get to you fast.”

  When he was satisfied that he knew how to reach her if needed, they disconnected, and he filled Moira in on the current situation as he dialed Judy. Judy took it all in and decided. She went down to the desk and used every feminine wile she could muster, and finally got Andy’s room number out of the desk clerk. She took a deep breath and headed for the elevator. Her nerve failed her as soon as she got out on his floor. She stood wringing her hands by a table with a huge arrangement of flowers, when he came out into the hallway putting on his suit jacket at a run. He saw her just as she was ready to turn and hide her face.

  “Inge, what are you doing here?”

  “Someone told me the spa was on this floor. but I could not find it.”

  “Follow me. I’m in a bit of a hurry now but I can at least show you the floor on our way down.”

  She followed him onto the elevator. “Have you had time to compose your letter to your friend?”

  “Yeah, it sounded lame, but her answer was encouraging. Here’s the floor for the spa.”

  “I’ve changed my mind. I think I’ll go shopping instead. Do you want to share a taxi?”

  Andy seemed to consider this and decided it couldn’t hurt anything. “I have my own car. I can drop you in the shopping district on my way out of town.”

  His car had been brought around and he got behind the wheel. They chatted about mundane things as he made his way through traffic, but both of their minds were racing. Andy let her out in the center of the block. She thanked him and waved him away. When she was sure he was concentrating on the road ahead she hurriedly hailed a taxi and pointed to his car. Thankfully the driver spoke English and she was able to tell him to follow the dark blue sedan and provided the license number. She followed him out of town along the coastal highway. When he finally pulled into a wide place used as a scenic overlook, she asked the taxi driver to continue on until they were out of sight of his car. She used the cell phone Mrs. G had provided and called her.

  “Where are you, dear?”

  “I followed Andy by taxi. I am around the curve past the overlook on the right side of the road.”

  “I know the place. Pay the driver and we will be there to pick you up.” In just a few minutes, Judy was sitting in the air-conditioned limo with Mrs. G and Blade.

  “Did you learn anything from Andy?”

  “Not a thing. He came out of his room like a bat out of hell but cooled it when he saw me. He was definitely distracted but he never gives anything away.”

  “Well, we shall send our little street urchin on a mission? What do you say, Blade?”

  “Cool.”

  “Make your way down near the men by kicking stones or a can if you can find one. Be discrete, dear. Don’t let them know you are listening to them. Try to remember everything you hear. When you think you have heard all you can, head back to the car. Understood?”

  “Yep,” and he opened the door and began looking for something to kick. Once he located a dented can in the alley, he made his way over to the short wall overlooking the coast and began to play. He made his way to the men standing at the overlook and appeared to ignore them completely as he playe
d all around them. As he received the report from his men, Andy watched the little boy playing in the dirt.

  CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

  Jake and Moira waited in the bar by the lobby for what seemed like an eternity when Katerina blew in the door. She was barking orders into her cell phone.

  Jake grabbed Moira’s hand. “Come on. Let’s go.” and they followed her up to the elevator. Jake waited for her to push a number and then smiled and said, “Our floor.”

  Jake had no way of knowing that Katerina controlled the entire floor of that hotel. She eyed him warily. Moira laughed shrilly hoping to throw off Katerina’s train of thought about where she might have seen this man.

  “Oh, darling. That is not our floor,” and punched the number below it. She chattered on shrilly about the wonderful little shop she had found while he spent his whole day at the Casino. She didn’t understand why he had to waste his time like that. There was a wonderful city out there just waiting to be explored but no, he had to throw good money away. Katerina was more than relieved when they exited.

  Once the door closed Moira quieted.

  Jake exhaled. “Thank you, Moira. I was so anxious to follow her I didn’t think about the possibility she might recognize me. Do you think she did?”

  “No. But I think she was well on her way. She seemed very agitated. I wish we knew what happened out there at the villa.”

  “This is the hard part - the waiting and watching. I’ll go back to the lobby and keep out of Katerina’s sight.”

  “And I’ll do a little snooping around of my own.”

  “Moira be very careful. Katerina is one of the most dangerous women I have ever encountered.”

  Moira smiled reassuringly at Jake and thought, She should never have messed with my granddaughter.

  * * *

  Kenann’s head lay on Danny’s chest. The sound of his heart beat was comforting to her. She had remained in that position for a long while when a plan struck her with such force she jumped up. Before she could consider consequences or chicken out, she went out to the hallway and looking down to the main floor from the balcony, she called Pierre’s name. She cleared her throat and adopting her most imperious tone, called again. He appeared through the doorway and looked up at her. He did not speak but merely waited. She thought, There’s no going back now.

  “I request your presence.”

  He started up the long stairway. She stood in the doorway to their rooms. She felt her knees shaking and willed them to stop. She stiffened her spine and reminded herself what was at stake and felt suffused with resolve. When Pierre rounded the corner column at the head of the stairs, he was awestruck by the woman he saw. The shy naive young woman was being replaced by a Valkyrie- a goddess of war with fire in her eyes. Once again, he waited for her to speak first. She wasted no time.

  “You are very aware of my identity, so I will not insult you by pretending any longer. I knew the first time I saw you that you recognized me as Inanna.”

  Pierre gasped. Even though he knew the legend, it was unbelievable to be standing here as she revealed herself to him. He took a step toward her but stopped cold when she raised her palm. She wanted to maintain her edge of authority.

  “You have made a grave mistake in harming Daniel.” Pierre started to protest but she cut him off.

  “Do not pretend otherwise. It was not a creature in the sea who poisoned him. But you can redeem yourself if he recovers.”

  “Oh, he will, he will. He is only now sedated. He is in no danger. I swear to you.”

  “This is fortunate for you. The oracle purposely omitted Daniel’s role for reasons you will soon see.”

  Pierre felt a surge of rage at the thought that Daniel would rival him for power with Inanna. She could see his reaction and the last thing she wanted to create was a power struggle between Danny Mac and Pierre, so she went on.

  “Daniel will be the high priest in our international kingdom but the man to stand beside me is yet to be revealed.” She saw him come alert.

  “It is imperative that Daniel and I remain together at all times until my consort is determined. Is that clear?”

  “Of course, Your…” he faltered

  “Your Highness will suffice for now until my full identity is revealed. My full title is too cumbersome.” Kenann bit the inside of her jaw to stem nervous laughter.

  “Yes, Your Highness.”

  “I will have no further instructions until Daniel is awake and I know he is well.”

  And with that, she turned back into the room to continue her vigil beside the sleeping man. As she sat down and took his hand, she offered a silent prayer that she had done the right thing.

  CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

  Moira had reverted to the familiar wardrobe of Granny James she had brought with her to the hotel. She donned a flower print dress with a small cardigan sweater and flat comfortable shoes. Her hair was once again woven into a large single braid down her back. No makeup adorned her face. She went to several floors before she found an unattended housekeeping cart. She hurriedly obtained anything that had the hotel logo on it and was pleased to find a staff apron draped over the bar on the cart. She scurried off with her treasures before the maid came back to claim her cart. She pushed the button for Katerina’s floor and said a prayer for protection and guidance as she attempted to help her baby girl.

  She kept her head down and eyes averted as she came off the elevator. There was no one in the hall so she stopped at every door and listened. All was quiet except for an occasional television set, when at the very end room, she heard Katerina screaming orders to unseen minions. There was no other voice but hers. Suddenly the door burst open and a large man in a dark suit almost bowled her over. “You’d better get in there and clean that mess up.” He barked in Arabic.

  Moira looked past the man and saw broken pottery and wet flowers strewn across the carpet. When he shoved her and spoke again, she knew what he wanted her to do. Moira busied herself with the task and tried to glean anything useful from the tirade coming from Katerina. At first the only words she understood were the names of Kenann, Danny and someone named Pierre. She took a count of the men in the room. There were three men who were obviously of Middle Eastern origin standing off by themselves. A lone man was on the receiving end of Katerina’s tirade. She guessed this to be Angelo whom Jake had told her about. He was visibly upset by what Katerina was telling him. Moira had stalled longer than she dared in cleaning up the broken chards and flowers, but she hadn’t learned anything of value. As if on cue or by divine intervention, Angelo switched to English and Katerina followed in kind.

  “What are you saying, Katerina?”

  “What I’m saying, you imbecile, is that everything is falling apart. Pierre is shutting me out. He wanted his little goddess to himself and he had to get Danny out of the way to do that. I don’t know what he has in mind. He practically ordered me out of the villa. The Night of the Lion is in three days. If I’m not standing beside him during the ceremony, I have no chance of being chosen his successor when he dies. Not to mention that when Danny comes to and realizes I am not there he will find some way to make his escape.”

  “Let me go to the villa and handle it.”

  “You? What do you think you can do that I cannot?” Katerina fell into the corner of the couch with a flourish. Moira had faded into the bathroom and was making a pretense of cleaning it. No one was paying her any attention.

  “I’m no threat to Pierre. I will take their clothing and personal items to the villa and remain. It is my guess he will forget I am there unless his guards make an issue of my presence.”

  “All right, see what you can accomplish. Something has to change quickly, or years of effort will be for nothing. Why he thinks that stupid little twit is the reincarnation of an ancient goddess is sheer madness. Hopefully when he realizes he’s mistaken, he will use her for the human sacrifice.”

  “What human sacrifice?” Angelo seemed shaken by this news.

&
nbsp; “The one offered every five hundred years to preserve the strength of the order. Don’t look so horrified. It’s no different than the assassinations we’ve both done over the years, you dolt. They will just find a nice young innocent off the streets and it will all be over in a matter of a few hours. The child will be doped up with hashish and feel nothing. Now get the things from Danny Boy’s room and get out there.”

  Angelo had made it to the door when Katerina called to him. He turned, and she said, “If Danny Boy or his little girlfriend make an escape, kill them both.”

  * * *

  Blade ran back up the hill to the alley where Judy and Mrs. Gage were waiting. He was excited that he had some news to share. They welcomed him into the coolness of the limousine and he began to relate what he had learned.

  “Danny Mac is asleep for some reason. Kenann is pretending to be a princess and Danny Mac is her High Priest.”

  Judy and Mrs. Gage looked at each other.

  “Andy said Kenann has bought them some time, whatever that meant.”

  Things were escalating. Mrs. Gage picked up her cell phone and called Jake. He answered on the first ring.

  “Is Moira with you?”

  “She is just coming off the elevator.”

  “We will pick you up in front of the hotel in 20 minutes.”

  * * *

  They had convened in the conversation pit in the library. Mrs. Gage stood in front of the fireplace.

  “I have special commendation for Blade and Moira. Good work. Let’s review what they learned. Danny Mac and Kenann are temporarily out of Katerina’s control. They are playing some sort of game of their own and at this point do not seem to be in any worse danger. This human sacrifice is troublesome. I am not sure what this Night of the Lion might be, but we need to have a decisive plan by then. Are there any suggestions for our next move?”

  The noise level rose as they bantered about their individual ideas. Mrs. Gage mused at how quickly they had become like a family. No, she challenged. We are family. She had lost everyone she had loved to the tyrants who destroyed her family and had felt that loss every day since. These lovely people were filling that emptiness she had believed to be beyond healing. She adored them. Not in that surface emotion she affected most days just to get by. No, she well and truly loved them. She felt Moira’s eyes rest on her.