by Nina Loard
Finn returned and took the seat across from me. “We’re all set,” he assured. “So, are you ready?” He shifted toward me in his seat.
“Yes, I’m not even nervous. I just want to get there.” I could tell it relaxed him to hear I wasn’t afraid anymore. It was almost nearly the truth.
“Good. It seems the wind is on our side tonight, so we should be there before you know it.” As if he commanded it, Sara shut the cabin door and the engines came to life. As the last of the light faded from the winter sky, we made our ascent into the twilight.
The flight was more like being the only guests of a world-renowned steak house. We had cocktails, nuts, bread, and a well-prepared main course of filet mignon with all the trimmings. I would be asleep any minute if Finn didn’t keep talking. “So, you’ve mentioned Bounce, Brinks, Ari, and Raven. Are there any others I should know about?”
“That’s all the Purveyors, including you and me, of course.” He took a sip of his Irish stout.
“Purveyors? We have a team name?” My life in crime was sounding more like a high school chess club.
“No, it’s not a team name,” he laughed. “It’s just how one of our major clients refers to us. Just caught on, I guess.”
“So, what do we purvey, exactly?”
“Let’s just say we aren’t the smash-and-grab types. I can offer you more detail in private.” He glanced over to where Sara prepared our dessert behind a sliding galley door.
“Ah. So, is there more you can tell me about the others? Not about anything… work-related, just who they are? Who they were to me?” I felt like I was cramming for a final and running out of time.
“Bounce knew you first. Her dad was from Trinidad, but she grew up in the Bronx, where her mother was from. She has the accent to prove it. You two were close. Losing you was hard on her.”
“Is Bounce her real name?” I wished I could remember someone who genuinely cared about me.
“No, but it suits her. You’ll see,” he laughed.
“So, the other girl is Raven?”
“Yes. Raven’s all talent. She’s a striker, like me. We can talk about that more later. She’s from Colombia and a former beauty queen. She’s very valuable to the group, a pain in the ass often, but reliable.” I listened closer to see if I could hear any deeper affection in his voice, just out of curiosity. It didn’t ring of passion, but there was some genuine annoyance and admiration.
“Brinks is Bahamian and a computer whiz. He can do anything you can imagine.”
“What about Ari?” He was the one that I sensed was the most difficult for Finn to discuss. Just saying his name made me apprehensive, a response I couldn’t even begin to figure out.
“Ari is in charge, so to speak. I’m not really sure what to expect from him when we get there. If you’re asking what your relationship was like with him, I would say it was like you were his student. He respected your tenacity. He isn’t one to let too many people in.”
“It sounded like he wasn’t really a friend back at the house.” I knew it bothered him, but I wanted to understand since the problem between them seemed to have something to do with me.
Finn took a deep breath before answering. “He’s hurt us all and until I understand it, I can’t forgive it.” He turned from me and stared out the window, lost in thought. I was dying to ask him what our relationship had been, but I didn’t want to make him have another heavy conversation. The beef and the wine were getting to me as Sara cleared our trays, offering us hot cookies. I took a couple of bites as I looked out into the deep blue darkness. I imagined we were far out over the ocean. I felt my body begin to shut down. I turned to Finn and saw he was getting up.
“Don’t fall asleep there, we have couches.” He unbuckled my seat belt and tugged me gently forward. He lay on one and I sank into the other. Sara brought us each a pillow and blanket. We had a couple of hours left in the flight to get some sleep. For a moment, we lay facing each other. Finn’s natural smile began to fade. It felt like there was something he wanted to say, but his eyes told me he was being careful.
After more time passed, he rolled onto his back and rubbed his face with both hands, as if trying to clear his head. “I’ll wake you when we get close,” he assured without glancing back at me before closing his eyes. I continued staring at him, deciding he was even more handsome when thoughtful than when smiling. Though I’d tried hard, I couldn’t remember him from my past, but he’d made an impression the second I saw him. Perhaps there was a reason I responded to him so instantly. I fell asleep hoping it was a good one.
***
Arriving in London as the sun rose was an unexpected pleasure. I remembered Heathrow from my first visit, and there had been a lengthy bus ride from it to London proper. I wasn’t anticipating flying over the city itself with the Thames and Parliament sparkling at daybreak. Finn explained we were landing at Northolt Jet Centre on the edge of the financial district. I’d never seen London by air except in Mary Poppins. Austere corporate buildings bordered seventeenth century churches. Royal palaces viewed from the steel and cables of the London Eye. A city where the old, new, and imaginary blend uniquely. It was the perfect place for rediscovering my past.
Finn took care of everything at the airport and we were whisked away by a large, bullet-gray Mercedes. Nobody introduced me to the gentleman behind the wheel and he only greeted me with a simple nod as he opened my door. He was a black man dressed in an all-black suit, tie and shirt ensemble. It wasn’t his significant height or huge build that were most intimidating. His silence in contrast to the friendliness of the pilots and Finn was frightening. Something about him recalled the seriousness of my situation. I was on the ground and it was time to be careful.
We sped quickly through downtown London. Many things felt familiar, but it was hard to tell if they were from my past or just byproducts of popular media. I was thankful it didn’t feel completely foreign to me. After my recovery, my mother suggested the same trip to jog my memory. Walking around London hoping I stumbled on something significant felt like wasting time, traveling backward. I decided it was better to move to Newport and keep moving forward. Now, I was doing exactly what she recommended, with one important difference: Finn. I wouldn’t be searching the city in the dark — he was the light.
“What do you think?” Finn turned to me, pulling my attention from the blur of city outside my window. I had seen this look before from people in my life. He was hopeful. So much would be easier if I saw Big Ben and remembered everything. I hated to disappoint him.
“Some things do look familiar, but I remember odds and ends. I just don’t recall events, if that makes any sense. I can tell you what building is Buckingham Palace, I just can’t remember if I took the tour. It’s like that.” In response, Finn laughed unexpectedly. “What’s so funny?” I asked.
“Nothing, you just reminded me of something. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You’re so uncharacteristically quiet.” He turned back toward his window, fingering the door lock.
“I’m fine, maybe just tired. What happens next?” I wasn’t sure what was planned for my big reveal.
“I’ll come for you around 3 PM for a late lunch with Bounce. She’s a good place to start.” The thought ratcheted my anxiety up a notch. Finn sensed my apprehension and said, “Everything will be fine. You just need to meet her again.” Passing by expansive parks and designer boutiques, Finn announced we’d reached Mayfair, a central London district. Moments later, we pulled in front of the Barrington Hotel. Its charming façade, laced with topiary trees and men in tails and top hats, was enchanting. The concierge, Edwin, was expecting us and introduced me to Augustus, who would deliver my luggage.
My suite was richly decorated and far too much room for just me. Edwin escorted me through, providing detailed instruction on every feature. The enormous bathtub was where I saw myself in the immediate future. Finn waited in the entryway until we were alone. Edwin bid us farewell as he and Finn shook hands. Typicall
y, the concierge was not someone who would give a guided tour of a room, so I felt some special attention was being paid to my stay. It was curious to me.
“You’re going to have to break it to me how much this is a night. I might have to dip into my retirement plan.” I hadn’t been involved in any of the planning and I knew how much a suite in a boutique hotel could run. I wasn’t raised to be a completely frivolous spender, so my mind was making calculations and considering a move to a smaller room.
“You’re our guest. Stay here and charge anything you want to the room. It is the least we can do… making you comfortable. You’re going to have visitors, I’m sure. The suite makes the most sense.” I gave in, too tired to argue. I could stop by the desk and settle up the charges later. He was still standing by the door so I took it that he meant to leave.
“Well, I’m going to take a swim in my tub and then sleep. You said 3 PM?”
“Yes. Good. Call Edwin if you need anything. Also, here’s my cell, but I will see you then. We aren’t going anywhere… formal.” He handed me a stiff, white card with the name Fintan Wright engraved in blood red on the front and an international number on the back.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Wright.” I smiled at the new name and the double meaning. I was sure every woman loved calling him that. “Thank you again, for getting me here… for everything.” He acknowledged my gratitude with a smile, bidding me a good sleep. Shortly after he left, Augustus delivered my luggage.
Silence. It was nice to be alone. I was tired and felt that film on my body that lengthy travel can leave behind, even flying privately. A bath and fresh clothes were the answer. After soaking for an eternity, I wrapped myself in a cloud-like towel, hunting for pajamas. I crawled into the voluminous bed and fell almost immediately asleep, nerves and all. How scary could meeting old friends be?
Chapter 7. Unwanted
After several hours of sleep, I had completely unpacked and ironed my green pencil skirt and a white button down. Finn knocked on the door just as I was slipping on my heels. He said the lunch would be casual, but I felt the need to go beyond jeans for my first meeting. I knew it was a chilly day outside, so I pulled out my rain coat. I failed to leave enough time for fully dealing with my hair, so I settled on a wavy pony tail.
“Hi. Sorry, I was in the bathroom getting ready.” I’d run to the door, fast as my heels would carry me, to see him. He stood in the doorway, wearing jeans and a gray sweater. He had showered and shaved. After admiring his fresh appearance, I noticed his expression was quite serious.
“What? Something’s wrong?” I glanced at myself first to see if anything about me could have caused it. Nope, this was something more than being overdressed. “Tell me,” I pleaded.
“Plans have changed. I wanted to give you more time, but we… I think it is better to get everything out in the open with you meeting everyone.” He set his jaw and seemed to will himself to appear more relaxed. I, on the other hand, felt my cheeks flush with nervous anticipation. The idea of meeting people slowly had been a comforting one, especially considering two didn’t particularly want me there.
“Do you mean I’m meeting everyone now?”
“Yes, if you think you can handle it.” Concern rang through his voice, but he appeared set in his decision. If he believed it was best, I’d have to agree.
“Yes, I can handle it. Where are we going?” I stepped back toward my purse and coat, trying to put on a brave expression.
“Nowhere, they’re coming to you.” Finn stepped inside and closed the door, walking over to me and taking both my hands in his. “Every one of us is a part of this, so before you get too far in, it is only fair to let you meet us and decide if you want to know more. Plus, you wanted assurances. Ari is coming to give them to you. Beyond this meeting, what you choose to do is up to you. We’ve all agreed to help. We met earlier and Ari advised this was the best way. I have to admit he’s right.” He dropped one of my hands and led me over to the couches in the sitting room.
“I thought you weren’t really close to him right now though?”
“He’s responsible, so I’m listening.” He walked to the window overlooking Albemarle Street, awaiting their arrival. I sat quietly, focusing on my threat level. Everyone was coming here, which seemed easier than me going to another new place. They wanted to talk it out, so that meant I would get some information. That was good. The majority of them wanted me here. That felt even better. It didn’t make sense they would fly me out and put me in a suite to kill me. All in all, I was proud of myself for feeling so confident.
“They’re here. You good, or are you going to make a break for it?” Finn turned from the window and looked over at me with a slight smile. I did my best to assure him I was brave enough.
“Sure, you’re here, and they’re friends, right? What’s there to worry about?” I stood up and began straightening my skirt. Two knocks and my stomach jumped up into the back of my throat — so much for bravery. Finn walked through the entryway and opened the door. I could hear different voices greeting him. He directed them to where I stood. Before I could adopt a less tense expression, a bronze-colored flash turned the corner and grabbed me around the waist, practically knocking me over. Her full head of curls came up to just below my shoulders. I instinctually hugged her back, understanding she must be Bounce. After a moment, while still hugging me, she turned her face up to me, her eyes full of tears.
“Hi. Sorry, but it’s been awhile.” She choked on her words and closed her eyes, letting a few more tears fall. She squeezed me tighter, and my eyes filled automatically. There was no denying this person had loved me and felt my loss. I was sorry for causing someone such pain.
“I’m guessing you’re Bounce. I would say it is nice to meet you, but, well… I look forward to getting to know you again.” I wasn’t sure the proper way to greet everyone, so that seemed to be the most polite.
She giggled a bit and stepped back to look at me. She was still emotional, but smiling the brightest smile I’d ever seen. She was lovely. An angelic face surrounded by a mop of amber-colored curls and luminous brown skin. She was a few inches shorter than me with an athletic frame. Her baggy sweater and full khaki pants covered up any possible curves. Her warm eyes and open expression made me like her immediately, as Finn predicted.
A young man approached us and took Bounce’s hand. “Evy, you look incredible. We are so happy you’ve returned to us.” He had a clear Bahamian accent, and I knew from Finn’s description he was the whiz kid.
“Brinks, right? Thank you. It feels good to be here.” I smiled at him and we shook hands. Then, he pushed past Bounce and hugged me as well. He had a much darker complexion than Bounce and very clean cut. His soft features, wire-rimmed glasses, and Rugby shirt made him look like just another college kid. He ended our embrace and straightened. Both Bounce and Brinks stared expectantly past me to the only other new person in the room. I followed their eyes.
Raven stood just inside the sitting area past Finn. She couldn’t be anyone but Raven, and was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen up close. Her hair was long, smooth, and coffee brown. She stood tall and poised with the shape of a goddess. Her black knit dress hugged her amazing body like she had been stitched into it. She was smiling, but it didn’t erase the rising tension I felt between us.
“You must be Raven,” I greeted her, unable to read her expression. Moving closer to her, I could see her debate if she should do the same.
Her smile deepened and she said, “Well, seeing is believing. I’m glad you’re alive, Evelyn. We used to have fun, you and I.” She stepped forward and held her hand out to shake mine. She spoke with a thick accent, making her even more exotic. An embarrassment of riches, as my mother would say. We shook hands and then she placed her other hand over mine, her copper eyes gleaming. Perhaps we weren’t best friends, but there was something there. After a moment, Raven let go and looked back over to Finn. He inclined his head in response. Maybe he had asked her to be on her be
st behavior. She glanced briefly back at me and then walked over to the windows. My hands were trembling, but it felt good to have the introductions over with. Before I sat, as Finn suggested, I needed a drink.
“Would anyone like some vodka?” I moved toward Raven and the bar. Just as I finished my pour, she shifted the direction of her stare, spotting something of interest.
“Here’s Batman.” She smiled as she looked out the window. I strained to see beside her. An obsidian black sports car roared to a stop directly below us. A tall man with the same color hair and brown suede coat stepped out, handing the keys to a valet. He moved with purpose. I didn’t see his face. The car did resemble the bat mobile, but only in the abstract. It was far less flamboyant. More like a panther than a peacock.
Raven turned to meet my gaze, searching my eyes. Whatever she saw in them seemed to satisfy her and she moved toward the others. I took a steadying swig of the vodka and walked over in front of the couches. Finn waited to meet Ari at the door. The happy reunion atmosphere of the room was replaced with palpable tension. I felt my cheeks flame from nervousness. Evidently the conversation with Ari was what everything hinged on. They were all waiting quietly for his appearance.
Finn opened the door as he heard Ari approach. He walked past Finn, never slowing, and came to a stop in the center of the room. Ari stood before me without acknowledging the rest of the group. I inhaled deeply, like I had forgotten to take a breath. He was startling in appearance with lightly blushed, fair skin, wavy hair and dark eyes. Physically sleek like his car, but with an air of elegance that was almost aristocratic. He silently regarded me. There was no hint of emotion in him. He appeared more like someone preparing for a speech he’d delivered a thousand times as opposed to greeting a friend. After what felt like days, he grinned slightly.
