by Ethan Egorov
“Honestly Drew I have no idea. We don’t know anything about these people who are after Cassandra, so I’m not really sure where it’s going to be safe. I suppose I’ll make some phone calls and who knows maybe we’ll go back home. At least there, Tommy and Pops can give us some reinforcements. After all, Pop probably knows someone who may know someone. You know he has connections.”
Before Drew could respond, Cassandra cleared her throat. She took a long drink of her diet soda then said, “That’s not entirely true. I mean, I do know a bit about my last big job contact.”
“Oh yeah…well I think you better tell us as much as you can because honestly we’re just sitting ducks at this point.”
“It was of course in Paris where I met Augustin Bellerose. He was typically French and by all means a man of great wealth, but he had refined tastes. He came in the small café where I worked during the day on my off days from the art institute. It didn’t take him long to figure out that I was different from the typical waitress that worked there. He would play little games with me when he came in. He’d knock cups off the table to test my reflexes. He’d order his coffee in code so that I’d have to decipher it. When I would prevail in these task, of course he’d tip generously. One evening he also gave me a blank card with an address on it. He said if I wanted my tip to meet him there. I did and well…that’s how my career began.”
Kristina stopped chewing and stared at Cassandra with an intensity that Trent had never seen in her eyes before. He didn’t see Kristina move her leg under the table and subtly move it up Cassandra’s leg in a soft caress. She was encouraging her to tell the rest of the story. “Kristina then asked. Well I think there’s more to this than what you’re saying. Most employers don’t get angry when you quit one job. At least no angry enough to send people to kill you.”
“Sigh. Well, you’re right. There were other details, none of which I thought were pressing at the time.”
“Like what?”
“I went to the address listed on the card that Augustin gave me. It was one of the nicer hotels in downtown Paris. I walked up to his room and knocked. Of course I wasn’t expecting to have a full-blown business meeting with him, but as an independent woman I wasn’t going to turn down additional tip money either. “Come in, it’s open.” His accent was thick, yet he chose to speak English, assuming that I wasn’t familiar with the proper intricate French tongue. He was correct, so I didn’t bother to push the issue, nor did I make an extra effort to impress him with my novice grasp of the language. I walked in to find him standing by the balcony of his spacious room with both the windows open and the curtains blowing in the warm breeze. He looked down at the street below seemingly lost in thought. “Well come in and make yourself comfortable, Cassandra. What are you waiting for? I’ve already given you a proper invitation.”
“Yes…thank you, sir.”
“Sir?! Hah! Oh my. Are you really playing the role of the naïve schoolgirl this evening? I should think not. You must call me Augustin or as some prefer, August, whatever you choose.”
“Thanks, Augustin. I feel I don’t know you well enough for August.”
“I sense there was a ‘yet’ waiting on the end of your tongue?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Come. Come over her and sit with me for a moment. I’ve already called for some evening tea and sandwiches. They should be here any moment. I must say I’m delighted you’ve taken me up on my invitation.”
Chapter 13
He was dressed in a solid brown suit with a crème vest and white long-sleeved shirt underneath. His pocket square was equally as complimentary with shades of crème and tan in it. He was the epitome of class, yet he wore it understatedly so with the delicacy of modesty. I walked to where he was standing and he gestured for me to take a seat. I did as instructed and we sat on the balcony enjoying the view for a few moments before a maid entered the room bringing a tray of diverse fruits as well as a spread of sandwiches complete with tea at a drinkable temperature. “Augustin, thank you. You really didn’t have to go to all of this trouble. I mean, you could have just called me if you wanted to thank me for my service.”
“Well a proper business meeting, that is, any of significance should always be done face-to-face. You can most certainly ascertain information one wouldn’t have access to otherwise with a mere telephone conversation.”
“Hmm. An interesting perspective. So what did you want to discuss?”
I sat down beside him and began to make my tea and helped myself to the light and delightfully scrumptious cucumber sandwiches. As I busied myself with preparing a plate, I noticed that Augustin showed the slightest bit of hesitation before he responded. He smiled at my kindly and then without warning, knocked one of the tea saucers from the table expectantly. I acted quickly and caught the fragile chinaware before it could crash to the concrete balcony below us. He then cocked an eyebrow in my direction and said, “Why my dear, this is what I wanted to talk with you about.”
I looked at him quizzically before I took a long sip of my Earl Grey tea. “That really didn’t answer my question. Before you answer though, do you plan on throwing anymore dishes because I’m really enjoying these sandwiches.”
“Hah! I see you have a fine wit as well. That’s something that I appreciate in my employees also.”
“Employees? I really don’t recall your name anywhere on my paychecks.”
“No. It’s not at the moment, but I think in the future you will be pleased with my offer.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about getting paid. Listen Cassandra, I’ve watched you for weeks now at your job and well other places also. I feel that you would be an invaluable member of my team due to your natural gifts. You are strong, have wonderful reflexes and also seem to have a sense of timing. Everything else you would need for the job I can train you on. In return for your services I will pay you cash under the table and pay off your schooling because I know you’re working for your art classes. What do you think?”
“Well that depends…what’s the job?”
“I’ve heard it called multiple things…I prefer the term assassin though.” I honestly couldn’t believe the words fell from his mouth. I had never really considered that a viable career path, but I listened to my gut instinct and took him up on it. Trent was enthralled by Cassandra’s story. The fries on his plate had gotten cold, but he sat and silently chewed them until she paused to take another drink of soda. “So that’s when you decided to live a life of danger and intrigue?”
“Well let’s just say that there were other elements to it. I had to complete my training first. Let’s just say that I’m glad that Kristina had different training than I did.”
“What do you mean?”
“He gave me his home address after our meeting and we agreed that I would begin work the following Saturday. I arrived at his estate and of course was overwhelmed by its vastness and how meticulous everything was kept. Of course, the surroundings didn’t necessarily appeal to my inner artist, but I did respect the amount of attention he paid to detail. When I arrived he instructed me to follow him to the basement, which I did. It was unlike anything I’d seen before. I only thought those places existed in the movies, yet I stood in the middle of a massive gymnasium. He agreed that I should warm up first and he watched me run a few laps before he pulled out a pistol and started firing at me. I hadn’t planned on it, but I dodged the bullets effortlessly and then proceeded to take cover under a few mats that were propped up in the corner. After counting the number of shots in my head I then ran towards him. I kicked the gun out of his hand and firmly took him to the ground.”
“Wow. What a first day.”
“Yeah. He then did the strangest thing… he just started laughing and clapped his hands.”
“Surely you didn’t continue working for him?”
“Oh I did. We even took our relationship to another level. You see, Augustin, despite being my senior was ev
erything a woman could want in a proper gentleman. His attention to detail carried over in other aspects of life as well, if you know what I mean. I was his pet student and he was an agreeable teacher. He taught me many things not only about the art of killing, but he also taught me how to take our lovemaking to new extremes as well. You have no knowledge of this Trent…but Kristina has seen the scars.”
“Wow. Sigh for fuck’s sake…how long did this go on, Cassandra?”
“It continued until he set me off on my own. He had the grand idea that I would one day teach my students the way he had taught me. Like I said, I spared Kristina some of the harsher realities of the training.”
“That’s terrible. Wow. Well I don’t know about everyone else, but I think that we need to all get some sleep and call it an evening. You’re the local so where do you think we should go Cassandra?”
“I know the perfect place.”
Chapter 14
After paying for their meal and leaving a generous tip to the waiter whose day seemed to be getting even better, they made a quick departure. Drew checked his phone and looked in the rearview mirror at Trent. He then wiped the sleep out of his eyes and said, “I think the heat’s off for now. The incident at the hotel was reported, but they’re not pursuing any suspects at this time. Apparently they are happy to leave it just as a random act of violence.”
“Well that’s a bit of luck in our favor. Still though, I’d rather get some distance between us and the area just to be safe.”
“Gotcha boss.”
They drove for miles with Kristina occasionally nodding off against Trent’s shoulder, while Cassandra kept her eyes peeled up front, taking the opportunity to assist Drew with his driving skills. Apparently she was an expert at that as well. Drew feigned annoyance, but Trent could tell he was grateful for the company. He hadn’t stay up this long for quite some time and the road was making him weary. Trent would be certain that when they arrived at the motel he at least got his own room and a chance to sleep off the past couple of trying days.
The Diamond Inn didn’t have very many guests and Trent could definitely see why. It was of course, on the outskirts of town and was not on the main highway. It also appeared that through the years the owners didn’t really do much maintenance or upkeep. The place would have had quaint appeal if there had been a new coat of paint put on it, or if some repair would had went into the sign that had letters faded and cracked along with more than a few missing bulbs.
They entered the motel and Trent walked up to the desk, while Drew helped Cassandra and Kristina bring in the bags. The innkeeper seemed indifferent when they entered. He didn’t make a fuss of being overly enthusiastic or welcoming, he just booked their rooms, took Trent’s credit card and sat back down, watching the television that was sitting on the small counter in the lobby. Trent then distributed the room keys. He made it a point to get rooms that were beside one another, just in case Cassandra’s would-be assailant did trail them to that location.
“Okay, we’re settled. Drew…you’re across the hall from Kristina and me. Cassandra you’re beside us.”
Drew smiled and said, “Thanks, I could definitely use a full night’s sleep. You’ve kept me busy these past couple nights. I’m starting to feel like an old man.”
“Never. Thanks again, Drew. Go get some rest.”
Cassandra took her key and cocked an eyebrow at Kristina and Trent. “Try not to make too much noise tonight… I think I need some beauty sleep as well.”
“Hah. I think we’re all way too tired for that. We’ll see you first thing in the morning.”
“I was thinking since we’re in a remote spot, how about we have a few drinks before bed? Just to take the edge off. What do you say?”
“I could use a nightcap. What about you, Kristina?”
“Sounds like a winner.”
After putting away their things, they all met up in Cassandra’s room, with the exception of Drew whose light was already off and Trent surmised he was fast asleep. Cassandra produced a bottle of Scotch from their bag and she used the motel’s courtesy glasses and ice bucket to pour each of them a full glass. She then lifted her glass and said, “Here’s to us. May we survive any additional attack on our lives.”
“I’ll drink to that.”
They clinked glasses and each of them took a substantial swallow. Trent exhaled. The alcohol was much needed to take the edge off of what was a very eventful night. At least they had the chance to get some rest before sunup and hadn’t been detained for any incidents at their former hotel. “So Cassandra, any idea of how to stop your former boss from following you around the country?”
“No…I mean, he has people all around the world, I’m sure that the only way this is going to end is either I cave and do what he wants, or there’s a shootout and I die. Either way, I think I’d choose the latter. I really don’t want to murder an innocent child. I do have standards.”
Kristina looked at her old friend and smiled sympathetically. “I understand. I couldn’t do it either if it makes you feel any better.”
“Well I’d like to think that any friend of mine wouldn’t commit such a heartless act. Even killers have standards.” As they finished their drinks, Cassandra sat on the edge of her bed and watched Trent take Kristina’s hand in his own. He moved closer to her, lovingly and protectively. She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. Then without even thinking, Trent leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. Cassandra then pulled out a sketchbook from her bag and began doodling absent-mindedly. Trent watched her swift and precise movements for a few minutes before he realized the room had grown silent. “Wow. I think it’s time we get to bed. Thanks for the drink, Cassandra. I’m pretty worn out.”
“Yeah? Already? I figured you’d just stay up all night and worry.”
“Nah. That’s for a younger man. This old-timer here needs all the sleep he can get.”
“You sure I can’t talk either one of you into a late-night tattoo? I brought a few of my things with me from the shop.”
“Hmm…tempting but I’ll pass. Besides, those are more Kristina’s speed. I have been around plenty of guys who have them…but I’ve just never really wanted inked.”
“Can’t find anything you want on your body?”
“Nah…it’s just that I really don’t like pain. Believe it or not, I’d rather not be stuck with a needle a million times over for the sake of art. Most of them are good and I can certainly appreciate the effort that goes into creating them, but I guess I just want to keep my ink virginity a bit longer.”
Cassandra looked and Kristina and then back to Trent. Trent didn’t even think about what he said before it popped out of his mouth. Cassandra winced at the comment and Trent quickly cleared his throat in hopes that Kristina hadn’t been paying any attention to the last bit of their conversation. “Well I think we should get some rest. Goodnight, Cassie.”
“Goodnight Trent!”
Chapter 15
The following morning Trent squinted his eyes against the sunlight coming through the blinds and placed the back of his hand on his forehead. He felt as if he’d gotten into a fight and lost. He immediately wondered if Kristina felt the same way. She had been up for significantly longer than he had so he hoped she finally got a good night’s sleep. He then frowned to himself thinking about the fight they had. In lieu of recent events it now seemed foolish and trivial. He would make it a point to make certain their next vacation together were spent in a remote location. Maybe he would take her to the mountains, where both of them could just relax and stare out into the wilderness or maybe even take a dip in the lake like they did in their younger years.
As he rolled over expecting to snuggle up to Kristina’s warm body and feel her soft hair, he only felt the softness of her pillow. He inhaled deeply and stretched thinking that maybe she had just awakened earlier and went to the shower. What he saw though chilled him to his core as he climbed out of bed. He walked to the end of the bed and rubbed his
eyes, still weary with sleep. He blinked a few times and stretched. He didn’t hear the water rushing in the room’s tiny bathroom, so he knew that Kristina wasn’t in there for the moment. Where was she? Did she go see Cassie for an early morning chat? Before he could leave to go see if Cassie had seen Kristina, he heart caught in his throat. On Kristina’s pillow was her antique diamond choker and much to Trent’s dismay there was a live dark brown tarantula which had also made her pillow its home. Trent’s heart pounded in his head. Of course he had zero intentions of getting rid of the pest, but he knew that Kristina would never take off her choker. That was something her grandmother had given her decades ago. She made a vow to always keep it safe.
Trent hurried down the door and began banging on Cassie’s door loudly. “Cassie! Open up!”
Cassie groggily opened the door only wearing her bathrobe over her lingerie. Trent’s eyes lingered for a fleeting moment before his sense of panic overtook him. “Cassie! Have you seen Kristina?!”
“Um…no. Why would I? You two went to bed together and I haven’t seen her since. Despite my proclivity to such things I didn’t steal her away in the middle of the night from your bed and make passionate love to her.”
“Well that’s good to know, but I think I would have preferred that scenario to this. Come quick…you have to see this.”
Cassandra flung open the door and quickly followed Trent to their room. When she entered, her eyes darted around the room for any signs of Kristina. Then they landed on the spider. Cassandra paled and Trent saw her mouth drop. Her breathing hitched and for the first time since he’d met her, she actually appeared frightened. “Trent is that what I think it is?”
