Chapter 18

"My Father?" I almost screeched. My Father, working for the KGB? Strangely, I didn't feel that surprised with everything else that had been going on.

"He was a double agent." She clarified. "He was also working for the CIA and had to rat Plymouth out. He faced certain death in doing that and he knew it." I glared at Will. All this time, he must have been hiding that from me, then I realized that Gio must have known also! I could feel my fists balling with tension.

"We need you to continue playing the dumb LA girl when you see him, or everything's blown."

Somewhere inside of me I could feel my blood temperature rising. "Really?" I snapped. She looked confused. Will seemed equally as surprised by my outburst.

"What do you-"

"-Mean?" I finished. "I mean that you're using my personal life for your benefit! Just like you did with my Father's." She looked taken aback. Then she put her hand forward.

"Eva."

"Yvonne." My steely eyes didn't leave hers.

"Please, we need you to calm down. We're trying to capture the man who killed your Father. And the man who could very well this time tomorrow have killed Gio." She fished into a bag and pulled out a handful of energy bars. I gazed at them hungrily, feeling my eyes bulge out of my sockets.

"You probably haven't eaten anything all day. Have one of these." She held them close to me. It was tempting, very. I could almost taste the salty pleasure on my tongue. But instead I looked away, with every ounce of dignity I had left.

"I don't need your pity and I don't need your food." Dismayed, she took the bars and sat back.

"Eva!" Woody looked astonished.

"It's alright." She said to him, then turned to me. "Have it your way, Ms. Westfield. But you're going to go in there and you're going to do your job." She looked down. "—For your Father, Gio and the rest of this world, because if he gets his hands on whatever he's planning to at WWM—there won't be anyone left to save and you'll be the one going to prison for it."

I gaped at her, astonished. "What do you mean?"

Her eyes darkened. "Did you really think he's going to just sit on the company while the rogue KGB syndicate he once belonged is being exterminated? It was part of his plan the whole time to leave, making you the next one to take over, making you the new and sole owner of WWM."

I could hardly believe what I was hearing. She continued. "And then once the Russians dig through whatever rubble is left behind and find out where the bombs and bio drugs come from they'll be at your throat because it's all perfectly framed, isn't it? Your Father worked with the KGB's deepest darkest secret, who's to say his daughter doesn't follow in his footsteps?" She relaxed back in her seat. "So, you see why we're in a bit of a bind to get you to do something in service for your country—and ours." I pursed my lips and eyeing the open duffel bag with energy bars quickly bent over and snatched a couple, tearing off the foil and eating much to Yvonne's triumph.

"You've chosen wisely, Eva Westfield."

*********

It was now almost midnight and Austin still hadn't replied to my message. I bit my lip furiously staring at the ticking line begging me to type another message. Surely, he wouldn't have left things like this. I let the now-cracked phone fall to the bathroom counter and pulled a clean white tank top over my head, gazing heavily at my still-bandaged knees and wrapped hands. I had done my best with a messy bun, but every bun managed to look messy on me regardless of the intent. I peeked outside the door, where Will stood dutifully at his post near the huge windows of my Hilton hotel room in Manchester. Being here in this secluded spot was oddly the safest I'd felt since LA.

Will was only in a T-shirt this time because of his cast arm. Even with the cast I could visibly see his toned biceps. I strolled out of the bathroom in only my tank top and towards him. Will gulped hard as he gazed at me.

"Hmm." I breathed beside his post and casually peaked out of the window. "So why didn't you tell me about my Father and Plymouth?" I made sure he felt every dagger I glared into him.

"I see what you're doing, Ms. Westfield." He smirked lightly. It looked good with his freshly showered dark wavy hair.

"Mmm?"

"And you do it so well."

This time I inched closer to him. "I won't ask you again." I said sternly, breathing close to his 5 o'clock shadow. His jaw clenched and he looked away, as if he felt guilty for enjoying the interrogation.

"I couldn't, that's why."

"Oh yes." I inched and tip-toed closer until my lips rested near his ear. I wrapped my thin hands around his broad shoulders while my eyes continued to gaze outside.

"You did it because Yvonne told you to." His eyes flashed as they looked into mine. Suddenly his smirk turned into a full-blown grin.

"It can't be!"

I furiously backed away. He looked pleasantly surprised.

"You? Jealous of Yvonne?"

"I am not!" I admonished, then angrily walked over to my suitcase and ripped on a pair of shorts.

"You-" I pointed an accusing finger at him. "Are a filthy animal."

He tilted his head, as if pondering on my words. "I don't know if I'm filthy." He looked me up and down, as if undressing me with his eyes, causing a rush of heat to my face. "But I am an animal."

"Asshole!" I blurted, then sat down in the overly fancy white chaise lounge in the corner.

"So, what's happening with your new boyfriend these days?" My frown only deepened and I looked to the floor momentarily. I could almost feel a tear threatening to fall.

"Eva?" His mood changed instantly. He sounded concerned—and caring. I blinked it away and let my eyes meet his.

"It's nothing." I replied, taking in a fresh breath. "Right now, the most important thing is getting Gio back." I thought of the pain he must be going through in the hands of that dirty scoundrel. Now my problems seemed much more trivial. I thought deeply about what Yvonne mentioned earlier.

"What did the... experimentdo to him—to Plymouth?" I remembered him being very unstable, even shaking and compulsive when we were at the charity ball. I always thought it was strange, but never even considered drugs. Will folded his hands.

"We don't know exactly, but it was some sort of crossover experiment."

"Crossover?" I asked.

"Yes—a crossover between man and animal. For example, humans have tried to have eyes like an eagle and the sensing capabilities of a wolf for centuries. It seems that he had been taking some enhancingpills for at least five years before we found out about it." He sighed. "The poor man is going to have to take pills for the rest of his life in order to stay alive."

"Why?"

"He's caught in a never-ending cycle. Of course, the intelligence agency failed to mention that because they refused to think the experiment had any flaws, that's why he's trying so hard to have them destroyed." He leaned farther toward the window. "And the funny part is, they don't even know he's still alive."

"But you do." I stated matter-of-fact.

"Yes. We're afraid they'll kill him if they found out."

"Really? So, you think it's better to let him wander around killing other people like my Father?" I quipped.

His chest rose up and down with his heavy breathing. "Eva, we've been trying to catch him for years. The man is a genius. Years of training and now enhancement." I chewed on my lower lip.

"Where is he getting the pills from now?"

"We don't know." He admitted. "For a while, we thought it was your Father."

Fatigue was hitting me strongly. Thankfully I was able to eat a vitamin-enriched soup when we arrived at the hotel.

"I think he wants me there tomorrow to translate the poem."

"So?" He asked nonchalantly.

I gaped at him. "I don't even know what it means! Family and coming out of the sea and—I don't even remember half of it!" I stood and lifted my hands in the air to indicate my surrender. His head bent down, as if thinking deeply. His full eyebrows furrowed, framing his sharp brown eyes.

"Maybe you should be glad you don't know—maybe we should never know."

I thought about it for a second.

"It could be the end of all of us." He continued.

"I don't understand how unless WWM manufactures nuclear weapons or something." I walked over to the king-sized bed, growing tired of the deep conversation.

I just wanted Gio back. The safe, Plymouth and Austin somehow no longer mattered to me. Will was right—for once. "Going to bed already?" He asked, a smirk playing across his lips.

"Yes." I answered smugly. "And if you don't mind, I don'tlike people watching me sleep."

"Well, I'm sorry, my orders were to stand here all night." They were orders he was all-to-eager to comply to. I crossed my arms.

"Well, you're my employee, so I will tell you to do as I say." To my utter surprise, he bowed his head lightly. I was certainly not used to seeing that.

"Yes, master." A tease played in his voice.

"Stop that!" I ordered and peeled back the plush silk covers. After laying down, I noticed he was up by the window and still watching me.

"Why aren't you leaving?"

"Because I can't."

"Ugh!" I tossed my head back in frustration.

"Charles never watched me sleep." I mumbled.

"That's because he doesn't care about you as much as I do." I sat back up in astonishment. I held eye contact with him for a moment, then reached over and silently clicked off the bedroom light. I would not dignify William the Pesky with a reply.

*********

A day behind the scenes of British Intelligence. It would have been exciting if I wasn't so horrified that I was about to finally confront Plymouth face to face. Austin's phone went straight to voicemail this time when I called. I was silently hoping and praying Plymouth wasn't using him for collateral either.

"I'll be there with you, you know." Will gave my arm a comforting squeeze.

Something was different about him today. There was no teasing or smirks, even though I knew that could easily change. He was calm and official. I offered him a half-smile.

We were sitting behind some sort of panel inside a van, where intelligence agents were communicating on their individual laptops.

"Wow, I had no idea this carried so much weight with it."

"What?"

"My personal life."

The door of the van swung open, revealing the lush landscape of beautiful Manchester. Yvonne signaled for me to step out. I was glad I opted for a T-shirt and jean shorts because of how warm it was outside still. She gave me a pair of binoculars and pointed toward the direction she wanted me to focus on. I caught my breath when I realized it was WWM.

"Do you see those trucks? They're carrying a lot of powerful weapons." I saw them, but I also saw—Mr. Fitzgerald?

"I see Fitzgerald!" I exclaimed. "Does he know about this?"

"We don't know who else is helping him. We only knew about your Father." I let the binocular's down.

"When can I go inside?"

"When it gets darker." I peeked up at the sky. That wasn't going to be for several hours. I sat back down. It was worlds different from Greece out here. I frowned and peaked at my phone.

"If you want me to check up on him--" Will stood beside me, watching my reaction.

"You can do that?"

"A regular bodyguard couldn't, no. But I'm not regular." He winked. I smiled.

"I guess I just want to know if things are over between us or not." I didn't even understand why I was upset about it, it had only been a few days that we knew each other. A few magical, romantic days. But he was filled with so much hope about us, hope that I didn't share completely...

"I'll be right back." Will disappeared into the van. My phone buzzed loudly. It was Charles.

"I see you made it to Manchester." Hearing his voice comforted me. Yes, but did he know how? I asked him as much and he laughed.

"I hear everything. Will's been quite the informant for me! How was that free-fall by the way? Will you not be going skydiving again anytime soon?" I thought about it.

"It wasn't that bad actually." Or maybe I just trusted Will enough. "Are you coming up here?"

"Well, I certainly hope not! We're supposed to be having a funeral here in a day or so once you get Gio back." I mentally slapped myself. "It's okay, don't worry, I'm taking care of all the arrangements and postponement. It will give Pia's family more time to travel anyway."

I couldn't help fearing the worst for Gio now, especially after what happened to Pia. Knowing Plymouth, he could be dead already. The thought nearly brought a flood of tears to my eyes.

"Thank you." I replied a little shakily.

"Do you think you're ready to face Plymouth? You've been waiting for this moment since he took your place at the board meeting, I think." I nodded absentmindedly.

"I'm doing this for Gio." I said firmly.

"What about your Father's safe?"

I looked down. "I never understood the poem anyway." I couldn't even remember it. Come to think of it, I never mentioned how it might become an issue to Yvonne, but knowing her she probably knew about it anyway. After finding out my whole staff was hiding things behind my back, I had the nerve to fire all of them. As independent as I tried to make myself seem, however, I needed them more than I realized—all of them.

His tone became more serious. "Be safe, Eva, you know what this man is capable of. He's a mastermind." I nodded.

"I promise."

I hung up and searching through my messages found a note from Holly that I hadn't replied to.

I'm looking at flights for a vacation. Any good ideas?" ;)

A smile erupted on my face, but then disappeared when I realized if she were to travel to Greece now, not only would I not be there, but I would have to explain the whole fiasco. I bit my lower lip thoughtfully and crafted a response.

We have some business to finish up in Manchester, but I like the sound of showing you around Greece! ;) Back in a day or two.

I was honestly dumbfounded that she hadn't sniffed the real situation out of me yet. I smiled when I pictured that simple life back in easy-going California. I wanted her to keep that life and not get wrapped up in my woeful issues. But hopefully after tonight, that would all be over. Having that in mind, another question arose. I looked for Yvonne and found her and Will in a deep discussion about something. I folded my arms, watching them interact. Will said something that made her smile. He seemed to have that effect on most women, even the likes of that Loraine person. I hadn't asked him about her recently, but I knew it was a sore subject, given their past. I caught Yvonne's attention, anxious to ask her a question.

"I-"

"Yes, Eva, I have the plan—follow me over here." She led me over as I continued trying to interrupt her.

"What is the plan for catching him, exactly?" There was a blueprint of WWM laid out on a make-shift table. She looked confused.

"What do you mean?"

"Where did you find this?" I asked angrily.

"That doesn't matter now—how we are going to catch him-" She said, blinking and launching into a different subject. "Is by you leading him out to us."

"Excuse me?" Will had joined us now, giving me a knowing look. It must be about Austin, but I didn't have the chance to ask him.

"When he leaves, he's more likely going to try to take you with him. We intend to intervene by putting a tracking device in your arm.

"What?" She motioned with her finger and suddenly I felt like I had been shot in the back of my left shoulder.

"Holy Mother!" I whipped around to attack my assailant only to realize it was Joe.

"What did you do to me?" My right arm flung over my left shoulder and I realized he had implanted a chip. Seething, I whipped back around with my finger pointed at Yvonne.

"Listen Your Highness, you may be the boss of all these so called secret agents" My arm screamed in pain. "But you're sure as hell notthe boss of me."

"Hey!" Will feigned being offended by my secret agent comment. Yvonne just looked me straight in the eyes. I was gaining strength against those sharp eyes by the minute.

"Eva, you're going to listen up and do it well unless you want blood on your hands tonight." I swallowed. Point taken... for now, but once I had Gio back, this woman was in for a big dose of Eva Westfield.

"Now that we're through behaving like children-" She began.

I almost lunged forward but Will held me back.

"Let's discuss what you're going to do." It was obvious I had no clue where I was supposed to meet him, so she suggested we go through the front doors after dark. She told us once we found Plymouth, that we were to demand Gio from him and give him whatever he wanted (i.e. the location of my Father's safe, which was still unknown).

The team dispersed and I headed for the opposite side of the trailer for some alone time. Even though the emotional damage of facing off to Yvonne was now more painful than the piece of metal now in the back of my arm.

"Hey, can I talk with you?" Will had caught up with me and he looked concerned. I nodded and led him to a quiet spot in the surrounding wooded area.

"Is it about Austin?"

He nodded. "I had our guys check cameras, flights, the whole works. He hasn't left Santorini."

"What?" I couldn't believe my ears. "Well, where is he then?" Maybe he lost his phone, maybe there was an emergency.

"No, I mean all cameras everywhere, on the island, in Athens. It's like he's completely disappeared."

Author's Note

I've been looking forward to Eva finally facing Plymouth for sooo long! What do y'all think will happen next??