Chapter 1: Building a Team

It was a strange feeling, sitting on this side of the desk.  How many times had she watched Bella sit at the desk, tailored suit, heels - looking over papers?  How many times had she paced like a cat inside a cage, eager to be pointed in a direction? She could imagine her father in the window sill, just there in the beam of sun, smirking at her.  It was a great joke really. Somewhere along the way, she had become the thing she’d never expected and it felt right somehow.  

Tara had been as cagey as Aurora had ever been in her youth.  Snapping a little easier at her siblings, sleeping little, eating less.  She wanted to be gone days ago, but building a team to do a thing wasn’t the same as rushing off with guns at the ready.  Francesco was not a target. Targets were easy. Targets were dead and gone with a single well-placed bullet, two to make sure the job was done right.  No. This man was an enemy.  

Enemies were treated with a very different sort of care.  Enemies you acknowledged as every bit your equal - perhaps your better.  If you didn’t respect the power of an enemy, you soon found it at your throat.  Tara would learn this in time, hopefully not the hard way. Until then, as with all things a parent imparted to their child, she would show her daughter and endure her scathing glares and snide remarks knowing that one day when she was no longer here to tell her she understood - only then would Tara know.  

The ghost of her father’s smirk seemed to blend with the white glare on the glass then, until she couldn’t see him in her imagination anymore.  It was just as well. She didn’t have time to let her mind wander into a daydream of happier times. There was work to be done. Billy had compiled a list of men and women for Tara to consider and Tara had gone over the list quickly noting her favorites based on the small amount of intelligence she was given.  Of course, her choices weren’t ideal and were limited in scope to those she thought would get her Oriana back as fast as possible and inflict as much pain as possible upon those who might wish to harm her. None of the choices were bad, not really, but they were short sighted and the sorts of picks made by a girl who had everything to lose and zero experience in the field where things could turn on a dime and versatility was often the difference between life and death.

“Sit.”  Aurora’s instruction wasn’t a command, but a gentle nudge for her daughter to focus.  “Our first is coming in shortly. I think once we speak to each of them, you’ll see the logic behind my suggestions - it’s important you pay attention though.”

Tara sighed.  “Of course.”

Aurora knew that Tara thought she was being condescended to, but that wasn’t it at all.  Aurora knew the pain her daughter was in and how utterly it held her attention. She would remind the girl a dozen more times at the risk of sounding overly protective or fussy, if it meant getting Tara’s head here and away from Italy.  There was more than just miles between Tara and Oriana now and if Tara was going to survive the journey to reuniting she needed to be here in this moment and not somewhere else.

Tara settled into a chair near the window.  

“Your father is right about the doctor and the nurse, of course.  I don’t think you’ve made a bad call here. His visit is really a formality.  It’s the others I’m more concerned about.”

“I still think the man with the knives from New Orleans wasn’t a bad option.  Or what about the brute…”

“Perhaps.”  Aurora said.  

“Just… consider it,” said Tara. “Support staff is great. But I heard what happened in Venice. Sooner or later, there’s a fight.”

Aurora folded her hands in front of her.  “The one thing I have no doubt that you and Oriana will be ready for, if it should happen, is a fight.  I know… you’re not as capable with a gun yet as she is, but when you’re fighting for your life I’d bet on you a thousand times over a paid mercenary.”

Tara looked steadily out the window. “I know. I’ve been practicing- a lot. But there’s no guarantee that Ori will be there, either. I might have to fight to get to her, and Brigitte and I… I’m confident in our abilities. But if there are bad guys between Ori and I, I can’t doctor them to death.”

Aurora chuckled.  “Let me ask you this, if you could take every man that works for your father who is capable of carrying a gun - would it then feel like you had enough to rescue and protect Ori?  Or is the truth, maybe, that you are feeling the same sort of fear any woman feels in your position?”

“You’re… not totally wrong. If I was marching into Italy with Napoleon’s army I’d still feel like I needed more people. But at the same time, I’m not totally wrong either. If you were coming with me, it’d be different. But I understand why you can’t, of course. And if Ori was with me… but she might not be.”

Aurora nodded and gave a self-satisfied smile.  “I’m glad to hear you recognize that.” She pushed the folder she had in front of her towards Tara.  “This one. I asked him to come anticipating you’d want more fire power. A former enforcer to a Don.  Knows how to take orders. I can trust he’ll do as you ask, whatever it is. See if you like what the dossier says about him.  If you hate my choice, we’ll review the others and I’ll make some other calls.”

Tara took the dossier and skimmed it again, even though she’d memorized all of them. One of her parents’ bookworms had put it together- a man named John who tended to sit in an office and plunk away at a typewriter all day. And, considering how he’d nicknamed the 13 potential specialists, probably needed to get outside more. 

“I just don’t want you to find yourself in the middle of some Italian shit-show with a guy who is there only for a paycheck… a man who might second guess taking orders from a young woman no matter how much she’s paying.  I think this one, he’s going to respect you and your family and do as he’s told.”

“He’d be one of my choices, too. Seems like a capable, experienced fighter with a focus on protection. I actually figured he might be the first choice for you and Dad… can we talk to him now?”

Aurora nodded and pushed the button on the intercom, “Effie please send in Mr. Crupi.”

Zetico Crupi walked through the door, his jacket straining against his muscular frame. He approached the desk and bowed to Aurora, before nodding at Tara. He then stood with his hands clasped behind his back, not wanting to initiate the conversation.

Aurora had seen this done a few times in her day too.  Her father handled interviews of this sort quite differently than her mother, of course.  The memory of her father’s interview style made Aurora smirk and quickly bury it. She cleared her throat, dismissing the idea of leaping over the desk with a knife in hand to see how the bruiser handled it.  Instead, she’d take a page from her mother’s book.

Aurora stood up and offered her left hand to the bruiser, eyes locked on him.  “Signor Crupi, benvenuto a casa mia. Questa è la mia bambina di mezzo, Tara Marie Mastrosimone.”

Crui leaned forward and kissed Aurora’s ring respectfully.

It was the first time Aurora had ever had someone do that to her, it was … odd and yet, somehow long overdue.  An action she was sure should have been done a thousand times prior to this point in her life if only things had gone another way.

"Grazie per avermi invitato a casa tua. Non vedo l'ora di saperne di più sull'opportunità che hai citato."

Crupi’s large frame still fit well in his suit; his build was similar to Billy’s, although this man wasn’t nearly as attractive. His face made him look older than he was, and his hair was cropped very close to his head.

“Please,”  she motioned to his chair and then sat down herself.  “First and foremost, you have my husband’s and my most sincere condolences on your recent loss.  My husband had a flower arrangement sent to the family as well as a small token of our esteem. It is, in fact, how we heard you might be available for this job.  Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself before we get into the finer details of what this opportunity entails?”

"Grazie. Don Vecchio non conosceva molte persone al di fuori di St. Louis, ma pensava sempre a te e alla tua famiglia. Devo dire che ho avuto l'opportunità di incontrare i tuoi genitori una volta in gioventù. Erano brave persone. Facile da ricordare. " He smirked. "Molto memorabile."

Aurora beamed.  It was rare enough these days that people spoke about Bella and Gavin, or at least spoke of them with such warmth.  It touched her more than she expected. Sensing that Aurora was going to ask a question, Crupi raised a deferential but interrupting hand.

“My pardon, Donna Mastrosimone. But I was born in New York; while I am happy to conduct business in Italian, I am also happy to do so in English if it’s easier for you.”

"Le tue parole sono un dono. Nella mia famiglia si dice che finché i morti sono ricordati, rimangono con noi. Che Dio ti benedica per averle ricordate così dolcemente con me."  she added, “As for business, let us speak in English. My daughter knows the language of the Old Country, but I suspect it is easier on her ears for us to use her native tongue and as she is going to be in charge of this mission, it’s of the utmost importance she doesn’t miss anything.”

Crupi nodded, glancing to Tara with some surprise before returning his attention to Aurora.

“Tara is young.  Tara is a woman. For these reasons you can see why her father and I would turn to a man with some experience, a man like you.  However, Tara is cunning. She has inherited many of my family traits, and she has a vested interest in the outcome of this particular task.  Were I not with child and in a delicate way, I would personally go to oversee this mission… alas, I must entrust my most valuable possession in all the world to another.  So you see, what I ask of you here is no small thing. It requires both your skills & advice learned over a lifetime of service, but also the ability to follow orders when given as the stakes could not be higher.  You said you were born in New York? Is that, perchance, where you met my mother? You do know she’s originally from Brooklyn?”

“I did not know that, Donna Mastrosimone. I was born in Queens, but spent most of my life moving around the country. I settled in with Don Vecchio in St. Louis at an early age, and spent most of my life there. I met your mother in his service.”

Aurora smiled and nodded, “Yes, I recall now, you did just say that.  I am curious, perhaps when we are done with this bit of business if you’d share the story with me… perhaps over a drink and one of my husband’s cigars?”

Crupi nodded. “It is not a long story; I only crossed their paths for a single evening. But it… was an eventful evening.”

Aurora leaned in eagerly.

Sensing that sharing the story now would be more beneficial than waiting for a drink or a cigar, Crupi spoke with a deep voice. “The shorter version of the story is that Don Vecchio hosted a gambling tournament on one of his riverboats. Your father was invited to play and your mother accompanied him. Your mother played as well. She… lost all of her chips almost immediately.”

Aurora chuckled.  Of course, she did.

“Your father, though, built up quite the lead. He was in first by a comfortable margin when he suddenly left the table. Your mother had just left a few minutes before. Play continued, of course, and your father’s stack got smaller and smaller. About a half-hour later, they both returned looking…”

Crupi paused, striving to maintain a respectful tone.

Aurora smirked, her eyes falling to the desk. Tara listened intently.

“Disheveled. Your father proceeded to recover and win the game. It was one of the more memorable events in Don Vecchio’s many tournaments, referenced again and again over the years by future players. The only part of the story referenced more often than your father’s skill was your mother’s beauty.”

He closed his mouth, deciding it unwise to add more.

Aurora sat silent a moment, letting the bruiser’s words hang in the air.  She forced a smile and nodded, “Well, my father is known for three things in life by those who choose to remember him.  That your story includes two of those things is no shock to me. If the third was involved, well, I suppose that wouldn’t be spoken about.  Still, it was nice to think about them today, especially considering the nature of our business here.”

“My daughters are going to Italy.  Tara is endeavoring to find an individual who is a member of our Family.”  The intonation of the word was ever so slightly different than that used for speaking of Tara or her parents earlier but none-the-less significant.  

“A woman of considerable connections and skills and yet - she left to handle some personal affairs without first consulting with, and receiving aid from my husband, something we’d like to rectify with all haste.  It is possible that in concluding her personal business, she will bring considerable danger onto herself and those she cares for… including my daughter Tara who is the girl’s dearest friend in the world.”

“Our goals here are simple:  find this woman, assist her in concluding her business, and bring her and my daughters home in one piece.  Doing so will earn you the everlasting gratitude of this household as well as a considerable paycheck. Of course, we will not consider another alternative outcome as possible.  The details of our associate’s private business involve … considerable risk. Her objective is to put an end to a threat which is pointed at this household, a threat which has massive resources and trained assassins at his beck and call.  He is, so far as we know, a ghost in the Old Country. With his connections he will prove difficult to dig up. It is our hope that this associate will have done the bulk of the footwork before Tara and her team find her - but there is no way to know for sure until we are there.”

“I understand- although the location of the job is a surprise to me, as well as the short-term nature of it. I admit that I am looking for a job, something more permanent. Assuming this job is successfully completed to your satisfaction, I would like a permanent position guarding whoever you choose to assign me to. Would this be acceptable?”

“Actually, Don Mastrosimone and I have already discussed this at length before adding your name to our shortlist.  You see, in my recent absence, Tara has stepped up to a new position within our organization. She has much growing to do but it is clear the promise she has shown.  I suspect that this would be a great opportunity for her to build a rapport with someone whom she could trust for years to come. And while no one likes to speak of such things, I buried my own parents not much older than I am now…”

Tara looked down at her hands folded in her lap but said nothing.

“Tara is likely to lead this family if our luck does not hold better than my parents.  I want to make certain we leave her in the care of good men. You came very highly recommended and that you knew my parents, even in passing, I take that as a good omen.  I … as few really know, put a great deal of stock in good omens.” She nodded. “I find it very acceptable that your time with us should extend beyond the length of this one mission.  Whether or not you’re a good fit with Tara for the long term - that can be determined. One way or another, you’ll have a place in this family after your work in Italy is done.”

Crupi nodded. “Then I am happy to agree to serve if you will have me.”

“I don’t think my daughter has objections or she would have voiced them.  Tara is a vocal young woman.” Aurora stood up. “The office across the hall is my husband’s…”  

“Have you ever killed anyone, Mr. Crupi?” asked Tara.

Aurora sat back down, watching Tara as she spoke.

“I have,” Crupi looked at Tara. “When I have been forced to.”

“And if someone ordered you to kill? How willing would you be? And how skillful?”

“More skillful than willing, Miss Mastrosimone. But in the service of you or your family, I will do what I must.”

Tara seemed to consider this, weighing it with the information in the dossier, which had rated Crupi as a strong fighter and marksman. She nodded to her mother, somewhat embarrassed. She hadn’t intended to interrupt, but it was clear Aurora had expected her to.

“One final question, Mr. Crupi … it honestly makes no determination on my decision to send you to my husband but is more of a matter for me thinking about your placement in the household going forward.  Would you consider yourself to be a man of faith or merely respectful of the Church?”

“I like to think of myself as a man of faith, Donna Mastrosimone. I do not always live up to this, but I try to.”

“In the service of Don Vecchio, I assume there were times when the mandate of heaven and the needs of the family came into conflict.  I do not wish to ask of business, that’s … not a thing we do, but if …” Aurora hesitated, trying to think how best to ask a thing that might linger in her daughter’s mind, which might distract her in a time when distractions could prove fatal.  “If you found that something that was being done in my household were offensive to the laws of God, this would not trouble you, I anticipate? You would act with professionalism and discretion and leave our private affairs as just that?”

Tara’s nostrils flared beside her mother.

“Signora,” said Crupi, “I made my peace with things a long time ago. I trust in God to judge- not men. Otherwise, I would follow the law.”

Aurora smiled.  “Good. I expected nothing less.  Still it is a fine thing for a man to speak the words aloud sometimes.  Now, my husband’s office is across the way. You should go now to him and tell him that Tara and I send you with our blessing that he might confirm your service or object to our selection.  I suspect he will find nothing objectionable about you but as always his is the final say in these things.”

Crupi stood and bowed respectfully to both Aurora and Tara. “Thank you, Donna and Miss Mastrosimone. I look forward to serving you both.”

As soon as the door closed, Tara’s eyes swung toward her mother. “You didn’t need to ask him that.”

“Oh?”  Aurora said sitting down into her chair arching her eyebrows high up her brow.  

“Not now, at least. And I’m pretty sure he thinks you’re talking about killing people.”

“And at what point would finding out that he objects to your lifestyle would be good?”

“When I have Ori, and we’re back home.”

She shook her head, “Very likely Ori has not handled things yet.  You’re likely to find her before she finds Francesco and I can not think that either of you will be silent about your feelings when you reunite under these circumstances.  I do not want you focused upon what the guy who has a gun behind your back is thinking… I wanted you to know now that he is committed to doing his job so that isn’t on your mind.  You will have enough to be worried and thinking about without fearing that he’s stuck on some random bible passage that means nothing in these more modern times.” She shook her head.

Tara opened her mouth to reply, but she couldn’t seem to find anything, precisely. After a moment, she nodded.

“And you’re right, he did think I was talking about killing … but very likely when he figures out what you and Ori feel for each other he’ll know that I’ll slit his fucking throat ear to ear, if he looks so much as sideways at you for it.  This little bit of our chat will ensure that so… again, one less thing to worry about.”

Aurora picked up another folder.  “You need someone who knows the area.  I’m thinking this guy, Cambio, who is labeled the scout is a decent selection.  Thoughts?”

“I agree. He seems like an obvious choice.”

The meeting with the scout, Renato Cambio, went well. The young Italian man had grown up in Rome, but traveled around most major cities in Italy. He was a master at blending in, and he knew the streets, and he seemed quite happy to provide this information for a price. He seemed mostly interested in the ornate furnishings and seemed to be appraising the value of everything his eyes fell on- at least until he saw Tara, after which point his attention was divided. Although his mercenary tendencies were obvious, they also seemed to be honest, and he met with both Aurora and Tara’s approval.

The Doctor, the other unanimous choice, was less impressive initially. He seemed unkempt, and he didn’t seem to have showered. But the man correctly answered, with barely any hesitation, every medical question that Tara peppered him with, matching his impressive resume. He’d been fired from multiple hospitals, and Aurora had managed to find out that a drinking problem seemed to be the reason. He didn’t seem like the sort of person you’d want to go into long term business with, but he seemed fine for the short term. Aurora resolved to assign Raini the special job of keeping him sober, but begrudgingly allowed him on the team.

Aurora nodded.  “Doctor. Scout.  Bruiser. Healer, Information, and Enforcer… Brigitte is more than capable of working her charms for your effort and you can focus on making sure everything is in place and … Ori, when you find her.  Truth be told I’m more worried about Ori’s state of mind than any other aspect of this mission. I know what she’s capable of, but … the situation is complex.”

“If this were solely an information-gathering expedition, I might agree with you. But you and dad said that you’d at least consider sending five. I need another gun, even if it’s a mediocre one.”

Aurora sighed.  “The monster is off the table.  You got enough on your hands. I am using my 'mom veto' on that one.  I lean towards the sniper. I can’t tell you the number of missions I was on which this role - many times my role - was vital to us.  A well-placed gunman can save lives.”

“Dad wanted to talk to the nurse, too. Do you agree that the cover options seem unnecessary? I’d rather have people who can do things.”

Aurora nodded.  “In this case, I don’t know that cover is going to be much help.  If Francesco is as connected as I think, he’ll know the minute you land in Italy.  He’s likely got people well placed in transportation and bureaucracy and after what I just did in Venice, a group of American women will be noticed.”

“I agree. Can we also cross out the gambler?”

“Can’t imagine he’d be helpful to you on this one.  Honestly, you’ll have your hands full with the young man anyway.  We’ll need to have Brigitte negate that distraction for you.”

Tara seemed to consider being offended for a moment, then smiled and nodded.

So if you’re thinking we’re not going to have much luck hiding anyways, we should have five, right? Doctor, Scout, Bruiser, and two more guns? I like the Greek. The stealthy one.”

“The more you bring along, the more notice you’ll get… granted the doctor won’t likely be with you constantly and … I guess the scout either.  Really that means three as an actual team…” Aurora paused and sighed. “Perhaps I’m just too used to working alone or in very small groups. I do want you to be safe.  The greek isn’t disagreeable entirely. I can see where he might be handy - maybe. Situations might require the skills of a thief...”

“Exactly. If he never leaves the plane then that’s fine, right? Great. The Greek, the Frenchman? Dad also wanted to talk to the Professor… but I see that as a waste, really.”

“Tara you can not take the whole damn pile of professionals.  Five. You have to believe me, as much as I’d love to send you with an army, too many is going to be an issue.”

“Can we at least talk to the sniper, the Greek, and the Frenchman? And the nurse, if Dad insists?” She shrugged. “I’ll tell Dad the professor got scared of you and ran away.”

Aurora laughed.  “I almost feel like I should be offended.  Scared… bah. Four. You’re pushing it but FOUR.”

“Right,” she nodded. “Four, not including the doctor. Because he’s staying on the plane, right?”

Aurora gave her daughter the very same look she used to give the girl when she indulged her with ‘just one more cookie’ when she was little.  “Four. Not counting the Doctor who stays on the plane. Not a soul more. Team of five but God help me if I don’t feel like you’re taking everything and the kitchen sink!”

“I might need them. You said yourself that we’re going to get found. Won’t you feel better if we have more firepower?”

“It also means more men for you to command, I know that feels safer, but when things get ugly - and they could - it’s a lot easier for men who showed up for a paycheck to do unexpected things.  For them to ignore the orders of ‘a girl’ no matter who her father is.”

“... but who has more money than dad?” Tara grinned, enjoying her victory but still focused on her task.

“Money means absolutely nothing if you’re not alive to spend it.  If they ever doubt you can lead them home, they might not prove as loyal as you’re hoping.  Mercenaries are great… to a point. But there is a reason we work with a Family most of the time.”

The grin faded from Tara’s face, and she nodded. After a moment, she spoke. “I’ll arrange meetings with the sniper, Greek, Frenchman, and nurse tomorrow. And we’ll only pick two.”

“You two really do like this nurse… what am I not seeing in this damn dossier that makes her so attractive?”  Aurora picks up the dossier again. “She’s not a red-head is she?”

“I’m just throwing her in there because Dad picked her. I guess it’d be useful to have someone with some medical experience in the field with us, help us before we can get back to the plane. She also knows how to use a gun. And while Brigitte would seemingly have the female charm aspect covered ...” Tara smirked faintly. “Well, maybe he’s just trying to hire her as his stay-at-home nurse?”

Aurora’s nostrils flared slightly.  “Yeah, Italy seems like a great place for her.  She’s on the team.” Aurora put her dossier into the yes pile.

Tara laughed out loud- the first time that Aurora had heard that since Ori had disappeared. “Okay, well I’ll line up interviews for those four tomorrow. And Mom… thank you.”

***

The nurse, Josephine Stone, was the first on the list the next day. She was pretty, confident, and a bit brash- respectful, but not truly deferential. Still, Aurora tested her ability to follow orders and the young woman seemed to pass the test. Aurora also marched her down to the shooting range and found the nurse to be a fair shot. Not particularly good, but respectable. And Josephine made it clear that she’d do anything for money; there weren’t many hospitals that would hire a woman who had had an affair with a doctor, especially one who shot up the front of his house after she got dumped. She seemed more eager for the adventure than cowed by any risks.

The Greek, the stealth expert, seemed very straightforward. Loukas Balliades was a skilled thief before realizing that he made more money slitting throats than pursestrings. The man’s skills were obvious, but so were his struggles with the language. He could barely converse in English. He was slightly better in Italian… but only slightly. Testing his skills in the field, he was a moderately skilled marksman, but a true master at stealth. He was sent home with a promise of a follow up phone call.

The Frenchman, Laurent Parmentier, was the opposite of Loukas in many ways. While Loukas was as drab and unnoticeable as a dormouse, Laurent was sleek, stylish, and handsome. He had brown hair and brown eyes, and a jaw that looked like it could take a punch. The man was handsome, and he seemed to know it. In conversation, he persuaded Aurora that he wasn’t just a pretty face, but an experienced soldier skilled with pistols and rifles. He was a mercenary, but he’d earned a reputation for finishing the job. On the range, he was good enough to potentially challenge Aurora for accuracy. Impressed, Aurora and Tara sent him home with a promise to follow up.

The Swede had been scheduled last, and he called to delay his appointment further into the evening. Billy had a commitment elsewhere, and he departed for a business meeting in Manhattan. Kurt Sandell, the sniper, arrived at precisely the time he said he would. He greeted both Aurora and Tara respectfully in English, albeit with a Swedish accent.

“Donna Mastrosimone. I’ve heard a great deal about you. I apologize for the delay; I was finishing my previous job. When taking a contract, I’m quite committed to fulfilling it. I’m curious to learn the details of the job you mentioned on the phone.”

He leaned back in his chair, obviously at ease as he rested both hands in his lap.

“I admire your dedication.  Professionalism is one of the traits that was stated to me on the recommendation I received.  I’m looking for someone who is capable of traveling to Italy with a team that is being put together by my middle daughter,”  She motioned to Tara. “Tara Mastrosimone. Your particular set of skills could prove invaluable to her in completing her tasks and in bringing her back to me safe and sound.  While there is a great deal to be said for the body men and other professionals I’m sending along on this task, I’ve explained to my daughter the vital role that someone with your talents might play on a team - a role I’ve played more than once myself.  The question is, are you the sort of man who might be open to working with a team? After all, some people in our profession prefer solitary work environments.”

“I’ve found,” Sandell coughed to clear his throat, “success both working alone and with a team. As you mentioned, I usually find myself alone, regardless of the job. I can only imagine the day I can communicate with any team I work with from a-” he paused to cough clear his throat again. “- a distance. Excuse me. Could I just have a glass of water?”

Aurora nodded, giving a non-verbal request for her daughter to see to the water.

Tara nodded and headed out the door without a word. Aurora noticed, however, that the door didn’t close all the way.

“I’ve heard the government has men on such a project, could be years yet, but what a wonder that would be for our profession.”  she smiled.  

Sandell shifted slightly in his seat.

“Perhaps you could tell me more about the team I’d be working with, Donna Mastrosimone?”

“Of course.  My daughters will be leading the team.  Tara is highly educated, a brilliant young woman to be sure, though her skills with a gun are still being honed-”

Interrupting her mother, Tara stepped into the office and shot the Swede three times with her pistol. She kept her gun pointed at him as he tumbled from the chair and fell unmoving to the floor. Aurora saw a pistol fall from the man’s hand that he must have removed during the conversation.

Aurora startled, hand not yet on her gun before the man in front of her was dead.  Carlin entered the room before Aurora had even finished taking in the sight of it, clearly concerned that someone had attacked the Donna and her daughter.

Tara froze, looking at her mother.

A flurry of thoughts were in Aurora’s head, too many, but her body went through the motions on instinct.  “Carlin. Get a team to clean this shit up. Get Effie to take the kids out of the house for a few hours. Go.”

Aurora came around the desk and walked over to Tara as calmly as if Tara had come in with a glass of water and nothing was wrong.  Outwardly the lioness was still waters, but inwardly, a storm raged.

Tara seemed to process things, holstering her gun and crossing her arms as she moved instinctively close to her mother’s side. The girl seemed trapped in a flurry of thoughts and memories.

Instantly she took Tara into her arms, “Good shot.”  She said softly followed by an even softer, “Thank you.” The older woman would not think now about what might have happened, what nearly happened, for now there were other things to focus upon.  Important things.

Tara allowed herself to disappear for a moment in Aurora’s embrace. Eventually, she tried to talk, but her words were stifled by Aurora’s hug, so the younger woman detached herself.

“Uncle Volkov’s Swede. I thought it was a coincidence. How many Swedes are there, right? But then how many Swedes are international mercenaries too? I just thought of it when he walked in or I would have said something. I should have remembered sooner. But then he sat down and his eyes were wrong. He looked like Oriana when I first met her. She was always on edge. And why would he be-” She kept talking until she got cut off by her mother.

“Tara.”  Aurora interrupted, making her voice firm but kind.  “You did good. You did what you had to.” The girl nodded after a moment’s hesitation.

“Go to your room, get out of these clothes, put them into a trash bag.  Shower. I know it’s paranoid but … no… bathe. Take a bath. Relax. I’ll handle this part.  We’ll catch up in an hour or so.” Aurora kissed Tara’s brow and then watched her daughter leave the room.

It was the first time, since she was young, really, that she had come so dangerously close to actually dying by a gun she didn’t see coming and while she could never confess it to Tara - it shook Aurora to her core. 

I am getting old... 

***

Tara had drawn her bath warmer than she wanted it. That way, even as it cooled off it would feel better for longer. Always thinking. She turned off the lights and lowered herself into the water, forcing herself to breathe deeply. Initially, the gunshots had rang in her ears and the whole experience had startled her a bit. If she was being honest, she had been terrified after shooting that man- not of any violence, but of being wrong. Tara had half expected the man to be taking a pen or a cigar out of his pocket. God, her mother would have been furious. But Tara would rather have shot a hundred innocent men than to stand there without acting on her suspicions and watch someone shoot her mother.

She took another series a deep breaths. A protector, Ori had said. Leaning back, feeling so comfortable she could fall asleep, Tara smiled as the stress bled out of her body- perfect except for the termite gnawing incessantly in her heart, reminding her that somewhere, Ori might need protecting herself. 

I’ve got my team, Ori. I’m coming.

Chapter 2: Gifts for the Departed
 

Aurora watched Tara staring out the window as the car turned down the private drive on the grounds of the airfield.  The girl’s dark hair hung like straight curtains, hiding her eyes, but in the glass, she could see those troubled orbs that matched her own.  She didn’t need to wonder what Tara was thinking about. Her thoughts had been singular through the last twenty-four hours. She was counting seconds, minutes, hours that had passed since she last saw Oriana Montini safe.  She was contemplating life without the woman who had become so important to her. She was blaming herself, and Aurora knew it because it was a habit the girl had learned from her.

Billy and Brigitte were in the car behind them.  She was less worried about Brigitte, especially after their last trip to Italy and in spite of the news which had been revealed about Sarah.  Tara’s emotional situation took a typically wise and thoughtful girl and had turned her into a spring twisted too tightly.  

The lioness put her hands on the swell in her belly that was growing more by the day.  Still not as large as she and the doctors knew it should be, but that the baby was kicking away this morning meant everything was still okay.  She couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt. She was sending two daughters off to face an unknown and potentially potent foe while remaining home to protect an unborn baby.  Was it right to risk the lives of her living children for one who had not yet breathed? For not the first time since all this began, Aurora considered that she should go instead.  If she died on this trip, she’d lived her life - a good life, her daughters had so much to look forward to; they had so much life to live.