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Chapter 86
“Discoveries and Preparations”
The living room:
The team had convened in the living room “What know?” Kate was the first to voice her thoughts “I could use a shower – and then Dinner!” Chris shrugged “Fine with me” Birte noticed a change, after they had apprehended Shana Al Amari: The pianist looked calmer – but not entirely at peace “She struggles still with her emotions” Birte thought. The detective remembered the minutes the team had returned from Aswan and afterwards. Sophie had told her what had happened at Abu Simbel … would the blonde really have beheaded a helpless captive?
“What about this?” The Black Lady added “We all do refresh we make dinner and then we talk shop “Who wants to cook with me?” the Canadian looked around “Me” Sophie smiled – and after an exchange of looks Kate volunteered too.
And in that moment the battle hardened Master Thief realized, how much she missed Anna discussing about such simple matters like preparing dinner “Anna loves to cook” – she mused.
And Anna was gone.
Sarah´s eyes met Chris´ and she saw tears shimmering in the blonde´s eyes “You feel it too, of course you do – I should have known” And could have kicked herself for her lack of sensitivity. The blonde was off balance at the moment. Her state of mind could change from one moment to the next. One never knew how she would react.
“But you will get through this Chris!” McKenzie thought “We will visit hell on those who took Anna away!” Their eyes met a second time. Chris nodded her face cold and stern again. As if she had read her mind. The thief let her gaze rest upon the blonde - thoughtfully.
The blonde would regain her equilibrium – at some point, but how long would it take? Difficult to tell … as the thief knew from own experience. Was Chris fit enough to lead them on that mission The Chris she knew would have been without any doubt. But now? The Thief made a decision “Chris needs to know we trust her, so I will!”
In the Cellar, later:
Hetepheres only slowly returned to the waking world. It felt as she had to rise from the deep sea to the surface. For several times she had sunken back into blackness, then risen again, always a bit more. It was dark around her:
Her body was compressed from all sides – compressed by what? As she got more lucid she realized it felt like a down filled mummy sleep sack, but much heavier on the down and it was more some kind of cocoon, an incredibly thick one.
And she was tied: Two straps around her insteps, three around her lower legs and two above the knees. The latter reminded her that she was obviously diapered: A diaper? Her cheeks burned with indignation. On the plus side? So far she had not soiled the diaper …
Her hands were mitted her wrists were shackled and held before her body more straps secured her arms to her body. The straps were tight but the pressure was lessened thanks to some sort of down filled suit she wore.
Hetepheres registered she was heavily gagged: with a heavily padded panel gag, whose foam ball filled her mouth completely and pressed her tongue firmly down - she had been blindfolded, and hooded and earbuds cancelled any noise out.
“How have I landed here?” she racked her brain. A stream of pictures flooded her mind: She and her fellow Daughters of Isis had apprehended the Lawyer and the Egyptologist at Abu Simble.
They had left the temple – and then there had been that woman a tall blonde entirely clad in black wielding two blades in her hands, she had shouted something then everything was a blur: Hetepheres had felt several sharp pricks in her breast.
She had tumbled to the ground like a large rag doll and starred into the sky – she could not move a muscle – but was able to see, to hear ….the daughter of Isis had heard everything. She knew that woman. Not too long ago she had had her at her mercy ..
Then the blonde devil had towered over her, her Katana ready to strike. In a shimmering arc the blade had fallen down and missed her by a hairs breadth. The blonde had vanished – the Egyptian had felt a sharp prick in her neck – then just blackness.
Hetepheres … she had always considered this name as a great honour – to be named after the mother of the Great Pharaoh Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid. In a former life she had been someone different: Weak and spoiled and without purpose – and then she had met Nofret at Hurghadda… that had changed her life.
To learn Nofret had been captured a first and later killed in single combat, no, not only killed. That blonde devil with the two blades had first dismembered her, sliced her body open and then beheaded her – that had shocked her.
At least Nofret´s death had been honourable.
It had been the blonde devil with the two blades at the temple … von der Marwitz. She had enjoyed it immensely having that arrogant b*tch at her mercy in the burial chamber at Pepi´s Pyramid at Abusir.
She felt a sensation: someone worked at her cocoon. The hood above her head was pulled off, the sleep mask and the earbuds removed – surprisingly gentle. After the long time in darkness she needed time to adjust: Above her she saw three faces: The blonde devil, Sophie Reichenbach and a black haired woman – she did not know. Her black eyes were icy cold.
The faces vanished.
Birte looked at Sophie and at Chris “It´s her, this is definitely the chancellor´s daughter!” The Detective was astonished. To this point she had never fully believed the story the Chancellors daughter had joined an ancient cult – but she was obviously wrong. There she was, cocooned, tied up and gagged: Leonie Gräber. “What now?” Birte looked at Chris and Sophie.
Chris demurred curtly “Not here and not now” – and the Detective knew by now that any further discussion was pointless “I will read Princess the riot act” the blonde announced coldly.
Hetepheres looked up as the blonde´s face appeared in her field of vision again. Her classical features were beautiful – if they had not looked like a marble sculpture. Cold and hard. The emerald green eyes looked long at her before Chris von der Marwitz spoke “Listen carefully. If it were not for your father being the Chancellor” that evoked a reaction by the restrained woman, she mumbled something in her gag and strained against her bonds. Chris waited for a moment “I would have gladly killed you today – and I will kill any Daughter of Isis, anybody who stands in my way to avenge Anna”
Von der Marwitz had spoken coldly and measured.
The stern look of that emerald green eyes told Hetepheres all she need to know. The blonde meant every word “To me it does not matter, how you style yourself these days, Hetepheres or Leonie. What matters to me: You and your lot killed Anna – and for that you will pay - with interest.”
The blonde had spoken not loud but with an intensity that gave the restrained woman pause “Your “precious” Nofret payed already the ultimate price – and you shall share her fate if that is your wish – a lot can happen in the desert”
She let the sentence hanging ominously in the air.
“And be assured: When the time comes to send you to the afterlife, it will not be quick.
So one good piece of advice: “Behave as long as you are with us – believe me none of us harbours an ounce of sympathy for you. You are just a spoiled rich child that found it cool to run with an ancient cult, just because she was bored”
Hetepheres shook her head mumbling something into her gag.
“Shut up!” the pianist commanded imperiously.
The blonde´s voice dripped with utter contempt.
“Anna was worth more than all of you together! You would be not worthy to kiss her feet! Anna gave the world her soul, her music! Anna gave herself! Anna made a difference! Tell me what you gave to the world spoiled rich child! Tell me!” The blonde devil paused “Lost for words b*tch?” another pause “I can tell you: You gave nothing to the world!”
The blonde vanished out of her field of vision. The intensity of her hate had hit Hetepheres like a hammer. Sophie and Birte looked with astonishment after Chris – and Sophie knew that the blonde left for a reason:
She didn´t want them to see her cry, especially not that Egyptian Bitch. Sophie did say nothing just reapplied earbuds and cover on the Cocoon. Before she had put the earbuds in their captive´s ears the lawyer said calmly “You better believe every word Chris said. Sleep well!”
Calmly she added “You
are just a spoiled rich child – nothing else. We know your father donated a hefty sum to the Humboldt University so you would not be expelled because you cheated on your exam”
Hetepheres lay long awake in the darkness, that confrontation had shaken her: Never in her life had she faced such a hot wave of blistering white hot hate. She was still shocked by the rapid turn of tables: So far their mission had been a success: They had acquired the Stela Fragment at Alexandria, the trap for von der Marwitz in Cairo had worked perfectly.
Collecting the last Fragment of the Stela should have completed their success … but instead they had walked right into a trap. Her complete team had been obliterated – except her and Maketaton. Hetepheres had heard what the blonde had said to her fellow sister.
“We have unfinished business at Aswan” the blonde b*tch had told her companions “That can only mean, they know about the mole in their midst” Her thoughts were racing. She had no reason not to believe von der Marwitz – only slowly she realized what the events at Abu Simbel meant … and a cold fist of fear gripped her heart.
Outside:
“Did Chris mean that what she said?” Birte asked curiously as they left for the elevator. The Lawyer paused and took her time “Under any circumstances I would said this was just power play to rattle Leonie´s cage” Another pause “But with Anna murdered all Bets are off, I would say”
“There is something you must know Birte” Sophie added thoughtfully “Chris is, firmly rooted in the Japanese Culture, the traditions of Samurai – the way of Bushido: It is ingrained in her DNA but Anna´s death may have opened the gates to Chris´ darker side. Sophie had seen Chris in action. And Anna had told her about Chris´ revenge after her capture and torture by the Russian Oligarch Boris Oblomov ….
Birte broke her out of her reverie:
“Like the dark side of the force” the detective asked “So you are a Star Wars Fan” Sophie chuckled and turned earnest again “That comparison might not be far off the mark – a Chris turned Darth Vader? That would be something Anck-Sun-Amun and her Master should fear!”
They left the elevator and Birte thought long about the Lawyer´s words ….
Another cell another cocoon:
Shana lay in the dark. Darkness was all around her. She still felt groggy – her temples pounded: The damned chloroform! With difficulties she tried to remember what had happened in the cell. The vibrator strapped to her thigh had driven her mad …as if on cue the vibrator in her pussy sprung to life – again.
At some point The Dark Lady, Kirsty Garrett and Kate Beckett had entered her cell. She didn´t know that because she was blind deaf and dumb. When she could see again – the Egyptian was still gagged – she saw the American Law Enforcement Officer sitting across her and looking at her intently, cool calculating.
Anyone who had met Captain Kate Beckett in the interrogation room before would have been warned. The Detective was a force not to be trifled with under any circumstances – but the interrogation room was her natural habitat. Hardened Criminal´s had wetted their pants when Beckett questioned them.
The brunette with the amazing cheekbones was flanked by the black haired Canadian looking down from those marble like black eyes, a small ironic smile curled her lips and the auburn haired Kirsty Garrett.
Her expression was neutral – but showed no sympathy too. From her file Shana knew the Briton had had a troubled youth, ran away served with the Royal Army three tours in Afghanistan – which had earned her lately the Victoria Cross.
Later Garrett had been Elizabeth Crawford´s second in command ….. That was another chapter. One thing was sure though: The three women would not show her any mercy.
“Listen Shana” Beckett said almost conversationally “I guess you might be thirsty so Kirsty will take your gag out and Sarah will give you some water. After that we have a civilized conversation. There are a few ground rules though: No screams no shouting no threats – you are in no position to threat anybody. Your friend in the other cell sang like a canary” The detective let that sank in “Are we in agreement?”
The Egyptian paused for a moment. All what Beckett had said was true and she was thirsty, very much so. And talking could not hurt. The American was much too soft to torture her – she assumed. Inwardly she scoffed. All Westerners were. So she nodded. Kate Beckett still smiled “Kirsty? If you would?”
Getting rid of that gag was indeed a bonus Shana thought and licked her lips and tried to work some feeling back into her jaws. The detective smiled “A drink for Shana, Sarah!” The water felt absolutely refreshing on Shana´s dry vocal cords.
The Egyptian coughed “Take some more” Beckett smiled and Shana did not object. A sudden warmth flowed through her body, she felt relaxed. Kate´s smile broadened “Can we talk now?” And to her utter surprise Shana heard herself answering “Yes” What the hell …
“Right then” the Detective smiled “Tell me how you got a member of the Daughters of Isis?” That was only the start. The Egyptian answered each and every question truthfully and without any hesitation. Captain Beckett fired a barrage of questions. Precise, relentless – never her keen grey eyes left her.
How much time passed Shana did not know. Finally – after an eternity - the Captain nodded “That went rather well, Shana, don´t you think? Now you will take a nap have some rest and tomorrow we will continue this conversation some more!”
So fixated had Shana been on Beckett that she did not register that Garrett had stepped behind her …. and pressed a sickly smelling cloth on her face “Breath in. Nice long breaths. You will go down – one way or the other. On the other hand? I like it when they struggle!” Shana had struggled – but to no avail. Finally the Egyptian had succumbed to the soforic fumes.
When she had come around she had found herself in some very massive cocoon. She banged her head in frustration on the pillow under her head … what had they done to her? Shana Al Amari had expected torture, being flogged, being beaten.
But nothing of the sort: Instead her captors had her played cleverly – and the questioning by that blasted American had been relentless and the Egyptian had to admit she had underestimated Kate Beckett.
Later in the living room Chris listened to Kate´s report and a grim smile curled her lips. But the detective sensed how much the blonde had to struggle to keep a straight face “We need Chris´ at her best” she mused “We should help her to relax!” A short while later Kate met with the rest of the group – Chris was out to make a run along the Nile, to blow off some steam. And she had insisted on running alone.
“You think that wise, given the circumstances?” Sophie had objected “My decision Sophie – and mine alone” the blonde had brushed off the lawyer brusquely and turned on her heels to change into running gear.
A short while later Sophie and Evie heard the Entrance door closing – with a loud bang “Ouch” Evie winced “She is really in a foul mood” “Anna´s loss is still an open wound and will be for a while” her lover nodded “We shouldn´t take that personal though” Evie frowned “But can we do something to help her cope?”
So Kate´s proposal to “help” Chris´ didn´t meet any serious resistance – on the contrary: Hayley smiled “Well, we might be able to help with that: As you know Chris has grown fond of the Enhanced Restraining System – even if she would never admit that in public” “Anna contacted us a while ago:
She wanted to present Chris with the very latest version of the ERS” “It has some new features” Kate grinned “Don´t tell me you brought it with you ….” The blonde blushed a bit “In fact we have” “We had to make a short stop in New York anyway – to pack our gear – and since we could use Maureen´s Private Jet, we had enough cargo space left.
“I like that Idea” The Black Lady grinned “You remember she once forgot me in those bags in London?”
Sophie smiled “So how do we do this?” “Listen” Kate said and explained.
“You are really a kinky bunch you know” Birte Ricciarelli marvelled “You should know that by now” Sophie smiled – but turned serious “You don´t think Chris will explode if we pull that off?”
“I don´t think so” the thief demurred “She will be mad – at first, but that will pass”
“Right then let get ready, she will be back in roughly an hour – if she follows her usual routine” Kirsty smiled.
At the Nile Embankment 45 Minutes later
Chris accelerated her tempo another time – and ran as if the devil was hot on her heels. Her running shoes pounded the pavement in a fast steady rhythm. Her body was drenched in sweat by now. The Adrenaline was still pumping through her veins. The Action at Abu Simble, taking Shana out of commission … this had not restored her equilibrium. On the contrary:
That the Egyptian had betrayed them since they met at Cairo stung “Why didn´t we suspect something earlier? Anna could still be alive” In the aftermath The Black Lady had been right not to let her near the Police Officer. She would have torn her to shreds – and more.
Suddenly three dark figures stepped out of the shadows and barred her way. Chris stopped abruptly and took stock of the three men. They wore dark clothing and radiated aggressiveness and menace. The one in the middle, obviously the leader, stared at her from dark piercing eyes, smiling ominously, his eyes resting on her bossom. He said something in Arabic to his companions – who chuckled lewdly.
The blonde had a very short fuse these days “Listen Guys, get out of my way! I am not in the mood for playing!” “Blondie” the leader chuckled in heavily accented English “You should be a bit nicer to us this is a dangerous place at this hour!” “And if I am not nice?” Chris voice was dangerously low “We are three you are alone” the left guy stated – not as tall as the ringleader, but muscular and sturdy built, and suddenly a sharp knife glittered in his right hand. The blonde´s reaction surprised him, Chris laughed at him “Get a few more men and it will be an even fight!”
The Egyptian charged and lunged at Chris. But Chris was gone. Lightning quick she had stepped aside. Her attacker stumbled, Chris´ knee hit him full on the chin a second kick sent him to the ground.
Full force the pianist stepped on his right wrist and was rewarded with the sickening crunch of breaking bones “Argh! You B*tch! You broke my wrist” “I apologize” Chris smiled and stepped again on his wrist “Stay down!” She looked at the other two “Who´s next?” – and closed the distance.
Three minutes later Chris continued her jog. Three men lay behind her on the ground. Groaning, bloody and beaten – only the leader lay still: The blonde had broken his nose and hit him with a brutal round house kick, he would miss several teeth.
A grim smile curled her lips. She did not look back. The Adrenaline was pounding through her veins. The fight had invigorated her. Chris knew she had been a bit careless. Had those guys been better – this might have been dangerous. Sensei Nakamura would have had one or two things to say …
The Villa was not far away now – Chris felt sorry she had snapped at Sophie, but she simply couldn´t help it. Since Anna had died she felt always under pressure, like a pressure cooker about to explode. So the short skirmish had been good to vent some steam. She had reached now the Entrance Gates of their Villa – she punched in the Entry Code and ran the last 100 Metres at full gallop.
The Entrance Hall and the living Room were empty. Her friends had obviously retired for an early sleep in. Only too understandable: Kate, Hayley, Kirsty and Sarah surely could use some rest well. Chris slipped off her running shoes and tapped on her stockinged feet – she had sweated that much - her socked feet left imprints on the floor – through the Entrance Hall and up the Stair well.
She would shower long and hot and then go to bed – maybe she would take a sleeping pill. The Hospital at Luxor had provided her with a prescription. So far she had not felt the need – but things changed – she needed to stop the wheels turning in her head.
The thick carpet swallowed her soft footsteps. Chris opened the door of her Rooms and pressed the light button – nothing, the room stayed dark. Before her brain could process that information fully, she was grabbed from behind: One strong arm pressed her arms against her body another pressed a thick, sweetly smelling cloth on her face. Someone grabbed her ankles firmly, so she lost any chance to kick at her attacker.
Chris groaned and tried to loosen her attackers grip and held her breath – after she had inhaled a healthy dose of chloroform. The blonde felt already dizzy – and she knew she was fighting a losing battle “Why was I so careless?” Chris chided herself and renewed her struggles. At some point she would have to breathe …
But her attacker’s didn´t give her that time: A precise and solid punch at her solar plexus made her gasp – and inhale more chloroform. Her resistance weakened. She gave up and took deep slow long breaths.
Finally Chris eyes rolled back into her head and her body became limp. Her attacker though kept the chloroform soaked pad pressed for a good while longer on her face. With prey like Chris one could never be too careful.
The woman let glide the pianist´s body gently to the floor. The light was switched on “She put up quite the fight” Kirsty noticed “And Sarah the punch to the solar plexus was nasty!” The Thief grinned nonchalantly – “She will get over it” The Briton raised her eye brows “You shouldn´t count on it”
Together the two women carried the unconscious blonde in her bedroom, where Kate and Hayley were already waiting. On Chris´ bed lay a gargantuan massive restraining bag in emerald green. On the floor two smaller ones, next to them a rubber mattress and some other items ….
“Let us strip her!” Hayley grinned. Unceremoniously Kate and the blonde set to work and relieved the pianist off her running gear “Boy, her feet are really sweaty, her socks are almost dripping wet!” The detective observed as she pulled Chris´ socks off her feet “And they do smell!” she wrinkled her nose, Kirsty grinned “I know exactly what to do with them” Hayley supressed a grin. She had a rough Idea what her Companion meant.
A short while later the blonde lay stark naked on the rubber mattress “Wow” Kirsty looked aghast at Chris´ wonderful body which was covered with haematoma and bruises.
“Yep” the Canadian stated “Not a pretty sight - but all in all she was lucky. That could have ended much worse” Kirsty and Hayley put a thick diaper on Chris – after they had inserted a vibrator in her Vagina, their practised motions betrayed their long practise in restraining unwilling captives that way.
“So what is different?” Kate wondered “You said there were some enhancements?” She let her hand glide above the soft shell of the heavily down-filled emerald green suit, with built in booties and a hood “There is the suit for instance” Hayley explained “It has some built in new features” “There are vibrating knobs built in at some sensitive places” Kirsty seconded “Under the arms, at the inside of the thighs, behind the knees, above the breasts, the soles”
“I like that” The Thief grinned mischievously “You wouldn´t” believe me” Hayley smiled “Kirsty bagged me for 12 hours in this thing” Kate´s eyes widened “So you tested it” “Of course” Kirsty shrugged “We had to be sure it works as advertised”
The American and the Briton manhandled Chris´ limp body into the body suit “How peacefully she looks right now” Kate mused as she looked at Chris´ now calm and serene face.
“Another Enhancement is the gag” Hayley interrupted her “The padding is much thicker and the ball larger” she worked the large ball into Chris´ unresisting mouth and closed the gag behind her head. Tight but not brutally so “The straps are broader and the mittens and manacles more thickly padded” Kirsty explained as she mitted and shackled Chris´ hands.
Altogether eight straps ensured the blonde´s immobility “Personally I thought those straps always overkill” Hayley smiled “As soon as you are in the first bag – escape is impossible” The final attachments were ear buds, a heavily padded sleep mask and an equally heavily padded Spandex Hood, which was thickly padded above the eyes, the ears and the mouth.
Lifting Chris´ already cocooned body into the third bag was hard work. The four conspirators were very pleased with themselves “Now we wait till sleeping beauty wakes up” The Black Lady grinned.
When Chris came around all was dark and silent around her: She could not move, she could not speak, she was deaf, she was blind. Her body was heavily compressed from all sides. What had happened? Panic overwhelmed her – she struggled with all her considerable power against the relentless embrace of the restraining bags.
Only slowly her breathing returned to normal.
A voice rang into her ears, a voice she knew: Sarah McKenzie! “Calm down Chris. Everything is alright. You are restrained in the latest model of the Enhanced Restraining System” Chris strained against her unforgiving bonds. Despite the very heavy gag one needed not to be a Genius to decipher the meaning of her very very muffled Tirade.
“Shhh” This time it was Kate´s voice who sounded in her ears “We all thought, a stint in the bags would help you relax and rest – Hayley says it had that effect on her, after some altercations with Crawford” “It really helped me” the blonde American seconded “And this model has some enhancement you might even enjoy”
This time Chris´ was sure to detect an ounce of mischief in her voice” “Just let the bags work their magic Chris” Kirsty said warmly.
Frustrated Chris banged her head on the soft cushion under her head. Struggling would get her only that far. This Restraining System was Escape Proof – she knew, but she struggled nevertheless. After a time Chris stopped struggling. She breathed in heavily. The blonde sighed into her gag and willed herself to relax.
That worked – till the enhancements began their work. The Vibrator she almost welcomed: The tickle beads definitely not! “Difficult to tell what is worse: Those under my soles, the knees or under the arms” – the approaching monster waves of a humdinger of orgasm overwhelmed her.
When the Enhancements stopped Chris tested her restraints she had nothing better to do anyway – and detected some changes to the model she knew: Not only her big toes were cuffed, but all ten! Two straps held her insteps together. Straps around the ankles, the calves under and above the joint – around midthigh and directly under the groin:
That one was the most uncomfortable she knew – it made the captive feel the diaper more. Her mitted hands were fastened to a belt around her waist – three more straps held her arms in position.
And then the Enhancements started to work again. Chris cursed in her gag. Cursed at McKenzie cursed at Kirsty, at Hayley, at Kate, at Sophie – and at the whole world. Tears formed under her blindfold. “F*ck you!”
The Vibrator sprung into High Gear again.
Chris did not know how often she rode on the waves of orgasm: At some point the vibrations and the tickling stopped – and she did really relax “Maybe Hayley is right after all – I would welcome another choice of music than wale songs though” the blonde thought drowsily. Slowly her hammering pulse returned to normal.
She was nearly asleep already when another chloroform doused cloth was gently pressed on her nose. This time she did not struggle she just did the sensible thing: Chris took long deep breaths – and it was not long before darkness engulfed her, she even welcomed it. Her last lucid thought was a name: “Anna” she mumbled into her gag.
Aswan, the next morning:
Chris entered the living room and the animated conversation fell silent - all looked at her “You look very relaxed” Hayley teased the pianist “I really am, it is really remarkable how much a good night sleep helps” the blonde smiled back, and it was a genuine smile “Indeed” Kate thought “she does not only look relaxed, she really seems to be relaxed”
“There will be serious payback – when all of this is over!” Chris looked each and every one in the eye, Kate shivered under that cold piercing gaze. The twinkling in Chris´ eyes did not escape her though.
The pianist wore Wedge Sandals on her feet a wide cut light green blazer, white linen trousers and a white blouse. She sat down and helped herself to a cup of her favourite green tea – and tucked in. The animated chatter around the table set in again. Chris concentrated on her plate. She could not deny it: The night in the bags had relaxed her. Hayley had been right. She would have words with the American though, when all of this was over – and with everybody else in on this. And a small smile curled her lips.
Finally the blonde laid the cutlery aside and sighed contently. She felt all eyes resting on her “What?” “Oh nothing” the Dark Lady demurred with a knowing smile curling her lips. Chris´ eye brows went up, but then she smiled back “So let´s get down to business” the pianist continued business like.
“Kirsty and I took care of your guests” Hayley smiled “Both Ladies got a bathroom break, breakfast, and a fresh diaper” “They were not very happy, but we convinced them to comply” Kirsty added “A Chloroform doused cloth does wonders at times”
“You two should know” Chris smiled “Anyway” Hayley continued “Leonie is prepared for interrogation “Which I will do after breakfast” Kate added “And Shana is taking a nap in her bags” The detective said “I will continue her interrogation in the afternoon”
“Perfect” the blonde nodded “What are your plans” she turned to Sarah “You mean our plans” the Canadian corrected her sweetly “We will visit an old friend of mine here in Aswan – in other words we go shopping” Chris laughed – and it was a clear and honest laugh – “I hope his armoury is well stocked!”
“Sophie, Evie and Birte have agreed to work through the Intel we already obtained and make a plan for our mission” the thief continued. The pianist nodded “That we will do”
She cleared her throat and looked around. The whole team looked expectantly at her “I want to thank you all” the pianist said sincerely “I am grateful we are in this together – and we will succeed, we will avenge Anna and we will end this cult once and for all!”
“Amen” it rang around the table
And in that moment another thought hit home, something she had totally forgotten about in those last days of emotional turmoil and feverish action “I have to call James” Chris thought, something she could not set aside any longer and strangely enough she did not fear to make it. But 007 had the right to know. Anna had been so happy with him.
Her and Sarah´s eyes met “I have to make a call before we go” And somehow Chris had the feeling the Thief knew.
The blonde went to the library. Took care she was alone, pulled the smartphone out of her pocket, selected a contact and dialled. Chris´ call was taken almost immediately “Yes?” the dark voice of 007 responded “James it is me, Chris, I have to tell you something …..”
As the German and the Canadian were about to left the Villa later, she felt Sarah´s eyes resting on her “You did tell him” And it was no question “Yes I did” the blonde replied calmly. Her dark Sunglasses covered her eyes, but Chris´ voice told her, the Pianist was at peace with herself “If anything” the Canadian thought “This call has strengthened her resolve”
The sound of the doorbell interrupted them “We expect any guests?” Sarah´s Eyebrows rose “Not that I am aware of” Chris shrugged – she turned to Kate and Birte “Look who it is” The two police women nodded – only two return later with a third Woman: Tall, athletic, long black hair “Natasha?”
The Black Lady decided this was one Moment for the History Books: Chris von der Marwitz totally lost for words “What are you doing here?” the blonde finally inquired “Ekaterina and Ragna thought you could use my help” The Russian smiled “And if I think about it? I didn´t have a good fight in quite a while”
“I am in your debt Chris” Natasha added “And if Ekaterina and Ragna are correct you could use any help you get – I am sorry for Anna” she added sincerely. Chris looked intently at the Russian “Thank you” she said softly “Just two words” the Canadian thought “But they convey so much” she watched as the blonde pulled herself together “Kate and Birte will give you a lay of the land” Chris turned to Sarah “We will go shopping”
“I could be of help with that” the Russian smiled “Do you mind if I join you?” The Canadian smiled “Not at all” she exchanged a look with Chris “Fine with me!” the blonde nodded and the ghost of her smile curled her lips “Your expertise with weapons could come in handy”
A short while later the three women drove to the outskirts of Aswan, Chris at the wheel.
“Who is this friend of yours?” the blonde asked the Canadian – she seemed calm, relaxed and resolved “I met Hassan Al Masoud” when I robbed his wife´s jewellery and he caught me in the act” the Canadian chuckled “I was playing with his wife ….”
“I know your way to play Sarah” Chris said no more.
“I heard about your ways” Natasha chimed in. The Thief turned to the Russian “I do give private lessons …. Interested?” The Russian smiled mischievously “I might take you up on your offer”
“Be careful what you wish for!” Chris added “The Black Lady might teach you a few things …” Natasha smiled nonchalantly “I am always open for new experiences”
Unknown time later in the Cellars:
The only way for Hetepheres to gauge the time was the breaks, when she was left out of the bags for a diaper change, a bathroom break or a meal. Her handlers treated her professional but made it clear to hear any resistance and disobedience would have consequences.
The American Police Captain had interrogated her two times, she had been relentless. Not that Hetepheres had mounted much resistance – she could not.
They had drugged her, of that she was sure. Either way: She had divulged all she knew: The way through the desert, the wells, the resting points, the schematics of the Palace, the security measures – anything. Kate Beckett had her squeezed dry like a Lemon, to the last drop.
Neither of her guards had talked to her though, besides curt commands. Nobody had told her something about her fate.
Von der Marwitz she had not seen again – something she was grateful for. The Intensity of the blonde´s hate had hit her like a monster wave. So intense it had been. And in that green pools of ice she had seen something Nofret must have seen in her final moments to.
She had no idea how much time had passed. Had it been her dinner, then the chloroform induced nap? Now she stared at the ceiling for a while: one hour, two hours? Hetepheres did not know.
She heard the door open. The clicks of heels on the floor, measured steps – a face appeared in her limited field of vision, it was von der Marwitz, the blonde seemed calm and collected – she mustered her intently, said nothing. And it was that calm that unnerved Hetepheres. As von der Marwitz finally spoke, she sounded as calm as collected as she looked – emotionless:
“You know what your precious Nofret did?” Her icy cold voice sent shivers down her spine. The Egyptian shook her head. Chris smiled coldly “Let me tell you a story: Your Nofret strangled a harmless old woman with a violin string – just to get back at Anna and me. In my book this is cowardice, how would you call it?” The pianist sounded almost conversationally “You want to know how Nofret really died? Not the garbled Version you got?”
Hetepheres felt mesmerized by those green cold jewels of ice – and to her surprise she nodded again:
Chris recalled the scene before her inner eye before she continued, and so vivid was the tale of the Pianist Hetepheres saw it before her inner eye:
[…]After the blonde had severed her enemy’s right hand with a precise and vicious stroke Nofret had sunken down in slow motion to the floor. The Egyptian blooded from several deep wounds already:
One stroke had left a deep and nasty gash across her forehead. A second stroke had cut deep into her right shoulder. A third one had left a bloody trace from her left shoulder right down to her right thigh. None of these injuries was deadly – but they impeded her ability to fight and they caused pain.
Blood trickled out of the left corner of her mouth. Nofret pressed the bloody stump of her right arm under her left arm pit. Defiantly she stared up at her opponent “What are you waiting for?” she demanded hoarsely “End this!” Chris smiled down at her adversary, but it was not the warm smile her friends knew so well. It was a cold smile which would have made even a polar bear shiver to its core.
She pressed the tip of her blade firmly against the Egyptian´s larynx, forcing Nofret to look her directly in her emerald green eyes. There Nofret saw a steely resolve, neither mercy nor compassion “I should make you pay, make you suffer” the blonde spoke not loud nor aggressive – but clearly and composed “I am not like you though, I will show you mercy – the same mercy you granted Tatiana Nikolajeva” The blonde stepped back and aside.
Chris gripped her Katana with both hands and swung the blade swiftly high in the air – the sword hovered in the air above the blonde´s shoulder for a spell- and then it fell down and precisely across Nofret´s abdomen – Chris stepped back, watching with clinical interest.
At first Nofret felt nothing, then a searing pain shot through her body. In disbelief she stared down at her abdomen. Her white shirt had been severed by a long precise horizontal cut. She pressed her remaining hand on the cut. Nofret´s hand was covered in blood.
Slowly she realized what Chris had done: the pianist had executed the stroke which was normally done by a samurai who committed Seppuku, the ancient Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment.
Coldly Chris looked down at her, outwardly unmoved, stony faced, seconds passed, as Nofret´s intestines gushed out between her fingers. Then with one precise fluid movement she swung her Katana high in the air a second time and the blade soared threw the air, gaining momentum “Kiaii!” Chris battle cry resonated clear and sharp in the air.
The stroke hit Nofret´s throat at the left side: Like a knife through butter, the sharp blade cut effortlessly through skin, cut through flesh cut through bone.
Nofret´s head sailed through the air – and landed with a sickening, squelching sound on the stony floor a few feet away
Without looking down, the blonde stepped over the Egyptian´s corpse, the pool of blood and followed her companions to the cellar.
[…]”
Chris paused and looked down at the captive “Think about what I have told you, you have a choice – it is yours to make” she said sincerely.
The blonde vanished out of Hetepheres´ sight. The door closed, she was alone again. And icy cold fear gripped her, made her shiver and straining against her bonds.
Aswan, very early morning, the western embankment, 24 hours later:
A caravan passed the ancient ruins of the Sankt Simeon´s Cloister on the western bank of the Nile. It was 0400 AM. There was almost no sound, just a light breeze. The sun was not up yet. The air was cool. The dromedaries moved in their strangely gliding rhythm through the dunes.
A strange sight, somehow like an ancient silent movie. 36 Dromedaries, nine Women. Chris, Kate, Kirsty, Hayley in the lead; The Black Lady, Natasha, Birte, Sophie and Evie bringing up the rear. The other dromedaries carried supplies and large wooden boxes. The end of the caravan was formed by four dromedaries. Two animals each carried a large massive cocoon between, swinging gently between them.
Sasha had lost track of time, she knew they were on their way into the desert. Her Cocoons hood section had been sealed again with a cover. She was comfortable. She had been treated well. What fate awaited her? What did her captors plan? Her mind wandered. Whatever would happen? She would fulfill her oath – to the bitter end.
Chris looked ahead into the West. A strange calm filled her. They were on their way. Operation Desert Storm 2.0, as Kate had dubbed it had begun: Nine Women, 36 Dromedaries, one Mission only: Seek and destroy.
And a cold smile curled her lips.
The final stage of the Quest had begun.