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The Asylum:
Anck-Sun-Amun fumed. Sure, they had retrieved the scroll but at which cost? This success had come at a high price. She inhaled sharply as Nofret stitched up the wound at her left cheek “There will be a scar, but I will do my best do keep it small” her second in Command apologized “You better do that” her boss told her. “Prepare everything for leaving” she ordered; this place will soon be crawling with police”
The Egyptian considered herself lucky: Anna Romanova had missed her only by chance; that the Russian had been responsible for the ambush outside the asylum that she was sure off “Should have killed her personally” she mused. The violinists file had highlighted her skills as a sniper that the Russian had missed her though she took as good omen send down from the gods.
Pharaoh would be pleased that they had retrieved the scroll, but not with the losses. The operation had been costly.
But in the end, it was the result that mattered.
Her communications specialist, Hathor, entered – “What is it?” Anck-Sun-Amun snapped impatiently
“There is an urgent message of the Grand Vizier, an immediate response is expected High Priestess” “Did you decipher it already?” “No” the specialist replied “only you High Priestess have the necessary clearance to do so, and I thought you wanted to know that first hand”
“You did the right thing Hathor” the villainess replied in a softer tone “I will come at once” To herself she thought “This must be real important”
The original plan had been, to return to base as soon as they had acquired the scroll. Obviously this plan had changed. Anck-Sun-Amun followed Hathor to the communication centre.
Hall Place Manor: late Afternoon:
Chris announced as they had filed in the spacious Entrance Hall of the manor: "Change, get into something comfortable, get some rest then we will have dinner at 0800 PM – after dinner we´ll talk."
She turned to Sophie and Evie “We are all lucky that we have you back!” Cheers erupted, but the stern look Chris gave Evie told her, that there would be a not very pleasant conversation to be had.
As Evie and Sophie walked in silence to Sophie´s Room the Egyptologist shot her lover a shy sideways glance. Sophie had not spoken a word, since they had arrived at Hall Place. Evie had registered the cruel marks the gag had left at Sophie´s skin. From time to time a flash of pain crossed her face.
Finally the Egyptologist took her heart in both hands “Do you think Chris is very angry?” she asked in a small voice; Sophie did not look at Evie, when she spoke “She has good reason to be, don’t you think? She won´t rip your head right off, but you can bet she won´t mince words”
Evie looked ashamed on the ground “Are you very cross with me, Sophie? After all you had to endure because of me?” Anxiously the Egyptologist waited for Sophie´s reply.
Finally the lawyer looked her lover in the eye “I am not happy Evie I understand why you had to do it but I acted against my better judgment – the lawyer paused – because I love you Evie!” Sophie blushed deeply.
Both women looked at each other, Evie in astonishment at Sophie´s confession and Sophie anxious how the Egyptologist would react.
“You really love me” Evie spoke softly almost softly to herself – and it was not a question it was a statement “after all you had to endure because of me? That bitch made me watch how they tortured you, you know and threatened to torture you even more when I tried to look away …. I tried really hard to watch, but at times I could not – and there was always that feeling of guilt, that it was my fault ….” And it was Evie now who waited for Sophie´s verdict.
Sophie looked long at Evie without saying anything before she replied softly “I do love you, if I wouldn´t I would not have endured that torment – but do that never ever again Evie, will you?”
Evie´s reaction surprised Sophie: The Egyptologist threw herself at Sophie, buried her face between her breasts, gripped her tightly and sobbed. Sophie stroke gently above Evie´s back, caught in a turmoil of emotions herself “It is okay Evie” she whispered “It is okay”
Hall Place Manor: Anna´s Suite:
Anna sighed as she and Kate entered the Russian´s uite “Could you help me change?” she bade her friend and winced as she sat down slowly and very carefully into a comfy arm chair, and winced a second time.
Kate observed her keenly.
“How are you feeling Anna – and don´t try to fool me, I know you are still hurting” the American said warmly – but she meant it “You don´t need to play the badass when we are alone you know” the Russian paused for a moment before answering “It was pretty hard, lying on that bench and I was glad that James had organized some cushions, they helped, that I missed that bitch, angers me beyond belief, I had her in the crosshairs –and then that pain, I missed her by millimetres, I am glad Chris embellished her face, that scar on her left cheek will make her look really good!”
Kate nodded “I understand you are disappointed you missed her – but that was not what I meant Anna, how are you really, tell me?” The violinist paused for a moment then she said “Physically I am very tired, but I am happy we saved Sophie and Evie, and that was worth it” Kate nodded “See, that was not that difficult: You are still in pain – and you need not to hide that”
Kate knelt down to relieve Anna off her boots, first the left, than the right. The Russian sighed contentedly as she flexed her feet and wiggled her toes “That feels good” – Anna paused “Could you help me in the shower later?” – She reddened ever so slightly “I think I am too stiff at the moment” and she winced again as she moved a bit. Kate smiled fondly at her “Of course I will your Grace!”
One hour later, the two friends had showered and changed into comfortable longue wear and sat on Anna´s bed in the lotus seat, with thick woollen socks on their feet. Kate looked at the battered face of her friend: Anna was dead tired she could tell, even if the artist would never admit that.
“Do you think Chris will rip Evie´s head off?” she asked the Russian as it knocked at the door, the two friends shared a look: who might that be? Anna called “Enter” the door swung opened and Evie stood on the threshold, she too had changed into something comfortable. All in all she had the expression of a student who had to confess to the headmaster that she cheated at the exam.
“Come in and have a seat Evie!” the Russian encouraged her and tentatively the Egyptologist entered the room and sat into the arm chair – the one most distant from Anna and Kate “What is on your mind” Anna prodded, keeping the other woman firmly in her gaze. Her tone was neutral, but Evie sensed something beneath, some underlying coolness.
Evie inhaled deeply “I did something incredibly foolish” “You could say that Evie” Anna replied “It was foolish to leave the house on your own and convincing Sophie to accompany you – though on second thought “foolish” does not cut it – I would go for reckless, foolhardy, where you out of your freaking mind? With every voice Anna had become louder.
“But …”
“Hear me out Evie” Anna interrupted her brusquely “You will tell me now that this was Sophie´s decision – and you are right. But be honest to yourself: Why did Sophie do that?”
“Because …”
“Because she loves you and would have done anything for you” Anna completed Evie´s sentence. And you should be honest to yourself: If Sophie had not been so clever and hid a tracker on her body – we probably couldn´t have saved you: You two would be dead or on your way to Egypt”
The Russian looked directly Evie in the Eye “You know what she has gone through – for you?”
Evie nodded “I think, I do – I saw the marks on her body ….
Anna nodded gravely “Then let me tell you this, Evie ….” the Russian paused for a second or more, Evie could not tell “Sophie loves you and if you do too do that never, ever again” The Russian looked Evie straight in the eye, who nodded “Sophie said the same” she whispered softly.
Sophie´s Room about the same Time:
Sophie eyed herself critically in the mirror: The long hot shower had done wonders, after that Evie had massaged her aching body and treated her sore back and her butt with a soothing balm, which eased the pain. They had not talked much. Sophie´s confession had taken Evie by surprise – but Evie had said nothing just taken Sophie in her arms and kissed her full on the lips. And Sophie had felt elated, truly loved – a feeling that she had not had a long time. She realized Lucas and she would have to talk. Sophie had made decision. She knew Evie just a few days, but she felt safe with her.
Evie had not flinched away when she had told her about her past, how her father in law had abused her. Well, down there in the cellars, when she had been tortured and tormented there had been moments when she would have killed Evie – if she, Sophie, had not been tied up. But she had seen and felt Evie´s remorse when she had told her what she had been through – and Evie had told her what the Egyptian had done to Evie, how she had physically abused her.
Now Sophie felt refreshed and relaxed. The lawyer had dressed in comfortable lounge wear, and two pairs of woollen socks on her feet. Sophie looked at her watch: Dinner was scheduled for 0800 PM, so she would have two hours to have some rest.
A firm knock on her door disrupted her line of thought “Enter” she called. It was Chris. The pianist had chosen a moss green turtleneck cashmere pullover, blue jeans and thick woollen socks on her feet.
The stern expression on her face told Sophie that Chris had not come for idle chit chat “Have a seat please” she invited the pianist, and felt more than a tad uncomfortable. She gestured to a comfy arm chair. After Chris had sat down, she regarded Sophie with a long look and Sophie felt slightly uncomfortable under this scrutiny. And she could tell that Chris had to control her emotions, not to shout and to rage. Sophie could see the emotions on Chris face changing quickly. Finally the pianist spoke, her melodious alto voice slightly quivering:
“You know yourself, that it was incredible stupid – going alone for those books” she paused and her face lost its stern expression and became softer “but I am incredibly relieved that we have you both back in one peace – and your idea with the transmitter was brilliant. Where did you hide it anyway? As I heard you were stark naked, when Kate, Hayley and Kirsty rescued you” and a small smile curled the Pianists lips.
Sophie blushed “I inserted it in my vagina” she muttered. Now Chris smiled broadly. Then her face became serious again “How are you Sophie, I know only what the others told me”
“Those Bitches were pretty rough on me” Sophie admitted “and I don´t know, if I could have kept myself together any longer- but there is no lasting damage; and Chris?” “Yes?” “Don´t be too hard on Evie, she bangs herself up already about this”
“I will not rip her head off, I promise” Chris smiled, “but we will have words, I am sure though, she has learned her lesson – and I hope she knows you love her”
Chris continued “And now tell me Sophie, why on Earth did you not talk to me in the first place? I am so intimidating?”
And to her utter surprise Sophie found that Chris looked vulnerable now. Gone was the stern demeanour.
“I didn´t want to bother you Chris and I knew you wouldn´t approve” Sophie replied softly “You offered me the chance for a fresh start you know – and I did not want do disappoint you”
Now Chris smiled warmly “You could never do that – disappointing me – you know. Just know this: I want you to be happy and you can talk with me anytime you want” She paused “Displaying my emotions is no easy thing to me – so at times I seem to be remote, aloof”
There was silent for seconds, to Sophie it felt like minutes, it had been the second time since she knew Chris that the pianist had opened up that way. The first time it had been at the Adlernest, when Chris told her about her youth and adolescence, the tragic death of her parents.
Chris interrupted her: “Let us leave it at that: We have roughly one hour left before Dinner – up for some Music?”
“Sure” Sophie smiled “I would like that!” And she wondered once more, how well Chris could read her it was difficult to hide anything from the keen eyes of the pianist.
As they walked through the empty Corridors, the lawyer asked Chris “How is Anna?” She hid it well, but I could sense that she was really tired, did you not try to talk her out of that rescue mission?”
Chris smile was warm “Sophie you know our mutual friend by now: Anna was adamant, the only way to make her stay at Hall Place Manor would have been either to knock her out or chain her to the bed – and in the end she made the difference.
Without her our retreat would have been much more difficult – and there was another incentive for her” Chris smiled “a certain agent covered her”
Sophie had to smile too “Do you know what had been between the two?”
“No, I don´t” the Pianist added playfully “But if I am not totally mistaken, the flame has been rekindled”
The lawyer chuckled but became serious then “You gave up the scroll for us”
“I did, Sophie – believe me: No ancient scroll is worth the life of people I hold dear” the Pianist had spoken with utmost sincerity” she looked Evie straight in the eye “and I am very proud of you, I don´t know many people who could have done what you did” Sophie blushed deeply “and Sophie keep in mind, you can anytime come to me, if you want to talk, right?”
“I will do Chris” Sophie smiled “But something is on your mind, I know that”
“Let us talk about that later Sophie” the pianist demurred – and Sophie decided to leave it at that – for the moment.
While they talked they had reached the library, the room was empty, but a fire was cackling in the large fire place “Enough of that” Chris stated “What do you want to sing?”
Sophie thought for a moment then her face lightened up “What about “Ombra mai fu?”
Chris had to smile, she knew by now how much Sophie loved Handel´s Music. The lawyer had told her once that she loved how Handel´s music was able to convey the finest human emotions, which words could not. And that aria, when a lovesick Persian King sang about his love to a Plane Tree – that was just brilliant.
“Fine with me” Chris agreed “Come, let us warm up”
Minutes later Sophie´s marvellous dark shaded voice filled the room with its warmth carried by Chris´ crystal clear tone. And Chris sensed that every note she sang expressed Sophie´s emotions during her ordeal, which helped her to cope, it was like an open book to the pianist. Handel´s music told anything Sophie could not or want not put into words:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Zaaa9jZucM
Simone Kermes sings “Ombra mai fu”, Serse HW 40
Unknown Location later:
Anck-Sun-Amun mustered her remaining Team “Our Plan has changed. Pharaoh has tasked us with another Mission that is of the utmost importance for our Holy Quest the Eye of Horus will rest upon us”
For the next 10 Minutes she briefed her Team about the new Mission “So we are going north, we will depart tomorrow! You all know your tasks till then!”
Hall Place: late in the Evening:
Dinner had been a quiet affair as the day before, but it was not the brooding silence after failure, but the relaxed quiet after an eventful but successful day.
Anna had left early for bed, joined by Kate who would help Anna getting ready for bed and staying with her. The day had drained the Russian´s energy reserves and even if she wouldn´t admit to that, she needed still time to rest and to heal.
When Evie and Sophie wanted to leave, they saw Kirsty and Hayley walking at them “Evie” Kirsty began “Hayley and I think want to tell you something, which might help you coping with the situation at hand … why don´t we go in the Billiard Room and have a drink and talk?”
Evie looked at Sophie and the lawyer nodded “Lead the way Hayley!”
Chris smiled at the Dark Lady “what are your plans for the evening?” “Nothing special” the thief grinned, I will read a good book – I love books!” sounding hurt, as she saw Chris broad grin “I thought you only steal books and sell them” the pianist teased her or read them when a damsels in distress keeps you company”– “Only if they are worth it” And now the thief smiled too “The book or the damsel?” Chris smiled “Preferably both” the Canadian grinned “But anyway: What will you do, Chris?” “I will go in the library and play the piano, this is one of those days I need that” the Pianist explained and stood “See you tomorrow then!”
Later in the Billiard Room:
In the large fire place a bright fire burned. When each of them had her beverage of choice they sat in front of the fire place. Hayley noticed that the tension between Evie and Sophie which had been palpable in the van had receded. The American looked first at Kirsty then at Evie and nodded “You know Evie, Hayley and I do know how it is, when you are held against your will, Hayley even better than me, I don´t know, if Sophie has told you the story?”
Sophie shook her head “No, I did not” “Okay, then I think its best, when Hayley tells you her story Evie” Kirsty nodded to Hayley “It began three years ago” the American began her tale “By accident I crossed paths with Elizabeth Crawford, a criminal mastermind, and for some reason she got obsessed with me and had me and friend of mine kidnapped. We were held for three months on a private island before we were rescued – but that was only the beginning ….”
The longer Hayley spoke, the more intrigued got the Egyptologist by the American´s story. Now and then Kirsty added details “And last year Crawford offered us the chance to get of that cursed Island: by kidnapping …” “By kidnapping Chris” Sophie added “And Chris offered Kirsty and me the chance to build up the Office of Art Incorporated and New York” “And me to work as corporate lawyer and operative” Sophie explained “Chris may seem stern and remote at times – but she does anything for the people she holds dear”
The Library later:
Evie stood before the door to the library. From inside she could hear Chris playing. During dinner the pianist had mostly ignored her, now and Evie had felt those green eyes, which seemed to see everything, not unfriendly, but not warmly either – searching, scrutinizing seeing right through her. But the conversation she had had with Kirsty, Hayley and Sophie had strengthened Evie´s resolve to work the problems out they obviously had
The Egyptologist had to muster all her courage to go up here – but Sophie had been right: The conversation with Anna had been the prudent thing to do, but talking to Chris Evie found much more difficult.
On the outside Chris seemed sterner, harder at times, while the Russian seemed to be more the light hearted jester, always one for a good joke or a prank. That this was only the surface Anna wanted the world to see Evie had learned in the last few days.
Taking her heart in both hands, Evie carefully opened the door and tapped on stockinged feet into the large room, which was dimly lit only – a large fire was burning in the vast fire place.
At the Grand Piano sat Chris, seemingly completely immersed in the music. She played a fragile, delicate melody, which seemed to swan magically through the room, the music spoke of a yearning, of longing, next the tempo changed to a fast paced piece then the slow melody appeared again.
The pianist did not play very loud nevertheless the sound filled the room.
Another fast sequence followed, much more forceful, agitated, ending with a bridge which modulated to the fragile melody of the beginning again. The music becoming slower and diminishing in an accord played with utmost delicacy, barely audible but very clear. Evie was fascinated: Chris fingers seemed to have barely touched the keys – but yet the tone stood clear and full in the room.
Sophie had told Evie the way Chris played and what she played told a lot about her current frame of mind. There were those incredibly tender parts of the piece and the agitated, forceful parts. If this reflected Chris´ state of mind, she seemed to be happy partly but angry as well. The Egyptologist wondered, what this would mean for their conversation
For a moment Chris sat just there, before she took the hands off the keyboard “I love Schumann´s Kreisleriana Evie, its delicacy, the contrasts, its tenderness, its fragility”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvuaD7tUQek&t=3937s
Grigory Sokolov plays Schumann´s Kreisleriana live at Geneva 11.12.21
That took Evie by surprise: Chris had addressed her without seeing her.
The pianist turned around on the seat and looked Evie directly in the eye and again the Egyptologist had the feeling that Chris looked directly into her soul “Have a seat” the Pianist gestured and Evie sat down in a comfortable arm chair next to the fire place. For a moment none of the Women spoke.
“You know Evie” Chris spoke quietly, but firmly, not raising her voice “What angers me most is not that you went for the books, not that you did not muster the courage to talk to me, what angers me most is that you pulled Sophie into this. It was reckless, it was foolish – and if Sophie had not been clever enough to hide the transmitter in her body, who knows if we would have this conversation at all. This was a very close call – and you should have known how dangerous those people are, you have seen first-hand what Anck-Sun-Amun did to Anna and Sophie”
She paused, waiting for a response.
“I know that Chris, Sophie and Anna told me as much” Evie said apologetically in a small voice, looking ashamed to the floor.
“Did they?” And for a second a smile flashed across Chris stern face and she continued in a softer tone “We all did and do foolish things at time, me included” another smile “But we get only through this together, we must trust each other – I know, I can trust Anna, Kate, Sophie, Sarah, Kristy and Hayley with my life and you can too”
Evie nodded “Anna said the same” Chris smiled warmly this time “Our great Grand Duchess is a wise Woman with a hot temperament and a big heart; she insisted on coming with us on the rescue mission, even if she should have stayed in bed – and if she hadn´t been there, things might have gone differently.
“We all hold you into high esteem Evie, believe me and that has nothing to do with the fact, that you are a fine Egyptologist, but that you are a wonderful person and honestly? I haven´t seen Sophie this happy in a while, she went through hell because she loves you, take good care of her” The pianist looked Evie directly in the eye “I will” Evie nodded sincerely.
And now Chris smiled “but enough of that, why don´t you get us a Night Cap before we call it a day?”
Chris was clearly amused by Evie´s surprise “You thought I would rip your head off, right?”
“Something like that” and now Evie too smiled “Believe me, I was tempted – and next time I will” Chris stated - still smiling “Oban or Ardbeg?”
After Evie had poured them a stiff drink they sat the fireplace and Chris stared into the fire deep in thought “There is something that puzzles me Evie ….” she paused before she continued “I have the feeling that this is not just about the scrolls, to me it seems that they targeted you not only because they wanted to know what we already know – after what you have told us about that bitch – I wonder if there is an personal angle ….”
“I racked my brains too” Evie replied, but so far I have no clue …”
Chris nodded, starring in the flames for a moment before she turned to Evie “That can´t be helped I guess. So we have to work on that”