|
Post by lau on Nov 18, 2008 0:16:30 GMT 3
chapter1
|
|
|
Post by annie on Nov 18, 2008 12:46:30 GMT 3
Prologue December 15, 2018 The sky looked so beautiful on the horizon. Hues of pink, blue and orange colored the sky. The sea, as if envious of the beauty of the sky, reflects it unto itself. This is the life. Standing on the upper deck of the yacht, cruising along the Mediterranean, Marat thought to himself with a smile on his lips. He ran his fingers through his hair to fix it as the wind has blown it in disarray. He’s older now and there were a few strands of gray creeping in his locks, but not that much. Although not much has changed with him physically, he has definitely matured. There’s a somber contentment about him now. Gone are the days of playing the field, and painting the town red. He watched the Sunset happen. Twelve years ago, after Angela* died, it was something he might not have even appreciated. But he was a changed man now. He thought about all the things that happened since that time. It was such a long, difficult but fulfilling journey. He had gone through difficulties a lot of times, all the heartaches and losses, both personal and career wise. He had his moments of course. Oh, and how sweet they were. Those are moments he will cherish for all his life. He smiled a satisfied smile. He didn’t think he was going to be in this position even just two years ago. He wondered how things were going to be if he had not found Hope. There were times when he had almost given up the search. But as they say, God moves in mysterious ways. And thank God he found Hope. He looked into the horizon. He was almost at his destination, the Greek island of Santorini. It looked really beautiful out there in the sea. The Greek says it was once where Atlantis stood. But that wasn’t what he was so nervous and excited about. No, it’s more than that. It was the destiny that awaits him on its shore, and what it would bring in his future that thrills him. *Read My Angel’s Watching Over Me.
|
|
|
Post by annie on Nov 18, 2008 12:56:40 GMT 3
[glow=red,2,300]PART I: Double Trouble[/glow]
Chapter 1
Twelve years ago…
January 30, 2006 3:25pm Sheremetyevo Airport, Moscow, Russia
A month after Angela died; Marat has started the slow process of getting on with his life.
He stayed in Monte Carlo for a while, to train, and get things off his mind.
He was supposed to play the Australian Open, but opted out of it.
He didn’t feel ready enough, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
So instead of playing in Australia, he decided it would be better if he just stayed home for a while,
surrounded by people who he loves and loves him back.
Dinara picked him up from the airport. During his ordeal with Angela’s death, and throughout the hard times,
it was his sister, who had been the biggest pillar of support for him. Something he didn’t expect
being the older brother, but at the same time he was thankful for.
“So, how was Monte Carlo?” Dina asked him.
“It’s fine. Same old, same old.” Marat told her. “How was AO?”
“Well, I didn’t win…” Dina said, trying to make Marat laugh. He didn’t. “The guys are asking me about you.
They seem to miss you a lot.”
“And?”
“Don’t worry, I kept your private life private, except of course, for Mitya. He already knows.”
“Yeah.” He said.
Dina noticed how he seems so detached, and she could understand very well his situation.
So, in an attempt to cheer him up she told him of the gifts he still haven’t got to opening
since he wasn’t there during the holidays and his birthday.
“Hey, you know you have like so many gifts from your fans…
the agency sent them to the house but I took it to your apartment.”
“Great, thanks.” He smiled, just a bit.
On the way to his apartment, she updated him on what’s going on in the tour,
although, his attention seems to float away sometimes.
“Oh, I almost forgot!!” Dina interrupted whatever it was he was thinking.
“Dad said to pick him up at the bank on our way.”
“We’ve already passed the bank.” Marat said.
“So? Turn around!” Dina told him.
So he turned the car around in the next u-turn. He had no choice anyway.
When they were approaching the bank, they couldn’t find a spot to park.
They finally found one a block away. But as he was backing up, he hit someone riding a bike.
“Oh my God, Marat! You hit something!” Dina screamed. He stepped on the break.
“I know!” He said as he got out of the car quickly.
He saw a person struggling to get up, and the bike completely destroyed.
Dina helped the guy up. As soon as he was up, he started to get raging mad.
“Are you okay?” Dina said.
“Do I look like I’m okay?” He turned to Marat. “Look what you did to my bike! I’m still paying for that!!”
“It wasn’t my fault. You saw me backing up. You shouldn’t have gone behind my car.” Marat said,
“Never mind your bike, look what you did to my car! That’s gonna need a helluva paint job!” He said,
checking out the scratch that was almost microscopic.
“What?!” The guy said, “There’s not even a dent on your freaking car!! You destroyed my bike!”
“C’mon Dina, dad’s waiting.” He took Dina’s arm and led her to the sidewalk.
“Walk along. I’ll take care of this.” He told her.
“Oh, that’s right!” The guy said, following them. “You think just because you’re world
class athletes that you own the road…that you own the world, don’t you?”
He didn’t pay attention to the guy.
He rubbed his thumb on the supposed scratch and shook his head.
Then he started to walk towards the bank. The guy followed him.
“Oh, you can’t hear me can you?” The guy continued. “I’m just a little person in your big world.
Hey, I’m talking to you! You have to pay for my bike that you destroyed!!!”
“I’m doing no such thing.” Marat whispered, “It wasn’t my fault.”
When they got in the bank, Marat immediately realized what was happening.
There was a robbery going on. Everyone was on their knees and had their hands up.
There were two robbers and they each had a gun, a 45-caliber Colt.
Marat saw Dina and their dad across the room. But the guy he hit still didn’t stop nagging,
and that caught the attention of one of the robbers who was guarding the hostages
while the other was in the vault.
“C’mon man, I have to get to work or I’ll…” The guy was telling Marat.
The robber number one cut him off. “Hey, you two! Put your hands up!”
The robber said, toting his gun. Marat followed his order but the guy didn’t.
The guy turned to the robber and said, “You cut me off again when I’m talking
and the next thing you’re gonna see is my fist hitting your face!”
And turned back to Marat again. “C’mon man, I’m gonna get fired if I don’t…”
“I said put your hands…” The robber started saying.
But without even a warning, the guy hit him really hard with an explosive right hook
and he staggered and dropped his gun.
“I told you not to cut me off!” The guy said, as he kicked the gun farther away from the robber.
The robber was stunned, but tried to hit him back nonetheless.
He evaded the fist by ducking, bending over backwards a bit.
The robber went after the gun but the guy tripped him by executing a leg sweep
with one hand on the ground, palm down, swiveling himself around.
He looked like he was break dancing. It was a very fluid movement. The robber hit the floor face first.
He took the gunman’s arm and twisted it behind his back, and proceeded to sit on the gunman’s back.
He knocked the robber out by punching him again. It took all of five seconds.
But the other robber came out pointing his gun at the guy.
“Get off him and get on the floor or I’ll shoot!” Robber number two said. "Kneel!"
The guy got off the first robber, but instead of kneeling he walked towards the other robber
“I said, kneel!” Robber two screamed.
“You gonna shoot? Shoot!” the guy said, “Don’t pull out your gun if you’re not gonna use it!”
As he said that, he swiftly lifted his knee up and flicked his feet up and hit robber number two
directly under the chin. The robber flew off the ground and hit the floor with a thud.
He was knocked out cold too. The gun flew away as well and dropped near Marat’s foot.
“Are you crazy? That gun could’ve gone off just by hitting the floor and could’ve shot
anybody with a stray bullet!” He said.
“Relax! The safety’s still on…these butthead punks probably didn’t even know how to use it! Amateurs!”
The guy told him. “You!” He said to the two guards, “You have cuffs, give them to me
and carry those a**holes up against that column!”
The guards followed his orders and he cuffed the two robbers around the column.
“Well?” He said, “Is anyone gonna call the police or do I have to do that too?”
When the cops begin to arrive, Marat saw the guy sneaked out of the bank.
He was about to follow him when one of the cops interviewed him.
“Can you give a statement about what happened here?”
“You know, there are a lot of witnesses. You can build up the case with their testimonies already,
so you don’t need mine. I just got back in the country and I’m tired,
I really don’t want to have anything to do with this. I hope you understand.”
“Of course, Mr. Safin.” The cop said, “Thanks anyway.”
Then he ran out of the bank, but the guy wasn’t around anymore.
Dina and Mikhail saw him and followed him.
“Where did he go?” Dina asked him.
“I don’t know, I saw him sneak out…” He said.
“Where did you meet that guy? He’s good.” Mikhail said, still amazed at what he saw
even after what he experienced.
“Marat hit him and his bike with the car, and wouldn’t pay for the bike that he destroyed.”
Dinara said, with an accusing stare.
“Well, I’d pay him now if you want…” Marat said.
“You should, he just saved us!” Said Dina. “You okay dad?” She turned to Misha.
“Yeah, I’m fine…I’m really glad you met that guy that saved us. We should thank him.”
“We will…if we can find him.” Marat said.
|
|
|
Post by annie on Nov 29, 2008 4:43:31 GMT 3
Chapter 2 Marat, Dina and their dad were in the car, driving home when Dina hollered for Marat to stop the car. “What?” Marat asked. Abruptly stepping on the break. “He was there, we just passed him!” Dina said, “At the corner, the guy you hit! He’s sitting on the sidewalk!” “Are you sure?” Misha asked. “Yes, it’s him!” Dina said, “He’s wearing that gray jacket and baggy pants and baseball cap! Back the car up, Marat.” “Why?” Said Marat. “You said, you were gonna pay for his bike didn’t you?” She said. “And we have to thank him for saving us.” Misha added. “Fine.” Marat said. So he backed up the car and stopped in front of the guy, sitting on the sidewalk in front of a fast food chain, with his face buried in his hands and elbows on knees. When the guy saw them park and get out of the car, he stood up. “You guys again?” He said, “What now? You’ve come to finish the job and kill me now?” “Calm down!” Marat said, “I’m not going to kill you.” “We just want to thank you for what you did in the bank. That was awesome!” Misha said. “Yeah, and my brother’s gonna pay for your bike now.” Dina added. “Well, it’s too late now…because of you, I was late for work and I got fired.” He said, “So, even if you pay me, it’s not gonna be enough. So don’t bother, and just leave me alone.” He started walking away when Dina stepped on his way to try and stop him. “Okay, mister, look, we’re sorry we destroyed your bike and got you fired. But you saved our lives and we want to help you back.” Dina said. “Maybe we can talk to the owner to take you back?” “No. Don’t do that.” He said. He has too much pride to let them talk to the owner to get his job back. Marat understood that, so he didn’t force the issue. Instead he gave him his calling card. “What’s your name by the way?” Marat asked. “Hal.” “Okay, Hal, here’s my card...” He said, “Call me if you ever need help.” The guy seemed to consider their offer for a while, and then…. “Okay. Thanks.” “C’mon guys…let’s go.” He said to Dina and Misha. Hal watched them as they drove away. When they were out of sight, he took Marat’s card from his pocket and read it a couple of times. With a smile on his lips, he placed it in his wallet. At the car… “I just think he’s cute. What’s wrong with that?” Dina said, “And he was so cool fighting those robbers too.” “You sound like a teenager!” Marat said. “Well, I’m still nineteen so I AM a teenager.” Dina retorted. “Cut it out…” Misha said. “There’s something about that kid.” “What do you mean?” Marat asked. “I can’t point it out yet… but there is…something different.” “He’s incredibly arrogant?” Marat said. “No…it’s not that. It’s something else.” Misha said, “Something really different.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- They didn’t hear from Hal for the next couple of weeks. Until the faucet and pipes under the sink in Rauza’s kitchen got busted. “Misha, just call a professional…” She told Misha who was leaning over to the faucet, getting splashed in the face with the water. “I can do this…” Misha said, “trust me!” He said, struggling to get the words out while trying not to drown in faucet water. That’s what Marat saw when he entered the kitchen. And he couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, you could at least start with turning off the water.” He said, “Dad, I think you should call a professional. Even I can’t help you there.” Mikhail was on all fours with water splashing on his face from under the sink. “Okay, call the plumber.” He finally relented. Within a couple of hours, the plumber arrived. Rauza showed him where the problem was so he proceeded to fixing it. She left him for a while when she answered the phone. The plumber was under the sink when Marat came in. “You gonna be able to fix that?” Marat asked. “I’m a plumber aren’t I?” The plumber answered from under the sink. Marat didn’t like his tone. He sounded sarcastic. “Can you hand me that wrench.” He gave him the pliers instead. “I said, the wrench. This is the plier.” “Why don’t you get it yourself, I’m not your assistant! I’m paying you.” Marat said. The plumber got out and up from under the sink and he saw Marat. Marat recognized him. “You?!” Marat said. “You?!” He said, the same time Marat did. Marat rolled his eyes, and shook his head. “You know man, this is why you always get in trouble. You always sound like you want to pick a fight!” “Oh I always get in trouble?” Hal said, “Who was it that needed saving from a couple of robbers? Was it I? I only get in trouble when you’re around!” “Dude, those robbers wouldn’t have done anything except to take the cash from the bank, and left us alone. But, no, you had to pick a fight and show off.” Marat said. He wasn’t really mad he was actually enjoying the verbal exchange. “I wouldn’t even have been there, if you hadn’t hit me and decided not to pay for my bike, which you haven’t paid for still, and which I’m still working my butt off to pay for, but you got me fired that’s why I’m here…” Dina and Mikhail heard the squabbling and went to see what the matter was and found the two going at it. “Hal?” Dina said, surprised. “Okay, son…calm down.” Misha said to Hal. “What are you doing here?” “He’s the plumber.” Marat said. “Arrrrggghhh!” Hal exclaimed, obviously exasperated. “Can you people just stop referring to me as ‘man’, ‘dude’, and ‘son’?” “Oh, and why is that dude?!” Marat said. “Because, I am not a dude, a man, or anybody’s son! I’m a girl!” They all stopped at what they heard. “You’re kidding right?” Marat said. “No, I’m not kidding!” Hal said. She unzipped her jacket, and ripped the Velcro of her jumper suit open, she was wearing a t-shirt underneath. Then she took Marat’s hands and placed them on top of her breast. Marat was shocked but he couldn’t move. It was real. He could feel her soft ample bosom under her t-shirt and bra. She was indeed a woman. She had already let go of his hands but they were still where she placed them. Mikhail’s eyes were wide with shock and so was Dina’s. Rauza, came in and was surprised at the scene in front of her. “What is going on here?” She asked. “I’m just telling them that I’m a woman.” She told Rauza. Then he turned to Marat. “You can take your hands off me now.” Hal said. Marat took his hands off of her, but kept it in front of him as if they were still there. “I knew there was something different about him! Her, I mean.” Mikhail said. “Well, of course she’s a woman! Why would you think she isn’t?” Rauza said. “You knew?” Dina said. “The moment she stepped in front of the house.” Dina, Marat, and Misha all looked at Hal. She looked just about like a 17-year-old boy. She had short dark hair, with a baseball cap. She was wearing work boots, a huge jacket and a really baggy pair of jumper suit. No one would think she was a girl at first glance. Not to mention her demeanor. “Can I get back to work now or am I fired? Again?” She looked at Marat, rolling her eyes. He was holding his hands in front of him still. “No, you’re not fired.” Rauza said, “C’mon people, let the girl do her work.”
|
|
|
Post by annie on Dec 5, 2008 14:31:16 GMT 3
Chapter 3 “Oh my god!” Dina exclaimed as she entered the den with Marat and Mikhail. “I cannot believe it…Oh my god!” “You and me both.” Marat said, still holding his hands in front of him. “Will you put your hands down already?” Rauza said, following them behind. “What I can’t believe is how good she was fighting those robbers off at the bank.” Mikhail said, “I would never have thought she was a woman.” “You mean she’s the guy who saved your butts at the bank?” Rauza asked. “Yeah…” Dina said, “Oh my god, I had a crush on him! …On her... when I thought she was a guy I mean.” “Well, she looked like a seventeen-year-old boy, just barely out of puberty… with the way she dresses and carries himself…I mean herself.” Marat offered. After half an hour, Rauza and Marat came back to the kitchen to see how things were going with the faucet. Hal was already gathering her tools and getting ready to leave. “Is it all done?” Rauza asked. “Yes ma’am. The tubes just need some tightening. I cleaned up the drain as well, because the oil had clogged it. Other than that, everything’s in good condition.” Hal said. “How much shall I pay you?” asked Rauza. “Just the usual…I don’t really know. I just took the job coz my old man’s sick.” Rauza gave her several bills, and she thanked her. She asked Marat to show Hal to the door. As she was leaving, Marat stopped her. “Hey, ah…Hal…” Marat said, following her behind. “Yeah?” “Look, am…about that day…ahm…” “Are you always this articulate?” She looked at him. For the first time since they met, he had a good look on her face. She wasn’t all that masculine as he had previously thought especially since she took off her cap. Her face was still a little bit dirty from working under the sink. But her eyes were very bright and vibrant blue-gray steel, with just a little bit of green. He’s never seen eyes like that, piercing and calming at the same time. It stopped him for a while. “Hello?” She said, “Anybody there?” She waved her gloved covered hand in front of him. And he snapped back to reality. “Yeah, ah…I was just…I want to apologize for what happened the first time we met.” “You mean, about the bike? For getting me in trouble? Or about getting me fired?” “All of the above.” He said. She sighed, “Forget about it…” “So…this plumbing thing?” Marat said, “This your new gig?” “No. I still don’t have work. My old man’s really the plumber. He’s supposed to come here but he’s sick so…I came instead.” “What about your bike?” “Still not paid, gaining interest as we speak.” “Well, here…” He took out his wallet and counted some bills. “How much do you need?” “What? No!” Hal exclaimed, “I told you forget about it.” “No, I just want to help. C’mon take the money.” He said, placing the money in Hal’s hand. “No, I can’t take your money.” Placing the money back in Marat's hand. “Okay, well, just consider it your loan…” He said, pushing the money back in her hand. She looked at him suspiciously. “It won’t gain interest. Just pay for the bike and pay me back when you can.” He assured her. “You sure?” She asked. “Yes.” “Okay.” She took the money and stuffed it in her pocket. “Thanks. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.” “All right.” She turned to leave. When she was almost at the sidewalk, Marat called her again. “Hey Hal!” She turned around. “Yeah?” “That offer we made, about helping you find a job. It still stands.” Marat said, “You still got my card?” “Yeah, I still have it.” “Good” Marat said, turning to the door. But she called him. “Hey, boss!” She called him. Marat turned back around. “It’s Hallie, by the way.” “What?” Marat asked. He didn’t get what she was saying. “It’s Hallie. It’s my name.” “Right.” Marat said, smiling. “It’s a good name. See you around Hallie.” Then he went inside the house. Hallie watched him as he entered the house. When he was out of sight, she turned to the road again. She was smiling. She took out her wallet and tool out his card. “Hmm…he’s cute when he smiles.” She said to herself. “But he’s still a jerk!” February 19, 2005 12:45 p.m. Marat was alone in his apartment watching some TV show on cable, WWE Raw. He doesn’t really watch it regularly but he was channel surfing and saw two women wrestling each other and thought it was interesting. It made him remember Hal. Hallie. It made him smile. He had never met a girl like her. He was annoyed that time, before he knew she was a girl. But now, he just finds her amusing. “I wonder where she is now…” He said aloud. Then he remembered that time when they found out she was actually a girl. She looked so pissed off of him. He was looking at the t.v., Two guys were wrestling then, Randy Orton vs. Triple-H, but he wasn’t really paying attention to it. He looked at his hands, and remembered what she did to prove it. He was trying to keep himself from laughing, but he really couldn’t contain it. Then suddenly an idea popped in his head. He wasn’t really thinking, it was more like an impulse. He picked up the phone and called Dinara. “Yes, brother dearest?” Dina said when she picked the phone up. “Dina, you remember the phone number of the plumbing service Hallie works for?” “Hallie?” She said, “I don’t know any Hallie…” “Hal. The plumber girl.” He said, “Her name is Hallie.” “Oh…Ooohh! Hallie huh? You guys are close now?” She teased him. “No. She just told me her name…” He said in defense. “So do you remember or not?” “I think it’s in the phone directory...somewhere here…Why do you want to know anyway?” “Nothing. Some pipes in my bathroom are leaking; the bathtub’s already flowing with water, and…the sink too…” He lied. But it was obvious to Dina. “Right…” She said. Marat could almost see her rolling her eyes just by the sound of her voice. “Here it is…8881515. Now, for real, why do you…” “Ok, thanks. Bye.” He cut her off. He doesn’t want to explain to Dina. He doesn’t even know the reason himself.
|
|
|
Post by annie on Dec 9, 2008 14:01:11 GMT 3
Chapter 4 3:00 pm same day.When Marat called the plumbing service earlier to look for Hallie, they told him that she doesn’t really work there. She just takes job orders for her father when he can’t come. The man was old and almost always sick. He also learned that Yuri, her father, was at the hospital that day. He asked which hospital it was and went there to see if he can help. He didn’t really want to go to a hospital so soon after Angela. But he figured he’s going to have to let it go, and he might as well start now. He got to the hospital as quickly as he can, and looked for the patient. He found Yuri’s wife instead. “Excuse me, is this Yuri Muskovin’s room?” He asked the old woman. “Yes.” The old woman said, “I’m his wife Sima. Do you know him?” “No…” Marat said, “ actually I’m looking for Hallie.” “Oh, she’s not here. She went out to look for money. My husband needs to undergo an operation. Are you her friend?” “Ahm…yeah. We’re friends…sort of” He added under his breath. “Do you know where she went?” “I don’t know…she’s been gone since this morning. If you’ll wait, I’m sure she’ll be here soon.” Sima said. “Oh…ah…” He mumbled. He could not decide whether he should wait for her or just leave. He looked at his watch. “I’ll wait for a few minutes, I guess.” He made a mental note to leave by four-o’clock. “I’ll just go to the cafeteria…you want something?” “No, thank you.” Sima said, smiling. “What’s your name again, son?” “Marat. It’s Marat.” He walked around, went to the billing section and asked how much Yuri needed. It wasn’t that big of an amount. Probably what he spends on hotel accommodations in a week of a tournament. He did go to the cafeteria though. He was at the counter, looking for something to eat when he spotted Hallie sitting in one corner, with her head down over her arms crossed on the table. He brought another cup of coffee for her. He sat beside her. She didn’t feel or notice him at first. “You mind sharing the table?” Marat said. “No, go ahead.” Hal said, without lifting her head to look at whom she was talking to. “You want some coffee? You look like you need a cup.” He told her. “No. I need money! Money is all I need.” She said. Then she sat up and saw who was sitting beside her. “You?! What the…? How did you…? What are you…?” “Calm down.” He said, calmly. He was actually already getting amused. “And I have a name.” “Yeah, I know. Safin. Marat. I know, ok.” She said, “What are you doing here? How did you find me…are you stalking me?” “Of course not! Why would I do that?” “I don’t know…” “Well…I’m not. You’re not my type. You look like a seventeen year old boy.” Marat said, sipping coffee from his cup to try to hide his smile. “Seventeen year old boy…my a$$!” She muttered but he didn’t really hear it. “But I am looking for you.” He said. “Why? You want your money back already?” She asked. She seemed nervous all of a sudden. “No, I heard your dad’s sick. And I know, you don’t have money so I thought I’d help.” “Oh. Good…I mean…thanks.” Suddenly, she realized what he just said. “Wait a minute! What do you mean you ‘heard’?” She said, emphasizing the word 'heard' using her hands to signify quote signs. “Where did you hear that?” Marat realized what he said too, he knew he was caught. He played it cool though, and repeated the same lie he told Dinara earlier. “I called the plumbing service you’re working for because I have a leak in my bathroom. I asked them to send you because I know you, and they told me you don’t really work there, and that you’re dad’s here.” He said. She raised an eyebrow. “What?” He said, unsure if he had done the right thing. “Nothing.” She told him, shaking her head. “Such a bad liar.” She said under her breath. “So, anyway, did they send someone to fix your leak already?” “Yeah. They did.” Marat said, “So…you need money right?” “Yeah.” “Drink that up, and we’ll go.” He told her. “Where are we going?” She asked. “To get the money.” They went to the bank to get some money. But when they were about to leave the bank, Hallie was having second thoughts. “Okay, hold on a sec.” She said, pulling Marat aside by the arm. “What now?” He said. “Why are you helping me? Why are you being nice to me? You don’t even know me.” “Okay.” He said, “You got a point.” “Of course, I do.” “So…You’re name is Hallie. You’re a woman not a man.” He said, teasing her. She mocked a laugh. “How old are you?” “You don’t ask a woman how old she is!” She said. She waited for him to apologize but he just smirked so she gave it up. “I’m twenty-two.” “Okay.” He said, “Now, I know you.” He tapped her on the shoulder and walked away. “You don’t know a person simply by knowing their name and age!” She argued. “Look, that’s all I want to know. For now. Now, do you want the money or not?” “What’s the catch?” “There’s no catch.” He said, smirking. “Anyway, I’m not giving you the money, remember? It’s a loan.” “There gonna be interest? Are you a loan shark?” She asked suspiciously. He took her cap off and messed her hair up. “No!” He said, “There’s no interest.” Then he started walking towards the door. She followed him close behind, quietly. She considered his offer. There didn’t seem to be anything wrong and he seem genuine enough to her about it. When she looked up, he was already getting in his car. “Hey, boss!” She hollered after him, “Wait up!” He waited and opened the door for her to get in. Then they drove off. When they got to the hospital, Marat didn’t get off his car anymore. “Aren’t you coming, boss?” She asked him. “No.” he said, “I have somewhere else to go.” He just didn’t really want to get in the hospital again. “Okay. Well, Thanks again.” She said, “I promise I’ll pay you back as soon as I have money.” “Right. Sure.” He started the engine again. She started walking the hospital entrance. “Hey, Hallie!” He called her, “Come here a second!” She turned around and approached the car. “Yeah, boss?” “Give me your number.” Marat said. “What number?” “Mobile, what else?” “Why?” “Umm…so…I can call you anytime.” “Why would you want to talk to me?” He didn’t know either. He was acting on impulse again. He thought about it for a second. He enjoys talking to her…and fighting with her. Not really fighting as much as teasing. But he didn’t want to tell her that. "You owe me money, so I think I should know how to reach you, right?” “Right! Okay.” February 27, 2006, 2:00 p.m. Somewhere, in an undisclosed location…A sergeant from the Moscow Police Department entered a dim lighted room. A large, muscular middle-aged man was sitting at the other side of the table with his back turned. He swiveled around when the sergeant entered. He was an intimidating sight. Even seated, one could see how huge he is. He was about 6-foot-4, 250lbs. His blonde hair neatly combed and tied in a low ponytail. He wasn’t wearing proper office attire, but then he can do that. He was wearing a gray fitted shirt and his muscles were bulging from it. But it was his somber look that was more intimidating. Like he’s going to crush you if you but say something he didn’t like. This was the first time the sergeant saw him, and didn’t know what to expect. “Good evening, sir. Here’s the copy of the video file you requested from the department. I was asked to deliver it personally.” “Play it.” The man said. The officer placed the disc on the player and turned the projector on. They watched it. It was a video of the attempted bank robbery that happened almost a month ago in a bank in Moscow. It showed Marat and Hallie entering the bank, and the robber apprehending them. Then Hallie got her fight on. “Freeze that!” The man ordered. The film froze at the part where Hallie kicked the second robber. The man recognized the moves. She used Capoeira to knock the first robber out and Sambo with the second one. It was two of the many martial arts discipline he was an expert of. “This is where you got the prints?” “Yes, sir.” The sergeant said. He was talking about the fingerprints in the handcuffs she used to tie up the robbers to the column. The Moscow police send them to his office after it matched fingerprints in the data bank of list of people that the Interpol was looking for. He was the one who placed it there almost two years ago. But he placed her there not for any crime she commited, but for personal reasons. She’s only on the Yellow Code list. If it were anyone else in the unit—make that in the Interpol, it wouldn’t have been permitted, given that there was no criminal activity in her record. But he was one of the few who had clearance to do it, so he did. After all, he is the Commander of the Fugitive Investigative Services of the Interpol. And no one would dare question him anyway. He picked the phone up, and dialed a local number. “This is Commander Harlan H. Hunter. I’m going to Moscow.” He said. “Make the arrangements ASAP.”
|
|
|
Post by annie on Dec 15, 2008 13:02:38 GMT 3
Chapter 5 March 6, 2006 9:00 a.m. Miami, FloridaMarat was about to go to practice, when he decided to call Hallie. That morning, he had received a call from his friend Oleg Pavlov ranting about his ex-wife’s newest exploits in a recent attempt to “diminish his assets”. Oleg also told him he and their friend Sasha Volkov recently bought the restaurant down Marat’s street and remodeled it into another one of his theme restaurants, but still keeping the same crew since they didn’t have the heart to fire the beautiful ladies working there. Oleg said it would seem like heaven with the likes of him and Sasha being divorced men as they are. Oleg continued to tell him that he needed a change of scenery, maybe travel, just so he doesn’t have to see his ex-wife for a while. Sasha could handle the restaurant while he’s gone. Marat knows he’s just joking about it. Oleg and his ex-wife still have a good relationship, just not as a couple. Oleg also informed him that the restaurant was ready to open. That was good news, he told Oleg. He joked that maybe now he can get free meals there. Oleg’s answer was a nonchalant: “Tough luck!” The he remembered Hallie. He hasn’t talked to her since he left Moscow. He didn’t think he had enough raison d'être to. He asked Oleg if he could give his friend a job. He didn’t tell him it was Hallie. He knows he was going to tease him about it, so he’d rather not risk it. Oleg just told him to tell his friend to come over at the restaurant and it was up to Sasha to hire his friend, but he said he would make sure to put in a good word. After Oleg said goodbye, he immediately called Hallie. She was delivering newspapers. “Privet!” Hallie said, breathing hard. She’s been biking around. “It’s me. You’re breathing hard, what are you doing?” Marat asked. “I’m working. Delivering Pravda news papers.” She said, “Who the hell is this anyway?” “Marat.” “Oh…Hey, boss! Sorry about that. I didn’t know it was you.” “That’s fine.” Marat said, “So, how’s work coming along?” “If you’re asking if I have enough money to pay you back, I don’t. Not yet. This isn’t even a permanent job. It’s a day to day basis.” “Hold it!” He stopped her, “I’m not asking you about the money.” “Oh.” “Can I talk without you cutting me off and jumping to conclusions now?” “Yeah, boss. Sorry.” “My friends bought a restaurant and it just opened, and I asked them if they can give you a job.” “And?” She said. He could feel her mood change by the sound of her voice. She was excited. “It’s not sure yet. You have to go for interview. But I put in a good word for you.” Marat said. “It’s okay. I’ll go! Thanks a lot boss!” She said, “Hey, boss?” “Yeah.” “Why are you helping me? I mean, I already owe you money. You don’t have to give me a job too.” “I’m not giving you a job. I’m giving you an opportunity to get a job. Besides, I’m just trying to protect my investment.” He said. “What do you mean?” “You owe me money, I’m just trying to make sure you’d be able to pay me back.” “Right…of course.” She said. There was something in the quality of her voice that kind of sounded of disappointment. “And by the way, when you show up there, and you get hired…keep yourself out of trouble.” “Hey, now…it’s not like I go around looking for it.” “Yeah, right.” Marat said, sarcastically. “Shouldn’t you be playing or something?” She asked, sounding miffed. That made Marat smile. “Yeah, I’m on my way to practice. Just thought I’d tell you about it. You got a pen? Write down the address.” Marat proceeded to give the address of the restaurant to Hallie. “It’s in the corner from my apartment.” “Okay.” “By the way, your interview is tomorrow.” “What?!” She shrieked at the other end of the line. Marat had to put the phone away from his ear. “What do you mean tomorrow? I’m not going to be ready enough for an interview tomorrow! Are you kidding me?!” “Will you stop shouting? God, you’re louder than Sharapova on a good day!” He said, “Just go tomorrow, take it or leave it!” Then before she could put in another word, he cut the phone off. He just realized how much he loves winding her up. This was going to be an addiction, he thought, and for that day, mission was accomplished. The Interpol Headquarters in MoscowTwo men were standing in front of the building. The taller of the two looked a lot like a soldier by the way he stands, to his haircut. He was about 6-foot-4, 240-lbs, all muscle. His hands were crossed behind him in easy stance. The other one was about 3 inches shorter, 15-lbs lighter, all muscle as well, but with long dark hair tied in a ponytail. He looked more easy-going. Both of them were waiting with great anticipation. After all, they were waiting for the Commander of the Fugitive Investigation Service of the Interpol. The car arrived exactly at 10:00 a.m., just as they were briefed. “Here we go.” Said Lt. Col. Keith Hendrick Hunter, the taller of the two. The Commander stepped out of the black, heavily tinted sedan. “Good morning, Commander Hunter.” Said the two. “Tell me, who’s idea was it to use that car to fetch me?” The Commander asked. He was wearing his usual get-up of tight fitted shirt and jeans that showed off his powerful physique, and he didn’t think the car suited him. “It’s a sissy car! You couldn’t get a Hummer?” “It was his.” Lt. Col. Hunter said, pointing to the other guy, his brother. “You agreed!” Lt. Jeff Harvey Hunter said. “Quit it! Shut it, the two of you!” The Commander said, shaking his head. “You never change.” He walked ahead into the building. “Sorry, dad.” The two men said. “Let’s go, clocks ticking!” The Commander said, “By the way, I was just kidding about the car.” They went to the taller man’s office. On the table, his name was inscribed on a tablet, “Lt. Col. K. H. Hunter”. The Commander sat on his chair though, and he was forced to sit on one of the chairs in front of the table. “Okay, now tell me how this got past you?” The Commander said, “You’ve been working here for almost a year, and you did not even get the slightest clue that she’s here?” “You know her dad, if she doesn’t want to be found you can’t find her.” The younger of the two, Lt. Jefferson Harvey Hunter, said. “That’s why there’s such things as detectives like you.” Said the Commander. “She’s been missing for two years and this is the first we’ve come close…” “Don’t worry dad, me and my men are on it.” Lt. Col. Hunter said. “No.” The Commander said, “Don’t involve too many manpower. If she senses we’re on her tail she’ll just disappear again. What do we know so far?” “Nothing much. Did you bring the copy of the surveillance cam at the bank?” “Yes, I saved it in this drive.” Com. Hunter gave the flash drive to Lt. Col. Hunter. He took it and gave it to his brother. “Jeff, here, play it.” “Why don’t you do it?” Jeff said, “I’m your superior, and I’m ordering you.” “Damn it! Give me the drive!” The Commander said, with his thundering voice. “This is precisely why we can’t find her! You waste your time fighting each other.” He took the drive and connected it to the laptop and pushed the play button. The video played to the part where the robbery was taking place. They watched as the two armed men entered the bank and started their operation. The bank personnel and customers dropped to the floor on their knees. It’s not been three minutes when a woman entered. It was Dinara. She had no idea what was happening when she entered. Then the robbers ordered her to drop to her knees as well. Then two more people entered the bank. It was Marat followed by Hallie. They seem to be arguing. The tall man, Marat, had his hands on his hips while Hallie was flailing her arms around. The Commander froze the video. “Who is that man she’s talking with?” He asked. “The investigators at the Moscow PD said it’s Marat Safin. The tennis player.” Lt. Jeff Hunter said, “This one’s his sister, Dinara and that’s their father Mikhail.” He pointed them out on the screen. “What’s she got to do with him?” Commander Hunter asked. “Witnesses say they were arguing when they entered. Or rather she was arguing with him.” Jeff said, laughing. “What’s funny?” Asked the Commander. “Nothing.” Jeff said, “It’s just…she gets into fights wherever she goes ever since.” The Commander smiled at that. They were quiet for a while. Then he continued playing the video. They watched her as she kicked the two robbers’ butts. “Whoa!” Jeff reacted. Lt. Col. Hendrick the older brother shot him a stare and he quiet down. And then it was over. “Okay. Here’s what we’re gonna do…”
|
|
|
Post by annie on Dec 19, 2008 15:16:18 GMT 3
Chapter 6 April 2, 2006, Monday 3:35p.m. Oleg’s Restaurant, Moscow, Russia “Hey sweetheart!” a huge bald man said, “Come sit here for a while.” He was talking to Rose, one of the restaurant’s staff. She’s a tall, attractive Spanish woman with tanned skin, and curly hair that reaches just about her breastbone. She pretended not to hear the boisterous man, but Hallie who was serving at another table heard it. There weren’t many people at the restaurant yet because it wasn’t a peak time. The man stood up and walked towards Rose. She was serving a family in another table. “Hey, I’m talking to you, you little b!@#h!” The bald man said, grabbing Rose’s arm. It caught Rose by surprise. She didn’t think that the man was going to go after her. She couldn’t do anything though. “Sir, let go of me!” She said. Across the floor, Hallie’s blood was starting to boil. She wanted to go over there and kick the huge man’s a$$, but she controlled herself. The man continued to harass Rose in front of the customers. He was pulling her towards him and was trying to reach under her skirt. Rose tried hard to impede his attempt, but he was persistent. When she saw that, Hallie could no longer control herself. “Would that be all, madam?” She asked the old woman she was serving. “Because I have some cleaning up to do, if you know what I mean.” “Oh, honey, go do what you got to!” The old lady told her, acknowledging what she was talking about. “If I were in your position I would do the same.” She winked at Hallie. So, with that, Hallie went to Rose’s rescue. “Hey baldie! I think you should let her go now.” “Mind your own business, you little b!@ch!!” She didn’t like being called that, and her temper’s really starting to boil. She clenched her fists, trying to subdue herself. “This is a respectable establishment and we don’t want your kind of business here.” She said. “Oh really? This place too ‘high class’ for me, huh?” The man said, as he pushed Rose aside. He walked towards Hallie, and they were standing toe to toe. He was a big man, about 180cm 250lbs. He was trying to stare down on Hallie, intimidate her. “I don’t think I’m going anywhere. What cha gonna do about it?” “We don’t want any trouble, mister.” Hallie said, not batting an eyelash. She looked at the man eye to eye, she was shorter than him, she’s only 5ft.-7in. tall, with no heels. But she made it obvious; she wasn’t going to be intimidated. She’s faced men bigger than him. “But if that’s what you want, I might just give you that.” “Oooh! Scary!” The man laughed. “What about what you want? Huh? You want some of this?” He said, grabbing his crotch. “You want some of this?! Huh, little b!@ch?!” “Again, sir…” She looked at him again. “I think we should settle this peacefully…of course, that’s entirely up to you.” She smiled at him “You want to settle this the hard way? Please, say yes.” The man had gotten the vibe she was giving. She was trying to piss him off, and she succeeded. She looked at the young boy at the nearby table. “I think you better close your eyes kid, this could get really ugly.” Meanwhile…“C’mon, Sasha!” Mitya said, “At least treat us with some coffee and blinis! You can’t show us the restaurant and not treat us!” They were inside a car, the five of them, Mitya, Igor, Misha, Sasha, and Marat. They were in town to prepare for the coming Davis Cup tie, before they fly to France. Except for Igor who opted out of the tie to practice in Valencia where he is defending his title. But he still went along. Mitya, Igor and Misha were sitting at the back, and Marat was at the passenger seat while Sasha was driving. “Yeah, man.” Marat said, “I mean you’ve dragged me straight from the airport, and you won’t even feed me?” “All right, all right.” Sasha conceded, “but just coffee and blinis and that’s it, okay?” “Fine.” Misha said, shaking his head and mouthing ‘cheapskate’. The three guys at the back laughed. “C’mon, give him a break…” Mitya said, “We want him to put in a good word for us to the ladies working at the resto, don’t we?” “I knew it! That’s why you want to go there!” Igor said. “And you didn’t? Aren’t you flying to Valencia tonight?” Mitya bantered. “No, Igor. That’s why he wants me to go along with you...” Marat said, “You’ll never get noticed without me.” “Boo!!” Said the three at the back. And they all laughed. “Oh, speaking of the employees…” Sasha said, checking out the side mirror. “That girl you recommend for a job at the resto…” “You recommended a girl to work at Sasha’s restaurant?” Said Mitya. “Not my restaurant…I barely have anything to do with it.” “Yeah, right. But you recommended a girl?” Mitya said, “Is that why you didn’t put too much resistance when we were forcing you to come?” “Ooh! The plot thickens!” Misha said. He and Igor leaned over to Marat’s seat, eager to hear the story from him. “Yeah, man…you didn’t tell Oleg it was a girl you were recommending…” Sasha said, “That’s coz I’m preventing this exact situation from happening.” Marat said, “I knew you guys are going to act like this.” “So you like her? Does Elena know? You’re still dating her right?” Igor asked. “No, Yes and I don’t know.” Marat said. “Elaborate please.” Misha said. “Yes, Elena knew. I don’t know if were still dating…” Marat said, “and…No, I don’t like her…” “You don’t like her? Why are you helping her then?” Mitya asked. “Why should I have to be attracted to someone before I help them, anyway? No, I mean…I like her. She’s a good person. I enjoy talking with her, she amuses me. Just, I don’t like-like her.” Marat said, emphasizing with his hands. “Why not?” Sasha asked. “Have you seen her? She’s not my type. She looks like a prepubescent seventeen year old boy” “Well, she did when she first came…” Sasha said, “But, that was a month ago or so…you haven’t seen her lately.” “What do you mean?” Mitya asked. He sounded a little bit too enthusiastic. “You’ll see soon…we’re here.” Sasha said. They parked the car in front of the restaurant on the other side of the street. They were getting out of the car when they saw a bald man being dragged out of the restaurant, bent over with his arm twisted around his back, being restrained by one of the waitresses. It was Hallie. “And don’t come back!!” She let go of the man’s arm but kicked his a$$…literally. The man stumbled over and fell to the asphalt face first. Then she turned her back and started walking towards the door. The guys were crossing the street when Marat saw the bald guy took an empty bottle from the trash. He was going to smash it on Hallie’s head. “Look out behind you!” Marat yelled. Hallie turned around and saw the man running towards her with the bottle. He swung the bottle. She ducked, and twirled towards the guy, and smashed his face with her elbow. She didn’t knock the guy out, but she busted his lips. He probably lost a couple of teeth. The man saw the five guys coming and ran away. “Coward! Don’t ever show your face around here you sh****ed!” She screamed. She watched him until he was out of sight, then she turned around to thank the guy who warned her. “Hey, thanks for the heads up man!” Her eyes widened when she saw Marat and the four guys behind him. “Oops…uh…Hey, boss! What’s up?” She said, flashing a nervous grin at him. Marat looked surprised too, but when he realized who she was…he just smiled and shook his head. It was another story, with Hallie’s real boss, Sasha. “To the office!” He said.
|
|
|
Post by annie on Dec 26, 2008 6:57:00 GMT 3
Chapter 7 When the six of them entered the restaurant, they saw a few customers, and a couple other waitresses huddling around Rose because she was crying. They were trying to comfort her from the traumatic experience. Sasha had asked Rose to go to the office as well. He wanted to know what really happened. Hallie and Rose were sitting inside the office, waiting for Sasha while he attended to his friends. “Here…” Hallie said, handing a handkerchief to Rose. “Stop crying.” Rose took the hanky and wiped her tears off. “Hallie, I don’t know how to thank you…But, I think we’re both in trouble now…” She said in her thick Spanish accent. “Forget about it…” Hallie told her. “I’ve been in trouble long before I ever met you.” She gave her a reassuring smile, and Rose smiled back. After a few minutes, Sasha came in. He didn’t say anything until he sat down on his chair. “Look, I know I’ve not been around being the boss. Oleg’s the one who’s really in charge… but I’m willing to keep quiet about this to Oleg.” He said, “But I want to know what really happened. One of you wants to start?” Hallie told him everything that happened. How the man had pestered Rose, how she admonished him… and how they ended up seeing her kicking the man’s a$$ out of the restaurant. While that was happening, the boys were having snacks and discussing how amazing it was what they were able to witness. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Misha said, “I mean, did you see how huge that man was?!” “I know, I mean, he was bigger than the two of us combined!” Said Igor. “What’s amazing was how easily she took him out!” Mitya said, through a mouthful. “She went all Buffy on him!” They looked at Mitya like they couldn’t believe what he just said. Misha said aloud what they were all thinking. “You watched Buffy?” They laughed. “Buffy is nothing!” Igor argued, “She was like that warrior princess…what’s that show called?” “Xena: Warrior Princess!” Misha said, “Yeah, I remember that show” “Yeah, that’s more accurate!” Mitya said, “Man, who was that girl?” “Hallie.” Marat said. He took a sip of the kvas in front of him. “That was Hallie.” All three of them looked at him in astonishment. “You’re kidding!” Mitya said, flabbergasted. “I know you said she was like a boy…but…” “Nope.” Marat said, “I’m not kidding.” “Hey, yeah…that’s the girl Dina said saved you guys a couple of months ago from bank robbers?” Misha asked. Marat nodded. “Wow, it’s true!” Misha remarked. Then they all became quiet for a while. They seem to be trying to believe just what they all have witnessed. Except for Marat. He was thinking about what was going on inside the office. Then Mitya broke the silence. “She doesn’t look so much like a pre-pubescent boy as you described, though.” He said. “I thought she was cute.” “Yeah, man…what? Are you trying to keep her away from Mitya here?” Igor said. “You know he hasn’t got a girlfriend since…oh, two decades ago.” They all laughed. Even Mitya. “Excuse me.” He defended, “I have had a few girlfriends, just not as many as Mr. Safin right here!” “Yeah, Mr. Safin’s a legend!” Misha said. And they all laughed again. “And how many girlfriends did I supposedly have?” “Oh, you know…roughly around five hundred!” Igor said. “Well, most of that are just rumors.” Marat said. “And how many percent would you say is the real number, then?” Mitya asked. “I’d say only roughly around two percent.” Marat said, taking a big gulp of his kvas. “So…how many does that make?” Asked Misha. “That would be roughly around ten! Wow, boss, you ARE a LEGEND!” Somebody said from behind them. They all looked up to see who it was. Except for Misha who took his mobile out to check whether the answer was correct, using the calculator function in it first. It was Hallie. She was carrying a tray with a platter on top. It’s Pirozhki, a packet kind of pie filled with boiled meat and potatoes, which is a very popular snack among Russians. “And why were you listening to other people’s conversation?” Marat said, in a slightly reprimanding voice. “I couldn’t help. You guys were loud.” She said, raising an eyebrow in defiance. She stopped at Marat’s right side, and placed the platter in front of him. “Here, Mr. Volkov said it’s on the house.” Normally, the boys would be lunging on the Pirozhki. But they weren’t, except for Marat who took one as soon as it was set on the table, so he noticed. They were looking at something else. They were looking at Hallie’s right leg, which was exposed through a slit on her skirt that extended to her thighs. Marat tracked their gaze and saw what they were looking at. “Don’t you have a spare skirt? You’re skirt’s ripped!” He told her. He looked at her, eyebrows knitted together in a frown. “Huh?” She looked at her left leg, and then to her right. “Oh, shoot! It must’ve ripped when I high kicked that d!@#head’s head!” She said. And then she got what the guys were staring at. “You high kicked his head?!” Mitya asked, surprised. “Yeah…I’m very limber!” She said, in a seductive voice, and winked. She knew what effect she can make when she talks like that, and she thought it was funny. “Will you just go change already or something?” Marat said, curtly. They were all surprised by his tone. It even surprised him. “Fine, I’ll just stitch it up.” She said, slightly peeved. She doesn’t like being reprimanded. She headed to the employee’s locker room. They all shifted their gaze to Marat. But they didn’t say anything. They were quiet for a couple of minutes, eating their Pirozhkis, until Igor broke the silence. “Well…she curses like a sailor.” He said. “Not just any sailor…a drunken sailor!” Misha said. “No, a drunken pirate is a more accurate description of how well-versed she is in cursing.” Mitya said. The three of them were laughing, but Marat. And after a while they noticed. “Why are you so quiet?” Igor asked him. “Hey, were sorry if you’re mad because we were checking out her leg.” “I’m not mad.” Marat said. “What? I can’t be quiet?” “No, c’mon guys, give him a break.” Mitya said, putting a hand on Marat’s shoulder. “He’s just being protective of his new girlfriend.” “I’m not being protective. And she’s not my girlfriend. I’m dating Elena Korikova, remember?” “I thought you said you didn’t even know if you and Elena are still dating?” Misha asked. “See how easy you get caught when you lie?” Mitya teased him. “Whatever.” He said. Meanwhile… “Do you really know what you’re doing?” Rose asked Hallie. They were at the locker room. She was stitching up her skirt…or at least she was trying to. “You want the truth?” She looked up. “Honestly, the only part I know about sewing is putting the thread through the needle.” “Hand me that needle.” Rose said. “And the skirt.” Hallie gave her the needle and her skirt. She was wearing a pair of short shorts. “You’re here, who’s serving outside?” Hallie asked. “Avril and Oxana’s here now. They can handle it for now.” Rose said, “I told them what happened.” “Great.” They were quiet for a while. Hallie just watched Rose sew up her skirt, but she kept sighing. Finally, Rose just had to tell her to stop it. “Something on your mind?” Rose asked her. “Hmm? Why?” “You keep sighing every thirty seconds.” Rose said, “What are you thinking about?” “Boss’s mad at me.” She said. “Mr. Volkov? He’s not mad at you, he was laughing while we told him what happened. It’s not how someone mad reacts.” Rose said. She was putting another thread in the needle because the first one Hallie put was too short to cover the whole rip. “I’m not talking about him.” Hallie said, “I’m talking about Safin.” “Safin? You call him boss? Why?” “I just got used to it.” She said, “I didn’t know what to call him…Marat or Safin…so I just call him boss.” “Why are you worried that he’s mad? And why would he be mad anyway?” “He told me not to get in trouble when he recommended me to work here, and what does he see when he comes back? I’m beating up another guy!” She said. She cupped her face on both hands, elbows on the table. She sighed again. “He even frowned at me when I brought the pirozhkis to their table. I was just being funny! He was frowning when he told me to change my skirt…and he was still frowning until I left! I mean his eyebrows were so close together…he looked really mad!” She pouted, and looked really worried. And sighed again. Rose was amused at how animated she was, and she couldn’t help but smile…and laugh eventually. “Why are you laughing? What’s so funny?” Hallie asked when she noticed Rose was giggling. “Well, you are!” Rose said, “For someone who can kick a guys a$$, you act like a…” “Like a what?!” Hallie said, sitting up straight. Like a love-struck teenager was what Rose wanted to say. But instead, “Nothing. Never mind.” Rose said, still laughing. Hallie slouched again. And sighed again. “Hallie, tell me something.” “What?” “Do you like him?” Rose asked, “I mean do you have a crush on him?” “What?!” Hallie almost screamed, “Are you kidding me? Of course not! I don’t! Why would you say that?!” “I was just asking, no? Calm down.” Rose said, laughing. “I’m sorry okay? Such violent reaction!” She kept laughing. “It’s not funny!"
|
|
|
Post by annie on Dec 30, 2008 4:37:20 GMT 3
Chapter 8 After the guys had their fill at Oleg’s restaurant, they headed off to have a meeting with their coach Shamil. They spent about three hours there, discussing when they were going to France, who were gonna play singles, and doubles, and who the French might put in their lineup. And then they went on their separate ways. It was already around 10:00pm when Marat came home to his apartment. He went straight to his room feeling tired as he did just arrived that day. He lay in bed for a while, just staring at the ceiling. Then he sat up. He took a key from underneath his bedside lamp, and opened the bottom drawer of his bedside table. In it was the *box Angela left for him. He turned the combination lock to open it-- 1-2-7-8-0. It clicked open and he lifted the lid off. He took the angel figurine out. He remembered he bought it for Angela for her 7th birthday. He was walking home from school one day and he passed by a shop, and he saw the figurine at the window display. He picked that one because it kind of looked like Angela, with its fair skin, and dark hair, and a smile that can melt your heart. It probably cost less than a dollar then, but still, she was so happy when he gave it to her. He placed it on the table and searched the box for the pictures. There were old ones of the two of them when they were kids. And there were newer ones that he took with a digital camera, during those first few days they spend locked up there in his apartment. There was one he took while she was sleeping. She looked really beautiful, and peaceful in it. There was one where she was playing with his racket mimicking his serve, and then one where she was copying him when he throws his racket to the ground in frustration. The last one was his favorite. It was a picture she took. She was sitting on his lap then, and she took the camera from him. It was after their first night together as they were having breakfast. He kissed her on the cheek and she was giggling because his beard was tickling her. “God, I miss you Ange.” He said with a sigh. “I miss you so much.” It’s been four months since she died. He still missed her, but there were no more tears. Just the sweet memories. After a while, he put everything back in the box and placed it back in the drawer. He stood up, and walked towards the window where there’s a telescope. He uses it for two purposes. First, to look at the stars in the sky. This has become somewhat of a hobby for him. And second, to look down the street to see if there were paparazzi hanging around before he goes out. It was already pointed downwards to the street when he peeked into it. He scanned the street looking for something interesting. He saw Oleg’s restaurant still had lights on. It was supposed to be closed by 10:00p.m. He thought maybe the crew was cleaning up before they leave. He wondered if Hallie was still there. He had acted like a jerk to her earlier, and hadn’t had the chance to apologize. She must think he was mad at her or something. Besides, he was bored, and he wasn’t sleepy yet so he thought he’d just drop by and see if Hallie was still there. It could be a good time waiting to happen. That night, Rose, Oxana, Avril and Hallie were cleaning up the restaurant before they leave. The restaurant closed at 10:00pm and it was already close to 11:00. And although they were all tired, they were laughing, and chatting, and just making the most out of their time. They talked about just about everything there is to talk about among girls. From movies, hot young actors, fashion, and music. “I think the music of the 70’s were the best.” Rose said, “You can dance to it, sing with it, and not to mention the rock and roll singers were the hottest as you’ve ever seen them, no?” She was cleaning behind the counter. “Are you kidding me? They were all on drugs!” Hallie said. She was vacuuming the carpet near the entrance. “How many of them have died of drug use?” “We’re not talking about how they died, we’re talking about the music they made.” Avril, the French girl said, putting new cloths on the tables. “I like rock and roll. But I think the rock and roll of today is different from the rock and roll of the 70’s” “Yes? How?” Rose asked. “Like today are better!” Said Avril. “Honestly, I don’t know what you guys like about rock and roll. It’s so loud and irritating.” Oxana, the Ukrainian said, folding another tablecloth. “You can’t even understand the lyrics. And I doubt the lyrics would even makes sense even if you can understand them.” “Why? What do you listen to?” Hallie asked her. “I like sentimental love songs…” “Eeeww!” Hallie reacted, motioning with her hand as if she was gagging. “Sentimental love songs?!” “What’s wrong with that? When you listen to it, you always feel like you’re in love.” Oxana defended. “You know, I listen to everything except sentimental love songs…” Hallie said, “It’s too...I don’t know…I just can’t appreciate it. I can appreciate the 70’s rock better than I can sentimental love songs.” “When you fall in love you will!” Oxana told her. “I have fallen in love and it didn’t do me any good.” Hallie said, a little bit miffed. “And I still don’t appreciate sentimental love songs.” “Okay, okay…hold it!” Avril said, “Before you two get heated up…let’s just play some music instead.” “Good idea! I got a cd comp. right here.” Rose said. She took a cd out of her bag and tossed it to Avril who was standing near the player. Avril caught it and read the label. “Michael Jackson’s Best Hits?!” Avril said, eyes wide open. “I thought you liked the 70’s?” “He started in the 70’s! Jackson-5? Hello?” Rose said, rolling her eyes. “I like Michael Jackson…back when he was still a black guy.” Hallie said, “Go on, put it on!” So, they listened to MJ’s best hits. The first song was “Thriller”, and Hallie, being the pack of energy that she is, started dancing to the song and sang along with it as well. She did all of Michael Jackson’s signature moves. The moonwalk, the hip thrusts, the crotch grab, and the whole she-bang. She even mimicked the microphone stand tricks. The other three girls were laughing while she danced. She was in the zone so to speak. She didn’t notice when someone came in the restaurant, especially because she had her back to the door. It was Marat. He was surprised at first to see Hallie dancing. But then, he thought it would be fun to surprise her. So he signaled to the three girls to not alert Hallie about him. They stopped laughing and became quiet. Thriller was almost over, and she was preparing for the big finale. “…You’re fighting for your life…” She was thrusting her hips. “…inside the killer thriller…” She twirled and caught a glimpse of Marat peripherally, and instead oh shouting that ‘ow’ part… ”Oh….sh!%” She stood frozen in front of Rose, Avril and Oxana, wide eyed. “Tell me there’s no one standing behind me.” Hallie said to them. They just shrugged. She knew what that meant. She turned around and saw Marat standing there, covering his mouth with one hand and the other on his pocket. He was trying to stifle his laughter, but it was obvious with his shoulders shuddering. “How long have you been standing there?!” She asked him. She was a bit mad, she felt flushed, because of embarrassment more than anything else. “Oh, about…long enough to see the ‘whole show’” He said. He laughed unconstrained now. He couldn’t control it anymore, he was laughing and holding his stomach. “Very funny.” She said, bitterly. “What are you doing here anyway? You know, we close at 10 o’clock!” “Yes, I know.” Marat said. He stopped laughing and has become a bit serious now. “I want to talk to you about what happened earlier. Privately.” He looked at the three girls at the counter. “You can say to me what you want in front of them.” Hallie said. “Right, girls?” She looked at them behind her. “Actually, we still have a lot of cleaning to do.” Rose answered. She pulled the other two to the kitchen with her. Avril went with her easily, but Oxana gave a little objection. “I don’t have to go too, do I?” Oxana protested. “Yes, you do!” Rose told her. She looked at Marat. “We’ll just be in the kitchen.” “Gracias!” Marat said, smiling a bit. He walked to a table where the chairs weren’t put up yet and sat there. “Ah!” Hallie exclaimed, in disbelief. “You quislings!!” “Sit down, Hal.” He said. She didn’t move. She just stood there, arms crossed on her chest, frowning, pouting. She reminded him of Angela, whenever she’s mad at him. He shook the thought out of his mind. "Hallie, sit down, please?” He repeated. “Look, I’m sorry I laughed at you, okay?” “It’s not that you laughed!” She said, walking towards him. “I was being funny…it’s just that you sneaked in on me! And you’re not supposed to see that! And you contrived with my friends!” “Okay. I’m sorry.” Marat said, “Now, will you please sit down?” He pulled a chair beside him. She sighed, but followed anyway. “Okay.” The two of them were quiet for a couple of seconds. Marat thought of why he actually wanted to talk to her. What he wanted to talk to her about. He thought he had it when he left his apartment, but facing her now, he didn’t exactly know how to start a conversation. Hallie, on the other hand was anxiously waiting for what he was going to say. Was he going to reprimand her for getting in trouble? He seems to be in a good mood when he came so maybe he won’t. It’s another story with what was taking place in the kitchen. “What’s happening? Why aren’t they talking?” Oxana asked. The three of them were eavesdropping on the episode taking place outside, but it was only Rose who had a view. “They’re not talking, they’re just sitting there.” She informed the two. “Now shh!” “Look, boss…” Hallie started. She couldn’t stand the silence anymore. “I know you didn’t like that I fought with that guy earlier. But, like I told Mr. Volkov, I was just trying to help Rose! That guy was harassing her!” “I know that. But couldn’t you have helped her without getting into any physical altercation?” “Well, what should I have done instead?” “Call the cops or something.” “The cops?” Hallie said, her voice just a notch higher. “They take too long to arrive! I can take care of the situation myself.” She tried to stand up but Marat pulled her arm down to make her sit down again. “Yes, I know! But did you see how big that guy was? He’s like a refrigerator! He was huge!” “I don’t care, it just means he’s a bigger target for me! Besides, the bigger they are the harder they fall! You know what I’m capable of!” She turned her face away from him. She took what Marat said as a kind of an insult. She takes too much pride in her skills as a trained martial artist. And she was trained in several styles. And for anyone to think that she should be intimidated by the mere size of an opponent was not something she would not take lightly. But, luckily for Marat, he had gotten her vibe. “Look, I know you’re a very talented girl, you have lots of skills, you’re tough!” Marat said, “You have so much confidence.” He held her face, and made her look at him. He looked at her. “What if you underestimated that guy and you got hurt instead? That’s what I was worried about!” At the kitchen…“Ahhh! he touched her face!” Rose said. “Oh my gosh, are they gonna kiss?” Oxana asked, excitedly. “Be quiet or they’ll hear us and then we won’t know!” And they watched and listened again. The two became silent. She couldn’t say a word because she wasn’t expecting him to say what he did. He was looking deep in her eyes. It made her hold her breath. Oh my God she thought. Did he just say what I think he did? What is this I’m feeling? Why am I nervous all of a sudden?
Is he going to kiss me? Do I want him to?Then it hit her. Yes! She wants him to kiss her. She wants to kiss him back if he did. She didn’t know why, perhaps it’s the pheromones, but she didn’t exactly care about any reason at that moment. She felt her lips parted. She was breathing slowly but hard. What am I thinking? Better yet, what is he thinking? This cannot happen! I have to say something…I have to…“You were worried…about me?” She asked him. “Huh?” He said. He’s been looking into her eyes. In the warm lights of the restaurant the green hue of her eyes were more prominent, and the longer he looks at them the more he felt as if he was in a trance. What did I just say? He thought. I told her I worry about her…did I mean that? God, what is this?
Why am I nervous all of a sudden? Did I just try to kiss her? Was that what I just did? Should I?[/]
He looked at her lips. They look so soft and sweet and supple. They were very inviting. He moved closer.
Then it hit him.
No!
He can’t do it. He can’t kiss her. It won’t be right.
“Yeah…” he said, taking his hands off her face. “Of course, I’m worried.” He sat back on his chair, trying to relax.
“I mean, if you had gotten hurt, you won’t be able to go to work…you’d need to go to the hospital…then you have to take a leave.” He snorted, “How are you gonna earn money to pay me if you can’t work?”
“Oh.” She said.
She was a bit disappointed, but she didn’t show it. Well, it’s probably better. After what I’ve just been through, I don’t think I
should be getting myself in any kind of situations like that she thought.
She acted cool. “Well, speaking of that…I still can’t pay you yet.”
“Why not?” He asked casually. He was just relieved Hallie didn’t react in any way on what he just did.
“Well, I don’t earn that much…and with Yuri staying at home…”
“You mean your father?” Marat asked.
“What?” She hesitated.
“Yuri…your dad?”
“Oh, yeah!” She said, “Well, he’s still recovering I’m the only one actually earning money. And it’s just enough for our daily survival. I don’t even get to save money, let alone enough money to pay you back.”
“Okay…well…” Marat said, considering the situation. He wasn’t really concerned whether she pays him or not.
It’s just money. But he knows she would not accept not having to pay him back. He knows her pride won’t let her.
“I don’t really need the money…” He said, rubbing his chin.
Then an idea sparked in his head. He smiled at the thought.
He wondered how Hallie would react to it. It’s something to see.
“Why don’t you use your body then?”
“WHAT?!” The girls at the kitchen shrieked in unison.
“What?!” Hallie said, along with the other girls. She stood up hastily, toppling the chair behind her.
She crossed her arms in front of her chest, clutching at herself, as if trying to cover herself up.
She had an almost surprised but more disgusted look.
Marat thought it was funny, and did not bother to hide his amusement. He let out a snicker.
“I can’t believe you just said that!” Hallie said,
“How dare you?! Just because people find you hot and sexy doesn’t mean they’re just gonna throw themselves at you! Pervert!”
“Okay! Hold on!” Marat said, laughing. “Hold on!”
“What do you mean hold on? Do you want me to kick you’re a$$ right here right now?!” She said, already turning red with anger.
“That’s not what I mean!” He said, holding his hands up. “I didn’t mean to use your body for sex!”
“No?”
“No.” Marat said, “Of course not! Really, I’m not the kind to have to pay for sex you know…I can get it for free.”
She rolled her eyes, and gave off a fake laugh. She was still mad.
“Well, it’s hard to be humble with these looks.” He said, “And you said so yourself, you think I’m hot and sexy.”
She shook her head. “Yeah, hot coz of all the hot air…and I didn’t say I think you’re hot and sexy.
I said: people think you’re hot and sexy…it doesn’t include me!” She said.
“So you don’t think I’m hot and sexy?” He said, with a sexy smile.
She didn’t answer but Oxana from the kitchen answered in her stead. “I do!”
Someone tried to muffle her up. Marat smiled wider. He’s known the girls were listening behind the door for a while
“Unbelievable!” She said, under her breath, shaking her head. Exasperated at the lengths the girls would go just to eavesdrop
and not even try to be discreet. “So what did you mean then?”
“Work for me.” He said.
“What do you mean work for you?”
“I mean clean my apartment, drive and clean my car, fetch my laundry, do errands…that kind of stuff. Like an on-call assistant.
I’ll deduct your payment from your salary. You don’t have to work for me every day since I’m not always in town…”
“How much are we talking about here?”
“It will depend on what kind of work you’re going to do.” He said, “And like I said, you don’t have to work for me everyday…
just when I call you. We’ll talk about other arrangements as things progress, but that’s my offer for now.”
She considered it for a while. It was a good chance to pay off her debt, and she’ll have enough to support the family.
“Okay.” She offered her hand, “You got a deal!”
“Good.” He said, shaking her hand. Then he stood up and. “All right…it’s late, I gotta go.”
“Okay.” She said. She watched him walk to the exit. “Wait! When do I start?”
“I don’t know yet…you’ll hear from me.” He said. And he’s out.
As soon as he was out the three girls rushed back in the dining hall.
“Oh my gosh, girl, I thought he was going to kiss you!” Oxana said.
“Yeah, he was that close!” Rose said, gesturing with her thumb and forefinger just an inch apart.
“Well, I would’ve kicked his a$$ if he did it!” Hallie said.
“But, sacra bleau, when he told you to use your body! We thought he wanted to bed you!”
Hallie was still for a moment. She looked at the three girls, with lips pursed. “About that…you guys were eavesdropping!
How dare you!”
“We were just trying to protect you!” Rose said, “Honest!”
“That’s right! We were going to rush back in if he tried anything!” Avril said.
“Oh really?” Hallie said, disbelieving. Her eyebrows arched.
“No. We were rooting for him!” Oxana said, “Maybe he’ll soften you up a bit, you Amazon!”
They finished cleaning the restaurant amidst all the teasing.
In his apartment, as he lay in bed, Marat repeated the event that had just taken place in Oleg’s restaurant.
He kept smiling as he recalled Hallie’s face when he told her to use her body to pay off her debt. He just loves winding her up.
He repeated it over and over in his mind, until something clicked and called his attention in the conversation he had with her.
When she said she couldn’t pay him yet because she doesn’t earn enough, she referred to his father simply as Yuri.
And when he clarified that she must mean her father, she hesitated. What’s up with that? He thought.
How much do I really know her? Is she hiding something? He shook it off his mind.
Go to sleep, Mikhailovic! You’re thinking way too much. Just get some rest and sleep!
He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but sleep just won’t come to him. He remembered how her lips looked.
They were very inviting.
Stop it Marat! You must sleep! Sleep, sleep, sleep!
He forced himself to sleep, and it almost worked too when suddenly he sat up.
“I haven’t called Elena!”
|
|
|
Post by annie on Jan 9, 2009 17:27:03 GMT 3
Chapter 9 April 6, 2006 Thursday, Interpol Building, Moscow, Russia A briefing was called in one of the conference rooms in the building. Commander Hunter of the Fugitive Investigations is heading an operation that was to take place. Their Intelligence has reported the whereabouts of one of the fugitives they were looking for and they had to take action immediately. “We’re heading out in 0330 hours. We must be there before 0800 if we are to avoid unwanted attention.” The Commander said. He was sitting on the table in front of the men, and that made him look even bigger, as if looming over all of them. “You know all your roles, I don’t want any mistakes. This should be fast and squeaky clean. As in arrive, raise hell, leave.” He looked at his men, all twelve of them. They were not armed much, just their first-grade Kevlar vests for protection if there is even a chance of a return fire from the target. They don’t really expect any kind of assault. If the plan was to go accordingly, they were to go in there, take the target, ideally unconscious and not able to resist arrest, and get out. It should not even take ten minutes, ideally at least. But if there’s a chance that the target was to put up a fight, all the team members were skilled enough to settle it. “Any questions?” He asked. The men looked at each other but no one raised a hand. “Good. Dismissed.” The men filed out of the room, and in seconds all they were gone. Only the Commander, and his two sons were left. “I cannot believe this has to happen now.” Keith said. He was leaning on the wall on the left front side of the room. “This is a priority one case. There’s nothing we can do. We have to abandon all other operations for the mean time. Anyway, it’s not like we have any more leads to follow.” Jeff said, sitting lazily on the first row of chairs on the other side. “The leads are minimal, but we can’t leave it to rot.” The Commander said. He has since moved to the chair behind the table. He rubbed his chin, and considered the situation. “I’m taking you off the team Jeff.” He said, after a few minutes. “What?! Why?” Jeff said, sitting up. “Give respect to your commander, lieutenant!” Keith said, standing straight suddenly. “I’m not disrespecting him, SIR. I am simply asking why me.” He said. “You’re staying on Phoenix’s trail.” The commander said. Phoenix was their codename for Hallie. They use it when they are not in a secure place, when anybody could just as easily eavesdrop or enter. “You’re the closest to her, you know how she thinks.” He continued. “You can take two people you trust from the team to work with you while we’re gone. After we get the target we still have to report to the office there so we’re staying there for at least a week. Are we clear?” “Do I have any choice?” Jeff said. “What did you say lieutenant?” Commander Hunter asked with a slightly more authoritative tone. “Sir, I said; Yes, Sir!” Jeff chirped. “All right, dismissed.” The two gave him a salute, and started towards the door. He stood up and followed. Keith was out first, but when Jeff was about to get out the Commander called him again. This time with a much softer tone. “Jeff, hold on a sec.” He called him. “Yeah, dad?” Jeff turned around, and stopped walking. “Look, son, I know you and Phoenix are close. She’s closest to you than Keith or me.” He said. “I’m talking to you right now as your father and not your commander.” Jeff nodded. “I know you respect her decision but we need to find her. If you find anything that leads to her, or if you find her, can you swear that you’re not going to turn?” “Dad…” He looked at his father. He has lost the intimidating look he had in front of his team earlier. His eyes have become gentle. He was indeed talking to him now as his father. “You have to do this to the end. We have to get her back.” He said, putting a hand on his shoulder. “I need to make sure you’re not going to give in to her if she asks you to let her go.” Jeff straightened up. “You have my word, commander.” April 7, 2006. Friday. France, Davis Cup Day 1 Russia vs. FranceMarat and the whole Russian team were in the locker room, waiting for the opening ceremonies to begin. Outside, lots of fans, mostly girls were waiting for them to emerge from the locker room and have the opportunity to take pictures or ask for autographs with the players. “Hey Safin, you ready man?” Mitya said, as he closed his locker door. He was already wearing their complete uniform, sweat pants and all. “I’m born ready.” Marat said, looking up a second. He was barely in uniform, just wearing shirt, shorts, an untied shoe on one foot, and a sock on the other. He was texting. Mitya admired at how he seems to not be nervous at all. “Aren’t you nervous?” Mitya asked, “I mean, you are the first one up.” Marat put the phone down and tied his shoe. “Sure I am. I just don’t show it so you won’t get too nervous than you already are.” He said, flashing a smile. “Who are you so busy texting with, anyway?” Mikhail, who was listening to some music with his I-pod plugged to just one ear, said. “Elena, who else?” Mitya said. “Actually, it’s Hallie.” He looked at the phone. There was no reply yet. Then he put the other shoe on. “You winding her up again?” Mitya said, sitting opposite Marat. “Sure. It relaxes me.” He said. He picked up the phone to see if there was a reply. None. He put it down again beside him. “Why is she not replying?” He said, a bit agitated. Mitya and Mikhail gave each other a look. “Yeah, you seem very relaxed.” Mikhail said. “Why don’t you two go bother Kolya instead, huh?” “Coz you’re so much more fun!” Mitya said, pinching Marat’s cheeks with both hands. “Aaaawwww!!!” Marat screamed. He couldn’t pull Mitya’s hands off because he had his phone on his hands, trying to compose a message. Mikhail laughed at the scene in front of him, holding his tummy, which was starting to hurt. Marat put the phone down after he’s sent the message, and rubbed his cheeks, which has turned bright red. “Seriously dude, have you talked to Elena yet? You’re still dating aren’t you?” Mitya asked. “Yeah.” He answered. I think so. He thought. “I talked to her earlier.” Then he picked the phone up again, as if a reply would come if he looks at it, but there was none. “So, Hallie is what? Just your past-time or something?” Mitya asked. “You’re not trying to shoot two birds with the same stone are you?” “No, of course not!” Marat said, “I just…like I told you, I enjoy talking to Hallie. She’s actually very smart…Talking with her takes my mind off of things, relaxes me…And then again, I especially enjoy it when she’s wound up.” Mitya and Mikhail exchanged looks again. “Right. Whatever.” Mitya said. “Boys, we’re off in 10 minutes. Get your butts ready!” Shamil commanded. “Look dude, why don’t you call her instead of waiting for a reply every two seconds?” Mitya said. “Hmm. Good idea.” Marat said. He picked the phone up again and dialed Hallie’s number. He listened for the ring and waited for her to pick up. In Moscow…Hallie was at the market place, and had just finished buying food supplies. She didn’t buy much, just enough food for two weeks. She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket three times already for the past five minutes but didn’t get it to read the message. She had a grocery bag on either hands and she couldn’t pick up. When she was walking down the street, her phone vibrated longer and that means someone was calling. So, she walked to a nearby al-fresco café seat she could find and set her groceries on the table, and answered the phone. “Hey boss, what’s up?” Hallie said on the other end. “Where are you? I’ve texted you three times and you haven’t replied.” Marat said. “Oh, sorry boss. I was buying some groceries and couldn’t get my phone.” Hallie said. “You’re not working today? Its just Friday.” “Nope. I have Fridays thru Sundays off. I work 10 hours a day from Monday to Thursday.” “I see. So, you’re done now?” “Yep. Say, boss, aren’t you supposed to be playing?” Asked Hallie. “Yeah, I just…” What do I tell her? Why did I call anyway? Marat thought about it but couldn’t come up with a good enough reason. He couldn’t tell her he just want to wind her up coz he enjoys it, could he? “You have some errands for me to do?” Hallie interrupted his thoughts. “Yes! That’s it!” Marat said, trying not to sound too relieved but failing to do so anyway. “Pfft…Okay, so what is it?” “Uhm…” He thought about it for a few seconds. Then it sparked. “I want you to go to my apartment and take my dirty laundry to my mom’s.” “Huh? You worry about your dirty laundry just before you play?” Hallie said. “You’re weird.” “Are you going to do it or not?” “How much are we talking about here?” “How much do you owe me?” “Five thousand dollars.” “Ten dollars an hour.” Marat said. She was silent for a second. “That’s gonna take me five hundred hours.” She said, “Okay. Deal!” “Good. So, take my dirty clothes. You’ll find them in the bin in the bathroom. Then take them to my mom’s. You know where I live don’t you?” “Yep.” She went silent again. Marat thought the line was dropped. “You still there?” “Yeah. I’m just thinking boss…” She said, “Do you actually trust me enough to enter your apartment when no one else is there?” “Sure.” “Why? I mean, you hardly know me. What if I steal from you and you end up seeing your stuff on e-bay?” “Look at it this way; if you were the kind that will do that, you would’ve disappeared on me already. You owe me five thousand dollars, and you haven’t taken off. Besides, you have too much pride to think of yourself as a hustler…or a thief. I know you’re a good person, and I have confidence that you’re not going to steal from me even when no one’s looking.” “Wow.” Hallie said. She felt a deep sense of pride with what Marat said. “You know, a simple ‘just because’ would’ve done it, but that’s good too!” She joked. “Thanks boss.” “Yeah.” Marat smiled. He sensed what she felt and it made him feel good as well. Someone called Marat in the background. “Okay, I have to go. Ceremony’s about to start.” Hallie didn’t answer. She was preoccupied by something she saw across the street. A guy dressed in gray shirt and really low-waist denim pants was acting suspiciously. There were two cops from the Moscow PD at the corner from where the guy was. “Hallie, you still there?” “Yeah, uh…I gotta go, boss. Uhm, good luck! Kick some a$$!” She said. When the cops noticed the guy who was acting suspiciously, she saw him suddenly took off and ran to the other side of the street where the al-fresco café she was on. She decided she had to do something. “Right, thanks.” Marat said. “Hey, don’t get in trouble okay?” He said, smiling. “Who? Me?” She said. She flicked the phone close and finished the call. She placed her phone in her pocket and picked up her grocery bags. She saw the runner coming. She acted as though she was struggling with her balance because of the bags. When the runner was almost in front of her, she stuck her foot out and effectively tripped the runner. “Whoops!” The cops who were running after the guy caught up and grabbed him as he was trying to get up from the ground. They picked him up and cuffed him. The guy looked at her angrily, but didn’t say a thing. “Sorry.” She said, innocently but smirked right after so the guy would know that she didn’t trip him by accident. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- She dropped the groceries off at their house, and went straight to Marat’s apartment. It was already around 4:00 in the afternoon. When she got there she realized she didn’t have a key, nor did Marat tell her where she could get a spare one. She thought of calling Marat but remembered where he was and that he might be playing. She decided she’s just going have to improvise. She searched her pockets for anything she could use. She had a few rubbles, a stick of gum and her locker keys. Then she saw the pot of plant beside the door and looked if it had any wire in it. She found some and took that. She looked around to see if anyone was around. “Damn, if anyone sees me, they’d think I’m a burglar.” She said aloud. “Either that or a crazy stalker!” She sighed and did it anyway. She used the piece of wire to pick the lock and her locker key to turn the slot. It was something she learned from her brother. “Whaddaya know, it actually worked.” She went in and was more surprised at what she saw. “What a disaster!” The place was not so much in disarray, but you can tell Marat left in a hurry. Whether he did or not is only known to him. She was just gonna ignore it and started heading to his room to get his dirty laundry. But it was two steps forward one step back for her. Literally. “Aaarrrggh! Damn, this is worse than my brothers’ bedrooms put together!!” She started picking things up and putting them in their proper places. She dusted the floor, wiped the surfaces clean, tied wires together so they are not tangled and knotted. She cleaned almost everything except the kitchen because that didn’t even look used. Finally she went inside the bedroom. “Hah! What did you expect?” She said to herself aloud, rolling her eyes. The bed was disheveled. The pillows were all over and there were a couple of socks on the floor. She went over the bed, gathering the pillow as she went. She then fixed the bed. “I really should ask for a raise.” She said, “Ten dollars an hour is so not fair.” When she was done she went to the bathroom to get the dirty laundry, which consists of three shirts, a pair of pants, three pieces of underwear and two shorts. “This is it? He was so worried about a few pieces of laundry? Pfft.”. She said. She was folding the clothes and started putting them in the paper bag she found while cleaning the bedroom when she got an idea. It would be more economic to wash the clothes herself than to take them to his mom’s. He had all the things in needed under the sink, he just never use them. It would save her gas use, and everyone knows how expensive gas is. And she can charge more. Brilliant. So, she washed the clothes herself. They weren’t really that dirty, so it wasn’t that hard to wash. She popped them in the dryer afterwards. While waiting for the clothes to dry she found some cd and put it in the player. Then her phone rang. It was Marat. He just finished his match and was then in the locker room with the guys, waiting for the next match to start. “Yep?” “Where are you?” She recognized the voice. It was Marat. He heard the music playing in the background. “Is that my cd playing? You’re still in my apartment?” “Eh…yeah to both questions.” “Have you done what I told you to do?” “Actually, no.” She said. Marat was about to say something but she didn’t let him. “But I did wash your clothes and they are drying as we speak.” “You washed them?” “Yep, I did. There were just a few pieces and I thought it was better to wash it myself than to take them to your mom’s because then I have to use up a lot of gas. And I cleaned your whole apartment too. It’s a mess when I got here and I just had to. And your bedroom, my gosh, such a mess! What, like, you just get up out of the bed and leave just like that? You even left your pillows on the floor! You know, I think you should pay me more for this job. Ten dollars an hour really is not reasonable, I think you should at least pay me around fifteen to twenty dollars an hour or something.” She realized he hasn’t made a sound. “Hello? Boss, you still there?” “Yeah.” He said, “I was just waiting for my turn to speak.” He laughed. “You’re in good mood, did you win?” Hallie asked. “Da, of course! What did you expect?” “Good job!” She said, “So how about my raise? I’ve been here for four hours.” “Fine.” He said, “Fifteen dollars an hour it is. But only for now.” “Fine.” “So…did you have any trouble getting in?” He snickered. It was part of his plan after all not to tell her where to find the key to his apartment. She read his tone though, and realized what he was doing. “No, not at all.” She said, simply. She wasn’t gonna let him get what he wants. “No?” He said, surprised. “So you found the key under the pot of plant beside the door?” “Yes.” She said. She tapped her forehead and shook her head. Why didn’t I think of looking under there? Stupid! “Really?” He said. He got the feeling she wasn’t telling the truth, so he explored it. “What did it look like?” “It’s your key, you should know.” She said, wondering how long she can keep lying. “Yeah, I just want to make sure it’s the right key.” He said, wondering how he can break her. “Of course it’s the right key. I got in, didn’t I?” He shook his head. She’s a tough lock to pick, he thought. “Okay. Fine.” “Pffft…I picked the lock.” She said. She couldn’t keep it up after all. I can’t tell him any more lies, she thought. “What?” He said. He didn’t hear her clearly. “I said I picked the lock. I didn’t find the key. I used another key and a piece of wire to pry open your door.” She said, “You didn’t tell me where it was so what was I supposed to do? Call you? I knew you were playing so I didn’t bother and just improvised.” “Okay.” He said, laughing. “Is my door okay, though? You didn’t destroy it did you?” “No, I didn’t. It’s fine.” “Okay. Good. You should go home, it’s getting late.” He said, “Oh, and…don’t forget to lock my door.” “Ha-ha!” She said, sarcastically.
|
|
|
Post by annie on Jan 17, 2009 9:05:52 GMT 3
Chapter 10
Sunday, April 9, 2006. Moscow Police Department.
Lt. Jeff Hunter was there to see if he could find more leads on locating Hallie. He bought a blown up picture of her. He was hoping that maybe some of them have seen her. If he knew her well, she would be involved in some police business. Just like how she got involved in the bank robbery last January. She has been careful not to get involved, at least not as evident as she had, for the last year and a half in any police business, until that attempted bank robbery.
She was very careful not to get noticed. That’s why it took them a while to finally get a lead on her whereabouts. And even that was probably just a slip up. They knew that if it wasn’t for the tennis player, she would not have gotten involved when she knew there were cameras everywhere, and there would be lots of witnesses.
Yes, it was most definitely just a slip up. That’s Phoenix for you. He smiled at the thought. He hadn’t had much luck looking for her in the last couple of days he’s been working alone. What will his father say? He would be dissatisfied, of course, but he doubts he’ll be busting his balls for it. The Commander knows how she is adept in hiding. And as they’ve found out, she’s even more adept in it, hiding in plain sight. How had she managed to go under their noses for the last year and a half without being discovered? He shook his head. He and his brother the Lieutenant Colonel got raps for that one.
Suddenly a commotion caught his attention. Someone said not to fire and he saw some guy in cuffs running towards the exit. He was wearing a detainees’ uniform, so he immediately knew what he was trying to do.
He was five workstations away from the exit, and he knew he had to do something. So he stood up, jumped on a table and skipped from one workstation to another until he caught up with the runner and tackled him by jumping on the guy. The other cops caught up.
Hallie’s picture fell to the floor next to the runners face. Jeff picked it up. He saw a look of recognition on the runner’s face.
“Hold on officers” He told the cops. “You know her?” He asked the guy when the cops held him up.
“Why? You looking for her?”
“It’s none of your business, but yeah.” He said, “So you know her or not?”
“I don’t know her. But she’s why I got caught!”
“What do you mean?” Jeff asked. The runner turned away and looked like he wasn’t gonna say anything more. Jeff nodded at the cops holding him, and they shook him up a bit.
“I asked what you meant ‘she’s why you got caught’.” He said.
“She tripped me.” The guy said.
Jeff figured it was probably out of shame that the guy didn’t want to expound on what he meant. A woman tripped him and he got caught wasn’t an excuse fellow street thugs was going to give you ‘street cred’ for.
“You sure this is her?” He asked the guy again.
“Yeah, I’m sure! I’d never forget that face! She said sorry but smirked at me so I know she tripped me on purpose!”
“Okay.” Jeff said. It was her. It’s a lead. He needs to read the guy’s arrest report for more information. “Who are his arresting officers?” He asked the cops.
“Officers Karlov and Breshnev, but they aren’t here yet, Lieutenant.” One of the cops said.
“I need to see this punk’s arrest report, who can I talk to for it?”
“Breshnev will be here soon, sir. You can ask him.”
He nodded, and signaled the cops holding the guy to take him away.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The day before Marat was to fly home to Moscow just a few hours after his defeat in Monte Carlo he called Hallie and told her to come get him from the airport. He was to fly alone since his “crew” had flown ahead of him. He told her to go to his apartment and take the key to his car.
So the day of his arrival, Hallie went to his apartment early, just before she reported for work at the restaurant since it was a Tuesday. This time, she knew where the key was and didn’t have trouble finding the car key since she already saw it the first time she was there and place them on the key holders near the kitchen counter.
After her shift, she hurried to the airport. She still got there early and waited for Marat at the arrivals. But she got bored of waiting so she looked for a coffee shop instead and stayed there. She took her phone out of her cargo pants’ thigh pocket and sent Marat a message telling him where she’s waiting so he’d know where to find her as soon as he turns his phone on when the plane lands.
She just sat there at the café inside the airport and watched the people coming and going, saying hellos and goodbyes to their loved ones and families.
She watched a man with his wife and baby daughter in front of her. He seems to be going away for work. He carried his daughter and hugged and kissed her. She held on to her daddy so tightly. Watching them, she felt a little stab of sadness and she had to look away. She occupied herself by reading a pamphlet she got at one of the travel agencies stationed around the airport. It was all about Greece.
When Marat’s plane landed, he immediately turned his phone on. He received Hallie’s message saying she’s waiting for him at a coffee shop near the arrivals area. So he went to get his luggage and then looked for Hallie.
He found her watching the family in front of her and then turned to look at the travel brochure she was now deeply entrenched in as he sneaked up behind her.
“So you want to go to Greece, huh?” He said, as he pushed her cap down her face.
She almost jumped up her seat in surprise. “Boss!”
He moved to the seat next to her. She slapped his butt with the rolled-up brochure as he was sitting down.
“That didn’t hurt one bit.” He said, laughing. “I didn’t know you were so jumpy.”
“I’m not jumpy, you’re just sneaky!” She said, fixing her cap, frowning. “Do you realize that was dangerous what you just did, sneaking up on me like that? I could’ve thrown you down with a simple Judo move if I didn’t recognize your voice”
“Yeah, yeah, Ms. Bruce Lee…” He said. He took a look at her, a real look. She reminded him of Angela, when she’s peeved. She shook it off his mind.
“Will you take your cap off? They might think you’re a terrorist or something.” He said, reaching to mess with her cap again.
“Lay off my cap, will ya?” She said, slapping his hand away, but took her cap off anyway.
“Why are you wearing those clothes again anyway?” He said, “I thought you had finally decided to become a girl and wear girly clothes?”
“I am a girl no matter what I’m wearing! Besides, these clothes are comfortable and practical.” She said, “And when did you start being a fashion consultant anyway? You have the money to buy designer clothes and yet you wear your five-dollar pants and accidentally bleached shirt! You look like a homeless person.” She folded her arms across her chest, pursed her lips, and arched an eyebrow.
“Ouch!” Marat said, clutching his heart, “Such harsh words from a lady!”
“Shut up!”
After a few more exchange of banters, they finally decided to leave the airport. Marat drove because Hallie threatened to crash the car if he makes her drive because he won’t stop teasing. He made her push his luggage cart though in exchange of $20 off her loan.
When they got to Marat’s apartment, there was a surprise waiting for him. Elena was there. She had locked the door again so he wouldn’t get an idea that someone was inside. She went to his bathroom and changed into some more comfortable pieces of clothing, under her robe.
Marat and Hallie were still going at what they started at the airport up until they got inside.
“Did you even buy any souvenirs for me?” Hallie said, “Oh, of course not coz you’re such a cheapskate!” Hallie said, following Marat to his flat.
“Why should I buy you anything? I only buy gifts for real women!” Marat said, as he opened the door.
And then lo and behold, Elena was standing in there.
All three of them were shocked.
Elena closed her robe.
Hallie’s eyes grew wide.
Marat dropped his racket bag to his feet.
“Ow!” Marat howled, grabbing his foot. He looked at Elena and she was looking at Hallie.
“Lena, it’s not what you think.”
She didn’t say anything. She just stood there. Hallie felt like she had to break the tension, so she spoke up.
“Oh my gosh!” She said, excitedly. “Elena Korikova? The actress?” She put the luggage down and walked towards Elena.
“I like, watch your TV show all the time!” She told her. Elena couldn’t react at first.
“Boss, why didn’t you tell me she was going to be here?” She asked Marat, making sure she said the word boss clearly and that Elena heard.
She thought that at least would give Marat some leeway for an excuse on why he was with her. Marat just shrugged. He didn’t know what he should say and figured Hallie’s trying to help him by acting like a star-stroked fan. He didn’t think she was the type to watch Elena’s show. She’s the type who would rather watch Pro-Wrestling or Mixed Martial Arts on TV. But, she was doing a great job of faking it.
“I’m you’re biggest fan!” Hallie said to Elena. “Can I have your autograph?”
“Uh, sure…?” Elena said.
Hallie searched her person for a pen and paper, but there wasn’t any on her. Marat took the notepad and pen near the phone and gave it to Hallie. She handed them to Elena to sign.
“Uh, to whom shall I write it to?” She asked her. She didn’t look so upset anymore.
“Ahh…just write ‘to Rose’.” She smiled.
Elena signed the piece of paper with her name and a little message. Then she gave it to Hallie.
“Thanks!” Hallie said, with delight. “Ahh…I think I better go now boss.” She said to Marat. “See ya!”
She turned and went out the door, as she was closing it behind her she saw Elena put her arms around Marat and kissed him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff has been following her trails for two weeks now but today, he was lucky. He was able to actually see and follow her. He went to the market where the mugger she helped the cops apprehend told him she was shopping in and asked around if they saw her some days ago.
Someone told him that she usually comes there every two weeks to buy supplies and other foodstuff. So he went there according to her schedule and did saw her. It seemed she had a whiff of him and immediately vanished as soon as he took his eyes off her.
Today was only the second time he has spotted her, and it was actually just an accident. He wasn’t about to let her out of his sight this time.
He first sighted her as she got off a bus on her way to Safin’s apartment. He has been following her closely since that morning. He followed her to the restaurant where she works, and waited for her to come out.
He watched her take Safin’s car with a key she took from his apartment earlier. He trailed her to the airport, to the arrival area and to the café where she waited for Safin.
He saw how she looked at the family in front of her and had kind of understood how she was feeling. He felt sorry for her. But he couldn’t let his sympathy run things for him. He followed them back to Safin's apartment and waited for her to come out.
He hasn’t decided whether to apprehend her or not just yet. He’s gonna have to decide soon. He just saw her come out of the building. She hasn’t noticed him following her all the while and he wasn’t gonna let her do so this time.
He didn’t follow her immediately as she walked on the sidewalk. She looked like she was deep in thought too so that must have helped.
Lucky.
He followed her to the train station. He was amazed at how his mission is progressing. She hasn’t even gotten the slightest idea that he was following her. Usually, her instinct would have told her she was being followed instantly. She must have a lot on her mind, he figured. She hopped on the train and he got on the next car with a good view so he’d know if she were stepping off.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hallie didn’t know what exactly it was that bothered her about the last scene she’s witnessed as she closed the door when she left Marat’s apartment, but it did.
Forget about it, Hallie! She kept repeating in her mind.
It’s a good thing she left the motorbike at home. At the rate she was going, she would just get into trouble again if she rides on it. Hmph! Boss would love to hear that!
She got to the train station, and got in a train. She was staring blankly outside the window, and almost got off on the wrong station. She stood up and almost did get off until she read the sign and realized it wasn’t her stop yet. She was going to go back to her seat but some punk had taken it, so she was forced to stand up all three stations long. She thought of giving the punk a piece of her mind, but decided against it. The voice of reason in her head told her, “Don’t get in trouble!” Funny, it sounded so much like Marat’s voice. Or then again, maybe she’s just tired.
An hour or so after Hallie left, Marat and Elena were in bed together. She had made the move to get him there, and had managed to take most of his clothes off. But he refused ultimately.
He told her he was tired, and he was. He did just arrive after all. Elena although a bit disappointed, was nice about it. She settled in giving him a massage instead. And Marat was thankful for that. Oh, the little favors in life, he thought.
“So, that was Hallie? The girl you were telling me about?” Elena asked him.
She was sitting on his back as he lay on his stomach on the bed. She was kneading his back.
“Yep.”
Marat had already confessed that it was Hallie she met and not Rose, and that Rose was Hallie’s friend who must be her fan. Elena understood that it might have been Hallie’s way of helping Marat out, acting like a fan
“She seems like a nice girl.”
“Yep.” Marat said.
He suddenly remembered Angela and how she would have been so jealous already if it was her and not Elena that’s with him right now. And instead of massaging his back, she would be punching him or throwing things at him already. It made him smile, but he shook the thought off anyway. It’s not fair to compare Elena to Angela, he thought.
“She doesn’t look like a boy like how you described.”
“I guess.”
“In fact, I think she’s beautiful…if she’d dress up and put some make up on, I bet she’d be more beautiful.” Elena said.
Marat didn’t say anything, aside from a small laugh he let out. Yep, definitely not like Angela.
“What? Don’t tell me you don’t think she’s pretty?” Elena said.
“No…I suppose she is. I just…I’ve never looked at her like that.” Marat said.
“Really?”
“Yeah.” He said, turning around. “Now, why exactly are we talking about Hallie? I think we should focus on the idea you had earlier.” He smiled.
|
|
|
Post by annie on Jan 26, 2009 10:32:16 GMT 3
Chapter 11 The Interpol Building, Lt. Jeff Hunter’s office. Lt. Jeff Hunter received a call from his brother. Apparently the mission to apprehend a fugitive out in South America went sour, so they ended up having to spend more time there to iron things out. He didn’t tell his brother about the progress of his mission to find Hallie. He decided he wants to follow her around some more and learn everything. Where she lives, where she works, who her friends are and the people she deals with closely. He was lucky enough to find out the last two but he still didn’t know where she lives. The closest he got was when he followed her to the train, but he lost her as soon as she stepped off. So, since he was able to follow her two days ago from Safin’s apartment he had not let her out of his sight. There were times when she almost saw him. Or maybe she did and just acted like she didn’t, that’s possible too. But if that was true, she made no attempt to lose him. And that worried him. If she knew she was being followed and didn’t take any action, it could mean only two things. First, and on a positive note, perhaps she was through hiding and was just too proud to come to them so she’d just let them get to her. Or second, if he happened to be unlucky, then she must be planning to lead him on and then all of a sudden disappear. He hoped it was the first. But for now, he’s just sitting in his office. He didn’t want to think about when he would actually approach her…or when he’ll be forced to. He just wanted to rest for a while. Hallie will be in the restaurant she works in right now and she won’t be off for the next three hours still so he won’t have to follow her around. I think I’ll take a nap. He thought. It was as free a time as he could possibly get, and what better way to spend it than taking a most needed rest. 7:30pm Oleg’s Restaurant “Hey, Hallie! Your boyfriend just arrived!” Oxana said as she entered the locker room. She was talking to Hallie who was preparing for another slew of customers who are coming in for dinner. “What boyfriend?” Hallie looked outside the door and saw Marat being seated at bar and not at his usual table. “Oh, he is not my boyfriend!” She said to Oxana. “And please, don’t refer to him as my boyfriend! What if he hears you?” “So what if he does?” “He has a girlfriend.” Hallie said adamantly. “Again…’so what if he does?’” Oxana said, “Steal him!” “Ugh!” Hallie said, in exasperation. “I am not that kind of girl, okay!” She said, shutting the door of her locker. “Besides, his girlfriend is nice…and I wouldn’t want to give her trouble.” “Right.” Oxana said, rolling her eyes. “Just coz she signed an autograph for you, check that -- for Rose, doesn’t mean you have to be nice and not steal her boyfriend!” She looked out to see Marat. “Especially when her boyfriend is that hot!” “Leave the girl alone.” Marie said, as she came out of the bathroom. She’s another one of the waitresses in Oleg’s restaurant. “She’s not like you.” She added in a sarcastic tone. “Ouch!” Oxana said, with a laugh. The two of them are actually best friends, but they talk that way with each other. With friends like that… “Okay…I think I’ll leave you two ladies alone. Wouldn’t wanna be anywhere near you when you start showing claws and throwing bombs at each other!” Hallie said, as she made an exit. “Meow!” The two said after her. She was supposed to go to the kitchen first to get some food to be served, when Marat saw her and called her over. “Hey boss, what’s up?” Said Hallie, “You’re having dinner?” “No.” He said, “I came to talk to you.” He looked serious so she assumed she was probably in trouble. “What did I do now?” She said, defensively. Marat burst into laughter with her reaction. “Why do you think it’s about something you did?” “Well, you looked so serious!” She said, “And usually that means you’re mad about something I did. But for your information, I don’t think I did anything wrong at all.” “You didn’t. I just want to ask you a favor.” He said, composing himself. “Uh-huh…what is it now? You want me to clean your bathroom or something?” “No. I can clean it myself.” He said, “I want you to go with us to the theme park.” “Theme park? Aren’t you too old for that?” Hallie said, mocking. “I’m not that old.” He said, “And anyway, it’s not my idea. It’s Elena’s. And her son’s.” She felt a pang of …something but ignored it. Or at least tried to. “Ooh…meeting the family a.k.a. the son, huh?” She stuck an elbow on his rib playfully. It’s her defense mechanism when she doesn’t want to acknowledge how she really feels. “You’re serious with her, then?” She asked him. “It’s just a date, and her son wanted to go there.” He said, avoiding the subject. “So what do you need me for?” She asked. “What, you need a chaperone? C’mon boss, you can handle it!” She thumped his back twice and started to leave He pulled her arm so she couldn’t really get away, “One hundred dollars!” He said. “I’ll take a hundred dollars off your loan if you come.” She sighed. She really didn’t want to go, and she didn’t even really care that it’ll cost a hundred bucks taken off her loan if she did. She just didn’t want to be around Marat and Elena together. Although she didn’t understand what she felt the night she left them together in his apartment after she fetched Marat from the airport, she knew she didn’t like it. Marat turned her around to face him again, and with pleading eyes she told her, “Please? I’d just really feel so much better if you’d go.” Damn it, just say no if you really don’t want to! She thought. But she couldn’t say it, it’s like her resolve that used to be like a brick wall has just become melting butter. “Okay.” She heard herself say. “Great!” He said, flashing his sexy smile. He took both her hands, “You’re a life saver!” Yeah, and now even your knees are butter! What the hell are you doing?! He stood up, “I’ll see you tomorrow, 5p.m. all right?” He asked her, still holding her hands. “Yeah…five.” She said. Hallie, what the hell?! You are like a zombie!He let go of her hand and left. She just stood there watching him leave. When he was about at the door, he turned around and flashed a smile at her again. When he was out of sight, she blew a huge sigh. Puddle of melted butter! She badgered herself. She didn’t notice Oxana approach. “Still don’t want to steal him?” She teased. “Shut up!” She told her. Next day, 4:00 p.m. Marat’s apartment. Marat was still in the shower when Hallie came. She didn’t like being late so she came early. He heard her knock repeatedly and in frantic successions, so even though he hasn’t rinsed the shampoo off his head, he stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist to get the door because he thought it was some kind of an emergency. He saw Hallie, hunched over grabbing her crotch, her legs entwined looking like she’s in agony. “What’s going on?” He said, surprised. He stood at the door, dripping water on the carpet, one hand on the knob and the other at the door frame, and for a split second when Hallie saw him, she forgot what she was agonizing about, and skipped a breath. Literally. “Hallie?” said Marat, “You okay?” “Huh?” Then she remembered, “Oh!” She grabbed his arm holding the doorframe. “I need to use the bathroom!!” She pushed pass him and walked into the living room, and ran inside the bedroom and to the bathroom. Marat followed her in to the bedroom and waited outside the bathroom door. “Hey, hurry up! I haven’t rinsed off yet!” He said, laughing. “Hold on! …Aaahhhhhh” Hallie said, “Almost finished.” He heard her sigh in relief. After a couple of minutes, she emerged from the bathroom. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, in front of the bathroom door. Hallie felt a sudden surge of warmth rushed up her body. She was caught dead in her track at the site of him, sitting on the bed like that as if inviting her to… Stop! Don’t go there, Hal! Relax, breathe, WAKE UP! She heard the voice in her head screaming at her. “Ah, finally!” Marat stood up. “How many gallons of piss were you keeping in that little body of yours?” He said, laughing. He brushed past Hallie who was still standing at the bathroom door. “What are you standing there for? You gonna watch me?” “What?!” She looked at him and he was about to take the towel off, so she turned her back again immediately. “Oooh! As if!! Arrggh! The nerve!” She said, as she slammed the door behind her. Marat was laughing at her reaction. He was trying to rile her up, and just like all the other times, it worked. “Relax! I’m just kidding!” “Damn it, Hallie! What’s wrong with you?” She whispered, talking to herself, smacking her forehead not too gently. “Arrggh! Damn pheromones! …Okay, breathe, relax, inhale…” She inhaled, pacing around the room, fanning her collar on her neck. “Exhale.” “You still there, Hal?” Marat hollered, “You’re not going through my underwear drawer are you?” “Puh-lease! You’re not that hot!” She hollered back. “Yes, he is…” She said under her breath. “Ugh! Stop it Hallieeee! Oh, why does he have to be such a tease?!” She said, looking up at the ceiling as if some deity was residing in the floor above. Then she heard him turn the shower off. “Oh, shit…he’s coming out!” She looked around the room as if trying to look for a hiding place. She saw the telescope propped near the window and ran to it, so when Marat stepped out of the bathroom he found her peeping through it, looking down the street at nothing in particular. “What are you looking for down there?” He walked towards his closet and started dressing up. “Nothing. Just…watching the people…hey, you can see the restaurant from here!” She said, not looking up at all. “Yeah.” “It’s blurry though.” Marat walked towards her. She didn’t feel him approach being pre-occupied as she is. She became stiff when she backed up a little and felt him behind her. He was already in his pants with the towel now snuggly around his shoulders. “Here, let me adjust it…” She couldn’t move thinking he was still naked. “If you get any stiffer we could go surfing!” Marat finally noticed. “I’m not naked, relax!” He whispered in her ear. “Tsk! Pfffft!” Hallie said, playing cool, although it was already obvious she wasn’t. “So? You’re not the first naked man I ever saw! Duh!” She backed away from the telescope. “You don’t want to look anymore?” He asked, looking at her with that sexy smile of his. “Huh? Oh, you mean the telescope!” Idiot! “Yeah, ah…I’ll just wait for you at the… ah…living room…yeah.” Then she turned around and walked out of the room. Really fast. “And hurry up!” She yelled when she was already outside. Marat just shook his head and smiled. He thoroughly enjoyed teasing her and riling her up. It was pure entertainment for him. “Silly girl.” He chuckled. They went to pick up Elena and her son at their house. Hallie initially sat at the passenger seat, but Marat asked her to move to the back when they arrived at Elena’s so she can sit there. Hallie and Elena’s son sat at the back. The boy didn’t really say much to her. Now, she knows why Marat wanted to bring her along. She can deal with the boy while he deals with the lady. It annoyed her, but what can she do, right? She can’t complain about it. He is her boss, and it costs a hundred bucks square off her loan. They got to Gorky Park, in Krymskiy Val at around 6p.m. From then she dragged along eating everything from the food stands scattered around the place, most of the time going on rides with Elena’s son, which she enjoyed actually. They found a range where you can shoot targets for prize. Hallie just stood watching while Marat shoots at the target with the fake gun. He wasn’t hitting the center of the bull’s eye at all. He noticed her chuckling every time he misses, and was getting annoyed. “You think you can do better? Why don’t you try!” He said. “Oh, sorry, boss…I didn’t mean to…” “What? You chicken?” Marat said, he wasn’t just going to accept her apology. She was making him look bad in front of Elena. And her son. When he said that, Hallie felt her temper rise. Nobody calls her chicken. She grabbed the fake gun from Marat. “Pay him another round!” He paid the stall owner for another round and the guy prepared another set of targets. Elena and her son stood aside with Marat. She looked at the gun and measured its weight in her hand. It was almost a perfect replica of a 9mm. Beretta, except that it weighs a bit less and shoots rubber rather than real bullets. When the owner was out of the way, Hallie immediately took her shots, all seven of them in rapid successions. Her form was perfect, and she was spot on. The pellets shot through right in the middle of the targets. “That’s how you shoot!” She told Marat who was wide-eyed as a doe. The owner’s jaw dropped in shock and surprise until Hallie called his attention. “Hey, mister! Give me the prize!” The owner took the doll and handed it to her. “Not that! I want the remote controlled car!” She handed the toy car to Elena’s son, and they gave each other a high five. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Wow!” Lt. Jeff Hunter exclaimed all of a sudden. He tried to stop his outburst but it was too late, a young girl to his left turned around and saw him and thought he was some crazy dude and walked away. He composed himself and got back to watching his target. She hasn’t lost it yet. He thought. He was hiding behind a tree just close enough to see where Hallie was and to know her and her companions’ conversation by reading their lips. He watched as she took the bull’s eye seven out of seven, using the Berretta replica. I should remember not to piss her off when I finally come up to her. He thought, with a smile. That event was gonna have to happen soon. He wants to impress the Commander with how his mission has developed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Wow!” Marat said, in a somewhat delayed reaction to what Hallie just did. “How did you do that?” “Well, you have to hold the gun only as tight as if you’re holding a live chick. Not like what you were doing, gripping it as tight as you hold a racket.” She said, as-a-matter-of-factly. Marat and Elena were surprised with her expertise. She didn’t realize it though and just continued rattling on about it. “It’s a good thing the targets were all the same height and laid out the same distance from each other so it makes it easier to just point and shoot once you get the first one and not worry about the recoil…” Finally she realized what was happening. “…and that was too technical for you or just not the answer I should’ve said…well…what can I say…” She babbled on, “It’s just like riding a bike? You never forget.” She bit her lips, unsure if what she said would raise any suspicion on how or why she knew how to shoot. She just turned around and didn’t face the issue and hoped that they’d just dismiss it as well. Luckily for her, they just shrugged it off.
|
|
|
Post by annie on Jan 29, 2009 7:03:22 GMT 3
Chapter 12 After a while the group went back to roaming about and going on rides. Well, not all the rides. Elena didn’t want to hop on the huge gravity defying rides. When her son asked to ride the roller coaster, she refused. But her son was almost as stubborn as Marat and kept insisting. Marat told her that Hallie could ride with the boy, so she relented. He asked Hallie to do it, but she wasn’t about to just do all his bidding. She bargained that she’s riding the thing with Elena’s son only if he rides with them. Marat didn’t want to because he wants to stay with Elena. “C’mon boss, don’t tell me you’re…chicken!” Hallie teased. “I’m not chicken, I just don’t want to do it. Not right now.” “Right…” She made chicken noises, trying to irk him. And it worked. “Fine. I’ll ride!” “You will?!” She said, happily. “I mean, you will?” She said again, with less enthusiasm this time. Actually, she just really wanted to get him away from Elena. “Yeah, just to prove to you that I’m not scared of heights!” So they bought the tickets and lined up for the ride. As they got seated and was locked in on their seats, she suddenly changed her mind. “Oh, damn it…this is high…quite high, really high…so very very high!” She said under her breath as she was locked in on her seat. “Uh, boss…” She poked at Marat’s arm. “You know, you can still change your mind. I mean, we don’t have to do this.” She spoke with noticeable nerve in her voice. “What? And look like a wimp in front of Elena?” Marat said, “No way, right buddy?” He asked Elena son sitting at his other side. “Well, I didn’t mean to make you look bad…I just…I’m just saying.” Hallie said. This time, Marat looked at her. She was looking ahead, staring at the coasters route with all the loops and spins. She looked like her stomach was turning. Especially when the coaster started moving towards the edge of the rail, before the big drop. “You okay?” Marat asked, “You look like you’re going to get sick.” She looked at him, with a look he’s never seen before. She looked frightened. “I didn’t realize…it was going to be…” Then it dropped, “this HIIIIIIIIGH….Aaaaaahhhh!!!!” She clutched his hand and held on tightly. He couldn’t help but laugh. That’s how they were all five minutes of the ride. When they got off, she looked a mix of jaded and dazed. Marat and Elena’s son were laughing at her, as they helped her walk. “What happened to her?” Elena asked when she saw them. “Is she okay?” “I’m okay…I just…I need to go find a bathroom…” Hallie said. She looked like she’s about to vomit so she ran off and looked for a bathroom. “Mom, I’m hungry…can we eat?” “Well, sure…let’s find some place we can sit down…” So, they looked for a place they can sit down and eat and ended up at the benches near the pond. Marat texted Hallie to tell her where they were so she can find them. Marat stayed at the bench while Elena and her son went to buy some food. He didn’t realize that he was sitting at the same spot where he and Angela were the last time they were there, until after a while. It was there were Angela made him make a promise, a promise that he still keeps to that very moment. It looked different now, though. The tulip buds were just starting to bloom, and the ducks have come back from their long winter vacation. He was reminiscing silently by himself, when suddenly someone crashed into his quiet little world. “Earth to Sputnik!” Hallie said from behind him, making radio static noises in between. “Comrade Safin, are you there?!” “You can’t be quiet for one minute can you?” He said, rolling his eyes as she sat down beside him. “Yes, I can!” She told him, and said no more for one minute, according to her wristwatch, which she watched the whole time. “See?” She smiled. He shook his head, and smiled. “So, where are they?” “Went to get some food.” He said, “What about you? Aren’t you hungry?” He asked, although he didn’t really listen for an answer. “No…I probably ate half a ton of food already.” She looked at him and noticed that he wasn’t listening. He was staring at the butterflies flying around the flowers near the pond. There were just a couple of yellow ones when he sat down, but now there was another white one, flying higher than the two as if watching them from above. “Something wrong, boss?” He still didn’t reply so she waved her hand in front of his face. “Hey, boss!” Finally he snapped out of it. “Yeah, sorry…there’s just…something on my mind.” He said, “How’s your stomach now?” “It’s fine.” She slouched on the bench, spreading her legs. “Too bad I barfed out most of the food I ate…” She said, rubbing her stomach. “Man, that was one crazy ride, huh?” “Yeah” He said, laughing. “So, I suppose there’s no chance you’re gonna ride the Fly Machine with me?” He asked, looking at her. Hallie turned to him with wide eyes and all the color drained out of her. “What about bungee jumping?” He suggested. “Oh, hell no!” She shrieked. He laughed harder, holding his stomach. That made her smile. He looks so cute when he laughs, she thought. “So you’re not mad at me anymore for making you look bad in front of Elena?” “Nah!” He said. He grabbed her head in a headlock under his arms and rubbed his knuckles on the top of her head. “Awww! Boss! Stop!” She yelled, trying to get loose from him. He stopped but didn’t release her, keeping her head leaning on his chest. But then, she didn’t move either. She kinda liked having his arms around her. “That really hurt boss, don’t do that again!” She said, rubbing her head. “Okay, I won’t…” Marat said, “Starting tomorrow!” And he rubbed his knuckles on her head again. In truth, she didn’t really barf at all. Nor was she really scared of heights. It was all just an act thinking he’d forgive her if she acted stupid or goofy. On the other hand, Marat just couldn’t stay mad at her. He doesn’t know why but it seems she always has her way around him, like she knew how to rub him right way to get to his good side. They didn’t notice Elena was watching them from behind, just several feet away. And so was Jeff. At around ten in the evening, they decided to go home. They dropped Elena and her son off first. Then Marat told Hallie to sit at the front again. She turned on his radio and stopped at the station playing *“Ya Nochnoy Hooligan” by Dima Bilan, and sang along with it, loudly, to Marat’s amusement. Although he acted like it was such a horror to listen to. He was supposed to drive her home, but she suddenly changed her mind. “Hey, boss, this is close enough. I think I’ll get off here.” She said. “No, it’s okay…I can drive you all the way.” “It’s only two blocks away. I can walk from here, really.” She insisted. He stopped the car, “You sure?” She nodded. “All right.” He went out of the car and walked over to the passenger’s side and opened the door for her. He even gave him his hand to assist her in getting out. What’s gotten in to him? She wondered. She took his hand nevertheless. “Uhm, thanks.” She said as she got out of the car. She noticed an inconspicuous looking car stopped a few meters away. It’s the one following them since they left Gorky Park. Of course, she could be wrong. But now, she was sure since there’s not much traffic around there where she lives. No one who lives around there really owns a car either. She didn’t exactly do any measure to lose the stalker, either. She decided she needed to confront the matter sooner or later. And sooner means now. “You sure you don’t want me to drive you all the way?” He said, with sincere concern it seemed to her. “It’s not safe walking alone at night, there could be hooligans around…” He said, trying to shove a little humor just so he wouldn’t look too serious. “I’m sure.” She interrupted him, “Have you forgotten who you’re talking to? Nochnoy hooligans don’t have nothin’ on me!” She winked. “Yeah, Superwoman…” He sighed, “All right…” He started to walk back to the driver’s side, but turned back around. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you…” She laughed, “No! I’m fine…” She turned him around and ushered him off the sidewalk and to the car. “Go on! It’s late…” He finally got in his car and drove off, and she started walking home. The place she lives in is one of several old abandoned buildings in the Administrative District of Moscow. Most of the buildings there were dilapidated and so badly constructed, that they are just waiting to be demolished as soon as the lots get sold. She’s only lived there for more than a year. And it took a while getting used to living in such a place, being so different from where she used to live. As she was walking alone, she knew someone was following her. She didn’t walk faster or anything; she knew how to defend herself anyway. But this time, she didn’t think she actually even needed to do that. She knew who it was that was tailing her. She had the feeling that she was being followed several days ago, but she never really saw who it was until earlier at the park. When she lied about looking for a bathroom to barf, she had actually stalked her stalker and confirmed her suspicion. And now, it was time to face him. She stopped walking. “Well, you’ve been able to follow me for a while now coz I let you. So why don’t you come out, Jeff.” She said aloud. “I know you’re there.” She waited for several seconds. “Come on, show yourself.” Jeff stepped out of the shadows. “When did you know?” “A while. But I didn’t know it was you until earlier at the park.” She said, turning around to face him. “How did you know it was me?” He asked. “I saw you when I went to the bathroom. I came out the other side.” She said, “Of course, if it was Keith I wouldn’t find out. He’s always been a better sleuth than you.” “Is that a good thing or a bad thing in your book?” He asked, unsure. She walked towards him. “It depends…on if it’s gonna get me in trouble with the Commander or not.” She smiled. “I missed you.” Jeff said, looking at her. His tears were building up. All the hard work he did the last year to find her now all seemed worth it. “I missed you, too.” She hugged him tightly. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marat couldn’t comprehend what his gut was telling him, or why. He was several blocks away from where he left Hallie already but his gut was telling him to go back. He knew she was right about being able to take care of herself and that she can kick anyone’s ass if they try to do anything to her. But he just didn’t feel good leaving her to walk on the street alone, in this time of the night. It was already past midnight, and the place she lives isn’t exactly the safest place on earth. Or in Moscow. He felt like his stomach was in knots, and he wants to go back. “Oh, what the hell!” He turned his car around and drove back to where he left Hallie. When he was getting closer to where he left her, he saw a figure not so far and thought it must be Hallie, he recognized the clothes she was wearing. Why is she just standing there? He wondered. He drove slowly and approached. When he was close enough he saw that she wasn’t alone. There was another figure; a taller, bigger figure of a man with long hair. And they were locked in a tight embrace. For a second he didn’t know how to react. Or how to move. When he snapped out of shock, his first impulse was to go away. He shifted the gear to reverse and drove backwards as quietly as he can. When he was far enough, he turned the car around and drove away. At his apartment, he was still trying to figure out and understand what just happened and how and why he reacted the way he did. He couldn’t even decide whether to sit or lie down on the couch, thinking about it. Just earlier in the car, after they dropped Elena and her son off at their place, he joked why Hallie had been making him look bad in front of Elena. “So do you like Elena?”
“Huh? Uh…sure. She’s nice.” She answered.
“Is that why you were making me look bad in front of her?” Marat asked, “Coz you like her?”
“Now, what does that supposed to mean?”
“You know…I just figured you must be into women?”
“What?!” Hallie sat up on the seat and looked at him. “That’s not true! You are ridiculous!”She hit him on the arms repeatedly. “Take it back! I am not into women!”
“Okay, okay, I take it back!” He said, laughing, shielding himself with one arm while the other was on the wheel. Obviously that wasn’t enough protection. “Ouch! Ow! Okay, enough!”
She stopped hitting him, but she was still obviously peeved. She was quiet for a while, staring intensely at nothing outside the car, until Marat noticed.
“Hey, c’mon, I was just joking.”
“It’s not a very nice joke.”
“Okay, I get it.” He said, looking at the side mirror at the passenger seat so he can see her face. “I’m sorry, okay? Please forgive me?”
She looked at him. “Okay, just don’t do it again.” She told him. “I’ve had enough with being treated like a boy.” She added under her breath.
“Scout’s honor!” He said, giving her a scout’s salute.
“Ha-hah! You’re not a scout.” She said bitterly, rolling her eyes. “Huh!” Marat said aloud, talking to himself. “She really does like men, after all.” At least he was sure about that part now. The only part he didn’t comprehend was the part that had to do with him, and how he felt and reacted to those feelings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “By the way, where’s Helios? How is he?” Hallie asked Jeff as they were walking home. “Oh, yeah! Oh, you are not gonna believe it if I tell you.” “Why? What happened to my baby?” She asked, suddenly nervous. “Don’t worry, nothing bad happened to him. Keith has him. He’s been taking care of him since you left.” “I don’t believe it!” She said, obviously flabbergasted. “You are kidding me!” “Nope!” Jeff said, “I’m not kidding. I told you, you wouldn’t believe if I tell you.” “But he never liked my dog! He never liked any dog!” “Yeah, well, maybe he just misses you.” Jeff offered. “Well…I miss him too. Believe it or not.” Hallie said, her mood suddenly somber “Or maybe he’s just guilty he tattled on you.” “Hmm…that’s possible too!” And she’s back to cheerful. “Ah, were here!” They stood in front of the old 5-storey building where Hallie lives. Hallie could read Jeff’s face. “I know. It’s not pretty but it’s roof over the head.” She looked up at the building. It was gloomy. There were probably some fifteen families living there, in the rooms that were not as rundown as the rest. “Wanna come up?” “Nah, I gotta go.” He said, “I just want to make sure you got home safe.” “Pffft, yeah right.” She said. Jeff laughed. He knew what she was capable off. They did have the same training after all. “Hey, Jeff…Can I ask you a favor?” Hallie asked. “Hal…” He knew what it was going to be. “I know you’ve been looking for me since I went missing. And I’m sure you know you wouldn’t have found me if I was still hiding. But you did. That’s because I don’t want to hide anymore. I’m through hiding. I’m through running. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let you see where I live.” She took his hand, “But I’m just not ready to go back.” She said, “I will, just not now. Please don’t tell Keith or the Commander you found me. I promise I won’t hide or run away again. Besides, I just can’t drop everything and leave.” “Is it because of that guy?” He asked. “What guy?” “That tennis player, Safin.” “No! Of course not!” She said defensively. “Oh, c’mon! It’s always about a guy!” Jeff insisted. He knew her well, even though she’s denying it, he knew it was the truth…at some level. “It’s not, okay?” She maintained. “People depend on me. That’s all.” He let the subject go. She wasn’t going to admit it anyway. He considered her request. It took them really long to locate her. It even took them longer to find her than most of the fugitives they were after. The Commander would definitely commend him for his accomplishment. “Okay.” He said, “I won’t tell Keith and the Commander I’ve found you on one condition.” “What’s that?” “You’ll report to me every week.” “Why?” “I want to make sure you’re really not going to run away.” Jeff said. Actually, he just really missed her and just wanted to see more of her. Hallie knows him well enough to know that. “Okay.” She smiled, “I missed you, too.” They hugged and said goodbye. He left after she got inside the building. *Ya Nochnoy Hooligan = I’m a Night Hooligan sung by Dima Bilan
|
|
|
Post by annie on Feb 7, 2009 8:53:55 GMT 3
Chapter 13 May 2006, Hamburg, Germany Marat was in an exhibition game against Germany’s own Tommy Haas. It was different from the usual exhibition matches he’s ever played because they were to wear the kind of clothes they used to wear back in the early days of tennis, caps, vests, and all. Even the rackets they used were made of wood. He couldn’t imagine using those things in real play. He wondered how many of them would he have smashed to the ground and made to look like a pile of wood furniture shavings? Or a better thought, how many of them should he have to bring? Given his standing record of most rackets smashed in a single season? A whole truck load of them maybe? Hell, that’s how many metal rackets he needs already, so maybe double that. “Hey, man! Gotten used to the wooden racket yet?” Tommy asked as he entered the waiting area. They were supposed to wait there for the call to meet the press. “You’re kidding right? I can’t even hit a volleyball ball with this.” Marat replied, holding up the wooden racket given to him. Hmm, maybe I’ll keep it as a souvenir. That’s if I don’t break it. He thought. “Of course you can’t, unless you want to get smashed in the face.” Said Tommy. A woman dressed in 21st century business suit entered, “Mr. Haas, Mr. Safin, the press is ready! You’re up in five minutes.” “*Danke!” Tommy told the woman, with a wink. The woman smiled at him, and left. They looked at each other and high fived. “I told you I still got it man!” Tommy laughed. “Yeah. You gonna follow up on it, though?” “Of course!” Tommy said, “Say, I haven’t heard about any of your recent exploits…what have you been up to, man? You really a good boy now or you’re just really good at keeping it under the radar?” “Nah, man.” Marat replied, turning a bit serious. “I’m just…not looking for anything like that right now, I guess.” “You’re kidding?” Tommy couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Here was someone who he thought was the toughest competition he has on tour when it comes to getting the ladies, and here he was telling him the ‘game’ isn’t really in his mind? Who is this saint masquerading as the devil Marat Safin?“Nope, I’m not kidding.” Then his mobile sounded off. He has assigned a special ring tone just for this particular contact so he knew who it was before he even picked the unit up. “Double Trouble” by Otis Rush. It just reminds him a lot of her. “Hey, Hallie.” He said, answering the line, turning his back on Tommy. For the last several weeks he’d been on tour, he’s had constant communication with Hallie. You could say, it’s become somewhat of an addiction. He enjoys the conversation. She turned out to be actually a really smart girl, and their exchanges have been intellectually stimulating. Of course, there are times when he just want to piss her off, which he probably enjoys a bit more. And then there’s the occasional ‘run me an errand’ sort of call, like this one, which almost always turns out to be another way to piss her off. Unless it backfires on him. “Who’s that?” Tommy asked, but Marat waved him away, which only made his curiosity to peak. So he moved closer to Marat to try to listen. “No, it’s there. I wouldn’t tell you it was there if it’s not, would I?” “How do I know you’re not just playing with me?” Hallie said on the other end. Well, more like shrieked. Marat had to hold the phone away from his ear. In effect, Tommy can hear better and verified that it was indeed a woman Marat was talking to. “C’mon boss, I’ve got to go somewhere.” Hallie pleaded, “Can’t I just do it tomorrow?” “Where are you going?” Marat asked, “You don’t have work today.” “I have to meet someone.” “Someone? What? Like a boy?” He recalled the night after they went to the park, and saw her in the arms of some punk he didn’t know. “Why do you have to know?” Why indeed? He wondered. “I don’t.” “So, don’t ask.” “Fine. If you really can’t find it, I’ll just tell my dad I don’t have it.” He said, sullenly. She sensed his mood changed. “Tsk. Look, I’ll search again. I’ll just text you if I found it or not.” “Fine.” And he cut the call. He tossed the phone in his bag, and chucked his bag into the locker and closed it. Tommy also noticed the change on his demeanor. But he didn’t exactly know how to go about asking Marat what was wrong. He just feels it’s too un-macho. “So, Hallie huh?” Tommy said, “Is that the same Hallie the Amazon I heard from Igor? I thought you were dating that actress…Elena…” “Korikova. She’s my girlfriend.” Marat finished. “And yes, that’s the same girl. What did he tell you?” “Just that she’s spunky…I heard she beat up a guy twice her size! Very combative kinda girl.” Tommy said, “Is that for real?” “Yeah, it’s true.” Marat said, smiling a bit. “She’s one tough cookie.” “Figures. It’s very appropriate.” Tommy said. “You know what the name means in German? I mean, it’s origin?” “No. What?” “*Hallie’s a pet form of Haralda, which is the feminine of Harald.” Tommy said, “Harald comes from the elements harja meaning army, and wald meaning to rule. So, it means ruler of an army.” “You’re right…it is very fitting!” Marat laughed. “So…is she a special girl?” “Nah! C’mon…I just told you I have a girlfriend.” He said, “Let’s go! The press awaits!” “Yeah. Time to put the charm on!” Tommy flashed his perfect smile in mockery. Marat’s apartment, Moscow, Russia “Where the hell is it?” Hallie said aloud, standing in the middle of the living room. She’s looked everywhere. In both his cars, in the coat cabinet near the door, and in his closet, and she still hasn’t found the hydraulic jack he wants her to take to his dad. There’s only one place left where she hasn’t looked. The bathroom. So she went to the bathroom, and looked for the jack. She found it the cabinet under the sink. “I swear, it’s like a treasure hunt looking for his things.” She rolled her eyes in exasperation. Then her phone rang. “Jeffy! Hey!” “Where are you? You’re not standing me up, are you?” “No, no! I’m just running some errands for Ma…my boss.” She said. She didn’t want Jeff to know the extent of her relationship with Marat, whatever it is. “I’m just going to be late, but I’ll be there.” “All right. I’ll wait.” “Okay, see you.” After she dropped the line, she took the hydraulic jack and delivered it to Mikhail. Then she hurried to where she’s supposed to meet the lieutenant. Lt. Jeff Hunter has been sitting in a corner in the small café by himself in almost an hour since he called Hallie. He hasn’t ordered anything either. She was supposed to meet him there as part of their agreement that she was to report to him once a week. So far, she hasn’t failed to show up until now. Suddenly someone grabbed his shoulder. It was Lt. Col. Hunter. “What are you doing here?” Jeff was startled. He knew that voice. “What are YOU doing here?” He asked, returning the question in an attempt to try to hide his anxiousness. “I asked first.” Keith said. “I’m having lunch, what’s it look like I’m doing?” “Where’s your food?” “I haven’t ordered.” “Why not? You meeting someone?” “No.” Jeff said, getting really annoyed. “Why are you interrogating me?” “I’m not interrogating you.” Keith said coolly. “You just feel that way because you’re guilty.” He was right. Jeff was guilty of lying about Hallie, hiding the fact that he has found her from Keith and the commander. But he wasn’t about to divulge that information and break the confidence he has built between Hallie and himself. So to divert from more scrutiny, he turned defensive. “Whatever.” He said, “I just lost my appetite.” He stood up and left the café. “Right. Whatever.” Keith said. No doubt the seed of doubt has already been sown. “Waiter!” When Jeff got on his car, he sent a text message to Hallie telling her not to come to the café anymore because it wasn’t safe. What he didn’t know was she was already there. She saw Keith entered the café from across the street, and approached Jeff. She didn’t think it was just a coincidence that Keith was there, but changed her mind when she received the message from Jeff. She texted him back to tell him to be more aware. She knows Keith, and she knew he wouldn’t have shown up at exact time at that exact place if he didn’t suspect something to begin with. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Later that day, at the Commander’s office… “I’m telling you dad, he’s really acting weird.” Lt. Col. Keith Hunter told the Commander. He has reported to him how the lieutenant had reacted when he unexpectedly showed up at the café where he ‘seemed’ to be waiting for somebody. The commander just sat silently at his seat, analyzing what Keith has reported. “What do you think he’s up to?” “I think he’s found Hallie, and he’s just not telling us.” Keith said, “I think we should put him under surveillance for the mean time. It might lead us to her, sir.” “All right.” The commander nodded in agreement. “That’s your expertise. I’ll leave it to you. Meanwhile, I’m taking Jeff off his assignment.” “Thank you, sir.” Keith stood in salute, and then turned to leave. But he turned back around, “Sir.” “Yes?” “Since, you’ve already told me to be in charge, I just thought I should confer to you before I act on an idea I have.” “What is it?” “That tennis player Safin.” Keith said, “You remember in Jeff’s earlier reports, it might be more than a coincidence he was at that bank with Hallie.” “What are you suggesting?” Commander Hunter asked. Although he already knows what comes next. “I suggest we find him and interrogate him.” “No.” Commander Hunter said, “Don’t interrogate him. We don’t know he’s involved with her or not. Or if he even knows Hallie for sure.” Keith looked a bit disappointed. But he knows the commander was right. “You’re right, sir.” He admitted, “But we at least have to follow up on it. You always told me leave no stone unturned, no leads left untraced, no doubts left unproved or disproved.” “Yes, I said that. And I haven’t forgotten.” The commander said, “What I’m saying is take it easy. He’s a civilian and we have no authority to interrogate him. Especially, when we’re staying here in his motherland and he’s a citizen of dignified standing. We can’t afford to make an international controversy between Russia and the Interpol, if we do that.” Keith still seemed displeased. The commander understands why this was so. They have been looking for Hallie for almost two years now, and the frustration with the lack of development is inevitable. “Look, here’s what I want you to do…” June 2006 Lt. Col. Keith Hunter is sitting on his chair inside his office, in front of the computer, surfing the Internet. It has been a month after he found Jeff at the café, looking suspicious and quite nervous. He’s been following up on his hunch that Jeff has already found Hallie and is helping her. So far, he has not had any luck. Jeff has become more careful and he was not able to follow him for more than ten minutes at a time. His other assignment was to locate the tennis player, Marat Safin. He had better luck in that area. He’s a world-renowned athlete and you can easily locate him with the help of media, especially the Internet. Turns out he has his own website that updates his fans on what’s going on with him. He’s not a fan, but he’s frequented that site in the last two weeks. He’s not stayed in one place long enough to send people that could help him with his investigation. But this time, Lt. Col. Keith Hunter anticipated that. Safin is going to be in London for Wimbledon. He’s gonna have his chance at last. He picked up the phone and dialed a confidential number. The other end picked up. “Detective Collins.” Said the voice on the other end. It had a very distinctive English tone and quality to it. “Hey Peter. It’s Keith Hunter. Lt. Col. Keith Hunter.” “Hello, Keith. Good to hear from you.” “Yes, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? How’s the MI-6 these days?” He said, casually. “Oh, you know. Same old-same old.” Said Det. Collins, “But that’s not the only reason you’re calling me, is it?” “No.” “What can I do for you, then?” “Do you like tennis?” *Meaning of the name Hallie was taken from the book “A World of Baby Names” by Teresa Norman.*Danke - Thank you in German
|
|