They were all buckled in and heading to London. They had decided to fly commercial. There was no real need for private transport at this juncture. The play’s accoutrement was being shipped separately along with Rough, who Mrs. Gage ensured would be allowed to roam the cabin with the workers. The she-devil’s man was among the group and had continued his friendship with Rough during the flight.
The entourage entered the airport and were completely unaware of the stir they caused just by moving as a group. They laughed and teased and helped each other in a way that brought a smile to everyone who watched them. They were obviously together and a tight-knit unit. People were drawn to their energy and laughter.
It was no different when they were settled in their respective seats. Snacks were passed back and forth. Pillows, too.
“Where are my earphones?”
“Front pocket of your backpack,” came a reply from the next row.
Mrs. Gage leaned over Jake to Carter. “Are you sure we should not have made other arrangements? I’m afraid we may disturb the natives.”
Carter laughed as he leaned his seat back, to the annoyance of the man behind him. “Let them eat cake.”
* * * *
The woman sitting near the back of the plane had barely gotten tickets for this flight. She had placed herself on stand-by status and at the last minute was allowed on. This required only carry-on luggage, but this was inconsequential in light of her need to follow this group to London. She kept her sunglasses on as they boarded.
* * * *
Kenann and Judy had bets on the digs that Mrs. G. would come up with in England. Judy was betting country estate. Kenann had dibs on a castle. Both were wrong.
Carter had made these arrangements under protest of Mrs. Gage. He had arranged to house his “troupe” in a street of cottages reminiscent of the Cotswolds. While very quaint on the outside with their small front gardens, rock-lined walkways, and vine-covered walls, the insides left much to be desired. Small, cramped rooms and antiquated, inadequate bathrooms were the norm. They were all tired from their journey and the infectious laughter at the beginning of their journey had deteriorated into ill-tempered grumbling.
Mrs. Gage looked at Carter as he led her to her respective cottage. “Really? John, I am no prima donna, but really?”
“It looked really nice on the Internet.”
She almost bellowed. She never bellowed. “You booked our lodgings on the INTERNET?”
He felt like a child again, being scolded for spilling his milk. “I was trying to be helpful.”
Mrs. Gage stopped the tirade that she had started to unleash and softened her tone. “I appreciate that, John. But can we agree from now on that I am in charge of accommodations?”
He dropped his head and muttered, “All right.”
Still being daytime even though their bodies were screaming “middle of the night,” the members of the group had congregated in the narrow street in front of their cottages. Mrs. Gage, sensing an insurrection, went to them.
“Let’s all go in and nap for say, four hours?” she said. “That will bring us to dinnertime. Then I will have a driver come get us.”
The group breathed a collective sigh of relief. All except the Marines. They were used to bedding down in mud and mire. It made no difference to them, but whatever kept the ladies happy was best for all concerned, and they had learned the advantage of a strategic retreat. Carter had never been married, but he was learning.
* * * *
Mrs. Gage had made some quick phone calls before indulging in her own siesta. As promised, a limousine service arrived to take them with their luggage to a new location. If Carter was seen to be sulking, no one commented.
They were pleasantly surprised by Mrs. Gage, as usual, when the limousine van pulled up in front of the Sofitel Hotel in St. James Square. They were even more surprised to learn their rooms were all together on the same floor. Mrs. Gage had been heard to tell Jake that she did not have time to open one of her country homes (Judy punched Kenann in the ribs), so this would have to do. But this would put them close to the theatre for their performances. She was also heard to say she would be in charge of all accommodations from now on—to everyone’s relief.
They freshened up in their rooms and met in the lobby to dine in the hotel restaurant. It was a beautiful place and the sound of harp music soothed them from their long day. Carter had recovered from his pique and thanked Mrs. Gage for saving the situation.
“We all have our strengths, John,” was her only reply.
The group occupied three tables, with Mrs. Gage insisting on leaving their fourth chair free between Carter and Jake. They soon discovered why. Bridget came to the entrance of the restaurant, scanning the crowd. Carter saw her the same time as Mrs. Gage. He did not take his eyes from the woman as he said, “You are a meddling vixen.”
Mrs. Gage laughed and waved her hand to get Bridget’s attention. She moved toward them with catlike grace as she navigated the tables. Carter stood and pulled out her seat.
“John,” she said, nodding.
“Bridget.”
She turned in her seat and waved at the others in the entourage and blew a kiss to Mrs. Gage across the table while patting Jake’s hand beside her. “Thank you so much, Gabby, for inviting me to dinner.”
“It was my pleasure.”
Carter inquired, “Were you in town or were you summoned?”
“I was summoned but not by whom you imagine.”
He raised an eyebrow, and then it hit him. “No!”
She only smiled. “I have been tasked with keeping you in line. You have yet to return to favor, my dear.”
“But he agreed to my plan?”
“And then called me.”
Carter sulked while Bridget and Gabby caught up. Jake enjoyed Carter’s discomfort. Bridget informed the others that Pinky would not be joining them. Her husband had discovered her secret life. He could not get past her duplicity, so he was divorcing her and leaving her penniless. She was devastated and sulking in some remote location. Bridget had pleaded with her for years to stop the lies to the person whom she had vowed to love and honor. She had little patience for her tears now.
* * * *
The duke and duchess were again in attendance at the opening night of their London premiere. And to the absolute terror of the cast, so was the queen. Carter kept conspicuously to the shadows when he learned she was in attendance. The laughter of the monarch made the next morning headlines.
As in America, the British audience loved the play. It was an instant success and suddenly the actors were in the spotlight. Thankfully, Mrs. Gage did most of the interviews and was well rehearsed on the back story of why she had embarked on this theatrical endeavor. Kenann was a little annoyed at the attention Danny Mac was receiving from some very beautiful women, but he was also very skilled in private moments, reassuring her that she was the only woman in his life. She took great solace (and pleasure) that she was the sole beneficiary of what these women desired.
Their latest council of war consisted of how to deal with the sudden notoriety. Mrs. Gage reminded them, saying, “All the world is a stage and we are merely players.”
Kenann spoke up. “I am so glad we have each other and our time together. I need to be real at least part of the time.”
“Exactly, my dear. And we must lean on each other for support. We are fortunate in that regard,” Mrs. Gage replied.
Blade raised his hand. Mrs. Gage smiled and nodded to him.
“When do I get to do something?”
“When you least expect it.”
“Huh?”
“Soon, dear. Very soon.”
Danny Mac said, “I am having a time of worship at 3:00 this afternoon in our suite for anyone who would like to attend.”
Granny James shook her head. “Oh my, is it the Lord’s day? I can’t keep track anymore.”
Danny Mac smiled at her. “We have been a bit busy. But it will be good to stop and worship.”
Granny returned his smile. “Yes, indeed.”
Carter was always uncomfortable with talk of God, so he cleared his throat and changed the subject. “I have received word that there is a meeting of some wealthy petroleum magnates here beginning Monday.”
Jake asked, “Any ties to terrorists?”
Carter responded, “Hard to say, but there are suspicions.”
Judy joined in. “How do we get close to them?”
Carter smiled. “Well, that is where your husband comes in handy. Ole Handy Andy.” He laughed at his own joke. He was the only one. Andy looked pained.
All eyes turned to him.
“My mother,” Andy said, his words dripping with sarcasm, “has contacted one of them and arranged for me to meet with him.”
Judy offered, “That’s good, isn’t it?”
He smiled at her and his whole face softened. Oh, he loved her so. She was nothing like his mother, who only wanted to use him for her own devices. Judy actually wanted him to be happy. “Yes, it suits our purposes nicely. But she simply wants me to feather her nest and the nest of her international holdings.”
Mrs. Gage joined in. Her voice was slightly softer than usual. Jake and Moira exchanged glances. They loved the way she could calm troubled waters with just a word.
“Despite the intent of your mother, you have an opportunity. And we are grateful for that. You are able to use your connections for the greater good. We love you, Andrew.”
He blinked. How did she know that was what he had longed to hear from his own mother? He smiled back at her with renewed resolve. “You are right, Mrs. G. Judy and I are going to knock their socks off.”
“Me?” Judy protested.
“Yes, silly. You don’t think I am going into that lion’s den without my best weapon, do you?”
“Weapon?”
“Yes. One look at you in that black dress and they will tell me anything I want to know.”
Everyone laughed. Except Judy. She looked a little green around the edges.
Granny reached over, patting her hand, and whispered, “You will be fine, sweetheart.”
* * * *
Kenann took Judy by the shoulders and held her at arm’s length. “Here, let me have a look at you.” She then took Judy by the hand and pulled her to the full-length mirror on the wall in her suite. Kenann beamed at Judy’s reflection. Judy still looked like a cornered rabbit. Kenann turned her to face her again. “Jude, look at me.” When their eyes met, she made a motion with one of her hands circling Judy’s face. “You’ve got this, girlfriend. Now, let’s get your game face on. Where is that ice princess I know is in there? You did great at that party in D.C.”
Judy blew out a breath. “But that was mingling. Not table talk. Not me in the spotlight!” She sighed. “Oh, you’re right. You’re right. Okay.”
She made herself go to that place deep within that was hard as nails. Kenann saw it as soon as she was there.
“That’s my girl.” She turned Judy back to the mirror. “Now look at yourself in that killer black dress.”
Judy turned and, with clear calculation, saw a sultry, sexy woman. Long legs, spike heels, blond hair sleek and coiffed. “Whew, okay. Now give me a buzz word so I can keep myself in this frame of mind.”
“Well, ice, of course. Just think, ‘I have ice in my veins.’”
“Ice in my veins, got it.”
Andy knocked on the door even though it was his suite. He knew Kenann was working with Judy. They called out at the same time for him to come in. Andy stopped in his tracks. She always stunned him, but when she was dressed like this, she simply slayed him. He grinned and gave a slow, deep wolf whistle. Judy grinned back.
Kenann interrupted their silent communication. “Hey, Jude, show him the look.”
Judy did and Andy stepped back. “Whoa. I hope that is not aimed at me.”
Judy laughed. “No, silly, this is so I can feel in control and drop any lecherous old man who decides to make a pass.”
“You just point him out to me and I’ll drop him myself.”
Judy was feeling better. She would make this an adventure and have some fun. She had been given her assignment of whom to target for information. Andy had the same list. Between the two of them, hopefully they would be able to glean some good nuggets of intel.
Not wanting to draw attention, everyone made their way in small groups to their suite to wish them well. Mrs. Gage alerted Judy that Bridget had been invited to the gathering as well. She had not told Carter, as it would tend to put him in a bad mood. The woman laughed together over this little secret.
Mrs. Gage had secured a luxury car and a driver for their use and they left the hotel in style. Judy sat ramrod straight in the back seat, staring straight ahead. Andy leaned over and bit her earlobe. She turned to him and slapped his shoulder.
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“Trying to get you to loosen up.”
“I need to concentrate on my game face.”
“Game face?”
“Yeah, you know, the one I showed you?”
“Darling, that is scary face.”
“Too much?” she asked anxiously.
“Well, let’s just say you should reserve it for lethal situations.”
“Okay, but I need to be cool and sexy tonight.”
“You are.”
She grinned at him. “But I need to feel cool and sexy.”
He leaned in next to her ear, whispering a personal encounter they had shared recently. She laughed and relaxed. “I think I have a new buzz word.”
Andy laughed.
* * * *
She was armed with Kenann’s look should she need to drop someone in their tracks, but the mental image Andy had placed in her head made her feel warm and languid. She flowed from the car and up the steps on Andy’s arm, turning heads along the way. Her aura was subtle but alluring. Andy reaped the benefits as well, for as long as he could keep that image in her head, the looks she gave him went straight to his core.
He led her to the gentleman who had invited them to the party, making those introductions first. From these encounters they branched out as they were led to others with whom to be introduced. It was a very smooth process, but calculated. There were the main players and then there were the newcomers who were being auditioned, as it were. The main ballroom floor was left open for mingling with drinks and the dancing that would come later. Round tables encircled the room. Both Andy and Judy memorized any information they gleaned from mingling with the crowd. At the host’s cue, wait staff led people to their respective tables for the dinner.
Judy and Andy were seated beside the gentleman and his wife, who had invited them, as well as a couple from Saudi Arabia and one from Russia. Judy forced herself to relax and forget that she was a kid from a small town in Arkansas. Andy gave her leg a reassuring squeeze under the table. It helped. He kept her focused throughout the meal and she was able to hold her own in the conversation. Judy was a very bright woman and well-read, so this was not a hard task for her.
Both Andy and Judy had filed all their information away to take back to the group when it was announced that there would be dinnertime entertainment. They knew she would be in attendance, but to Judy and Andy’s surprise, Bridget entered the center of the room with a cordless mic and began to sing. Her voice was low and smooth. She put her whole self into the songs without being campy. Judy was impressed. Now there is a gal with presence, she thought, and was reminded of a very young Lauren Bacall from old black-and-white movies.
After the meal, the guests were free to dance or relax at their tables. Andy wasted no time pulling Judy to her feet.
“I’ve been wanting to get my hands on you all evening.”
“Down, boy, we have a job to do.”
“I am the master of multitasking.” He turned her in a swift, tight circle on the floor. She giggled. Before their second dance was over, a man tapped Andy on the shoulder to cut in. He smiled and whispered in her ear, “Go get ‘em, tiger,” before releasing her from his arms.
* * * *
Andy was able to snag Bridget at one point in the evening. He had been keeping an eagle eye on Judy to make sure she was okay. She was doing great.
Bridget said as they moved around the dance floor, “She is quite the hit, your girl.”
“Yes, she is. Have you had any luck?”
“Well, if you count offers of room cards, yes.” She laughed under her breath. “But I am noticing some intense exchanges between the men at your table.”
“You saw that, did you? They were pretty banal throughout dinner, but they appear to have turned up the heat since we left. I think it’s time for Judy and me to take a break.”
“They may clam up. Let me see what I can do.” At the end of the song she made her way to her targets and, leaning over, laid her hand on the table between two of the men. They laughed at something she said and then she moved away. Andy had no idea what she had up her sleeve but trusted her to pull it off.
She waited for several minutes before she came back to him and whispered in passing, “Go see what you can find out.”
He retrieved Judy from the dance floor, to the disappointment of a little bald man who had been waiting his turn to dance with her. They returned to the table where the conversation immediately changed tempo. Andy held out the chair for Judy then sat down beside her. The men smiled at them and made small talk. Their wives had long left the ballroom. It was not clear if it had been at the order of their husbands.
Andy put a toe into the conversation. “Gentlemen, my mother informs me that there may be a new market for our petroleum interests.”
The men eyed him warily. One of them replied, “Your mother is a shrewd woman.”
Andy said honestly, “You have no idea.”
The men laughed. “Do you share her skills?”
Andy laughed self-deprecatingly. “I don’t hold a candle to her, gentlemen.”
Judy could tell he was charming them, putting them at ease. Now move in for the kill, baby.
“But there is one thing I have that my mother doesn’t.”
They were all ears by now.
“I have a direct line to the White House.”
Even Judy turned to look at him at this admission.
One of the men crooned, “Oh really?”
“Let’s just say I know people.”
The men laughed and leaned in.
“And your mother does not take advantage of this?”
“Which is the very reason she does not know of my connections, gentlemen. And I will respectfully ask each of you to keep that between us.”
They laughed again, offering assurances.
“Well, son,” Mr. Douglass, who had brought him to the gathering, said. “What are you doing tomorrow?”
Andy looked at Judy in question. “We have another performance tomorrow night, but I am free until perhaps six o’clock.”
“Performance? Oh, that’s right, you are both in that new smash play on the West End.”
Andy and Judy merely nodded. They were becoming more intriguing to these gentlemen by the minute.
The man from Russia, who spoke with perfect British English, said, “Fancy a round of golf then?”
“I would be pleased,” Andy replied.
They made arrangements of where and when to meet and then begged their leave.
They passed Bridget in the hallway and Andy asked, “Want a ride?”
She said, “No, I’ll make my way there in a few.”
* * * *
The she-devil and her man watched them leave the ballroom. He had danced with Judy but learned nothing of any value. The fact that those three men were getting chummy with Andy, well, she found very, very interesting.
“Go get our car,” she ordered.
* * * *
The council of war was held in Mrs. Gage’s suite. She had managed to get extra chairs, brought in by the concierge. They were all gathered, with the exception of Blade and Leticia. It was way past his bedtime. Jake answered the knock at the door, admitting Bridget. Everyone nodded in greeting and she took the seat Jake offered her.
Andy spoke first. “I know it was a calculated risk, but one I think can pay off. They know my mother runs in Washington circles and, to some extent, so do I. I just upped my hand with a connection to the White House.”
Carter answered, “I don’t have any heartburn with this plan, son. I think it will work.” He turned to Bridget and said, “Well, did you gain anything by your lounge act?”
A feline smile slid across her face. “I placed a dissolvable mic on their tablecloth and heard about twenty minutes of conversation before it lost signal.”
Everyone commented at the same time. “Great Job.” “Way to go.” “Nice Work.” Bridget continued to stare Carter down. He finally nodded in acknowledgement of her feat.
“These men are about to broker a large deal with Syria. I could not tell if it had to do with the war, funding terrorists, or just simple financial interests, but they certainly do not want anyone else to know about it,” Bridget said.
Carter turned to Andy. “Can you run the other two men at the table?”
“Sure thing.” He pulled up his laptop and logged into his encrypted website.
“Benjamin Douglass, as we know, is a wealthy New Englander who made his money in textiles and then oil. Dimitri Skolkov is also an oil baron with ties to the Russian Mafia and Yousef Al Ghamdi, is relatively new to the international scene, but has been a major player in the Saudi oil market for several years.”
Bridget added, “I got the sense that they did not trust each other completely.”
Carter laughed. “Probably with very good reason.”
Bridget smiled at him. “Yes, indeed. But it was as if they were a newly formed cartel checking each other out. Dogs circling, if you will.”
Jake queried, “I wonder if we can use that to our advantage?”
“Quite possibly,” Mrs. Gage replied. “Andrew, look for any weaknesses in their relationships that we can exploit.”
“Will do, Mrs. G.”
Carter added, “All the information we are gathering is being sent back to my team at Langley. They are developing profiles. We will continue to feed them the info we get and they can do the legwork.”
“And with that, dear ones,” Mrs. Gage said, “let us retire and meet our new challenges tomorrow.”
Jake laughed. “So is that another way of saying, ‘Here’s your hat, what’s your hurry’?” Everyone laughed and rose to leave.
Mrs. Gage motioned for Granny James to stay behind. After everyone had departed, she turned to her friend. “Moira, are you all right?”
“Ever since we got on that plane in D.C., I have had a growing unease. But now it has turned into an acute fear. And I have absolutely no reason why! I am not usually so edgy.”
Mrs. Gage considered this at length. She had been having her own premonitions but wanted to keep those close to the breast for now. She did not want her past to hurt anyone, especially these beloved friends. “Do you think it has anything to do with our dreams?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I am confused and so frustrated. I have prayed and prayed and feel absolutely no answers.”
“Well, we are not going to get any answers tonight. I want you to know you can talk to me anytime you are feeling uneasy. We are in this together, Moira.”
“I know. I am being silly. I appreciate your friendship. Gabrielle, you have my heart.”
“And don’t forget. I also have your back.”