July 11th, 11:43 a.m.; Domodedovo International Airport (Moscow, Russia)
Hardy stood at the base of the staircase leading to a small jet. The Russian Premier had arranged for the private aircraft to fly Hardy back to the United States. It was a small token of gratitude, acknowledging his part in saving the Premier’s life. The Russian leader had also awarded him the Hero of the Russian Federation, the highest honor that could be bestowed on a Russian citizen or foreign national.
“The Premier wanted me to tell you how grateful he is for your help.” Natasha handed Hardy a box. “He wanted to present this to you in person, during a formal ceremony; however, he respects your request to maintain a low profile.”
Hardy opened the box. Inside was a gold star attached to a red, white and blue ribbon. The artifact was the official medal given to recipients of the Hero of the Russian Federation. He nodded his head and closed the box. “Please give the Premier my regards.”
“He also wanted me to tell you that if you ever needed anything, and he was in a position to be of assistance, you should contact him.”
Victor stood next to Natasha. “The same goes for us.” He glanced over his shoulder at Nikolai and Ivan. “If you ever need our help, we will be there.” Victor, Nikolai and Ivan shook Hardy’s hand before each one gave him a kiss on each cheek. “Have a safe flight, my friend.” Victor and his team walked away, leaving Hardy alone with Natasha.
She folded her arms over her chest and tipped her head toward the men. “Well, you’ve managed to endear yourself to some good people. He meant what he said, you know. I’ve seen it myself. No matter where you are in the world, he will be there for you.”
Hardy stared past her shoulder at his new companions. “Judging from their devotion to you, I believe it.”
Natasha glanced at the pavement, not looking at anything in particular. A gentle breeze blew strands of hair across her face. She pushed the locks behind her ear. “I found out this morning that Rudin gave officials the identity of the man who had orchestrated the bombings.”
Hardy leaned closer, straining to hear her. A nearby jet engine roared when the aircraft accelerated down the runway.
Natasha raised her voice. “It was General Popovich. He was at the birthday party and left moments before the cake was wheeled out and placed in front of the Premier. Also, he was the one who sent those FSB agents to the café. Not sure what his motives were, but every officer in the country will be searching for him. He won’t get far.” She shifted her weight to her other shoe, a low-heeled, black pump. “As for Rudin,” the noise from the plane died and her voice returned to a normal level, “he won’t ever see the light of day again. I know you wanted him dead, Hardy, but he’ll never make or sell another bomb.”
“I suppose that’s just as good.” Hardy was unsure if his superiors would see it the same way.
More moments of silence passed between them. Jets took off and landed in the background. The wind blew stronger.
“Well, I guess I should be going.” He pivoted to the left and put a hand on the staircase railing.
Natasha’s stomach twisted. She stretched out a hand toward him, but quickly retracted it. Seeing him turn his back, an empty feeling washed over her. It was time to face the truth. He was leaving and she did not want that. But, why? I hardly know him. It had been three months since Sergei’s death; however, it seemed like only yesterday that she and he were together. Being with Hardy these past couple of days had brought back the feelings of joy and happiness she had with her boyfriend. Hardy’s kiss at the palace rushed into her mind. That kiss had meant something to her, but he did not seem to share the same feelings. Her heart told her to kiss him again—to either confirm or deny there was something between them. Her mind, however, was telling her not to put a strain on a good friendship. In the end, impulses won out over rational thinking.
Natasha curled her fingers around his arm and pulled gently, until he faced her. She placed her right hand over his left pectoral muscle and tilted her head backward. Her eyes going back and forth from his eyes to his lips, she leaned closer, only a few inches separated them. Staring into his eyes, she froze. Something in them said her kiss would not be received well. No, she sensed his mind was on something else. She pulled away and patted his chest twice. “It was good working with you, Hardy. Take care of yourself.” She stepped back and dropped her gaze. “And, if you’re ever anywhere even remotely close to Moscow,” she looked up and forced a smile, “I would be deeply hurt if you didn’t contact me.” She stuck out her hand. “Have a safe trip.”
Hardy was no fool. At the palace, he had felt the passion in Natasha’s kiss. She had been reluctant to pull away from him then just as she was now. Though their relationship had started out cold, they had experienced combat together, and combat had a way of forging close bonds in a short time. He thought of her lying on the floor at the palace, not breathing. His heart ached and he would have done anything to save her life.
Hardy took a step forward, past the handshake, and put his hands on her waist; she put hers on his chest, arching her back slightly. “Natasha, I’m going home to a woman I met a week ago and I can’t wait to see her and spend as much time as I can with her. My heart beats faster just thinking about it.” Natasha lowered her gaze. Gently placing the pad of his forefinger under her chin, he lifted.
Natasha forced herself to make eye contact. She was rewarded with the same beautiful blue eyes that had captivated her when they first met at the café.
“I care a great deal for you. I really do…just not in that way.” He paused. “The last thing I want is to hurt you. But, we’ve been through too much for me not to be honest with you.”
Natasha stood still. Her heart thumped in her chest. His words brought pain and comfort. A relationship with him was not going to happen. In time, she would be okay. So much pain had consumed the past few months of her life. Right here, right now…all she wanted was to feel his hands on her waist, and the beating of his heart on her palm for a little longer. After more than a minute, but before the moment became awkward, she cupped the back of his neck, rose to her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you…for being honest.” She lowered her heels to the pavement and pointed a finger at him. “I will still be upset,” she poked him in the chest, “if I find out you were in Moscow and didn’t call me.”
Hardy chuckled, gave Natasha a hug and kissed her cheek. “I promise I’ll call if I’m ever in the area.” He walked up the staircase. At the cabin door, he turned and waved before vanishing into the aircraft.
Ten minutes later, the jet taxied toward the runway, next in line to depart. As the plane made a left turn, Hardy peered out the window. He saw Natasha standing in the same spot where they had said their ‘good-byes.’ The jet’s engines grew in intensity and the aircraft lunged forward and gained speed. Hardy watched her, until she was too far behind the jet to be seen. He faced forward. He shut his eyes, took a deep breath and let the air slowly leave his lungs. He recalled the events that transpired, since their first encounter. A half grin spread across his face when their heated conversation came to mind. Once they had ironed out their differences, they had made a good team.
Hardy’s chest felt tight; he rubbed it, thinking he had pulled a muscle. He stopped and cocked his head. He realized in his excitement to be heading home to see Special Agent Cruz, he had not processed the fact he was not leaving behind a team, but good friends. Reconciling the feelings, a greater sensation forced its way through the pain, a sense their paths would cross again.
He opened his eyes, retrieved his sat phone and began searching the Internet for restaurants in Washington D.C. He spent fifteen minutes reading reviews for different establishments. He smiled when he found the restaurant he wanted, the Bourbon Steak, one of the most luxurious restaurants in D.C. It was located inside the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. It would be a perfect place to take Cruz for dinner.