Mac spent the afternoon finishing up the motion and going through his files to prepare them to being taken over by another associate. Most of all he dreamed about being in Rome, and wondering what Sara would think about him now being a spy as well. He had to admit to himself that he was a bit nervous, maybe for the first time in his life, about what lay ahead. He decided to call Hallie, finally, to see if she were interested in a dinner that night, hoping to talk through his apprehension.
Hallie said she was thrilled to join Mac for dinner, as she had not seen much of him since Sara had sailed away, now weeks ago. She put on her little black dress that Mac seemed to like so much, a new pair of black pumps, her pearls, and matching earrings. She did her make-up carefully and gave herself a few squirts of Chanel No. 5 as she answered the door. Hallie smiled as she saw that Mac had dolled himself up as well, standing there in her doorway in a tweed jacket and tie, his hair groomed, checking his blue Panerai for the time.
“We have a reservation at the little French restaurant across the street,” Mac said, when he caught Hallie looking at him checking his watch.
“I love that place, Mac,” replied Hallie, smiling once again as she caught a whiff of aftershave.
“Let's get going,” said Mac, as Hallie grabbed her light, black trench coat, given the chill of the autumn air. “I have to talk to you about something important.”
“Yes, dear, I’m ready.”
Hallie grabbed Mac's arm as they crossed Eighty-Sixth Street and entered La Mirabelle. They were escorted to their table, by the front window, and they were given thin paper menus. Drinks were ordered, both choosing a crisp dry burgundy, and petite plates of the chef's special hors d’oerves, seared cold salmon, dabbed with a dill sauce, were placed in front of each one of them without it being ordered.
Over their Canard Roti au Mirabelle, duck with Mirabelle plums, they engaged in small talk, catching up on their lives over the past few weeks. They finished a first bottle of wine, and then requested another. As they shared a crepe suzette, Mac poured more wine, filling each of their glasses. He reached over to hold Hallie's hand, which she had situated invitingly on the table.
“Hallie, I need to tell you something,” stated Mac, as Hallie focused on his serious face. “I am being transferred to Rome for a while.”
There was a silence between them for what seemed to Mac as an eternity before Hallie continued the conversation.
“Oh Mac, we are at war with Italy. What are you talking about?”
“Well, we are not actually at war with Italy, not yet anyway. I am being sent to do some work for the Vatican. I will be living close by to St. Peter's. All expenses are being paid by the firm, even my rent here in the city, while I am away.”
“Mac, why now? Why you? Do you have to go?”
“I am thrilled to go. It's exciting. Someone must go. Might as well be me,” Mac stated, albeit apprehensively.
Hallie hit on it. Mac was feeling a little nervous about being sent to Italy, now. He was brave, and curious, but war is war, and the consequences could be dire. It was only a matter of time before America got involved, and he would be there in the thick of it. He was naturally concerned, yet so excited to be a part of it all.
“I don’t get it. I don’t understand why they need to send you there, now? They know war is coming! You know war is coming! The Italians are as bad as the Germans. They are all over North Africa and now Greece, for God's sake. You must go there? Now? I don’t get it?”
“Hallie, I am truly honored that they have asked me to do this. I will be given a Commission in the United States Navy as well, so I do not have to worry about being drafted, should war break out.”
“Oh, let me guess. Naval Intelligence. You’re kidding me, right? They want you to be a spy. You? You’re just a boy!”
“Hardly, my dear,” said Mac indignantly. “I am not a boy, and no, I am not a spy, not really. I just must report back what I see and hear while I am there working as an attorney. No undercover stuff.”
“Mac, that is a spy. It's dangerous.”
“I will be careful. I didn’t intend to worry you, or to upset you. I just had to tell you that I would be gone for a while. The decision has been made. I will be gone for a little while, that's all.”
“Mac, please be careful. It's so dangerous. And somewhat sexy, to be honest,” said Hallie, as she smiled seductively, realizing that her arguments were having no impact upon his decision. “I can’t believe you are going to be a spy,” she whispered, while squeezing his hand, and running her shoeless foot up his shin under the table. “I may never see you again! Oh, my God, take me home, Mac! You are so staying over tonight! When are you leaving?”
“A couple of weeks. I must go say goodbye to my folks; then I go to Washington for two weeks of training. Nothing real formal; just a quick primer on what I should be looking for. And Hallie, I so want to sleep over tonight, but under these circumstances? I think it would be inappropriate. I am not going to sleep with you, and then run off to Italy.”
“Yes, you are! Just pay the bill, and let's go home. Say no more. I want you in my bed before you go.”
Mac laughed at her brazenness, he paid the bill, and he escorted Hallie back to the Park Cameron. They got to her door, and Hallie grabbed Mac behind the neck, pulling him down to kiss her on the lips. She was full of passion, as was he, given the excitement of it all. Hallie stopped just inside the front door, reaching around her back, as she closed and locked the door.
“Mac, help me please,” cooed Hallie, as she struggled with the zipper down the back of her black dress.
Mac gave in, as if he had any choice at that point. He drew down the long zipper on her dress, revealing her black, lacy lingerie. Hallie let the black dress fall to the floor, she stepped out of it, and she stood there showing Mac her perfect body. Mac was very impressed, and excited. Her supple curves were that of a woman half her age. He pulled her close and kissed her passionately.
“Hallie, you are so beautiful,” offered Mac, as they grabbed a breath.
“As are you, Mac. You know I have wanted this for a very long time.”