Cloud Dust: RD-1 (R-D #1)(43)

"I have pain medication," James waved off Shaw's offer of more. "I'll take it before I lie down."

"Good. Good-night, Rafe." Shaw led James out of my room and shut the door.

"Now, let's get you to bed," I whispered against Corinne's hair. "We will worry about these bastards tomorrow."

*

Corinne

One of the reasons I hate sedatives so much is that I always wake feeling groggy, with a foggy slime confusing my brain. It takes hours to dissipate, while I wander about like a zombie shopping for groceries; nothing looks familiar or seems appropriate.

"Coffee." Rafe placed a paper cup in my hands. It took half the cup to realize I was drinking a Starbucks vanilla latte.

"Uh, thanks," I mumbled eventually. He led me toward a seat in the common area, where August, James and Leo waited for us. Maye, Nick and Jeff arrived moments later.

"We'll be moving tomorrow," August announced, once everyone was present. "I have people working on our new residence, now. They won't know anything about who's moving in, they're just making it habitable. The old staff—what's left of it—will arrive just before we do. While I don't have to worry about clothing or personal items, the rest of you do. James will be helping with that. Corinne, I hope you had your books backed up somewhere. Everything in your suite was destroyed."

"I have everything backed up," I said.

"I have her things backed up, too," James said.

"Look, at the moment, the enemy doesn't know that any of you survived. We're going to keep it that way," August said. "In fact, Safer and the President are the only ones who know for sure that you survived the attack at the Mansion. We'll let the enemy believe that they killed the Program for now."

"How will we explain our presence at the funeral yesterday?" Maye asked.

"We banned cameras inside the chapel, and your entrance and exit with the President and Vice President was under cover and not recorded. Only those inside the chapel may have seen you, and it's likely they thought you were a part of the Secret Service."

"Let's hope it stays that way for a while," Rafe said.

"James has a laptop; give him lists of personal items you'll need in the next three days, including clothing sizes. We'll have someone take care of that until we can do a better job. There's a food delivery on the way, so start making your lists now."

"I already ordered replacements for a lot of your stuff," James whispered to me as the others rose to walk to their apartments. "Since all the requests and orders have to go through me for approval anyway. Got stuff for Rafe, too."

"Lotion, underwear, mascara, bath soap and jeans?" I asked.

"All that and more, in the brands you like."

"Good. I didn't have any lotion after my shower," I sighed. "Thanks, James. You're awesome."

*

We weren't informed of our destination when we walked out a back door and climbed into dark vans for the drive to our new residence the following morning. Rafe insisted that I stay with him both nights, but we used our time together to sleep. Neither of us felt up to sex, and I was grateful he didn't ask.

Virginia Beach, away from the water and in a wooded area, was where we ended up, at a huge, Mediterranean-style villa that would house all of us easily. While it wasn't as large as the Mansion, the grounds were smaller, gated, and would be easier to patrol.

There was only one large kitchen on the first floor, however, which disappointed Rafe and me. Our assigned suite was on the second floor, with a balcony. Yes, Auggie put us together. At least there was a sitting area and a study, so I could have space to write.

"You don't mind this?" Rafe asked as we walked through the suite together, deciding where we wanted things.

"No. Do you?"

"No. I want this. I would complain if they separated us." Those words came with a tight embrace and warm breath against my neck. I love his accent when he sets it free. Then, he is Ilya and not Rafe, just as he wants it.

"They'll set up a cafeteria kitchen in the apartment over the garages," James walked in, breaking up the embrace. "Sorry," he apologized.

"Where will they set up the common dining area?" Rafe asked, pulling away.

"Probably in the library downstairs. It's empty. Colonel Hunter says you can cook downstairs in the kitchen if you want, but others will probably use the space, too. At least until the kitchen over the garage is operational."

"James, what about Kevin and Ken?" I asked.

"They'll uh, be buried in Arlington. By order of the President."

"Oh."

"We're not allowed to go," he added. "For safety reasons. They're officially burying you, Rafe, Maye and Nick, too."

"In case Cutter and his associates come looking?"

"That's the idea. From now on, if you go with the President or any other official, you'll be disguised."

"Joy."

"It'll probably be a wig, contacts and dark glasses, but you never know," August walked in and stood by the large window in the sitting area. "This is a nicer view than the one I have."

"August, does your wife know?" I began.

"The President says she can live here if she wants. If she doesn't, she'll have to stay with her mother. It's too dangerous for her at the house."