Cloud Invasion: R-D 2 (R-D #2)(77)

"I do. Thanks, Auggie. That's a nice wedding present."

"The underground facility near Chernobyl was shut down by the Ukraine government earlier," Auggie said. "They'll be at this meeting, too."

"I saw that," I nodded. So far, everybody of any importance would be there. They all wanted answers. France, Germany, the UK, several South American countries, Italy, Spain, Ukraine, Ireland, Japan, China, Canada, South Africa, Australia and at least a half dozen others would be there.

"I wouldn't want to be Zoran at this meeting," Auggie sighed. "I imagine France and Britain will demand their stolen crown jewels returned."

"He'll lay the blame on those imaginary criminals; you know he will," I huffed. "Besides, those crowns are in somebody else's vault right now-and the proceeds used to fund the insurgency in Iraq."

"Matt and I have shared that information with those attendees in the G20," he said. "They already know that getting their belongings back may be a lost cause."

"Any hint that Phillips may be involved?"

"None. I'm hoping Zoran will be backed into a corner and confess that much."

"I'll know if he's lying," I said.

"And that's why I want you there, giving me advice," he tapped his temple. "Madam President expects the same."

"I want pictures of everybody Zoran is bringing with him, including his."

"I'll arrange it."

"Thanks, Auggie."

*

"Is everything all right?" Ilya sat next to me on our bed. I'd settled there, just to stare into space.

"Everything just feels wrong, somehow," I said. "I know all those countries want to take their shots at Zoran and what he allowed Baikov and the others to do, likely with his knowledge, but I just don't like it."

"It's done, cabbage. This is what they want-Opal says that most of them can't wait to fling their accusations at Zoran."

"You probably wouldn't mind taking a swing at him," I said.

"I wouldn't swing. I'd crush," Ilya muttered. "His minions killed my son."

"Phillips' minions killed mine," I said.

"Why did Phillips give you the drug?" Ilya asked. "I fail to understand that."

I wanted to laugh at Ilya's question. I didn't.

"Because he was a fan of Harriett Majors," I grated. "He had no idea that I'd live, and likely, when he thought I wasn't a danger to him, he continued to let me live. He knows differently, now."

"You knew of this, although you disliked him as a politician?"

"Yes. I even sent signed books to the White House, per his secretary's request. That was before my trip to France, you understand? Darin decided to stay and visit the Louvre that day, instead of traveling to Wales, like we should have. We had reservations and everything. All that went right out the window."

"No punishment is harsh enough for that bastard," Ilya hissed.

"We have to catch him, first."

"After this meeting, we will hunt him down."

"Sounds good to me. All you have to do is convince Auggie. Where are we going for our honeymoon?" I asked.

"What?"

"Oh, Auggie said that we could have a honeymoon before the meeting."

"There are so many places I'd like to take you," Ilya's arms encircled me and squeezed.

"Too bad your friend who taught you how to make spaghetti sauce is dead. I wouldn't mind meeting him."

"His son is alive and still cooking for his restaurant," Ilya grinned mischievously.

"Want to?"

"Of course I do. There is a nice hotel not far away."

"Let me tell Auggie."

"Please do."





Chapter 17

Corinne

We didn't stay at a hotel. We rented a small villa for two weeks. Just seeing Ilya walking through the house naked was worth every penny. He did put on pajama bottoms to cook breakfast, however.

"We will buy something like this when this ordeal is over," he promised, kissing me between bites of fruit and pancakes.

"I like having you all to myself, without somebody walking into the kitchen looking hungry," I said.

"Or sending us somewhere to do something," he grinned. "Promise me that we won't talk business while we're here," he added. "It was something I used to do when I took time away. I learned to cook Italian that way. I never discussed my work with anyone, and it was nice to walk away from it at times."

"I didn't discuss my work with anybody either," I straddled his lap. "Because that would have released spoilers."

"I remember." His hands went to my face and held it gently while he kissed me. "I recall wanting to meet you once, because I liked your books."

"That's nice, honey," I said between kisses. "Is it okay to say I want to f*ck you now?" My fingers feathered through his dark hair while I watched a smile curl his mouth.

"All day, cabbage. All day," he replied.

*

Notes-Colonel Hunter

"This is the most recent photograph we could get of President Zoran," James handed a tablet to me.