Parker was buying some bottled water for the trip back, and leafing through a magazine, waiting for the pre-flight check to be completed so she could board the Centre jet. Daddy was off talking on his cellphone, yelling at someone (again) about finding the leak at the Centre.

"Parker."

She froze, then very carefully turned around.

( Casimir smiled. 'I told you I'd see you again.' )

They were eating ice cream on a bench near Red Square, sunglasses on. Just watching the passersby.

"So, Saturday night, yes?" Casimir looked at her over his shades. "Since you will be leaving on Tuesday."

"Maybe." Parker licked her cone. "Maybe not."

( Which was when the two men in dark suits, dark shades, and dark expressions arrived. )

"I have to get back to work," Parker said, giving Casimir a regretful look. "Daddy's expecting me."

"Tell your father you were unavoidably delayed," Casimir said, bringing her knuckles up to his lips to kiss. "Play hooky with me this afternoon."

( A rainy Monday in Moscow. With muggers. )

It was still light outside when Parker made her way into the FAQ Cafe. The smoke hit her along with the usual urge to light up, and then she had to pause and search for her date for the evening ( Read more... )