**June 2004**
Darien Shields had unexpectedly contacted Mina the previous day -- instantly drawing her into the web of international high-powered business and intrigue, less of a surprise was the fact that the Diamond case involved heavy underworld activity, often the sidekick of ruthless business tycoons like Alexander Diamond -- a frequent dabbler in the murky substratum that so often underwrote his corporate activities. But as yet, no concrete evidence could be found to bring the slick and dapper multi-billionaire and his fifth wife, Kaori Diamond -- formerly Kaori Knight -- a cold calculating business woman And every bit as vicious as her husband and his cronies -- to justice.
Mina was shocked to learn that somebody was stalking Serena, “Sorry Darien, but I was kind of used to you and Melvin tagging her daily. She was pissed off about it as was I and Serena’s other friends. She is a good kid and doesn’t deserve all this. You know, she told me she would give all the money away if only she could live the life of a normal girl. Poor Serena has lived in the shadow of her asshole father for years, not to mention having to deal with the death of her mother, who she loved so much…“ She listened as Darien suggested a meeting time and agreed, “Okay, I will meet you, ten o’clock at the precinct café and we can discuss it over coffee…great, see you then.“ she hung up the phone. Sighing, she finished the dwindling pile of paperwork on her desk. Later, she chanced a glance at the clock on the wall -- her eyes drifting to her car keys and cell phone.
**The following Day**
Mina strode into the staff café with an heir of confidence, receiving admiring glances. A host of flattering, comical nicknames and friendly jibes seesawed back and forth across the room, much to the mirth of all concerned.
Darien Shields and his sidekick were waiting for her at a table close to the kiosk. She thought him good looking, especially when he smiled -- as he was doing at that moment. She took his proffered hand as he and Melvin stood to greet her then she sat demurely upon the chair Darien had so chivalrously offered to her and they took their places and got down to cases.
Maggie, a young rookie from the academy she had befriended -- as was her practice to take the new kids on the force under her wing -- had kindly placed the tray with a pot of coffee, three mugs, a packet of cream biscuits, milk and sugar on the table before them.
“Thanks Maggie-May,“ she giggled, knowing her young friend was a big Rod Stewart fan. Maggie shook her tumble of dark curls and returned to her table, to join Keon, her young partner; he was waving at Mina as Maggie whistled the song containing her name. Mina waved back and Darien smiled warmly at the bright-eyed girl in blue, her cap perched jauntily upon her head -- chestnut hair spilling over her shoulders -- Darien looked about him and liked the little staff cafe’s atmosphere. Mina noticed his eyes taking in his surroundings and told him it was the hub of friendly banter -- a place where her colleagues could seek brief respite from the grueling routine that most often took them much too close to the edge of death’s doorstep.
Mina thought Darien looked most at ease with himself, sitting back in his chair, his black hair, ocean-blue eyes and strong features softened by a kind of almost boyish charm. She smiled inwardly at his out of place green jacket – a fashion nightmare –it was unbuttoned, exposing a broad muscular chest beneath the open neck light-blue shirt he wore -- she unconsciously licked her lips -- Darien grinned, noticing the gesture, but Mina missed this and smiled back innocently.
In contrast, McLau was a perfect picture of conventionality -- from his upright posture to the cut of his black three-piece suit – the bespectacled young man conspicuously propped before his laptop that seemed almost a part of him. Darien handed Mina the letter presented to him by his employer, Andrew Crown -- deputy director of the FBI, “Both I and McLau were deliberately kept in the dark as to his true rank and position within the FBI. This was to protect us and we were none the wiser until quite recently. Our skills as private investigators, and the fact we work for Diamond Corp that made us the perfect choice. A decision that in retrospect, we were most grateful for,“ he added with a wry smile, then pressed on, “Ironically, we were kept in the dark in order to learn as much as we could about the Silver and Diamond Corporations and the undercurrents moving between them. Therefore, whatever the FBI got from us, they couldn’t get by any other means…we were perfectly placed and it’s paid off so far,“ he said, as she leaned forward -- half in interest in what he was actually saying whilst losing herself in those gorgeous blue eyes of his. He shifted uneasily in his chair, feeling the weight of her stare and smile. He coughed, looking at his coffee cup before lifting his eyes to meet her mesmerizing gaze.
“So you had no idea… I guess you’re being kept in the loop from now on. I received a call from Assistant Director Crown before meeting you; I told him he had a great singing voice…remember the police ball?“ She smiled, this immediately illuminating her pretty face.
Darien nodded before continuing, “Mina…Diamond is an astute operator and could smell an enemy a mile away and that’s why we were told Crown was Diamond’s man, thereby keeping us alive.“
McLau nodded his agreement, tugging at his gold-rimmed glasses and handed Mina a print out of their files on Serena Silver and explained why it was so important to maintain secrecy, given the stakes since Eileen Silver’s death some ten years earlier. She skim read the print out then spoke, “All right. I get it, but how can I help?“
~*~
Serena looked over the shimmering lake, the sun surrendering to the night. A fresh breeze brought the sweet scent of jasmine to her nostrils as she breathed in its sweetness.
Walking in the park always made her feel better after a stressful day working on her thesis. But now, it seemed she was preoccupied with matters other than study. When was it that I started feeling attracted to that jerk? He is a sneaky conniving detective, and that sidekick, Melvin... Well, I ask you, Molly is besotted with the guy! She thought to herself, listening to the crickets vie for prominence with the clicking of her high heels on the smooth granite flagstone.
She thought she caught movement from the corner of her eye and turned to see two people walking on another path at right angles to her own. She just stared, it was Darien, but he wasn’t alone, it was a girl! She growled inwardly, how dare she…wait a moment, why should I care who he is seeing? I am not in the slightest bit interested in him… she told herself -- a hollow lack of conviction with this inner statement -- on impulse, she quickly turned and began to re-trace her steps, but he had seen her and waved. The woman beside him frowned slightly and looked up at Darien questioningly, but he shrugged and said something to the blue-jean clad beauty at his side. She wore her cut-away denim shorts like a siren who was gloating over having captured Odysseus.
They laughed conspiratorially, Serena felt tightness in her chest, and turned around and walked slowly away, her head hung low, a rogue tear trickling down her cheek.
Why should I give a damn anyway, she asked herself angrily, finding a quiet spot under a Cypress tree, crossing her legs, pulling out a tissue, drying her eyes. It seemed her feelings for him were stronger than she had first supposed. She was jealous, as green as…
“Serena...?“
She looked up and noticed Darien as he strode casually towards her -- hands in pockets -- the gorgeous blonde with skin of bronze, nowhere to be seen.
“Oh err, hi… Darien, isn’t it?“
“Yeah, fancy seeing you here. You know, its starting to get a little dark, so I told my friend,“ he said hesitantly, emphasizing the word -- friend – a little too defensively, “I would drop you off home.“
“Oh, you didn’t have to do that… She might be put out… I…“
“Not at all, Anne is a real trooper, she suggested it, so here I am to escort you home, dear lady,“ he said, smiling roguishly. She couldn’t resist the twinkle in his eye, and the way he was looking at her melted her heart. She thought he definitely looked better in casual gear. He was indeed quite good-looking: his shoulders, powerful, and those arms and… her thoughts trailed off, he was chuckling, waving his hand before her eyes. She grabbed it and pushed it aside, and as she did so, felt the charge of electricity flow between them. He must have felt it too, because his eyes doubled in size and he coughed slightly, running a hand through his hair and began again, “I thought you were spacing out on me, Sere, sorry for the meatball head thing the other week. I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to melt the ice, but found instead I created a deep arctic freeze between us and that was something else I wanted to put right, so I hope we can start again and be friends?“ Darien tentatively offered his hand to Serena, a look of sincerity on his face.
“Okay,“ she said, taking the proffered hand and shaking it, “Truce, but you owe me a milkshake, K?“
“You got it, Serena, let’s go to the Arcade on Maple -- know it?“
“Yeah, I do actually, it would be a pleasant change from Shooting Star, don’t get me wrong, I love that place, but I think your suggestion is a more appropriate venue on this occasion… we can start afresh,“ she agreed and they shook on it.
~*~
Anne showered before leaving Darien’s apartment after quickly kissing him on the top of his head as he looked up from the morning paper, “Going so soon, Anne? I could drop you off at work if you like,“ he offered, taking her hand.
“No thanks, Darien… I will be fine, got a meeting with the boss this morning and I can’t keep him waiting you know,“ she said, turning away quickly. She hated lying to him, but she had to wait until Andrew Crown gave permission to proceed to reveal all. But she had gotten involved with him, and breeched his trust. He would be furious when he found out she was a cop, a federal agent sent to spy on him. She would explain her role in phase two when she got the nod, and that involved a role for her as Serena Silver’s doppelganger. Then Serena would be spirited away and she would take her place in an attempt to lure the would-be stalker into the open. It was a cruel twist of fate. She hadn’t meant to fall in love with Darien. He was very attracted to her, wanted her and all, but he didn’t love her. Ironic really, I always seem to hit on a guy who is out of reach. He is attracted to Serena, but she despises him…or does she? She mused, forgetting she was standing in the middle of the kitchen floor staring into space.
Darien stepped silently behind her and kissed her neck, “Knock-knock…anyone home?“
“Keep that up Mr. Shields and I will never get out of here, and neither will you…as irresistible as you are…“
He sighed, letting her go as she kissed him goodbye and slung on her shoulder bag and grabbed her jacket, waving goodbye as she went.
Standing on the threshold, he listened to the clicking of her high-heels as she ascended the stairs leading to her own apartment and forewent the convenience of the lift.
~*~
Once inside, she locked the door and called Andrew on her cell phone, “Everything is set. Darien is clean. I searched through his things last night... the sedative worked perfectly. He is as honest as your granny is, Andrew,“ she chuckled brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“You don’t know my granny, Anne,“ he chuckled, “So is everything ready to go for the swap?“
“Yes, I will bring Darien and Melvin up to speed tonight at six o’clock and make my grand entrance as Serena Silver…the second,“ she smiled to herself, wondering how this would impact on Darien’s developing feelings for the sprightly blonde and grimaced, “Got to go…I will check in later this afternoon, K?“ She couldn’t help herself, jealousy didn’t become her she thought, but there it was -- the green monster looking back at her from the full-length mirror before her -- a waspish gleam in her eye as she wound up the call. “A job is a job…to role-play my potential rival…Hmmm,“ she spoke aloud.
~*~
“What do you mean you’re a cop? I’ve heard of undercover, but this… You seduced me to spy on me and now you tell me Crown is in on it too?“ He shouted, glowering at Anne, hands balled into fists at his sides, “I thought I could trust you, a warm and caring lover and friend was all I wanted and I got a sneak!“
“Darien, I am sorry for hurting you, it was never my intention,“ she entreated.
“So, what was your intention, huh? You share my bed, and now you are going to play Serena Silver for a day, no…don’t correct me damn it, ten days, or however long it takes to catch Diamond out -- All right, but no more bullshit… I really think we might have something good going between us, Anne, but I don’t like being played for a fool. Why the hell didn’t you come out and tell me you were FBI?“
“I couldn’t, well, not at least till I knew you weren’t compromised… Andrews orders… I couldn’t have told you, even if I wanted too. I would be suspended or worse…perhaps locked up on federal charges. I’m sorry Darien, but I had no choice in the matter. But know this, I wanted to tell you and sleeping with you had nothing to do with it either.“
He sighed and shrugged, “Okay, I don’t like any of it, but I accept your apology…“ he said, pulling her into his arms and instantly re-assuring her, “So let’s go get Serena.“
~*~
“So you see, Serena, that’s why Melvin and I were watching you, to protect you from the same people who sent your mother this…“ he pulled out a page covered in cut out newspaper letters and placed it in her hand, pausing to allow her to read its contents and absorb its import, “You see, your mothers life was threatened. We also know of the attempt made on your life at the airfield when you were fourteen years old, remember?“
“Yeah, but Hanna said it had nothing to do with me and was to do with the company and what she knew about moms business affairs,“ she said as a note of uncertainty crept into her voice.
“She told you that to protect you. We knew of the attack and have been watching you for years,“ Andrew Crown explained, looking conspicuously out the window of Serena’s apartment.
“So I am going to Palm Springs for three weeks, complements of the FBI? Cool…,“ Serena said sarcastically.
“Hey, don’t turn your cute little nose up at it so easily, meatball head. Its not everyday you get an all expenses paid vacation dropped in your lap like that,“ Darien smiled, winking, and this stopped the spiteful retort on the tip of her tongue.
She arched an eyebrow. Patting Darien’s hand soothingly, offering him a mocking smile, she started on her considered reply. “Okay, she said in a matter-of-fact manner, turning to Anne who seemed to be flushed, “You sure look the part, but you’re a little taller, a smaller nose and longer face and darker tan, but you are as close to a twin sister as I could ever wish for Anne… I think this is a terrible idea, okay…let me make that perfectly clear from the outset, but I will go with it.“
~*~
Anne helped her pack the last of her things and the two women soon left the apartment. A plane-clothed man sitting behind the wheel of a blue Buick got out of the car and helped Serena hoist her luggage into the boot.
“Well, Serena Silver,“ Serena said to her mirror image, sporting a short denim skirt and figure hugging pink sweater, “Have fun… Oh, and don’t forget to feed Luna and Artemis for me, K?“ okay.
“You bet, now go have a good time and Andrew, Darien and Melvin will be in touch. So don’t worry, we will catch those responsible for all this,“ Anne assured her as Serena nodded and climbed into the car as the engine purred to life. Then, as an afterthought, she rolled down the window and called out to Anne, “Be careful Anne, okay. I know you’re trained for all this kind of thing. But from what I understand, these people are playing for keeps…so keep your head down.“
“I will, now get going before I am tempted to join you.“
Anne watched the car pull out as the silent driver raised a hand and a second car followed behind to ensure nobody followed the Buick.
~*~
Delicate fingers worked the metal to a perfect polish, lily-white skin against black shiny death; a laugh rang out surprising its owner. A sudden click and the high-powered assassin’s tools of trade were ready to serve their deadly purpose. The ninja-like figure stood abruptly on tiptoe, moving silently, like a cat towards the stereo and played another disk -- the sound invigorating – the music opening vistas of rugged mountains and memories of a small village where a young girl had grown up in the mountains of Kyoto. She had returned to Japan after Eileen Silver’s death. The Silver household had been good to her, but she resented all they stood for -- all that power and money, to do whatever she wanted, and now, her daughter, Serena would take the poisoned goblet, but it would be a fatal draught—she would see to that.
Hotaru thought about her conflicting feelings about her young blonde friend. She has no idea, she said aloud as images of her childhood friends emerged in her mind, those loyal to The Dark Glaive, a sect of specialist killers who fancied themselves as spiritual warriors. She had grown close to Serena Silver and her mother shortly after Serena’s twelfth birthday. Her Ninjitsu master sent her off to the United States as part of Kaori Knight’s plan to cease control of Silver Corp. She had watched, waited, and when the time was right, she acted. But in the end, she would go her own way and fulfill her own agenda with cold clinical calculation.
Unsheathing the katana, she assumed a low defensive position, chanted an ancient mantra, slowly moved in first an anti-clockwise, and then reversed the movement. Timing was all-important, the difference between failure and success – life and death. Raising the weapon at right angles to her body, she came to a stop, then in a figure eight configuration made the deadly blade of the katana appear as if it were a swirling rush of silvery lines. In no more than five seconds, she completed the routine -- carefully sheathing the weapon and placing it upon her taught thighs as she crouched and hummed her warrior song, taught to her by her teacher.
Placing the weapon in its usual position upon the wall. She lit two braziers with doop and incense to purify the shrine that also served as her training room. She bowed before the eight-sided mirror of Amaterasu -- the Japanese Sun Goddess and began chanting her closing prayer, bowing one last time -- ending the session.
She stripped, picking up the lightweight handgun, pressing the end of the silencer against her left breast, pulling the trigger – then threw back her head and laughed uproariously. Nothing happened, but the thrill was every bit as exciting as a kill or great sex -- that split moment between the finite and infinite obsessed her -- death was her first love and her obsession and sex, its sensual counterweight. She also found food a good substitute when a lover was unavailable. After such indulgences, she would burn off the calories after a heavy workout within the shrine.
Throwing the gun on the bed, she showered, dressed and packed her bag and waited for the call from the bitch. Kaori was smooth and snake-like, she exacted a price for her favors -- that included travel and as many desirable men as Hotaru could handle and plenty of money -- to earn such largesse, Hotaru’s duties usually involved high risk contract killings, the targets heavily guarded, filthy rich and as crooked as they came. She had no qualms about taking out Kaori’s enemies, but she had mixed feelings about Serena Silver, part of her felt she was betraying a friend while the other resented what Serena possessed, friends and a family, despite a tense relationship with her wayward father and brother, she still had a family. Kaori for the moment filled that role, but even she was ultimately expendable.
Diamond on the other hand, was a lot of things, but no killer. The Silver bitch, oh, she is so sweet and innocent all right, but she is in my way, and while she remains alive, I can’t get what I want…and I want it all! She hissed under her breath as she held a short blue silk dress before her slender alabaster image that stared back at her from the reflective surface of her dress-mirror.
~*~
Melvin explained the situation to Molly over a milkshake at the back of Shooting Star. Lita was talking to Mina who had just finished a shift and set her gloves on a nearby table, “So Serena is er, kinda got a double?“ She whispered back, “Wow, gotta admit, that girl looks a dead-ringer, but I can tell em apart yer know,“ she told him conspiratorially as Melvin took in Molly’s perfume and felt as if his heart was floating with the special effects comet that whirled about the room.
Molly returned Melvin’s smile, making his heart skip a beat. Molly stood behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders as he typed. He felt as if he were touched by an angel. Melvin was a romantic kind of guy, but thought most girls would find him too nerdy, that was until he met Molly West, She likes me well enough, he thought as he unconsciously took her hand that rested gently upon his right shoulder and squeezed it.
Unexpectedly, she kissed the top of his head and made her apology, “Gotta do some work, Melvin, or Lita will grill me for flirting.“ She giggled, leaving him trying to catch his breath as feelings of warmth swept over him.
~*~
Darien and Anne were Arguing once more, but he had to admit she looked good in meatball plaits, as he called them, “Come on Anne, we are both cops of a kind… You could have confided in me… I wouldn’t have said anything, it’s just a matter of trust, you know.“
“She groaned and shook her head impatiently, “Look, I apologized once; do you want me to grovel at your feet?“
“No, not really, as sexy as you might look on your knees. I wouldn’t expect that of you,“ he said with a roguish smile, instantly disarming her and she slipped her arms about his waist and rested her head against his chest and sighed before turning her face to meet his eyes. They kissed.
They walked to the park, sat close together, and talked as he stroked her plaits. He couldn’t leave them alone, “Like my hair?“ She enquired, flashing a brilliant smile.
“Yup, you look so alike. I think if you, Mina and Serena dressed the same and styled your hair the same way, you’d easily pass for triplets!“
She laughed, “You know, Dar, maybe you’re right… You also know that’s why I was picked for this assignment, but don’t be fooled, Serena has been receiving death threats over the last few months. Fortunately, we’ve intercepted every single one – she’s not seen any of these – and as you know, we’ve been keeping her and her family under surveillance for quite some time, and now we have to set our trap…and I’m it.“
“I hope you know what you’re doing. I will watch you like a hawk. But if there is a killer stalking Serena, it’s only a matter of time before they come out into the open,“ he said, pulling her closer.
“You’re such a darling, Darien Shields… I’m a big girl and see… I have a light and powerful weapon to protect me, so chill…“ she pulled up the hem of her pullover to reveal the silvery sleek automatic in its holster, strapped under her armpit, patting it proudly before pulling down the garment.
“Okay, that’s two of us armed and ready for anything, but I think we best be cautious,“ he urged, looking over his shoulder anxiously.
“You know, there are six special agents and police marksmen watching our every move, Dar? So relax. We are quite secure…“
He still felt uncomfortable. He’d felt it all that afternoon and he was getting jittery. Every broken twig, or disturbance in a lane, more often than not to find the noise was either a cat on its rounds looking for food and a mouse or bird to chase, or a kid searching for soda bottles to cash in. But more than once he had felt the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end throughout that week, but more so that particular afternoon and he didn’t like it at all.
He was on the verge of calling in to ask Crown to pull Anne off the case to protect her, but he knew Andrew would only laugh at him, and this was why he had re-ignited the argument with Anne, out of concern and frustration and he had to admit, fear. So he tried as best he could to be on his guard.
~*~
Later, they ate at Gringos -- a great spaghetti bar that Darien often frequented – the cuisine was great and the wine fantastic. Afterwards they headed back to his apartment.
Darien once again broached the subject concerning her assignment and tried to persuade her to ask Crown to pull her off the case, “I’m sorry Anne, but I just get a really bad feeling about this. Call me crazy or whatever, but I think whoever we’re dealing with is smart and damned good at what they do. And if it’s the same individual who tried to kill Serena ten years back, its likely they will try again until they succeed or we catch them…“
“What, you think I can’t handle it?“ She said indignantly.
“I know you are more than able to look after yourself, but I don’t want my girlfriend shot at, and secondly, I think the plan is flawed…“
“You think me a bad cop…easy target or something? Humph,“ she huffed, folding her arms across her chest with an expression of hurt and annoyance on her face.
He pulled her closer, distracted himself by taking in the fragrance of her deliciously scented skin and breathtaking beauty, and sighed in resignation, “Okay, I know I’m fighting a losing battle… I am sorry. I don’t doubt your skill, but I am just a little worried is all.“
They stood in front of the entrance to the apartment block. He tightened his grip around her waist, lifting her off her feet, kissing her passionately and she flung her arms about his neck giggling, her laughter muffled by his hungry lips. After what seemed a lifetime of bliss, they broke the kiss and stepping back smiling, she turned gracefully and strode slowly up the short flight of steps. Darien stared after her, drinking in the luster of her shapely-bronzed legs – the sight pushing all other thoughts aside. Chiding himself for seeing Serena in her movements, and the hair, that gorgeous hairstyle of hers… dismissing the thought as Anne turned to face him, hands on hips, grinning, “Come on dreamboat, lets go upstairs for a while and see if I can’t relax you a little more, K?“
~*~
It was sometime after one in the morning, they woke in a glorious tangle of arms and legs. She felt a lot better after making up, “You know, Anne, you look rather cute in your plaits…let’s sit on the balcony for a while. I will pour us a nightcap and see if we can’t get a little sleep before dawn,“ he laughed, as she swatted him with a cushion.
They sat sipping their drinks, looking at the stars and the crescent of silver overhead. He slipped his arm about her waist, her warm body pressed against his, her breasts soft and warm against his chest beneath the skimpy negligee-- her head resting upon his shoulder, “I feel so at peace, Darien. I would like nothing more than to solve this case and lead a normal life… I wouldn’t mind working for a private detective agency,“ she said dreamily, looking up into his ocean-blue eyes.
“It’s not a picnic, but—“his words were immediately cut off by the loud report that cracked the serenity of the warm night air. And before it registered, Anne’s head flopped onto his chest and she gasped, “Darien, I’ve been shot, get help… my cell… I’m afraid, oh my god. I think me… I want to be…“
He pulled the pistol from her gun belt strapped to her hip and fired in the general direction of the bright star-point of deadly light and swore he had hit something as a stifled cry rose from the balcony opposite -- one level above theirs.
Suddenly, several shots rang out from various points around the apartment block. And these he supposed were the marksmen, who had responded -- too little, too late as he punched in the numbers on her cell, “Its okay, I’ve got the 911 number happening…hold on babe,“ He told her in a tremulous tone, tears streaming down his cheeks, “They’re on their way.“ A bloodstain started spreading like a grotesque bloom upon her pastel pink negligee. He pressed a towel upon the wound to stem the bleeding. Anne held it in place while he rushed to unlock the door to his apartment and left it open for the paramedics and returned to her side, and brought the medical field kit he kept for such an emergency, and bandaged her wound as best she could until she could get professional medical care and they waited.
She was growing weaker, and all he could do was cry as he held her close, “Hey, Dar, its all right, don’t cry… I will be okay, really… I promise, it looks worse than it is,“ she managed to say lovingly, and he realized she was trying to calm and re-assure him and he felt his heart ripping apart.
“Hey girl, let me be the judge of that and don’t exhaust yourself, I know we’ve only been together a short time, but I want you to know that we’re going to get through this and everything will be cool… I’ve got a desk picked out for you, so don’t bail out on me, K?“
“Darien, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but please shut up and listen to me… I just wanted to say, I… I was falling in love with you. I know you don’t love me… No, don’t say anything. We were great together, and it was fun. I know you care about me -- enough to bring a little joy into my life. Short, but oh so sweet. Dar… oh crap, it hurts,“ Darien wiped the sweat from her brow and kissed her, and she returned the kiss with a desperation and passion that broke his heart, “Goodbye Dar, I’m not going to make it, be happy… and for what it’s worth, I want you to find love and happiness…promise me you will.“
“I promise, “ he croaked as the sound of sirens and footsteps moved closer.
“Think of me now and then, K…see you round, hot-shot,“ Darien held her against his chest and kissed her one last time before the paramedics went to work on her. But she had died an hour later in surgery.
~*~
Darien was devastated by Anne’s death. Despite every assurance by Andrew Crown to the contrary he felt responsible for what happened, “I blame myself, and why not? I failed to protect her, and leaving her fatally exposed like that was stupid and unforgivable, but how could I have known this would happen? I sensed the danger on a deeper level and tried to talk her out of going ahead with this damned plan,“ he shouted at Andrew and a somber Melvin. He knew not all the kind words and consolation in the world would bring Anne back.
The bastards had got their way, Serena Silver was safe, albeit because the culprits now thought her dead, he told himself mournfully, but knew this wouldn’t hold forever. It was all he could do not to smash Andrew in the face and break his nose. He just slumped down in his favorite chair and agreed to take a few days off for the funeral. And that was going to be painful enough, especially when the notion that Anne’s killer would most likely be amongst the mourners.
~*~
He clicked off the safety catch and placed the gun under his pillow, eventually falling into a deep restless sleep.