Her face guarded, the analyst met Kris' eyes. "I knew he'd help you." However, Shelby was really worried about what would happen after Kris was taken into custody. What if Earl's support wasn't enough? What if they wouldn't let her go free, or put her in jail, or even sent her back to Russia?
Kris could see the worry in her partner's eyes and it was mirrored by her own doubts. There was nothing she could say to reassure her partner, so she started the car and merged into the traffic.
Shelby sat on the couch nestled against Kris, absorbing the feel and odor that was uniquely her partner's, wishing that time could stand still. Neither of them had talked much since they had returned to the apartment, and even Stormy purring on her lap didn't bring the analyst the pleasure that it usually did.
Kris had arranged the meet with Sergei for 8pm that evening and it was approaching way too fast for Shelby. There was nothing she wanted more than for her partner's mother to be rescued, but the thought of never seeing Kris again once she walked out the door quelled any feeling of satisfaction that might have been derived from the ensuing rescue operation.
Gregor had called and told Kris he would be picking her up at 7:30pm and that Markov would be driving. Shelby listened resolutely as Kris passed the information on to Earl, her emotions seesawing between hope for the future and despair. She'd wanted to go, but Kris had told her she couldn't protect both her and her mother in what could become a shootout, and begged her to remain behind. Shelby agreed, knowing what her partner said made sense, but sitting here waiting would unbearable.
The operative's mind was attuned to the smaller woman sitting against her, even as she ran various scenarios through her mind, trying to mentally prepare herself for any surprises Sergei might have in store. Setting her thoughts of the meet aside, she tightened her hold on Shelby.
There was one important thing from her past that she hadn't been able to share with Shelby, and was now glad she hadn't. What she'd hoped was her ace in the hole had refused to materialize, and Kris was glad that she hadn't given her partner any false hope.
The operative thought about the two messages she'd sent off, the last one on Thursday, but neither had been acknowledged. She was on her own. Only fate knew what the future held. She picked up Shelby's hand in her lap and squeezed it.
Kris began speaking haltingly. "No matter what happens, remember that I love you. I don't know what's going to happen - but you are the most important thing in my life - and if...if I can't come back..." That train of thought was so dismal that her soul shriveled at the very notion of never returning to the woman she loved.
Knowing she had to be strong for her partner, she struggled to escape the incipient depression. "You will always be first in my heart. No matter where I am, or what I'm doing, whether we're together...or apart. I just need you to know that."
A tear slid down Shelby's cheek. Kris had to be a lot more worried about the outcome than she'd been letting on, because that was as close to a farewell as she could get without actually mentioning those hated words...good bye.
She tried to smile as Kris wiped the wetness from her face with a thumb. "I'm just worried."
"You've got good reason to be." Kris could feel her partner's pain. If only she could reassure her, say anything to alleviate Shelby's doubts and fears, but she couldn't lie to her. And it tore at the operative's heart to see the sadness in those beautiful green eyes.
Shelby's troubled eyes gazed into vivid blue ones. "They owe you, Kris. You've been just as loyal as a native born citizen, and risked your life time and again for this country. They've just got to take that into consideration."
Kris smiled ruefully. "Hopefully, they will." She was counting on the government of the country she had come to love as her own, and hoped that what she was offering would persuade even the most paranoid official of her fealty. She glanced at her watch, knowing they only had minutes before the two agents arrived to guard Shelby.
She leaned down and placed her hand under Shelby's chin urging it up, then brought her lips down to meet her partner's mouth - savoring the feel, wondering if it would be the last one she would ever share with Shelby, and memorizing each sensation.
Shelby relished the feelings suffusing her body, and conveyed her own love for Kris through the simple contact that had started as a gentle kiss and became so much more.
All of each woman's hopes and fears and doubts were conveyed to the other, neither wishing to relinquish the contact until taking a breath ceased to be a choice.
Kris rested her chin on Shelby's head, enjoying the feel her partner's face resting against her breasts. She could feel their hearts beating in unison, and once their breathing slowed, she greedily bent her head down seeking the sensuous lips for another stolen moment.
Parting again, they gazed into each other's eyes. Words weren't necessary. Their body language spoke volumes as they leaned against each other.
When the doorbell sounded, Kris reluctantly released Shelby and let the two agents in. The moment Shelby had been dreading had arrived. She tried unsuccessfully to stop the tears from filling her eyes, and her voice catching, she said, "Be careful."
Kris tried to quirk a half smile, but failed miserably. Her own heart heavy, she just nodded and walked down the steps to whatever destiny fate had in store for her.
Sergei sat on one of the comfortable couches in the living room of the safe house. Blue had called him late that morning and said she had the password, but she insisted on seeing her mother when she gave it to him. The Russian had readily agreed to let her see her mother at the time of the exchange. What she didn't know was she'd get the added benefit of watching her mother die before he killed her. It would be a satisfying evening and a great victory for his homeland, because the password would allow them access to even the most sensitive information.
Sergei thought over the conversation. Of course, he'd agreed to all of her terms and arranged for Markov and Gregor to pick her up and bring her here. He wanted to ensure that she came alone and had warned Markov to be especially alert for any tails.
Fully appreciating his opponent's skill, Sergei considered his defense again. He had six of his best men in place. Only two of them would be visible. The other four were hidden in the house - two assigned to windows on opposite sides of the house to watch for suspicious vehicles approaching from either direction, one guarding Blue's mother, and the other in the adjoining room. He didn't expect Blue to launch an attack with her mother in the house, but Sergei knew overconfidence was the biggest downfall of people in his line of work and he didn't intend to be caught unprepared.
Earl had put two teams on alert, and they had been in place within 30 minutes of receiving the address from Blue. He put a pair of binoculars to his eyes, carefully searching the windows of the safe house for any activity. His vigilance paid off when a curtain moved minutely on an upstairs window.
Blue had relayed Gregor's report that in addition to himself and a driver, at least five more Russian agents and Sergei would be present at the safe house.
Earl's options were limited because he had to wait until Blue gave the signal, but he had four agents out of sight on the roof of the target structure. When he gave the order, they would rappel through the upstairs windows, taking out the guards on that level. He planned a simultaneous entry at both doors, with snipers covering the windows.